N-CSRS 1 fp0081418-1_ncsrs.htm

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 811-21719

 

INVESTMENT MANAGERS SERIES TRUST

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

235 W. Galena Street

Milwaukee, WI 53212

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

Diane J. Drake

Mutual Fund Administration, LLC

2220 E. Route 66, Suite 226

Glendora, CA 91740

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

(626) 385-5777

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code

 

Date of fiscal year end: April 30

 

Date of reporting period: October 31, 2022

 
 

Item 1. Report to Stockholders.

 

(a)The registrant’s semi-annual report transmitted to shareholders pursuant to Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”), is as follows:

 

Knowledge Leaders Developed World ETF

(KLDW)

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

OCTOBER 31, 2022

 

 

Knowledge Leaders Developed World ETF

A series of Investment Managers Series Trust

 

Table of Contents

 

Schedule of Investments 1
Statement of Assets and Liabilities 8
Statement of Operations 9
Statements of Changes in Net Assets 10
Financial Highlights 11
Notes to Financial Statements 12
Expense Example 21

 

Before investing you should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. This and other information is available in the Fund’s prospectus, a copy of which may be obtained by visiting the Fund’s website at http://www.knowledgeleadersfunds.com/kldw/. Please read the prospectus carefully before you invest.

 

 

Knowledge Leaders Developed World ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

As of October 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
    

COMMON STOCKS — 98.9%

AUSTRALIA — 3.0%

     
 86,872   ALS Ltd.  $635,495 
 42,558   IDP Education Ltd.   805,254 
 483,724   Star Entertainment Grp Ltd.*   909,393 
 79,877   Technology One Ltd.   615,482 
 60,860   Whitehaven Coal Ltd.   351,420 
 112,938   Yancoal Australia Ltd.   372,646 
         3,689,690 
     AUSTRIA — 0.6%     
 35,906   Voestalpine AG   780,020 
           
     CANADA — 3.6%     
 36,769   CAE, Inc.*   701,920 
 6,870   Colliers International Group, Inc.   645,368 
 12,751   Descartes Systems Group, Inc.*   878,702 
 1,864   Lululemon Athletica, Inc.*   613,331 
 14,845   Open Text Corp.   429,763 
 9,469   Ritchie Bros Auctioneers, Inc.   618,610 
 14,888   Shopify, Inc.*   509,616 
         4,397,310 
     DENMARK — 1.6%     
 7,743   Coloplast A/S - Class B   863,469 
 13,153   Demant A/S*   359,533 
 13,306   Pandora A/S   701,464 
         1,924,466 
     FINLAND — 0.7%     
 17,726   ORION Corp.   815,532 
           
     FRANCE — 2.3%     
 4,499   Air Liquide S.A.   588,283 
 19,602   Dassault Systemes S.E.   657,735 
 3,840   EssilorLuxottica S.A.   608,571 
 5,501   Pernod Ricard S.A.   966,139 
         2,820,728 
           
     GERMANY — 3.9%     
 36,344   Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA   836,950 
 27,826   HeidelbergCement AG   1,282,960 
 22,030   KION GROUP A.G.   489,247 
 5,086   Merck KGaA   829,413 
 8,023   Nemetschek S.E.   383,472 
 4,637   Symrise AG   473,651 

1 

 

Knowledge Leaders Developed World ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS - Continued

As of October 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
     COMMON STOCKS (Continued)     
     GERMANY (Continued)     
 21,158   Zalando SE 1  $487,866 
         4,783,559 
     IRELAND — 0.5%     
 12,410   Kingspan Group PLC   626,763 
           
     ISRAEL — 1.2%     
 57,774   ICL Group Ltd.   523,980 
 50,546   Maytronics Ltd.   547,755 
 1,796   SolarEdge Technologies, Inc.*   413,134 
         1,484,869 
           
     ITALY — 1.3%     
 23,573   Interpump Group S.p.A.   912,830 
 16,583   Moncler S.p.A.   716,071 
         1,628,901 
           
     JAPAN — 35.0%     
 16,244   ABC-Mart, Inc.   724,578 
 39,200   Asics Corp.   602,367 
 10,700   Bandai Namco Holdings, Inc.   708,510 
 36,600   Benefit One, Inc.   508,241 
 38,700   Brother Industries Ltd.   658,995 
 32,300   Capcom Co., Ltd.   900,754 
 123,400   Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan Holdings, Inc.   1,115,818 
 196,500   Daicel Corp.   1,121,082 
 17,300   Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd.   554,843 
 19,700   Denso Corp.   979,467 
 16,800   Descente Ltd.   404,642 
 32,700   Ebara Corp.   1,065,910 
 37,372   Fancl Corp.   709,297 
 35,000   Food & Life Cos. Ltd.   590,810 
 22,700   Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.   879,685 
 19,840   FUJIFILM Holdings Corp.   910,209 
 7,200   Fujitsu Ltd.   829,549 
 16,000   Hamamatsu Photonics KK   725,536 
 30,584   Hoshizaki Corp.   877,591 
 19,996   Information Services International-Dentsu Ltd.   612,788 
 92,600   J Front Retailing Co., Ltd.   748,849 
 47,900   Kansai Paint Co., Ltd.   625,196 
 76,756   Kirin Holdings Co., Ltd.   1,130,671 
 11,800   Konami Holdings Corp.   518,411 
 5,970   Kose Corp.   597,261 
 24,000   Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd.   565,950 
 4,600   Lasertec Corp.   658,889 

2 

 

Knowledge Leaders Developed World ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS - Continued

As of October 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
     COMMON STOCKS (Continued)     
     JAPAN (Continued)     
 20,700   M3, Inc.  $619,183 
 45,700   Makita Corp.   836,304 
 14,600   Matsumotokiyoshi Holdings Co., Ltd.   532,391 
 349,700   Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corp.   1,581,279 
 65,700   Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.   1,217,772 
 46,250   Miura Co., Ltd.   944,386 
 26,100   Nexon Co., Ltd.   438,468 
 41,232   Nifco, Inc.   958,432 
 43,000   Nihon Kohden Corp.   964,813 
 47,700   Nihon M&A Center, Inc.   540,109 
 82,300   Nikon Corp.   796,782 
 18,400   Nissan Chemical Corp.   829,414 
 23,500   Nomura Research Institute Ltd.   522,538 
 19,700   OBIC Business Consultants Co., Ltd.   567,269 
 23,500   Olympus Corp.   496,451 
 19,800   Omron Corp.   926,624 
 43,100   Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.   1,013,742 
 54,696   Pigeon Corp.   716,842 
 39,700   Rakus Co., Ltd.   444,183 
 16,000   Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.   497,864 
 16,000   SCREEN Holdings Co., Ltd.   881,623 
 71,700   SCSK Corp.   1,059,810 
 49,300   Sega Sammy Holdings, Inc.   631,860 
 35,300   Shimadzu Corp.   932,166 
 114,200   Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd.   796,753 
 16,000   Toho Co., Ltd.   570,525 
 21,400   Toyota Industries Corp.   1,102,863 
 48,900   Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.   1,010,011 
         42,756,356 
     NETHERLANDS — 1.3%     
 8,306   Koninklijke DSM N.V.   979,362 
 50,366   Koninklijke Philips N.V.   638,070 
         1,617,432 
           
     SINGAPORE — 1.0%     
 1,095,090   Sheng Siong Group Ltd.   1,207,222 
           
     SPAIN — 0.7%     
 35,474   Industria de Diseno Textil S.A.   804,293 
           
     SWEDEN — 5.4%     
 40,011   AddTech AB - B Shares   483,733 
 89,538   Atlas Copco AB - Class A   956,438 

3 

 

Knowledge Leaders Developed World ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS - Continued

As of October 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
     COMMON STOCKS (Continued)     
     SWEDEN (Continued)     
 29,929   Epiroc AB - Class A  $457,854 
 44,422   Essity AB   938,251 
 26,333   Getinge AB - B Shares   534,502 
 50,902   Investment AB Latour   860,232 
 57,783   Sandvik AB   902,529 
 5,446   Spotify Technology S.A.*   438,839 
 64,998   VOLVO AB - Class B   1,063,453 
         6,635,831 
     SWITZERLAND — 2.4%     
 1,419   Geberit AG   631,407 
 13,456   Nestle S.A. - ADR   1,462,802 
 2,371   Roche Holding AG   787,885 
         2,882,094 
     UNITED KINGDOM — 5.9%     
 329,796   British Land Company Plc - REIT*   1,389,361 
 33,993   Burberry Group PLC   710,352 
 181,454   ConvaTec Group PLC1   455,439 
 7,250   Croda International PLC   564,276 
 52,859   Entain PLC   768,652 
 35,528   IMI PLC   502,315 
 120,971   Sage Group PLC   1,012,287 
 64,582   Smiths Group PLC   1,160,333 
 4,959   Spirax-Sarco Engineering PLC   613,776 
         7,176,791 
     UNITED STATES — 28.5%     
 6,253   Activision Blizzard, Inc.   455,218 
 7,869   Agilent Technologies, Inc.   1,088,676 
 4,662   Airbnb, Inc. - Class A*   498,414 
 22,169   Amphenol Corp. - Class A   1,681,075 
 4,382   Analog Devices, Inc.   624,961 
 3,866   Becton, Dickinson and Co.   912,260 
 9,502   Block, Inc.*   570,785 
 10,218   Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.   791,588 
 15,885   Brown-Forman Corp. - Class B   1,080,180 
 2,036   Cintas Corp.   870,492 
 24,302   Cisco Systems, Inc.   1,104,040 
 10,759   Corteva, Inc.   702,993 
 4,152   Danaher Corp.   1,044,934 
 3,375   Dollar Tree, Inc.*   534,938 
 4,547   Eaton Corp. PLC   682,368 
 6,923   Electronic Arts, Inc.   872,021 

4 

 

Knowledge Leaders Developed World ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS - Continued

As of October 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
    

COMMON STOCKS (Continued)

UNITED STATES (Continued)

     
 1,845   Eli Lilly & Co.  $668,056 
 14,663   Emerson Electric Co.   1,269,816 
 1,316   Enphase Energy, Inc.*   404,012 
 17,576   Fastenal Co.   849,448 
 7,956   Fortinet, Inc.*   454,765 
 7,842   Genuine Parts Co.   1,394,778 
 14,765   Gilead Sciences, Inc.   1,158,462 
 6,066   Global Payments, Inc.   693,101 
 16,424   Ingersoll Rand, Inc.   829,412 
 2,586   Intuit, Inc.   1,105,515 
 29,395   Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc.   1,141,702 
 1,881   Lam Research Corp.   761,391 
 1,494   Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.   507,138 
 9,295   ON Semiconductor Corp.*   570,992 
 29,994   Paramount Global - Class B   549,490 
 2,823   Parker-Hannifin Corp.   820,420 
 5,802   Paychex, Inc.   686,435 
 6,694   PayPal Holdings, Inc.*   559,485 
 5,835   PPG Industries, Inc.   666,240 
 4,547   QUALCOMM, Inc.   535,000 
 2,260   Roper Technologies, Inc.   936,860 
 2,898   Stryker Corp.   664,338 
 4,472   Synopsys, Inc.*   1,308,284 
 3,807   Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.*   451,053 
 1,881   Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.   966,778 
 10,492   Unity Software, Inc.*   309,514 
 36,420   Warner Bros Discovery, Inc.*   473,460 
 7,856   Zoom Video Communications, Inc. - Class A*   655,505 
         34,906,393 
     TOTAL COMMON STOCKS     
     (Cost $108,612,550)   120,938,250 
     WARRANTS — 0.0%     
     SWITZERLAND — 0.0%     
 26,568  

Cie Financiere Richemont S.A., Expiration Date: *

   13,009 
     TOTAL WARRANTS     
     (Cost $0)   13,009 

5 

 

Knowledge Leaders Developed World ETF

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS - Continued

As of October 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

           Value 
        TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 98.9%     
        (Cost $108,612,550)  $120,951,259 
        Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 1.1%   1,406,126 
        TOTAL NET ASSETS — 100.0%  $122,357,385 

 

ADR –  American Depository Receipt
   
PLC –  Public Limited Company
   
REIT –  Real Estate Investment Trusts

 

* Non-income producing security.
   
1 Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities are restricted and may be resold in transactions exempt from registration normally to qualified institutional buyers. The total value of these securities is $943,305, which represents 0.77% of total net assets of the Fund.

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

6 

 

Knowledge Leaders Developed World ETF

SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS

As of October 31, 2022

 

Security Type/Sector

Percent of

Total Net

Assets

Common Stocks  
Unknown GICS Sector 34.0%
Information Technology 14.5%
Industrials 13.1%
Health Care 12.1%
Consumer Discretionary 8.8%
Materials 7.6%
Consumer Staples 5.0%
Communication Services 3.8%
Total Common Stocks 98.9%
Warrants  
Consumer Discretionary

0.0%

Total Warrants 0.0%
Total Investments 98.9%
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities 1.1%
Total Net Assets 100.0%

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

7 

 

Knowledge Leaders Developed World ETF

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

As of October 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

Assets:     
Investments, at value (Cost $108,612,550)   120,951,259 
Foreign currency, at value (Cost $4,947)   4,950 
Cash   777,147 
Receivables:     
Investment securities sold   71,532 
Reclaims receivable   365,407 
Dividends and interest   263,254 
Total assets   122,433,549 
      
Liabilities:     
Payables:     
Advisory fees   76,164 
Total liabilities   76,164 
Net Assets  $122,357,385 
      
Components of Net Assets:     
Paid-in capital (par value of $0.01 per share with an unlimited number of shares authorized)  $133,982,383 
Total accumulated deficit   (11,624,998)
Net Assets  $122,357,385 
      
Shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding   3,550,001 
Net asset value per share  $34.47 

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

8 

 

Knowledge Leaders Developed World ETF

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

For the Six Months Ended October 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

Investment Income:     
Dividend (net of foreign withholding taxes of $133,745)  $1,270,352 
   Total investment income   1,270,352 
      
Expenses:     
Advisory fees   515,115 
Total expenses   515,115 
Net investment income   755,237 
      
Realized and Unrealized Gain:     
Net realized loss on investments   (18,165,368)
Net realized gain on foreign currency transactions   12,824 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments   570,811 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on foreign currency translation   (6,590)
Net realized and unrealized loss   (17,588,323)
      
Net decrease in Net Assets from Operations  $(16,833,086)

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

9 

 

Knowledge Leaders Developed World ETF

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

   For the Six Months Ended October 31, 2022 (Unaudited)   For the Year Ended April 30, 2022 
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from:          
Operations:          
Net investment income  $755,237   $1,862,447 
Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency transactions   (18,152,544)   14,150,307 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments          
and foreign currency translation   564,221    (39,957,744)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   (16,833,086)   (23,944,990)
           
Distributions to Shareholders:   -    (978,810)
           
Capital Transactions:          
Net proceeds from shares sold   -    39,726,265 
Cost of shares redeemed   (18,712,220)   (40,558,710)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions   (18,712,220)   (832,445)
           
Total increase (decrease) in net assets   (35,545,306)   (25,756,245)
           
Net Assets:          
Beginning of period   157,902,691    183,658,936 
End of period  $122,357,385   $157,902,691 
           
Capital Share Transactions:          
Shares sold   -    850,000 
Shares redeemed   (500,000)   (900,000)
Net increase (decrease) in capital share transactions   (500,000)   (50,000)

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

10 

 

Knowledge Leaders Developed World ETF

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

Per share operating performance.

For a capital share outstanding throughout each period.

 

   For the Six Months Ended October 31, 2022    For the Year Ended April 30, 
   (Unaudited)   2022   2021   2020   2019   2018 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $38.99   $44.79   $31.87   $33.75   $34.06   $29.34 
Income from Investment Operations:                              
Net investment income1   0.20    0.45    0.28    0.31    0.39    0.31 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   (4.72)   (6.02)   12.90    (1.83)   (0.41)   4.64 
Total from investment operations   (4.52)   (5.57)   13.18    (1.52)   (0.02)   4.95 
                               
Less Distributions:                              
From net investment income   -    (0.23)   (0.26)   (0.36)   (0.29)   (0.23)
      Total distributions   -    (0.23)   (0.26)   (0.36)   (0.29)   (0.23)
                               
Net asset value, end of period  $34.47   $38.99   $44.79   $31.87   $33.75   $34.06 
                               
Total return2   (11.62)%3   (12.52)%   41.40%   (4.64)%   0.09%   16.89%
Total return at market price4   (11.02)%3   (13.28)%   42.40%   (5.35)%   (0.08)%   16.73%
                               
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                              
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)  $122,357   $157,903   $183,659   $130,671   $131,628   $132,826 
                               
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   0.75%5   0.75%   0.75%   0.75%   0.75%   0.75%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets   1.10%5   0.98%   0.70%   0.92%   1.19%   0.94%
                               
Portfolio turnover rate6   62%3   23%   31%   19%   18%   10%

 

1 Based on average shares outstanding during the period.
2 Net asset value total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period, if any, and redemption on the last day of the period at net asset value.  This percentage is not an indication of the performance of a shareholder's investment in the Fund based on market value due to the differences between the market price of the shares and the net asset value per share of the Fund.
3 Not annualized.
4 Market value total return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at market value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value during the period, if any, and redemption on the last day of the period at market value.  Market value is determined by the composite closing price.  Composite closing security price is defined as the last reported sale price on The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC.  The composite closing price is the last reported sale, regardless of volume, and not an average price, and may have occurred on a date prior to the close of the reporting period.  Market value may be greater or less than net asset value, depending on the Fund's closing price on The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC.
5 Annualized.
6 Excludes the impact of in-kind transactions related to the processing of capital share transactions in Creation Units.

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

11 

 

Knowledge Leaders Developed World ETF

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

October 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

Note 1 – Organization

Knowledge Leaders Developed World ETF (the ‘‘Fund’’) was organized as a diversified series of Investment Managers Series Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Trust”) which is registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Fund’s primary investment objective is to seek long-term capital appreciation. The Fund is an actively managed exchange-traded fund (“ETF”).

 

The Fund commenced investment operations on May 25, 2020 following the tax-free reorganization of the Knowledge Leaders Developed World ETF (the “Predecessor Fund”), a series of Exchange Listed Funds Trust, into the Fund. The Agreement and Plan of Reorganization was approved by the Board of Trustees of Exchange Listed Funds Trust on February 25, 2020, the Trust’s Board of Trustees on March 12, 2020, and by shareholders of the Predecessor Fund on May 18, 2020. The tax-free reorganization was accomplished as of the close of business on May 22, 2020. As a result of the reorganization, the Fund assumed the performance and accounting history of the Predecessor Fund. Financial information included for the dates prior to the reorganization is that of the Predecessor Fund.

 

The reorganization was accomplished by the following tax-free exchange in which each shareholder of the Predecessor Fund received the same aggregate share net asset value (“NAV”) in the corresponding classes as noted below:

 

 Shares Issued    Net Assets 
 4,100,001    $ 133,822,264 

 

The net unrealized appreciation of investments transferred was $4,234,983 as of the date of the acquisition.

 

The Fund is an investment company and accordingly follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standard Codification Topic 946 “Financial Services—Investment Companies”.

 

Note 2 – Accounting Policies

The following is a summary of the significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

 

(a) Valuation of Investments

The Fund values equity securities at the last reported sale price on the principal exchange or in the principal over the counter (“OTC”) market in which such securities are traded, as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE on the day the securities are being valued or, if the last-quoted sales price is not readily available, the securities will be valued at the last bid or the mean between the last available bid and ask price. Securities traded on the NASDAQ are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price (“NOCP”). Investments in open-end investment companies are valued at the daily closing NAV of the respective investment company. Debt securities are valued by utilizing a price supplied by independent pricing service providers. The independent pricing service providers may use various valuation methodologies including matrix pricing and other analytical pricing models as well as market transactions and dealer quotations. These models generally consider such factors as yields or prices of bonds of comparable quality, type of issue, coupon, maturity, ratings and general market conditions. If a price is not readily available for a portfolio security, the security will be valued at fair value (the amount which the Fund might reasonably expect to receive for the security upon its current sale). The Board of Trustees has designated the Advisor as the Fund’s valuation designee (the “Valuation Designee”) to make all fair value determinations with respect to the Fund’s portfolio investments, subject to the Board’s oversight. As the Valuation Designee, the Advisor has adopted and implemented policies and procedures to be followed when the Fund must utilize fair value pricing. Prior to September 8, 2022, security valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Fund’s advisor, subject to review and approval by the Valuation Committee, pursuant to procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees. The actions of the Valuation Committee were subsequently reviewed by the Board at its next regularly scheduled board meeting. The Valuation Committee met as needed. The Valuation Committee was comprised of all the Trustees, but action may had been taken by any one of the Trustees.

12 

 

Knowledge Leaders Developed World ETF

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

October 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

Foreign securities traded in countries outside the U.S. are fair valued by utilizing the quotations of an independent pricing service. The pricing service uses statistical analyses and quantitative models to adjust local prices using factors such as subsequent movement and changes in the prices of indexes, securities and exchange rates in other markets in determining fair value as of the time the Fund calculates the NAVs. The Board reviews the independent third party fair valuation analysis report quarterly.

 

(b) Investment Transactions, Investment Income and Expenses

Investment transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Realized gains and losses on investments are determined on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is recorded net of applicable withholding taxes on the ex-dividend date and interest income is recorded on an accrual basis. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends, if applicable, 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. Withholding tax reclaims are filed in certain countries to recover a portion of the amounts previously withheld. The Fund records a reclaim receivable based on a number of factors, including a jurisdiction’s legal obligation to pay reclaims as well as payment history and market convention. Discounts on debt securities are accreted or amortized to interest income over the lives of the respective securities using the effective interest method. Premiums for callable debt securities are amortized to the earliest call date, if the call price was less than the purchase price. If the call price was not at par and the security was not called, the security is amortized to the next call price and date.

 

(c) Capital Share Transactions

Fund Shares are listed and traded on the Exchange on each day that the Exchange is open for business (“Business Day”). Individual Fund Shares may only be purchased and sold on the Exchange through a broker-dealer. Because the Fund’s Shares trade at market prices rather than at their NAV, Shares may trade at a price equal to the NAV, greater than NAV (premium) or less than NAV (discount).

 

The Fund offers and redeems Shares on a continuous basis at NAV only in large blocks of Shares, currently 50,000 Shares for the Fund (“Creation Unit”). Except when aggregated in Creation Units, Shares are not redeemable securities of the Fund. Fund Shares may only be purchased from or redeemed to the Fund by certain financial institutions (“Authorized Participants”). An Authorized Participant is either (i) a broker-dealer or other participant in the clearing process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the National Securities Clearing Corporation or (ii) a Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) participant and, in each case, must have executed a Participant Agreement with the Distributor. Creation Units are available for purchase and redemption on each Business Day and are offered and redeemed on an in-kind basis, together with the specified cash amount, or for an all cash amount.

 

To the extent contemplated by a participant agreement, in the event an Authorized Participant has submitted a redemption request in proper form but is unable to transfer all or part of the shares comprising a Creation Unit to be redeemed by the Distributor, on behalf of the Fund, by the time as set forth in a participant agreement, the Distributor may nonetheless accept the redemption request in reliance on the undertaking by the Authorized Participant to deliver the missing shares as soon as possible, which undertaking shall be secured by the Authorized Participant’s delivery and maintenance of collateral equal to a percentage of the market value as set forth in the Participant Agreement. A participant agreement may permit the Fund to use such collateral to purchase the missing shares, and could subject an Authorized Participant to liability for any shortfall between the cost of the Fund acquiring such shares and the value of the collateral.

13 

 

Knowledge Leaders Developed World ETF

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

October 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

Most retail investors will not qualify as Authorized Participants or have the resources to buy and sell whole Creation Units. Therefore, they will be unable to purchase or redeem the Shares directly from the Fund. Rather, most retail investors will purchase Shares in the secondary market with the assistance of a broker, which will be subject to customary brokerage commissions or fees.

 

A fixed purchase (i.e., creation) transaction fee is imposed for the transfer and other transaction costs associated with the purchase of Creation Units, and investors will be required to pay a creation transaction fee regardless of the number of Creation Units created in the transaction. The Fund may adjust the creation transaction fee from time to time based upon actual experience. In addition, a variable fee may be imposed for cash purchases, non-standard orders, or partial cash purchases of Creation Units. The variable fee is primarily designed to cover non-standard charges, e.g., brokerage, taxes, foreign exchange, execution, market impact, and other costs and expenses, related to the execution of trades resulting from such transaction. The Fund may adjust the non-standard charge from time to time based upon actual experience. Investors who use the services of an Authorized Participant, broker or other such intermediary may be charged a fee for such services which may include an amount for the creation transaction fee and non-standard charges. Investors are responsible for the costs of transferring the securities constituting the deposit securities to the account of the Trust. The Advisor may retain all or a portion of the transaction fee to the extent the Advisor bears the expenses that otherwise would be borne by the Trust in connection with the issuance of a Creation Unit, which the transaction fee is designed to cover. The standard Creation Unit transaction fee for the Fund is $1,800, regardless of the number of Creation Units created in the transaction.

 

A fixed redemption transaction fee may be imposed for the transfer and other transaction costs associated with the redemption of Creation Units, and Authorized Participants will be required to pay a redemption transaction fee regardless of the number of Creation Units created in the transaction. The redemption transaction fee is the same no matter how many Creation Units are being redeemed pursuant to any one redemption request. The Fund may adjust the redemption transaction fee from time to time based upon actual experience. In addition, a variable fee, payable to the Fund, may be imposed for cash redemptions, non-standard orders, or partial cash redemptions for the Fund. The variable fee is primarily designed to cover non-standard charges, e.g., brokerage, taxes, foreign exchange, execution, market impact, and other costs and expenses, related to the execution of trades resulting from such transaction. Investors who use the services of an Authorized Participant, broker or other such intermediary may be charged a fee for such services which may include an amount for the redemption transaction fees and non-standard charges. Investors are responsible for the costs of transferring the securities constituting the Fund securities to the account of the Trust. The non-standard charges are payable to the Fund as it incurs costs in connection with the redemption of Creation Units, the receipt of Fund securities and the cash redemption amount and other transactions costs. The standard redemption transaction fee for the Fund is $3,500, regardless of the number of Creation Units created in the transaction.

 

(d) Foreign Currency Translation

The Fund’s records are maintained in U.S. dollars. The value of securities, currencies and other assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars are translated into U.S. dollars based upon foreign exchange rates prevailing at the end of the reporting period. The currencies are translated into U.S. dollars by using the exchange rates quoted at the close of the London Stock Exchange prior to when the Fund’s NAV is next determined. Purchases and sales of investment securities, income and expenses are translated on the respective dates of such transactions.

14 

 

Knowledge Leaders Developed World ETF

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

October 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

The Fund does not isolate that portion of its net realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates from the impact arising from changes in market prices. Such fluctuations are included with net realized and unrealized gain or loss from investments and foreign currency.

 

Net realized foreign currency transaction gains and losses arise from sales of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the differences between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign currency translation gains and losses arise from changes in the value of assets and liabilities, other than investments in securities, resulting from changes in the exchange rates.

 

(e) Federal Income Taxes

The Fund intends to comply with the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all of its net investment income and any net realized gains to its shareholders. Therefore, no provision is made for federal income or excise taxes. Due to the timing of dividend distributions and the differences in accounting for income and realized gains and losses for financial statement and federal income tax purposes, the fiscal year in which amounts are distributed may differ from the year in which the income and realized gains and losses are recorded by the Fund.

 

Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (the “Income Tax Statement”) requires an evaluation of tax positions taken (or expected to be taken) in the course of preparing a Fund’s tax returns to determine whether these positions meet a “more-likely-than-not” standard that, based on the technical merits, have a more than fifty percent likelihood of being sustained by a taxing authority upon examination. A tax position that meets the “more-likely-than-not” recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements. The Fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense in the Statement of Operations.

 

The Income Tax Statement requires management of the Fund to analyze tax positions taken in the prior three open tax years, if any, and tax positions expected to be taken in the Fund’s current tax year, as defined by the IRS statute of limitations for all major jurisdictions, including federal tax authorities and certain state tax authorities. As of and during the open years ended April 30, 2019-2022 and as of and during the six months ended October 31, 2022, the Fund did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits. The Fund has no examination in progress and is not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months.

 

(f) Distributions to Shareholders

The Fund will make distributions of net investment income and net capital gains, if any, at least annually. Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The amount and timing of distributions are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP.

 

The character of distributions made during the year from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from the characterization for federal income tax purposes due to differences in the recognition of income, expense and gain (loss) items for financial statement and tax purposes.

15 

 

Knowledge Leaders Developed World ETF

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

October 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

(g) Illiquid Securities

Pursuant to Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act, the Fund has adopted a Liquidity Risk Management Program (“LRMP”) that requires, among other things, that the Fund limits its illiquid investments that are assets to no more than 15% of net assets. An illiquid investment is any security which may not reasonably be expected to be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. If the Advisor, at any time, determines that the value of illiquid securities held by the Fund exceeds 15% of its NAV, the Advisor will take such steps as it considers appropriate to reduce them as soon as reasonably practicable in accordance with the Fund’s written LRMP.

 

Note 3 – Investment Advisory and Other Agreements

The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Knowledge Leaders Capital, LLC (the “Advisor”). Under the terms of the Agreement, the Fund pays a monthly investment advisory fee to the Advisor at the annual rate of 0.75% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. The Advisor has agreed to pay all expenses of the Fund except for the advisory fee, interest, taxes, brokerage commissions and other expenses incurred in placing orders for the purchase and sale of securities and other investment instruments, acquired fund fees and expenses, accrued deferred tax liability, extraordinary expenses, and distribution fees and expenses paid under any distribution plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act.

 

Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. serves as the Fund’s fund accountant, transfer agent and custodian. UMB Fund Services, Inc. (“UMBFS”) and Mutual Fund Administration, LLC (“MFAC”) serve as the Fund’s co-administrators.

 

IMST Distributors, LLC serves as the Fund’s distributor (the “Distributor”). The Distributor does not receive compensation from the Fund for its distribution services; the Advisor pays the Distributor a fee for its distribution-related services.

 

Certain trustees and officers of the Trust are employees of UMBFS or MFAC. The Fund does not compensate trustees and officers affiliated with the Fund’s co-administrators.

 

Dziura Compliance Consulting, LLC provides Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) services to the Trust.

 

Note 4 – Federal Income Taxes

At October 31, 2022, gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation on investments owned by the Fund, based on cost for federal income tax purposes were as follows:

 

Cost of investments  $109,254,074 
      
Gross unrealized appreciation  $16,427,558 
Gross unrealized depreciation   (4,730,373)
Net unrealized appreciation on investments  $11,697,185 

 

The difference between cost amounts for financial statement and federal income tax purposes is due primarily to timing differences in recognizing certain gains and losses in security transactions.

16 

 

Knowledge Leaders Developed World ETF

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

October 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

As of April 30, 2022, the components of accumulated earnings (deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed ordinary income  $1,340,246 
Undistributed long-term capital gains   - 
Tax accumulated earnings   1,340,246 
      
Accumulated capital and other losses   (7,169,381)
      
Net unrealized appreciation on investments   11,099,455 
Net unrealized depreciation on foreign currency translations   (62,232)
      
Total accumulated earnings  $5,208,088 

 

As of the tax year ended April 30, 2022, the Fund had $2,417,483 of short-term and $4,751,898 of long-term non-expiring accumulated capital loss carryforwards.

 

To the extent that a fund may realize future net capital gains, those gains will be offset by any of its unused capital loss carryforward. Future capital loss carryover utilization in any given year may be subject to Internal Revenue Code limitations. During the tax year ended April 30, 2022, the Fund utilized $2,382,842 of non-expiring capital loss carryforwards.

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended April 30, 2022 and April 30, 2021 were as follows:

 

   2022   2021 
Distributions paid from:          
Ordinary income  $978,810   $1,052,798 
Net long-term capital gains   -    - 
Total distributions paid  $978,810   $1,052,798 

 

Note 5 – Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investments, excluding in-kind transactions and short-term investments, for the six months ended October 31, 2022 were as follows:

 

Fund  Purchases   Sales 
Knowledge Leaders Developed World ETF  $86,400,429   $84,105,708 

 

Purchases, sales, and realized gain/(loss) of in-kind transactions for the six months ended October 31, 2022 were as follows:

 

Fund  Purchases   Sales   Gain/(Loss) 
Knowledge Leaders Developed World ETF  $-   $18,701,179   $4,011,682 

17 

 

Knowledge Leaders Developed World ETF

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

October 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

Note 6 – Distribution and Service Plan

The Trust has adopted a Rule 12b-1 Distribution and Service Plan (the “Distribution and Service Plan”) pursuant to which payments of up to a maximum of 0.25% of average daily net assets may be made to compensate or reimburse financial intermediaries for activities principally intended to result in the sale of the Fund’s Shares. In accordance with the Distribution and Service Plan, the Distributor may enter into agreements with financial intermediaries and dealers relating to distribution and/or marketing services with respect to the Trust. The Board of Trustees has not authorized the Fund to make payments under the Distribution and Service Plan.  Currently, no payment is being made by the Fund.

 

Note 7 – Indemnifications

In the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations which provide general indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund that have not yet occurred. However, the Fund expects the risk of loss to be remote.

 

Note 8 – Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure

Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with GAAP, and expands disclosure about fair value measurements. It also provides guidance on determining when there has been a significant decrease in the volume and level of activity for an asset or a liability, when a transaction is not orderly, and how that information must be incorporated into a fair value measurement.

 

Under Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund’s investments. These inputs are summarized into three broad Levels as described below:

 

Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Fund has the ability to access.
   
 Level 2 – Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These inputs may include quoted prices for the identical instrument on an inactive market, prices for similar instruments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, yield curves, default rates and similar data.
   
 Level 3 – Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, to the extent relevant observable inputs are not available, representing the Fund’s own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability, and would be based on the best information available.

 

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

18 

 

Knowledge Leaders Developed World ETF

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

October 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

The inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different Levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the Level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls in its entirety, is determined based on the lowest Level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

 

The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The following is a summary of the inputs used, as of October 31, 2022, in valuing the Fund’s assets carried at fair value:

 

   Level 1   Level 2**   Level 3**   Total 
Investments                    
Common Stock*  $120,938,250   $-   $-   $120,938,250 
Warrants   13,009    -    -    13,009 
Total Investments  $120,951,259   $-   $-   $120,951,259 

 

*All common stocks held in the Fund are Level 1 securities. For a detailed break-out of common stocks by country classification, please refer to the Schedule of Investments.
**The Fund did not hold any Level 2 or 3 securities at period end.

 

Note 9 – Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risks

Certain local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, or other events could have a significant impact on a security or instrument. Since 2020, the novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) has negatively affected the worldwide economy, as well as the economies of individual countries, the financial health of individual companies and the market in general in significant and unforeseen ways. Following Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine, the President of the United States signed an Executive Order in February 2022 prohibiting U.S. persons from entering transactions with the Central Bank of Russia and Executive Orders in March 2022 prohibiting U.S. persons from importing oil and gas from Russia as well as other popular Russian exports, such as diamonds, seafood and vodka. There may also be restrictions on investments in Chinese companies. For example, the President of the United States of America signed an Executive Order in June 2021 affirming and expanding the U.S. policy prohibiting U.S. persons from purchasing or investing in publicly-traded securities of companies identified by the U.S. Government as “Chinese Military-Industrial Complex Companies.” The list of such companies can change from time to time, and as a result of forced selling or an inability to participate in an investment the Advisor otherwise believes is attractive, the Fund may incur losses. The duration of the coronavirus outbreak and the Russian-Ukraine conflict could adversely affect the Fund’s performance, the performance of the securities in which the Fund invests and may lead to losses on your investment. The ultimate impact of COVID-19 and Russia Invasion on the financial performance of the Fund’s investments is not reasonably estimable at this time. Management is actively monitoring these events.

 

Note 10 – New Accounting Pronouncement

In October 2020, the SEC adopted new regulations governing the use of derivatives by registered investment companies (“Rule 18f-4”). Rule 18f-4 will impose limits on the amount of derivatives a Fund can enter into, eliminate the asset segregation framework currently used by funds to comply with Section 18 of the 1940 Act, and require funds whose use of derivatives is greater than a limited specified amount to establish and maintain a comprehensive derivatives risk management program and appoint a derivatives risk manager. The Fund has adopted procedures in accordance with Rule 18f-4.

 

In December 2020, the SEC adopted a new rule providing a framework for fund valuation practices (“Rule 2a-5”). Rule 2a-5 establishes requirements for determining fair value in good faith for purposes of the 1940 Act. Rule 2a-5 will permit fund boards to designate certain parties to perform fair value determinations, subject to board oversight and certain other conditions. Rule 2a-5 also defines when market quotations are “readily available” for purposes of the 1940 Act and the threshold for determining whether a fund must fair value a security. In connection with Rule 2a-5, the SEC also adopted related recordkeeping requirements and is rescinding previously issued guidance, including with respect to the role of a board in determining fair value and the accounting and auditing of fund investments. The Fund has adopted procedures in accordance with Rule 2a-5.

19 

 

Knowledge Leaders Developed World ETF

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

October 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

In March 2020, FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform: Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. The main objective of the new guidance is to provide relief to companies that will be impacted by the expected change in benchmark interest rates at the end of 2021, when participating banks will no longer be required to submit London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) quotes by the UK Financial Conduct Authority. The new guidance allows companies to, provided the only change to existing contracts are a change to an approved benchmark interest rate, account for modifications as a continuance of the existing contract without additional analysis. In addition, derivative contracts that qualified for hedge accounting prior to modification, will be allowed to continue to receive such treatment, even if critical terms change due to a change in the benchmark interest rate. For new and existing contracts, the Fund may elect to apply the amendments as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. Management is currently assessing the impact of the ASU’s adoption to the Fund’s financial statements and various filings.

 

Note 11 – Events Subsequent to the Fiscal Period End

The Fund has adopted financial reporting rules regarding subsequent events which require an entity to recognize in the financial statements the effects of all subsequent events that provide additional evidence about conditions that existed at the date of the balance sheet. Management has evaluated the Fund’s related events and transactions that occurred through the date of issuance of the Fund’s financial statements.

 

The Fund declared the payment of a distribution to be paid, on December 27, 2022, to shareholders of record on December 22, 2022 as follows:

 

Long Term Capital Gain Short Term Capital Gain Income
$ 0.00000 $ 0.00000 $ 0.65559

 

There were no other events or transactions that occurred during this period that materially impacted the amounts or disclosures in the Fund’s financial statements.

20 

 

Knowledge Leaders Developed World ETF

EXPENSE EXAMPLE

For the Six Months Ended October 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

Expense Example

As a shareholder of the Fund you incur an advisory fee. In addition to the advisory fee, a shareholder may pay brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, litigation expenses and other extraordinary expenses (including acquired fund fees and expenses), if any. It is important for you to understand the impact of these ongoing costs on your investment returns. Shareholders may incur brokerage commissions on their purchases and sales of Fund shares, which are not reflected in these examples.

 

These examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from May 1, 2022 to October 31, 2022.

 

Actual Expenses

The information in the row titled “Actual Performance” of the table below provides actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in these columns, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the appropriate row under the column titled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The information in the row titled “Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)” of the table below provides hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratios and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare these 5% hypothetical examples with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transaction costs, such as sales charges (load) or contingent deferred sales charges. Therefore, the information in the row titled “Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)” is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

  Beginning Account Value Ending Account Value Expenses Paid During Period*
5/1/22 10/31/22 5/1/22-10/31/22
Actual Performance $1,000.00 $883.80 $3.56
Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses) 1,000.00 1,021.42 3.82

 

*Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio of 0.75%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the six month period). Assumes all dividends and distributions were reinvested.

21 

 

FUND INFORMATION

 

  TICKER CUSIP
Knowledge Leaders Developed World ETF KLDW 461 43U 849

 

Privacy Principles of the Knowledge Leaders Developed World ETF for Shareholders

The Fund is committed to maintaining the privacy of its shareholders and to safeguarding its non-public personal information. The following information is provided to help you understand what personal information the Fund collects, how we protect that information and why, in certain cases, we may share information with select other parties.

 

Generally, the Fund does not receive any non-public personal information relating to its shareholders, although certain non-public personal information of its shareholders may become available to the Fund. The Fund does not disclose any non-public personal information about its shareholders or former shareholders to anyone, except as permitted by law or as is necessary in order to service shareholder accounts (for example, to a transfer agent or third party administrator).

 

 

This report is sent to shareholders of the Knowledge Leaders Developed World ETF for their information. It is not a Prospectus, circular or representation intended for use in the purchase or sale of shares of the Fund or of any securities mentioned in this report.

 

Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

A description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures related to portfolio securities is available without charge, upon request, by calling the Fund at (844) 428-3525 or on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) website at www.sec.gov.

 

Proxy Voting Record

Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies for portfolio securities, if applicable, during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, is also available, without charge and upon request by calling (844) 428-3525 or by accessing the Fund’s Form N-PX on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

Fund Portfolio Holdings

The Fund files a complete schedule of its portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-PORT within 60 days of the end of such fiscal quarter. Shareholders may obtain the Fund’s Form N-PORT on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

Prior to the use of Form N-PORT, the Fund filed its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC on Form N-Q, which is available online at www.sec.gov.

 

Householding

The Fund will mail only one copy of shareholder documents, including prospectuses, and notice of annual and semi-annual reports availability and proxy statements, to shareholders with multiple accounts at the same address. This practice is commonly called “householding” and is intended to reduce expenses and eliminate duplicate mailings of shareholder documents. Mailings of your shareholder documents may be householded indefinitely unless you instruct us otherwise. If you do not want the mailing of these documents to be combined with those for other members of your household, please call the Fund at (844) 428-3525.

 

Knowledge Leaders Developed World ETF

P.O. Box 2175

Milwaukee, WI 53201

Toll Free: (844) 428-3525

 

 

Item 1. Report to Stockholders (Continued).

 

(b)Not Applicable

 

Item 2. Code of Ethics.

 

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

 

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

 

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

 

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

 

(a)Not applicable to registrants who are not listed issuers (as defined in Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934).
(b)Not applicable.

 

Item 6. Investments.

 

(a)Schedule of Investments is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this Form.
(b)Not applicable.

 

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

 

Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

 

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

 

Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

 

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

 

Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

 

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

 

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

 
 

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Not applicable for open-end investment companies.

 

Item 13. Exhibits.

 

(a)(1) Any code of ethics or amendment thereto, that is subject of the disclosure required by Item 2, to the extent that the registrant intends to satisfy Item 2 requirements through filing an exhibit. Not applicable.

 

(2) Certifications pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Filed herewith.

 

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

 

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

 

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

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

  (Registrant) Investment Managers Series Trust  
       
  By (Signature and Title) /s/ Maureen Quill  
    Maureen Quill, President/Chief Executive Officer  
       
  Date 1/09/2023  

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

  By (Signature and Title) /s/ Maureen Quill  
    Maureen Quill, President/Chief Executive Officer  
       
  Date 1/09/2023  
       
  By (Signature and Title) /s/ Rita Dam  
    Rita Dam, Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer  
       
  Date 1/09/2023