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: 811-22747

 

ALPS SERIES TRUST

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado 80203

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

Camilla Nwokonko, Secretary

ALPS Series Trust

1290 Broadway, Suite 1000

Denver, CO 80203

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

(303) 623-2577

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Date of fiscal year end:   September 30

 

Date of reporting period:   October 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026

 

 

Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

 

(a)  

 

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Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund 

INSTITUTIONAL - BPRLX

Semi-Annual Shareholder Report | March 31, 2026

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Fund Overview

This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund - Institutional Class for the period of October 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026.

 

You can find additional information about the Fund at https://www.beacontrust.com/services/investment-management/beacon-funds. You can also request this information by contacting us at 1-844-894-9222.

What were the Fund's Costs for the last six months? 

 

 

(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment) 

Table Summary
CLASS NAME
COSTS OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT
COSTS PAID AS A PERCENTAGE OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT
Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund - Institutional
$64
1.27%

How did the Fund perform the past six months?

The Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund - I returned 0.87% for the 6

months ended March 31, 2026. This is in contrast to the CBOE S&P 500 BuyWrite Index, which had a 5.55% return for the same time period.

 

 

The returns sought to be generated by the Fund are derived from three distinct and sometimes complementary return elements, i.e., returns from Directional/Enhanced market movements, returns from Income (or option premium) and returns from the Hedge that creates constant “downside protection”.

 

 

During the period, the Directional /Enhanced component detracted value due to the decrease in the S&P 500, the Income component added value through the premium collected from selling out-of-the money call and put options, and the Hedge component added value due to the decrease in the S&P 500.

How did the Fund perform since inception?

Total Return Based on $1,000,000 Investment

Growth of 10K Chart
Table Summary
Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund - Institutional - $1,886,705
S&P 500® Total Return Index - $2,967,391
CBOE S&P 500 BuyWrite Index - $1,702,859
10/2/2017
$1,000,000.00
$1,000,000.00
$1,000,000.00
3/31/2018
$1,013,244.09
$1,054,264.18
$1,010,887.60
9/30/2018
$1,076,446.45
$1,174,549.41
$1,096,538.69
3/31/2019
$1,091,691.78
$1,154,381.98
$1,044,148.20
9/30/2019
$1,138,587.63
$1,224,513.54
$1,084,395.69
3/31/2020
$1,026,380.15
$1,073,830.43
$879,937.53
9/30/2020
$1,220,717.43
$1,410,016.88
$1,023,023.12
3/31/2021
$1,327,212.06
$1,678,951.36
$1,163,269.12
9/30/2021
$1,361,462.70
$1,833,090.82
$1,238,906.91
3/31/2022
$1,411,347.42
$1,941,637.53
$1,336,334.83
9/30/2022
$1,219,717.49
$1,549,472.99
$1,100,035.87
3/31/2023
$1,391,764.80
$1,791,578.02
$1,244,705.65
9/30/2023
$1,471,494.04
$1,884,428.52
$1,260,913.75
3/31/2024
$1,607,838.09
$2,326,924.02
$1,392,723.17
9/30/2024
$1,687,785.84
$2,569,446.82
$1,491,727.82
3/31/2025
$1,699,633.77
$2,518,934.49
$1,529,225.39
9/30/2025
$1,870,459.90
$3,021,610.30
$1,613,277.34
3/31/2026
$1,886,704.67
$2,967,390.95
$1,702,859.02

Average Annual Total Retuns

Table Summary
Institutional
1 Year
5 Year
Since Inception
Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund - Institutional
11.01%
7.29%
7.76%
S&P 500® Total Return Index
17.80%
12.06%
13.66%
CBOE S&P 500 BuyWrite Index
11.35%
7.92%
6.47%

Fund Statistics

  • Total Net Assets$306,578,847
  • # of Portfolio Holdings87
  • Portfolio Turnover Rate (Institutional)-%

The Fund’s past performance is not a good predictor of the Fund’s future performance.  The "Average Annual Total Returns" table and graph presented above do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. 

Call 1-844-894-9222 for current month-end performance. 

What did the Fund invest in?

Top Ten Holdings

(as a % of Net Assets)

Table Summary
Top 10
%
Call XSP May 78.55 05/14/2026
9.55%
Call XSP June 81.80 06/12/2026
9.12%
Call XSP 84.05 07/14/2026
8.81%
Call XSP September 87.40 09/14/2026
8.29%
Call XSP January 88.70 01/14/2027
7.81%
Call XSP December 90.80 12/14/2026
7.78%
Call XSP April 76.65 04/14/2026
7.33%
Call XSP August 86.15 08/14/2026
7.02%
Call XSP Febuary 87.25 02/12/2027
6.44%
Call XSP October 87.65 10/14/2026
5.89%
Total % of Top 10 Holdings
78.04%

Asset Class Weightings

(as a % of Net Assets)

Group By Asset Type Chart
Table Summary
Value
Value
Short Term Security
1.67%
Purchased Options
108.94%
Cash, Cash Equivalents, & Other Net Assets
(10.61)%

Country Weightings

(as a % of Net Assets)

Group By Country Chart
Table Summary
Value
Value
58.42%
United States
52.19%

Material Fund Changes

There have been no material Fund changes during the reporting period.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants

There have been no changes in or disagreements with the Fund's independent accounting firm during the reporting period.

Availability of Additional Information

Additional information about the Fund, including its prospectus, financial information, holdings, and proxy voting information, can be found by visiting https://www.beacontrust.com/services/investment-management/beacon-funds.

Householding

If you have consented to receive a single annual or semi-annual shareholder report at a shared address you may revoke this consent by calling the Transfer Agent 1-973-206-7100.

An image of a QR code that, when scanned, navigates the user to the following URL: https://www.beacontrust.com/services/investment-management/beacon-funds

Distributor, ALPS Distributors, Inc.

Phone: 1-844-894-9222

Email: mutualfunds@beacontrust.com

02110A597–SA–03312026

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Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund - Institutional

Semi-Annual Shareholder Report | March 31, 2026

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Brigade High Income Fund 

FOUNDERS CLASS: BHIMX

SEMI-ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER REPORT | March 31, 2026

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FUND OVERVIEW

This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about Brigade High Income Fund - Founders Class for the period of October 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026.

 

You can find additional information about the Fund at https://www.brigadefunds.com/resources. You can also request this information by contacting us at 212.745.9700.

WHAT WERE THE FUND'S COSTS FOR THE LAST SIX MONTHS? 

 

 

(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment) 

Table Summary
CLASS NAME
COSTS OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT
COSTS PAID AS A PERCENTAGE OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT
Brigade High Income Fund - Founders
$26
0.52%

HOW DID THE FUND PERFORM SINCE INCEPTION?

TOTAL RETURN BASED ON $25,000,000 INVESTMENT

Growth of 10K Chart
Table Summary
Brigade High Income Fund Founders Class - $32,974,939
Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index - $27,926,266
60% ICE BofA US HY Contrained / 40% S&P UBS Leverage Loan - $31,495,595
ICE BofA US High Yield Constrained Index - $31,670,656
5/1/2023
$25,000,000.00
$25,000,000.00
$25,000,000.00
$25,000,000.00
6/30/2023
$25,425,000.00
$24,879,385.65
$25,327,520.91
$25,199,133.31
9/30/2023
$26,186,194.33
$24,075,527.90
$25,749,515.66
$25,334,141.56
12/31/2023
$27,582,074.10
$25,716,787.04
$27,135,713.10
$27,125,257.94
3/31/2024
$28,352,938.47
$25,517,309.47
$27,655,682.98
$27,534,925.71
6/30/2024
$28,551,648.10
$25,533,962.34
$28,044,331.21
$27,835,018.57
9/30/2024
$30,202,895.13
$26,860,720.16
$29,163,056.07
$29,303,858.85
12/31/2024
$30,576,449.32
$26,038,306.35
$29,456,796.47
$29,349,979.36
3/31/2025
$30,953,036.92
$26,762,468.24
$29,696,586.26
$29,627,218.32
6/30/2025
$31,801,694.96
$27,085,414.94
$30,609,597.47
$30,685,255.88
9/30/2025
$32,565,401.51
$27,635,316.45
$31,256,641.82
$31,421,584.81
12/31/2025
$32,893,377.65
$27,939,350.25
$31,658,323.58
$31,845,697.48
3/31/2026
$32,974,938.91
$27,926,265.85
$31,495,595.50
$31,670,656.21

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS

Table Summary
Founders
1 Year
Since Inception
Brigade High Income Fund - Founders (Incep. May 1, 2023)
6.53%
9.95%
Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index
4.35%
3.87%
60% ICE BofA US HY Contrained / 40% S&P UBS Leverage Loan
6.06%
8.24%
ICE BofA US High Yield Constrained Index
6.90%
8.44%

FUND STATISTICS

  • Total Net Assets$1,045,452,988
  • # of Portfolio Holdings381
  • Portfolio Turnover Rate21%

The Fund’s past performance is not a good predictor of the Fund’s future performance. The "Average Annual Total Return" table and graph presented above do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Call 212.745.9700 for current month-end performance. 

WHAT DID THE FUND INVEST IN?

ASSET CLASS WEIGHTINGS

(as a % of Net Assets) 

Group By Asset Type Chart
Table Summary
Value
Value
Corporate Bonds
56.8%
Bank Loans
37.1%
Common Stocks
1.6%
Convertible Bonds
0.6%
Preferred Stocks
0.1%
Rights and Warrants
0.0%
Cash and Equivalents
3.7%

SECTOR WEIGHTINGS

(as a % of Net Assets) 

Group By Sector Chart
Table Summary
Value
Value
Cash and Equivalents
3.7%
Utilities
1.5%
Industrial
5.2%
Energy
7.2%
Technology
7.2%
Basic Materials
9.0%
Financial
12.9%
Communications
13.5%
Consumer, Cyclical
16.3%
Consumer, Non-cyclical
23.6%

TOP TEN HOLDINGS

(as a % of Net Assets) 

Table Summary
Top 10
Top 10
Akumin, Inc. 08/31/2031 9.75%
1.3%
CCO Holdings LLC / CCO Holdings Capital Corp. 01/15/2034 4.25%
0.8%
Pluto Acquisition I, Inc. 09/20/2028 3M SOFR + 4.00%
0.8%
GrubHub Holdings, Inc. 07/31/2030 13.00 (7.00 PIK)%
0.8%
Envision Healthcare Corp.
0.8%
Avaya Inc. 08/01/2028 1M SOFR + 7.50%
0.7%
Global Medical Response TL B 10/02/2028 3M SOFR + 3.50%
0.7%
Genesis Energy LP / Genesis Energy Finance Corp. 05/15/2033 8.00%
0.7%
Rain Carbon, Inc. 09/01/2029 12.25%
0.7%
Icahn Enterprises LP / Icahn Enterprises Finance Corp. 06/15/2030 9.00%
0.7%
Total % of Top 10 Holdings
7.9%

CREDIT QUALITY ALLOCATION

(as a % of Net Assets) 

Credit Rating Chart
Table Summary
Value
Value
BBB
2.7%
BB
30.9%
B
41.9%
CCC
12.9%
CC
0.0%
D
0.8%
NR
7.4%
Cash and Equivalents
3.7%

MATERIAL FUND CHANGES

 

There have been no material Fund changes during the reporting period.

Ratings shown are a calculated average of bond ratings provided by third party, ratings agencies S&P, Moody’s and Fitch and range from AAA (highest) to D (lowest). Bonds with no third-party rating are designated Not Rated and do not necessarily indicate low credit quality. For such securities Brigade evaluates the credit quality. Credit ratings are subjective opinions of rating agencies and may be subject to change. 

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS

There have been no changes in or disagreements with the Fund's independent accounting firm during the reporting period.

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BRIGADE HIGH INCOME FUND - FOUNDERS CLASS

SEMI-ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER REPORT | March 31, 2026

Phone: 212.745.9700

Distributor, ALPS Distributors, Inc.

02110A456–SA–03312026

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Additional information about the Fund, including its prospectus, financial information, holdings, and proxy voting information, can be found by visiting https://www.brigadefunds.com/resources.

HOUSEHOLDING

If you have consented to receive a single annual or semi-annual shareholder report at a shared address you may revoke this consent by calling the Transfer Agent at    1-(844)-903-0443.

Brigade High Income Fund 

INSTITUTIONAL CLASS: BHIIX

SEMI-ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER REPORT | March 31, 2026

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FUND OVERVIEW

This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about Brigade High Income Fund - Institutional Class for the period of October 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026.

 

You can find additional information about the Fund at https://www.brigadefunds.com/resources. You can also request this information by contacting us at 212.745.9700.

WHAT WERE THE FUND'S COSTS FOR THE LAST SIX MONTHS? 

 

 

(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment) 

Table Summary
CLASS NAME
COSTS OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT
COSTS PAID AS A PERCENTAGE OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT
Brigade High Income Fund - Institutional
$26
0.52%

HOW DID THE FUND PERFORM SINCE INCEPTION?

TOTAL RETURN BASED ON $1,000,000 INVESTMENT

Growth of 10K Chart
Table Summary
Brigade High Income Fund Institutional Class - $1,318,168
Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index - $1,103,447
60% ICE BofA US HY Contrained / 40% S&P UBS Leverage Loan - $1,265,421
ICE BofA US High Yield Constrained Index - $1,274,712
5/4/2023
$1,000,000.00
$1,000,000.00
$1,000,000.00
$1,000,000.00
6/30/2023
$1,019,038.08
$983,056.42
$1,017,601.90
$1,014,239.97
9/30/2023
$1,048,863.25
$951,293.68
$1,034,556.68
$1,019,673.92
12/31/2023
$1,104,225.17
$1,016,144.57
$1,090,250.93
$1,091,764.57
3/31/2024
$1,134,566.82
$1,008,262.64
$1,111,142.13
$1,108,253.29
6/30/2024
$1,142,094.67
$1,008,920.64
$1,126,757.12
$1,120,331.73
9/30/2024
$1,206,547.78
$1,061,344.68
$1,171,704.93
$1,179,451.08
12/31/2024
$1,221,042.91
$1,028,848.73
$1,183,506.75
$1,181,307.39
3/31/2025
$1,235,958.64
$1,057,462.46
$1,193,140.96
$1,192,465.98
6/30/2025
$1,269,906.70
$1,070,223.02
$1,229,823.66
$1,235,050.93
9/30/2025
$1,300,407.91
$1,091,951.21
$1,255,820.42
$1,264,687.44
12/31/2025
$1,313,515.20
$1,103,964.47
$1,271,959.08
$1,281,757.55
3/31/2026
$1,318,167.93
$1,103,447.47
$1,265,421.03
$1,274,712.31

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS

Table Summary
Institutional
1 Year
Since Inception
Brigade High Income Fund - Institutional (Incep. May 4, 2023)
6.65%
9.96%
Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index
4.35%
3.44%
60% ICE BofA US HY Contrained / 40% S&P UBS Leverage Loan
6.06%
8.43%
ICE BofA US High Yield Constrained Index
6.90%
8.70%

FUND STATISTICS

  • Total Net Assets$1,045,452,988
  • # of Portfolio Holdings381
  • Portfolio Turnover Rate21%

The Fund’s past performance is not a good predictor of the Fund’s future performance. The "Average Annual Total Return" table and graph presented above do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Call 212.745.9700 for current month-end performance. 

WHAT DID THE FUND INVEST IN?

ASSET CLASS WEIGHTINGS

(as a % of Net Assets) 

Group By Asset Type Chart
Table Summary
Value
Value
Corporate Bonds
56.8%
Bank Loans
37.1%
Common Stocks
1.6%
Convertible Bonds
0.6%
Preferred Stocks
0.1%
Rights and Warrants
0.0%
Cash and Equivalents
3.7%

SECTOR WEIGHTINGS

(as a % of Net Assets) 

Group By Sector Chart
Table Summary
Value
Value
Cash and Equivalents
3.7%
Utilities
1.5%
Industrial
5.2%
Energy
7.2%
Technology
7.2%
Basic Materials
9.0%
Financial
12.9%
Communications
13.5%
Consumer, Cyclical
16.3%
Consumer, Non-cyclical
23.6%

TOP TEN HOLDINGS

(as a % of Net Assets) 

Table Summary
Top 10
Top 10
Akumin, Inc. 08/31/2031 9.75%
1.3%
CCO Holdings LLC / CCO Holdings Capital Corp. 01/15/2034 4.25%
0.8%
Pluto Acquisition I, Inc. 09/20/2028 3M SOFR + 4.00%
0.8%
GrubHub Holdings, Inc. 07/31/2030 13.00 (7.00 PIK)%
0.8%
Envision Healthcare Corp.
0.8%
Avaya Inc. 08/01/2028 1M SOFR + 7.50%
0.7%
Global Medical Response TL B 10/02/2028 3M SOFR + 3.50%
0.7%
Genesis Energy LP / Genesis Energy Finance Corp. 05/15/2033 8.00%
0.7%
Rain Carbon, Inc. 09/01/2029 12.25%
0.7%
Icahn Enterprises LP / Icahn Enterprises Finance Corp. 06/15/2030 9.00%
0.7%
Total % of Top 10 Holdings
7.9%

CREDIT QUALITY ALLOCATION

(as a % of Net Assets) 

Credit Rating Chart
Table Summary
Value
Value
BBB
2.7%
BB
30.9%
B
41.9%
CCC
12.9%
CC
0.0%
D
0.8%
NR
7.4%
Cash and Equivalents
3.7%

MATERIAL FUND CHANGES

 

There have been no material Fund changes during the reporting period.

Ratings shown are a calculated average of bond ratings provided by third party, ratings agencies S&P, Moody’s and Fitch and range from AAA (highest) to D (lowest). Bonds with no third-party rating are designated Not Rated and do not necessarily indicate low credit quality. For such securities Brigade evaluates the credit quality. Credit ratings are subjective opinions of rating agencies and may be subject to change. 

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS

There have been no changes in or disagreements with the Fund's independent accounting firm during the reporting period.

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BRIGADE HIGH INCOME FUND - INSTITUTIONAL CLASS

SEMI-ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER REPORT | March 31, 2026

Phone: 212.745.9700

Distributor, ALPS Distributors, Inc.

02110A449–SA–03312026

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Additional information about the Fund, including its prospectus, financial information, holdings, and proxy voting information, can be found by visiting https://www.brigadefunds.com/resources.

HOUSEHOLDING

If you have consented to receive a single annual or semi-annual shareholder report at a shared address you may revoke this consent by calling the Transfer Agent at    1-(844)-903-0443.

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ansasDepartmentofTransportation09012031500CTIMember2026-03-310001558107ast:C000203690Memberast:StateofKansasDepartmentofTransportation09012034500CTIMember2026-03-310001558107ast:C000203690Memberast:AllenCountyUnifiedSchoolDistrictNo25709012043300CTIMember2026-03-310001558107ast:C000203690Memberast:KansasDevelopmentFinanceAuthority05012042500CTIMember2026-03-310001558107ast:C000203690Memberast:StateofKansasDepartmentofTransportation09012028500CTIMember2026-03-310001558107ast:C000203690Memberast:CityofLenexaKS09012033300CTIMember2026-03-310001558107ast:C000203690Memberast:CountyofJohnsonKS09012035400CTIMember2026-03-310001558107ast:C000203690Memberast:DouglasCountyUnifiedSchoolDistrictNo497Lawrence09012031400CTIMember2026-03-310001558107ast:C000203690Memberast:JohnsonCountyUnifiedSchoolDistrictNo229BlueValley10012040400CTIMember2026-03-31

Carret Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund 

CLASS A : IKSTX

SEMI-ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER REPORT | March 31, 2026

Image

FUND OVERVIEW

This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about Carret Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund - A for the period of October 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026.

 

You can find additional information about the Fund at https://www.carret.com/kansas-tax-exempt-bond-fund. You can also request this information by contacting us at 888.266.8787.

WHAT WERE THE FUND'S COSTS FOR THE LAST SIX MONTHS? 

 

 

(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment) 

Table Summary
CLASS NAME
COSTS OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT
COSTS PAID AS A PERCENTAGE OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT
Carret Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund - A
$40
0.80%

HOW DID THE FUND PERFORM IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS?

For the 6 months ending March 31, 2026, the Carret Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund returned 0.92% compared to a return of 1.38% for the Bloomberg Municipal Bond Index and a return of 0.24% for the Bloomberg 7 Year Municipal Bond Index. The return of the Fund was primarily driven by falling intermediate-duration interest rates in 4Q25 followed by rising intermediate-duration interest rates in 1Q26. The swing in interest rates was tied to Fed rate cuts and slowing economic growth in 4Q25 quickly followed by rising inflationary pressures and geopolitical uncertainly in 1Q26. The balance between strong supply and strong demand combined with a positive credit outlook helped to soften return volatility for the period.

HOW DID THE FUND PERFORM LAST 10 YEARS?

TOTAL RETURN BASED ON $10,000 INVESTMENT

Growth of 10K Chart
Table Summary
Carret Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund - A - NAV - $11,262
Carret Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund - Class A - Load - $10,780
Bloomberg Municipal Bond Index - $12,379
Bloomberg US Municipal Bond: 7 Year (6-8) Index - $12,229
3/31/2016
$10,000.00
$9,571.92
$10,000.00
$10,000.13
4/30/2016
$10,040.08
$9,610.28
$10,073.56
$10,066.92
10/31/2016
$10,064.49
$9,633.65
$10,122.89
$10,098.93
4/30/2017
$10,020.49
$9,591.53
$10,088.07
$10,087.56
10/31/2017
$10,129.98
$9,696.33
$10,344.82
$10,273.34
3/31/2018
$10,076.23
$9,644.89
$10,281.68
$10,120.27
9/30/2018
$10,078.75
$9,647.29
$10,355.59
$10,206.78
3/31/2019
$10,432.09
$9,985.51
$10,835.33
$10,693.13
9/30/2019
$10,734.17
$10,274.66
$11,241.06
$11,009.95
3/31/2020
$10,854.29
$10,389.63
$11,252.37
$11,004.38
9/30/2020
$11,153.83
$10,676.35
$11,701.03
$11,535.97
3/31/2021
$11,212.85
$10,732.85
$11,872.19
$11,619.92
9/30/2021
$11,270.62
$10,788.14
$12,008.53
$11,700.17
3/31/2022
$10,657.36
$10,201.14
$11,341.60
$11,056.34
9/30/2022
$9,950.21
$9,524.26
$10,627.48
$10,634.69
3/31/2023
$10,629.02
$10,174.01
$11,370.90
$11,278.29
9/30/2023
$10,081.17
$9,649.61
$10,910.58
$10,871.72
3/31/2024
$10,721.16
$10,262.20
$11,726.41
$11,519.96
9/30/2024
$10,933.56
$10,465.51
$12,042.19
$11,787.61
3/31/2025
$10,847.60
$10,383.24
$11,869.43
$11,721.51
9/30/2025
$11,177.89
$10,699.39
$12,209.88
$12,197.43
3/31/2026
$11,261.89
$10,779.79
$12,378.91
$12,229.21

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS

Table Summary
Class A
1 Year
5 Year
10 Year
Carret Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund - Class A - NAV
3.82%
0.09%
1.20%
Carret Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund - Class A - Load
-0.63%
-0.77%
0.75%
Bloomberg Municipal Bond Index
4.29%
0.84%
2.16%
Bloomberg US Municipal Bond: 7 Year (6-8) Index
4.35%
1.03%
2.03%

FUND STATISTICS

  • Total Net Assets$131,285,230
  • # of Portfolio Holdings169
  • Portfolio Turnover Rate5%

The Fund’s past performance is not a good predictor of the Fund’s future performance.  The "Average Annual Total Returns" table and graph presented above do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. 

Call 888.266.8787 for current month-end performance. 

WHAT DID THE FUND INVEST IN?

MATURITY WEIGHTINGS

(as a % of Net Assets)

Group By Maturity Chart
Table Summary
Value
Value
5-10 Yr
41.4%
> 10 Yr
35.3%
3-5 Yr
14.1%
1-3 Yr
8.2%
< 1 Yr
0.4%

SECTOR WEIGHTINGS

(as a % of Net Assets)

Group By Sector Chart
Table Summary
Value
Value
Cash, Cash Equivalents, & Other Net Assets
0.64%
Health Care
1.03%
Public Services
1.29%
Transportation
10.08%
Utilities
11.06%
Education
36.17%
General Obligation
39.43%

TOP TEN HOLDINGS

(as a % of Net Assets)

Table Summary
Top 10
%
Johnson County Unified School District No 229 Blue Valley 10/01/2038 5.00%
1.70%
State of Kansas Department of Transportation 09/01/2031 5.00%
1.57%
State of Kansas Department of Transportation 09/01/2034 5.00%
1.57%
Allen County Unified School District No 257 09/01/2043 3.00%
1.52%
Kansas Development Finance Authority 05/01/2042 5.00%
1.23%
State of Kansas Department of Transportation 09/01/2028 5.00%
1.18%
City of Lenexa KS 09/01/2033 3.00%
1.17%
County of Johnson KS 09/01/2035 4.00%
1.17%
Douglas County Unified School District No 497 Lawrence 09/01/2031 4.00%
1.15%
Johnson County Unified School District No 229 Blue Valley 10/01/2040 4.00%
1.15%
Total % of Top 10 Holdings
13.41%

MATERIAL FUND CHANGES

 

There have been no material Fund changes during the reporting period.

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS

There have been no changes in or disagreements with the Fund's independent accounting firm during the reporting period.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Additional information about the Fund, including its prospectus, financial information, holdings, and proxy voting information, can be found by visiting https://www.carret.com/kansas-tax-exempt-bond-fund.

An image of a QR code that, when scanned, navigates the user to the following URL: https://www.carret.com/carret-kansas-tax-exempt-bond-fund

Distributor, ALPS Distributors, Inc.

Phone: 888.266.8787

Email: info@carret.com

HOUSEHOLDING

If you have consented to receive a single annual or semi-annual shareholder report at a shared address you may revoke this consent by calling the Transfer Agent 888.266.8787.

Image

CARRET KANSAS TAX-EXEMPT BOND FUND - CLASS A

SEMI-ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER REPORT | March 31, 2026

02110A530–SA–03312026

Carret Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund 

INSTITUTIONAL : SEKSX

SEMI-ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER REPORT | March 31, 2026

Image

FUND OVERVIEW

This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about Carret Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund - Institutional for the period of October 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026.

 

You can find additional information about the Fund at https://www.carret.com/kansas-tax-exempt-bond-fund. You can also request this information by contacting us at 888.266.8787.

WHAT WERE THE FUND'S COSTS FOR THE LAST SIX MONTHS? 

 

 

(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment) 

Table Summary
CLASS NAME
COSTS OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT
COSTS PAID AS A PERCENTAGE OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT
Carret Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund - Institutional
$24
0.48%

HOW DID THE FUND PERFORM IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS?

For the 6 months ending March 31, 2026, the Carret Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund returned 0.92% compared to a return of 1.38% for the Bloomberg Municipal Bond Index and a return of 0.24% for the Bloomberg 7 Year Municipal Bond Index. The return of the Fund was primarily driven by falling intermediate-duration interest rates in 4Q25 followed by rising intermediate-duration interest rates in 1Q26. The swing in interest rates was tied to Fed rate cuts and slowing economic growth in 4Q25 quickly followed by rising inflationary pressures and geopolitical uncertainly in 1Q26. The balance between strong supply and strong demand combined with a positive credit outlook helped to soften return volatility for the period.

HOW DID THE FUND PERFORM LAST 10 YEARS?

TOTAL RETURN BASED ON $3,000,000 INVESTMENT

Growth of 10K Chart
Table Summary
Carret Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund - Institutional - $3,471,268
Bloomberg Municipal Bond Index - $3,713,673
Bloomberg US Municipal Bond: 7 Year (6-8) Index - $3,668,715
3/31/2016
$3,000,000.00
$3,000,000.00
$2,999,999.80
4/30/2016
$3,012,981.71
$3,022,067.66
$3,020,038.30
10/31/2016
$3,026,219.83
$3,036,868.49
$3,029,640.08
4/30/2017
$3,018,811.59
$3,026,422.42
$3,026,230.75
10/31/2017
$3,057,788.82
$3,103,445.51
$3,081,962.83
3/31/2018
$3,046,476.64
$3,084,503.66
$3,036,041.27
9/30/2018
$3,053,099.42
$3,106,678.18
$3,061,993.90
3/31/2019
$3,161,147.90
$3,250,598.89
$3,207,899.22
9/30/2019
$3,259,879.35
$3,372,318.35
$3,302,942.93
3/31/2020
$3,300,459.64
$3,375,711.32
$3,301,273.06
9/30/2020
$3,395,778.89
$3,510,308.04
$3,460,746.11
3/31/2021
$3,418,007.29
$3,561,656.77
$3,485,933.39
9/30/2021
$3,439,920.00
$3,602,559.42
$3,510,007.42
3/31/2022
$3,256,823.87
$3,402,481.05
$3,316,858.56
9/30/2022
$3,044,546.54
$3,188,243.05
$3,190,365.54
3/31/2023
$3,256,293.10
$3,411,270.72
$3,383,444.82
9/30/2023
$3,092,351.53
$3,273,174.16
$3,261,474.38
3/31/2024
$3,292,665.11
$3,517,922.18
$3,455,945.22
9/30/2024
$3,362,096.47
$3,612,658.18
$3,536,238.37
3/31/2025
$3,333,599.31
$3,560,828.56
$3,516,408.61
9/30/2025
$3,439,623.98
$3,662,964.97
$3,659,182.91
3/31/2026
$3,471,267.95
$3,713,672.51
$3,668,715.11

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS

Table Summary
Institutional
1 Year
5 Year
10 Year
Carret Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund - Institutional
4.13%
0.31%
1.47%
Bloomberg Municipal Bond Index
4.29%
0.84%
2.16%
Bloomberg US Municipal Bond: 7 Year (6-8) Index
4.35%
1.03%
2.03%

FUND STATISTICS

  • Total Net Assets$131,285,230
  • # of Portfolio Holdings169
  • Portfolio Turnover Rate5%

The Fund’s past performance is not a good predictor of the Fund’s future performance.  The "Average Annual Total Returns" table and graph presented above do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. 

Call 888.266.8787 for current month-end performance. 

WHAT DID THE FUND INVEST IN?

MATURITY WEIGHTINGS

(as a % of Net Assets)

Group By Maturity Chart
Table Summary
Value
Value
5-10 Yr
41.4%
> 10 Yr
35.3%
3-5 Yr
14.1%
1-3 Yr
8.2%
< 1 Yr
0.4%

SECTOR WEIGHTINGS

(as a % of Net Assets)

Group By Sector Chart
Table Summary
Value
Value
Cash, Cash Equivalents, & Other Net Assets
0.64%
Health Care
1.03%
Public Services
1.29%
Transportation
10.08%
Utilities
11.06%
Education
36.17%
General Obligation
39.43%

TOP TEN HOLDINGS

(as a % of Net Assets)

Table Summary
Top 10
%
Johnson County Unified School District No 229 Blue Valley 10/01/2038 5.00%
1.70%
State of Kansas Department of Transportation 09/01/2031 5.00%
1.57%
State of Kansas Department of Transportation 09/01/2034 5.00%
1.57%
Allen County Unified School District No 257 09/01/2043 3.00%
1.52%
Kansas Development Finance Authority 05/01/2042 5.00%
1.23%
State of Kansas Department of Transportation 09/01/2028 5.00%
1.18%
City of Lenexa KS 09/01/2033 3.00%
1.17%
County of Johnson KS 09/01/2035 4.00%
1.17%
Douglas County Unified School District No 497 Lawrence 09/01/2031 4.00%
1.15%
Johnson County Unified School District No 229 Blue Valley 10/01/2040 4.00%
1.15%
Total % of Top 10 Holdings
13.41%

MATERIAL FUND CHANGES

 

There have been no material Fund changes during the reporting period.

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS

There have been no changes in or disagreements with the Fund's independent accounting firm during the reporting period.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Additional information about the Fund, including its prospectus, financial information, holdings, and proxy voting information, can be found by visiting https://www.carret.com/kansas-tax-exempt-bond-fund.

An image of a QR code that, when scanned, navigates the user to the following URL: https://www.carret.com/carret-kansas-tax-exempt-bond-fund

Distributor, ALPS Distributors, Inc.

Phone: 888.266.8787

Email: info@carret.com

HOUSEHOLDING

If you have consented to receive a single annual or semi-annual shareholder report at a shared address you may revoke this consent by calling the Transfer Agent 888.266.8787.

Image

CARRET KANSAS TAX-EXEMPT BOND FUND - INSTITUTIONAL

SEMI-ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER REPORT | March 31, 2026

02110A522–SA–03312026

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CLARKSTON FOUNDERS FUND 

Founders Class: CFMDX

Semi-Annual Shareholder Report - March 31, 2026

Image

FUND OVERVIEW

This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about Clarkston Founders Fund - Founders Class for the period of October 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026.

 

You can find additional information about the Fund at https://www.clarkstonfunds.com/literature/clarkston-founders-fund. You can also request this information by contacting us at 844.680.6562.

WHAT WERE THE FUND COSTS FOR THE LAST SIX MONTHS? 

(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment) 

Table Summary
CLASS NAME
COSTS OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT
COSTS PAID AS A PERCENTAGE OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT
Clarkston Founders Fund - Founders Class
$40
0.80%

HOW DID THE FUND PERFORM IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS?

During the six-month period ended March 31, 2026, the Fund’s Founders Class had a return of -1.72% compared to 1.45% for the Russell Midcap® Index and -1.65% for the Russell® 3000 Index.

 

Three largest contributors to the Fund’s performance for the period:

  • Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. (WBD), a media and entertainment company that operates worldwide.

  • FedEx Corporation (FDX), a provider of transportation, e-commerce, and business services in the United States and internationally that operates through two segments: Federal Express and FedEx Freight.

  • Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (AMG), which operates as an investment management company providing investment management services to mutual funds, institutional clients, retail and high net worth individuals in the United States.

Three largest detractors from the Fund’s performance for the period:

  • CCC Intelligent Solutions Holdings Inc. (CCC), a software as a service (SaaS) company for the property and casualty insurance economy in the United States and China that connects trading partners, facilitates commerce, and supports mission-critical, artificial intelligence enabled digital workflow across the insurers, repairers, automakers, parts suppliers, lenders, and others.

  • Clarivate PLC (CLVT), an information services provider in the Americas, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and the Asia Pacific that operates through three segments: Academia & Government, Life Sciences & Healthcare, and Intellectual Property.

  • Avantor, Inc. (AVTR), a provider of products and services to customers in the biopharma, healthcare, education and government, advanced technologies, and applied materials industries in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

HOW DID THE FUND PERFORM SINCE INCEPTION? 

TOTAL RETURN BASED ON $10,000 INVESTMENT

Growth of 10K Chart
Table Summary
Clarkston Founders Fund - Founders - $11,513
Russell 3000® Index - $16,774
Russell Midcap® Index - $14,198
2/16/2021
$10,000.00
$10,000.00
$10,000.01
3/31/2021
$10,366.20
$10,014.44
$9,999.73
9/30/2021
$9,709.86
$10,828.58
$10,650.09
3/31/2022
$10,287.35
$11,208.59
$10,691.83
9/30/2022
$8,871.31
$8,919.79
$8,584.62
3/31/2023
$9,916.10
$10,246.88
$9,752.87
9/30/2023
$9,723.29
$10,744.89
$9,738.90
3/31/2024
$11,119.15
$13,248.53
$11,932.23
9/30/2024
$11,294.20
$14,526.40
$12,595.16
3/31/2025
$11,150.97
$14,204.94
$12,241.84
9/30/2025
$11,713.79
$17,055.31
$13,994.16
3/31/2026
$11,512.86
$16,773.97
$14,197.77

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS

Table Summary
Founders
1 Year
5 Year
Since Inception
Clarkston Founders Fund - Founders Class (Incept. February 16, 2021)
3.25%
2.12%
2.79%
Russell 3000® Index
18.09%
10.87%
10.64%
Russell Midcap® Index
15.98%
7.26%
7.09%

The Fund’s past performance is not a good predictor of the Fund’s future performance. The table and graph presented above do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Call 844.680.6562 for current month-end performance.

FUND STATISTICS

  • Total Net Assets$162,970,696
  • # of Portfolio Holdings (excluding cash)29
  • Portfolio Turnover Rate14%

MATERIAL FUND CHANGES

 

There have been no material Fund changes during the reporting period.

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS

There have been no changes in or disagreements with the Fund's independent accounting firm during the reporting period.

AVAILABILITY OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Additional information about the Fund, including its prospectus, financial information, holdings, and proxy voting information, can be found by visiting https://www.clarkstonfunds.com/literature/clarkston-founders-fund.

SECTOR WEIGHTINGS (as a % of Net Assets)

Group By Sector Chart
Table Summary
Value
Value
Cash, Cash Equivalents, & Other Net Assets
2.97%
Basic Materials
1.92%
Utilities
2.89%
Consumer Discretionary
10.68%
Financials
11.57%
Industrials
11.95%
Consumer Staples
17.18%
Health Care
17.78%
Technology
23.06%

HOUSEHOLDING

If you have consented to receive a single annual or semi-annual shareholder report at a shared address you may revoke this consent by calling the Transfer Agent 844.680.6562.

DISCLOSURES

FTSE Russell (“Russell”) is the source and owner of the trademarks, service marks and copyrights related to the Russell Indexes. Russell® is a trademark of Frank Russell Company. Neither Russell nor its licensors accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the Russell Indexes and/or Russell ratings or underlying data and no party may rely on any Russell Indexes and/or Russell ratings and/or underlying data contained in this communication. No further distribution of Russell Data is permitted without Russell’s express written consent. Russell does not promote, sponsor or endorse the content of this communication. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

TOP TEN HOLDINGS (as a % of Net Assets)

Table Summary
Top 10
%
Clarivate PLC
12.11%
Post Holdings, Inc.
9.40%
Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.
7.30%
Avantor, Inc.
5.53%
CCC Intelligent Solutions Holdings Inc.
5.52%
IQVIA Holdings, Inc.
3.77%
LKQ Corp.
3.69%
Becton Dickinson & Co.
3.67%
Middleby Corp.
3.50%
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.
3.45%
Total % of Top 10 Holdings
57.94%
Image

Clarkston Founders Fund - Founders Class : CFMDX

Semi-Annual Shareholder Report - March 31, 2026

Distributor, ALPS Distributors, Inc.

Phone: 844.680.6562

02110A498–SA–03312026

CLARKSTON FOUNDERS FUND 

Institutional Class: CIMDX

Semi-Annual Shareholder Report - March 31, 2026

Image

FUND OVERVIEW

This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about Clarkston Founders Fund - Institutional Class for the period of October 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026.

 

You can find additional information about the Fund at https://www.clarkstonfunds.com/literature/clarkston-founders-fund. You can also request this information by contacting us at 844.680.6562.

WHAT WERE THE FUND COSTS FOR THE LAST SIX MONTHS? 

(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment) 

Table Summary
CLASS NAME
COSTS OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT
COSTS PAID AS A PERCENTAGE OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT
Clarkston Founders Fund - Institutional Class
$44
0.90%

HOW DID THE FUND PERFORM IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS?

During the six-month period ended March 31, 2026, the Fund’s Institutional Class had a return of -1.88% compared to 1.45% for the Russell Midcap® Index and -1.65% for the Russell® 3000 Index.

 

Three largest contributors to the Fund’s performance for the period:

  • Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. (WBD), a media and entertainment company that operates worldwide.

  • FedEx Corporation (FDX), a provider of transportation, e-commerce, and business services in the United States and internationally that operates through two segments: Federal Express and FedEx Freight.

  • Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (AMG), which operates as an investment management company providing investment management services to mutual funds, institutional clients, retail and high net worth individuals in the United States.

Three largest detractors from the Fund’s performance for the period:

  • CCC Intelligent Solutions Holdings Inc. (CCC), a software as a service (SaaS) company for the property and casualty insurance economy in the United States and China that connects trading partners, facilitates commerce, and supports mission-critical, artificial intelligence enabled digital workflow across the insurers, repairers, automakers, parts suppliers, lenders, and others.

  • Clarivate PLC (CLVT), an information services provider in the Americas, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and the Asia Pacific that operates through three segments: Academia & Government, Life Sciences & Healthcare, and Intellectual Property.

  • Avantor, Inc. (AVTR), a provider of products and services to customers in the biopharma, healthcare, education and government, advanced technologies, and applied materials industries in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

HOW DID THE FUND PERFORM SINCE INCEPTION? 

TOTAL RETURN BASED ON $10,000 INVESTMENT

Growth of 10K Chart
Table Summary
Clarkston Founders Fund - Institutional - $19,076
Russell 3000® Index - $31,785
Russell Midcap® Index - $24,701
1/31/2017
$10,000.00
$10,000.00
$10,000.00
3/31/2017
$10,270.00
$10,378.98
$10,266.89
9/30/2017
$10,640.00
$11,180.72
$10,910.60
3/31/2018
$11,084.57
$11,812.65
$11,519.28
9/30/2018
$11,385.78
$13,146.27
$12,435.94
3/31/2019
$11,364.13
$12,848.21
$12,264.58
9/30/2019
$11,990.90
$13,529.83
$12,832.06
3/31/2020
$10,244.09
$11,675.76
$10,019.36
9/30/2020
$13,110.31
$15,559.49
$13,416.23
3/31/2021
$17,258.65
$18,976.41
$17,397.37
9/30/2021
$16,165.93
$20,519.14
$18,528.86
3/31/2022
$17,110.29
$21,239.23
$18,601.47
9/30/2022
$14,753.59
$16,902.16
$14,935.38
3/31/2023
$16,475.41
$19,416.87
$16,967.88
9/30/2023
$16,154.61
$20,360.55
$16,943.58
3/31/2024
$18,459.07
$25,104.70
$20,759.50
9/30/2024
$18,738.58
$27,526.15
$21,912.85
3/31/2025
$18,493.42
$26,917.01
$21,298.16
9/30/2025
$19,429.21
$32,318.20
$24,346.82
3/31/2026
$19,076.14
$31,785.09
$24,701.05

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS

Table Summary
Institutional
1 Year
5 Year
Since Inception
Clarkston Founders Fund - Institutional Class (Incept. January 31, 2017)
3.09%
2.01%
7.30%
Russell 3000® Index
18.09%
10.87%
13.45%
Russell Midcap® Index
15.98%
7.26%
10.37%

The Fund’s past performance is not a good predictor of the Fund’s future performance. The table and graph presented above do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Call 844.680.6562 for current month-end performance.

FUND STATISTICS

  • Total Net Assets$162,970,696
  • # of Portfolio Holdings (excluding cash)29
  • Portfolio Turnover Rate14%

MATERIAL FUND CHANGES

 

There have been no material Fund changes during the reporting period.

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS

There have been no changes in or disagreements with the Fund's independent accounting firm during the reporting period.

AVAILABILITY OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Additional information about the Fund, including its prospectus, financial information, holdings, and proxy voting information, can be found by visiting https://www.clarkstonfunds.com/literature/clarkston-founders-fund.

SECTOR WEIGHTINGS (as a % of Net Assets)

Group By Sector Chart
Table Summary
Value
Value
Cash, Cash Equivalents, & Other Net Assets
2.97%
Basic Materials
1.92%
Utilities
2.89%
Consumer Discretionary
10.68%
Financials
11.57%
Industrials
11.95%
Consumer Staples
17.18%
Health Care
17.78%
Technology
23.06%

HOUSEHOLDING

If you have consented to receive a single annual or semi-annual shareholder report at a shared address you may revoke this consent by calling the Transfer Agent 844.680.6562.

DISCLOSURES

FTSE Russell (“Russell”) is the source and owner of the trademarks, service marks and copyrights related to the Russell Indexes. Russell® is a trademark of Frank Russell Company. Neither Russell nor its licensors accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the Russell Indexes and/or Russell ratings or underlying data and no party may rely on any Russell Indexes and/or Russell ratings and/or underlying data contained in this communication. No further distribution of Russell Data is permitted without Russell’s express written consent. Russell does not promote, sponsor or endorse the content of this communication. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

TOP TEN HOLDINGS (as a % of Net Assets)

Table Summary
Top 10
%
Clarivate PLC
12.11%
Post Holdings, Inc.
9.40%
Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.
7.30%
Avantor, Inc.
5.53%
CCC Intelligent Solutions Holdings Inc.
5.52%
IQVIA Holdings, Inc.
3.77%
LKQ Corp.
3.69%
Becton Dickinson & Co.
3.67%
Middleby Corp.
3.50%
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.
3.45%
Total % of Top 10 Holdings
57.94%
Image

Clarkston Founders Fund - Institutional Class : CIMDX

Semi-Annual Shareholder Report - March 31, 2026

Distributor, ALPS Distributors, Inc.

Phone: 844.680.6562

02110A647–SA–03312026

CLARKSTON FUND 

Institutional Class: CILGX

Semi-Annual Shareholder Report - March 31, 2026

Image

FUND OVERVIEW

This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about Clarkston Fund - Institutional Class for the period of October 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026.

 

You can find additional information about the Fund at https://www.clarkstonfunds.com/literature/clarkston-fund. You can also request this information by contacting us at 844.680.6562.

WHAT WERE THE FUND COSTS FOR THE LAST SIX MONTHS? 

(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment) 

Table Summary
CLASS NAME
COSTS OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT
COSTS PAID AS A PERCENTAGE OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT
Clarkston Fund - Institutional Class
$32
0.65%

HOW DID THE FUND PERFORM IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS?

During the six-month period ended March 31, 2026, the Fund’s Institutional Class had a return of -1.75% compared to -1.87% for the Russell 1000® Index and -1.65% for the Russell® 3000 Index.

 

Three largest contributors to the Fund’s performance for the period:

  • Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. (WBD), a media and entertainment company that operates worldwide.

  • FedEx Corporation (FDX), a provider of transportation, e-commerce, and business services in the United States and internationally that operates through two segments: Federal Express and FedEx Freight.

  • Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV ADR (BUD), a company that produces and sells beer in North America, Middle Americas, South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific.

Three largest detractors from the Fund’s performance for the period:

  • Gartner, Inc. (IT), a provider of business and technology insights for decisions and performance on an organization's priorities in the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and internationally.

  • Clarivate PLC (CLVT), an information services provider in the Americas, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and the Asia Pacific that operates through three segments: Academia & Government, Life Sciences & Healthcare, and Intellectual Property.

  • Avantor, Inc. (AVTR), a provider of products and services to customers in the biopharma, healthcare, education and government, advanced technologies, and applied materials industries in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

HOW DID THE FUND PERFORM LAST 10 YEARS? 

TOTAL RETURN BASED ON $10,000 INVESTMENT

Growth of 10K Chart
Table Summary
Clarkston Fund - $21,444
Russell 3000® Index - $35,946
Russell 1000® Index - $36,740
4/1/2016
$10,000.00
$10,000.00
$10,000.00
9/30/2016
$10,520.00
$10,651.67
$10,602.18
3/31/2017
$11,271.84
$11,737.55
$11,671.67
9/30/2017
$11,585.22
$12,644.23
$12,567.65
3/31/2018
$11,726.63
$13,358.88
$13,303.22
9/30/2018
$12,279.68
$14,867.07
$14,800.28
3/31/2019
$12,661.47
$14,530.00
$14,540.54
9/30/2019
$13,620.34
$15,300.84
$15,373.48
3/31/2020
$10,996.41
$13,204.07
$13,373.48
9/30/2020
$13,731.26
$17,596.17
$17,835.26
3/31/2021
$18,393.09
$21,460.36
$21,476.10
9/30/2021
$17,862.05
$23,205.03
$23,357.70
3/31/2022
$18,728.70
$24,019.37
$24,325.99
9/30/2022
$15,301.96
$19,114.60
$19,336.61
3/31/2023
$18,053.88
$21,958.47
$22,284.19
9/30/2023
$17,909.66
$23,025.67
$23,434.76
3/31/2024
$21,233.99
$28,390.82
$28,940.02
9/30/2024
$21,301.83
$31,129.23
$31,796.23
3/31/2025
$20,785.56
$30,440.35
$31,203.36
9/30/2025
$21,825.52
$36,548.53
$37,439.54
3/31/2026
$21,444.24
$35,945.64
$36,740.21

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS

Table Summary
Institutional
1 Year
5 Year
Since Inception
Clarkston Fund - Institutional Class (Incept. April 1, 2016)
3.17%
3.12%
7.93%
Russell 3000® Index
18.09%
10.87%
13.65%
Russell 1000® Index
17.74%
11.34%
13.90%

The Fund’s past performance is not a good predictor of the Fund’s future performance. The table and graph presented above do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Call 844.680.6562 for current month-end performance.

FUND STATISTICS

  • Total Net Assets$96,810,558
  • # of Portfolio Holdings (excluding cash)27
  • Portfolio Turnover Rate9%

MATERIAL FUND CHANGES

 

There have been no material Fund changes during the reporting period.

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS

There have been no changes in or disagreements with the Fund's independent accounting firm during the reporting period.

AVAILABILITY OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Additional information about the Fund, including its prospectus, financial information, holdings, and proxy voting information, can be found by visiting https://www.clarkstonfunds.com/literature/clarkston-fund.

SECTOR WEIGHTINGS (as a % of Net Assets)

Group By Sector Chart
Table Summary
Value
Value
Cash, Cash Equivalents, & Other Net Assets
5.34%
Basic Materials
3.15%
Consumer Discretionary
6.75%
Technology
14.42%
Financials
14.95%
Industrials
16.04%
Consumer Staples
19.67%
Health Care
19.68%

HOUSEHOLDING

If you have consented to receive a single annual or semi-annual shareholder report at a shared address you may revoke this consent by calling the Transfer Agent 844.680.6562.

DISCLOSURES

FTSE Russell (“Russell”) is the source and owner of the trademarks, service marks and copyrights related to the Russell Indexes. Russell® is a trademark of Frank Russell Company. Neither Russell nor its licensors accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the Russell Indexes and/or Russell ratings or underlying data and no party may rely on any Russell Indexes and/or Russell ratings and/or underlying data contained in this communication. No further distribution of Russell Data is permitted without Russell’s express written consent. Russell does not promote, sponsor or endorse the content of this communication. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

TOP TEN HOLDINGS (as a % of Net Assets)

Table Summary
Top 10
%
Post Holdings, Inc.
10.11%
Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.
8.00%
Clarivate PLC
7.17%
IQVIA Holdings, Inc.
5.11%
Avantor, Inc.
5.06%
Becton Dickinson & Co.
5.03%
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.
4.60%
Fortive Corp.
4.57%
Airbnb, Inc.
3.91%
Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc.
3.71%
Total % of Top 10 Holdings
57.27%
Image

Clarkston Fund - Institutional Class : CILGX

Semi-Annual Shareholder Report - March 31, 2026

Distributor, ALPS Distributors, Inc.

Phone: 844.680.6562

02110A662–SA–03312026

CLARKSTON PARTNERS FUND 

Founders Class: CFSMX

Semi-Annual Shareholder Report - March 31, 2026

Image

FUND OVERVIEW

This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about Clarkston Partners Fund - Founders Class for the period of October 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026.

 

You can find additional information about the Fund at https://www.clarkstonfunds.com/literature/clarkston-partners-fund. You can also request this information by contacting us at 844.680.6562

WHAT WERE THE FUND COSTS FOR THE LAST SIX MONTHS? 

(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment) 

Table Summary
CLASS NAME
COSTS OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT
COSTS PAID AS A PERCENTAGE OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT
Clarkston Partners Fund - Founders Class
$42
0.85%

HOW DID THE FUND PERFORM IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS?

During the six-month period ended March 31, 2026, the Fund’s Founders Class had a return of -3.60% compared to 4.30% for the Russell 2500TM Index and -1.65% for the Russell® 3000 Index.

 

Three largest contributors to the Fund’s performance for the period:

  • Neogen Corporation (NEOG), a company that develops, manufactures, and markets various products and services for food and animal safety in the United States and internationally.

  • Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (AMG), which operates as an investment management company providing investment management services to mutual funds, institutional clients, retail and high net worth individuals in the United States.

  • C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. (CHRW), a provider of freight transportation and related logistics and supply chain services in the United States and internationally.

Three largest detractors from the Fund’s performance for the period:

  • CCC Intelligent Solutions Holdings Inc. (CCC), a software as a service (SaaS) company for the property and casualty insurance economy in the United States and China that connects trading partners, facilitates commerce, and supports mission-critical, artificial intelligence enabled digital workflow across the insurers, repairers, automakers, parts suppliers, lenders, and others.

  • Clarivate PLC (CLVT), an information services provider in the Americas, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and the Asia Pacific that operates through three segments: Academia & Government, Life Sciences & Healthcare, and Intellectual Property.

  • Avantor, Inc. (AVTR), a provider of products and services to customers in the biopharma, healthcare, education and government, advanced technologies, and applied materials industries in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

HOW DID THE FUND PERFORM LAST 10 YEARS? 

TOTAL RETURN BASED ON $10,000 INVESTMENT

Growth of 10K Chart
Table Summary
Clarkston Partners Fund - Founders - $18,347
Russell 3000® Index - $36,157
Russell 2500™ Index - $27,348
3/31/2016
$10,000.00
$10,000.00
$10,000.00
9/30/2016
$10,682.69
$10,714.40
$11,036.99
3/31/2017
$11,462.55
$11,806.67
$12,152.89
9/30/2017
$12,056.11
$12,718.69
$13,000.81
3/31/2018
$12,671.31
$13,437.54
$13,649.19
9/30/2018
$13,105.19
$14,954.62
$15,106.01
3/31/2019
$12,947.96
$14,615.56
$14,261.13
9/30/2019
$13,562.01
$15,390.94
$14,495.10
3/31/2020
$11,351.55
$13,281.83
$11,056.45
9/30/2020
$13,857.02
$17,699.79
$14,816.75
3/31/2021
$19,321.27
$21,586.73
$20,940.97
9/30/2021
$17,941.18
$23,341.67
$21,488.47
3/31/2022
$19,017.09
$24,160.81
$21,012.44
9/30/2022
$16,808.20
$19,227.16
$16,952.80
3/31/2023
$18,427.17
$22,087.77
$18,829.44
9/30/2023
$18,023.07
$23,161.26
$18,865.78
3/31/2024
$20,457.52
$28,558.01
$22,864.86
9/30/2024
$20,541.48
$31,312.54
$23,802.34
3/31/2025
$19,286.26
$30,619.61
$22,153.69
9/30/2025
$19,031.74
$36,763.76
$26,220.71
3/31/2026
$18,346.92
$36,157.31
$27,347.71

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS

Table Summary
Founders
1 Year
5 Year
10 Year
Clarkston Partners Fund - Founders Class (Incept. September 15, 2015)
-4.87%
-1.03%
6.26%
Russell 3000® Index
18.09%
10.87%
13.72%
Russell 2500™ Index
23.45%
5.48%
10.58%

The Fund’s past performance is not a good predictor of the Fund’s future performance. The table and graph presented above do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Call 844.680.6562 for current month-end performance.

FUND STATISTICS

  • Total Net Assets$311,984,989
  • # of Portfolio Holdings (excluding cash)27
  • Portfolio Turnover Rate11%

MATERIAL FUND CHANGES

 

There have been no material Fund changes during the reporting period.

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS

There have been no changes in or disagreements with the Fund's independent accounting firm during the reporting period.

AVAILABILITY OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Additional information about the Fund, including its prospectus, financial information, holdings, and proxy voting information, can be found by visiting https://www.clarkstonfunds.com/literature/clarkston-partners-fund.

SECTOR WEIGHTINGS (as a % of Net Assets)

Group By Sector Chart
Table Summary
Value
Value
Cash, Cash Equivalents, & Other Net Assets
1.12%
Utilities
3.14%
Consumer Discretionary
8.66%
Industrials
9.43%
Financials
13.27%
Health Care
19.10%
Technology
22.07%
Consumer Staples
23.21%

HOUSEHOLDING

If you have consented to receive a single annual or semi-annual shareholder report at a shared address you may revoke this consent by calling the Transfer Agent 844.680.6562.

DISCLOSURES

FTSE Russell (“Russell”) is the source and owner of the trademarks, service marks and copyrights related to the Russell Indexes. Russell® is a trademark of Frank Russell Company. Neither Russell nor its licensors accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the Russell Indexes and/or Russell ratings or underlying data and no party may rely on any Russell Indexes and/or Russell ratings and/or underlying data contained in this communication. No further distribution of Russell Data is permitted without Russell’s express written consent. Russell does not promote, sponsor or endorse the content of this communication. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

TOP TEN HOLDINGS (as a % of Net Assets)

Table Summary
Top 10
%
Clarivate PLC
11.19%
Post Holdings, Inc.
9.51%
Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.
7.81%
CCC Intelligent Solutions Holdings Inc.
5.96%
Avantor, Inc.
5.91%
John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
4.70%
LKQ Corp.
3.96%
Envista Holdings Corp.
3.86%
Middleby Corp.
3.53%
Waystar Holding Corp.
3.52%
Total % of Top 10 Holdings
59.95%
Image

Clarkston Partners Fund - Founders Class : CFSMX

Semi-Annual Shareholder Report - March 31, 2026

Distributor, ALPS Distributors, Inc.

Phone: 844.680.6562

02110A670–SA–03312026

CLARKSTON PARTNERS FUND 

Institutional Class: CISMX

Semi-Annual Shareholder Report - March 31, 2026

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FUND OVERVIEW

This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about Clarkston Partners Fund - Institutional Class for the period of October 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026.

 

You can find additional information about the Fund at https://www.clarkstonfunds.com/literature/clarkston-partners-fund. You can also request this information by contacting us at 844.680.6562

WHAT WERE THE FUND COSTS FOR THE LAST SIX MONTHS? 

(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment) 

Table Summary
CLASS NAME
COSTS OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT
COSTS PAID AS A PERCENTAGE OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT
Clarkston Partners Fund - Institutional Class
$46
0.94%

HOW DID THE FUND PERFORM IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS?

During the six-month period ended March 31, 2026, the Fund’s Institutional Class had a return of -3.67% compared to 4.30% for the Russell 2500TM Index and -1.65% for the Russell® 3000 Index.

 

Three largest contributors to the Fund’s performance for the period:

  • Neogen Corporation (NEOG), a company that develops, manufactures, and markets various products and services for food and animal safety in the United States and internationally.

  • Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (AMG), which operates as an investment management company providing investment management services to mutual funds, institutional clients, retail and high net worth individuals in the United States.

  • C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. (CHRW), a provider of freight transportation and related logistics and supply chain services in the United States and internationally.

Three largest detractors from the Fund’s performance for the period:

  • CCC Intelligent Solutions Holdings Inc. (CCC), a software as a service (SaaS) company for the property and casualty insurance economy in the United States and China that connects trading partners, facilitates commerce, and supports mission-critical, artificial intelligence enabled digital workflow across the insurers, repairers, automakers, parts suppliers, lenders, and others.

  • Clarivate PLC (CLVT), an information services provider in the Americas, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and the Asia Pacific that operates through three segments: Academia & Government, Life Sciences & Healthcare, and Intellectual Property.

  • Avantor, Inc. (AVTR), a provider of products and services to customers in the biopharma, healthcare, education and government, advanced technologies, and applied materials industries in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

HOW DID THE FUND PERFORM LAST 10 YEARS? 

TOTAL RETURN BASED ON $25,000 INVESTMENT

Growth of 10K Chart
Table Summary
Clarkston Partners Fund - Institutional - $45,406
Russell 3000® Index - $90,393
Russell 2500™ Index - $68,369
3/31/2016
$25,000.00
$25,000.00
$25,000.00
9/30/2016
$26,684.31
$26,785.99
$27,592.46
3/31/2017
$28,625.06
$29,516.66
$30,382.22
9/30/2017
$30,085.52
$31,796.72
$32,502.02
3/31/2018
$31,612.06
$33,593.85
$34,122.98
9/30/2018
$32,647.71
$37,386.54
$37,765.02
3/31/2019
$32,264.58
$36,538.89
$35,652.83
9/30/2019
$33,773.26
$38,477.35
$36,237.75
3/31/2020
$28,263.23
$33,204.56
$27,641.12
9/30/2020
$34,470.71
$44,249.46
$37,041.86
3/31/2021
$48,028.43
$53,966.82
$52,352.43
9/30/2021
$44,579.50
$58,354.17
$53,721.18
3/31/2022
$47,250.24
$60,402.01
$52,531.09
9/30/2022
$41,731.97
$48,067.88
$42,381.99
3/31/2023
$45,730.60
$55,219.42
$47,073.60
9/30/2023
$44,720.35
$57,903.15
$47,164.45
3/31/2024
$50,719.02
$71,395.00
$57,162.16
9/30/2024
$50,928.89
$78,281.33
$59,505.85
3/31/2025
$47,808.34
$76,549.00
$55,384.21
9/30/2025
$47,136.97
$91,909.37
$65,551.77
3/31/2026
$45,406.40
$90,393.26
$68,369.28

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS

Table Summary
Institutional
1 Year
5 Year
10 Year
Clarkston Partners Fund - Institutional Class (Incept. September 15, 2015)
-5.02%
-1.12%
6.15%
Russell 3000® Index
18.09%
10.87%
13.72%
Russell 2500™ Index
23.45%
5.48%
10.58%

The Fund’s past performance is not a good predictor of the Fund’s future performance. The table and graph presented above do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Call 844.680.6562 for current month-end performance.

FUND STATISTICS

  • Total Net Assets$311,984,989
  • # of Portfolio Holdings (excluding cash)27
  • Portfolio Turnover Rate11%

MATERIAL FUND CHANGES

 

There have been no material Fund changes during the reporting period.

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS

There have been no changes in or disagreements with the Fund's independent accounting firm during the reporting period.

AVAILABILITY OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Additional information about the Fund, including its prospectus, financial information, holdings, and proxy voting information, can be found by visiting https://www.clarkstonfunds.com/literature/clarkston-partners-fund.

SECTOR WEIGHTINGS (as a % of Net Assets)

Group By Sector Chart
Table Summary
Value
Value
Cash, Cash Equivalents, & Other Net Assets
1.12%
Utilities
3.14%
Consumer Discretionary
8.66%
Industrials
9.43%
Financials
13.27%
Health Care
19.10%
Technology
22.07%
Consumer Staples
23.21%

HOUSEHOLDING

If you have consented to receive a single annual or semi-annual shareholder report at a shared address you may revoke this consent by calling the Transfer Agent 844.680.6562.

DISCLOSURES

FTSE Russell (“Russell”) is the source and owner of the trademarks, service marks and copyrights related to the Russell Indexes. Russell® is a trademark of Frank Russell Company. Neither Russell nor its licensors accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the Russell Indexes and/or Russell ratings or underlying data and no party may rely on any Russell Indexes and/or Russell ratings and/or underlying data contained in this communication. No further distribution of Russell Data is permitted without Russell’s express written consent. Russell does not promote, sponsor or endorse the content of this communication. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

TOP TEN HOLDINGS (as a % of Net Assets)

Table Summary
Top 10
%
Clarivate PLC
11.19%
Post Holdings, Inc.
9.51%
Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.
7.81%
CCC Intelligent Solutions Holdings Inc.
5.96%
Avantor, Inc.
5.91%
John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
4.70%
LKQ Corp.
3.96%
Envista Holdings Corp.
3.86%
Middleby Corp.
3.53%
Waystar Holding Corp.
3.52%
Total % of Top 10 Holdings
59.95%
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Clarkston Partners Fund - Institutional Class : CISMX

Semi-Annual Shareholder Report - March 31, 2026

Distributor, ALPS Distributors, Inc.

Phone: 844.680.6562

02110A688–SA–03312026

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NYSE Arca: ETFT

Semi-Annual Shareholder Report - March 31, 2026

Fund Overview

This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about Fundsmith Equity ETF for the period of December 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026.

 

You can find additional information about the Fund at https://www.fundsmithetf.us/#documents. You can also request this information by contacting us at (203) 813-5519.

 

*The reporting period is less than a full semi-annual reporting period. Expenses paid for a full semi-annual reporting period would be higher.

What were the Fund’s costs over the period?*

(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment) 

Table Summary
Fund Name
Cost of a $10,000 Investment
Cost Paid as a Percentage of a $10,000 Investment
Fundsmith Equity ETF
$31
1.00%

*The reporting period is less than a full semi-annual reporting period. Expenses paid for a full semi-annual reporting period would be higher.

How has the Fund performed since inception?

For the period from inception on December 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026, the Fund declined 10.43% compared to the decline of 2.35% for the MSCI World Index.

 

Relative performance was impacted by the war with Iran which led to strong performance in the Energy sector where at period end, we had a zero weighting and by the on-going boom in Information Technology due to investor enthusiasm with AI stocks in which we were significantly underweight exiting the period due to our belief that a bubble is developing. The Fund's overweight to Health Care was also a negative detractor.

 

 

Positive contributors included Taiwan Semiconductor, Texas Instruments, and Marriott, while holdings such as LVMH, EssilorLuxottica, Wolters Kluwer, and ADP detracted.

 

How has the Fund performed since inception?

TOTAL RETURN BASED ON $10,000 INVESTMENT

Growth of 10K Chart
Table Summary
Fundsmith Equity ETF
MSCI World Index
12/1/2025
$10,000.00
$10,000.01
12/31/2025
$9,959.88
$10,126.37
1/31/2026
$10,040.12
$10,352.99
2/28/2026
$9,839.52
$10,428.83
3/31/2026
$8,956.87
$9,764.56

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN

Table Summary
Commenced Operation on December 1, 2025
Since Inception
Fundsmith Equity ETF - NAV
-10.43%
MSCI World Index
-2.35%

FUND STATISTICS

  • Total Net Assets$13,670,344
  • Number of Portfolio Holdings28
  • Portfolio Turnover Rate17%

The Fund’s past performance is not a good predictor of the Fund’s future performance. The "Average Annual Total Return" table and graph presented above do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. 

Call 1-800-749-9322 for current month-end performance.

What did the Fund invest in?

SECTOR WEIGHTINGS

(% of Net Assets)

Group By Sector Chart
Table Summary
Value
Value
Cash, Cash Equivalents, & Other Net Assets
4.77%
Financials
3.04%
Communication Services
6.42%
Industrials
10.27%
Consumer Staples
14.02%
Consumer Discretionary
16.83%
Health Care
19.37%
Information Technology
25.28%

ASSET CLASS WEIGHTINGS

(% of Net Assets)

Group By Asset Type Chart
Table Summary
Value
Value
Common Stock
95.23%
Cash, Cash Equivalents, & Other Net Assets
4.77%

TOP TEN HOLDINGS

(% of Net Assets)

Table Summary
Top 10
%
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
7.05%
Texas Instruments, Inc.
7.01%
Sage Group PLC
4.68%
Apple, Inc.
4.05%
Amadeus IT Group SA
3.99%
Wolters Kluwer NV
3.99%
Church & Dwight Co., Inc.
3.86%
TJX Cos., Inc.
3.75%
Philip Morris International, Inc.
3.70%
Marriott International, Inc.
3.66%
Total % of Top 10 Holdings
45.74%

Material Fund Changes 

 

There have been no material Fund changes during the reporting period.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants

There have been no changes in or disagreements with the Fund's independent accounting firm during the reporting period.

Availability of Additional Information

Additional information about the Fund, including its prospectus, financial information, and holdings, can be found by visiting https://www.fundsmithetf.us/#documents.

Householding

If you have consented to receive a single annual or semi-annual shareholder report at a shared address you may revoke this consent by calling the Transfer Agent at 1-800-749-9322.

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Fundsmith Equity ETF — ETFT

Semi-Annual Shareholder Report - March 31, 2026

An image of a QR code that, when scanned, navigates the user to the following URL: https://www.fundsmithetf.us/

Phone: 1-800-749-9322

Distributor, ALPS Distributors, Inc.

02110A431–SA–03312026

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Hillman Value Fund 

HCMAX

Semi-Annual Shareholder Report - March 31, 2026

Fund Overview

This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about Hillman Value Fund for the period of October 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026.

 

You can find additional information about the Fund at https://hcmfunds.com/resources. You can also request this information by contacting us at 1-855-400-5944.

 

What were the Fund costs for the last six months? 

(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment) 

Table Summary
FUND NAME
COSTS OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT
COSTS PAID AS A PERCENTAGE OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT
Hillman Value Fund
$48
0.95%

How did the Fund perform in the last six months? 

For the six months ending March 31, 2026, the Hillman Value Fund returned 1.62% versus a return of 5.99% for its benchmark, the Russell 1000 Value Total Return Index. The Fund enjoyed strong performance in the Materials, Health Care, Communication Services, and Industrials Sectors. The Information Technology, Consumer Discretionary, Financials, and Consumer Staples Sectors negatively impacted results. The premiums generated from option writing nominally benefited performance.

How has the Fund performed last 10 years?

TOTAL RETURN BASED ON $10,000 INVESTMENT

Growth of 10K Chart
Table Summary
Hillman Value Fund - $28,309
FT Wilshire 5000 Index - TR - $36,643
Russell 1000® Value Index TR - $27,337
3/31/2016
$10,000.00
$10,000.00
$10,000.00
9/30/2016
$10,595.51
$10,718.98
$10,822.34
3/31/2017
$11,878.82
$11,835.82
$11,922.31
9/30/2017
$12,545.66
$12,747.70
$12,458.97
3/31/2018
$12,821.44
$13,459.01
$12,750.65
9/30/2018
$14,264.35
$14,991.23
$13,636.35
3/31/2019
$14,826.50
$14,654.76
$13,474.18
9/30/2019
$15,874.09
$15,426.35
$14,181.89
3/31/2020
$12,886.08
$13,345.02
$11,160.88
9/30/2020
$15,228.46
$17,761.95
$13,469.28
3/31/2021
$20,661.71
$21,650.59
$17,420.74
9/30/2021
$21,782.38
$23,508.33
$18,185.12
3/31/2022
$22,811.49
$24,485.97
$19,453.52
9/30/2022
$17,959.01
$19,471.72
$16,118.75
3/31/2023
$21,736.79
$22,368.48
$18,303.13
9/30/2023
$21,783.57
$23,459.01
$18,446.01
3/31/2024
$26,587.20
$28,913.85
$22,012.82
9/30/2024
$26,868.51
$31,710.87
$23,566.90
3/31/2025
$26,068.79
$30,971.07
$23,593.46
9/30/2025
$27,857.01
$37,249.01
$25,792.05
3/31/2026
$28,309.06
$36,642.92
$27,336.65

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS

Table Summary
Fund
1 Year
5 Year
10 Year
Hillman Value Fund
8.64%
6.51%
10.97%
FT Wilshire 5000 Index - TR
18.31%
11.10%
13.87%
Russell 1000® Value Index TR
15.87%
9.43%
10.58%

FUND STATISTICS

  • Total Net Assets$82,915,532
  • # of Portfolio Holdings38
  • Portfolio Turnover Rate12%

The Fund’s past performance is not a good predictor of the Fund’s future performance. The "Average Annual Total Return" table and graph presented above do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. 

Call 1-855-400-5994 for current month-end performance.

What did the Fund invest in?

SECTOR WEIGHTINGS

(% of Net Assets)

Group By Sector Chart
Table Summary
Value
Value
Cash, Cash Equivalents, & Other Net Assets
3.82%
Industrials
4.95%
Consumer Discretionary
4.98%
Materials
5.93%
Financials
7.63%
Communication Services
11.72%
Information Technology
14.09%
Consumer Staples
19.23%
Health Care
27.65%

ASSET CLASS WEIGHTINGS

(% of Net Assets)

Group By Asset Type Chart
Table Summary
Value
Value
Common Stock
96.18%
Cash, Cash Equivalents, & Other Net Assets
3.82%

TOP TEN HOLDINGS

(% of Net Assets)

Table Summary
Top 10
%
Verizon Communications, Inc.
3.45%
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.
3.39%
Pfizer, Inc.
3.14%
Biogen, Inc.
3.12%
International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.
3.09%
Constellation Brands, Inc.
2.97%
Warner Bros Discovery, Inc.
2.90%
Comcast Corp.
2.88%
US Bancorp
2.86%
DuPont de Nemours, Inc.
2.84%
Total % of Top 10 Holdings
30.64%

Material Fund Changes 

 

There have been no material Fund changes during the reporting period.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants

There have been no changes in or disagreements with the Fund's independent accounting firm during the reporting period.

Availability of Additional Information

Additional information about the Fund, including its prospectus, financial information, holdings, and proxy voting information, can be found by visiting https://hcmfunds.com/resources.

Householding

If you have consented to receive a single annual or semi-annual shareholder report at a shared address you may revoke this consent by calling the Transfer Agent at 1-855-400-5944.

Image

Hillman Value Fund — HCMAX

Semi-Annual Shareholder Report - March 31, 2026

An image of a QR code that, when scanned, navigates the user to the following URL: https://hcmfunds.com/resources

Phone: 1-855-400-5944

Distributor, ALPS Distributors, Inc.

02110A514–SA–03312026

 

(b) Not applicable.

 

Item 2. Code of Ethics.

 

Not applicable for semi-annual report.

 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

 

Not applicable for semi-annual report.

 

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

Not applicable for semi-annual report.

 

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

 

Not applicable for semi-annual report. 

 

Item 6. Investments.

 

  (a) Schedule of Investments is included as part of the Reports to Stockholders filed under Item 7 of this Form N-CSR.

 

  (b) Not applicable.

 

 

 

Item 7. Financial Statements and Financial Highlights for Open-End Management Investment Companies.

 

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

 

Portfolio of Investments 1
Statement of Assets and Liabilities 5
Statement of Operations 6
Statements of Changes in Net Assets 7
Financial Highlights 8
Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights 10
Tax Designation 21
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants 22
Proxy Disclosures 23
Remuneration Paid to Directors, Officers and Others 24
Statement Regarding Basis for Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement 25

 

 

Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund Portfolio of Investments

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

Counterparty  

Expiration

Date

 

Strike

Price

    Contracts    

Notional

Value

   

Value

(Note 2)

 
PURCHASED OPTION CONTRACTS - (108.94%)                  
Call Option Contracts (103.36%)(a)(b)                                    
S&P 500® Mini Index:                                    
Goldman Sachs   04/14/2026   $ 76.65       390     $ 25,461,150     $ 22,470,706  
Goldman Sachs   04/14/2026     81.80       100       6,528,500       5,710,293  
Goldman Sachs   04/14/2026     586.97       390       25,461,150       2,628,249  
Goldman Sachs   04/14/2026     626.25       100       6,528,500       309,707  
Goldman Sachs   05/14/2026     78.55       510       33,295,350       29,288,124  
Goldman Sachs   05/14/2026     604.51       510       33,295,350       2,912,725  
Goldman Sachs   06/12/2026     81.80       490       31,989,650       27,966,588  
Goldman Sachs   06/12/2026     626.25       490       31,989,650       2,208,460  
Goldman Sachs   07/14/2026     84.05       475       31,010,375       26,999,963  
Goldman Sachs   07/14/2026     644.00       475       31,010,375       1,801,807  
Goldman Sachs   08/14/2026     84.05       100       6,528,500       5,683,244  
Goldman Sachs   08/14/2026     86.15       380       24,808,300       21,517,623  
Goldman Sachs   08/14/2026     644.00       100       6,528,500       430,572  
Goldman Sachs   08/14/2026     661.75       380       24,808,300       1,202,028  
Goldman Sachs   09/14/2026     87.40       450       29,378,250       25,414,079  
Goldman Sachs   09/14/2026     664.94       450       29,378,250       1,538,529  
Goldman Sachs   10/14/2026     87.40       130       8,487,050       7,342,022  
Goldman Sachs   10/14/2026     87.65       320       20,891,200       18,064,828  
Goldman Sachs   10/14/2026     664.94       130       8,487,050       500,305  
Goldman Sachs   10/14/2026     672.75       320       20,891,200       1,084,076  
Goldman Sachs   11/13/2026     87.65       160       10,445,600       9,031,577  
Goldman Sachs   11/13/2026     90.80       265       17,300,525       14,876,974  
Goldman Sachs   11/13/2026     672.75       160       10,445,600       607,068  
Goldman Sachs   11/13/2026     696.00       265       17,300,525       672,763  
Goldman Sachs   12/14/2026     90.80       425       27,746,125       23,852,178  
Goldman Sachs   12/14/2026     696.00       425       27,746,125       1,231,861  
Goldman Sachs   01/14/2027     88.70       425       27,746,125       23,957,793  
Goldman Sachs   01/14/2027     681.26       425       27,746,125       1,705,220  
Goldman Sachs   02/12/2027     87.25       350       22,849,750       19,737,632  
Goldman Sachs   02/12/2027     88.70       75       4,896,375       4,218,962  
Goldman Sachs   02/12/2027     670.59       350       22,849,750       1,710,185  
Goldman Sachs   02/12/2027     681.26       75       4,896,375       320,857  
Goldman Sachs   03/12/2027     87.25       160       10,445,600       9,037,158  
Goldman Sachs   03/12/2027     670.59       160       10,445,600       837,986  
                          679,616,850       316,872,142  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 1

 

 

Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund Portfolio of Investments

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

Counterparty  

Expiration

Date

  Strike
Price
    Contracts    

Notional

Value

   

Value

(Note 2)

 
PURCHASED OPTION CONTRACTS - (108.94%) (continued)                        
Put Option Contracts (5.59%)                            
S&P 500® Mini Index:                                    
Goldman Sachs   04/14/2026   $ 586.97       390     $ 25,461,150     $ 31,792  
Goldman Sachs   04/14/2026     626.25       100       6,528,500       36,191  
Goldman Sachs   05/14/2026     604.51       510       33,295,350       328,924  
Goldman Sachs   06/12/2026     626.25       490       31,989,650       722,645  
Goldman Sachs   07/14/2026     644.00       475       31,010,375       1,117,224  
Goldman Sachs   08/14/2026     644.00       100       6,528,500       270,033  
Goldman Sachs   08/14/2026     661.75       380       24,808,300       1,257,228  
Goldman Sachs   09/14/2026     664.94       450       29,378,250       1,677,325  
Goldman Sachs   10/14/2026     664.94       130       8,487,050       517,874  
Goldman Sachs   10/14/2026     672.75       320       20,891,200       1,372,301  
Goldman Sachs   11/13/2026     672.75       160       10,445,600       724,197  
Goldman Sachs   11/13/2026     696.00       265       17,300,525       1,468,873  
Goldman Sachs   12/14/2026     696.00       425       27,746,125       2,437,263  
Goldman Sachs   01/14/2027     681.26       425       27,746,125       2,205,483  
Goldman Sachs   02/12/2027     670.59       350       22,849,750       1,743,562  
Goldman Sachs   02/12/2027     681.26       75       4,896,375       405,502  
Goldman Sachs   03/12/2027     670.59       160       10,445,600       813,892  
                          339,808,425       17,130,309  
TOTAL PURCHASED OPTION CONTRACTS                          
(Cost $338,198,536)                       $ 1,019,425,275     $ 334,002,451  

 

    7 Day Yield     Shares    

Value

(Note 2)

 
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (1.67%)                        
Money Market Funds                        
Goldman Sachs Financial Square Funds - Treasury Instruments Fund(c)     3.278 %     291,072     $ 291,072  
Invesco Short-Term Investments Trust Government & Agency Portfolio - Institutional Class     3.577 %     4,819,825       4,819,826  
                      5,110,898  
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS                        
(Cost $5,110,898)                     5,110,898  
                         
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (110.61%)                        
(Cost $343,309,434)                   $ 339,113,349  
                         
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS (-10.61%)                     (32,534,502 )
                         
NET ASSETS (100.00%)                   $ 306,578,847  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.

 

2 www.beacontrust.com

 

 

Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund Portfolio of Investments

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

(a) Held in connection with written option contracts.
(b) Non-income producing.
(c) $291,072 is held as collateral at broker for written options.

 

WRITTEN OPTION CONTRACTS (10.49%)

 

Counterparty  

Expiration

Date

 

Strike

Price

      Contracts    

Premiums

Received

   

Notional

Value

   

Value

(Note 2)

 
Put Option Contracts - (2.89%)                        
S&P 500® Mini Index:                                            
Goldman Sachs   04/14/26   $ 528.27       (390)     $ 671,949     $ (25,461,150 )   $ (11,354 )
Goldman Sachs   04/14/26     563.63       (100)       150,395       (6,528,500 )     (5,037 )
Goldman Sachs   05/14/26     544.06       (510)       875,132       (33,295,350 )     (104,528 )
Goldman Sachs   06/12/26     563.63       (490)       855,025       (31,989,650 )     (259,442 )
Goldman Sachs   07/14/26     579.60       (475)       792,277       (31,010,375 )     (465,046 )
Goldman Sachs   08/14/26     579.60       (100)       178,895       (6,528,500 )     (124,558 )
Goldman Sachs   08/14/26     595.58       (380)       683,222       (24,808,300 )     (576,519 )
Goldman Sachs   09/14/26     598.45       (450)       968,830       (29,378,250 )     (822,074 )
Goldman Sachs   10/14/26     598.45       (130)       297,694       (8,487,050 )     (266,950 )
Goldman Sachs   10/14/26     605.48       (320)       714,546       (20,891,200 )     (707,007 )
Goldman Sachs   11/13/26     605.48       (160)       380,473       (10,445,600 )     (387,249 )
Goldman Sachs   11/13/26     626.40       (265)       505,342       (17,300,525 )     (784,702 )
Goldman Sachs   12/14/26     626.40       (425)       882,279       (27,746,125 )     (1,350,088 )
Goldman Sachs   01/14/27     613.13       (425)       980,480       (27,746,125 )     (1,254,357 )
Goldman Sachs   02/12/27     603.53       (350)       861,508       (22,849,750 )     (1,009,939 )
Goldman Sachs   02/12/27     613.13       (75)       183,896       (4,896,375 )     (234,757 )
Goldman Sachs   03/12/27     603.53       (160)       414,632       (10,445,600 )     (481,395 )
                          10,396,575       (339,808,425 )     (8,845,002 )

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 3

 

 

Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund Portfolio of Investments

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

 

Counterparty  

Expiration

Date

 

Strike

Price

      Contracts    

Premiums

Received

   

Notional

Value

   

Value

(Note 2)

 
Call Option Contracts - (7.60%)                        
S&P 500® Mini Index:                                            
Goldman Sachs   04/14/26   $ 617.26       (780)     $ 2,244,018     $ (50,922,300 )   $ (3,023,343 )
Goldman Sachs   04/14/26     651.61       (200)       516,390       (13,057,000 )     (245,080 )
Goldman Sachs   05/14/26     634.74       (1,020)       2,913,063       (66,590,700 )     (3,366,650 )
Goldman Sachs   06/12/26     656.75       (980)       2,805,690       (63,979,300 )     (2,351,692 )
Goldman Sachs   07/14/26     673.50       (950)       2,647,603       (62,020,750 )     (1,884,842 )
Goldman Sachs   08/14/26     676.26       (200)       586,190       (13,057,000 )     (465,775 )
Goldman Sachs   08/14/26     691.99       (760)       2,169,763       (49,616,600 )     (1,184,516 )
Goldman Sachs   09/14/26     698.52       (900)       2,845,761       (58,756,500 )     (1,499,666 )
Goldman Sachs   10/14/26     702.04       (260)       850,449       (16,974,100 )     (492,248 )
Goldman Sachs   10/14/26     708.61       (640)       2,108,772       (41,782,400 )     (1,035,101 )
Goldman Sachs   11/13/26     711.46       (320)       1,098,226       (20,891,200 )     (588,075 )
Goldman Sachs   11/13/26     726.42       (530)       1,583,084       (34,601,050 )     (680,985 )
Goldman Sachs   12/14/26     729.34       (850)       2,681,709       (55,492,250 )     (1,213,049 )
Goldman Sachs   01/14/27     716.82       (850)       2,894,208       (55,492,250 )     (1,920,044 )
Goldman Sachs   02/12/27     708.28       (700)       2,502,816       (45,699,500 )     (2,017,727 )
Goldman Sachs   02/12/27     718.87       (150)       531,143       (9,792,750 )     (361,755 )
Goldman Sachs   03/12/27     711.16       (320)       1,187,984       (20,891,200 )     (983,484 )
                          32,166,869       (679,616,850 )     (23,314,032 )
                                             
TOTAL WRITTEN OPTION CONTRACTS             $ 42,563,444     $ (1,019,425,275 )   $ (32,159,034 )

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.

 

4 www.beacontrust.com

 

 

Beacon Planned  
Return Strategy Fund Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

ASSETS:        
Investments, at value (Cost $343,309,434)   $ 339,113,349  
Dividends and interest receivable     499  
Other assets     21,133  
Total Assets     339,134,981  
         
LIABILITIES:        
Written options, at value (premiums received $42,563,444)     32,159,034  
Payable for administration and transfer agent fees     86,134  
Payable to adviser     261,776  
Payable for distribution and service fees     25,120  
Payable for printing fees     4,857  
Payable for professional fees     11,718  
Payable for trustees' fees and expenses     (137 )
Payable to Chief Compliance Officer fees     1,666  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities     5,966  
Total Liabilities     32,556,134  
NET ASSETS   $ 306,578,847  
         
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:        
Paid-in capital (Note 6)   $ 308,600,511  
Total distributable earnings     (2,021,664 )
NET ASSETS   $ 306,578,847  
         
PRICING OF SHARES(a)        
Institutional Class:        
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share   $ 9.71  
Net Assets   $ 306,578,847  
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding     31,564,375  

 

(a) A 2% redemption fee is applied to any shares sold or exchanged within 60 days of purchase.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 5

 

 

Beacon Planned

Return Strategy Fund

Statement of Operations

 

For the Period Ended March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

INVESTMENT INCOME:        
Dividends   $ 150,361  
Total Investment Income     150,361  
         
EXPENSES:        
Investment advisory fees (Note 7)     1,566,285  
Administration fees     228,541  
Shareholder service fees        
Institutional Class     62,931  
Custody fees     3,922  
Legal fees     17,619  
Audit and tax fees     9,850  
Transfer agent fees     36,012  
Trustees' fees and expenses     16,571  
Registration and filing fees     11,215  
Printing fees     7,350  
Chief Compliance Officer fees     18,948  
Insurance fees     4,296  
Other expenses     3,511  
Total Expenses     1,987,051  
NET INVESTMENT LOSS     (1,836,690 )
         
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS AND WRITTEN OPTIONS:        
Net realized gain/(loss) on:        
Investments     38,540,381  
Written options contracts     (20,339,571 )
Net realized gain     18,200,810  
Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:        
Investments     (58,715,058 )
Written options contracts     45,176,595  
Net change     (13,538,463 )
         
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN ON INVESTMENTS AND WRITTEN OPTIONS     4,662,347  
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS   $ 2,825,657  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.

 

6 www.beacontrust.com

 

 

Beacon Planned

Return Strategy Fund

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

   

For the Six

Months Ended

March 31, 2026

(Unaudited)

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2025

 
OPERATIONS:                
Net investment loss   $ (1,836,690 )   $ (3,834,874 )
Net realized gain on investments and written options     18,200,810       41,713,021  
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments and written options     (13,538,463 )     (4,521,454 )
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations     2,825,657       33,356,693  
                 
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS                
Institutional Class     (36,139,384 )     (49,344,191 )
Total distributions     (36,139,384 )     (49,344,191 )
                 
BENEFICIAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (Note 6):                
Institutional Class                
Shares sold     27,049,957       39,120,149  
Dividends reinvested     31,840,541       43,042,161  
Shares redeemed     (42,809,063 )     (126,605,175 )
Net increase/(decrease) from beneficial share transactions     16,081,435       (44,442,865 )
Net decrease in net assets     (17,232,292 )     (60,430,363 )
                 
NET ASSETS:                
Beginning of period     323,811,139       384,241,502  
End of period   $ 306,578,847     $ 323,811,139  

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 7

 

 

Beacon Planned

Return Strategy Fund – Institutional Class

Financial Highlights

 

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Period Presented

 

NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD
 
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:
Net investment loss(a)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments
Total from investment operations
 
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net realized gains on investments
Return of capital
Total Distributions
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD
 
TOTAL RETURN(b)
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)
 
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS
Operating expenses (c)
Net investment loss
 
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE

 

see notes to financial statements and financial highlights.

 

8 www.beacontrust.com

 

 

Beacon Planned

Return Strategy Fund – Institutional Class

Financial Highlights

 

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Period Presented

 

For the Six

Months Ended

March 31, 2026

(Unaudited)

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2025

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2024

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2023

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2022

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2021

 
$ 10.84     $ 11.40     $ 10.52     $ 8.72     $ 11.13     $ 10.49  
                                             
                                             
  (0.06 )     (0.12 )     (0.12 )     (0.11 )     (0.12 )     (0.13 )
  0.16       1.20       1.61       1.91       (0.85 )     1.31  
  0.10       1.08       1.49       1.80       (0.97 )     1.18  
                                             
                                             
  (1.23 )     (1.64 )     (0.61 )           (1.41 )     (0.54 )
                          (0.03 )      
  (1.23 )     (1.64 )     (0.61 )           (1.44 )     (0.54 )
  (1.13 )     (0.56 )     0.88       1.80       (2.41 )     0.64  
$ 9.71     $ 10.84     $ 11.40     $ 10.52     $ 8.72     $ 11.13  
                                             
  0.87 %     10.82 %     14.70 %     20.64 %     (10.41 %)     11.53 %
                                             
$ 306,579     $ 323,811     $ 384,242     $ 352,184     $ 306,278     $ 362,773  
                                             
                                             
  1.27 %(c)(d)     1.23 %     1.20 %     1.21 %     1.19 %     1.19 %
  (1.17 %)(d)     (1.14 %)     (1.12 %)     (1.14 %)     (1.18 %)     (1.19 %)
  0 %     0 %     0 %     0 %     0 %     0 %

 

(a) Calculated using the average shares method.
(b) Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
(c) Pursuant to the Fund’s shareholder services plan with respect to the Fund’s Institutional Class shares, any amount of fees accrued according to the plan but not paid during the Fund’s fiscal year for such service activities shall be reimbursed to the Fund as soon as practical. Fees were reimbursed to the Fund for the period ended March 31, 2026, September 30, 2025, September 30, 2024, September 30, 2023, September 30, 2022, and September 30, 2021, respectively, in the amount of 0.00%, 0.00%, 0.01%, 0.00%, 0.00%, and 0.00% of average net assets of Institutional shares.
(d) Annualized.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 9

 

 

Beacon Planned Notes to Financial Statements
Return Strategy Fund and Financial Highlights

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

1.  ORGANIZATION

 

 

ALPS Series Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Trust consists of multiple separate portfolios or series. This annual report describes the Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund (the “Fund”). The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a greater portion of assets in securities of individual issuers than a diversified fund. As a result, changes in the market value of a single investment could cause greater fluctuations in share price than would occur in a diversified Fund. The primary investment objective of the Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund is to deliver capital preservation and capital appreciation. The Board of Trustees (the “Board” or "Trustees") may establish additional funds and classes of shares at any time in the future without shareholder approval.

 

2.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

 

The accompanying financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for investment companies (“U.S. GAAP”). The Fund is considered an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946, Financial Services - Investment Companies. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures 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 period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund in preparation of the financial statements.

 

The Fund uses the management approach to determine reportable operating segments. The management approach considers the internal organization and reporting used by the Fund’s chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) for making decisions, allocating resources, and assessing performance. The Fund’s CODM has been identified as the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) and Treasurer, who reviews results presented within the Fund’s financial statements when making decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance of the Fund. The CODM determined that the Fund has only one operating segment as defined by ASU 2023-07. This is supported by the single investment strategy of the Fund, against which the CODM assesses performance.

 

Investment Valuation: The Fund generally values securities based on market prices determined at the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, on each day the NYSE is open for trading.

 

Flexible Exchange ("FLEX") Options are customized option contracts available through the Chicago Board Options Exchange ("CBOE"). Flexible Exchange Options are valued based on prices supplied by an independent third-party pricing service, which utilizes pricing models that incorporate various inputs such as interest rates, credit spreads, currency exchange rates and volatility measurements for in-the-money, at-the-money, and out-of-money contracts on a given strike price.

 

 

10 www.beacontrust.com

 

 

Beacon Planned Notes to Financial Statements
Return Strategy Fund and Financial Highlights

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

Redeemable securities issued by open-end registered investment companies are valued at the investment company’s applicable net asset value (“NAV”). Money market funds, representing short-term investments, are valued at their NAV.

 

When such prices or quotations are not available, or when the valuation designee appointed by the Board believes that they are unreliable, securities may be priced using fair value procedures approved by the Board.

 

Fair Value Measurements: The Fund discloses the classification of fair value measurements following a three-tier hierarchy based on the inputs used to measure fair value. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk. Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on the best information available.

 

Various inputs are used in determining the value of investments as of the end of the reporting period. When inputs used fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The designated input levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with these investments. These inputs are categorized in the following hierarchy under applicable financial accounting standards:

 

Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments, unrestricted assets or liabilities that the Fund has the ability to access at the measurement date;
   
Level 2 – Quoted prices which are not active, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable (either directly or indirectly); and
   
Level 3 – Significant unobservable prices or inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) where there is little or no market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 11

 

 

Beacon Planned Notes to Financial Statements
Return Strategy Fund and Financial Highlights

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value investments as of March 31, 2026:

 

BEACON PLANNED RETURN STRATEGY FUND

 

Investments in Securities at Value  

Level 1 -

Unadjusted

Quoted Prices

   

Level 2 - Other

Significant

Observable

Inputs

   

Level 3 -

Significant

Unobservable

Inputs

    Total  
Purchased Option Contracts   $     $ 334,002,451     $     $ 334,002,451  
Short Term Investments     5,110,898                   5,110,898  
Total   $ 5,110,898     $ 334,002,451     $     $ 339,113,349  

 

    Valuation Inputs        
Other Financial Instruments   Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
Liabilities                                
Written Option Contracts   $     $ (32,159,034 )   $     $ (32,159,034 )
Total   $     $ (32,159,034 )   $     $ (32,159,034 )

 

There were no Level 3 securities held during the six months ended March 31, 2026.

 

Cash & Cash Equivalents: The Fund considers its investment in a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") insured interest bearing account to be cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus any accrued interest. The Fund maintains cash balances, which, at times may exceed federally insured limits. The Fund maintains these balances with a high quality financial institution.

 

Selected Risks: Some significant types of financial risks the Fund is exposed to are listed below. Please see the Fund's prospectus and statement of additional information for additional information regarding the risks associated with an investment in the Fund.

 

Concentration Risk: The Fund operates as a “non-diversified” investment company, as defined in the 1940 Act. As a result of being “non-diversified” with respect to 50% of the Fund's portfolio, the Fund must limit the portion of their assets invested in the securities of a single issuer to 5%, measured at the time of purchase. In addition, no single investment can exceed 25% of the Fund’s total assets at the time of purchase. A more concentrated portfolio may cause the Fund’s net asset value to be more volatile and thus may subject stockholders to more risk. Thus, the volatility of the Fund's net asset value and their performance in general, depends disproportionately more on the performance of a smaller number of holdings than that of a more diversified fund. As a result, the Fund is subject to a greater risk of loss than a fund that diversifies its investments more broadly.

 

Concentration of Credit Risk: The Fund places its cash with a banking institution, which is insured by FDIC. The FDIC limit is $250,000. At various times throughout the period, the amount on deposit may exceed the FDIC limit and subject a Fund to a credit risk. The Fund does not believe that such deposits are subject to any unusual risk associated with investment activities.

 

 

12 www.beacontrust.com

 

 

Beacon Planned Notes to Financial Statements
Return Strategy Fund and Financial Highlights

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

Trust Expenses: Some expenses of the Trust can be directly attributed to a fund. Expenses that cannot be directly attributed to a fund are apportioned among all funds in the Trust based on average net assets of each fund, including Trustees' fees and expenses.

 

Federal Income Taxes: The Fund complies with the requirements under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies and intend to distribute substantially all of their net taxable income and net capital gains, if any, each year so that they will not be subject to excise tax on undistributed income and gains. The Fund is not subject to income taxes to the extent such distributions are made.

 

As of and during the six months ended March 31, 2026, the Fund did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits in the accompanying financial statements. The Fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to tax liabilities as income tax expense in the Statement of Operations. The Fund files U.S. federal, state and local income tax returns as required. The Fund's tax return is subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years after the filing of the tax return for federal purposes and four years for most state returns. The Fund's administrator has analyzed the Fund's tax positions and has concluded that as of March 31, 2026, no provision for income tax is required in the Fund's financial statements related to these tax positions.

 

Investment Transactions and Investment Income: Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the investments are purchased or sold (trade date basis for financial reporting purposes). Realized gains and losses from investment transactions are reported on an identified cost basis. Interest income, which includes accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums, is accrued and recorded as earned. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date.

 

Distributions to Shareholders: The Fund normally pays dividends, if any, and distributes capital gains, if any, on an annual basis. Income dividend distributions are derived from interest, dividends and other income the Fund receives from investments, including short-term capital gains. Long-term capital gain distributions are derived from gains realized when the Fund sells a security it has owned for more than one year. The Fund may make additional distributions and dividends at other times if its portfolio manager or managers believe doing so may be necessary for the Fund to avoid or reduce taxes. Net investment income/(loss) and net realized gain/(loss) may differ for financial statement and tax purposes.

 

3.  DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

 

 

The Fund's principal investment strategy permits it to enter into various types of derivatives contracts, including, but not limited to, futures contracts, forward foreign currency contracts, currency swaps and purchased and written options. In doing so, the Fund may employ strategies in differing combinations to permit it to increase, decrease, or change the level or types of exposure to market factors. Central to those strategies are features inherent in derivatives that make them more attractive for this purpose than equity or debt securities; they require little or no initial cash investment, they can focus exposure on only certain selected risk factors, and they may not require the ultimate receipt or delivery of the underlying security (or securities) to the contract. This may allow the Fund to pursue its objective more quickly and efficiently than if it were to make direct purchases or sales of securities capable of affecting a similar response to market factors.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 13

 

 

Beacon Planned Notes to Financial Statements
Return Strategy Fund and Financial Highlights

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

Risk of Investing in Derivatives: The Fund's use of derivatives can result in losses due to unanticipated changes in the market risk factors and the overall market. In instances where the Fund is using derivatives to decrease, or hedge, exposures to market risk factors for securities held, there are also risks that those derivatives may not perform as expected resulting in losses for the combined or hedged positions.

 

Derivatives may have little or no initial cash investment relative to their market value exposure and therefore can produce significant gains or losses in excess of their cost. This use of embedded leverage allows the Fund to increase market value exposure relative to net assets and can substantially increase the volatility of performance.

 

Additional associated risks from investing in derivatives also exist and potentially could have significant effects on the valuation of the derivative and the Fund. Typically, the associated risks are not the risks that the Fund is attempting to increase or decrease exposure to, per its investment objectives, but are the additional risks from investing in derivatives.

 

Examples of these associated risks are liquidity risk, which is the risk that the Fund will not be able to sell or close out the derivative in a timely manner, and counterparty credit risk, which is the risk that the counterparty will not fulfill its obligation to the Fund. In addition, use of derivatives may increase or decrease exposure to the following risk factors:

 

Equity Risk: Equity risk relates to the change in value of equity securities as they relate to increases or decreases in the general market. Associated risks can be different for each type of derivative.

 

Option Contracts: The Fund may enter into options transactions for hedging purposes and for non-hedging purposes such as seeking to enhance return. The Fund may write covered put and call options on any stocks or stock indices, currencies traded on domestic and foreign securities exchanges, or futures contracts on stock indices, interest rates and currencies traded on domestic and, to the extent permitted by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, foreign exchanges. A call option on an asset written by a Fund obligates the Fund to sell the specified asset to the holder (purchaser) at a stated price (the exercise price) if the option is exercised before a specified date (the expiration date). A put option on an asset written by the Fund obligates the Fund to buy the specified asset from the purchaser at the exercise price if the option is exercised before the expiration date. Premiums received when writing options are recorded as liabilities and are subsequently adjusted to the current value of the options written. Premiums received from writing options that expire are treated as realized gains. Premiums received from writing options, which are either exercised or closed, are offset against the proceeds received or amount paid on the transaction to determine realized gains or losses.

 

The Fund uses FLEX Options, which are customized equity or index option contracts that trade on an exchange, but that provide investors with the ability to customize key contract terms like exercise prices, styles and expiration dates. Like standardized exchange-traded options, FLEX Options are guaranteed for settlement by The Options Clearing Corporation (“OCC”), a market clearinghouse. The OCC guarantees performance by each of the counterparties to the FLEX Options, becoming the “buyer for every seller and the seller for every buyer,” protecting clearing members and options traders from counterparty risk. FLEX Options provide investors with the ability to customize key terms, while achieving price discovery in competitive, transparent auctions markets and avoiding the counterparty exposure of Over-the-Counter (“OTC”) options positions. The Fund bears the risk that the OCC will be unable or unwilling to perform its obligations under the FLEX Options contracts. Additionally, FLEX Options may be less liquid than certain other securities such as standardized options. In a less liquid market for the FLEX Options, the Fund may have difficulty closing out certain FLEX Options positions at desired times and prices.

 

 

14 www.beacontrust.com

 

 

Beacon Planned Notes to Financial Statements
Return Strategy Fund and Financial Highlights

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

Purchased Options: When the Fund purchases an option, an amount equal to the premium paid by the Fund is recorded as an investment and is subsequently adjusted to the current value of the option purchased. If an option expires on the stipulated expiration date or if the Fund enters into a closing sale transaction, a gain or loss is realized. If a call option is exercised, the cost of the security acquired is increased by the premium paid for the call. If a put option is exercised, a gain or loss is realized from the sale of the underlying security, and the proceeds from such sale are decreased by the premium originally paid. Purchased options are non-income producing securities.

 

Written Options: When the Fund writes an option, an amount equal to the premium received by the Fund is recorded as a liability and is subsequently adjusted to the current value of the option written. Premiums received from writing options that expire unexercised are treated by the Fund on the expiration date as realized gain from written options. The difference between the premium and the amount paid on effecting a closing purchase transaction, including brokerage commissions, is also treated as a realized gain, or if the premium is less than the amount paid for the closing purchase transaction, as a realized loss. If a call option is exercised, the premium is added to the proceeds from the sale of the underlying security in determining whether the Fund has realized a gain or loss. If a put option is exercised, the premium reduces the cost basis of the securities purchased by the Fund. The Fund, as the writer of an option, bears the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the security underlying the written option.

 

The average option contract notional amount during the six months ended March 31, 2026, is noted below. These are equity options which have an element of equity security risk.

 

Derivative Type   Unit of Measurement   Monthly Average  
Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund            
Purchased Option Contracts   Notional value of contracts outstanding   $ 1,085,146,156  
Written Option Contracts   Notional value of contracts outstanding   $ 1,085,146,156  

 

Derivative Instruments: The following tables disclose the amounts related to the Fund's use of derivative instruments.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 15

 

 

Beacon Planned Notes to Financial Statements
Return Strategy Fund and Financial Highlights

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

The effect of derivative instruments on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of March 31, 2026:

 

Risk Exposure  

Statements of Assets

and Liabilities Location

 

Fair Value of

Asset Derivatives

   

Statements of

Assets

and Liabilities

Location

 

Fair Value of

Liability

Derivatives

 
Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund                        
Equity Contracts (Purchased Options/ Written Options)   Investments, at value   $ 334,002,451     Written Options, at value   $ 32,159,034  
        $ 334,002,451         $ 32,159,034  

 

The effect of derivative instruments on the Statement of Operations for the six months ended March 31, 2026:

 

Risk Exposure   Statements of Operations Location  

Realized Gain (Loss)

on Derivatives

Recognized in

Income

   

Change in Unrealized

Gain (Loss) on

Derivatives

Recognized in

Income

 
Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund                    
Equity Contracts (Purchased Options)   Net realized gain/(loss) on investments/Net change in unrealized appreciation/ (depreciation) on investments   $ 38,542,449     $ (58,715,058 )
Equity Contracts (Written Options)   Net realized gain/(loss) on written option contracts/Net change in unrealized appreciation/ (depreciation) on written option contracts     (20,339,571 )     45,176,595  
Total       $ 18,202,878     $ (13,538,463 )

 

4. TAX BASIS INFORMATION

 

 

Tax Basis of Distributions to Shareholders: The character of distributions made during the period from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from its ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. Also, due to the timing of dividend distributions, the fiscal year in which amounts are distributed may differ from the fiscal year in which the income or realized gain were recorded by the Funds. The amounts and characteristics of tax basis distributions and composition of distributable earnings/(accumulated losses) are finalized at fiscal year-end.

 

 

16 www.beacontrust.com

 

 

Beacon Planned Notes to Financial Statements
Return Strategy Fund and Financial Highlights

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

The tax character of distributions paid by the Funds during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025 was as follows:

 

    Ordinary Income     Long-Term Capital Gains  
Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund   $ 14,918,316     $ 34,425,875  

 

Unrealized Appreciation and Depreciation on Investments and Derivative Instruments: As of March 31, 2026, the aggregate costs of investments, gross unrealized appreciation/ (depreciation) and net unrealized appreciation of instruments and derivative instruments for federal tax purposes were as follows:

 

    Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund  
Gross unrealized appreciation (excess of value over tax cost)(a)   $ 24,678,061  
Gross unrealized depreciation (excess of tax cost over value)(a)     (18,469,736 )
Net unrealized appreciation   $ 6,208,325  
Cost of investments for income tax purposes   $ 338,198,536  

 

(a) Includes appreciation/(depreciation) on written options

 

5.  SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS

 

 

Purchases and sales of securities, excluding short-term securities, during the six months ended March 31, 2026, were as follows:

 

      Purchases of Securities       Proceeds from Sales of Securities  
Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund   $     $  

 

6.  BENEFICIAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

 

The capitalization of the Trust consists of an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest with no par value per share. Holders of the shares of the Fund have one vote for each share held and a proportionate fraction of a vote for each fractional share. All shares issued and outstanding are fully paid and are transferable and redeemable at the option of the shareholder. Shares have no pre-emptive rights. Neither the Fund nor any creditor have the right to require shareholders to pay any additional amounts solely because the shareholder owns the shares.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 17

 

 

Beacon Planned Notes to Financial Statements
Return Strategy Fund and Financial Highlights

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

Shares redeemed within 60 days of purchase may incur a 2.00% short-term redemption fee deducted from the redemption amount. For the six months ended March 31, 2026, the redemption fees charged by the Fund, if any, is presented in the Statements of Changes in Net Assets.

 

Transactions in common shares were as follows:

 

   

For the Six

Months Ended

March 31, 2026

(Unaudited)

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2025

 
Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund                
Institutional                
Shares sold     2,738,269       3,896,240  
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders     3,252,354       4,347,693  
Shares redeemed     (4,292,561 )     (12,093,879 )
Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding     1,698,062       (3,849,946 )

 

Control is defined by the 1940 Act as the beneficial ownership, either directly or through one or more controlled companies, of more than 25% of the voting securities of a company. Approximately 86% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are owned by one omnibus account. Share transaction activities of these shareholders could have a material impact on the Fund.

 

7.  MANAGEMENT AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

 

Investment Advisory: Beacon Investment Advisory Services, Inc. (the “Adviser”), subject to the authority of the Board, is responsible for the management of the Fund's portfolio. The Adviser manages the investments of the Fund in accordance with the Fund's investment objectives, policies and limitations and investment guidelines established jointly by the Adviser and the Board.

 

Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) with the Adviser, the Fund pays the Adviser an annual management fee that is based on average daily net assets. The management fee is paid on a monthly basis. The contractual management fee rate is 1.00% based on average daily net assets. The current term of the Advisory Agreement is one year. The Board may extend the Advisory Agreement for additional one-year terms. The Board and shareholders of the Fund may terminate the Advisory Agreement upon 30 days’ written notice. The Adviser may terminate the Advisory Agreement upon 60 days’ notice.

 

Pursuant to a fee waiver letter agreement (the “Fee Waiver Agreement”), the Adviser has contractually agreed to limit the amount of the Fund’s Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding Rule 12b-1 fees, Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, brokerage expenses, interest expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses) to an annual rate of 1.40% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. The Fee Waiver Agreement shall continue at least through January 31, 2027, and will automatically continue upon annual approval of the Board for successive twelve-month periods unless (i) it is terminated earlier by the Board, or (ii) the Adviser provides at least 30 days written notice of its non-continuance prior to the end of the then effective term. Except due to the Adviser’s notice of non-renewal, the Fee Waiver Agreement may only be amended or terminated with the approval of the Board. The Adviser will be permitted to recover, on a class-by-class basis, expenses it has borne through the Fee Waiver Agreement (whether through a reduction of its management fee or otherwise) only to the extent that the Fund expenses in later periods do not exceed the lesser of: (1) the contractual expense limit in effect at the time the Adviser waives or limits the expenses; or (2) the contractual expense limit in effect at the time the Adviser seeks to recover the expenses; provided, however, that the Fund will not be obligated to pay any such deferred fees or expenses more than three years after the date on which the fee or expense was reduced, as calculated on a monthly basis. There were no fees waived or reimbursed for the six months ended March 31, 2026.

 

 

18 www.beacontrust.com

 

 

Beacon Planned Notes to Financial Statements
Return Strategy Fund and Financial Highlights

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

Administrator: ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (“ALPS”) (an affiliate of ALPS Distributors, Inc.) serves as administrator to the Fund. The Fund has agreed to pay expenses incurred in connection with its administrative activities. Pursuant to the Administration, Bookkeeping and Pricing Services Agreement with the Trust, ALPS will provide operational services to the Fund including, but not limited to, fund accounting and fund administration and generally assist in the Fund’s operations. The Fund’s administration fee is accrued on a daily basis and paid monthly. The officers of the Trust are employees of ALPS. Administration fees paid by the Fund for the six months ended March 31, 2026, are disclosed in the Statement of Operations. ALPS is reimbursed by the Fund for certain out-of-pocket expenses.

 

Transfer Agent: ALPS serves as transfer agent for the Fund under a Transfer Agency and Services Agreement with the Trust. Under this agreement, ALPS is paid an annual fee for services performed on behalf of the Fund plus fees for open accounts and is reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses.

 

Compliance Services: ALPS provides Chief Compliance Officer services to the Fund to monitor and test the policies and procedures of the Fund in conjunction with requirements under Rule 38a-1 of the 1940 Act pursuant to a Chief Compliance Officer Services Agreement with the Trust. Under this agreement, ALPS is paid an annual fee for services performed on behalf of the Fund and is reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses.

 

Distribution: ALPS Distributors, Inc. (the “Distributor”) (an affiliate of ALPS) acts as the principal underwriter of the Fund shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with the Trust. Shares of the Fund are offered on a continuous basis through the Distributor, as agent of the Fund. The Distributor is not obligated to sell any particular amount of shares and is not entitled to any compensation for its services as the Fund’s principal underwriter pursuant to the Distribution Agreement.

 

The Fund has adopted a shareholder services plan (“Shareholder Services Plan”) for its Institutional Class. Under the Shareholder Services Plan the Fund is authorized to pay banks and their affiliates and other institutions, including broker-dealers and Fund affiliates (“Participating Organizations”), an aggregate fee in an amount not to exceed on an annual basis 0.15% of the average daily net assets of Institutional Class shares, to Participating Organizations as compensation for providing shareholder service activities, which do not include distribution services, pursuant to an agreement with a Participating Organization. Shareholder Services Plan fees paid by the Fund are disclosed in the Statement of Operations.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 19

 

 

Beacon Planned Notes to Financial Statements
Return Strategy Fund and Financial Highlights

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

8.  TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

 

 

As of March 31, 2026, there were three Trustees, each of whom are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”).

 

Effective January 1, 2026, the Independent Trustees of the Trust and, if any, Interested Trustees who are not currently employed by the Adviser, ALPS or other service providers will receive a quarterly retainer of $18,750, plus $5,938 for each regular Board or Committee meeting attended and $2,000 for each special telephonic or in-person Board or Committee meeting attended. Additionally, the Audit Committee Chair receives a quarterly retainer of $1,875, the Independent Chair receives a quarterly retainer of $4,250 and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Chair receives a quarterly retainer of $500.

 

Prior to January 1, 2026, the Trustees of the Trust received a quarterly retainer of $16,250, plus $5,000 for each regular Board or Committee meeting attended and $2,000 for each special telephonic or in-person Board or Committee meeting attended. Additionally, the Audit Committee Chair received a quarterly retainer of $1,875 and the Independent Chair received a quarterly retainer of $4,250.

 

These fees are allocated proportionately among the multiple portfolios/series of the Trust. The Independent Trustees and, if any, Interested Trustees who are not currently employed by the Adviser, ALPS or other service providers are also reimbursed for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at meetings.

 

Officers of the Trust receive no salary or fees from the Trust. As discussed in Note 8, the Fund pays ALPS an annual fee for compliance services.

 

9.  INDEMNIFICATIONS

 

 

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and Trustees are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Trust enters into contracts with service providers that may contain general indemnification clauses which may permit indemnification to the extent permissible under applicable law. 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.

 

10.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

 

Subsequent events after the date of the Statement of Assets and Liabilities have been evaluated through the date the financial statements were issued. Management has determined that there were no subsequent events to report through the issuance of these financial statements.

 

 

20 www.beacontrust.com

 

 

Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund Tax Designation

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

Pursuant to Section 852(b)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code the following Fund designated the amounts listed below as long-term capital gain dividends:

 

Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund   $ 23,954,429  

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 21

 

 

Beacon Planned

Return Strategy Fund

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

There were no changes in or disagreements with accountants during the period covered by this report.

 

 

22 www.beacontrust.com

 

 

Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund Proxy Disclosures

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

Not applicable to the period covered by this report.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 23

 

 

Beacon Planned

Return Strategy Fund

Remuneration Paid to Directors, Officers, and Others

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

The following chart provides certain information about the Trustee fees paid by the Trust for the period ended March 31, 2026:

 

Trustee   Amount Paid  
Ward Armstrong   $ 5,246  
J.W. Hutchens     2,068  
Merrillyn Kosier     4,474  
Patrick Seese     4,788  
Total   $ 16,576  

 

 

24 www.beacontrust.com

 

 

Beacon Planned Statement Regarding Basis for Approval
Return Strategy Fund of Investment Advisory Agreement

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

Not applicable to the period covered by this report.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 25

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

Schedule of Investments 1
Statement of Assets and Liabilities 12
Statement of Operations 13
Statements of Changes in Net Assets 14
Financial Highlights 15
Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights 17
Additional Information 27
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants for Open-End Management Investment Companies 28
Proxy Disclosures 29
Remuneration Paid to Trustees, Officers, and Others of Open-End Management Investment Companies 30
Statement Regarding Basis for Approval of Investment Advisory Contract 31

 

   

 

Brigade High Income Fund Schedule of Investments

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

    Shares    

Value

(Note 2)

 
COMMON STOCKS (1.64%)            
Communications (0.08%)                
Xplore Inc/Stonepeak Falcon(a)(b)(c)     71,771     $ 878,113  
                 
Consumer, Cyclical (0.07%)                
Century Casinos, Inc.(b)(c)     37,990       52,806  
Libbey Glass Inc.(a)(b)(c)     166,360       637,159  
Mountaineer Merger Corp(a)(b)(c)     2,915,453       29,155  
Total Consumer, Cyclical             719,120  
                 
Consumer, Non-cyclical (1.18%)                
Envision Healthcare Corp.(b)(c)     481,845       8,143,181  
LifeScan Global Common(b)(c)(d)     98,317       2,875,772  
ModivCare, Inc.(b)(c)     250,845       1,379,647  
Total Consumer, Non-cyclical             12,398,600  
                 
Technology (0.31%)                
Applogic(b)(c)     212,291       424,582  
Avaya Holdings Corp.(a)(b)(c)(d)     48,689       860,334  
Matrix Parent, Inc.(b)(c)     194,282       1,918,535  
Total Technology             3,203,451  
                 
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS                
(Cost $15,759,179)             17,199,284  
                 
PREFERRED STOCKS (0.11%)                
Consumer, Cyclical (0.11%)                
Mountaineer Merger Corp PREF A(a)(b)(c)     3,239,505       1,117,460  
                 
TOTAL PREFERRED STOCKS                
(Cost $1,844,475)             1,117,460  

 

    Rate   Maturity Date   Principal Amount     Value
(Note 2)
 
BANK LOANS (37.12%)                        
Basic Materials (3.44%)                        
Arsenal AIC Parent LLC(e)   1M SOFR + 2.75%   8/19/2030   $ 2,850,974     $ 2,854,538  
Domtar Corp.(e)   1M SOFR + 5.50%, 0.75% Floor   11/30/2028     464,388       299,530  
Jupiter Borrower INC TLB 1L(e)   1M SOFR + 2.75%   3/25/2033     4,225,000       4,214,438  
Mens Wearhouse LLC TLB 1L(e)   3M SOFR + 5.75%   1/22/2031     4,759,072       4,751,647  
Nexstar Broadcasting INC / Misson Broadcasting(e)   1M SOFR + 2.75%   3/18/2033     1,385,000       1,368,269  
Olympus Water US Holding Corp.(e)   3M SOFR + 3.25%   11/3/2032     2,468,813       2,373,541  
Spectrum Group Buyer, Inc.(e)   3M SOFR + 6.50%, 0.75% Floor   5/19/2028     3,652,293       3,412,301  
Tega MC Australia Hldgs Pty Ltd TLB 1L(e)   1M SOFR + 3.50%   3/25/2033     2,545,000       2,525,912  
TPC Group(e)   6M SOFR + 6.00%   11/22/2031     4,692,647       4,286,733  
Treehouse Foods INC TERM (01/26) 1LIEN USD(e)   1M SOFR + 4.25%   2/3/2033     3,225,000       3,206,198  
Tuple US Bidco LLC TLB 1L(e)   6M SOFR + 3.75%   1/14/2033     3,500,000       3,386,250  
Upstream Rehabilitation PIK(e)(f)   3M SOFR + 5.75 (1.50 PIK)%   11/20/2029     3,556,457       3,274,394  
Total Basic Materials                   $ 35,953,751  
                         
Communications (3.61%)                        
Alpha Media First Out(a)(c)(e)   3M SOFR + 5.50%   8/31/2029     4,474,839       4,474,839  
Cable & Wireless(e)   3M SOFR + 3.25%   1/30/2032     1,500,000       1,471,695  
CMI Marketing, Inc.(e)   1M SOFR + 4.25%, 0.50% Floor   3/23/2028     2,984,852       2,872,920  
Cox Media Group TL(e)   3M SOFR + 3.50%   6/18/2029     5,756,376       5,376,455  
Delivery Hero Finco LLC(e)   3M SOFR + 5.00%, 0.50% Floor   6/16/2032     945,000       912,520  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 1

   

 

Brigade High Income Fund Schedule of Investments

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

    Rate   Maturity Date   Principal Amount    

Value

(Note 2)

 
Communications (3.61%) (continued)                        
Digicel TL B(e)   3M SOFR + 5.25%   7/30/2032   $ 2,992,500     $ 2,985,647  
Gen Digital, Inc.(e)   1M SOFR + 1.75%   4/16/2032     2,559,207       2,516,033  
Plusgrade, Inc.(e)   3M SOFR + 3.50%   3/3/2031     2,138,571       2,053,029  
Proofpoint, Inc.(e)   3M SOFR + 3.00%, 0.50% Floor   8/31/2028     2,814,916       2,721,095  
StubHub Holdco Sub LLC(e)   1M SOFR + 4.75%   3/12/2030     4,431,491       4,351,192  
Syniverse Holdings LLC(d)(e)   3M SOFR + 7.00%, 0.50% Floor   5/13/2027     4,800,605       4,428,558  
Xplore TL(e)   1M SOFR + 5.00%   10/24/2029     392,598       354,811  
Xplore TL(e)   1M SOFR + 1.50%, 4.50% Floor   10/24/2031     1,273,096       803,642  
Zayo Group Holdings, Inc.(e)   1M SOFR + 3.50%   3/9/2027     2,412,310       2,364,883  
Total Communications                     37,687,319  
                         
Consumer, Cyclical (7.40%)                        
AI Aqua Merger Sub, Inc.(e)   1M SOFR + 2.75%, 0.50% Floor   7/31/2028     2,822,191       2,813,808  
Alterra Mountain Co.(e)   1M SOFR + 2.50%   8/17/2028     1,653,521       1,650,429  
Alterra Mountain TL B(e)   1M SOFR + 2.50%   5/31/2030     661,675       660,848  
AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc.(e)   1M SOFR + 7.00%, 2.00% Floor   1/4/2029     2,816,657       2,772,294  
Caesars Entertainment, Inc.(e)   1M SOFR + 2.25%, 0.50% Floor   2/6/2031     3,250,001       3,148,438  
Century Casinos, Inc.(e)   1M SOFR + 6.00%, 0.75% Floor   4/2/2029     5,631,745       3,829,587  
Crown Finance US Inc(e)   6M SOFR + 4.50%   12/2/2031     2,968,859       2,934,984  
Delivery Hero(e)   3M SOFR + 5.00%   12/12/2029     1,960,617       1,921,404  
DS Parents, INC.(e)   3M SOFR + 5.50%   12/13/2030     2,854,163       2,504,528  
ECL Entertainment LLC(e)   1M SOFR + 3.00%   8/1/2032     3,008,983       2,986,416  
Gategroup Holding AG(e)   3M SOFR + 3.50%   6/17/2032     2,274,864       2,271,064  
Harrah's Oklahoma TL(e)   1M SOFR + 9.00%, 2.00% Floor   10/10/2030     2,403,094       2,379,063  
J&J Ventures Gaming LLC(e)   1M SOFR + 3.50%, 0.75% Floor   4/26/2030     1,680,644       1,657,535  
Jack Entertainment(e)   1M SOFR + 4.00%   1/27/2032     2,578,950       2,540,266  
Libbey Glass LLC(e)   3M SOFR + 6.50%, 0.75% Floor   11/22/2027     1,761,576       1,666,451  
Mad Engine Global LLC(e)   3M SOFR + 7.00%, 1.00% Floor   7/15/2027     2,191,834       1,898,128  
Mountaineer Merger Corporation Term Loan (12/25)(a)(e)   1M SOFR + 3.65%   6/16/2030     2,040,508       2,040,508  
PetSmart LLC(e)   1M SOFR + 4.00%   8/18/2032     2,630,033       2,609,651  
PrimeSource TL B(e)   3M SOFR + 4.50%, 0.75% Floor   3/17/2031     3,780,000       3,686,936  
Raising Canes Restuarants LLC TLB 1L(e)   1M SOFR + 2.00%   10/25/2032     2,768,063       2,749,046  
Restoration Hardware Inc.(e)   1M SOFR + 2.50%, 0.50% Floor   10/20/2028     2,976,189       2,892,231  
RVR Dealership Holdings LLC(e)   1M SOFR + 4.50%   2/28/2033     7,040,000       6,776,000  
S&S Holdings LLC(e)   1M SOFR + 5.00%, 0.50% Floor   3/11/2028     1,730,530       1,633,187  
Sabre GLBL, Inc.(e)   1M SOFR + 6.00%, 0.50% Floor   11/15/2029     867,412       678,212  
Sabre GLBL, Inc.(e)   1M SOFR + 6.25%, 0.50% Floor   7/30/2029     817,246       637,663  
Sizzling Platter DD(e)(g)   1M SOFR + 5.00%   6/25/2032     467,161       403,013  
Sizzling Platter LLC TERM(e)   1M SOFR + 5.00%   6/25/2032     3,345,297       3,004,512  
Travelport Finance Luxembourg Sarl(e)   3M SOFR + 7.00%, 1.00% Floor   9/29/2028     5,493,413       4,088,472  
US LBM TL(e)   1M SOFR + 3.75%   6/6/2031     481,369       383,834  
Veritiv TL(e)   3M SOFR + 4.50%   12/2/2030     2,706,411       2,625,219  
Vista Management Holding, Inc.(e)   3M SOFR + 3.75%   4/1/2031     5,628,068       5,561,263  
Total Consumer, Cyclical                     77,404,990  
                         
Consumer, Non-cyclical (10.16%)                        
Alphia(e)   1M SOFR + 5.00%   5/2/2028     2,954,803       2,416,290  
Aveanna Healthcare TL B(e)   1M SOFR + 3.75%   9/10/2032     2,631,775       2,626,854  
Bausch Health(e)   1M SOFR + 6.25%   10/8/2030     3,952,035       3,808,220  
Carestream Health INC TL 1L(e)   1M SOFR + 4.50%   3/31/2031     6,482,678       5,553,515  
Celsius Holdings, Inc.(e)   3M SOFR + 2.50%   4/1/2032     2,430,564       2,432,849  
Colosseum Dental Finance B.V.(e)   3M EUR L + 3.50%   3/18/2032     1,960,565       2,262,890  
Elanco Animal Health, Inc.(e)   1M SOFR + 1.75%   10/29/2032     4,106,648       4,105,622  
Global Medical Response TL B(e)   3M SOFR + 3.50%   10/2/2028     7,707,479       7,674,414  
Jazz Pharmaceuticals(e)   1M SOFR + 2.25%, 0.50% Floor   5/2/2028     2,278,850       2,285,254  
LGC Group(e)   1M SOFR + 4.00%   1/31/2030     2,271,752       2,265,595  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.

 

2 www.brigadefunds.com

   

 

Brigade High Income Fund Schedule of Investments

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

    Rate   Maturity Date   Principal Amount    

Value

(Note 2)

 
Consumer, Non-cyclical (10.16%) (continued)                        
LifeScan Global TL B(d)(e)   3M SOFR + 5.50%   12/8/2030   $ 4,213,352     $ 4,199,321  
Medline Borrower LP(e)   1M SOFR + 1.75%, 0.50% Floor   10/23/2030     1,143,222       1,144,468  
Modivcare Buyer TL(e)   3M SOFR + 4.25%   12/19/2030     1,050,708       1,040,201  
Modivcare Buyer TL EXIT(e)   3M SOFR + 5.00%   12/19/2030     1,573,262       1,449,368  
Naked Juice TL(e)   3M SOFR + 3.25%   1/24/2029     8,082,805       4,263,680  
Naked Juice TL(e)   3M SOFR + 5.50%   1/24/2029     1,503,885       1,492,605  
NAPA Management Services Corp.(e)   3M SOFR + 5.25%, 0.75% Floor   2/23/2029     6,923,958       4,336,128  
Nutrisystem TL(c)(e)   1M SOFR + 6.25%   10/19/2030     7,210,801       6,363,532  
Nutrisystem TL(c)(e)   1M SOFR + 5.00%   4/19/2030     4,064,527       3,993,398  
Opal US LLC(e)   3M SOFR + 3.00%   4/23/2032     3,970,050       3,965,921  
Performance Health Holdings, Inc.(e)   3M SOFR + 3.75%   3/19/2032     3,482,456       3,395,395  
Peterson Farms TL B(e)   1M SOFR + 4.00%   11/15/2032     2,493,750       2,498,438  
Pluto Acquisition I, Inc.(e)   3M SOFR + 4.00%   9/20/2028     9,696,008       8,435,527  
Radiology Partners, Inc.(e)   3M SOFR + 4.50%   6/30/2032     4,511,177       4,436,247  
RXB HLDGS INC TL 1L(e)   1M SOFR + 5.00%   12/19/2030     2,735,000       2,721,325  
Team Health Holdings, Inc.(e)   3M SOFR + 4.00%   6/30/2028     6,019,750       5,989,651  
Two Kings Casino TL B(e)   3M SOFR + 4.75%   12/12/2031     2,425,000       2,456,840  
US Fertility Enterprises LLC(e)(g)   3M SOFR + 3.50%   12/30/2032     736,842       (2,763 )
US Fertility Enterprises TL B(e)   3M SOFR + 3.50%   12/30/2032     4,863,158       4,844,921  
Vaco Holdings TL B(e)   3M SOFR + 5.00%   1/22/2029     5,809,379       3,759,133  
Total Consumer, Non-cyclical                     106,214,839  
                         
Energy (1.58%)                        
Crescent Midstream Oper LLC TLB 1L(e)   3M SOFR + 3.75%   2/11/2033     2,200,000       2,204,576  
Goodnight(e)   1M SOFR + 4.00%   5/23/2029     2,897,029       2,893,407  
Hilcorp Energy I TL B(e)   1M SOFR + 2.25%   2/5/2030     3,166,075       3,162,117  
Long Ridge Energy TL B(d)(e)   3M SOFR + 4.50%   2/6/2032     2,578,950       2,546,713  
New Fortress Energy, Inc.(e)   3M SOFR + 5.50%, 0.75% Floor   10/30/2028     2,875,658       1,599,815  
Spencer Spirit(e)   1M SOFR + 4.00%   6/25/2031     4,132,075       4,132,075  
Total Energy                     16,538,703  
                         
Financials (3.09%)                        
Acrisure LLC(e)   1M SOFR + 3.00%   11/6/2030     5,423,942       5,246,308  
Armor Holdco, Inc.(e)   3M SOFR + 3.75%, 0.50% Floor   12/10/2031     2,800,906       2,784,577  
Asurion(e)   1M SOFR + 4.25%   9/12/2030     5,532,351       5,469,116  
HUB International, Ltd.(e)   3M SOFR + 2.50%, 0.75% Floor   6/20/2030     4,840,956       4,827,062  
Hyperion Refinance Sarl(e)   1M SOFR + 2.75%, 0.50% Floor   2/18/2031     2,815,096       2,722,649  
ION Platform TL B(e)   1M US L + 3.75%   9/30/2032     1,436,895       1,148,711  
OID-OL Intermediate I LLC(e)   3M SOFR + 6.00%   2/1/2029     220,394       218,190  
OID-OL Intermediate I LLC(e)   3M SOFR + 4.25%   2/1/2029     4,324,184       2,846,221  
Uniti Group TL B(e)   1M SOFR + 4.00%   9/24/2032     4,329,150       4,326,466  
WHP TL B(e)   3M SOFR + 4.75%   2/12/2032     2,687,747       2,685,651  
Total Financials                     32,274,951  
                         
Industrials (1.73%)                        
ACProducts Holdings, Inc.(d)(e)   3M SOFR + 4.25%, 0.50% Floor   5/17/2028     3,514,543       2,796,276  
Clue Opco LLC(e)   3M SOFR + 4.50%, 0.75% Floor   12/19/2030     3,493,520       3,388,714  
Columbus McKinnon Corp.(e)   1M SOFR + 3.50%, 0.50% Floor   2/3/2033     3,399,726       3,382,728  
Flynn Canada Ltd., TL(e)   1M SOFR + 4.50%   7/31/2028     3,292,763       3,210,444  
Quikrete Holdings, Inc.(e)   1M SOFR + 2.25%   4/14/2031     2,316,643       2,311,639  
Socotec US Holding INC TERM (01/26) 1LIEN USD(e)(h)   3M SOFR + 2.75%, 0.75% Floor   6/2/2031     2,970,000       2,964,446  
Total Industrials                     18,054,247  
                         
Technology (5.75%)                        
Applogic PIK EXIT(e)(f)(h)   6M SOFR + 6.00 (5.00 PIK)%   3/3/2030     4,452,919       3,740,452  
Avaya Inc.(c)(d)(e)   1M SOFR + 7.50%   8/1/2028     8,599,295       7,624,737  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 3

   

 

Brigade High Income Fund Schedule of Investments

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

    Rate   Maturity Date   Principal Amount    

Value

(Note 2)

 
Technology (5.75%) (continued)                        
BCP V Everise Acquisition LLC(d)(e)   3M SOFR + 6.00%   11/7/2033   $ 5,862,318     $ 4,074,311  
Bingo Holdings I LLC(e)   3M SOFR + 4.75%   6/30/2032     3,134,250       3,050,033  
Boxer Parent Co., Inc.(e)   3M SOFR + 3.00%   7/30/2031     2,835,767       2,622,205  
Cision Second Out B-1(e)   1M SOFR + 4.25%   5/31/2030     8,982,499       3,955,257  
Cloud Software Group, Inc.(e)   3M SOFR + 3.25%   3/24/2031     451,334       412,068  
Cotiviti, Inc.(e)   1M SOFR + 2.75%   5/1/2031     4,731,819       4,350,339  
Magenta Security Holdings, LLC First Out(e)   3M SOFR + 6.75%   7/27/2028     3,963,501       2,793,158  
Magenta Security Holdings, LLC Second Out(e)   3M SOFR + 7.00%   7/27/2028     6,361,956       2,599,304  
Mavenir Jr Debt(a)(c)(e)(f)   (12.00 PIK)%   7/29/2030     2,547,522       2,547,522  
McAfee Corp.(e)   1M SOFR + 3.00%, 0.50% Floor   3/1/2029     4,113,233       3,660,777  
Mitnick Corporate Purchaser, Inc.(e)(f)   3M SOFR + 4.75%, 0.50% Floor   5/3/2029     4,309,546       1,945,760  
Mobileum PIK EXIT(e)(f)   3M SOFR + 6.00 (5.00 PIK)%   9/12/2029     4,539,572       4,085,615  
OAK-Eagle Acquireco, Inc. TL B(e)   1M SOFR + 3.50%   3/24/2033     2,100,000       2,086,875  
Pitney Bowes TL B(e)   1M SOFR + 3.50%   1/23/2032     2,474,538       2,453,925  
Project Alpha Intermediate Holding, Inc.(e)   3M SOFR + 3.25%, 0.50% Floor   10/28/2030     1,961,929       1,478,137  
Project Leopard Holdings, Inc.(e)   3M SOFR + 5.25%, 0.50% Floor   7/20/2029     2,002,423       1,229,488  
SS&C Technologies(e)   1M SOFR + 2.00%   5/9/2031     2,603,731       2,593,472  
UKG, Inc.(e)   3M SOFR + 2.50%   2/10/2031     2,992,481       2,855,216  
Total Technology                     60,158,651  
                         
Utilities (0.36%)                        
Lackawanna Energy Center LLC TL1L(e)   1M SOFR + 2.75%   7/26/2032     3,779,270       3,777,683  
                         
TOTAL BANK LOANS
(Cost 402,860,197)
                    388,065,134  
                         
CONVERTIBLE BONDS (0.63%)                        
Consumer, Cyclical (0.00%)                        
Liberty Interactive LLC(d)   4.00%   11/15/2029     270,000       10,125  
Liberty Interactive LLC(d)   3.75%   2/15/2030     840,000       31,500  
Total Consumer, Cyclical                     41,625  
                         
Consumer, Non-cyclical (0.34%)                        
Lantheus Holdings, Inc.   2.62%   12/15/2027     2,975,000       3,554,808  
                         
Technology (0.29%)                        
Mavenir Converts(a)(c)(f)   20.00 (20.00 PIK)%   12/31/2025     1,301,356       3,024,352  
                         
TOTAL CONVERTIBLE BONDS                        
(Cost 5,568,522)                     6,620,785  
                         
CORPORATE BONDS (56.83%)                        
Basic Materials (5.57%)                        
ASP Unifrax Holdings, Inc.(f)(i)   7.10 (1.25 PIK)%   9/30/2029     2,104,123       135,703  
Axalta Coating Systems Dutch Holding B BV(i)   7.25%   2/15/2031     1,245,000       1,300,516  
Axalta Coating Systems LLC(i)   3.38%   2/15/2029     4,855,000       4,581,299  
Baffinland Iron Mines Corp. / Baffinland Iron Mines LP(d)(i)   8.75%   7/15/2026     7,156,000       6,337,338  
Celanese US Holdings LLC   6.75%   4/15/2033     2,670,000       2,737,481  
Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc.(i)   7.00%   3/15/2032     1,740,000       1,682,522  
Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc.(i)   7.63%   1/15/2034     2,060,000       2,011,669  
Domtar Corp.(i)   6.75%   10/1/2028     4,265,000       2,773,672  
First Quantum Minerals, Ltd.(i)   8.63%   6/1/2031     3,615,000       3,741,259  
Fortescue Treasury Pty, Ltd.(i)   6.13%   4/15/2032     3,055,000       3,120,432  
INEOS Finance PLC(i)   7.50%   4/15/2029     3,155,000       3,049,339  
Innophos Holdings, Inc.(i)   11.50%   6/15/2029     7,873,750       6,546,162  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.

 

4 www.brigadefunds.com

   

 

Brigade High Income Fund Schedule of Investments

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

    Rate   Maturity Date   Principal Amount    

Value

(Note 2)

 
Basic Materials (5.57%) (continued)                        
Methanex US Operations, Inc.(i)   6.25%   3/15/2032   $ 4,040,000     $ 4,126,597  
Mineral Resources, Ltd.(i)   8.50%   5/1/2030     3,400,000       3,497,965  
Olympus Water US Holding Corp.(i)   7.25%   6/15/2031     1,405,000       1,371,721  
Rain Carbon, Inc.(i)   12.25%   9/1/2029     6,820,000       7,016,075  
Tronox, Inc.(i)   4.63%   3/15/2029     5,260,000       4,219,296  
Total Basic Materials                     58,249,046  
                         
Communications (9.83%)                        
Altice Financing SA(i)   5.75%   8/15/2029     2,040,000       1,420,148  
Beasley Mezzanine Holdings LLC(c)(d)(h)(i)   9.20%   8/1/2028     3,236,000       1,199,585  
C&W Senior Finance, Ltd.(i)   9.00%   1/15/2033     2,005,000       2,020,028  
Cable One, Inc.(i)   4.00%   11/15/2030     5,980,000       4,175,983  
CCO Holdings LLC / CCO Holdings Capital Corp.(i)   4.25%   2/1/2031     6,195,000       5,637,019  
CCO Holdings LLC / CCO Holdings Capital Corp.(i)   4.25%   1/15/2034     10,035,000       8,581,501  
Charter Communications Operating LLC / Charter                        
Communications Operating Capital   6.55%   6/1/2034     1,560,000       1,618,392  
Ciena Corp.(i)   4.00%   1/31/2030     3,050,000       2,897,382  
Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc.(i)   7.50%   3/15/2033     1,745,000       1,845,911  
CMG Media Corp.(i)   8.88%   6/18/2029     4,470,000       3,876,742  
CSC Holdings LLC(i)   6.50%   2/1/2029     2,990,000       1,901,481  
Digicel International Finance, Ltd. / Difl US LLC(i)   8.63%   8/1/2032     1,595,000       1,619,047  
Directv Financing LLC(i)   8.88%   2/1/2030     3,715,000       3,701,422  
Dish DBS Corp.(i)   5.25%   12/1/2026     2,425,000       2,401,833  
Dish DBS Corp.   7.75%   7/1/2026     450,000       448,788  
Dish DBS Corp., Series WI   5.13%   6/1/2029     565,000       504,811  
Gray Media, Inc.(i)   5.38%   11/15/2031     3,135,000       2,316,941  
Gray Media, Inc.(i)   4.75%   10/15/2030     2,250,000       1,735,767  
Gray Media, Inc.(i)   9.63%   7/15/2032     5,380,000       5,385,353  
GrubHub Holdings, Inc.(c)(f)(i)   13.00 (7.00 PIK)%   7/31/2030     10,703,325       8,451,613  
Iliad Holding SAS(i)   8.50%   4/15/2031     3,500,000       3,655,475  
ION Platform Finance US, Inc. / ION Platform Finance SARL(i)   5.00%   5/1/2028     1,050,000       979,675  
Level 3 Financing, Inc.(i)   3.63%   1/15/2029     800,000       751,699  
Level 3 Financing, Inc.(i)   3.75%   7/15/2029     735,000       686,214  
Level 3 Financing, Inc.(i)   8.50%   1/15/2036     3,745,000       3,897,725  
Lumen Technologies, Inc., Series P   7.60%   9/15/2039     1,075,000       996,288  
Lumen Technologies, Inc., Series U   7.65%   3/15/2042     1,591,000       1,470,434  
McGraw-Hill Education, Inc.(i)   5.75%   8/1/2028     2,800,000       2,764,993  
McGraw-Hill Education, Inc.(i)   7.38%   9/1/2031     800,000       814,322  
Newfold Digital Holdings Group, Inc.(i)   11.75%   4/30/2029     1,226,000       978,274  
Nexstar Media, Inc.(i)   7.25%   4/15/2034     335,000       335,976  
Nexstar Media, Inc.(i)   6.50%   9/15/2033     1,185,000       1,182,037  
Sirius XM Radio LLC(i)   3.88%   9/1/2031     4,217,000       3,829,455  
Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc.(d)(i)   9.75%   3/1/2026     4,390,000       2,831,550  
Uniti Group LP / Uniti Group Finance 2019, Inc. / CSL Capital LLC(i)   6.50%   2/15/2029     880,000       854,040  
Univision Communications, Inc.(i)   4.50%   5/1/2029     2,765,000       2,590,595  
Urban One, Inc.(c)(i)   7.63%   4/1/2031     4,419,000       1,694,686  
Urban One, Inc.(c)(i)   10.50%   4/1/2030     2,201,000       2,206,503  
Vmed O2 UK Financing I PLC(i)   4.25%   1/31/2031     2,565,000       2,198,139  
Zayo Group Holdings, Inc.(d)(f)(i)   9.00 (1.875 PIK)%   9/9/2030     3,695,686       3,454,876  
ZipRecruiter, Inc.(i)   5.00%   1/15/2030     5,010,000       2,854,197  
Total Communications                     102,766,900  
                         
Consumer, Cyclical (8.69%)                        
1011778 BC ULC / New Red Finance, Inc.(i)   3.88%   1/15/2028     2,500,000       2,444,454  
1011778 BC ULC / New Red Finance, Inc.(i)   4.38%   1/15/2028     1,500,000       1,479,920  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 5

   

 

Brigade High Income Fund Schedule of Investments

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

    Rate   Maturity Date   Principal Amount    

Value

(Note 2)

 
Consumer, Cyclical (8.69%) (continued)                        
Academy, Ltd.(i)   6.00%   11/15/2027   $ 2,750,000     $ 2,746,673  
AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc.(i)   7.50%   2/15/2029     2,005,000       1,433,826  
Bath & Body Works, Inc.(i)   6.63%   10/1/2030     3,890,000       3,922,443  
Brightstar Lottery PLC(i)   5.25%   1/15/2029     1,440,000       1,428,282  
Brightstar Lottery PLC/ Brightstar Global Solutions Corp.(i)   5.75%   1/15/2033     1,310,000       1,274,608  
Caesars Entertainment, Inc.(i)   7.00%   2/15/2030     2,455,000       2,487,274  
Carnival Corp.(i)   6.13%   2/15/2033     3,000,000       3,030,722  
Discovery Global Holdings, Inc.   4.05%   3/15/2029     2,270,000       2,197,334  
Discovery Global Holdings, Inc.   4.28%   3/15/2032     925,000       817,306  
Discovery Global Holdings, Inc.   5.05%   3/15/2042     1,960,000       1,310,416  
Empire Resorts, Inc.(i)   7.75%   11/1/2026     2,665,000       2,608,614  
Genting New York LLC / GENNY Capital, Inc.(i)   7.25%   10/1/2029     3,395,000       3,386,512  
Hilton Domestic Operating Co., Inc.(i)   4.00%   5/1/2031     5,130,000       4,813,951  
Jacobs Entertainment, Inc.(i)   6.75%   2/15/2029     3,970,000       3,712,762  
LBM Acquisition LLC(i)   9.50%   6/15/2031     1,465,000       1,276,720  
Liberty Interactive LLC(d)   8.50%   7/15/2029     4,220,000       153,766  
Liberty Interactive LLC(d)   8.25%   2/1/2030     665,000       25,217  
Melco Resorts Finance, Ltd.(i)   5.38%   12/4/2029     3,740,000       3,591,241  
Muvico LLC(f)(i)   15.00 (6.00 PIK)%   2/19/2029     1,105,000       1,048,783  
NCL Corp., Ltd.(i)   6.75%   2/1/2032     3,605,000       3,579,653  
NCL Corp., Ltd.(i)   6.25%   9/15/2033     620,000       602,176  
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.(i)   7.50%   7/17/2030     475,000       479,161  
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.(i)   7.75%   7/17/2032     475,000       480,983  
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.(i)   8.13%   7/17/2035     2,475,000       2,547,047  
Resorts World Las Vegas LLC / RWLV Capital, Inc.(i)   4.63%   4/16/2029     280,000       240,542  
Resorts World Las Vegas LLC / RWLV Capital, Inc.(i)   4.63%   4/6/2031     3,415,000       2,698,721  
Rivers Enterprise Borrower LLC / Rivers Enterprise Finance Corp.(i)   6.63%   2/1/2033     3,535,000       3,521,744  
Sabre Financial Borrower LLC(i)   11.13%   6/15/2029     3,130,000       3,204,969  
Sabre GLBL, Inc.(i)   10.75%   11/15/2029     1,098,000       940,398  
Studio City Finance, Ltd.(i)   5.00%   1/15/2029     3,530,000       3,308,489  
Under Armour, Inc.(i)   7.25%   7/15/2030     2,605,000       2,637,684  
United Airlines Holdings, Inc.   5.38%   3/1/2031     3,430,000       3,355,816  
Victoria's Secret & Co.(i)   4.63%   7/15/2029     3,045,000       2,902,325  
Viking Cruises, Ltd.(i)   5.88%   10/15/2033     3,660,000       3,621,048  
Wynn Macau, Ltd.(i)   5.13%   12/15/2029     175,000       167,827  
Wynn Macau, Ltd.(i)   6.75%   2/15/2034     2,980,000       2,919,655  
Wynn Resorts Finance LLC / Wynn Resorts Capital Corp.(i)   7.13%   2/15/2031     2,045,000       2,139,970  
Wynn Resorts Finance LLC / Wynn Resorts Capital Corp.(i)   6.25%   3/15/2033     1,360,000       1,347,068  
Yum! Brands, Inc.(d)   6.88%   11/15/2037     2,335,000       2,545,032  
Yum! Brands, Inc.(d)   3.63%   3/15/2031     1,135,000       1,048,214  
Zayo Group Holdings, Inc.(f)(i)   6.25 (0.50 PIK)%   3/9/2030     1,421,611       1,411,731  
Total Consumer, Cyclical                     90,891,077  
                         
Consumer, Non-cyclical (11.89%)                        
1261229 BC, Ltd.(i)   10.00%   4/15/2032     928,000       950,482  
Acadia Healthcare Co., Inc.(i)   7.38%   3/15/2033     2,500,000       2,560,313  
Akumin, Inc.(c)(i)   9.75%   8/31/2031     14,067,245       13,053,770  
Allied Universal Holdco LLC(i)   7.88%   2/15/2031     3,060,000       3,160,368  
Bausch Health Cos., Inc.(i)   4.88%   6/1/2028     447,000       409,244  
Bausch Health Cos., Inc.(i)   5.00%   1/30/2028     880,000       741,558  
Bellis Acquisition Co. PLC(i)   8.13%   5/14/2030     2,060,000       2,512,548  
Block, Inc.(i)   6.00%   8/15/2033     2,375,000       2,336,791  
Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.(i)   3.75%   3/15/2029     1,600,000       1,514,648  
Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.(i)   4.00%   3/15/2031     2,240,000       2,080,327  
CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc.(i)   5.25%   5/15/2030     3,925,000       3,695,685  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.

 

6 www.brigadefunds.com

   

 

Brigade High Income Fund Schedule of Investments

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

    Rate   Maturity Date   Principal Amount    

Value

(Note 2)

 
Consumer, Non-cyclical (11.89%) (continued)                        
CPI CG, Inc.(i)   10.00%   7/15/2029   $ 2,707,000     $ 2,853,739  
CVS Health Corp.(e)   5Y US TI + 7.00%   3/10/2055     4,030,000       4,147,921  
DaVita, Inc.(i)   3.75%   2/15/2031     3,320,000       3,045,708  
DaVita, Inc.(i)   6.88%   9/1/2032     630,000       644,606  
Deluxe Corp.(i)   8.13%   9/15/2029     3,170,000       3,303,933  
Embecta Corp.(i)   5.00%   2/15/2030     310,000       286,750  
Embecta Corp.(i)   6.75%   2/15/2030     4,826,000       4,534,413  
Fortrea Holdings, Inc.(i)   7.50%   7/1/2030     3,352,000       3,175,517  
GENMAB A/S/GENMAB FINANCE LLC(i)   6.25%   12/15/2032     2,400,000       2,463,226  
Global Medical Response, Inc.(i)   7.38%   10/1/2032     2,680,000       2,782,549  
Herc Holdings, Inc.(i)   7.25%   6/15/2033     3,050,000       3,135,912  
Humana, Inc.(e)   5Y US TI + 2.90%   9/15/2056     3,825,000       3,675,503  
Medline Borrower LP(i)   3.88%   4/1/2029     2,150,000       2,082,408  
Molina Healthcare, Inc.(i)   3.88%   11/15/2030     4,915,000       4,392,249  
Molina Healthcare, Inc.(i)   6.50%   2/15/2031     765,000       754,874  
New Albertsons LP   8.00%   5/1/2031     2,500,000       2,697,530  
New Albertsons LP   7.45%   8/1/2029     4,000,000       4,159,840  
Nidda Healthcare Holding GmbH(e)(i)   3M EUR L + 3.25%   10/15/2032     2,660,000       3,046,570  
Perrigo Finance Unlimited Co., Series USD   6.13%   9/30/2032     2,900,000       2,647,265  
Pilgrim's Pride Corp.   6.88%   5/15/2034     2,630,000       2,845,662  
Post Holdings, Inc.(i)   6.25%   2/15/2032     2,755,000       2,789,012  
Radiology Partners, Inc.(f)(i)   9.78 (9.78 PIK)%   2/15/2030     5,006,415       4,572,837  
Radiology Partners, Inc.(i)   8.50%   7/15/2032     4,385,000       4,426,921  
StoneMor, Inc.(i)   8.50%   5/15/2029     3,430,000       3,348,481  
Synergy Infrastructure Holdings LLC(i)   7.88%   12/1/2030     2,350,000       2,400,034  
Team Health Holdings, Inc.(f)(i)   13.50 (4.50 PIK)%   6/30/2028     3,134,138       3,245,134  
Team Health Holdings, Inc.(i)   8.38%   6/30/2028     3,805,000       3,767,965  
Tenet Healthcare Corp.   4.63%   6/15/2028     4,770,000       4,720,184  
Tenet Healthcare Corp.   4.38%   1/15/2030     2,135,000       2,067,760  
Tenet Healthcare Corp.(i)   5.50%   11/15/2032     710,000       702,944  
United Rentals North America, Inc.   4.00%   7/15/2030     2,700,000       2,563,282  
Total Consumer, Non-cyclical                     124,296,463  
                         
Energy (5.58%)                        
Antero Midstream Partners LP / Antero Midstream Finance Corp.(i)     5.38%     6/15/2029     3,060,000       3,050,204  
Ascent Resources Utica Holdings LLC / ARU Finance Corp.(i)   6.63%   7/15/2033     3,525,000       3,580,305  
Blue Racer Midstream LLC / Blue Racer Finance Corp.(i)   7.00%   7/15/2029     1,680,000       1,732,926  
Blue Racer Midstream LLC / Blue Racer Finance Corp.(i)   7.25%   7/15/2032     1,960,000       2,033,082  
Genesis Energy LP / Genesis Energy Finance Corp.   8.88%   4/15/2030     530,000       553,398  
Genesis Energy LP / Genesis Energy Finance Corp.   8.00%   5/15/2033     6,850,000       7,079,550  
Hilcorp Energy I LP / Hilcorp Finance Co.(i)   7.25%   2/15/2035     3,715,000       3,709,631  
Howard Midstream Energy Partners LLC(i)   7.38%   7/15/2032     3,500,000       3,620,301  
New Fortress Energy, Inc.(i)   6.50%   9/30/2026     2,215,000       330,866  
New Fortress Energy, Inc.(i)   8.75%   3/15/2029     1,875,000       266,490  
NFE Financing LLC(h)(i)   12.00%   11/15/2029     5,885,000       2,663,901  
Rockies Express Pipeline LLC(i)   6.75%   3/15/2033     2,750,000       2,825,713  
Sunoco LP(i)   6.25%   7/1/2033     2,500,000       2,515,323  
Sunoco LP(i)   5.88%   3/15/2034     885,000       876,213  
Transocean International, Ltd.   7.50%   4/15/2031     1,795,000       1,835,619  
Transocean International, Ltd.(i)   8.75%   2/15/2030     1,732,500       1,806,639  
Valaris, Ltd.(i)   8.38%   4/30/2030     3,100,000       3,217,074  
Venture Global Calcasieu Pass LLC(i)   4.13%   8/15/2031     2,625,000       2,445,793  
Venture Global Calcasieu Pass LLC(i)   3.88%   11/1/2033     1,490,000       1,317,986  
Venture Global LNG, Inc.(i)   8.38%   6/1/2031     3,470,000       3,606,889  
Venture Global LNG, Inc.(i)   9.88%   2/1/2032     2,960,000       3,183,395  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 7

   

 

Brigade High Income Fund Schedule of Investments

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

    Rate   Maturity Date   Principal Amount    

Value

(Note 2)

 
Energy (5.58%) (continued)                        
Venture Global Plaquemines LNG LLC(i)   7.50%   5/1/2033   $ 2,605,000     $ 2,864,215  
Venture Global Plaquemines LNG LLC(i)   6.75%   1/15/2036     2,995,000       3,170,182  
Total Energy                     58,285,695  
                         
Financials (9.83%)                        
Alliant Holdings Intermediate LLC / Alliant Holdings Co.-Issuer(i)   7.00%   1/15/2031     2,780,000       2,800,391  
Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc.(i)   4.63%   6/15/2029     3,670,000       3,650,607  
Arbor Realty SR, Inc.(i)   7.88%   7/15/2030     2,150,000       1,986,552  
Arbor Realty SR, Inc.(i)   8.50%   12/15/2028     665,000       654,594  
Barclays PLC(e)(j)   9.62%   12/31/2049     5,250,000       5,735,212  
Diversified Healthcare Trust   4.38%   3/1/2031     7,300,000       6,460,872  
Finance of America Funding LLC(i)   8.88%   11/30/2026     1,491,599       1,447,188  
Finance of America Funding LLC(i)   10.00%   11/30/2029     1,452,000       1,487,574  
Freedom Mortgage Corp.(i)   6.63%   1/15/2027     2,310,000       2,306,326  
Freedom Mortgage Holdings LLC(i)   9.25%   2/1/2029     1,420,000       1,438,054  
Freedom Mortgage Holdings LLC(i)   6.88%   5/1/2031     770,000       720,271  
Genworth Holdings, Inc.   6.50%   6/15/2034     1,500,000       1,509,000  
Genworth Holdings, Inc.(e)   3M SOFR + 2.26%   11/15/2036     3,700,000       3,013,937  
Icahn Enterprises LP / Icahn Enterprises Finance Corp.   9.00%   6/15/2030     7,315,000       6,866,479  
Icahn Enterprises LP / Icahn Enterprises Finance Corp.(i)   10.00%   11/15/2029     715,000       704,078  
Intesa Sanpaolo SpA(e)(i)   1Y US TI + 2.75%   6/1/2042     4,250,000       3,570,085  
Iron Mountain, Inc.(i)   6.25%   1/15/2033     2,935,000       2,927,296  
Jefferies Finance LLC / JFIN Co.-Issuer Corp.(i)   6.63%   10/15/2031     2,415,000       2,305,147  
LD Holdings Group LLC(i)   6.13%   4/1/2028     3,690,000       3,093,960  
Midcap Financial Issuer Trust(i)   6.50%   5/1/2028     2,350,000       2,280,331  
Midcap Financial Issuer Trust(i)   5.63%   1/15/2030     2,235,000       2,081,978  
Midcap Financial Issuer Trust(e)(i)   3M SOFR + 2.15%   1/15/2031     950,000       952,755  
Midcap Financial Issuer Trust(e)(i)   3M SOFR + 2.25%   1/15/2033     1,750,000       1,770,650  
Navient Corp.   5.50%   3/15/2029     805,000       738,730  
Navient Corp.   5.63%   8/1/2033     2,680,000       2,092,198  
OneMain Finance Corp.   5.38%   11/15/2029     865,000       836,708  
OneMain Finance Corp.   7.50%   5/15/2031     3,810,000       3,842,772  
OneMain Finance Corp.   7.13%   11/15/2031     1,375,000       1,365,006  
Park Intermediate Holdings LLC / PK Domestic Property LLC / PK Finance Co.-Issuer(i)   4.88%     5/15/2029     3,110,000       2,984,788  
PennyMac Financial Services, Inc.(i)   4.25%   2/15/2029     2,890,000       2,739,847  
PennyMac Financial Services, Inc.(i)   5.75%   9/15/2031     5,690,000       5,259,872  
Rocket Cos., Inc.(i)   6.38%   8/1/2033     3,670,000       3,715,132  
Service Properties Trust(i)(k)       9/30/2027     645,000       587,684  
Service Properties Trust   4.38%   2/15/2030     4,425,000       3,938,250  
Service Properties Trust   4.95%   10/1/2029     485,000       441,017  
Service Properties Trust(i)   8.63%   11/15/2031     1,490,000       1,554,716  
Starwood Property Trust, Inc.(i)   3.63%   7/15/2026     4,335,000       4,307,308  
UniCredit SpA(e)(i)   US SWAP + 3.70%   6/19/2032     3,155,000       3,176,344  
Uniti Group LP / Uniti Fiber Holdings, Inc. / CSL Capital LLC(i)   6.00%   1/15/2030     2,665,000       2,505,766  
Walker & Dunlop, Inc.(i)   6.63%   4/1/2033     2,975,000       2,897,225  
Total Financials                     102,746,700  
                         
Industrials (3.46%)                        
Ball Corp.   3.13%   9/15/2031     2,900,000       2,616,411  
Builders FirstSource, Inc.(i)   6.38%   3/1/2034     2,670,000       2,640,314  
Coherent Corp.(i)   5.00%   12/15/2029     3,045,000       2,989,071  
FTAI Aviation Investors LLC(i)   7.00%   5/1/2031     2,500,000       2,558,153  
Miter Brands Acquisition Holdco, Inc. / MIWD Borrower LLC(i)   6.75%   4/1/2032     2,170,000       2,077,726  
Quikrete Holdings, Inc.(i)   6.38%   3/1/2032     2,310,000       2,347,482  
Smyrna Ready Mix Concrete LLC(i)   8.88%   11/15/2031     2,660,000       2,721,606  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.

 

8 www.brigadefunds.com

   

 

Brigade High Income Fund Schedule of Investments

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

    Rate   Maturity Date   Principal Amount    

Value

(Note 2)

 
Industrials (3.46%) (continued)                        
Standard Building Solutions, Inc.(i)   6.50%   8/15/2032   $ 2,735,000     $ 2,747,933  
Standard Building Solutions, Inc.(i)   5.88%   3/15/2034     1,405,000       1,355,860  
TransDigm, Inc.(i)   7.13%   12/1/2031     6,185,000       6,372,926  
TransDigm, Inc.(i)   6.63%   3/1/2032     1,240,000       1,265,496  
Warwick 12 06/09/2031   12.00%   6/9/2031     3,979,592       3,900,000  
WESCO Distribution, Inc.(i)   5.25%   4/15/2031     2,645,000       2,627,962  
Total Industrials                     36,220,940  
                         
Technology (0.82%)                        
Castle US Holding Corp.(i)   10.00%   6/30/2031     4,901,000       1,045,546  
Cloud Software Group, Inc.(i)   9.00%   9/30/2029     1,825,000       1,762,950  
Cloud Software Group, Inc.(i)   8.25%   6/30/2032     2,440,000       2,324,710  
CoreWeave, Inc.(i)   9.25%   6/1/2030     2,540,000       2,485,231  
Pitney Bowes, Inc.(i)   7.25%   3/15/2029     905,000       903,904  
Total Technology                     8,522,341  
                         
Utilities (1.16%)                        
Constellation Energy Generation LLC(i)   4.63%   2/1/2029     3,295,000       3,253,570  
NRG Energy, Inc.(i)   5.75%   1/15/2034     725,000       715,348  
NRG Energy, Inc.(i)   6.00%   1/15/2036     4,070,000       4,026,112  
Vistra Corp.(e)(i)(j)   5Y US TI + 5.74%   12/31/2049     3,400,000       3,405,445  
Vistra Operations Co. LLC(i)   5.63%   2/15/2027     725,000       725,363  
Total Utilities                     12,125,838  
                         
TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS                        
(Cost 609,455,489)                     594,105,000  
                         
RIGHTS AND WARRANTS (0.00%)                        
Technology (0.00%)                        
Mavenir Warrants Tier 1, Strike Price: $1.00(a)(c)       12/31/2049   $ 181     $ 2  
Mavenir Warrants Tier 2, Strike Price: $1.00(a)(c)       12/31/2049     353       3  
XPLORE CVR, Strike Price: $–(a)(c)       12/31/2049     5,390       1  
                         
TOTAL RIGHTS AND WARRANTS                        
(Cost $546)                     6  

 

    7-Day Yield     Shares     Value
(Note 2)
 
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (3.66%)                        
State Street Institutional US Government Money Market Fund, Premier Class     3.580 %     38,274,309     $ 38,274,309  
                         
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS                        
(Cost $38,274,309)                     38,274,309  
                         
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (99.99%)                        
(Cost $1,073,762,716)                   $ 1,045,381,978  
                         
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES (0.01%)                     71,011  
                         
NET ASSETS (100.00%)                   $ 1,045,452,988  

 

(a) As a result of the use of significant unobservable inputs to determine fair value, these investments have been classified as Level 3 assets. Additional information on Level 3 assets can be found in Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to Financial Statements section.
(b) Non-income producing security.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 9

   

 

Brigade High Income Fund Schedule of Investments

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

(c) Security deemed to be illiquid under the procedures utilized by the valuation designee. As of March 31, 2026, the fair value of illiquid securities in the aggregate was $72,951,287 representing 6.98% of the Fund's net assets.
(d) Security deemed to be restricted as of March 31, 2026. As of March 31, 2026, the fair value of restricted securities in the aggregate was $43,588,349 representing 4.17% of the Fund’s net assets. Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to Financial Statements section.
(e) Floating or variable rate security. The reference rate is described below. The rate in effect as of March 31, 2026 is based on the reference rate plus the displayed spread as of the securities last reset date.
(f) Payment in-kind.
(g) Represents an unfunded loan commitment. The rate disclosed is equal to the commitment fee. The negative fair value, if applicable, is due to the discount received in excess of the principal amount of the unfunded commitment. At March 31, 2026, the Fund had unfunded commitments shown below:

 

Investment   Par Value     Net Market Value     Market Value  
Sizzling Platter DD   $ 162,542     $ 403,013     $ 565,555  
US Fertility Enterprises LLC     736,842       (2,763 )     734,079  
Total           $ 400,250     $ 1,299,634  

 

(h) Security is currently in default.
(i) Securities exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. As of March 31, 2026 the fair value of securities restricted under Rule 144A in the aggregate was $492,525,599, representing 47.11% of net assets.
(j) Security is a perpetual bond.
(k) Zero coupon bond.

 

Investment Abbreviations:

SOFR - Standard Overnight Financing Rate

 

Rates:

3M EUR L - 3 Month EURIOBOR as of March 31, 2026 was 2.08%

1M SOFR - 1 Month SOFR as of March 31, 2026 was 3.65%

3M SOFR - 3 Month SOFR as of March 31, 2026 was 3.68%

6M SOFR - 6 Month SOFR as of March 31, 2026 was 3.86%

1Y US TI - 1 Year US Treasury Index as of March 31, 2026 was 3.68%

5Y US TI - 5 Year US Treasury Index as of March 31, 2026 was 3.92%

US Swap Rate as of March 31, 2026 was 5.86%

 

For Fund compliance purposes, the Fund's industry classifications refer to any one or more of the industry sub-classifications used by one or more widely recognized market indices or ratings group indices and/or as defined by Fund management. This definition may not apply for purposes of this report, which may use a different classification system or may combine industry sub-classifications for reporting ease. Industries are shown as a percent of the Fund's net assets. (Unaudited)

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.

 

10 www.brigadefunds.com
   

 

Brigade High Income Fund Schedule of Investments

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

 

CREDIT DEFAULT SWAP CONTRACTS - BUY PROTECTION (CENTRALLY CLEARED)(a)(b)

 

Reference Obligations   Counterparty  

Fixed Deal

Receive

Rate

    Currency   Maturity Date  

Implied

Credit Spread

at March 31,

2026

    Notional Amount     Value    

Upfront

Premiums

Received/(Paid)

   

Unrealized

Appreciation/

(Depreciation)

 
MARKIT CDX HY S46 5Y 06/31 ICE   JP Morgan     5.00 %   USD   6/20/31     3.85 %   $ 40,000,000     $ (1,930,725 )   $ 1,920,000     $ (10,725 )
                                        $ (1,930,725 )   $ 1,920,000     $ (10,725 )

  

Credit default swaps pay quarterly.

 

TOTAL RETURN SWAP CONTRACTS - BUY PROTECTION (CENTRALLY CLEARED)(a)(b)

 

                      Implied                          
        Fixed Deal             Credit Spread                 Upfront     Unrealized  
        Receive             at March 31,     Notional           Premiums     Appreciation/  
Reference Obligations   Counterparty   Rate     Currency   Maturity Date   2026     Amount     Value     Received/(Paid)     (Depreciation)  
Recv Iboxx Hy Liquid Trs   Morgan Stanley     0.04 %   USD   6/22/26     0 %   $ 6,982,080     $ (8,046 )   $     $ (8,046 )
                                        $ (8,046 )   $     $ (8,046 )

 

Total return swaps pay quarterly.

 

(a) Implied credit spreads, represented in absolute terms, utilized in determining the market value of credit default swap agreements as of year end serve as an indicator of the current status of the payment/performance risk and represent the likelihood or risk of default for the credit derivative. The implied credit spread of a particular referenced entity reflects the cost of buying/selling protection and may include upfront payments required to be made to enter into the agreement. Wider credit spreads represent a deterioration of the referenced entity’s credit soundness and a greater likelihood or risk of default or other credit event occurring as defined under the terms of the agreement.
(b) The maximum potential amount the Fund could be required to pay as a seller of credit protection or receive as a buyer of credit protection if a credit event occurs as defined under the terms of that particular swap agreement.

 

OUTSTANDING FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY CONTRACTS

 

                            Unrealized  
    Settlement   Receiving   Receiving     Delivering   Delivering     Appreciation/  
Counterparty   Date   Currency   Value     Currency   Value     (Depreciation)  
State Street Corporation   06/11/26   USD   $ 902,998     CAD   $ 881,157     $ 21,841  
State Street Corporation   06/11/26   USD     5,523,158     EUR     5,503,547       19,611  
State Street Corporation   06/11/26   USD     2,601,893     GBP     2,577,867       24,026  
                                $ 65,478  
State Street Corporation   06/11/26   EUR     45,225     USD     45,359     $ (134 )
                                $ (134 )

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 11
   

 

Brigade High Income Fund Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

ASSETS:      
Investments, at value (Cost $1,073,762,716)(a)   $ 1,045,381,978  
Cash and cash equivalents     1,842,820  
Foreign currency, at value (Cost $81,446)     80,106  
Unrealized gain on forward contracts     65,478  
Deposit with broker for swap contracts     55,935  
Deposits held with broker for swaps     4,658,774  
Receivable for investments sold     8,971,001  
Receivable for shares sold     6,774,962  
Dividends and interest receivable     12,916,477  
Other assets     14,352  
Total Assets     1,080,761,883  
         
LIABILITIES:        
Distributions payable     6,774,962  
Variation Margin on centrally cleared swaps     2,042,595  
Unrealized loss on forward contracts     134  
Unrealized depreciation on swap contracts     18,771  
Payable for administration and transfer agent fees     109,629  
Payable for investments purchased     25,814,404  
Payable for shares redeemed     75,000  
Payable to adviser     339,310  
Payable for printing fees     7,854  
Payable for professional fees     37,470  
Payable for trustees' fees and expenses     200  
Payable to Chief Compliance Officer fees     2,885  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities     85,681  
Total Liabilities     35,308,895  
NET ASSETS   $ 1,045,452,988  
         
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:        
Paid-in capital (Note 5)   $ 1,082,550,333  
Total distributable earnings/(deficit)     (37,097,345 )
NET ASSETS   $ 1,045,452,988  
         
PRICING OF SHARES(b)        
Founders: Class:        
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share   $ 9.75  
Net Assets   $ 1,045,439,820  
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding     107,193,629  
Institutional: Class:        
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share   $ 9.75  
Net Assets   $ 13,168  
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding     1,351  

 

(a) Includes unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on unfunded loaned commitments of $400,250.
(b) A 1% redemption fee is applied to any shares sold or exchanged within 60 days of purchase.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.

 

12 www.brigadefunds.com
   

 

Brigade High Income Fund Statement of Operations

 

For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

INVESTMENT INCOME:      
Interest   $ 46,119,075  
Total Investment Income     46,119,075  
EXPENSES:        
Investment advisory fees (Note 6)     2,439,474  
Interest expense     7,209  
Fund Accounting and Administration fees     269,122  
Co-administration fees     243,948  
Custody fees     16,617  
Legal fees     50,885  
Audit and tax fees     19,288  
Transfer agent fees     18,477  
Trustees' fees and expenses     50,419  
Registration and filing fees     20,924  
Printing fees     9,100  
Chief Compliance Officer fees     15,862  
Insurance fees     6,164  
Other expenses     9,455  
Total Expenses     3,176,944  
Less fees waived/reimbursed by investment adviser (Note 6)        
Founders Class     (629,556 )
Institutional Class     (9 )
Net Expenses     2,547,379  
NET INVESTMENT INCOME     43,571,696  
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS AND FOREIGN CURRENCY:        
Net realized gain/(loss) on:        
Investments     (2,050,208 )
Forward foreign currency contracts     161,809  
Swap contracts     (449,604 )
Foreign currency transactions     25,019  
Net realized loss     (2,312,984 )
Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:        
Investments     (30,614,072 )
Forward foreign currency contracts     65,343  
Swap contracts     792,125  
Translation of asset and liabilities denominated in foreign currency     (48,605 )
Net change     (29,805,209 )
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED LOSS ON INVESTMENTS AND FOREIGN CURRENCY     (32,118,193 )
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS   $ 11,453,503  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 13
   

 

Brigade High Income Fund Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

   

For the Six
Months Ended
March 31, 2026

(Unaudited)

    For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2025
 
OPERATIONS:                
Net investment income   $ 43,571,696     $ 67,282,542  
Net realized loss on investments and foreign currency     (2,312,984 )     (8,913,159 )
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments and foreign currency     (29,805,209 )     (4,438,404 )
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations     11,453,503       53,930,979  
                 
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS                
Founders Class     (42,179,642 )     (78,502,858 )
Institutional Class     (561 )     (1,420 )
Total distributions     (42,180,203 )     (78,504,278 )
                 
BENEFICIAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (Note 5):                
Founders Class                
Shares sold     168,108,873       369,045,649  
Dividends reinvested     42,179,642       78,109,475  
Shares redeemed     (52,334,413 )     (84,835,000 )
Net increase from beneficial share transactions     157,954,102       362,320,124  
Institutional Class                
Shares sold     (17 )     17  
Dividends reinvested     561       1,419  
Shares redeemed     14       (14 )
Net increase from beneficial share transactions     558       1,422  
Net increase in net assets     127,227,960       337,748,247  
                 
NET ASSETS:                
Beginning of period     918,225,028       580,476,781  
End of period   $ 1,045,452,988     $ 918,225,028  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.

 

14 www.brigadefunds.com
   

 

Brigade High Income Fund Financial Highlights

 

Founders Class For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

    For the Six Months
Ended March 31,
2026 (Unaudited)
   

For the Year
Ended

September 30, 2025

   

For the Year
Ended

September 30, 2024

    For the Period
Ended September
30, 2023 (a)
 
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD   $ 10.05     $ 10.46     $ 10.18     $ 10.00  
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:                                
Net investment income(b)     0.44       0.98       1.10       0.43  
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments     (0.31 )     (0.21 )     0.36       0.04  
Total from investment operations     0.13       0.77       1.46       0.47  
                                 
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:                                
From net investment income     (0.43 )     (0.97 )     (1.17 )     (0.29 )
From net realized gains on investments           (0.21 )     (0.01 )      
Total Distributions     (0.43 )     (1.18 )     (1.18 )     (0.29 )
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE     (0.30 )     (0.41 )     0.28       0.18  
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD   $ 9.75     $ 10.05     $ 10.46     $ 10.18  
                                 
TOTAL RETURN(c)     1.26 %     7.82 %     15.34 %     4.74 %
                                 
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                                
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)   $ 1,045,440     $ 918,212     $ 580,465     $ 476,541  
                                 
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS                                
Operating expenses excluding reimbursement/waiver     0.65 %(d)      0.66 %     0.69 %     0.74 %(d) 
Operating expenses including reimbursement/waiver     0.52 %(d)      0.52 %     0.52 %     0.52 %(d) 
Net investment income including reimbursement/waiver     8.92 %(d)      9.72 %     10.75 %     10.27 %(d) 
                                 
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE     21 %(e)      29 %     49 %     8 %(e) 

 

(a) For the period May 2, 2023 (Commencement of Operations) to September 30, 2023.
(b) Calculated using the average shares method.
(c) Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
(d) Annualized.
(e) Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 15
   

 

Brigade High Income Fund Financial Highlights

 

Institutional Class For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

    For the Six Months
Ended March 31,
2026 (Unaudited)
   

For the Year
Ended

September 30, 2025

   

For the Year
Ended

September 30, 2024

    For the Period
Ended September
30, 2023 (a)
 
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD   $ 10.05     $ 10.46     $ 10.18     $ 9.98  
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:                                
Net investment income/(loss)(b)     0.44       0.99       1.08       0.42  
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments     (0.31 )     (0.23 )     0.37       0.06  
Total from investment operations     0.13       0.76       1.45       0.48  
                                 
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:                                
From net investment income     (0.43 )     (0.96 )     (1.16 )     (0.28 )
From net realized gains on investments           (0.21 )     (0.01 )      
Total Distributions     (0.43 )     (1.17 )     (1.17 )     (0.28 )
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE     (0.30 )     (0.41 )     0.28       0.20  
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD   $ 9.75     $ 10.05     $ 10.46     $ 10.18  
                                 
TOTAL RETURN(c)     1.26 %     7.78 %     15.14 %     4.89 %
                                 
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                                
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)   $ 13     $ 13     $ 12     $ 10  
                                 
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS                                
Operating expenses excluding reimbursement/waiver     0.66 %(d)      0.66 %     0.69 %     0.75 %(d) 
Operating expenses including reimbursement/waiver     0.52 %(d)      0.56 %(e)      0.69 %     0.75 %(d) 
Net investment income including reimbursement/waiver     8.93 %(d)      9.74 %     10.57 %     9.94 %(d) 
                                 
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE     21 %(f)      29 %     49 %     8 %(f) 

 

(a) For the period May 5, 2023 (Commencement of Operations) to September 30, 2023.
(b) Calculated using the average shares method.
(c) Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
(d) Annualized.
(e) The expense cap for the Institutional Class was reduced from 0.75% to 0.52% effective February 1, 2025.
(f) Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.

 

16 www.brigadefunds.com
   

 

  Notes to Financial Statements
Brigade High Income Fund and Financial Highlights

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

1. ORGANIZATION

 

 

ALPS Series Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Trust consists of multiple separate portfolios or series. This annual report describes the Brigade High Income Fund (the “Fund”). The Fund is diversified, and its investment objective is current income, with capital appreciation as a secondary objective. The Fund currently offers Founders Class shares that commenced operations on May 2, 2023 and Institutional Class shares that commenced operations on May 5, 2023. Each share class has identical rights to earnings, assets and voting privileges, except for class specific expenses and exclusive rights to vote on matters affecting only individual classes. The Board of Trustees (the “Board” or “Trustees”) may establish additional funds and classes of shares at any time in the future without shareholder approval.

 

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

 

The accompanying financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for investment companies (“U.S. GAAP”). The Fund is considered an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures 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 period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund in preparation of its financial statements.

 

The Fund uses the management approach to determine reportable operating segments. The management approach considers the internal organization and reporting used by the Fund’s chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) for making decisions, allocating resources, and assessing performance. The Fund’s CODM has been identified as the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) and Treasurer, who reviews the results presented within the Fund’s financial statements when making decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance of the Fund. The CODM determined that the Fund has only one operating segment as defined by ASU 2023-07. This is supported by the single investment strategy of the Fund, against which the CODM assesses performance.

 

Investment Valuation: The Fund generally values its securities based on market prices determined at the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, on each day the NYSE is open for trading.

 

The market price for debt obligations is generally the price supplied by an independent third-party pricing service approved by the Board, which may use a matrix, formula or other objective method that takes into consideration quotations from dealers, market transactions in comparable investments, market indices and yield curves. If vendors are unable to supply a price, or if the price supplied is deemed to be unreliable or otherwise not representative of market conditions at the time of the valuation determination, the market price may be determined using quotations received from one or more brokers–dealers that make a market in the security. High yield bonds and notes are valued using market models that consider trade data, quotations from dealers and active market makers, relevant yield curve and spread data, creditworthiness, trade data or market information on comparable securities, and other relevant security specific information.

 

Loans are primarily valued by using a composite loan price from a nationally recognized loan pricing service. The methodology used by the Fund’s nationally recognized loan pricing provider for composite loan prices is to value loans at the mean of the bid and ask prices from one or more third party pricing services or dealers.

 

For equity securities and mutual funds that are traded on an exchange, the market price is usually the closing sale or official closing price on that exchange. In the case of equity securities not traded on an exchange, or if such closing prices are not otherwise available, the securities are valued at the mean of the most recent bid and ask prices on such day.

 

Money market funds, representing short-term investments, are valued at their Net Asset Value (“NAV”).

 

Credit Default Swaps (“CDS”) are valued using prices provided by a nationally recognized CDS pricing service. The valuation method utilizes data collected from market makers and other sources, supports price discovery, risk management, and independent valuation of CDS contracts across single names, indices, and tranches. For centrally cleared swaps, the daily change in valuation, and upfront payments, if any, is recorded as a receivable or payable for variation margin on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

Currency Forward Contracts are valued using a nationally recognized valuation service. The provider incorporates currency spot rates and interest rate differentials between the two currencies for the contract’s tenor.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 17
   

 

  Notes to Financial Statements
Brigade High Income Fund and Financial Highlights

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

When such prices or quotations are not available, or when the valuation designee appointed by the Board believes that they are unreliable, securities may be priced using fair value procedures approved by the Board.

 

Unfunded Commitments – The Fund may enter into unfunded loan commitments, which are contractual obligations for future funding, such as delayed draw term loans or revolving credit arrangements. Unfunded loan commitments represent a future obligation in full, even though a percentage of the notional loan amounts may not be utilized by the borrower. The Fund may receive a commitment fee based on the undrawn portion of the underlying line of credit portion of a floating rate loan. Unfunded loan commitments and funded portions of credit agreements are marked-to-market.

 

As of March 31, 2026 the Fund had unfunded commitments of $899,384.

 

Fair Value Measurements: The Fund discloses the classification of its fair value measurements following a three-tier hierarchy based on the inputs used to measure fair value. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk. Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on the best information available.

 

Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund’s investments as of the end of the reporting period. When inputs used fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The designated input levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with these investments. These inputs are categorized in the following hierarchy under applicable financial accounting standards:

 

  Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments, unrestricted assets or liabilities that the Fund has the ability to access at the measurement date;
     
  Level 2 – Quoted prices which are not active, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable (either directly or indirectly); and
     
  Level 3 – Significant unobservable prices or inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) where there is little or no market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of March 31, 2026:

 

Brigade High Income Fund

 

Investments in Securities at Value   Level 1 - Quoted and
Unadjusted Prices
    Level 2 - Other
Significant
Observable Inputs
    Level 3 - Significant
Unobservable Inputs
    Total  
Common Stocks                                
Communications   $     $     $ 878,113     $ 878,113  
Consumer, Cyclical     52,806             666,314       719,120  
Consumer, Non-cyclical           12,398,600             12,398,600  
Technology           2,343,117       860,334       3,203,451  
Preferred Stocks                                
Consumer, Cyclical                 1,117,460       1,117,460  
Bank Loans                                
Basic Materials           35,953,751             35,953,751  
Communications           33,212,480       4,474,839       37,687,319  
Consumer, Cyclical           75,364,482       2,040,508       77,404,990  
Consumer, Non-cyclical           106,214,839             106,214,839  
Energy           16,538,703             16,538,703  
Financials           32,274,951             32,274,951  
Industrials           18,054,247             18,054,247  
Technology           57,611,129       2,547,522       60,158,651  
Utilities           3,777,683             3,777,683  
Convertible Bonds                                
Consumer, Cyclical           41,625             41,625  
Consumer, Non-cyclical           3,554,808             3,554,808  

 

 

18 www.brigadefunds.com
   

 

Brigade High Income Fund Notes to Financial Statements
and Financial Highlights

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

Technology   $     $     $ 3,024,352     $ 3,024,352  
Corporate Bonds                                
Basic Materials           58,249,046             58,249,046  
Communications           102,766,900             102,766,900  
Consumer, Cyclical           90,891,077             90,891,077  
Consumer, Non-cyclical           124,296,463             124,296,463  
Energy           58,285,695             58,285,695  
Financials           102,746,700             102,746,700  
Industrials           32,320,940       3,900,000       36,220,940  
Technology           8,522,341             8,522,341  
Utilities           12,125,838             12,125,838  
Rights and Warrants                 6       6  
Short Term Investments     38,274,309                   38,274,309  
Total   $ 38,327,115       987,545,415       19,509,448     $ 1,045,381,978  

 

    Valuation Inputs        
Other Financial Instruments   Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
Assets                                
Forward Contracts   $     $ 65,478     $     $ 65,478  
Liabilities                                
Credit Default Swap Contracts           (10,725 )           (10,725 )
Forward Contracts           (134 )           (134 )
Total Return Swap Contracts           (8,046 )           (8,046 )
Total   $     $ 46,573     $     $ 46,573  

 

The following is a reconciliation of assets in which Level 3 inputs were used in determining value:

 

Asset Type   Common
Stocks
    Bank
Loan
    Corporate &
Convertible
Bonds
    Rights &
Warrants
    Preferred
Stock
    Total  
Balance as of September 30, 2025   $ 2,433,037     $ 7,582,539     $ 2,881,601     $ 6     $ 1,520,423     $ 14,417,606  
Accrued discount/ premium                 (124,017 )                 (124,017 )
Return of Capital                                    
Realized Gain/(Loss)     16,394                               16,394  
Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation     (471 )           142,921             (727,015 )     (584,565 )
Purchases           3,546,703       4,023,847             324,052       7,894,602  
Sales Proceeds     (44,199 )     (2,066,374 )                       (2,110,573 )
Transfer into Level 3           1                         1  
Transfer Out of Level 3                                    
Balance as of March 31, 2026   $ 2,404,761     $ 9,062,869     $ 6,924,352     $ 6     $ 1,117,460     $ 19,509,448  
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) included in the Statement of Operations attributable to Level 3 investments held at March 31, 2026   $ 2,211     $ (101 )   $ 142,922             $ (727,015 )   $ (581,983 )

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 19
   

 

  Notes to Financial Statements
Brigade High Income Fund and Financial Highlights

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

The following table summarizes the significant unobservable inputs the Fund used to value its investments categorized within Level 3 as of March 31, 2026. In addition to the techniques and inputs noted in the table below, according to the Fund’s valuation policy, other valuation techniques and methodologies when determining the Fund’s fair value measurements may be used. The below table is not intended to be all inclusive, but rather provide information on the significant unobservable inputs as they relate to the Fund’s determination of fair values.

 

Assets (at fair value)*   Fair Value at
March 31, 2026
    Valuation
Technique(s)
  Unobservable
Inputs(1)
  Value/Range
Common Stocks   $ 860,334     Market Approach   EBITDA   $422.0m
                EBITDA Multiple   2.50x - 4.00x
      637,159     Market Approach   EBITDA   $65.0m
                EBITDA Multiple   4.50x - 5.00x
      29,155     Market Approach   EBITDA   $22.7m - $50.1m
                EBITDA Multiple   5.0x - 10.0x
      878,113     Market Approach   EBITDA   $123.2m
                EBITDA Multiple   9.25x - 1.25x
Total Common Stocks   $ 2,404,761              
Bank Loans   $ 4,474,839     Discounted Cash Flow Model   Implied Credit Spread   5.00% - 6.00%
      2,547,522     Market Approach   EBITDA   $110.0m
                EBITDA Multiple   5.75x - 6.75x
      2,040,508     Market Approach   EBITDA   $22.7m - $50.1m
                EBITDA Multiple   5.0x - 10.0x
Total Bank Loans   $ 9,062,869              
Preferred Stocks   $ 1,117,460     Market Approach   EBITDA   $22.7m - $50.1m
                EBITDA Multiple   5.0x - 10.0x
Total Preferred Stocks   $ 1,117,460              
Corporate Bonds   $ 3,900,000     Recent Transaction   Transaction Price   $98
                     
Total Corporate Bonds   $ 3,900,000              
Convertible Bonds   $ 3,024,352     Market Approach   EBITDA   $110.0m
                EBITDA Multiple   5.75x - 6.75x
Total Convertible Bonds   $ 3,024,352              

 

(1) A change to the unobservable input may result in a significant change to the value of the investment as follows:

 

Unobservable Input Impact to Value if Input Increases Impact to Value if Input Decreases
EBITDA Increase Decrease
EBITDA Multiple Increase Decrease
Implied Credit Spread Decrease Increase
Transaction Price Increase Decrease

 

* Rights and warrants have been intentionally excluded from the table based on materiality.

 

Cash & Cash Equivalents: The Fund considers its investment in a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") insured interest bearing account to be cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus any accrued interest. The Fund maintains cash balances, which, at times may exceed federally insured limits. The Fund maintains these balances with a high quality financial institution.

 

Selected Risks: Some significant types of financial risks the Fund is exposed to are listed below. Please see the Fund's prospectus and statement of additional information for additional information regarding the risks associated with an investment in the Fund.

 

Concentration of Credit Risk: The Fund places its cash with a banking institution, which is insured by FDIC. The FDIC limit is $250,000. At various times throughout the year, the amount on deposit may exceed the FDIC limit and subject the Fund to a credit risk. The Fund does not believe that such deposits are subject to any unusual risk associated with investment activities. Please see the Fund’s prospectus and statement of additional information for information regarding the risks associated with an investment in the Fund, including certain risks described below.

 

 

20 www.brigadefunds.com
   

 

  Notes to Financial Statements
Brigade High Income Fund and Financial Highlights

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

Liquidity Risk: Liquidity risk exists when particular investments are difficult to sell. The Fund may not be able to sell these investments at the best prices or at the value the Fund places on them. In such a market, the value of such investments, and as a result the Fund’s share price, may fall dramatically, even during periods of declining interest rates. Investments that are illiquid or that trade in lower volumes may be more difficult to value. The market for high yield securities in particular may be less liquid than higher quality fixed income securities, and therefore these securities may be harder to value or sell at an acceptable price, especially during times of market volatility or decline.

 

Credit Risk: There is a risk that issuers and counterparties will not make payments on securities and other investments held by the Fund, resulting in losses to the Fund. In addition, the credit quality of fixed income securities held by the Fund may be lowered if an issuer’s financial condition changes. High yield or junk bonds as well as other debt securities issued by below investment grade issuers are typically more susceptible to these risks than debt of higher quality issuers. Furthermore, a significant amount of the Fund’s net asset value is expected to be invested in the lower-rated segment of the high yield market (rated B and below), which investments generally involve greater credit risk than high yield securities that are rated BBB and above.

 

Counterparty and Settlement Risk: To the extent the Fund invests in participations, assignments, swaps, repurchase agreements, reverse-repurchase agreements, structured products, derivative or synthetic instruments, or other over-the-counter transactions or, in certain circumstances, in non-U.S. securities, the Fund may take a credit risk with regard to parties with whom it trades and may also bear the risk of settlement default. These risks may differ materially from those entailed in exchange-traded transactions which generally are backed by clearing organization guarantees, daily marking-to-market and settlement, and segregation and minimum capital requirements applicable to intermediaries. Transactions entered directly between two counterparties generally do not benefit from such protections and expose the parties to the risk of counterparty default.

 

Derivatives Risk: The Fund may invest in derivative securities for bona fide hedging purposes. A derivative security is a financial contract whose value is based on (or “derived from”) a traditional security (such as a bond) or a market index. The use of futures, options, repurchase agreements and other derivatives involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments, and include leverage, volatility, liquidity, credit and tracking risks. Long options positions may expire worthless.

 

Currency Risk: The Fund’s investments that are denominated in a non-U.S. currency are subject to the risk that the value of a particular currency will change in relation to one or more other currencies. Among the factors that may affect currency values are trade balances, the level of short-term interest rates, differences in relative values of similar assets in different currencies, longterm opportunities for investment and capital appreciation and political developments.

 

Trust Expenses: Some expenses of the Trust can be directly attributed to a fund in the Trust. Expenses that cannot be directly attributed to a fund are apportioned among all funds in the Trust based on average net assets of each fund, including Trustees’ fees and expenses.

 

Fund Expenses: Some expenses can be directly attributed to the Fund and are apportioned among the classes based on average net assets of each class.

 

Class Expenses: Expenses that are specific to a class of shares are charged directly to that share class.

 

Federal Income Taxes: The Fund complies with the requirements under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies and intends to distribute substantially all of its net taxable income and net capital gains, if any, each year so that it will not be subject to excise tax on undistributed income and gains. The Fund is not subject to income taxes to the extent such distributions are made.

 

As of and during the period ended March 31, 2026, the Fund did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits in the accompanying financial statements. The Fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to tax liabilities as income tax expense in the Statement of Operations. The Fund files U.S. federal, state and local income tax returns as required. The Fund’s tax return is subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years after the filing of the tax return for federal purposes and four years for most state returns. The Fund’s administrator has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions and has concluded that as of March 31, 2026, no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements related to these tax positions.

 

Investment Transactions and Investment Income: Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the investments are purchased or sold (trade date basis for financial reporting purposes). Realized gains and losses from investment transactions are reported on an identified cost basis. Interest income, which includes accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums, is accrued and recorded as earned using the effective yield method. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date. All of the realized and unrealized gains and losses and net investment income are allocated daily to each class in proportion to its average daily net assets. Paydown gains and losses on mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities, if any, are recorded as components of interest income in the Statement of Operations.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 21
   

 

  Notes to Financial Statements
Brigade High Income Fund and Financial Highlights

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

Distributions to Shareholders: The Fund normally pays dividends, if any, monthly, and distributes capital gains, if any, on an annual basis. Income dividend distributions are derived from interest and other income the Fund receives from its investments, including short term capital gains. Long term capital gain distributions are derived from gains realized when the Fund sells a security it has owned for more than one year. The Fund may make additional distributions and dividends at other times if its investment advisor has determined that doing so may be necessary for the Fund to avoid or reduce taxes. Net investment income/(loss) and net realized gain/(loss) may differ for financial statement and tax purposes.

 

Loan Assignments: The Fund acquires loans via loan assignments. The Fund considers loans acquired via assignment to be investments in debt instruments. When the Fund purchases loans from lenders via assignment, the Fund will acquire direct rights against the borrower on the loan except that under certain circumstances such rights may be more limited than those held by the assigning lender.

 

Loans and debt instruments are subject to credit risk. Credit risk relates to the ability of the borrower under such fixed income instruments to make interest and principal payments as they become due.

 

Restricted Securities: Restricted securities are securities that may only be resold upon registration under federal securities laws or in transactions exempt from such registration. In some cases, the issuer of restricted securities has agreed to register such securities for resale, at the issuer’s expense, either upon demand by a fund or in connection with another registered offering of the securities. Many restricted securities may be resold in the secondary market in transactions exempt from registration. Such restricted securities may be determined to be liquid. The Fund will not incur any registration costs upon such resale. The Fund’s restricted securities are valued at the price provided by pricing services or dealers in the secondary market or, if no market prices are available, at the fair value price as determined by the Fund’s adviser or pursuant to the Fund’s fair value policy, subject to oversight by the Board. The Fund has acquired certain securities, the sale of which is restricted under applicable provisions of the Securities Act of 1933. It is possible that the fair value price may differ significantly from the amount that may ultimately be realized in the near term, and the difference could be material.

 

Description   Security Type   Acquisition Date   Acquisition Cost     Fair Value     % of Net Assets  
ACProducts Holdings, Inc. 5/17/28   Bank Loan   4/8/25-1/14/26   $ 2,485,380     $ 2,796,276       0.27 %
Avaya Inc. 8/1/28   Bank Loan   5/4/2023-9/9/25     7,725,804       7,624,737       0.73 %
BCP V Everise Acquisition LLC 12/14/29   Bank Loan   12/20/23-11/12/25     4,928,059       4,074,311       0.39 %
LifeScan Global TL B 12/9/30   Bank Loan   12/08/2025     4,213,352       4,199,321       0.40 %
Long Ridge Energy TL B 2/6/32   Bank Loan   2/07/2025     2,553,161       2,546,713       0.25 %
Syniverse Holdings LLCS 5/13/27   Bank Loan   5/12/23-7/14/24     4,327,550       4,428,558       0.43 %
Avaya Holdings Corp.   Common Stock   5/10/2023-5/12/23     775,525       860,334       0.08 %
LifeScan Global Common   Common Stock   12/8/25-3/25/26     2,625,669       2,875,772       0.28 %
Liberty Interactive LLC 11/15/29   Convertible Bond   2/27/2024     96,463       10,125       0.00 %
Liberty Interactive LLC 2/15/30   Convertible Bond   11/3/23-4/8/25     166,758       31,500       0.00 %
Baffinland Iron Mines Corp. / Baffinland Iron Mines LP 7/15/26   Corporate Bond   5/3/23-2/5/26     6,490,103       6,337,338       0.61 %
Beasley Mezzanine Holdings LLC 8/1/28   Corporate Bond   10/8/24-7/8/25     1,960,900       1,199,585       0.12 %
Liberty Interactive LLC 2/1/30   Corporate Bond   11/7/23-11/6/24     250,688       25,217       0.00 %
Liberty Interactive LLC 7/15/29   Corporate Bond   2/29/24-4/8/25     2,319,695       153,766       0.01 %
Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. 3/1/26   Corporate Bond   5/8/23-7/8/24     2,598,036       2,831,550       0.27 %
Yum! Brands, Inc. 11/15/37   Corporate Bond   7/10/23-9/21/23     2,440,938       2,545,032       0.25 %
Yum! Brands, Inc. 3/15/31   Corporate Bond   5/4/23-3/7/24     995,963       1,048,214       0.10 %
                    $ 43,588,349          

 

Restricted securities under Rule 144A, including the aggregate value and percentage of net assets of the Fund, have been identified in the Schedule of Investments.

 

Credit Default Swaps: A credit default swap (CDS) is a financial contract that functions like an insurance policy against a borrower defaulting on a debt. The CDS buyer makes regular payments to the seller. In return, the seller agrees to compensate the buyer if the underlying debt issuer experiences a credit event, such as bankruptcy or failure to pay.

 

 

22 www.brigadefunds.com
   

 

  Notes to Financial Statements
Brigade High Income Fund and Financial Highlights

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

Forward Currency Contracts: A forward currency contract is a customized, over-the-counter agreement between two parties to exchange a specific amount of one currency for another at a predetermined exchange rate on a future date. These contracts are used to hedge against currency exchange rate risk, locking in a rate to provide certainty for future international transactions

 

Risk Exposure   Statement of Assets
and Liabilities
Location
  Fair Value of Asset
Derivatives
    Statement of Assets
and Liabilities
Location
  Depreciation on
Contracts
 
Credit Risk (Swap Contracts)   Unrealized appreciation on OTC swap contracts(a)   $     Unrealized depreciation on OTC swap contracts   $ (18,771 )
Currency Risk (Forward Currency Contracts)   Unrealized gain on forward contracts     65,478     Unrealized loss on forward contracts     (134 )
        $ 65,478         $ (18,905 )

 

(a) Includes cumulative appreciation/depreciation on centrally cleared swaps

 

              Change in  
        Realized     Unrealized  
        Gain/(Loss) on Derivatives     Gain/(Loss) on Derivatives  
        Recognized     Recognized  
Risk Exposure   Statement of Operations Location   in Income     in Income  
Credit Risk (Swap Contracts)   Net realized gain/(loss) on swap contracts/Net change in unrealized depreciation on swap contracts   $ (449,604 )   $ 792,125  
Currency Risk (Forward Currency Contracts)   Net realized loss on Forward Currency Contracts/Net change in unrealized depreciation on Forward Currency Contracts   $ 161,809     $ 65,343  
Total       $ (287,795 )   $ (857,468 )

 

Derivative Type   Unit of Measurement   Monthly Average  
Credit Default Swaps   Notional Value of contracts outstanding   $ 19,575  
Forward Currency Contracts   Value of contracts outstanding   $ 4,855,950  

 

3. TAX BASIS INFORMATION

 

 

Tax Basis of Distributions to Shareholders: The character of distributions made during the period from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from its ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. Also, due to the timing of dividend distributions, the fiscal year in which amounts are distributed may differ from the fiscal year in which the income or realized gain were recorded by the Fund. The amounts and characteristics of tax basis distributions and composition of distributable earnings/(accumulated losses) are finalized at fiscal year-end.

 

Unrealized Appreciation and Depreciation on Investments: As of March 31, 2026, the aggregate costs of investments, gross unrealized appreciation/ (depreciation) and net unrealized appreciation of instruments for federal tax purposes were as follows:

 

    Brigade High Income Fund  
Gross unrealized appreciation (excess of value over tax cost)   $ 29,755,053  
Gross unrealized depreciation (excess of tax cost over value)     (58,489,754 )
Net unrealized depreciation   $ (28,734,701 )
Cost of investments for income tax purposes   $ 1,036,387,486  

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 23
   

 

  Notes to Financial Statements
Brigade High Income Fund and Financial Highlights

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

As of September 30, 2025, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

    Brigade High Income Fund  
Undistributed Tax Exempt Income      
Accumulated capital losses     (7,218,352 )
Net unrealized appreciation     1,783,103  
Other cumulative effect of timing differences     (935,396 )
Total   $ (6,370,645 )

 

As of September 30, 2025, there were no permanent differences in book and tax accounting.

 

4. SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS

 

 

Purchases and sales of securities, excluding short-term securities, during the six months ended March 31, 2026, were as follows:

 

    Purchases of Securities     Proceeds from Sales of
Securities
 
Brigade High Income Fund   $ 375,998,214     $ 190,127,435  

 

5. BENEFICIAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

 

The capitalization of the Trust consists of an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest with no par value per share. Holders of the shares of the Fund have one vote for each share held and a proportionate fraction of a vote for each fractional share. All shares issued and outstanding are fully paid for and are transferable and redeemable at the option of the shareholder. Shares have no pre-emptive rights. Neither the Fund nor any of its creditors have the right to require shareholders to pay any additional amounts solely because the shareholder owns the shares.

 

Shares redeemed within 60 days of purchase may incur a 1.00% short-term redemption fee deducted from the redemption amount. For the six months ended March 31, 2026, the redemption fees charged by the Fund, if any, are presented in the Statements of Changes in Net Assets.

 

Transactions in common shares were as follows:

 

    For the Six
Months Ended
March 31, 2026
(Unaudited)
    For the Year Ended
September 30, 2025
 
Brigade High Income Fund                
Founders Class                
Shares sold     16,843,049       36,715,871  
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders     4,261,085       7,737,968  
Shares redeemed     (5,245,292 )     (8,601,216 )
Net increase in shares outstanding     15,858,842       35,852,623  
Institutional Class                
Shares sold     (2 )     2  
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders     57       141  
Shares redeemed     1       (1 )
Net increase in shares outstanding     56       142  

 

Control is defined by the 1940 Act as the beneficial ownership, either directly or through one or more controlled companies, of more than 25% of the voting securities of a company. Approximately 63% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are held by one omnibus account that owns shares on behalf of their underlying beneficial owners. Share transaction activities of these shareholders could have a material impact on the Funds.

 

 

24 www.brigadefunds.com
   

 

  Notes to Financial Statements
Brigade High Income Fund and Financial Highlights

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

6. MANAGEMENT AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

 

Investment Advisory: Brigade Capital Management, LP (the “Adviser”), subject to the authority of the Board, is responsible for the management of the Fund’s portfolio. The Adviser manages the investments of the Fund in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective, policies and limitations and investment guidelines established jointly by the Adviser and the Board.

 

Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement (the "Advisory Agreement") with the Adviser, the Fund pays the Adviser an annual management fee of 0.50% based on the Fund’s average daily net assets. The management fee is paid on a monthly basis. The current term of the Advisory Agreement is one year. The Board may extend the Advisory Agreement for additional one-year terms. The Board and the shareholders of the Fund may terminate the Advisory Agreement upon 30 days’ written notice. The Adviser may terminate the Advisory Agreement upon 60 days’ written notice.

 

The Adviser has appointed Brigade Capital UK, LLP as the Sub-Adviser to the Fund. Pursuant to a Sub-Advisory Agreement, it is determined that the Adviser and Fund will not pay any fees to the Sub-Adviser for providing services in accordance with such Agreement.

 

Pursuant to a fee waiver letter agreement (the “Fee Waiver Agreement”), the Adviser has contractually agreed to limit the amount of the Fund’s Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, shareholder servicing fees, brokerage expenses, interest expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses) to an annual rate of 0.52% of the Fund’s average daily net assets for each class. Prior to February 1, 2025, the fund’s expense limitation for the Institutional Class was 0.75%. The Fee Waiver Agreement is in effect through at least January 31, 2027, and will automatically continue upon approval by the Board for successive twelve-month periods unless (i) it is terminated earlier by the Board of Trustees, or (ii) the Adviser provides at least 30 days written notice of its non-continuance prior to the end of the then effective term. The Adviser will be permitted to recover, on a class-by-class basis, expenses it has borne through the Fee Waiver Agreement (whether through reduction of its co-administration or management fee or otherwise) only to the extent that the Fund's expenses in later periods do not exceed the lesser of: (1) the contractual expense limit in effect at the time the Adviser waives or limits the expenses; or (2) the contractual expense limit in effect at the time the Adviser seeks to recover the expenses; provided, however, that the Fund will not be obligated to pay any such deferred fees or expenses more than three years after the date on which the fee and expense was reduced, as calculated on a monthly basis. The Adviser may not discontinue this waiver without the approval by the Trust's Board. Fees waived or reimbursed for the six months ended March 31, 2026, are disclosed in the Statement of Operations.

 

As of March 31, 2026, the balances of recoupable expenses for the Fund were as follows:

 

Brigade High Income Fund   Expiring in 2026     Expiring in 2027     Expiring in 2028     Expiring in 2029  
Founders Class   $ 271,778     $ 863,781     $ 963,427     $ 629,556  
Institutional Class                 12       9  

 

Administrator: ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (“ALPS”) (an affiliate of ALPS Distributors, Inc.) serves as administrator to the Fund. The Fund has agreed to pay expenses incurred in connection with its administrative activities. Pursuant to the Services Agreement with the Trust, ALPS will provide operational services to the Fund including, but not limited to, fund accounting and fund administration and generally assist in the Fund’s operations. The Fund’s administration fee is accrued on a daily basis and paid monthly. The officers of the Trust are employees of ALPS. Administration fees paid by the Fund for the six months ended March 31, 2026, are disclosed in the Statement of Operations. ALPS is reimbursed by the Fund for certain out-of-pocket expenses.

 

Brigade Capital Management, LP serves as co-administrator to the Fund. Pursuant to the Co-Administration Agreement, the Fund pays the co-administrator an annual fee of 0.05% based on the Fund's average daily net assets. Co-administration fees paid by the Fund for the six months ended March 31, 2026, are disclosed in the Statement of Operations.

 

Transfer Agent: ALPS serves as transfer agent for the Fund under a Services Agreement with the Trust. Under this agreement, ALPS is paid an annual fee for services performed on behalf of the Fund plus fees for open accounts and is reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses.

 

Compliance Services: ALPS provides Chief Compliance Officer services to the Fund to monitor and test the policies and procedures of the Fund in conjunction with requirements under Rule 38a-1 of the 1940 Act pursuant to Services Agreement with the Trust. Under this agreement, ALPS is paid an annual fee for services performed on behalf of the Fund and is reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses.

 

Distribution: ALPS Distributors, Inc. (the “Distributor”) (an affiliate of ALPS) acts as the principal underwriter of the Fund’s shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with the Trust. Shares of the Fund are offered on a continuous basis through the Distributor, as agent of the Fund. The Distributor is not obligated to sell any particular amount of shares and is not entitled to any compensation for its services as the Fund’s principal underwriter pursuant to the Distribution Agreement.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 25

   

 

  Notes to Financial Statements
Brigade High Income Fund and Financial Highlights

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

7. TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

 

 

As of March 31, 2026, there were three Trustees, each of whom are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”).

 

Effective January 1, 2026, the Independent Trustees of the Trust and, if any, Interested Trustees who are not currently employed by the Adviser, ALPS or other service providers will receive a quarterly retainer of $18,750, plus $5,938 for each regular Board or Committee meeting attended and $2,000 for each special telephonic or in-person Board or Committee meeting attended. Additionally, the Audit Committee Chair receives a quarterly retainer of $1,875, the Independent Chair receives a quarterly retainer of $4,250 and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Chair receives a quarterly retainer of $500.

 

Prior to January 1, 2026, the Trustees of the Trust received a quarterly retainer of $16,250, plus $5,000 for each regular Board or Committee meeting attended and $2,000 for each special telephonic or in-person Board or Committee meeting attended. Additionally, the Audit Committee Chair received a quarterly retainer of $1,875 and the Independent Chair received a quarterly retainer of $4,250.

 

These fees are allocated proportionately among the multiple portfolios/series of the Trust. The Independent Trustees and, if any, Interested Trustees who are not currently employed by the Adviser, ALPS or other service providers are also reimbursed for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at meetings.

 

Officers of the Trust receive no salary or fees from the Trust. As discussed in Note 6, the Fund pays ALPS an annual fee for compliance services.

 

8. INDEMNIFICATIONS

 

 

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and Trustees are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Trust enters into contracts with service providers that may contain general indemnification clauses which may permit indemnification to the extent permissible under applicable law. 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.

 

9. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

 

Subsequent events after the date of the Statement of Asset and Liabilities have been evaluated through the date the financial statements were issued. Management has determined that there were no subsequent events to report through the issuance of these financial statements.

 

 

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Brigade High Income Fund Additional Information

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

1. TAX DESIGNATIONS

 

 

Qualified Dividend Income

The percentage of ordinary income dividends distributed during the calendar year ended December 31, 2025 are designated as qualified dividend income (QDI) as defined in Section 1(h)(11) of the Internal Revenue Code in the following percentages:

 

  Amount
Brigade High Income Fund 0%

 

Dividends Received Deduction

For corporate shareholders, the following ordinary dividends paid during the calendar year ended December 31, 2025 qualify for the corporate dividends received deduction:

 

  Amount
Brigade High Income Fund 0%

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 27
   

 

  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants for
Brigade High Income Fund Open-End Management Investment Companies

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

There were no changes in or disagreements with accountants during the period covered by this report.

 

 

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Brigade High Income Fund Proxy Disclosures

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

Not applicable to the period covered by this Report.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 29

   

 

  Remuneration Paid to Trustees, Officers, and Others
Brigade High Income Fund of Open-End Management Investment Companies

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

The following chart provides certain information about the Trustee fees paid by the Fund for the period ended March 31, 2026:

 

Trustee   Amount Paid  
Ward Armstrong   $ 15,618  
J.W. Hutchens     5,920  
Merrillyn Kosier     13,331  
Patrick Seese     14,258  
Total   $ 49,127  

 

 

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  Statement Regarding Basis for Approval
Brigade High Income Fund of Investment Advisory Contract

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

On February 19, 2026, the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of ALPS Series Trust (the “Trust”) met in person to discuss, among other things, the approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Brigade Capital Management, LP. (“Brigade”) in accordance with Section 15(c) of the 1940 Act (“Brigade Agreement”). The Independent Trustees met with independent legal counsel during executive session and discussed the Investment Advisory Agreement and other related materials.

 

In evaluating Brigade and the fees charged under the Brigade Agreement, the Trustees concluded that no single factor reviewed by the Trustees was identified by the Trustees to be determinative as the principal factor in whether to approve the Brigade Agreement. Further, the Independent Trustees were advised by independent legal counsel throughout the process. The following summary does not identify all the matters considered by the Board, but provides a summary of the principal matters the Board considered.

 

Nature, Extent and Quality of the Services: The Trustees reviewed and considered information regarding the nature, extent, and quality of services provided to the Fund under the Brigade Agreements. In this regard, the Trustees considered materials provided by Brigade describing the firm’s organization, ownership structure, and regulatory filings, including certain information from Brigade’s Form ADV. The Trustees also reviewed information regarding Brigade’s management team and the experience of the firm’s investment professionals, including the significant industry experience of Brigade’s senior investment team.

 

The Trustees discussed Brigade’s investment process and research capabilities, including its fundamental credit research approach and its emphasis on evaluating factors such as free cash flow, asset coverage, and relative value. The Trustees also considered Brigade’s global investment platform and the disciplined investment process used in managing the Fund’s portfolio.

 

The Trustees also reviewed Brigade’s compliance record with the Trust and discussed the operational and compliance support provided to the Fund. In addition, the Trustees reviewed Brigade’s financial condition. Based on these considerations, the Trustees concluded that they were satisfied with the nature, extent, and quality of services provided by Brigade and Brigade UK.

 

Performance: The Trustees reviewed and considered information regarding the Brigade Fund’s investment performance for the one-year and since inception periods ended November 30, 2025. The Trustees compared the Fund’s performance to that of a peer group of comparable funds identified by an independent provider of investment company data (the “Data Provider”).

 

The Trustees noted that the Fund had outperformed relative to its peer group over each period. The Trustees also discussed recent performance trends and the portfolio management team’s oversight of the Fund’s investment strategy. Based on this review, the Trustees concluded that the Fund’s performance was satisfactory.

 

Investment Advisory Fee Rate and Expense Ratio: The Trustees reviewed and considered the contractual advisory fee payable by the Fund to Brigade and the sub-advisory fee payable by Brigade to Brigade UK. In evaluating the advisory fee, the Trustees reviewed comparative data provided by an independent provider of investment company data (the “Data Provider”) regarding advisory fees and total expense ratios of comparable funds within both the identified peer group and a broader universe of funds.

 

The Trustees noted that the Fund’s contractual advisory fee of 0.50% ranked 2nd lowest among the peer group. The Trustees also noted that the Fund’s total net expense ratio of 0.52% ranked as the lowest among the peer group funds and compared favorably to the peer group median expense ratio of 0.73%.

 

The Trustees also reviewed the components of the Fund’s expenses and considered the recent adjustments to the Fund’s expense cap structure. Based on these considerations, the Trustees concluded that the advisory fee and overall expense structure were reasonable in light of the nature, extent, and quality of the services provided.

 

Comparable Accounts: The Trustees reviewed information regarding fees charged by Brigade for managing other accounts employing investment strategies similar to those used for the Fund. The Trustees noted that certain accounts managed by Brigade are subject to different fee arrangements, which may reflect differences in services provided, investment structures, or client circumstances.

 

Taking these factors into account and recognizing the limitations inherent in comparing fee structures across different types of accounts, the Trustees concluded that the advisory and sub-advisory fees payable under the Brigade Agreements were not unreasonable.

 

Profitability: The Trustees received and considered profitability analyses prepared by Brigade with respect to the Fund, including retrospective and projected profitability information presented on a consolidated basis with Brigade UK based on the fees paid under the Brigade Agreements. The Trustees noted that the Fund was profitable to Brigade in 2025 and was projected to be profitable in 2026. After considering this information and the services provided under the Brigade Agreements, the Trustees concluded that the level of profitability was not excessive.

 

Economies of Scale: The Trustees considered whether economies of scale in the provision of services to the Fund would be passed along to the shareholders under the Brigade Agreements. They considered statements by the Brigade representatives that the growth in the Fund’s assets under management had yielded economies of scale and that as the Fund continues to grow, it will benefit from economies of scale as the overall expense ratio will continue to decline.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 31
   

 

  Statement Regarding Basis for Approval
Brigade High Income Fund of Investment Advisory Contract

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

Other Benefits to the Adviser and Sub-Adviser: The Trustees reviewed and considered any other incidental benefits derived or to be derived by Brigade or Brigade UK from their relationships with the Brigade Fund, including soft dollar benefits to Brigade. The Trustees concluded that the direct and indirect benefits to Brigade and Brigade UK were not excessive.

 

Having requested, reviewed, and deliberated such information from Brigade as the Board believed to be reasonably necessary to evaluate the terms of the Brigade Agreements, the Trustees concluded that renewal of each Brigade Agreement was in the best interests of the Brigade Fund and its shareholders.

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

 

Schedule of Investments 1
Statement of Assets and Liabilities 7
Statement of Operations 8
Statements of Changes in Net Assets 9
Financial Highlights 10
Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights 12
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants 19
Proxy Disclosures 20
Remuneration Paid to Directors, Officers, and Others 21
Statement Regarding Basis for Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement 22

 

 

Carret Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund Schedule of Investments

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

   

Principal

Amount

   

Value

(Note 2)

 
MUNICIPAL BONDS (99.06%)                
Education (36.17%)(a)                
Allen County Unified School District No. 257, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
3.000%, 09/01/2043   $ 2,415,000     $ 1,990,838  
Barton Community College, Certificate Participation Bonds                
4.000%, 12/01/2032     555,000       555,427  
4.000%, 12/01/2034     250,000       250,130  
Bethel Park School District, General Obligation Limited Bonds                
5.000%, 08/01/2048     1,000,000       1,025,682  
Bourbon County Unified School District No. 234-Fort Scott, Certificate Participation Bonds                
4.000%, 09/01/2037     400,000       403,196  
Butler County Unified School District No. 206 Remington, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
3.000%, 09/01/2034     1,000,000       948,865  
3.000%, 09/01/2035     510,000       479,039  
Butler County Unified School District No. 375 Circle, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
3.000%, 09/01/2035     750,000       696,362  
Butler County Unified School District No. 385 Andover, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
4.000%, 09/01/2030     690,000       700,107  
4.000%, 09/01/2031     500,000       506,790  
Butler County Unified School District No. 394 Rose Hill, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
5.000%, 09/01/2036     500,000       542,583  
Butler County Unified School District No. 490 El Dorado, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
4.000%, 09/01/2036     500,000       500,046  
Dekalb County Central School Building Corp., Revenue Bonds                
5.000%, 07/15/2033     500,000       545,005  
Denton Independent School District, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
5.000%, 08/15/2034     750,000       768,807  
Douglas County Unified School District No. 497 Lawrence, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
4.000%, 09/01/2031     1,500,000       1,514,546  
4.000%, 09/01/2033     500,000       500,197  
Ellis County Unified School District No. 489 Hays, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
5.000%, 09/01/2042     535,000       563,155  
Finney County Unified School District No. 457 Garden City, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
4.000%, 09/01/2031     1,500,000       1,506,392  
Ford County Unified School District No. 443 Dodge City, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
4.000%, 03/01/2030     1,150,000       1,165,188  
Franklin County Unified School District No. 289 Wellsville, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
4.000%, 09/01/2030     645,000       674,673  
Geary County Unified School District No. 475, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
3.000%, 09/01/2033     1,000,000       956,181  
Hernando County School District, Certificate Participation Bonds                
5.000%, 07/01/2031     685,000       687,813  
Jefferson County School District R-1, Certificate Participation Bonds                
5.000%, 12/15/2027     500,000       500,848  
Johnson & Miami Counties Unified School District No. 230 Spring Hills, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
4.000%, 09/01/2031     400,000       404,156  
4.000%, 09/01/2033     1,000,000       1,001,829  
4.000%, 09/01/2035     1,000,000       1,001,171  
Johnson County Unified School District No. 229 Blue Valley, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
4.000%, 10/01/2040     1,500,000       1,511,505  
5.000%, 10/01/2038     2,000,000       2,230,633  
Johnson County Unified School District No. 232 De Soto, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
4.000%, 09/01/2031     1,165,000       1,192,975  
Johnson County Unified School District No. 233 Olathe, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
2.000%, 09/01/2030     750,000       692,455  
4.000%, 09/01/2031     1,000,000       1,003,786  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights. `

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 1

 

 

Carret Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund Schedule of Investments

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

   

Principal

Amount

   

Value

(Note 2)

 
Education (continued)                
Johnson County Unified School District No. 512 Shawnee Mission, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
4.000%, 10/01/2035   $ 425,000     $ 434,538  
5.000%, 10/01/2041     500,000       538,080  
Kansas City Kansas Community College Auxiliary Enterprise System, Revenue Bonds                
4.000%, 09/01/2032     140,000       142,738  
4.000%, 09/01/2033     100,000       101,199  
Kansas Development Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds                
2.000%, 05/01/2031     630,000       567,591  
2.000%, 06/01/2032     1,000,000       892,572  
3.000%, 05/01/2030     450,000       449,323  
3.500%, 05/01/2033     500,000       496,164  
Larimer County School District No. R-1 Poudre, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
4.000%, 12/15/2032     750,000       766,916  
Leavenworth County Unified School District No. 464, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
4.000%, 09/01/2034     675,000       674,096  
4.000%, 09/01/2036     465,000       442,978  
Lyon County Unified School District No. 253 Emporia, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
4.000%, 09/01/2030     325,000       329,580  
Massachusetts School Building Authority, Revenue Bonds                
5.000%, 02/15/2050     1,085,000       1,123,689  
Miami County Unified School District No. 416 Louisburg, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
3.000%, 09/01/2035     500,000       470,700  
Pennsylvania Higher Educational Facilities Authority, Revenue Bonds                
5.000%, 08/15/2046     750,000       757,332  
Racine Unified School District, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
5.000%, 04/01/2042     820,000       861,909  
Riley County Unified School District No. 378 Riley, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
3.000%, 09/01/2039     925,000       829,793  
Riley County Unified School District No. 383 Manhattan-Ogden, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
5.000%, 09/01/2028     1,220,000       1,232,921  
Sedgwick County Unified School District No. 260 Derby, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
3.500%, 10/01/2036     845,000       834,783  
Sedgwick County Unified School District No. 264 Clearwater, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
4.000%, 09/01/2029     530,000       532,835  
Sedgwick County Unified School District No. 266 Maize, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
4.000%, 09/01/2032     750,000       759,236  
Sedgwick County Unified School District No. 267 Renwick, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
4.000%, 11/01/2033     350,000       353,286  
4.000%, 11/01/2034     425,000       428,468  
4.000%, 11/01/2035     635,000       639,739  
Seward County Unified School District No. 480 Liberal, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
4.000%, 09/01/2028     1,000,000       1,017,567  
4.000%, 09/01/2032     500,000       505,920  
St Louis County School District C-2 Parkway, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
5.000%, 03/01/2042     1,000,000       1,082,838  
University of Kansas Hospital Authority, Revenue Bonds                
5.000%, 09/01/2030     350,000       351,082  
5.000%, 09/01/2031     500,000       501,544  
West Clermont Local School District, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
4.000%, 12/01/2032     400,000       402,650  
Wyandotte County Unified School District No. 202 Turner, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
4.000%, 09/01/2039     400,000       408,334  
Wyandotte County Unified School District No. 203 Piper, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
5.000%, 09/01/2038     1,000,000       1,033,426  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.

 

2

 

 

Carret Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund Schedule of Investments

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

   

Principal

Amount

   

Value

(Note 2)

 
Education (continued)                
Wyandotte County Unified School District No. 500 Kansas City, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
5.000%, 09/01/2030   $ 500,000     $ 505,279  
Total Education             47,489,486  
                 
General Obligation (39.43%)(a)                
Abilene Public Building Commission, Revenue Bonds                
4.000%, 12/01/2029     325,000       330,638  
4.000%, 12/01/2031     445,000       450,875  
Ashland Public Building Commission, Revenue Bonds                
5.000%, 09/01/2035     720,000       720,439  
City of Albuquerque NM, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
4.000%, 07/01/2039     700,000       708,949  
City of Arkansas City, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
2.000%, 08/01/2035     1,000,000       801,535  
City of Bettendorf IA, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
5.000%, 06/01/2038     1,000,000       1,110,461  
City of Derby, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
4.000%, 12/01/2041     775,000       762,337  
City of Garden City, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
3.000%, 11/01/2028     950,000       947,975  
City of Gardner, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
4.250%, 10/01/2044     685,000       687,450  
City of Goddard, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
4.000%, 12/01/2027     500,000       506,830  
City of Lawrence, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
4.000%, 09/01/2031     445,000       446,869  
City of Leawood, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
4.000%, 09/01/2029     300,000       313,982  
City of Lenexa, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
3.000%, 09/01/2033     1,560,000       1,539,244  
City of Maize, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
4.000%, 10/01/2038     375,000       377,861  
City of Manhattan, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
3.500%, 06/15/2027     875,000       875,415  
4.000%, 11/01/2031     400,000       412,712  
5.000%, 11/01/2036     1,000,000       1,108,031  
5.000%, 11/01/2037     910,000       1,002,238  
City of McKinney TX, General Obligation Limited Bonds                
5.000%, 08/15/2039     1,075,000       1,187,712  
City of Olathe, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
3.000%, 10/01/2033     1,000,000       961,487  
4.000%, 10/01/2028     1,315,000       1,324,663  
City of Overland Park, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
4.000%, 09/01/2037     475,000       486,134  
4.000%, 09/01/2038     475,000       484,459  
4.000%, 09/01/2039     350,000       355,658  
City of Paola, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
5.000%, 09/01/2030     535,000       576,943  
City of Salina, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
3.000%, 10/01/2033     620,000       594,494  
3.000%, 10/01/2036     680,000       630,455  
City of Sedona AZ Excise Tax, Revenue Bonds                
4.000%, 07/01/2041     805,000       804,191  
City of Spring Hill, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
4.000%, 09/01/2029     810,000       824,089  
City of Wamego, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
5.000%, 03/01/2027     500,000       500,800  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 3

 

 

Carret Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund Schedule of Investments

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

   

Principal

Amount

   

Value

(Note 2)

 
General Obligation (continued)                
City of Wichita, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
2.000%, 06/01/2035   $ 400,000     $ 327,532  
3.000%, 10/01/2030     720,000       715,955  
4.000%, 06/01/2030     820,000       830,844  
4.000%, 06/01/2035     750,000       774,342  
City of Wichita, Revenue Bonds                
5.000%, 09/01/2030     1,000,000       1,028,761  
County of Anderson, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
3.000%, 08/01/2033     750,000       734,182  
County of Anoka MN, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
4.000%, 02/01/2041     750,000       754,228  
County of Douglas, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
5.000%, 09/01/2042     875,000       930,819  
County of Geary, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
4.000%, 09/01/2030     415,000       416,537  
County of Johnson, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
4.000%, 09/01/2028     1,125,000       1,126,236  
4.000%, 09/01/2035     1,525,000       1,536,750  
County of Linn, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
4.000%, 07/01/2032     505,000       514,584  
County of Saline, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
4.000%, 09/01/2029     765,000       795,056  
County of Somerset NJ, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
4.000%, 01/15/2039     1,000,000       1,019,208  
Holladay Local Building Authority, Revenue Bonds                
4.250%, 11/15/2045     500,000       490,032  
Indiana Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds                
5.000%, 02/01/2044     1,000,000       1,073,615  
Johnson County Public Building Commission, Revenue Bonds                
3.000%, 09/01/2030     790,000       786,443  
4.000%, 09/01/2031     1,500,000       1,506,913  
Kansas Development Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds                
2.000%, 11/01/2033     950,000       807,758  
2.000%, 11/01/2034     975,000       807,974  
4.000%, 11/01/2030     800,000       813,205  
4.000%, 11/01/2031     1,100,000       1,116,586  
5.000%, 05/01/2042     1,500,000       1,617,021  
Oregon State Lottery, Revenue Bonds                
5.000%, 04/01/2039     750,000       834,451  
Saline County Public Building Commission, Revenue Bonds                
2.000%, 09/01/2033     200,000       173,182  
2.000%, 09/01/2034     225,000       189,987  
2.000%, 09/01/2035     220,000       180,813  
South Dakota Conservancy District, Revenue Bonds                
5.000%, 08/01/2044     1,000,000       1,071,787  
State of Nevada, General Obligation Limited Bonds                
5.000%, 05/01/2039     1,000,000       1,118,146  
Wyandotte County-Kansas City Unified Government, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds                
2.000%, 08/01/2033     1,000,000       864,967  
4.000%, 08/01/2029     685,000       694,853  
4.000%, 08/01/2030     2,105,000       2,152,272  
4.000%, 08/01/2032     1,000,000       1,022,464  
5.000%, 08/01/2031     1,000,000       1,105,997  
Total General Obligation             51,768,426  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.

 

4

 

 

Carret Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund Schedule of Investments

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

   

Principal

Amount

   

Value

(Note 2)

 
Health Care (1.03%)                
Lyon County Public Building Commission, Revenue Bonds                
5.000%, 12/01/2035   $ 1,335,000     $ 1,348,323  
                 
Public Services (1.29%)                
Johnson County Park & Recreation District, Certificate Participation Bonds                
3.000%, 09/01/2028     1,165,000       1,166,957  
3.000%, 09/01/2029     535,000       535,162  
Total Public Services             1,702,119  
                 
Transportation (10.08%)                
Kansas Turnpike Authority, Revenue Bonds                
5.000%, 09/01/2031     630,000       677,894  
5.000%, 09/01/2032     500,000       535,413  
5.000%, 09/01/2036     1,000,000       1,053,624  
5.000%, 09/01/2037     1,000,000       1,050,500  
5.000%, 09/01/2038     1,150,000       1,204,086  
Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Revenue Bonds                
5.000%, 11/15/2030     750,000       758,734  
State of Kansas Department of Transportation, Revenue Bonds                
5.000%, 09/01/2028     1,500,000       1,551,044  
5.000%, 09/01/2031     3,020,000       3,110,858  
5.000%, 09/01/2032     500,000       514,314  
5.000%, 09/01/2034     2,000,000       2,051,818  
Triborough Bridge & Tunnel Authority, Revenue Bonds                
5.000%, 11/15/2048     700,000       722,953  
Total Transportation             13,231,238  
                 
Utilities (11.06%)                
City of Lawrence Water & Sewage System, Revenue Bonds                
4.000%, 11/01/2032     1,180,000       1,231,828  
4.000%, 11/01/2039     1,000,000       1,003,934  
City of Lebanon Authority, Revenue Bonds                
4.000%, 12/15/2028     550,000       555,331  
City of McPherson Water System, Revenue Bonds                
2.000%, 10/01/2038     440,000       328,381  
City of Monroe WA Water & Sewer, Revenue Bonds                
5.000%, 12/01/2041     695,000       764,129  
City of Olathe Water & Sewer System, Revenue Bonds                
2.000%, 07/01/2034     540,000       455,610  
2.000%, 07/01/2035     550,000       454,194  
3.000%, 07/01/2030     675,000       670,946  
3.000%, 07/01/2031     555,000       549,184  
3.000%, 07/01/2032     745,000       729,287  
3.000%, 07/01/2033     755,000       725,214  
City of Topeka Combined Utility, Revenue Bonds                
4.250%, 08/01/2041     1,170,000       1,185,226  
City of Wichita Water & Sewer Utility, Revenue Bonds                
3.000%, 10/01/2029     1,180,000       1,169,054  
3.375%, 10/01/2039     1,000,000       924,398  
Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District, Revenue Bonds                
5.000%, 10/01/2044     730,000       765,610  
Snohomish County Public Utility District No. 1 Electric System, Revenue Bonds                
5.000%, 12/01/2039     1,000,000       1,111,516  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 5

 

 

Carret Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund Schedule of Investments

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

   

Principal

Amount

   

Value

(Note 2)

 
Utilities (continued)            
Wyandotte County-Kansas City Unified Government Utility System, Revenue Bonds                
3.000%, 09/01/2035   $ 250,000     $ 228,919  
3.000%, 09/01/2040     250,000       210,838  
5.000%, 09/01/2031     1,350,000       1,355,438  
5.000%, 09/01/2033     100,000       100,128  
Total Utilities             14,519,165  
                 
TOTAL MUNICIPAL BONDS                
(Cost $134,461,597)             130,058,757  

 

    Shares    

Value

(Note 2)

 
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (0.30%)                
Money Market Fund (0.30%)                
First American Treasury Obligations Fund, Class X (3.574%, 7-Day Yield)     390,571     $ 390,571  
Total Money Market Fund             390,571  
                 
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS                
(Cost $390,571)             390,571  
                 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (99.36%)                
(Cost $134,852,168)           $ 130,449,328  
                 
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES (0.64%)             835,902  
                 
NET ASSETS (100.00%)           $ 131,285,230  

 

(a) To the extent the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors of the economy, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. When sector categorization is broken down by industry, no industry exceeds the 25% maximum specified in the Statement of Additional Information.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.

 

6

 

 

Carret Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

ASSETS:        
Investments, at value (Cost $134,852,168)   $ 130,449,328  
Cash and cash equivalents     5,695  
Receivable for shares sold     121,068  
Dividends and interest receivable     1,069,624  
Other assets     13,086  
Total Assets     131,658,801  
         
LIABILITIES:        
Distributions payable     258,980  
Payable for administration and transfer agent fees     55,294  
Payable for shares redeemed     3,499  
Payable to adviser     15,226  
Payable for distribution fees     93  
Payable for printing fees     5,648  
Payable for professional fees     13,082  
Payable for trustees' fees and expenses     3,604  
Payable to Chief Compliance Officer fees     7,523  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities     10,560  
Total Liabilities     373,571  
NET ASSETS   $ 131,285,230  
         
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:        
Paid-in capital (Note 5)   $ 138,326,210  
Total distributable earnings/(deficit)     (7,040,980 )
NET ASSETS   $ 131,285,230  
         
PRICING OF SHARES        
Institutional Class:        
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share   $ 10.23  
Net Assets   $ 130,568,082  
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding     12,761,582  
Class A:        
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share   $ 10.23  
Net Assets   $ 717,148  
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding     70,120  
Maximum offering price per share(a)   $ 10.68  

 

(a) Net Asset Value/100% minus maximum sales charge of net asset value, 4.25% for the Fund, adjusted to the nearest cent.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 7

 

 

Carret Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund Statement of Operations

 

For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

INVESTMENT INCOME:        
Interest   $ 1,751,712  
Total Investment Income     1,751,712  
EXPENSES:        
Investment advisory fees (Note 6)     193,745  
Administration fees     102,323  
Shareholder service fees        
Class A     266  
Distribution fees        
Class A     949  
Custody fees     7,671  
Legal fees     10,251  
Audit and tax fees     9,902  
Transfer agent fees     34,325  
Trustees' fees and expenses     6,806  
Registration and filing fees     17,929  
Printing fees     5,814  
Chief Compliance Officer fees     22,758  
Insurance fees     556  
Other expenses     5,859  
Total Expenses     419,154  
Less fees waived/reimbursed by investment adviser (Note 6)        
Institutional Class     (107,123 )
Class A     (634 )
Total fees waived by investment adviser     (107,757 )
Net Expenses     311,397  
NET INVESTMENT INCOME     1,440,315  
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS:        
Net realized gain/(loss) on:        
Investments     (9,171 )
Net realized loss     (9,171 )
Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:        
Investments     (341,678 )
Net change     (341,678 )
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED LOSS ON INVESTMENTS     (350,849 )
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS   $ 1,089,466  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.

 

8

 

 

Carret Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

   

For the Six Months

Ended March 31, 2026

(Unaudited)

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2025

 
OPERATIONS:                
Net investment income   $ 1,440,315     $ 2,510,522  
Net realized loss on investments     (9,171 )     (172,047 )
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments     (341,678 )     491,270  
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations     1,089,466       2,829,745  
                 
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS                
Institutional Class     (1,433,134 )     (2,495,315 )
Class A     (7,180 )     (15,506 )
Total distributions     (1,440,314 )     (2,510,821 )
                 
BENEFICIAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (Note 5):                
Institutional Class                
Shares sold     13,549,381       21,855,463  
Dividends reinvested     37,795       72,032  
Shares redeemed     (7,127,547 )     (19,969,571 )
Net increase from beneficial share transactions     6,459,629       1,957,924  
Class A                
Shares sold           8,046  
Dividends reinvested     7,180       15,447  
Shares redeemed     (57,671 )     (60,932 )
Net decrease from beneficial share transactions     (50,491 )     (37,439 )
Net increase in net assets     6,058,290       2,239,409  
                 
NET ASSETS:                
Beginning of period     125,226,940       122,987,531  
End of period   $ 131,285,230     $ 125,226,940  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 9

 

 

Carret Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund Financial Highlights

 

Institutional Class For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

   

For the Six

Months Ended

March 31, 2026

(Unaudited)

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2025

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2024

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2023

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2022

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2021

 
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD   $ 10.25     $ 10.23     $ 9.60     $ 9.64     $ 11.10     $ 11.16  
                                                 
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:                                                
Net investment income(a)     0.12       0.21       0.20       0.20       0.19       0.20  
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments     (0.03 )     0.02       0.63       (0.04 )     (1.45 )     (0.06 )
Total from investment operations     0.09       0.23       0.83       0.16       (1.26 )     0.14  
                                                 
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:                                                
From net investment income     (0.11 )     (0.21 )     (0.20 )     (0.20 )     (0.19 )     (0.20 )
From net realized gains on investments                       (0.00 )(b)     (0.01 )     (0.00 )(b)
Total Distributions     (0.11 )     (0.21 )     (0.20 )     (0.20 )     (0.20 )     (0.20 )
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE     (0.02 )     0.02       0.63       (0.04 )     (1.46 )     (0.06 )
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD   $ 10.23     $ 10.25     $ 10.23     $ 9.60     $ 9.64     $ 11.10  
                                                 
TOTAL RETURN(c)     0.92 %     2.31 %     8.72 %     1.57 %     (11.49 %)     1.30 %
                                                 
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                                                
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)   $ 130,568     $ 124,459     $ 122,183     $ 118,458     $ 138,130     $ 180,253  
                                                 
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS                                                
Operating expenses excluding reimbursement/waiver     0.65 %(d)     0.65 %     0.66 %     0.60 %     0.58 %     0.56 %
Operating expenses including reimbursement/waiver     0.48 %(d)     0.48 %     0.48 %     0.48 %     0.48 %     0.48 %
Net investment income including reimbursement/waiver     2.23 %(d)     2.09 %     2.01 %     1.96 %     1.80 %     1.83 %
                                                 
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE     5 %(e)     10 %     10 %     8 %     6 %     8 %

 

(a) Per share amounts are based upon average shares outstanding, unless otherwise noted.
(b) Less than $0.005 per share.
(c) Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
(d) Annualized.
(e) Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.

 

10

 

 

Carret Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund Financial Highlights

 

Class A For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

   

For the Six

Months Ended

March 31, 2026

(Unaudited)

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2025

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2024

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2023

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2022

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2021

 
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD   $ 10.25     $ 10.23     $ 9.60     $ 9.64     $ 11.10     $ 11.16  
                                                 
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:                                                
Net investment income(a)     0.10       0.18       0.18       0.17       0.16       0.18  
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments     (0.02 )     0.04       0.63       (0.04 )     (1.45 )     (0.06 )
Total from investment operations     0.08       0.22       0.81       0.13       (1.29 )     0.12  
                                                 
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:                                                
From net investment income     (0.10 )     (0.20 )     (0.18 )     (0.17 )     (0.16 )     (0.18 )
From net realized gains on investments                       (0.00 )(b)     (0.01 )     (0.00 )(b)
Total Distributions     (0.10 )     (0.20 )     (0.18 )     (0.17 )     (0.17 )     (0.18 )
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE     (0.02 )     0.02       0.63       (0.04 )     (1.46 )     (0.06 )
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD   $ 10.23     $ 10.25     $ 10.23     $ 9.60     $ 9.64     $ 11.10  
                                                 
TOTAL RETURN(c)     0.75 %     2.23 %     8.46 %     1.32 %     (11.72 %)     1.05 %
                                                 
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                                                
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)   $ 717     $ 768     $ 804     $ 972     $ 1,120     $ 3,813  
                                                 
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS                                                
Operating expenses excluding reimbursement/waiver     0.97 %(d)     1.03 %     0.81 %     0.91 %     0.90 %     0.87 %
Operating expenses including reimbursement/waiver     0.80 %(d)     0.78 %     0.73 %     0.73 %     0.73 %     0.73 %
Net investment income including reimbursement/waiver     1.89 %(d)     1.79 %     1.75 %     1.71 %     1.54 %     1.58 %
                                                 
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE     5 %(e)     10 %     10 %     8 %     6 %     8 %

 

(a) Per share amounts are based upon average shares outstanding, unless otherwise noted.
(b) Less than $0.005 per share.
(c) Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been waived during the period. Total Returns do not include the sales load. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
(d) Annualized.
(e) Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 11

 

 

Carret Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund

Notes to Financial Statements

and Financial Highlights

 

‘March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

1.  ORGANIZATION

 

 

ALPS Series Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”). The Trust consists of multiple separate portfolios or series. This annual report describes the Carret Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund (the “Fund” or “Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund”) formally known as the American Independence Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund. On September 13, 2019, Carret Asset Management, LLC (the “Adviser” or “Carret") became the adviser to the Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund, changing the Fund’s name from American Independence to Carret. The Fund is considered diversified, and its primary investment objective is to preserve capital while producing current income for the investor that is predominantly exempt from both federal and Kansas state income taxes. The Fund currently offers Institutional Class Shares and Class A Shares. Each share class has identical rights to earnings, assets and voting privileges, except for class specific expenses and exclusive rights to vote on matters affecting only individual classes. The Board of Trustees (the "Board" or "Trustees") may establish additional funds and classes of shares at any time in the future without shareholder approval.

 

2.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

 

The accompanying financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for investment companies (“U.S. GAAP”). The Fund is considered an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946, Financial Services - Investment Companies. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures 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 period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund in preparation of its financial statements.

 

The Fund uses the management approach to determine reportable operating segments. The management approach considers the internal organization and reporting used by the Fund's chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) for making decisions, allocating resources, and assessing performance. The Fund's CODM has been identified as the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) and Treasurer, who reviews results presented within the Fund's financial statements when making decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance of the Fund. The CODM determined that the Fund has only one operating segment as defined by ASU 2023-07. This is supported by the single investment strategy of the Fund, against which the CODM assesses performance.

 

Investment Valuation: The Fund generally values its securities based on market prices determined at the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, on each day the NYSE is open for trading.

 

The market price for debt obligations is generally the price supplied by an independent third-party pricing service approved by the Board, which may use a matrix, formula or other objective method that takes into consideration quotations from dealers, market transactions in comparable investments, market indices and yield curves. If vendors are unable to supply a price, or if the price supplied is deemed to be unreliable, the market price may be determined using quotations received from one or more broker-dealers that make a market in the security.

 

Redeemable securities issued by open-end registered investment companies are valued at the investment company’s applicable net asset value (“NAV”). Money market funds, representing short-term investments, are valued at their NAV.

 

When such prices or quotations are not available, or when the valuation designee appointed by the Board believes that they are unreliable, securities may be priced using fair value procedures approved by the Board.

 

Fair Value Measurements: The Fund discloses the classification of its fair value measurements following a three-tier hierarchy based on the inputs used to measure fair value. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk. Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on the best information available.

 

Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund’s investments as of the end of the reporting period. When inputs used fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The designated input levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with these investments. These inputs are categorized in the following hierarchy under applicable financial accounting standards:

 

 

12

 

 

Carret Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund

Notes to Financial Statements

and Financial Highlights

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

  Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments, unrestricted assets or liabilities that the Fund has the ability to access at the measurement date;
     
  Level 2 – Quoted prices which are not active, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable (either directly or indirectly); and
     
  Level 3 – Significant unobservable prices or inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) where there is little or no market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of March 31, 2026:

 

Investments in Securities at Value*  

Level 1 - Quoted and

Unadjusted Prices

   

Level 2 - Other

Significant

Observable Inputs

   

Level 3 - Significant

Unobservable Inputs

    Total  
Municipal Bonds   $     $ 130,058,757     $              –     $ 130,058,757  
Short Term Investments     390,571                   390,571  
Total   $ 390,571       130,058,757           $ 130,449,328  

 

* For a detailed Sector breakdown, see the accompanying Schedule of Investments.

 

There were no Level 3 securities held in the Fund during the six months ended March 31, 2026.

 

Securities Purchased on a When-Issued Basis: The Fund may purchase securities on a “when-issued” basis. When-issued securities are securities purchased for delivery beyond the normal settlement date at a stated price and/or yield, thereby involving the risk that the price and/or yield obtained may be more or less than those available in the market when delivery takes place. At the time the Fund makes the commitment to purchase a security on a when-issued basis, the Fund records the transaction and reflects the value of the security in determining net asset value. Normally, the settlement date occurs within one month of the purchase. No payment is made by the Fund and no interest accrues to the Fund during the period between purchase and settlement.

 

Cash & Cash Equivalents: The Fund considers its investment in a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") insured interest bearing account to be cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus any accrued interest. The Fund maintains cash balances, which, at times may exceed federally insured limits. The Fund maintains these balances with a high-quality financial institution.

 

Selected Risks: Some significant types of financial risks the Fund is exposed to are listed below. Please see the Fund's prospectus and statement of additional information for additional information regarding the risks associated with an investment in the Fund.

 

Concentration of Credit Risk: The Fund places its cash with a banking institution, which is insured by FDIC. The FDIC limit is $250,000. At various times throughout the period, the amount on deposit may exceed the FDIC limit and subject a Fund to a credit risk. The Fund does not believe that such deposits are subject to any unusual risk associated with investment activities.

 

Fixed-Income Securities Risk: Fixed-income securities are subject to the risk of the issuer’s inability to meet principal and interest payments on its obligations (i.e., credit risk) and are subject to price volatility resulting from, among other things, interest rate sensitivity, market perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and general market liquidity (i.e., market risk). Generally, fixed-income securities will decrease in value if interest rates rise and will increase in value if interest rates decline. Securities with longer durations are likely to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates, generally making them more volatile than securities with shorter durations. Lower rated fixed-income securities have greater volatility because there is less certainty that principal and interest payments will be made as scheduled.

 

Credit Risk: Credit risk is the risk that the issuer of a debt security, including ETNs, will fail to repay principal and interest on the security when due. Credit risk is affected by the issuer’s credit status, and is generally higher for non-investment grade securities.

 

Duration Risk: Duration is a measure of the sensitivity of a security’s price to changes in interest rates. The longer a security’s duration, the more sensitive it will be to changes in interest rates. Similarly, a fund with longer average fund duration will be more sensitive to changes in interest rates and will experience more price volatility than a fund with shorter average fund duration. By way of example, the price of a bond fund with duration of five years would be expected to fall approximately 5% if interest rates rose by one percentage point.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 13

 

 

Carret Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund

Notes to Financial Statements

and Financial Highlights

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

Extension Risk: Extension risk is the risk that an issuer will exercise its right to pay principal on an obligation held by the Fund later than expected. This may happen during a period of rising interest rates. Under these circumstances, the value of the obligation will decrease and the Fund will suffer from the inability to invest in higher yielding securities.

 

Interest Rate Risk: Interest rate risk is the risk that a debt security’s value will decline due to changes in market interest rates. Even though some interest-bearing securities offer a stable stream of income, their prices will still fluctuate with changes in interest rates. The Fund may be subject to greater risk of rising interest rates than would normally be the case due to the current period of historically low rates and the effect of potential government fiscal policy initiatives and resulting market reaction to those initiatives. When interest rates change, the values of longer-duration debt securities usually change more than the values of shorter-duration debt securities.

 

Prepayment Risk: Prepayment occurs when the issuer of a security can repay principal prior to the security’s maturity. Securities subject to prepayment can offer less potential for gains during a declining interest rate environment and similar or greater potential for loss in a rising interest rate environment. In addition, the potential impact of prepayment features on the price of a debt security can be difficult to predict and result in greater volatility. This risk could affect the total return of the Fund.

 

Municipal Securities Risk: Municipal bonds are subject to the risk that litigation, legislation or other political events, local business or economic conditions or the bankruptcy of the issuer could have a significant effect on an issuer’s ability to make payments of principal and/or interest. Municipal bonds can be significantly affected by political changes as well as uncertainties in the municipal market related to taxation, legislative changes or the rights of municipal security holders. Because many municipal securities are issued to finance similar projects, especially those relating to education, health care, transportation and utilities, conditions in those sectors can affect the overall municipal market. In addition, changes in the financial condition of an individual municipal insurer can affect the overall municipal market. Municipal bonds may include revenue bonds, which are generally backed by revenue from a specific project or tax. The issuer of a revenue bond makes interest and principal payments from revenues generated from a particular source or facility, such as a tax on particular property or revenues generated from municipal water or sewer utility or an airport. Revenue bonds generally are not backed by the full faith and credit and general taxing power of the issuer. The market for municipal bonds may be less liquid than for taxable bonds. There may be less information available on the financial condition of issuers of municipal securities than for public corporations.

 

General Obligation Bonds: Timely payments depend on the issuer’s credit quality, ability to raise tax revenues, and ability to maintain an adequate tax base.
Revenue Bonds: Payments depend on the money earned by the particular facility or class of facilities, or the amount of revenues derived from another source.

 

State Specific Risk: State specific risk is the chance that the Fund, because it invests primarily in securities issued by Kansas and its municipalities, is more vulnerable to unfavorable developments in Kansas than funds that invest in municipal bonds of many different states. Kansas is home to 2.9 million residents, and its economy is reasonably diversified but still relies significantly on transportation equipment production, agriculture and food processing, as well as oil & gas production/processing. Adverse conditions affecting these industries could have a disproportionate effect on Kansas municipal securities.

 

Trust Expenses: Some expenses of the Trust can be directly attributed to a fund. Expenses that cannot be directly attributed to a fund are apportioned among all funds in the Trust based on average net assets of each fund, including Trustees’ fees and expenses.

 

Fund Expenses: Some expenses can be directly attributed to the Fund and are apportioned among the classes based on average net assets of each class.

 

Class Expenses: Expenses that are specific to a class of shares are charged directly to that share class. Fees provided under the distribution (Rule 12b-1) and/or shareholder service plans for a particular class of each Fund are charged to the operations of such class.

 

Federal Income Taxes: The Fund complies with the requirements under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies and intends to distribute substantially all of its net taxable income and net capital gains, if any, each year so that it will not be subject to excise tax on undistributed income and gains. The Fund is not subject to income taxes to the extent such distributions are made.

 

As of and during the six months ended March 31, 2026, the Fund did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits in the accompanying financial statements. The Fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to tax liabilities as income tax expense in the Statement of Operations. The Fund files U.S. federal, state and local income tax returns as required. The Fund’s tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years after the filing of the tax return for federal purposes and four years for most state returns. The Fund’s administrator has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken on federal and state income tax returns for all open tax years and has concluded that as of March 31, 2026, no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements related to these tax positions.

 

 

14

 

 

Carret Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund

Notes to Financial Statements

and Financial Highlights

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

Investment Transactions and Investment Income: Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the investments are purchased or sold (trade date basis for financial reporting purposes). Realized gains and losses from investment transactions are reported on an identified cost basis. Interest income, which includes accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums, is accrued and recorded as earned based on the effective yield method. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date. All of the realized and unrealized gains and losses and net investment income are allocated daily to each class in proportion to its average daily net assets.

 

Distributions to Shareholders: Distributions from net investment income for the Fund are declared daily and paid monthly. Distributions from net realized capital gains, if any, are distributed at least annually. Income dividend distributions are derived from interest and other income the Fund receives from its investments, including short-term capital gains. Long-term capital gain distributions are derived from gains realized when the Fund sells a security it has owned for more than one year. A Fund may make additional distributions and dividends at other times if its investment adviser has determined that doing so may be necessary for the Fund to avoid or reduce taxes. Net investment income/(loss) and net realized gain/(loss) may differ for financial statement and tax purposes.

 

3.  TAX BASIS INFORMATION

 

 

Tax Basis of Distributions to Shareholders: The character of distributions made during the period from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from its ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. Also, due to the timing of dividend distributions, the fiscal year in which amounts are distributed may differ from the fiscal year in which the income or realized gain were recorded by the Fund. The amounts and characteristics of tax basis distributions are estimated at the time of distribution and composition of distributable earnings/(accumulated losses) are finalized at fiscal year-end.

 

The tax character of distributions paid by the Fund for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2025 was as follows:

 

    Ordinary Income     Tax-Exempt Income     Long-Term Capital Gains  
Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund   $ 50,602     $ 2,460,219     $  

 

Unrealized Appreciation and Depreciation on Investments: As of March 31, 2026, the aggregate cost of investments, gross unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) and net unrealized depreciation for Federal tax purposes were as follows:

 

    Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund  
Gross unrealized appreciation (excess of value over tax cost)   $ 235,819  
Gross unrealized depreciation (excess of tax cost over value)     (4,638,659 )
Net unrealized depreciation   $ (4,402,840 )
Cost of investments for income tax purposes   $ 134,857,863  

 

4.  SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS

 

 

Purchases and sales of securities, excluding short-term securities, during the six months ended March 31, 2026, were as follows:

 

    Purchases of Securities     Proceeds from Sales of Securities  
Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund   $ 13,955,823     $ 6,502,075  

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 15

 

 

Carret Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund

Notes to Financial Statements

and Financial Highlights

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

5.  BENEFICIAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

 

The capitalization of the Trust consists of an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest with no par value per share. Holders of the shares of the Fund have one vote for each share held and a proportionate fraction of a vote for each fractional share. All shares issued and outstanding are fully paid and are transferable and redeemable at the option of the shareholder. Shares have no pre-emptive rights. Neither the Fund nor any of their creditors have the right to require shareholders to pay any additional amounts solely because the shareholder owns the shares.

 

Transactions in common shares were as follows:

 

   

For the Period

Ended

March 31, 2026

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2025

 
Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund                
Institutional Class                
Shares sold     1,308,244       2,166,756  
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders     3,655       7,131  
Shares redeemed     (690,152 )     (1,983,136 )
Net increase in shares outstanding     621,747       190,751  
Class A                
Shares sold           797  
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders     695       1,529  
Shares redeemed     (5,541 )     (6,024 )
Net decrease in shares outstanding     (4,846 )     (3,698 )

 

Control is defined by the 1940 Act as the beneficial ownership, either directly or through one or more controlled companies, of more than 25% of the voting securities of a company. Approximately 98% of the shares outstanding of the Fund are owned by one omnibus account.

 

6.  MANAGEMENT AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

 

Investment Advisory: Carret Asset Management, LLC, serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. The Adviser, subject to the authority of the Board, is responsible for the overall management and administration of the Fund’s business affairs. The Adviser manages the investments of the Fund in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective, policies and limitations, and investment guidelines established jointly by the Adviser and the Board.

 

Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement (“Advisory Agreement”) with the Adviser, the Fund pays the Adviser an annual management fee of 0.30% based on the Fund’s average daily net assets. The management fee is paid on a monthly basis. The current term of the Advisory Agreement is one year. The Board may extend the Advisory Agreement for additional one-year terms by approval at an in-person meeting called for the purpose of considering such matters. The Board and shareholders of the Fund may terminate the Advisory Agreement upon 60 days’ prior written notice. The Adviser may terminate the Advisory Agreement upon 120 days’ prior written notice.

 

Pursuant to a fee waiver letter agreement (“Fee Waiver Agreement”), the Adviser has contractually agreed to limit the amount of the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses, (excluding Rule 12b-1 Fees, shareholder servicing fees, Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, brokerage expenses, interest expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses) to an annual rate of 0.48% for each class of the Fund’s average daily net assets. The Fee Waiver Agreement is in effect through January 31, 2027, and will automatically continue upon annual approval by the Board for successive twelve-month periods unless (i) it is terminated earlier by the Board of Trustees, or (ii) the Adviser provides at least 30 days written notice of its non-continuance prior to the end of the then effective term. Except due to the Adviser’s notice of non-renewal, this Agreement may only be amended or terminated with the approval of the Board. The Adviser will be permitted to recover, on a class-by-class basis, expenses it has borne through the Fee Waiver Agreement (whether through reduction of its management fee or otherwise) only to the extent that the Fund's expenses in later periods do not exceed the lesser of: (1) the contractual expense limit in effect at the time the Adviser waives or limits the expenses; or (2) the contractual expense limit in effect at the time the Adviser seeks to recover the expenses; provided, however, that the Fund will not be obligated to pay any such deferred fees or expenses more than three years after the date on which the fee or expense was reduced, as calculated on a monthly basis.

 

 

16

 

 

Carret Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund

Notes to Financial Statements

and Financial Highlights

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

As of March 31, 2026, the balances of recoupable expenses for the Fund were as follows:

 

Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund   Expiring in 2026     Expiring in 2027     Expiring in 2028     Expiring in 2029  
Institutional Class   $ 158,799     $ 220,331     $ 200,759     $ 107,123  
Class A     1,528       3,316       3,410       634  

 

Administrator: ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (“ALPS”) (an affiliate of ALPS Distributors, Inc.) serves as administrator to the Fund. The Fund has agreed to pay expenses incurred in connection with its administrative activities. Pursuant to the Administration, Bookkeeping and Pricing Services Agreement with the Trust, ALPS will provide operational services to the Fund including, but not limited to, fund accounting and fund administration, and will generally assist in the Fund’s operations. The Fund’s administration fee is accrued on a daily basis and paid monthly. The officers of the Trust are employees of ALPS. Administration fees paid by the Fund for the six months ended March 31, 2026, are disclosed in the Statement of Operations. ALPS is reimbursed by the Fund for certain out of pocket expenses.

 

Transfer Agent: ALPS serves as transfer agent for the Fund under a Transfer Agency and Services Agreement with the Trust. Under this agreement, ALPS is paid an annual fee for services performed on behalf of the Fund plus fees for open accounts and is reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses.

 

Compliance Services: ALPS provides Chief Compliance Officer services to the Fund to monitor and test the policies and procedures of the Fund in conjunction with requirements under Rule 38a-1 of the 1940 Act pursuant to a Chief Compliance Officer Services Agreement with the Trust. Under this agreement, ALPS is paid an annual fee for services performed on behalf of the Fund and is reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses.

 

Distribution: ALPS Distributors, Inc. (the “Distributor”) (an affiliate of ALPS) acts as the principal underwriter of the Fund’s shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with the Trust. Shares of the Fund are offered on a continuous basis through the Distributor, as agent of the Fund. The Distributor is not obligated to sell any particular amount of shares of the Fund and is not entitled to any compensation for its services as the Fund’s principal underwriter pursuant to the Distribution Agreement.

 

The Fund has adopted a shareholder services plan (“Shareholder Services Plan”) for its Class A Shares. Under the Shareholder Services Plan the Fund is authorized to pay banks and their affiliates and other institutions, including broker-dealers and Fund affiliates (“Participating Organizations”), an aggregate fee in an amount not to exceed on an annual basis 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s Class A Shares to Participating Organizations as compensation for providing shareholder service activities, which do not include distribution services, pursuant to an agreement with a Participating Organization. Previously, the Board had authorized 0.00% to be paid of shareholder servicing fees. Effective February 1, 2025, the Board authorized up to 0.25% of Class A net assets to be accrued; the Fund is currently accruing 0.07% in shareholder servicing fees.

 

The Fund has adopted a plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the “Plan”) that allows its Class A shares to pay a distribution and service fee, as defined by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), from its assets for selling and distributing its shares. The Fund was permitted to pay distribution and service fees at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of its Class A share assets. Distribution fees paid by the Fund for the six months ended March 31, 2026, are disclosed in the Statement of Operations.

 

7. TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

 

 

As of March 31, 2026, there were three Trustees, each of whom are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”).

 

Effective January 1, 2026, the Independent Trustees of the Trust and, if any, Interested Trustees who are not currently employed by the Adviser, ALPS or other service providers will receive a quarterly retainer of $18,750, plus $5,938 for each regular Board or Committee meeting attended and $2,000 for each special telephonic or in-person Board or Committee meeting attended. Additionally, the Audit Committee Chair receives a quarterly retainer of $1,875, the Independent Chair receives a quarterly retainer of $4,250 and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Chair receives a quarterly retainer of $500.

 

Prior to January 1, 2026, the Trustees of the Trust received a quarterly retainer of $16,250, plus $5,000 for each regular Board or Committee meeting attended and $2,000 for each special telephonic or in-person Board or Committee meeting attended. Additionally, the Audit Committee Chair received a quarterly retainer of $1,875 and the Independent Chair received a quarterly retainer of $4,250.

 

These fees are allocated proportionately among the multiple portfolios/series of the Trust. The Independent Trustees and, if any, Interested Trustees who are not currently employed by the Adviser, ALPS or other service providers are also reimbursed for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at meetings.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 17

 

 

Carret Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund

Notes to Financial Statements

and Financial Highlights

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

Officers of the Trust receive no salary or fees from the Trust. As discussed in Note 7, the Fund pays ALPS an annual fee for compliance services.

 

8.  INDEMNIFICATIONS

 

 

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and Trustees are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Trust enters into contracts with service providers that may contain general indemnification clauses which may permit indemnification to the extent permissible under applicable law. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as such exposure would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.

 

9.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

 

Subsequent events after the date of the Statement of Assets and Liabilities have been evaluated through the date the financial statements were issued. Management has determined that there were no subsequent events to report through the issuance of these financial statements.

 

 

18

 

 

Carret Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund

Changes in and

Disagreements with Accountants

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

There were no changes in or disagreements with accountants during the period covered by this report.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 19

 

 

Carret Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund Proxy Disclosures

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

Not applicable to the period covered by this report.

 

 

20

 

 

Carret Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund

Remuneration Paid to

Directors, Officers, and Others

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

The following chart provides certain information about the Trustee fees paid by the Trust for the period ended March 31, 2026:

 

Trustee   Amount Paid  
Ward Armstrong   $ 2,112  
J.W. Hutchens     806  
Merrillyn Kosier     1,802  
Patrick Seese     1,928  
Total   $ 6,647  

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 21

 

 

Carret Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund

Statement Regarding Basis for Approval

of Investment Advisory Agreement

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

Not applicable to the period covered by this report.

 

 

22

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

Schedule of Investments
Clarkston Partners Fund 1
Clarkston Fund 3
Clarkston Founders Fund 5
Statements of Assets and Liabilities 7
Statements of Operations 8
Statements of Changes in Net Assets  
Clarkston Partners Fund 9
Clarkston Fund 10
Clarkston Founders Fund 11
Financial Highlights 12
Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights 27
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants 37
Proxy Disclosures 38
Remuneration Paid to Directors, Officers, and Others 39
Statement Regarding Basis for  
Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement 40

 

 

Clarkston Partners Fund Schedule of Investments
 
March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

    Shares    

Value

(Note 2)

 
COMMON STOCK (98.88%)                
Consumer Discretionary (8.66%)                
John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Class A     385,000     $ 14,668,500  
LKQ Corp.     420,000       12,335,400  
Total Consumer Discretionary             27,003,900  
                 
Consumer Staples (23.21%)                
BellRing Brands, Inc., Class A(a)     230,000       3,700,700  
Energizer Holdings, Inc.     645,000       10,590,900  
Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc.     240,000       10,142,400  
Molson Coors Beverage Co., Class B     115,000       4,951,900  
Post Holdings, Inc.(a)     300,000       29,658,000  
Primo Brands Corp.     440,000       8,285,200  
US Foods Holding Corp.(a)     55,000       5,071,550  
Total Consumer Staples             72,400,650  
                 
Financials (13.27%)                
Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.     88,000       24,349,600  
Brown & Brown, Inc.     125,000       8,151,250  
LPL Financial Holdings Inc.     16,000       4,813,280  
Ryan Specialty Holdings, Inc.     120,000       4,048,800  
Total Financials             41,362,930  
                 
Health Care (19.10%)                
Avantor, Inc.(a)     2,350,000       18,424,000  
Envista Holdings Corp.(a)     475,000       12,050,750  
Henry Schein, Inc.(a)     120,000       8,844,000  
Neogen Corp.(a)     1,000,000       9,290,000  
Waystar Holding Corp.(a)     455,000       10,970,050  
Total Health Care             59,578,800  
                 
Industrials (9.43%)                
CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.     13,000       2,158,910  
Landstar System, Inc.     55,000       8,817,050  
Middleby Corp.(a)     83,000       11,004,140  
Ralliant Corp.     180,000       7,486,200  
Total Industrials             29,466,300  
                 
Technology (22.07%)                
CCC Intelligent Solutions Holdings Inc.(a)     3,100,000       18,600,000  
Clarivate PLC(a)     13,800,000       34,914,000  
Gartner, Inc.(a)     50,000       7,917,000  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.
 
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 1

 

 

Clarkston Partners Fund Schedule of Investments
 
March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

    Shares    

Value

(Note 2)

 
Technology (continued)                
Roper Technologies, Inc.     21,000     $ 7,431,060  
Total Technology             68,862,060  
                 
Utilities (3.14%)                
GFL Environmental Inc.     235,000       9,804,200  
                 
TOTAL COMMON STOCK                
(Cost $373,451,959)             308,478,840  
                 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (98.88%)                
(Cost $373,451,959)           $ 308,478,840  
                 
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES (1.12%)             3,506,149  
                 
NET ASSETS (100.00%)           $ 311,984,989  

 

(a) Non-income producing security.

 

The sector categorization above is based on the Industry Classification Benchmark (ICB®) industry classifications. Where ICB® has not assigned a classification for a company, the Fund's investment adviser will assign a classification that it believes most accurately represents the company's business. Sectors are shown as a percent of the Fund's net assets. Industry categorizations used for Fund compliance purposes are based on classifications used by one or more widely recognized market indices or ratings group indices and/or as defined by Fund management.(Unaudited)

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.
 
2 www.clarkstonfunds.com

 

 

Clarkston Fund Schedule of Investments
 
March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

    Shares    

Value

(Note 2)

 
COMMON STOCK (94.66%)                
Basic Materials (3.15%)                
International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.     42,000     $ 3,047,100  
                 
Consumer Discretionary (6.75%)                
Airbnb, Inc., Class A(a)     30,000       3,788,400  
Copart, Inc.(a)     42,000       1,394,400  
The Walt Disney Co.     14,000       1,349,320  
Total Consumer Discretionary             6,532,120  
                 
Consumer Staples (19.67%)                
Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV - ADR, Sponsored ADR     20,000       1,387,400  
Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc.     85,000       3,592,100  
Molson Coors Beverage Co., Class B     50,000       2,153,000  
Post Holdings, Inc.(a)     99,000       9,787,140  
US Foods Holding Corp.(a)     23,000       2,120,830  
Total Consumer Staples             19,040,470  
                 
Financials (14.95%)                
Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.     28,000       7,747,600  
Brown & Brown, Inc.     42,000       2,738,820  
LPL Financial Holdings Inc.     7,000       2,105,810  
The Charles Schwab Corp.     20,000       1,879,600  
Total Financials             14,471,830  
                 
Health Care (19.68%)                
Align Technology, Inc.(a)     15,000       2,571,450  
Avantor, Inc.(a)     625,000       4,900,000  
Becton Dickinson & Co.     31,000       4,874,130  
Danaher Corp.     9,300       1,763,280  
IQVIA Holdings, Inc.(a)     29,000       4,945,660  
Total Health Care             19,054,520  
                 
Industrials (16.04%)                
Capital One Financial Corp.     15,000       2,736,450  
CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.     9,000       1,494,630  
FedEx Corp.     2,000       712,360  
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.     95,000       4,456,450  
Fortive Corp.     80,000       4,422,400  
IDEX Corp.     9,000       1,705,950  
Total Industrials             15,528,240  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.
 
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 3

 

 

Clarkston Fund Schedule of Investments
 
March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

    Shares    

Value

(Note 2)

 
Technology (14.42%)                
Clarivate PLC(a)     2,745,000     $ 6,944,850  
Gartner, Inc.(a)     22,000       3,483,480  
Roper Technologies, Inc.     10,000       3,538,600  
Total Technology             13,966,930  
                 
TOTAL COMMON STOCK                
(Cost $94,289,968)             91,641,210  
                 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (94.66%)                
(Cost $94,289,968)           $ 91,641,210  
                 
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES (5.34%)             5,169,348  
                 
NET ASSETS (100.00%)           $ 96,810,558  

 

(a) Non-income producing security.

 

The sector categorization above is based on the Industry Classification Benchmark (ICB®) industry classifications. Where ICB® has not assigned a classification for a company, the Fund's investment adviser will assign a classification that it believes most accurately represents the company's business. Sectors are shown as a percent of the Fund's net assets. Industry categorizations used for Fund compliance purposes are based on classifications used by one or more widely recognized market indices or ratings group indices and/or as defined by Fund management.(Unaudited)

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.
 
4 www.clarkstonfunds.com

 

 

Clarkston Founders Fund Schedule of Investments
 
March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

    Shares    

Value

(Note 2)

 
COMMON STOCK (97.03%)                
Basic Materials (1.92%)                
International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.     43,000     $ 3,119,650  
                 
Consumer Discretionary (10.68%)                
Airbnb, Inc., Class A(a)     43,000       5,430,040  
Copart, Inc.(a)     100,000       3,320,000  
LKQ Corp.     205,000       6,020,850  
Universal Music Group NV, Unsponsored ADR     275,000       2,640,000  
Total Consumer Discretionary             17,410,890  
                 
Consumer Staples (17.18%)                
Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc.     130,000       5,493,800  
Molson Coors Beverage Co., Class B     30,000       1,291,800  
Post Holdings, Inc.(a)     155,000       15,323,300  
Primo Brands Corp.     190,000       3,577,700  
US Foods Holding Corp.(a)     25,000       2,305,250  
Total Consumer Staples             27,991,850  
                 
Financials (11.57%)                
Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.     43,000       11,898,100  
Brown & Brown, Inc.     52,000       3,390,920  
LPL Financial Holdings Inc.     10,000       3,008,300  
The Charles Schwab Corp.     6,000       563,880  
Total Financials             18,861,200  
                 
Health Care (17.78%)                
Align Technology, Inc.(a)     20,000       3,428,600  
Avantor, Inc.(a)     1,150,000       9,016,000  
Becton Dickinson & Co.     38,000       5,974,740  
Henry Schein, Inc.(a)     60,000       4,422,000  
IQVIA Holdings, Inc.(a)     36,000       6,139,440  
Total Health Care             28,980,780  
                 
Industrials (11.95%)                
CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.     10,000       1,660,700  
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.     120,000       5,629,200  
Fortive Corp.     83,000       4,588,240  
IDEX Corp.     10,000       1,895,500  
Middleby Corp.(a)     43,000       5,700,940  
Total Industrials             19,474,580  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.
 
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 5

 

 

Clarkston Founders Fund Schedule of Investments
 
March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

    Shares    

Value

(Note 2)

 
Technology (23.06%)                
CCC Intelligent Solutions Holdings Inc.(a)     1,500,000     $ 9,000,000  
Clarivate PLC(a)     7,800,000       19,734,000  
Gartner, Inc.(a)     29,000       4,591,860  
Roper Technologies, Inc.     12,000       4,246,320  
Total Technology             37,572,180  
                 
Utilities (2.89%)                
GFL Environmental Inc.     113,000       4,714,360  
                 
TOTAL COMMON STOCK                
(Cost $177,285,390)             158,125,490  
                 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (97.03%)                
(Cost $177,285,390)           $ 158,125,490  
                 
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES (2.97%)             4,845,206  
                 
NET ASSETS (100.00%)           $ 162,970,696  

 

(a) Non-income producing security.

 

The sector categorization above is based on the Industry Classification Benchmark (ICB®) industry classifications. Where ICB® has not assigned a classification for a company, the Fund's investment adviser will assign a classification that it believes most accurately represents the company's business. Sectors are shown as a percent of the Fund's net assets. Industry categorizations used for Fund compliance purposes are based on classifications used by one or more widely recognized market indices or ratings group indices and/or as defined by Fund management.(Unaudited)

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.
 
6 www.clarkstonfunds.com

 

 

Clarkston Funds Statements of Assets and Liabilities
 
March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

   

Clarkston

Partners Fund

   

Clarkston

Fund

   

Clarkston

Founders

Fund

 
ASSETS:                        
Investments, at value (Cost $373,451,959, $94,289,968 and $177,285,390)   $ 308,478,840     $ 91,641,210     $ 158,125,490  
Cash and cash equivalents     17,063,193       6,331,433       5,080,248  
Receivable for investments sold                 741,030  
Receivable for shares sold     244,740       1,246       17,028  
Dividends and interest receivable     119,427       62,619       145,336  
Other assets     23,519       15,384       27,058  
Total Assets     325,929,719       98,051,892       164,136,190  
                         
LIABILITIES:                        
Payable for administration and transfer agent fees     32,644       11,955       22,335  
Payable for shares redeemed     13,582,126       1,161,888       934,662  
Payable to adviser     229,492       33,530       142,003  
Payable for shareholder service fees     32,788       13,005       18,865  
Payable for printing fees     14,135       6,789       11,380  
Payable for professional fees     29,882       10,446       23,608  
Payable for trustees' fees and expenses     5,821              
Payable to Chief Compliance Officer fees     2,105       223       1,922  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities     15,737       3,498       10,719  
Total Liabilities     13,944,730       1,241,334       1,165,494  
NET ASSETS   $ 311,984,989     $ 96,810,558     $ 162,970,696  
                         
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:                        
Paid-in capital (Note 5)   $ 186,097,635     $ 72,600,686     $ 70,755,842  
Total distributable earnings     125,887,354       24,209,872       92,214,854  
NET ASSETS   $ 311,984,989     $ 96,810,558     $ 162,970,696  
                         
PRICING OF SHARES                        
Founders Class:                        
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share   $ 12.41       N/A     $ 15.85  
Net Assets   $ 10,429,665       N/A     $ 11,610,076  
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding     840,115       N/A       732,676  
Institutional Class:                        
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share   $ 12.29     $ 15.06     $ 15.79  
Net Assets   $ 301,555,324     $ 96,810,558     $ 151,360,620  
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding     24,528,190       6,426,844       9,583,018  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.
 
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 7

 

 

Clarkston Funds Statements of Operations
 
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

   

Clarkston

Partners Fund

    Clarkston Fund    

Clarkston

Founders Fund

 
INVESTMENT INCOME:                        
Dividends   $ 4,550,688     $ 841,943     $ 3,266,623  
Foreign taxes withheld     (3,350 )     (7,072 )     (30,422 )
Total Investment Income     4,547,338       834,871       3,236,201  
EXPENSES:                        
Investment advisory fees (Note 6)     2,824,814       386,181       2,397,309  
Administration fees     175,067       44,973       157,550  
Shareholder service fees                        
Institutional Class     189,865       79,268       104,274  
Custody fees     11,096       2,903       10,720  
Legal fees     39,872       8,409       36,507  
Audit and tax fees     9,137       8,988       8,866  
Transfer agent fees     32,274       17,486       16,371  
Trustees fees and expenses     46,214       10,048       43,105  
Registration and filing fees     18,316       12,599       18,064  
Printing fees     11,401       4,287       9,513  
Chief Compliance Officer fees     11,983       2,480       11,030  
Insurance fees     16,518       2,287       10,461  
Other expenses     8,136       4,479       7,378  
Total Expenses     3,394,693       584,388       2,831,148  
Less fees waived by investment adviser (Note 6)                        
Founders Class     (84,317 )           (112,013 )
Institutional Class     (133,745 )     (81,920 )     (71,725 )
Total fees waived by investment adviser (Note 6)     (218,062 )     (81,920 )     (183,738 )
Net Expenses     3,176,631       502,468       2,647,410  
NET INVESTMENT INCOME     1,370,707       332,403       588,791  
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS:                        
Net realized gain/(loss) on:                        
Investments     219,386,664       29,101,958       140,244,382  
Net realized gain     219,386,664       29,101,958       140,244,382  
Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:                        
Investments     (233,011,833 )     (29,559,200 )     (128,370,897 )
Net change     (233,011,833 )     (29,559,200 )     (128,370,897 )
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS     (13,625,169 )     (457,242 )     11,873,485  
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS   $ (12,254,462 )   $ (124,839 )   $ 12,462,276  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.
 
8 www.clarkstonfunds.com

 

 

Clarkston Partners Fund Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

   

For the Six

Months Ended

March 31, 2026

(Unaudited)

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2025

 
OPERATIONS:                
Net investment income   $ 1,370,707     $ 4,767,931  
Net realized gain on investments     219,386,664       12,352,365  
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments     (233,011,833 )     (102,356,467 )
Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations     (12,254,462 )     (85,236,171 )
                 
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS                
Founders Class     (17,843,717 )     (5,318,225 )
Institutional Class     (17,669,069 )     (6,898,574 )
Total distributions     (35,512,786 )     (12,216,799 )
                 
BENEFICIAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (Note 5):                
Founders Class                
Shares sold     8,398,985       28,260  
Dividends reinvested     352,407       139,714  
Shares redeemed     (395,944,963 )     (53,740,316 )
Net decrease from beneficial share transactions     (387,193,571 )     (53,572,342 )
Institutional Class                
Shares sold     21,194,471       57,279,678  
Dividends reinvested     16,516,188       6,546,912  
Shares redeemed     (190,288,467 )     (194,490,635 )
Net decrease from beneficial share transactions     (152,577,808 )     (130,664,045 )
Net decrease in net assets     (587,538,627 )     (281,689,357 )
                 
NET ASSETS:                
Beginning of period     899,523,616       1,181,212,973  
End of period   $ 311,984,989     $ 899,523,616  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.
 
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 9

 

 

Clarkston Fund Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

   

For the Six

Months Ended

March 31, 2026

(Unaudited)

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2025

 
OPERATIONS:                
Net investment income   $ 332,403     $ 1,433,635  
Net realized gain on investments     29,101,958       6,604,041  
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments     (29,559,200 )     (3,485,684 )
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations     (124,839 )     4,551,992  
                 
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS                
Institutional Class     (6,390,840 )     (1,514,080 )
Total distributions     (6,390,840 )     (1,514,080 )
                 
BENEFICIAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (Note 5):                
Institutional Class                
Shares sold     175,711       28,886,445  
Dividends reinvested     6,377,444       1,511,599  
Shares redeemed     (82,912,692 )     (21,636,992 )
Net increase/(decrease) from beneficial share transactions     (76,359,537 )     8,761,052  
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets     (82,875,216 )     11,798,964  
                 
NET ASSETS:                
Beginning of period     179,685,774       167,886,810  
End of period   $ 96,810,558     $ 179,685,774  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.
 
10 www.clarkstonfunds.com

 

 

Clarkston Founders Fund Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

   

For the Six

Months Ended

March 31, 2026

(Unaudited)

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2025

 
OPERATIONS:                
Net investment income   $ 588,791     $ 3,197,053  
Net realized gain on investments     140,244,382       38,493,789  
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments     (128,370,897 )     (12,426,061 )
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations     12,462,276       29,264,781  
                 
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS                
Founders Class     (18,314,398 )     (2,727,873 )
Institutional Class     (6,580,970 )     (961,756 )
Total distributions     (24,895,368 )     (3,689,629 )
                 
BENEFICIAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (Note 5):                
Founders Class                
Shares sold     10,033,388       73,851,972  
Dividends reinvested     248,639       34,979  
Shares redeemed     (565,461,312 )     (83,168,148 )
Net decrease from beneficial share transactions     (555,179,285 )     (9,281,197 )
Institutional Class                
Shares sold     13,887,895       19,810,644  
Dividends reinvested     6,577,546       956,502  
Shares redeemed     (75,789,735 )     (26,049,201 )
Net decrease from beneficial share transactions     (55,324,294 )     (5,282,055 )
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets     (622,936,671 )     11,011,900  
                 
NET ASSETS:                
Beginning of period     785,907,367       774,895,467  
End of period   $ 162,970,696     $ 785,907,367  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.
 
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 11

 

 

Clarkston Partners Fund – Founders Class Financial Highlights
 
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD
 
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:
Net investment income(a)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments
Total from investment operations
 
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
From net realized gains on investments
Total Distributions
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD
 
TOTAL RETURN(b)
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)
 
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS
Operating expenses excluding reimbursement/waiver
Operating expenses including reimbursement/waiver
Net investment income including reimbursement/waiver
 
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.
 
12 www.clarkstonfunds.com

 

 

Clarkston Partners Fund – Founders Class Financial Highlights
 
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

For the Six

Months Ended

March 31, 2026

(Unaudited)

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2025

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2024

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2023

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2022

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2021

 
$ 13.46     $ 14.68     $ 13.38     $ 14.61     $ 15.73     $ 12.61  
                                             
                                             
  0.03       0.07       0.08       0.21       0.03       0.06  
  (0.49 )     (1.14 )     1.75       0.87       (1.01 )     3.62  
  (0.46 )     (1.07 )     1.83       1.08       (0.98 )     3.68  
                                             
                                             
  (0.06 )     (0.07 )     (0.05 )     (0.17 )     (0.06 )     (0.06 )
  (0.53 )     (0.08 )     (0.48 )     (2.14 )     (0.08 )     (0.50 )
  (0.59 )     (0.15 )     (0.53 )     (2.31 )     (0.14 )     (0.56 )
  (1.05 )     (1.22 )     1.30       (1.23 )     (1.12 )     3.12  
$ 12.41     $ 13.46     $ 14.68     $ 13.38     $ 14.61     $ 15.73  
                                             
  (3.60 %)     (7.35 %)     13.97 %     7.23 %     (6.31 %)     29.47 %
                                             
                                             
$ 10,430     $ 413,641     $ 507,785     $ 511,462     $ 600,879     $ 669,345  
                                             
                                             
  0.91 %(c)     0.89 %     0.88 %     0.88 %     0.88 %     0.88 %
  0.85 %(c)     0.85 %     0.85 %     0.85 %     0.85 %     0.85 %
  0.46 %(c)     0.50 %     0.55 %     1.47 %     0.21 %     0.40 %
                                             
  11 %(d)     28 %     22 %     16 %     21 %     9 %

 

(a) Calculated using the average shares method.
(b) Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.
 
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 13

 

 

Clarkston Partners Fund – Institutional Class Financial Highlights
 
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD
 
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:
Net investment income(a)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments
Total from investment operations
 
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
From net realized gains on investments
Total Distributions
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD
 
TOTAL RETURN(b)
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)
 
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS
Operating expenses excluding reimbursement/waiver
Operating expenses including reimbursement/waiver
Net investment income including reimbursement/waiver
 
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.
 
14 www.clarkstonfunds.com

 

 

Clarkston Partners Fund – Institutional Class Financial Highlights
 
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

For the Six

Months Ended

March 31, 2026

(Unaudited)

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2025

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2024

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2023

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2022

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2021

 
$ 13.34     $ 14.56     $ 13.28     $ 14.52     $ 15.64     $ 12.55  
                                             
                                             
  0.02       0.06       0.06       0.18       0.02       0.05  
  (0.48 )     (1.13 )     1.74       0.88       (1.01 )     3.59  
  (0.46 )     (1.07 )     1.80       1.06       (0.99 )     3.64  
                                             
                                             
  (0.06 )     (0.07 )     (0.04 )     (0.16 )     (0.05 )     (0.05 )
  (0.53 )     (0.08 )     (0.48 )     (2.14 )     (0.08 )     (0.50 )
  (0.59 )     (0.15 )     (0.52 )     (2.30 )     (0.13 )     (0.55 )
  (1.05 )     (1.22 )     1.28       (1.24 )     (1.12 )     3.09  
$ 12.29     $ 13.34     $ 14.56     $ 13.28     $ 14.52     $ 15.64  
                                             
  (3.67 %)     (7.45 %)     13.88 %     7.16 %     (6.39 %)     29.33 %
                                             
                                             
$ 301,555     $ 485,883     $ 673,428     $ 793,680     $ 820,374     $ 845,824  
                                             
                                             
  1.01 %(c)     0.97 %     0.96 %     0.96 %     0.96 %     0.98 %
  0.94 %(c)(d)     0.94 %(d)     0.93 %(d)     0.94 %(d)     0.94 %(d)     0.95 %(d)
  0.34 %(c)     0.42 %     0.47 %     1.29 %     0.12 %     0.30 %
                                             
  11 %(e)     28 %     22 %     16 %     21 %     9 %

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.
 
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 15

 

 

Clarkston Partners Fund – Institutional Class Financial Highlights
 
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

(a) Calculated using the average shares method.
(b) Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
(c) Annualized.
(d) According to the Fund's shareholder services plan with respect to the Fund's Institutional shares, any amount of fees accrued according to the plan but not paid during the Fund's fiscal year for such service activities shall be reimbursed to the Fund as soon as practicable. Fees were reimbursed to the Fund for the period ended March 31, 2026, September 30, 2025, September 30, 2024, September 30, 2023, September 30, 2022, and September 30, 2021, respectively, in the amount of 0.06%, 0.06%, 0.07%, 0.06%, 0.06%, and 0.05% of average net assets of Institutional shares.
(e) Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.
 
16 www.clarkstonfunds.com

 

 

Page Intentionally Left Blank

 

 

Clarkston Fund – Institutional Class Financial Highlights
 
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD
 
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:
Net investment income(a)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments
Total from investment operations
 
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
From net realized gains on investments
Total Distributions
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE
 
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD
 
TOTAL RETURN(b)
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)
 
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS
Operating expenses excluding reimbursement/waiver
Operating expenses including reimbursement/waiver
Net investment income including reimbursement/waiver
 
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.
 
18 www.clarkstonfunds.com

 

 

Clarkston Fund – Institutional Class Financial Highlights
 
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

For the Six

Months Ended

March 31, 2026

(Unaudited)

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2025

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2024

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2023

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2022

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2021

 
$ 15.95     $ 15.70     $ 13.66     $ 12.28     $ 14.80     $ 12.05  
                                             
  0.03       0.12       0.14       0.12       0.06       0.07  
  (0.27 )     0.27       2.40       1.92       (2.11 )     3.49  
  (0.24 )     0.39       2.54       2.04       (2.05 )     3.56  
                                             
  (0.12 )     (0.14 )     (0.12 )     (0.07 )     (0.05 )     (0.16 )
  (0.53 )           (0.38 )     (0.59 )     (0.42 )     (0.65 )
  (0.65 )     (0.14 )     (0.50 )     (0.66 )     (0.47 )     (0.81 )
  (0.89 )     0.25       2.04       1.38       (2.52 )     2.75  
$ 15.06     $ 15.95     $ 15.70     $ 13.66     $ 12.28     $ 14.80  
  (1.75 %)     2.46 %     18.94 %     17.04 %     (14.33 %)     30.08 %
                                             
                                             
$ 96,811     $ 179,686     $ 167,887     $ 125,460     $ 100,610     $ 97,936  
                                             
                                             
  0.76 %(c)     0.73 %     0.73 %     0.73 %     0.76 %     0.80 %
  0.65 %(c)(d)     0.65 %(d)     0.64 %(d)     0.65 %(d)     0.65 %(d)     0.66 %(d)
  0.43 %(c)     0.80 %     0.98 %     0.84 %     0.41 %     0.46 %
  9 %(e)     25 %     23 %     12 %     18 %     18 %

 

(a) Calculated using the average shares method.
(b) Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
(c) Annualized.
(d) According to the Fund's shareholder services plan with respect to the Fund's Institutional shares, any amount of fees accrued according to the plan but not paid during the Fund's fiscal year for such service activities shall be reimbursed to the Fund as soon as practicable. Fees were reimbursed to the Fund for the period ended March 31, 2026, September 30, 2025, September 30, 2024, September 30, 2023, September 30, 2022, and September 30, 2021, respectively, in the amount of 0.05%, 0.05%, 0.06%, 0.05%, 0.05%, and 0.04% of average net assets of Institutional shares.
(e) Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.
 
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 19

 

 

Clarkston Founders Fund – Founders Class Financial Highlights
 
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD
 
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:
Net investment income(b)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments
Total from investment operations
 
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
From net realized gains on investments
Total Distributions
 
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD
 
TOTAL RETURN(d)
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)
 
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS
Operating expenses excluding reimbursement/waiver
Operating expenses including reimbursement/waiver
Net investment income including reimbursement/waiver
 
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.
 
20 www.clarkstonfunds.com

 

 

Clarkston Founders Fund – Founders Class Financial Highlights
 
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

For the Six

Months Ended

March 31, 2026

(Unaudited)

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2025

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2024

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2023

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2022

   

For the Period

Ended

September 30, 2021(a)

 
$ 16.65     $ 16.13     $ 14.12     $ 13.72     $ 15.09     $ 15.54  
                                             
                                             
  0.02       0.07       0.08       0.19       0.01       0.02  
  (0.28 )     0.53       2.18       1.11       (1.31 )     (0.47 )(c)
  (0.26 )     0.60       2.26       1.30       (1.30 )     (0.45 )
                                             
                                             
  (0.06 )     (0.08 )     (0.10 )     (0.12 )     (0.01 )      
  (0.48 )           (0.15 )     (0.78 )     (0.06 )      
  (0.54 )     (0.08 )     (0.25 )     (0.90 )     (0.07 )      
  (0.80 )     0.52       2.01       0.40       (1.37 )     (0.45 )
$ 15.85     $ 16.65     $ 16.13     $ 14.12     $ 13.72     $ 15.09  
                                             
  (1.72 %)     3.72 %     16.16 %     9.60 %     (8.64 %)     (2.90 %)
                                             
                                             
$ 11,610     $ 569,912     $ 560,408     $ 472,102     $ 404,512     $ 278,749  
                                             
                                             
  0.85 %(e)     0.83 %     0.84 %     0.82 %     0.84 %     0.86 %(e)
  0.80 %(e)     0.80 %     0.80 %     0.80 %     0.80 %(f)     0.80 %(e)
  0.19 %(e)     0.44 %     0.52 %     1.28 %     0.09 %     0.20 %(e)
                                             
  14 %(g)     27 %     17 %     13 %     17 %     5 %(g)

 

(a) Commenced operations on February 17, 2021.
(b) Calculated using the average shares method.
(c) The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and redemptions of Fund shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating market value of the investments of the Fund.
(d) Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
(e) Annualized.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.
 
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 21

 

 

Clarkston Founders Fund – Founders Class Financial Highlights
 
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

(f) Ratio includes previously waived advisory fees recaptured. The net expense ratio would have been lower absent the impact of recaptured fees.
(g) Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.
 
22 www.clarkstonfunds.com

 

 

Page Intentionally Left Blank

 

 

Clarkston Founders Fund – Institutional Class Financial Highlights
 
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD
 
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:
Net investment income/(loss)(a)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments
Total from investment operations
 
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
From net realized gains on investments
Total Distributions
 
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD
 
TOTAL RETURN(c)
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)
 
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS
Operating expenses excluding reimbursement/waiver
Operating expenses including reimbursement/waiver
Net investment income/(loss) including reimbursement/waiver
 
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.
 
24 www.clarkstonfunds.com

 

 

Clarkston Founders Fund – Institutional Class Financial Highlights
 
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

For the Six

Months Ended

March 31, 2026

(Unaudited)

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2025

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2024

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2023

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2022

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2021

 
$ 16.61     $ 16.09     $ 14.10     $ 13.71     $ 15.09     $ 12.35  
                                             
                                             
  0.01       0.05       0.06       0.17       (0.00 )(b)     (0.00 )(b)
  (0.29 )     0.54       2.17       1.11       (1.32 )     2.87  
  (0.28 )     0.59       2.23       1.28       (1.32 )     2.87  
                                             
                                             
  (0.06 )     (0.07 )     (0.09 )     (0.11 )     0.00 (b)     (0.02 )
  (0.48 )           (0.15 )     (0.78 )     (0.06 )     (0.11 )
  (0.54 )     (0.07 )     (0.24 )     (0.89 )     (0.06 )     (0.13 )
  (0.82 )     0.52       1.99       0.39       (1.38 )     2.74  
$ 15.79     $ 16.61     $ 16.09     $ 14.10     $ 13.71     $ 15.09  
                                             
  (1.88 %)     3.69 %     16.00 %     9.50 %     (8.74 %)     23.31 %
                                             
                                             
$ 151,361     $ 215,995     $ 214,488     $ 176,143     $ 150,563     $ 139,088  
                                             
                                             
  0.97 %(d)     0.93 %     0.93 %     0.93 %     0.94 %     0.92 %
  0.90 %(d)(e)     0.90 %(e)     0.89 %(e)     0.91 %(e)     0.90 %(e)(f)     0.86 %(e)
  0.17 %(d)     0.34 %     0.42 %     1.16 %     (0.02 %)     (0.00 %)(g)
                                             
  14 %(h)     27 %     17 %     13 %     17 %     5 %

 

(a) Calculated using the average shares method.
(b) Less than $0.005 per share.
(c) Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
(d) Annualized.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.
 
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 25

 

 

Clarkston Founders Fund – Institutional Class Financial Highlights
 
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

(e) According to the Fund's shareholder services plan with respect to the Fund's Institutional shares, any amount of fees accrued according to the plan but not paid during the Fund's fiscal year for such service activities shall be reimbursed to the Fund as soon as practicable. Fees were reimbursed to the Fund for the period ended March 31, 2026, September 30, 2025, September 30, 2024, September 30, 2023, September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021, respectively, in the amount of 0.05%, 0.05%, 0.06%, 0.04%, 0.05% and 0.09% of average net assets of Institutional shares.
(f) Ratio includes previously waived advisory fees recaptured. The net expense ratio would have been lower absent the impact of recaptured fees.
(g) Less than 0.005%.
(h) Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.
 
26 www.clarkstonfunds.com

 

 

Clarkston Funds

Notes to Financial Statements

and Financial Highlights

 
March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

1.  ORGANIZATION

 

 

ALPS Series Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Trust consists of multiple separate portfolios or series. This annual report describes the Clarkston Partners Fund, the Clarkston Fund and the Clarkston Founders Fund (each, a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”). The Funds are non-diversified and may invest a greater portion of assets in securities of individual issuers than a diversified fund. As a result, changes in the market value of a single investment could cause greater fluctuations in share price than would occur in a diversified fund. Each Fund's investment objective is to achieve long-term capital appreciation. The Clarkston Partners Fund and Clarkston Founders Fund currently offer Founders Class shares and Institutional Class shares, and the Clarkston Fund currently offers Institutional Class shares. Each share class of the Clarkston Partners Fund and Clarkston Founders Fund has identical rights to earnings, assets and voting privileges, except for class-specific expenses and exclusive rights to vote on matters affecting only individual classes. The Board of Trustees (the “Board or Trustees”) may establish additional funds and classes of shares at any time in the future without shareholder approval.

 

2.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

 

The accompanying financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for investment companies (“U.S. GAAP”). The Funds are considered investment companies under U.S. GAAP and follow the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 Financial Services - Investment Companies. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures 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 period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Funds in preparation of their financial statements.

 

The Funds use the management approach to determine reportable operating segments. The management approach considers the internal organization and reporting used by the Funds' chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) for making decisions, allocating resources, and assessing performance. The Funds' CODM has been identified as the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) and Treasurer, who reviews results presented within the Funds' financial statements when making decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance of the Funds. The CODM determined that the Funds have only one operating segment as defined by ASU 2023-07. This is supported by the single investment strategy of the Funds, against which the CODM assesses performance.

 

Investment Valuation: The Funds generally value their securities based on market prices determined at the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, on each day the NYSE is open for trading.

 

Securities traded on a registered U.S. securities exchange (including exchange-traded derivatives other than futures and futures options) are valued based on the last sale price of the security reported on the principal exchange on which it is traded, prior to the time when the Funds’ assets are valued. In the case of equity securities not traded on an exchange, or if such closing prices are not otherwise available, the securities are valued at the mean of the most recent bid and ask prices on such day.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 27

 

 

Clarkston Funds

Notes to Financial Statements

and Financial Highlights

 
March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

Redeemable securities issued by open-end registered investment companies are valued at the investment company’s applicable net asset value (“NAV”), with the exception of exchange-traded open-end investment companies, which are priced as equity securities. Money market funds, representing short-term investments, are valued at their NAV.

 

When prices or quotations for securities held by the Funds are not available, or when the valuation designee appointed by the Board believes that they are unreliable, securities may be priced using fair value procedures approved by the Board.

 

Fair Value Measurements: The Funds disclose the classification of their fair value measurements following a three-tier hierarchy based on the inputs used to measure fair value. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk. Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on the best information available.

 

Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Funds’ investments as of the end of the reporting period. When inputs used fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The designated input levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with these investments. These inputs are categorized in the following hierarchy under applicable financial accounting standards:

 

Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments, unrestricted assets or liabilities that the Fund has the ability to access at the measurement date;
   
Level 2 – Quoted prices which are not active, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable (either directly or indirectly); and
   
Level 3 – Significant unobservable prices or inputs (including a Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) where there is little or no market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date.

 

 

28 www.clarkstonfunds.com

 

 

Clarkston Funds

Notes to Financial Statements

and Financial Highlights

 
March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Funds’ investments as of March 31, 2026:

 

CLARKSTON PARTNERS FUND

 

Investments in Securities at Value  

Level 1 -

Unadjusted

Quoted Prices

   

Level 2 - Other

Significant

Observable

Inputs

   

Level 3 -

Significant

Unobservable

Inputs

    Total  
Common Stock                                
Consumer Discretionary   $ 27,003,900     $     $     $ 27,003,900  
Consumer Staples     72,400,650                   72,400,650  
Financials     41,362,930                   41,362,930  
Health Care     59,578,800                   59,578,800  
Industrials     29,466,300                   29,466,300  
Technology     68,862,060                   68,862,060  
Utilities     9,804,200                   9,804,200  
Total   $ 308,478,840     $     $     $ 308,478,840  

 

CLARKSTON FUND

 

          Level 2 - Other     Level 3 -        
    Level 1 -     Significant     Significant        
    Unadjusted     Observable     Unobservable        
Investments in Securities at Value   Quoted Prices     Inputs     Inputs     Total  
Common Stock                                
Basic Materials   $ 3,047,100     $     $     $ 3,047,100  
Consumer Discretionary     6,532,120                   6,532,120  
Consumer Staples     19,040,470                   19,040,470  
Financials     14,471,830                   14,471,830  
Health Care     19,054,520                   19,054,520  
Industrials     15,528,240                   15,528,240  
Technology     13,966,930                   13,966,930  
Total   $ 91,641,210     $     $     $ 91,641,210  

 

CLARKSTON FOUNDERS FUND

 

Investments in Securities at Value  

Level 1 -

Unadjusted

Quoted Prices

   

Level 2 - Other

Significant

Observable

Inputs

   

Level 3 -

Significant

Unobservable

Inputs

    Total  
Common Stock                                
Basic Materials   $ 3,119,650     $     $     $ 3,119,650  
Consumer Discretionary     17,410,890                   17,410,890  
Consumer Staples     27,991,850                   27,991,850  
Financials     18,861,200                   18,861,200  
Health Care     28,980,780                   28,980,780  
Industrials     19,474,580                   19,474,580  
Technology     37,572,180                   37,572,180  
Utilities     4,714,360                   4,714,360  
Total   $ 158,125,490     $     $     $ 158,125,490  

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 29

 

 

Clarkston Funds

Notes to Financial Statements

and Financial Highlights

 
March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

There were no Level 3 securities held during the six months ended March 31, 2026.

 

Cash & Cash Equivalents: The Funds consider their investment in a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insured interest bearing account to be cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus any accrued interest. The Funds maintain cash balances, which, at times may exceed federally insured limits. The Funds maintain these balances with a high quality financial institution.

 

Selected Risks: Some significant types of financial risks the Funds are exposed to are listed below. Please see the Funds' prospectus and statement of additional information for additional information regarding the risks associated with an investment in the Funds.

 

Concentration Risk: The Funds operate as “non-diversified” investment companies, as defined in the 1940 Act. As a result of being “non-diversified” with respect to 50% of the Funds' portfolios, the Funds must limit the portion of their assets invested in the securities of a single issuer to 5%, measured at the time of purchase. In addition, no single investment can exceed 25% of the Funds' total assets at the time of purchase. A more concentrated portfolio may cause the Funds' net asset value to be more volatile and thus may subject stockholders to more risk. Thus, the volatility of the Funds' net asset value and their performance in general, depends disproportionately more on the performance of a smaller number of holdings than that of a more diversified fund. As a result, the Funds are subject to a greater risk of loss than a fund that diversifies its investments more broadly.

 

Concentration of Credit Risk: Each Fund places its cash with a banking institution, which is insured by FDIC. The FDIC limit is $250,000. At various times throughout the period, the amount on deposit may exceed the FDIC limit and subject a Fund to a credit risk. The Funds do not believe that such deposits are subject to any unusual risk associated with investment activities.

 

Trust Expenses: Some expenses of the Trust can be directly attributed to a fund. Expenses that cannot be directly attributed to a fund are apportioned among all funds in the Trust based on average net assets of each fund, including Trustees' fees and expenses.

 

Fund Expenses: Some expenses can be directly attributed to a Fund and are apportioned among the classes based on average net assets of each class.

 

Class Expenses: Expenses that are specific to a class of shares are charged directly to that share class. Fees provided under the shareholder service plan for a particular class of a Fund are charged to the operations of such class.

 

Federal Income Taxes: The Funds comply with the requirements under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies and intend to distribute substantially all of their net taxable income and net capital gains, if any, each year so that they will not be subject to federal income or excise tax on undistributed income and gains. The Funds are not subject to income taxes to the extent such distributions are made.

 

As of and during the six months ended March 31, 2026, the Funds did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits in the accompanying financial statements. The Funds recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to tax liabilities as income tax expense in the Statements of Operations. The Funds file U.S. federal, state and local income tax returns as required. The Funds’ tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years after the filing of the tax return for federal purposes and four years for most state returns. The Funds’ administrator has analyzed the Funds’ tax positions taken on federal and state income tax returns for all open tax years and has concluded that as of March 31, 2026, no provision for income tax is required in the Funds’ financial statements related to these tax positions.

 

 

30 www.clarkstonfunds.com

 

 

Clarkston Funds

Notes to Financial Statements

and Financial Highlights

 
March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

Investment Transactions and Investment Income: Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the investments are purchased or sold (trade date basis for financial reporting purposes). Realized gains and losses from investment transactions are reported on an identified cost basis. Interest income, which includes accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums, is accrued and recorded as earned using the effective yield method. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date, or for certain foreign securities, as soon as information is available to a Fund. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends are paid (a portion of which may be reclaimable) or provided for in accordance with the applicable country’s tax rules and rates and are disclosed in the Statements of Operations. All of the realized and unrealized gains and losses of a Fund and net investment income of a Fund are allocated daily to each class of the Fund in proportion to its average daily net assets.

 

Distributions to Shareholders: The Funds normally pay dividends, if any, and distribute capital gains, if any, on an annual basis. Income dividend distributions are derived from interest, dividends and other income the Funds receive from their investments, including short-term capital gains. Long-term capital gain distributions are derived from gains realized when a Fund sells a security it has owned for more than one year. A Fund may make additional distributions and dividends at other times if its portfolio manager or managers believe doing so may be necessary for the Fund to avoid or reduce taxes. Net investment income/(loss) and net realized gain/(loss) may differ for financial statement and tax purposes.

 

3.  TAX BASIS INFORMATION

 

 

Tax Basis of Distributions to Shareholders: The character of distributions made during the period from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from its ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. Also, due to the timing of dividend distributions, the fiscal year in which amounts are distributed may differ from the fiscal year in which the income or realized gain were recorded by the Funds. The amounts and characteristics of tax basis distributions and composition of distributable earnings/(accumulated losses) are finalized at fiscal year-end.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 31

 

 

Clarkston Funds

Notes to Financial Statements

and Financial Highlights

 
March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, were as follows:

 

    Ordinary Income    

Long-Term Capital

Gains

 
Clarkston Partners Fund   $ 5,834,231     $ 6,382,568  
Clarkston Fund     1,514,080        
Clarkston Founders Fund     3,689,629        

 

Unrealized Appreciation and Depreciation on Investments: As of March 31, 2026, the aggregate costs of investments, gross unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) and net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) for Federal tax purposes were as follows:

 

    Clarkston Partners Fund     Clarkston Fund     Clarkston Founders Fund  
Gross unrealized appreciation
(excess of value over tax cost)
  $ 68,770,116     $ 17,187,745     $ 24,996,713  
Gross unrealized depreciation
(excess of tax cost over value)
    (133,743,236 )     (19,836,502 )     (44,699,754 )
Net unrealized depreciation   $ (64,973,120 )   $ (2,648,757 )   $ (19,703,041 )
Cost of investments for income tax purposes   $ 373,451,959     $ 94,289,968     $ 177,285,390  

 

4.  SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS

 

 

Purchases and sales of securities, excluding short-term securities, during the six months ended March 31, 2026, were as follows:

 

    Purchases of Securities     Proceeds from Sales of Securities  
Clarkston Partners Fund   $ 69,823,699     $ 632,771,797  
Clarkston Fund     13,280,261       89,811,853  
Clarkston Founders Fund     79,751,506       687,864,181  

 

5.  BENEFICIAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

 

The capitalization of the Trust consists of an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest with no par value per share. Holders of the shares of the Funds have one vote for each share held and a proportionate fraction of a vote for each fractional share. All shares issued and outstanding are fully paid and are transferable and redeemable at the option of the shareholder. Shares have no pre-emptive rights. Neither the Funds nor any of their creditors have the right to require shareholders to pay any additional amounts solely because the shareholder owns the shares.

 

 

32 www.clarkstonfunds.com

 

 

Clarkston Funds

Notes to Financial Statements

and Financial Highlights

 
March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

Transactions in common shares were as follows:

 

   

For the Six

Months Ended

March 31, 2026

(Unaudited)

   

For the Year Ended

September 30, 2025

 
Clarkston Partners Fund            
Founders Class                
Shares sold     685,072       1,915  
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders     27,129       9,358  
Shares redeemed     (30,603,826 )     (3,859,606 )
Net decrease in shares outstanding     (29,891,625 )     (3,848,333 )
Institutional Class                
Shares sold     1,624,345       4,080,975  
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders     1,283,309       442,359  
Shares redeemed     (14,806,509 )     (14,347,718 )
Net decrease in shares outstanding     (11,898,855 )     (9,824,384 )
                 
Clarkston Fund                
Institutional Class                
Shares sold     10,943       1,867,022  
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders     393,184       95,129  
Shares redeemed     (5,244,918 )     (1,389,931 )
Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding     (4,840,791 )     572,220  
                 
Clarkston Founders Fund                
Founders Class                
Shares sold     641,497       4,606,275  
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders     14,809       2,128  
Shares redeemed     (34,143,464 )     (5,138,772 )
Net decrease in shares outstanding     (33,487,158 )     (530,369 )
Institutional Class                
Shares sold     828,446       1,240,963  
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders     392,924       58,324  
Shares redeemed     (4,645,134 )     (1,623,177 )
Net decrease in shares outstanding     (3,423,764 )     (323,889 )

 

Control is defined by the 1940 Act as the beneficial ownership, either directly or through one or more controlled companies, of more than 25% of the voting securities of a company. Approximately 83% of the outstanding shares of the Clarkston Partners Fund are held by two omnibus accounts that own shares on behalf of their underlying beneficial owners. Approximately 76% of the outstanding shares of the Clarkston Fund are owned by one omnibus account that owns shares on behalf of its underlying beneficial owners. Approximately 95% of the outstanding shares of the Clarkston Founders Fund are held by two omnibus accounts that own shares on behalf of their underlying beneficial owners. Share transaction activities of these shareholders could have a material impact on the Funds.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 33

 

 

Clarkston Funds

Notes to Financial Statements

and Financial Highlights

 
March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

6.  MANAGEMENT AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

 

Investment Advisory: Clarkston Capital Partners, LLC (“Clarkston” or the “Adviser”), subject to the authority of the Board, is responsible for the management of the Funds’ portfolios. The Adviser manages the investments of the Funds in accordance with the Funds’ investment objectives, policies and limitations and investment guidelines established jointly by the Adviser and the Board.

 

Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) with the Adviser, each Fund pays the Adviser an annual management fee that is based on each Fund’s average daily net assets. The management fee is paid on a monthly basis. The contractual management fee rates are 0.80%, 0.50% and 0.75% for the Clarkston Partners Fund, the Clarkston Fund and the Clarkston Founders Fund, respectively. The Board may extend the Advisory Agreement for additional one-year terms. The Board and shareholders of a Fund may terminate the Advisory Agreement upon 30 days’ written notice. The Adviser may terminate the Advisory Agreement upon 60 days’ notice.

 

Pursuant to a fee waiver letter agreement (the “Fee Waiver Agreement”), the Adviser has contractually agreed to limit the amount of each Fund’s Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses, (excluding shareholder servicing fees, brokerage expenses, interest expenses, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses) to an annual rate of 0.85% of the Clarkston Partners Fund’s average daily net assets for each of the Founders Class shares and the Institutional Class shares, 0.55% of the Clarkston Fund’s average daily net assets for the Institutional Class shares and 0.80% of the Clarkston Founders Fund’s average daily net assets for each of the Founders Class shares and the Institutional Class shares. The Fee Waiver Agreement is in effect through January 31, 2027 and will automatically continue upon annual approval by the Board for successive twelve-month periods unless (i) it is terminated earlier by the Board, or (ii) the Adviser provides at least 30 days written notice of its non-continuance prior to the end of the then effective term. The Adviser may not terminate the Fee Waiver Agreement without the approval of the Trust’s Board. The Adviser will be permitted to recover, on a class-by-class basis, expenses it has borne through the Fee Waiver Agreement (whether through a reduction of its management fee or otherwise) only to the extent that a Fund’s expenses in later periods do not exceed the lesser of: (1) the contractual expense limit in effect at the time the Adviser waives or limits the expenses; or (2) the contractual expense limit in effect at the time the Adviser seeks to recover the expenses; provided, however, that the Funds will not be obligated to pay any such deferred fees or expenses more than three years after the date on which the fee or expense was reduced, as calculated on a monthly basis.

 

For the six months ended March 31, 2026, the fee waivers and/or reimbursements were $84,317, $133,745, $81,920, $112,013, and $71,725 for the Clarkston Partners Fund Founders Class, Clarkston Partners Fund Institutional Class, Clarkston Fund Institutional Class, Clarkston Founders Fund Founders Class and Clarkston Founders Fund Institutional Class, respectively.

 

 

34 www.clarkstonfunds.com

 

 

Clarkston Funds

Notes to Financial Statements

and Financial Highlights

 
March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

As of March 31, 2026, the balances of recoupable expenses for each Fund and class were as follows:

 

   

Expiring in

2026

   

Expiring in

2027

   

Expiring in

2028

   

Expiring in

2029

 
Clarkston Partners Fund      
Founders   $ 145,168     $ 137,409     $ 169,566     $ 84,317  
Institutional     222,408       217,941       219,987       133,745  
                                 
Clarkston Fund     102,951       137,800       142,560       81,920  
                                 
Clarkston Founders Fund                                
Founders     97,656       186,726       184,515       112,013  
Institutional     37,878       70,717       70,136       71,725  

 

Administrator: ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (“ALPS”) (an affiliate of ALPS Distributors, Inc.) serves as administrator to each Fund. The Funds have agreed to pay expenses incurred in connection with their administrative activities. Pursuant to the Administration, Bookkeeping and Pricing Services Agreement with the Trust, ALPS provides operational services to the Funds including, but not limited to, fund accounting and fund administration and generally assists in each Fund’s operations. Each Fund’s administration fee is accrued on a daily basis and paid monthly. The officers of the Trust are employees of ALPS. Administration fees paid by the Funds for the six months ended March 31, 2026, are disclosed in the Statements of Operations. ALPS is reimbursed by the Funds for certain out-of-pocket expenses.

 

Transfer Agent: ALPS serves as transfer agent for each Fund under a Transfer Agency and Services Agreement with the Trust. Under this agreement, ALPS is paid an annual fee for services performed on behalf of the Funds plus fees for open accounts and is reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses.

 

Compliance Services: ALPS provides Chief Compliance Officer services to each Fund to monitor and test the policies and procedures of each Fund in conjunction with requirements under Rule 38a-1 of the 1940 Act pursuant to a Chief Compliance Officer Services Agreement with the Trust. Under this agreement, ALPS is paid an annual fee for services performed on behalf of the Funds and is reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses.

 

Distribution: ALPS Distributors, Inc. (the “Distributor”) (an affiliate of ALPS) acts as the principal underwriter of each Fund’s shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with the Trust. Shares of each Fund are offered on a continuous basis through the Distributor, as agent of the Funds. The Distributor is not obligated to sell any particular amount of shares and is not entitled to any compensation for its services as the Funds’ principal underwriter pursuant to the Distribution Agreement.

 

Each Fund has adopted a shareholder services plan (“Shareholder Services Plan”) for its Institutional Class. Under the Shareholder Services Plan each Fund is authorized to pay banks and their affiliates and other institutions, including broker-dealers and Fund affiliates (“Participating Organizations”), an aggregate fee in an amount not to exceed on an annual basis 0.15% of the average daily net asset value of each Fund’s Institutional Class shares to Participating Organizations as compensation for providing shareholder service activities, which do not include distribution services, pursuant to an agreement with a Participating Organization.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 35

 

 

Clarkston Funds

Notes to Financial Statements

and Financial Highlights

 
March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

7.  TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

 

 

As of March 31, 2026, there were three Trustees, each of whom are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”).

 

Effective January 1, 2026, the Independent Trustees of the Trust and, if any, Interested Trustees who are not currently employed by the Adviser, ALPS or other service providers will receive a quarterly retainer of $18,750, plus $5,938 for each regular Board or Committee meeting attended and $2,000 for each special telephonic or in-person Board or Committee meeting attended. Additionally, the Audit Committee Chair receives a quarterly retainer of $1,875, the Independent Chair receives a quarterly retainer of $4,250 and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Chair receives a quarterly retainer of $500.

 

Prior to January 1, 2026, the Trustees of the Trust received a quarterly retainer of $16,250, plus $5,000 for each regular Board or Committee meeting attended and $2,000 for each special telephonic or in-person Board or Committee meeting attended. Additionally, the Audit Committee Chair received a quarterly retainer of $1,875 and the Independent Chair received a quarterly retainer of $4,250.

 

These fees are allocated proportionately among the multiple portfolios/series of the Trust. The Independent Trustees and, if any, Interested Trustees who are not currently employed by the Adviser, ALPS or other service providers are also reimbursed for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at meetings.

 

Officers of the Trust receive no salary or fees from the Trust. As discussed in Note 6, the Funds pay ALPS an annual fee for compliance services.

 

8.  INDEMNIFICATIONS

 

 

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and Trustees are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Trust enters into contracts with service providers that may contain general indemnification clauses which may permit indemnification to the extent permissible under applicable law. 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.

 

9.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

 

Subsequent events after the date of the Statements of Assets and Liabilities have been evaluated through the date the financial statements were issued. Management has determined that there were no subsequent events to report through the issuance of these financial statements.

 

 

36 www.clarkstonfunds.com

 

 

Clarkston Funds Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants
 
March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

There were no changes in or disagreements with accountants during the period covered by this report.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 37

 

 

Clarkston Funds Proxy Disclosures
 
March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

Not applicable to the period covered by this report.

 

 

38 www.clarkstonfunds.com

 

 

Clarkston Funds Remuneration Paid to Directors, Officers, and Others
 
March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

The following chart provides certain information about the Trustee fees paid by the Trust for the period ended March 31, 2026:

 

Trustee  

Clarkston

Partners Fund

    Clarkston Fund    

Clarkston

Founders Fund

 
Ward Armstrong   $ 13,954     $ 2,817     $ 13,020  
J.W. Hutchens     5,670       1,127       4,994  
Merrillyn Kosier     11,893       2,402       11,111  
Patrick Seese     12,733       2,571       11,885  
Total   $ 44,250     $ 8,917     $ 41,010  

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 39

 

 

Clarkston Funds

Statement Regarding Basis for

Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement

 
March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

On November 20, 2025, the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of ALPS Series Trust (the “Trust”) met in person to discuss, among other things, the renewal and approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement (“Clarkston Agreement”) between the Trust and Clarkston Capital Partners, LLC (“Clarkston”) in accordance with Section 15(c) of the 1940 Act. The Independent Trustees met with independent legal counsel during executive session and discussed the Investment Advisory Agreement and other related materials.

 

The Trustees discussed Clarkston’s materials and presentation. During the review process, the Board noted certain instances where clarification or follow-up was appropriate and others where the Board determined that further clarification or follow-up was not necessary. In those instances where clarification or follow-up was requested, the Board determined that in each case either information responsive to its requests had been provided, or where any request was outstanding in whole or in part, given the totality of the information provided with respect to the agreements, the Board had received sufficient information to renew and approve the Clarkston Agreement.

 

In anticipation of and as part of the process to consider renewal of the Clarkston Agreement, legal counsel to the Trust requested certain information from Clarkston. In response to these requests, the Trustees received reports from Clarkston and an independent provider of investment company data (the “Provider Report”) that addressed specific factors to be considered by the Board. The Board also received from independent legal counsel memoranda regarding the Board’s responsibilities pertaining to the approval of advisory contracts. Further, the Board met with representatives of Clarkston and discussed the services of the firm provided pursuant to the Clarkston Agreement, as well as the information provided by Clarkston. In evaluating Clarkston and the fees charged under the Clarkston Agreement, the Trustees concluded that no single factor reviewed by the Trustees was identified by the Trustees to be determinative as the principal factor in whether to renew the Clarkston Agreement. Further, the Trustees were advised by independent legal counsel throughout the process. The following summary does not identify all the matters considered by the Board but provides a summary of the principal matters the Board considered.

 

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services: The Board received and considered information regarding the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Clarkston Funds. The Board acknowledged Clarkston’s investment advisory personnel, its history as an asset manager and its investment approach focused on financial, business and management quality of the portfolio companies.

 

The Board discussed Clarkston’s investment philosophy of investing in companies, not stocks, seeking long-term shareholder value, and mitigating risk by investing in quality companies. The Board considered Clarkston’s investment process, which included the initial research process, periodic contact with the portfolio company’s management, and ongoing diligence by monitoring results and developments. They considered recent changes to the third-party service providers used by Clarkston to support its business activities. The Board noted the resources at Clarkston devoted to research and analysis of current and potential investments. The Board acknowledged Clarkston’s affirmation that its compliance policies and procedures were reasonably designed to prevent violations of applicable securities laws. The Board reviewed and discussed the financial statements of Clarkston, noting no concerns regarding the firm’s continued success. The Board also noted that Clarkston had agreed to limit the Clarkston Funds’ expenses pursuant to an expense limitation agreement. The Board discussed Clarkston’s efforts to mitigate conflicts of interest associated with managing multiple accounts, as well as its ongoing work to strengthen technology and cybersecurity resiliency, including enhancements designed to ensure continuity in the event of a business disruption. The Board agreed that they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services rendered by Clarkston under the Clarkston Agreement.

 

 

40 www.clarkstonfunds.com

 

 

Clarkston Funds

Statement Regarding Basis for

Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement

 
March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

Investment Advisory Fee Rate and Expense Ratio: The Board discussed the comparison of each Clarkston Fund’s contractual annual advisory fee and overall expenses with those of funds in the peer group and universe of funds, as provided in the Provider Report. The Board observed that each Provider Report peer group consisted of the applicable Clarkston Fund and several other funds identified by the Provider Report as using similar strategies with comparable fee structures.

 

Clarkston Partners Fund (“CP Fund”). The Board noted that the Fund’s contractual advisory fee of 0.80% was slightly higher than the Provider Report peer group median (the “Median”) of 0.76%. The Board also noted that the CP Fund’s total net expenses (after fee waiver and expense reimbursement) for each class of the Fund was equal to the Median. After further discussion, the Board concluded that the advisory fee and total net expenses were not unreasonable.

 

Clarkston Founders Fund (“CF Fund”). The Board noted that CF Fund’s contractual advisory fee of 0.75% was slightly higher than its Median of 0.74%. The Board also noted that the CF Fund’s total net expenses (after fee waiver and expense reimbursement) for the Institutional Class were slightly higher than the Median, but within the ranges of its peers, while the total net expenses for the Founders class were lower than the Median. After further discussion, the Board concluded that the advisory fee and total net expenses were not unreasonable.

 

Clarkston Fund (“CS Fund”). The Board noted that the Fund’s contractual advisory fee of 0.50% was below the Median. The Board also noted that the CS Fund’s total net expense (after fee waiver and expense reimbursement) was below the Median. After further discussion, the Board concluded that the advisory fee and total net expenses were not unreasonable.

 

Comparable Accounts: The Board acknowledged that Clarkston managed other institutional and strategic accounts, and model delivery service clients, using investment strategies similar to the strategies of the Clarkston Funds, noting that while certain clients of Clarkston were charged lower fees for similar strategies, the fees charged to the Funds were generally aligned with the firm’s standard fee rates charged by Clarkston for institutional clients, and the variations in fees were based on reasonable factors. They considered Clarkston’s assertion that the services provided to the Funds were often more labor intensive and broader in scope than the work required for the other accounts, and some clients could pay a performance fee. After consideration, the Board agreed that the management fees for each Fund relative to comparable accounts with similar strategies were not unreasonable in light of the services provided.

 

Performance: The Board reviewed and considered each Clarkston Fund’s performance as of August 31, 2025, compared to a relevant benchmark index, and a peer group selected by an independent provider of investment company data.

 

CP Fund: The Board observed that the CP Fund had achieved a 2-star rating in the Morningstar mid-cap value category. The Board noted that the Fund had delivered consistent positive returns over the three, five-year and since inception periods but had delivered negative returns for the one-year period. The Board further noted that, while the Fund had delivered positive returns for certain periods, each class of the CP Fund had underperformed its benchmark, the Russell 2500 TR USD Index, for the one-, three-, and five-year periods, and underperformed the Median over each period.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 41

 

 

Clarkston Funds

Statement Regarding Basis for

Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement

 
March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

CF Fund: The Board observed that the CF Fund had achieved a 1-star rating in the Morningstar mid-cap value category. The Board noted that the CF Fund had delivered consistent positive returns over the one, three, five-year and since inception periods (as applicable). The Board further noted that each class of the CF Fund underperformed its benchmark, the Russell Mid Cap TR USD Index, and the Median, for each applicable period.

 

CS Fund: The Board observed that the Fund had achieved a 1-star rating in the Morningstar large- cap value category. The Board noted that the Fund had delivered consistent positive returns over the one, three, five-year and since inception periods. The Board further noted that the CS Fund underperformed its benchmark, the Russell 1000 TR USD Index, and the Median for each period, except for the 1-year period where it outperformed the Median.

 

After reviewing the investment performance of the Clarkston Funds, including the factors contributing to and detracting from performance, Clarkston’s historical investment performance, the adviser’s commitment to investing in quality companies for the long-term, the Board concluded that the investment performance of each Clarkston Fund was satisfactory.

 

Profitability: The Board received and considered a profitability analysis prepared by Clarkston based on the fees paid under the Clarkston Agreement. They considered the business, regulatory and other risks assumed by Clarkston in managing the Clarkston Funds. The Board noted that, based on the information provided by Clarkston, with the exception of the Clarkston Fund, its relationship with each Fund before distribution costs was profitable, but that the amount of profit was not unreasonable in absolute terms or as a percentage of income. The Trustees noted that the Adviser’s relationship with the Clarkston Fund before accounting for distribution costs was not profitable in 2024 and not projected to be profitable in 2025. The Board concluded that profits were not excessive.

 

Economies of Scale: The Trustees considered Clarkston’s statements that it had made a significant financial commitment to the ongoing viability of the Clarkston Funds, and that material investments had been made by Clarkston in personnel, software, and other areas to build the infrastructure required for advising registered investment companies. In addition, Clarkston had contractually agreed to limit Fund expenses until at least January 31, 2026, which effectively provided lower total fees to shareholders. The Trustees recognized that the resulting waivers and reimbursements reduced the net advisory fees that Clarkston realized for providing advisory services to the Funds and represented a component of the significant financial commitment Clarkston had made to support the Funds. The Trustees discussed other efforts of the Adviser to reduce overall Fund expenses to the benefit of shareholders. The Board determined to continue to monitor and revisit the issue over time.

 

 

42 www.clarkstonfunds.com

 

 

Clarkston Funds

Statement Regarding Basis for

Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement

 
March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

Other Benefits to the Adviser: The Board reviewed and considered any other incidental benefits derived or to be derived by Clarkston from its relationship with each Clarkston Fund, including research and other support services. They acknowledged the benefit to Clarkston of soft dollar arrangements noting that the limited trading completed by the Funds limited the impact of such arrangements.

 

Having requested and reviewed such information from Clarkston as the Board believed to be reasonably necessary to evaluate the terms of the Clarkston Agreement, and as assisted by the advice of independent counsel, the Board determined that continuance of the Clarkston Agreement was in the best interests of each Clarkston Fund and its respective shareholders.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 43

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

Schedule of Investments 3
Statement of Assets and Liabilities 5
Statement of Operations 6
Statements of Changes in Net Assets 7
Financial Highlights 8
Notes to Financial Statements 9
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants 14
Proxy Disclosures 15
Remuneration Paid to Directors, Officers, and Others 16
Statement Regarding Basis for Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement 17

 

 

Fundsmith Equity ETF

 

 

Schedule of Investments

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

    Shares     Value
(Note 2)
 
Common Stock (95.23%)                
                 
Communication Services (6.42%)                
Alphabet, Inc.     1,530     $ 439,967  
Meta Platforms, Inc.     765       437,679  
Total Communication Services             877,646  
                 
Consumer Discretionary (16.83%)                
Amadeus IT Group SA     9,699       545,734  
Amazon.com, Inc.(a)     1,989       414,249  
LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE     612       327,590  
Marriott International, Inc.     1,530       500,417  
TJX Cos., Inc.     3,213       513,116  
Total Consumer Discretionary             2,301,106  
                 
Consumer Staples (14.02%)                
Church & Dwight Co., Inc.     5,661       528,285  
Danone SA     5,355       427,330  
L'Oreal SA     1,071       432,468  
Magnum Ice Cream Co. NV(a)     1,552       22,781  
Philip Morris International, Inc.     3,060       505,940  
Total Consumer Staples             1,916,804  
                 
Financials (3.04%)                
Visa, Inc.     1,377       416,184  
                 
Health Care (19.37%)                
Coloplast A/S     5,947       401,422  
EssilorLuxottica SA     1,377       315,776  
IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.(a)     612       343,877  
Mettler-Toledo International, Inc.(a)     306       385,927  
Stryker Corp.     1,224       402,194  
Waters Corp.(a)     1,224       364,507  
Zoetis, Inc.     3,672       434,067  
Total Health Care             2,647,770  
                 
Industrials (10.27%)                
Atlas Copco AB     28,152       485,177  
Automatic Data Processing, Inc.     1,836       373,038  
Wolters Kluwer NV     7,304       545,546  
Total Industrials             1,403,761  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.

Semi-Annual Report 3

 

 

Fundsmith Equity ETF

 

 

Schedule of Investments

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

    Shares    

Value

(Note 2)

 
Information Technology (25.28%)                
Apple, Inc.     2,183       554,024  
Microsoft Corp.     918       339,816  
Sage Group PLC     57,611       638,851  
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.     2,853       964,172  
Texas Instruments, Inc.     4,937       958,469  
Total Information Technology             3,455,332  
                 
TOTAL COMMON STOCK                
(Cost $14,584,912)             13,018,603  
                 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (95.23%)                
(COST $14,584,912)             13,018,603  
                 
ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES (4.77%)(b)           $ 651,741  
                 
Net assets (100.00%)           $ 13,670,344  

 

(a) Non-income producing security.
(b) Balance includes cash and cash equivalents of $653,966

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.

4 www.fundsmithetf.us

 

 

Fundsmith Equity ETF

 

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

ASSETS:
Investments, at value (Cost $14,584,912)   $ 13,018,603  
Cash and cash equivalents     653,966  
Dividends and interest receivable     16,272  
Other assets     1,002  
Total Assets     13,689,843  
         
LIABILITIES:        
Foreign currency overdraft, at value (Proceeds $11,794)     11,794  
Payable to adviser     7,705  
Total Liabilities     19,499  
NET ASSETS   $ 13,670,344  
         
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:        
Paid-in capital (Note 5)   $ 15,336,999  
Total accumulated deficit     (1,666,655 )
NET ASSETS   $ 13,670,344  
         
PRICING OF SHARES        
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share   $ 8.93  
Net Assets   $ 13,670,344  
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized, no par value)     1,530,002  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.

Semi-Annual Report 5

 

 

Fundsmith Equity ETF

 

 

Statement of Operations

For the Period December 1, 2025 (commencement of operation) March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

INVESTMENT INCOME:
Dividend Income   $ 53,387  
Foreign taxes withheld     (2,052 )
Total Investment Income     51,335  
         
EXPENSES:        
Investment advisory fees (Note 6)     37,960  
Total Expenses     37,960  
NET INVESTMENT INCOME     13,375  
         
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS:        
Net realized loss on investments     (121,561 )
Net realized gain on foreign currency translation     8,046  
Total net realized loss     (113,515 )
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments     (1,566,308 )
Net change in unrealized depreciation on translation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies     (209 )
Total net change in unrealized depreciation on investments     (1,566,517 )
NET REALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) AND UNREALIZED LOSS ON INVESTMENTS     (1,680,032 )
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS   $ (1,666,657 )

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.

6 www.fundsmithetf.us

 

 

Fundsmith Equity ETF

 

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

For the Period

December 1, 2025

(Commencement of

Operations) to

March 31, 2026

 
OPERATIONS:        
Net investment income   $ 13,375  
Net realized loss on investments     (113,515 )
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments     (1,566,517 )
Net Decrease in Net Assets Resulting from Operations     (1,666,657 )
         
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:        
From distributable earnings      
Total Distributions to Shareholders      
         
BENEFICIAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (NOTE 5):        
Shares sold     15,337,001  
NET INCREASE FROM BENEFICIAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:     15,337,001  
         
Net increase in net assets     13,670,344  
         
NET ASSETS:        
Beginning of period      
End of period   $ 13,670,344  
         
BENEFICIAL INTEREST TRANSACTIONS, IN SHARES:        
Beginning shares      
Shares sold     1,530,002  
Net increase in shares outstanding     1,530,002  
Ending shares     1,530,002  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 7

 

 

Fundsmith Equity ETF

 

 

Financial Highlights

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

   

For the Period

December 1, 2025

(Commencement

of Operations) to

March 31, 2026

 
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD(a)   $ 9.97  
         
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:        
Net investment income(a)     0.01  
Net realized and unrealized loss on investments     (1.05 )
Total from investment operations     (1.04 )
         
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:        
From net investment income      
Total distributions      
         
NET (DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE     (1.04 )
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD   $ 8.93  
         
TOTAL RETURN (b)     (10.43 )%
         
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:        
Net assets, end of period (000s)   $ 13,670  
         
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS        
Operating expenses excluding reimbursement/waiver     1.00 %(c)
Net investment income including reimbursement/waiver     0.35 %(c)
         
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE (d)     16.67 %

 

(a) Per share amounts are based upon average shares outstanding, unless otherwise noted.
(b) Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Portfolio turnover for periods less than one year are not annualized.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.

8 www.fundsmithetf.us

 

 

Fundsmith Equity ETF

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

1.  ORGANIZATION

 

ALPS Series Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Trust consists of multiple separate portfolios or series. This annual report describes the Fundsmith Equity ETF (the “Fund”). The Fund is non-diversified, and its investment objective is growth. The Fund currently offers one share class. The Board of Trustees (the “Board” or “Trustees”) may establish additional funds and classes of shares at any time in the future without shareholder approval.

 

2.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The accompanying financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for investment companies (“U.S. GAAP”). The Fund is considered an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 Financial Services - Investment Companies. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures 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 period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund in preparation of its financial statements.

 

The Fund uses the management approach to determine reportable operating segments. The management approach considers the internal organization and reporting used by the Fund's chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) for making decisions, allocating resources, and assessing performance. The Fund's CODM has been identified as the Chief Financial Officer ("CFO") and Treasurer, who reviews results presented within the Fund's financial statements when making decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance of the Fund. The CODM determined that the Fund has only one operating segment as defined by ASU 2023-07. This is supported by the single investment strategy of the Fund, against which the CODM assesses performance.

 

Investment Valuation: The Fund generally values its securities based on market prices determined at the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, on each day the NYSE is open for trading.

 

For equity securities, real estate investment trusts, limited partnerships and mutual funds that are traded on an exchange, the market price is usually the closing sale or official closing price on that exchange. In the case of equity securities and real estate investment trusts not traded on an exchange, or if such closing prices are not otherwise available, the securities are valued at the mean of the most recent bid and ask prices on such day.

 

Redeemable securities issued by open-end registered investment companies are valued at the investment company’s applicable net asset value (“NAV”). Money market funds, representing short-term investments, are valued at their NAV.

 

When such prices or quotations are not available, or when the valuation designee appointed by the Board believes that they are unreliable, securities may be priced using fair value procedures approved by the Board.

 

Fair Value Measurements: The Fund discloses the classification of its fair value measurements following a three-tier hierarchy based on the inputs used to measure fair value. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk. Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on the best information available.

 

Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund’s investments as of the end of the reporting period. When inputs used fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The designated input levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with these investments. These inputs are categorized in the following hierarchy under applicable financial accounting standards:

 

Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments, unrestricted assets or liabilities that the Fund has the ability to access at the measurement date;

 

Semi-Annual Report 9

 

 

Fundsmith Equity ETF

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

Level 2 – Quoted prices which are not active, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable (either directly or indirectly); and

 

Level 3 – Significant unobservable prices or inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) where there is little or no market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of March 31, 2026:

 

Investments in Securities at Fair Value   Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
Common Stock                                
Communication Services   $ 877,646     $     $     $ 877,646  
Consumer Discretionary     2,301,106                   2,301,106  
Information Technology     3,455,332                   3,455,332  
Industrials     1,403,761                   1,403,761  
Consumer Staples     1,916,804                   1,916,804  
Health Care     2,647,770                   2,647,770  
Financials     416,184                   416,184  
Total   $ 13,018,603     $     $     $ 13,018,603  

 

The Fund did not hold any level 2 or 3 securities during the period ended March 31, 2026.

 

Cash & Cash Equivalents: The Fund considers its investment in a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") insured interest bearing account to be cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus any accrued interest. The Fund maintains cash balances, which, at times may exceed federally insured limits. The Fund maintains these balances with a high-quality financial institution.

 

Concentration of Credit Risk: The Fund places its cash with a banking institution, which is insured by FDIC. The FDIC limit is $250,000. At various times throughout the year, the amount on deposit may exceed the FDIC limit and subject the Fund to a credit risk. The Fund does not believe that such deposits are subject to any unusual risk associated with investment activities.

 

Trust Expenses: Some expenses of the Trust can be directly attributed to a fund. Expenses that cannot be directly attributed to a fund are apportioned among all funds in the Trust based on average net assets of each fund, including Trustees’ fees and expenses.

 

Federal Income Taxes: The Fund complies with the requirements under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies and intends to distribute substantially all of its net taxable income and net capital gains, if any, each year so that it will not be subject to excise tax on undistributed income and gains. The Fund is not subject to income taxes to the extent such distributions are made.

 

As of and during the period ended March 31, 2026, the Fund did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits in the accompanying financial statements. The Fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to tax liabilities as income tax expense in the Statement of Operations. The Fund files U.S. federal, state and local income tax returns as required. The Fund’s tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years after the filing of the tax return for federal purposes and four years for most state returns. The Fund’s administrator has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken on federal and state income tax returns for period ended March 31, 2026, no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements related to these tax positions.

 

Investment Transactions and Investment Income: Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the investments are purchased or sold (trade date basis for financial reporting purposes). Realized gains and losses from investment transactions are reported on a first in first out basis. Interest income, which includes accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums, is accrued and recorded as earned using the effective yield method. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date, or for certain foreign securities, as soon as information is available to the Fund. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends are paid (a portion of which may be reclaimable) or provided for in accordance with the applicable country’s tax rules and rates and are disclosed in the Statement of Operations.

 

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Fundsmith Equity ETF

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

Distributions to Shareholders: The Fund normally pays dividends, if any, and distributes capital gains, if any, on an annual basis. Income dividend distributions are derived from interest, dividends and other income the Fund receives from their investments, including short-term capital gains. Long-term capital gain distributions are derived from gains realized when the Fund sells a security it has owned for more than one year. The Fund may make additional distributions and dividends at other times if its portfolio manager or managers believe doing so may be necessary for the Fund to avoid or reduce taxes. Net investment income/(loss) and net realized gain/(loss) may differ for financial statement and tax purposes.

 

3.  TAX BASIS INFORMATION

 

Tax Basis of Distributions to Shareholders: The character of distributions made during the period from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from its ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. Also, due to the timing of dividend distributions, the fiscal year in which amounts are distributed may differ from the fiscal year in which the income or realized gain were recorded by the Fund. The amounts and characteristics of tax basis distributions are estimated at the time of distribution and composition of distributable earnings/(accumulated losses) are finalized at fiscal period-end.

 

Unrealized Appreciation and Depreciation on Investments: As of March 31, 2026, the aggregate costs of investments, gross unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) and net unrealized depreciation for Federal tax purposes were as follows:

 

Gross Appreciation

(excess of value over tax cost)

   

Gross Depreciation

(excess of tax cost over

value)

   

Net Unrealized

Appreciation/

(Depreciation)

   

Cost of Investments

for Income

Tax Purposes

 
$ (203,277 )   $ 1,769,719     $ 1,566,442     $ (15,227,213 )

 

The Fund is subject to foreign tax withholding imposed by certain foreign countries in which the Fund may invest. Withholding taxes are incurred on certain foreign dividends and are accrued at the time the dividend is recognized based on applicable foreign tax laws. In December 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU), ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740) - Improvements to Income Taxes Disclosures, which enhances the transparency of income tax disclosures. The ASU requires public entities, on an annual basis, to provide disclosure of income taxes paid disaggregated by jurisdiction when material to the Funds' financial statements. The amendments under this ASU are required to be applied prospectively and are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024.

 

The amount of foreign withholding taxes paid during the period ended March 31, 2026 is not significant and accordingly, a disclosure of income taxes paid for the period ended March 31, 2026, is not presented.

 

4.  SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS

 

Purchases and sales of securities, excluding short-term securities, during the period ended March 31, 2026, were as follows:

 

    Purchases of Securities     Proceeds from Sales of  Securities  
Fundsmith Equity ETF   $ 9,032,727     $ 1,963,145  

 

5.  BENEFICIAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

The capitalization of the Trust consists of an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest with no par value per share. Holders of the shares of the Fund have one vote for each share held and a proportionate fraction of a vote for each fractional share. All shares issued and outstanding are fully paid and are transferable and redeemable at the option of the shareholder. Shares have no pre-emptive rights. Neither the Fund nor any of its creditors has the right to require shareholders to pay any additional amounts solely because the shareholder owns the shares.

 

Semi-Annual Report 11

 

 

Fundsmith Equity ETF

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

   

For the Period

December 1, 2025

(Commencement of

Operations) to

March 31, 2026

 
Fundsmith Equity ETF        
Shares sold     1,530,002  
Net increase in shares outstanding     1,530,002  

 

6.  MANAGEMENT AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

Investment Adviser: Fundsmith Investment Services Limited (the “Adviser”), subject to the authority of the Board, is responsible for the overall management and administration of the Fund's business affairs. The Adviser manages the investments of the Fund in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective, policies and limitations, and investment guidelines established jointly by the Adviser and the Board.

 

Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) with the Adviser, the Fund pays the Adviser an annual management fee of 1.00% based on the Fund’s average daily net assets. Under the terms of the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser pays all of the Fund's operating expenses, except that the Fund will be responsible for the payment of brokerage and other expenses of executing Fund transactions; taxes or governmental fees; interest charges and other costs of borrowing funds; litigation and indemnification expenses and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business.

 

ALPS Advisors, Inc. (the “Sub-Adviser” or “AAI”), serves as the Fund’s investment sub-adviser. Pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser with respect to the Fund (the “Sub-Advisory Agreement” and together with the Advisory Agreement, the “Agreements”), the Sub-Adviser is responsible for the purchase, retention, and sale of the Fund’s portfolio securities, subject to the supervision of the Adviser and the oversight of the Board. Under the terms of the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Adviser will pay the Sub-Adviser an annual sub-advisory management fee based on the Fund’s average daily balance of assets under management for the Fund during the immediately preceding month multiplied by the appropriate basis point figure, subject to a minimum fee, as follows:

 

Description Fees
Minimum Fee $35,000 per year
Asset based fee  
First $250 million of Fund's AUM 3 basis points
Next $250 million of Fund’s AUM 2 basis points
Fund AUM above $500 million 1 basis points

 

The current term of each Agreement is two years. The Board may extend each Agreement for successive one-year terms. The Board and shareholders of the Fund may terminate the Advisory Agreement upon 60 days’ written notice. The Adviser may terminate the Advisory Agreement upon 120 days’ written notice. The Board, shareholders of the Fund, or the Adviser may terminate the Sub-Advisory Agreement on 60 days’ written notice. The Sub-Adviser may terminate the Sub-Advisory Agreement upon 120 days' written notice.

 

Administrator/Compliance Services: ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (“ALPS”) (an affiliate of AAI and ALPS Distributors, Inc.) serves as administrator to the Fund. Pursuant to the Services Agreement with the Trust (the “Services Agreement”), ALPS provides operational services to the Fund including, but not limited to, fund accounting and fund administration, and will generally assist in the Fund’s operations. Under the terms of the same Agreement, ALPS also provides Chief Compliance Officer services to the Fund to monitor and test the policies and procedures of the Fund in conjunction with requirements under Rule 38a-1 of the 1940 Act. The Adviser is responsible for the cost of services under the Services Agreement.

 

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Fundsmith Equity ETF

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

Transfer Agent: State Street Bank and Trust Company (“SSB”) serves as transfer agent for the Fund under a Transfer Agency and Services Agreement with the Trust. Under this agreement, SSB is paid an annual fee for services performed on behalf of the Fund and is reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses. The Adviser is responsible for the cost of services under the Transfer Agency Agreement.

 

Distribution: ALPS Distributors, Inc. (the “Distributor”) (an affiliate of ALPS and AAI) acts as the principal underwriter of the Fund’s shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with the Trust. Shares of the Fund are offered on a continuous basis through the Distributor, as agent of the Fund. The Distributor is not obligated to sell any particular amount of shares of the Fund and is not entitled to any compensation for its services as the Fund’s principal underwriter pursuant to the Distribution Agreement.

 

7.  TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

 

As of March 31, 2026, there were three Trustees, each of whom are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”).

 

Effective January 1, 2026, the Independent Trustees of the Trust and, if any, Interested Trustees who are not currently employed by the Adviser, ALPS or other service providers will receive a quarterly retainer of $18,750, plus $5,938 for each regular Board or Committee meeting attended and $2,000 for each special telephonic or in-person Board or Committee meeting attended. Additionally, the Audit Committee Chair receives a quarterly retainer of $1,875 and the Independent Chair receives a quarterly retainer of $4,250 and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Chair receives a quarterly retainer of $500.

 

Prior January 1, 2026, the Independent Trustees of the Trust received a quarterly retainer of $16,250, plus $5,000 for each regular Board or Committee meeting attended and $2,000 for each special telephonic or in-person Board or Committee meeting attended. Additionally, the Audit Committee Chair received a quarterly retainer of $1,875 and the Independent Chair received a quarterly retainer of $4,250.

 

These fees are allocated proportionately among the multiple portfolios/series of the Trust. The Independent Trustees and, if any, Interested Trustees who are not currently employed by the Adviser, ALPS or other service providers are also reimbursed for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at meetings.

 

Officers of the Trust receive no salary or fees from the Trust. As discussed in Note 7, the Adviser pays ALPS an annual fee for compliance services.

 

8.  INDEMNIFICATIONS

 

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and Trustees are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Trust enters into contracts with service providers that may contain general indemnification clauses which may permit indemnification to the extent permissible under applicable law. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown; as such exposure would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.

 

9.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Subsequent events after the date of the Statement of Assets and Liabilities have been evaluated through the date the financial statements were issued. Management has determined that there were no subsequent events to report through the issuance of these financial statements.

 

Semi-Annual Report 13

 

 

Fundsmith Equity ETF

 

 

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

There were no changes in or disagreements with accountants during the period covered by this report.

 

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Fundsmith Equity ETF

 

 

Proxy Disclosures

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

Not applicable to the period covered by this report.

 

Semi-Annual Report 15

 

 

Fundsmith Equity ETF

 

 

Remuneration Paid to Directors, Officers, and Others

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

Pursuant to the Funds' unitary fee arrangements, the Fund does not pay any Trustee fees. The Trustee fees are paid by the Adviser.

 

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Fundsmith Equity ETF

 

 

Statement Regarding Basis for Approval of

Investment Advisory Agreement

March 31, 2026

 

On November 20, 2025, the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of ALPS Series Trust (the “Trust”) met in person to discuss, among other things, the approval of the Investment Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreement (“Fundsmith Agreements”) between the Trust and Fundsmith Investment Services (“Fundsmith”) in accordance with Section 15(c) of the 1940 Act. The Independent Trustees met with independent legal counsel during executive session and discussed the Fundsmith Agreements and other related materials.

 

The Trustees discussed the Fundsmith Materials, ALPS Advisors Inc. (“AAI”) Materials, and their respective presentations. During the review process, the Board noted certain instances where clarification or follow-up was appropriate and others where the Board determined that further clarification or follow-up was not necessary. In those instances where clarification or follow-up was requested, the Board determined that in each case either information responsive to its requests had been provided, or where any request was outstanding in whole or in part, given the totality of the information provided with respect to the agreements, the Board had received sufficient information to approve the Fundsmith Agreements.

 

In anticipation of and as part of the process to consider approval of the Fundsmith Agreements, legal counsel to the Trust requested certain information from Fundsmith and AAI. In response to these requests, the Trustees received reports from Fundsmith, AAI, and an independent provider of investment company data (the “Provider Report”) that addressed specific factors to be considered by the Board. The Board also received from independent legal counsel memoranda regarding the Board’s responsibilities pertaining to the approval of advisory contracts. Further, the Board met with representatives of Fundsmith and AAI and discussed the services that would be provided by each firm pursuant to the Fundsmith Agreements, as well as the information provided by Fundsmith and AAI. In evaluating Fundsmith and the fees to be charged under the Fundsmith Advisory Agreement, and in evaluating AAI and the fees to be paid by Fundsmith to AAI under the Fundsmith Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Trustees concluded that no single factor reviewed by the Trustees was identified by the Trustees to be determinative as the principal factor in whether to approve the applicable Fundsmith Agreement. Further, the Trustees were advised by independent legal counsel throughout the process. The following summary does not identify all the matters considered by the Board but provides a summary of the principal matters the Board considered.

 

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services: The Trustees reviewed information regarding the nature, extent and quality of the services to be provided under the Fundsmith Agreements. With respect to Fundsmith, the Trustees reviewed its organizational structure, regulatory history, assets under management, and investment philosophy and process. The Trustees considered Fundsmith’s approach, which emphasizes a concentrated portfolio of equity securities, high active share, and a long-term investment horizon.

 

With respect to AAI, the Trustees reviewed information regarding its role as sub-adviser, including the services related to trading and basket construction to be provided by AAI subject to Fundsmith’s oversight, as well as AAI’s investment personnel, operational resources, and compliance infrastructure. The Trustees also considered AAI’s experience acting as a sub-adviser to registered investment companies and its familiarity with the Trust’s operational, compliance, and reporting requirements.

 

As part of evaluating the services to be provided by Fundsmith and AAI, the Trustees reviewed information regarding Fundsmith’s experience managing the same or substantially similar investment strategy in other vehicles, as well as AAI’s experience implementing investment strategies for registered investment companies in a sub-advisory capacity.

 

The Trustees further considered Fundsmith’s oversight of AAI and the allocation of responsibilities between the Adviser and AAI. Based on their review, the Trustees concluded that they were satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of the services to be provided under the Fundsmith Agreements.

 

Performance: Because the Fundsmith ETF is newly organized, the Trustees noted that the Fund did not yet have a performance history. The Trustees reviewed information provided by Fundsmith regarding the performance of the Fundsmith Equity Fund LP (the “LP”) since its inception in 2011 compared to a broad-based world market index. Recognizing that the Fundsmith ETF would not be identical to the LP, the Trustees noted that the investment returns for the LP reflected the firm’s ability to generate positive returns for clients.

 

Investment Advisory Fee Rate and Expense Ratio: The Trustees reviewed and considered the proposed unitary advisory fee to be payable by the Fundsmith ETF to Fundsmith, pursuant to which Fundsmith would be responsible for substantially all ordinary operating expenses of the Fundsmith ETF, subject to customary exclusions. The Trustees also reviewed the sub-advisory fee to be payable by Fundsmith to AAI under the Fundsmith Sub-Advisory Agreement, noting that such fee would be paid by Fundsmith out of the unitary advisory fee and would not result in any additional expense to the Fundsmith ETF or its shareholders.

 

Semi-Annual Report 17

 

 

Fundsmith Equity ETF

 

 

Statement Regarding Basis for Approval of

Investment Advisory Agreement

March 31, 2026

 

The Trustees reviewed comparative fee and expense information prepared by an independent third-party data provider using both a peer group and a broader universe of funds with similar characteristics. The Trustees noted that, based on the data provider’s analysis, the Fundsmith ETF’s proposed contractual advisory fee and total net expense ratio of 1.00% was the highest of the peer group, but more in line with the adviser selected peer group. They considered the adviser’s position that the fee was reasonable based on the quality and depth of its research, the concentrated nature of the strategy, and its avoidance of the dominant technology stocks.

 

Comparable Accounts: The Trustees reviewed information regarding fees charged by Fundsmith to other clients accessing the same or similar investment strategy through different vehicles, as well as information regarding AAI’s sub-advisory relationships with other registered investment companies. The Trustees noted that institutional investors generally paid lower management fees than retail investors, reflecting differences in regulatory requirements, servicing obligations, and operational costs.

 

The Trustees noted AAI’s statement that it considered comparable accounts to include funds for which AAI served as investment sub-adviser and provided substantially similar services to those it will provide to the Fundsmith ETF and which had an investment strategy and objectives similar to the Fundsmith ETF, and that AAI had indicated that it did not have any such comparable clients.

 

The Trustees also considered that, in other vehicles, Fundsmith charges a management fee separate from other fund expenses, whereas the Fundsmith ETF would operate under a unitary fee structure. Considering these differences, the Trustees concluded that the fees payable under the Fundsmith Agreements were not unreasonable when compared to fees charged by Fundsmith to its comparable accounts.

 

Profitability: The Trustees reviewed and considered information regarding Fundsmith’s and AAI’s anticipated profitability from their relationships with the Fundsmith ETF, including projections for the first and second years of operation. The Trustees reviewed the assumptions underlying the projections, including expected asset growth, allocation of expenses, and treatment of distribution-related costs incurred by an affiliated entity.

 

The Trustees noted that, excluding distribution-related expenses, Fundsmith expected its relationship with the Fundsmith ETF to be profitable from the Fundsmith ETF’s first year of operations, and that any initial shortfall including distribution expenses could be absorbed by Fundsmith and its affiliates. The Trustees also considered Fundsmith’s financial condition and capitalization. With respect to AAI, the Trustees considered that, excluding distribution-related expenses, AAI anticipated that its relationship with the Fundsmith ETF would not be profitable in the first year of its operations, but was not expected to be profitable in the Fundsmith ETF’s second year of operations.

 

Based on their review, the Trustees concluded that neither Fundsmith’s nor AAI’s anticipated profitability was excessive.

 

Economies of Scale: The Trustees considered whether economies of scale were likely to be realized by Fundsmith or AAI as the Fundsmith ETF’s assets grow and, if so, whether such economies would be shared with shareholders. The Trustees reviewed Fundsmith’s position that the services to be provided under the Fundsmith Agreements are primarily value-based and dependent on investment expertise, and that material economies of scale were not expected at the Fundsmith ETF’s anticipated asset levels. The Trustees considered that AAI’s fee included breakpoints at certain asset levels and discussed that Fundsmith would benefit from the breakpoints.

 

The Trustees noted that they would continue to monitor the Fundsmith ETF’s asset growth and expenses over time and revisit this issue as appropriate. Based on their review, the Trustees concluded that the absence of fee breakpoints in the advisory fee at this time was acceptable.

 

Other Benefits to the Adviser and Sub-Adviser: The Trustees reviewed information regarding any other benefits that might accrue to Fundsmith, AAI, or their affiliates as a result of their relationships with the Fundsmith ETF. The Trustees noted that no material benefits other than the fees payable under the Agreements had been identified by Fundsmith or AAI. The Trustees concluded that any direct or indirect benefits were not excessive.

 

After requesting, reviewing, and considering such information as the Trustees believed reasonably necessary to evaluate the terms of the Agreements, and with the assistance of independent legal counsel, the Trustees, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, concluded that approval of the Fundsmith Advisory Agreement and the Fundsmith Sub-Advisory Agreement was in the best interests of the Fundsmith ETF and its shareholders.

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Schedule of Investments 1
Statement of Assets and Liabilities 4
Statement of Operations 5
Statements of Changes in Net Assets 6
Financial Highlights 8
Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights 11
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants 22
Proxy Disclosures 23
Remuneration Paid to Directors, Officers, and Others 24
Statement Regarding Basis for Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement 25

 

 

Hillman Value Fund Schedule of Investments

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

    Shares    

Value

(Note 2)

 
COMMON STOCK (96.18%)                
Communication Services (11.72%)                
Comcast Corp., Class A     83,077     $ 2,385,141  
Verizon Communications, Inc.     57,000       2,861,400  
Walt Disney Co.     21,400       2,062,532  
Warner Bros Discovery, Inc.(a)     87,700       2,408,242  
Total Communication Services             9,717,315  
                 
Consumer Discretionary (4.98%)                
CarMax, Inc.(a)(b)     51,300       2,133,054  
NIKE, Inc., Class B     37,800       1,996,596  
Total Consumer Discretionary             4,129,650  
                 
Consumer Staples (19.23%)                
Brown-Forman Corp., Class B     79,400       2,099,336  
Campbell's Company     75,900       1,690,293  
Conagra Brands, Inc.     127,100       1,998,012  
Constellation Brands, Inc., Class A     16,400       2,460,000  
Diageo PLC, ADR     23,300       1,734,685  
Estee Lauder Cos., Inc., Class A     22,500       1,614,825  
Hershey Co.     10,600       2,203,634  
Kraft Heinz Co.     95,300       2,143,297  
Total Consumer Staples             15,944,082  
                 
Financials (7.63%)                
Fiserv, Inc.(a)     35,100       1,958,580  
T Rowe Price Group, Inc.     22,200       2,001,108  
US Bancorp     45,500       2,366,455  
Total Financials             6,326,143  
                 
Health Care (27.65%)                
Baxter International, Inc.(b)     113,200       1,901,760  
Becton Dickinson & Co.     12,300       1,933,929  
Biogen, Inc.(a)(b)     14,100       2,584,953  
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.     46,400       2,814,160  
CVS Health Corp.     31,500       2,262,330  
GSK PLC, Sponsored ADR     41,000       2,262,790  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 1

 

 

Hillman Value Fund Schedule of Investments

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

    Shares    

Value

(Note 2)

 
Health Care (continued)                
Pfizer, Inc.     92,700     $ 2,603,016  
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.     7,400       2,002,366  
West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.     8,900       2,230,696  
Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.     25,800       2,332,836  
Total Health Care             22,928,836  
                 
Industrials (4.95%)                
Boeing Co.(a)     9,600       1,910,688  
United Parcel Service, Inc., Class B     22,300       2,193,874  
Total Industrials             4,104,562  
                 
Information Technology (14.09%)                
Adobe, Inc.(a)(b)     6,600       1,604,328  
Akamai Technologies, Inc.(a)     19,700       2,262,545  
Microsoft Corp.     4,800       1,776,816  
Oracle Corp.     14,000       2,059,540  
Salesforce, Inc.     9,000       1,680,030  
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd., ADR     6,800       2,298,060  
Total Information Technology             11,681,319  
                 
Materials (5.93%)                
DuPont de Nemours, Inc.     51,400       2,354,120  
International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.     35,300       2,561,015  
Total Materials             4,915,135  
                 
TOTAL COMMON STOCK                
(Cost $91,098,608)             79,747,042  
                 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (96.18%)                
(Cost $91,098,608)           $ 79,747,042  
                 
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES (3.82%)             3,168,490  
                 
NET ASSETS (100.00%)           $ 82,915,532  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.

 

2 www.hcmfunds.com

 

 

Hillman Value Fund Schedule of Investments

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

(a) Non-income producing security.
(b) All or a portion is held as collateral at custodian for written options. The aggregate value of the collateral pledged was $7,450,413.

 

WRITTEN OPTION CONTRACTS (0.12%)

 

Counterparty   Expiration Date  

Strike

Price

    Contracts    

Premiums

Received

   

Notional

Value

   

Value

(Note 2)

 
Option Contracts - (0.12%)                                            
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. StoneX   04/17/26   $ 200.00       (130 )   $ 179,261     $ (2,644,590 )   $ (97,500 )
                                             
TOTAL WRITTEN OPTION CONTRACTS             $ 179,261     $ (2,644,590 )   $ (97,500 )

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 3

 

 

Hillman Value Fund Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

ASSETS:        
Investments, at value (Cost $91,098,608)   $ 79,747,042  
Cash and cash equivalents     3,360,212  
Receivable for shares sold     31,811  
Dividends and interest receivable     103,988  
Other assets     11,167  
Total Assets     83,254,220  
         
LIABILITIES:        
Written options, at value (premiums received $179,261)     97,500  
Payable for administration and transfer agent fees     31,004  
Payable for shares redeemed     152,730  
Payable to adviser     31,241  
Payable for printing fees     8,862  
Payable for professional fees     8,837  
Payable for trustees' fees and expenses     392  
Payable to Chief Compliance Officer fees     1,751  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities     6,371  
Total Liabilities     338,688  
NET ASSETS   $ 82,915,532  
         
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:        
Paid-in capital (Note 6)   $ 90,422,593  
Total distributable earnings     (7,507,061 )
NET ASSETS   $ 82,915,532  
         
PRICING OF SHARES        
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share   $ 26.13  
Net Assets   $ 82,915,532  
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding     3,173,385  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.

 

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Hillman Value Fund Statement of Operations

 

For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

INVESTMENT INCOME:        
Dividends   $ 1,200,694  
Foreign taxes withheld     (4,945 )
Total Investment Income     1,195,749  
         
EXPENSES:        
Investment advisory fees (Note 7)     332,415  
Administration fees     80,335  
Custody fees     9,146  
Legal fees     7,776  
Audit and tax fees     9,534  
Transfer agent fees     62,201  
Trustees fees and expenses     6,234  
Registration and filing fees     13,790  
Printing fees     9,071  
Chief Compliance Officer fees     10,786  
Insurance fees     2,434  
Other expenses     5,153  
Total Expenses     548,875  
Less fees waived by investment adviser (Note 7)     (98,357 )
Net Expenses     450,518  
NET INVESTMENT INCOME     745,231  
         
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS AND WRITTEN OPTIONS:        
Net realized gain/(loss) on:        
Investments     4,803,243  
Written options     241,481  
Net realized gain     5,044,724  
Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:        
Investments     (3,777,490 )
Written options     21,295  
Net change     (3,756,195 )
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN ON INVESTMENTS AND WRITTEN OPTIONS     1,288,529  
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS   $ 2,033,760  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 5

 

 

Hillman Value Fund Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

   

For the Six

Months Ended

March 31, 2026

(Unaudited)

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2025

 
OPERATIONS:            
Net investment income   $ 745,231     $ 2,330,052  
Net realized gain on investments and written options     5,044,724       13,683,053  
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments and written options     (3,756,195 )     (15,304,028 )
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations     2,033,760       709,077  
                 
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS                
From distributable earnings     (13,566,575 )     (29,260,463 )
Total distributions     (13,566,575 )     (29,260,463 )
                 
BENEFICIAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (Note 6):                
Shares sold     3,635,297       14,704,232  
Dividends reinvested     12,959,523       27,655,739  
Shares redeemed     (27,135,427 )     (137,961,277 )
Net decrease from beneficial share transactions     (10,540,607 )     (95,601,306 )
Net decrease in net assets     (22,073,422 )     (124,152,692 )
                 
NET ASSETS:                
Beginning of period     104,988,954       229,141,646  
End of period   $ 82,915,532     $ 104,988,954  

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.

 

6 www.hcmfunds.com

 

 

Page Intentionally Left Blank

 

 

Hillman Value Fund Financial Highlights

 

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD
 
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:
Net investment income(b)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments
Total from investment operations
 
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
From net investment income
From net realized gains on investments
Total Distributions
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD
 
TOTAL RETURN(d)
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)
 
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS
Operating expenses excluding reimbursement/waiver
Operating expenses including reimbursement/waiver
Net investment income including reimbursement/waiver
 
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.

 

8 www.hcmfunds.com

 

 

Hillman Value Fund Financial Highlights

 

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

For the Six

Months Ended

March 31, 2026

(Unaudited)

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2025

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2024

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2023

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2022

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2021 (a)

 
$ 29.91     $ 33.43     $ 27.94     $ 25.87     $ 33.82     $ 25.68  
                                             
                                             
  0.22       0.44       0.48       0.42       0.55       0.62  
  0.36       0.46 (c)      5.97       4.82       (5.98 )     9.97  
  0.58       0.90       6.45       5.24       (5.43 )     10.59  
                                             
                                             
  (0.75 )     (0.54 )     (0.15 )     (0.26 )     (0.41 )     (0.27 )
  (3.61 )     (3.89 )     (0.81 )     (2.91 )     (2.11 )     (2.18 )
  (4.36 )     (4.43 )     (0.96 )     (3.17 )     (2.52 )     (2.45 )
  (3.78 )     (3.53 )     5.49       2.07       (7.95 )     8.14  
$ 26.13     $ 29.90     $ 33.43     $ 27.94     $ 25.87     $ 33.82  
                                             
  1.70 %     3.64 %     23.34 %     21.30 %     (17.55 %)     43.04 %
                                             
                                             
$ 82,916     $ 104,989     $ 229,142     $ 210,861     $ 179,779     $ 216,130  
  1.16 %(e)     1.03 %     1.03 %     1.14 %     1.12 %     1.15 %
  0.95 %(e)     0.95 %     0.95 %     0.95 %     0.95 %     0.95 %
  1.57 %(e)     1.47 %     1.55 %     1.49 %     1.75 %     1.94 %
                                             
  12 %(f)     42 %     35 %     23 %     31 %     27 %

 

(a) Effective March 15, 2021, the Hillman Value Fund merged into the ALPS Series Trust. The Fund was previously advised by Hillman Capital Management, and was recognized as the Hillman Value Fund, a series of Hillman Capital Management Investment Trust.

(b) Calculated using the average shares method.
(c) Realized and unrealized gains and losses per share in this caption are balancing amounts necessary to reconcile the change in net asset value per share for the period, and may not reconcile with the aggregate gains and losses in the Statement of Operations due to share transactions for the period.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 9

 

 

Hillman Value Fund Financial Highlights

 

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

(d) Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
(e) Annualized.
(f) Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements and Financial Highlights.

 

10 www.hcmfunds.com

 

 

Hillman Value Fund

Notes to Financial Statements

and Financial Highlights

 

March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

1.  ORGANIZATION

 

 

ALPS Series Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Trust consists of multiple separate portfolios or series. This annual report describes the Hillman Value Fund (the “Fund”). The Fund is diversified, and its primary investment objective is to provide long-term total return from a combination of income and capital gains. The Fund currently offers one share class. The Board of Trustees (the “Board” or “Trustees”) may establish additional funds and classes of shares at any time in the future without shareholder approval.

 

2.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

 

The accompanying financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for investment companies (“U.S. GAAP”). The Fund is considered an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 Financial Services - Investment Companies. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures 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 period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund in preparation of its financial statements.

 

The Fund uses the management approach to determine reportable operating segments. The management approach considers the internal organization and reporting used by the Fund's chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) for making decisions, allocating resources, and assessing performance. The Fund's CODM has been identified as the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) and Treasurer, who reviews results presented within the Fund's financial statements when making decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance of the Fund. The CODM determined that the Fund has only one operating segment as defined by ASU 2023-07. This is supported by the single investment strategy of the Fund, against which the CODM assesses performance.

 

Investment Valuation: The Fund generally values its securities based on market prices determined at the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, on each day the NYSE is open for trading.

 

For equity securities, real estate investment trusts, limited partnerships and mutual funds that are traded on an exchange, the market price is usually the closing sale or official closing price on that exchange. In the case of equity securities and real estate investment trusts not traded on an exchange, or if such closing prices are not otherwise available, the securities are valued at the mean of the most recent bid and ask prices on such day.

 

Options are valued at the National Best Bid and Offer (“NBBO”) last trade as of the valuation time. Options will be valued on the basis of prices provided by pricing services when such prices are reasonably believed to reflect the market value of such options and may include the use of composite or NBBO pricing information provided by the pricing services.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 11

 

 

Hillman Value Fund

Notes to Financial Statements

and Financial Highlights

 
March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

Redeemable securities issued by open-end registered investment companies are valued at the investment company’s applicable net asset value (“NAV”). Money market funds, representing short-term investments, are valued at their NAV.

 

When such prices or quotations are not available, or when the valuation designee appointed by the Board believes that they are unreliable, securities may be priced using fair value procedures approved by the Board.

 

Fair Value Measurements: The Fund discloses the classification of its fair value measurements following a three-tier hierarchy based on the inputs used to measure fair value. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk. Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on the best information available.

 

Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund’s investments as of the end of the reporting period. When inputs used fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The designated input levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with these investments. These inputs are categorized in the following hierarchy under applicable financial accounting standards:

 

Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments, unrestricted assets or liabilities that the Fund has the ability to access at the measurement date;
   
Level 2 – Quoted prices which are not active, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable (either directly or indirectly); and
   
Level 3 – Significant unobservable prices or inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) where there is little or no market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date.

 

 

12 www.hcmfunds.com

 

 

Hillman Value Fund

Notes to Financial Statements

and Financial Highlights

 
March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of March 31, 2026:

 

HILLMAN VALUE FUND

 

Investments in Securities at Value  

Level 1 -

Unadjusted

Quoted Prices

   

Level 2 - Other

Significant

Observable

Inputs

   

Level 3 -

Significant

Unobservable

Inputs

    Total  
Common Stock                                
Communication Services   $ 9,717,315     $     $     $ 9,717,315  
Consumer Discretionary     4,129,650                   4,129,650  
Consumer Staples     15,944,082                   15,944,082  
Financials     6,326,143                   6,326,143  
Health Care     22,928,836                   22,928,836  
Industrials     4,104,562                   4,104,562  
Information Technology     11,681,319                   11,681,319  
Materials     4,915,135                   4,915,135  
Total   $ 79,747,042     $     $     $ 79,747,042  

 

    Valuation Inputs        
Other Financial Instruments   Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
Liabilities                                
Written Option Contracts   $ (97,500 )   $     $     $ (97,500 )
Total   $ (97,500 )   $     $     $ (97,500 )

 

The Fund did not hold any level 3 securities during the six months ended March 31, 2026.

 

Cash & Cash Equivalents: The Fund considers its investment in a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") insured interest bearing account to be cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus any accrued interest. The Fund maintains cash balances, which, at times may exceed federally insured limits. The Fund maintains these balances with a high- quality financial institution.

 

Concentration of Credit Risk: The Fund places its cash with a banking institution, which is insured by FDIC. The FDIC limit is $250,000. At various times throughout the year, the amount on deposit may exceed the FDIC limit and subject the Fund to a credit risk. The Fund does not believe that such deposits are subject to any unusual risk associated with investment activities. Please see the Fund’s prospectus and statement of additional information for additional information regarding the risks associated with an investment in the Fund.

 

Trust Expenses: Some expenses of the Trust can be directly attributed to a fund. Expenses that cannot be directly attributed to a fund are apportioned among all funds in the Trust based on average net assets of each fund, including Trustees’ fees and expenses.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 13

 

 

Hillman Value Fund Notes to Financial Statements
and Financial Highlights
 
March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

Federal Income Taxes: The Fund complies with the requirements under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies and intends to distribute substantially all of its net taxable income and net capital gains, if any, each year so that it will not be subject to excise tax on undistributed income and gains. The Fund is not subject to income taxes to the extent such distributions are made.

 

As of and during the six months ended March 31, 2026, the Fund did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits in the accompanying financial statements. The Fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to tax liabilities as income tax expense in the Statement of Operations. The Fund files U.S. federal, state and local income tax returns as required. The Fund’s tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years after the filing of the tax return for federal purposes and four years for most state returns. The Fund’s administrator has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken on federal and state income tax returns for all open tax years and has concluded that as of March 31, 2026, no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements related to these tax positions.

 

Investment Transactions and Investment Income: Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the investments are purchased or sold (trade date basis for financial reporting purposes). Realized gains and losses from investment transactions are reported on a first in first out basis. Interest income, which includes accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums, is accrued and recorded as earned using the effective yield method. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date, or for certain foreign securities, as soon as information is available to the Fund. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends are paid (a portion of which may be reclaimable) or provided for in accordance with the applicable country’s tax rules and rates and are disclosed in the Statement of Operations.

 

Distributions to Shareholders: The Fund normally pays dividends, if any, and distributes capital gains, if any, on an annual basis. Income dividend distributions are derived from interest, dividends and other income the Fund receives from their investments, including short-term capital gains. Long-term capital gain distributions are derived from gains realized when the Fund sells a security it has owned for more than one year. The Fund may make additional distributions and dividends at other times if its portfolio manager or managers believe doing so may be necessary for the Fund to avoid or reduce taxes. Net investment income/(loss) and net realized gain/(loss) may differ for financial statement and tax purposes.

 

3.  DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

 

 

The Fund may invest in derivative financial instruments (derivatives) in order to manage risk or gain exposure to various other investments or markets. Derivatives may contain various risks including the potential inability of the counterparty to fulfill their obligations under the terms of the contract, the potential for an illiquid secondary market, and the potential for market movements which may expose the Fund to gains or losses in excess of the amounts shown on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

 

14 www.hcmfunds.com

 

 

Hillman Value Fund

Notes to Financial Statements

and Financial Highlights

 
March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

Risk of Investing in Derivatives: The Fund's use of derivatives can result in losses due to unanticipated changes in the market risk factors and the overall market. In instances where the Fund is using derivatives to decrease, or hedge, exposures to market risk factors for securities held by the Fund, there are also risks that those derivatives may not perform as expected resulting in losses for the combined or hedged positions.

 

Derivatives may have little or no initial cash investment relative to their market value exposure and therefore can produce significant gains or losses in excess of their cost. This use of embedded leverage allows the Fund to increase its market value exposure relative to its net assets and can substantially increase the volatility of the Fund's performance.

 

Additional associated risks from investing in derivatives also exist and potentially could have significant effects on the valuation of the derivative and the Fund. Typically, the associated risks are not the risks that the Fund are attempting to increase or decrease exposure to, per its investment objectives, but are the additional risks from investing in derivatives.

 

Examples of these associated risks are liquidity risk, which is the risk that the Fund will not be able to sell or close out the derivative in a timely manner, and counterparty credit risk, which is the risk that the counterparty will not fulfill its obligation to the Fund. In addition, use of derivatives may increase or decrease exposure to the following risk factors:

 

Equity Risk: Equity risk relates to the change in value of equity securities as they relate to increases or decreases in the general market. Associated risks can be different for each type of derivative.

 

Please see the Fund’s prospectus and statement of additional information for additional information regarding the risks associated with an investment in the Fund.

 

Option Contracts: The Fund may enter into options transactions for hedging purposes and for non-hedging purposes such as seeking to enhance return. The Fund may write covered put and call options on any stocks or stock indices, currencies traded on domestic and foreign securities exchanges, or futures contracts on stock indices, interest rates and currencies traded on domestic and, to the extent permitted by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, foreign exchanges. A call option on an asset written by a Fund obligates the Fund to sell the specified asset to the holder (purchaser) at a stated price (the exercise price) if the option is exercised before a specified date (the expiration date). A put option on an asset written by a Fund obligates the Fund to buy the specified asset from the purchaser at the exercise price if the option is exercised before the expiration date. Premiums received when writing options are recorded as liabilities and are subsequently adjusted to the current value of the options written. Premiums received from writing options that expire are treated as realized gains. Premiums received from writing options, which are either exercised or closed, are offset against the proceeds received or amount paid on the transaction to determine realized gains or losses.

 

Purchased Options: When the Fund purchases an option, an amount equal to the premium paid by the Fund is recorded as an investment and is subsequently adjusted to the current value of the option purchased. If an option expires on the stipulated expiration date or if the Fund enters into a closing sale transaction, a gain or loss is realized. If a call option is exercised, the cost of the security acquired is increased by the premium paid for the call. If a put option is exercised, a gain or loss is realized from the sale of the underlying security, and the proceeds from such sale are decreased by the premium originally paid. Purchased options are non-income producing securities.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 15

 

 

Hillman Value Fund

Notes to Financial Statements

and Financial Highlights

 
March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

Written Options: When the Fund writes an option, an amount equal to the premium received by the Fund is recorded as a liability and is subsequently adjusted to the current value of the option written. Premiums received from writing options that expire unexercised are treated by the Fund on the expiration date as realized gain from written options. The difference between the premium and the amount paid on effecting a closing purchase transaction, including brokerage commissions, is also treated as a realized gain, or if the premium is less than the amount paid for the closing purchase transaction, as a realized loss. If a call option is exercised, the premium is added to the proceeds from the sale of the underlying security in determining whether the Fund has realized a gain or loss. If a put option is exercised, the premium reduces the cost basis of the securities purchased by the Fund. The Fund, as a writer of an option, bears the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the security underlying the written option.

 

The average notional amount of the written options held for the six months ended March 31, 2026, was $1,340,139. These are written equity options which have an element of equity security risk.

 

Derivative Instruments: The following tables disclose the amounts related to the Fund's use of derivative instruments.

 

The effect of derivative instruments on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities for the six months ended March 31, 2026:

 

Risk Exposure  

Statement of Assets

and Liabilities

Location

 

Fair Value of

Asset

Derivatives

   

Statement of

Assets and

Liabilities

Location

 

Fair Value of

Liability

Derivatives

 
Equity Contracts (Written Options)   Investments, at value   $     Options written, at value   $ 97,500  
        $         $ 97,500  

 

 

16 www.hcmfunds.com

 

 

Hillman Value Fund

Notes to Financial Statements

and Financial Highlights

 
March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

The effect of derivative instruments on the Statement of Operations for the six months ended March 31, 2026:

 

Risk Exposure   Statement of Operations Location  

Realized

Gain/(Loss) on

Derivatives

Recognized in

Income

   

Change in

Unrealized

Gain/(Loss) on

Derivatives

Recognized in

Income

 
Equity Contracts (Written Options)   Net realized gain/(loss) on written options/Net change in unrealized appreciation/(deprecation) on written options   $ 241,481     $ 21,295  
        $ 241,481     $ 21,295  

 

4.  TAX BASIS INFORMATION

 

 

Tax Basis of Distributions to Shareholders: The character of distributions made during the period from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from its ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. Also, due to the timing of dividend distributions, the fiscal year in which amounts are distributed may differ from the fiscal year in which the income or realized gain were recorded by the Fund. The amounts and characteristics of tax basis distributions are estimated at the time of distribution and composition of distributable earnings/(accumulated losses) are finalized at fiscal year-end.

 

The tax character of distributions paid by the Fund for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, was as follows:

 

    Ordinary Income     Long-Term Capital Gains  
Hillman Value Fund   $ 7,143,766     $ 22,116,697  

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 17

 

 

Hillman Value Fund

Notes to Financial Statements

and Financial Highlights

 
March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

Unrealized Appreciation and Depreciation on Investments: As of March 31, 2026, the aggregate costs of investments, gross unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) and net unrealized depreciation for Federal tax purposes were as follows:

 

    Hillman Value Fund  
Gross unrealized appreciation (excess of value over tax cost)   $ 9,882,785  
Gross unrealized depreciation (excess of tax cost over value)     (22,237,097 )
Net appreciation (depreciation) of foreign currency and derivatives      
Net unrealized depreciation   $ (12,354,312 )
Cost of investments for income tax purposes   $ 95,364,066  

 

These temporary differences are primarily attributed to wash sales.

 

5.  SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS

 

 

Purchases and sales of securities, excluding short-term securities, during the six months ended March 31, 2026, were as follows:

 

    Purchases of Securities    

Proceeds from Sales of Securities

 
Hillman Value Fund   $ 10,930,034     $ 32,937,656  

 

6.  BENEFICIAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

 

The capitalization of the Trust consists of an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest with no par value per share. Holders of the shares of the Fund have one vote for each share held and a proportionate fraction of a vote for each fractional share. All shares issued and outstanding are fully paid and are transferable and redeemable at the option of the shareholder. Shares have no pre-emptive rights. Neither the Fund nor any of its creditors has the right to require shareholders to pay any additional amounts solely because the shareholder owns the shares.

 

Transactions in common shares were as follows:

 

   

For the Six

Months Ended

March 31, 2026

(Unaudited)

   

For the Year

Ended

September 30, 2025

 
Hillman Value Fund                
Shares sold     130,650       497,631  
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders     486,469       991,600  
Shares redeemed     (954,876 )     (4,833,433 )
Net decrease in shares outstanding     (337,757 )     (3,344,202 )

 

 

18 www.hcmfunds.com

 

 

Hillman Value Fund

Notes to Financial Statements

and Financial Highlights

 
March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

Control is defined by the 1940 Act as the beneficial ownership, either directly or through one or more controlled companies, of more than 25% of the voting securities of a company. As of March 31, 2026, approximately 74% of the outstanding shares of the Fund were owned by two omnibus accounts.

 

7.  MANAGEMENT AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

 

Investment Advisory: Hillman Capital Management, Inc. (the “Adviser”), subject to the authority of the Board, is responsible for the overall management and administration of the Fund's business affairs. The Adviser manages the investments of the Fund in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective, policies and limitations, and investment guidelines established jointly by the Adviser and the Board.

 

Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) with the Adviser, the Fund pays the Adviser an annual management fee of 0.70% based on the Fund’s average daily net assets. The management fees are paid on a monthly basis. The Board may extend the Advisory Agreements for successive one year terms. The Board and shareholders of the Fund may terminate the Advisory Agreement upon 60 days’ written notice. The Adviser may terminate the Advisory Agreement upon 120 days’ written notice.

 

Pursuant to a fee waiver letter agreement (the “Fee Waiver Agreement”), the Adviser has contractually agreed to limit the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses of the Fund (exclusive of (i) any front-end or contingent deferred loads; (ii) brokerage fees and commissions, (iii) acquired fund fees and expenses; (iv) fees and expenses associated with investments in other collective investment vehicles or derivative instruments (including for example option and swap fees and expenses); (v) borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short); (vi) taxes; and (vii) extraordinary expenses, such as litigation expenses (which may include indemnification of Fund officers and Trustees and contractual indemnification of Fund service providers (other than the Adviser))), to 0.95% of the Fund’s average daily net assets for the Fund’s No Load Class. The Fee Waiver Agreement is in effect through January 31, 2027, and will automatically continue upon annual approval by the Board for successive twelve-month periods unless (i) it is terminated earlier by the Board, or (ii) the Adviser provides at least 30 days written notice of its non-continuance prior to the end of the then effective term. Except due to the Adviser’s notice of non-renewal, this Agreement may only be amended or terminated with the approval of the Board of Trustees. Fees waived or reimbursed for the six months ended March 31, 2026, are disclosed in the Statement of Operations. Previously waived fees are not subject to recoupment by the Adviser.

 

Administrator: ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (“ALPS”) (an affiliate of ALPS Distributors, Inc.) serves as administrator to the Fund. The Fund has agreed to pay expenses incurred in connection with its administrative activities. Pursuant to the Services Agreement with the Trust, ALPS will provide operational services to the Fund including, but not limited to, fund accounting and fund administration, and will generally assist in the Fund’s operations. The Fund’s administration fee is accrued on a daily basis and paid monthly. The officers of the Trust are employees of ALPS. Administration fees paid by the Fund for the six months ended March 31, 2026, are disclosed in the Statement of Operations. ALPS is reimbursed by the Fund for certain out of pocket expenses.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 19

 

 

Hillman Value Fund

Notes to Financial Statements

and Financial Highlights

 
March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

Transfer Agent: ALPS serves as transfer agent for the Fund under a Transfer Agency and Services Agreement with the Trust. Under this agreement, ALPS is paid an annual fee for services performed on behalf of the Fund plus fees for open accounts and is reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses.

 

Compliance Services: ALPS provides Chief Compliance Officer services to the Fund to monitor and test the policies and procedures of the Fund in conjunction with requirements under Rule 38a-1 of the 1940 Act pursuant to a Chief Compliance Officer Services Agreement with the Trust. Under this agreement, ALPS is paid an annual fee for services performed on behalf of the Fund and is reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses.

 

Distribution: ALPS Distributors, Inc. (the “Distributor”) (an affiliate of ALPS) acts as the principal underwriter of the Fund’s shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with the Trust. Shares of the Fund are offered on a continuous basis through the Distributor, as agent of the Fund. The Distributor is not obligated to sell any particular amount of shares of the Fund and is not entitled to any compensation for its services as the Fund’s principal underwriter pursuant to the Distribution Agreement.

 

8.  TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

 

 

As of March 31, 2026, there were three Trustees, each of whom are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”).

 

Effective January 1, 2026, the Independent Trustees of the Trust and, if any, Interested Trustees who are not currently employed by the Adviser, ALPS or other service providers will receive a quarterly retainer of $18,750, plus $5,938 for each regular Board or Committee meeting attended and $2,000 for each special telephonic or in-person Board or Committee meeting attended. Additionally, the Audit Committee Chair receives a quarterly retainer of $1,875, the Independent Chair receives a quarterly retainer of $4,250 and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Chair receives a quarterly retainer of $500.

 

Prior to January 1, 2026, the Trustees of the Trust received a quarterly retainer of $16,250, plus $5,000 for each regular Board or Committee meeting attended and $2,000 for each special telephonic or in-person Board or Committee meeting attended. Additionally, the Audit Committee Chair received a quarterly retainer of $1,875 and the Independent Chair received a quarterly retainer of $4,250.

 

These fees are allocated proportionately among the multiple portfolios/series of the Trust. The Independent Trustees and, if any, Interested Trustees who are not currently employed by the Adviser, ALPS or other service providers are also reimbursed for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at meetings.

 

Officers of the Trust receive no salary or fees from the Trust. As discussed in Note 8, the Fund pays ALPS an annual fee for compliance services.

 

 

20 www.hcmfunds.com

 

 

Hillman Value Fund

Notes to Financial Statements

and Financial Highlights

 
March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

9.  INDEMNIFICATIONS

 

 

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and Trustees are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Trust enters into contracts with service providers that may contain general indemnification clauses which may permit indemnification to the extent permissible under applicable law. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown; as such exposure would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.

 

10.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

 

Subsequent events after the date of the Statement of Assets and Liabilities have been evaluated through the date the financial statements were issued. Management has determined that there were no subsequent events to report through the issuance of these financial statements.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 21

 

 

Hillman Value Fund Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants
 
March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

There were no changes in or disagreements with accountants during the period covered by this report.

 

 

22 www.hcmfunds.com

 

 

Hillman Value Fund Proxy Disclosures
 
March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

Not applicable to the period covered by this report.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 23

 

 

Hillman Value Fund Remuneration Paid to Directors, Officers, and Others
 
March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

The following chart provides certain information about the Trustee fees paid by the Trust for the period ended March 31, 2026:

 

Trustee   Amount Paid  
Ward Armstrong   $ 1,670  
J.W. Hutchens     666  
Merrillyn Kosier     1,424  
Patrick Seese     1,524  
Total   $ 5,284  

 

 

24 www.hcmfunds.com

 

 

Hillman Value Fund

Statement Regarding Basis for Approval

of Investment Advisory Agreement

 
March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

On November 20, 2025, the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of ALPS Series Trust (the “Trust”) met in person to discuss, among other things, the renewal and approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement (“Hillman Agreement”) between the Trust and Hillman Capital Management, Inc. (“Hillman”) in accordance with Section 15(c) of the 1940 Act. The Independent Trustees met with independent legal counsel during executive session and discussed the Investment Advisory Agreement and other related materials.

 

The Trustees discussed Hillman’s Materials and presentation. During the review process, the Board noted certain instances where clarification or follow-up was appropriate and others where the Board determined that further clarification or follow-up was not necessary. In those instances where clarification or follow-up was requested, the Board determined that in each case either information responsive to its requests had been provided, or where any request was outstanding in whole or in part, given the totality of the information provided with respect to the agreements, the Board had received sufficient information to renew and approve the Advisory Agreement.

 

In anticipation of and as part of the process to consider renewal of the Hillman Agreement, legal counsel to the Trust requested certain information from Hillman. In response to these requests, the Trustees received reports from Hillman and an independent provider of investment company data (the “Provider Report”) that addressed specific factors to be considered by the Board. The Board also received from independent legal counsel memoranda regarding the Board’s responsibilities pertaining to the approval of advisory contracts. Further, the Board met with representatives of Hillman and discussed the services of the firm provided pursuant to the Hillman Agreement, as well as the information provided by Hillman. In evaluating Hillman and the fees charged under the Hillman Agreement, the Trustees concluded that no single factor reviewed by the Trustees was identified by the Trustees to be determinative as the principal factor in whether to renew the Hillman Agreement. Further, the Independent Trustees were advised by independent legal counsel throughout the process. The following summary does not identify all the matters considered by the Board but provides a summary of the principal matters the Board considered.

 

Nature, Extent and Quality of the Services: The Board reviewed certain background materials supplied by Hillman in its presentation, including certain portions of its Form ADV. The Board reviewed HCM’s financial information to analyze the financial condition, stability, and profitability of HCM, noting that HCM had agreed to limit the Fund’s expenses pursuant to an expense limitation agreement.

 

The Board reviewed and considered HCM’s investment philosophy focused on identifying what it believes are great companies trading at a discount to intrinsic value and its long history as an asset manager. The Trustees also discussed the research and decision-making processes utilized by HCM, including the methods adopted to achieve compliance with the policies and restrictions of the Hillman Fund, with a focus on risk mitigation. The Board discussed Hillman’s risk mitigation strategies, including diversification and position limits.

 

The Board acknowledged the experience of HCM’s management team, including reviewing the qualifications, background, and responsibilities of the investment team primarily responsible for the day-to-day portfolio management of the Hillman Fund.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 25

 

 

Hillman Value Fund

Statement Regarding Basis for Approval

of Investment Advisory Agreement

 
March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

HCM had indicated that its portfolio management team consistently executed its proprietary value investment philosophy, focusing on businesses with a sustainable competitive advantage. The Board discussed the distinctive investment process among large cap value managers, utilizing option writing intended to diversify and enhance returns. It was the consensus of the Board that Hillman had provided high quality services to the Fund.

 

Investment Advisory Fee Rate and Expense Ratio: The Board considered comparison of the Hillman Fund’s contractual annual advisory fee and overall expenses with those of funds in the peer group in the Provider Report. The Board noted that the Fund’s contractual advisory fee of 0.70% was equal to the peer group median (the “Median”). The Board noted that the services rendered to the Fund by Hillman included an option strategy, which was not necessarily something utilized by the investment advisers to the funds in the Fund’s peer group. They considered the Fund’s net expense ratio of 0.95% compared favorably to the peer group median of 1.04%. After further consideration, the Board determined that the advisory fee and total net expenses were not unreasonable.

 

Comparable Accounts: The Board discussed the comparable accounts managed by HCM and the fee structure and servicing requirements for these products, noting that the advisory fee was lower than the fees charged by HCM to certain other clients. The Board also discussed the fees charged by Hillman for model delivery and wrap programs, recognizing that these options presented very different levels of service to the client. The Board concluded that, bearing in mind the limitations of comparing different types of managed accounts, model delivery and wrap accounts, and the different levels of service typically associated with such relationships, the fee structures applicable to HCM’s other clients employing a comparable strategy to the Hillman Fund was not indicative of any unreasonableness with respect to the advisory fees payable by the Hillman Fund.

 

Performance: The Board reviewed and considered the Hillman Fund’s performance. The Board noted that the Hillman Fund had outperformed its benchmark, the Russell 1000 Value TR Index for the ten- year period, and the Median for the ten-year, and since inception periods, but had underperformed for the one-, three-, and five-year year periods. They discussed the Adviser’s belief that long term outperformance, and adherence to its focus on valuation of companies in its quality universe, typically entails variability around the target benchmark, suggesting that the Adviser should adhere to its investment discipline even through the occasional underperformance period to achieve their long-term objectives. The Board considered the option premium income generated by the option strategy and the benefit to performance. After reviewing the investment performance of the Hillman Fund, the Board concluded that the overall investment performance of the Hillman Fund was satisfactory.

 

Profitability: The Board received and considered the Adviser’s 2024 profits from its relationship with the Hillman Fund, and estimated profits for 2025, based on an analysis prepared by HCM. The Board observed that the reported and estimated profits before distribution expenses were reasonable on an absolute basis and as a percentage of revenue.

 

Economies of Scale: The Board considered whether Hillman was benefitting from economies of scale in the provision of services to the Fund and whether such economies were being shared with the Fund’s shareholders under the Hillman Agreement. They considered the prospects for growth of the Hillman Fund and concluded that the expense limitation agreement was adequate at current asset levels, provided meaningful economies to shareholders, and economies of scale would be revisited as Hillman Fund asset levels increase.

 

 

26 www.hcmfunds.com

 

 

Hillman Value Fund

Statement Regarding Basis for Approval

of Investment Advisory Agreement

 
March 31, 2026 (Unaudited)

 

Other Benefits to the Adviser: The Board reviewed and considered any other incidental benefits derived or to be derived by HCM from its relationship with the Hillman Fund, including research and other support services, noting the Adviser did not receive soft dollars.

 

Having requested and reviewed such information from HCM as the Board believed to be reasonably necessary to evaluate the terms of the Hillman Agreement and as assisted by the advice of independent counsel, the Board determined that approval of the Hillman Agreement was in the best interests of the Hillman Fund and its shareholders.

 

 

Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2026 27

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 8.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants for Open-End Management Investment Companies. 

 

Any changes in and disagreements with accountants are included as part of the Financial Statements and Financial Highlights filed under Item 7 of this report.

 

Item 9.

Proxy Disclosures for Open-End Management Investment Companies.

 

Any proxy disclosures are included as part of the Financial Statements and Financial Highlights filed under Item 7 of this report.

 

Item 10.

Remuneration Paid to Directors, Officers, and Others of Open-End Management Investment Companies.

 

The remuneration paid to directors, officers, and others is included as part of the Financial Statements and Financial Highlights filed under Item 7 of this report.

 

 

Item 11. 

Statement Regarding Basis for Approval of Investment Advisory Contract.

 

Statement Regarding Basis for approval of Investment Advisory Contract is included as part of the Financial Statements and Financial Highlights filed under Item 7 of this report.

  

Item 12. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

Not applicable to the registrant.

 

Item 13. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

Not applicable to the registrant.

 

Item 14. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.

 

Not applicable to the registrant.

 

Item 15. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

 

There have been no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s Board of Trustees, where those changes were implemented after the registrant last provided disclosure in response to the requirements of Item 407(c)(2)(iv) of Regulation S-K, or this Item.

 

Item 16. Controls and Procedures.

 

  (a) The registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have evaluated the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) within 90 days of this report and have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of that date.

 

  (b) There was no change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 17. Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-end Management Investment Companies.

 

Not applicable to the registrant.

  

Item 18. Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation.

 

(a) Not applicable.

 

(b) Not applicable.

 

 

Item 19. Exhibits.

 

  (a)(1) Not applicable to this report.

 

  (a)(2) Not applicable.

 

  (a)(3) The certifications required by Rule 30a-2(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, are attached hereto as Exhibit 99.Cert.

  

  (a)(4) Not applicable to this report.
     
  (a)(5) Not applicable to this report.

 

  (b) Officer certifications as required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (17 CFR 270.30a-2(b)) attached are filed herewith as Ex99.906Cert.

 

 

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.

 

ALPS SERIES TRUST

 

By: /s/ Lucas Foss  
  Lucas Foss  
  President (Principal Executive Officer)  
     
Date:   June 5, 2026  

 

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/ Lucas Foss  
  Lucas Foss  
  President (Principal Executive Officer)  
     
Date:   June 5, 2026  
     
By: /s/ Jill McFate  
  Jill McFate  
  Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)  
     
Date: June 5, 2026  

 

 


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