N-CSR 1 fp0069595_ncsr.htm

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on 11/4/2021

 

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

 

FORM N-CSR

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

 

811-05518

Investment Company Act file number

 

The RBB FUND, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

615 East Michigan Street

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

 

Salvatore Faia, President

c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services

615 East Michigan Street

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

 

(414) 765-5366

Registrant's telephone number, including area code

 

Date of fiscal year end: August 31

 

Date of reporting period: August 31, 2021

 

 

 

Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

 

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

of

 

THE RBB FUND, INC.

 

 

Annual Report

 

 

 

 

August 31, 2021

 

 

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report

August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

The Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund (the “Fund”) Class I Shares returned +7.74% net of fees for the 12-month fiscal year ended August 31, 2021. The positive performance was driven by gains in equities, energy and base metals, with losses occurring primarily in fixed income and currencies over the period. The Fund’s core allocation to diversified trendfollowing (“Trendfollowing”) sub-advisers (sub-advisers are also referred to herein as “Trading Advisers”) drove positive performance over the period, while the Fund’s non-Trendfollowing allocation performed positively in aggregate. The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in Abbey Capital Master Offshore Fund Limited (“ACMOF”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Fund that invests substantially all of its assets in Abbey Capital Offshore Fund SPC (“ACOF”), which is a wholly-owned and controlled segregated portfolio company that invests in managed futures and foreign exchange contracts. The Fund may also invest a portion of its assets in Abbey Capital Onshore Series LLC (“ACOS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Fund which is a multi-adviser fund that invests in managed futures and foreign exchange contracts.

 

Average Total Returns for the Periods Ended August 31, 2021 (unless otherwise noted)

 

 

2021
YTD

1 Year

SEP. 1, 2019 TO
AUG. 31, 2020

5 Years
Annualized

ANNUALIZED
SINCE
INCEPTION ON
JULY 1, 2014

Class I Shares

4.32%

7.74%

-1.39%

2.50%

4.44%

Class A Shares*

4.18%

7.42%

-1.64%

2.25%

4.18%

Class A Shares (max load)*

-1.81%

1.23%

-7.30%

1.04%

3.32%

Class C Shares**

3.66%

6.72%

-2.40%

1.50%

3.42%

BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month T- Bill Index***

0.03%

0.08%

1.26%

1.17%

0.85%

S&P 500® Total Return Index***

21.58%

31.17%

21.94%

18.02%

14.60%

Barclay CTA Index***

4.79%

7.56%

0.30%

2.19%

2.32%

 

Barclay CTA numbers are based on the estimates available on the BarclayHedge website as of September 5, 2021

Source: Abbey Capital, Bloomberg and BarclayHedge.

 

Performance quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the returns quoted. Visit www.abbeycapital.com for returns updated daily. Call (US Toll Free) 1-844-261-6484 or (international callers) + 1-508-871-3276 for returns current to the most recent month-end.

 

Please note the above is shown for illustrative purposes only

 

*

Class A Shares performance prior to its inception on August 29, 2014 is the performance of Class I Shares, adjusted for the Class A Shares expense ratio. There is a maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) of 5.75% in Class A Shares.

 

**

Class C Shares performance prior to its inception on October 6, 2015 is the performance of Class I Shares, adjusted for the Class C Shares expense ratio.

 

***

The Barclay CTA Index is derived from data that is self-reported by investment managers based on the performance of privately managed funds. In contrast, the S&P 500® Total Return Index and the Bank of America Merrill Lynch 3-Month T-Bill Index are comprised of publicly traded securities. As a result of these differences, these indices may not be directly comparable and the table above is shown for illustrative purposes only.

 

Abbey Capital Limited (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual fund operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) to 1.79%, 2.04% and 2.79% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares, Class A Shares, and Class C Shares, respectively. This contractual limitation is in effect until December

 

1

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)

August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

31, 2021, and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. In addition, the Adviser may recoup any waived or reimbursed amounts from the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made by the Adviser, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement. Without the expense limitation agreement, the expense ratios are 1.90%, 2.15% and 2.90% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares, Class A Shares, and Class C Shares, respectively, as stated in the Fund’s current prospectus dated December 31, 2020, as supplemented (and which may differ from the actual expense ratios for the period covered by this report). The quoted performance would have been lower without the expense limitation.

 

Please refer to the prospectus for further information on expenses and fees.

 

Performance Analysis

 

The fiscal year ended August 31, 2021 saw a number of shifts in risk sentiment. Investors turned cautious in September and October 2020, with rising COVID-19 cases in the US and Europe, concerns about valuations in the technology sector and uncertainty ahead of the US election weighing on sentiment. The market environment turned more positive from November 2020 through August 2021, as progress towards a COVID-19 vaccine, Biden’s victory in the US Presidential election and the prospect of a significant fiscal spending deal in the US saw strong trends emerge in many growth sensitive sectors like equities, energy and base metals. The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines and the reopening of the global economy throughout the first half of 2021 resulted in some supply constraints and increased demand for a range of commodities, which contributed to strong uptrends across several energy, base metal and agricultural commodity markets. Inflationary pressures emerged as a key focus for investors during the period, with US inflation hitting a more-than-decade high of +5.4% in June 2021. While equity markets continued to rally throughout July and August 2021, some of the uptrends seen in commodity markets earlier in the year dissipated, while shifting views on the likely path of US Federal Reserve monetary policy led to choppy moves at times in currency and bond markets.

 

Early in the 12-month period, the Fund’s Trendfollowing sub- advisers saw losses as previous trends in equities and the USD reversed. Performance improved from November 2020 through May 2021, with positive COVID-19 vaccine trial results and the outcome of the US election contributing to notable uptrends in equities, base metals and energy. The Fund also benefited from uptrends across several agricultural commodity markets, notably soybeans and corn. All of the Fund’s trading styles had positive returns in the first half of 2021. Performance became more mixed from June through August 2021, as reversals in currency and bond markets proved difficult for the Fund’s Trendfollowing sub-advisers.

 

For the 12-month period overall, the Fund’s allocation to Trendfollowing sub-advisers saw the largest gains at the trading style level, while the Fund’s Value sub-adviser also contributed positively to Fund performance. The performance of the Fund’s Global Macro sub-advisers was slightly negative for the period.

 

Fund performance in equities was positive over the period. Global equities declined in September and October 2020, before rallying in November 2020 as various pharmaceutical companies announced positive results from COVID-19 vaccine trials. The MSCI World Index recorded its strongest monthly return in 45 years in November 2020, and uptrends in equities continued into 2021 as US fiscal stimulus and strong corporate earnings pushed global equities to record highs. The Fund’s Trendfollowing sub-advisers held long equity positions throughout the period and thus saw positive performance, with long positions in Japanese and US indices seeing the largest gains. The performance of the Fund’s Global Macro sub-advisers was close to flat in equities during the fiscal year, while the performance of the Fund’s Value sub-advisers was negative due to losses from predominantly short positions held in Japanese and US stocks.

 

Energy was another positive sector for the Fund. Crude oil declined in September and October 2020 on COVID-19 related demand concerns before prices rallied strongly from November 2020 through August 2021 as the global growth outlook turned more positive. Price uptrends continued in the first half of 2021, with OPEC supply cuts and a rebound in global demand boosting prices. The Fund’s Trendfollowing sub-advisers profited from short positions in crude oil and distillates in September 2020 and recorded further gains once positioning turned long from late November 2020

 

2

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)

August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

through June 2021 as price uptrends emerged. Trading in crude oil and distillates turned choppier in July and August 2021, resulting in losses for the Fund, although long positions in natural gas were a positive for Fund performance during this time as prices rallied on tight supplies and warm US weather.

 

In base metals, long exposures in copper and aluminium drove positive Fund performance over the period. Much of the positive performance came from long copper positions held by the Fund’s Trendfollowing sub-advisers during Q4 2020 and Q1 2021 as uptrends in base metals prices accelerated amid a surge in demand and concerns around building inflationary pressures. Notably, copper prices hit a record high in May 2021 before declining somewhat in subsequent months. The returns of the Fund’s Value sub-advisers were also positive in base metals due to long copper exposures held throughout the period.

 

Further Fund gains were recorded in both grains and soft commodities, most notably from long positions held in soybeans and corn for much of the period. Soybean and corn contracts touched multi-year highs in 2021 with adverse growing conditions in both Brazil and the US and strong Chinese demand among the factors supporting prices at various times over the 12-month period.

 

On the downside, the Fund saw losses in major currencies and fixed income markets, with smaller losses recorded in precious metals.

 

The Fund initially saw negative performance in currencies as a rally in the USD in September 2020 led to losses for short USD positions held by Trendfollowing sub-advisers. A steady decline in the USD throughout much of November and December 2020 led to improved performance in the sector before currency markets turned choppy for much of the first half of 2021. A hawkish shift from the US Federal Reserve in June 2021 saw the Fund’s Trendfollowing sub-advisers record sharp losses from short USD positions, with choppy trading in the USD in July and August 2021 adding to negative performance in the sector. Returns of all Fund trading styles were negative in currencies over the full period, with mixed positioning in USD/CHF and EUR/USD being the largest detractors at the contract level.

 

Fixed income was another negative sector for the Fund during the fiscal year. Global yields climbed in Q4 2020, before the trend accelerated in Q1 2021 as the reopening of the global economy, rising inflation expectations and the prospect of another round of US fiscal stimulus all contributed to a selloff in global bond markets. Yields then began to decline from Q2 2021 through July 2021, which proved difficult for the Fund’s Trendfollowing sub-advisers, before global yields climbed modestly higher again in August 2021. The performance of the Fund’s Trendfollowing and Global Macro sub-advisors was negative in the fixed income sector over the full period, with the Fund’s Value sub-advisers recording partially-offsetting gains in the sector. In precious metals, mixed positioning in gold drove negative Fund performance, with smaller losses recorded in silver and platinum. The Fund’s Trendfollowing sub-advisers were responsible for the majority of the losses in precious metals. Gold prices were choppy in Q4 2020 before declining steadily in Q1 2021 on the back of a stronger USD and rising Treasury yields. Gold then saw a reversal and rallied for much of Q2 2021 before dropping sharply in June 2021 after a more hawkish-than-expected US Federal Reserve meeting.

 

Key to Currency Abbreviations

CHF

Swiss Franc

EUR

Euro

USD

US Dollar

 

An investment in the Fund is speculative and involves substantial risk. It is possible that an investor may lose some or all of its investment. The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in Abbey Capital Master Offshore Fund Limited (“ACMOF”), which invests substantially all of its assets in Abbey Capital Offshore Fund SPC (“ACOF”), which is a multi-adviser fund that invests in managed futures and foreign exchange. The Fund may also invest a portion of its assets into Abbey Capital Onshore Series LLC (“ACOS”), which is a multi-adviser fund that invests in managed futures and foreign exchange. All investments in securities involve risk of the loss of capital. An investment in the Fund includes the risks inherent in an investment in securities, as well as specific risks associated with this open-ended investment product. Among the risks associated with investing in this Fund are Commodity

 

3

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Concluded)

August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Sector Risk, Counter-Party Risk, Credit Risk, Currency Risk, Manager and Management Risks, Subsidiary Risk, Tax Risk, Emerging Markets Risk, Leveraging Risk, Foreign Investment Risk, Fixed Income Securities Risks, Short Sale Risk and Portfolio Turnover Risks. The Fund may invest in or utilize derivative investments, futures contracts, and hedging strategies. One or more Trading Advisers, from time to time, may invest a substantial portion of the assets managed in a specific industry sector. As a result, the Fund’s investment portfolio may be subject to greater risk and volatility than if investments had been made in the securities of a broader range of issuers. There can be no assurance that the Fund’s strategy (hedging or otherwise) will be successful or that it will employ such strategies with respect to all or any portion of its portfolio. The value of the Fund’s portfolio investments should be expected to fluctuate. Investing in managed futures is not suitable for all investors given its speculative nature and the high level of risk involved. The Fund is appropriate only for investors who can bear the risks associated with the product. This brief statement cannot disclose all of the risks and other factors necessary to evaluate an investment in the Fund. Investors are urged to take appropriate investment advice and to carefully consider their investment objectives, personal situation, and factors such as net worth, income, age, risk tolerance and liquidity needs before investing in the Fund. Before investing, investors should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, tax considerations, sales charges and expenses.

 

Fund holdings and sector allocations are subject to change and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security. Please refer to the Consolidated Portfolio of Investments in this report for a complete list of Fund holdings.

 

The Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund is distributed by Quasar Distributions, LLC.

 

4

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Performance Data

August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund - Class A Shares
vs. BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index, S&P 500® Total Return Index and Barclay CTA Index

 

 

The chart illustrates the performance of a hypothetical $10,000 initial investment in the Fund made on July 1, 2014 and reflects Fund expenses and reinvestment of dividends and distributions (performance shown prior to August 29, 2014 is Class I Shares performance adjusted for Class A shares expense ratio). Class A Shares growth of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 is adjusted for the maximum sales charge of 5.75%. This results in a net initial investment of $9,425. Performance does not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder may pay on dividends, distributions or redemptions.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended August 31, 2021

 
 

One
Year

Three
Years

Five
Years

Since
Inception††

 

Class A Shares (without sales charge) (Pro forma July 1, 2014 to August 29, 2014)

7.42%

5.26%

2.25%

4.18%*

 

Class A Shares (with sales charge) (Pro forma July 1, 2014 to August 29, 2014)

1.23%

3.19%

1.04%

3.32%*

 

S&P 500® Total Return Index

31.17%

18.07%

18.02%

14.60%**

 

BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index***

0.08%

1.23%

1.17%

0.85%**

 

Barclay CTA Index***

7.56%

4.48%

2.19%

2.32%**

 

 

††

Inception date of Class A Shares of the Fund was August 29, 2014.

 

*

Class A Shares performance prior to its inception on August 29, 2014 is the performance of Class I Shares, adjusted for the Class A Shares expense ratio.

 

**

Performance is from the inception date of the Fund and is not the inception date of the index itself. The above is shown for illustrative purposes only.

 

***

This is not a primary benchmark of the Fund. Results of the index performance are presented for general comparative purposes.

 

The Fund charges a 5.75% maximum sales charge on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) of Class A Shares. The performance data quoted reflects fee waivers in effect and would have been less in their absence. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating

 

5

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Performance Data (Continued)

August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) to 2.04% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A Shares. Without the limitation arrangement, the gross expense ratio is 2.15% for Class A Shares as stated in the current prospectus (and which may differ from the actual expense ratio for the period covered by this report). This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2021 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. Please see the Consolidated Financial Highlights for current figures.

 

6

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Performance Data (Continued)

August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $1,000,000 Investment in Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund – Class I Shares
vs. BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index, S&P 500® Total Return Index and Barclay CTA Index

 

 

The chart illustrates the performance of a hypothetical $1,000,000 minimum initial investment in the Fund made on July 1, 2014 and reflects Fund expenses and reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Performance does not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder may pay on dividends, distributions or redemptions.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended August 31, 2021

 
 

One
Year

Three
Years

Five
Years

Since
Inception††

 

Class I Shares

7.74%

5.54%

2.50%

4.44%

 

S&P 500® Total Return Index

31.17%

18.07%

18.02%

14.60%*

 

BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index**

0.08%

1.23%

1.17%

0.85%*

 

Barclay CTA Index**

7.56%

4.48%

2.19%

2.32%*

 

 

††

Inception date of Class I Shares of the Fund was July 1, 2014.

 

*

Performance is from the inception date of the Fund and is not the inception date of the index itself. The above is shown for illustrative purposes only.

 

**

This is not a primary benchmark of the Fund. Results of the index performance are presented for general comparative purposes.

 

The performance data quoted reflects fee waivers in effect and would have been less in their absence. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) to 1.79% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares. Without the limitation arrangement, the gross expense ratio is 1.90% for Class I Shares, as stated in the current prospectus (and which may differ from the actual expense ratios for the period covered by this report). This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2021 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. Please see the Consolidated Financial Highlights for current figures.

 

7

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Performance Data (Continued)

August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund – Class C Shares
vs. BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index, S&P 500® Total Return Index and Barclay CTA Index

 

 

The chart illustrates the performance of a hypothetical $10,000 minimum initial investment in the Fund made on July 1, 2014 and reflects Fund expenses and reinvestment of dividends and distributions (performance shown prior to October 6, 2015 is Class I Shares performance adjusted for Class C Shares expense ratio). Performance does not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder may pay on dividends, distributions or redemptions.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended August 31, 2021

 
 

One
Year

Three
Years

Five
Years

Since
Inception††

 

Class C Shares (Pro forma July 1, 2014 to October 6, 2015)

6.72%

4.48%

1.50%

3.42%*

 

S&P 500® Total Return Index

31.17%

18.07%

18.02%

14.60%**

 

BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index***

0.08%

1.23%

1.17%

0.85%**

 

Barclay CTA Index***

7.56%

4.48%

2.19%

2.32%**

 

 

††

Inception date of Class C Shares of the Fund was October 6, 2015.

 

*

Class C Shares performance prior to its inception on October 6, 2015 is the performance of Class I Shares, adjusted for the Class C Shares expense ratio.

 

**

Performance is from the inception date of the Fund and is not the inception date of the index itself. The above is shown for illustrative purposes only.

 

***

This is not a primary benchmark of the Fund. Results of the index performance are presented for general comparative purposes.

 

The performance data quoted reflects fee waivers in effect and would have been less in their absence. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) to 2.79% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class C Shares. Without the limitation arrangement, the gross expense ratio is 2.90% for Class C Shares, as stated in the current prospectus (and which may differ from the

 

8

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Performance Data (Continued)

August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

actual expense ratios for the period covered by this report). This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2021 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. Please see the Consolidated Financial Highlights for current figures.

 

Performance quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the returns quoted. Visit www.abbeycapital.com for returns updated daily. Call (US Toll Free) 1-844-261-6484 or (international callers) + 1-508-871-3276 for returns current to the most recent month-end.

 

The Barclay CTA Index is derived from data which is self-reported by investment managers based on the performance of privately managed funds. In contrast, the S&P 500® Total Return Index and the BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index are comprised of publicly traded securities. As a result of these differences, these indices may not be directly comparable. Additionally, these indices are not available for direct investment and the above is shown for illustrative purposes only.

 

 

9

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Performance Data (Concluded)

August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Barclay CTA Index

 

The Barclay CTA Index is a leading industry benchmark of representative performance of commodity trading advisors. There are currently 416 programs included in the calculation of the Barclay CTA Index for 2021. The Barclay CTA Index is equally weighted and rebalanced at the beginning of each year.

 

BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index

 

The BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index is an unmanaged market index of U.S. Treasury securities maturing in 90 days that assumes reinvestment of all income.

 

S&P 500® Index

 

The S&P 500® Index is a market-capitalization-weighted index of 500 U.S. stocks chosen for market size, liquidity and industry grouping, among other factors. The S&P 500® Index is designed to be a leading indicator of U.S. equities and is meant to reflect the risk/return characteristics of the large cap universe. The S&P 500® Index was first introduced on January 1, 1923, though expanded to 500 stocks on March 4, 1957.

 

The S&P 500® Total Return Index

 

The S&P 500® Total Return Index is the total return version of the S&P 500® Index. Dividends are reinvested on a daily basis and all regular cash dividends are assumed reinvested in the index on the ex-dividend date.

 

A basis point is one hundredth of one percent.

 

Portfolio composition is subject to change. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

10

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Fund Expense Examples

August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, (if any) and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees and other Fund expenses. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

 

These examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period from March 1, 2021 through August 31, 2021, and held for the entire period.

 

ACTUAL EXPENSES

 

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

 

HYPOTHETICAL EXAMPLE FOR COMPARISON PURPOSES

 

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

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the accompanying table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) on purchase payments (if any). Therefore, the second section of the accompanying table 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
March 1, 2021

Ending
Account Value
August 31, 2021

Expenses Paid
During
Period*

Annualized
Expense
Ratio

Actual Six-
Month Total
Investment
Returns for the
Fund

Actual

         

Class A Shares

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,006.70

$ 10.32

2.04%

0.67%

Class I Shares

1,000.00

1,007.50

9.06

1.79%

0.75%

Class C Shares

1,000.00

1,002.60

14.08

2.79%

0.26%

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

Class A Shares

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,014.92

$ 10.36

2.04%

N/A

Class I Shares

1,000.00

1,016.18

9.10

1.79%

N/A

Class C Shares

1,000.00

1,011.14

14.14

2.79%

N/A

 

 

*

Expenses are equal to the Funds’ Class A Shares, Class I Shares, and Class C Shares annualized six-month expense ratios for the period March 1, 2021 to August 31, 2021, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184) in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by 365 to reflect the one half year period. The Fund’s ending account values in the first section in the table is based on the actual six-month total investment return for the Fund’s respective share classes.

 

11

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio Holdings Summary Table

August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

The following table presents a consolidated summary of the portfolio holdings of the Fund:

 

 

% of Net
Assets

   

Value

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS:

               

U.S. Treasury Obligations

    81.1 %   $ 940,363,101  

Money Market Deposit Account

    2.8       31,892,632  

PURCHASED OPTIONS

    0.0       113,738  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES

               

(including futures, forward foreign currency contracts and written options)

    16.1       187,263,068  

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 1,159,632,539  

 

 

The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by allocating its assets between a “Managed Futures” strategy and a “Fixed Income” strategy.

 

As a result of the Fund’s use of derivatives, the Fund may hold significant amounts of U.S. Treasuries or short-term investments.

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

Refer to the Consolidated Portfolio of Investments for a detailed listing of the Fund’s holdings.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

12

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments

August 31, 2021

 

   

Coupon*

   

Maturity
Date

   

Par
(000’s)

   

Value

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 83.9%

                               

U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS - 81.1%

                               

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.022 %     09/02/21     $ 41,179     $ 41,178,971  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.034 %     09/09/21       22,213       22,212,840  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.020 %     09/16/21       40,467       40,466,578  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.018 %     09/23/21       70,727       70,725,596  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.020 %     09/30/21       10,635       10,634,720  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.019 %     10/07/21       7,385       7,384,723  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.006 %     10/14/21       19,759       19,758,175  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.020 %     10/21/21       39,494       39,491,256  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.020 %     10/28/21       52,148       52,143,871  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.020 %     11/04/21       57,674       57,669,643  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.019 %     11/12/21       47,002       46,997,536  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.010 %     11/18/21       31,753       31,750,077  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.015 %     11/26/21       29,778       29,774,917  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.018 %     12/02/21       19,083       19,081,040  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.026 %     12/09/21       29,809       29,805,516  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.026 %     12/16/21       23,798       23,795,198  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.034 %     12/23/21       33,325       33,320,685  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.028 %     12/30/21       21,220       21,216,818  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.036 %     01/06/22       49,588       49,581,001  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.038 %     01/13/22       40,317       40,310,997  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.039 %     01/20/22       26,314       26,309,876  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.035 %     01/27/22       20,242       20,238,880  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.036 %     02/03/22       22,406       22,402,139  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.035 %     02/10/22       75,965       75,950,471  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.035 %     02/17/22       30,807       30,800,491  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.035 %     02/24/22       77,380       77,361,086  

TOTAL U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS ($940,395,757)

                            940,363,101  
                                 
                   

Number
of Shares
(000’s)

         

MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT ACCOUNT - 2.8%

                               

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 0.01% (United States)(a)

                    31,893       31,892,632  

TOTAL MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT ACCOUNT ($31,892,632)

                            31,892,632  
                                 

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

                               

(Cost $972,288,389)

                            972,255,733  

TOTAL PURCHASED OPTIONS - 0.0%**

                               

(Cost $767,675)

                            113,738  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 83.9%

                               

(Cost $973,056,064)

                            972,369,471  
                                 

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES - 16.1%

                            187,263,068  

NET ASSETS - 100.0%

                          $ 1,159,632,539  

 

 

*

Short-term investments’ coupon reflect the annualized effective yield on the date of purchase for discounted investments.

**

See page 28 for detailed information regarding the Purchased Options.

(a)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2021.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

13

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

Futures contracts outstanding as of August 31, 2021 were as follows:

 

Long Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

10-Year Mini Japanese Government Bond Futures

    Sep-21       13     $ 1,798,009     $ (854 )

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Mar-22       9       2,670,633       369  

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Jun-22       49       14,538,667       (2,052 )

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Sep-22       66       19,578,797       (3,719 )

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Dec-22       62       18,388,543       (3,926 )

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Mar-23       62       18,384,883       (4,088 )

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Jun-23       67       19,863,579       (4,797 )

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Sep-23       64       18,969,442       (5,048 )

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Dec-23       49       14,519,863       (4,738 )

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Mar-24       44       13,034,997       (3,852 )

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Jun-24       40       11,846,455       (4,029 )

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Sep-24       37       10,954,695       (2,509 )

3-Month SOFR Futures

    Jun-22       2       499,625       138  

90-DAY Bank Bill

    Dec-21       56       40,964,797       3,859  

90-DAY Bank Bill

    Mar-22       452       330,619,974       29,284  

90-DAY Bank Bill

    Jun-22       29       21,209,729       1,208  

90-DAY Bank Bill

    Sep-22       26       19,010,933       126  

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Dec-21       26       6,488,625       1,075  

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Mar-22       339       84,627,112       17,288  

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Jun-22       2,964       739,629,149       370,313  

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Sep-22       61       15,208,063       5,275  

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Dec-22       575       143,146,249       (52,088 )

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Mar-23       28       6,963,950       (3,100 )

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Jun-23       147       36,514,800       (9,875 )

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Sep-23       30       7,436,250       (3,275 )

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Dec-23       22       5,446,925       (4,488 )

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Mar-24       20       4,946,750       (4,263 )

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Jun-24       77       19,027,663       (13,038 )

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Sep-24       21       5,184,900       188  

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Sep-25       4       985,050       (800 )

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Dec-25       2       492,175       (275 )

90-DAY Sterling Futures

    Mar-22       377       64,598,861       (21,233 )

90-DAY Sterling Futures

    Jun-22       455       77,882,037       (63,346 )

Amsterdam Index Futures

    Sep-21       63       11,714,495       248,288  

AUD/USD Currency Futures

    Sep-21       21       1,537,410       2,000  

Australian 10-Year Bond Futures

    Sep-21       845       90,133,288       560,036  

Australian 3-Year Bond Futures

    Sep-21       2,091       179,188,677       254,153  

Bank Acceptance Futures

    Dec-21       14       2,760,690       (149 )

Bank Acceptance Futures

    Mar-22       148       29,165,379       13,564  

Bank Acceptance Futures

    Jun-22       102       20,071,157       17,982  

Bank Acceptance Futures

    Sep-22       6       1,178,695       1,803  

Brent Crude Futures

    Nov-21       141       10,099,830       155,820  

Brent Crude Futures

    Dec-21       32       2,272,000       46,770  

Brent Crude Futures

    Jan-22       3       211,380       40  

Brent Crude Oil Last Day

    Nov-21       10       716,300       8,920  

CAC40 10 Euro Futures

    Sep-21       237       18,687,550       (197,896 )

CAD Currency Futures

    Sep-21       326       25,858,320       (30,765 )

Canadian 10-Year Bond Futures

    Dec-21       1,358       157,289,691       263,504  

Canola Futures (Winnipeg Commodity Exchange)

    Nov-21       9       142,647       10,696  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

14

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

Long Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

Canola Futures (Winnipeg Commodity Exchange)

    Jan-22       6     $ 83,738     $ 13,145  

Cattle Feeder Futures

    Sep-21       1       81,500       (75 )

Cattle Feeder Futures

    Oct-21       8       671,000       (63 )

CHF Currency Futures

    Sep-21       146       19,954,550       3,375  

Cocoa Futures

    Dec-21       26       660,400       (21,500 )

Cocoa Futures

    Mar-22       26       666,380       (19,320 )

Cocoa Futures ICE

    Sep-21       9       212,704       (1,210 )

Cocoa Futures ICE

    Dec-21       35       845,466       (16,663 )

Cocoa Futures ICE

    Mar-22       16       386,939       (2,970 )

Cocoa Futures ICE

    May-22       2       48,202       1,292  

Coffee ‘C’ Futures

    Dec-21       99       7,272,788       273,919  

Coffee ‘C’ Futures

    Mar-22       23       1,712,063       125,681  

Coffee ‘C’ Futures

    May-22       10       747,938       17,906  

Coffee Robusta Futures

    Nov-21       58       1,175,080       104,880  

Coffee Robusta Futures

    Jan-22       29       578,260       41,840  

Copper Futures

    Dec-21       126       13,781,250       242,925  

Copper Futures

    Mar-22       2       217,875       413  

Corn Futures

    Dec-21       183       4,888,388       (202,663 )

Corn Futures

    Mar-22       144       3,907,800       (245,325 )

Corn Futures

    May-22       8       219,100       (14,538 )

Cotton No.2 Futures

    Dec-21       261       12,075,165       653,340  

Cotton No.2 Futures

    Mar-22       16       734,160       42,410  

DAX Index Futures

    Sep-21       163       76,022,528       317,629  

DAX-Mini Futures

    Sep-21       2       186,558       (1,074 )

DJIA Mini E-CBOT

    Sep-21       206       36,400,200       555,586  

Dollar Index

    Sep-21       419       38,814,065       150,735  

Dutch TTF Gas Futures

    Oct-21       15       664,203       124,665  

Dutch TTF Gas Futures

    Nov-21       5       214,949       26,176  

E-Mini Consumer Discretionary Select Futures

    Sep-21       3       556,050       16,140  

E-Mini Consumer Staples Select Futures

    Sep-21       2       144,980       3,320  

E-Mini Crude Oil

    Oct-21       9       308,250       4,600  

E-Mini Energy Select Futures

    Sep-21       1       50,130       (840 )

E-Mini Health Care Select Futures

    Sep-21       2       272,660       22,210  

E-Mini Industrial Select Futures

    Sep-21       1       105,070       1,280  

E-Mini Natural Gas

    Oct-21       4       43,770       4,295  

E-Mini Utilities Select Futures

    Sep-21       1       69,040       5,020  

Emissions ICE

    Dec-21       63       4,519,766       710,551  

EUR Foreign Exchange Currency Futures

    Sep-21       47       6,941,606       6,444  

Euro BUXL 30-Year Bond Futures

    Sep-21       50       12,546,640       (166,911 )

Euro STOXX 50

    Sep-21       1,033       51,002,331       473,814  

Euro Stoxx 50 Index Futures

    Sep-21       1       42,578       (260 )

Euro/CHF 3-Month Futures ICE

    Dec-21       1       275,102       (27 )

Euro/CHF 3-Month Futures ICE

    Mar-22       1       275,020       (27 )

Euro/CHF 3-Month Futures ICE

    Sep-22       1       274,966       (27 )

Euro-Bobl Futures

    Sep-21       3,492       556,505,028       (462,145 )

Euro-BTP Futures

    Sep-21       312       56,471,071       387,971  

Euro-Bund Futures

    Sep-21       1,434       297,070,914       (871,965 )

Euro-Oat Futures

    Sep-21       333       63,374,273       (148,904 )

Euro-Schatz Futures

    Sep-21       1,427       189,183,818       (127,078 )

FTSE 100 Index Futures

    Sep-21       662       64,589,029       275,583  

FTSE Taiwan Index

    Sep-21       54       3,279,420       59,711  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

15

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

Long Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

FTSE/JSE TOP 40

    Sep-21       29     $ 1,206,496     $ (27,415 )

FTSE/MIB Index Futures

    Sep-21       83       12,745,183       70,112  

Gasoline RBOB Futures

    Oct-21       145       13,044,171       176,345  

Gasoline RBOB Futures

    Nov-21       40       3,471,552       18,543  

GBP Currency Futures

    Sep-21       365       31,385,438       (426,513 )

GBP Currency Futures

    Dec-21       44       3,784,000       (4,575 )

Gold 100 Oz Futures

    Dec-21       116       21,089,960       53,040  

Hang Seng Index Futures

    Sep-21       3       3,810,989       7,689  

IBEX 35 Index Futures

    Sep-21       6       625,348       (2,491 )

INR/USD Futures

    Sep-21       2       54,664       926  

JPN 10-Year Bond (Osaka Securities Exchange)

    Sep-21       127       175,651,683       121,529  

Kansas City Hard Red Winter Wheat Futures

    Dec-21       135       4,806,000       (117,938 )

Kansas City Hard Red Winter Wheat Futures

    Mar-22       15       541,125       (17,463 )

Lean Hogs Futures

    Oct-21       50       1,776,000       (18,380 )

Lean Hogs Futures

    Dec-21       55       1,802,900       (18,140 )

Live Cattle Futures

    Oct-21       12       609,120       (18,480 )

Live Cattle Futures

    Dec-21       102       5,445,780       35,050  

Live Cattle Futures

    Feb-22       23       1,267,300       13,210  

Live Cattle Futures

    Apr-22       16       902,080       (460 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Sep-21       1,628       110,419,099       9,254,624  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-21       43       2,919,700       229,233  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Nov-21       19       1,291,050       55,619  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Dec-21       531       36,064,856       1,681,712  

LME Aluminum Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       12       821,700       85,515  

LME Aluminum Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       14       949,550       95,550  

LME Aluminum Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       6       406,824       29,745  

LME Aluminum Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       67,831       6,056  

LME Aluminum Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       67,842       5,854  

LME Aluminum Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       67,845       3,889  

LME Aluminum Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       67,847       3,898  

LME Aluminum Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       4       271,399       17,399  

LME Aluminum Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       5       339,341       29,540  

LME Aluminum Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       9       610,909       49,300  

LME Aluminum Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       6       407,321       30,333  

LME Aluminum Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       5       339,500       24,345  

LME Aluminum Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       1       67,900       4,921  

LME Aluminum Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       8       543,200       38,926  

LME Aluminum Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       5       339,500       11,375  

LME Aluminum Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       3       203,700       6,675  

LME Aluminum Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       1       67,900       2,850  

LME Aluminum Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       9       611,100       33,176  

LME Aluminum Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       1       67,906       4,174  

LME Aluminum Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       2       135,888       9,225  

LME Aluminum Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       12       815,475       34,181  

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-21       418       99,538,862       (3,073,196 )

LME Copper Forward

    Oct-21       8       1,904,700       115,100  

LME Copper Forward

    Dec-21       121       28,801,781       447,326  

LME Copper Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       3       714,619       (31,598 )

LME Copper Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       238,219       1,106  

LME Copper Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       3       714,394       (33,465 )

LME Copper Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       3       714,219       3,050  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

16

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

Long Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

LME Copper Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       2     $ 476,167     $ 3,367  

LME Copper Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       238,097       3,597  

LME Copper Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       1       238,150       (6,481 )

LME Copper Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       2       476,350       (8,007 )

LME Copper Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       2       476,313       (13,075 )

LME Copper Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       1       238,131       (6,614 )

LME Copper Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       2       476,063       (11,688 )

LME Copper Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       5       1,190,243       (8,555 )

LME Copper Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       2       476,166       (13,260 )

LME Copper Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       2       476,252       12,090  

LME Copper Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       2       475,936       12,061  

LME Copper Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       1       237,979       3,341  

LME Lead Forward

    Sep-21       160       9,144,000       67,631  

LME Lead Forward

    Oct-21       27       1,532,250       (24,307 )

LME Lead Forward

    Nov-21       7       395,938       (11,341 )

LME Lead Forward

    Dec-21       127       7,151,688       (138,832 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Sep-21       90       10,566,450       594,334  

LME Nickel Forward

    Oct-21       9       1,056,159       12,220  

LME Nickel Forward

    Nov-21       11       1,290,564       48,480  

LME Nickel Forward

    Dec-21       61       7,153,836       209,350  

LME Nickel Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       2       235,041       19,521  

LME Nickel Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       117,471       8,691  

LME Nickel Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       2       234,810       13,702  

LME Nickel Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       117,351       13,298  

LME Nickel Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       4       469,344       40,410  

LME Nickel Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       117,313       6,103  

LME Nickel Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       2       234,654       13,524  

LME Nickel Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       2       234,658       18,739  

LME Nickel Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       3       352,028       17,184  

LME Nickel Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       2       234,688       7,478  

LME Nickel Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       1       117,350       522  

LME Nickel Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       1       117,329       6,989  

LME Nickel Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       1       117,306       4,146  

LME Nickel Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       1       117,316       (134 )

LME Nickel Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       2       234,636       (4,104 )

LME Nickel Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       1       117,319       (1,001 )

LME Nickel Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       1       117,321       1,110  

LME Nickel Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       1       117,322       (8 )

LME Nickel Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       1       117,300       6,895  

LME Nickel Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       2       234,552       3,876  

LME Nickel Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       5       586,395       11,955  

LME Palladium Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       3       178,950       12,488  

LME Palladium Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       2       118,750       9,525  

LME Palladium Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       59,000       5,538  

LME Palladium Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       58,025       3,244  

LME Palladium Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       57,150       2,325  

LME Palladium Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       6       341,862       15,804  

LME Palladium Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       56,909       2,134  

LME Palladium Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       2       113,779       933  

LME Palladium Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       56,850       (700 )

LME Palladium Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       2       113,675       200  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

17

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

Long Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

LME Palladium Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       3     $ 170,438     $ (3,085 )

LME Palladium Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       3       170,419       (3,725 )

LME Palladium Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       1       56,688       (2,493 )

LME Palladium Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       5       283,133       (12,839 )

LME Palladium Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       2       113,350       (1,650 )

LME Palladium Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       1       56,675       (983 )

LME Palladium Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       1       56,653       (673 )

LME Palladium Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       2       113,260       (2,728 )

LME Palladium Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       4       225,543       (3,987 )

LME Silver Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       171,025       19,025  

LME Silver Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       171,935       19,935  

LME Silver Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       2       343,410       31,935  

LME Silver Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       2       341,930       30,630  

LME Silver Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       170,985       21,790  

LME Silver Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       1       170,985       10,441  

LME Silver Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       1       170,660       3,685  

LME Silver Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       2       340,850       (3,807 )

LME Silver Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       2       340,670       (8,542 )

LME Silver Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       1       170,106       (6,844 )

LME Silver Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       3       509,149       25,579  

LME Silver Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       1       169,568       3,318  

LME Zinc Forward

    Sep-21       194       14,545,150       (27,326 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Oct-21       9       675,563       420  

LME Zinc Forward

    Nov-21       12       901,425       12,719  

LME Zinc Forward

    Dec-21       134       10,069,263       30,688  

LME Zinc Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       2       149,719       395  

LME Zinc Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       74,917       (583 )

LME Zinc Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       74,927       352  

LME Zinc Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       74,969       394  

LME Zinc Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       8       599,700       26,030  

LME Zinc Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       2       149,956       5,676  

LME Zinc Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       74,986       2,486  

LME Zinc Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       2       149,979       4,499  

LME Zinc Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       75,013       1,706  

LME Zinc Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       1       75,043       1,677  

LME Zinc Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       1       75,048       417  

LME Zinc Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       1       75,050       (138 )

LME Zinc Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       2       150,120       2,770  

LME Zinc Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       1       75,050       488  

LME Zinc Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       3       225,278       1,940  

LME Zinc Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       2       150,192       1,017  

LME Zinc Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       1       75,119       300  

LME Zinc Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       2       150,088       (1,173 )

LME Zinc Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       2       150,155       (1,156 )

Long Gilt Futures

    Dec-21       415       73,169,175       (359,456 )

Low Sulphur Gasoil G Futures

    Sep-21       8       481,200       9,175  

Low Sulphur Gasoil G Futures

    Oct-21       143       8,605,025       270,775  

Low Sulphur Gasoil G Futures

    Nov-21       20       1,198,000       30,100  

Low Sulphur Gasoil G Futures

    Dec-21       1       59,525       75  

Low Sulphur Gasoil G Futures

    Jan-22       1       59,275       75  

Mill Wheat Euro

    Sep-21       2       29,371       2,642  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

18

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

Long Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

Mill Wheat Euro

    Dec-21       32     $ 463,326     $ 35,334  

Mill Wheat Euro

    Mar-22       27       386,548       3,941  

Mill Wheat Euro

    May-22       4       56,971       738  

Mini FTSE/MIB Pound Futures

    Sep-21       3       92,134       1,588  

Mini TOPIX Index Futures

    Sep-21       13       232,137       1,300  

MSCI EAFE Index Futures

    Sep-21       36       4,232,700       33,715  

MSCI Emerging Markets Index Futures

    Sep-21       67       4,352,320       28,630  

MSCI Singapore Exchange ETS

    Sep-21       33       864,365       (13,299 )

MXN Currency Futures

    Sep-21       846       21,031,560       (140,830 )

Nasdaq 100 E-Mini

    Sep-21       255       79,470,749       2,862,017  

Natural Gas Futures

    Oct-21       661       28,931,970       2,396,470  

Natural Gas Futures

    Nov-21       266       11,770,500       804,990  

Natural Gas Futures

    Dec-21       3       135,450       12,050  

Natural Gas Futures ICE

    Oct-21       20       1,088,612       161,084  

Natural Gas Futures ICE

    Nov-21       10       540,978       66,488  

Nikkei 225 (Chicago Mercantile Exchange)

    Sep-21       4       561,400       (4,325 )

Nikkei 225 (Osaka Securities Exchange)

    Sep-21       10       2,561,469       40,904  

Nikkei 225 (Singapore Exchange)

    Sep-21       218       27,920,011       188,215  

Nikkei/Yen Futures

    Sep-21       7       893,015       12,180  

NY Harbor Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel Futures

    Oct-21       211       18,877,832       197,824  

NY Harbor Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel Futures

    Nov-21       21       1,873,544       16,393  

NY Harbor Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel Futures

    Dec-21       3       267,007       3,696  

NZD Currency Futures

    Sep-21       76       5,362,940       (69,835 )

OAT Futures

    Dec-21       3       75,338       4,088  

OMX Stockholm 30 Index Futures

    Sep-21       806       21,984,280       (24,700 )

Orange Juice Futures

    Nov-21       9       184,883       (14,228 )

Palm Oil Futures

    Oct-21       4       105,196       1,341  

Palm Oil Futures

    Nov-21       34       869,834       (1,058 )

Palm Oil Futures

    Dec-21       9       225,758       (3,494 )

Palm Oil Futures

    Jan-22       2       49,278       (842 )

Rapeseed Euro

    Nov-21       10       334,890       14,922  

Rapeseed Euro

    Feb-22       7       232,770       13,962  

Red Wheat Futures (Minneapolis Grain Exchange)

    Dec-21       13       587,275       4,463  

Red Wheat Futures (Minneapolis Grain Exchange)

    Mar-22       4       178,450       (1,138 )

Russell 2000 E-Mini

    Sep-21       72       8,176,320       29,115  

S&P 500 E-Mini Futures

    Sep-21       466       105,327,649       2,089,708  

S&P Mid 400 E-Mini

    Sep-21       19       5,228,800       77,450  

S&P/TSX 60 IX Futures

    Sep-21       73       14,232,584       301,871  

SGX Iron Ore 62% Futures

    Oct-21       5       75,100       (6,120 )

SGX Iron Ore 62% Futures

    Nov-21       3       44,313       (5,327 )

SGX Iron Ore 62% Futures

    Dec-21       2       28,992       39  

SGX Nifty 50

    Sep-21       248       8,494,248       247,674  

Short BTP Future

    Sep-21       153       20,491,652       29,283  

Soybean Futures

    Nov-21       59       3,812,875       (164,913 )

Soybean Futures

    Jan-22       6       390,075       (22,025 )

Soybean Futures

    Mar-22       58       3,785,225       (186,175 )

Soybean Meal Futures

    Dec-21       4       138,240       (6,150 )

Soybean Oil Futures

    Dec-21       85       2,996,250       (162,174 )

Soybean Oil Futures

    Jan-22       9       317,088       (7,590 )

Soybean Oil Futures

    Mar-22       2       70,248       192  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

19

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

Long Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

SPI 200 Futures

    Sep-21       139     $ 19,557,715     $ 403,066  

STOXX Dividend Futures

    Dec-22       3       40,027       2,161  

STOXX Europe 600 Banks Index

    Sep-21       8       64,044       (502 )

STOXX Europe 600 Index

    Sep-21       33       915,086       8,100  

STOXX Europe 600 Institutional Index

    Sep-21       1       18,178       (30 )

STOXX Europe 600 Utilities Index

    Sep-21       2       46,321       921  

Sugar No. 11 (World)

    Oct-21       393       8,732,774       658,635  

Sugar No. 11 (World)

    Mar-22       418       9,620,688       1,162,504  

Sugar No. 11 (World)

    May-22       61       1,354,102       12,096  

Topix Index Futures

    Sep-21       52       9,285,461       110,621  

U.S. Treasury 10-Year Notes (Chicago Board of Trade)

    Dec-21       2,131       284,388,609       977,781  

U.S. Treasury 2-Year Notes (Chicago Board of Trade)

    Dec-21       868       191,244,812       116,032  

U.S. Treasury 5-Year Notes (Chicago Board of Trade)

    Dec-21       697       86,231,968       237,094  

U.S. Treasury Long Bond (Chicago Board of Trade)

    Dec-21       328       53,453,750       144,430  

U.S. Treasury Ultra 10-Year Notes

    Dec-21       9       1,332,141       4,703  

U.S. Treasury Ultra Long Bond (Chicago Board of Trade)

    Dec-21       13       2,564,656       602  

USD/NOK Futures

    Sep-21       2       199,790       10,031  

USD/SEK Futures

    Sep-21       8       799,189       34,755  

Wheat (Chicago Board of Trade)

    Dec-21       572       20,656,350       (151,754 )

Wheat (Chicago Board of Trade)

    Mar-22       37       1,363,450       (32,663 )

Wheat (Chicago Board of Trade)

    May-22       2       74,400       (4,388 )

White Sugar ICE

    Oct-21       22       531,630       (6,545 )

White Sugar ICE

    Dec-21       19       482,885       22,170  

White Sugar ICE

    Mar-22       3       77,700       700  

WTI Crude Futures

    Oct-21       451       30,893,500       430,660  

WTI Crude Futures

    Nov-21       19       1,296,940       38,460  

WTI Crude Futures

    Dec-21       63       4,280,220       171,040  

WTI Crude Futures

    Jan-22       4       270,400       (410 )

WTI Crude Futures IPE

    Oct-21       5       342,500       9,780  
                            $ 27,256,950  

 

Short Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Jun-22       20     $ (5,934,150 )   $ (930 )

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Dec-22       453       (134,355,000 )     3,882  

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Mar-22       1,736       (433,370,699 )     (214,575 )

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Jun-23       446       (110,786,399 )     246,100  

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Mar-24       25       (6,183,438 )     (6,875 )

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Jun-24       9       (2,224,013 )     (4,700 )

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Jun-25       3       (739,200 )     (3,288 )

90-DAY Sterling Futures

    Mar-22       350       (59,972,416 )     (14,891 )

90-DAY Sterling Futures

    Jun-22       296       (50,666,116 )     50,242  

90-DAY Sterling Futures

    Sep-22       95       (16,250,473 )     4,460  

90-DAY Sterling Futures

    Dec-22       69       (11,797,639 )     4,537  

90-DAY Sterling Futures

    Mar-23       355       (60,673,592 )     4,021  

90-DAY Sterling Futures

    Jun-23       604       (103,189,042 )     (20,021 )

90-DAY Sterling Futures

    Sep-23       317       (54,138,095 )     (13,723 )

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

20

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

Short Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

90-DAY Sterling Futures

    Dec-23       258     $ (44,046,401 )   $ (13,104 )

90-DAY Sterling Futures

    Mar-24       49       (8,363,718 )     (3,729 )

90-DAY Sterling Futures

    Jun-24       48       (8,190,555 )     (3,188 )

90-DAY Sterling Futures

    Sep-24       27       (4,605,795 )     954  

AUD/USD Currency Futures

    Sep-21       1,284       (94,001,639 )     2,430,327  

CAD Currency Futures

    Sep-21       240       (19,036,800 )     31,812  

Canadian 10-Year Bond Futures

    Dec-21       21       (2,432,315 )     (3,250 )

CHF Currency Futures

    Sep-21       16       (2,186,800 )     18,446  

Cocoa Futures ICE

    Dec-21       11       (265,718 )     (7,108 )

Corn Futures

    Dec-21       48       (1,282,200 )     12,700  

Dollar Index

    Sep-21       6       (555,810 )     (1,795 )

EUR Foreign Exchange Currency Futures

    Sep-21       1,664       (245,762,399 )     1,731,179  

Euro E-Mini Futures

    Sep-21       1       (73,847 )     (391 )

Euro STOXX 50

    Sep-21       125       (6,171,628 )     (103,174 )

Euro/JPY Futures

    Sep-21       50       (7,382,516 )     (17,043 )

Euro-Bund Futures

    Sep-21       849       (175,880,896 )     (2,295,411 )

Euro-Oat Futures

    Sep-21       319       (60,709,889 )     22,576  

FTSE China A50 Index

    Sep-21       169       (2,493,426 )     34,289  

Gasoline RBOB Futures

    Oct-21       2       (179,920 )     (10,030 )

Gasoline RBOB Futures

    Jan-22       1       (84,214 )     (2,155 )

GBP Currency Futures

    Sep-21       18       (1,547,775 )     45,200  

Gold 100 Oz Futures

    Dec-21       95       (17,271,950 )     (383,289 )

Hang Seng China Enterprises Index Futures

    Sep-21       98       (5,761,593 )     (144,006 )

Hang Seng Index Futures

    Sep-21       87       (17,707,319 )     (232,776 )

JPY Currency Futures

    Sep-21       1,495       (169,906,749 )     343,635  

JPY Currency Futures

    Dec-21       11       (1,251,044 )     3,110  

Lean Hogs Futures

    Dec-21       1       (32,780 )     160  

Lean Hogs Futures

    Feb-22       1       (33,360 )     220  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Sep-21       1,628       (110,419,099 )     (9,268,183 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Dec-21       407       (27,642,930 )     (849,817 )

LME Aluminum Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       12       (821,700 )     (89,375 )

LME Aluminum Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       14       (949,550 )     (83,013 )

LME Aluminum Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       6       (406,824 )     (49,549 )

LME Aluminum Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       (67,831 )     (4,974 )

LME Aluminum Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       (67,842 )     (4,984 )

LME Aluminum Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       (67,845 )     (4,745 )

LME Aluminum Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       (67,847 )     (4,422 )

LME Aluminum Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       4       (271,399 )     (15,995 )

LME Aluminum Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       5       (339,341 )     (27,799 )

LME Aluminum Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       9       (610,909 )     (44,910 )

LME Aluminum Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       6       (407,321 )     (29,682 )

LME Aluminum Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       5       (339,500 )     (34,750 )

LME Aluminum Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       1       (67,900 )     (6,688 )

LME Aluminum Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       8       (543,200 )     (31,490 )

LME Aluminum Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       5       (339,500 )     (17,691 )

LME Aluminum Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       3       (203,700 )     (10,302 )

LME Aluminum Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       1       (67,900 )     (2,834 )

LME Aluminum Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       9       (611,100 )     (26,054 )

LME Aluminum Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       1       (67,906 )     (3,206 )

LME Aluminum Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       2       (135,888 )     (5,963 )

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

21

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

Short Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-21       418     $ (99,538,862 )   $ 581,552  

LME Copper Forward

    Oct-21       1       (238,088 )     (7,673 )

LME Copper Forward

    Dec-21       99       (23,565,093 )     (492,113 )

LME Copper Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       3       (714,619 )     22,206  

LME Copper Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       (238,219 )     6,694  

LME Copper Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       3       (714,394 )     (3,056 )

LME Copper Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       3       (714,219 )     (35,144 )

LME Copper Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       2       (476,167 )     10,173  

LME Copper Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       (238,097 )     6,352  

LME Copper Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       1       (238,150 )     (3,763 )

LME Copper Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       2       (476,350 )     12,984  

LME Copper Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       2       (476,313 )     8,053  

LME Copper Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       1       (238,131 )     (7,594 )

LME Copper Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       2       (476,063 )     8,215  

LME Copper Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       5       (1,190,243 )     (16,755 )

LME Copper Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       2       (476,166 )     (3,916 )

LME Copper Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       2       (476,252 )     (3,990 )

LME Copper Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       2       (475,936 )     (8,723 )

LME Lead Forward

    Sep-21       160       (9,144,000 )     82,474  

LME Lead Forward

    Dec-21       3       (168,938 )     1,795  

LME Nickel Forward

    Sep-21       90       (10,566,450 )     (397,796 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Oct-21       3       (352,053 )     (6,014 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Dec-21       2       (234,552 )     (3,932 )

LME Nickel Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       2       (235,041 )     (17,443 )

LME Nickel Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       (117,471 )     (7,088 )

LME Nickel Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       2       (234,810 )     (22,830 )

LME Nickel Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       (117,351 )     (12,351 )

LME Nickel Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       4       (469,344 )     (38,741 )

LME Nickel Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       (117,313 )     (547 )

LME Nickel Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       2       (234,654 )     (18,750 )

LME Nickel Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       2       (234,658 )     (14,599 )

LME Nickel Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       3       (352,028 )     (9,740 )

LME Nickel Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       2       (234,688 )     (4,108 )

LME Nickel Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       1       (117,350 )     (6,140 )

LME Nickel Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       1       (117,329 )     (513 )

LME Nickel Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       1       (117,306 )     (1,175 )

LME Nickel Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       1       (117,316 )     (7,144 )

LME Nickel Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       2       (234,636 )     (4,044 )

LME Nickel Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       1       (117,321 )     (5,781 )

LME Nickel Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       1       (117,322 )     (2,014 )

LME Nickel Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       1       (117,300 )     (3,990 )

LME Nickel Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       2       (234,552 )     (12,522 )

LME Nickel Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       1       (117,276 )     (3,606 )

LME Palladium Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       3       (178,950 )     (13,125 )

LME Palladium Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       2       (118,750 )     (11,965 )

LME Palladium Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       (59,000 )     (4,213 )

LME Palladium Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       (58,025 )     (3,713 )

LME Palladium Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       (57,150 )     (2,688 )

LME Palladium Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       6       (341,862 )     (6,378 )

LME Palladium Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       (56,909 )     (2,672 )

LME Palladium Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       2       (113,779 )     (197 )

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

22

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

Short Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

LME Palladium Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1     $ (56,850 )   $ 2,464  

LME Palladium Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       2       (113,675 )     2,742  

LME Palladium Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       3       (170,438 )     6,018  

LME Palladium Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       3       (170,419 )     6,168  

LME Palladium Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       1       (56,688 )     1,750  

LME Palladium Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       4       (226,506 )     3,494  

LME Palladium Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       2       (113,350 )     2,363  

LME Palladium Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       1       (56,675 )     (25 )

LME Palladium Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       1       (56,653 )     907  

LME Palladium Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       2       (113,260 )     1,865  

LME Palladium Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       1       (56,379 )     797  

LME Silver Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       (171,025 )     (16,975 )

LME Silver Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       (171,935 )     (22,085 )

LME Silver Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       2       (343,410 )     (29,710 )

LME Silver Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       2       (341,930 )     (46,905 )

LME Silver Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       (170,985 )     (10,636 )

LME Silver Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       1       (170,985 )     2,179  

LME Silver Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       1       (170,660 )     1,960  

LME Silver Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       2       (340,850 )     8,396  

LME Silver Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       2       (340,670 )     (17,535 )

LME Silver Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       1       (170,106 )     (8,751 )

LME Silver Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       3       (509,149 )     (23,849 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Sep-21       194       (14,545,150 )     (94,030 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Dec-21       4       (300,575 )     (4,733 )

LME Zinc Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       2       (149,719 )     (9,069 )

LME Zinc Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       (74,917 )     (2,312 )

LME Zinc Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       (74,927 )     1,111  

LME Zinc Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       (74,969 )     (2,303 )

LME Zinc Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       8       (599,700 )     (21,263 )

LME Zinc Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       2       (149,956 )     (4,011 )

LME Zinc Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       (74,986 )     (2,351 )

LME Zinc Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       2       (149,979 )     (4,654 )

LME Zinc Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       (75,013 )     (1,250 )

LME Zinc Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       1       (75,043 )     (1,122 )

LME Zinc Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       1       (75,048 )     (1,692 )

LME Zinc Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       1       (75,050 )     (523 )

LME Zinc Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       2       (150,120 )     1,191  

LME Zinc Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       1       (75,050 )     (313 )

LME Zinc Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       3       (225,278 )     (1,678 )

LME Zinc Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       2       (150,192 )     1,109  

LME Zinc Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       1       (75,119 )     469  

LME Zinc Forward - 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       2       (150,088 )     (2,800 )

Long Gilt Futures

    Dec-21       130       (22,920,464 )     64,261  

Milk Futures

    Sep-21       2       (67,000 )     4,640  

Mini H-Shares Index Futures

    Sep-21       13       (152,859 )     (2,437 )

Mini HSI Index Futures

    Sep-21       20       (662,274 )     (12,748 )

MSCI Emerging Markets Index Futures

    Sep-21       18       (1,169,280 )     (40,550 )

New Zealand 3-Month Bank Bill Futures

    Dec-21       7       (488,916 )     1,099  

New Zealand 3-Month Bank Bill Futures

    Mar-22       8       (557,013 )     543  

Nikkei 225 (Osaka Securities Exchange)

    Sep-21       35       (8,965,141 )     (139,890 )

Nikkei 225 Mini

    Sep-21       27       (691,597 )     (16,984 )

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

23

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

Short Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

NY Harbor Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel Futures

    Oct-21       114     $ (10,199,398 )   $ (480,504 )

NZD Currency Futures

    Sep-21       4       (282,260 )     5,660  

Palladium Futures

    Dec-21       2       (494,200 )     (9,230 )

Platinum Futures

    Oct-21       174       (8,822,670 )     554,660  

Rough Rice Futures

    Nov-21       1       (26,770 )     110  

S&P 500 E-Mini Futures

    Sep-21       140       (31,643,499 )     (773,324 )

SGX Iron Ore 62% Futures

    Oct-21       12       (180,240 )     7,515  

Silver Futures

    Dec-21       140       (16,804,200 )     (141,515 )

Silver Futures

    Mar-22       1       (120,295 )     (2,030 )

Soybean Futures

    Nov-21       2       (129,250 )     3,063  

Soybean Meal Futures

    Dec-21       33       (1,140,480 )     44,950  

Soybean Meal Futures

    Jan-22       14       (485,800 )     15,400  

Soybean Oil Futures

    Dec-21       6       (211,500 )     3,564  

U.S. Treasury 10-Year Notes (Chicago Board of Trade)

    Dec-21       36       (4,804,313 )     (14,664 )

U.S. Treasury 5-Year Notes (Chicago Board of Trade)

    Dec-21       350       (43,301,562 )     (93,922 )

U.S. Treasury Long Bond (Chicago Board of Trade)

    Dec-21       19       (3,096,406 )     (4,609 )
                            $ (10,928,610 )

Total Futures Contracts

                          $ 16,328,340  

 

Forward foreign currency contracts outstanding as of August 31, 2021 were as follows:

 

Currency Purchased  Currency Sold  Expiration
Date
  Counterparty   Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 
AUD   200,000   JPY   16,117,636   Sep 01 2021   

BOA

   $(194)
AUD   30,851,527   USD   22,512,517   Sep 01 2021   

BOA

    57,044 
AUD   200,000   JPY   16,096,400   Sep 02 2021   

BOA

    (1)
AUD   26,765,877   USD   19,576,562   Sep 02 2021   

BOA

    4,228 
AUD   20,200,000   CAD   18,796,807   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

    (119,704)
AUD   10,038,778   EUR   6,250,000   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

    (37,298)
AUD   23,000,000   JPY   1,835,925,812   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

    137,121 
AUD   16,000,000   NZD   16,780,288   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

    (118,443)
AUD   8,400,000   USD   6,177,952   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

    (32,417)
AUD   6,533,000   USD   4,793,699   Sep 17 2021   

BOA

    (13,987)
AUD   35,088,000   USD   25,895,246   Oct 15 2021   

BOA

    (220,035)
BRL   11,581,689   USD   2,238,452   Sep 02 2021   

BOA

    891 
BRL   18,460,017   USD   3,600,000   Sep 15 2021   

BOA

    (36,915)
BRL   2,680,668   USD   500,000   Oct 04 2021   

BOA

    15,934 
CAD   33,144,639   AUD   35,800,000   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

    78,585 
CAD   22,003,665   EUR   14,750,000   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

    18,988 
CAD   14,200,000   JPY   1,231,166,000   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

    62,627 
CAD   10,100,000   USD   8,054,431   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

    (49,223)
CAD   22,834,000   USD   18,796,419   Sep 17 2021   

BOA

    (698,394)
CAD   42,174,000   USD   33,702,510   Oct 15 2021   

BOA

    (277,175)
CHF   13,002,753   USD   14,185,394   Sep 01 2021   

BOA

    13,969 
CHF   12,552,562   USD   13,705,723   Sep 02 2021   

BOA

    2,351 
CHF   15,953,347   EUR   14,875,000   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

    (141,257)
CHF   5,500,000   JPY   663,213,150   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

    (20,922)
CHF   5,375,000   USD   5,925,510   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

    (53,879)

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

24

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

Currency Purchased  Currency Sold  Expiration
Date
  Counterparty   Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 
CHF   7,026,000   USD   7,736,667   Sep 17 2021   

BOA

   $(60,854)
CHF   29,196,000   USD   31,784,270   Oct 15 2021   

BOA

    134,654 
CLP   233,054,000   USD   300,000   Sep 03 2021   

BOA

    1,129 
CLP   78,113,000   USD   100,000   Sep 07 2021   

BOA

    914 
CLP   156,254,000   USD   200,000   Sep 10 2021   

BOA

    1,839 
CLP   395,490,000   USD   500,000   Sep 13 2021   

BOA

    10,805 
CLP   1,252,932,450   USD   1,750,000   Sep 15 2021   

BOA

    (131,877)
CLP   391,120,000   USD   500,000   Sep 20 2021   

BOA

    5,014 
CLP   387,280,000   USD   500,000   Sep 27 2021   

BOA

    (89)
CLP   235,585,844   USD   300,000   Sep 30 2021   

BOA

    4,062 
CNH   1,000,000   USD   154,844   Sep 02 2021   

BOA

    75 
CNH   66,828,292   USD   10,300,000   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

    41,495 
CNH   157,429,358   USD   24,387,235   Sep 15 2021   

BOA

    (28,112)
CNH   6,500,000   USD   998,650   Dec 15 2021   

BOA

    98 
COP   3,149,575,325   USD   850,000   Sep 15 2021   

BOA

    (15,032)
CZK   145,393,602   EUR   5,700,000   Sep 15 2021   

BOA

    20,004 
EUR   100,000   GBP   85,727   Sep 01 2021   

BOA

    214 
EUR   1,500,000   SEK   15,237,284   Sep 01 2021   

BOA

    5,413 
EUR   74,296,356   USD   87,655,204   Sep 01 2021   

BOA

    71,777 
EUR   488,634   NOK   5,000,000   Sep 02 2021   

BOA

    1,879 
EUR   70,171,344   USD   82,858,323   Sep 02 2021   

BOA

    (499)
EUR   2,875,000   AUD   4,658,149   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

    (12,335)
EUR   6,750,000   CAD   10,189,307   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

    (103,669)
EUR   800,000   GBP   684,149   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

    4,237 
EUR   800,000   HUF   285,348,880   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

    (20,156)
EUR   5,600,000   JPY   726,040,204   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

    13,828 
EUR   1,000,000   PLN   4,559,209   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

    (9,298)
EUR   9,500,000   USD   11,267,348   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

    (47,040)
EUR   2,050,000   CZK   52,543,306   Sep 15 2021   

BOA

    (18,927)
EUR   4,300,000   HUF   1,534,520,451   Sep 15 2021   

BOA

    (110,717)
EUR   16,317,078   NOK   170,039,168   Sep 15 2021   

BOA

    (285,927)
EUR   8,469,395   PLN   38,727,373   Sep 15 2021   

BOA

    (108,219)
EUR   15,118,509   SEK   154,636,445   Sep 15 2021   

BOA

    (64,982)
EUR   7,479,000   USD   9,121,388   Sep 17 2021   

BOA

    (287,468)
EUR   5,631,000   USD   6,648,097   Oct 15 2021   

BOA

    6,751 
GBP   85,751   EUR   100,000   Sep 01 2021   

BOA

    (182)
GBP   21,976,875   USD   30,113,264   Sep 01 2021   

BOA

    101,759 
GBP   21,976,875   USD   30,245,015   Sep 02 2021   

BOA

    (29,963)
GBP   21,976,875   USD   30,223,038   Sep 03 2021   

BOA

    (7,956)
GBP   7,875,000   AUD   14,799,385   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

    (121)
GBP   1,500,000   CHF   1,885,775   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

    2,325 
GBP   9,886,800   EUR   11,600,000   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

    (107,302)
GBP   4,000,000   JPY   607,530,058   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

    (23,334)
GBP   6,125,000   USD   8,512,682   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

    (91,467)
GBP   14,168,000   USD   19,999,827   Sep 17 2021   

BOA

    (520,182)
GBP   3,513,000   USD   4,809,014   Oct 15 2021   

BOA

    21,313 
HUF   247,795,020   EUR   700,000   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

    11,260 
HUF   1,563,683,680   USD   5,200,000   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

    88,234 
HUF   4,245,237,056   EUR   12,100,000   Sep 15 2021   

BOA

    65,247 
HUF   1,150,500,000   USD   3,808,326   Oct 15 2021   

BOA

    79,312 
IDR   23,140,741,000   USD   1,600,000   Sep 30 2021   

BOA

    18,177 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

25

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

Currency Purchased  Currency Sold  Expiration
Date
  Counterparty   Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 
ILS   11,599,783   USD   3,600,000   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

   $16,372 
ILS   13,269,011   USD   4,100,000   Sep 17 2021   

BOA

    36,840 
INR   663,379,774   USD   8,900,000   Sep 07 2021   

BOA

    181,174 
INR   647,693,250   USD   8,700,000   Sep 13 2021   

BOA

    160,742 
INR   769,890,318   USD   10,400,000   Sep 15 2021   

BOA

    130,199 
INR   646,527,450   USD   8,700,000   Sep 20 2021   

BOA

    138,169 
INR   637,522,950   USD   8,700,000   Sep 27 2021   

BOA

    8,554 
INR   1,075,619,373   USD   14,500,000   Sep 30 2021   

BOA

    188,234 
INR   645,330,400   USD   8,800,000   Oct 01 2021   

BOA

    11,505 
JPY   16,037,534   AUD   200,000   Sep 01 2021   

BOA

    (534)
JPY   620,904,511   USD   5,650,751   Sep 01 2021   

BOA

    (6,894)
JPY   620,824,410   USD   5,642,832   Sep 02 2021   

BOA

    337 
JPY   1,201,865,220   AUD   15,200,000   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

    (194,638)
JPY   669,294,544   CAD   7,800,000   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

    (97,852)
JPY   180,162,250   CHF   1,500,000   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

    (785)
JPY   190,330,206   GBP   1,250,000   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

    11,629 
JPY   715,802,580   NZD   9,400,000   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

    (116,526)
JPY   2,240,642,000   USD   20,340,577   Sep 17 2021   

BOA

    29,133 
JPY   943,400,000   USD   8,600,280   Oct 15 2021   

BOA

    (21,779)
KRW   8,048,390,000   USD   7,000,000   Sep 07 2021   

BOA

    (59,220)
KRW   7,861,140,000   USD   6,800,000   Sep 13 2021   

BOA

    (21,189)
KRW   4,034,975,972   USD   3,600,000   Sep 15 2021   

BOA

    (120,647)
KRW   8,007,612,000   USD   6,800,000   Sep 23 2021   

BOA

    104,289 
KRW   8,051,831,000   USD   6,900,000   Sep 24 2021   

BOA

    42,332 
KRW   7,904,864,000   USD   6,800,000   Sep 27 2021   

BOA

    15,371 
MXN   71,000,000   USD   3,557,239   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

    (28,967)
MXN   200,223,000   USD   10,003,775   Sep 17 2021   

BOA

    (58,169)
MXN   320,790,000   USD   15,928,368   Oct 15 2021   

BOA

    (55,730)
NOK   5,000,000   EUR   488,636   Sep 02 2021   

BOA

    (1,882)
NOK   55,500,000   SEK   54,995,758   Sep 02 2021   

BOA

    10,452 
NOK   11,767,853   EUR   1,125,000   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

    24,838 
NOK   26,410,805   USD   3,000,000   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

    37,816 
NOK   178,097,447   EUR   17,478,118   Sep 15 2021   

BOA

    (158,512)
NZD   41,406,549   AUD   39,400,000   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

    351,625 
NZD   16,400,000   JPY   1,245,656,960   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

    232,301 
NZD   5,800,000   USD   4,067,621   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

    19,347 
NZD   18,330,000   USD   12,856,191   Sep 17 2021   

BOA

    60,037 
PHP   57,993,080   USD   1,200,000   Sep 15 2021   

BOA

    (34,692)
PHP   9,990,500   USD   200,000   Sep 30 2021   

BOA

    659 
PLN   15,705,160   EUR   3,476,843   Sep 15 2021   

BOA

    (6,003)
PLN   147,550,000   USD   37,807,078   Oct 15 2021   

BOA

    719,184 
RUB   524,851,129   USD   7,100,000   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

    49,640 
RUB   678,823,317   USD   9,200,000   Sep 15 2021   

BOA

    45,475 
RUB   133,912,696   USD   1,800,000   Sep 30 2021   

BOA

    19,125 
SEK   15,298,179   EUR   1,500,000   Sep 01 2021   

BOA

    1,643 
SEK   81,542,387   EUR   8,000,000   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

    1,617 
SEK   46,819,092   NOK   48,000,000   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

    (94,978)
SEK   32,627,279   USD   3,800,000   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

    (18,685)
SEK   169,541,200   EUR   16,767,223   Sep 15 2021   

BOA

    (154,943)
SEK   143,950,000   USD   16,564,783   Oct 15 2021   

BOA

    121,943 
SEK   1,000,000   EUR   98,276   Dec 15 2021   

BOA

    (312)

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

26

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

Currency Purchased  Currency Sold  Expiration
Date
  Counterparty   Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 
SGD   13,153,913   USD   9,792,380   Sep 02 2021   

BOA

   $(8,591)
SGD   16,507,012   USD   12,200,000   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

    77,475 
SGD   6,382,254   USD   4,800,000   Sep 15 2021   

BOA

    (53,055)
THB   89,769,288   USD   2,750,000   Sep 15 2021   

BOA

    34,901 
TRY   500,000   USD   60,117   Sep 01 2021   

BOA

    (25)
TRY   4,000,000   USD   463,207   Sep 15 2021   

BOA

    14,119 
TWD   72,529,600   USD   2,600,000   Sep 07 2021   

BOA

    17,103 
TWD   72,337,200   USD   2,600,000   Sep 13 2021   

BOA

    10,141 
TWD   82,641,851   USD   3,000,000   Sep 15 2021   

BOA

    (18,044)
TWD   16,701,000   USD   600,000   Sep 16 2021   

BOA

    2,619 
TWD   55,658,000   USD   2,000,000   Sep 22 2021   

BOA

    8,283 
TWD   55,824,000   USD   2,000,000   Sep 27 2021   

BOA

    14,260 
TWD   11,166,800   USD   400,000   Sep 30 2021   

BOA

    2,923 
TWD   55,420,000   USD   2,000,000   Oct 04 2021   

BOA

    (315)
USD   22,558,637   AUD   30,851,527   Sep 01 2021   

BOA

    (10,925)
USD   19,528,384   AUD   26,765,877   Sep 02 2021   

BOA

    (52,406)
USD   19,576,562   AUD   26,765,877   Sep 03 2021   

BOA

    (4,330)
USD   28,700,992   AUD   38,867,000   Sep 17 2021   

BOA

    264,887 
USD   6,199,706   AUD   8,586,000   Oct 15 2021   

BOA

    (82,993)
USD   2,213,349   BRL   11,581,689   Sep 02 2021   

BOA

    (25,994)
USD   1,600,000   BRL   8,450,802   Sep 15 2021   

BOA

    (31,143)
USD   300,000   BRL   1,588,545   Oct 04 2021   

BOA

    (5,739)
USD   1,917,281   CAD   2,400,000   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

    15,053 
USD   33,097,177   CAD   41,460,000   Sep 17 2021   

BOA

    236,348 
USD   5,637,780   CAD   7,137,000   Oct 15 2021   

BOA

    (18,706)
USD   14,270,079   CHF   13,002,753   Sep 01 2021   

BOA

    70,715 
USD   13,691,862   CHF   12,552,562   Sep 02 2021   

BOA

    (16,213)
USD   12,234,536   CHF   11,203,042   Sep 03 2021   

BOA

    (86)
USD   15,436,538   CHF   14,190,000   Sep 17 2021   

BOA

    (65,850)
USD   300,000   CLP   228,537,432   Sep 03 2021   

BOA

    4,707 
USD   100,000   CLP   77,697,000   Sep 07 2021   

BOA

    (377)
USD   200,000   CLP   156,396,288   Sep 10 2021   

BOA

    (2,023)
USD   500,000   CLP   391,247,288   Sep 13 2021   

BOA

    (5,326)
USD   3,550,000   CLP   2,718,093,482   Sep 15 2021   

BOA

    39,668 
USD   500,000   CLP   395,595,000   Sep 20 2021   

BOA

    (10,792)
USD   500,000   CLP   391,255,000   Sep 27 2021   

BOA

    (5,042)
USD   700,000   CLP   548,634,392   Sep 30 2021   

BOA

    (8,103)
USD   400,000   CLP   309,932,000   Oct 04 2021   

BOA

    44 
USD   154,844   CNH   1,000,000   Sep 02 2021   

BOA

    (75)
USD   3,000,000   CNH   19,483,915   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

    (15,082)
USD   7,593,905   CNH   49,334,876   Sep 15 2021   

BOA

    (39,705)
USD   2,650,000   COP   10,209,945,975   Sep 15 2021   

BOA

    (56,707)
USD   87,653,940   EUR   74,296,344   Sep 01 2021   

BOA

    (73,027)
USD   82,788,853   EUR   70,171,344   Sep 02 2021   

BOA

    (68,970)
USD   82,859,025   EUR   70,171,344   Sep 03 2021   

BOA

    (337)
USD   2,648,592   EUR   2,250,000   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

    (8,849)
USD   64,808,511   EUR   54,888,000   Sep 17 2021   

BOA

    (23,176)
USD   93,038,706   EUR   79,189,000   Oct 15 2021   

BOA

    (548,718)
USD   30,244,607   GBP   21,976,898   Sep 01 2021   

BOA

    29,553 
USD   30,222,599   GBP   21,976,875   Sep 02 2021   

BOA

    7,546 
USD   1,732,893   GBP   1,250,000   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

    14,277 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

27

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

Currency Purchased  Currency Sold  Expiration
Date
  Counterparty   Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 
USD   37,841,034   GBP   27,461,000   Sep 17 2021   

BOA

   $84,782 
USD   9,424,992   GBP   6,796,000   Oct 15 2021   

BOA

    80,585 
USD   1,700,000   HUF   512,316,270   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

    (32,606)
USD   1,300,000   ILS   4,248,855   Sep 17 2021   

BOA

    (24,653)
USD   8,900,000   INR   663,428,250   Sep 07 2021   

BOA

    (181,838)
USD   8,700,000   INR   649,037,400   Sep 13 2021   

BOA

    (179,130)
USD   3,650,000   INR   273,153,310   Sep 15 2021   

BOA

    (86,063)
USD   8,700,000   INR   648,371,850   Sep 20 2021   

BOA

    (163,383)
USD   8,700,000   INR   647,206,050   Sep 27 2021   

BOA

    (140,825)
USD   8,700,000   INR   637,940,550   Sep 30 2021   

BOA

    (11,465)
USD   8,800,000   INR   646,953,652   Oct 01 2021   

BOA

    (33,669)
USD   8,800,000   INR   645,752,800   Oct 04 2021   

BOA

    (14,655)
USD   5,653,443   JPY   620,824,410   Sep 01 2021   

BOA

    10,314 
USD   5,649,832   JPY   620,824,410   Sep 02 2021   

BOA

    6,662 
USD   5,642,643   JPY   620,824,410   Sep 03 2021   

BOA

    (567)
USD   7,561,347   JPY   825,000,000   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

    61,480 
USD   73,181,427   JPY   8,029,556,000   Sep 17 2021   

BOA

    184,612 
USD   137,108,183   JPY   15,130,300,000   Oct 15 2021   

BOA

    (474,268)
USD   7,000,000   KRW   8,091,819,023   Sep 07 2021   

BOA

    21,767 
USD   6,800,000   KRW   8,007,884,000   Sep 13 2021   

BOA

    (105,352)
USD   8,400,000   KRW   9,714,824,711   Sep 15 2021   

BOA

    22,922 
USD   6,800,000   KRW   7,935,532,000   Sep 23 2021   

BOA

    (42,140)
USD   6,900,000   KRW   8,133,363,384   Sep 24 2021   

BOA

    (112,629)
USD   6,800,000   KRW   7,979,908,148   Sep 27 2021   

BOA

    (80,072)
USD   2,000,000   KRW   2,340,671,950   Sep 30 2021   

BOA

    (17,995)
USD   6,800,000   KRW   7,906,156,000   Oct 05 2021   

BOA

    (15,897)
USD   2,189,102   MXN   44,509,000   Sep 17 2021   

BOA

    (21,777)
USD   21,934,419   NZD   31,612,000   Sep 17 2021   

BOA

    (340,965)
USD   47,098,173   NZD   66,879,000   Oct 15 2021   

BOA

    (23,275)
USD   1,900,000   PHP   94,997,758   Sep 15 2021   

BOA

    (8,876)
USD   200,000   PHP   10,078,400   Sep 30 2021   

BOA

    (2,424)
USD   6,200,000   PLN   23,782,323   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

    (9,425)
USD   2,361,158   PLN   9,170,000   Oct 15 2021   

BOA

    (33,188)
USD   13,100,000   RUB   971,124,500   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

    (128,875)
USD   2,150,000   RUB   160,381,715   Sep 15 2021   

BOA

    (34,376)
USD   7,086   SEK   60,896   Sep 01 2021   

BOA

    30 
USD   9,712,000   SGD   13,153,913   Sep 02 2021   

BOA

    (71,789)
USD   6,300,000   SGD   8,511,971   Sep 15 2021   

BOA

    (30,970)
USD   4,900,000   THB   157,558,463   Sep 15 2021   

BOA

    12,084 
USD   60,075   TRY   500,000   Sep 01 2021   

BOA

    (16)
USD   389,833   TRY   3,500,000   Sep 15 2021   

BOA

    (27,827)
USD   4,700,000   TRY   42,500,804   Nov 10 2021   

BOA

    (227,993)
USD   2,600,000   TWD   72,376,200   Sep 07 2021   

BOA

    (11,568)
USD   2,600,000   TWD   72,406,200   Sep 13 2021   

BOA

    (12,630)
USD   2,700,000   TWD   75,005,025   Sep 15 2021   

BOA

    (6,397)
USD   600,000   TWD   16,674,635   Sep 16 2021   

BOA

    (1,668)
USD   2,000,000   TWD   55,858,000   Sep 22 2021   

BOA

    (15,500)
USD   2,000,000   TWD   55,454,000   Sep 27 2021   

BOA

    (910)
USD   100,000   TWD   2,792,800   Sep 30 2021   

BOA

    (770)
USD   1,000,000   ZAR   15,400,900   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

    (58,126)
USD   3,223,268   ZAR   47,478,658   Sep 15 2021   

BOA

    (38,302)

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

28

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Concluded)

August 31, 2021

 

Currency Purchased  Currency Sold  Expiration
Date
  Counterparty   Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 
ZAR   76,868,762   USD   5,300,000   Sep 14 2021   

BOA

   $(18,698)
ZAR   69,414,029   USD   4,984,995   Sep 15 2021   

BOA

    (216,564)
ZAR   1,000,000   USD   67,869   Dec 15 2021   

BOA

    21 
Total Forward Foreign Currency Contracts                       $(4,255,313)

 

   

Put/Call

   

Counterparty

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value

 

PURCHASED OPTIONS - 0.0%

                                       

Euro Currency Futures, Expires 9/3/21, Strike Price $1.165

    Put       N/A       152       EUR 19,000,000     $ 950  

1-Year Euro, Expires 9/10/21, Strike Price $99.75

    Put       N/A       941       EUR 37,594,832       70,575  

IMM Eurodollar Futures, Expires 12/13/21, Strike Price $99.5

    Put       N/A       1,876       EUR 74,908,680       11,725  

IMM Eurodollar Futures, Expires 3/14/22, Strike Price $99.375

    Put       N/A       1,626       EUR 64,945,692       30,488  

TOTAL PURCHASED OPTIONS (COST $767,675)

                                  $ 113,738  
                                         

WRITTEN OPTIONS - (0.0%)

                                       

IMM Eurodollar Futures, Expires 3/14/22, Strike Price $99

    Put       N/A       (1,626 )     EUR 64,945,692     $ (10,163 )

IMM Eurodollar Futures, Expires 12/13/21, Strike Price $99.25

    Put       N/A       (1,876 )     EUR 74,908,680       (11,725 )

TOTAL WRITTEN OPTIONS (PREMIUMS RECEIVED $312,675)

                                  $ (21,888 )

 

AUD

Australian Dollar

 

JSE

Johannesburg Stock Exchange

BOA

Bank of America

 

KRW

Korean Won

BRL

Brazilian Real

 

LME

London Mercantile Exchange

BUXL

German Bond

 

MIB

Milano Indice di Borsa

CAD

Canadian Dollar

 

MXN

Mexican Peso

CHF

Swiss Franc

 

NOK

Norwegian Krone

CLP

Chilean Peso

 

NZD

New Zealand Dollar

CNH

Chinese Yuan Renminbi

 

OMX

Stockholm Stock Exchange

COP

Colombian Peso

 

PHP

Philippine Peso

CZK

Czech Koruna

 

PLN

Polish Zloty

DAX

German Stock Exchange

 

RBOB

Reformulated Blendstock for Oxygenate Blending

DJIA

Dow Jones Industrial Average

 

RUB

Russian Ruble

EUR

Euro

 

SEK

Swedish Krona

FTSE

Financial Times Stock Exchange

 

SGD

Singapore Dollar

GBP

British Pound

 

THB

Thai Baht

HUF

Hungarian Forint

 

TRY

Turkish Lira

IBEX

Index of the Bolsa de Madrid

 

TSX

Toronto Stock Exchange

ICE

Intercontinental Exchange

 

TWD

Taiwan Dollar

ILS

Israeli New Shekel

 

USD

United States Dollar

INR

Indian Rupee

 

WTI

West Texas Intermediate

JPY

Japanese Yen

 

ZAR

South African Rand

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

29

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Statement of Assets And Liabilities

August 31, 2021

 

ASSETS

       

Investments, at value (cost $973,056,064)

  $ 972,369,471  

Foreign currency deposits with broker for futures contracts (cost $8,963,398)

    9,120,031  

Deposits with broker for forward foreign currency contracts

    40,786,411  

Deposits with broker for futures contracts

    124,324,784  

Receivables for:

       

Capital shares sold

    3,276,570  

Interest and dividends receivable

    145  

Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency contracts

    5,224,016  

Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts

    41,993,458  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

    98,649  

Total assets

    1,197,193,535  
         

LIABILITIES

       

Options written, at value (premiums received $312,675)

    21,888  

Payables for:

       

Advisory fees

    1,628,718  

Capital shares redeemed

    541,493  

Administration and accounting services fees

    69,682  

Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency contracts

    9,479,329  

Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts

    25,665,118  

Other accrued expenses and liabilities

    154,768  

Total liabilities

    37,560,996  

Net assets

  $ 1,159,632,539  
         

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

       

Par value

  $ 96,107  

Paid-in capital

    1,244,740,709  

Total distributable earnings/(losses)

    (85,204,277 )

Net assets

  $ 1,159,632,539  
         

CLASS A SHARES:

       

Net assets

  $ 21,394,771  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    1,790,345  

Net asset value and redemption price per share

  $ 11.95  

Maximum offering price per share (100/94.25 of $12.45)

  $ 12.68  
         

CLASS I SHARES:

       

Net assets

  $ 1,132,714,169  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 300,000,000 shares authorized)

    93,840,695  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

  $ 12.07  
         

CLASS C SHARES:

       

Net assets

  $ 5,523,599  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    476,263  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

  $ 11.60  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

30

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Statement of Operations

For the Year Ended August 31, 2021

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

       

Interest

  $ 116,130  

Total investment income

    116,130  

EXPENSES

       

Advisory fees (Note 2)

    17,928,589  

Administration and accounting services fees (Note 2)

    453,081  

Directors fees

    133,687  

Transfer agent fees (Note 2)

    131,069  

Legal fees

    128,364  

Officers fees

    72,202  

Audit and tax service fees

    69,880  

Registration and filing fees

    69,544  

Custodian fees (Note 2)

    52,886  

Printing and shareholder reporting fees

    46,397  

Distribution fees (Class A Shares) (Note 2)

    41,611  

Distribution fees (Class C Shares) (Note 2)

    40,546  

Other expenses

    75,919  

Total expenses before waivers and/or reimbursements

    19,243,775  

Less: waivers and/or reimbursements (Note 2)

    (1,020,929 )

Net expenses after waivers and/or reimbursements

    18,222,846  

Net investment income/(loss)

    (18,106,716 )

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS

       

Net realized gain/(loss) from:

       

Investments

    (963,689 )

Futures contracts

    89,805,968  

Foreign currency transactions

    (84,928 )

Forward foreign currency contracts

    (2,993,782 )

Written options

    258,550  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:

       

Investments

    (376,395 )

Futures contracts

    8,407,182  

Foreign currency translations

    (6,728 )

Forward foreign currency contracts

    (7,627,350 )

Written options

    118,969  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    86,537,797  

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 68,431,081  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

31

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2021

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2020

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ (18,106,716 )   $ (6,047,474 )

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments, futures contracts, foreign currency transactions, forward foreign currency contracts and written options

    86,022,119       20,349,434  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments, futures contracts, foreign currency translations, forward foreign currency contracts and written options

    515,678       (21,238,500 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    68,431,081       (6,936,540 )

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (13,983,998 )     (55,609,182 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (13,983,998 )     (55,609,182 )

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Class A Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    12,728,012       11,637,864  

Proceeds from reinvestment of distributions

    162,829       842,070  

Shares redeemed

    (6,757,552 )     (9,326,005 )

Total from Class A Shares

    6,133,289       3,153,929  

Class I Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    441,183,123       550,575,119  

Proceeds from reinvestment of distributions

    7,562,347       27,643,486  

Shares redeemed

    (253,394,878 )     (340,759,738 )

Total from Class I Shares

    195,350,592       237,458,867  

Class C Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    1,494,157       1,689,269  

Proceeds from reinvestment of distributions

    48,938       272,687  

Shares redeemed

    (1,457,804 )     (897,578 )

Total from Class C Shares

    85,291       1,064,378  

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

    201,569,172       241,677,174  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    256,016,255       179,131,452  

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    903,616,284       724,484,832  

End of period

  $ 1,159,632,539     $ 903,616,284  

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

32

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets (Concluded)

 

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2021

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2020

 

SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Class A Shares

               

Shares sold

    1,071,456       1,030,370  

Shares reinvested

    14,551       78,405  

Shares redeemed

    (578,862 )     (824,612 )

Total Class A Shares

    507,145       284,163  

Class I Shares

               

Shares sold

    37,193,765       48,875,127  

Shares reinvested

    669,827       2,554,851  

Shares redeemed

    (21,694,016 )     (30,121,088 )

Total Class I Shares

    16,169,576       21,308,890  

Class C Shares

               

Shares sold

    132,823       154,982  

Shares reinvested

    4,481       25,921  

Shares redeemed

    (130,069 )     (82,318 )

Total Class C Shares

    7,235       98,585  

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    16,683,956       21,691,638  

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

33

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for Class A Shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the consolidated financial statements.

 

 

   

Class A Shares

 
   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2021

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2020

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2019

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2018

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2017

 

Per Share Operating Performance

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 11.28     $ 12.45     $ 11.28     $ 11.15     $ 11.77  

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    (0.24 )     (0.11 )     (0.01 )     (0.07 )     (0.18 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    1.07       (0.14 )     1.18       0.20       (0.44 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    0.83       (0.25 )     1.17       0.13       (0.62 )

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

    (0.16 )     (0.64 )                  

Net realized capital gains

          (0.28 )                  

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.16 )     (0.92 )                  

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 11.95     $ 11.28     $ 12.45     $ 11.28     $ 11.15  

Total investment return/(loss)(2)

    7.42 %     (1.64 )%     10.37 %     1.08 %     (5.18 )%

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 21,395     $ 14,469     $ 12,434     $ 15,539     $ 15,401  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and/or reimbursements (including interest expense)(3)

    2.04 %     2.04 %     2.04 %     2.04 %     2.14 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and/or reimbursements (excluding interest expense)(3)

    2.04 %     2.04 %     2.04 %     2.04 %     2.14 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and/or reimbursements (including interest expense)(3)

    2.14 %     2.15 %     2.14 %     2.13 %     2.28 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    (2.03 )%     (0.98 )%     (0.05 )%     (0.65 )%     (1.60 )%

Portfolio turnover rate(4)

    0 %     0 %     0 %     0 %     0 %

 

 

(1)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.

(2)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each year reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any. Total return does not reflect any applicable sales charge.

(3)

Effective February 28, 2017, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired Fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) to 2.04% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A Shares. Prior to February 28, 2017, the contractual fee waiver limited total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) to 2.24% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A Shares.

(4)

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

34

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Financial Highlights (Continued)

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for Class I Shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the consolidated financial statements.

 

 

   

Class I Shares

 
   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2021

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2020

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2019

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2018

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2017

 

Per Share Operating Performance

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 11.38     $ 12.55     $ 11.36     $ 11.20     $ 11.80  

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    (0.21 )     (0.09 )     0.02       (0.05 )     (0.15 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    1.08       (0.14 )     1.19       0.21       (0.45 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    0.87       (0.23 )     1.21       0.16       (0.60 )

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

    (0.18 )     (0.66 )     (0.02 )            

Net realized capital gains

          (0.28 )                  

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.18 )     (0.94 )     (0.02 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 12.07     $ 11.38     $ 12.55     $ 11.36     $ 11.20  

Total investment return/(loss)(2)

    7.74 %     (1.39 )%     10.63 %     1.34 %     (5.00 )%

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 1,132,714     $ 883,997     $ 707,564     $ 913,437     $ 772,413  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and/or reimbursements (including interest expense)(3)

    1.79 %     1.79 %     1.79 %     1.79 %     1.89 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and/or reimbursements (excluding interest expense)(3)

    1.79 %     1.79 %     1.79 %     1.79 %     1.89 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and/or reimbursements (including interest expense)(3)

    1.89 %     1.90 %     1.89 %     1.88 %     2.03 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    (1.78 )%     (0.73 )%     0.20 %     (0.40 )%     (1.35 )%

Portfolio turnover rate(4)

    0 %     0 %     0 %     0 %     0 %

 

 

(1)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.

(2)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(3)

Effective February 28, 2017, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired Fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) to 1.79% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares. Prior to February 28, 2017, the contractual fee waiver limited total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) to 1.99% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares.

(4)

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

35

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Financial Highlights (Concluded)

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for Class C Shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the consolidated financial statements.

 

 

   

Class C Shares

 
   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2021

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2020

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2019

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2018

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2017

 

Per Share Operating Performance

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.98     $ 12.11     $ 11.06     $ 11.01     $ 11.71  

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    (0.32 )     (0.19 )     (0.08 )     (0.16 )     (0.26 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    1.05       (0.14 )     1.13       0.21       (0.44 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    0.73       (0.33 )     1.05       0.05       (0.70 )

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

    (0.11 )     (0.52 )                  

Net realized capital gains

          (0.28 )                  

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.11 )     (0.80 )                  

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 11.60     $ 10.98     $ 12.11     $ 11.06     $ 11.01  

Total investment return/(loss)(2)

    6.72 %     (2.40 )%     9.49 %     0.36 %     (5.89 )%

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 5,524     $ 5,151     $ 4,487     $ 8,481     $ 9,462  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and/or reimbursements (including interest expense)(3)

    2.79 %     2.79 %     2.79 %     2.79 %     2.89 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and/or reimbursements (excluding interest expense)(3)

    2.79 %     2.79 %     2.79 %     2.79 %     2.89 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and/or reimbursements (including interest expense)(3)

    2.89 %     2.90 %     2.89 %     2.88 %     3.03 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    (2.78 )%     (1.73 )%     (0.80 )%     (1.40 )%     (2.35 )%

Portfolio turnover rate(4)

    0 %     0 %     0 %     0 %     0 %

 

 

(1)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.

(2)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(3)

Effective February 28, 2017, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired Fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) to 2.79% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class C Shares. Prior to February 28, 2017, the contractual fee waiver limited total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) to 2.99% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class C Shares.

(4)

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

36

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements

August 31, 2021

 

1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

 

The RBB Fund, Inc. (“RBB” or the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland on February 29, 1988 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. RBB is a “series fund,” which is a mutual fund divided into separate portfolios. Each portfolio is treated as a separate entity for certain matters under the 1940 Act, and for other purposes, and a shareholder of one portfolio is not deemed to be a shareholder of any other portfolio. Currently, RBB has thirty-nine separate investment portfolios, including the Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund (the “Fund”), which commenced investment operations on July 1, 2014. The Fund is authorized to offer four classes of shares, Class A Shares, Class I Shares, Class C Shares and Class T Shares. Class A Shares are sold subject to a front-end maximum sales charge of 5.75%. Front-end sales charges may be reduced or waived under certain circumstances. Class T Shares are not currently available for sale.

 

RBB has authorized capital of one hundred billion shares of common stock of which 88.223 billion shares are currently classified into one hundred and ninety-three classes of common stock. Each class represents an interest in an active or inactive RBB investment portfolio.

 

The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by allocating its assets between a “Managed Futures” strategy and a “Fixed Income” strategy.

 

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

 

The end of the reporting period for the Fund is August 31, 2021, and the period covered by these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements is the fiscal period ended August 31, 2021 (the “current fiscal period”).

 

CONSOLIDATION OF SUBSIDIARIES – The Managed Futures strategy is achieved by the Fund investing up to 25% of its total assets in Abbey Capital Master Offshore Fund Limited (the “Cayman Subsidiary”), a wholly-owned and controlled subsidiary of the Fund organized under the acts of the Cayman Islands. The Cayman Subsidiary invests all or substantially all of its assets in segregated portfolios of the Abbey Capital Offshore Fund SPC (the “SPC”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Cayman Subsidiary organized under the acts of the Cayman Islands. The Cayman Subsidiary serves solely as an intermediate entity through which the Fund invests in the SPC and makes no independent investment decisions and has no investment or other discretion over the Fund’s investable assets.

 

The Fund may also invest a portion of its assets in segregated series of another wholly-owned subsidiary of the Fund, the Abbey Capital Onshore Series LLC (the “Onshore Subsidiary”), a Delaware series limited liability company.

 

The consolidated financial statements of the Fund include the financial statements of the Cayman Subsidiary, the Onshore Subsidiary and SPC. The Fund consolidates the results of subsidiaries in which the Fund holds a controlling financial interest. All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated. As of the end of the reporting period, the net assets of the Cayman Subsidiary and SPC were $242,663,652, which represented 20.93% of the Fund’s net assets. As of the end of the reporting period, the net assets of the Onshore Subsidiary were $260,833,725, which represented 22.49% of the Fund’s net assets.

 

Portfolio Valuation — The Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. Securities held by the Fund are valued using the closing price or the last sale price on a national securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System (“NASDAQ”) market system where they are primarily traded. Fixed income securities are valued using an independent pricing service, which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings, and are deemed representative of market values at the close of the market. Forward exchange contracts are valued by interpolating between spot and forward currency rates as quoted by an independent pricing service. Futures contracts are generally valued using the settlement price determined by the relevant exchange. Options for which the primary market is a national securities exchange are valued at the last sale price on the exchange on which they are traded, or, in the absence of any sale, will be valued at the mean of the last bid and ask prices

 

37

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

prior to the market close. Options not traded on a national securities exchange are valued at the last quoted bid price for long option positions and the closing ask price for short option positions. If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable, securities will be valued in accordance with procedures adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). Relying on prices supplied by pricing services or dealers or using fair valuation may result in values that are higher or lower than the values used by other investment companies and investors to price the same investments.

 

Fair Value Measurements — The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the Fund’s investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:

 

 

● Level 1 –

Prices are determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.

 

 

● Level 2 –

Prices are determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

 

● Level 3 –

Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

 

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used, as of the end of the reporting period, in valuing the Fund’s investments carried at fair value:

 

 

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

 

Short-Term Investments

  $ 972,255,733     $ 972,255,733     $     $  

Commodity Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

    24,683,651       24,683,651              

Equity Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

    8,529,907       8,529,907              

Foreign Currency Contracts

                               

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

    5,224,016             5,224,016        

Futures Contracts

    4,817,635       4,817,635              

Purchased Options

    950       950              

Interest Rate Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

    3,962,265       3,962,265              

Purchased Options

    112,788       112,788              

Total Assets

  $ 1,019,586,945     $ 1,014,362,929     $ 5,224,016     $  

 

38

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

 

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

 

Commodity Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

  $ (18,171,685 )   $ (18,171,685 )   $     $  

Equity Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

    (1,738,723 )     (1,738,723 )            

Foreign Currency Contracts

                               

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

    (9,479,329 )           (9,479,329 )      

Futures Contracts

    (691,747 )     (691,747 )            

Interest Rate Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

    (5,062,963 )     (5,062,963 )            

Written Options

    (21,888 )     (21,888 )            

Total Liabilities

  $ (35,166,335 )   $ (25,687,006 )   $ (9,479,329 )   $  

 

At the end of each quarter, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities. Various factors are considered, such as changes in liquidity from the prior reporting period; whether or not a broker is willing to execute at the quoted price; the depth and consistency of prices from third party pricing services; and the existence of contemporaneous, observable trades in the market. Additionally, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities on a quarterly basis for changes in listings or delistings on national exchanges.

 

Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Fund’s investments may fluctuate from period to period. Additionally, the fair value of investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for such investments and may differ materially from the values the Fund may ultimately realize. Further, such investments may be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities.

 

For fair valuations using significant unobservable inputs, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires the Fund to present a reconciliation of the beginning to ending balances for reported market values that presents changes attributable to total realized and unrealized gains or losses, purchase and sales, and transfers in and out of Level 3 during the period. Transfers in and out between levels are based on values at the end of the period. A reconciliation of Level 3 investments is presented only when the Fund had an amount of Level 3 investments at the end of the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets. The amounts and reasons for all Level 3 transfers are disclosed if the Fund had an amount of total Level 3 transfers during the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets as of the end of the reporting period.

 

During the current fiscal period, the Fund had no Level 3 transfers.

 

Disclosures about Derivative instruments and Hedging Activities — Derivative instruments are defined as financial instruments whose value and performance are based on the value and performance of another security or financial instrument. Derivative instruments that the Fund used during the period include options, forward foreign currency contracts and futures contracts.

 

During the current fiscal period, the Fund used long and short contracts on U.S. and foreign equity market indices, U.S. and foreign government bonds, foreign currencies, interest rates and commodities (through investment in the Abbey Capital Master Offshore Fund Limited and the SPC), to gain investment exposure in accordance with its investment objective.

 

The following tables provide quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of, and gains and losses on, the Fund’s derivative instruments as of and for the current fiscal period.

 

39

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

The following tables list the fair values and location on the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities of the Fund’s derivative holdings as of the end of the reporting period, grouped by derivative type and primary risk exposure category by contract type.

 

Derivative Type

 

Consolidated
Statement
of Assets and
Liabilities
Location

   

Equity
Contracts

   

Interest
Rate
Contracts

   

Foreign
Currency
Contracts

   

Commodity
Contracts

   

Total

 

Asset Derivatives

Purchased Options

    Investments, at value     $     $ 112,788     $ 950     $     $ 113,738  

Forward Contracts (a)

    Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency contracts                   5,224,016             5,224,016  

Futures Contracts (a)

    Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts       8,529,907       3,962,265       4,817,635       24,683,651       41,993,458  

Total Value- Assets

          $ 8,529,907     $ 4,075,053     $ 10,042,601     $ 24,683,651     $ 47,331,212  
                                                 

Liability Derivatives

Written Options

    Options written, at value     $     $ (21,888 )   $     $     $ (21,888 )

Forward Contracts (a)

    Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency contracts                   (9,479,329 )           (9,479,329 )

Futures Contracts (a)

    Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts       (1,738,723 )     (5,062,963 )     (691,747 )     (18,171,685 )     (25,665,118 )

Total Value- Liabilities

          $ (1,738,723 )   $ (5,084,851 )   $ (10,171,076 )   $ (18,171,685 )   $ (35,166,335 )

 

(a)

This amount represents the cumulative appreciation/(depreciation) of forwards and futures contracts as reported on the Consolidated Portfolio of Investments.

 

The following table lists the amounts of realized gains/(losses) included in net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations during the current fiscal period, grouped by derivative type and primary risk exposure category by contract type.

 

Derivative Type

 

Consolidated
Statement of
Operations
Location

   

Equity
Contracts

   

Interest
Rate
Contracts

   

Foreign
Currency
Contracts

   

Commodity
Contracts

   

Total

 

Realized Gain/(Loss)

Purchased Options

    Net realized gain/(loss) from investments     $     $     $ (303,188 )   $ (469,916 )   $ (773,104 )

Futures Contracts

    Net realized gain/(loss) from futures contracts       41,130,309       (14,471,749 )     (11,360,857 )     74,508,265       89,805,968  

Forward Contracts

    Net realized gain/(loss) from forward foreign currency contracts                   (2,993,782 )           (2,993,782 )

Written Options

    Net realized gain/(loss) from written options                   203,024       55,526       258,550  

Total Realized Gain/(Loss)

  $ 41,130,309     $ (14,471,749 )   $ (14,454,803 )   $ 74,093,875     $ 86,297,632  

 

40

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

The following table lists the amounts of change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) included in net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations during the current fiscal period, grouped by derivative type and primary risk exposure category by contract type.

 

Derivative Type

 

Consolidated
Statement of
Operations
Location

   

Equity
Contracts

   

Interest
Rate
Contracts

   

Foreign
Currency
Contracts

   

Commodity
Contracts

   

Total

 

Change in Unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation)

Purchased Options

    Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments     $     $ (267,262 )   $ (67,450 )   $     $ (334,712 )

Futures Contracts

    Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on futures contracts       977,125       (1,225,118 )     3,234,413       5,420,762       8,407,182  

Forward Contracts

    Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on forward foreign currency contracts                   (7,627,350 )           (7,627,350 )

Written Options

    Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on written options             118,969                   118,969  

Total Change in Unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation)

  $ 977,125     $ (1,373,411 )   $ (4,460,387 )   $ 5,420,762     $ 564,089  

 

During the current fiscal period, the Fund’s quarterly average volume of derivatives was as follows:

 

Purchased
Options
(Cost)

Written
Options
(Proceeds)

Long Futures
Notional
Amount

Short Futures
Notional
Amount

Forward Foreign
Currency
Contracts — Payable
(Value at Trade Date)

Forward Foreign
Currency
Contracts —
Receivable
(Value at Trade Date)

$749,613

$(343,803)

$4,679,396,901

$(2,005,058,535)

$(2,107,399,957)

$2,107,866,557

 

For financial reporting purposes, the Fund does not offset fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments and fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral (receivables) or the obligation to return cash collateral (payables) arising from derivative instruments recognized at fair value executed with the same counterparty under a master netting arrangement.

 

41

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

The following is a summary of financial and derivative instruments that are subject to enforceable master netting agreements (or similar arrangements) and collateral received and pledged in connection with the master netting agreements (or similar arrangements).

 

           

Gross Amount Not
Offset in Consolidated
Statement of
Assets and Liabilities

                           

Gross Amount Not
Offset in Consolidated
Statement of
Assets and Liabilities

         

Description

 

Gross Amount
Presented
in the
Consolidated
Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Collateral
Received

   

Net
Amount
(1)

           

Gross Amount
Presented
in the
Consolidated
Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Collateral
Pledged
(2)

   

Net
Amount
(3)

 
   

Assets

           

Liabilities

 

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

  $ 5,224,016     $ (5,224,016 )   $     $             $ 9,479,329     $ (5,224,016 )   $ (4,255,313 )   $  

 

 
 

(1)

Net amount represents the net amount receivable from the counterparty in the event of default.

 

 

(2)

Actual collateral pledged may be more than the amount shown.

 

 

(3)

Net amount represents the net amount payable to the counterparty in the event of default.

 

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

 

Investment Transactions, Investment Income and Expenses — The Fund records security transactions based on trade date for financial reporting purposes. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method for both financial reporting and income tax purposes in determining realized gains and losses on investments. Interest income (including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts) is accrued when earned. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. The Fund’s investment income, expenses (other than class specific expenses) and unrealized and realized gains and losses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class at the beginning of the day. Certain expenses are shared with PENN Capital Funds Trust (the “Trust”), a series trust of affiliated funds. Expenses incurred on behalf of a specific class, fund or fund family of the Company or Trust are charged directly to the class, fund or fund family (in proportion to net assets). Expenses incurred for all funds (such as director or professional fees) are charged to all funds in proportion to their average net assets of RBB and the Trust, or in such other manner as the Board deems fair or equitable. Expenses and fees, including investment advisory and administration fees, are accrued daily and taken into account for the purpose of determining the NAV of the Fund.

 

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders — Dividends from net investment income and distributions from net realized capital gains, if any, are declared and paid at least annually to shareholders and recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income dividends and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

 

U.S. Tax Status — No provision is made for U.S. income taxes as it is the Fund’s intention to continue to qualify for and elect the tax treatment applicable to regulated investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and make the requisite distributions to its shareholders which will be sufficient to relieve it from U.S. income and excise taxes.

 

42

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

The Cayman Subsidiary is registered as an “exempted company” and the SPC as an “exempted segregated portfolio company” pursuant to the Companies Act (Revised) of the Cayman Islands (as amended). Each of the Cayman Subsidiary and the SPC has received an undertaking from the Governor in Cabinet of the Cayman Islands to the effect that, for a period of twenty years from the date of the undertaking, no act that thereafter is enacted in the Cayman Islands imposing any tax or duty to be levied on profits, income or on gains or appreciation, or any tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax, will apply to any property comprised in or any income arising under the Cayman Subsidiary or the SPC, or to the shareholders thereof, in respect of any such property or income. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Cayman Subsidiary is treated as a “controlled foreign corporation.” The SPC is treated as an entity disregarded from its owner, the Cayman Subsidiary, for U.S. income tax purposes. The Onshore Subsidiary is treated as an entity disregarded from its owner, the Fund, for U.S. income tax purposes.

 

Foreign Currency Translation — Assets and liabilities initially expressed in non-U.S. currencies are translated into U.S. dollars based on the applicable exchange rates at the date of the last business day of the financial statement period. Purchases and sales of securities, interest income, dividends, variation margin received and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect on the transaction date.

 

The Fund does not separately report the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates from changes in market prices of securities held. Such changes are included with the net realized gain or loss and change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Other foreign currency transactions resulting in realized and unrealized gain or loss are reported separately as net realized gain or loss and change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on foreign currencies in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

 

Currency Risk —Investment in foreign securities involves currency risk associated with securities that trade or are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and which may be affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates. An increase in the strength of the U.S. dollar relative to a foreign currency may cause the U.S. dollar value of an investment in that country to decline. Foreign currencies also are subject to risks caused by inflation, interest rates, budget deficits and low savings rates, political factors and government controls. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts may limit potential gains from a favorable change in value between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. Unanticipated changes in currency pricing may result in poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not engaged in these contracts.

 

Commodity Sector Risk — Exposure to the commodities markets may subject the Fund to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. The value of commodity-linked derivative instruments may be affected by changes in overall market movements, commodity index volatility, changes in interest rates or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs and international economic, political and regulatory developments. The prices of energy, industrial metals, precious metals, agriculture and livestock sector commodities may fluctuate widely due to factors such as changes in value, supply and demand and governmental regulatory policies. The commodity-linked securities in which the Fund invests may be issued by companies in the financial services sector, and events affecting the financial services sector may cause the Fund’s share value to fluctuate.

 

Foreign Securities Market Risk — A substantial portion of the trades of the Fund are expected to take place on markets or exchanges outside the United States. There is no limit to the amount of assets of the Fund that may be committed to trading on foreign markets. The risk of loss in trading foreign futures and options on futures contracts can be substantial. Participation in foreign futures and options on futures contracts involves the execution and clearing of trades on, or subject to the rules of, a foreign board of trade or exchange. Some of these foreign markets, in contrast to U.S. exchanges, are so-called principals’ markets in which performance is the responsibility only of the individual counterparty with whom the trader has entered into a commodity interest transaction and not of the exchange or clearing corporation. In these kinds of markets, there is risk of bankruptcy or other failure or refusal to perform by the counterparty.

 

43

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

Counterparty Risk — The derivative contracts entered into by the Fund, the SPC or Onshore Subsidiary may be privately negotiated in the over-the-counter market. These contracts also involve exposure to credit risk, since contract performance depends in part on the financial condition of the counterparty. Relying on a counterparty exposes the Fund to the risk that a counterparty will not settle a transaction in accordance with its terms and conditions because of a dispute over the terms of the contract (whether or not bona fide) or because of a credit or liquidity problem, thus causing the Fund to suffer a loss. If a counterparty defaults on its payment obligations to the Fund, this default will cause the value of an investment in the Fund to decrease.

 

Credit Risk — Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer of the security or a counterparty in respect of a derivative instrument will not be able to satisfy its payment obligations to the Fund when due. Changes in an issuer’s credit rating or the market’s perception of an issuer’s creditworthiness may also affect the value of the Fund’s investment in that issuer. Securities rated in the four highest categories by the rating agencies are considered investment grade, but they may also have some speculative characteristics. Investment grade ratings do not guarantee that bonds will not lose value or default. In addition, the credit quality of securities may be lowered if an issuer’s financial condition changes.

 

Coronavirus (Covid-19) Pandemic — The global outbreak of COVID-19 (commonly referred to as “coronavirus”) has disrupted economic markets and the prolonged economic impact is uncertain. Although vaccines for COVID-19 are becoming more widely available, the ultimate economic fallout from the pandemic, and the long-term impact on economies, markets, industries and individual companies are not known. The operational and financial performance of individual companies and the market in general depends on future developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak and the pace of recovery which may vary from market to market, and such uncertainty may in turn adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments, impair the Fund’s ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the Fund’s performance.

 

Options — An option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right, in exchange for a premium, to assume a position in a futures contract at a specified exercise price during the term of the option. The Fund may use futures contracts and related options for: bona fide hedging; attempting to offset changes in the value of securities held or expected to be acquired or be disposed of; attempting to minimize fluctuations in foreign currencies; attempting to gain exposure to a particular market, index or instrument; or other risk management purposes. The risk associated with purchasing an option is that the Fund pays a premium whether or not the option is exercised. Additionally, the Fund bears the risk of loss of premium and change in market value should the counterparty not perform under the contract. Put and call options are accounted for in the same manner as other securities owned. The cost of securities acquired through the exercise of call options is increased by the premiums paid. The proceeds from securities sold through the exercise of put options are decreased by the premiums paid.

 

Options Written — The Fund may enter into options written for: bona fide hedging; attempting to offset changes in the value of securities held or expected to be acquired or be disposed of; attempting to minimize fluctuations in foreign currencies; attempting to gain exposure to a particular market, index or instrument; or other risk management purposes. Such options may relate to particular securities or domestic stock indices, and may or may not be listed on exchanges regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission or on other non-U.S. exchanges. An option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a position in the contract (a long position if the option is a call and a short position if the option is a put) at a specified exercise price at any time during the option exercise period. The writer of the option is required upon exercise to assume a short futures position (if the option is a call) or a long futures position (if the option is a put). Upon exercise of the option, the accumulated cash balance in the writer’s futures margin account is delivered to the holder of the option. That balance represents the amount by which the market price of the futures contract at exercise exceeds, in the case of a call, or is less than, in the case of a put, the exercise price of the option. The maximum risk of loss associated with writing put options is limited to the exercised fair value of the option contract. The maximum risk of loss associated with writing call options is potentially unlimited. The Fund also has the additional risk of being unable to enter into a closing transaction at an acceptable price if a liquid secondary market does not exist. The Fund also may write over-the-counter options where completing the obligation depends upon the credit standing of the other party. Option contracts also involve the risk that they may result in loss due to unanticipated developments in market conditions or other causes. Written options are initially recorded as liabilities to the extent of premiums received and subsequently marked to market

 

44

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

to reflect the current value of the option written. Gains or losses are realized when the option transaction expires or closes. When an option is exercised, the proceeds on sales for a written call option or the purchase cost for a written put option is adjusted by the amount of the premium received. Listed option contracts present minimal counterparty credit risk since they are exchange traded and the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange-traded options, guarantees the options against default. As of the end of the reporting period, all of the Fund’s written options are exchange-traded options.

 

Futures Contracts — The Fund uses futures contracts in the normal course of pursuing its investment objective. Upon entering into a futures contract, the Fund must deposit initial margin in addition to segregating cash or liquid assets sufficient to meet its obligation to purchase or provide securities, or to pay the amount owed at the expiration of an index-based futures contract. Such liquid assets may consist of cash, cash equivalents, liquid debt or equity securities or other acceptable assets. Pursuant to the futures contract, the Fund agrees to receive from, or pay to the broker, an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in value of the contract. Such a receipt of payment is known as “variation margin” and is recorded by the Fund as an unrealized gain or loss. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the proceeds from (or cost of) the closing transactions and the Fund’s basis in the contract. Futures contracts have market risks, including the risk that the change in the value of the contract may not correlate with changes in the value of the underlying securities. Use of long futures contracts subjects the Fund to risk of loss in excess of the amount shown on the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities, up to the notional value of the futures contract. Use of short futures contracts subjects the Fund to unlimited risk of loss.

 

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts — In the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives, the Fund is subject to foreign investment and currency risk. The Fund uses forward foreign currency contracts (“forward contracts”) for purposes of hedging, duration management, as a substitute for securities, to increase returns, for currency hedging or risk management, or to otherwise help achieve the Fund’s investment objective. These contracts are marked-to-market daily at the applicable translation rates. The Fund records realized gains or losses at the time the forward contract is closed. A forward contract is extinguished through a closing transaction or upon delivery of the currency or entering an offsetting contract. Risks may arise upon entering these contracts from the potential inability of a counterparty to meet the terms of their contracts and from unanticipated movements in the value of a foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar or other currencies. The Fund’s maximum risk of loss from counterparty credit risk related to forward foreign currency contracts is the fair value of the contract. The risk may be mitigated to some extent if a master netting arrangement between the Fund and the counterparty is in place and to the extent the Fund obtains collateral to cover the Fund’s exposure to the counterparty.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents — Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates market value.

 

Other — In the normal course of business, the Fund may enter into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on claims that may be made against the Fund in the future, and, therefore, cannot be estimated; however, the Fund expects the risk of material loss from such claims to be remote.

 

2. Investment Adviser and Other Services

 

Abbey Capital Limited (“Abbey Capital” or the “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser to the Fund and the Cayman Subsidiary, Onshore Subsidiary and SPC. The Adviser allocates the assets of the Onshore Subsidiary and SPC (via the Cayman Subsidiary) to one or more Trading Advisers unaffiliated with the Adviser to manage. The Adviser also has the ultimate responsibility to oversee the Trading Advisers, and to recommend their hiring, termination and replacement, subject to approval by the Board. The Fund compensates the Adviser for its services at an annual rate based on the Fund’s average daily net assets (the “Advisory Fee”), payable on a monthly basis in arrears, as shown in the following table. The Adviser compensates the Trading Advisers out of the Advisory Fee.

 

45

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) to the rates (“Expense Caps”) shown in the following table of the Fund’s average daily net assets. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed the Expense Caps as applicable: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary expenses, interest and taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2021 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board. The Adviser may discontinue these arrangements at any time after December 31, 2021.

 

Advisory
Fee

Expense Caps

 

Class A

Class I

Class C

Class T

1.77%

2.04%

1.79%

2.79%

2.04%

 

During the current fiscal period, investment advisory fees accrued, waived and/or reimbursed were as follows:

 

Gross
Advisory
Fees

Waivers and/or
Reimbursements

Net
Advisory
Fees

$17,928,589

$(1,020,929)

$16,907,660

 

If at any time the Fund’s total annual fund operating expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than the relevant share class’s Expense Cap, the Adviser may recoup any waived or reimbursed amounts from the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

As of the end of the reporting period, the Fund had amounts available for recoupment as follows:

 

Expiration

August 31,
2022

August 31,
2023

August 31,
2024

Total

$770,182

$843,630

$1,020,929

$2,634,741

 

Aspect Capital Limited, Crabel Capital Management, LLC, Eclipse Capital Management, Inc., Episteme Capital Partners LLP, GAM Systematic LLP, Graham Capital Management, LP, P/E Global, LLC, Revolution Capital Management, LLC, Trigon Investment Advisors, LLC, Tudor Investment Corporation, Welton Investment Partners, LLC and Winton Capital Management Limited each served as a Trading Adviser to the Fund during the current fiscal period.

 

Effective May 13, 2021 GAM Systematic LLP no longer serves as a Trading Adviser to the Fund.

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (“Fund Services”), doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, serves as administrator for the Fund. For providing administrative and accounting services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Fund Services serves as the Fund’s transfer and dividend disbursing agent. For providing transfer agent services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

U.S. Bank, N.A. (the “Custodian”) provides certain custodial services to the Fund. The Custodian is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

46

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

Quasar Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of Foreside Financial Group, LLC, serves as the principal underwriter and distributor of the Fund’s shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with RBB.

 

The Board has adopted a Plan of Distribution for the Class A Shares, Class C Shares and Class T Shares (the “Plan”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Plan, the Fund’s distributor is entitled to receive from the Fund a distribution fee with respect to the Shares, which is accrued daily and paid monthly, of up to 0.25% on an annualized basis of the average daily net assets of the Class A Shares and Class T Shares and up to 1.00% of the Class C Shares. The actual amount of such compensation under the Plan is agreed upon by the Board and by the Distributor. Because these fees are paid out of the Fund’s assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges. Amounts paid to the Distributor under the Plan may be used by the Distributor to cover expenses that are related to (i) the sale of the Shares, (ii) ongoing servicing and/or maintenance of the accounts of shareholders, and (iii) sub-transfer agency services, subaccounting services or administrative services related to the sale of the Shares, all as set forth in the Fund’s 12b-1 Plan.

 

For compensation amounts paid to Fund Services and the Custodian, please refer to the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

 

3. Director And Officer Compensation

 

The Directors of the Company receive an annual retainer and meeting fees for meetings attended. An employee of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serves as President and Chief Compliance Officer of the Company. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company. Employees of RBB serve as Treasurer, Secretary and Director of Marketing & Business Development of the Company. They are compensated for services provided. Certain employees of Fund Services serve as officers of the Company. They are not compensated by the Fund or the Company. For Director and Officer compensation amounts, please refer to the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

 

4. Purchases and Sales of Investment Securities

 

During the current fiscal period, there were no purchases or sales of investment securities or long-term U.S. Government securities (excluding short-term investments and derivative transactions) by the Fund.

 

5. Federal Income Tax Information

 

The Fund has followed the authoritative guidance on accounting for and disclosure of uncertainty in tax positions, which requires the Fund to determine whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The Fund has determined that there was no effect on the consolidated financial statements from following this authoritative guidance. In the normal course of business, the Fund is subject to examination by federal, state and local jurisdictions, where applicable, for tax years for which applicable statutes of limitations have not expired.

 

As of August 31, 2021, the federal tax cost and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments held by the Fund were as follows(a):

 

Federal Tax
Cost

Unrealized
Appreciation

Unrealized
(Depreciation)

Net
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

$1,178,072,882

$40,304,848

$(136,408,479)

$(96,103,631)

 

 

(a)

The difference between the book basis and tax basis cost and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments is attributable primarily to timing differences related to taxable income from a wholly-owned controlled foreign corporation.

 

47

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

Distributions to shareholders, if any, from net investment income and realized gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from net investment income and realized gains recognized for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the character of distributions and composition of net assets for tax purposes may differ from those reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on the tax treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.

 

Permanent differences as of August 31, 2021, primarily attributable to disallowed book income from the Cayman Subsidiary, were reclassified to the following accounts:

 

Distributable
Earnings/(Loss)

Paid-In
Capital

$(58,090,949)

$58,090,949

 

As of August 31, 2021, the components of distributable earnings/(deficits) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gains

Net Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

Capital Loss
Carryforwards

Qualified
Late-Year
Losses

Other
Temporary
Differences

$44,586,094

$3,238,571

$(133,028,942)

$—

$—

$—

 

The differences between the book and tax basis components of distributable earnings/(deficits) relate principally to the timing of recognition of income and gains of the Cayman Subsidiary for federal income tax purposes.

 

The tax character of dividends and distributions paid during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2021 and August 31, 2020 were as follows:

 

 

Ordinary
Income

Long-Term
Gains

Total

2021

$13,983,998

$—

$13,983,998

2020

$46,899,626

$8,709,556

$55,609,182

 

The Fund is permitted to carry forward capital losses for an unlimited period. Capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. The Fund had utilized $20,654,825. As of August 31, 2021, the Fund had no unexpiring short-term or long-term capital loss carryovers to offset future capital gains.

 

6. New Accounting Pronouncements and Regulatory Updates

 

In October 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“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. Funds will be required to comply with Rule 18f-4 by August 19, 2022. It is not currently clear what impact, if any, Rule 18f-4 will have on the availability, liquidity or performance of derivatives. Management is currently evaluating the potential impact of Rule 18f-4 on the Fund. When fully implemented, Rule 18f-4 may require changes in how the Fund uses derivatives, adversely affect the Fund’s performance and increase costs related to the Fund’s use of derivatives.

 

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

 

48

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Concluded)

August 31, 2021

 

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 will be required to comply with the rules by September 8, 2022. Management is currently assessing the potential impact of the new rules on the Fund’s financial statements.

 

7. Subsequent Events

 

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Fund through the date the financial statements were issued and has determined that there was the following subsequent event:

 

Effective as of the close of business on September 17, 2021 (subsequent to the end of the current reporting period), Trigon Investment Advisors LLC no longer serves as a trading adviser to the Fund.

 

49

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. and
Shareholders of Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of assets and liabilities of Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund (the “Fund”) (one of the portfolios constituting The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”)), including the consolidated portfolio of investments, as of August 31, 2021, and the related consolidated statement of operations for the year then ended, the consolidated statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the consolidated financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Fund (one of the portfolios constituting The RBB Fund, Inc.) at August 31, 2021, the consolidated results of its operations for the year then ended, the consolidated changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its consolidated financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 2021, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from brokers were not received. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Abbey Capital investment companies since 2014.

 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
October 29, 2021

 

50

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Shareholder Tax Information

(Unaudited)

 

Certain tax information regarding the Fund is required to be provided to shareholders based upon the Fund’s income and distributions for the taxable year ended August 31, 2021. The information and distribution reported herein may differ from information and distributions taxable to the shareholders for the calendar year ended December 31, 2021. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021, the Fund paid no ordinary income dividends to its shareholders. Dividends from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income dividends for federal income tax purposes.

 

The percentage of taxable ordinary income distributions that are designated as short-term capital gain distributions under Internal Revenue Section 871(k)(2)(c) for the Fund is 0.00%.

 

Because the Fund’s fiscal year is not the calendar year, another notification will be sent with respect to calendar year 2021. The second notification, which will reflect the amount, if any, to be used by calendar year taxpayers on their U.S. federal income tax returns, will be made in conjunction with Form 1099-DIV and will be mailed in January 2022.

 

Foreign shareholders will generally be subject to U.S. withholding tax on the amount of their ordinary income dividends. They will generally not be entitled to a foreign tax credit or deduction for the withholding taxes paid by the Fund, if any.

 

In general, dividends received by tax exempt recipients (e.g., IRAs and Keoghs) need not be reported as taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, some retirement trusts (e.g., corporate, Keogh and 403(b)(7) plans) may need this information for their annual information reporting.

 

Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the tax consequences of their investment in the Fund.

 

51

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Other Information

(Unaudited)

 

Proxy Voting

 

Policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities as well as information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 are available without charge, upon request, by calling (844) 261-6484 and on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Quarterly Portfolio Schedules

 

The Company files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third fiscal quarters of each fiscal year (quarters ended November 30 and May 31) as an exhibit to its report on Form N-PORT. The Company’s Form N-PORT is available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Approval of Investment Advisory Agreements and Trading Advisory Agreements

 

As required by the 1940 Act, the Board, including all of the Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Directors”), considered the renewal of (1) the investment advisory agreement between Abbey Capital and the Company on behalf of the Fund (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”), (2) each of the separate advisory agreements between the Cayman Subsidiary, the Onshore Subsidiary and SPC (the “Subsidiaries”) and Abbey Capital (collectively, the “Subsidiary Investment Advisory Agreements”), and (3) the trading advisory agreements among Abbey Capital and Aspect Capital Limited, Crabel Capital Management, LLP, Eclipse Capital Management, Inc., Episteme Capital Partners (UK), LLP, Graham Capital Management, LP, P/E Global, LLC, Revolution Capital Management, LLC, Trigon Investment Advisors LLC, Tudor Investment Corporation, Welton Investment Partners LLC, and Winton Capital Management Limited (each, a “Trading Adviser”) (the “Trading Advisory Agreements”), at a meeting of the Board held on May 12-13, 2021 (the “Meeting”). At the Meeting, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, approved the Advisory Agreement, the Subsidiary Investment Advisory Agreements, and the Trading Advisory Agreements for an additional one-year term ending August 16, 2022. The Board’s decision to approve the Advisory Agreement, the Subsidiary Investment Advisory Agreements, and the Trading Advisory Agreements reflects the exercise of its business judgment to continue the existing arrangement. In approving the Advisory Agreement, Subsidiary Investment Advisory Agreements, and the Trading Advisory Agreements, the Board considered information provided by Abbey Capital and each of the Trading Advisers with the assistance and advice of counsel to the Independent Directors and the Company.

 

In considering the renewal and approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Company and Abbey Capital with respect to the Fund, the Subsidiary Investment Advisory Agreements, and the Trading Advisory Agreements between Abbey Capital and each Trading Adviser with respect to the Fund, the Directors took into account all materials provided prior to and during the Meeting and at other meetings throughout the past year, the presentations made during the Meeting, and the discussions held during the Meeting. Among other things, the Directors considered (i) the nature, extent, and quality of services provided to the Fund by Abbey Capital and each Trading Adviser; (ii) descriptions of the experience and qualifications of the personnel providing those services; (iii) Abbey Capital’s and the Trading Advisers’ investment philosophies and processes; (iv) Abbey Capital’s and the Trading Advisers’ assets under management and client descriptions; (v) Abbey Capital’s and the Trading Advisers’ soft dollar commission and trade allocation policies, including information on the types of research and services obtained in connection with soft dollar commissions; (vi) Abbey Capital’s and the Trading Advisers’ advisory fee arrangements with the Company and other similarly managed clients, as applicable; (vii) Abbey Capital’s and the Trading Advisers’ compliance procedures; (viii) Abbey Capital’s and the Trading Advisers’ financial information and insurance coverage, as applicable, and Abbey Capital’s profitability analysis; (ix) the extent to which economies of scale are relevant to the Fund; (x) a report prepared by Broadridge/Lipper comparing the Fund’s management fees and total expense ratio to those of its Lipper Group and comparing the performance of the Fund to the performance of its Lipper Group; and (xi) a report comparing the performance of the Fund to the performance of its benchmark.

 

52

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Other Information (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

As part of their review, the Directors considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by Abbey Capital and each Trading Adviser. The Directors concluded that Abbey Capital and each Trading Adviser had substantial resources to provide services to the Fund and the Subsidiaries, as applicable.

 

The Directors also considered the investment performance of the Fund, noting that the Fund had underperformed its benchmark, the S&P 500 Total Return Index, for the year-to-date, one-year, five-year, and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2021. The Directors considered the Fund’s investment performance in light of its investment objective and investment strategies. The Directors noted that the Fund ranked in the 2nd quintile within its Lipper Performance Group for the one-year, two-year, and three-year periods ended December 31, 2020.

 

The Board also considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreement. In this regard, information on the fees paid by the Fund and the Fund’s total operating expense ratio (before and after fee waivers and expense reimbursements) were compared to similar information for mutual funds advised by other, unaffiliated investment advisory firms. The Directors noted that the Fund’s actual advisor fees ranked in the 5th quintile of its Lipper Expense Group, and that the total expenses of the Fund ranked in the 5th quintile of its Lipper Expense Group. The Directors also considered the fees payable to each Trading Adviser under the Trading Advisory Agreements and the information provided by Abbey Capital on the services provided by the different Trading Advisers. In this regard, the Directors noted that the fees for each Trading Adviser were paid directly by Abbey Capital and not by the Fund. The Directors noted that Abbey Capital had contractually agreed to waive management fees and reimburse expenses through at least December 31, 2021 to limit total annual operating expenses to agreed upon levels for the Fund.

 

After reviewing the information regarding Abbey Capital’s and the Trading Advisers’ costs, profitability and economies of scale, and after considering the services to be provided by Abbey Capital and each Trading Adviser, the Directors concluded that the investment advisory fees to be paid by the Fund to Abbey Capital and the trading advisory fees to be paid by Abbey Capital to each Trading Adviser were fair and reasonable and that the Investment Advisory Agreement, Subsidiary Investment Advisory Agreements, and Trading Advisory Agreements should be approved and continued for additional one-year period ending August 16, 2022.

 

 

53

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Company Management

(Unaudited)

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company is organized under and managed pursuant to Maryland law. The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below. The statement of additional information (“SAI”) includes additional information about the Directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling (844) 261-6484.

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

Independent Directors

Julian A. Brodsky

615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 88

Director

1988 to present

From 1969 to 2011, Director and Vice Chairman, Comcast Corporation (cable television and communications).

46

AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).

J. Richard Carnall

615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 82

Director

2002 to present

Since 1984, Director of Haydon Bolts, Inc. (bolt manufacturer) and Parkway Real Estate Company (subsidiary of Haydon Bolts, Inc.); since 2004, Director of Cornerstone Bank.

46

None.

Gregory P. Chandler

615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 54

Director

2012 to present

Since 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Herspiegel Consulting LLC (life sciences consulting services); 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Avocado Systems Inc. (cyber security software provider); 2009-2020, Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services).

46

Emtec, Inc. (until December 2019); FS Investment Corporation (business development company) (until December 2018); FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company).

Nicholas A. Giordano

615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 78

Director

2006 to present

Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations.

46

IntriCon Corporation (biomedical device manufacturer); Kalmar Pooled Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until September 2017); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance) (until 2021).

Arnold M. Reichman

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 73

Chairman

 

Director

2005 to present

 

1991 to present

Retired.

46

EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company).

 

54

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Company Management (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

Brian T. Shea

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 61

Director

2018 to present

From 2014-2017, Chief Executive Officer, BNY Mellon Investment Services (fund services, global custodian and securities clearing firm); from 1983-2014, Chief Executive Officer and various positions, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm).

46

WisdomTree Investments, Inc. (asset management company) (until March 2019); Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (financial services technology company); Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (financial services company).

Robert A. Straniere

615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 80

Director

2006 to present

Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm).

46

None.

Interested Director2

Robert Sablowsky

615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 83

Vice Chairman

 

Director

2016 to present

 

 

1991 to present

Since 2002, Senior Director – Investments and, prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer).

46

None.

Officers

Salvatore Faia, JD, CPA, CFE

Vigilant Compliance, LLC

Gateway Corporate Center, Suite 216

223 Wilmington West Chester Pike

Chadds Ford, PA 19317

Age: 58

President

 

Chief Compliance Officer

2009 to present

 

2004 to present

Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company); since 2021, President and Chief Compliance Officer of Penn Capital Funds Trust.

N/A

N/A

James G. Shaw

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 60

Treasurer and Secretary

2016 to present

Treasurer and Secretary of The RBB Fund, Inc. (since 2016) and Penn Capital Funds Trust (since 2021); from 2005 to 2016, Assistant Treasurer of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 1995 to 2016, Senior Director and Vice President of BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (financial services company).

N/A

N/A

Craig A. Urciuoli
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202 Age: 46

Director of Marketing & Business Development

2019 to present

Director of Marketing & Business Development of The RBB Fund, Inc. (since 2019) and Penn Capital Funds Trust (since 2021); from 2000-2019, Managing Director, Third Avenue Management LLC. (investment advisory firm)

N/A

N/A

 

 

55

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Company Management (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

Jennifer Witt

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 38

Assistant Treasurer

2018 to present

Since 2020, Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (fund administrative services firm); from 2016 to 2020, Assistant Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services; from 2007 to 2016, Supervisor, Nuveen Investments (registered investment company).

N/A

N/A

Edward Paz

615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 50

Assistant Secretary

2016 to present

Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm).

N/A

N/A

Michael P. Malloy

One Logan Square

Ste. 2000

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Age: 62

Assistant Secretary

1999 to present

Since 1993, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

Jillian L. Bosmann
One Logan Square
Ste. 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Age: 42

Assistant Secretary

2017 to present

Since 2017, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

 

*

Each Director oversees 46 portfolios of the fund complex, consisting of the series in the Company and Penn Capital Funds Trust (7 portfolios).

 

1.

Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his or her successor is elected and qualified or his or her death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Carnall, Giordano, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.

 

2.

Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

56

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Company Management (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive-level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Carnall has decades of senior executive-level management experience in the banking and financial services industry and also serves on the boards of various corporations and a bank. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Mr. Shea has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the brokerage, clearing and investment services industry, including service on the boards of industry regulatory organizations and a university.

 

57

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Privacy Notice

(Unaudited)

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

FACTS

WHAT DOES THE ABBEY CAPITAL FUTURES STRATEGY FUND DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?

Why?

Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.

What?

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

 

● Social Security number

● account balances

● account transactions

● transaction history

● wire transfer instructions

● checking account information

 

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

How?

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

       

Reasons we can share your information

Does the Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund share?

Can you limit this sharing?

For our everyday business purpose —
such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus

Yes

No

For our marketing purposes —
to offer our products and services to you

Yes

No

For joint marketing with other financial companies

No

We don’t share.

For affiliates’ everyday business purposes —
information about your transactions and experiences

Yes

No

For affiliates’ everyday business purposes —
information about your creditworthiness

No

We don’t share

For our affiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share

For nonaffiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share

 

Questions?

Call 1-844-261-6484 or go to www.abbeycapital.com

 

58

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Privacy Notice (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

What we do

How does the Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund protect my personal information?

To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings.

How does the Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

 

● open an account

● provide account information

● give us your contact information

● make a wire transfer

● tell us where to send the money

 

We also collect your information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

 

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

● affiliates from using your information to market to you

● sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

 

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

European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation

In addition to the above information, where applicable, you have the following rights under the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) and U.S. Privacy Laws, as applicable and to the extent permitted by law, to

 

● Check whether we hold personal information about you and to access such data (in accordance with our policy)

 

● Request the correction of personal information about you that is inaccurate

 

● Have a copy of the personal information we hold about you provided to you or another “controller” where technically feasible

 

● Request the erasure of your personal information

 

● Request the restriction of processing concerning you

 

The legal grounds for processing of your personal information is for contractual necessity and compliance with law.

 

If you wish to exercise any of your rights above, please call: 1-844-261-6484. You are required to ensure the personal information we hold about you is up-to-date and accurate and you must notify us of any changes to the personal data you provided to us.

 

 

59

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Privacy Notice (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

 

The Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund shall retain your personal data for as long as you are an investor in the Fund and thereafter as long as necessary to comply with applicable laws that require the Fund to retain your personal data, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission’s data retention rules. Your personal data will be transferred to the United States so that the Fund may provide the agreed upon services for you. No adequacy decision has been rendered by the European Commission as to the data protection of your personal data when transferring it to the United States. However, the Fund does take the security of your personal data seriously.

 

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the appropriate regulatory authority with respect to issues you may have.

Definitions

Affiliates

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

 

Our affiliates include Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund’s investment adviser, Abbey Capital Limited, and each sub-adviser.

Nonaffiliates

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

 

The Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund doesn’t share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you.

Joint marketing

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

 

The Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund does not jointly market.

Controller

“Controller” means the natural or legal person, public authority, agency or other body which, alone or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of the processing of personal data; where the purposes and means of such processing are determined by European Union or European Member State law, the controller or the specific criteria for its nomination may be provided for by European Union or European Member State law.

 

 

60

 

 

[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

 

Investment Adviser
Abbey Capital Limited
1-2 Cavendish Row
Dublin 1, Ireland

 

Administrator and Transfer Agent
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201

 

Principal Underwriter
Quasar Distributors, LLC
111 E Kilbourn Ave, Suite 2200
Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Custodian
U.S. Bank, N.A.
1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, WI 53212

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Ernst & Young LLP
One Commerce Square
2005 Market Street, Suite 700
Philadelphia, PA 19103

 

Legal Counsel
Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
One Logan Square, Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103-6996

 

AFS-AR21

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

of

 

THE RBB FUND, INC.

 

 

Annual Report

 

 

 

 

August 31, 2021

 

 

 

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report

August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

The Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund (the “Fund”) Class I Shares returned +19.72% net of fees for the 12-month fiscal year ended August 31, 2021.

 

Positive performance was driven by the Fund’s long equity allocation. The Fund’s managed futures allocation also performed positively during the fiscal year, with trading in equities and energy being the primary sources of gains. The Fund targets approximately 100% exposure of its net assets to its managed futures strategy and approximately 50% exposure to its long U.S. equity strategy. The Fund’s remaining net assets are allocated to its fixed income strategy.

 

The managed futures strategy is achieved by the Fund investing up to 25% of its total assets in ACMAF Master Offshore Limited (the “ACMAF Master”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Fund that invests substantially all of its assets in ACMAF Offshore SPC, which is a wholly-owned and controlled segregated portfolio company that invests in managed futures and foreign exchange contracts. As part of its managed futures strategy, the Fund may also invest a portion of its assets in ACMAF Onshore Series LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Fund which is a multi-adviser fund that invests in managed futures and foreign exchange contracts.

 

The long U.S. equity strategy is achieved through an allocation of Fund assets to S&P 500 futures and the fixed income strategy is achieved through investments of the Fund’s assets primarily in investment grade fixed income (consisting primarily of U.S. Treasury obligations).

 

Abbey Global, LP (the “Predecessor Fund”), transferred all of its assets to the Fund on April 11, 2018.

 

Average Total Returns for the Periods Ended August 31, 2021 (unless otherwise noted)

 

 

2021 YTD

1 Year

SEP. 1, 2019 TO
AUG. 31, 2020

5 Years
Annualized

10 Years
Annualized

ANNUALIZED
SINCE
INCEPTION ON
MAY 14, 2002

Class I Shares

12.17%

19.72%

13.97%

12.43%

12.51%

11.13%

BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month T-Bill Index*

0.03%

0.08%

1.26%

1.17%

0.63%

1.30%

S&P 500® Total Return Index*

21.58%

31.17%

21.94%

18.02%

16.34%

9.90%

Barclay CTA Index*

4.79%

7.56%

0.30%

2.19%

1.19%

3.68%

 

Barclay CTA numbers are based on the estimates available on the BarclayHedge website as of September 5, 2021

Source: Abbey Capital and Bloomberg

 

Performance quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. Additionally, the Predecessor Fund was not registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“1940 Act”), and thus was not subject to certain investment and operational restrictions that are imposed by the 1940 Act. If the Predecessor Fund had been registered under the 1940 Act, its performance may have been adversely affected. Accordingly, Fund performance may be different than the Predecessor Fund’s restated past performance, which is included in the table above for the period between inception of the Fund on May 14, 2002 and April 11, 2018. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the returns quoted. Visit www.abbeycapital.com for returns updated daily. Call (US Toll Free) 1-844-261-6484 or (international callers) + 1-508-871-3276 for returns current to the most recent month-end.

 

Please note the above is shown for illustrative purposes only.

 

Performance from May 14, 2002 to April 11, 2018 is performance of the Predecessor Fund. The Fund commenced operations as a series of The RBB Fund, Inc. on April 11, 2018, when all of the assets of the Predecessor Fund transferred to Class I Shares of the Fund. The Fund’s objectives, policies, guidelines and restrictions are in all material respects equivalent to the Predecessor Fund. Performance of the Predecessor Fund is not an indicator of future Fund results. Performance from April 2014 to April 2018 represents proprietary performance as the only investors for that period were Abbey Capital Limited and its officers.

 

1

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)

August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

*

The Barclay CTA Index is derived from data that is self-reported by investment managers based on the performance of privately managed funds. In contrast, the S&P 500® Total Return Index and the Bank of America Merrill Lynch 3-Month T-Bill Index are comprised of publicly traded securities. As a result of these differences, these indices may not be directly comparable and the table above is shown for illustrative purposes only.

 

Abbey Capital Limited (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual fund operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) to 1.79% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2021, and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. In addition, the Adviser may recoup any waived or reimbursed amounts from the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made by the Adviser, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement. Without the expense limitation agreement, the expense ratio is 2.45% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares, as stated in the Fund’s current prospectus dated December 31, 2020, as supplemented (and which may differ from the actual expense ratio for the period covered by this report). The quoted performance would have been lower without the expense limitation.

 

Please refer to the prospectus for further information on expenses and fees.

 

Performance Analysis

 

The fiscal year ended August 31, 2021 saw a number of shifts in risk sentiment. Investors turned cautious in September and October 2020, with rising COVID-19 cases in the US and Europe, concerns about valuations in the technology sector and uncertainty ahead of the US election weighing on sentiment. The market environment turned more positive from November 2020 through August 2021, as progress towards a COVID-19 vaccine, Biden’s victory in the US Presidential election and the prospect of a significant fiscal spending deal in the US saw strong trends emerge in many growth sensitive sectors like equities, energy and base metals. The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines and the reopening of the global economy throughout the first half of 2021 resulted in some supply constraints and increased demand for a range of commodities, which contributed to strong uptrends across several energy, base metal and agricultural commodity markets. Inflationary pressures emerged as a key focus for investors during the period, with US inflation hitting a more-than-decade high of +5.4% in June 2021. While equity markets continued to rally throughout July and August 2021, some of the uptrends seen in commodity markets earlier in the year dissipated, while shifting views on the likely path of US Federal Reserve monetary policy led to choppy moves at times in currency and bond markets.

 

The Fund saw negative performance in September and October 2020, with both its long equity and managed futures strategies seeing losses as previous trends in equities and the USD reversed. Performance improved from November 2020 through May 2021, with positive COVID-19 vaccine trial results and the outcome of the US election contributing to notable uptrends in equities, base metals and energy. The managed futures strategy also benefited from uptrends across several agricultural commodity markets, notably soybeans and corn. Both the Fund’s long equity and managed futures strategies had positive performance in the first half of 2021. Performance became more mixed from June through August 2021 as reversals in currency and bond markets proved difficult for the Fund’s managed futures strategy, although the long equity strategy saw some partially offsetting gains over this period as US stocks continued to rally.

 

For the 12-month period overall, the Fund’s long equity component was the largest contributor to positive Fund performance, while the managed futures component also contributed positively to Fund performance.

 

The Fund’s long equity component saw strong gains over the 12-month period due to its long only exposure to S&P 500 futures, as the S&P 500 rose +31.2% during the period. The Fund’s long equity component saw losses in September and October 2021 as global stock prices fell amid downbeat market sentiment, but performance improved in November 2021 as positive results from various COVID-19 vaccine trials boosted investor sentiment and the MSCI World Index recorded its strongest monthly return in 45 years. The uptrend in equities continued into 2021 with US fiscal stimulus, improving economic data and strong corporate earnings helping to push global equities to record highs.

 

2

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)

August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

For the Fund’s managed futures component, positive performance was primarily driven by gains in equities and energy, with long positions in base metals and agricultural commodities also contributing positively to returns. Losses in the Fund’s managed futures component were realised in currencies and fixed income.

 

Equities was the top performing sector for the Fund’s managed futures component during the fiscal year, with the Diversified Trendfollowing (“Trendfollowing”) sub-advisers within the managed futures component benefiting from long positions held throughout the period. Performance was initially negative in September and October 2020, before stocks rallied sharply in November 2020. Long positions in Japanese and US indices led Fund gains in equities.

 

Energy was another positive sector for the Fund’s managed futures strategy. Crude oil declined in September and October 2020 on COVID-19 related demand concerns before prices rallied strongly from November 2020 through August 2021 as the global growth outlook turned more positive. Price uptrends continued in the first half of 2021, with OPEC supply cuts and a rebound in global demand boosting prices. The Fund’s managed futures strategy profited from short positions in crude oil and distillates in September 2020 and recorded further gains once positioning turned long from mid-November 2020 through June 2021 as price uptrends emerged. Trading in crude oil and distillates turned choppier in July and August 2021, resulting in losses for the Fund’s managed futures strategy, although long positions in natural gas were a positive for performance during this time as prices rallied on tight supplies and warm US weather.

 

In base metals, the managed futures strategy profited from long positions in copper and aluminium over the period. Much of the positive performance came from long copper positions held by Trendfollowing sub-advisers during Q4 2020 and Q1 2021 as uptrends in base metals prices accelerated amid a surge in demand and concerns around building inflationary pressures. Notably, copper prices hit a record high in May 2021 before declining somewhat in subsequent months.

 

Further Fund gains were recorded by the managed futures strategy in both grains and soft commodities, most notably from long positions held in soybeans and corn for much of the period. Soybean and corn contracts touched multi-year highs in 2021 with adverse growing conditions in both Brazil and the US and strong Chinese demand among the factors supporting prices at various times over the 12-month period.

 

On the downside, the largest losses for the Fund’s managed futures component were recorded in currencies, with performance in fixed income also negative.

 

The managed futures strategy initially saw negative performance in currencies as a rally in the USD in September 2020 led to losses for short USD positions held by the Fund’s Trendfollowing sub-advisers. A steady decline in the USD throughout much of November and December 2020 led to improved performance in the sector before currency markets turned choppy for much of the first half of 2021. A hawkish shift from the US Federal Reserve in June 2021 saw the Fund’s Trendfollowing sub-advisers record sharp losses from short USD positions, with choppy trading in the USD in July and August 2021 adding to negative performance in the sector. Mixed positioning in USD/CHF and EUR/USD were the largest detractors at the contract level in the sector.

 

Fixed income was another negative sector for the Fund’s managed futures strategy. Global yields climbed in Q4 2020, before the trend accelerated in Q1 2021 as the reopening of the global economy, rising inflation expectations and the prospect of another round of US fiscal stimulus all contributed to a selloff in global bond markets. Yields then began to decline from Q2 2021 through July 2021, which proved difficult for the managed futures strategy, before global yields climbed modestly higher again in August 2021. Trading in US Treasury contracts led losses in the sector.

 

Key to Currency Abbreviations

CHF

Swiss Franc

EUR

EUR

USD

US Dollar

 

An investment in the Fund is speculative and involves substantial risk. It is possible that an investor may lose some or all of its investment. The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in ACMAF Master Offshore Fund Limited, which invests substantially all of its assets in ACMAF Offshore SPC, which is a multi-adviser fund that invests in managed futures and

 

3

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Concluded)

August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

foreign exchange. The Fund may also invest a portion of its assets into ACMAF Onshore Series LLC, which is a multi-adviser fund that invests in managed futures and foreign exchange. All investments in securities involve risk of the loss of capital. An investment in the Fund includes the risks inherent in an investment in securities, as well as specific risks associated with this open-ended investment product. Among the risks associated with investing in this Fund are Commodity Sector Risk, Counter-Party Risk, Credit Risk, Currency Risk, Manager and Management Risks, Subsidiary Risk, Tax Risk, Emerging Markets Risk, Leveraging Risk, Foreign Investment Risk, Fixed Income Securities Risks, Short Sale Risk and Portfolio Turnover Risks. The Fund may invest in or utilize derivative investments, futures contracts, and hedging strategies. One or more Trading Advisers, from time to time, may invest a substantial portion of the assets managed in a specific industry sector. As a result, the Fund’s investment portfolio may be subject to greater risk and volatility than if investments had been made in the securities of a broader range of issuers. There can be no assurance that the Fund’s strategy (hedging or otherwise) will be successful or that it will employ such strategies with respect to all or any portion of its portfolio. The value of the Fund’s portfolio investments should be expected to fluctuate. Investing in managed futures is not suitable for all investors given its speculative nature and the high level of risk involved. The Fund is appropriate only for investors who can bear the risks associated with the product. This brief statement cannot disclose all of the risks and other factors necessary to evaluate an investment in the Fund. Investors are urged to take appropriate investment advice and to carefully consider their investment objectives, personal situation, and factors such as net worth, income, age, risk tolerance and liquidity needs before investing in the Fund. Before investing, investors should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, tax considerations, sales charges and expenses.

 

Fund holdings and sector allocations are subject to change and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security. Please refer to the Consolidated Portfolio of Investments in this report for a complete list of Fund holdings.

 

The Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund is distributed by Quasar Distributions, LLC.

 

4

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Performance Data

August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $1,000,000 Investment in Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund - Class I Shares
vs. BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index,
S&P 500® Total Return Index and Barclay CTA Index

 

 

The chart illustrates the performance of a hypothetical $1,000,000 minimum initial investment in the Fund made on August 31, 2011 and reflects Fund expenses and reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Performance does not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder may pay on dividends, distributions or redemptions.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended August 31, 2021

 
 

One
Year

Five
Years

Ten
Years

Since
Inception

 

Class I Shares*

19.72%

12.43%

12.51%

11.13%

 

S&P 500® Total Return Index

31.17%

18.02%

16.34%

9.90%**

 

BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index***

0.08%

1.17%

0.63%

1.30%**

 

Barclay CTA Index***

7.56%

2.19%

1.19%

3.68%**

 

 

*

Performance from May 14, 2002 to April 10, 2018 is performance of Abbey Global LP (the “Predecessor Fund”). The Fund commenced operations as a series of The RBB Fund, Inc. on April 11, 2018, when all the assets of the Predecessor Fund transferred to Class I Shares of the Fund.

 

**

Performance is from the inception date of the Predecessor Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

***

This is not a primary benchmark of the Fund. Results of the index performance are presented for general comparative purposes.

 

The performance quoted reflects fee waivers in effect and would have been less in their absence. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) to 1.79% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares. Without the limitation arrangement, the gross expense ratio is 2.45% for Class I Shares, as stated in the current prospectus (and which may differ from the actual expense ratio for the period covered by this report). This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2021 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. Please see the Consolidated Financial Highlights for current figures.

 

5

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Performance Data (Concluded)

August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Performance quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the returns quoted. Visit www.abbeycapital.com for returns updated daily. Call (US Toll Free) 1-844-261-6484 or (international callers) + 1-508-871-3276 for returns current to the most recent month-end.

 

The Barclay CTA Index is derived from data which is self-reported by investment managers based on the performance of privately managed funds. In contrast, the S&P 500® Total Return Index and the BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index are comprised of publicly traded securities. As a result of these differences, these indices may not be directly comparable. Additionally, these indices are not available for direct investment and the above is shown for illustrative purposes only.

 

Barclay CTA Index

 

The Barclay CTA Index is a leading industry benchmark of representative performance of commodity trading advisors. There are currently 416 programs included in the calculation of the Barclay CTA Index for 2021. The Barclay CTA Index is equally weighted and rebalanced at the beginning of each year.

 

BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index

 

The BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index is an unmanaged market index of U.S. Treasury securities maturing in 90 days that assumes reinvestment of all income.

 

MSCI World Index

 

The MSCI World Index captures large and mid cap representation across 23 Developed Markets (DM) countries. With 1,583 constituents, the index covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in each country.

 

S&P 500® Index

 

The S&P 500® Index is a market-capitalization-weighted index of 500 U.S. stocks chosen for market size, liquidity and industry grouping, among other factors. The S&P 500® Index is designed to be a leading indicator of U.S. equities and is meant to reflect the risk/return characteristics of the large cap universe. The S&P 500® Index was first introduced on January 1, 1923, though expanded to 500 stocks on March 4, 1957.

 

The S&P 500® Total Return Index

 

The S&P 500® Total Return Index is the total return version of the S&P 500® Index. Dividends are reinvested on a daily basis and all regular cash dividends are assumed reinvested in the index on the ex-dividend date.

 

A basis point is one hundredth of one percent.

 

Portfolio composition is subject to change. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

6

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Fund Expense Example

August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, (if any) and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

 

This example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period from March 1, 2021 through August 31, 2021, and held for the entire period.

 

ACTUAL EXPENSES

 

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

 

HYPOTHETICAL EXAMPLE FOR COMPARISON PURPOSES

 

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

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the accompanying table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) on purchase payments (if any). Therefore, the second line of the accompanying table 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.

 

 

Class I Shares

 

Beginning
Account Value
March 1, 2021

Ending
Account Value
August 31, 2021

Expenses Paid
During Period
*

Annualized
Expense Ratio

Actual Six-Month
Total Investment
Return
for the Fund

Actual

$1,000.00

$1,063.00

$9.31

1.79%

6.30%

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

1,000.00

1,016.18

9.10

1.79

N/A

 

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized six-month expense ratio for the period March 1, 2021 to August 31, 2021, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184) in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by 365 to reflect the one half year period. The Fund’s ending account value on the first line in the table is based on the actual six-month total investment return for the Fund.

 

7

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio Holdings Summary Table

August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

The following table presents a consolidated summary of the portfolio holdings of the Fund at August 31, 2021:

 

 

% of Net
Assets

   

Value

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS:

               

U.S. Treasury Obligations

    78.1 %   $ 73,874,051  

Money Market Deposit Account

    4.8       4,564,014  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES

               

(including futures and forward foreign currency contracts)

    17.1       16,210,121  

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 94,648,186  

 

 

The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by allocating its assets between a “Managed Futures” strategy, a “Long U.S. Equity” strategy and a “Fixed Income” strategy.

 

As a result of the Fund’s use of derivatives, the Fund may hold significant amounts of U.S. Treasuries or short-term investments.

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

Refer to the Consolidated Portfolio of Investments for a detailed listing of the Fund’s holdings.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
8

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments

August 31, 2021

 

   

Coupon*

   

Maturity
Date

   

Par
(000’s)

   

Value

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 82.9%

                               

U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS — 78.1%

                               

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.026%       09/02/21     $ 5,705     $ 5,704,998  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.032%       09/09/21       800       799,994  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.020%       09/16/21       1,071       1,070,989  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.022%       09/23/21       1,331       1,330,973  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.020%       09/30/21       1,756       1,755,953  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.016%       10/07/21       4,835       4,834,819  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.029%       10/14/21       369       368,985  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.018%       10/21/21       1,281       1,280,911  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.015%       10/28/21       337       336,973  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.020%       11/04/21       2,455       2,454,814  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.020%       11/12/21       2,519       2,518,761  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.010%       11/18/21       585       584,946  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.014%       11/26/21       2,570       2,569,734  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.017%       12/02/21       1,159       1,158,881  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.021%       12/09/21       9,502       9,500,890  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.022%       12/16/21       4,892       4,891,423  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.032%       12/23/21       494       493,936  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.025%       12/30/21       655       654,902  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.032%       01/06/22       1,978       1,977,721  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.041%       01/13/22       1,767       1,766,737  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.041%       01/20/22       2,632       2,631,587  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.035%       01/27/22       8,289       8,287,721  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.030%       02/03/22       434       433,925  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.035%       02/10/22       7,416       7,414,582  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.035%       02/17/22       3,236       3,235,317  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.034%       02/24/22       5,815       5,813,579  

TOTAL U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS ($73,876,741)

                            73,874,051  

 

                 

Number of
Shares
(000’s)

         

MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT ACCOUNT — 4.8%

                             

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 0.01% (United States)(a)

                4,564       4,564,014  

TOTAL MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT ACCOUNT ($4,564,014)

                          4,564,014  
                               

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

                             

(Cost $78,440,755)

                          78,438,065  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 82.9%

                             

(Cost $78,440,755)

                          78,438,065  
                               

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES — 17.1%

                          16,210,121  

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

                        $ 94,648,186  

 

 

*

Short-term investments’ coupon reflect the annualized effective yield on the date of purchase for discounted investments.

 

(a)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2021.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
9

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

Futures contracts outstanding as of August 31, 2021 were as follows:

 

Long Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

10-Year Mini Japanese Government Bond Futures

    Sep-21       58     $ 8,021,888     $ 10,244  

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Mar-22       1       296,737       103  

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Sep-22       1       296,648       (30 )

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Sep-23       1       296,398       (30 )

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Sep-24       1       296,073       (30 )

90-DAY Bank Bill

    Mar-22       38       27,795,484       2,326  

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Dec-21       4       998,250       88  

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Mar-22       57       14,229,338       2,988  

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Jun-22       145       36,182,937       5,513  

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Sep-22       4       997,250       825  

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Dec-22       86       21,409,699       (8,900 )

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Jun-23       13       3,229,200       200  

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Sep-23       1       247,875       (288 )

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Jun-24       7       1,729,788       (1,250 )

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Sep-24       2       493,800       (138 )

90-DAY Sterling Futures

    Jun-22       5       855,847       (550 )

Amsterdam Index Futures

    Sep-21       7       1,301,611       29,230  

AUD/USD Currency Futures

    Sep-21       4       292,840       220  

Australian 10-Year Bond Futures

    Sep-21       76       8,106,663       34,059  

Australian 3-Year Bond Futures

    Sep-21       202       17,310,432       19,950  

Brent Crude Futures

    Nov-21       10       716,300       12,350  

Brent Crude Futures

    Dec-21       3       213,000       1,060  

CAC40 10 Euro Futures

    Sep-21       15       1,182,756       (11,949 )

CAD Currency Futures

    Sep-21       46       3,648,720       (2,995 )

Canadian 10-Year Bond Futures

    Dec-21       1       115,825       (269 )

Canola Futures (Winnipeg Commodity Exchange)

    Jan-22       1       13,956       2,338  

Cattle Feeder Futures

    Oct-21       1       83,875       (563 )

CHF Currency Futures

    Sep-21       24       3,280,200       88  

Cocoa Futures

    Dec-21       1       25,400       (1,350 )

Cocoa Futures

    Mar-22       3       76,890       (440 )

Cocoa Futures ICE

    Dec-21       2       48,312       (481 )

Cocoa Futures ICE

    Mar-22       1       24,184       (192 )

Coffee ‘C’ Futures

    Dec-21       9       661,163       22,388  

Coffee ‘C’ Futures

    Mar-22       1       74,438       11,119  

Coffee ‘C’ Futures

    May-22       1       74,794       544  

Coffee Robusta Futures

    Nov-21       1       20,260       2,350  

Copper Futures

    Dec-21       5       546,875       3,288  

Corn Futures

    Dec-21       4       106,850       (5,000 )

Corn Futures

    Mar-22       14       379,925       (25,063 )

Cotton No.2 Futures

    Dec-21       19       879,035       42,420  

DAX Index Futures

    Sep-21       13       6,063,147       2,302  

DJIA Mini E-CBOT

    Sep-21       16       2,827,200       21,089  

Dollar Index

    Sep-21       66       6,113,910       24,860  

E-Mini Consumer Discretionary Select Futures

    Sep-21       1       185,350       5,370  

E-Mini Crude Oil

    Oct-21       1       34,250       788  

E-Mini Health Care Select Futures

    Sep-21       1       136,330       3,220  

E-Mini Natural Gas

    Oct-21       2       21,885       1,985  

Emissions ICE

    Dec-21       8       573,938       144,937  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
10

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

Long Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

EUR Foreign Exchange Currency Futures

    Sep-21       9     $ 1,329,244     $ (1,050 )

Euro BUXL 30-Year Bond Futures

    Sep-21       3       752,798       (12,185 )

Euro STOXX 50

    Sep-21       52       2,559,791       17,726  

Euro-Bobl Futures

    Sep-21       466       74,264,416       (65,047 )

Euro-BTP Futures

    Sep-21       33       5,972,902       32,730  

Euro-Bund Futures

    Sep-21       176       36,460,586       (134,883 )

Euro-Oat Futures

    Sep-21       35       6,660,960       (21,584 )

Euro-Schatz Futures

    Sep-21       205       27,177,773       (18,538 )

FTSE 100 Index Futures

    Sep-21       54       5,268,592       7,576  

FTSE Taiwan Index

    Sep-21       3       182,190       3,860  

FTSE/JSE TOP 40

    Sep-21       3       124,810       (3,468 )

FTSE/MIB Index Futures

    Sep-21       11       1,689,121       15,322  

Gasoline RBOB Futures

    Oct-21       12       1,079,518       899  

Gasoline RBOB Futures

    Nov-21       4       347,155       323  

GBP Currency Futures

    Sep-21       24       2,063,700       (29,400 )

Gold 100 Oz Futures

    Dec-21       19       3,454,390       7,650  

JPN 10-Year Bond (Osaka Securities Exchange)

    Sep-21       5       6,915,421       (1,182 )

JPY Currency Futures

    Sep-21       1       113,650       56  

Kansas City Hard Red Winter Wheat Futures

    Dec-21       6       213,600       (2,563 )

Lean Hogs Futures

    Oct-21       4       142,080       (1,700 )

Lean Hogs Futures

    Dec-21       5       163,900       640  

Live Cattle Futures

    Oct-21       3       152,280       (2,410 )

Live Cattle Futures

    Dec-21       7       373,730       520  

Live Cattle Futures

    Feb-22       3       165,300       (60 )

Live Cattle Futures

    Apr-22       2       112,760       (580 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Sep-21       200       13,565,000       1,125,554  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Dec-21       68       4,618,475       219,014  

LME Aluminum Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       68,475       6,888  

LME Aluminum Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       67,825       6,825  

LME Aluminum Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       1       67,868       5,908  

LME Aluminum Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       1       67,879       4,920  

LME Aluminum Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       1       67,887       5,037  

LME Aluminum Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       1       67,900       4,869  

LME Aluminum Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       1       67,900       2,300  

LME Aluminum Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       1       67,900       2,238  

LME Aluminum Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       2       135,800       7,086  

LME Aluminum Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       2       135,913       5,800  

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-21       55       13,097,219       (387,855 )

LME Copper Forward

    Dec-21       18       4,284,563       64,969  

LME Copper Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       238,131       988  

LME Copper Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       238,083       2,371  

LME Copper Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       1       238,040       (6,668 )

LME Copper Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       1       238,100       (1,850 )

LME Copper Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       1       237,968       6,030  

LME Lead Forward

    Sep-21       11       628,650       1,282  

LME Lead Forward

    Dec-21       13       732,063       (21,099 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Sep-21       7       821,835       54,394  

LME Nickel Forward

    Dec-21       9       1,055,484       25,605  

LME Nickel Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       117,405       9,165  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
11

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

Long Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

LME Nickel Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1     $ 117,336     $ 13,283  

LME Nickel Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       1       117,329       9,369  

LME Nickel Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       1       117,320       1,070  

LME Nickel Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       1       117,279       1,929  

LME Palladium Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       2       116,050       6,488  

LME Palladium Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       57,150       3,888  

LME Palladium Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       56,977       2,183  

LME Palladium Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       56,889       1,227  

LME Palladium Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       1       56,806       (1,242 )

LME Palladium Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       1       56,627       (2,568 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Sep-21       12       899,700       (3,719 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Dec-21       12       901,725       3,704  

LME Zinc Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       74,860       197  

LME Zinc Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       74,908       (430 )

LME Zinc Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       74,975       2,254  

LME Zinc Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       75,013       1,375  

LME Zinc Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       1       75,048       1,676  

LME Zinc Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       1       75,060       1,398  

LME Zinc Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       1       75,089       453  

LME Zinc Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       2       150,185       139  

Long Gilt Futures

    Dec-21       32       5,641,961       (23,964 )

Low Sulphur Gasoil G Futures

    Oct-21       8       481,400       14,000  

Low Sulphur Gasoil G Futures

    Nov-21       2       119,800       3,700  

Mill Wheat Euro

    Dec-21       2       28,958       1,564  

Mill Wheat Euro

    Mar-22       3       42,950       443  

Mini TOPIX Index Futures

    Sep-21       1       17,857       80  

MSCI EAFE Index Futures

    Sep-21       3       352,725       3,770  

MSCI Emerging Markets Index Futures

    Sep-21       8       519,680       10,365  

MSCI Singapore Exchange ETS

    Sep-21       2       52,386       (759 )

MXN Currency Futures

    Sep-21       86       2,137,960       250  

Nasdaq 100 E-Mini

    Sep-21       30       9,349,500       202,972  

Natural Gas Futures

    Oct-21       57       2,494,890       186,064  

Natural Gas Futures

    Nov-21       25       1,106,250       66,620  

Natural Gas Futures

    Dec-21       1       45,150       4,160  

Nikkei 225 (Osaka Securities Exchange)

    Sep-21       2       55,497,907       7,908  

Nikkei 225 (Singapore Exchange)

    Sep-21       33       4,226,423       53,656  

Nikkei/Yen Futures

    Sep-21       1       127,574       2,045  

NY Harbor Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel Futures

    Oct-21       22       1,968,305       16,930  

NY Harbor Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel Futures

    Nov-21       2       178,433       3,419  

NZD Currency Futures

    Sep-21       7       493,955       3,805  

OAT Futures

    Dec-21       2       50,225       1,938  

OMX Stockholm 30 Index Futures

    Sep-21       49       1,336,513       (11,153 )

Palm Oil Futures

    Nov-21       4       102,333       2,279  

Palm Oil Futures

    Dec-21       1       25,084       (505 )

Rapeseed Euro

    Nov-21       1       33,489       1,668  

Russell 2000 E-Mini

    Sep-21       5       567,800       3,315  

S&P 500 E-Mini Futures

    Sep-21       212       47,917,299       2,372,300  

S&P Mid 400 E-Mini

    Sep-21       2       550,400       5,675  

S&P/TSX 60 IX Futures

    Sep-21       10       1,949,669       22,463  

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
12

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

Long Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

SGX Nifty 50

    Sep-21       29     $ 993,279     $ 28,645  

Short BTP Future

    Sep-21       17       2,276,850       2,539  

Soybean Futures

    Nov-21       2       129,250       (5,263 )

Soybean Futures

    Mar-22       7       456,838       (18,113 )

Soybean Oil Futures

    Dec-21       3       105,750       (7,794 )

Soybean Oil Futures

    Jan-22       1       35,232       (1,800 )

SPI 200 Futures

    Sep-21       11       1,504,195       26,628  

STOXX Europe 600 Index

    Sep-21       6       166,379       1,441  

Sugar No. 11 (World)

    Oct-21       37       822,170       52,965  

Sugar No. 11 (World)

    Mar-22       40       920,640       93,094  

Sugar No. 11 (World)

    May-22       7       155,389       437  

Swiss Federal Bond Futures

    Sep-21       1       185,236       (153 )

Topix Index Futures

    Sep-21       3       535,700       8,858  

U.S. Treasury 10-Year Notes (Chicago Board of Trade)

    Dec-21       59       7,873,734       22,406  

U.S. Treasury 2-Year Notes (Chicago Board of Trade)

    Dec-21       106       23,354,780       13,938  

U.S. Treasury 5-Year Notes (Chicago Board of Trade)

    Dec-21       62       7,670,562       22,664  

U.S. Treasury Long Bond (Chicago Board of Trade)

    Dec-21       15       2,444,530       6,164  

U.S. Treasury Ultra 10-Year Notes

    Dec-21       2       296,031       1,469  

U.S. Treasury Ultra Long Bond (Chicago Board of Trade)

    Dec-21       1       197,281       1,063  

Wheat (Chicago Board of Trade)

    Dec-21       64       2,311,200       (32,337 )

Wheat (Chicago Board of Trade)

    Mar-22       4       147,400       (6,350 )

Wheat (Chicago Board of Trade)

    May-22       1       37,200       (2,413 )

WTI Crude Futures

    Oct-21       15       1,027,500       (910 )

WTI Crude Futures

    Nov-21       1       68,260       2,940  

WTI Crude Futures

    Dec-21       6       407,640       15,970  

WTI Crude Futures

    Jan-22       1       67,600       2,390  
                            $ 4,511,307  

 

Short Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Jun-22       3     $ (890,122 )   $ (30 )

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Dec-22       71       (21,057,847 )     1,594  

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Mar-24       3       (742,013 )     (825 )

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Jun-24       1       (247,113 )     (513 )

90-DAY Sterling Futures

    Mar-22       59       (10,109,636 )     (2,423 )

90-DAY Sterling Futures

    Jun-22       26       (4,450,402 )     3,884  

90-DAY Sterling Futures

    Sep-22       4       (684,230 )     (206 )

90-DAY Sterling Futures

    Mar-23       34       (5,810,992 )     687  

90-DAY Sterling Futures

    Jun-23       40       (6,833,712 )     (902 )

90-DAY Sterling Futures

    Jun-23       23       (3,929,384 )     1,057  

90-DAY Sterling Futures

    Sep-23       30       (5,123,479 )     (816 )

90-DAY Sterling Futures

    Dec-23       24       (4,097,340 )     (593 )

90-DAY Sterling Futures

    Jun-24       1       (170,637 )     43  

AUD/USD Currency Futures

    Sep-21       57       (4,172,970 )     (5,495 )

CAD Currency Futures

    Sep-21       19       (1,507,080 )     (11,005 )

Canadian 10-Year Bond Futures

    Dec-21       2       (231,649 )     (71 )

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
13

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

Short Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

CHF Currency Futures

    Sep-21       1     $ (136,675 )   $ (775 )

Copper Futures

    Mar-22       1       (108,938 )     (2,388 )

Corn Futures

    Dec-21       7       (186,988 )     1,838  

Dollar Index

    Sep-21       2       (185,270 )     (430 )

EUR Foreign Exchange Currency Futures

    Sep-21       96       (14,178,600 )     (6,818 )

Euro/JPY Futures

    Sep-21       6       (885,902 )     (2,045 )

FTSE China A50 Index

    Sep-21       17       (250,818 )     3,674  

FTSE/JSE TOP 40

    Sep-21       1       (41,603 )     (204 )

Gasoline RBOB Futures

    Nov-21       1       (86,789 )     (2,449 )

Gold 100 Oz Futures

    Dec-21       7       (1,272,670 )     (20,290 )

Hang Seng China Enterprises Index Futures

    Sep-21       7       (411,542 )     (10,196 )

Hang Seng Index Futures

    Sep-21       11       (1,821,252 )     (26,764 )

JPY Currency Futures

    Sep-21       176       (20,002,400 )     (13,944 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Sep-21       200       (13,564,999 )     (1,138,938 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Dec-21       65       (4,414,719 )     (132,045 )

LME Aluminum Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       (68,475 )     (7,500 )

LME Aluminum Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       (67,825 )     (6,060 )

LME Aluminum Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       1       (67,868 )     (5,768 )

LME Aluminum Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       1       (67,879 )     (4,990 )

LME Aluminum Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       1       (67,887 )     (4,938 )

LME Aluminum Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       1       (67,900 )     (6,863 )

LME Aluminum Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       1       (67,900 )     (3,776 )

LME Aluminum Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       1       (67,900 )     (2,836 )

LME Aluminum Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       2       (135,800 )     (5,976 )

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-21       55       (13,097,219 )     55,349  

LME Copper Forward

    Dec-21       17       (4,046,531 )     (85,187 )

LME Copper Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       (238,131 )     5,844  

LME Copper Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       (238,083 )     6,310  

LME Copper Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       1       (238,040 )     4,798  

LME Copper Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       1       (238,100 )     (6,056 )

LME Lead Forward

    Sep-21       11       (628,650 )     15,675  

LME Nickel Forward

    Sep-21       7       (821,835 )     (27,155 )

LME Nickel Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       (117,405 )     (13,461 )

LME Nickel Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       (117,336 )     (9,411 )

LME Nickel Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       1       (117,329 )     (8,849 )

LME Nickel Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       1       (117,320 )     (2,018 )

LME Palladium Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       2       (116,050 )     (6,225 )

LME Palladium Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       (57,150 )     (2,325 )

LME Palladium Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       (56,977 )     (3,665 )

LME Palladium Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       (56,889 )     1,130  

LME Palladium Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       1       (56,806 )     2,412  

LME Palladium Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       1       (56,668 )     3,082  

LME Zinc Forward

    Sep-21       12       (899,700 )     (9,644 )

LME Zinc Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       (74,860 )     (185 )

LME Zinc Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       (74,908 )     (2,313 )

LME Zinc Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       (74,975 )     (113 )

LME Zinc Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Sep-21       1       (75,013 )     (1,703 )

LME Zinc Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       1       (75,048 )     (469 )

LME Zinc Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Oct-21       1       (75,060 )     595  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
14

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

Short Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

LME Zinc Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       1     $ (75,089 )   $ (852 )

LME Zinc Forward — 90 Day Settlement

    Nov-21       2       (150,185 )     (1,410 )

Long Gilt Futures

    Dec-21       20       (3,526,225 )     9,170  

Mini H-Shares Index Futures

    Sep-21       2       (23,517 )     (352 )

Mini HSI Index Futures

    Sep-21       4       (132,455 )     (2,016 )

Nikkei 225 (Osaka Securities Exchange)

    Sep-21       1       (256,147 )     2,818  

Nikkei 225 Mini

    Sep-21       4       (102,459 )     (2,472 )

NY Harbor Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel Futures

    Oct-21       3       (268,405 )     (17,693 )

NY Harbor Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel Futures

    Dec-21       1       (89,002 )     (1,298 )

Platinum Futures

    Oct-21       1       (50,705 )     (1,915 )

Silver Futures

    Dec-21       15       (1,800,450 )     (4,860 )

Soybean Meal Futures

    Dec-21       2       (69,120 )     840  

Soybean Oil Futures

    Dec-21       1       (35,250 )     1,092  

U.S. Treasury 10-Year Notes (Chicago Board of Trade)

    Dec-21       4       (533,813 )     (1,773 )

U.S. Treasury 5-Year Notes (Chicago Board of Trade)

    Dec-21       52       (6,433,375 )     (10,578 )

U.S. Treasury Long Bond (Chicago Board of Trade)

    Dec-21       3       (488,905 )     (484 )
                            $ (1,531,462 )

Total Futures Contracts

                          $ 2,979,845  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
15

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

Forward foreign currency contracts outstanding as of August 31, 2021 were as follows:

 

Currency Purchased

 

   

Currency Sold

   

   

Expiration
Date

   

Counterparty

   

Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

AUD

    4,836,170          

USD

    3,528,558               Sep 01 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE     $ 9,362  

AUD

    4,195,718          

USD

    3,069,587               Sep 02 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (176 )

AUD

    2,000,000          

CAD

    1,859,654               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (10,730 )

AUD

    1,406,089          

EUR

    875,000               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (4,739 )

AUD

    2,800,000          

JPY

    223,705,820               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       14,858  

AUD

    2,000,000          

NZD

    2,100,480               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (16,880 )

AUD

    1,000,000          

USD

    735,150               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (3,539 )

BRL

    1,794,315          

USD

    350,000               Sep 15 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (3,668 )

CAD

    3,518,863          

AUD

    3,800,000               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       8,910  

CAD

    2,612,001          

EUR

    1,750,000               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       3,360  

CAD

    1,600,000          

JPY

    138,724,960               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       7,038  

CAD

    1,300,000          

USD

    1,037,077               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (6,703 )

CHF

    2,038,263          

USD

    2,223,884               Sep 01 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       1,956  

CHF

    1,967,692          

USD

    2,149,295               Sep 02 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (470 )

CHF

    1,876,061          

EUR

    1,750,000               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (17,496 )

CHF

    317,220          

GBP

    250,000               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       2,807  

CHF

    500,000          

JPY

    60,392,200               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (2,812 )

CHF

    750,000          

USD

    826,174               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (6,877 )

CLP

    143,519,700          

USD

    200,000               Sep 15 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (14,649 )

CNH

    7,785,444          

USD

    1,200,000               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       4,776  

CNH

    9,701,981          

USD

    1,500,000               Sep 15 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       1,192  

COP

    369,974,575          

USD

    100,000               Sep 15 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (1,918 )

CZK

    15,308,447          

EUR

    600,000               Sep 15 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       2,285  

EUR

    125,000          

SEK

    1,270,674               Sep 01 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       347  

EUR

    15,418,703          

USD

    18,194,000               Sep 01 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       11,957  

EUR

    14,918,703          

USD

    17,618,988               Sep 02 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (3,090 )

EUR

    375,000          

AUD

    607,370               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (1,452 )

EUR

    750,000          

CAD

    1,134,061               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (13,037 )

EUR

    200,000          

GBP

    170,884               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       1,270  

EUR

    200,000          

HUF

    71,152,960               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (4,416 )

EUR

    600,000          

JPY

    77,861,588               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       831  

EUR

    300,000          

PLN

    1,368,076               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (2,871 )

EUR

    1,125,000          

USD

    1,334,672               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (5,951 )

EUR

    150,000          

CZK

    3,851,919               Sep 15 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (1,723 )

EUR

    500,000          

HUF

    177,731,730               Sep 15 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (10,504 )

EUR

    1,100,000          

NOK

    11,452,794               Sep 15 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (18,099 )

EUR

    750,000          

PLN

    3,431,840               Sep 15 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (10,202 )

EUR

    1,200,000          

SEK

    12,278,237               Sep 15 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (5,655 )

GBP

    3,445,012          

USD

    4,719,332               Sep 01 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       17,061  

GBP

    3,445,012          

USD

    4,741,384               Sep 02 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (4,986 )

GBP

    3,445,012          

USD

    4,738,965               Sep 03 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (2,563 )

GBP

    1,000,000          

AUD

    1,882,555               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (2,406 )

GBP

    250,000          

CHF

    314,203               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       489  

GBP

    1,192,762          

EUR

    1,400,000               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (13,600 )

GBP

    750,000          

JPY

    114,107,600               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (6,154 )

GBP

    750,000          

USD

    1,043,533               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (12,363 )

HUF

    106,176,940          

EUR

    300,000               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       4,755  

HUF

    210,427,980          

USD

    700,000               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       11,648  

HUF

    491,054,756          

EUR

    1,400,000               Sep 15 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       7,111  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
16

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

Currency Purchased

 

   

Currency Sold

   

   

Expiration
Date

   

Counterparty

   

Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

ILS

    1,288,058          

USD

    400,000               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE     $ 1,567  

ILS

    1,293,767          

USD

    400,000               Sep 17 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       3,354  

INR

    7,445,250          

USD

    100,000               Sep 03 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       1,954  

INR

    74,534,000          

USD

    1,000,000               Sep 07 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       20,316  

INR

    74,447,500          

USD

    1,000,000               Sep 13 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       18,477  

INR

    81,464,883          

USD

    1,100,000               Sep 15 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       14,239  

INR

    74,313,500          

USD

    1,000,000               Sep 20 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       15,882  

INR

    73,278,500          

USD

    1,000,000               Sep 27 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       983  

INR

    73,963,139          

USD

    1,000,000               Sep 30 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       10,011  

INR

    80,666,300          

USD

    1,100,000               Oct 01 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       1,438  

JPY

    97,318,010          

USD

    885,595               Sep 01 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (1,000 )

JPY

    97,318,010          

USD

    884,870               Sep 02 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (269 )

JPY

    158,518,300          

AUD

    2,000,000               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (22,173 )

JPY

    68,294,704          

CAD

    800,000               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (13,226 )

JPY

    57,142,183          

GBP

    375,000               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       3,881  

JPY

    121,746,812          

NZD

    1,600,000               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (20,670 )

KRW

    919,816,000          

USD

    800,000               Sep 07 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (6,768 )

KRW

    924,840,000          

USD

    800,000               Sep 13 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (2,493 )

KRW

    449,526,658          

USD

    400,000               Sep 15 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (12,374 )

KRW

    942,072,000          

USD

    800,000               Sep 23 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       12,269  

KRW

    933,544,000          

USD

    800,000               Sep 24 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       4,907  

KRW

    929,984,000          

USD

    800,000               Sep 27 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       1,808  

MXN

    9,500,000          

USD

    474,986               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (2,894 )

NOK

    7,000,000          

SEK

    6,937,632               Sep 02 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       1,176  

NOK

    1,305,531          

EUR

    125,000               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       2,529  

NOK

    3,517,344          

USD

    400,000               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       4,571  

NOK

    13,768,152          

EUR

    1,350,000               Sep 15 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (10,863 )

NZD

    5,044,783          

AUD

    4,800,000               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       43,071  

NZD

    2,400,000          

JPY

    182,685,600               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       30,411  

NZD

    800,000          

USD

    561,321               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       2,399  

PHP

    4,799,384          

USD

    100,000               Sep 15 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (3,562 )

PLN

    455,064          

EUR

    100,000               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       706  

PLN

    1,359,963          

EUR

    300,000               Sep 15 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       746  

RUB

    77,447,832          

USD

    1,050,000               Sep 15 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       4,828  

SEK

    1,275,388          

EUR

    125,000               Sep 01 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       199  

SEK

    10,193,667          

EUR

    1,000,000               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       303  

SEK

    5,856,369          

NOK

    6,000,000               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (11,411 )

SEK

    3,430,486          

USD

    400,000               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (2,426 )

SEK

    14,171,207          

EUR

    1,400,000               Sep 15 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (11,181 )

SGD

    2,029,503          

USD

    1,500,000               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       9,490  

SGD

    598,404          

USD

    450,000               Sep 15 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (4,924 )

THB

    11,457,314          

USD

    350,000               Sep 15 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       5,439  

TWD

    13,916,689          

USD

    500,000               Sep 07 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       2,159  

TWD

    13,911,000          

USD

    500,000               Sep 13 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       1,950  

TWD

    8,265,979          

USD

    300,000               Sep 15 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (1,740 )

TWD

    5,567,000          

USD

    200,000               Sep 16 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       873  

TWD

    8,348,700          

USD

    300,000               Sep 22 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       1,242  

TWD

    8,373,600          

USD

    300,000               Sep 27 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       2,139  

TWD

    8,313,000          

USD

    300,000               Oct 04 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (47 )

USD

    3,535,729          

AUD

    4,836,170               Sep 01 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (2,191 )

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
17

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

Currency Purchased

 

   

Currency Sold

   

   

Expiration
Date

   

Counterparty

   

Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

USD

    3,060,772          

AUD

    4,195,718               Sep 02 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE     $ (8,639 )

USD

    3,069,591          

AUD

    4,195,718               Sep 03 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       165  

USD

    100,000          

BRL

    534,615               Sep 15 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (3,189 )

USD

    239,761          

CAD

    300,000               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       1,983  

USD

    2,235,970          

CHF

    2,038,263               Sep 01 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       10,130  

USD

    2,146,542          

CHF

    1,967,692               Sep 02 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (2,284 )

USD

    1,918,699          

CHF

    1,756,147               Sep 03 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       846  

USD

    400,000          

CLP

    304,543,948               Sep 15 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       6,691  

USD

    300,000          

CNH

    1,948,397               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (1,509 )

USD

    350,000          

CNH

    2,276,070               Sep 15 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (2,177 )

USD

    300,000          

COP

    1,155,606,875               Sep 15 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (6,357 )

USD

    18,188,273          

EUR

    15,418,703               Sep 01 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (17,684 )

USD

    17,604,368          

EUR

    14,918,703               Sep 02 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (11,530 )

USD

    17,619,302          

EUR

    14,918,703               Sep 03 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       3,076  

USD

    293,880          

EUR

    250,000               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (1,391 )

USD

    4,741,370          

GBP

    3,445,012               Sep 01 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       4,977  

USD

    4,738,959          

GBP

    3,445,012               Sep 02 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       2,561  

USD

    173,309          

GBP

    125,000               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       1,448  

USD

    300,000          

HUF

    89,949,920               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (4,202 )

USD

    100,000          

ILS

    326,141               Sep 17 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (1,680 )

USD

    100,000          

INR

    7,456,113               Sep 03 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (2,103 )

USD

    1,000,000          

INR

    74,539,250               Sep 07 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (20,387 )

USD

    1,000,000          

INR

    74,602,000               Sep 13 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (20,589 )

USD

    300,000          

INR

    22,458,414               Sep 15 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (7,176 )

USD

    1,000,000          

INR

    74,525,500               Sep 20 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (18,780 )

USD

    1,000,000          

INR

    74,391,500               Sep 27 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (16,187 )

USD

    1,000,000          

INR

    73,326,500               Sep 30 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (1,318 )

USD

    1,100,000          

INR

    80,849,734               Oct 01 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (3,943 )

USD

    1,100,000          

INR

    80,719,100               Oct 04 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (1,832 )

USD

    886,005          

JPY

    97,318,010               Sep 01 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       1,410  

USD

    885,600          

JPY

    97,318,010               Sep 02 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       998  

USD

    884,873          

JPY

    97,318,010               Sep 03 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       266  

USD

    916,125          

JPY

    100,000,000               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       7,050  

USD

    800,000          

KRW

    924,832,000               Sep 07 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       2,442  

USD

    800,000          

KRW

    942,104,000               Sep 13 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (12,394 )

USD

    950,000          

KRW

    1,099,254,810               Sep 15 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       2,114  

USD

    800,000          

KRW

    933,592,000               Sep 23 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (4,958 )

USD

    800,000          

KRW

    943,158,694               Sep 24 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (13,196 )

USD

    800,000          

KRW

    939,024,903               Sep 27 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (9,603 )

USD

    800,000          

KRW

    930,136,000               Oct 05 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (1,870 )

USD

    200,000          

PHP

    10,036,200               Sep 15 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (1,667 )

USD

    700,000          

PLN

    2,682,242               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (318 )

USD

    200,000          

RUB

    14,905,902               Sep 15 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (3,016 )

USD

    548          

SEK

    4,714               Sep 01 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       1  

USD

    650,000          

SGD

    879,046               Sep 15 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (3,810 )

USD

    600,000          

THB

    19,407,381               Sep 15 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (2,073 )

USD

    600,000          

TRY

    5,430,887               Nov 10 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (29,714 )

USD

    500,000          

TWD

    13,918,500               Sep 07 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (2,225 )

USD

    500,000          

TWD

    13,924,100               Sep 13 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (2,423 )

USD

    250,000          

TWD

    6,954,847               Sep 15 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (951 )

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
18

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Concluded)

August 31, 2021

 

Currency Purchased

 

   

Currency Sold

   

   

Expiration
Date

   

Counterparty

   

Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

USD

    200,000          

TWD

    5,558,211               Sep 16 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE     $ (556 )

USD

    300,000          

TWD

    8,378,700               Sep 22 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (2,325 )

USD

    300,000          

TWD

    8,318,100               Sep 27 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (136 )

USD

    100,000          

ZAR

    1,539,282               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (5,757 )

USD

    250,000          

ZAR

    3,653,783               Sep 15 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (998 )

ZAR

    10,103,373          

USD

    700,000               Sep 14 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (5,843 )

ZAR

    5,574,657          

USD

    400,000               Sep 15 2021       SOCIETE GENERALE       (17,046 )

Total Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

                          $ (230,289 )

 

AUD

Australian Dollar

 

LME

London Mercantile Exchange

BRL

Brazilian Real

 

MIB

Milano Indice di Borsa

CAD

Canadian Dollar

 

MXN

Mexican Peso

CHF

Swiss Franc

 

NOK

Norwegian Krone

CLP

Chilean Peso

 

NZD

New Zealand Dollar

CNH

Chinese Yuan Renminbi

 

OMX

Stockholm Stock Exchange

COP

Colombian Peso

 

PHP

Philippine Peso

CZK

Czech Koruna

 

PLN

Polish Zloty

DAX

Deutscher Aktienindex

 

RBOB

Reformulated Blendstock for Oxygenate Blending

DJIA

Dow Jones Industrial Average

 

RUB

Russian Ruble

EUR

Euro

 

SEK

Swedish Krona

FTSE

Financial Times Stock Exchange

 

SGD

Singapore Dollar

GBP

British Pound

 

THB

Thai Baht

HUF

Hungarian Forint

 

TRY

Turkish Lira

ILS

Israeli New Shekel

 

TWD

Taiwan Dollar

INR

Indian Rupee

 

USD

United States Dollar

JPY

Japanese Yen

 

WTI

West Texas Intermediate

KRW

Korean Won

 

ZAR

South African Rand

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
19

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Statement of Assets And Liabilities

August 31, 2021

 

ASSETS

       

Investments, at value (cost $78,440,755)

  $ 78,438,065  

Deposits with broker for forward foreign currency contracts

    2,572,910  

Deposits with broker for futures contracts

    10,936,330  

Receivables for:

       

Capital shares sold

    144,482  

Interest and dividends receivable

    24  

Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency contracts

    383,488  

Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts

    5,524,312  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

    17,363  

Total assets

  $ 98,016,974  
         

LIABILITIES

       

Due to broker

    5,360  

Payables for:

       

Advisory fees

    112,316  

Capital shares redeemed

    28,968  

Administration and accounting services fees

    11,631  

Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency contracts

    613,777  

Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts

    2,544,467  

Other accrued expenses and liabilities

    52,269  

Total liabilities

  $ 3,368,788  

Net assets

  $ 94,648,186  
         

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

       

Par value

  $ 7,903  

Paid-in capital

    93,552,682  

Total distributable earnings/(losses)

    1,087,601  

Net assets

  $ 94,648,186  
         

CLASS I SHARES:

       

Net assets

  $ 94,648,186  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    7,903,191  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

  $ 11.98  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
20

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Statement of Operations

For the Year Ended August 31, 2021

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

       

Interest

  $ 26,085  

Total investment income

    26,085  

EXPENSES

       

Advisory fees (Note 2)

    1,025,329  

Administration and accounting services fees (Note 2)

    89,093  

Audit and tax service fees

    68,280  

Legal fees

    35,116  

Registration and filing fees

    31,677  

Director fees

    17,704  

Printing and shareholder reporting fees

    8,677  

Custodian fees (Note 2)

    5,615  

Officer fees

    3,059  

Transfer agent fees (Note 2)

    3,004  

Other expenses

    33,148  

Total expenses before waivers and/or reimbursements

    1,320,702  

Less: waivers and/or reimbursements (Note 2)

    (254,268 )

Net expenses after waivers and/or reimbursements

    1,066,434  

Net investment income/(loss)

    (1,040,349 )

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS

       

Net realized gain/(loss) from:

       

Investments

    (971 )

Futures contracts

    10,384,767  

Foreign currency transactions

    27,641  

Forward foreign currency contracts

    (275,844 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:

       

Investments

    (2,820 )

Futures contracts

    301,716  

Foreign currency translations

    335  

Forward foreign currency contracts

    (306,725 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    10,128,099  

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 9,087,750  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
21

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2021

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2020

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ (1,040,349 )   $ (226,708 )

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments, futures contracts, foreign currency transactions and forward foreign currency contracts

    10,135,593       3,252,777  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments, futures contracts, foreign currency translations and forward foreign currency contracts

    (7,494 )     1,510,227  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    9,087,750       4,536,296  

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (4,134,208 )     (3,011,201 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (4,134,208 )     (3,011,201 )

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Class I Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    52,031,717       5,162,687  

Proceeds from reinvestment of distributions

    4,109,948       2,892,850  

Shares redeemed

    (4,018,611 )     (250,926 )

Total from Class I Shares

    52,123,054       7,804,611  

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

    52,123,054       7,804,611  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    57,076,596       9,329,706  

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    37,571,590       28,241,884  

End of period

  $ 94,648,186     $ 37,571,590  

SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Class I Shares

               

Shares sold

    4,470,348       524,318  

Shares reinvested

    397,480       314,099  

Shares redeemed

    (359,377 )     (25,056 )

Total Class I Shares

    4,508,451       813,361  

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    4,508,451       813,361  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
22

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for Class I Shares outstanding, total investment return, ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the consolidated financial statements.

 

 

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2021

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2020

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2019

   

For the
Period
Ended
August 31,
2018
(1)

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                               

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 11.07     $ 10.94     $ 10.65     $ 10.00  

Net investment income/(loss)(2)

    (0.21 )     (0.08 )     0.02       (0.01 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    2.21       1.38       1.09       0.66  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    2.00       1.30       1.11       0.65  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                               

Net investment income

    (0.17 )     (0.96 )     (0.36 )      

Net realized capital gains

    (0.92 )     (0.21 )     (0.46 )      

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (1.09 )     (1.17 )     (0.82 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 11.98     $ 11.07     $ 10.94     $ 10.65  

Total investment return/(loss)(3)

    19.72 %     13.97 %     12.20 %     6.50 %(4)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                               

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 94,948     $ 37,572     $ 28,242     $ 21,608  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and/or reimbursements (including interest expense)(6)

    1.84 %     1.79 %     1.79 %     1.79 %(5)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and/or reimbursements (excluding interest expense)(6)

    1.79 %     1.79 %     1.79 %     1.79 %(5)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and/or reimbursements (including interest expense)(6)

    2.28 %     2.45 %     2.27 %     2.84 %(5)

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    (1.80 )%     (0.76 )%     0.25 %     (0.25 )%(5)

Portfolio turnover rate

    0 %     0 %     0 %     0 %(4)

 

 

(1)

Inception date of Class I Shares of the Fund was April 11, 2018.

(2)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.

(3)

Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of the period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(4)

Not annualized.

(5)

Annualized.

(6)

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired Fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) to 1.79% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
23

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements

August 31, 2021

 

1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

 

The RBB Fund, Inc. (“RBB” or the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland on February 29, 1988 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. RBB is a “series fund,” which is a mutual fund divided into separate portfolios. Each portfolio is treated as a separate entity for certain matters under the 1940 Act, and for other purposes, and a shareholder of one portfolio is not deemed to be a shareholder of any other portfolio. Currently, RBB has thirty-nine separate investment portfolios, including the Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund (the “Fund”), which commenced investment operations on April 11, 2018. The Fund is authorized to offer three classes of shares, Class A Shares, Class I Shares and Class C Shares. Class A Shares will be sold subject to a front-end maximum sales charge of 5.75%. Front-end sales charges may be reduced or waived under certain circumstances. Class A Shares and Class C Shares have not yet commenced operations as of the end of the reporting period.

 

RBB has authorized capital of one hundred billion shares of common stock of which 88.223 billion shares are currently classified into one hundred and ninety-three classes of common stock. Each class represents an interest in an active or inactive RBB investment portfolio.

 

The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by allocating its assets between a “Managed Futures” strategy, a “Long U.S. Equity” strategy and a “Fixed Income” strategy.

 

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

 

The end of the reporting period for the Fund is August 31, 2021, and the period covered by these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements is the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021 (the “current fiscal period”).

 

Consolidation of Subsidiaries — The Managed Futures strategy is achieved by the Fund investing up to 25% of its total assets in ACMAF Master Offshore Limited (the “Cayman Subsidiary”), a wholly-owned and controlled subsidiary of the Fund organized under the acts of the Cayman Islands. Effective on or about November 12, 2020, the Fund’s previous wholly-owned subsidiary, the Abbey Capital Multi Asset Offshore Fund Limited, became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Cayman Subsidiary through a share exchange between the Fund and the Cayman Subsidiary and registered as a segregated portfolio company under the acts of the Cayman Islands under the name ACMAF Offshore SPC (the “SPC”). The Cayman Subsidiary invests all or substantially all of its assets in segregated portfolios of the SPC. The Cayman Subsidiary serves solely as an intermediate entity through which the Fund invests in the SPC and makes no independent investment decisions and has no investment or other discretion over the Fund’s investable assets.

 

Effective on or about July 8, 2021, the Fund may also invest a portion of its assets in segregated series of another wholly-owned subsidiary of the Fund, the ACMAF Onshore Series LLC (the “Onshore Subsidiary”), a Delaware series limited liability company.

 

The consolidated financial statements of the Fund include the financial statements of the Cayman Subsidiary, the Onshore Subsidiary and SPC. The Fund consolidates the results of subsidiaries in which the Fund holds a controlling financial interest. All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated. As of the end of the reporting period, the net assets of the Cayman Subsidiary and SPC were $19,534,430, which represented 20.64% of the Fund’s net assets. As of the end of the reporting period, the net assets of the Onshore Subsidiary were $13,369,117, which represented 14.13% of the Fund’s net assets.

 

Portfolio Valuation — The Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. Securities held by the Fund are valued using the closing price or the last sale price on a national securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System (“NASDAQ”) market system where they are primarily traded. Fixed income securities are valued using an independent pricing service, which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings, and are deemed representative of market values at the close of the market. Forward exchange contracts are valued by interpolating between spot and forward currency rates as quoted by an independent pricing service. Futures contracts are generally valued using the settlement price determined by the

 

24

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

relevant exchange. If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable, securities will be valued in accordance with procedures adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). Relying on prices supplied by pricing services or dealers or using fair valuation may result in values that are higher or lower than the values used by other investment companies and investors to price the same investments.

 

Fair Value Measurements — The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the Fund’s investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:

 

 

● Level 1 –

Prices are determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.

 

 

● Level 2 –

Prices are determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

 

● Level 3 –

Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

 

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used, as of the end of the reporting period, in valuing the Fund’s investments carried at fair value:

 

 

Total

   

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

 

Short-Term Investments

  $ 78,438,065     $ 78,438,065     $     $  

Commodity Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

    2,437,021       2,437,021              

Equity Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

    2,862,308       2,862,308              

Foreign Currency Contracts

                               

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

    383,488             383,488        

Futures Contracts

    29,279       29,279              

Interest Rate Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

    195,704       195,704              

Total Assets

  $ 84,345,865     $ 83,962,377     $ 383,488     $  

 

 

Total

   

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

 

Commodity Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

  $ (2,092,942 )   $ (2,092,942 )   $     $  

Equity Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

    (69,333 )     (69,333 )            

Foreign Currency Contracts

                               

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

    (613,777 )           (613,777 )      

Futures Contracts

    (73,957 )     (73,957 )            

Interest Rate Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

    (308,235 )     (308,235 )            

Total Liabilities

  $ (3,158,244 )   $ (2,544,467 )   $ (613,777 )   $  

 

At the end of each quarter, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities. Various factors are considered, such as changes in liquidity from the prior reporting period; whether or not a broker is willing to execute at the quoted price; the depth and consistency of prices from third party pricing services; and the existence of contemporaneous, observable trades in the market. Additionally, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities on a quarterly basis for changes in listings or delistings on national exchanges.

 

25

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Fund’s investments may fluctuate from period to period. Additionally, the fair value of investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for such investments and may differ materially from the values the Fund may ultimately realize. Further, such investments may be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities.

 

For fair valuations using significant unobservable inputs, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires the Fund to present a reconciliation of the beginning to ending balances for reported market values that presents changes attributable to total realized and unrealized gains or losses, purchase and sales, and transfers in and out of Level 3 during the period. Transfers in and out between levels are based on values at the end of the period. A reconciliation of Level 3 investments is presented only when the Fund had an amount of Level 3 investments at the end of the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets. The amounts and reasons for Level 3 transfers are disclosed if the Fund had an amount of total Level 3 transfers during the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets as of the end of the reporting period.

 

During the current fiscal period, the Fund had no Level 3 transfers.

 

Disclosures about Derivative instruments and Hedging Activities — Derivative instruments are defined as financial instruments whose value and performance are based on the value and performance of another security or financial instrument. Derivative instruments that the Fund used during the period include forward foreign currency contracts and futures contracts.

 

During the current fiscal period, the Fund used long and short contracts on U.S. and foreign equity market indices, U.S. and foreign government bonds, foreign currencies, interest rates and commodities (through investments in the Cayman Subsidiary and SPC), to gain investment exposure in accordance with its investment objective.

 

The following tables provide quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of, and gains and losses on, the Fund’s derivative instruments as of and for the current fiscal period.

 

The following tables list the fair values of the Fund’s derivative holdings and location on the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of the end of the reporting period, grouped by derivative type and primary risk exposure category by contract type.

 

Derivative Type

 

Consolidated
Statement
of Assets and
Liabilities
Location

   

Equity
Contracts

   

Interest
Rate
Contracts

   

Foreign
Currency
Contracts

   

Commodity
Contracts

   

Total

 

Asset Derivatives

Forward Contracts (a)

    Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency contracts     $     $     $ 383,488     $     $ 383,488  

Futures Contracts (a)

    Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts       2,873,293       195,704       45,612       2,437,021       5,551,630  

Total Value- Assets

          $ 2,873,293     $ 195,704     $ 429,100     $ 2,437,021     $ 5,935,118  

Liability Derivatives

Forward Contracts (a)

    Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency contracts     $     $     $ (613,777 )   $     $ (613,777 )

Futures Contracts (a)

    Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts       (80,318 )     (308,235 )     (90,290 )     (2,092,942 )     (2,571,785 )

Total Value- Liabilities

  $ (80,318 )   $ (308,235 )   $ (704,067 )   $ (2,092,942 )   $ (3,185,562 )

 

(a)

This amount represents the cumulative appreciation/(depreciation) of forwards and futures contracts as reported on the Consolidated Portfolio of Investments.

 

26

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

The following table lists the amounts of realized gains/(losses) included in net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations during the current fiscal period, grouped by derivative type and primary risk exposure category by contract type.

 

Derivative Type

 

Consolidated
Statement of
Operations
Location

   

Equity
Contracts

   

Interest
Rate
Contracts

   

Foreign
Currency
Contracts

   

Commodity
Contracts

   

Total

 

Realized Gain/(Loss)

Futures Contracts

    Net realized gain/(loss) from Futures Contracts     $ 8,746,825     $ (1,167,660 )   $ (1,068,527 )   $ 3,874,129     $ 10,384,767  

Forward Contracts

    Net realized gain/(loss) from Forward Foreign Currency Contracts                   (275,844 )           (275,844 )

Total Realized Gain/(Loss)

  $ 8,746,825     $ (1,167,660 )   $ (1,344,371 )   $ 3,874,129     $ 10,108,923  

 

The following table lists the amounts of change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) included in net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations during the current fiscal period, grouped by derivative type and primary risk exposure category by contract type.

 

Derivative Type

 

Consolidated
Statement of
Operations
Location

   

Equity
Contracts

   

Interest
Rate
Contracts

   

Foreign
Currency
Contracts

   

Commodity
Contracts

   

Total

 

Change in Unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation)

Futures Contracts

    Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on futures contracts     $ 389,599     $ (138,858 )   $ (273,000 )   $ 323,975     $ 301,716  

Forward Contracts

    Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on forward foreign currency contracts                   (306,725 )           (306,725 )

Total Change in Unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation)

  $ 389,599     $ (138,858 )   $ (579,725 )   $ 323,975     $ (5,009 )

 

During the current fiscal period, the Fund’s quarterly average volume of derivatives was as follows:

 

Long Futures
Notional
Amount

Short Futures
Notional
Amount

Forward Foreign
Currency
Contracts — Payable
(Value at Trade Date)

Forward Foreign
Currency
Contracts —
Receivable
(Value at Trade Date)

$313,677,207

$(104,723,316)

$(131,299,115)

$131,261,304

 

For financial reporting purposes, the Fund does not offset fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments and fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral (receivables) or the obligation to return cash collateral (payables) arising from derivative instruments recognized at fair value executed with the same counterparty under a master netting arrangement.

 

27

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

The following is a summary of financial and derivative instruments that are subject to enforceable master netting agreements (or similar arrangements) and collateral received and pledged in connection with the master netting agreements (or similar arrangements).

 

           

Gross Amount Not
Offset in Consolidated
Statement of
Assets and Liabilities

                           

Gross Amount Not
Offset in Consolidated
Statement of
Assets and Liabilities

         

Description

 

Gross Amount
Presented
in the
Consolidated
Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Collateral
Received

   

Net
Amount
(1)

           

Gross Amount
Presented
in the
Consolidated
Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Collateral
Pledged
(2)

   

Net
Amount
(3)

 
   

Assets

           

Liabilities

 

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

  $ 383,488     $ (383,488 )   $     $             $ 613,777     $ (383,488 )   $ (230,289 )   $  

 

 
 

(1)

Net amount represents the net amount receivable from the counterparty in the event of default.

 

 

(2)

Actual collateral pledged may be more than the amount shown.

 

 

(3)

Net amount represents the net amount payable to the counterparty in the event of default.

 

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

 

Investment Transactions, Investment Income and Expenses — The Fund records security transactions based on trade date for financial reporting purposes. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method for both financial reporting and income tax purposes in determining realized gains and losses on investments. Interest income (including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts) is accrued when earned. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. The Fund’s investment income, expenses (other than class specific expenses) and unrealized and realized gains and losses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class at the beginning of the day. Certain expenses are shared with PENN Capital Funds Trust (the “Trust”), a series trust of affiliated funds. Expenses incurred on behalf of a specific class, fund or fund family of the Company or Trust are charged directly to the class, fund or fund family (in proportion to net assets). Expenses incurred for all funds (such as director or professional fees) are charged to all funds in proportion to their average net assets of RBB and the Trust, or in such other manner as the Board deems fair or equitable. Expenses and fees, including investment advisory and administration fees, are accrued daily and taken into account for the purpose of determining the NAV of the Fund.

 

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders — Dividends from net investment income and distributions from net realized capital gains, if any, are declared and paid at least annually to shareholders and recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income dividends and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

 

U.S. Tax Status — No provision is made for U.S. income taxes as it is the Fund’s intention to continue to qualify for and elect the tax treatment applicable to regulated investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and make the requisite distributions to its shareholders which will be sufficient to relieve it from U.S. income and excise taxes.

 

28

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

The Cayman Subsidiary is registered as an “exempted company” and the SPC as an “exempted segregated portfolio company” pursuant to the Companies Act (Revised) of the Cayman Islands (as amended). Each of the Cayman Subsidiary and the SPC has received an undertaking from the Governor in Cabinet of the Cayman Islands to the effect that, for a period of twenty years from the date of the undertaking, no act that thereafter is enacted in the Cayman Islands imposing any tax or duty to be levied on profits, income or on gains or appreciation, or any tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax, will apply to any property comprised in or any income arising under the Cayman Subsidiary or the SPC, or to the shareholders thereof, in respect of any such property or income. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Cayman Subsidiary is treated as a “controlled foreign corporation” and the SPC is treated as disregarded from its owner, the Cayman Subsidiary, for U.S. income tax purposes. The Onshore Subsidiary is treated as an entity disregarded from its owner, the Fund, for U.S. income tax purposes.

 

Foreign Currency Translation — Assets and liabilities initially expressed in non-U.S. currencies are translated into U.S. dollars based on the applicable exchange rates at the date of the last business day of the financial statement period. Purchases and sales of securities, interest income, dividends, variation margin received and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect on the transaction date.

 

The Fund does not separately report the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates from changes in market prices of securities held. Such changes are included with the net realized gain or loss and change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Other foreign currency transactions resulting in realized and unrealized gain or loss are reported separately as net realized gain or loss and change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on foreign currencies in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

 

Currency Risk —Investment in foreign securities involves currency risk associated with securities that trade or are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and which may be affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates. An increase in the strength of the U.S. dollar relative to a foreign currency may cause the U.S. dollar value of an investment in that country to decline. Foreign currencies also are subject to risks caused by inflation, interest rates, budget deficits and low savings rates, political factors and government controls. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts may limit potential gains from a favorable change in value between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. Unanticipated changes in currency pricing may result in poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not engaged in these contracts.

 

Commodity Sector Risk — Exposure to the commodities markets may subject the Fund to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. The value of commodity-linked derivative instruments may be affected by changes in overall market movements, commodity index volatility, changes in interest rates or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs and international economic, political and regulatory developments. The prices of energy, industrial metals, precious metals, agriculture and livestock sector commodities may fluctuate widely due to factors such as changes in value, supply and demand and governmental regulatory policies. The commodity-linked securities in which the Fund invests may be issued by companies in the financial services sector, and events affecting the financial services sector may cause the Fund’s share value to fluctuate.

 

Foreign Securities Market Risk — A substantial portion of the trades of the Fund are expected to take place on markets or exchanges outside the United States. There is no limit to the amount of assets of the Fund that may be committed to trading on foreign markets. The risk of loss in trading foreign futures and options on futures contracts can be substantial. Participation in foreign futures and options on futures contracts involves the execution and clearing of trades on, or subject to the rules of, a foreign board of trade or exchange. Some of these foreign markets, in contrast to U.S. exchanges, are so-called principals’ markets in which performance is the responsibility only of the individual counterparty with whom the trader has entered into a commodity interest transaction and not of the exchange or clearing corporation. In these kinds of markets, there is risk of bankruptcy or other failure or refusal to perform by the counterparty.

 

29

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

Counterparty Risk — The derivative contracts entered into by the Fund, the Cayman Subsidiary or the SPC may be privately negotiated in the over-the-counter market. These contracts also involve exposure to credit risk, since contract performance depends in part on the financial condition of the counterparty. Relying on a counterparty exposes the Fund to the risk that a counterparty will not settle a transaction in accordance with its terms and conditions because of a dispute over the terms of the contract (whether or not bona fide) or because of a credit or liquidity problem, thus causing the Fund to suffer a loss. If a counterparty defaults on its payment obligations to the Fund, this default will cause the value of an investment in the Fund to decrease.

 

Credit Risk — Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer of the security or a counterparty in respect of a derivative instrument will not be able to satisfy its payment obligations to the Fund when due. Changes in an issuer’s credit rating or the market’s perception of an issuer’s creditworthiness may also affect the value of the Fund’s investment in that issuer. Securities rated in the four highest categories by the rating agencies are considered investment grade, but they may also have some speculative characteristics. Investment grade ratings do not guarantee that bonds will not lose value or default. In addition, the credit quality of securities may be lowered if an issuer’s financial condition changes.

 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic — The global outbreak of COVID-19 (commonly referred to as “coronavirus”) has disrupted economic markets and the prolonged economic impact is uncertain. Although vaccines for COVID-19 are becoming more widely available, the ultimate economic fallout from the pandemic, and the long-term impact on economies, markets, industries and individual companies are not known. The operational and financial performance of individual companies and the market in general depends on future developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak and the pace of recovery which may vary from market to market, and such uncertainty may in turn adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments, impair the Fund’s ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the Fund’s performance.

 

Futures Contracts — The Fund uses futures contracts in the normal course of pursuing its investment objective. Upon entering into a futures contract, the Fund must deposit initial margin in addition to segregating cash or liquid assets sufficient to meet its obligation to purchase or provide securities, or to pay the amount owed at the expiration of an index-based futures contract. Such liquid assets may consist of cash, cash equivalents, liquid debt or equity securities or other acceptable assets. Pursuant to the futures contract, the Fund agrees to receive from, or pay to the broker, an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in value of the contract. Such a receipt of payment is known as “variation margin” and is recorded by the Fund as an unrealized gain or loss. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the proceeds from (or cost of) the closing transactions and the Fund’s basis in the contract. Futures contracts have market risks, including the risk that the change in the value of the contract may not correlate with changes in the value of the underlying securities. Use of long futures contracts subjects the Fund to risk of loss in excess of the amount shown on the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities, up to the notional value of the futures contract. Use of short futures contracts subjects the Fund to unlimited risk of loss.

 

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts — In the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives, the Fund is subject to foreign investment and currency risk. The Fund uses forward foreign currency contracts (“forward contracts”) for purposes of hedging, duration management, as a substitute for securities, to increase returns, for currency hedging or risk management, or to otherwise help achieve the Fund’s investment objective. These contracts are marked-to-market daily at the applicable translation rates. The Fund records realized gains or losses at the time the forward contract is closed. A forward contract is extinguished through a closing transaction or upon delivery of the currency or entering an offsetting contract. Risks may arise upon entering these contracts from the potential inability of a counterparty to meet the terms of their contracts and from unanticipated movements in the value of a foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar or other currencies. The Fund’s maximum risk of loss from counterparty credit risk related to forward foreign currency contracts is the fair value of the contract. The risk may be mitigated to some extent if a master netting arrangement between the Fund and the counterparty is in place and to the extent the Fund obtains collateral to cover the Fund’s exposure to the counterparty.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents — Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates market value.

 

30

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

Other — In the normal course of business, the Fund may enter into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on claims that may be made against the Fund in the future, and, therefore, cannot be estimated; however, the Fund expects the risk of material loss from such claims to be remote.

 

2. Investment Adviser and Other Services

 

Abbey Capital Limited (“Abbey Capital” or the “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser to the Fund, the Cayman Subsidiary, Onshore Subsidiary and the SPC. The Adviser allocates the assets of the Onshore Subsidiary and SPC (via the Cayman Subsidiary) to one or more Trading Advisers unaffiliated with the Adviser to manage. The Adviser also has the ultimate responsibility to oversee the Trading Advisers, and to recommend their hiring, termination and replacement, subject to approval by the Board. The Fund compensates the Adviser for its services at an annual rate based on the Fund’s average daily net assets (the “Advisory Fee”), payable on a monthly basis in arrears, as shown in the following table. The Adviser compensates the Trading Advisers out of the Advisory Fee.

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) to the rates (“Expense Caps”) shown in the following table of the Fund’s average daily net assets. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed the Expense Caps as applicable: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary expenses, interest and taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2021 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board. The Adviser may discontinue these arrangements at any time after December 31, 2021.

 

Advisory
Fee

Expense Caps

 

Class A

Class I

Class C

1.77%

2.04%

1.79%

2.79%

 

During the current fiscal period, investment advisory fees accrued, waived and/or reimbursed were as follows:

 

Gross
Advisory
Fees

Waivers and/or
Reimbursements

Net
Advisory
Fees

$1,025,329

$(254,268)

$771,061

 

If at any time the Fund’s total annual fund operating expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than the relevant share class’s Expense Cap, the Adviser may recoup any waived or reimbursed amounts from the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

As of the end of the reporting period, the Fund had amounts available for recoupment as follows:

 

Expiration

August 31,
2022

August 31,
2023

August 31,
2024

Total

$106,779

$195,654

$254,268

$556,701

 

31

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

Aspect Capital Limited, Crabel Capital Management, LLC, Eclipse Capital Management, Inc., Revolution Capital Management, LLC, Tudor Investment Corporation and Welton Investment Partners, LLC each served as a Trading Adviser to the Fund during the period.

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (“Fund Services”), doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, serves as administrator for the Fund. For providing administrative and accounting services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Fund Services serves as the Fund’s transfer and dividend disbursing agent. For providing transfer agent services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

U.S. Bank, N.A. (the “Custodian”) provides certain custodial services to the Fund. The Custodian is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Quasar Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of Foreside Financial Group, LLC, serves as the principal underwriter and distributor of the Fund’s shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with RBB.

 

For compensation amounts paid to Fund Services and the Custodian, please refer to the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

 

The Board has adopted a Plan of Distribution for the Class A Shares and Class C Shares (the “Plan”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Plan, the Fund’s distributor is entitled to receive from the Fund a distribution fee with respect to the Shares, which is accrued daily and paid monthly, of up to 0.25% on an annualized basis of the average daily net assets of the Class A Shares and up to 1.00% of the Class C Shares. The actual amount of such compensation under the Plan is agreed upon by the Board and by the Distributor. Because these fees are paid out of the Fund’s assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges. Amounts paid to the Distributor under the Plan may be used by the Distributor to cover expenses that are related to (i) the sale of the Shares, (ii) ongoing servicing and/or maintenance of the accounts of shareholders, and (iii) sub-transfer agency services, subaccounting services or administrative services related to the sale of the Shares, all as set forth in the Fund’s 12b-1 Plan.

 

3. Director And Officer Compensation

 

The Directors of the Company receive an annual retainer and meeting fees for meetings attended. An employee of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serves as President and Chief Compliance Officer of the Company. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company. Employees of RBB serve as Treasurer, Secretary and Director of Marketing & Business Development of the Company. They are compensated for services provided. Certain employees of Fund Services serve as officers of the Company. They are not compensated by the Fund or the Company. For Director and Officer compensation amounts, please refer to the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

 

4. Purchases and Sales of Investment Securities

 

During the current fiscal period, there were no purchases or sales of investment securities or long-term U.S. Government securities (excluding short-term investments and derivative transactions) by the Fund.

 

5. Federal Income Tax Information

 

The Fund has followed the authoritative guidance on accounting for and disclosure of uncertainty in tax positions, which requires the Fund to determine whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The

 

32

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

Fund has determined that there was no effect on the consolidated financial statements from following this authoritative guidance. In the normal course of business, the Fund is subject to examination by federal, state and local jurisdictions, where applicable, for tax years for which applicable statutes of limitations have not expired.

 

As of August 31, 2021, the federal tax cost and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments held by the Fund were as follows(a):

 

Federal Tax
Cost

Unrealized
Appreciation

Unrealized
(Depreciation)

Net
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

$95,554,734

$1,972,679

$(8,981,830)

$(7,009,151)

 

 

(a)

The difference between the book basis and tax basis cost and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments is attributable primarily to timing differences related to taxable income from a wholly-owned controlled foreign corporation.

 

Distributions to shareholders, if any, from net investment income and realized gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from net investment income and realized gains recognized for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the character of distributions and composition of net assets for tax purposes may differ from those reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on the tax treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.

 

Permanent differences as of August 31, 2021, primarily attributable to disallowed book income from the Cayman Subsidiary were reclassified to the following accounts:

 

Distributable
Earnings/(Loss)

Paid-In
Capital

$(4,568,602)

$4,568,602

 

As of August 31, 2021, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gains

Net Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

Capital Loss
Carryforwards

Qualified
Late-Year
Losses

Other
Temporary
Differences

$6,725,687

$2,364,476

$(8,002,562)

$—

$—

$—

 

The differences between the book and tax basis components of distributable earnings relate principally to the timing of recognition of income and gains of the Cayman Subsidiary for federal income tax purposes.

 

The tax character of dividends and distributions paid during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2021 and August 31, 2020 were as follows:

 

 

Ordinary
Income

Long-Term
Gains

Total

2021

$2,064,972

$2,069,235

$4,134,207

2020

$2,675,202

$335,999

$3,011,201

 

33

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Concluded)

August 31, 2021

 

6. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS AND REGULATORY UPDATES

 

In October 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“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. Funds will be required to comply with Rule 18f-4 by August 19, 2022. It is not currently clear what impact, if any, Rule 18f-4 will have on the availability, liquidity or performance of derivatives. Management is currently evaluating the potential impact of Rule 18f-4 on the Fund. When fully implemented, Rule 18f-4 may require changes in how the Fund uses derivatives, adversely affect the Fund’s performance and increase costs related to the Fund’s use of derivatives.

 

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 will be required to comply with the rules by September 8, 2022. Management is currently assessing the potential impact of the new rules on the Fund’s financial statements.

 

7. Subsequent Events

 

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Fund through the date the financial statements were issued and has determined that there were no significant events requiring recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.

 

34

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. and
Shareholders of Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of assets and liabilities of Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund (the “Fund”) (one of the portfolios constituting The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”)), including the consolidated portfolio of investments, as of August 31, 2021, and the related consolidated statement of operations for the year then ended, the consolidated statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the consolidated financial highlights for each of the three years in the period then ended and the period from April 11, 2018 (commencement of operations) to August 31, 2018 and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Fund (one of the portfolios constituting The RBB Fund, Inc.) at August 31, 2021, the consolidated results of its operations for the year then ended, the consolidated changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its consolidated financial highlights for each of the three years in the period then ended and for the period from April 11, 2018 (commencement of operations) to August 31, 2018, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 2021, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from brokers were not received. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Abbey Capital investment companies since 2014.

 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
October 29, 2021

 

35

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Shareholder Tax Information

(Unaudited)

 

Certain tax information regarding the Fund is required to be provided to shareholders based upon the Fund’s income and distributions for the taxable year ended August 31, 2021. The information and distribution reported herein may differ from information and distributions taxable to the shareholders for the calendar year ended December 31, 2021. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021, the Fund paid no ordinary income dividends to its shareholders. Dividends from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income dividends for federal income tax purposes.

 

The percentage of taxable ordinary income distributions that are designated as short-term capital gain distributions under Internal Revenue Section 871(k)(2)(c) for the Fund is 68.17%.

 

Because the Fund’s fiscal year is not the calendar year, another notification will be sent with respect to calendar year 2021. The second notification, which will reflect the amount, if any, to be used by calendar year taxpayers on their U.S. federal income tax returns, will be made in conjunction with Form 1099-DIV and will be mailed in January 2022.

 

Foreign shareholders will generally be subject to U.S. withholding tax on the amount of their ordinary income dividends. They will generally not be entitled to a foreign tax credit or deduction for the withholding taxes paid by the Fund, if any.

 

In general, dividends received by tax exempt recipients (e.g., IRAs and Keoghs) need not be reported as taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, some retirement trusts (e.g., corporate, Keogh and 403(b)(7) plans) may need this information for their annual information reporting.

 

Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the tax consequences of their investment in the Fund.

 

36

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Other Information

(Unaudited)

 

Proxy Voting

 

Policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities as well as information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 are available without charge, upon request, by calling (844) 261-6484 and on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Quarterly Portfolio Schedules

 

The Company files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third fiscal quarters of each fiscal year (quarters ended November 30 and May 31) as an exhibit to its report on Form N-PORT. The Company’s Form N-PORT is available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Approval of Advisory Agreements and Trading Advisory Agreements

 

As required by the 1940 Act, the Board, including all of the Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Directors”), considered the renewals of (1) the investment advisory agreement between Abbey Capital and the Company on behalf of the Fund (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”), (2) the advisory agreement between Abbey Capital and the Cayman Subsidiary (together with the Investment Advisory Agreement, the “Advisory Agreements”), and (3) the trading advisory agreements among Abbey Capital and Aspect Capital Limited, Crabel Capital Management, LLC, Eclipse Capital Management, Inc., Revolution Capital Management, LLC, Tudor Investment Corporation and Welton Investment Partners LLC (each, a “Trading Adviser”)(the “Trading Advisory Agreements”), at a meeting of the Board held on May 12-13, 2021 (the “Meeting”). At the Meeting, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, approved the Advisory Agreements and the Trading Advisory Agreements for an additional one-year term ending August 16, 2022. The Board’s decision to approve the Advisory Agreements and the Trading Advisory Agreements reflects the exercise of its business judgment to continue the existing arrangement. In approving the Advisory Agreements and the Trading Advisory Agreements, the Board considered information provided by Abbey Capital and each of the Trading Advisers with the assistance and advice of counsel to the Independent Directors and the Company.

 

In considering the renewal and approval of theAdvisory Agreements and the Trading Advisory Agreements between Abbey Capital and each Trading Adviser with respect to the Fund, the Directors took into account all materials provided prior to and during the Meeting and at other meetings throughout the past year, the presentations made during the Meeting, and the discussions held during the Meeting. Among other things, the Directors considered (i) the nature, extent, and quality of services provided to the Fund by Abbey Capital and each Trading Adviser; (ii) descriptions of the experience and qualifications of the personnel providing those services; (iii) Abbey Capital’s and the Trading Advisers’ investment philosophies and processes; (iv) Abbey Capital’s and the Trading Advisers’ assets under management and client descriptions; (v) Abbey Capital’s and the Trading Advisers’ soft dollar commission and trade allocation policies, including information on the types of research and services obtained in connection with soft dollar commissions; (vi) Abbey Capital’s and the Trading Advisers’ advisory fee arrangements with the Company and other similarly managed clients, as applicable; (vii) Abbey Capital’s and the Trading Advisers’ compliance procedures; (viii) Abbey Capital’s and the Trading Advisers’ financial information and insurance coverage, as applicable, and Abbey Capital’s profitability analysis; (ix) the extent to which economies of scale are relevant to the Fund; (x) a report prepared by Broadridge/Lipper comparing the Fund’s management fees and total expense ratio to those of its Lipper Group and comparing the performance of the Fund to the performance of its Lipper Group; and (xi) a report comparing the performance of the Fund to the performance of its benchmark.

 

As part of their review, the Directors considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by Abbey Capital and each Trading Adviser. The Directors concluded that Abbey Capital and each Trading Adviser had substantial resources to provide services to the Fund and the Cayman Subsidiary, as applicable.

 

37

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Other Information (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

The Directors also considered the investment performance of the Fund, noting that the Fund had outperformed its benchmark, S&P 500 Total Return Index, for the year-to-date period, and underperformed its benchmark for the one-year, three-year, five-year, and ten-year periods, each ended March 31, 2021. The Directors considered the Fund’s investment performance in light of its investment objective and investment strategies. The Directors noted that the Fund ranked in the 1st quintile within its Lipper Performance Group for the one-year, two-year and since-inception periods ended December 31, 2020.

 

The Board also considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreement. In this regard, information on the fees paid by the Fund and the Fund’s total operating expense ratio (before and after fee waivers and expense reimbursements) were compared to similar information for mutual funds advised by other, unaffiliated investment advisory firms. The Directors noted that the Fund’s actual advisor fee ranked in the 3rd quintile of its Lipper Expense Group, and that the total expenses of the Fund ranked in the 4th quintile of its Lipper Expense Group. The Directors also considered the fees payable to each Trading Adviser under the Trading Advisory Agreements and the information provided by Abbey Capital on the services provided by the different Trading Advisers. In this regard, the Directors noted that the fees for each Trading Adviser were payable by Abbey Capital. The Directors noted that Abbey Capital had contractually agreed to waive management fees and reimburse expenses through at least December 31, 2021 to limit total annual operating expenses to agreed upon levels for the Fund.

 

After reviewing the information regarding Abbey Capital’s and the Trading Advisers’ costs, profitability and economies of scale, and after considering the services to be provided by Abbey Capital and each Trading Adviser, the Directors concluded that the investment advisory fees to be paid by the Fund to Abbey Capital and the trading advisory fees to be paid by Abbey Capital to each Trading Adviser were fair and reasonable and that the Advisory Agreements and Trading Advisory Agreements should be approved and continued for additional one-year period ending August 16, 2022.

 

38

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Company Management

(Unaudited)

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company is organized under and managed pursuant to Maryland law. The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below. The statement of additional information (“SAI”) includes additional information about the Directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling (844) 261-6484.

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s) Held with Company

Term of Office and Length of Time Served1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

Independent Directors

Julian A. Brodsky

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 88

Director

1988 to present

From 1969 to 2011, Director and Vice Chairman, Comcast Corporation (cable television and communications).

46

AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).

J. Richard Carnall

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 82

Director

2002 to present

Since 1984, Director of Haydon Bolts, Inc. (bolt manufacturer) and Parkway Real Estate Company (subsidiary of Haydon Bolts, Inc.); since 2004, Director of Cornerstone Bank.

46

None.

Gregory P. Chandler

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 54

Director

2012 to present

Since 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Herspiegel Consulting LLC (life sciences consulting services); 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Avocado Systems Inc. (cyber security software provider); 2009-2020, Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services).

46

Emtec, Inc. (until December 2019); FS Investment Corporation (business development company) (until December 2018); FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company).

Nicholas A. Giordano

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 78

Director

2006 to present

Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations.

46

IntriCon Corporation (biomedical device manufacturer); Kalmar Pooled Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until September 2017); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance) (until 2021).

Arnold M. Reichman 615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 73

Chairman

 

Director

2005 to present

 

1991 to present

Retired.

46

EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company).

 

39

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Company Management (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s) Held with Company

Term of Office and Length of Time Served1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

Brian T. Shea

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 61

Director

2018 to present

From 2014-2017, Chief Executive Officer, BNY Mellon Investment Services (fund services, global custodian and securities clearing firm); from 1983-2014, Chief Executive Officer and various positions, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm).

46

WisdomTree Investments, Inc. (asset management company) (until March 2019); Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (financial services technology company); Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (financial services company).

Robert A. Straniere

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 80

Director

2006 to present

Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm).

46

None.

Interested Director2

Robert Sablowsky

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 83

Vice Chairman

 

Director

2016 to present

 

 

1991 to present

Since 2002, Senior Director – Investments and, prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer).

46

None.

Officers

Salvatore Faia, JD,

CPA, CFE

Vigilant Compliance, LLC

Gateway Corporate Center,

Suite 216

223 Wilmington West

Chester Pike

Chadds Ford, PA 19317

Age: 58

President

 

Chief Compliance Officer

2009 to present

 

2004 to present

Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company); since 2021, President and Chief Compliance Officer of Penn Capital Funds Trust.

N/A

N/A

James G. Shaw

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 60

Treasurer and Secretary

2016 to present

Treasurer and Secretary of The RBB Fund, Inc. (since 2016) and Penn Capital Funds Trust (since 2021); from 2005 to 2016, Assistant Treasurer of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 1995 to 2016, Senior Director and Vice President of BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (financial services company).

N/A

N/A

Craig A. Urciuoli

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 46

Director of Marketing & Business Development

2019 to present

Director of Marketing & Business Development of The RBB Fund, Inc. (since 2019) and Penn Capital Funds Trust (since 2021); from 2000-2019, Managing Director, Third Avenue Management LLC (investment advisory firm).

N/A

N/A

 

 

40

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Company Management (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s) Held with Company

Term of Office and Length of Time Served1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

Jennifer Witt

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 38

Assistant Treasurer

2018 to present

Since 2020, Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (fund administrative services firm); from 2016 to 2020, Assistant Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services; from 2007 to 2016, Supervisor, Nuveen Investments (registered investment company).

N/A

N/A

Edward Paz

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 50

Assistant Secretary

2016 to present

Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm).

N/A

N/A

Michael P. Malloy

One Logan Square

Ste. 2000

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Age: 62

Assistant Secretary

1999 to present

Since 1993, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

Jillian L. Bosmann

One Logan Square

Ste. 2000

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Age: 42

Assistant Secretary

2017 to present

Since 2017, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

 

*

Each Director oversees 46 portfolios of the fund complex, consisting of the series in the Company and Penn Capital Funds Trust (7 portfolios).

 

1.

Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his or her successor is elected and qualified or his or her death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Carnall, Giordano, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.

 

2.

Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

 

41

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Company Management (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the past five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Carnall has decades of senior executive-level management experience in the banking and financial services industry and also serves on the boards of various corporations and a bank. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Mr. Shea has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the brokerage, clearing and investment services industry, including service on the boards of industry regulatory organizations and a university.

 

42

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Privacy Notice

(Unaudited)

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

FACTS

WHAT DOES THE ABBEY CAPITAL MULTI ASSET FUND DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?

Why?

Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.

What?

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

 

● Social Security number

● account balances

● account transactions

● transaction history

● wire transfer instructions

● checking account information

 

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

How?

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

       

Reasons we can share your information

Does the Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund share?

Can you limit this sharing?

For our everyday business purpose —
such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal
investigations, or report to credit bureaus

Yes

No

For our marketing purposes —
to offer our products and services to you

Yes

No

For joint marketing with other financial companies

No

We don’t share.

For affiliates’ everyday business purposes —
information about your transactions and experiences

Yes

No

For affiliates’ everyday business purposes —
information about your creditworthiness

No

We don’t share

For our affiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share

For nonaffiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share

 

Questions?

Call 1-844-261-6484 or go to www.abbeycapital.com

 

43

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Privacy Notice (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

What we do

How does the Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund protect my personal information?

To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings.

How does the Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

 

● open an account

● provide account information

● give us your contact information

● make a wire transfer

● tell us where to send the money

 

We also collect your information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

 

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

● affiliates from using your information to market to you

● sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

 

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

European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation

In addition to the above information, where applicable, you have the following rights under the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) and U.S. Privacy Laws, as applicable and to the extent permitted by law, to

 

● Check whether we hold personal information about you and to access such data (in accordance with our policy)

 

● Request the correction of personal information about you that is inaccurate

 

● Have a copy of the personal information we hold about you provided to you or another “controller” where technically feasible

 

● Request the erasure of your personal information

 

● Request the restriction of processing concerning you

 

The legal grounds for processing of your personal information is for contractual necessity and compliance with law.

 

If you wish to exercise any of your rights above, please call: 1-844-261-6484.

 

You are required to ensure the personal information we hold about you is up-to-date and accurate and you must notify us of any changes to the personal data you provided to us.

 

 

44

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Privacy Notice (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

 

The Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund shall retain your personal data for as long as you are an investor in the Fund and thereafter as long as necessary to comply with applicable laws that require the Fund to retain your personal data, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission’s data retention rules. Your personal data will be transferred to the United States so that the Fund may provide the agreed upon services for you. No adequacy decision has been rendered by the European Commission as to the data protection of your personal data when transferring it to the United States. However, the Fund does take the security of your personal data seriously.

 

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the appropriate regulatory authority with respect to issues you may have.

Definitions

Affiliates

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

 

Our affiliates include Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund’s investment adviser, Abbey Capital Limited, and each sub-adviser.

Nonaffiliates

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

 

The Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund doesn’t share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you.

Joint marketing

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

 

The Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund does not jointly market.

Controller

“Controller” means the natural or legal person, public authority, agency or other body which, alone or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of the processing of personal data; where the purposes and means of such processing are determined by European Union or European Member State law, the controller or the specific criteria for its nomination may be provided for by European Union or European Member State law.

 

 

45

 

 

Investment Adviser
Abbey Capital Limited
1-2 Cavendish Row
Dublin 1, Ireland

 

Administrator and Transfer Agent
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201

 

Principal Underwriter
Quasar Distributors, LLC
111 E Kilbourn Ave, Suite 2200
Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Custodian
U.S. Bank, N.A.
1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, WI 53212

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Ernst & Young LLP
One Commerce Square
2005 Market Street, Suite 700
Philadelphia, PA 19103

 

Legal Counsel
Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP.
One Logan Square, Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103-6996

 

AMA-AR21

 

 

 

 

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 

of

 

The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

ANNUAL REPORT

 

August 31, 2021

 

This report is submitted for the general information of the shareholders of the Fund. It is not authorized for distribution unless preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus for the Fund.

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 

ANNUAL INVESTMENT ADVISER’S REPORT

AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

The Adara Smaller Companies Fund (the “Fund”) generated a return of 58.41% in the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021, and outperformed its benchmark, the Russell 2000 Index, which returned 47.08% over the same period.

 

Over the past year, US equity markets rose sharply on the back of a strong economic recovery and a rebound in corporate profits that were hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic. Small cap stocks, which tend to be more economically sensitive, particularly did well and outperformed their larger cap peers. Even within the small cap universe, microcap stocks as measured by the Russell Microcap Index outperformed the broader Russell 2000 Index by 13.57% during the Fund’s fiscal year. The Fund’s large exposure to microcap stocks as well as strong security selection by underlying sub-advisers contributed to its 2021 fiscal-year performance.

 

During the fiscal year, the Fund’s assets were allocated to five underlying sub-advisers: microcap managers Driehaus Capital Management LLC (“Driehaus”) and Pacific Ridge Capital Partners, LLC (“Pacific Ridge”); small-cap managers Pier Capital LLC (“Pier”), River Road Asset Management, LLC (“River Road”); and tax-loss harvesting manager Aperio Group, LLC (“Aperio”). The proportion of Fund assets allocated to each Fund sub-adviser at the end of the 2021 fiscal year was as follows: Driehaus 34%, Pacific Ridge 24%, Aperio 19%, River Road 12% and Pier 9%. Returns for the Fund’s underlying sub-advisers for the 2021 fiscal year were as follows: Driehaus +68.61%, Pacific Ridge +66.64%, Aperio +66.35%, Pier +47.51% and River Road +38.49%.

 

Altair Advisers LLC continues to believe that small and microcap stocks offer potential rewards that justify their higher risk. It is our view that this smaller space of the market remains highly inefficient, with little analyst coverage or institutional ownership. We believe these inefficiencies provide the potential for active managers to generate meaningful outperformance over the long term.

 

Sincerely,
Altair Advisers LLC

 

Opinions expressed are those of Altair Advisers LLC and are subject to change, are not guaranteed and should not be considered investment advice.

 

Past performance does not guarantee future results.

 

The Russell 2000® Index consists of the smallest 2,000 companies in a group of 3,000 U.S. companies in the Russell 3000® Index, as ranked by market capitalization.

 

It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

The Fund invests in small and micro companies, which involve additional risks such as limited liquidity and greater volatility than larger companies.

 

Must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus.

 

3

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 

ANNUAL report
Performance Data

AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Invested in
ADARA Smaller Companies Fund vs. Russell 2000
® Index

 

 

This chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 initial investment in the Fund made on October 21, 2014 (commencement of operations) and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the Russell 2000® Index is unmanaged, and does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended August 31, 2021

 

One
Year

Three
Years

Five
Years

Since
Inception

 

Adara Smaller Companies Fund

58.41%

15.84%

19.30%

15.62%*

 

Russell 2000® Index

47.08%

10.75%

14.38%

12.48%**

 

 

*

The Fund commenced operations on October 21, 2014.

 

**

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

Performance quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the returns quoted. Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling (844) 261-6482.

 

The Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses, as stated in the current prospectus dated December 31, 2020, are 0.90% of average daily net assets. This ratio may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report.

 

The Fund invests in common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants to acquire common stocks and securities convertible into common stocks. Portfolio composition is subject to change.

 

The Fund evaluates performance as compared to that of the Russell 2000® Index. The Russell 2000® Index is a widely-recognized, capitalization-weighted index that measures the performance of the smallest 2,000 companies in the Russell 3000® Index and is considered representative of small-cap stocks. It is impossible to invest directly in an index.

 

Investment Considerations

 

Investing in the Fund involves risk and an investor may lose money. The success of the Fund’s strategy depends on the Adviser’s ability to select Sub-Advisers and each manager’s ability to select investments for the Fund. The Fund may invest in riskier types of investments including small and micro-cap stocks, Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), special situations and illiquid securities all of which may be more volatile and less liquid.

 

4

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Fund Expense Example

AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

 

This example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period from March 1, 2021 through August 31, 2021 and held for the entire period.

 

Actual Expenses

 

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

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

 

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

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the accompanying table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs. Therefore, the second line of the accompanying table 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
March 1, 2021

Ending
Account Value
August 31, 2021

Expenses Paid
During Period*

Annualized
Expense
Ratio

Actual Six Month
Total Investment
Return

Class I Shares

         

Actual

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,061.80

$ 4.37

0.84%

6.18%

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

1,000.00

1,020.97

4.28

0.84%

N/A

 

 

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized six-month expense ratio in the table above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184) in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by 365 to reflect the one-half year period. The Fund’s ending account value on the first line in the table is based on the actual six-month total investment return for the Fund.

 

5

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Portfolio Holdings Summary Table

AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

The following table presents a summary by security type of the portfolio holdings of the Fund:

 

Security Type/Sector Classification

 

% of Net
Assets

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS:

               

Banks

    9.7 %   $ 52,094,457  

Retail

    6.6       35,290,367  

Biotechnology

    5.2       27,760,100  

Semiconductors

    5.2       27,733,108  

Software

    4.9       26,283,777  

Commercial Services

    4.5       24,311,409  

Healthcare-Products

    4.4       23,390,074  

Computers

    3.9       21,015,582  

Internet

    3.6       19,205,792  

REITS

    3.1       16,502,005  

Pharmaceuticals

    2.6       14,027,448  

Insurance

    2.5       13,362,904  

Telecommunications

    2.5       13,229,893  

Machinery-Diversified

    2.4       13,107,289  

Electronics

    2.3       12,351,870  

Transportation

    2.2       11,854,588  

Food

    2.1       10,969,961  

Engineering & Construction

    1.9       10,417,010  

Auto Parts & Equipment

    1.9       10,372,846  

Savings & Loans

    1.3       7,179,881  

Entertainment

    1.3       7,015,966  

Home Builders

    1.2       6,607,397  

Oil & Gas

    1.2       6,251,000  

Distribution/Wholesale

    1.2       6,213,556  

Diversified Financial Services

    1.2       6,202,570  

Beverages

    1.2       6,174,454  

Home Furnishings

    1.1       6,057,753  

Healthcare-Services

    1.0       5,599,017  

Oil & Gas Services

    1.0       5,143,987  

Agriculture

    0.9       4,732,352  

Aerospace/Defense

    0.9       4,699,298  

Building Materials

    0.9       4,693,876  

Cosmetics/Personal Care

    0.9       4,612,109  

Environmental Control

    0.8       4,483,979  

Miscellaneous Manufacturing

    0.8       4,462,396  

Chemicals

    0.8       4,210,291  

Leisure Time

    0.7       3,691,492  

Metal Fabricate/Hardware

    0.6       3,424,897  

Housewares

    0.6       3,204,465  

Energy-Alternate Sources

    0.6       2,943,607  

Machinery-Construction & Mining

    0.5       2,893,733  

Hand/Machine Tools

    0.4     $ 2,353,770  

Gas

    0.4       2,130,770  

Textiles

    0.4       2,090,264  

Packaging & Containers

    0.4       1,862,506  

Apparel

    0.3       1,776,877  

Airlines

    0.3       1,761,644  

Mining

    0.3       1,491,785  

Lodging

    0.2       1,254,166  

Office Administrative Services

    0.2       991,566  

Holding Companies-Diversified

    0.2       842,315  

Warehousing and Storage

    0.1       706,006  

Electrical Components & Equipment

    0.1       667,089  

Fitness

    0.1       646,218  

Real Estate

    0.1       537,645  

Iron/Steel

    0.1       525,706  

Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing

    0.1       426,564  

Household Products/Wares

    0.1       343,621  

Water

    0.1       338,238  

Forest Products & Paper

    0.1       330,562  

Media

    0.1       276,191  

Coal

    0.0       213,847  

Electric

    0.0       166,847  

Office/Business Equipment

    0.0       146,561  

Auto Manufacturers

    0.0       140,171  

Office Furnishings

    0.0       132,817  

Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing

    0.0       115,201  

Offices of Real Estate Agents and Brokers

    0.0       68,444  

Construction

    0.0       53,787  

Radio and Television Broadcasting

    0.0       52,906  

Other Telecommunications

    0.0       51,166  

RIGHTS:

               

Evercel Inc. CVR

    0.0        

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

    3.7       19,758,506  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES

    0.0       144,761  

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 536,177,073  

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
6

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS — 96.3%

Aerospace/Defense — 0.9%

AAR Corp.*

    11,755     $ 397,907  

Aerovironment, Inc.*

    1,433       146,682  

Embraer SA, SP ADR*

    134,864       2,419,460  

ESCO Technologies, Inc.

    1,920       173,030  

Hexcel Corp.*

    6,057       343,493  

John Bean Technologies Corp.

    2,493       363,704  

Mercury Systems, Inc.*

    2,290       115,370  

Moog, Inc., Class A

    1,762       139,973  

National Presto Industries, Inc.

    728       60,817  

Park Aerospace Corp.

    36,959       538,862  
              4,699,298  

Agriculture — 0.9%

Alico, Inc.

    47,000       1,754,510  

Darling Ingredients, Inc.*

    8,943       666,254  

Fresh Del Monte Produce, Inc.

    3,240       106,531  

Turning Point Brands, Inc.

    30,635       1,524,398  

Universal Corp.

    4,790       242,374  

Vector Group, Ltd.

    9,371       140,752  

Vital Farms, Inc.*

    16,548       297,533  
              4,732,352  

Airlines — 0.3%

Allegiant Travel Co.*

    418       80,440  

Hawaiian Holdings, Inc.*

    3,782       76,472  

SkyWest, Inc.*

    12,143       566,471  

Sun Country Airlines Holdings, Inc.*

    32,055       1,038,261  
              1,761,644  

Apparel — 0.3%

Capri Holdings, Ltd.*

    5,836       329,792  

Crocs, Inc.*

    6,499       928,187  

Fossil Group, Inc.*

    8,143       109,116  

Kontoor Brands, Inc.

    4,168       224,905  

Skechers U.S.A., Inc., Class A*

    3,666       184,877  
              1,776,877  

Auto Manufacturers — 0.0%

Wabash National Corp.

    9,020       140,171  

Auto Parts & Equipment — 1.9%

Cooper-Standard Holdings, Inc.*

    55,648       1,295,485  

Dorman Products, Inc.*

    1,452       136,285  

Fox Factory Holding Corp.*

    14,628       2,247,885  

Gentherm, Inc.*

    3,355       287,926  

Meritor, Inc.*

    27,023       640,986  

Methode Electronics, Inc.

    2,370       110,371  

Modine Manufacturing Co.*

    57,238       712,041  

Motorcar Parts of America, Inc.*

    1,353       26,816  

Shyft Group Inc., (The)

    50,136       2,206,485  

Titan International, Inc.*

    5,961       49,536  

Unique Fabricating, Inc.*

    213,010       575,127  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Auto Parts & Equipment — (Continued)

XPEL, Inc.*

    27,427     $ 2,083,903  
              10,372,846  

Banks — 9.7%

Allegiance Bancshares, Inc.

    1,446       53,748  

Ameris Bancorp

    2,245       110,544  

Atlantic Capital Bancshares, Inc.*

    58,472       1,416,777  

Bank of Marin Bancorp

    1,754       63,495  

Banner Corp.

    1,733       99,128  

Baycom Corp.*

    38,038       658,438  

Cadence BanCorp

    43,952       945,408  

Capital Bancorp, Inc.

    90,200       2,139,544  

Central Pacific Financial Corp.

    3,784       95,773  

City Holding Co.

    4,208       327,803  

Civista Bancshares, Inc.

    56,490       1,328,645  

Community Bank System, Inc.

    1,997       147,778  

Community Trust Bancorp, Inc.

    1,481       61,698  

Customers Bancorp, Inc.*

    13,377       553,942  

CVB Financial Corp.

    8,715       177,437  

Dime Community Bancshares, Inc.

    2,193       72,369  

Eagle Bancorp, Inc.

    2,728       157,406  

Esquire Financial Holdings, Inc.*

    106,315       2,764,190  

Farmers National Bancorp

    96,880       1,511,328  

First BanCorp

    46,257       588,852  

First Bancshares, Inc., (The)

    23,990       972,075  

First Business Financial Services, Inc.

    80,259       2,274,540  

First Commonwealth Financial Corp.

    18,699       252,810  

First Financial Bancorp

    24,487       575,689  

First Financial Bankshares, Inc.

    13,162       626,774  

First Hawaiian, Inc.

    13,502       376,841  

First Midwest Bancorp, Inc.

    9,219       172,672  

First Northwest Bancorp

    85,100       1,603,284  

First of Long Island Corp.

    2,367       50,180  

Five Star Bancorp

    16,510       394,259  

Flagstar Bancorp, Inc.

    2,203       108,960  

Glacier Bancorp, Inc.

    16,110       858,019  

Great Western Bancorp, Inc.

    3,502       108,422  

Heritage Financial Corp.

    5,563       141,578  

HomeStreet, Inc.

    2,526       103,187  

Hope Bancorp, Inc.

    28,103       387,540  

Horizon Bancorp

    42,617       760,713  

Independent Bank Corp.

    1,226       94,034  

Independent Bank Group, Inc.

    581       40,920  

LCNB Corp.

    88,825       1,552,661  

Level One Bancorp, Inc.

    33,550       900,482  

Live Oak Bancshares, Inc.

    31,459       1,925,605  

Meta Financial Group, Inc.

    31,733       1,560,946  

Metropolitan Bank Holding Corp.*

    38,346       3,002,492  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
7

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Banks — (Continued)

NBT Bancorp, Inc.

    1,326     $ 47,550  

Northeast Bank

    91,070       2,981,632  

OFG Bancorp

    8,517       202,790  

Orrstown Financial Services, Inc.

    48,860       1,165,800  

Parke Bancorp, Inc.

    98,541       2,022,061  

Preferred Bank

    2,012       128,547  

Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc.

    96,297       1,734,309  

S&T Bancorp, Inc.

    9,347       278,541  

Seacoast Banking Corp. of Florida

    25,052       800,161  

Silvergate Capital Corp., Class A*

    14,484       1,636,402  

Simmons First National Corp., Class A

    4,546       132,061  

Southside Bancshares, Inc.

    4,513       170,095  

SVB Financial Group*

    807       451,516  

Tompkins Financial Corp.

    1,660       132,119  

Triumph Bancorp, Inc.*

    24,250       1,993,835  

TrustCo Bank Corp. NY*

    1,864       59,816  

UMB Financial Corp.

    3,164       289,759  

United Community Banks, Inc.

    12,730       384,064  

Unity Bancorp, Inc.

    46,730       1,067,781  

US Century Bank*

    92,690       1,214,239  

Veritex Holdings, Inc.

    11,815       424,513  

Walker & Dunlop, Inc.

    1,239       137,591  

West Bancorporation, Inc.

    78,010       2,386,326  

Westamerica Bancorp

    2,361       133,963  
              52,094,457  

Beverages — 1.2%

Celsius Holdings, Inc.*

    51,088       4,176,955  

Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc.

    279       113,319  

Duckhorn Portfolio Inc., (The)*

    48,512       1,042,523  

MGP Ingredients, Inc.

    931       60,794  

National Beverage Corp.

    1,098       51,112  

Zevia PBC*

    52,804       729,751  
              6,174,454  

Biotechnology — 5.2%

4D Molecular Therapeutics, Inc.*

    2,081       63,575  

Agrify Corp.*

    44,819       1,272,860  

Aligos Therapeutics, Inc.*

    3,134       53,435  

Allogene Therapeutics, Inc.*

    22,326       532,475  

Anavex Life Sciences Corp.*

    11,070       215,754  

Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    9,787       644,474  

Avid Bioservices, Inc.*

    105,386       2,554,557  

BioAtla, Inc.*

    1,283       52,718  

Biohaven Pharmaceutical Holding Co., Ltd.*

    4,406       578,243  

Biomea Fusion, Inc.*

    30,886       430,860  

Black Diamond Therapeutics, Inc.*

    5,153       52,045  

C4 Therapeutics, Inc.*

    17,496       702,115  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Biotechnology — (Continued)

Cara Therapeutics, Inc.*

    3,748     $ 59,143  

Celldex Therapeutics, Inc.*

    39,105       2,058,878  

ChromaDex Corp.*

    4,090       34,888  

Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    97,147       2,289,755  

Cullinan Oncology, Inc.*

    1,814       51,191  

Day One Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    30,580       851,041  

Dynavax Technologies Corp.*

    42,431       825,707  

Emergent BioSolutions, Inc.*

    3,096       195,296  

EyePoint Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    53,379       583,966  

IVERIC bio, Inc.*

    54,379       574,786  

Kinnate Biopharma, Inc.*

    2,468       54,592  

Kymera Therapeutics, Inc.*

    16,487       1,024,502  

Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    13,143       62,035  

Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    978       129,389  

MaxCyte, Inc.*

    57,084       876,810  

Mirati Therapeutics, Inc.*

    3,284       557,393  

Myriad Genetics, Inc.*

    3,311       118,468  

Nektar Therapeutics*

    5,506       85,233  

NeoGenomics, Inc.*

    21,796       1,059,722  

Nuvalent, Inc.*

    45,661       1,663,430  

Olema Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    1,694       50,684  

Precigen, Inc.*

    8,554       51,752  

Relay Therapeutics, Inc.*

    73,104       2,341,521  

Seer, Inc.*

    19,337       773,093  

SpringWorks Therapeutics, Inc.*

    39,588       2,973,059  

Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    1,883       49,900  

Xenon Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    68,598       1,210,755  
              27,760,100  

Building Materials — 0.9%

AAON, Inc.

    2,783       189,550  

American Woodmark Corp.*

    2,580       181,787  

Apogee Enterprises, Inc.

    7,722       331,892  

Armstrong World Industries, Inc.

    16,311       1,695,202  

AZEK Co., Inc., (The)*

    12,361       525,219  

Boise Cascade Co.

    3,571       206,583  

Gibraltar Industries, Inc.*

    4,141       309,167  

PGT Innovations, Inc.*

    6,101       129,524  

Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.

    2,069       234,107  

SPX Corp.*

    4,521       282,472  

UFP Industries, Inc.

    8,103       608,373  
              4,693,876  

Chemicals — 0.8%

AdvanSix, Inc.*

    3,917       142,970  

Axalta Coating Systems, Ltd.*

    49,851       1,522,449  

Balchem Corp.

    1,142       160,360  

Chemours Co., (The)

    9,276       310,839  

Codexis, Inc.*

    22,923       619,379  

GCP Applied Technologies, Inc.*

    3,880       92,499  

Innospec, Inc.

    1,121       104,926  

Koppers Holdings, Inc.*

    7,974       262,345  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
8

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Chemicals — (Continued)

Kraton Corp.*

    5,466     $ 230,228  

Rayonier Advanced Materials, Inc.*

    7,080       49,985  

Rogers Corp.*

    1,868       396,782  

Stepan Co.

    2,701       317,529  
              4,210,291  

Coal — 0.0%

Warrior Met Coal, Inc.

    9,551       213,847  

Commercial Services — 4.5%

               

Acacia Research Corp.*

    317,600       1,934,184  

American Public Education, Inc.*

    1,140       29,982  

AMN Healthcare Services, Inc.*

    3,294       373,935  

ARC Document Solutions, Inc.

    593,120       1,678,530  

Arlo Technologies, Inc.*

    8,822       54,696  

ASGN, Inc.*

    2,386       267,685  

Barrett Business Services, Inc.

    47,128       3,652,420  

BGSF, Inc.

    168,180       2,209,885  

Brink’s Co., (The)

    4,054       316,861  

CoreCivic, Inc.*

    124,117       1,206,417  

CRA International, Inc.

    33,740       3,137,483  

Cross Country Healthcare, Inc.*

    91,118       1,981,816  

Deluxe Corp.

    1,530       58,675  

Ennis, Inc.

    6,188       120,109  

European Wax Center, Inc.*

    54,931       1,337,570  

Forrester Research, Inc.*

    2,017       95,908  

Green Dot Corp., Class A*

    4,948       258,484  

HealthEquity, Inc.*

    5,827       373,919  

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.

    2,031       87,780  

Insperity, Inc.

    2,292       252,899  

Kelly Services, Inc., Class A*

    2,985       58,028  

MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.

    1,203       572,532  

Medifast, Inc.

    1,970       448,963  

Progyny, Inc.*

    11,380       635,801  

Rent-A-Center, Inc.

    3,409       215,040  

Resources Connection, Inc.

    5,457       86,221  

SP Plus Corp.*

    37,095       1,201,507  

Strategic Education, Inc.

    2,810       219,967  

TechTarget, Inc.*

    6,352       537,252  

Viad Corp.*

    20,997       906,860  
              24,311,409  

Computers — 3.9%

3D Systems Corp.*

    9,382       285,588  

CACI International, Inc., Class A*

    1,145       294,883  

Computer Services, Inc.

    16,980       984,840  

Diebold Nixdorf, Inc.*

    12,251       133,291  

Digimarc Corp.*

    1,912       55,907  

DXC Technology Co.*

    33,125       1,216,350  

Endava PLC, SP ADR*

    21,784       2,916,878  

ExlService Holdings, Inc.*

    1,497       184,341  

Grid Dynamics Holdings, Inc.*

    138,671       3,712,223  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Computers — (Continued)

Insight Enterprises, Inc.*

    2,176     $ 223,889  

Kaltura, Inc.*

    64,384       726,251  

MAXIMUS, Inc.

    6,753       588,119  

NCR Corp.*

    52,106       2,213,463  

Quantum Corp.*

    307,990       1,921,858  

Rimini Street, Inc.*

    339,870       3,245,758  

Science Applications International Corp.

    1,681       141,591  

Telos Corp.*

    18,357       605,781  

Tenable Holdings, Inc.*

    12,650       561,280  

TTEC Holdings, Inc.

    3,501       369,215  

WNS Holdings, Ltd., ADR*

    7,645       634,076  
              21,015,582  

Construction — 0.0%

Tutor Perini Corp.*

    3,730       53,787  

Cosmetics/Personal Care — 0.9%

Beauty Health Co., (The)*

    105,948       2,723,923  

Edgewell Personal Care Co.

    3,425       144,877  

elf Beauty, Inc.*

    30,238       935,866  

Inter Parfums, Inc.

    11,131       807,443  
              4,612,109  

Distribution/Wholesale — 1.2%

Core-Mark Holding Co., Inc.

    2,213       101,798  

G-III Apparel Group, Ltd.*

    19,012       588,041  

Manitex International, Inc.*

    315,430       2,513,977  

Pool Corp.

    2,106       1,040,996  

Resideo Technologies, Inc.*

    7,214       232,579  

SiteOne Landscape Supply, Inc.*

    2,193       438,819  

Titan Machinery, Inc.*

    25,505       732,504  

Univar Solutions, Inc.*

    22,085       521,427  

WESCO International, Inc.*

    371       43,415  
              6,213,556  

Diversified Financial Services — 1.2%

Cowen, Inc., Class A

    37,724       1,359,573  

Encore Capital Group, Inc.*

    3,458       170,168  

Enova International, Inc.*

    3,612       119,124  

Evercore Partners, Inc., Class A

    3,582       500,190  

Houlihan Lokey, Inc.

    8,407       758,311  

Interactive Brokers Group, Inc., Class A

    3,063       197,992  

Moelis & Co., Class A

    9,803       607,296  

Silvercrest Asset Management Group, Inc., Class A

    112,586       1,828,397  

Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.

    807       252,349  

World Acceptance Corp.*

    2,155       409,170  
              6,202,570  

Electric — 0.0%

Allete, Inc.

    534       36,002  

Unitil Corp.

    2,638       130,845  
              166,847  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
9

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Electrical Components & Equipment — 0.1%

Encore Wire Corp.

    1,278     $ 108,643  

Insteel Industries, Inc.

    708       26,196  

Littelfuse, Inc.

    1,079       307,946  

nLight, Inc.*

    8,124       224,304  
              667,089  

Electronics — 2.3%

Atkore International Group, Inc.*

    13,341       1,237,645  

Benchmark Electronics, Inc.

    3,417       92,361  

Brady Corp., Class A

    2,928       156,150  

Camtek, Ltd. (Israel)*

    52,472       2,168,668  

Coherent, Inc.*

    1,014       256,207  

Comtech Telecommunications Corp.

    105,617       2,695,346  

FARO Technologies, Inc.*

    2,255       155,460  

II-VI, Inc.*

    3,812       240,080  

Itron, Inc.*

    9,798       823,130  

Ituran Location and Control, Ltd.

    27,351       713,588  

Kimball Electronics, Inc.*

    45,920       1,109,886  

nVent Electric PLC

    11,997       412,217  

OSI Systems, Inc.*

    1,136       112,396  

Plexus Corp.*

    2,641       242,523  

Sanmina Corp.*

    6,648       262,463  

SYNNEX Corp.

    830       105,468  

TTM Technologies, Inc.*

    8,548       119,672  

Vicor Corp.*

    11,742       1,448,610  
              12,351,870  

Energy-Alternate Sources — 0.6%

Green Plains, Inc.*

    67,316       2,362,792  

Renewable Energy Group, Inc.*

    4,229       204,768  

REX American Resources Corp.*

    840       71,198  

SolarEdge Technologies, Inc.*

    1,052       304,849  
              2,943,607  

Engineering & Construction — 1.9%

Arcosa, Inc.

    619       31,458  

Bowman Consulting Group, Ltd.*

    68,740       916,304  

Comfort Systems USA, Inc.

    23,927       1,817,973  

EMCOR Group, Inc.

    4,741       576,032  

Exponent, Inc.

    8,776       1,025,914  

Latham Group, Inc.*

    25,076       550,920  

Mistras Group, Inc.*

    49,900       529,439  

MYR Group, Inc.*

    5,139       534,507  

NV5 Global, Inc.*

    11,663       1,232,196  

Sterling Construction Co., Inc.*

    79,550       1,834,423  

TopBuild Corp.*

    2,707       592,265  

WillScot Mobile Mini Holdings Corp., Class A*

    26,202       775,579  
              10,417,010  

Entertainment — 1.3%

Bally’s Corp.*

    29,109       1,462,436  

Everi Holdings, Inc.*

    138,939       3,160,862  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Entertainment — (Continued)

Golden Entertainment, Inc.*

    14,316     $ 683,159  

Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc.*

    3,215       203,735  

NEOGAMES SA*

    25,712       1,059,592  

Scientific Games Corp.*

    6,167       446,182  
              7,015,966  

Environmental Control — 0.8%

Energy Recovery, Inc.*

    14,085       287,757  

Harsco Corp.*

    52,837       963,747  

Montrose Environmental Group, Inc.*

    47,014       2,350,700  

Tetra Tech, Inc.

    3,198       460,000  

US Ecology, Inc.*

    11,765       421,775  
              4,483,979  

Fitness — 0.1%

Xponential Fitness, Inc.*

    59,835       646,218  

Food — 2.1%

               

B&G Foods, Inc.

    10,026       304,389  

BellRing Brands, Inc., Class A*

    42,047       1,419,927  

Hostess Brands, Inc.*

    111,971       1,787,057  

Ingles Markets, Inc., Class A

    15,713       1,066,756  

J&J Snack Foods Corp.

    578       94,653  

Landec Corp.*

    137,365       1,487,663  

Sanderson Farms, Inc.

    1,371       269,402  

SpartanNash Co.

    7,719       165,959  

SunOpta, Inc.*

    137,803       1,299,482  

United Natural Foods, Inc.*

    8,258       303,895  

Weis Markets, Inc.

    1,995       113,615  

Whole Earth Brands, Inc.*

    211,895       2,657,163  
              10,969,961  

Forest Products & Paper — 0.1%

Clearwater Paper Corp., Class A*

    2,737       88,925  

Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc.

    6,314       241,637  
              330,562  

Gas — 0.4%

Chesapeake Utilities Corp.

    1,307       170,825  

Northwest Natural Holding, Co.

    13,528       696,016  

Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.

    17,469       1,228,245  

Spire, Inc.

    535       35,684  
              2,130,770  

Hand/Machine Tools — 0.4%

Franklin Electric Co., Inc.

    1,896       161,122  

Hurco Cos., Inc.

    50,160       1,673,839  

MSA Safety, Inc.

    3,186       518,809  
              2,353,770  

Healthcare-Products — 4.4%

ABIOMED, Inc.*

    1,453       528,834  

Acutus Medical, Inc.*

    25,415       325,058  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
10

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Healthcare-Products — (Continued)

Adaptive Biotechnologies Corp.*

    10,155     $ 368,830  

Alphatec Holdings, Inc.*

    143,891       2,083,542  

Axonics Modulation Technologies, Inc.*

    26,669       1,999,642  

BioLife Solutions, Inc.*

    11,633       678,902  

Castle Biosciences, Inc.*

    25,449       1,952,702  

Cerus Corp.*

    89,771       579,023  

Cutera, Inc.*

    10,837       539,032  

Glaukos Corp.*

    2,370       141,323  

Haemonetics Corp.*

    8,994       564,373  

ICU Medical, Inc.*

    578       115,224  

Inari Medical, Inc.*

    4,918       402,587  

Inogen, Inc.*

    810       47,944  

Inspire Medical Systems, Inc.*

    5,364       1,199,176  

Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corp.*

    3,088       232,310  

Masimo Corp.*

    2,530       686,996  

Meridian Bioscience, Inc.*

    2,767       56,004  

Merit Medical Systems, Inc.*

    3,088       221,626  

Natera, Inc.*

    24,691       2,924,155  

Neogen Corp.*

    4,620       202,264  

NuVasive, Inc.*

    789       49,028  

Omnicell, Inc.*

    4,858       754,302  

OraSure Technologies, Inc.*

    5,505       60,280  

Patterson Cos, Inc.

    32,899       1,008,025  

Repligen Corp.*

    4,451       1,259,544  

SeaSpine Holdings Corp.*

    66,627       1,118,001  

SI-BONE, Inc.*

    33,438       816,221  

Surmodics, Inc.*

    1,097       65,897  

Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc.*

    3,063       343,577  

Treace Medical Concepts, Inc.*

    22,143       559,111  

Varex Imaging Corp.*

    7,739       225,747  

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

    2,836       1,280,794  
              23,390,074  

Healthcare-Services — 1.0%

Amedisys, Inc.*

    2,182       400,288  

Chemed Corp.

    621       296,031  

Community Health Systems, Inc.*

    11,880       146,243  

eHealth, Inc.*

    1,438       55,579  

Ensign Group, Inc., (The)

    2,070       169,057  

Fulgent Genetics, Inc.*

    1,371       125,090  

LHC Group, Inc.*

    6,000       1,120,560  

MEDNAX, Inc.*

    24,589       789,553  

ModivCare, Inc.*

    2,212       436,339  

National HealthCare Corp.

    783       57,824  

Pennant Group Inc., (The)*

    2,221       67,896  

Personalis, Inc.*

    15,358       325,282  

RadNet, Inc.*

    44,885       1,409,838  

Tivity Health, Inc.*

    2,357       54,800  

 

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Healthcare-Services — (Continued)

US Physical Therapy, Inc.

    1,232     $ 144,637  
              5,599,017  

Holding Companies-Diversified — 0.2%

CF Finance Acquisition Corp. II, Class A*

    82,905       842,315  

Home Builders — 1.2%

Century Communities, Inc.

    9,495       665,600  

Installed Building Products, Inc.

    5,368       666,598  

LCI Industries

    2,012       285,020  

LGI Homes, Inc.*

    4,186       671,141  

M/I Homes, Inc.*

    5,874       378,227  

MDC Holdings, Inc.

    4,389       229,325  

Skyline Corp.*

    53,369       3,347,304  

Winnebago Industries, Inc.

    5,231       364,182  
              6,607,397  

Home Furnishings — 1.1%

Ethan Allen Interiors, Inc.

    5,139       123,439  

Hamilton Beach Brand-A

    83,370       1,417,290  

iRobot Corp.*

    968       78,524  

Lovesac Co., (The)*

    23,424       1,324,862  

Sleep Number Corp.*

    2,991       276,697  

Universal Electronics, Inc.*

    47,710       2,410,309  

VOXX International Corp.*

    40,748       426,632  
              6,057,753  

Household Products/Wares — 0.1%

Central Garden & Pet Co.*

    1,283       59,082  

Quanex Building Products Corp.

    1,957       46,107  

WD-40 Co.

    995       238,432  
              343,621  

Housewares — 0.6%

Lifetime Brands, Inc.

    148,130       2,718,185  

Tupperware Brands Corp.*

    20,372       486,280  
              3,204,465  

Insurance — 2.5%

American Equity Investment Life Holding Co.

    54,876       1,739,020  

Axis Capital Holdings Ltd.

    28,437       1,455,121  

BRP Group, Inc., Class A*

    46,470       1,749,596  

Employers Holdings, Inc.

    3,682       151,588  

Genworth Financial, Inc., Class A*

    268,223       1,005,836  

Goosehead Insurance, Inc., Class A

    8,608       1,263,482  

HCI Group, Inc.

    2,480       276,917  

Heritage Insurance Holdings, Inc.

    167,910       1,175,370  

Horace Mann Educators Corp.

    1,864       76,424  

Midwest Holding, Inc.*

    7,322       274,502  

NMI Holdings, Inc., Class A*

    9,565       215,882  

RLI Corp.

    1,478       161,442  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
11

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Insurance — (Continued)

Safety Insurance Group, Inc.

    1,702     $ 138,390  

Selective Insurance Group, Inc.

    3,866       323,082  

Stewart Information Services Corp.

    2,200       138,490  

Trean Insurance Group, Inc.*

    55,865       570,382  

United Fire Group, Inc.

    2,567       66,639  

Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc.

    6,184       88,060  

White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd.

    2,224       2,492,681  
              13,362,904  

Internet — 3.6%

Bandwidth, Inc., Class A*

    4,840       498,036  

CarParts.com, Inc.*

    70,197       1,212,302  

ChannelAdvisor Corp.*

    106,440       2,726,993  

Couchbase, Inc.*

    50,921       2,557,762  

DHI Group, Inc.*

    492,570       2,221,491  

ePlus, Inc.*

    15,612       1,689,531  

Eventbrite, Inc., Class A*

    32,303       571,117  

fuboTV, Inc.*

    41,665       1,214,535  

HealthStream, Inc.*

    2,032       61,752  

Liquidity Services, Inc.*

    49,863       1,216,657  

Magnite, Inc.*

    17,823       517,223  

Open Lending Corp., Class A*

    25,260       933,862  

Perion Network, Ltd.*

    88,325       1,862,774  

Poshmark, Inc., Class A*

    13,931       406,507  

RumbleON, Inc., Class B*

    24,539       845,369  

Stamps.com, Inc.*

    659       216,745  

Upwork, Inc.*

    10,135       453,136  
              19,205,792  

Iron/Steel — 0.1%

Allegheny Technologies, Inc.*

    7,199       128,574  

Carpenter Technology Corp.

    11,908       397,132  
              525,706  

Leisure Time — 0.7%

Callaway Golf Co.*

    4,678       131,264  

Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc.*

    78,425       1,153,632  

Vista Outdoor, Inc.*

    58,913       2,406,596  
              3,691,492  

Lodging — 0.2%

Boyd Gaming Corp.*

    4,776       293,103  

Full House Resorts, Inc.*

    112,012       961,063  
              1,254,166  

Machinery-Construction & Mining — 0.5%

Argan, Inc.

    26,500       1,226,950  

Terex Corp.

    32,650       1,666,783  
              2,893,733  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Machinery-Diversified — 2.4%

Albany International Corp., Class A

    1,126     $ 88,200  

Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc.

    1,045       92,806  

Chart Industries, Inc.*

    17,207       3,241,455  

CIRCOR International, Inc.*

    6,879       245,924  

Colfax Corp.*

    14,671       706,702  

Curtiss-Wright Corp.

    2,004       244,047  

GrafTech International, Ltd.

    111,417       1,233,386  

Hydrofarm Holdings Group, Inc.*

    18,600       940,416  

Kornit Digital, Ltd.*

    4,879       636,075  

NN, Inc.*

    175,910       956,950  

Ranpak Holdings Corp.*

    49,240       1,511,668  

SPX FLOW, Inc.

    1,840       148,175  

Tennant Co.

    2,414       178,588  

Toro Co., (The)

    5,348       587,959  

Twin Disc, Inc.*

    183,595       2,294,938  
              13,107,289  

Media — 0.1%

EW Scripps Co., (The), Class A

    6,465       119,861  

Gannett Co., Inc.*

    7,889       50,095  

Scholastic Corp.

    3,196       106,235  
              276,191  

Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing — 0.0%

Orthofix Medical, Inc.*

    2,717       115,201  

Metal Fabricate/Hardware — 0.6%

AZZ, Inc.

    1,964       105,172  

Mueller Industries, Inc.

    5,975       266,545  

Northwest Pipe Co.*

    107,180       2,778,106  

Proto Labs, Inc.*

    1,722       127,703  

Standex International Corp.

    1,485       147,371  
              3,424,897  

Mining — 0.3%

Arconic Corp.*

    1,693       58,392  

Astec Industries, Inc.

    3,361       205,492  

Century Aluminum Co.*

    18,637       238,926  

Energy Fuels, Inc.*

    94,720       512,435  

Kaiser Aluminum Corp.

    3,076       388,376  

Livent Corp.*

    3,545       88,164  
              1,491,785  

Miscellaneous Manufacturing — 0.8%

Axon Enterprise, Inc.*

    5,340       971,186  

Byrna Technologies, Inc.*

    28,580       836,822  

EnPro Industries, Inc.

    4,961       424,215  

Fabrinet*

    8,969       923,986  

Materion Corp.

    2,877       210,107  

Myers Industries, Inc.

    2,441       55,655  

Raven Industries, Inc.*

    3,538       206,442  

Sturm Ruger & Co., Inc.

    2,066       161,541  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
12

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Miscellaneous Manufacturing — (Continued)

Trinseo SA

    12,949     $ 672,442  
              4,462,396  

Office Administrative Services — 0.2%

PAE, Inc.*

    103,775       694,255  

Performant Financial Corp.*

    68,822       297,311  
              991,566  

Office Furnishings — 0.0%

Interface, Inc.

    5,954       85,618  

Kimball International, Inc.

    3,785       47,199  
              132,817  

Office/Business Equipment — 0.0%

Pitney Bowes, Inc.

    19,620       146,561  

Offices of Real Estate Agents and Brokers — 0.0%

RMR Group Inc/The

    1,477       68,444  

Oil & Gas — 1.2%

Bonanza Creek Energy, Inc.

    27,767       1,079,581  

Evolution Petroleum Corp.

    57,213       238,578  

Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

    4,567       122,944  

HollyFrontier Corp.

    25,075       810,675  

Matador Resources Co.

    32,293       928,424  

Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc.

    112,890       876,026  

PBF Energy, Inc., Class A*

    5,245       54,548  

PDC Energy, Inc.

    21,646       903,720  

Range Resources Corp.*

    29,237       427,445  

Southwestern Energy Co.*

    112,602       512,339  

Talos Energy, Inc.*

    23,929       296,720  
              6,251,000  

Oil & Gas Services — 1.0%

Bristow Group, Inc.*

    2,104       66,402  

Core Laboratories NV

    9,482       261,324  

DMC Global, Inc.*

    40,374       1,621,824  

Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc.*

    41,891       157,510  

Natural Gas Services Group, Inc.*

    181,610       1,752,536  

NOW, Inc.*

    7,442       57,154  

Oceaneering International, Inc.*

    48,849       600,843  

Profire Energy, Inc.*

    559,280       626,394  
              5,143,987  

Other Telecommunications — 0.0%

ON24, Inc.*

    2,263       51,166  

Packaging & Containers — 0.4%

Karat Packaging, Inc.*

    46,915       1,101,095  

Matthews International Corp., Class A

    5,499       203,628  

TriMas Corp.*

    17,371       557,783  
              1,862,506  

Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing — 0.1%

Athira Pharma, Inc.*

    4,870       51,573  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing — (Continued)

Elevation Oncology, Inc.*

    22,782     $ 266,549  

ORIC Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    2,486       54,916  

Provention Bio, Inc.*

    7,977       53,526  
              426,564  

Pharmaceuticals — 2.6%

Alector, Inc.*

    10,400       281,112  

Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    6,771       133,118  

Centessa Pharmaceuticals PLC, SP ADR*

    37,471       826,235  

Covetrus, Inc.*

    3,767       85,096  

Cytokinetics, Inc.*

    96,901       3,194,826  

Eagle Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    1,650       88,060  

Enanta Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    4,093       234,120  

Fulcrum Therapeutics, Inc.*

    1,893       56,222  

Harmony Biosciences Holdings, Inc.*

    1,502       50,903  

Intellia Therapeutics, Inc.*

    12,337       1,980,459  

MERUS NV*

    38,584       1,006,271  

Morphic Holding, Inc.*

    16,001       1,008,223  

Myovant Sciences, Ltd.*

    15,008       365,295  

Owens & Minor, Inc.

    7,220       269,162  

Phibro Animal Health Corp., Class A

    5,524       134,178  

Premier, Inc., Class A

    59,941       2,228,606  

Prestige Brands Holdings, Inc.*

    3,474       199,373  

ProQR Therapeutics NV*

    126,755       846,723  

Revance Therapeutics, Inc.*

    35,431       948,842  

Seres Therapeutics, Inc.*

    7,977       51,133  

USANA Health Sciences, Inc.*

    407       39,491  
              14,027,448  

Radio and Television Broadcasting — 0.0%

Audacy, Inc.*

    14,903       52,906  

Real Estate — 0.1%

Newmark Group, Inc., Class A

    29,808       405,985  

Realogy Holdings Corp.*

    7,502       131,660  
              537,645  

REITS — 3.1%

Agree Realty Corp.

    1,641       122,337  

Alexander & Baldwin, Inc.

    7,110       148,457  

Alpine Income Property Trust, Inc.

    122,664       2,310,990  

American Finance Trust, Inc.

    9,520       82,062  

Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc.

    44,054       685,040  

ARMOUR Residential REIT, Inc.

    7,185       78,029  

CareTrust REIT, Inc.

    3,664       80,571  

CatchMark Timber Trust, Inc., Class A

    4,462       51,492  

Centerspace

    1,467       148,431  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
13

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

REITS — (Continued)

Chatham Lodging Trust*

    21,374     $ 256,488  

City Office REIT, Inc.

    3,905       62,363  

Community Healthcare Trust, Inc.

    2,769       134,324  

CoreSite Realty Corp.

    1,355       201,041  

CTO Realty Growth, Inc.

    1,261       70,730  

DiamondRock Hospitality Co.*

    13,130       118,695  

Diversified Healthcare Trust

    21,189       79,459  

Easterly Government Properties, Inc.

    4,780       102,149  

EastGroup Properties, Inc.

    2,590       466,873  

Franklin Street Properties Corp.

    14,185       68,088  

Getty Realty Corp.

    5,173       163,622  

Global Medical REIT, Inc.

    134,160       2,068,747  

Great Ajax Corp.

    201,011       2,840,285  

Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc.

    2,820       84,685  

Industrial Logistics Properties Trust

    1,672       45,863  

KKR Real Estate Finance Trust, Inc.

    9,611       205,003  

Lexington Realty Trust

    12,112       163,875  

LTC Properties, Inc.

    1,083       37,374  

Mack-Cali Realty Corp.*

    4,857       86,843  

Medical Properties Trust, Inc.

    5,867       120,156  

New York Mortgage Trust, Inc.

    183,589       811,463  

NexPoint Residential Trust, Inc.

    2,319       150,248  

Office Properties Income Trust

    7,298       193,616  

One Liberty Properties, Inc.

    1,957       62,311  

PennyMac Mortgage Investment Trust

    24,404       473,682  

PS Business Parks, Inc.

    1,242       195,280  

Ready Capital Corp.

    6,588       100,862  

Redwood Trust, Inc.

    77,920       971,662  

Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.

    28,261       510,959  

Retail Properties of America, Inc.

    11,959       158,098  

Retail Value, Inc.

    2,361       59,025  

Saul Centers, Inc.

    4,226       194,734  

Seritage Growth Properties*

    3,270       52,876  

SITE Centers Corp.

    6,795       109,468  

Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc.

    33,410       558,615  

Uniti Group, Inc.

    14,802       193,462  

Universal Health Realty Income Trust

    4,097       242,665  

Urstadt Biddle Properties, Inc., Class A

    4,472       85,326  

Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

    6,312       158,684  

Whitestone REIT

    13,751       134,897  
              16,502,005  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Retail — 6.6%

Abercrombie & Fitch Co., Class A*

    29,168     $ 1,043,048  

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.

    15,103       460,944  

Asbury Automotive Group, Inc.*

    2,463       458,709  

Aspen Aerogels, Inc.*

    67,311       2,944,856  

Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc.*

    7,502       206,605  

Big Lots, Inc.

    7,174       349,087  

BJ’s Restaurants, Inc.*

    7,047       301,330  

BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc.*

    41,770       2,366,688  

Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.*

    20,453       547,936  

Boot Barn Holdings, Inc.*

    45,949       4,102,327  

Buckle, Inc., (The)

    2,951       114,292  

Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.*

    133,470       2,487,881  

Cannae Holdings, Inc.*

    69,782       2,227,441  

Casey’s General Stores, Inc.

    1,888       386,209  

Children’s Place, Inc., (The)*

    12,574       1,091,926  

DineEquity, Inc.*

    1,134       93,804  

El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc.*

    9,027       163,750  

FirstCash, Inc.

    2,930       251,072  

Five Below, Inc.*

    3,696       786,546  

Freshpet, Inc.*

    3,971       508,844  

GMS, Inc.*

    16,779       829,050  

Group 1 Automotive, Inc.

    2,270       375,549  

GrowGeneration Corp.*

    48,911       1,564,663  

Guess?, Inc.

    12,246       296,231  

Haverty Furniture Cos., Inc.

    4,009       142,841  

Hibbett Sports, Inc.

    1,413       135,210  

Kura Sushi USA, Inc.*

    16,555       841,160  

Lithia Motors, Inc., Class A

    382       126,557  

MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc., Class A

    4,693       395,197  

Murphy USA, Inc.

    16,274       2,527,027  

Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Holdings, Inc.*

    3,833       277,432  

OptimizeRx Corp.*

    19,357       1,281,046  

Papa John’s International, Inc.

    7,336       935,560  

PriceSmart, Inc.

    1,079       91,294  

RH*

    2,399       1,680,907  

Shake Shack, Inc., Class A*

    5,214       452,314  

Shoe Carnival, Inc.

    6,304       241,317  

Signet Jewelers, Ltd.

    5,100       403,920  

Texas Roadhouse, Inc.

    2,804       266,380  

Wingstop, Inc.

    4,342       746,520  

World Fuel Services Corp.

    19,749       639,078  

Zumiez, Inc.*

    3,678       147,819  
              35,290,367  

Savings & Loans — 1.3%

Axos Financial, Inc.*

    3,461       167,789  

Banc of California, Inc.

    5,748       103,292  

Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc.

    19,129       490,276  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
14

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Savings & Loans — (Continued)

Brookline Bancorp, Inc.

    4,158     $ 62,245  

Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.

    73,010       1,616,441  

FS Bancorp, Inc.

    66,364       2,267,658  

Northfield Bancorp, Inc.

    4,651       78,602  

Northwest Bancshares, Inc.

    5,826       75,855  

Pacific Premier Bancorp, Inc.

    8,033       320,999  

Provident Financial Services, Inc.

    10,750       237,253  

Riverview Bancorp, Inc.

    239,710       1,759,471  
              7,179,881  

Semiconductors — 5.2%

Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.

    2,466       222,384  

Allegro MicroSystems, Inc.*

    20,090       603,704  

Amtech Systems, Inc.*

    267,400       2,764,916  

Axcelis Technologies, Inc.*

    49,529       2,462,087  

AXT, Inc.*

    221,032       2,057,808  

Brooks Automation, Inc.

    8,555       726,833  

Cirrus Logic, Inc.*

    3,525       294,937  

CMC Materials, Inc.

    1,581       209,672  

FormFactor, Inc.*

    21,496       835,764  

Impinj, Inc.*

    42,803       2,494,987  

inTEST Corp.*

    151,430       1,908,018  

Kulicke & Soffa Industries, Inc.

    6,419       450,550  

Lattice Semiconductor Corp.*

    9,314       578,586  

MKS Instruments, Inc.

    1,371       201,784  

Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.

    1,952       966,103  

Onto Innovation, Inc.*

    3,032       224,762  

Photronics, Inc.*

    201,145       3,031,255  

Power Integrations, Inc.

    12,816       1,392,330  

Semtech Corp.*

    14,018       980,139  

Silicon Laboratories, Inc.*

    4,059       639,780  

SiTime Corp.*

    12,426       2,644,750  

SMART Global Holdings, Inc.*

    19,825       960,719  

Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc.*

    21,672       1,002,113  

Veeco Instruments, Inc.*

    3,472       79,127  
              27,733,108  

Software — 4.9%

8x8, Inc.*

    4,085       98,653  

ACI Worldwide, Inc.*

    11,360       366,133  

Alight, Inc.*

    112,003       1,230,913  

Asure Software, Inc.*

    277,042       2,507,230  

Avaya Holdings Corp.*

    85,834       1,731,272  

Blackbaud, Inc.*

    799       55,682  

Blackline, Inc.*

    5,225       570,048  

Blend Labs, Inc.*

    14,513       234,965  

BM Technologies, Inc.*

    90,295       879,473  

Bottomline Technologies de, Inc.*

    2,442       103,223  

Cardlytics, Inc.*

    6,117       555,301  

CDK Global, Inc.

    31,345       1,303,952  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Software — (Continued)

Cogent Communications Holdings, Inc.

    1,297     $ 94,136  

Computer Programs & Systems, Inc.*

    28,349       1,008,374  

Concentrix Corp.*

    830       143,914  

CSG Systems International, Inc.

    2,981       143,714  

Docebo, Inc.*

    33,484       2,813,661  

DoubleVerify Holdings, Inc.*

    9,046       328,641  

Ebix, Inc.

    5,151       148,246  

Everbridge, Inc.*

    2,360       370,449  

Jamf Holding Corp.*

    16,297       572,840  

LivePerson, Inc.*

    18,478       1,184,440  

ManTech International Corp., Class A

    2,301       182,170  

MicroStrategy, Inc.*

    480       333,264  

Motorsport Games, Inc., Class A*

    19,675       211,900  

Pagerduty, Inc.*

    12,400       530,720  

Phreesia, Inc.*

    26,620       1,904,661  

Progress Software Corp.

    5,306       247,047  

PROS Holdings, Inc.*

    13,290       574,660  

Schrodinger, Inc.*

    4,277       255,294  

Smith Micro Software, Inc.*

    509,750       2,543,653  

Sophia Genetics SA*

    21,842       431,816  

Sprout Social, Inc., Class A*

    3,643       442,989  

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.*

    3,504       564,915  

Workiva, Inc.*

    3,524       494,311  

Yext, Inc.*

    40,816       551,832  

Zovio, Inc.*

    220,653       569,285  
              26,283,777  

Telecommunications — 2.5%

ATN International, Inc.

    1,606       73,218  

Aviat Networks, Inc.*

    38,603       1,368,090  

Calix, Inc.*

    68,336       3,184,458  

Cambium Networks Corp.*

    42,480       1,591,726  

Cincinnati Bell, Inc.*

    2,642       40,925  

Clearfield, Inc.*

    31,647       1,433,926  

Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc.*

    10,868       100,746  

IDT Corp., Class B

    3,111       135,266  

Iridium Communications, Inc.*

    9,628       428,542  

Liberty Latin America, Ltd., Class C*

    94,028       1,353,063  

NetGear, Inc.*

    2,616       93,470  

One Stop Systems, Inc.*

    153,928       871,232  

Plantronics, Inc.*

    3,217       95,802  

Sierra Wireless, Inc.*

    76,164       1,246,043  

Viavi Solutions, Inc.*

    23,640       385,096  

Vonage Holdings Corp.*

    58,744       828,290  
              13,229,893  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
15

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (CONCLUDED)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Textiles — 0.4%

UniFirst Corp.

    9,125     $ 2,090,264  

Transportation — 2.2%

Air Transport Services Group, Inc.*

    120,911       3,311,752  

ArcBest Corp.

    7,779       519,093  

CryoPort, Inc.*

    39,368       2,502,624  

Echo Global Logistics, Inc.*

    6,531       214,739  

International Seaways, Inc.

    76,483       1,315,508  

Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings, Inc., Class A

    1,873       97,265  

Marten Transport, Ltd.

    41,167       641,793  

PAM Transportation Services, Inc.*

    55,098       1,926,777  

Saia, Inc.*

    5,518       1,325,037  
              11,854,588  

Warehousing and Storage — 0.1%

Imago Biosciences, Inc.*

    26,875       706,006  

Water — 0.1%

American States Water Co.

    1,758       162,105  

California Water Service Group

    1,969       125,130  

York Water Co., (The)

    989       51,003  
              338,238  

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS

               

(Cost $323,376,667)

            516,273,806  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

RIGHTS 0.0%

               

Evercel Inc. CVR(b)*

    350,100     $  

TOTAL RIGHTS

               

(Cost $–)

             
                 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 3.7%

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 0.01%(a)

    19,758,506       19,758,506  

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

               

(Cost $19,758,506)

            19,758,506  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 100.0%

       

(Cost $343,135,173)

            536,032,312  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES — 0.0%

            144,761  

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

          $ 536,177,073  

 

 

*    Non-income producing security.

 

(a)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2021.

 

(b)

Security has been valued at fair market value as determined in good faith by or under the direction of The RBB Fund, Inc.’s Board of Directors as of August 31, 2021, these securities amounted to $0 or 0.0% of net assets.

 

ADR

American Depositary Receipt

 

PLC

Public Limited Company

 

REIT

Real Estate Investment Trust

 

SP ADR

Sponsored ADR

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
16

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


STATEMENT of Assets and Liabilities

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

ASSETS

       

Investments, at value (cost $323,376,667)

  $ 516,273,806  

Short-term investments, at value (cost $19,758,506)

    19,758,506  

Receivables for:

       

Investments sold

    537,297  

Dividends

    180,104  

Capital shares sold

    12,903  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

    42,797  

Total assets

    536,805,413  
         

LIABILITIES

       

Payables for:

       

Investments purchased

    278,547  

Sub-advisory fees

    299,535  

Other accrued expenses and liabilities

    50,258  

Total liabilities

    628,340  

Net assets

  $ 536,177,073  
         

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

       

Par value

  $ 24,971  

Paid-in capital

    253,939,793  

Total distributable earnings/(loss)

    282,212,309  

Net assets

  $ 536,177,073  
         

CAPITAL SHARES:

       

Net Assets

  $ 536,177,073  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    24,971,297  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

  $ 21.47  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
17

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Statement of Operations

FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2021

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

       

Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $6,593)

  $ 3,177,127  

Total investment income

    3,177,127  
         

EXPENSES

       

Sub-advisory fees (Note 2)

    3,485,773  

Administration and accounting services fees (Note 2)

    186,549  

Legal fees

    58,758  

Director fees

    54,230  

Transfer agent fees (Note 2)

    51,105  

Custodian fees (Note 2)

    47,602  

Audit and tax service fees

    37,736  

Officer fees

    36,558  

Registration and filing fees

    26,297  

Printing and shareholder reporting fees

    5,649  

Other expenses

    55,120  

Total expenses

    4,045,377  

Net investment income/(loss)

    (868,250 )
         

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS

       

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    103,633,563  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    105,939,183  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    209,572,746  

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 208,704,496  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
18

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2021

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2020

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ (868,250 )   $ (229,541 )

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    103,633,563       6,307,080  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    105,939,183       28,965,105  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    208,704,496       35,042,644  
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (5,747,679 )     (11,162,154 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (5,747,679 )     (11,162,154 )
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    22,544,942       63,211,072  

Reinvestment of distributions

    5,252,862       9,841,826  

Shares redeemed

    (56,019,750 )     (27,350,514 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from capital share transactions

    (28,221,946 )     45,702,384  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    174,734,871       69,582,874  
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    361,442,202       291,859,328  

End of period

  $ 536,177,073     $ 361,442,202  
                 

SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Shares sold

    1,248,118       5,655,888  

Shares reinvested

    311,927       755,321  

Shares redeemed

    (2,921,970 )     (2,715,130 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares

    (1,361,925 )     3,696,079  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
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ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2021

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2020

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2019

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2018

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2017

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 13.73     $ 12.89     $ 16.76     $ 12.94     $ 11.20  

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    (0.03 )     (0.01 )     (0.01 )     (0.01 )     (0.02 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    7.99       1.33       (1.99 )     4.36       1.76  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    7.96       1.32       (2.00 )     4.35       1.74  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net realized capital gains

    (0.22 )     (0.48 )     (1.87 )     (0.53 )      

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.22 )     (0.48 )     (1.87 )     (0.53 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 21.47     $ 13.73     $ 12.89     $ 16.76     $ 12.94  

Total investment return/(loss)(2)

    58.41 %     10.47 %     (11.16 )%     34.54 %     15.54 %
                                         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 536,177     $ 361,442     $ 291,859     $ 349,352     $ 262,480  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

    0.84 %     0.90 %     0.93 %     0.90 %     0.92 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    (0.18 )%     (0.08 )%     (0.08 )%     (0.07 )%     (0.15 )%

Portfolio turnover rate

    75 %     101 %     80 %     86 %     88 %

 

 

(1)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.

 

(2)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
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ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

 

The RBB Fund, Inc. (“RBB” or the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland on February 29, 1988 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. RBB is a “series fund,” which is a mutual fund divided into separate portfolios. Each portfolio is treated as a separate entity for certain matters under the 1940 Act, and for other purposes, and a shareholder of one portfolio is not deemed to be a shareholder of any other portfolio. Currently, RBB has thirty-nine separate investment portfolios, including the Adara Smaller Companies Fund (the “Fund”), which commenced investment operations on October 21, 2014.

 

RBB has authorized capital of one hundred billion shares of common stock of which 88.223 billion shares are currently classified into one hundred and ninety-three classes of common stock. Each class represents an interest in an active or inactive RBB investment portfolio.

 

The Fund’s investment objective seeks capital appreciation.

 

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

 

The end of the reporting period for the Fund is August 31, 2021, and the period covered by these Notes to Financial Statements is for the fiscal period end August 31, 2021 (the “current fiscal period”).

 

PORTFOLIO VALUATION – The Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. Securities held by the Fund are valued using the closing price or the last sale price on a national securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System (“NASDAQ”) market system where they are primarily traded. Equity securities traded in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market are valued at their closing prices. If there were no transactions on that day, securities traded principally on an exchange or on NASDAQ will be valued at the mean of the last bid and ask prices prior to the market close. Fixed income securities are valued using an independent pricing service, which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings, and are deemed representative of market values at the close of the market. Investments in Exchange-Traded Funds (“ETFs”) are valued at their last reported sale price. Foreign securities are valued based on prices from the primary market in which they are traded, and are translated from the local currency into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates. Investments in other open-end investment companies, if any, are valued based on the NAV of those investment companies (which may use fair value pricing as disclosed in their prospectuses). If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable, securities will be valued in accordance with procedures adopted by the RBB Fund, Inc.’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). Relying on prices supplied by pricing services or dealers or using fair valuation may result in values that are higher or lower than the values used by other investment companies and investors to price the same investments.    

 

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS – The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the Fund’s investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:

 

 

● Level 1 —

Prices are determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.

 

 

● Level 2 —

Prices are determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

 

● Level 3 —

Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

 

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

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ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used, as of August 31, 2021, in valuing the Fund’s investments carried at fair value:

 

   

Total

   

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

 

Common Stocks

  $ 516,273,806     $ 516,273,806     $     $  

Rights

                **      

Short-Term Investments

    19,758,506       19,758,506              

Total Investments*

  $ 536,032,312     $ 536,032,312     $     $  

 

*

Please refer to Portfolio of Investments for further details.

 

**

Value equals zero as of the end of the reporting period.

 

At the end of each quarter, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities. Various factors are considered, such as changes in liquidity from the prior reporting period; whether or not a broker is willing to execute at the quoted price; the depth and consistency of prices from third party pricing services; and the existence of contemporaneous, observable trades in the market. Additionally, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities on a quarterly basis for changes in listings or delistings on national exchanges.

 

Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Fund’s investments may fluctuate from period to period. Additionally, the fair value of investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for such investments and may differ materially from the values the Fund may ultimately realize. Further, such investments may be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities.

 

For fair valuations using significant unobservable inputs, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires the Fund to present a reconciliation of the beginning to ending balances for reported market values that presents changes attributable to total realized and unrealized gains or losses, purchase and sales, and transfers in and out of Level 3 during the period. Transfers in and out between levels are based on values at the end of the period. A reconciliation of Level 3 investments is presented only when the Fund had an amount of Level 3 investments at the end of the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets. The amounts and reasons for Level 3 transfers are disclosed if the Fund had an amount of total transfers during the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets as of the end of the reporting period.

 

For the period ended August 31, 2021, the Fund had no Level 3 transfers.

 

REITS — The Fund has made certain investments in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) which pay dividends to their shareholders based upon available funds from operations. It is quite common for these dividends to exceed the REITs’ taxable earnings and profits resulting in the excess portion being designated as a return of capital. The Fund intends to include the gross dividends from such REITs in its annual distributions to shareholders and, accordingly, a portion of the Fund’s distributions may also be designated as a return of capital.

 

USE OF ESTIMATES — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences could be significant.

 

INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS, INVESTMENT INCOME AND EXPENSES — The Fund records security transactions based on trade date for financial reporting purposes. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method for both financial reporting and income tax purposes in determining realized gains and losses on investments. Interest income (including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts) is accrued when earned. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a

 

22

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

return of capital or capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. The Fund’s investment income, expenses (other than class specific expenses) and unrealized and realized gains and losses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class at the beginning of the day. Certain expenses are shared with PENN Capital Funds Trust (the “Trust”), a series trust of affiliated funds. Expenses incurred on behalf of a specific class, fund or fund family of the Company or Trust are charged directly to the class, fund or fund family (in proportion to net assets). Expenses incurred for all funds (such as director or professional fees) are charged to all funds in proportion to their average net assets of RBB and the Trust, or in such other manner as the Board deems fair or equitable. Expenses and fees, including investment advisory and administration fees, are accrued daily and taken into account for the purpose of determining the NAV of the Fund.

 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS — Dividends from net investment income and distributions from net realized capital gains (including net short-term capital gains), if any, are declared and paid at least annually to shareholders recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income dividends and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

 

U.S. TAX STATUS — No provision is made for U.S. income taxes as it is the Fund’s intention to continue to qualify for and elect the tax treatment applicable to regulated investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and make the requisite distributions to its shareholders which will be sufficient to relieve it from U.S. income and excise taxes.

 

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) PANDEMIC — The global outbreak of COVID-19 (commonly referred to as “coronavirus”) has disrupted economic markets and the prolonged economic impact is uncertain. Although vaccines for COVID-19 are becoming more widely available, the ultimate economic fallout from the pandemic, and the long-term impact on economies, markets, industries and individual issuers are not known. The operational and financial performance of the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests depends on future developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak and the pace of recovery which may vary from market to market, and such uncertainty may in turn adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments, impair the Fund’s ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the Fund’s performance.

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates market value.

 

OTHER — In the normal course of business, the Fund may enter into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on claims that may be made against the Fund in the future, and, therefore, cannot be estimated; however, the Fund expects the risk of material loss from such claims to be remote.

 

2. Investment Adviser and Other Services

 

Altair Advisers, LLC (“Altair” or the “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. Aperio Group, LLC, Driehaus Capital Management, LLC, Pacific Ridge Capital Partners, LLC, Pier Capital, LLC and River Road Asset Management, LLC each serve as an investment sub-adviser (“Sub-Adviser”) to the Fund.

 

The Fund is managed by the Adviser and one or more Sub-Advisers unaffiliated with the Adviser. The Adviser also has the ultimate responsibility to oversee the Sub-Advisers, and to recommend their hiring, termination and replacement, subject to approval by the Board. The Adviser has an investment team that is jointly responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund. The Sub-Advisers provide investment advisory services to the portion of the Fund’s portfolio allocated to them by the Adviser. The Adviser and the Fund have entered into sub-advisory agreements with the Sub-Advisers to manage the Fund, subject to supervision of the Adviser and the Board, and in accordance with the investment objective and restrictions of the Fund. The Fund compensates the Sub-Advisers for their services at an annual rate based on the Fund’s average daily net assets, (the “Sub-Advisory Fee”), not to exceed 1.00%, payable on a monthly basis in arrears.

 

During the current fiscal period, collectively, sub-advisory fees accrued were $3,485,773, or the rate of 0.75%.

 

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ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

The Fund is currently only available to clients of the Adviser and to other investors at the Fund’s discretion. The Adviser does not receive a separate management fee from the Fund. However, pursuant to the Fund’s investment advisory agreement with the Adviser, the Adviser is entitled to receive reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses it incurs in connection with its compliance monitoring of Fund trading, up to 0.01% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. During the current fiscal period, the Adviser received $29,402.

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (“Fund Services”), doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, serves as administrator for the Fund. For providing administrative and accounting services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Fund Services serves as the Fund’s transfer and dividend disbursing agent. For providing transfer agent services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

U.S. Bank, N.A. (the “Custodian”) provides certain custodial services to the Fund. The Custodian is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Quasar Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of Foreside Financial Group, LLC, serves as the principal underwriter and distributor of the Fund’s shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with RBB.

 

For compensation amounts paid to Fund Services and the Custodian, please refer to the Statement of Operations.

 

3. Director and Officer Compensation

 

The Directors of the Company receive an annual retainer and meeting fees for meetings attended. An employee of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serves as President and Chief Compliance Officer of the Company. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company. Employees of RBB serve as Treasurer, Secretary and Director of Marketing & Business Development of the Company. They are compensated for services provided. Certain employees of Fund Services serve as officers of the Company. They are not compensated by the Fund or the Company. For Director and Officer compensation amounts, please refer to the Statement of Operations.

 

4. Purchases and Sales of Investment Securities

 

During the current fiscal period, aggregate purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) of the Fund were as follows:

 

PURCHASES

SALES

$338,915,292

$362,246,909

 

There were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. Government securities during the current fiscal period.

 

5. Federal Income Tax Information

 

The Fund has followed the authoritative guidance on accounting for and disclosure of uncertainty in tax positions, which requires the Fund to determine whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The Fund has determined that there was no effect on the financial statements from following this authoritative guidance. In the normal course of business, the Fund is subject to examination by federal, state and local jurisdictions, where applicable, for tax years for which applicable statutes of limitations have not expired.

 

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ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

As of August 31, 2021, the federal tax cost and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments held by the Fund were as follows:

 

FEDERAL
TAX COST

UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION

UNREALIZED
(DEPRECIATION)

Net Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

$346,338,863

$204,362,592

$(14,669,143)

$189,693,449

 

Distributions to shareholders, if any, from net investment income and realized gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from net investment income and realized gains recognized for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the character of distributions and composition of net assets for tax purposes may differ from those reflected in the accompanying financial statements. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on the tax treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.

 

As of August 31, 2021, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

UNDISTRIBUTED
ORDINARY
INCOME

UNDISTRIBUTED
LONG-TERM
CAPITAL GAINS

CAPITAL LOSS
CARRYFORWARDS

NET UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION/
(DEPRECIATION)

QUALIFIED
LATE-YEAR
LOSSES

$40,401,280

$52,117,580

$—

$189,693,449

$—

 

The differences between the book and tax basis components of distributable earnings relate primarily to the timing of recognition of income and gains for federal income tax purposes. Short-term and foreign currency gains, if applicable, are reported as ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.

 

The tax character of dividends and distributions paid during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021 were as follows:

 

   

ORDINARY
INCOME

   

LONG-TERM
GAINS

   

TOTAL

 

2021

  $     $ 5,747,679     $ 5,747,679  

2020

  $     $ 11,162,154     $ 11,162,154  

 

Pursuant to federal income tax rules applicable to regulated investment companies, the Fund may elect to treat certain capital losses between November 1 and August 31 and late year ordinary losses ((i) ordinary losses between January 1 and August 31, and (ii) specified ordinary and currency losses between November 1 and August 31) as occurring on the first day of the following tax year. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021, any amount of losses elected within the tax return will not be recognized for federal income tax purposes until September 1, 2021.

 

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010, the Fund is permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 for an unlimited period. Additionally, capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses rather than being considered all short-term as under the previous law. The Adara Smaller Companies Fund had utilized $3,593,637. As of August 31, 2021, the Fund had no unexpiring short-term or long-term losses.

 

6. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS AND REGULATORY UPDATES

 

In October 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“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. Funds will be

 

25

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONCLUDED)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

required to comply with Rule 18f-4 by August 19, 2022. It is not currently clear what impact, if any, Rule 18f-4 will have on the availability, liquidity or performance of derivatives. Management is currently evaluating the potential impact of Rule 18f-4 on the Fund. When fully implemented, Rule 18f-4 may require changes in how the Fund uses derivatives, adversely affect the Fund’s performance and increase costs related to a Fund’s use of derivatives.

 

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 will be required to comply with the rules by September 8, 2022. Management is currently assessing the potential impact of the new rules on the Fund’s financial statements.

 

7. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Fund through the date the financial statements were issued, and has determined that there were no subsequent events.

 

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ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. and Shareholders of Adara Smaller Companies Fund

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the portfolio of investments, of Adara Smaller Companies Fund (one of the funds constituting The RBB Fund, Inc., hereafter referred to as the “Fund”) as of August 31, 2021, the related statement of operations for the year ended August 31, 2021, the statement of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 2021, including the related notes, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended August 31, 2021 (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of August 31, 2021, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 2021 and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended August 31, 2021 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 2021 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 


Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
October 29, 2021

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Altair Advisers, LLC investment companies since 2015.

 

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ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


SHAREHOLDER TAX INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

 

Certain tax information regarding the Fund is required to be provided to shareholders based upon the Fund’s income and distributions for the taxable period ended August 31, 2021. The information and distributions reported herein may differ from information and distributions taxable to the shareholders for the calendar year ending December 31, 2021. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021, the following dividends and distributions were paid by the Fund:

 

Ordinary
Income

Long-Term
Gains

$—

$5,747,679

 

Dividends from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income dividends for federal income tax purposes.

 

Under the Jobs and Growth Tax relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 the following percentages of ordinary dividends paid during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021 are designated as “qualified dividend income,” as defined in the Act, and are subject to reduced tax rates:

 

Adara Smaller Companies Fund

0%

 

The percentage of total ordinary income dividends paid qualifying for the corporate dividends received deduction for the Fund is as follows:

 

Adara Smaller Companies Fund

0%

 

The percentage of ordinary income distributions designated as qualified short-term gains pursuant to the American Job Creation Act of 2004 is as follows:

 

Adara Smaller Companies Fund

0%

 

Because the Fund’s fiscal year is not the calendar year, another notification will be sent with respect to calendar year 2021. The second notification, which will reflect the amount, if any, to be used by calendar year taxpayers on their U.S. federal income tax returns, will be made in conjunction with Form 1099-DIV and will be mailed in January 2022.

 

Foreign shareholders will generally be subject to U.S. withholding tax on the amount of their ordinary income dividends. They will generally not be entitled to a foreign tax credit or deduction for the withholding taxes paid by the Fund, if any.

 

In general, dividends received by tax-exempt recipients (e.g., IRAs and Keoghs) need not be reported as taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, some retirement trusts (e.g., corporate, Keogh and 403(b)(7) plans) may need this information for their annual information reporting.

 

Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the tax consequences of their investment in the Fund.

 

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ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Other Information (Unaudited)

 

Proxy Voting

 

Policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities as well as information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 are available without charge, upon request, by calling (844) 261-6482 and on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Quarterly Portfolio Schedules

 

The Company files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third fiscal quarters of each fiscal year (quarters ended November 30 and May 31) as an exhibit to its report on Form N-PORT. The Company’s Form N-PORT is available on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

APPROVAL OF Investment Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements

 

As required by the 1940 Act, the Board, including all of the Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Directors”), considered (1) the renewal of the investment advisory agreement between Altair Advisers LLC (“Altair”) and the Company (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”) on behalf of the Fund, and (2) the renewal of the sub-advisory agreements among Altair, the Company and each of Aperio Group, LLC, Driehaus Capital Management, LLC, Pacific Ridge Capital Partners, LLC, Pier Capital, LLC, and River Road Asset Management, LLC (collectively, the “Sub-Advisers”) (together, the “Sub-Advisory Agreements”), at a meeting of the Board held on May 12-13, 2021 (the “Meeting”). At the Meeting, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, approved the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreements for an additional one-year term. The Board’s decision to approve the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreements reflects the exercise of its business judgment to continue the existing arrangement. In approving the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreements, the Board considered information provided by Altair and each of the Sub-Advisers with the assistance and advice of counsel to the Independent Directors and the Company.

 

In considering the renewal and approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Company and Altair with respect to the Adara Smaller Companies Fund (for this section only, the “Fund”), and the Sub-Advisory Agreements between Altair and each Sub-Adviser with respect to the Fund, the Directors took into account all materials provided prior to and during the Meeting and at other meetings throughout the past year, the presentations made during the Meeting, and the discussions held during the Meeting. Among other things, the Directors considered (i) the nature, extent, and quality of services provided to the Fund by Altair and each Sub-Adviser; (ii) descriptions of the experience and qualifications of the personnel providing those services; (iii) Altair’s and the Sub-Advisers’ investment philosophies and processes; (iv) Altair’s and the Sub-Advisers’ assets under management and client descriptions; (v) Altair’s and the Sub-Advisers’ soft dollar commission and trade allocation policies, including information on the types of research and services obtained in connection with soft dollar commissions; (vi) Altair’s and the Sub-Advisers’ advisory fee arrangements and other similarly managed clients, as applicable; (vii) Altair’s and the Sub-Advisers’ compliance procedures; (viii) Altair’s and the Sub-Advisers’ financial information and insurance coverage, as applicable; (ix) the extent to which economies of scale are relevant to the Fund; (x) a report prepared by Broadridge/Lipper comparing the Fund’s management fees and total expense ratio to those of its Lipper Group and comparing the performance of the Fund to the performance of its Lipper Group; and (xi) a report comparing the performance of the Fund to the performance of its benchmark.

 

As part of their review, the Directors considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by Altair and each Sub-Adviser. The Directors concluded that Altair and each Sub-Adviser had substantial resources to provide services to the Fund, and that Altair’s and the Sub-Advisers’ services had been acceptable.

 

29

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Other Information (Unaudited) (COncluded)

 

The Directors also considered the investment performance of the Fund and considered the Fund’s investment performance in light of its investment objective and investment strategies. The Directors noted that the Fund had outperformed its primary benchmark for the year-to-date, one-year, three-year, and five-year periods ended March 31, 2021. The Directors also considered the Fund’s 1st quintile ranking within its Lipper Performance Group for the one-, two-, three-, four-, and five-year periods ended December 31, 2020.

 

The Board also considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreements. In this regard, information on the fees paid by the Fund and the Fund’s total operating expense ratio were compared to similar information for mutual funds advised by other, unaffiliated investment advisory firms. The Directors noted that the Fund’s actual advisor fees ranked in the 2nd quintile of its Lipper Expense Group, and that the total expenses of the Fund ranked in the 1st quintile of its Lipper Expense Group. The Directors considered that the Fund does not pay a contractual management fee to Altair, but instead reimburses for out-of-pocket expenses in connection with its compliance monitoring of the Fund’s trading, up to 0.01% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. The Directors also considered the fees payable to each Sub-Adviser under the Sub-Advisory Agreement.

 

After reviewing the information regarding Altair’s and the Sub-Advisers’ costs, profitability and economies of scale, and after considering the services to be provided by Altair and the Sub-Advisers, the Directors concluded that the investment advisory fees to be paid by the Fund to Altair and the sub-advisory fees to be paid to each Sub-Adviser were fair and reasonable and that the Investment Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreements should be approved and continued for an additional one-year period ending August 16, 2022.

 

30

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Company Management (Unaudited)

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company is organized under and managed pursuant to Maryland law. The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below. The statement of additional information (“SAI”) includes additional information about the Directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling (844) 261-6482.

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s) Held with Company

Term of Office and Length of Time Served1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Julian A. Brodsky
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 88

Director

1988 to present

From 1969 to 2011, Director and Vice Chairman, Comcast Corporation (cable television and communications).

46

AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).

J. Richard Carnall
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 82

Director

2002 to present

Since 1984, Director of Haydon Bolts, Inc. (bolt manufacturer) and Parkway Real Estate Company (subsidiary of Haydon Bolts, Inc.); since 2004, Director of Cornerstone Bank.

46

None.

Gregory P. Chandler
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 54

Director

2012 to present

Since 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Herspiegel Consulting LLC (life sciences consulting services); 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Avocado Systems Inc. (cyber security software provider); 2009-2020, Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services).

46

Emtec, Inc. (until December 2019); FS Investment Corporation (business development company) (until December 2018); FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company).

 

31

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Company Management (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s) Held with Company

Term of Office and Length of Time Served1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

Nicholas A. Giordano
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 78

Director

2006 to present

Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations.

46

IntriCon Corporation (biomedical device manufacturer); Kalmar Pooled Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until September 2017); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance) (until 2021).

Arnold M. Reichman
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 73

Chairman

 

Director

2005 to present

1991 to present

Retired.

46

EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company).

Brian T. Shea
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 61

Director

2018 to present

From 2014-2017, Chief Executive Officer, BNY Mellon Investment Services (fund services, global custodian and securities clearing firm); from 1983-2014, Chief Executive Officer and various positions, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm).

46

WisdomTree Investments, Inc. (asset management company) (until March 2019); Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (financial services technology company) Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (financial services company); Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (financial services company).

Robert A. Straniere
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 80

Director

2006 to present

Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm).

46

None.

 

 

32

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Company Management (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s) Held with Company

Term of Office and Length of Time Served1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

INTERESTED DIRECTOR2

Robert Sablowsky
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 83

Vice Chairman

 

Director

2016 to present

 

1991 to present

Since 2002, Senior Director - Investments and, prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer).

46

None.

OFFICERS

Salvatore Faia, JD,
CPA, CFE
Vigilant Compliance, LLC
Gateway Corporate Center, Suite 216
223 Wilmington West
Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Age: 58

President

 

 

Chief Compliance Officer

2009 to present

 

2004 to present

Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company); since 2021, President and Chief Compliance Officer of Penn Capital Funds Trust.

N/A

N/A

James G. Shaw
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 60

Treasurer and Secretary

2016 to present

Treasurer and Secretary of The RBB Fund, Inc. (since 2016) and Penn Capital Funds Trust (since 2021); from 2005 to 2016, Assistant Treasurer of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 1995 to 2016, Senior Director and Vice President of BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (financial services company).

N/A

N/A

Craig A. Urciuoli

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 46

Director of Marketing & Business Development

2019 to present

Director of Marketing & Business Development of The RBB Fund, Inc. (since 2019) and Penn Capital Funds Trust (since 2021); from 2000-2019, Managing Director, Third Avenue Management LLC.

N/A

N/A

 

 

33

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Company Management (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s) Held with Company

Term of Office and Length of Time Served1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

Jennifer Witt
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 38

Assistant Treasurer

2018 to present

Since 2020, Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (fund administrative services firm); from 2016 to 2020, Assistant Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services; from 2007 to 2016, Supervisor, Nuveen Investments (registered investment company).

N/A

N/A

Edward Paz
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 50

Assistant Secretary

2016 to present

Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm).

N/A

N/A

Michael P. Malloy
One Logan Square
Ste. 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 62

Assistant Secretary

1999 to present

Since 1993, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

Jillian L. Bosmann
One Logan Square
Ste. 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Age: 42

Assistant Secretary

2017 to present

Since 2017, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

 

*

Each Director oversees 46 portfolios of the fund complex, consisting of the series in the Company and Penn Capital Funds Trust (7 portfolios).

 

1.

Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his or her successor is elected and qualified or his or her death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Carnall, Giordano, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.

 

2.

Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

34

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Company Management (Unaudited) (Concluded)

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the past five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Carnall has decades of senior executive-level management experience in the banking and financial services industry and also serves on the boards of various corporations and a bank. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Mr. Shea has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the brokerage, clearing and investment services industry, including service on the boards of industry regulatory organizations and a university.

 

35

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)

 

FACTS

WHAT DOES THE ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?

Why?

Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.

What?

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

 

● Social Security number

● account balances

● account transactions

● transaction history

● wire transfer instructions

● checking account information

 

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

How?

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

       

Reasons we can share your information

Does the Adara Smaller Companies Fund share?

Can you limit
this sharing?

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

Yes

No

For our marketing purposes
to offer our products and services to you

Yes

No

For joint marketing with other financial companies

Yes

No

For affiliates’ everyday business purposes
information about your transactions and experiences

Yes

No

For affiliates’ everyday business purposes
information about your creditworthiness

No

We don’t share

For our affiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share

For nonaffiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share

 

Questions?

Call 1-844-261-6482

 

 

36

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited) (Concluded)

 

What we do

 

How does the Adara Smaller Companies Fund protect my personal information?

To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings.

How does the Adara Smaller Companies Fund collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

 

● open an account

● provide account information

● give us your contact information

● make a wire transfer

● tell us where to send the money

 

We also collect your information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

 

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

● affiliates from using your information to market to you

● sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

 

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

Definitions

 

Affiliates

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

 

Our affiliates include Altair Advisers, LLC, the investment adviser to the Adara Smaller Companies Fund.

Nonaffiliates

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

 

Adara Smaller Companies Fund doesn’t share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you.

Joint marketing

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

 

Adara Smaller Companies Fund may share your information with other financial institutions with whom they have joint marketing arrangements who may suggest additional fund services or other investments products which may be of interest to you. We do not currently have any joint marketing arrangements with other financial institutions.

 

 

37

 

 

[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

 

[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

 

Investment Adviser
Altair Advisers, LLC
303 West Madison Street, Suite 600
Chicago, IL 60606

 

Administrator and Transfer Agent
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201

 

Principal Underwriter
Quasar Distributors, LLC
111 E Kilbourn Ave, Suite 2200
Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Custodian
U.S. Bank, N.A.
1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, WI 53212

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Two Commerce Square
2001 Market Street, Suite 1800
Philadelphia, PA 19103

 

Legal Counsel
Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
One Logan Square, Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103-6996

 

ADA-AR21

 

 

 

 

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 

of

 

The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

ANNUAL REPORT

 

August 31, 2021

 

 

This report is submitted for the general information of the shareholders of the Fund.
It is not authorized for distribution unless preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus for the Fund.

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 

ANNUAL INVESTMENT ADVISER’S REPORT

August 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

The Aquarius International Fund (the “Fund”) generated a return of 21.46% during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021, which compares to a return of 25.37% for the Fund’s benchmark, the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index, during the same period.

 

International equities generated strong returns over the past year, benefiting from an improving global public health situation as well as unprecedented monetary and fiscal support. The Fund, despite delivering an annual return in excess of 20%, was unable to keep up fully with the market rally. A major detractor to relative performance was the Fund’s underweight to lower quality cyclical stocks within the energy, materials and financials sectors, which rebounded sharply beginning in Q4 2020 and early 2021, causing Fund returns to trail the benchmark.

 

During the fiscal year, the Fund’s assets were allocated to four underlying sub-advisers: international developed markets managers Mawer Investment Management Ltd. (“Mawer”) and Setanta Asset Management Limited (“Setanta”); emerging markets manager Driehaus Capital Management LLC (“Driehaus”); and tax-loss harvesting manager Aperio Group, LLC (“Aperio”). The proportion of Fund assets allocated to each Fund sub-adviser at the end of the 2021 fiscal year was as follows: Mawer 31%, Setanta 31%, Driehaus 18% and Aperio 17%. During the 2021 fiscal year, returns for the Fund’s underlying sub-advisers were as follows: Aperio +27.02%, Mawer +21.96%, Driehaus +21.63% and Setanta +21.44%.

 

While international equities have delivered smaller returns than their U.S. peers in recent years, Altair Advisers LLC continues to believe they play an important role in a diversified portfolio. By investing directly in overseas companies, we believe that the potential exists for investors to obtain exposure to economies with higher growth rates than the U.S. economy and/or companies trading at more attractive valuations than similar companies in the U.S. It is our view that international equities also can help investors mitigate certain risks associated with investing only in U.S. companies and the U.S. dollar. International equities represent approximately 44% of the global stock market and historically have alternated with U.S. equities in cycles of outperformance.

 

Sincerely,
Altair Advisers LLC

 

Past performance does not guarantee future results.

 

The MSCI ACWI ex USA Index captures large and mid cap representation across 22 of 23 Developed Markets (DM) countries (excluding the U.S.) and 26 Emerging Markets (EM) countries*. With 2,341 constituents, the index covers approximately 85% of the global equity opportunity set outside the US.

 

*

DM countries include: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK. EM countries include: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and United Arab Emirates.

 

It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

The Fund invests in foreign securities which involve political, economic and currency risks, greater volatility and differences in accounting methods. These risks are greater for investments in emerging markets.

 

Must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus.

 

1

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 

Annual Report
Performance Data

August 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Invested in Aquarius International Fund
vs. MSCI ACWI EX USA INDEX

 

 

This chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 initial investment in the Fund made on April 17, 2018 (commencement of operations) and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index is unmanaged, and does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended August 31, 2021

 
 

One
Year

Three
Year

Since
Inception

 

Aquarius International Fund

21.46%

8.92%

6.63%*

 

MSCI AC WORLD INDEX ex USA Gross Index

25.37%

9.86%

7.50%**

 

 

*

The Fund commenced operations on April 17, 2018.

 

**

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

Performance quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the returns quoted. Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling (844) 261-6482.

 

The Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses, as stated in the current prospectus dated December 31, 2020, are 0.75% of average daily net assets. This ratio may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report.

 

The Fund invests in common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants to acquire common stocks and securities convertible into common stocks. Portfolio composition is subject to change.

 

The MSCI ACWI ex USA Index captures large and mid cap representation across 22 of 23 Developed Markets (DM) countries (excluding the US) and 27 Emerging Markets (EM) countries. With 2,357 constituents, the index covers approximately 85% of the global equity opportunity set outside the US. It is impossible to invest directly in an index.

 

Investment Considerations

 

Investing in the Fund involves risk and an investor may lose money. The success of the Fund’s strategy depends on the Adviser’s ability to select Sub-Advisers and each manager’s ability to select investments for the Fund. The Fund may invest in riskier type investments including small, micro-cap and large cap stocks, Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), special situations, foreign markets, emerging markets and illiquid securities all of which may be more volatile and less liquid.

 

2

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Fund Expense Example

August 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

 

This example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period from March 1, 2021 through August 31, 2021 and held for the entire period.

 

Actual Expenses

 

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

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

 

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

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the accompanying table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs. Therefore, the second line of the accompanying table 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
March 1, 2021

Ending
Account Value
August 31, 2021

Expenses Paid
During Period*

Annualized
Expense
Ratio

Actual Six Month
Total Investment
Return

Actual

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,068.70

$ 35.82

0.75%

6.87%

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

1,000.00

972.87

34.16

0.75

N/A

 

 

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized six-month expense ratio in the table above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184) in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by 365 to reflect the one-half year period. The Fund’s ending account value on the first line in the table is based on the actual six-month total investment return for the Fund.

 

3

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Portfolio Holdings Summary Table

August 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

The following table presents a summary by security type of the portfolio holdings of the Fund:

 

Security Type/Sector Classification

 

% of Net
Assets

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS:

               

Banks

    8.0 %   $ 30,608,690  

Semiconductors

    7.8       29,709,345  

Pharmaceuticals

    7.3       27,854,144  

Insurance

    5.2       19,894,077  

Internet

    5.1       19,585,445  

Commercial Services

    4.0       15,201,266  

Oil & Gas

    3.1       12,017,418  

Beverages

    3.1       11,838,145  

Investment Companies

    2.9       11,046,472  

Healthcare-Products

    2.7       10,396,264  

Telecommunications

    2.6       10,040,119  

Retail

    2.4       9,156,815  

Diversified Financial Services

    2.4       9,115,162  

Media

    2.2       8,435,579  

Software

    2.2       8,363,905  

Apparel

    2.1       8,116,514  

Chemicals

    2.1       8,027,691  

Building Materials

    1.9       7,165,510  

Cosmetics/Personal Care

    1.8       7,056,855  

Machinery-Diversified

    1.8       6,914,970  

Computers

    1.7       6,514,811  

Electronics

    1.6       6,158,515  

Mining

    1.5       5,789,736  

Distribution/Wholesale

    1.4       5,539,717  

Food

    1.2       4,499,552  

Airlines

    1.1       4,096,477  

Miscellaneous Manufacturing

    1.1       4,040,709  

Electrical Components & Equipment

    1.0       3,892,412  

Water

    1.0       3,671,896  

Auto Manufacturers

    0.9       3,576,688  

Private Equity

    0.7       2,703,476  

Hand/Machine Tools

    0.6       2,466,260  

Healthcare-Services

    0.6       2,204,283  

Life Sciences Tools & Services

    0.6       2,110,060  

Real Estate

    0.5       2,071,127  

Lodging

    0.5       1,980,654  

Electric

    0.4       1,721,418  

Home Builders

    0.4       1,648,901  

Machinery-Construction & Mining

    0.4       1,584,512  

Food Service

    0.4 %   $ 1,494,962  

Biotechnology

    0.4       1,460,177  

Transportation

    0.4       1,446,900  

Iron/Steel

    0.3       1,217,333  

Auto Parts & Equipment

    0.3       1,033,327  

Gas

    0.2       892,063  

Agriculture

    0.2       854,932  

REITS

    0.2       786,005  

Environmental Control

    0.2       652,806  

Home Furnishings

    0.2       609,322  

Energy-Alternate Sources

    0.2       606,815  

Packaging & Containers

    0.1       572,593  

Engineering & Construction

    0.1       459,422  

Entertainment

    0.1       452,432  

Household Products/Wares

    0.1       382,600  

Leisure Time

    0.1       372,259  

Aerospace/Defense

    0.1       359,951  

Pipelines

    0.1       280,575  

Advertising

    0.1       258,498  

Toys/Games/Hobbies

    0.1       220,787  

Office/Business Equipment

    0.0       154,760  

Holding Companies-Diversification

    0.0       127,130  

Forest Products & Paper

    0.0       106,991  

Coal

    0.0       66,339  

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS:

               

Diversified Financial Services

    0.2       817,779  

PREFERRED STOCKS:

               

Cosmetics/Personal Care

    0.2       940,922  

Chemicals

    0.2       592,253  

Iron/Steel

    0.1       391,904  

Banks

    0.1       228,456  

Auto Manufacturers

    0.0       86,094  

Electronics

    0.0       57,975  

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

    7.7       29,287,752  

LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS

    (0.3 )     (1,263,971 )

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 382,823,733  

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

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

 

4

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Portfolio Holdings Summary Table

August 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

The following table presents a summary by country of the portfolio holdings of the Fund:

 

   

% of Net
Assets

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS:

               

Australia

    0.7 %   $ 2,842,602  

Austria

    0.1       348,288  

Belgium

    2.4       9,155,226  

Bermuda

    1.3       4,980,200  

Brazil

    1.0       3,990,829  

Canada

    1.5       5,602,015  

Cayman Islands

    5.4       20,670,171  

China

    2.0       7,670,671  

Colombia

    0.0       50,503  

Denmark

    1.8       6,752,996  

Finland

    0.7       2,851,359  

France

    5.5       21,140,177  

Germany

    3.2       12,369,575  

Greece

    0.1       220,940  

Hong Kong

    1.5       5,850,626  

Hungary

    0.2       893,194  

India

    4.0       15,178,712  

Indonesia

    0.3       1,186,775  

Ireland

    6.5       25,118,553  

Isle Of Man

    0.5       1,965,067  

Israel

    1.2       4,679,381  

Italy

    1.2       4,710,981  

Japan

    7.1       27,282,696  

Jersey

    0.0       160,117  

Kazakhstan

    0.2       737,194  

Luxembourg

    0.8       2,916,414  

Mexico

    0.7       2,709,277  

Netherlands

    4.4       16,614,235  

New Zealand

    0.0       81,988  

Norway

    0.1       539,427  

Papua New Guinea

    0.0 %   $ 86,133  

Philippines

    0.0       189,562  

Portugal

    0.0       34,737  

Republic of Korea

    4.2       15,840,975  

Russian Federation

    0.8       2,883,311  

Singapore

    0.7       2,607,464  

South Africa

    0.7       2,677,416  

Spain

    0.3       1,050,865  

Sweden

    3.4       13,075,625  

Switzerland

    6.8       26,100,279  

Taiwan, Province of China

    4.5       17,071,004  

Thailand

    1.2       4,723,139  

Turkey

    0.1       194,837  

United Kingdom

    12.9       49,400,834  

United States

    1.6       6,281,470  

Vietnam

    0.1       196,730  

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS:

               

United States

    0.2       817,779  

PREFERRED STOCKS:

               

Brazil

    0.2       573,343  

Colombia

    0.0       47,016  

Germany

    0.2       736,322  

South Korea

    0.3       940,922  

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

               

United States

    7.7       29,287,752  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES

    -0.3       (1,263,971 )

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 382,823,733  

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

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

 

5

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments

August 31, 2021

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS — 91.8%

               

Advertising — 0.1%

               

Dentsu, Inc.

    1,800     $ 66,912.00  

Publicis Groupe SA

    2,188       143,642  

WPP, PLC

    3,536       47,944  
              258,498  

Aerospace/Defense — 0.1%

               

Airbus Group SE*

    1,204       164,702  

MTU Aero Engines AG, ADR

    562       64,473  

Safran SA

    649       81,414  

Thales SA

    486       49,362  
              359,951  

Agriculture — 0.2%

               

British American Tabacco, PLC, SP ADR

    5,128       193,274  

Imperial Brands, PLC, SP ADR

    3,146       67,844  

Japan Tobacco, Inc.

    4,730       91,774  

Origin Enterprises, PLC

    115,290       456,031  

Swedish Match*

    4,980       46,009  
              854,932  

Airlines — 1.1%

               

Ryanair Holding, PLC, SP ADR*

    38,036       4,096,477  

Apparel — 2.1%

               

Adidas AG

    4,752       1,685,770  

Adidas AG, SP ADR

    1,152       204,480  

Gildan Activewear, Inc.

    5,757       221,357  

Hermes International

    80       117,745  

Kering SA

    139       110,716  

LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE

    6,786       5,027,135  

LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE, ADR

    2,000       296,280  

Shenzhou International Group Holdings, Ltd.

    20,900       453,031  
              8,116,514  

Auto Manufacturers — 0.9%

               

Ashok Leyland Ltd.

    178,836       299,785  

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, SP ADR

    3,309       105,094  

BYD Co., Ltd.

    11,480       385,947  

Daimler AG

    3,623       305,617  

Ferrari NV

    141       30,586  

Ferrari NV, ADR

    642       139,571  

Geely Automobile Holdings, Ltd.

    6,982       25,304  

Geely Automobile Holdings, Ltd., ADR

    883       63,514  

Hyundai Motor Co.

    353       64,501  

Kia Corp.

    5,986       437,895  

NIO, Inc., ADR*

    2,072       81,450  

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.*

    10,100       52,986  

Stellantis NV

    5,160       103,432  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Auto Manufacturers — (Continued)

Tata Motors, Ltd., SP ADR*

    32,755     $ 644,618  

Tofas Turk Otomobil Fabrikasi AS

    34,475       174,189  

Toyota Motor Corp.

    600       52,256  

Toyota Motor Corp., SP ADR

    1,862       324,416  

Volkswagen AG, ADR

    5,060       169,156  

Volvo AB, Class B

    3,636       82,329  

XPeng, Inc., ADR*

    801       34,042  
              3,576,688  

Auto Parts & Equipment — 0.3%

       

Continental AG*

    442       59,399  

Faurecia SE

    87       4,203  

Fuyao Glass Industrials Group, Ltd.(a)

    55,989       344,546  

Magna International, Inc.

    3,010       237,519  

Michelin

    463       74,958  

Motherson Sumi Systems, Ltd.

    104,753       312,702  
              1,033,327  

Banks — 8.0%

               

Australia & New Zealand Banking Group, Ltd.

    5,980       121,036  

Banco Santander SA*

    37,238       137,306  

Bangkok Bank

    308,300       1,089,364  

Bank Central Asia Tbk PT

    328,970       755,123  

Bank Jago Tbk PT*

    333,593       354,683  

Bank Leumi Le Israel*

    533,716       4,409,145  

Bank Montreal

    867       86,284  

Bank of Ireland Group, PLC

    562,443       3,520,481  

Bank of Nova Scotia, (The)

    1,749       108,281  

Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero Tbk PT, ADR

    1,382       18,975  

Barclays, PLC

    126,063       319,622  

Bendigo & Adelaide Bank, Ltd.

    12,614       92,101  

BNP Paribas SA

    2,636       166,990  

BOC Hong Kong Holdings, Ltd.

    28,000       84,733  

CaixaBank SA

    65,952       204,877  

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce

    573       65,901  

China Construction Bank Corp.

    106,000       76,379  

China Merchants Bank Co., Ltd.

    148,987       1,228,787  

China Merchants Bank Co., Ltd., ADR

    554       22,753  

Commerzbank AG*

    18,102       113,289  

Commonwealth Bank Of Australia

    4,044       294,655  

Concordia Financial Group, Ltd.

    11,723       45,452  

Credit Suisse Group AG

    13,720       145,343  

Dah Sing Financial Holdings, Ltd.

    222,400       691,899  

DBS Group Holdings, Ltd.

    89,900       1,993,360  

DBS Group Holdings, Ltd., SP ADR

    1,611       143,492  

 

 

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

 

6

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Banks — (Continued)

Deutsche Bank AG*

    8,776     $ 108,384  

DNB Bank ASA

    12,189       257,270  

FinecoBank Banca Fineco SpA

    5,751       105,945  

FirstRand, Ltd.

    13,495       57,450  

Fukuoka Financial Group, Inc.

    3,000       55,388  

Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores SA, ADR

    8,589       50,503  

Grupo Financiero Banorte SAB de CV

    131,968       871,091  

Hang Seng Bank, Ltd.

    4,400       78,660  

HDFC Bank, Ltd.

    117,916       2,543,241  

HDFC Bank, Ltd., ADR

    11,151       873,235  

HSBC Holdings, PLC, SP ADR

    9,910       262,020  

ICICI Bank, Ltd., SP ADR

    102,926       2,019,408  

ING Groep NV

    7,103       97,981  

KakaoBank Corp.*

    570       41,246  

Macquarie Group, Ltd.

    749       90,907  

Mediobanca Banca di Credito Finanziario SpA

    3,974       46,847  

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc., SP ADR

    53,334       290,670  

National Australia Bank, Ltd.

    7,689       155,019  

National Australia Bank, Ltd., SP ADR

    11,208       113,425  

Nedbank Group, Ltd., SP ADR

    2,666       33,925  

Nordea Bank Abp

    93       1,091  

Nordea Bank Abp

    11,504       135,115  

OTP Bank, PLC*

    14,790       893,194  

Oversea-Chinese Bank Corp., Ltd.

    9,000       76,162  

Royal Bank Canada

    3,116       320,200  

Sberbank Russia, SP ADR

    57,637       1,029,973  

Shinhan Financial Group Co., Ltd., SP ADR

    9,162       304,636  

Societe Generale SA

    2,392       75,286  

Standard Bank Group, Ltd.

    9,099       92,936  

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc., SP ADR

    56,610       390,609  

Svenska Handelsbanken AB, Class A

    190,980       2,145,986  

Toronto-Dominion Bank, (The)

    3,414       221,705  

UBS Group AG

    13,717       228,817  

United Overseas Bank, Ltd.

    6,000       113,588  

Woori Financial Group, Inc., SP ADR

    4,696       136,466  
              30,608,690  

Beverages — 3.1%

               

Anheuser-Busch InBev SA NV, SP ADR

    2,087       127,829  

Asahi Group Holdings Ltd.

    1,700       79,024  

Carlsberg A/S

    499       87,158  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Beverages — (Continued)

China Resources Beer Holdings Co., Ltd.

    44,000     $ 361,829  

Coca-Cola European Partners, PLC

    476       27,484  

Diageo, PLC

    113,652       5,463,572  

Diageo, PLC, SP ADR

    2,046       393,057  

Endeavour Group Ltd/Australia*

    2,137       11,412  

Fomento Economico Mexicano SAB de CV, SP ADR

    461       39,973  

Heineken NV

    4,751       520,339  

Pernod Ricard SA

    300       63,152  

Thai Beverage, PLC

    7,196,900       3,633,775  

Tsingtao Brewery Co, Ltd.

    2,000       16,365  

Wuliangye Yibin Co., Ltd., Class A

    32,398       1,013,176  
              11,838,145  

Biotechnology — 0.4%

               

Argenx SE, ADR*

    142       47,005  

BeiGene Ltd., ADR*

    238       73,375  

CSL Ltd., SP ADR

    1,030       117,410  

CSL, Ltd.

    628       142,834  

Genmab A/S*

    1,553       735,708  

Genmab A/S, SP ADR*

    2,330       110,419  

I-Mab, SP ADR*

    2,835       201,058  

Zai Lab, Ltd., ADR*

    224       32,368  
              1,460,177  

Building Materials — 1.9%

               

Anhui Conch Cement Co., Ltd.

    5,500       29,758  

Beijing Oriental Yuhong Waterproof Technology Co., Ltd., Class A

    32,500       243,365  

Cemex SAB de CV, SP ADR*

    5,460       44,772  

CRH, PLC

    73,355       3,886,045  

CRH, PLC, SP ADR

    3,605       191,498  

Daikin Industries, Ltd.

    249       62,137  

Daikin Industries, Ltd., SP ADR

    1,490       37,056  

Geberit AG

    90       75,160  

James Hardie Industries PLC

    2,896       111,623  

LafargeHolcim, Ltd.*

    2,013       114,704  

Semen Indonesia Persero Tbk PT, ADR

    2,421       31,316  

Sika AG

    6,434       2,318,211  

TOTO, Ltd.

    365       19,865  
              7,165,510  

Chemicals — 2.1%

               

Air Liquide SA

    15,544       2,786,141  

Air Liquide SA, ADR

    1,771       63,473  

Akzo Nobel NV, ADR

    2,496       102,685  

Asahi Kasei Corp.

    6,000       61,860  

Asian Paints Ltd.

    11,630       509,469  

 

 

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

 

7

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Chemicals — (Continued)

BASF SE, SP ADR

    9,844     $ 190,383  

Chr Hansen Holdings

    359       33,129  

Covestro AG(a)

    1,716       111,210  

Croda International, PLC

    584       73,515  

FUCHS PETROLUB SE

    29,650       1,169,308  

Givaudan SA

    27       135,458  

Givaudan SA, ADR

    600       60,192  

ICL Group, Ltd.

    12,592       89,781  

IMCD NV

    2,047       403,219  

Johnson Matthey, PLC

    1,377       55,671  

Kansai Paint Co., Ltd.

    1,360       35,225  

Koninklijke DSM NV

    561       119,435  

LANXESS AG

    1,023       74,569  

LG Chem, Ltd.

    385       250,868  

Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.

    22       759  

Nippon Paint Holdings Co., Ltd.

    3,610       44,833  

Novozymes A/S, ADR

    920       74,483  

Nutrien, Ltd.*

    10,346       627,899  

Shin Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., ADR

    2,744       113,423  

Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.

    654       108,020  

SK IE Technology Co, Ltd.*(a)

    1,032       184,424  

Skshu Paint Co, Ltd.

    13,860       312,446  

Solvay SA

    373       48,822  

Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.

    13,000       65,905  

Symrise AG

    500       71,155  

Umicore SA, ADR

    3,052       49,931  
              8,027,691  

Coal — 0.0%

               

China Shenhua Energy Co., Ltd.

    30,000       66,339  

Commercial Services — 4.0%

               

Adecco Group AG

    374       20,805  

Adyen NV*(a)

    954       3,083,398  

ALD SA(a)

    48,292       680,141  

Allfunds Group, PLC*

    86,890       1,566,398  

Amadeus IT Group SA, ADR*

    1,437       87,542  

Ashtead Group, PLC

    33,370       2,608,637  

Bidvest Group, Ltd., (The)

    3,146       44,359  

Bureau Veritas SA

    1,739       57,796  

China Merchants Port Holdings Co., Ltd.

    60,000       100,940  

Edenred

    1,223       69,368  

Experian, PLC

    2,543       112,173  

GMO Payment Gateway, Inc.

    258       33,849  

IHS Markit, Ltd.

    5,330       642,798  

International Container Terminal Services, Inc.

    30,237       113,160  

Intertek Group, PLC

    25,486       1,847,917  

Localiza Rent a Car SA, SP ADR*

    4,006       42,784  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Commercial Services — (Continued)

New Oriental Education & Tech Group, Inc., SP ADR*

    38,500     $ 87,010  

Recruit Holdings Co., Ltd.

    3,292       193,840  

RELX, PLC

    120,000       3,601,351  

Rentokil Initial, PLC

    7,414       59,227  

TAL Education Group, ADR*

    5,801       30,861  

Transurban Group

    6,366       65,890  

Worldline SA (France)*(a)

    573       51,022  
              15,201,266  

Computers — 1.7%

               

CGI, Inc.*

    279       24,931  

CyberArk Software, Ltd.*

    576       96,733  

EPAM Systems, Inc.*

    1,902       1,203,605  

Fujitsu, Ltd.

    422       77,685  

Globant S.A.*

    2,337       753,168  

Infosys Ltd., SP ADR

    12,897       307,207  

Itochu Techno-Solutions Corp.

    1,084       33,492  

Logitech International SA

    536       54,860  

Nomura Research Institute, Ltd.

    58,700       2,201,273  

Obic Co., Ltd.

    400       75,948  

Snap, Inc.*

    3,094       235,484  

Tata Consultancy Services, Ltd.

    18,737       969,948  

Teleperformance

    266       117,674  

Wipro, Ltd., ADR

    38,844       362,803  
              6,514,811  

Cosmetics/Personal Care — 1.8%

       

Beiersdorf AG

    1,479       179,497  

Essity AB, Class B

    3,135       100,627  

Kose Corp.

    300       36,205  

L’Oreal SA

    1,963       920,920  

L’Oreal SA, ADR

    3,400       319,260  

Natura & Co. Holding SA

    53,864       537,619  

Natura & Co. Holding SA, ADR*

    5,256       104,752  

Pigeon Corp.

    1,100       31,862  

Unicharm Corp.

    1,087       48,462  

Unilever PLC-CVA

    79,854       4,445,186  

Unilever, PLC, SP ADR

    5,971       332,465  
              7,056,855  

Distribution/Wholesale — 1.4%

               

Bunzl, PLC

    125,065       4,531,535  

ITOCHU Corp.

    3,700       111,300  

ITOCHU Corp., ADR

    426       25,577  

Jardine Cycle & Carriage, Ltd.

    4,000       57,671  

Mitsui & Co., Ltd.

    3,159       69,674  

Sendas Distribuidora SA, ADR

    2,775       45,482  

Sendas Distribuidora SA

    34,485       113,309  

Vamos Locacao de Caminhoes Maquinas e Equipamentos SA*

    197,764       585,169  
              5,539,717  

 

 

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

 

8

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Diversified Financial Services — 2.4%

       

Banco BTG Pactual SA*

    145,136     $ 797,984  

Capitec Bank Holdings, Ltd.

    3,390       442,867  

Chailease Holding Co., Ltd.

    71,355       684,522  

China International Capital Corp., Ltd.(a)

    19,000       44,180  

Deutsche Boerse AG

    8,586       1,480,714  

Deutsche Boerse AG, ADR

    2,810       48,276  

Guotai Junan Securities Co., Ltd.(a)

    33,000       46,120  

Hong Kong Exchange & Clearing, Ltd.

    3,780       238,798  

Housing Development Finance Corp., Ltd.

    22,611       863,649  

Japan Exchange Group, Inc., ADR

    64,100       1,526,572  

KB Financial Group, Inc.

    5,265       239,505  

KB Financial Group, Inc., ADR

    6,431       292,675  

London Stock Exchange Group, PLC

    791       86,649  

London Stock Exchange Group, PLC, ADR

    2,464       68,302  

Nomura Holdings, Inc.

    14,100       68,092  

Pagseguro Digital, Ltd., Class A*

    6,639       394,821  

Sanlam Ltd., SP ADR

    5,156       45,786  

SBI Cards & Payment*

    36,790       573,984  

SBI Holdings, Inc. (Japan)

    2,600       62,990  

Singapore Exchange, Ltd.

    6,000       44,039  

St James’s Place, PLC

    5,807       128,595  

Standard Life Aberdeen, PLC

    15,283       55,840  

Visa, Inc., Class A

    3,842       880,202  
              9,115,162  

Electric — 0.4%

               

CLP Holdings, Ltd.

    6,000       59,976  

E.ON SE

    4,210       55,545  

Elia Group SA/NV

    257       32,278  

Enel SpA

    18,291       166,639  

Engie SA, SP ADR

    8,968       128,422  

Fortis, Inc.

    2,870       131,503  

Iberdrola SA

    8,686       107,632  

Iberdrola SA, SP ADR

    1,618       80,447  

National Grid, PLC

    2,867       37,082  

National Grid, PLC, SP ADR

    2,605       169,038  

Orsted A/S(a)

    381       60,573  

Power Assets Holdings, Ltd.

    9,500       59,622  

Power Grid Corp. of India Ltd.

    176,734       423,846  

RWE AG

    1,019       39,790  

SSE, PLC, ADR

    5,415       121,486  

Terna Rete Elettrica Nazionale SpA

    6,010       47,539  
              1,721,418  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Electrical Components & Equipment — 1.0%

       

ABB, Ltd.

    4,533     $ 167,697  

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Ltd., Class A

    10,922       837,925  

Delta Electronics, Inc.

    68,136       663,709  

Legrand SA

    17,038       1,954,840  

Schneider Electric SE

    698       124,709  

Schneider Electric SE, ADR

    4,025       143,532  
              3,892,412  

Electronics — 1.6%

               

Assa Abloy AB, Class B

    89,658       2,869,120  

Halma, PLC

    32,045       1,323,328  

Havells India Ltd.

    20,479       355,238  

Hirose Electric Co., Ltd.

    427       71,093  

Hon Hai Precision

    56,353       225,035  

Hoya Corp.

    670       108,194  

Hoya Corp., SP ADR

    487       79,016  

Kyocera Corp.

    900       55,950  

Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

    1,119       92,248  

Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd., ADR

    5,048       103,989  

Nidec Corp.

    78       8,910  

Nidec Corp., SP ADR

    4,640       133,215  

Silergy Corp.

    2,918       417,328  

Unimicron Technology Corp.

    59,597       315,851  
              6,158,515  

Energy-Alternate Sources — 0.2%

       

LONGi Green Energy

    22,700       314,540  

Sungrow Power Supply Co. Ltd.

    7,900       192,141  

Vestas Wind System*

    2,480       100,134  
              606,815  

Engineering & Construction — 0.1%

       

Cellnex Telecom SA*(a)

    1,246       85,286  

Ferrovial SA

    3,085       89,340  

Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste SAB de CV, ADR

    471       84,205  

Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico SAB de CV, ADR, Class B*

    392       45,633  

HOCHTIEF AG

    774       61,906  

Vinci SA, ADR

    3,476       93,052  
              459,422  

Entertainment — 0.1%

               

Evolution AB, ADR

    197       31,719  

MultiChoice Group

    5,548       43,884  

MultiChoice Group, Ltd., ADR

    93       741  

OPAP SA

    14,085       220,940  

Oriental Land Co., Ltd.

    613       92,744  

Paddy Power Betfair, PLC*

    321       62,404  
              452,432  

 

 

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

 

9

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Environmental Control — 0.2%

               

China Conch Venture Holdings, Ltd.

    159,500     $ 652,806  

Food — 1.2%

               

a2 Milk Co., Ltd.*

    10,970       46,701  

BRF SA, ADR*

    3,487       15,796  

China Mengniu Dairy Co., Ltd.*

    10,703       64,376  

Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Spruengli AG

    6       70,565  

Cia Brasileira de Distribuicao, SP ADR*

    2,775       15,346  

Coles Group, Ltd.

    4,109       54,228  

Colruyt SA

    628       35,154  

Danone SA

    438       31,985  

Glanbia, PLC

    17,866       318,749  

ICA Gruppen AB

    648       32,237  

JBS SA, ADR

    690       8,114  

Kerry Group PLC, SP ADR

    219       31,926  

Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize NV

    696       23,481  

Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize NV, SP ADR

    4,031       136,530  

Marine Harvest

    1,851       49,580  

MASAN GROUP Corp.

    33,200       196,731  

Meiji Holdings Co., Ltd.

    500       30,751  

Nestle SA

    16,653       2,103,088  

Nestle SA, SP ADR

    6,845       864,455  

Nissin Foods Holdings Co, Ltd.

    800       62,279  

Ocado Group, PLC*

    2,138       59,255  

Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd., ADR

    3,000       65,280  

Tesco, PLC

    1       5  

Wilmar International, Ltd.

    29,000       89,059  

Woolworths Group, Ltd.

    2,137       65,050  

Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd.

    500       28,831  
              4,499,552  

Food Service — 0.4%

               

Compass Group, PLC*

    64,889       1,340,608  

Compass Group, PLC, SP ADR*

    7,353       154,354  
              1,494,962  

Forest Products & Paper — 0.0%

       

Smurfit Kappa Group PLC, ADR

    736       42,217  

UPM-Kymmene Corp.

    1,590       64,774  
              106,991  

Gas — 0.2%

               

Beijing Enterprises Holdings, Ltd.

    23,500       80,874  

China Gas Holdings, Ltd.

    11,000       31,841  

China Resources Gas Group, Ltd.

    6,000       36,413  

ENN Energy Holdings, Ltd.

    6,000       118,726  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Gas — (Continued)

Hong Kong & China Gas Co., Ltd.

    84,000     $ 135,052  

Indraprastha Gas Ltd.

    58,100       433,597  

Snam SpA

    9,397       55,560  
              892,063  

Hand/Machine Tools — 0.6%

               

Amada Co., Ltd.

    158,200       1,603,702  

Sandvik AB

    3,286       83,856  

Schindler Holding AG

    216       67,328  

Techtronic Industrials Co., Ltd.

    32,142       711,374  
              2,466,260  

Healthcare-Products — 2.7%

               

Alcon, Inc.

    70,851       5,835,213  

Alcon, Inc., ADR

    1,128       93,026  

Asahi Intecc Co., Ltd.

    2,115       63,992  

Cochlear, Ltd.

    376       63,866  

Coloplast A/S, ADR

    1,070       18,623  

Coloplast A/S, Class B

    327       56,656  

Essilor International Cie Generale d’Opitque SA

    11,786       2,315,830  

EssilorLuxottica SA, ADR

    144       14,114  

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corp, Ltd.

    1,512       35,287  

Hengan International Group Co., Ltd.

    10,000       57,911  

Koninklijke Philips

    29,017       1,337,193  

Koninklijke Philips NV, ADR

    1,898       87,555  

Olympus Corp.

    2,000       42,025  

QIAGEN NV*

    2,099       117,166  

Shandong Weigao Group Medical Polymer Co, Ltd.

    16,000       26,327  

Siemens Healthineers AG(a)

    1,037       72,120  

Smith & Nephew, PLC

    2,242       42,932  

Sysmex Corp.

    300       34,094  

Sysmex Corp., ADR

    450       25,497  

Terumo Corp.

    1,362       56,837  
              10,396,264  

Healthcare-Services — 0.6%

               

Apollo Hospitals Enterprise, Ltd.*

    11,980       814,224  

BioMerieux

    482       59,033  

Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co., KGaA, ADR

    1,104       42,592  

Hapvida Participacoes e Investimentos SA*(a)

    83,800       237,910  

Lonza Group AG

    182       153,922  

Lonza Group AG, ADR*

    370       31,221  

Sonic Healthcare Ltd., SP ADR

    3,345       106,070  

WuXi AppTec Co., Ltd.(a)

    17,330       345,617  

Wuxi Biologics Cayman, Inc.*(a)

    26,721       413,694  
              2,204,283  

 

 

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

 

10

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Holding Companies-Diversification — 0.0%

       

CK Hutchison Holdings, Ltd.

    10,000     $ 72,901  

Jardine Matheson Holdings, Ltd.

    1,000       54,229  
              127,130  

Home Builders — 0.4%

               

Berkeley Group Holdings, PLC

    683       45,368  

Persimmon, PLC

    1,243       50,306  

Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.

    86,100       1,473,534  

Sekisui House, Ltd.

    4,000       79,693  
              1,648,901  

Home Furnishings — 0.2%

               

Electrolux AB, Class B

    972       24,700  

Panasonic Corp.

    4,000       47,820  

Sharp Corp. (Japan)

    3,000       39,573  

Sony Corp., SP ADR

    4,806       497,229  
              609,322  

Household Products/Wares — 0.1%

       

Hindustan Unilever Ltd.

    5,666       211,022  

Reckitt Benckiser Group, PLC, SP ADR

    11,185       171,578  
              382,600  

Insurance — 5.2%

               

Admiral Group, PLC

    50,368       2,502,599  

Aegon NV

    14,288       70,550  

Ageas SA NV

    2,481       123,983  

AIA Group, Ltd.

    182,670       2,181,213  

AIA Group, Ltd., SP ADR

    9,630       460,603  

Allianz SE, SP ADR

    6,060       141,865  

Aon, PLC, Class A

    20,696       5,936,855  

Baloise Holding AG

    522       83,239  

CNP Assurances

    12,462       213,535  

Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc.

    6,692       132,416  

Hannover Rueck SE

    286       52,632  

Insurance Australia Group, Ltd.

    12,776       48,785  

Lancashire Holdings, Ltd.

    348,744       2,995,117  

Legal & General Group, PLC

    36,815       136,755  

Manulife Finanical Corp.

    6,860       133,633  

New China Life Insurance Co., Ltd.

    16,800       49,455  

NN Group NV

    3,039       157,641  

Ping An Insurance Group Co. of China, Ltd.

    671       5,196  

Ping An Insurance Group Co. of China, Ltd., ADR

    8,016       123,927  

Prudential PLC, SP ADR

    2,925       60,941  

Sampo, Class A, PLC

    46,433       2,399,437  

Sun Life Financial, Inc.

    2,753       141,614  

Suncorp Group, Ltd.

    18,597       169,215  

T&D Holdings, Inc.

    5,200       63,287  

Topdanmark AS

    26,996       1,421,140  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Insurance — (Continued)

ZhongAn Online P&C Insurance Co, Ltd.*(a)

    6,800     $ 33,156  

Zurich Insurance Group AG

    126       55,288  
              19,894,077  

Internet — 5.1%

               

51job, Inc., ADR*

    1,093       83,942  

Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd.*

    26,874       562,731  

Alibaba Group Holdings, Ltd., SP ADR*

    14,462       2,415,009  

Autohome, Inc., ADR

    11,250       497,925  

Baidu, Inc., SP ADR*

    1,335       209,622  

China Literature, Ltd.*(a)

    3,800       31,963  

Delivery Hero SE*(a)

    387       56,166  

East Money Information Co., Ltd., Class A

    124,983       598,712  

JD.com, Inc., ADR*

    12,847       1,009,260  

JOYY, Inc., ADR

    721       45,639  

Just Eat Takeaway.com NV, SP ADR*

    1,700       30,804  

Kakao Corp.

    4,239       565,614  

Locaweb Servicos de Internet SA*(a)

    63,382       300,926  

M3, Inc.

    1,300       87,188  

Meituan, ADR*

    4,472       285,940  

Mercadolibre, Inc.*

    431       804,871  

momo.com, Inc.

    11,000       682,439  

MonotaRO Co., Ltd.

    1,200       26,595  

Naspers, Ltd.

    9,320       1,608,064  

Naver Corp.

    1,837       695,556  

Pinduoduo, Inc., ADR*

    1,332       133,227  

Prosus NV*

    1,422       125,869  

Sea, Ltd., ADR*

    2,705       915,156  

Seek, Ltd.

    4,272       101,195  

Shopify, Inc., Class A*

    198       301,906  

Tencent Holdings, Ltd.

    87,448       5,401,033  

Tencent Holdings, Ltd., ADR

    17,513       1,079,852  

Tencent Music Entertainment Group, ADR*

    2,793       24,690  

Vipshop Holdings, Ltd., ADR*

    4,069       60,180  

Weibo Corp., SP ADR*

    653       32,990  

Yandex NV, Class A*

    9,982       767,616  

Z Holdings Corp.

    6,577       42,765  
              19,585,445  

Investment Companies — 2.9%

               

Groupe Bruxelles Lambert SA

    70,721       8,102,216  

Kinnevik AB*

    849       33,265  

Melrose Indust, Plc*

    1,204,861       2,782,129  

Wendel SA

    888       128,862  
              11,046,472  

 

 

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

 

11

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Iron/Steel — 0.3%

               

BlueScope Steel, Ltd.

    6,357     $ 116,221  

Cia Siderurgica Nacional SA, SP ADR

    41,580       280,249  

Fortescue Metals Group, Ltd.

    5,658       86,258  

Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corp.

    8,000       163,505  

Posco, SP ADR

    3,580       255,612  

Vale SA, SP ADR

    12,347       235,457  

Voestalpine AG

    1,763       80,031  
              1,217,333  

Leisure Time — 0.1%

               

Merida Industry Co., Ltd.

    26,351       303,003  

Shimano, Inc.

    236       69,256  
              372,259  

Life Sciences Tools & Services — 0.6%

       

Eurofins Scientific SE*

    14,871       2,110,060  

Lodging — 0.5%

               

Galaxy Entertainment Group, Ltd.*

    55,200       353,920  

Huazhu Group, Ltd., ADR

    1,213       58,576  

InterContinental Hotels Group, PLC*

    24,543       1,568,158  
              1,980,654  

Machinery-Construction & Mining — 0.4%

       

Epiroc AB, Class A*

    52,724       1,156,974  

Hitachi, Ltd.

    901       49,795  

Hitachi Ltd., ADR

    1,830       201,849  

Komatsu, Ltd.

    4,400       107,020  

Mitsubishi Electical Corp.

    3,000       41,013  

Siemens Energy AG*

    960       27,861  
              1,584,512  

Machinery-Diversified — 1.8%

               

Atlas Copco AB, Class A

    1,701       116,939  

Atlas Copco AB, Class A, SP ADR

    1,656       114,165  

CNH Industrial NV

    6,623       109,484  

FANUC Corp.

    300       65,358  

GEA Group AG

    88,704       4,094,381  

Keyence Corp.

    400       240,134  

Kone Corp., Class B

    748       62,069  

Kubota Corp., SP ADR

    883       91,046  

NARI Technology Co. Ltd.

    86,150       466,343  

SMC Corp.

    110       70,383  

SMC Corp., ADR

    2,280       72,983  

Spirax-Sarco Engineering, PLC

    6,130       1,359,366  

Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.

    2,000       52,319  
              6,914,970  

Media — 2.2%

               

Grupo Televisa SAB, SP ADR

    20,870       274,023  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Media — (Continued)

Informa, PLC*

    4,850     $ 35,444  

Liberty Media Corp-Liberty Formula One, Class C*

    11,818       597,282  

Pearson, PLC, SP ADR

    15,198       160,947  

Shaw Communications, Inc., Class B

    9,386       275,948  

Thomson Reuters Corp.

    1,419       165,824  

Vivendi SA, ADR

    5,370       204,543  

Wolters Kluwer

    57,781       6,644,856  

Wolters Kluwer NV, SP ADR

    667       76,712  
              8,435,579  

Mining — 1.5%

               

Alrosa PJSC

    213,334       424,678  

Aluminum Corp. of China, Ltd.*

    693,555       503,277  

Antofagasta, PLC

    8,790       176,080  

Barrick Gold Corp.

    6,196       124,354  

Boliden AB*

    2,900       101,249  

Cameco Corp.

    3,460       64,079  

Franco-Nevada Corp.

    1,038       151,392  

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.

    17,610       640,828  

Groupo Mexico SAB de CV SA

    214,871       996,255  

Hindalco Industries Ltd.

    81,190       519,273  

Kirkland Lake Gold, Ltd.

    1,043       41,647  

Lynas Rare Earths, Ltd.*

    65,320       325,793  

MMC Norilsk Nickel PJSC, ADR

    2,034       66,817  

Norsk Hydro ASA

    15,202       104,943  

Polyus PJSC

    2,251       406,164  

Rio Tinto, PLC, SP ADR

    1,211       90,910  

South32 Ltd.

    44,192       100,716  

Southern Copper Corp.

    3,807       238,280  

Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd.

    2,000       76,642  

Teck Resources, Ltd., Class B

    8,215       185,248  

Vedanta, Ltd., ADR

    19,203       316,081  

Wheaton Precious Metals Corp.

    2,998       135,030  
              5,789,736  

Miscellaneous Manufacturing — 1.1%

       

Airtac International Group

    13,000       395,712  

Alfa Laval AB

    31,767       1,289,903  

Orica Ltd.

    5,536       52,967  

Siemens AG

    1,920       318,518  

Smiths Group, PLC

    68,827       1,366,012  

Sunny Optical Technology Group Co., Ltd.

    20,271       613,433  

Toshiba Corp.

    96       4,164  
              4,040,709  

Office/Business Equipment — 0.0%

       

Canon, Inc.

    2,700       64,239  

Fujifilm Holdings Corp.

    1,100       90,521  
              154,760  

 

 

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

 

12

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Oil & Gas — 3.1%

               

BP, PLC, SP ADR

    1     $ 25  

Canadian Natural Resources, Ltd.

    4,335       143,358  

DCC, PLC

    76,046       6,464,247  

Eni SpA

    89,183       1,100,303  

Equinor ASA, SP ADR

    3,137       66,473  

Galp Energia SGPS SA

    3,396       34,737  

Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.

    1,100       26,346  

Imperial Oil, Ltd.

    2,792       73,681  

Inpex Corp.

    6,228       42,792  

Lukoil , PJSC, SP ADR

    11,171       955,679  

Lundin Petroleum AB

    1,163       35,542  

Neste Oyj

    756       46,049  

Oil Search Ltd.

    31,786       86,133  

OMV AG

    4,843       268,257  

Petroleo Brasileiro, SP ADR

    43,043       466,586  

Reliance Industries, Ltd.

    34,829       1,074,657  

Repsol SA

    7,844       90,011  

Royal Dutch Shell, PLC, Class A, SP ADR

    14,983       595,724  

Total SA, SP ADR

    7,259       321,501  

Ultrapar Participacoes SA, SP ADR

    7,935       22,218  

Woodside Petroleum, Ltd.

    7,291       103,099  
              12,017,418  

Packaging & Containers — 0.1%

       

Ball Corp.

    5,967       572,593  

Pharmaceuticals — 7.3%

               

Alfresa Holdings Corp.

    237,700       3,761,439  

Aspen Pharmacare Holdings, Ltd., ADR

    6,986       93,962  

Astellas Pharma, Inc.

    88,200       1,486,162  

Astellas Pharma, Inc., ADR

    190       3,188  

AstraZeneca, PLC, SP ADR

    6,318       368,213  

Bausch Health Cos., Inc.*

    3,548       103,353  

Bayer AG

    575       31,988  

Celltrion, Inc.*

    120       30,243  

Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

    2,100       82,053  

CSPC Pharmaceutical Group, Ltd.

    23,040       29,229  

Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd.

    4,148       98,525  

Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., ADR

    876       20,858  

Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Ltd., ADR

    3,953       253,822  

Eisai Co., Ltd.

    692       57,069  

Glaxosmithkline, PLC

    174,756       3,515,333  

Glaxosmithkline, PLC, SP ADR

    8,330       339,364  

Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

    871       68,176  

Merck KGaA

    587       139,469  

Novartis AG

    42,139       3,897,473  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Pharmaceuticals — (Continued)

Novartis AG, SP ADR

    5,895     $ 544,639  

Novo Nordisk A/S

    11,711       1,172,388  

Novo-Nordisk AS, SP ADR

    6,449       644,707  

Ono Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd.

    1,400       33,615  

Orion Corporation, Class B

    672       27,411  

Otsuka Holdings Co., Ltd.

    1,100       46,810  

Recordati SpA

    47,118       3,091,920  

Roche Holdings AG

    7,816       3,138,555  

Roche Holdings AG, SP ADR

    12,016       603,444  

Sanofi

    33,260       3,447,018  

Sanofi, ADR

    5,170       267,703  

Santen Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd.

    2,400       35,886  

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

    900       29,957  

UCB SA

    546       62,467  

Zhangzhou Pientzehuang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

    6,100       327,705  
              27,854,144  

Pipelines — 0.1%

               

Enbridge, Inc.

    6,937       272,693  

TC Energy Corp.

    166       7,882  
              280,575  

Private Equity — 0.7%

               

3i Group, PLC

    3,463       63,688  

Bridgepoint Group PLC*(a)

    110,601       769,425  

Macquarie Korea Infrastructure Fund

    23,033       246,291  

Partners Group Holding AG

    916       1,624,072  
              2,703,476  

Real Estate — 0.5%

               

Aroundtown SA

    6,368       48,796  

China Resources Land, Ltd.

    13,714       50,938  

China Vanke Co., Ltd.

    6,000       16,189  

CK Asset Holdings, Ltd.

    11,000       71,633  

Daito Trust Construction Co., Ltd.

    300       32,948  

Deutsche Wohnen SE

    1,095       67,970  

Great Eagle Holdings, Ltd.

    377,662       1,183,489  

Longfor Group Holdings, Ltd.(a)

    13,000       56,255  

REA Group, Ltd.

    633       70,844  

Shimao Group Holdings, Ltd.

    20,500       42,360  

Sun Hung Kai Properties, Ltd.

    8,472       119,489  

Sunac China Holdings, Ltd.

    10,261       26,235  

Sunac Services Holdings, Ltd.(a)

    620       1,615  

Swiss Prime Site AG

    543       58,104  

Vonovia SE

    1,595       107,680  

Wharf Holdings Ltd., (The)

    14,000       47,251  

Wharf Real Estate Investment Co., Ltd.

    14,000       69,331  
              2,071,127  

 

 

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

 

13

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

REITS — 0.2%

               

Ascendas Real Estate Investment Trust

    23,000     $ 51,911  

CapitaLand Mall Trust

    25,000       38,183  

Daiwa House REIT Investment Corp.

    12       35,441  

Goodman Group

    6,677       112,776  

Japan Prime Realty Investment Corp.

    15       56,027  

Japan Retail Fund Investment Corp.

    76       73,836  

Link

    6,000       55,166  

Nippon Building Fund Inc.

    9       58,446  

Nippon Prologis REIT, Inc.

    15       53,941  

Segro, PLC

    5,434       96,041  

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield*

    938       82,197  

United Urban Investment Corp.

    51       72,040  
              786,005  

Retail — 2.4%

               

ABC-Mart, Inc.

    500       26,732  

Aeon Co., Ltd.

    676       17,896  

Alibaba Health Information Technology, Ltd.*

    22,000       36,313  

ANTA Sports Products, Ltd.

    5,561       114,228  

Astra International Tbk PT, ADR

    3,615       26,679  

Cie Financiere Richemont SA, ADR

    12,160       133,577  

Fast Retailing Co., Ltd.

    147       96,826  

Hennes & Mauritz AB, Class B*

    2,490       50,001  

Industria de Diseno Textil SA, ADR

    7,152       122,085  

Li Ning Co., Ltd.

    42,298       567,207  

McDonald’s Holdings Co. Japan, Ltd.

    600       28,619  

Moncler SpA

    774       49,559  

Next, PLC

    352       38,280  

Nitori Holdings Co., Ltd.

    353       66,048  

Pan Pacific International Holdings Corp.

    2,000       38,047  

Restaurant Brands International, Inc.

    3,260       209,325  

Shimamura Co., Ltd.

    300       26,442  

Sundrug Co., Ltd.

    17,900       592,448  

Swatch Group AG, (The)

    11,466       3,235,177  

TITAN COMPANY, Ltd.

    18,915       496,903  

Tsuruha Holdings

    21,300       2,674,354  

Wal-Mart de Mexico SAB de CV

    48,253       171,230  

Wal-Mart de Mexico SAB de CV, SP ADR

    1,129       40,147  

Welcia Holdings Co., Ltd.

    3,272       115,385  

Yum China Holdings, Inc.

    1,728       106,376  

Zalando SE*(a)

    166       18,404  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Retail — (Continued)

Zhongsheng Group Holdings, Ltd.

    7,000     $ 58,527  
              9,156,815  

Semiconductors — 7.8%

               

ASE Technology Holding Co., Ltd. ADR

    6,033       55,926  

ASML Holding NV

    1,410       1,175,922  

ASML Holding NV, ADR

    1,129       940,502  

Infineon Technologies AG

    6,174       262,875  

Mediatek, Inc.

    10,000       324,272  

NVIDIA Corp.

    2,950       660,357  

Rohm Co., Ltd.

    40       3,845  

Samsung Electronic Co., Ltd.

    99,019       6,537,059  

Samsung Electronic Co., Ltd., GDR

    3,244       5,296,587  

SK Hynix, Inc.

    917       83,961  

SUMCO Corp.

    34       716  

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

    224,000       4,913,493  

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd., SP ADR

    73,574       8,756,042  

Tokyo Electron, Ltd.

    400       171,338  

Tokyo Electron, Ltd., ADR

    1,048       112,377  

United Microelectronics Corp., SP ADR

    36,418       414,073  
              29,709,345  

Software — 2.2%

               

Bilibili, Inc., SP ADR*

    785       62,981  

BlackBerry, Ltd.*

    10,732       122,452  

Dassault Systemes SE

    2,375       135,650  

Dassault Systemes SE, ADR

    2,450       140,115  

Kaspi.KZ JSC

    6,444       737,194  

Kingdee International Software Group Co., Ltd.*

    8,000       29,131  

Kingsoft Corp, Ltd.

    6,000       24,068  

NetEase, Inc., ADR

    15,430       1,503,191  

Nexon Co., Ltd.

    31,200       569,046  

Open Text Corp.

    2,121       116,294  

Playtech, PLC*

    349,631       1,965,067  

SAP SE, SP ADR

    2,021       303,433  

SimCorp A/S

    15,635       2,132,565  

TOTVS SA

    23,886       181,127  

Unity Software, Inc.*

    2,695       341,591  
              8,363,905  

Telecommunications — 2.6%

               

America Movil SAB de CV, Class L, SP ADR

    7,257       141,947  

BCE, Inc.

    5,954       310,322  

Belgacom SA

    29,202       572,545  

 

 

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

 

14

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Telecommunications — (Continued)

Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd., SP ADR

    10,212     $ 417,160  

Deutsche Telekom AG, SP ADR

    5,690       121,083  

Elisa OYJ

    619       39,672  

GDS Holdings, Ltd., ADR*

    1,470       85,966  

Hikari Tsushin, Inc.

    200       34,997  

KDDI Corp.

    69,948       2,137,988  

Millicom International Cellular SA, SDR*

    116       4,390  

MTN Group, Ltd.*

    23,254       213,442  

NICE Ltd., SP ADR

    288       83,722  

Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp.

    2,100       55,950  

Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp. ADR

    984       26,342  

Nokia OYJ, SP AD

    12,708       75,740  

Orange SA

    5,001       56,857  

PLDT, Inc., SP ADR

    2,630       76,401  

SK Telecom Ltd., SP ADR

    6,177       177,836  

SoftBank Corp.

    7,979       106,782  

Softbank Group Corp., ADR

    7,968       225,176  

Swisscom AG

    318       186,646  

Tele2 AB, Class B

    1,551       23,285  

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, Class B

    397,483       4,708,230  

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, SP ADR

    2,495       29,491  

Telefonica SA

    9,365       46,339  

Telenor ASA, ADR

    3,481       61,161  

Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri AS, ADR

    4,138       20,649  
              10,040,119  

Toys/Games/Hobbies — 0.1%

               

Bandai Namco Holdings, Inc.

    800       55,487  

Nintendo Co., Ltd.

    200       96,088  

Nintendo Co., Ltd., ADR

    1,152       69,212  
              220,787  

Transportation — 0.4%

               

Aurizon Holdings, Ltd.

    22,111       60,833  

Canadian National Railway Co.

    3,433       403,824  

Canadian Pacific Railway, Ltd.

    1,055       72,573  

Central Japan Railway Co.

    304       44,496  

Deutsche Post AG, SP ADR

    3,012       212,527  

DSV PANALPINA A S, ADR

    826       105,315  

East Japan Railway Co.

    900       60,493  

Mitsui OSK Lines, Ltd.

    3,000       231,230  

Poste Italiane SpA(a)

    3,442       46,666  

SG Holdings Co., Ltd.

    2,446       66,403  

Tobu Railway Co., Ltd.

    1,000       26,071  

West Japan Railway Co.

    475       25,943  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Transportation — (Continued)

ZTO Express Cayman, Inc., ADR

    3,209     $ 90,526  
              1,446,900  

Water — 1.0%

               

Severn Trent, PLC

    1,160       44,073  

United Utilities Group, PLC

    249,463       3,627,823  
              3,671,896  

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $274,493,472)

            351,684,569  
                 

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS — 0.2%

       

Diversified Financial Services — 0.2%

       

Ishares MSCI India ETF

    10,140       492,804  

iShares MSCI Saudi Arabia ETF

    7,882       324,975  
              817,779  

TOTAL EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS

       

(Cost $635,506)

            817,779  
         

PREFERRED STOCKS — 0.6%

       

Auto Manufacturers — 0.0%

               

Porsche Auto SE 2.529%

    851       86,094  

Banks — 0.1%

               

Banco Bradesco SA, ADR 4.885%

    40,500       181,440  

Bancolombia SA, SP ADR 2.105%

    1,414       47,016  
              228,456  

Chemicals — 0.2%

               

Fuchs Petrolub SE 2.289%

    11,703       592,253  

Cosmetics/Personal Care — 0.2%

       

LG Household & Health Care, Ltd. 1.627%

    1,589       940,922  

Electronics — 0.0%

               

Sartorius AG 0.124%

    88       57,975  

Iron/Steel — 0.1%

               

Gerdau SA, SP ADR 4.639%

    72,307       391,904  

TOTAL PREFERRED STOCKS (Cost $2,174,845)

            2,297,604  
                 

 

 

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

 

15

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Concluded)

August 31, 2021

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 7.7%

       

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 0.01%(b)

    29,287,752     $ 29,287,752  

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

       

(Cost $29,287,752)

            29,287,752  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 100.3%

       

(Cost $306,591,575)

            384,087,704  

LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS — (0.3)%

            (1,263,971 )

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

          $ 382,823,733  

 

 

*

Non-income producing security.

 

(a)

Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration to qualified institutional buyers. As of August 31, 2021, total market value of Rule 144A securities is $7,074,817 and represents 1.85% of net assets.

 

(b)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2021.

 

ADR

American Depositary Receipt

 

PLC

Public Limited Company

 

REIT

Real Estate Investment Trust

 

SP ADR

Sponsored ADR

 

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

 

16

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


STATEMENT of Assets and Liabilities

August 31, 2021

 

ASSETS

       

Investments, at value (cost $277,303,823)

  $ 354,799,952  

Short-term investments, at value (cost $29,287,752)

    29,287,752  

Foreign currency at value (cost $192,247)

    202,418  

Receivables for:

       

Dividends

    1,240,116  

Investments sold

    1,410,376  

Capital shares sold

    359,969  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

    26,273  

Total assets

    387,326,856  
         

LIABILITIES

       

Payables for:

       

Investments purchased

    4,227,621  

Sub-advisory fees

    150,667  

Other accrued expenses and liabilities

    124,835  

Total liabilities

    4,503,123  

Net assets

  $ 382,823,733  
         

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

       

Par value

  $ 31,969  

Paid-in capital

    312,791,984  

Total distributable earnings/(loss)

    69,999,780  

Net assets

  $ 382,823,733  
         

CAPITAL SHARES:

       

Net Assets

  $ 382,823,733  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    31,968,659  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

  $ 11.97  

 

 

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

 

17

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Statement of Operations

FOR THE Year ENDED August 31, 2021

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

       

Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $710,264)

  $ 6,099,857  

Total investment income

    6,099,857  
         

EXPENSES

       

Sub-advisory fees (Note 2)

    1,584,876  

Custodian fees (Note 2)

    308,881  

Administration and accounting services fees (Note 2)

    248,255  

Transfer agent fees (Note 2)

    61,377  

Legal fees

    46,116  

Director fees

    39,609  

Audit fees

    39,406  

Registration and filing fees

    29,331  

Officer fees

    27,438  

Printing and shareholder reporting fees

    5,194  

Other expenses

    98,911  

Total expenses

    2,489,394  

Net investment income/(loss)

    3,610,463  
         

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS

       

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments and foreign currency transactions

    13,243,783  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments and foreign currency translation

    44,996,998  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    58,240,781  

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 61,851,244  

 

 

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

 

18

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2021

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2020

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 3,610,463     $ 2,536,880  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments and foreign currency transactions

    13,243,783       (10,909,975 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments and foreign currency translation

    44,996,998       36,219,749  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    61,851,244       27,846,654  
                 

DIVIDEND AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (2,348,112 )     (2,498,204 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (2,348,112 )     (2,498,204 )
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    55,323,661       111,312,020  

Reinvestment of distributions

    1,902,390       1,933,346  

Shares redeemed

    (12,861,612 )     (23,012,232 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from capital share transactions

    44,364,439       90,233,134  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    103,867,571       115,581,584  
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    278,956,162       163,374,578  

End of period

  $ 382,823,733     $ 278,956,162  
                 

SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Shares sold

    4,875,177       12,830,560  

Shares reinvested

    175,659       199,314  

Shares redeemed

    (1,170,002 )     (2,575,314 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares

    3,880,834       10,454,560  

 

 

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

 

19

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2021

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2020

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2019

   

For the Period
April 17, 2018
(1)
to
August 31, 2018

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                               

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 9.93     $ 9.27     $ 9.61     $ 10.00  

Net investment income/(loss)(2)

    0.12       0.12       0.14       0.08  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    2.00       0.67       (0.35 )     (0.47 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    2.12       0.79       (0.21 )     (0.39 )

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                               

Net investment income

    (0.08 )     (0.13 )     (0.13 )      

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.08 )     (0.13 )     (0.13 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 11.97     $ 9.93     $ 9.27     $ 9.61  

Total investment return/(loss)(3)

    21.46 %     8.61 %     (2.12 )%     (3.90 )%(4)
                                 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                               

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

  $ 382,824     $ 278,956     $ 163,375     $ 176,968  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

    0.75 %     0.75 %     0.94 %     0.80 %(5)

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    1.08 %     1.24 %     1.56 %     2.21 %(5)

Portfolio turnover rate

    48 %     55 %     81 %     36 %(4)

 

 

(1)

Commencement of operations.

 

(2)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.

 

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

 

(4)

Not annualized.

 

(5)

Annualized.

 

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

 

20

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

August 31, 2021

 

1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

 

The RBB Fund, Inc. (“RBB” or the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland on February 29, 1988 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. RBB is a “series fund,” which is a mutual fund divided into separate portfolios. Each portfolio is treated as a separate entity for certain matters under the 1940 Act, and for other purposes, and a shareholder of one portfolio is not deemed to be a shareholder of any other portfolio. Currently, RBB has thirty-nine separate investment portfolios, including the Aquarius International Fund (the “Fund”), which commenced investment operations on April 17, 2018.

 

RBB has authorized capital of one hundred billion shares of common stock of which 88.223 billion shares are currently classified into one hundred and ninety-three classes of common stock. Each class represents an interest in an active or inactive RBB investment portfolio.

 

The Fund’s investment objective seeks capital appreciation.

 

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

 

The end of the reporting period for the Fund is August 31, 2021, and the period covered by these Notes to Financial Statements is the fiscal period end August 31, 2021 (the “current fiscal period”).

 

PORTFOLIO VALUATION – The Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. Securities held by the Fund are valued using the closing price or the last sale price on a national securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System (“NASDAQ”) market system where they are primarily traded. Equity securities traded in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market are valued at their closing prices. If there were no transactions on that day, securities traded principally on an exchange or on NASDAQ will be valued at the mean of the last bid and ask prices prior to the market close. Fixed income securities are valued using an independent pricing service, which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings, and are deemed representative of market values at the close of the market. Foreign securities are valued based on prices from the primary market in which they are traded, and are translated from the local currency into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates. Investments in other open-end investment companies, if any, are valued based on the NAV of those investment companies (which may use fair value pricing as disclosed in their prospectuses). If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable, securities will be valued in accordance with procedures adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). Relying on prices supplied by pricing services or dealers or using fair valuation may result in values that are higher or lower than the values used by other investment companies and investors to price the same investments. Such procedures use fundamental valuation methods, which may include, but are not limited to, an analysis of the effect of any restrictions on the resale of the security, industry analysis and trends, significant changes in the issuer’s financial position, and any other event which could have a significant impact on the value of the security. Determination of fair value involves subjective judgment as the actual market value of a particular security can be established only by negotiations between the parties in a sales transaction, and the difference between the recorded fair value and the value that would be received in a sale could be significant. The Fund may use fair value pricing more frequently for securities traded primarily in non-U.S. markets because, among other things, most foreign markets close well before the Fund values its securities, generally as of 4:00 p.m. Eastern time. The earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, government actions or pronouncements, aftermarket trading, or news events may have occurred in the interim. To account for this, the Fund may value foreign securities using fair value prices based on third-party vendor modeling tools (international fair value pricing).

 

21

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

August 31, 2021

 

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS – The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the Fund’s investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:

 

 

● Level 1 —

Prices are determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.

 

 

● Level 2 —

Prices are determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

 

● Level 3 —

Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

 

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used, as of the end of the reporting period, in valuing the Fund’s investments carried at fair value:

 

   

Total

   

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

 

Common Stocks

  $ 351,684,569     $ 87,157,307     $ 264,527,262     $  

ETF

    817,779       817,779              

Preferred Stock

    2,297,604       1,212,613       1,084,991        

Short-Term Investments

    29,287,752       29,287,752              

Total Investments*

  $ 384,087,704     $ 118,475,451     $ 265,612,253     $  

 

*

Please refer to the Portfolio of Investments for further details.

 

At the end of each quarter, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities. Various factors are considered, such as changes in liquidity from the prior reporting period; whether or not a broker is willing to execute at the quoted price; the depth and consistency of prices from third party pricing services; and the existence of contemporaneous, observable trades in the market. Additionally, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities on a quarterly basis for changes in listings or delistings on national exchanges.

 

Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Fund’s investments may fluctuate from period to period. Additionally, the fair value of investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for such investments and may differ materially from the values the Fund may ultimately realize. Further, such investments may be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities.

 

For fair valuations using significant unobservable inputs, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires the Fund to present a reconciliation of the beginning to ending balances for reported market values that presents changes attributable to total realized and unrealized gains or losses, purchase and sales, and transfers in and out of Level 3 during the period. Transfers in and out between levels are based on values at the end of the period. A reconciliation of Level 3 investments is presented only when the Fund had an amount of Level 3 investments at the end of the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets. The amounts and reasons for Level 3 transfers are disclosed if the Fund had an amount of total Level 3 transfers during the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets as of the end of the reporting period.

 

During the current fiscal period, the Fund had no Level 3 transfers.

 

22

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

August 31, 2021

 

REITS — The Fund has made certain investments in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) which pay dividends to their shareholders based upon available funds from operations. It is quite common for these dividends to exceed the REITs’ taxable earnings and profits resulting in the excess portion being designated as a return of capital. The Fund intends to include the gross dividends from such REITs in its annual distributions to shareholders and, accordingly, a portion of the Fund’s distributions may also be designated as a return of capital.

 

USE OF ESTIMATES — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences could be significant.

 

INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS, INVESTMENT INCOME AND EXPENSES — The Fund records security transactions based on trade date for financial reporting purposes. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method for both financial reporting and income tax purposes in determining realized gains and losses on investments. Interest income (including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts) is accrued when earned. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. The Fund’s investment income, expenses (other than class specific expenses) and unrealized and realized gains and losses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class at the beginning of the day. Certain expenses are shared with PENN Capital Funds Trust (the “Trust”), a series trust of affiliated funds. Expenses incurred on behalf of a specific class, fund or fund family of the Company or Trust are charged directly to the class, fund or fund family (in proportion to net assets). Expenses incurred for all funds (such as director or professional fees) are charged to all funds in proportion to their average net assets of RBB and the Trust, or in such other manner as the Board deems fair or equitable. Expenses and fees, including investment advisory and administration fees, are accrued daily and taken into account for the purpose of determining the NAV of the Fund.

 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS — Dividends from net investment income and distributions from net realized capital gains (including net short-term capital gains), if any, are declared and paid at least annually to shareholders recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income dividends and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

 

U.S. TAX STATUS — No provision is made for U.S. income taxes as it is the Fund’s intention to continue to qualify for and elect the tax treatment applicable to regulated investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and make the requisite distributions to its shareholders which will be sufficient to relieve it from U.S. income and excise taxes.

 

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION — Assets and liabilities initially expressed in non-U.S. currencies are translated into U.S. dollars based on the applicable exchange rates at the date of the last business day of the financial statement period. Purchases and sales of securities, interest income, dividends, variation margin received and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect on the transaction date.

 

The Fund does not separately report the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates from changes in market prices of securities held. Such changes are included with the net realized gain or loss and change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments in the Statement of Operations. Other foreign currency transactions resulting in realized and unrealized gain or loss are reported separately as net realized gain or loss and change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on foreign currencies in the Statement of Operations.

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates market value.

 

23

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

August 31, 2021

 

OTHER — In the normal course of business, the Fund may enter into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on claims that may be made against the Fund in the future, and, therefore, cannot be estimated; however, the Fund expects the risk of material loss from such claims to be remote.

 

The Fund may be subject to taxes imposed by countries in which it invests, with respect to its investments in issuers existing or operating in such countries. Such taxes are generally based on income earned or repatriated and capital gains realized on the sale of such investments. The Fund accrues such taxes when the related income or capital gains are earned or throughout the holding period. Some countries require governmental approval for the repatriation of investment income, capital or the proceeds of sales earned by foreign investors. Additionally, if there is a deterioration in a country’s balance of payments or for other reasons, a country may impose temporary restrictions on foreign capital remittances abroad.

 

MARKET RISK — Investments in foreign markets may involve certain considerations and risks not typically associated with investments in the United States of America, including the possibility of future political and economic developments and the level of foreign governmental supervision and regulation of foreign securities markets. These markets are generally smaller, less liquid and more volatile than the major securities markets in the United States of America. Consequently, acquisition and disposition of international securities held by the Fund may be inhibited.

 

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) PANDEMIC — The global outbreak of COVID-19 (commonly referred to as “coronavirus”) has disrupted economic markets and the prolonged economic impact is uncertain. Although vaccines for COVID-19 are becoming more widely available, the ultimate economic fallout from the pandemic, and the long-term impact on economies, markets, industries and individual issuers are not known. The operational and financial performance of the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests depends on future developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak and the pace of recovery which may vary from market to market, and such uncertainty may in turn adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments, impair the Fund’s ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the Fund’s performance.

 

2. INVESTMENT ADVISER AND OTHER SERVICES

 

Altair Advisers, LLC (“Altair” or the “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. Aperio Group, LLC, Driehaus Capital Management, LLC, Mawer Investment Management, Ltd. and Setanta Asset Management Limited each serve as an investment sub-adviser (“Sub-Adviser”) to the Fund.

 

The Fund is managed by the Adviser and one or more Sub-Advisers unaffiliated with the Adviser. The Adviser also has the ultimate responsibility to oversee the Sub-Advisers, and to recommend their hiring, termination and replacement, subject to approval by the Board. The Adviser has an investment team that is jointly responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund. The Sub-Advisers provide investment advisory services to the portion of the Fund’s portfolio allocated to them by the Adviser. The Adviser and the Fund have entered into sub-advisory agreements with the Sub-Advisers to manage the Fund, subject to supervision of the Adviser and the Board, and in accordance with the investment objective and restrictions of the Fund. The Fund compensates the Sub-Advisers for their services at an annual rate based on the Fund’s average daily net assets, (the “Sub-Advisory Fee”), not to exceed 0.90%, payable on a monthly basis in arrears.

 

During the current fiscal period, collectively, sub-advisory fees accrued were $1,584,876, or the rate of 0.47%.

 

The Fund is currently only available to clients of the Adviser and to other investors at the Fund’s discretion. The Adviser does not receive a separate management fee from the Fund. However, pursuant to the Fund’s investment advisory agreement with the Adviser, the Adviser is entitled to receive reimbursement for compliance expenses in connection with managing the Fund, up to 0.03% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. During the current fiscal period, the Adviser received $86,873.

 

24

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

August 31, 2021

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (“Fund Services”), doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, serves as administrator for the Fund. For providing administrative and accounting services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Fund Services serves as the Fund’s transfer and dividend disbursing agent. For providing transfer agent services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

U.S. Bank, N.A. (the “Custodian”) provides certain custodial services to the Fund. The Custodian is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Quasar Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of Foreside Financial Group, LLC, serves as the principal underwriter and distributor of the Fund’s shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with RBB.

 

For compensation amounts paid to Fund Services and the Custodian, please refer to the Statement of Operations.

 

3. DIRECTOR AND OFFICER COMPENSATION

 

The Directors of the Company receive an annual retainer and meeting fees for meetings attended. An employee of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serves as President and Chief Compliance Officer of the Company. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company. Employees of RBB serve as Treasurer, Secretary and Director of Marketing & Business Development of the Company. They are compensated for services provided. Certain employees of Fund Services serve as officers of the Company. They are not compensated by the Fund or the Company. For Director and Officer compensation amounts, please refer to the Statement of Operations.

 

4. PURCHASES AND SALES OF INVESTMENT SECURITIES

 

During the current fiscal period, aggregate purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) of the Fund were as follows:

 

PURCHASES

SALES

$186,476,094

$147,845,967

 

There were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. Government securities during the current fiscal period.

 

5. FEDERAL INCOME TAX INFORMATION

 

The Fund has followed the authoritative guidance on accounting for and disclosure of uncertainty in tax positions, which requires the Fund to determine whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The Fund has determined that there was no effect on the financial statements from following this authoritative guidance. In the normal course of business, the Fund is subject to examination by federal, state and local jurisdictions, where applicable, for tax years for which applicable statutes of limitations have not expired.

 

As of August 31, 2021, the federal tax cost, which includes foreign currency, and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments held by the Fund were as follows:

 

FEDERAL
TAX COST

UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION

UNREALIZED
(DEPRECIATION)

Net Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

$310,464,557

$89,139,805

$(15,314,240)

$73,825,565

 

25

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

August 31, 2021

 

Distributions to shareholders, if any, from net investment income and realized gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from net investment income and realized gains recognized for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the character of distributions and composition of net assets for tax purposes may differ from those reflected in the accompanying financial statements. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on the tax treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.

 

Permanent differences as of August 31, 2021, primarily attributed to foreign currency. There were no permanent differences between distributable earnings/(loss) and paid in capital.

 

As of August 31, 2021, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

UNDISTRIBUTED
ORDINARY
INCOME

UNDISTRIBUTED
LONG-TERM
CAPITAL GAINS

CAPITAL LOSS
CARRYFORWARDS

NET UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION/
(DEPRECIATION)

QUALIFIED
LATE-YEAR
LOSSES

$4,089,153

$—

$(7,914,938)

$73,825,565

$—

 

The differences between the book and tax basis components of distributable earnings relate primarily to the timing of recognition of income and gains for federal income tax purposes. Short-term and foreign currency gains are reported as ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.

 

The tax character of dividends and distributions paid during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021 were as follows:

 

 

ORDINARY
INCOME

LONG-TERM
GAINS

TOTAL

2021 $2,348,112 $— $2,348,112
2020 2,498,204 2,498,204

 

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010, the Fund is permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 for an unlimited period. Additionally, capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses rather than being considered all short-term as under the previous law. The Aquarius International Fund had utilized $13,038,768. As of August 31, 2021, the Fund had short-term capital loss carryforwards of $7,914,938.

 

6. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS AND REGULATORY UPDATES

 

In October 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“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. Funds will be required to comply with Rule 18f-4 by August 19, 2022. It is not currently clear what impact, if any, Rule 18f-4 will have on the availability, liquidity or performance of derivatives. Management is currently evaluating the potential impact of Rule 18f-4 on the Fund. When fully implemented, Rule 18f-4 may require changes in how the Fund uses derivatives, adversely affect the Fund’s performance and increase costs related to a Fund’s use of derivatives.

 

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

 

26

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONCLUDED)

August 31, 2021

 

to the role of a board in determining fair value and the accounting and auditing of fund investments. The Fund will be required to comply with the rules by September 8, 2022. Management is currently assessing the potential impact of the new rules on the Fund’s financial statements.

 

7. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Fund through the date the financial statements were issued, and has determined that there were no subsequent events.

 

27

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. and Shareholders of Aquarius International Fund

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the portfolio of investments, of Aquarius International Fund (one of the funds constituting The RBB Fund, Inc., hereafter referred to as the “Fund”) as of August 31, 2021, the related statement of operations for the year ended August 31, 2021, the statement of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 2021, including the related notes, and the financial highlights for each of the three years in the period ended August 31, 2021 and for the period April 17, 2018 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2018 (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of August 31, 2021, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 2021 and the financial highlights for each of the three years in the period ended August 31, 2021 and for the period April 17, 2018 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2018 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 2021 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 


Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
October 29, 2021

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Altair Advisers, LLC investment companies since 2015.

 

28

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


SHAREHOLDER TAX INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

 

Certain tax information regarding the Fund is required to be provided to shareholders based upon the Fund’s income and distributions for the taxable period ended August 31, 2021. The information and distributions reported herein may differ from information and distributions taxable to the shareholders for the calendar year ending December 31, 2021. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021, the following dividends and distributions were paid by the Fund:

 

Ordinary
Income

Long-Term
Gains

$2,348,112

$—

 

Dividends from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income dividends for federal income tax purposes.

 

Under the Jobs and Growth Tax relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 the following percentages of ordinary dividends paid during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021 are designated as “qualified dividend income,” as defined in the Act, and are subject to reduced tax rates:

 

Aquarius International Fund

100%

 

The percentage of total ordinary income dividends paid qualifying for the corporate dividends received deduction for the Fund is as follows:

 

Aquarius International Fund

0%

 

The percentage of ordinary income distributions designated as qualified short-term gains pursuant to the American Job Creation Act of 2004 is as follows:

 

Aquarius International Fund

0%

 

Because the Fund’s fiscal year is not the calendar year, another notification will be sent with respect to calendar year 2021. The second notification, which will reflect the amount, if any, to be used by calendar year taxpayers on their U.S. federal income tax returns, will be made in conjunction with Form 1099-DIV and will be mailed in January 2022.

 

Foreign shareholders will generally be subject to U.S. withholding tax on the amount of their ordinary income dividends. They will generally not be entitled to a foreign tax credit or deduction for the withholding taxes paid by the Fund, if any. The Fund passed through foreign tax credits of $699,474 and earned $6,810,232 of gross foreign source income during the fiscal year.

 

In general, dividends received by tax-exempt recipients (e.g., IRAs and Keoghs) need not be reported as taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, some retirement trusts (e.g., corporate, Keogh and 403(b)(7) plans) may need this information for their annual information reporting.

 

Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the tax consequences of their investment in the Fund.

 

29

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Other Information (Unaudited)

 

Proxy Voting

 

Policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities as well as information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 are available without charge, upon request, by calling (844) 261-6482 and on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Quarterly Portfolio Schedules

 

The Company files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third fiscal quarters of each fiscal year (quarters ended November 30 and May 31) as an exhibit to its report on Form N-PORT. The Company’s Form N-PORT is available on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

APPROVAL OF Investment Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements

 

As required by the 1940 Act, the Board, including all of the Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Directors”), considered (1) the renewal of the investment advisory agreement between Altair Advisers LLC (“Altair”) and the Company (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”) on behalf of the Fund, and (2) the renewal of the sub-advisory agreements among Altair, the Company and each of Aperio Group, LLC, Driehaus Capital Management, LLC, Mawer Investment Management, Ltd. and Setanta Asset Management Limited (collectively, the “Sub-Advisers”) (together, the “Sub-Advisory Agreements”), at a meeting of the Board held on May 12-13, 2021 (the “Meeting”). At the Meeting, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, approved the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreements for an additional one-year term. The Board’s decision to approve the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreements reflects the exercise of its business judgment to continue the existing arrangement. In approving the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreements, the Board considered information provided by Altair and each of the Sub-Advisers with the assistance and advice of counsel to the Independent Directors and the Company.

 

In considering the renewal and approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Company and Altair with respect to the Fund, and the Sub-Advisory Agreements between Altair and each Sub-Adviser with respect to the Fund, the Directors took into account all materials provided prior to and during the Meeting and at other meetings throughout the past year, the presentations made during the Meeting, and the discussions held during the Meeting. Among other things, the Directors considered (i) the nature, extent, and quality of services provided to the Fund by Altair and each Sub-Adviser; (ii) descriptions of the experience and qualifications of the personnel providing those services; (iii) Altair’s and the Sub-Advisers’ investment philosophies and processes; (iv) Altair’s and the Sub-Advisers’ assets under management and client descriptions; (v) Altair’s and the Sub-Advisers’ soft dollar commission and trade allocation policies, including information on the types of research and services obtained in connection with soft dollar commissions; (vi) Altair’s and the Sub-Advisers’ advisory fee arrangements and other similarly managed clients, as applicable; (vii) Altair’s and the Sub-Advisers’ compliance procedures; (viii) Altair’s and the Sub-Advisers’ financial information and insurance coverage, as applicable; (ix) the extent to which economies of scale are relevant to the Fund; (x) a report prepared by Broadridge/Lipper comparing the Fund’s management fees and total expense ratio to those of its Lipper Group and comparing the performance of the Fund to the performance of its Lipper Group; and (xi) a report comparing the performance of the Fund to the performance of its benchmark.

 

As part of their review, the Directors considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by Altair and each Sub-Adviser. The Directors concluded that Altair and each Sub-Adviser had substantial resources to provide services to the Fund, and that Altair’s and the Sub-Advisers’ services had been acceptable.

 

30

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Other Information (Unaudited) (CONCLUDED)

 

The Directors also considered the investment performance of the Fund and considered the Fund’s investment performance in light of its investment objective and investment strategies. The Directors noted that the Fund had underperformed its primary benchmark for the year-to-date and one-year periods ended March 31, 2021. The Directors also considered the Fund’s 1st and 3rd quintile rankings within its Lipper Performance Group for the one-year and two-year periods ended December 31, 2020, respectively.

 

The Board also considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreements. In this regard, information on the fees paid by the Fund and the Fund’s total operating expense ratio were compared to similar information for mutual funds advised by other, unaffiliated investment advisory firms. The Directors noted that the Fund’s actual advisor fees ranked in the 1st quintile of its Lipper Expense Group, and that the total expenses of the Fund ranked in the 1st quintile of its Lipper Expense Group. The Directors considered that the Fund does not pay a contractual management fee to Altair, but instead reimburses for out-of-pocket expenses in connection with its compliance monitoring of the Fund’s trading, up to 0.03% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. The Directors also considered the fees payable to each Sub-Adviser under the Sub-Advisory Agreement.

 

After reviewing the information regarding Altair’s and the Sub-Advisers’ costs, profitability and economies of scale, and after considering the services to be provided by Altair and the Sub-Advisers, the Directors concluded that the investment advisory fees to be paid by the Fund to Altair and the sub-advisory fees to be paid to each Sub-Adviser were fair and reasonable and that the Investment Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreements should be approved and continued for an additional one-year period ending August 16, 2022.

 

31

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


COMPANY MANAGEMENT (Unaudited)

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company is organized under and managed pursuant to Maryland law. The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below. The statement of additional information (“SAI”) includes additional information about the Directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling (877) 264-5346.

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of
Office and
Length
of Time
Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen
by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Julian A. Brodsky
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 88

Director

1988 to present

From 1969 to 2011, Director and Vice Chairman, Comcast Corporation (cable television and communications).

46

AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).

J. Richard Carnall
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 82

Director

2002 to present

Since 1984, Director of Haydon Bolts, Inc. (bolt manufacturer) and Parkway Real Estate Company (subsidiary of Haydon Bolts, Inc.); since 2004, Director of Cornerstone Bank.

46

None.

Gregory P. Chandler
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 54

Director

2012 to present

Since 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Herspiegel Consulting LLC (life sciences consulting services); 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Avocado Systems Inc. (cyber security software provider); 2009-2020, Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services).

46

Emtec, Inc.(until December 2019); FS Investment Corporation (business development company) (until December 2018); FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company).

 

32

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


COMPANY MANAGEMENT (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of
Office and
Length
of Time
Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen
by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

Nicholas A. Giordano
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 78

Director

2006 to present

Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations.

46

IntriCon Corporation (biomedical device manufacturer); Kalmar Pooled Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until September 2017); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance) (until 2021).

Arnold M. Reichman
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 73

Chairman


Director

2005 to present

1991 to present

Retired.

46

EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company).

Brian T. Shea
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 61

Director

2018 to present

From 2014-2017, Chief Executive Officer, BNY Mellon Investment Services (fund services, global custodian and securities clearing firm); from 1983-2014, Chief Executive Officer and various positions, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm).

46

WisdomTree Investments, Inc. (asset management company) (until March 2019); Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (financial services technology company); Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (financial services company).

Robert A. Straniere
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 80

Director

2006 to present

Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm).

46

None.

 

 

33

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


COMPANY MANAGEMENT (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of
Office and
Length
of Time
Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen
by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

INTERESTED DIRECTOR2

Robert Sablowsky
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 83

Vice Chairman

Director

2016 to present

1991 to present

Since 2002, Senior Director – Investments and, prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer).

46

None.

OFFICERS

Salvatore Faia, JD,
CPA, CFE
Vigilant Compliance, LLC
Gateway Corporate Center, Suite 216
223 Wilmington West
Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Age: 58

President


Chief Compliance Officer

2009 to present

2004 to present

Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company); since 2021, President and Chief Compliance Officer of Penn Capital Funds Trust.

N/A

N/A

James G. Shaw
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 60

Treasurer and Secretary

2016 to present

Treasurer and Secretary of The RBB Fund, Inc. (since 2016) and Penn Capital Funds Trust (since 2021); from 2005 to 2016, Assistant Treasurer of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 1995 to 2016, Senior Director and Vice President of BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (financial services company).

N/A

N/A

Craig A. Urciuoli
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 46

Director of Marketing & Business Development

2019 to present

Director of Marketing & Business Development of The RBB Fund, Inc. (since 2019) and Penn Capital Funds Trust (since 2021); from 2000-2019, Managing Director, Third Avenue Management LLC.

N/A

N/A

 

 

34

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


COMPANY MANAGEMENT (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of
Office and
Length
of Time
Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen
by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

Jennifer Witt
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 38

Assistant Treasurer

2018 to present

Since 2020, Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (fund administrative services firm); from 2016 to 2020, Assistant Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services; from 2007 to 2016, Supervisor, Nuveen Investments (registered investment company).

N/A

N/A

Edward Paz
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 50

Assistant Secretary

2016 to present

Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm).

N/A

N/A

Michael P. Malloy
One Logan Square
Ste. 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 62

Assistant Secretary

1999 to present

Since 1993, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

Jillian L. Bosmann
One Logan Square
Ste. 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Age: 42

Assistant Secretary

2017 to present

Since 2017, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

 

*

Each Director oversees 46 portfolios of the fund complex, consisting of the series in the Company and Penn Capital Funds Trust (7 portfolios).

 

1.

Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his or her successor is elected and qualified or his or her death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Carnall, Giordano, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.

 

2.

Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

 

35

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


COMPANY MANAGEMENT (Unaudited) (CONCLUDED)

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive-level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Carnall has decades of senior executive-level management experience in the banking and financial services industry and also serves on the boards of various corporations and a bank. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Mr. Shea has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the brokerage, clearing and investment services industry, including service on the boards of industry regulatory organizations and a university.

 

36

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


PRIVACY NOTICE (UNAUDITED)

 

FACTS

WHAT DOES THE AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?

Why?

Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.

What?

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

 

● Social Security number

● account balances

● account transactions

● transaction history

● wire transfer instructions

● checking account information

 

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

How?

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

       

Reasons we can share your information

Does the Aquarius International Fund share?

Can you limit
this sharing?

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

Yes

No

For our marketing purposes
to offer our products and services to you

Yes

No

For joint marketing with other financial companies

Yes

No

For affiliates’ everyday business purposes
information about your transactions and experiences

Yes

No

For affiliates’ everyday business purposes
information about your creditworthiness

No

We don’t share

For our affiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share

For nonaffiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share

 

Questions?

Call 1-844-261-6482

 

 

37

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


PRIVACY NOTICE (UNAUDITED) (CONCLUDED)

 

What we do

 

How does the Aquarius International Fund protect my personal information?

To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings.

How does the Aquarius International Fund collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

 

● open an account

● provide account information

● give us your contact information

● make a wire transfer

● tell us where to send the money

 

We also collect your information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

 

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

● affiliates from using your information to market to you

● sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

 

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

Definitions

 

Affiliates

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

 

Our affiliates include Altair Advisers, LLC, the investment adviser to the Aquarius International Fund.

Nonaffiliates

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

 

Aquarius International Fund doesn’t share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you.

Joint marketing

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

 

Aquarius International Fund may share your information with other financial institutions with whom they have joint marketing arrangements who may suggest additional fund services or other investments products which may be of interest to you. We do not currently have any joint marketing arrangements with other financial institutions.

 

 

38

 

 

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Investment Adviser
Altair Advisers, LLC
303 West Madison Street, Suite 600
Chicago, IL 60606

 

Administrator and Transfer Agent
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201

 

Principal Underwriter
Quasar Distributors, LLC
111 E Kilbourn Ave, Suite 2200
Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Custodian
U.S. Bank, N.A.
1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, WI 53212

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Two Commerce Square
2001 Market Street, Suite 1800
Philadelphia, PA 19103

 

Legal Counsel
Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
One Logan Square, Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103-6996

 

AQU-AR21

 

 

 

 

 

Boston Partners Investment Funds

of The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

Annual Report
August 31, 2021

 

Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II
Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund
Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund
Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund
WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund
Boston Partners Global Equity Fund
Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund
Boston Partners Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund
Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund
Boston Partners Global Equity Advantage Fund

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

Table of Contents

 

General Market Commentary 1
Fund Expense Examples 36
Portfolio Holdings Summary Tables 38
Portfolio of Investments 41
Statements of Assets and Liabilities 84
Statements of Operations 87
Statements of Changes in Net Assets 90
Financial Highlights 96
Notes to Financial Statements 102
Other Information 118
Privacy Notice 125
 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

GENERAL MARKET COMMENTARY

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

The fiscal year that ended on August 31, 2021 saw a plethora of potential market moving news events brought to the forefront: a highly contested presidential election, the release of COVID-19 (“COVID”) vaccines, the storming of the U.S. Capital, new waves of COVID variant infections, massive fiscal support initiatives, lockdowns and re-openings, virtual work and schooling, a “V” shaped economic recovery, a surge in stock earnings, a jump in inflation, U.S. Federal Reserve (“Fed”) bond purchase “taper talk”, a crackdown on “big-tech” companies in China, the U.S. exit from Afghanistan and the continuation of partisan bickering out of Washington D.C, all of which we believe impacted investor psyche’s at one point or another during the course of the year.

 

With no vaccines available, the fiscal year started poorly with the S&P 500 Index (“S&P”) falling by a cumulative -6.38% during the months of September and October 2020 as the end of summer brought a new wave of COVID infections and restrictions. Then, on November 9, 2020, a ray of hope emerged when Pfizer announced that the company had developed a vaccine that was more than 90% effective in preventing infections from COVID-19. From there the stock market was “off to the races” with gains in the next nine out of the next ten months that produced a return of +40.07% for the S&P over the ten-month period, helping to lift the return of the S&P to +31.15% for the year.

 

There was abundant fiscal support over the reporting period as a $900 billion stimulus bill was passed in December 2020 followed by a fifth major stimulus package, the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, that was signed into law by President Biden on March 11, 2021.

 

Jerome Powell and the Fed continued to expand the Fed’s balance sheet from $7.071 trillion dollars on August 31, 2020 to $8.349 trillion on August 30, 2021 and by holding the Fed Funds rate steady.

 

While Chairman Powell and the Fed were able to anchor short rates, they did not prevent the increase in interest rates that occurred over the coupon paying portion of the Treasury yield curve, as the yield on securities with maturities ranging from 2-years to 30-years increased by an average of 45 basis points (0.45%) during the course of the fiscal year, largely as a response to a surge in the consumer price index (“CPI”) over the period, from an August 2020 low of 1.3% to 5.3% during August 2021.

 

The jump in rates led to a loss for bonds with the Bloomberg Treasury Bond Index falling by -2.11% over the year and the Bloomberg Aggregate Bond Index dropping by -0.08%, which we believe helped to promote the “TINA” concept of “there is no alternative” to stocks.

 

All eleven sectors that comprise the S&P posted gains for the fiscal year, led by the financials sector, which gained +56.48%, benefiting not only from the overall increase in interest rates, but also from a steepening of the Treasury yield curve that saw the yield differential between 2-year maturities and 10-year maturities increase by 52 basis points (0.52%) during the fiscal year. Higher rates and a steeper yield curve are two components that may help drive bank profits.

 

We believe the “risk-on” mentality of investors led to return rankings for the one-year period ending on August 31, 2021 as follows: Small-capitalization stocks beat large-capitalization stocks (Russell 2000 Index: +47.05%; Russell 1000 Index: +32.24%); Value outpaced Growth as the Russell 1000 Value, the Russell Mid-Cap Value, and the Russell 2000 Value indices outpaced their growth counterparts by an average of +13.71% across the three capitalization ranges; low-quality stocks beat high-quality stocks (Standard & Poor’s “B” or lower +51.03%; Standard & Poor’s “B+” or higher: +42.13%) and domestic stocks beat international stocks both in local currency and U.S. dollar terms - MSCI EAFE: +28.14% (local); +26.65% ($USD); MSCI EM: +18.63% (local), +21.49% ($USD). Both developed international and emerging market bourses were negatively impacted by low vaccination rates which impeded economic growth on a relative basis.

 

Looking Ahead

 

When looking out over the investment horizon, we believe that there are at least six areas that could impact the economy and/or the markets (in no particular order):

 

  1) COVID – The combination of a drop in vaccination levels and the prevalence of the highly infectious Delta variant has once again led to lower airline flight bookings, fewer restaurant reservations, concert cancellations and renewed mask restrictions across many cities and states, damaging consumer confidence and dampening the overall level of business activity. President Biden has unveiled a six-part plan to combat the spread of the Delta variant that includes requiring vaccinations for all federal workers and millions of contractors who do business with the federal government, vaccinations for health care workers at Medicare and Medicaid participating facilities and a requirement that all employers with 100+ employees ensure their workers are vaccinated or tested weekly. It remains an open question as to when COVID will be transformed from pandemic to endemic status. Until then, we believe that the spread of COVID will continue to promote “fits and starts” in economic activity.

 

  2) Inflation – At 5.4%, the reading for CPI on a year-over -year basis is the highest it has been since July 2008 and core personal consumption expenditures at 3.6% remains well above the Fed’s target of 2.0%. While surging prices in categories like new and used cars may subside in the near term, upward pressure on housing costs remains, as both rents and home prices continue to advance at a double-digit pace.

 

  3) The Fed – In a speech after the Fed’s annual symposium in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Chairman Powell made it clear that the tapering of bond purchases would commence by year-end 2021, but that the decision to hike rates remained in the distant future. Some investors continue to ignore what we believe will be a second critical maneuver by the Fed, that being the process

 

Annual Report 2021  |  1

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

GENERAL MARKET COMMENTARY (concluded)

 

of “balance sheet normalization” in which the Fed sells bonds from its inventory into the open market, a step that has traditionally occurred prior to an increase in rates. When discussing inflation, we believe the Fed’s definition of “transitory” is opaque at best.

 

  4) Washington – While the passage of a $1 trillion dollar bipartisan spending bill (inclusive of $550 billion in new infrastructure spending) looks probable, we believe the same cannot be said for President Biden’s $3.5 trillion spending plan that targets a variety of social stability areas. While the bill is poised to pass via the process of reconciliation, significant push back from democratic Senators Krysten Simema and Joe Manchin makes that outcome increasingly unlikely, at least at the current proposed level of spending. With President Biden’s job approval rating falling precipitously post-Afghanistan withdrawal, we believe there are concerns about the ability of his administration to pass any significant legislation. How the spending will be paid for (i.e., taxes) is also an open question mark. The failure of either bill is not priced in the market. It is also expected that Republicans will not vote to increase the U.S. debt ceiling. In 2011, when the U.S. faced a similar set of circumstances, the risk of default weighed heavily on the markets.

 

  5) Earnings – Year-over-year growth of reported earnings have been nothing short of spectacular, with companies comprising the S&P reporting Q1 ’21 gains of +51.9%, Q2 gains of +90.8% and expectations of +27.9% and +21.5% in gains for Q3 and Q4 respectively. When looking into calendar year 2022, earnings per share growth for the S&P is projected to be +9.5%, but that is down from the +11.5% expected at the end of the second quarter 2021. We believe that the market could absorb further earnings expectation downgrades, but only if actual earnings continue to surprise on the upside.

 

  6) Technicals – While open questions remain as to what may or may not drive the markets in 2022, since 1954 when the S&P has risen by 15% or more through August in any given year, the index went on to gain an additional 4% on average for the remainder of the calendar year, some 86% of the time (12 out of 14 years). Additional gains from August through February of the following year were somewhat less certain, occurring 71% of the time (10 out of 14 years). On the negative side, the S&P has gone over ten months without a 5% pullback, something which has historically occurred every three to four months on average, i.e., the recent rally has become somewhat “long of tooth”. We believe that a pullback from these levels should not surprise anyone. The S&P has challenged its 50-day moving average six times in 2021....each time the dip was bought.

 

Past Performance is not a guarantee of future results.

 

Opinions expressed herein are as of August 31, 2021 and are subject to change at any time, are not guaranteed and should not be considered investment advice. This report is for the information of shareholders of the Funds. It may also be used as sales literature when preceded or accompanied by the current prospectus.

 

MSCI EAFE (EAFE) Index is a stock market index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets outside of the U.S. & Canada. It is maintained by MSCI Inc., a provider of investment decision support tools; the EAFE acronym stands for Europe, Australasia and the Far East.

 

2  |  Annual Report 2021

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

BOSTON PARTNERS SMALL CAP VALUE FUND II (unaudited)

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

The Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II (“Fund”) returned 54.40% for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021, net of fees, below its benchmark, the Russell 2000® Value Index (“Index”), which returned 59.49% for the fiscal year.

 

For the reporting period, absolute performance for the Fund was significant, however relative performance lagged due to stock selection primarily in the Materials, Consumer Discretionary and Consumer Staples sectors. Within the Materials sector, a lack of metals & mining companies detracted as the Index holdings returned 86.2% largely from rising commodity prices. Our chemical holdings such as Valvoline Inc. (50.6% return) and Huntsman Corp. (25.5% return) performed well but lagged the 72.3% return of the holdings in the Index. Within the Consumer Discretionary sector, not owning meme stocks such as GameStop detracted as the stock rose an astounding 3,036.4%, along with AMC Entertainment in the Communication Services sector, which was up 701.5%. AMC and GameStop, which were held by the Index, detracted approximately -1.77% from relative performance. The stocks did not fit our investment criteria, exhibiting increasingly high valuations and very poor fundamentals (e.g., reporting quarterly losses for much of the period), as well as having too large of a market capitalization for the Fund. At times during the period, GameStop’s market capitalization exceeded $15 billion and AMC Entertainment reached over $20 billion. In contrast, one of the strategy’s top contributors, Lithia Motors, posted a near record profit per unit during the period and beat earnings estimates each quarter.

 

The primary sector contributing to relative performance via stock selection was Financials. The Fund’s diversified consumer finance and insurance holdings added value including student lenders SLM Corp. and Navient Corp. SLM and Navient delivered strong revenues and earnings, providing attractive capital return to shareholders. Credit continued to perform better than expected as loan charge-offs and delinquencies declined, while fundamentals for the companies remained solid. Another top contributor, municipal bond insurer Assured Guaranty, rose on strength in the insurance business from higher premiums and lower losses.

 

The Fund’s allocation across sectors added to relative performance for the fiscal year led by an underweight to the Utilities and Real Estate sectors, which lagged the Index. We found opportunities elsewhere, seeking higher quality companies with more attractive valuations coupled with better business models and growth outlook. This led to overweights to sectors such as Information Technology and Energy, which returned 68.0% and 85.3% for the Index, adding to relative performance.

 

During the period, valuation spreads across the market were still quite wide, providing opportunities and a good stock picking environment. Our portfolio management team purchased stocks that exhibited attractive valuation, strong fundamentals and positive business momentum and sold stocks when our sell discipline was triggered. Our team found many opportunities in sectors such as Energy, Financials and Industrials. For example, we purchased Viper Energy and Whiting Petroleum Corporation. Viper Energy owns oil and gas properties in North America and was trading at a very attractive valuation, with double-digit free cash flow, and management was improving its balance sheet and returning cash to shareholders. In the Financials sector, the team added asset manager Artisan Partners, which produced margins

Top Ten Positions (as of 8/31/21) % of Net Assets
Graphic Packaging Holding Co. 2.2 %
WESCO International, Inc. 2.1 %
Concentrix Corp. 1.8 %
Valvoline, Inc. 1.6 %
SLM Corp. 1.6 %
Navient Corp. 1.4 %
ABM Industries, Inc. 1.4 %
Assured Guaranty Ltd. 1.4 %
SYNNEX Corp. 1.4 %
Envista Holdings Corp. 1.3 %
     
Portfolio Review (as of 8/31/21)    
P/E: Price/Earnings: 12.8 x
P/B: Price/Book: 1.9 x
Holdings: 168  
Weighted Average Market Capitalization (millions): $3,886  
ROE: Return on Equity: 18.1 %
OROA: Operating Return on Operating Assets: 53.5 %

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

Small cap companies are those with a market capitalization similar to the Russell 2000® Index. These companies tend to be more volatile, less liquid, not as diversified in their business activities as companies with market capitalizations greater than the market capitalization of companies in the Russell 2000® Index, and they may fluctuate widely in market value. Small caps may be traded only in the over-the-counter market or on a regional securities exchange, may be listed only in the “pink sheets,” and may not be traded every day or in the volume typical of trading on a national securities exchange. Foreign securities may expose the Fund to currency and exchange rate fluctuations. Illiquid securities may be limited in resale and cause uncertainty in determining valuation. As a result, an investment in Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II should be part of a carefully diversified portfolio.

 

 

 

in the low 40s and 100% payout of its free cashflow through dividends, generating a 10% yield. Investment performance of its products were good with fundamentals improving, along with momentum on rising equity markets and assets, and an attractive valuation at 10x 2022 earnings per share. We sold several financials investments, including pawn lender FirstCash and Reinsurance Group of America (“RGA”). FirstCash was sold on weakening fundamentals as stimulus checks allowed consumers to close out loans. RGA performed well and was sold on market capitalization increasing to over $8.5 billion. Stocks that reached our target price and were liquidated included construction and engineering firm Aegion Corp. and Mastec within the Industrials sector.

 

We have worked to avoid expensive, unprofitable companies in the small cap universe for the Fund even though these have led returns in certain recent periods. We believe high quality companies, selling at discounted valuations, that produce positive free cash flow and exhibit solid balance sheets, will outperform over the long term. As always, we strive to construct the portfolio with better valuation, fundamentals, and positive business momentum than the benchmark. We look forward to updating you on the investment opportunities we are uncovering for the Fund in the future.

 

Sincerely,

 

David Dabora, CFA & George Gumpert, CFA

Portfolio Managers for the Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II


 

Annual Report 2021  |  3

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

BOSTON PARTNERS SMALL CAP VALUE FUND II (unaudited) (continued)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $100,000 Investment in
Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II vs. Russell Indices

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $100,000 minimum initial investment in the Fund made on August 31, 2011 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the Russell indices are unmanaged, do not incur expenses and are not available for investment.

 

For The Periods Ended August 31, 2021
   Average Annual Total Return  Gross
Expense
  Net
Expense
   1 Year  5 Year  10 Year  Ratio  Ratio
Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II                         
Institutional Class   54.40%   10.56%   12.34%   1.09%     0.99%  
Russell 2000® Value Index   59.49%   11.66%   12.14%   n/a    n/a 
Russell 2000® Index(1)   47.08%   14.38%   13.62%   n/a    n/a 

 

1 This is not a primary benchmark of the Fund. Results of the index performance are presented for general comparative purposes.

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares exceeds 0.99% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Institutional Class shares. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed 0.99%: acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until February 28, 2022 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Board of Directors” or the “Board”). If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expense, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 0.99% or the expense cap then in effect, whatever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no assumption of fees and expenses in excess of expense limitations. Annual operating expense ratios above are as stated in the current prospectus. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-888-261-4073 or visit our web site at www.boston-partners.com.

 

4  |  Annual Report 2021

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

BOSTON PARTNERS SMALL CAP VALUE FUND II (unaudited) (concluded)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in
Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II vs. Russell Indices

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 initial investment in the Fund made on August 31, 2011 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the Russell indices are unmanaged, do not incur expenses and are not available for investment.

 

For The Periods Ended August 31, 2021
   Average Annual Total Return  Gross
Expense
  Net
Expense
   1 Year  5 Year  10 Year  Ratio  Ratio
Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II                         
Investor Class   54.01%   10.29%   12.06%   1.34%     1.24%  
Russell 2000® Value Index   59.49%   11.66%   12.14%   n/a    n/a 
Russell 2000® Index(1)   47.08%   14.38%   13.62%   n/a    n/a 

 

1 This is not a primary benchmark of the Fund. Results of the index performance are presented for general comparative purposes.

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) for the Fund’s Investor Class shares exceeds 1.24% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Investor Class shares. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed 1.24%: acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until February 28, 2022 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expense, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 1.24% or the expense cap then in effect, whatever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no assumption of fees and expenses in excess of expense limitations. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratios above are as stated in the current prospectus. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-888-261-4073 or visit our web site at www.boston-partners.com.

 

Annual Report 2021  |  5

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT EQUITY FUND (unaudited)

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

The Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund (“Fund”) -Institutional Class shares returned 29.08% net of fees while averaging 57% net long exposure for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021. This compares to the 31.17% return posted by the S&P 500® Index (the “S&P 500”) during the same period.

 

The fiscal year was marked by strong equity market returns, as the S&P 500 rose sharply following the announcement of a successful COVID-19 vaccine in the fall of 2020; investors seemingly began to anticipate nearing the end of the pandemic, while U.S. long-term interest rates moved appreciably higher from historic lows, and more economically sensitive value equities reasserted long-awaited leadership over their expensive growth counterparts. All eleven sectors that comprise the S&P 500 posted gains for the fiscal year, led by Financials which gained +56.48%, the sector benefiting not only from the overall increase in interest rates, but also from a steepening of the Treasury yield curve that saw the yield differential between 2-year maturities and 10-year maturities increase by 52 basis points (0.52%) during the fiscal year; higher rates and a steeper yield curve are two components that help drive bank profits.

 

The Fund’s long holdings rose in price approximately 51.45% during the fiscal year and strongly outperformed the S&P 500. Top contributors included holdings in the Financials, Technology, and Industrials sectors. Financials were led by U.S. banks and brokers, which benefitted from rising rates and improving net interest margins along with strong earnings growth driven by credit reserve releases and robust mortgage and capital markets activity. Technology gains were driven by IT services and electronic equipment firms reporting positive earnings surprises and a relatively improved global trade outlook. Industrials gains came from a number of industries experiencing growing end market demand, including staffing agencies, contracting services, and building materials.

 

The Fund’s short holdings were up in price approximately 40.11% and detracted from Fund returns during the fiscal year. We aim to short expensive stocks with earnings risk and weak profitability, and many of these stocks soared higher in price during the year. Technology, Consumer Discretionary, and Health Care sectors shorts were the leading detractors from performance during the fiscal year. Within the Technology sector, SMID-cap software shorts with strong revenue growth and weak profitability appreciated and detracted from returns. In the Consumer Discretionary sector, several retailers and auto-related businesses rose in price amid strong demand, though we see many names with competitive risks and premium valuations in the sector. In Health Care, small cap equipment and services firms rebounded following strong revenue announcements.

 

The Fund began the fiscal year with 66% net long exposure and ended with 60% net long exposure, a decrease attributable to increasing the number of short positions during the fiscal year. At the end of the fiscal year the largest exposures in the long portfolio resided in the Finance, Technology, and Consumer Discretionary sectors, while the largest short exposures were in the Technology, Consumer Discretionary, and Communication Services sectors. Our bottom-up value discipline has yielded a

Top Ten Positions (as of 8/31/21) % of Net Assets
Stride, Inc. 2.6 %
Facebook, Inc., Class A 2.4 %
Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. 1.8 %
Newmark Group, Inc., Class A 1.7 %
CVS Health Corp. 1.6 %
Stifel Financial Corp. 1.6 %
HCA Healthcare, Inc. 1.5 %
Anthem, Inc. 1.5 %
Novartis AG - SP ADR 1.5 %
Citigroup, Inc. 1.4 %

 

Portfolio Review (as of 8/31/21)  Long    Short  
P/E: Price/Earnings:  12.5x  31.5x
P/B: Price/Book:  2.1x  7.7x
Holdings:  131   67 
Weighted Average Market Capitalization (millions):  $72,566   $12,980 
ROE: Return on Equity:  18.9%  –31.6%
OROA: Operating Return on Operating Assets:  82.6%  –166.3%

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

The Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund may be more volatile and risky than some other forms of investments. Since the Fund has both a long and a short portfolio, there is the risk that the portfolio managers may make more poor investment decisions than those of a fund with only a long portfolio. The Fund may have a high portfolio turnover rate that could increase transaction costs and cause short-term capital gains to be realized. Investments made in small or mid- capitalization companies may be more volatile, less liquid, not as diversified in their business activities as companies with greater market capitalizations, and they may fluctuate widely in market value. Small caps may be traded only in the over-the-counter market or on a regional securities exchange, may be listed only in the “pink sheets,” and may not be traded every day or in the volume typical of trading on a national securities exchange. Foreign securities may expose the Fund to currency and exchange rate fluctuations. Illiquid securities may be limited in resale and cause great uncertainty in determining valuation. High yield debt (also known as “junk bonds”), may be sensitive to changes in financial strength of an issuer or the debt’s credit rating; an issuer of high yield debt may default on its obligation to pay interest and principal. All of these factors may cause greater volatility and less liquidity. An investment in the Fund should be part of a carefully diversified portfolio.

 

 

 

long portfolio that we believe is attractive relative to the short portfolio from both a valuation and profitability standpoint.

 

We have for several years held the view that the U.S. equity market needed to break out of the status quo that significantly favored growth over value since 2017 - a flattening yield curve and sluggish yet positive growth. We believe that we are now out of what was commonly described as the “Goldilocks” economy, having gone through a recession with a recovery now seemingly underway. From a starting point of wide valuation spreads (the price/earnings multiple differential between cheap and expensive stocks), historically low interest rates (a negative real U.S. 10-year Treasury yield!) and trillions of fiscal and monetary stimulus exerting upward pressure on inflation and interest rates, we believe the prospects for value investing are quite bright.

 

The Fund’s portfolio managers continue to focus their efforts on purchasing shares of only those companies they deem most likely to appreciate on the long side, while selling short securities they deem likely to fail due to a combination of valuation risk,


 

6  |  Annual Report 2021

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT EQUITY FUND (unaudited) (continued)

 

earnings risk, and/or balance sheet risk. Our analysis process is bottom-up and rooted in the three circles framework of low valuation, positive momentum and strong business fundamentals that the portfolio managers of Boston Partners and its predecessors have been employing for over a quarter century.

 

Sincerely,

 

Robert Jones, CFA & Patrick Regan, CFA
Portfolio Managers for the Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund


 

Annual Report 2021  |  7

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT EQUITY FUND (unaudited) (continued)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $100,000 Investment in
Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund vs. S&P 500® Index

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $100,000 minimum initial investment in the Fund made on August 31, 2011 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the S&P 500® Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

For The Periods Ended August 31, 2021
   Average Annual Total Return  Gross
Expense
  Net
Expense
   1 Year  5 Year  10 Year  Ratio  Ratio
Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund                         
Institutional Class   29.08%   3.29%   5.86%   2.74%     2.28%  
S&P 500® Index   31.17%   18.02%   16.34%   n/a    n/a 

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the total annual Fund operating expenses (other than acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for the Fund’s Institutional Class exceeds 1.96% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Institutional Class shares. Because dividend expenses on short sales, acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes are excluded from the expense limitation, total annual Fund operating expenses (after fee waivers and expense reimbursements) are expected to exceed 1.96%. This contractual limitation is in effect until February 28, 2022 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses (not including short sale dividend expense, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 1.96% or the expense cap then in effect, whichever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no assumption of fees and expenses in excess of expense limitations. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratios above (including interest and dividend expense on short sales) are as stated in the current prospectus. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-888-261-4073 or visit our web site at www.boston-partners.com.

 

8  |  Annual Report 2021

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT EQUITY FUND (unaudited) (concluded)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in
Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund vs. S&P 500® Index

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 initial investment in the Fund made on August 31, 2011 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the S&P 500® Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

For The Periods Ended August 31, 2021
   Average Annual Total Return  Gross
Expense
  Net
Expense
   1 Year  5 Year  10 Year  Ratio  Ratio
Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund                         
Investor Class   28.71%   3.03%   5.59%   2.99%     2.53%  
S&P 500® Index   31.17%   18.02%   16.34%   n/a    n/a 

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the total annual Fund operating expenses (other than acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for the Fund’s Investor Class shares exceeds 2.21% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Investor Class shares. Because dividend expenses on short sales, acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes are excluded from the expense limitation, total annual Fund operating expenses (after fee waivers and expense reimbursements) are expected to exceed 2.21%. This contractual limitation is in effect until February 28, 2022 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses (not including short sale dividend expense, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 2.21% or the expense cap then in effect, whichever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no assumption of fees and expenses in excess of expense limitations. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratios above (including interest and dividend expense on short sales) are as stated in the current prospectus. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-888-261-4073 or visit our web site at www.boston-partners.com.

 

Annual Report 2021  |  9

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT RESEARCH FUND (unaudited)

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

The Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund (“Fund”) -Institutional Class shares returned 26.37% net of fees while averaging 57% net long exposure for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021. This compares to the 31.17% return posted by the S&P 500® Index (“S&P 500”) during the same period.

 

The fiscal year was marked by strong equity market returns, as the S&P 500 rose sharply following the announcement of a successful COVID-19 vaccine in the fall of 2020; investors seemingly began to anticipate nearing the end of the pandemic, while U.S. long-term interest rates moved appreciably higher from historic lows, and more economically sensitive value equities reasserted long-awaited leadership over their expensive growth counterparts. All eleven sectors that comprise the S&P 500 posted gains for the fiscal year, led by Financials which gained +56.48%, the sector benefiting not only from the overall increase in interest rates, but also from a steepening of the Treasury yield curve that saw the yield differential between 2-year maturities and 10-year maturities increase by 52 basis points (0.52%) during the year; higher rates and a steeper yield curve are two components that help drive bank profits.

 

The Fund’s long holdings rose in price approximately 48.59% during the fiscal year and strongly outperformed the S&P 500. Top contributors included holdings in the Financials, Technology, and Industrials sectors. Financials were led by U.S. banks, which benefitted from rising rates and improving net interest margins along with strong earnings growth driven by credit reserve releases and robust mortgage and capital markets activity. Technology gains were driven by semiconductors and semiconductor manufacturing equipment holdings on strengthening demand from a variety of end markets. Industrials gains came from a number of industries experiencing growing end market demand, including staffing agencies, agricultural and construction machinery, and building materials.

 

The Fund’s short holdings were up in price approximately 38.99% and detracted from Fund returns during the fiscal year. We aim to short expensive stocks with earnings risk and weak profitability, and many of these stocks soared higher in price during the year. Financials, Consumer Discretionary, and Materials sector shorts were the leading detractors from performance during the fiscal year. Within the Financials sector, several regional bank shorts benefitted from rising rates and improving credit conditions. In the Consumer Discretionary sector, several retailers and auto-related businesses rose in price amid strong demand, though we see many names with competitive risks and premium valuations in the sector. Several of the more capital intensive, leveraged chemicals and industrial metals names in the Materials sector benefitted from a pronounced “high beta rally” earlier in the fiscal year, and we continue to maintain short exposure to many of these names as we expect business momentum to diminish.

 

The Fund began the fiscal year with 47% net long exposure and ended with 59% net long exposure, an increase attributable to covering several shorts during the fiscal year. At the end of the fiscal year, the largest exposures in the long portfolio resided in the Finance, Technology, and Industrials sectors, while the largest short exposures were in the Finance, Consumer

Top Ten Positions (as of 8/31/21) % of Net Assets
Facebook, Inc., Class A 2.8 %
Alphabet, Inc., Class A 1.6 %
Philip Morris International, Inc. 1.2 %
Ameriprise Financial, Inc. 1.2 %
Alphabet, Inc., Class C 1.2 %
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. 1.2 %
Coca-Cola European Partners PLC 1.1 %
AbbVie, Inc. 1.1 %
ASGN, Inc. 1.0 %
Canadian National Railway Co. 1.0 %

 

Portfolio Review (as of 8/31/21)  Long    Short  
P/E: Price/Earnings:  14.4x  21.3x
P/B: Price/Book:  2.6x  2.6x
Holdings:  217   91 
Weighted Average Market Capitalization (millions):  $137,399   $82,443 
ROE: Return on Equity:  20.8%  2.1%
OROA: Operating Return on Operating Assets:  78.0%  –14.1%

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

The Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund may be more volatile and risky than some other forms of investments. Fund will engage in short sales, which creates a form of investment leverage and means the Fund’s loss potential on a short sale is unlimited. Fluctuations in the market value of the Fund’s portfolio may have disproportionately large effects or cause the NAV of the Fund to decline faster than it would otherwise. Investments made in small or mid-capitalization companies may be more volatile, less liquid, not as diversified in their business activities as companies with greater market capitalizations, and they may fluctuate widely in market value. Small caps may be traded only in the over-the-counter market or on a regional securities exchange, may be listed only in the “pink sheets,” and may not be traded every day or in the volume typical of trading on a national securities exchange. Foreign securities may expose the Fund to currency and exchange rate fluctuations. Derivatives (futures, options, swaps) may be leveraged and result in losses exceeding the amounts invested. REITs include the risk of possible declines in the value of real estate, possible lack of availability of mortgage funds and unexpected vacancies of properties. Illiquid securities may be limited in resale and cause great uncertainty in determining valuation. High yield debt (also known as “junk bonds”) may be sensitive to changes in financial strength of an issuer or the debt’s credit rating; an issuer of high yield debt may default on its obligation to pay interest and principal. The Fund may experience high portfolio turnover which may result in higher costs and capital gains. An investment in the Fund should be part of a carefully diversified portfolio.

 

 

 

Discretionary, and Materials sectors. We continue to favor large-caps on the long side and small- to mid-cap stocks on the short side of the Fund’s portfolio.

 

We have for several years held the view that the U.S. equity market needed to break out of the status quo that significantly favored growth over value since 2017 - a flattening yield curve and sluggish yet positive growth. We believe that we are now out of what was commonly described as the “Goldilocks” economy, having gone through a recession with a recovery now seemingly underway. From a starting point of wide valuation spreads (the price/earnings multiple differential between cheap and expensive stocks), historically low interest rates (a negative real U.S. 10-year Treasury yield!) and trillions of fiscal and monetary stimulus


 

10  |  Annual Report 2021

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT RESEARCH FUND (unaudited) (continued)

 

exerting upward pressure on inflation and interest rates, we believe the prospects for value investing are quite bright.

 

The Fund’s portfolio managers continue to focus their efforts on purchasing shares of only those companies they deem most likely to appreciate on the long side, while selling short securities they deem likely to fail due to a combination of valuation risk, earnings risk, and/or balance sheet risk. Our analysis process is bottom-up and rooted in the three circles framework of low valuation, positive momentum and strong business fundamentals that the portfolio managers of Boston Partners and its predecessors have been employing for over a quarter century.

 

Sincerely,

 

Joseph Feeney, CFA & Eric Connerly, CFA

Portfolio Managers for the Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund


 

Annual Report 2021  |  11

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT RESEARCH FUND (unaudited) (continued)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $100,000 Investment in
Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund vs. S&P 500® Index

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $100,000 minimum initial investment in the Fund made on August 31, 2011 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the S&P 500® Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

For The Periods Ended August 31, 2021
   Average Annual Total Return  Gross
Expense
  Net
Expense
   1 Year  5 Year  10 Year  Ratio  Ratio
Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund                         
Institutional Class   26.37%   3.55%   6.30%   2.21%     2.21%  
S&P 500 Index   31.17%   18.02%   16.34%   n/a    n/a 

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Adviser has contractually agreed to forgo all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the total annual Fund operating expenses (other than acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) exceeds 1.50% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Institutional Class shares. Because acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes are excluded from the expense limitation, total annual Fund operating expenses (after fee waivers and expense reimbursements) are expected to exceed 1.50%. This contractual limitation is in effect until at least February 28, 2022 and may not be terminated without approval of the Board of Directors. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expense, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 1.50% or the expense cap then in effect, whatever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no assumption of fees and expenses in excess of expense limitations. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratios above (including interest and dividend expense on short sales) are as stated in the current prospectus. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-888-261-4073 or visit our web site at www. boston-partners.com.

 

12  |  Annual Report 2021

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT RESEARCH FUND (unaudited) (concluded)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in
Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund vs. S&P 500® Index

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 initial investment in the Fund made on August 31, 2011 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the S&P 500® Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

For The Periods Ended August 31, 2021
   Average Annual Total Return  Gross
Expense
  Net
Expense
   1 Year  5 Year  10 Year  Ratio  Ratio
Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund                         
Investor Class   25.98%   3.31%   6.04%   2.46%     2.46%  
S&P 500® Index   31.17%   18.02%   16.34%   n/a    n/a 

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Adviser has contractually agreed to forgo all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the total annual Fund operating expenses (other than acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) exceeds 1.75% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Investor Class shares. Because acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes are excluded from the expense limitation, total annual Fund operating expenses (after fee waivers and expense reimbursements) are expected to exceed 1.75%. This contractual limitation is in effect until at least February 28, 2022 and may not be terminated without approval of the Board of Directors. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expense, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 1.75% or the expense cap then in effect, whatever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no assumption of fees and expenses in excess of expense limitations. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratios above (including interest and dividend expense on short sales) are as stated in the current prospectus. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-888-261-4073 or visit our web site at www. boston-partners.com.

 

Annual Report 2021  |  13

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

BOSTON PARTNERS ALL-CAP VALUE FUND (unaudited)

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

The Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund - Institutional Class (“Fund”) outperformed its benchmark, the Russell 3000® Value Index (“Benchmark”), for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021. The Fund generated a net return of 39.91% for its Institutional Class shares during the past year, versus its Benchmark’s return of 37.78%.

 

During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021, stock selection within the Information Technology, Energy, and Consumer Discretionary sectors were the primary drivers of the Fund’s outperformance. Within the Information Technology sector, manufacturing services firm, Jabil, appreciated over 82% as investors recognized opportunities in lower valuation companies with strong levels of cash flow and accelerating sales. Our position in contract manufacturer, Flex, contributed positively as the company’s recently hired CEO is diversifying the business into industrial, auto, and medical which should lead to more predictable returns on capital. In the Energy sector, mid cap exploration and production companies, Cimarex, Diamondback, and Marathon Oil added value as oil prices have improved considerably, and excess supply continues to be absorbed. In the Consumer Discretionary sector, flooring manufacturer, Mohawk Industries, has experienced strong demand during the current residential housing rebound. The Fund’s investment in shoe retailer, Foot Locker, also benefited relative performance as the company is seeing accelerating demand and trends are expected to continue. Additionally, sector allocation contributed positively to relative performance during the fiscal year. The Fund’s underweight positioning in the Consumer Staples and Utilities sectors added value, as these sectors trailed the market during the economic rebound. Similarly, the Fund’s overweight positioning to the Financials sector proved beneficial.

 

Stock selection in Health Care and Industrials sectors detracted from relative performance during the fiscal year. In Health Care, pharmaceutical companies Novartis and Merck underperformed as investors have been preoccupied with “reopening” stocks and have not paid attention to the inexpensive, high quality cash flow characteristics of the pharmaceutical industry. We continue to hold these positions. Health insurance companies, Humana and Centene, underperformed due to speculation that reimbursement rates for government health plans may be less than expected in a new Democratic administration. Within Industrials, US. Federal IT suppliers Science Applications International and Leidos have lagged after announcing somewhat disappointing earnings, and investors are seeking out industrial holdings with more economic sensitivity. Our overweight allocation to Health Care also detracted from relative performance during the fiscal year.

 

Over the course of the fiscal year, we bought and sold companies when opportunities that fit our three-circle criteria presented themselves or if our sell discipline was triggered. In the Energy sector, we added integrated producers BP and Royal Dutch, and exploration and production companies, ConocoPhillips and Devon. The group appears inexpensive by historical standards and due to a lack of near-term investment and an improving global economy, the supply/demand dynamics appear to be lining up for increasing oil prices from now through 2022. We are taking a diversified approach to investing in the sector by buying a basket of what we believe are attractively

Top Ten Positions (as of 8/31/21) % of Net Assets
Johnson & Johnson 3.1 %
Bank of America Corp. 2.4 %
Medtronic PLC 2.3 %
JPMorgan Chase & Co. 2.0 %
Pfizer, Inc. 1.7 %
American International Group, Inc. 1.5 %
Citigroup, Inc. 1.4 %
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., (The) 1.4 %
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. 1.4 %
AbbVie, Inc. 1.3 %
     
Portfolio Review (as of 8/31/21)    
P/E: Price/Earnings: 13.8 x
P/B: Price/Book: 2.4 x
Holdings: 145  
Weighted Average Market Capitalization (millions): $114,707  
ROE: Return on Equity: 20.0 %
OROA: Operating Return on Operating Assets: 97.7 %

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

The Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund may invest small cap companies. These companies may be more volatile, less liquid, not as diversified in their business activities as companies with greater market capitalizations, and they may fluctuate widely in market value. Small caps may be traded only in the over-the-counter market or on a regional securities exchange, may be listed only in the “pink sheets,” and may not be traded every day or in the volume typical of trading on a national securities exchange. Derivatives (futures, options, swaps) may be leveraged and result in losses exceeding the amounts invested. Foreign securities may expose the Fund to currency and exchange rate fluctuations. Illiquid securities may be limited in resale and cause great uncertainty in determining valuation. Options (a type of derivative) can be highly volatile and their use can result in loss if the portfolio manager is incorrect in its expectation of price fluctuations. All of these factors may cause greater volatility and less liquidity. An investment in the Fund should be part of a carefully diversified portfolio.

 

 

 

priced companies. In the Health Care sector, we sold our position in GlaxoSmithKline, despite an attractive valuation and dividend yield, as the company’s revenues have continued to be disappointing. We sold Jazz Pharmaceuticals as the company exceeded our price target and Lab Corp. after the company benefited from strong COVID testing demands. In the Communication Services sector, we sold wireless provider, T-Mobile, as the company approached our price target. T-Mobile outperformed as its acquisition of Sprint has been integrated and the company has been able to cut costs and gain share. We also sold our position in media company, Comcast, near our target price as we see business momentum deteriorating from cord cutting. Looking ahead, we will continue to invest your Fund on a stock-by-stock basis within our three-circle framework of attractive valuation, sound fundamentals and a catalyst for improvement. We believe that the Fund’s valuation edge and quality advantage over the Benchmark has positioned it favorably for the longer term. We look forward to keeping you informed of the work we are doing on your Fund’s behalf.

 

Sincerely,

 

Duilio Ramallo, CFA

Portfolio Manager for the Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund


 

14  |  Annual Report 2021

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

BOSTON PARTNERS ALL-CAP VALUE FUND (unaudited) (continued)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $100,000 Investment in
Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund vs. Russell Indices

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $100,000 minimum initial investment in the Fund made on August 31, 2011 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the Russell indices are unmanaged, do not incur expenses and are not available for investment.

 

For The Periods Ended August 31, 2021
   Average Annual Total Return  Gross
Expense
  Net
Expense
   1 Year  5 Year  10 Year  Ratio  Ratio
Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund                         
Institutional Class   39.91%   11.93%   13.76%   0.84%     0.80%  
Russell 3000® Value Index   37.78%   11.68%   12.95%   n/a    n/a 
Russell 3000® Index(1)   33.04%   17.97%   16.20%   n/a    n/a 

 

1 This is not a primary benchmark of the Fund. Results of the index performance are presented for general comparative purposes.

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares exceeds 0.80% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Institutional Class shares. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed 0.80%: acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until February 28, 2022 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses (not including short sale dividend expense, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 0.80% or the expense cap then in effect, whichever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no assumption of fees and expenses in excess of expense limitations. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratios above are as stated in the current prospectus. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-888-261-4073 or visit our web site at www.boston-partners.com.

 

Annual Report 2021  |  15

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

BOSTON PARTNERS ALL-CAP VALUE FUND (unaudited) (concluded)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in
Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund vs. Russell Indices

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 initial investment in the Fund made on August 31, 2011 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the Russell indices are unmanaged, do not incur expenses and are not available for investment.

 

For The Periods Ended August 31, 2021
   Average Annual Total Return  Gross
Expense
  Net
Expense
   1 Year  5 Year  10 Year  Ratio  Ratio
Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund                         
Investor Class   39.57%   11.65%   13.49%   1.09%     1.05%  
Russell 3000® Value Index   37.78%   11.68%   12.95%   n/a    n/a 
Russell 3000® Index(1)   33.04%   17.97%   16.20%   n/a    n/a 

 

1 This is not a primary benchmark of the Fund. Results of the index performance are presented for general comparative purposes.

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) for the Fund’s Investor Class shares exceeds 1.05% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Investor Class shares. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed 1.05%: acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until February 28, 2022 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses (not including short sale dividend expense, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 1.05% or the expense cap then in effect, whichever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no assumption of fees and expenses in excess of expense limitations. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratios above are as stated in the current prospectus. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-888-261-4073 or visit our web site at www.boston-partners.com.

 

16  |  Annual Report 2021

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

WPG PARTNERS SMALL/MICRO CAP VALUE FUND (unaudited)

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

The fiscal year ended August 31, 2021, qualifies as an eventful year, to say the least. Most of our fiscal year captures the earlier stages of the post pandemic recovery. We spent most of the early part the calendar year trying to figure what type of recovery we would experience. Letters of the alphabet were being used to characterize the shape and slope of an economic recovery. A “V” would represent a sharp rebound, a “U” a slow and protracted recovery followed by a delayed upturn and an “L” would represent a bottoming followed by flat economic activity. By the beginning of our fiscal year, it was becoming apparent to us that we were experiencing a “V” shaped upturn.

 

Stock performance was favorable for the WPG Partners Small/Microcap Value Fund (the “Fund”). In general, value outperformed growth. Further, the Fund outperformed its benchmark, the Russell 2000 Value Index (the “Russell 2000 Value”).

 

Value stocks during our fiscal year ended August 31, 2021 outperformed both growth and large cap stocks. Perhaps more than growth companies, small cap companies used the pandemic to restructure and prepare for an upturn. It was not uncommon for companies to tell us they squeezed 18-24 months of restructuring and downsizing into 6 months. We believe that the stock market seems to have recognized the potential for both margin and earnings rebound.

 

In outperforming the Russell 2000 Value, the Fund benefitted from overweight positions in the Industrials and Materials sectors. Sectors that detracted the most from relative performance were Consumer Staples and Energy. Notably, stock selection in these sectors contributed to the underperformance.

 

Unique for this period: very few investors had any real experience with the events of the past year. Notably, no one has had any real experience with a pandemic. The sharp and swift recession was not precipitated by the usual precipitants of tightening credit and a flattening yield curve. Unlike prior recessions, excesses in real estate, consumer spending, inflation, etc., were not present. Instead, health and safety concerns overwhelmed people’s lives, livelihoods and relationships. It was hard to find a sector of the global economy that was not impacted, both good and bad.

 

In the same vein that no living soul has experienced a pandemic, it is reasonable to say that no one has experienced a policy response of this magnitude. Across the board, legislatures, central bankers and regulators responded dramatically and in unison. There were several episodes of direct government payments, preferred lending programs and an aggressive response from the Federal Reserve.

 

Certainly, there were many notable headlines during the last fiscal year. Beyond the pandemic we could cite the election, the emergence of “meme stocks,” work from home, environmental, social and governance investing and China’s evolution, to name a few. As we look back on the past year, we are struck by how three issues really grabbed our attention. First, is the aforementioned massive stimulus, which we believe had the desired effect. It created a vital safety net. Without this combination of direct cash payments and easy monetary policy, we believe the downturn would have been much worse. Many sectors blossomed due to

Top Ten Positions (as of 8/31/21) % of Net Assets
Tronox Holdings PLC, Class A 2.9%
Popular, Inc. 2.9%
Mosaic Co., (The) 2.7%
Valvoline, Inc. 2.4%
SM Energy Co. 2.3%
Brixmor Property Group, Inc. 2.1%
Essent Group Ltd. 2.0%
Axcelis Technologies, Inc. 2.0%
Axis Capital Holdings Ltd. 2.0%
H&R Block, Inc. 1.9%
    
Portfolio Review (as of 8/31/21)   
P/E: Price/Earnings: 11.6x
P/B: Price/Book: 1.6x
Holdings: 96 
Weighted Average Market Capitalization (millions): $2,917 
ROE: Return on Equity: 12.3%
OROA: Operating Return on Operating Assets: 16.4%

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

Value investing involves buying the stocks of companies that are out of favor or are undervalued. This may adversely affect The WPG Partners Small/ Micro Cap Value Fund’s value and return. Investments in REITs include the risk of possible declines in the value of real estate, possible lack of availability of mortgage funds and unexpected vacancies of properties. The purchase of rights and warrants involves risk that the Fund could lose the purchase value of the right or warrant if the right to subscribe to additional shares is not executed prior to the right’s or warrant’s expiration. The effective price paid for a right or warrant may exceed the value of the subscribed security’s market price. Investments made in small or micro-capitalization companies may be more volatile, less liquid, not as diversified in their business activities as companies with greater market capitalizations, and they may fluctuate widely in market value. Small and micro-caps may be traded only in the over-the-counter market or on a regional securities exchange, may be listed only in the “pink sheets,” and may not be traded every day or in the volume typical of trading on a national securities exchange. An investment in the Fund should be part of a carefully diversified portfolio.

 

 

 

lower interest rates and increased liquidity. Financial assets -stocks, fixed income, credit spreads - had a very good year.

 

Unfortunately, there now seems to be an inflationary backlash. Demand has come back much quicker than supply. Supplies are tight in almost all sectors. Major talking points are focused on labor and semiconductors; however, this phenomenon of tight supplies is broad based. While it is reasonable to expect that supply will ultimately improve, the uncertainty of the moment seems to be rattling investors.

 

The second important issue was the development of a vaccine. It is easy to forget that prior to November 2020, a vaccine did not exist. The development of a vaccine was an important turning point. The impact for investors was immediate, but the impact on the real economy has taken a bit longer. In late 2020, the economic world was reawakening, but was not back to normal. A theme of the last year has been the return to normalcy. Progress has been slow, but steady. A crucial test of this has been back-to-school. None of this would be possible without a vaccine.

 

Third, we are struck by changes of the last year that are now becoming permanent and commonplace. The most striking example of this is the notion of “work from home”. The discussion


 

Annual Report 2021  |  17

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

WPG PARTNERS SMALL/MICRO CAP VALUE FUND (unaudited) (continued)

 

has evolved from not “if” people will work from home but “how much.” This change has profound impacts on real estate, transportation and lifestyles. Similarly, travel, shopping, communications have all changed. It is commonly regarded that the pandemic accelerated the adoption of many technologies by upwards of 5 years.

 

In conclusion, our outlook remains optimistic. Value stocks look well positioned relative to growth stocks. Further, many of the cyclical and secular trends that have emerged in the post pandemic world appear to be playing out in our favor.

 

Sincerely,

 

Eric Gandhi, CFA, Gregory Weiss & Richard Shuster, CFA
Portfolio Managers for the WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund


 

18  |  Annual Report 2021

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

WPG PARTNERS SMALL/MICRO CAP VALUE FUND (unaudited) (continued)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $100,000 Investment in
WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund vs. Russell 2000® Value Index

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $100,000 minimum initial investment in the Fund made on August 31, 2011 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the Russell 2000® Value Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

For The Periods Ended August 31, 2021

 

   Average Annual Total Return  Gross
Expense
  Net
Expense
   1 Year  5 Year  10 Year  Ratio  Ratio
WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund                           
Institutional Class   62.66%   7.85%   9.05%   1.31%     1.10%  
Russell 2000® Value Index   59.49%   11.66%   12.14%   n/a    n/a 

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares exceeds 1.10% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Institutional Class shares. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed 1.10%: acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until February 28, 2022 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expense, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 1.10% or the expense cap then in effect, whatever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no assumption of fees and expenses in excess of expense limitations. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratios above are as stated in the current prospectus. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-888-261-4073 or visit our web site at www.boston-partners.com.

 

Annual Report 2021  |  19

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL EQUITY FUND (unaudited)

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

The MSCI World Index (the “Index”) returned 29.76% during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021. The Index rose as COVID-19 (“COVID”) vaccinations picked up pace and expectations for a full economic recovery and return to normalcy drove investor sentiment. In addition, the MSCI Value Index outperformed the MSCI Growth Index during the fiscal year in contrast to previous years of Growth outperformance. During the fiscal year, the Boston Partners Global Equity Fund (the “Fund”) returned 39.66%, outperforming the MSCI World Index which returned 29.76%.

 

Both sector allocation and stock selection aided Fund performance over the fiscal year. Allocation helped in most sectors because of the Fund’s pro-cyclical tilt, and underweight allocation to the expensive/defensive sectors. Stock selection in most sectors also aided performance led by positioning in the Information Technology, Consumer Discretionary, and Industrials sectors. In the Information Technology sector, Synnex Corp., a distributor of technology products, was the top contributor to performance. The company benefited from the work-from-home status quo, plus a recovery in enterprise IT spending as the economy improved and offices reopened. The position was liquidated at target following a healthy appreciation in its share price. The Fund’s semiconductor & semiconductor equipment stocks also outperformed during the fiscal year. Business momentum remains strong as the industry continues to see better growth. The semi capital equipment industry has improved as capital intensity has increased with more applications and end markets using semiconductors. Apple Inc., which was not held by the Fund, also aided performance. Numerous holdings contributed to the positive performance in the Consumer Discretionary sector led by Peugeot SA (Stellantis). Momentum at Peugeot SA (Stellantis) was resilient through COVID, with the company’s order book up 40%. Investors also favorably viewed the merger with Fiat Chrysler that formed Stellantis NV. Like the Technology sector, Amazon.com, which was also not held by the Fund, was also a notable contributor to positive relative performance. The Industrials sector also had several outperformers led by Mastec, Inc. (“Mastec”). Mastec digs the trenches, lays the cable, and builds the towers that power communications and provide cell service and high-speed internet. Shares had steadily risen on boosted U.S. infrastructure spending before the position was liquidated at target. Saint-Gobain was another notable contributor in the Industrials sector. The company is Europe’s leading manufacturer of flat glass for the residential and automotive industries. Momentum at Saint-Gobain is improving post-COVID on a combination of strong growth in the Americas, and a focus on improving profitability and streamlining its portfolio. Longer-term, we believe Saint-Gobain is well positioned to capitalize on tailwinds from the European Union Green Deal. Relative performance was mildly offset by positioning in the Communication Services sector. Shares of Alphabet, Inc., which was not held by the Fund, rose steadily throughout the year on steadily rising earnings.

 

The entire investment team at Boston Partners will continue to maintain a focus on finding investments that have not only attractive valuation characteristics and solid business fundamentals, but also improving business momentum and catalysts to help drive stock prices higher. This disciplined and repeatable process has been in place for nearly three decades, and our

Top Ten Positions (as of 8/31/21) % of Net Assets
Capgemini SA 1.8%
Stellantis NV 1.7%
Sanofi 1.7%
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., (The) 1.7%
DuPont de Nemours, Inc. 1.7%
Cie de Saint-Gobain 1.7%
Everest Re Group Ltd. 1.5%
Cisco Systems, Inc. 1.5%
Sony Group Corp. 1.5%
CVS Health Corp. 1.5%
    
Portfolio Review (as of 8/31/21)   
P/E: Price/Earnings: 12.2x
P/B: Price/Book: 1.7x
Holdings: 109 
Weighted Average Market Capitalization (millions): $63,661 
ROE: Return on Equity: 10.9%
OROA: Operating Return on Operating Assets: 57.4%

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

International investing is subject to special risks including, but not limited to, currency risk associated with securities denominated in other than US dollar, which may be affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates, political, social or economic instability, and differences in taxation, auditing and other financial practices. Investment in emerging market securities may increase these risks. Emerging markets investments are subject to the aforementioned risks, along with periods of high inflation, increased risk of default, less governmental supervision and regulation of securities markets, lack of liquidity in the markets and significantly smaller market capitalizations. The Fund may invest in small and mid-cap companies which may be more volatile, less liquid, not as diversified in their business activities as companies with greater market capitalizations, and they may fluctuate widely in market value. Small caps may be traded only in the over-the- counter market or on a regional securities exchange, may be listed only in the “pink sheets,” and may not be traded every day or in the volume typical of trading on a national securities exchange. Illiquid securities may be limited in resale and cause great uncertainty in determining valuation. An investment in the Fund should be part of a carefully diversified portfolio.

 

 

 

team is well suited to navigate this chaotic environment. We believe the emphasis on bottom-up security selection and sound fundamental analysis will ultimately have a greater impact on alpha generation rather than getting bogged down in a relentless torrent of macro and political news flow. In our view, the global economy will most likely see a steady cyclical recovery over the next few years. Historically, these have been very good windows for value investing as more economically sensitive companies outperform growth favorites. When one considers that the starting point is exceptional, with valuation spreads at extreme levels, we believe it is hard not to be optimistic about the future and how our portfolio is positioned today.

 

On behalf of our team, thank you for your continued support and investment.

 

Sincerely,

 

Christopher Hart, CFA & Joshua Jones, CFA
Portfolio Managers for the Boston Partners Global Equity Fund


 

20  |  Annual Report 2021

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL EQUITY FUND (unaudited) (concluded)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $100,000 Investment in
Boston Partners Global Equity Fund vs. MSCI World Index

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $100,000 minimum initial investment in the Fund made on December 30, 2011 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the MSCI World Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

For The Periods Ended August 31, 2021

 

   Average Annual Total Return  Since  Gross
Expense
  Net
Expense
   1 Year  5 Year  10 Year  Inception  Ratio  Ratio
Boston Partners Global Equity Fund                                
Institutional Class(1)   39.66%   9.18%   n/a      10.63%   1.22%     0.95%  
MSCI World Index - Net Return   29.76%   14.83%   n/a    12.78%(2)   n/a    n/a 

 

1 Inception date of the fund was December 30, 2011.
2 Index Performance is from inception date of the Class only and is not the inception date of the index itself.

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares exceeds 0.95% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Institutional Class shares. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed 0.95%: acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until February 28, 2022 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expense, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 0.95% or the expense cap then in effect, or whatever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees waived and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no assumption of fees and expenses in excess of expense limitations. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratios above are as stated in the current prospectus. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-888-261-4073 or visit our web site at www.boston-partners.com.

 

Annual Report 2021  |  21

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL LONG/SHORT FUND (unaudited)

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

The Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund (“Fund”) - Institutional Class shares returned 25.39% net of fees while averaging 61% net long exposure for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021. This compares to the 29.76% return posted by the MSCI World Index during the same period.

 

The fiscal year was marked by strong equity market returns, as the MSCI World Index rose sharply following the announcement of a successful COVID-19 vaccine in the fall of 2020; investors seemingly began to anticipate nearing the end of the pandemic, while long-term interest rates moved appreciably higher from historic lows, and more economically sensitive value equities reasserted long-awaited leadership over their expensive growth counterparts.

 

The Fund’s long holdings rose in price approximately 42.91% during the fiscal year and strongly outperformed the MSCI World Index. Top contributors included holdings in the Technology, Financials, and Industrials sectors. Technology gains were driven by semiconductors and semiconductor manufacturing equipment holdings on strengthening demand from a variety of end markets. Financials were led by U.S. banks, which benefitted from rising rates and improving net interest margins along with strong earnings growth driven by credit reserve releases and robust mortgage and capital markets activity. Industrials gains came from a number of industries experiencing growing end market demand, including industrial conglomerates, machinery, and building materials.

 

The Fund’s short holdings were up in price approximately 31.74% and detracted from Fund returns during the fiscal year. We aim to short expensive stocks with earnings risk and weak profitability, and many of these stocks soared higher in price during the year. Technology, Industrials, and Consumer Discretionary sector shorts were the leading detractors from performance during the fiscal year. Within the Technology sector, SMID-cap software shorts with strong revenue growth and weak profitability appreciated and detracted from returns. Within the Industrials sector, short positions rose in price on low quality/high beta rally with food service machinery and aerospace suppliers the largest detractors. In the Consumer Discretionary sector, specialty retail shorts detracted amid strong demand, though we see many names with competitive risks and premium valuations in this industry.

 

The Fund began the reporting period with 57% net long exposure and ended with 54% net long exposure, a slight decrease attributable to selling several long positions at target price during the fiscal year. At the end of the period, the largest exposures in the long portfolio resided in the Industrials, Consumer Discretionary, and Financials sectors, while the largest short exposures were in the Consumer Discretionary, Industrials, and Technology sectors. Our bottom-up value discipline has yielded a long portfolio that we believe is attractive relative to the short portfolio from both a valuation and profitability standpoint.

 

We have for several years held the view that the Global equity market needed to break out of the status quo that significantly favored growth over value since 2017 - a flattening yield curve and sluggish yet positive growth. We believe that we are now out of what was commonly described as the “Goldilocks” economy,

Top Ten Positions (as of 8/31/21) % of Net Assets
Everest Re Group Ltd. 2.2%
Sanofi 2.1%
Volvo AB, Class B 2.0%
Alphabet, Inc., Class C 1.9%
Glencore PLC 1.9%
Travis Perkins PLC 1.9%
Siemens AG 1.8%
Wells Fargo & Co. 1.8%
Sensata Technologies Holding PLC 1.6%
Cisco Systems, Inc. 1.6%

 

Portfolio Review (as of 8/31/21)  Long    Short  
P/E: Price/Earnings:  11.8x  26.2x
P/B: Price/Book:  1.6x  3.6x
Holdings:  93   95 
Weighted Average Market Capitalization (millions):  $106,210   $44,415 
ROE: Return on Equity:  14.3%  11.0%
OROA: Operating Return on Operating Assets:  62.8%  46.0%

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

The Fund will engage in short sales, which creates a form of investment leverage and means the Fund’s loss potential on a short sale is unlimited. Fluctuations in the market value of the Fund’s portfolio may have disproportionately large effects or cause the NAV of the Fund to decline faster than it would otherwise. The Fund may invest in small and mid-cap companies which may be more volatile, less liquid, not as diversified in their business activities as companies with greater market capitalizations, and they may fluctuate widely in market value. Small caps may be traded only in the over-the-counter market or on a regional securities exchange, may be listed only in the “pink sheets,” and may not be traded every day or in the volume typical of trading on a national securities exchange. Foreign securities may expose the Fund to currency and exchange rate fluctuations. Derivatives (futures, options, swaps) may be leveraged and result in losses exceeding the amounts invested. REITS include the risk of possible declines in the value of real estate, possible lack of availability of mortgage funds and unexpected vacancies of properties. Illiquid securities may be limited in resale and cause great uncertainty in determining valuation. High yield debt (also known as “junk bonds”) may be sensitive to changes in financial strength of an issuer or the debt’s credit rating; an issuer of high yield debt may default on its obligation to pay interest and principal. All of these factors may cause greater volatility and less liquidity. The Fund may experience high portfolio turnover which may result in higher costs and capital gains. An investment in the Fund should be part of a carefully diversified portfolio.

 

 

 

having gone through a recession with a recovery now seemingly underway. From a starting point of wide valuation spreads (the price/earnings multiple differential between cheap and expensive stocks), historically low interest rates (a negative real U.S. 10-year Treasury yield!) and trillions of fiscal and monetary stimulus exerting upward pressure on inflation and interest rates, we believe the prospects for value investing are quite bright.

 

The Fund’s portfolio managers continue to focus their efforts on purchasing shares of only those companies they deem most likely to appreciate on the long side, while selling short securities they deem likely to fail due to a combination of valuation risk, earnings risk, and/or balance sheet risk. Our analysis process is bottom-up and rooted in the three circles framework of low valuation, positive momentum and strong business fundamentals


 

22  |  Annual Report 2021

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL LONG/SHORT FUND (unaudited) (continued)

 

that the portfolio managers of Boston Partners and its predecessors have been employing for over a quarter century.

 

Sincerely,

 

Christopher Hart, CFA & Joshua Jones, CFA
Portfolio Managers for the Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund


 

Annual Report 2021  |  23

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL LONG/SHORT FUND (unaudited) (continued)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $100,000 Investment in
Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund vs. MSCI World Index

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $100,000 minimum initial investment in the Fund made on December 31, 2013 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the MSCI World Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

For The Periods Ended August 31, 2021

 

   Average Annual Total Return  Since  Gross
Expense
  Net
Expense
   1 Year  5 Year  10 Year  Inception  Ratio  Ratio
Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund                                
Institutional Class(1)   25.39%   2.96%   n/a      3.13%   2.46%     2.46%  
MSCI World Index - Net Return   29.76%   14.83%   n/a    10.71%(2)   n/a    n/a 

 

1 Inception date of the class was December 31, 2013.
2 Index Performance is from inception date of the Class only and is not the inception date of the index itself.

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the total annual Fund operating expenses (other than acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares exceeds 2.00% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Institutional Class shares. Because dividend expenses on short sales, acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes are excluded from the expense limitation, total annual Fund operating expenses (after fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements) are expected to exceed 2.00%. This contractual limitation is in effect until February 28, 2022 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses for a year are less than 2.00% or the expense cap then in effect, or whatever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees waived and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no assumption of fees and expenses in excess of expense limitations. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratios above (including interest and dividend expense on short sales) are as stated in the current prospectus. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-888-261-4073 or visit our web site at www.boston-partners.com.

 

24  |  Annual Report 2021

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL LONG/SHORT FUND (unaudited) (concluded)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in
Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund vs. MSCI World Index

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 initial investment in the Fund made on April 11, 2014 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the MSCI World Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

For The Periods Ended August 31, 2021

 

   Average Annual Total Return  Since  Gross
Expense
  Net
Expense
   1 Year  5 Year  10 Year  Inception  Ratio  Ratio
Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund                              
Investor Class(1)   24.97%   2.69%   n/a      3.18%   2.71%     2.71%  
MSCI World Index - Net Return   29.76%   14.83%   n/a    11.25%(2)   n/a    n/a 

 

1 Inception date of the class was April 11, 2014.
2 Index Performance is from inception date of the Class only and is not the inception date of the index itself.

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the total annual Fund operating expenses (other than acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for the Fund’s Investor Class shares exceeds 2.25% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Investor Class shares. Because dividend expenses on short sales, acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes are excluded from the expense limitation, total annual Fund operating expenses (after fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements) are expected to exceed 2.25%. This contractual limitation is in effect until February 28, 2022 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses for a year are less than 2.25% or the expense cap then in effect, or whatever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees waived and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no assumption of fees and expenses in excess of expense limitations. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratios above (including interest and dividend expense on short sales) are as stated in the current prospectus. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-888-261-4073 or visit our web site at www.boston-partners.com.

 

Annual Report 2021  |  25

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

BOSTON PARTNERS EMERGING MARKETS DYNAMIC EQUITY FUND (unaudited)

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

The Boston Partners Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund (the “Fund”) returned 10.38% for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021 versus the MSCI® Emerging Markets Index’s 21.12% return, while averaging a 55% net-long exposure. The Fund outperformed the blended 50% MSCI EM / 50% Risk-Free benchmark, which returned 11.02% for the period. The Fund’s neutral exposure is 50% net long, with the short exposure varying with the quantity of attractive short opportunities in the investment universe. The blended index with a 50% equity exposure is an appropriate comparison given the fund’s expected neutral exposure of 50% equities.

 

During the period, the Fund’s long-book returned 24.28%, outperforming the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. Positioning in China & Hong Kong was a top contributor to relative performance. Recently initiated positions in Chinese fertilizer and specialty chemicals companies benefitted the Fund’s performance as demand pushed up commodity prices. Meanwhile, overweight Chinese auto dealers China Meidong Auto and Zhongsheng Group Holdings rose on strong 2020 results and a stronger luxury car sales outlook. Underweight positions in Alibaba Group and Tencent Holdings and no-weight in education stocks TAL Education Group and New Oriental Education & Technology were also notable contributors to relative performance during the reporting period. The long book’s performance also benefitted from positioning in the Communications Services sector, where shares of Eletromidia SA, a Brazilian advertising company, traded higher with the anticipated COVID-19 (“COVID”) recovery in advertising spend, travel, commute, and mall traffic. Selected holdings in the Technology sector also aided performance. Overweight semiconductor positions, Samsung Electronics, Micron Technology, SK Hynix, and Global Mixed-Mode Technology traded higher as dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) pricing benefited from a cycle recovery. An overweight position in Wiwynn Corp was another notable contributor to performance in the Technology sector. Wiwynn manufactures servers, and server demand has remained resilient and has been spared concerns around the 2021/2022 demand slowdown that has affected other tech names.

 

The Fund’s short-book rose 26.67% for the reporting period, outperforming the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, thus detracting from performance. Shorted Bank stocks were among the largest detractors from performance. Bank stocks rose during the period on the anticipated rebound of the global economy post-COVID. The Fund’s technology shorts also detracted from performance. Short positions in lower-quality semiconductor stocks rose as semiconductor demand picked up leading to shortages. Several shorted computer/notebook manufactures also traded higher. These companies benefitted from COVID, but have pulled forward several years of demand and thus have unsustainable peak earnings, which we believe the market has not adequately discounted. After a near decade of decline, personal computer unit shipment grew ~30% in 2020. Data thus far this calendar year has been surprisingly robust, but we expect this to crack later this year. Short positions in selected medical supply companies traded lower, offsetting the losses. These companies are now facing slow growth and tough earnings comparatives as the demand created by COVID dissipates. In the Staples sector,

Top Ten Positions (as of 8/31/21) % of Net Assets
Wiwynn Corp. 4.0%
Zhongsheng Group Holdings Ltd. 3.5%
SK Hynix, Inc. 2.9%
China Yongda Automobiles Services Holdings Ltd. 2.7%
Eletromidia SA 2.7%
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. 2.6%
WH Group Ltd. 2.5%
Hindustan Petroleum Corp., Ltd. 2.0%
UPL Ltd. 1.7%
Randon SA Implementos e Participacoes 1.6%
    
Portfolio Review (as of 8/31/21)  Long    Short  
P/E: Price/Earnings:  10.8x  11.2x
P/B: Price/Book:  1.6x  1.3x
Holdings:  56   56 
Weighted Average Market Capitalization (millions):  $34,088   $51,749 
ROE: Return on Equity:  15.1%  8.8%
OROA: Operating Return on Operating Assets:  46.7%  47.8%

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

The Fund will engage in short sales, which creates a form of investment leverage and means the Fund’s loss potential on a short sale is unlimited. Fluctuations in the market value of the Fund’s portfolio may have disproportionately large effects or cause the NAV of the Fund to decline faster than it would otherwise. The Fund may invest in small and mid-cap companies which may be more volatile, less liquid, not as diversified in their business activities as companies with greater market capitalizations, and they may fluctuate widely in market value. Small caps may be traded only in the over-the-counter market or on a regional securities exchange, may be listed only in the “pink sheets,” and may not be traded every day or in the volume typical of trading on a national securities exchange. Foreign and emerging market securities may expose the fund to currency and exchange rate fluctuations, high inflation, increased risk of default, less governmental supervision and regulation of securities markets, lack of liquidity in the markets, significantly smaller market capitalizations, political, social or economic instability, and differences in taxation, auditing and other financial practices. Derivatives (futures, options, swaps) may be leveraged and result in losses exceeding the amounts invested. REITS include the risk of possible declines in the value of real estate, possible lack of availability of mortgage funds and unexpected vacancies of properties. Illiquid securities may be limited in resale and cause great uncertainty in determining valuation. High yield debt (also known as “junk bonds”) may be sensitive to changes in financial strength of an issuer or the debt’s credit rating; an issuer of high yield debt may default on its obligation to pay interest and principal. All of these factors may cause greater volatility and less liquidity. The Fund may experience high portfolio turnover which may result in higher costs and capital gains. An investment in the Fund should be part of a carefully diversified portfolio.

 

 

 

shorted hog producers steadily traded lower aiding performance. Hog producers have rapidly increased hog supplies from troughs, while prices have drifted lower as issues related to African Swine Flu are resolved.

 

The entire investment team at Boston Partners relentlessly searches for investments that have not only attractive valuation characteristics and solid business fundamentals, but also improving business momentum and catalysts to help drive stock prices higher. Our focus is on bottom-up, fundamental stock picking with a statistical bent. That said, there is still a wall of worry for the market to climb in 2022 and 2023. Historically these have


 

26  |  Annual Report 2021

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

BOSTON PARTNERS EMERGING MARKETS DYNAMIC EQUITY FUND (unaudited) (continued)

 

been very good windows for value investing as more economically sensitive companies outperform growth favorites. When one considers that, the starting point is exceptional; valuation spreads between growth and value stocks are at extreme levels. It is hard not to be optimistic about the future and how our Fund is positioned today. We believe today’s headwind is most likely tomorrow’s tailwind.

 

On behalf of our team, thank you for your continued support and investment.

 

Sincerely,

 

David Kim & Paul Korngiebel, CFA
Portfolio Managers for the Boston Partners Emerging Markets
Dynamic Equity Fund


Annual Report 2021  |  27

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

BOSTON PARTNERS EMERGING MARKETS DYNAMIC EQUITY FUND (unaudited) (concluded)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $100,000 Investment in
Boston Partners Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund vs. MSCI Indices

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $100,000 minimum initial investment in the Fund made on March 1, 2015 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the MSCI Indices are unmanaged, do not incur expenses and are not available for investment.

 

Total Return for the Period Ended August 31, 2021

 

   Average Annual Total Return  Since  Gross
Expense
  Net
Expense
   1 Year  5 Year  10 Year  Inception  Ratio  Ratio
Boston Partners Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund                                
Institutional Class(1)   10.38%   5.83%   n/a      5.12%   2.19%     1.57%  
MSCI Emerging Markets Index - Net Return   21.12%   10.40%   n/a    6.88%(2)   n/a    n/a 

 

1 Inception date of the fund was March 1, 2015. The Fund commenced operations as a series of The RBB Fund, Inc. on December 15, 2015, when substantially all of the assets of Boston Partners Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity (the “Prior Account”) transferred to the Fund. The Fund is managed in all material respects in a manner equivalent to the management of the Prior Account. Accordingly, the performance information shown above for periods prior to December 15, 2015 is that of the Prior Account.
2 Index Performance is from inception date of the Class only and is not the inception date of the index itself.

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Adviser has agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) to 1.40% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Institutional Class shares. This contractual limitation is in effect until February 28, 2022, and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors. Because acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes are excluded from the expense limitation, total annual Fund operating expenses (after fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements) are expected to exceed 1.40%. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expense, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 1.40% or the expense cap then in effect, whatever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no assumption of fees and expenses in excess of expense limitations. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratios above (including interest and dividend expense on short sales) are as stated in the current prospectus. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-888-261-4073 or visit our web site at www.boston-partners.com.

 

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BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

BOSTON PARTNERS EMERGING MARKETS FUND (unaudited)

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

The Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund (the “Fund”) returned 21.15% for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021 versus the MSCI Emerging Market Index’s (the “Index”) 21.12% return.

 

Positioning in China & Hong Kong was a top contributor to relative performance during the fiscal year. Recently initiated positions in Chinese fertilizer and specialty chemicals companies benefitted the Fund’s performance as demand pushed up commodity prices. Meanwhile, overweight Chinese auto dealers China Meidong Auto and Zhongsheng Group Holdings rose on strong 2020 results and a stronger luxury car sales outlook. Underweight positions in Alibaba Group and Tencent Holdings and no-weight in education stocks TAL Education Group and New Oriental Education & Technology were also notable contributors to relative performance during the period. The Fund’s performance also benefitted from positioning in the Communications Services sector, where shares of Eletromidia SA, a Brazilian advertising company, traded higher with the anticipated COVID-19 (“COVID”) recovery in advertising spend, travel, commute, and mall traffic. Selected holdings in the Technology sector also aided performance. Overweight semiconductor positions Samsung Electronics, Micron Technology, SK Hynix, and Global Mixed-Mode Technology traded higher as dynamic random-access Memory (DRAM) pricing benefited from a cycle recovery. An overweight position in Wiwynn Corp was another notable contributor to performance in the Technology sector. Wiwynn manufactures servers, and server demand has remained resilient and has been spared concerns around the 2021/2022 demand slowdown that has affected other tech names.

 

The Fund’s performance was offset by positioning in India where the Fund’s overweight position in micro loans-focused Bandhan Bank traded lower as net profit declined with increasing loan loss provisions. The position has been liquidated. Not owning expensive Infosys Ltd also detracted from relative performance. Overweight positions in Macao Casinos stocks also hurt performance as the anticipated post-COVID recovery was delayed.

 

The entire investment team at Boston Partners relentlessly searches for investments that have not only attractive valuation characteristics and solid business fundamentals, but also improving business momentum and catalysts to help drive stock prices higher. Our focus is on bottom-up, fundamental stock picking with a statistical bent. That said, there is still a wall of worry for the market to climb in 2022 and 2023. Historically these have been very good windows for value investing as more economically sensitive companies outperform growth favorites. When one considers that, the starting point is exceptional; valuation spreads between growth and value stocks are at extreme levels. It is hard not to be optimistic about the future and how our Fund is positioned today. We believe today’s headwind is most likely tomorrow’s tailwind.

 

On behalf of our team, thank you for your continued support and investment.

 

Sincerely,

 

David Kim & Paul Korngiebel, CFA
Portfolio Managers for the Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund

Top Ten Positions (as of 8/31/21) % of Net Assets
Wiwynn Corp. 4.4%
Nanya Technology Corp. 4.2%
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. - SP ADR 3.5%
China Yongda Automobiles Services Holdings Ltd. 3.5%
Zhongsheng Group Holdings Ltd. 3.3%
SK Hynix, Inc. 3.2%
Eletromidia SA 2.7%
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. - SP ADR 2.5%
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. 2.4%
UPL Ltd. 2.1%
    
Portfolio Review (as of 8/31/21)   
P/E: Price/Earnings: 10.8x
P/B: Price/Book: 1.6x
Holdings: 83 
Weighted Average Market Capitalization (millions): $87,347 
ROE: Return on Equity: 15.0%
OROA: Operating Return on Operating Assets: 52.4%

 

The Fund may invest in small and mid-cap companies which may be more volatile, less liquid, not as diversified in their business activities as companies with greater market capitalizations, and they may fluctuate widely in market value. Small caps may be traded only in the over-the-counter market or on a regional securities exchange, may be listed only in the “pink sheets,” and may not be traded every day or in the volume typical of trading on a national securities exchange. Foreign and emerging market securities may expose the fund to currency and exchange rate fluctuations, high inflation, increased risk of default, less governmental supervision and regulation of securities markets, lack of liquidity in the markets, significantly smaller market capitalizations, political, social or economic instability, and differences in taxation, auditing and other financial practices. Derivatives (futures, options, swaps) may be leveraged and result in losses exceeding the amounts invested. REITS include the risk of possible declines in the value of real estate, possible lack of availability of mortgage funds and unexpected vacancies of properties. Illiquid securities may be limited in resale and cause great uncertainty in determining valuation. High yield debt (also known as “junk bonds”) may be sensitive to changes in financial strength of an issuer or the debt’s credit rating; an issuer of high yield debt may default on its obligation to pay interest and principal. All of these factors may cause greater volatility and less liquidity. The Fund may experience high portfolio turnover which may result in higher costs and capital gains. An investment in the Fund should be part of a carefully diversified portfolio.

 

 


Annual Report 2021  |  29

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

BOSTON PARTNERS EMERGING MARKETS FUND (unaudited) (concluded)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $100,000 Investment in
Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund vs. MSCI World Indices

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $100,000 initial investment in the Fund made on October 17, 2017 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the MSCI indices are unmanaged, do not incur expenses and are not available for investment.

 

Total Return for the Period Ended August 31, 2021

 

   Average Annual Total Return  Since  Gross
Expense
  Net
Expense
   1 Year  5 Year  10 Year  Inception  Ratio  Ratio
Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund                              
IInstitutional Class(1)   21.15%   n/a      n/a      6.03%   2.39%     1.00%  
MSCI Emerging Markets Index - Net Return   21.12%   n/a    n/a    6.38%(2)   n/a    n/a 

 

1 Inception date of the fund was October 17, 2017.
2 Index Performance is from inception date of the Class only and is not the inception date of the index itself.

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the total annual Fund operating expenses (other than acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares exceeds 1.00% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Institutional Class shares. This contractual limitation is in effect until February 28, 2022 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses for a year are less than 1.00% or the expense cap then in effect, or whatever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees waived and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no assumption of fees and expenses in excess of expense limitations. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratios above (including interest and dividend expense on short sales) are as stated in the current prospectus. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-888-261-4073 or visit our web site at www.boston-partners.com.

 

30  |  Annual Report 2021

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL EQUITY ADVANTAGE FUND (unaudited)

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

Boston Partners Global Equity Advantage Fund (the “Fund”) is an actively managed global equity fund combined with a dynamic allocation to systematic trend following that seeks to minimize downside exposure and improve long-term results. The strategy merges the Boston Partners Global Equity strategy with the Campbell Advantage Trend Model and Dynamic Risk Targeting (DRT) Framework into one combined strategy.

 

Over the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021, the MSCI World Index (the “Index”) returned 29.76%. The Index rose as COVID-19 (“COVID”) vaccinations picked up pace and expectations for a full economic recovery and return to normalcy drove investor sentiment. In addition, the MSCI Value Index outperformed the MSCI Growth Index during the reporting period in contrast to previous years of Growth outperformance. During the fiscal year, the Fund returned 32.01% outperforming the Index.

 

Boston Partners Global Equity Strategy Performance Review

 

Both sector allocation and stock selection aided Fund performance over the fiscal year. Allocation helped in most sectors because of the Fund’s pro-cyclical tilt, and underweight allocation to the expensive/defensive sectors. Stock selection in most sectors also aided performance led by positioning in the Information Technology, Consumer Discretionary, and Industrials sectors. In the Information Technology sector, Synnex Corp., a distributor of technology products, was the top contributor to performance. The company benefited from the work-from-home status quo, plus a recovery in enterprise IT spending as the economy improved and offices reopened. The position was liquidated at target following a healthy appreciation in its share price. The Fund’s semiconductor & semiconductor equipment stocks also outperformed during the fiscal year. Business momentum remains strong as the industry continues to see better growth. The semi capital equipment industry has improved as capital intensity has increased with more applications and end markets using semiconductors. Apple Inc., which was not held by the Fund, also aided performance. Numerous holdings contributed to the positive performance in the Consumer Discretionary sector led by Peugeot SA (Stellantis). Momentum at Peugeot SA (Stellantis) was resilient through COVID, with the company’s order book up 40%. Investors also favorably viewed the merger with Fiat Chrysler that formed Stellantis NV. Like the Technology sector, Amazon.com, which was also not held by the Fund, was also a notable contributor to positive relative performance. The Industrials sector also had several outperformers led by Mastec, Inc. (“Mastec”). Mastec digs the trenches, lays the cable, and builds the towers that power communications and provide cell service and high-speed internet. Shares had steadily risen on boosted U.S. infrastructure spending before the position was liquidated at target price. Saint-Gobain was another notable contributor in the Industrials sector. The company is Europe’s leading manufacturer of flat glass for the residential and automotive industries. Momentum at Saint-Gobain is improving post-COVID on a combination of strong growth in the Americas, and a focus on improving profitability and streamlining its portfolio. Longer-term, we believe Saint-Gobain is well positioned to capitalize on

Top Ten Positions (as of 8/31/21) % of Net Assets
Capgemini SA 1.5%
Stellantis NV 1.4%
Sanofi 1.4%
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., (The) 1.4%
Cie de Saint-Gobain 1.4%
DuPont de Nemours, Inc. 1.4%
Everest Re Group Ltd. 1.3%
Cisco Systems, Inc. 1.3%
Sony Group Corp. 1.3%
CVS Health Corp. 1.3%
    
Portfolio Review (as of 8/31/21)   
P/E: Price/Earnings: 12.2x
P/B: Price/Book: 1.7x
Holdings: 109 
Weighted Average Market Capitalization (millions): $63,683 
ROE: Return on Equity: 10.9%
OROA: Operating Return on Operating Assets: 57.3%

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

International investing is subject to special risks including, but not limited to, currency risk associated with securities denominated in other than US dollar, which may be affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates, political, social or economic instability, and differences in taxation, auditing and other financial practices. Investment in emerging market securities may increase these risks. Emerging markets investments are subject to the aforementioned risks, along with periods of high inflation, increased risk of default, less governmental supervision and regulation of securities markets, lack of liquidity in the markets and significantly smaller market capitalizations. The Fund may invest in small and mid-cap companies which may be more volatile, less liquid, not as diversified in their business activities as companies with greater market capitalizations, and they may fluctuate widely in market value. Small caps may be traded only in the over-the- counter market or on a regional securities exchange, may be listed only in the “pink sheets,” and may not be traded every day or in the volume typical of trading on a national securities exchange. Illiquid securities may be limited in resale and cause great uncertainty in determining valuation. An investment in the Fund should be part of a carefully diversified portfolio.

 

 

 

tailwinds from the European Union Green Deal. Relative performance was mildly offset by positioning in the Communication Services sector. Shares of Alphabet, Inc., which was not held by the Fund, rose steadily throughout the year on steadily rising earnings.

 

Campbell Advantage Strategy Performance Review

 

The Campbell Advantage strategy, which is traded as a part of the Fund, gained during the one-year period ended August 31, 2021. The strategy experienced gains in energies, grains, industrial metals, and soft commodities and losses in fixed income, equity indices, foreign exchange, and other commodity derivatives. Decreasing market volatility throughout the period combined with an increased expected correlation of the trend following portfolio to the benchmark long-equity portfolio led to a reduced risk target in the strategy. The correlation cap mechanism was very active during the reporting period and limited the portfolio’s expected correlation to the Index to potentially provide diversification to the long-equity benchmark. During the reporting period,


 

Annual Report 2021  |  31

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL EQUITY ADVANTAGE FUND (unaudited) (continued)

 

the strategy was generally long commodity and foreign exchange markets, short equity indices, and varied in positioning in fixed income markets.

 

Outlook

 

The entire investment team at Boston Partners will continue to maintain a focus on finding investments that have not only attractive valuation characteristics and solid business fundamentals, but also improving business momentum and catalysts to help drive stock prices higher. This disciplined and repeatable process has been in place for nearly three decades, and our team is well suited to navigate this chaotic environment. We believe the emphasis on bottom-up security selection and sound fundamental analysis will ultimately have a greater impact on alpha generation rather than getting bogged down in a relentless torrent of macro and political news flow. We believe the global economy will most likely see a steady cyclical recovery over the next few years. Historically, these have been very good windows for value investing as more economically sensitive companies outperform growth favorites. When one considers that the starting point is exceptional, with valuation spreads at extreme levels, we believe it is hard not to be optimistic about the future and how our portfolio is positioned today.

 

On behalf of our team, thank you for your continued support and investment.

 

Sincerely,

 

Christopher Hart, CFA & Joshua Jones, CFA
Co-Portfolio Managers for Boston Partners
Mr. Andrews, & Dr. Cole
Co-Portfolio Managers for Campbell & Company
Boston Partners Global Equity Advantage Fund


 

32  |  Annual Report 2021

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL EQUITY ADVANTAGE FUND (unaudited) (concluded)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $100,000 Investment in
Boston Partners Global Equity Advantage Fund vs. MSCI World Index

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $100,000 minimum initial investment in the Fund made on May 29, 2019 (the date on which the Fund commenced investment operations) and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the MSCI World Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

For The Periods Ended August 31, 2021

 

   Average Annual Total Return  Since  Gross
Expense
  Net
Expense
   1 Year  5 Year  10 Year  Inception  Ratio  Ratio
Boston Partners Global Equity Advantage Fund                               
Institutional Class(1)   32.01%   n/a      n/a      14.07%   2.17%     1.05%  
MSCI World Index - Net Return   29.76%   n/a    n/a    22.33%(2)   n/a    n/a 

 

1 Inception date of the fund was May 29, 2019.
2 Index Performance is from inception date of the Class only and is not the inception date of the index itself.

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares exceeds 1.05% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Institutional Class shares. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed 1.05%: acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2021 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expense, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 1.05% or the expense cap then in effect, or whatever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees waived and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no assumption of fees and expenses in excess of expense limitations. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratios above are as stated in the current prospectus. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-888-261-4073 or visit our web site at www.boston-partners.com.

 

Annual Report 2021  |  33

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

DEFINITIONS (unaudited)

 

Past Performance is not a guarantee of future results.

 

Opinions expressed herein are as of August 31, 2021, and are subject to change at any time, are not guaranteed and should not be considered investment advice. This report is for the information of shareholders of the Funds. It may also be used as sales literature when preceded or accompanied by the current prospectus.

 

Basis point refers to a common unit of measure for interest rates and other percentages in finance. One basis point is equal to 1/100th of 1%, or 0.01%, or 0.0001.

 

Beta or beta coefficient is a measure of a stock or portfolio’s level of systematic and unsystematic risk based on in its prior performance. In general, a higher beta indicates a more volatile security in relation to its benchmark and lower beta indicates a less volatile security in relation to its benchmark.

 

Capex: Capital expenditures (CapEx) are funds used by a company to acquire, upgrade, and maintain physical assets such as property, plants, buildings, technology, or equipment. 

 

Earnings per share: Is the portion of a company’s profit allocated to each outstanding share of common stock.

 

Free cash flow yield is an indicator that compare free cash flow and market cap. It is a representation of the income created by an investment.

 

Growth stocks typically are more volatile than value stocks; however, value stocks generally have a lower expected growth rate in earnings and sales.

 

M2 money supply: The money supply is all the currency and other liquid instruments in a country’s economy on the date measured. The money supply roughly includes both cash and deposits that can be used almost as easily as cash. M2 includes M1 and, in addition, short-term time deposits in banks and certain money market funds.

 

Momentum: High Momentum companies are characterized in the literature as companies with high price performance in the recent history, up to 12-months. High Momentum companies tend to continue their high price performance over the near term, typically over a 6 – 12 month period.

 

MSCI EAFE (EAFE) Index is a stock market index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets outside of the U.S. & Canada. It is maintained by MSCI Inc., a provider of investment decision support tools; the EAFE acronym stands for Europe, Australasia and Far East.

 

MSCI Emerging Markets (EM) Index is an index created by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) designed to measure equity market performance in global emerging markets.

 

MSCI World Index is an unmanaged index that measures the equity market performance of developed markets.

 

MSCI World Growth Index captures large and mid-cap securities exhibiting overall growth style characteristics across 23 Developed Markets Countries.

 

MSCI World Value NR Index is an index tracking value stocks, which are stocks with prices lower than their intrinsic values.

 

A net return index includes reinvesting the after tax dividends. A gross return index includes reinvesting the before tax dividends. In general, a net return index should under perform a gross return index.

 

Nasdaq Index is the market capitalization-weighted index of over 2,500 common equities listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange. OROA: Operating Return on Operating Assets P/B: Price/Book: A valuation ratio of a company’s current share price compared to its book value.

 

P/E: Price/Earnings: A valuation ratio of a company’s current share price compared to its per-share earnings.

 

Price to Sales: A valuation ratio that compares a company’s stock price to its revenues. It is an indicator of the value that financial markets have placed on each dollar of a company’s sales or revenues.

 

Quality has long been established as an investment approach, dating back to Benjamin Graham, but it is less well accepted as a factor, especially when compared with value, size, yield, momentum and low volatility. By “factor”, we mean any characteristic that helps explain the risk and returns of a group of securities.

 

ROE: Return on Equity: measures a corporation’s profitability by revealing how much profit a company generates with the money invested.

 

Russell 1000® Growth Index measures the performance of the large-cap growth segment of the US equity universe. It includes those Russell 1000® companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values.

 

Russell 1000® Index measures the performance of the 1,000 largest companies in the Russell 3000® Index, which represents approximately 92% of the total market capitalization of the Russell 3000 Index. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

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BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

DEFINITIONS (unaudited) (concluded)

 

Russell 1000® Value Index measures the performance of those Russell 1000 companies with lower price/book ratios and lower forecasted growth values. The Russell 1000® Value Index refers to a composite of large and mid-cap companies located in the United States that also exhibit a value probability.

 

Russell 2000® Growth Index is an unmanaged index that measures the performance of Russell 2000 companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values.

 

Russell 2000® Index measures the performance of the 2,000 smallest companies in the Russell 3000® Index, which represents approximately 8% of the total market capitalization of the Russell 3000® Index and is considered representative of small-cap stocks.

 

Russell 2000® Value Index is an unmanaged index that measures the performance of the small-cap value segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell 2000® Index companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values.

 

Russell 3000® Index measures the performance of the largest 3,000 U.S. companies representing approximately 98% of the investable U.S. equity market.

 

Russell 3000® Growth Index is a market capitalization weighted index based on the Russell 3000® Index. It includes companies that display signs of above average growth.

 

Russell 3000® Value Index is an unmanaged index that measures the performance of the broad value segment of the U.S. equity value universe. It includes those Russell 3000® Index companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values.

 

S&P 500® Index is a market-capitalization-weighted index of 500 U.S. stocks chosen for market size, liquidity and industry grouping, among other factors. The S&P 500® Index is designed to be a leading indicator of U.S. equities and is meant to reflect the risk/return characteristics of the large cap universe. The S&P 500® Index was first introduced on January 1, 1923, though expanded to 500 stocks on March 4, 1957.

 

S&P B+ or better and S&P B- or worse: S&P Global is a credit rating agency that issues credit ratings for the debt of public and private companies, rating borrowers on a scale from AAA (best) to D (worst).

 

VIX Index is a market estimate of expected stock market volatility over the next 30-days, derived from a series of price inputs on option contracts linked to the S&P 500 index.

 

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BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

FUND EXPENSE EXAMPLES

AUGUST 31, 2021 (unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund(s), you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, if any, and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees, and other Fund expenses. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund(s) and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

 

These examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period from March 1, 2021 through August 31, 2021, and held for the entire period.

 

ACTUAL EXPENSES

 

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

 

HYPOTHETICAL EXAMPLES FOR COMPARISON PURPOSES

 

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

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the accompanying table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, if any. Therefore, the second line of the accompanying table 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
MARCH 1, 2021
  ENDING ACCOUNT
VALUE
AUGUST 31, 2021
  EXPENSES
PAID DURING
PERIOD*
   ANNUALIZED
EXPENSE
RATIO
  ACTUAL
SIX-MONTH
TOTAL INVESTMENT
RETURN FOR THE FUND
                
Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II                         
Institutional                         
Actual         $1,000.00            $1,126.40        $5.31        0.99%   12.64% 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)   1,000.00    1,020.21    5.04    0.99%   N/A 
Investor                         
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,125.30   $6.64    1.24%   12.53% 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)   1,000.00    1,018.95    6.31    1.24%   N/A 
Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund                         
Institutional                         
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,182.20   $17.55    3.19%(1)   18.22% 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)   1,000.00    1,009.12    16.15    3.19%(1)   N/A 
Investor                         
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,180.70   $18.91    3.44%(1)   18.07% 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)   1,000.00    1,007.86    17.41    3.44%(1)   N/A 
Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund  
Institutional                         
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,135.00   $12.16    2.26%(1)   13.50% 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)   1,000.00    1,013.81    11.47    2.26%(1)   N/A 
Investor                         
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,134.20   $13.50    2.51%(1)   13.42% 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)   1,000.00    1,012.55    12.73    2.51%(1)   N/A 
Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund                         
Institutional                         
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,142.00   $4.32    0.80%   14.20% 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)   1,000.00    1,021.17    4.08    0.80%   N/A 
Investor                         
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,140.70   $5.67    1.05%   14.07% 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)   1,000.00    1,019.91    5.35    1.05%   N/A 

 

36  |  Annual Report 2021

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

FUND EXPENSE EXAMPLES (concluded)

AUGUST 31, 2021 (unaudited)

 

   BEGINNING ACCOUNT
VALUE
MARCH 1, 2021
  ENDING ACCOUNT
VALUE
AUGUST 31, 2021
  EXPENSES
PAID DURING
PERIOD*
  ANNUALIZED
EXPENSE
RATIO
  ACTUAL
SIX-MONTH
TOTAL INVESTMENT
RETURN FOR THE FUND
                
WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund                         
Institutional                         
Actual         $1,000.00         $1,114.80         $5.86       1.10%   11.48% 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)   1,000.00    1,019.66    5.60    1.10%   N/A 
Boston Partners Global Equity Fund                         
Institutional                         
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,116.90   $5.07    0.95%   11.69% 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)   1,000.00    1,020.42    4.84    0.95%   N/A 
Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund                         
Institutional                         
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,086.50   $12.88    2.45%(1)   8.65% 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)   1,000.00    1,012.85    12.43    2.45%(1)   N/A 
Investor                         
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,084.90   $14.19    2.70%(1)   8.49% 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)   1,000.00    1,011.59    13.69    2.70%(1)   N/A 
Boston Partners Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund                         
Institutional                         
Actual  $1,000.00   $973.60   $9.30    1.87%(1)   –2.64% 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)   1,000.00    1,015.78    9.50    1.87%(1)   N/A 
Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund                         
Institutional                         
Actual  $1,000.00   $972.70   $4.97    1.00%   –2.73% 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)   1,000.00    1,020.16    5.09    1.00%   N/A 
Boston Partners Global Equity Advantage Fund                         
Institutional                         
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,065.60   $5.47    1.05%   6.64% 
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)   1,000.00    1,019.91    5.35    1.05%   N/A 

 

* Expenses are equal to each Fund’s annualized six-month expense ratios in the table above, which include waived fees or reimbursed expenses, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184) in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by 365 to reflect the one-half year period.
(1) These amounts include dividends paid on securities which the Funds have sold short (“Short-sale dividends”) and related interest expense. The amount of short-sale dividends and related interest expense was 0.68% of average net assets for the six-month period ended August 31, 2021 for both the Institutional Class and Investor Class of the Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund, 0.86% of average net assets for the Institutional Class and Investor Class of the Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund, 0.64% of average net assets for the Institutional Class and Investor Class of the Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund and 0.22% of average net assets for the Institutional Class of the Boston Partners Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund.

 

Annual Report 2021  |  37

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2021

Portfolio Holdings Summary Tables

 

BOSTON PARTNERS

SMALL CAP VALUE FUND II

SECURITY TYPE/SECTOR CLASSIFICATION  % OF NET
ASSETS
  VALUE  
COMMON STOCK          
Financials   28.4%       $250,602,651 
Industrials   17.3    152,423,108 
Information Technology   12.4    109,082,630 
Consumer Discretionary   11.1    97,908,395 
Energy   7.1    62,203,655 
Health Care   6.4    56,072,726 
Materials   6.0    53,265,566 
Consumer Staples   3.4    29,596,233 
Communication Services   2.6    23,408,355 
Real Estate   2.0    17,377,663 
Utilities   0.3    2,913,351 
RIGHTS   0.0     
INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL   15.8    138,807,820 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS   2.9    25,267,439 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS   (15.7)   (138,205,617)
NET ASSETS   100.0%  $880,723,975 

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

BOSTON PARTNERS

LONG/SHORT EQUITY FUND                

SECURITY TYPE/SECTOR CLASSIFICATION  % OF NET
ASSETS
  VALUE  
LONG POSITIONS:          
COMMON STOCK          
Information Technology   18.8%       $11,479,806 
Health Care   17.7    10,797,912 
Financials   16.3    9,985,375 
Consumer Discretionary   15.9    9,738,990 
Industrials   12.8    7,845,111 
Energy   6.3    3,857,242 
Communication Services   4.5    2,725,001 
Real Estate   3.9    2,391,159 
Materials   2.9    1,751,808 
Consumer Staples   1.0    608,332 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS   0.9    530,224 
INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL   11.6    7,088,767 
           
SHORT POSITIONS:          
COMMON STOCK          
Information Technology   (4.5)   (2,770,836)
Consumer Discretionary   (2.9)   (1,783,649)
Consumer Staples   (1.9)   (1,178,751)
Industrials   (1.5)   (934,186)
Communication Services   (1.1)   (649,522)
Health Care   (0.7)   (415,821)
Energy   (0.5)   (270,064)
Financials   (0.3)   (192,325)
Materials   (0.3)   (189,426)
Utilities   (0.2)   (138,392)

BOSTON PARTNERS

LONG/SHORT EQUITY FUND (continued)        

SECURITY TYPE/SECTOR CLASSIFICATION  % OF NET
ASSETS
  VALUE  
EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS   (0.8)       $(465,689)
OPTIONS WRITTEN   (0.2)   (102,230)
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES   2.3    1,413,889 
NET ASSETS   100.0%  $61,122,725 
             
Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time. 
           
BOSTON PARTNERS 
LONG/SHORT RESEARCH FUND 
SECURITY TYPE/SECTOR CLASSIFICATION  % OF NET
ASSETS
  VALUE  
LONG POSITIONS:          
COMMON STOCK          
Financials   15.8%  $129,656,346 
Information Technology   13.7    111,903,940 
Industrials   13.5    110,632,431 
Health Care   12.5    102,047,756 
Energy   11.4    92,929,892 
Consumer Discretionary   10.9    88,855,429 
Communication Services   10.0    82,259,712 
Materials   4.8    38,999,626 
Consumer Staples   4.7    38,547,335 
Real Estate   0.5    4,239,198 
Utilities   0.1    1,172,782 
WARRANTS   0.0    30,594 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS   0.4    3,629,974 
           
SHORT POSITIONS:          
COMMON STOCK          
Consumer Discretionary   (4.6)   (37,664,985)
Industrials   (3.3)   (26,619,734)
Consumer Staples   (2.5)   (20,772,092)
Financials   (2.5)   (20,115,943)
Materials   (2.2)   (17,765,592)
Health Care   (1.6)   (13,194,073)
Information Technology   (0.8)   (6,528,351)
Energy   (0.5)   (4,305,055)
Communication Services   (0.5)   (4,300,805)
Real Estate   (0.0)   (333,724)
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES   20.2    165,480,537 
NET ASSETS   100.0%  $818,785,198 

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.


 

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

 

38  |  Annual Report 2021

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2021

Portfolio Holdings Summary Tables (continued)

 

BOSTON PARTNERS
ALL-CAP VALUE FUND
SECURITY TYPE/SECTOR CLASSIFICATION  % OF NET
ASSETS
  VALUE  
COMMON STOCK          
Financials   24.2%       $467,066,418 
Health Care   22.9    443,292,741 
Industrials   15.6    301,684,990 
Information Technology   11.2    215,676,435 
Consumer Discretionary   10.0    193,069,525 
Energy   5.5    106,777,043 
Communication Services   4.3    82,653,662 
Materials   3.6    70,286,333 
Consumer Staples   1.7    33,431,904 
RIGHTS   0.0     
INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL   6.3    121,525,521 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS   0.8    15,670,704 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS   (6.1)   (118,130,919)
NET ASSETS   100.0%  $1,933,004,357 
             
Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time. 
           
WPG PARTNERS 
SMALL/MICRO CAP VALUE FUND 
SECURITY TYPE/SECTOR CLASSIFICATION  % OF NET
ASSETS
  VALUE  
COMMON STOCK          
Financials   24.6%  $6,786,669 
Industrials   20.9    5,772,236 
Materials   13.9    3,836,893 
Energy   10.3    2,845,177 
Consumer Discretionary   8.4    2,310,612 
Real Estate   7.1    1,958,851 
Information Technology   5.6    1,554,829 
Health Care   3.7    1,021,575 
Utilities   2.6    716,794 
Consumer Staples   1.7    470,128 
WARRANTS   0.0    14 
INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL   27.3    7,534,351 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS   1.3    349,083 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS   (27.4)   (7,555,063)
NET ASSETS   100.0%  $27,602,149 
             
Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time. 
BOSTON PARTNERS
GLOBAL EQUITY FUND
SECURITY TYPE/SECTOR CLASSIFICATION  % OF NET
ASSETS
  VALUE  
COMMON STOCK          
Industrials   23.3%       $42,688,163 
Financials   17.4    31,922,593 
Consumer Discretionary   13.8    25,213,484 
Information Technology   10.6    19,368,767 
Health Care   10.2    18,782,062 
Materials   9.6    17,581,648 
Energy   5.5    10,077,231 
Communication Services   4.5    8,231,794 
Consumer Staples   1.5    2,761,649 
Real Estate   0.6    1,180,594 
INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL   3.4    6,303,542 
PREFERRED STOCKS   1.1    2,075,096 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS   1.4    2,579,174 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS   (2.9)   (5,332,409)
NET ASSETS   100.0%  $183,433,388 
             
Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time. 
           
BOSTON PARTNERS 
GLOBAL LONG/SHORT FUND 
SECURITY TYPE/SECTOR CLASSIFICATION  % OF NET
ASSETS
  VALUE  
LONG POSITIONS:          
COMMON STOCK          
Industrials   18.7%  $20,145,885 
Financials   13.9    14,987,313 
Consumer Discretionary   12.3    13,255,612 
Information Technology   11.6    12,425,923 
Materials   10.7    11,517,962 
Health Care   10.4    11,241,204 
Communication Services   6.5    6,974,715 
Energy   4.5    4,856,203 
Consumer Staples   2.7    2,919,408 
Utilities   1.4    1,552,697 
Real Estate   0.8    836,560 
PREFERRED STOCKS   1.6    1,678,538 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS   5.2    5,569,793 
           
SHORT POSITIONS:          
COMMON STOCK          
Consumer Discretionary   (9.3)   (10,002,946)
Industrials   (7.4)   (7,946,293)
Information Technology   (5.8)   (6,309,176)
Financials   (4.5)   (4,848,478)
Materials   (3.1)   (3,313,487)
Consumer Staples   (2.7)   (2,883,464)
Health Care   (1.8)   (1,976,826)
Communication Services   (1.3)   (1,394,243)
Energy   (0.5)   (569,169)
Real Estate   (0.5)   (513,045)
OPTIONS WRITTEN   (0.7)   (690,564)
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES   37.3    40,136,937 
NET ASSETS   100.0%  $107,651,059 
             
Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time. 


 

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

 

Annual Report 2021  |  39

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2021

Portfolio Holdings Summary Tables (concluded)

 

BOSTON PARTNERS
EMERGING MARKETS DYNAMIC EQUITY FUND
SECURITY TYPE/SECTOR CLASSIFICATION  % OF NET
ASSETS
  VALUE  
LONG POSITIONS:          
COMMON STOCK          
Information Technology   13.6%       $8,376,669 
Consumer Discretionary   11.8    7,218,195 
Financials   6.8    4,189,080 
Consumer Staples   5.5    3,357,278 
Real Estate   4.6    2,823,804 
Communication Services   4.5    2,745,255 
Materials   3.7    2,289,879 
Energy   2.7    1,674,953 
Health Care   2.2    1,342,186 
PREFERRED STOCKS   5.0    3,060,158 
RIGHTS   0.0     
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS   24.4    14,998,445 
           
SHORT POSITIONS:          
COMMON STOCK          
Materials   (0.7)   (435,915)
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES   15.9    9,789,634 
NET ASSETS   100.0%  $61,429,621 
             
Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time. 
           
BOSTON PARTNERS 
EMERGING MARKETS FUND 
SECURITY TYPE/SECTOR CLASSIFICATION  % OF NET
ASSETS
  VALUE  
COMMON STOCK          
Information Technology   22.9%  $5,440,122 
Consumer Discretionary   18.0    4,275,407 
Financials   12.1    2,876,280 
Consumer Staples   7.2    1,713,906 
Communication Services   6.2    1,471,639 
Materials   4.7    1,115,259 
Real Estate   4.3    1,006,189 
Energy   3.9    908,125 
Health Care   3.0    715,990 
Industrials   0.9    206,906 
PREFERRED STOCKS   4.8    1,138,683 
RIGHTS   0.0     
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS   10.3    2,453,785 
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES   1.7    406,676 
NET ASSETS   100.0%  $23,728,967 
             
Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time. 
BOSTON PARTNERS
GLOBAL EQUITY ADVANTAGE FUND
SECURITY TYPE/SECTOR CLASSIFICATION  % OF NET
ASSETS
  VALUE  
COMMON STOCK          
Industrials   19.5%       $8,240,892 
Financials   14.6    6,162,796 
Consumer Discretionary   11.5    4,865,144 
Information Technology   8.9    3,741,305 
Health Care   8.6    3,624,977 
Materials   8.1    3,391,799 
Energy   4.6    1,946,840 
Communication Services   3.8    1,593,838 
Consumer Staples   1.3    537,671 
Real Estate   0.5    228,122 
PREFERRED STOCKS   0.9    401,185 
INVESTMENT COMPANY   17.0    7,168,241 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS   0.5    204,175 
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES   0.2    92,481 
NET ASSETS   100.0%  $42,199,466 
             
Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time. 


 

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

 

40  |  Annual Report 2021

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2021
BOSTON PARTNERS SMALL CAP VALUE FUND II PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
COMMON STOCKS—97.0%          
Communication Services—2.6%          
Gray Television, Inc.(a)   100,098   $2,276,229 
Nexstar Media Group, Inc., Class A(a)   47,246    7,075,088 
TEGNA, Inc.   412,281    7,305,619 
Yelp, Inc.*(a)   175,316    6,751,419 
         23,408,355 
Consumer Discretionary—11.1%          
Beazer Homes USA, Inc.*   116,824    2,185,777 
Callaway Golf Co.*(a)   309,851    8,694,419 
Carriage Services, Inc.(a)   93,138    4,305,770 
Carter’s, Inc.(a)   9,933    1,016,940 
Foot Locker, Inc.   141,295    8,010,013 
Frontdoor, Inc.*   129,385    5,643,774 
Hanesbrands, Inc.(a)   295,857    5,526,609 
Harley-Davidson, Inc.(a)   157,206    6,214,353 
International Game Technology PLC*   146,885    3,156,559 
LCI Industries   59,887    8,483,592 
Meritage Homes Corp.*   45,192    5,040,716 
Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc.*(a)   266,179    4,948,268 
Skechers U.S.A., Inc., Class A*(a)   94,027    4,741,782 
Standard Motor Products, Inc.   39,037    1,674,297 
Steven Madden Ltd.   148,584    6,013,194 
Stride, Inc.*   305,511    10,460,697 
Tempur Sealy International, Inc.   106,353    4,753,979 
Toll Brothers, Inc.   47,368    3,034,394 
Travel + Leisure Co.   41,041    2,247,405 
TravelCenters of America, Inc.*   41,836    1,755,857 
         97,908,395 
Consumer Staples—3.4%          
Energizer Holdings, Inc.(a)   186,972    7,355,478 
Fresh Del Monte Produce, Inc.   186,553    6,133,863 
Nomad Foods Ltd.*(a)   324,110    8,553,263 
Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc.   57,492    4,487,826 
Universal Corp.(a)   60,589    3,065,803 
         29,596,233 
Energy—7.1%          
Cactus, Inc., Class A   101,502    3,807,340 
ChampionX Corp.*   440,850    10,285,030 
Delek US Holdings, Inc.*   206,104    3,526,439 
Enerplus Corp.(a)   525,956    3,113,660 
Helmerich & Payne, Inc.   168,927    4,547,515 
HollyFrontier Corp.   220,977    7,144,186 
Kosmos Energy Ltd.*(a)   1,582,947    3,735,755 
National Energy Services Reunited Corp.*(a)   186,396    2,115,595 
NexTier Oilfield Solutions, Inc.*(a)   393,889    1,418,000 
PDC Energy, Inc.(a)   85,550    3,571,713 
ProPetro Holding Corp.*   331,588    2,566,491 
Viper Energy Partners LP   280,030    5,186,156 
Whiting Petroleum Corp.*   53,288    2,501,872 
World Fuel Services Corp.(a)   268,353    8,683,903 
         62,203,655 
Financials—28.4%          
AllianceBernstein Holding LP   76,311    3,996,407 
Ameris Bancorp(a)   48,417    2,384,053 
AMERISAFE, Inc.   43,746    2,517,582 
Ares Commercial Real Estate Corp.   114,090    1,800,340 
Artisan Partners Asset Management, Inc., Class A   121,594    6,318,024 
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
Financials—(continued)          
Assured Guaranty Ltd.   239,563   $11,944,611 
Axis Capital Holdings Ltd.   220,840    11,300,383 
BankUnited, Inc.(a)   155,242    6,524,821 
Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc., Class A(a)   198,006    6,496,577 
Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc.   15,838    2,898,829 
Employers Holdings, Inc.(a)   70,112    2,886,511 
Essent Group Ltd.   110,704    5,211,944 
Evercore, Inc., Class A   71,841    10,031,877 
Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corp., Class C(a)   53,367    5,224,629 
First American Financial Corp.   97,534    6,879,073 
First Hawaiian, Inc.   303,510    8,470,964 
First Internet Bancorp   65,897    1,958,459 
First Merchants Corp.   87,211    3,588,733 
First Mid Bancshares, Inc.(a)   64,058    2,619,972 
Flushing Financial Corp.   63,724    1,461,191 
Greenhill & Co., Inc.(a)   154,008    2,270,078 
Hanover Insurance Group, Inc., (The)   52,137    7,367,480 
Heritage Financial Corp.   82,021    2,087,435 
Heritage Insurance Holdings, Inc.   93,613    655,291 
Hope Bancorp, Inc.   131,218    1,809,496 
Investors Bancorp, Inc.   292,304    4,182,870 
James River Group Holdings Ltd.   98,769    3,633,712 
Luther Burbank Corp.   204,973    2,658,500 
Merchants Bancorp   90,061    3,302,537 
Midland States Bancorp, Inc.(a)   98,528    2,492,758 
Mr Cooper Group, Inc.*(a)   121,739    4,733,212 
Navient Corp.(a)   547,820    12,714,902 
Nelnet, Inc., Class A(a)   34,996    2,830,477 
NMI Holdings, Inc., Class A*   123,006    2,776,245 
PacWest Bancorp   133,278    5,670,979 
PennyMac Financial Services, Inc.(a)   105,775    7,039,326 
Perella Weinberg Partners(a)   270,150    3,773,996 
PRA Group, Inc.*(a)   87,692    3,683,064 
Preferred Bank   41,458    2,648,752 
Primis Financial Corp.*   168,448    2,525,036 
ProAssurance Corp.   192,039    4,896,995 
RBB Bancorp(a)   128,498    3,307,539 
Silvercrest Asset Management Group, Inc., Class A   361,897    5,877,207 
SLM Corp.(a)   737,327    13,824,881 
South State Corp.(a)   39,006    2,675,032 
Starwood Property Trust, Inc.(a)   169,449    4,371,784 
State Auto Financial Corp.   53,313    2,696,572 
Synovus Financial Corp.   49,972    2,153,793 
Umpqua Holdings Corp.   183,605    3,574,789 
Valley National Bancorp   468,825    6,113,478 
Velocity Financial, Inc.*   279,044    3,591,296 
Walker & Dunlop, Inc.   65,076    7,226,690 
White Mountains Insurance Group Ltd.   4,116    4,613,254 
Wintrust Financial Corp.   30,842    2,308,215 
         250,602,651 
Health Care—6.4%          
Change Healthcare, Inc.*   495,053    10,807,007 
Envista Holdings Corp.*(a)   268,815    11,502,594 
Haemonetics Corp.*   44,512    2,793,128 
Hanger, Inc.*   72,332    1,727,288 
LHC Group, Inc.*(a)   26,464    4,942,417 


 

 

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

 

Annual Report 2021  |  41

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2021
BOSTON PARTNERS SMALL CAP VALUE FUND II Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

Health Care—(continued)          
Ortho Clinical Diagnostics Holdings PLC*   434,057   $8,872,125 
PetIQ, Inc.*   122,549    3,180,146 
R1 RCM, Inc.*   125,622    2,477,266 
Syneos Health, Inc.*   105,311    9,770,755 
         56,072,726 
Industrials—17.3%          
ABM Industries, Inc.   245,771    12,170,580 
ACCO Brands Corp.   336,971    3,157,418 
Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.   99,962    3,696,595 
Altra Industrial Motion Corp.   42,625    2,496,120 
ASGN, Inc.*   101,491    11,386,275 
Brink’s Co., (The)(a)   52,815    4,128,020 
CBIZ, Inc.*   127,358    4,344,181 
CRA International, Inc.(a)   88,328    8,213,621 
Curtiss-Wright Corp.   67,081    8,169,124 
EMCOR Group, Inc.   23,281    2,828,641 
EnerSys   32,189    2,722,867 
Ennis, Inc.(a)   50,786    985,756 
FTI Consulting, Inc.*(a)   37,582    5,250,581 
GrafTech International Ltd.(a)   296,366    3,280,772 
Harsco Corp.*   241,358    4,402,370 
Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.   49,807    2,152,659 
Hillenbrand, Inc.   75,137    3,487,860 
Hub Group, Inc., Class A*   39,305    2,759,211 
ICF International, Inc.   66,170    6,197,482 
KAR Auction Services, Inc.*(a)   631,716    10,682,318 
Korn/Ferry International   35,849    2,534,166 
L B Foster Co., Class A*   156,872    2,674,668 
Landstar System, Inc.(a)   12,099    2,032,995 
Masonite International Corp.*   32,676    3,910,664 
NN, Inc.*(a)   241,602    1,314,315 
Science Applications International Corp.   94,146    7,929,918 
Terex Corp.   51,740    2,641,327 
Vectrus, Inc.*   54,401    2,736,914 
Wabash National Corp.   175,160    2,721,986 
Werner Enterprises, Inc.(a)   53,666    2,530,889 
WESCO International, Inc.*   161,364    18,882,815 
         152,423,108 
Information Technology—12.4%          
Avnet, Inc.   109,763    4,441,011 
Bel Fuse, Inc., Class B   136,970    1,934,016 
Belden, Inc.   124,332    7,118,007 
CommScope Holding Co., Inc.*   279,696    4,419,197 
Concentrix Corp.*   93,583    16,226,356 
Diebold Nixdorf, Inc.*(a)   182,261    1,983,000 
EVERTEC, Inc.   137,686    6,367,977 
IBEX Holdings Ltd.*   129,382    2,326,288 
Insight Enterprises, Inc.*(a)   76,665    7,888,062 
InterDigital, Inc.   104,381    7,526,914 
MAXIMUS, Inc.   46,393    4,040,366 
NCR Corp.*(a)   212,537    9,028,572 
Rackspace Technology, Inc.*(a)   111,660    1,559,890 
SMART Global Holdings, Inc.*(a)   113,373    5,494,056 
SYNNEX Corp.   93,582    11,891,465 
TTEC Holdings, Inc.   61,151    6,448,984 
Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc.*   72,494    3,352,123 
Unisys Corp.*   290,638    7,036,346 
         109,082,630 
Materials—6.0%          
Ecovyst, Inc.   144,349   $1,877,981 
Graphic Packaging Holding Co.   960,600    19,711,512 
Huntsman Corp.   92,180    2,436,318 
Ingevity Corp.*   63,034    5,067,303 
Minerals Technologies, Inc.   28,925    2,274,662 
Orion Engineered Carbons SA*   146,314    2,585,368 
Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc.    142,125    5,439,124 
Valvoline, Inc.   459,990    13,873,298 
         53,265,566 
Real Estate—2.0%          
Cousins Properties, Inc.(a)   229,996    8,868,646 
Realogy Holdings Corp.*(a)   312,080    5,477,004 
Spirit Realty Capital, Inc.   58,567    3,032,013 
         17,377,663 
Utilities—0.3%          
Pure Cycle Corp.*(a)   194,873    2,913,351 
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $562,840,781)
        854,854,333 
RIGHTS—0.0%          
Consumer Discretionary—0.0%          
Evercel, Inc., CVR*‡   284,149    0 
TOTAL RIGHTS
(Cost $0)
        0 
INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL—15.8%          
Mount Vernon Liquid Assets Portfolio, LLC, 0.09%(b)   138,807,820    138,807,820 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL
(Cost $138,807,820)
        138,807,820 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS—2.9%          
U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 0.01%(b)   25,267,439    25,267,439 
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(Cost $25,267,439)
        25,267,439 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—115.7%
(Cost $726,916,040)
        1,018,929,592 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS—(15.7)%        (138,205,617)
NET ASSETS—100.0%       $880,723,975 

 

 
PLC —  Public Limited Company
LP Limited Partnership
CVR Contingent Value Right
* Non-income producing.
(a) All or a portion of the security is on loan. At August 31, 2021, the market value of securities on loan was $135,611,398.
(b) The rate shown is as of August 31, 2021.
Security has been valued at fair market value using significant unobservable inputs as determined in good faith by or under the direction of The RBB Fund, Inc.’s Board of Directors. As of August 31, 2021, these securities amounted to $0 or 0.0% of net assets.
     
  Industry classifications may be different than those used for compliance monitoring purposes.


 

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

 

42  |  Annual Report 2021

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2021
BOSTON PARTNERS SMALL CAP VALUE FUND II Portfolio Of Investments (concluded)

 

A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments carried at fair value as of August 31, 2021 is as follows (see Notes to Portfolio of Investments):

 

   TOTAL   LEVEL 1   LEVEL 2   LEVEL 3   INVESTMENTS
MEASURED
AT NET
ASSET VALUE*
 
Common Stock                         
Communication Services  $23,408,355   $23,408,355   $   $   $ 
Consumer Discretionary   97,908,395    97,908,395             
Consumer Staples   29,596,233    29,596,233             
Energy   62,203,655    62,203,655             
Financials   250,602,651    250,602,651             
Health Care   56,072,726    56,072,726             
Industrials   152,423,108    152,423,108             
Information Technology   109,082,630    109,082,630             
Materials   53,265,566    53,265,566             
Real Estate   17,377,663    17,377,663             
Utilities   2,913,351    2,913,351             
Rights               **    
Investments Purchased with Proceeds from Securities Lending Collateral   138,807,820                138,807,820 
Short-Term Investments   25,267,439    25,267,439             
Total Assets  $1,018,929,592   $880,121,772   $   $   $138,807,820 

 

* Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy included to reconcile to the amounts presented in the Portfolio of Investments.
** Value equals zero as of the end of the reporting period.

 

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

 

Annual Report 2021  |  43

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2021
BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT EQUITY FUND Portfolio Of Investments

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
LONG POSITIONS—112.6%          
COMMON STOCKS—100.1%          
Communication Services—4.5%          
Baidu, Inc. - SP ADR*   1,278   $200,671 
Cinemark Holdings, Inc.*   17,672    315,092 
Entravision Communications Corp., Class A†   107,570    749,763 
Facebook, Inc., Class A*†   3,847    1,459,475 
         2,725,001 
Consumer Discretionary—15.9%          
1-800-Flowers.com, Inc., Class A*(a)   7,630    242,329 
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. - SP ADR*†   4,020    671,300 
Arcos Dorados Holdings, Inc., Class A   44,679    243,946 
AutoZone, Inc.*(a)   269    416,721 
Bath & Body Works, Inc.*   4,452    300,421 
Caleres, Inc.†   11,559    284,236 
Carriage Services, Inc.(a)†   10,749    496,926 
Carter’s, Inc.(a)   3,040    311,235 
eBay, Inc.(a)†   7,548    579,234 
Hanesbrands, Inc.(a)†   29,475    550,593 
Hooker Furniture Corp.   9,151    285,145 
JD.com, Inc. - ADR*   4,190    329,166 
Kindred Group PLC   23,973    443,174 
Las Vegas Sands Corp.*(a)   9,014    402,115 
LKQ Corp.*†   11,347    597,873 
Mohawk Industries, Inc.*(a)†   2,654    524,855 
Perdoceo Education Corp.*(a)   33,815    371,289 
Skechers U.S.A., Inc., Class A*†   6,634    334,553 
Stellantis NV(a)   17,083    342,002 
Stride, Inc.*†   46,379    1,588,017 
Tenneco, Inc., Class A*   14,344    223,766 
Vipshop Holdings Ltd. - ADR*   13,529    200,094 
         9,738,990 
Consumer Staples—1.0%          
Coca-Cola European Partners PLC   5,223    301,576 
Herbalife Nutrition Ltd.*(a)   5,975    306,756 
         608,332 
Energy—6.3%          
Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.†   32,806    1,084,894 
Devon Energy Corp.(a)   15,899    469,816 
Marathon Petroleum Corp.†   13,831    819,763 
Phillips 66†   6,707    476,801 
Schlumberger Ltd.   16,907    474,072 
Teekay LNG Partners LP   13,493    187,553 
World Fuel Services Corp.(a)   10,641    344,343 
         3,857,242 
Financials—16.3%          
Aflac, Inc.(a)   4,609    261,238 
American International Group, Inc.†   7,096    387,158 
Arthur J Gallagher & Co.   1,826    262,250 
Bank of America Corp.†   17,259    720,563 
Bank OZK†   12,129    514,634 
BGC Partners, Inc., Class A†   121,992    628,259 
Charles Schwab Corp., (The)#   4,281    311,871 
Citigroup, Inc.†   11,899    855,657 
Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc.   2,053    375,761 
Enova International, Inc.*   9,277    305,955 
Evercore, Inc., Class A   3,072    428,974 
Granite Point Mortgage Trust, Inc.†   19,637    270,205 
Heritage Insurance Holdings, Inc.†   76,551    535,857 
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
Financials—(continued)          
Jefferies Financial Group, Inc.†   22,651   $837,181 
KB Financial Group, Inc. - ADR(a)   11,197    509,575 
Morgan Stanley†   6,380    666,263 
Stifel Financial Corp.(a)†   14,093    973,826 
SVB Financial Group*   603    337,379 
Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc.†   20,214    287,847 
Western Alliance Bancorp†   5,278    514,922 
         9,985,375 
Health Care—17.7%          
Amgen, Inc.†   3,413    769,734 
Anthem, Inc.†   2,396    898,812 
Bausch Health Cos., Inc.*†   23,161    674,680 
Centene Corp.*   6,627    417,368 
Cigna Corp.†   3,700    783,105 
CVS Health Corp.†   11,516    994,867 
Hanger, Inc.*†   16,825    401,781 
Harrow Health, Inc.*†   42,181    447,119 
HCA Healthcare, Inc.†   3,576    904,656 
Henry Schein, Inc.*   6,220    470,170 
Jazz Pharmaceuticals PLC*   2,031    267,503 
Johnson & Johnson†   4,335    750,519 
Medtronic PLC†   4,209    561,817 
Novartis AG - SP ADR†   9,672    893,596 
Syneos Health, Inc.*   3,552    329,555 
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.†   1,424    592,768 
Universal Health Services, Inc., Class B†   4,108    639,862 
         10,797,912 
Industrials—12.8%          
Acuity Brands, Inc.(a)   1,689    311,671 
AerCap Holdings NV*†   4,823    260,104 
ASGN, Inc.*   2,996    336,121 
Barrett Business Services, Inc.†   6,287    487,242 
Builders FirstSource, Inc.*†   11,067    589,760 
CACI International, Inc., Class A*   1,575    405,625 
China Yuchai International Ltd.   24,688    351,804 
Forward Air Corp.   2,903    255,958 
Gibraltar Industries, Inc.*   3,483    260,041 
Graham Corp.†   16,094    193,128 
Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.†   6,198    267,878 
Insperity, Inc.   4,407    486,268 
JetBlue Airways Corp.*†   25,784    390,112 
KBR, Inc.†   6,916    269,309 
Kelly Services, Inc., Class A*†   15,758    306,336 
L B Foster Co., Class A*   8,898    151,711 
Lockheed Martin Corp.   1,221    439,316 
Primoris Services Corp.   11,723    301,281 
Quanta Services, Inc.†   6,319    645,170 
UFP Industries, Inc.(a)   5,859    439,894 
Vectrus, Inc.*   7,782    391,512 
ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd.   6,312    304,870 
         7,845,111 
Information Technology—18.8%          
Akamai Technologies, Inc.*†   2,093    237,032 
Applied Materials, Inc.#   2,990    404,039 
Arrow Electronics, Inc.*   2,629    318,687 
Box, Inc., Class A*   12,084    311,525 
Capgemini SE - ADR†   6,487    291,396 
Cass Information Systems, Inc.   7,347    331,203 


 

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

 

44  |  Annual Report 2021

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2021
BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT EQUITY FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

Information Technology—(continued)          
Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.*   3,522   $442,469 
Cisco Systems, Inc.   6,469    381,800 
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Class A†   7,403    564,923 
Concentrix Corp.*†   4,321    749,219 
Dolby Laboratories, Inc., Class A†   2,732    270,769 
EVERTEC, Inc.†   12,444    575,535 
Fabrinet*(a)†   6,559    675,708 
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.(a)   1,810    231,264 
FleetCor Technologies, Inc.*   911    239,848 
Hackett Group Inc., (The)†   24,821    486,492 
Hollysys Automation Technologies Ltd.   20,075    394,474 
HP, Inc.†   8,442    251,065 
InterDigital, Inc.   6,753    486,959 
Open Text Corp.†   9,699    531,796 
Oracle Corp.†   5,400    481,302 
Perficient, Inc.*(a)†   5,375    640,807 
Qorvo, Inc.*   1,899    357,069 
Super Micro Computer, Inc.*†   9,754    356,411 
SYNNEX Corp.†   4,321    549,069 
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson - SP ADR†   37,557    443,924 
Zebra Technologies Corp., Class A*†   809    475,021 
         11,479,806 
Materials—2.9%          
Berry Global Group, Inc.*†   9,240    620,651 
Dundee Precious Metals, Inc.   34,136    210,230 
POSCO - SP ADR(a)   3,522    251,471 
Rio Tinto PLC - SP ADR†   3,282    246,380 
Ternium SA - SP ADR†   7,780    423,076 
         1,751,808 
Real Estate—3.9%          
Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc.*   1,545    374,554 
Medical Properties Trust, Inc.†   11,079    226,898 
Newmark Group, Inc., Class A†   78,440    1,068,353 
RE/MAX Holdings, Inc., Class A   11,832    396,254 
Simon Property Group, Inc.(a)   2,418    325,100 
         2,391,159 
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $35,249,095)
        61,180,736 
INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL—11.6%          
Mount Vernon Liquid Assets Portfolio, LLC, 0.09%(b)   7,088,767    7,088,767 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL
(Cost $7,088,767)
        7,088,767 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS—0.9%          
U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 0.01%(b)   530,224    530,224 
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(Cost $530,224)
        530,224 
TOTAL LONG POSITIONS—112.6%
(Cost $42,868,086)
        68,799,726 
SECURITIES SOLD SHORT—(14.7%)          
COMMON STOCKS—(13.9%)          
Communication Services—(1.1%)          
CTC Communications Group, Inc.*‡   (98,900)   0 
Krispy Kreme, Inc.*   (16,866)   (281,831)
Skillz, Inc.*   (10,394)   (122,337)
Spotify Technology SA*   (1,047)   (245,354)
         (649,522)
Consumer Discretionary—(2.9%)          
Arcimoto, Inc.*   (1,958)   (24,318)
Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc.*   (6,146)   (229,983)
F45 Training Holdings, Inc.*   (18,687)   (253,396)
MarineMax, Inc.*   (2,898)   (140,901)
Peloton Interactive, Inc., Class A*   (2,257)   (226,129)
Planet Fitness, Inc., Class A*   (2,223)   (180,730)
Qsound Labs, Inc.*‡   (4,440)   0 
RealReal, Inc., (The)*   (20,504)   (255,070)
Stitch Fix, Inc., Class A*   (1,993)   (83,527)
ThredUp, Inc., Class A*   (8,109)   (155,450)
Wayfair, Inc., Class A*   (834)   (234,145)
         (1,783,649)
Consumer Staples—(1.9%)          
22nd Century Group, Inc.*   (33,602)   (119,959)
Amish Naturals, Inc.*‡   (25,959)   0 
Beyond Meat, Inc.*   (534)   (63,888)
Celsius Holdings, Inc.*   (2,421)   (197,941)
Laird Superfood, Inc.*   (7,170)   (142,898)
National Beverage Corp.   (4,043)   (188,202)
SunOpta, Inc.*   (19,001)   (179,179)
Tattooed Chef, Inc.*   (13,542)   (286,684)
         (1,178,751)
Energy—(0.5%)          
Beard Co.*   (9,710)   (5)
Green Plains, Inc.*   (7,694)   (270,059)
         (270,064)
Financials—(0.3%)          
Lemonade, Inc.*   (2,546)   (192,325)
Health Care—(0.7%)          
Berkeley Lights, Inc.*   (4,546)   (161,656)
Bionano Genomics, Inc.*   (12,849)   (74,910)
BodyTel Scientific, Inc.*‡   (4,840)   0 
CareView Communications, Inc.*   (174,320)   (27,037)
Hims & Hers Health, Inc.*   (19,317)   (152,218)
         (415,821)
Industrials—(1.5%)          
Applied Energetics, Inc.*   (32,541)   (53,693)
Blue Bird Corp.*   (9,337)   (202,146)
Capstone Green Energy Corp.*   (341)   (1,613)
Corporate Resource Services, Inc.*   (218,896)   (110)
DynaMotive Energy Systems Corp.*‡   (72,185)   (7)
Ener1, Inc.*‡   (102,820)   (10)
Ideanomics, Inc.*   (69,087)   (173,408)
Sunrun, Inc.*   (6,063)   (268,288)
Valence Technology, Inc.*‡   (27,585)   (3)
Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc.*   (8,665)   (234,908)
         (934,186)


 

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

 

Annual Report 2021  |  45

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2021
BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT EQUITY FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
Information Technology—(4.5%)          
Alteryx, Inc., Class A*   (2,315)  $(171,241)
Anaplan, Inc.*   (3,482)   (208,850)
ANTs software, Inc.*‡   (10,334)   (1)
Appian Corp.*   (200)   (21,440)
Consygen, Inc.*‡   (200)   0 
Coupa Software, Inc.*   (1,511)   (369,908)
Fastly, Inc., Class A*   (3,932)   (171,435)
Guidewire Software, Inc.*   (2,292)   (271,510)
Inseego Corp.*   (1,509)   (12,676)
Interliant, Inc.*‡   (600)   0 
MicroVision, Inc.*   (18,622)   (274,302)
Momentive Global, Inc.*   (13,198)   (258,813)
Nestor, Inc.*‡   (15,200)   (2)
PROS Holdings, Inc.*   (4,883)   (211,141)
Q2 Holdings, Inc.*   (2,909)   (256,254)
RingCentral, Inc., Class A*   (789)   (199,033)
Shopify, Inc., Class A*   (175)   (266,836)
Tiger Telematics, Inc.*‡   (6,510)   0 
Uni-Pixel, Inc.*   (19,665)   (39)
Worldgate Communications, Inc.*‡   (582,655)   (58)
Xybernaut Corp.*‡   (34,156)   0 
Zoom Video Communications, Inc., Class A*   (267)   (77,297)
         (2,770,836)
Materials—(0.3%)          
Louisiana-Pacific Corp.   (2,959)   (187,719)
Mountain Province Diamonds, Inc.*   (4,735)   (1,707)
         (189,426)
Utilities—(0.2%)          
Cadiz, Inc.*   (10,297)   (138,392)
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Proceeds $(13,655,898))
        (8,522,972)
EXCHANGE TRADED FUND—(0.8%)          
Finance and Insurance—(0.8%)          
iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF   (3,129)   (465,689)
TOTAL EXCHANGE TRADED FUND
(Proceeds $(531,939))
        (465,689)
TOTAL SECURITIES SOLD SHORT—(14.7%)
(Proceeds $(14,187,837))
        (8,988,661)
   NUMBER OF
CONTRACTS
   NOTIONAL
AMOUNT
   VALUE 
OPTIONS WRITTEN ††—(0.2%)         
Call Options Written—(0.2%)         
Applied Materials, Inc.               
Expiration:
01/21/2022,
Exercise Price:
130.00
   (28)   (378,364)   (39,760)
Charles Schwab Corp., (The)               
Expiration:
01/21/2022,
Exercise Price:
80.00
   (40)   (291,400)   (10,240)
Papa John’s International, Inc.               
Expiration:
01/21/2022,
Exercise Price:
130.00
   (53)   (675,909)   (46,110)
TOTAL CALL OPTIONS WRITTEN
(Premiums received $(121,396))
   (96,110)
Put Options Written—(0.0%)               
Wells Fargo & Co.               
Expiration:
01/21/2022,
Exercise Price:
22.50
   (360)   (1,645,200)   (6,120)
TOTAL PUT OPTIONS WRITTEN
(Premiums received $(124,670))
    (6,120)
TOTAL OPTIONS WRITTEN
(Premiums received $(246,066))
    (102,230)
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES—2.3%             1,413,889 
NET ASSETS—100.0%            $  61,122,725 

 

 

ADR —  American Depositary Receipt
PLC Public Limited Company
SP ADR Sponsored American Depositary Receipt
* Non-income producing.
(a) All or a portion of the security is on loan. At August 31, 2021, the market value of securities on loan was $6,923,720.
(b) The rate shown is as of August 31, 2021.
Security position is either entirely or partially held in a segregated account as collateral for securities sold short.
# Security segregated as collateral for options written.
†† Primary risk exposure is equity contracts.
Security has been valued at fair market value using significant unobservable inputs as determined in good faith by or under the direction of The RBB Fund, Inc.’s Board of Directors. As of August 31, 2021, these securities amounted to $(81) or 0.0% of net assets.
     
  Industry classifications may be different than those used for compliance monitoring purposes.


 

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

 

46  |  Annual Report 2021

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2021
BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT EQUITY FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

Contracts For Difference held by the Fund at August 31, 2021, are as follows:

 

REFERENCE
COMPANY
  COUNTERPARTY  EXPIRATION
DATE
  FINANCING
RATE
  PAYMENT
FREQUENCY
  NUMBER OF
CONTRACTS
LONG/
(SHORT)
   NOTIONAL
AMOUNT
   UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION
(DEPRECIATION)
 
Short                                 
United States                                 
10X Genomics Inc., Class A  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022     0.09%  Monthly   (2,737)  $(481,493)            $(43,382)
AMC Entertainment Holdings, Class A  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022     0.09   Monthly   (13,767)   (648,839)     (93,909)
Appfolio, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022     0.09   Monthly   J(1,926)   (227,461)     7,568 
Appian Corp.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022     0.09   Monthly   (5,113)   (548,114)     (21,483)
Arcimoto, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022     0.09   Monthly   (16,133)   (200,372)     (12,367)
Aspira Women’s Health, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022     0.09   Monthly   (59,815)   (227,895)     (12,567)
Beyond Meat, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022     0.09   Monthly   (1,563)   (186,997)     1,137 
Bill.com Holdings, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022     0.09   Monthly   (1,632)   (447,804)     (90,316)
Bit Digital, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022     0.09   Monthly   (16,389)   (210,107)     (37,807)
Carvana Co.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022     0.09   Monthly   (3,633)   (1,191,843)     86,024 
Ceridian HCM Holding, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022     0.09   Monthly   (3,844)   (431,873)     (11,688)
Cree, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022     0.09   Monthly   (6,845)   (581,688)     (1,783)
DoorDash, Inc., Class A  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022     0.09   Monthly   (1,188)   (227,383)     (476)
Everbridge, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022     0.09   Monthly   (1,644)   (258,059)     (11,410)
GameStop Corp., Class A  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022     0.09   Monthly   (4,234)   (924,028)     (55,145)
Glaukos Corp.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022     0.09   Monthly   (4,728)   (281,931)     (25,438)
Heska Corp.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022     0.09   Monthly   (773)   (205,077)     (581)
HyreCar, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022     0.09   Monthly   (27,686)   (311,191)     13,011 
Impinj, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022     0.09   Monthly   (4,838)   (282,007)     (12,386)
Inseego Corp.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022     0.09   Monthly   (23,364)   (196,258)     (5,380)
Lululemon Athletica, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022     0.09   Monthly   (886)   (354,551)     3,781 
Marathon Digital Holdings, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022     0.09   Monthly   (8,336)   (338,358)     (36,434)
MongoDB, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022     0.09   Monthly   (1,136)   (445,119)     (3,490)
Netflix, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022     0.09   Monthly   (1,750)   (996,083)     (33,377)
Okta, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022     0.09   Monthly   (1,499)   (395,136)     (2,146)
Omega Flex, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022     0.09   Monthly   (2,655)   (403,560)     (4,728)
Planet Fitness, Inc., Class A  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022     0.09   Monthly   (8,037)   (653,408)     (10,451)
Rapid7, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022     0.09   Monthly   (4,382)   (532,501)     (23,095)
Redfin Corp.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022     0.09   Monthly   (4,427)   (215,019)     5,179 
Riot Blockchain, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022     0.09   Monthly   (13,167)   (491,392)     (13,710)
Shake Shack, Inc., Class A  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022     0.09   Monthly   (2,211)   (191,804)     (2,522)
Sonos, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022     0.09   Monthly   (8,307)   (330,037)     7,060 
Square, Inc., Class A  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022     0.09   Monthly   (1,048)   (280,937)     (6,226)
Tesla, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022     0.09   Monthly   (1,610)   (1,184,509)     (55,646)
Zoom Video Communications, Inc., Class A  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022     0.09   Monthly   (340)   (98,430)     17,383 
Zscaler, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022     0.09   Monthly   (657)   (182,869)     (7,471)
                         (15,164,133)     (494,271)
Total Short                        (15,164,133)     (494,271)
Net unrealized gain/(loss) on Contracts For Difference                     $(494,271)

 

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

 

Annual Report 2021  |  47

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2021
BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT EQUITY FUND Portfolio Of Investments (concluded)

 

A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments carried at fair value as of August 31, 2021 is as follows (see Notes to Portfolio of Investments):

 

   TOTAL   LEVEL 1   LEVEL 2   LEVEL 3   INVESTMENTS
MEASURED
AT NET
ASSET VALUE*
 
Common Stock                         
Communication Services  $2,725,001   $2,725,001   $   $   $ 
Consumer Discretionary   9,738,990    9,295,816    443,174         
Consumer Staples   608,332    608,332             
Energy   3,857,242    3,857,242             
Financials   9,985,375    9,985,375             
Health Care   10,797,912    10,797,912             
Industrials   7,845,111    7,845,111             
Information Technology   11,479,806    11,479,806             
Materials   1,751,808    1,751,808             
Real Estate   2,391,159    2,391,159             
Investments Purchased with Proceeds from Securities Lending Collateral   7,088,767                7,088,767 
Short-Term Investments   530,224    530,224             
Contracts For Difference                         
Equity Contracts   141,143    141,143             
Total Assets  $68,940,870   $61,408,929   $443,174   $   $7,088,767 
                          
   TOTAL   LEVEL 1   LEVEL 2   LEVEL 3   INVESTMENTS
MEASURED
AT NET
ASSET VALUE*
 
Securities Sold Short                         
Communication Services  $(649,522)  $(649,522)  $   $**  $  
Consumer Discretionary   (1,783,649)   (1,783,649)       **    
Consumer Staples   (1,178,751)   (1,178,751)       **    
Energy   (270,064)   (270,064)            
Financials   (192,325)   (192,325)            
Health Care   (415,821)   (415,821)       **    
Industrials   (934,186)   (934,166)       (20)    
Information Technology   (2,770,836)   (2,770,775)       (61)    
Materials   (189,426)   (189,426)            
Utilities   (138,392)   (138,392)            
Exchange Traded Funds   (465,689)   (465,689)            
Options Written                         
Equity Contracts   (102,230)   (56,120)   (46,110)        
Contracts For Difference                         
Equity Contracts   (635,414)   (635,414)            
Total Liabilities  $(9,726,305)  $(9,680,114)  $(46,110)  $(81)  $ 

 

* Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy included to reconcile to the amounts presented in the Portfolio of Investments.
** Value equals zero as of the end of the reporting period.

 

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

 

48  |  Annual Report 2021

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2021
BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT RESEARCH FUND Portfolio Of Investments

 

LONG POSITIONS—98.3%        
COMMON STOCKS—97.9%        
Communication Services—10.0%         
Activision Blizzard, Inc.   27,905   $2,298,535 
Alphabet, Inc., Class A*†   4,651    13,459,761 
Alphabet, Inc., Class C*   3,265    9,498,669 
Altice USA, Inc., Class A*   62,893    1,725,784 
Charter Communications, Inc., Class A*   4,796    3,916,701 
Facebook, Inc., Class A*†   59,685    22,643,295 
Gray Television, Inc.   184,812    4,202,625 
Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.*   31,521    2,732,871 
NetEase, Inc. - ADR   14,522    1,414,733 
Nexstar Media Group, Inc., Class A   42,463    6,358,834 
TEGNA, Inc.   377,264    6,685,118 
T-Mobile US, Inc.*   41,936    5,746,071 
Yelp, Inc.*†   40,943    1,576,715 
         82,259,712 
Consumer Discretionary—10.9%          
AutoNation, Inc.*   16,921    1,845,912 
AutoZone, Inc.*   5,038    7,804,618 
Caesars Entertainment, Inc.*   19,513    1,983,106 
Callaway Golf Co.*†   142,670    4,003,320 
Carter’s, Inc.   28,471    2,914,861 
Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc.   14,379    2,024,707 
Dollar General Corp.   12,181    2,715,267 
eBay, Inc.†   67,708    5,195,912 
Flutter Entertainment PLC*   22,151    4,300,814 
Foot Locker, Inc.   46,859    2,656,437 
GVC Holdings PLC*   248,106    6,593,645 
Harley-Davidson, Inc.†   195,152    7,714,358 
Hasbro, Inc.   25,924    2,548,588 
Kohl’s Corp.   30,276    1,737,842 
LKQ Corp.*   69,978    3,687,141 
Mohawk Industries, Inc.*   14,959    2,958,292 
Polaris, Inc.   31,146    3,730,045 
PVH Corp.*   21,675    2,271,323 
Restaurant Brands International, Inc.   40,727    2,615,081 
Ross Stores, Inc.   19,779    2,341,834 
Sony Corp. - SP ADR   11,587    1,198,791 
Stride, Inc.*   62,871    2,152,703 
Tempur Sealy International, Inc.   37,915    1,694,800 
Travel + Leisure Co.   48,657    2,664,457 
Ulta Beauty, Inc.*   9,389    3,636,454 
Whirlpool Corp.   16,186    3,585,685 
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.   31,354    2,279,436 
         88,855,429 
Consumer Staples—4.7%          
Britvic PLC   118,178    1,584,155 
Coca-Cola European Partners PLC†   156,607    9,042,488 
Coca-Cola HBC AG*   69,119    2,501,763 
Mondelez International, Inc., Class A   33,057    2,051,848 
Nomad Foods Ltd.*   187,663    4,952,427 
Philip Morris International, Inc.†   97,390    10,031,170 
Procter & Gamble Co., (The)   15,487    2,205,194 
Swedish Match AB*   343,969    3,177,824 
US Foods Holding Corp.*   88,249    3,000,466 
         38,547,335 
Energy—11.4%          
Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.   156,911    5,189,047 
Cenovus Energy, Inc.   662,240    5,495,702 
Energy—(continued)          
ChampionX Corp.*†   160,436    $3,742,972 
ConocoPhillips†   71,002    3,942,741 
Devon Energy Corp.   211,022    6,235,700 
Diamondback Energy, Inc.†   67,886    5,236,726 
Enerplus Corp.   566,651    3,350,546 
EOG Resources, Inc.   74,053    5,000,059 
Halliburton Co.†   237,832    4,751,883 
Helmerich & Payne, Inc.   124,280    3,345,618 
HollyFrontier Corp.   175,540    5,675,208 
Kosmos Energy Ltd.*   1,036,509    2,446,161 
Marathon Petroleum Corp.   93,900    5,565,453 
MEG Energy Corp.*   497,864    3,172,692 
National Energy Services Reunited Corp.*   246,300    2,795,505 
PDC Energy, Inc.   93,867    3,918,947 
Pioneer Natural Resources Co.   43,249    6,473,078 
Royal Dutch Shell PLC, Class A - SP ADR†   66,087    2,627,619 
Schlumberger Ltd.   182,094    5,105,916 
Viper Energy Partners LP   102,698    1,901,967 
Whitehaven Coal Ltd.*   1,720,764    3,158,613 
Whiting Petroleum Corp.*   80,889    3,797,739 
         92,929,892 
Financials—15.8%          
Allstate Corp., (The)†   25,554    3,456,945 
American International Group, Inc.†   46,378    2,530,384 
Ameriprise Financial, Inc.†   35,292    9,631,540 
Artisan Partners Asset Management, Inc., Class A   47,560    2,471,218 
Bank of America Corp.†   176,924    7,386,577 
Bank of New York Mellon Corp., (The)†   67,420    3,722,932 
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., Class B*†   10,113    2,889,992 
BNP Paribas SA   37,200    2,356,614 
Capital One Financial Corp.   23,599    3,916,726 
Citigroup, Inc.†   82,701    5,947,029 
DBS Group Holdings Ltd.   66,900    1,483,379 
Discover Financial Services†   33,120    4,246,646 
DNB Bank ASA   57,003    1,203,149 
East West Bancorp, Inc.   50,342    3,692,082 
Everest Re Group Ltd.   10,197    2,701,185 
Fifth Third Bancorp†   159,038    6,180,217 
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., (The)†   11,283    4,665,633 
Hana Financial Group, Inc.   38,795    1,502,297 
Huntington Bancshares, Inc.†   351,357    5,456,574 
ING Groep NV   214,739    2,962,189 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.†   43,283    6,923,116 
KeyCorp†   261,648    5,316,687 
Moody’s Corp.   10,298    3,921,169 
Navient Corp.†   58,417    1,355,859 
Nordea Bank Abp   250,855    2,946,303 
Regions Financial Corp.   170,360    3,480,455 
Renaissance Holdings Ltd.   9,556    1,497,712 
S&P Global, Inc.   5,403    2,397,959 
SLM Corp.   193,501    3,628,144 
Synchrony Financial   76,717    3,816,671 
Truist Financial Corp.†   104,113    5,940,688 
UBS Group AG   113,446    1,890,010 
United Overseas Bank Ltd.   85,200    1,612,945 
Wells Fargo & Co.†   142,786    6,525,320 
         129,656,346 


 

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

 

Annual Report 2021  |  49

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2021
BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT RESEARCH FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
Health Care—12.5%          
Abbott Laboratories†   31,998    $4,043,587 
AbbVie, Inc.†   72,653    8,775,029 
AmerisourceBergen Corp.   6,766    826,873 
Amgen, Inc.   18,956    4,275,147 
Anthem, Inc.†   7,807    2,928,640 
AstraZeneca PLC   22,451    2,625,505 
Avantor, Inc.*†   106,167    4,187,226 
Biogen, Inc.*   5,194    1,760,298 
Boston Scientific Corp.*†   54,151    2,444,918 
Centene Corp.*   38,608    2,431,532 
Cigna Corp.†   14,216    3,008,816 
CVS Health Corp.†   49,828    4,304,641 
Envista Holdings Corp.*   53,815    2,302,744 
HCA Healthcare, Inc.   15,971    4,040,344 
Humana, Inc.   6,603    2,676,988 
ICON PLC*   8,207    2,099,104 
IQVIA Holdings, Inc.*   4,957    1,287,482 
Jazz Pharmaceuticals PLC*   1,915    252,225 
Johnson & Johnson†   30,072    5,206,365 
Medtronic PLC   17,716    2,364,732 
Merck & Co., Inc.   4,251    324,309 
Molina Healthcare, Inc.*   1,514    406,918 
Novartis AG - SP ADR   22,169    2,048,194 
Novo Nordisk A/S, Class B   15,187    1,520,370 
Ortho Clinical Diagnostics Holdings PLC*   112,691    2,303,404 
Pfizer, Inc.   32,807    1,511,418 
R1 RCM, Inc.*   48,500    956,420 
Sanofi   19,568    2,027,999 
Sotera Health Co.*   101,899    2,492,450 
Stryker Corp.   8,704    2,411,878 
Syneos Health, Inc.*   7,513    697,056 
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.   12,446    6,906,908 
UCB SA   11,096    1,269,481 
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.   22,764    9,475,970 
Universal Health Services, Inc., Class B   12,406    1,932,359 
Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc   26,058    3,920,426 
         102,047,756 
Industrials—13.5%          
Allegion PLC   20,230    2,912,918 
Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.†   89,123    3,295,769 
Altra Industrial Motion Corp.   29,660    1,736,890 
AMETEK, Inc.†   14,763    2,007,325 
ASGN, Inc.*   76,284    8,558,302 
Boeing Co., (The)*   16,277    3,572,802 
BWX Technologies, Inc.   96,764    5,557,157 
Canadian National Railway Co.   71,457    8,405,487 
Caterpillar, Inc.   9,393    1,980,702 
Deere & Co.   4,241    1,603,225 
Dover Corp.   13,309    2,320,557 
Eaton Corp., PLC†   10,290    1,732,424 
General Dynamics Corp.   18,459    3,697,522 
Hexcel Corp.*   75,566    4,285,348 
Howmet Aerospace, Inc.   144,804    4,597,527 
Huron Consulting Group, Inc.*   76,329    3,768,363 
Leidos Holdings, Inc.†   38,765    3,803,234 
Maxar Technologies, Inc.   29,994    953,509 
Middleby Corp., (The)*   7,880    1,441,567 
Oshkosh Corp.   16,390    1,877,966 
Otis Worldwide Corp.   41,660    3,841,885 
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
Industrials—(continued)          
Owens Corning†   26,724    $2,553,478 
Pagegroup PLC   445,130    3,855,529 
Parker-Hannifin Corp.†   5,376    1,594,898 
Robert Half International, Inc.†   47,745    4,936,833 
Science Applications International Corp.   59,635    5,023,056 
Sensata Technologies Holding PLC*   31,241    1,848,842 
Teleperformance   8,344    3,691,262 
Textron, Inc.   32,387    2,353,563 
Union Pacific Corp.   4,146    899,019 
Vertiv Holdings Co.   128,501    3,619,873 
WESCO International, Inc.*   35,109    4,108,455 
Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp.   46,744    4,197,144 
         110,632,431 
Information Technology—13.7%          
Amdocs Ltd.†   38,755    2,985,298 
Applied Materials, Inc.   51,475    6,955,817 
Arrow Electronics, Inc.*†   23,555    2,855,337 
Broadcom, Inc.   8,306    4,129,826 
Capgemini SA   22,541    5,066,929 
Cisco Systems, Inc.†   129,123    7,620,840 
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Class A   54,420    4,152,790 
Concentrix Corp.*   30,565    5,299,665 
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.   13,072    1,670,209 
FleetCor Technologies, Inc.*   20,682    5,445,157 
Flex Ltd.*†   167,885    3,119,303 
HP, Inc.†   72,586    2,158,708 
InterDigital, Inc.   21,847    1,575,387 
Jabil, Inc.†   78,343    4,840,031 
KLA-Tencor Corp.   9,747    3,313,590 
Micron Technology, Inc.   77,433    5,706,812 
Microsoft Corp.†   27,683    8,356,944 
NetApp, Inc.   55,055    4,896,041 
NortonLifeLock, Inc.   165,876    4,405,667 
NXP Semiconductors NV   18,267    3,929,780 
ON Semiconductor Corp.*†   54,334    2,410,256 
Oracle Corp.†   36,171    3,223,921 
Qorvo, Inc.*   30,763    5,784,367 
QUALCOMM, Inc.   26,387    3,870,709 
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.   34,862    2,301,528 
SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc.   66,829    5,056,282 
Western Digital Corp.*   12,227    772,746 
         111,903,940 
Materials—4.8%          
Avery Dennison Corp.   12,213    2,752,688 
Axalta Coating Systems Ltd.*   92,780    2,833,501 
Corteva, Inc.†   48,792    2,145,384 
Crown Holdings, Inc.   30,394    3,336,957 
DuPont de Nemours, Inc.   95,133    7,041,745 
FMC Corp.   45,197    4,231,795 
Ingevity Corp.*   25,216    2,027,114 
Linde PLC   7,686    2,417,939 
Mosaic Co., (The)†   103,272    3,323,293 
Tronox Holdings PLC, Class A   136,119    2,876,195 
Valvoline, Inc.†   114,494    3,453,139 
West Fraser Timber Co., Ltd.   33,152    2,559,876 
         38,999,626 


 

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

 

50  |  Annual Report 2021

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2021
BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT RESEARCH FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
Real Estate—0.5%          
Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.*   145,036    $2,401,796 
Klepierre SA*   74,947    1,837,402 
         4,239,198 
Utilities—0.1%          
CenterPoint Energy, Inc.   46,743    1,172,782 
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $512,463,705)
        801,244,447 
WARRANTS—0.0%          
Energy—0.0%          
Vista Oil & Gas SAB de CV *‡   1,204,819    30,594 
TOTAL WARRANTS
(Cost $0)
        30,594 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS—0.4%          
U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 0.01%(a)   3,629,974    3,629,974 
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(Cost $3,629,974)
        3,629,974 
TOTAL LONG POSITIONS—98.3%
(Cost $516,093,679)
        804,905,015 
SECURITIES SOLD SHORT—(18.5%)          
COMMON STOCKS—(18.5%)          
Communication Services—(0.5%)          
Bilibili, Inc. - SP ADR*   (12,430)   (997,259)
Pearson PLC   (55,008)   (580,095)
Spotify Technology SA*   (8,709)   (2,040,867)
Telia Co., AB   (158,764)   (682,584)
         (4,300,805)
Consumer Discretionary—(4.6%)          
Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings PLC*   (81,747)   (2,253,476)
BJ’s Restaurants, Inc.*   (14,514)   (620,619)
CarLotz, Inc.*   (261,087)   (1,073,068)
CarMax, Inc.*   (22,662)   (2,837,509)
Dometic Group AB   (245,551)   (3,894,871)
Fiverr International Ltd.*   (7,365)   (1,322,091)
Fox Factory Holding Corp.*   (24,064)   (3,697,915)
Fujitsu General Ltd.   (80,300)   (2,004,496)
Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., Class A*   (32,519)   (3,535,140)
LGI Homes, Inc.*   (23,990)   (3,846,317)
Purple Innovation, Inc.*   (197,845)   (4,827,419)
Shake Shack, Inc., Class A*   (10,417)   (903,675)
Shift Technologies, Inc.*   (485,934)   (3,615,349)
Whitbread PLC*   (56,805)   (2,508,480)
WW International, Inc.*   (33,467)   (724,560)
         (37,664,985)
Consumer Staples—(2.5%)          
B&G Foods, Inc.   (70,129)   (2,129,116)
Beyond Meat, Inc.*   (20,161)   (2,412,062)
Cal-Maine Foods, Inc.   (71,381)   (2,581,137)
Campbell Soup Co.   (68,780)   (2,870,189)
Clorox Co., (The)   (11,812)   (1,985,007)
Essity AB, Class B   (74,952)   (2,405,790)
Fevertree Drinks PLC   (22,660)   (692,246)
Grocery Outlet Holding Corp.*   (29,769)   (774,887)
Japan Tobacco, Inc.   (61,800)   (1,199,081)
Kose Corp.   (13,300)   (1,605,093)
Nissin Foods Holdings Co., Ltd.   (27,200)   (2,117,484)
         (20,772,092)
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
Energy—(0.5%)          
Devon Energy Corp.   0   $(2)
New Fortress Energy, Inc.   (89,963)    (2,642,213)
Renewable Energy Group, Inc.*   (34,342)   (1,662,840)
         (4,305,055)
Financials—(2.5%)          
Commerce Bancshares, Inc.   0    (28)
Credit Suisse Group AG   (78,549)   (832,110)
CVB Financial Corp.   (147,592)   (3,004,973)
Deutsche Bank AG*   (32,606)   (403,209)
eHealth, Inc.*   (7,991)   (308,852)
GoHealth, Inc., Class A*   (76,758)   (373,044)
Hang Seng Bank Ltd.   (180,200)   (3,221,502)
Hargreaves Lansdown PLC   (102,850)   (2,135,954)
HSBC Holdings PLC   (98,981)   (522,706)
Independent Bank Corp.   (7,108)   (545,184)
Lemonade, Inc.*   (11,045)   (834,340)
Trustmark Corp.   (34,373)   (1,086,874)
United Bankshares, Inc.   (91,567)   (3,326,629)
WisdomTree Investments, Inc.   (557,930)   (3,520,538)
         (20,115,943)
Health Care—(1.6%)          
Alignment Healthcare, Inc.*   (44,733)   (790,432)
Allogene Therapeutics, Inc.*   (31,904)   (760,910)
Ambu A/S, Class B   (31,576)   (998,623)
CureVac NV*   (15,049)   (990,676)
Epizyme, Inc.*   (108,419)   (559,442)
Glaukos Corp.*   (15,629)   (931,957)
Global Blood Therapeutics, Inc.*   (14,579)   (418,272)
GoodRx Holdings, Inc., Class A*   (21,578)   (820,396)
Idorsia Ltd.*   (34,576)   (815,606)
Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*   (52,307)   (451,932)
Multiplan Corp.*   (145,925)   (875,550)
Nevro Corp.*   (2,813)   (343,186)
Progyny, Inc.*   (12,432)   (694,576)
Quidel Corp.*   (8,764)   (1,130,118)
Royalty Pharma PLC, Class A   (26,229)   (1,013,751)
Rubius Therapeutics, Inc.*   (29,988)   (651,339)
SmileDirectClub, Inc.*   (58,776)   (323,268)
Teladoc Health, Inc.*   (4,321)   (624,039)
         (13,194,073)
Industrials—(3.3%)          
Array Technologies, Inc.*   (159,006)   (3,032,244)
Dun & Bradstreet Holdings, Inc.*   (86,050)   (1,577,297)
Enerpac Tool Group Corp.   (49,107)   (1,235,532)
FedEx Corp.   (16,555)   (4,398,498)
Healthcare Services Group, Inc.   (41,673)   (1,090,166)
Miura Co., Ltd.   (30,100)   (1,351,333)
MonotaRO Co., Ltd.   (69,600)   (1,542,532)
NEL ASA*   (950,672)   (1,561,503)
Proto Labs, Inc.*   (17,807)   (1,320,567)
Singapore Airlines Ltd.*   (593,700)   (2,225,682)
Trex Co., Inc.*   (37,774)   (4,146,074)
ZTO Express Cayman, Inc. - ADR   (111,248)   (3,138,306)
         (26,619,734)
Information Technology—(0.8%)          
Appfolio, Inc., Class A*   (15,882)   (1,875,664)
Itron, Inc.*   (22,046)   (1,852,084)
Palantir Technologies, Inc., Class A*   (58,081)   (1,529,854)
WiseTech Global Ltd.   (36,151)   (1,270,749)
         (6,528,351)


 

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

 

Annual Report 2021  |  51

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2021
BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT RESEARCH FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
Materials—(2.2%)           
Compass Minerals International, Inc.   (32,400)   (2,168,532)
Danimer Scientific, Inc.*   (66,511)   (1,299,625)
Franco-Nevada Corp.   (11,601)   (1,692,006)
Johnson Matthey PLC   (62,961)   (2,545,446)
Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd.   (281,400)   (3,131,173)
Southern Copper Corp.   (47,960)   (3,001,816)
Stepan Co.   (16,992)   (1,997,580)
Yara International ASA   (38,417)   (1,929,414)
         (17,765,592)
Real Estate—(0.0%)          
KE Holdings, Inc. - ADR*   (18,448)   (333,724)
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Proceeds $(172,464,854))
        (151,600,353)
TOTAL SECURITIES SOLD SHORT—(18.5%)
(Proceeds $(172,464,854))
        (151,600,354)
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES—20.2%        165,480,537 
NET ASSETS—100.0%       $818,785,198 

 

 
ADR American Depositary Receipt
PLC Public Limited Company
SP ADR Sponsored American Depositary Receipt
LP Limited Partnership
* Non-income producing.
(a) The rate shown is as of August 31, 2021.
Security position is either entirely or partially held in a segregated account as collateral for securities sold short.
Security has been valued at fair market value using significant unobservable inputs as determined in good faith by or under the direction of The RBB Fund, Inc.’s Board of Directors. As of August 31, 2021, these securities amounted to $30,594 or 0.0% of net assets
     
    Industry classifications may be different than those used for compliance monitoring purposes.


 

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

 

52  |  Annual Report 2021

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2021
BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT RESEARCH FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

Contracts For Difference held by the Fund at August 31, 2021, are as follows:

 

REFERENCE
COMPANY
  COUNTERPARTY    EXPIRATION
DATE
    FINANCING
RATE
    PAYMENT
FREQUENCY
    NUMBER OF
CONTRACTS
LONG/
(SHORT)
    NOTIONAL
AMOUNT
    UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION
(DEPRECIATION)
 
Long                           
United States                               
International Game Technology  Goldman Sachs  09/18/2025   0.09%  Monthly   165,396   $3,554,360             $425,917 
Total Long                      3,554,360      425,917 
Short                               
Australia                               
Commonwealth Bank of Australia  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.03   Monthly   (47,081)  $(3,448,345)    $48,857 
Belgium                               
JCDecaux SA  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.00   Monthly   (69,771)   (1,945,864)     (32,977)
Canada                               
Cargojet, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.00   Monthly   (29,878)   (4,955,393)     0 
France                               
Umicore SA  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.00   Monthly   (37,331)   (2,456,938)     39,633 
Germany                               
Siemens Healthineers AG  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.00   Monthly   (27,627)   (1,921,351)     16,287 
Deutsche Bank AG  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.00   Monthly   (205,379)   (2,553,051)     (1,487)
                       (4,474,402)     14,800 
Japan                               
Canon, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   -0.04   Monthly   (88,000)   (2,088,915)     (51,220)
Hirose Electric Co., Ltd.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.00   Monthly   (11,700)   (1,949,380)     0 
Nippon Shinyaku Co., Ltd.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   -0.04   Monthly   (15,900)   (1,290,615)     (30,367)
                       (5,328,910)     (81,587)
Saudi Arabia                               
Saudi Arabian Oil Co.  Goldman Sachs  09/18/2025   0.09   Monthly   (646,475)   (6,058,494)     16,669 
South Korea                               
Sillajen, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  09/18/2025   0.08   Monthly   (307,496)   (854,839)     2,300,354 
Sweden                               
Telia Co., AB  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.00   Monthly   (486,936)   (2,090,065)     0 
Switzerland                               
Credit Suisse Group AG  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   -0.72   Monthly   (260,951)   (2,768,090)     0 
Vat Group AG  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   -0.72   Monthly   (3,737)   (1,565,398)     (23,719)
                       (4,333,488)     (23,719)
Taiwan                               
Acer, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  09/18/2025   0.08   Monthly   (1,648,000)   (1,498,533)     (14,204)
Advantech Co., Ltd.  Macquarie  12/21/2021   0.08   Monthly   (173,000)   (2,409,584)     (202,156)
                       (3,908,117)     (216,360)
Thailand                               
Thai Oil PCL  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (654,300)   (1,009,894)     (97,260)
United Kingdom                               
Domino’s Pizza Group PLC  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.00   Monthly   (268,144)   (1,516,662)     8,091 
Pearson PLC  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.00   Monthly   (165,308)   (1,744,558)     (1,386)
Whitbread PLC  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.00   Monthly   (19,909)   (878,093)     0 
                       (4,139,313)     6,705 
United States                               
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (10,083)   (2,080,829)     (14,830)
Appian Corp.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (13,738)   (1,472,714)     24,157 
Bank of Hawaii Corp.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (36,933)   (3,095,355)     59,079 
Blackline, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (25,071)   (2,735,246)     23,805 
Calix, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (63,270)   (2,948,382)     96,789 
Carvana Co.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (13,788)   (4,523,291)     130,413 
Ceridian HCM Holding, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (20,646)   (2,319,578)     (33,044)
Chart Industries, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (26,582)   (5,007,516)     (46,541)
Choice Hotels International, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (29,988)   (3,579,368)     59,960 
Commerce Bancshares, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (48,228)   (3,410,684)     9,631 
Community Bank System, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (46,928)   (3,472,672)     54,420 
Compass Minerals International, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (23,918)   (1,600,832)     (7,182)

 

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

 

Annual Report 2021  |  53

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2021
BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT RESEARCH FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

REFERENCE
COMPANY
  COUNTERPARTY   EXPIRATION
DATE
   FINANCING
RATE
   PAYMENT
FREQUENCY
  NUMBER OF
CONTRACTS
LONG/
(SHORT)
   NOTIONAL
AMOUNT
   UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION
(DEPRECIATION)
 
United States (continued)                                  
Credit Acceptance Corp.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (8,301)  $(4,811,923)             $(4,666)
Cree, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (25,547)   (2,170,984)     50,318 
Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (29,666)   (3,388,451)     56,647 
EastGroup Properties, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (9,425)   (1,698,951)     (47,698)
Ecolab, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (5,105)   (1,150,463)     (1,894)
Enerpac Tool Group Corp.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.00   Monthly   (49,839)   (1,253,949)     0 
Extra Space Storage, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (6,915)   (1,292,483)     (23,932)
First Financial Bankshares, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (73,933)   (3,520,689)     90,182 
Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc., Class A  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (12,631)   (1,557,402)     (54,573)
Fulgent Genetics, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (8,742)   (797,620)     15,883 
Glacier Bancorp, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (48,515)   (2,583,909)     48,988 
GoodRx Holdings, Inc., Class A  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (2,734)   (103,947)     (2,161)
Greif, Inc., Class A  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (43,041)   (2,725,356)     (28,849)
Guidewire Software, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (27,707)   (3,282,171)     (12,760)
Hamilton Lane, Inc., Class A  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (26,242)   (2,258,649)     114,142 
Independent Bank Corp.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (16,283)   (1,248,906)     24,744 
International Paper Co.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (29,044)   (1,745,254)     1,154 
Jack Henry & Associates, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (11,472)   (2,023,431)     (5,171)
Kimberly-Clark Corp.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (22,654)   (3,121,948)     (33,089)
Lennox International, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (9,861)   (3,305,210)     (13,426)
Myriad Genetics, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (39,951)   (1,429,447)     (18,783)
National Beverage Corp.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (34,969)   (1,627,807)     (49,663)
Novanta, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (20,402)   (3,125,994)     (44,286)
Nucor Corp.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (48,448)   (5,695,546)     110,920 
Okta, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (9,731)   (2,565,092)     (11,883)
Papa John’s International, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (14,074)   (1,794,857)     (35,334)
Q2 Holdings, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (27,187)   (2,394,903)     (10,886)
Quaker Chemical Corp.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (8,845)   (2,291,916)     (39,989)
RH  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (2,272)   (1,591,922)     13,330 
Rite Aid Corp.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (51,493)   (913,486)     (35,534)
RLI Corp.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (22,223)   (2,427,418)     32,879 
Stitch Fix, Inc., Class A  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (18,779)   (787,028)     6,193 
Tesla, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (4,343)   (3,195,232)     (103,377)
Twitter, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (37,247)   (2,402,432)     (39,865)
United States Steel Corp.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (66,182)   (1,770,369)     57,570 
Vail Resorts, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (9,000)   (2,743,650)     (3,702)
Westamerica Bancorporation  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (55,774)   (3,164,617)     23,508 
                       (120,209,879)     381,594 
Total Short                      (165,213,941)     2,356,709 
Net unrealized gain/(loss) on Contracts For Difference                        $2,782,626 

 

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

 

54  |  Annual Report 2021

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2021
BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT RESEARCH FUND Portfolio Of Investments (concluded)

 

A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments carried at fair value as of August 31, 2021 is as follows (see Notes to Portfolio of Investments):

 

   TOTAL   LEVEL 1   LEVEL 2   LEVEL 3 
Common Stock                    
Communication Services  $82,259,712   $82,259,712   $   $ 
Consumer Discretionary   88,855,429    77,960,970    10,894,459     
Consumer Staples   38,547,335    32,867,748    5,679,587     
Energy   92,929,892    89,771,279    3,158,613     
Financials   129,656,346    115,589,470    14,066,876     
Health Care   102,047,756    94,604,401    7,443,355     
Industrials   110,632,431    106,941,169    3,691,262     
Information Technology   111,903,940    104,535,483    7,368,457     
Materials   38,999,626    38,999,626         
Real Estate   4,239,198    2,401,796    1,837,402     
Utilities   1,172,782    1,172,782         
Warrants   30,594            30,594 
Short-Term Investments   3,629,974    3,629,974         
Contracts For Difference                     
Equity Contracts   3,960,520    1,660,166    2,300,354     
Total Assets  $808,865,535   $752,394,576   $56,440,365   $30,594 
                     
   TOTAL   LEVEL 1   LEVEL 2   LEVEL 3 
Securities Sold Short                    
Communication Services  $(4,300,805)  $(3,038,126)  $(1,262,679)  $ 
Consumer Discretionary   (37,664,985)   (27,003,662)   (10,661,323)    
Consumer Staples   (20,772,092)   (13,444,644)   (7,327,448)    
Energy   (4,305,055)   (4,305,055)        
Financials   (20,115,943)   (13,000,462)   (7,115,481)    
Health Care   (13,194,073)   (11,379,844)   (1,814,229)    
Industrials   (26,619,734)   (19,938,684)   (6,681,050)    
Information Technology   (6,528,351)   (5,257,602)   (1,270,749)    
Materials   (17,765,592)   (10,159,559)   (7,606,033)    
Real Estate   (333,724)   (333,724)        
Contracts For Difference                    
Equity Contracts   (1,177,894)   (1,177,894)        
Total Liabilities  $(152,778,248)  $(109,039,256)  $(43,738,992)  $ 

 

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

 

Annual Report 2021  |  55

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2021
BOSTON PARTNERS ALL-CAP VALUE FUND Portfolio Of Investments

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
COMMON STOCKS—99.0%          
Communication Services—4.3%          
Activision Blizzard, Inc.(a)   91,930   $7,572,274 
Alphabet, Inc., Class A*   8,258    23,898,239 
Electronic Arts, Inc.   29,703    4,313,173 
Facebook, Inc., Class A*   41,228    15,641,079 
Interpublic Group of Cos., Inc., (The)   471,960    17,571,071 
NetEase, Inc. - ADR   93,405    9,099,515 
Omnicom Group, Inc.(a)   62,255    4,558,311 
         82,653,662 
Consumer Discretionary—10.0%          
AutoZone, Inc.*   9,117    14,123,601 
Dollar General Corp.   46,514    10,368,436 
eBay, Inc.   192,903    14,803,376 
Foot Locker, Inc.   299,626    16,985,798 
Gentex Corp.   95,515    2,941,862 
Harley-Davidson, Inc.   246,123    9,729,242 
International Game Technology PLC*   372,531    8,005,691 
Lear Corp.   49,634    7,938,462 
LKQ Corp.*(a)   365,070    19,235,538 
Lowe’s Cos., Inc.   40,529    8,263,458 
Magna International, Inc.   66,687    5,262,271 
Mohawk Industries, Inc.*   80,251    15,870,438 
NVR, Inc.*   3,626    18,782,462 
Polaris, Inc.(a)   110,614    13,247,133 
Travel + Leisure Co.   91,295    4,999,314 
Ulta Beauty, Inc.*   17,698    6,854,612 
Whirlpool Corp.(a)   44,530    9,864,731 
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.   79,685    5,793,100 
         193,069,525 
Consumer Staples—1.7%          
Altria Group, Inc.   119,378    5,996,357 
Ambev SA - ADR   1,319,182    4,300,533 
Coca-Cola European Partners PLC   101,014    5,832,548 
Nomad Foods Ltd.*(a)   300,648    7,934,101 
Philip Morris International, Inc   90,955    9,368,365 
         33,431,904 
Energy—5.5%          
BP PLC - SP ADR   197,833    4,838,995 
Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.(a)   251,420    8,314,460 
ChampionX Corp.*   135,980    3,172,413 
ConocoPhillips   175,061    9,721,137 
Devon Energy Corp.(a)   251,367    7,427,895 
Diamondback Energy, Inc.   147,273    11,360,639 
EOG Resources, Inc.   151,946    10,259,394 
Helmerich & Payne, Inc.   221,610    5,965,741 
Marathon Oil Corp.   788,362    9,263,254 
Phillips 66   69,945    4,972,390 
Pioneer Natural Resources Co.   51,802    7,753,205 
Royal Dutch Shell PLC, Class A - SP ADR   140,486    5,585,723 
Schlumberger Ltd.   367,097    10,293,400 
Whiting Petroleum Corp.*   167,165    7,848,397 
         106,777,043 
Financials—24.2%          
Aflac, Inc.   283,645    16,076,999 
Alleghany Corp.*   22,093    14,950,112 
Allstate Corp., (The)   156,935    21,230,167 
American International Group, Inc.   531,113    28,977,525 
Aon PLC, Class A   40,239    11,542,960 
Bank of America Corp.(a)   1,132,663    47,288,680 
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
Financials—(continued)          
Charles Schwab Corp., (The)   328,220   $23,910,827 
Chubb Ltd.   112,871    20,759,234 
Citigroup, Inc.   388,872    27,963,786 
Discover Financial Services(a)   105,032    13,467,203 
Fifth Third Bancorp(a)   232,986    9,053,836 
Globe Life, Inc.   88,193    8,472,702 
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., (The)   66,369    27,444,245 
Huntington Bancshares, Inc.   739,226    11,480,180 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.   245,775    39,311,711 
KeyCorp(a)   1,097,889    22,309,104 
Loews Corp.   298,833    16,695,800 
Markel Corp.*   6,454    8,198,193 
Renaissance Holdings Ltd.   95,756    15,007,838 
Synchrony Financial(a)   231,550    11,519,612 
Travelers Cos., Inc., (The)   76,611    12,235,543 
Truist Financial Corp.   376,329    21,473,333 
Wells Fargo & Co.   473,280    21,628,896 
White Mountains Insurance Group Ltd.    14,336    16,067,932 
         467,066,418 
Health Care—22.9%          
AbbVie, Inc.   215,363    26,011,543 
AmerisourceBergen Corp.   108,678    13,281,538 
Amgen, Inc.   96,492    21,761,841 
Anthem, Inc.   58,714    22,025,383 
Avantor, Inc.*   547,161    21,580,030 
Biogen, Inc.*   46,288    15,687,466 
Centene Corp.*   289,630    18,240,897 
Change Healthcare, Inc.*   345,900    7,550,997 
Cigna Corp.(a)   43,216    9,146,667 
Humana, Inc.   35,301    14,311,732 
Johnson & Johnson   344,430    59,631,166 
McKesson Corp.   115,235    23,524,073 
Medtronic PLC   327,541    43,720,173 
Merck & Co., Inc.   283,132    21,600,140 
Molina Healthcare, Inc.*   34,387    9,242,194 
Novartis AG - SP ADR   256,865    23,731,757 
Pfizer, Inc.   719,719    33,157,454 
Roche Holding AG - SP ADR   211,320    10,612,490 
Stryker Corp.   32,300    8,950,330 
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.   63,774    26,547,203 
Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.   86,259    12,977,667 
         443,292,741 
Industrials—15.6%          
Allegion PLC   46,965    6,762,490 
Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.(a)   187,040    6,916,739 
Altra Industrial Motion Corp.   92,300    5,405,088 
AMETEK, Inc.   80,783    10,984,064 
Boeing Co., (The)*   80,027    17,565,926 
BWX Technologies, Inc.   217,919    12,515,088 
Caterpillar, Inc.   37,841    7,979,532 
Curtiss-Wright Corp.   95,781    11,664,210 
Dover Corp.   70,417    12,277,908 
Eaton Corp., PLC   61,566    10,365,252 
EnerSys   66,415    5,618,045 
Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.   73,294    9,135,364 
General Dynamics Corp.   52,315    10,479,218 
Howmet Aerospace, Inc.   441,605    14,020,959 
Huron Consulting Group, Inc.*   138,264    6,826,094 
Landstar System, Inc.   40,292    6,770,265 
Leidos Holdings, Inc.   96,743    9,491,456 


 

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

 

56  |  Annual Report 2021

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2021
BOSTON PARTNERS ALL-CAP VALUE FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
Industrials—(continued)          
ManpowerGroup, Inc.   46,933   $5,698,605 
Masco Corp.   153,445    9,317,180 
Oshkosh Corp.   97,412    11,161,467 
Owens Corning   108,698    10,386,094 
PACCAR, Inc.   101,996    8,350,413 
Robert Half International, Inc.   83,846    8,669,676 
Science Applications International Corp.   173,483    14,612,473 
Sensata Technologies Holding PLC*   146,969    8,697,625 
Textron, Inc.   184,003    13,371,498 
United Parcel Service, Inc., Class B   68,957    13,490,058 
WESCO International, Inc.*   150,903    17,658,669 
Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp.   172,553    15,493,534 
         301,684,990 
Information Technology—11.2%          
Amdocs Ltd.   115,628    8,906,825 
Analog Devices, Inc.(a)   39,597    6,452,331 
Arrow Electronics, Inc.*   85,937    10,417,283 
Belden, Inc.   72,297    4,139,003 
Cisco Systems, Inc.   306,098    18,065,904 
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Class A   198,641    15,158,295 
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.(a)   135,822    17,353,977 
FleetCor Technologies, Inc.*   36,259    9,546,270 
Flex Ltd.*   549,775    10,214,819 
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.   397,275    6,141,871 
Jabil, Inc.   232,302    14,351,618 
NortonLifeLock, Inc.   226,579    6,017,938 
Oracle Corp.   248,301    22,131,068 
Qorvo, Inc.*   103,236    19,411,465 
QUALCOMM, Inc.   142,117    20,847,143 
SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc.   171,823    13,000,128 
TE Connectivity Ltd.   64,598    9,703,912 
Western Digital Corp.*(a)   60,389    3,816,585 
         215,676,435 
Materials—3.6%          
Cemex SAB de CV - SP ADR*   726,981    5,961,244 
Corteva, Inc.   245,651    10,801,275 
CRH PLC - SP ADR   203,203    10,794,143 
DuPont de Nemours, Inc.   155,812    11,533,204 
FMC Corp.   137,272    12,852,777 
Ingevity Corp.*   64,927    5,219,482 
Mosaic Co., (The)   293,096    9,431,829 
Trinseo SA   71,103    3,692,379 
         70,286,333 
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $1,208,954,386)
        1,913,939,051 
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
RIGHTS—0.0%          
Information Technology—0.0%  
CVR Banctec Inc. - Escrow Shares*‡   14,327   $0 
TOTAL RIGHTS
(Cost $0)
        0 
INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL—6.3%          
Mount Vernon Liquid Assets Portfolio, LLC, 0.09%(b)   121,525,521    121,525,521 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL
(Cost $121,525,521)
        121,525,521 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS—0.8%  
U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 0.01%(b)   15,670,704    15,670,704 
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(Cost $15,670,704)
        15,670,704 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—106.1%
(Cost $1,346,150,611)
        2,051,135,276 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS—(6.1)%        (118,130,919)
NET ASSETS—100.0%       $1,933,004,357 

 

 

ADR     American Depositary Receipt
PLC     Public Limited Company
SP ADR     Sponsored American Depositary Receipt
*     Non-income producing.
(a)     All or a portion of the security is on loan. At August 31, 2021, the market value of securities on loan was $118,695,192.
(b)     The rate shown is as of August 31, 2021.
    Security has been valued at fair market value using significant unobservable inputs as determined in good faith by or under the direction of The RBB Fund, Inc.’s Board of Directors. As of August 31, 2021, these securities amounted to $0 or 0.0% of net assets.
         
        Industry classifications may be different than those used for compliance monitoring purposes.


 

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

 

Annual Report 2021  |  57

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2021
BOSTON PARTNERS ALL-CAP VALUE FUND Portfolio Of Investments (concluded)

 

A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments carried at fair value as of August 31, 2021 is as follows (see Notes to Portfolio of Investments):

 

   TOTAL   LEVEL 1   LEVEL 2   LEVEL 3   INVESTMENTS
 MEASURED
 AT NET
ASSET VALUE*
 
Common Stock                         
Communication Services  $82,653,662   $82,653,662   $   $   $ 
Consumer Discretionary   193,069,525    193,069,525             
Consumer Staples   33,431,904    33,431,904             
Energy   106,777,043    106,777,043             
Financials   467,066,418    467,066,418             
Health Care   443,292,741    443,292,741             
Industrials   301,684,990    301,684,990             
Information Technology   215,676,435    215,676,435             
Materials   70,286,333    70,286,333             
Rights               **    
Investments Purchased with Proceeds from Securities Lending Collateral   121,525,521                121,525,521 
Short-Term Investments   15,670,704    15,670,704             
Total Assets  $2,051,135,276   $1,929,609,755   $   $**  $121,525,521 

 

* Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy included to reconcile to the amounts presented in the Portfolio of Investments.
** Value equals zero as of the end of the reporting period.

 

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

 

58  |  Annual Report 2021

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2021
WPG PARTNERS SMALL/MICRO CAP VALUE FUND Portfolio Of Investments

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
COMMON STOCKS—98.8%          
Consumer Discretionary—8.4%          
1-800-Flowers.com, Inc., Class A*(a)   8,794   $279,297 
Academy Sports & Outdoors, Inc.*(a)   1,810    80,129 
American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc.*   23,644    209,722 
BJ’s Restaurants, Inc.*(a)   3,495    149,446 
Del Taco Restaurants, Inc.(a)   15,777    138,838 
Designer Brands, Inc., Class A*   14,584    211,468 
Fossil Group, Inc.*(a)   20,160    270,144 
H&R Block, Inc.(a)   20,864    535,162 
Stride, Inc.*(a)   4,596    157,367 
Universal Electronics, Inc.*   4,101    207,183 
WW International, Inc.*   3,319    71,856 
         2,310,612 
Consumer Staples—1.7%          
Dole PLC*   9,042    145,124 
Fresh Del Monte Produce, Inc.   2,185    71,843 
Landec Corp.*   11,930    129,202 
Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc.(a)   1,588    123,959 
         470,128 
Energy—10.3%          
Delek US Holdings, Inc.*   4,831    82,658 
Euronav NV(a)   29,205    238,605 
Liberty Oilfield Services, Inc., Class A*   13,671    139,717 
National Energy Services Reunited Corp.*   40,499    459,664 
Newpark Resources, Inc.*   82,484    216,108 
Oasis Petroleum, Inc.   3,365    291,375 
Scorpio Tankers, Inc.   14,129    229,031 
SM Energy Co.   33,367    637,310 
Teekay Tankers Ltd., Class A*(a)   23,049    263,911 
Vine Energy, Inc., Class A*   19,287    286,798 
         2,845,177 
Financials—24.6%          
Ameris Bancorp(a)   7,000    344,680 
Axis Capital Holdings Ltd.   10,598    542,300 
Blucora, Inc.*   19,047    312,561 
Essent Group Ltd.   11,579    545,139 
First Foundation, Inc.(a)   21,177    508,883 
First Interstate BancSystem, Inc., Class A(a)   8,078    355,917 
FirstCash, Inc.(a)   2,295    196,659 
Hanover Insurance Group, Inc., (The)   1,295    182,996 
HomeStreet, Inc.   9,343    381,662 
Ladder Capital Corp.   16,738    190,981 
National Bank Holdings Corp., Class A   9,302    348,825 
Peoples Bancorp, Inc.(a)   11,305    353,168 
Popular, Inc.   10,505    797,750 
Premier Financial Corp.   12,385    376,504 
PROG Holdings, Inc.*   3,141    148,632 
Sculptor Capital Management, Inc.   5,446    154,122 
Triumph Bancorp, Inc.*   2,975    244,604 
Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc.(a)   5,564    296,339 
Webster Financial Corp.   9,995    504,947 
         6,786,669 
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
Health Care—3.7%          
Apria, Inc.*   4,071   $145,213 
Emergent BioSolutions, Inc.*(a)   1,974    124,520 
Innoviva, Inc.*   6,789    103,600 
Lantheus Holdings, Inc.*(a)   13,395    353,226 
Natus Medical, Inc.*   5,856    155,301 
PetIQ, Inc.*(a)   5,384    139,715 
         1,021,575 
Industrials—20.9%          
ABM Industries, Inc.   2,902    143,707 
AerCap Holdings NV*   7,383    398,165 
Air Transport Services Group, Inc.*(a)   11,577    317,094 
Argan, Inc.   7,088    328,174 
Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc.*(a)   2,616    134,672 
BrightView Holdings, Inc.*(a)   17,333    265,715 
Cornerstone Building Brands, Inc.*   22,075    366,887 
Fluor Corp.*(a)   11,646    194,022 
Frontier Group Holdings, Inc.*(a)   15,960    244,667 
ICF International, Inc.   2,774    259,813 
JetBlue Airways Corp.*   13,484    204,013 
KBR, Inc.   12,725    495,512 
Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings, Inc.   7,265    377,271 
Marten Transport Ltd.   15,617    243,469 
Matrix Service Co.*   22,676    255,785 
Maxar Technologies, Inc.(a)   6,863    218,175 
PAE, Inc.*   13,644    91,278 
Tutor Perini Corp.*   32,467    468,174 
Univar Solutions, Inc.*   20,238    477,819 
Vectrus, Inc.*   5,721    287,824 
         5,772,236 
Information Technology—5.6%          
Axcelis Technologies, Inc.*   10,911    542,386 
Celestica, Inc.*   14,995    142,452 
CommScope Holding Co., Inc.*   4,593    72,569 
Diebold Nixdorf, Inc.*(a)   10,234    111,346 
Rambus, Inc.*(a)   8,219    195,612 
SMART Global Holdings, Inc.*(a)   10,121    490,464 
         1,554,829 
Materials—13.9%          
Capstone Mining Corp.*   24,014    105,638 
Chemours Co., (The)(a)   8,733    292,643 
Constellium SE*   11,223    226,929 
Mosaic Co., (The)   23,349    751,371 
Pactiv Evergreen, Inc.   15,999    219,986 
Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc.   4,527    173,248 
Stelco Holdings, Inc.   7,820    305,263 
Tronox Holdings PLC, Class A   38,047    803,933 
Valvoline, Inc.(a)   21,686    654,050 
Warrior Met Coal, Inc.   13,570    303,832 
         3,836,893 
Real Estate—7.1%          
Apple Hospitality, Inc.(a)   35,928    531,016 
Brixmor Property Group, Inc.   24,504    574,619 
Equity Commonwealth   4,897    128,987 
LTC Properties, Inc.(a)   1,927    66,501 
RMR Group, Inc., Class A, (The)   3,527    163,441 
UMH Properties, Inc.   20,856    494,287 
         1,958,851 


 

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

 

Annual Report 2021  |  59

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2021
WPG PARTNERS SMALL/MICRO CAP VALUE FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
Utilities—2.6%          
ALLETE, Inc.   2,541   $171,314 
Avista Corp.   4,182    175,017 
South Jersey Industries, Inc.(a)   14,932    370,463 
         716,794 
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $20,657,192)
        27,273,764 
WARRANTS—0.0%          
Energy—0.0%          
TETRA Technologies, Inc. *‡   20,950    14 
TOTAL WARRANTS
(Cost $4,475)
        14 
INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL—27.3%          
Mount Vernon Liquid Assets Portfolio, LLC, 0.09%(b)   7,534,351    7,534,351 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL
(Cost $7,534,351)
        7,534,351 
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS—1.3%          
U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit  Account, 0.01%(b)   349,083   $349,083 
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
 (Cost $349,083)
        349,083 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—127.4%
(Cost $28,545,101)
        35,157,212 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS—(27.4)%        (7,555,063)
NET ASSETS—100.0%       $27,602,149 

 

 
PLC      —  Public Limited Company
*   Non-income producing.
(a)   All or a portion of the security is on loan. At August 31, 2021, the market value of securities on loan was $7,372,273.
(b)   The rate shown is as of August 31, 2021.
  Security has been valued at fair market value using significant unobservable inputs as determined in good faith by or under the direction of The RBB Fund, Inc.’s Board of Directors. As of August 31, 2021, these securities amounted to $14 or 0.0% of net assets.
       
      Industry classifications may be different than those used for compliance monitoring purposes.


 

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

 

60  |  Annual Report 2021

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2021
WPG PARTNERS SMALL/MICRO CAP VALUE FUND Portfolio Of Investments (concluded)

 

A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments carried at fair value as of August 31, 2021 is as follows (see Notes to Portfolio of Investments):

 

   TOTAL   LEVEL 1   LEVEL 2   LEVEL 3   INVESTMENTS
 MEASURED
AT NET
ASSET VALUE*
 
Common Stock                         
Consumer Discretionary  $2,310,612   $2,310,612   $   $   $ 
Consumer Staples   470,128    470,128             
Energy   2,845,177    2,845,177             
Financials   6,786,669    6,786,669             
Health Care   1,021,575    1,021,575             
Industrials   5,772,236    5,772,236             
Information Technology   1,554,829    1,554,829             
Materials   3,836,893    3,836,893             
Real Estate   1,958,851    1,958,851             
Utilities   716,794    716,794             
Warrants   14            14     
Investments Purchased with Proceeds from Securities Lending Collateral   7,534,351                7,534,351 
Short-Term Investments   349,083    349,083             
Total Assets  $35,157,212   $27,622,847   $   $14   $7,534,351 

 

* Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy included to reconcile to the amounts presented in the Portfolio of Investments

 

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

 

Annual Report 2021  |  61

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2021
BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL EQUITY FUND Portfolio Of Investments

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
COMMON STOCKS—97.0%          
Bermuda—1.5%          
Everest Re Group Ltd.   10,720   $2,839,728 
Canada—1.0%          
Cenovus Energy, Inc.   209,952    1,742,319 
China—0.5%          
Angang Steel Co., Ltd., Class H   1,202,000    918,317 
Finland—1.8%          
Metso Outotec Oyj   132,810    1,420,198 
Nordea Bank Abp   153,553    1,803,487 
         3,223,685 
France—10.4%          
Airbus Group SE*   16,998    2,325,259 
Capgemini SA   14,561    3,273,127 
Cie de Saint-Gobain   41,808    3,030,783 
Cie Generale des Etablissements Michelin SCA   5,976    967,489 
Eiffage SA   21,055    2,190,744 
Imerys SA   27,189    1,260,743 
Klepierre SA*   48,156    1,180,594 
Sanofi   29,677    3,075,681 
TotalEnergies SE   39,593    1,751,301 
         19,055,721 
Germany—5.8%          
Brenntag SE   10,311    1,040,568 
Deutsche Post AG   33,090    2,326,527 
Deutsche Telekom AG   47,644    1,013,066 
HeidelbergCement AG   21,612    1,874,331 
Rheinmetall AG   22,186    2,169,613 
Siemens AG   13,810    2,291,006 
         10,715,111 
Hong Kong—0.5%          
Topsports International Holdings Ltd.   685,000    903,187 
Ireland—1.5%          
CRH PLC   37,172    1,977,642 
Flutter Entertainment PLC*   3,777    733,338 
         2,710,980 
Japan—8.8%          
Asahi Group Holdings Ltd.   40,300    1,873,331 
Fuji Corp.   50,200    1,299,526 
Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.   24,300    1,051,249 
Hitachi Ltd.   33,300    1,840,375 
Honda Motor Co., Ltd.   83,800    2,536,345 
Komatsu Ltd.   48,300    1,174,787 
Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co., Inc.   36,300    683,988 
Sony Group Corp.   27,000    2,791,675 
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc.   28,400    980,247 
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.   72,500    1,844,525 
         16,076,048 
Netherlands—4.6%          
Aalberts NV   17,145    1,070,637 
ING Groep NV   161,746    2,231,184 
NXP Semiconductors NV(a)   4,952    1,065,324 
Signify NV   16,429    920,396 
Stellantis NV   154,012    3,087,275 
         8,374,816 
Norway—0.5%          
Norsk Hydro ASA   132,672    915,867 
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
Singapore—1.3%          
DBS Group Holdings Ltd.   40,410   $896,014 
United Overseas Bank Ltd.   81,100    1,535,327 
         2,431,341 
South Korea—3.1%          
KB Financial Group, Inc.   49,290    2,242,205 
POSCO   3,156    908,392 
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.   15,653    1,033,383 
SK Telecom Co., Ltd.   5,860    1,506,661 
         5,690,641 
Sweden—2.9%          
Loomis AB   47,945    1,487,890 
Svenska Handelsbanken AB, Class A   156,613    1,759,814 
Volvo AB, Class B   93,367    2,114,092 
         5,361,796 
Switzerland—4.5%          
Adecco Group AG   13,146    731,278 
Glencore PLC   577,555    2,603,473 
Novartis AG   28,103    2,599,271 
STMicroelectronics NV   50,145    2,233,792 
         8,167,814 
United Kingdom—5.8%          
Entain PLC*   54,829    1,457,131 
IMI PLC   55,469    1,390,974 
Inchcape PLC   103,581    1,309,448 
Liberty Global PLC, Class A*   42,197    1,212,742 
Melrose Industries PLC*   492,382    1,136,953 
Persimmon PLC   28,111    1,137,696 
Pets at Home Group PLC   8,157    56,171 
Travis Perkins PLC*   86,447    2,141,710 
WH Smith PLC*   38,059    855,426 
         10,698,251 
United States—42.5%          
AbbVie, Inc.   15,001    1,811,821 
Allstate Corp., (The)   9,825    1,329,126 
Anthem, Inc.   4,802    1,801,374 
Applied Materials, Inc.   8,889    1,201,171 
AutoZone, Inc.*(a)   1,194    1,849,685 
Bank of America Corp.(a)   29,887    1,247,782 
Carter’s, Inc.   22,236    2,276,522 
Charles Schwab Corp., (The)   16,535    1,204,575 
Charter Communications, Inc., Class A*(a)   3,234    2,641,078 
Cigna Corp.   11,105    2,350,373 
Cisco Systems, Inc.   47,533    2,805,398 
Citigroup, Inc.   13,128    944,034 
Concentrix Corp.*   13,709    2,377,003 
CVS Health Corp.   32,046    2,768,454 
Diamondback Energy, Inc.   24,406    1,882,679 
DuPont de Nemours, Inc.   40,974    3,032,895 
Eagle Materials, Inc.   6,283    985,426 
Eaton Corp., PLC   8,889    1,496,552 
Fifth Third Bancorp   47,151    1,832,288 
FMC Corp.   8,509    796,698 
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., (The)   7,416    3,066,590 
HollyFrontier Corp.   39,779    1,286,055 
Huntington Bancshares, Inc.   90,658    1,407,919 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.   12,958    2,072,632 
KeyCorp   109,908    2,233,331 
LKQ Corp.*   47,955    2,526,749 


 

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

 

62  |  Annual Report 2021

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2021
BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL EQUITY FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
United States—(continued)          
Marathon Petroleum Corp.   27,773   $1,646,106 
McKesson Corp.   11,297    2,306,170 
Medtronic PLC   5,907    788,466 
Merck & Co., Inc.   16,784    1,280,451 
Micron Technology, Inc.(a)   25,638    1,889,521 
Mohawk Industries, Inc.*   4,454    880,823 
Nexstar Media Group, Inc., Class A   12,409    1,858,248 
Oracle Corp.   11,095    988,897 
Oshkosh Corp.   11,740    1,345,169 
Owens Corning   23,455    2,241,125 
Pioneer Natural Resources Co.   7,486    1,120,430 
QUALCOMM, Inc.   7,195    1,055,435 
Schlumberger Ltd.   23,122    648,341 
Science Applications International Corp.(a)   15,198    1,280,127 
Sensata Technologies Holding PLC*   29,502    1,745,928 
Synchrony Financial(a)   46,157    2,296,311 
TE Connectivity Ltd.   9,624    1,445,717 
Textron, Inc.   19,605    1,424,695 
US Foods Holding Corp.*   26,127    888,318 
Valvoline, Inc.   53,842    1,623,875 
         77,982,363 
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $131,161,139)
        177,807,985 
PREFERRED STOCKS—1.1%          
Germany—0.7%          
Volkswagen AG 2.413%   5,642    1,341,974 
South Korea—0.4%          
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. 4.274%   12,025    733,122 
TOTAL PREFERRED STOCKS
(Cost $1,779,369)
        2,075,096 
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL—3.4%          
Mount Vernon Liquid Assets Portfolio, LLC, 0.09%(b)   6,303,542   $6,303,542 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL
(Cost $6,303,542)
        6,303,542 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS—1.4%          
U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 0.01%(b)   2,579,174    2,579,174 
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(Cost $2,579,174)
        2,579,174 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—102.9%
(Cost $141,823,224)
        188,765,797 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS—(2.9)%        (5,332,409)
NET ASSETS—100.0%       $183,433,388 

 

 
PLC     —  Public Limited Company
*   Non-income producing.
(a)   All or a portion of the security is on loan. At August 31, 2021, the market value of securities on loan was $6,200,112.
(b)   The rate shown is as of August 31, 2021.


 

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

 

Annual Report 2021  |  63

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2021
BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL EQUITY FUND Portfolio Of Investments (concluded)

 

A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments carried at fair value as of August 31, 2021 is as follows (see Notes to Portfolio of Investments):

 

   TOTAL   LEVEL 1   LEVEL 2   LEVEL 3   INVESTMENTS
MEASURED
AT NET
ASSET VALUE*
 
Common Stock                         
Bermuda  $2,839,728   $2,839,728   $   $   $ 
Canada   1,742,319    1,742,319             
China   918,317        918,317         
Finland   3,223,685        3,223,685         
France   19,055,721        19,055,721         
Germany   10,715,111        10,715,111         
Hong Kong   903,187        903,187         
Ireland   2,710,980        2,710,980         
Japan   16,076,048        16,076,048         
Netherlands   8,374,816    1,065,324    7,309,492         
Norway   915,867        915,867         
Singapore   2,431,341        2,431,341         
South Korea   5,690,641        5,690,641         
Sweden   5,361,796    1,487,890    3,873,906         
Switzerland   8,167,814        8,167,814         
United Kingdom   10,698,251    2,522,190    8,176,061         
United States   77,982,363    77,982,363             
Preferred Stock                         
Germany   1,341,974        1,341,974         
South Korea   733,122        733,122         
Investments Purchased with Proceeds from Securities Lending Collateral   6,303,542                6,303,542 
Short-Term Investments   2,579,174    2,579,174             
Total Assets  $188,765,797   $90,218,988   $92,243,267   $   $6,303,542 

 

* Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the Portfolio of Investments

 

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

 

64 |  Annual Report 2021

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2021
BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL LONG/SHORT FUND Portfolio Of Investments

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
LONG POSITIONS—100.3%          
COMMON STOCKS—-93.5%          
Australia—0.7%          
Whitehaven Coal Ltd.*   425,670   $781,355 
Bermuda—2.1%          
Everest Re Group Ltd.†   8,751    2,318,140 
Canada—2.2%          
Cenovus Energy, Inc.   191,874    1,592,296 
Kinross Gold Corp.   123,971    745,801 
         2,338,097 
China—0.7%          
Angang Steel Co., Ltd., Class H   1,014,000    774,687 
Finland—0.6%          
Metso Outotec Oyj   56,422    603,346 
France—7.7%          
Airbus Group SE*   9,916    1,356,469 
Cie de Saint-Gobain   7,207    522,456 
Eiffage SA   12,027    1,251,393 
Imerys SA   20,864    967,456 
Klepierre SA*   34,123    836,560 
Rexel SA*   52,066    1,089,952 
Sanofi   21,499    2,228,125 
         8,252,411 
Germany—3.7%          
Deutsche Telekom AG   62,936    1,338,223 
HeidelbergCement AG   8,238    714,452 
Siemens AG   11,711    1,942,793 
         3,995,468 
Hong Kong—0.5%          
Topsports International Holdings Ltd.   401,000    528,727 
Ireland—0.6%          
Flutter Entertainment PLC*   3,654    709,457 
Italy—0.8%          
Enel SpA   97,128    884,878 
Japan—7.8%          
Fuji Corp.   30,500    789,553 
Honda Motor Co., Ltd.   55,800    1,688,879 
Komatsu Ltd.   38,500    936,425 
Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co., Inc.   14,900    280,755 
Sony Group Corp.   14,200    1,468,214 
Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd.   33,000    863,267 
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc.   18,900    652,347 
Tosoh Corp.   17,200    312,187 
TS Tech Co., Ltd.   32,600    441,573 
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.   39,500    1,004,948 
         8,438,148 
Macao—0.2%          
Wynn Macau Ltd.*   218,800    246,530 
Netherlands—3.1%          
ING Groep NV   78,659    1,085,051 
NXP Semiconductors NV   3,595    773,392 
Stellantis NV   74,290    1,489,195 
         3,347,638 
Norway—1.0%          
Norsk Hydro ASA   156,536    1,080,606 
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
South Korea—3.3%          
Hana Financial Group, Inc.   23,433   $907,419 
KB Financial Group, Inc.   20,541    934,411 
POSCO   1,358    390,874 
SK Telecom Co., Ltd.   4,969    1,277,576 
         3,510,280 
Sweden—3.1%          
Svenska Handelsbanken AB, Class A   102,029    1,146,470 
Volvo AB, Class B   95,497    2,162,321 
         3,308,791 
Switzerland—6.2%          
Glencore PLC   454,989    2,050,976 
Novartis AG   13,103    1,211,908 
Roche Holding AG   1,669    670,195 
STMicroelectronics NV   23,052    1,026,890 
UBS Group AG   100,138    1,670,426 
         6,630,395 
Taiwan—0.6%          
Formosa Sumco Technology Corp.   96,000    641,371 
United Kingdom—9.9%          
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PLC†   21,060    1,216,004 
IMI PLC   44,359    1,112,373 
Liberty Global PLC, Class A*   57,048    1,639,560 
Melrose Industries PLC*   410,249    947,301 
Morgan Advanced Materials PLC   136,442    753,293 
Pets at Home Group PLC   86,172    593,398 
SSE PLC   29,728    667,819 
Tesco PLC   485,213    1,703,404 
Travis Perkins PLC*   81,236    2,012,608 
         10,645,760 
United States—38.7%          
AbbVie, Inc.†   10,672    1,288,964 
Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.†   15,310    566,164 
Alphabet, Inc., Class C*†   706    2,053,923 
Applied Materials, Inc.†   3,780    510,791 
AutoZone, Inc.*   779    1,206,788 
Carter’s, Inc.†   13,915    1,424,618 
Centene Corp.*†   13,462    847,837 
CF Industries Holdings, Inc.†   23,063    1,047,521 
Cigna Corp.   3,205    678,338 
Cisco Systems, Inc.†   29,019    1,712,701 
Citigroup, Inc.†   19,471    1,400,160 
CommScope Holding Co., Inc.*   27,141    428,828 
Concentrix Corp.*†   8,926    1,547,679 
CVS Health Corp.†   15,695    1,355,891 
Diamondback Energy, Inc.†   19,294    1,488,339 
DuPont de Nemours, Inc.#†   18,283    1,353,308 
Envista Holdings Corp.*†   38,808    1,660,594 
Facebook, Inc., Class A*†   1,754    665,433 
FleetCor Technologies, Inc.*   2,846    749,295 
FMC Corp.†   8,987    841,453 
Hasbro, Inc.   10,168    999,616 
HollyFrontier Corp.   30,752    994,212 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.†   7,203    1,152,120 
KeyCorp†   63,077    1,281,725 
KLA Corp.#   3,002    1,020,560 
Lennar Corp., Class A#†   7,507    805,576 
McKesson Corp.†   6,365    1,299,351 
Micron Technology, Inc.†   17,270    1,272,799 
Microsoft Corp.†   3,793    1,145,031 


 

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

 

Annual Report 2021  |  65

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2021
BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL LONG/SHORT FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
United States—(continued)          
Oracle Corp.#†   17,913   $1,596,586 
Science Applications International Corp.†   7,940    668,786 
Sensata Technologies Holding PLC*†   29,462    1,743,561 
Stride, Inc.*†   18,928    648,095 
Tronox Holdings PLC, Class A   45,333    957,886 
Virtu Financial, Inc., Class A†   21,610    529,013 
Wells Fargo & Co.#†   41,795    1,910,032 
Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp.   9,175    823,823 
         41,677,397 
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $80,610,524)
        100,713,482 
PREFERRED STOCKS—1.6%          
Germany—1.6%          
Volkswagen AG 2.413%   7,057    1,678,538 
TOTAL PREFERRED STOCKS
(Cost $1,441,870)
        1,678,538 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS—5.2%      
U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 0.01%(a)  5,569,793    5,569,793 
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(Cost $5,569,793)
        5,569,793 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—100.3%
(Cost $87,622,187)
        107,961,813 
SECURITIES SOLD SHORT—(36.9%)       
COMMON STOCKS—(36.9%)         
Australia—(2.2%)          
Afterpay Ltd.*   (6,232)   (606,184)
Commonwealth Bank of Australia   (9,445)   (688,183)
Technology One Ltd.   (40,008)   (288,128)
WiseTech Global Ltd.   (21,537)   (757,050)
         (2,339,545)
Canada—(0.3%)          
Cargojet, Inc.   (2,327)   (385,943)
China—(0.4%)          
ZTO Express Cayman, Inc. - ADR   (14,026)   (395,673)
Denmark—(0.4%)          
Ambu A/S, Class B   (12,519)   (395,926)
France—(0.9%)          
JCDecaux SA*   (21,556)   (601,374)
Remy Cointreau SA   (1,948)   (383,617)
         (984,991)
Germany—(0.6%)          
Zalando SE*   (5,647)   (626,109)
Israel—(0.5%)          
Fiverr International Ltd.*   (2,777)   (498,499)
Japan—(3.3%)          
Fujitsu General Ltd.   (15,100)   (376,935)
Hirose Electric Co., Ltd.   (3,100)   (516,134)
Mercari, Inc.*   (8,200)   (404,608)
MonotaRO Co., Ltd.   (17,300)   (383,417)
Nidec Corp.   (6,100)   (696,796)
Nomura Holdings, Inc.   (84,200)   (406,622)
Odakyu Electric Railway Co., Ltd.   (10,800)   (251,636)
PeptiDream, Inc.*   (5,700)   (200,852)
Yamazaki Baking Co., Ltd.   (17,600)   (288,618)
         (3,525,618)
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
Luxembourg—(0.2%)          
Spotify Technology SA*   (1,175)  $(275,350)
New Zealand—(0.4%)          
Xero Ltd.*   (3,743)   (413,989)
Norway—(1.3%)          
Equinor ASA   (26,855)   (569,169)
NEL ASA*   (161,781)   (265,729)
Yara International ASA   (11,749)   (590,069)
         (1,424,967)
Singapore—(0.5%)          
Singapore Airlines Ltd.*   (133,000)   (498,595)
Sweden—(2.4%)          
Dometic Group AB   (35,731)   (566,756)
Epiroc AB*   (33,468)   (734,421)
Essity AB, Class B   (22,487)   (721,782)
Telia Co., AB   (120,371)   (517,519)
         (2,540,478)
Switzerland—(2.9%)          
ABB Ltd.   (15,125)   (559,544)
Belimo Holding AG*   (797)   (415,609)
Credit Suisse Group AG   (36,895)   (390,848)
Kuehne + Nagel International AG   (1,693)   (618,737)
Stadler Rail AG   (9,984)   (432,613)
VAT Group AG   (1,820)   (762,307)
         (3,179,658)
United Kingdom—(0.3%)          
Renishaw PLC   (5,083)   (377,584)
United States—(20.3%)          
Appfolio, Inc., Class A*   (4,898)   (578,454)
Appian Corp.*   (2,006)   (215,043)
Beyond Meat, Inc.*   (1,866)   (223,248)
Blackline, Inc.*   (5,619)   (613,033)
Calix, Inc.*   (11,992)   (558,827)
Cal-Maine Foods, Inc.   (15,521)   (561,239)
CarMax, Inc.*   (3,252)   (407,183)
Carvana Co.*   (1,459)   (478,639)
Chart Industries, Inc.*   (3,180)   (599,048)
Chewy, Inc., Class A*   (3,305)   (291,237)
Choice Hotels International, Inc.   (3,310)   (395,082)
Cincinnati Financial Corp.   (5,360)   (661,424)
Compass Minerals International, Inc.   (7,028)   (470,384)
Credit Acceptance Corp.*   (467)   (270,711)
Cree, Inc.*   (5,194)   (441,386)
CVB Financial Corp.   (25,456)   (518,284)
Danimer Scientific, Inc.*   (9,547)   (186,548)
DoorDash, Inc., Class A*   (2,780)   (532,092)
DraftKings, Inc., Class A*   (8,478)   (502,661)
Dun & Bradstreet Holdings, Inc.*   (10,912)   (200,017)
Ecolab, Inc.   (1,040)   (234,374)
Enerpac Tool Group Corp.   (22,144)   (557,143)
First Financial Bankshares, Inc.   (16,809)   (800,445)
Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc., Class A*   (2,508)   (309,236)
Fulgent Genetics, Inc.*   (2,891)   (263,775)
GoodRx Holdings, Inc., Class A*   (6,777)   (257,662)
Greif, Inc., Class A   (8,693)   (550,441)
Hormel Foods Corp.   (15,480)   (704,959)
Lemonade, Inc.*   (4,889)   (369,315)
Multiplan Corp.*   (31,508)   (189,048)
Netflix, Inc.*   (1,057)   (601,634)
Nevro Corp.*   (2,704)   (329,888)


 

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

 

66  |  Annual Report 2021

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2021
BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL LONG/SHORT FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
United States—(continued)          
Nikola Corp.*   (18,127)  $(189,065)
Novanta, Inc.*   (3,363)   (515,279)
Okta, Inc.*   (1,624)   (428,086)
Packaging Corp of America   (1,947)   (295,360)
Quaker Chemical Corp.   (1,381)   (357,845)
Redfin Corp.*   (10,563)   (513,045)
RLI Corp.   (2,729)   (298,089)
Shake Shack, Inc., Class A*#   (5,172)   (448,671)
Southern Copper Corp.   (10,041)   (628,466)
Stitch Fix, Inc., Class A*   (8,110)   (339,890)
Teladoc Health, Inc.*   (2,352)   (339,676)
Tesla, Inc.*   (1,906)   (1,402,282)
Texas Roadhouse, Inc.   (3,660)   (347,700)
Vail Resorts, Inc.*   (2,132)   (649,940)
Wayfair, Inc., Class A*   (1,999)   (561,219)
Westamerica Bancorporation   (7,835)   (444,558)
WW International, Inc.*   (12,128)   (262,571)
         (21,894,202)
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Proceeds $(37,585,400))
        (39,757,127)
TOTAL SECURITIES SOLD SHORT—(36.9%)
(Proceeds $(37,585,400))
        (39,757,127)

 

   NUMBER OF
CONTRACTS
   NOTIONAL
AMOUNT
   VALUE 
OPTIONS WRITTEN††—(0.7%)         
Call Options Written—(0.6%)          
DuPont de Nemours, Inc.               
Expiration:               
01/21/2022, Exercise Price: 85.00   (106)   (784,612)   (11,448)
KLA Corp.                
Expiration:               
01/21/2022, Exercise Price: 350.00   (29)   (985,884)   (66,700)
Lennar Corp.               
Expiration:               
11/19/2021, Exercise Price: 95.00   (74)   (794,094)   (110,852)
   NUMBER OF
CONTRACTS
   NOTIONAL
AMOUNT
   VALUE 
Call Options Written—(continued)         
Oracle Corp.               
Expiration:               
01/21/2022, Exercise Price: 67.50   (149)   (1,328,037)  $(338,975)
Wells Fargo & Co.               
Expiration:               
12/17/2021, Exercise Price: 42.50   (197)   (900,290)   (94,954)
Wells Fargo & Co.               
Expiration:               
01/21/2022, Exercise Price: 50.00   (216)   (987,120)   (39,960)
TOTAL CALL OPTIONS WRITTEN
(Premiums received $(564,440))
    (662,889)
Put Options Written—(0.1%)       
Shake Shack, Inc., Class A               
Expiration:               
12/17/2021, Exercise Price: 90.00   (27)   (234,225)   (27,675)
TOTAL PUT OPTIONS WRITTEN
(Premiums received $(29,415))
    (27,675)
TOTAL OPTIONS WRITTEN
(Premiums received $(593,855))
    (690,564)
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES—37.3%    40,136,937 
NET ASSETS—100.0%            $107,651,059 

 

 

 

ADR American Depositary Receipt
PLC Public Limited Company
* Non-income producing.
(a) The rate shown is as of August 31, 2021.
Security position is either entirely or partially held in a segregated account as collateral for securities sold short.
# Security segregated as collateral for options written.
†† Primary risk exposure is equity contracts.


 

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

 

Annual Report 2021  |  67

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2021
BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL LONG/SHORT FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

Contracts For Difference held by the Fund at August 31, 2021, are as follows:

 

REFERENCE
COMPANY
  COUNTERPARTY  EXPIRATION
DATE
  FINANCING
RATE
  PAYMENT
FREQUENCY
  NUMBER OF
CONTRACTS
LONG/
(SHORT)
   NOTIONAL
AMOUNT
   UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION
(DEPRECIATION)
 
Long                               
Netherlands                               
Royal Dutch Shell PLC, Class A  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   0.05%  Monthly   40,484   $796,823                $(8,810)
United Kingdom                               
GVC LN  Goldman Sachs  09/18/2025   0.05   Monthly   31,967    849,553      21,026 
Total Long                      1,646,376      12,216 
Short                               
South Korea                               
POSCO Chemical Co., Ltd.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (3,051)  $(409,186)    $(28,258)
Taiwan                               
Acer, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  09/18/2025   0.08   Monthly   (389,000)   (353,719)     (3,885)
Advantech Co., Ltd.  Morgan Stanley  09/22/2022   0.09   Monthly   (40,000)   (557,129)     (46,847)
Formosa Petrochemical Corp.  Macquarie  12/21/2021   0.08   Monthly   (120,000)   (423,476)     (12,991)
                       (1,334,324)     (63,723)
United Kingdom                               
Antofagasta PLC  Goldman Sachs  09/18/2025   0.05   Monthly   (29,252)   (585,563)     16,724 
Ashmore Group PLC  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   0.05   Monthly   (80,024)   (439,205)     (19,856)
Domino’s Pizza Group PLC  Goldman Sachs  09/18/2025   0.05   Monthly   (63,259)   (357,802)     477 
Fevertree Drinks PLC  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   0.05   Monthly   (8,737)   (266,909)     15,461 
HSBC Holdings PLC  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   0.05   Monthly   (68,096)   (361,568)     18,350 
Pearson PLC  Goldman Sachs  09/18/2025   0.05   Monthly   (29,681)   (313,235)     (2,324)
Schroders PLC  Goldman Sachs  09/18/2025   0.05   Monthly   (8,762)   (455,357)     (8,489)
Whitbread PLC  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   0.05   Monthly   (11,904)   (525,030)     (30,176)
                       (3,304,669)     (9,833)
Total Short                      (5,048,179)     (101,814)
Net unrealized gain/(loss) on Contracts For Difference                      $(89,598)

 

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

 

68  |  Annual Report 2021

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2021
BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL LONG/SHORT FUND Portfolio Of Investments (concluded)

 

A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments carried at fair value as of August 31, 2021 is as follows (see Notes to Portfolio of Investments):

 

   TOTAL   LEVEL 1   LEVEL 2   LEVEL 3 
Common Stock                    
Australia  $781,355   $   $781,355   $ 
Bermuda   2,318,140    2,318,140         
Canada   2,338,097    2,338,097         
China   774,687        774,687     
Finland   603,346        603,346     
France   8,252,411        8,252,411     
Germany   3,995,468        3,995,468     
Hong Kong   528,727        528,727     
Ireland   709,457        709,457     
Italy   884,878        884,878     
Japan   8,438,148        8,438,148     
Macao   246,530        246,530     
Netherland   3,347,638    773,392    2,574,246     
Norway   1,080,606        1,080,606     
South Korea   3,510,280        3,510,280     
Sweden   3,308,791        3,308,791     
Switzerland   6,630,395        6,630,395     
Taiwan   641,371        641,371     
United Kingdom   10,645,760    2,855,564    7,790,196     
United States   41,677,397    41,677,397         
Preferred Stock
Germany
   1,678,538        1,678,538     
Short-Term Investments   5,569,793    5,569,793         
Contracts For Difference Equity Contracts   72,038    72,038         
Total Assets  $108,033,851   $55,604,421   $52,429,430   $ 
                     
   TOTAL   LEVEL 1   LEVEL 2   LEVEL 3 
Securities Sold Short                    
Australia  $(2,339,545)  $   $(2,339,545)  $ 
Canada   (385,943)   (385,943)        
China   (395,673)   (395,673)        
Denmark   (395,926)       (395,926)    
France   (984,991)       (984,991)    
Germany   (626,109)       (626,109)    
Israel   (498,499)   (498,499)        
Japan   (3,525,618)       (3,525,618)    
Luxembourg   (275,350)   (275,350)        
New Zealand   (413,989)       (413,989)    
Norway   (1,424,967)       (1,424,967)    
Singapore   (498,595)       (498,595)    
Sweden   (2,540,478)       (2,540,478)    
Switzerland   (3,179,658)   (432,613)   (2,747,045)    
United Kingdom   (377,584)       (377,584)    
United States   (21,894,202)   (21,894,202)        
Options Written Equity Contracts   (690,564)   (323,914)   (366,650)    
Contracts For Difference Equity Contracts   (161,636)   (161,636)        
Total Liabilities  $(40,609,327)  $(24,367,830)  $(16,241,497)  $ 

 

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

 

Annual Report 2021  |  69

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2021
BOSTON PARTNERS EMERGING MARKETS DYNAMIC EQUITY FUND Portfolio Of Investments

 

LONG POSITIONS—84.8%        
COMMON STOCKS—55.4%          
Brazil—3.7%          
Clear Sale SA*   11,108   $56,154 
Eletromidia SA*   457,278    1,636,041 
Sendas Distribuidora SA   183,500    602,937 
         2,295,132 
China—14.5%          
Agricultural Bank of China Ltd., Class H   610,000    204,495 
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.*   22,100    462,765 
Baidu, Inc. - SP ADR*†   2,443    383,600 
China Construction Bank Corp., Class H   292,000    210,403 
China Yongda Automobiles Services Holdings Ltd.   993,000    1,663,864 
CIFI Holdings Group Co., Ltd.   772,195    519,087 
Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd., Class H   525,000    292,359 
JNBY Design Ltd.   186,000    441,955 
Longfor Group Holdings Ltd.   117,000    506,296 
Luxi Chemical Group Co., Ltd., Class A   234,000    837,551 
Ping An Insurance Group Co. of China Ltd., Class H   110,466    855,348 
Tongcheng-Elong Holdings Ltd.*   179,200    417,748 
Zhongsheng Group Holdings Ltd.   256,000    2,140,416 
         8,935,887 
Greece—0.7%          
JUMBO SA   26,538    416,826 
Hong Kong—3.4%          
Swire Properties Ltd.   210,600    569,193 
WH Group Ltd.   1,773,000    1,537,840 
         2,107,033 
Hungary—1.4%          
OTP Bank PLC*   14,147    854,363 
India—4.5%          
Bharti Airtel Ltd.   55,580    504,338 
Hindustan Petroleum Corp., Ltd.   329,737    1,201,963 
UPL Ltd.   102,019    1,032,750 
         2,739,051 
Indonesia—0.8%          
Bank Pembangunan Daerah Jawa Timur Tbk PT   6,572,500    329,325 
Wismilak Inti Makmur Tbk PT   5,459,600    181,551 
         510,876 
Malaysia—2.0%          
Bumi Armada Bhd*   4,380,500    472,990 
Lotte Chemical Titan Holding Bhd   681,000    419,578 
Uchi Technologies Bhd   470,100    356,274 
         1,248,842 
Mexico—2.0%          
Concentradora Fibra Danhos SA de CV   405,000    503,729 
Macquarie Mexico Real Estate Management SA de CV   561,500    725,499 
         1,229,228 
Russia—2.5%        
Fix Price Group Ltd. - GDR   100,129   $934,704 
Sberbank of Russia PJSC - SP ADR   33,555    599,628 
         1,534,332 
South Africa—1.8%          
Naspers Ltd., Class N   275    47,448 
Pick n Pay Stores Ltd.   132,563    533,150 
SPAR Group Ltd., (The)   35,107    501,800 
         1,082,398 
South Korea—6.2%          
Innocean Worldwide, Inc.   8,853    446,363 
KakaoBank Corp.*   2,194    158,762 
KB Financial Group, Inc.   15,045    684,398 
Krafton, Inc.*   262    111,064 
Osstem Implant Co., Ltd.   4,579    631,673 
SK Hynix, Inc.   19,396    1,775,906 
         3,808,166 
Taiwan—10.7%          
Fusheng Precision Co., Ltd.   65,000    425,051 
Ginko International Co., Ltd.   37,000    279,426 
Global Mixed Mode Technology, Inc.   86,000    809,470 
Lotes Co., Ltd.   17,000    330,466 
Nanya Technology Corp.   255,000    608,068 
O-TA Precision Industry Co., Ltd.   55,000    314,866 
Pegavision Corp.   20,000    431,087 
Tripod Technology Corp.   228,000    940,767 
Wiwynn Corp.   70,000    2,443,744 
         6,582,945 
United States—1.0%          
Micron Technology, Inc.†   7,894    581,788 
Uruguay—0.2%          
Dlocal Ltd.*†   1,413    90,432 
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $30,412,591)
        34,017,299 
PREFERRED STOCKS—5.0%          
Brazil—1.6%          
Randon SA Implementos e participacoes 5.548%*   452,300    1,005,053 
Chile—0.8%          
Embotelladora Andina SA 6.317%   198,714    472,233 
South Korea—2.6%          
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. 4.274%   25,963    1,582,872 
TOTAL PREFERRED STOCKS
(Cost $2,472,780)
        3,060,158 
RIGHTS—0.0%          
Taiwan—0.0%          
Lotes Co., Ltd.*   328    0 
TOTAL RIGHTS
(Cost $560)
        0 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS—24.4%          
U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 0.01%(a)   14,998,445    14,998,445 
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(Cost $14,998,445)
        14,998,445 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—84.8%
(Cost $47,884,376)
        52,075,902 


 

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

 

70  |  Annual Report 2021

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2021
BOSTON PARTNERS EMERGING MARKETS DYNAMIC EQUITY FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

    NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
SECURITIES SOLD SHORT—(0.7%)          
COMMON STOCKS—(0.7%)          
United Kingdom—(0.7%)          
Antofagasta PLC   (21,761)  $(435,915)
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Proceeds $(209,456))
        (435,915)
TOTAL SECURITIES SOLD SHORT—(0.7%)          
(Proceeds $(209,456))        (435,915)
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES—15.9%        9,789,634 
NET ASSETS—100.0%     $61,429,621 
     
GDR —  Global Depositary Receipt
PLC Public Limited Company
SP ADR Sponsored American Depositary Receipt
* Non-income producing.
Security position is either entirely or partially held in a segregated account as collateral for securities sold short.
(a) The rate shown is as of August 31, 2021.


 

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

 

Annual Report 2021  |  71

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2021
BOSTON PARTNERS EMERGING MARKETS DYNAMIC EQUITY FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

Contracts For Difference held by the Fund at August 31, 2021, are as follows:

 

REFERENCE
COMPANY
  COUNTERPARTY  EXPIRATION
DATE
  FINANCING
RATE
  PAYMENT
FREQUENCY
  NUMBER OF
CONTRACTS
LONG/
(SHORT)
  NOTIONAL
AMOUNT
  UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION
(DEPRECIATION)
Long                               
Austria                               
Raiffeisen Bank International AG  Morgan Stanley  9/20/2022   -0.56%  Monthly   27,616   $663,238            $(16,253)
Chile                               
Banco Santander-Chile - ADR  Morgan Stanley  9/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   11,792    248,222      13,035 
China                               
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.07   Monthly   18,100    385,158      (14,747)
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. - SP ADR  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.07   Monthly   1,205    201,223      (8,167)
Anhui Heli Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.09   Monthly   517,900    822,941      (60,255)
Anhui Liuguo Chemical Co.  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.09   Monthly   448,200    511,083      109,894 
China Bluechemical Ltd., Class H  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.07   Monthly   1,252,000    387,957      (59,668)
China Yongda Automobiles Services Holdings Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.07   Monthly   379,500    636,286      (24,536)
Netdragon Websoft Holdings Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  9/18/2025   0.07   Monthly   64,000    143,183      19,230 
Tencent Holdings Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.07   Monthly   14,600    903,319      86,555 
Yunnan Yuntianhua Co.  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.09   Monthly   184,700    706,428      206,740 
                       4,697,578      255,046 
France                               
TotalEnergies SE  Goldman Sachs  9/18/2025   -0.57   Monthly   18,750    826,783      (10,578)
Hong Kong                               
Haitian International Holdings Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.07   Monthly   158,000    605,391      19,181 
Mexico                               
Grupo Comercial Chedraui SA de CV  Morgan Stanley  9/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   206,500    322,952      (275)
Portugal                               
Jeronimo Martins SGPS SA  Goldman Sachs  9/18/2025   -0.57   Monthly   11,675    247,445      427 
Russia                               
Detsky Mir PJSC  Goldman Sachs  9/18/2025   0.09   Monthly   272,210    515,623      3,624 
Sberbank PJSC - SP ADR  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.09   Monthly   39,641    712,016      (9,689)
                       1,227,639      (6,065)
Singapore                               
DBS Group Holdings Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.15   Monthly   36,051    803,636      (13,596)
Golden Agri-Resources Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.15   Monthly   7,197,000    1,231,220      (53,822)
United Overseas Bank Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.15   Monthly   21,200    403,359      (6,874)
                       2,438,215      (74,292)
South Africa                               
Naspers Ltd. - SP ADR  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.09   Monthly   15,523    532,279      33,434 
South Korea                               
GS Retail Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.09   Monthly   10,775    318,757      13,172 
Hana Financial Group, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.09   Monthly   39,039    1,516,846      39,528 
Hankook Tire & Technology Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.09   Monthly   11,534    463,568      (1,839)
LG Electronics, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.09   Monthly   10,062    1,232,312      (59,737)
POSCO  Goldman Sachs  9/18/2025   0.09   Monthly   2,171    631,012      22,685 
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.09   Monthly   4,505    298,015      13,754 
SK Hynix, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.09   Monthly   1,318    121,063      7,301 
                       4,581,573      34,864 

 

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

 

72  |  Annual Report 2021

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2021
BOSTON PARTNERS EMERGING MARKETS DYNAMIC EQUITY FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

REFERENCE
COMPANY
  COUNTERPARTY  EXPIRATION
DATE
  FINANCING
RATE
  PAYMENT
FREQUENCY
  NUMBER OF
CONTRACTS
LONG/
(SHORT)
  NOTIONAL
AMOUNT
  UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION
(DEPRECIATION)
Taiwan                               
Ginko International Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.09   Monthly   57,000   $431,919           $22,552 
Nanya Technology Corp.  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.09   Monthly   912,000    2,185,100      4,001 
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  9/18/2025   0.09   Monthly   4,251    94,182      5,645 
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. - SP ADR   Goldman Sachs  9/18/2025   0.09   Monthly   7,921    942,678      62,420 
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. - SP ADR   HSBC  9/20/2022   0.05   Monthly   6,231    741,551      49,149 
Wiwynn Corp.  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.09   Monthly   12,000    420,012      59,339 
                       4,815,442      203,106 
Total Long                      21,206,757      451,630 
Short                               
Brazil                               
Hapvida Participacoes e Investimentos SA  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.08   Monthly   (58,800)  $(166,934)    $(2,088)
Light SA  Morgan Stanley  9/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (171,700)   (458,903)     15,360 
M Dias Branco SA  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.08   Monthly   (50,200)   (310,473)     (10,066)
Natura & Co. Holding SA  Morgan Stanley  9/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (40,100)   (400,240)     893 
Notre Dame Intermedica Participacoes SA  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.08   Monthly   (19,100)   (293,585)     2,486 
OI SA  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.08   Monthly   (735,400)   (157,866)     (15,500)
Pagseguro Digital Ltd., Class A  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.08   Monthly   (4,836)   (287,597)     (16,507)
Ultrapar Participacoes SA  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.08   Monthly   (134,600)   (374,583)     37,584 
                       (2,450,181)     12,162 
China                               
AAC Technologies Holdings, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   -0.01   Monthly   (58,000)   (323,281)     13,364 
Beijing Dabeinong Technology Group Co., Ltd., Class A  HSBC  9/20/2022   0.05   Monthly   (67,000)   (77,230)     4,132 
BOE Technology Group Co Ltd., Class A  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.08   Monthly   (307,300)   (276,718)     (10,450)
Cofco Joycome Foods Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   -0.01   Monthly   (911,000)   (269,407)     11,233 
IQIYI, Inc. - ADR  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.08   Monthly   (49,166)   (445,444)     (15,267)
JOYY, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.08   Monthly   (1,218)   (77,099)     (27,786)
KE Holdings, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.08   Monthly   (2,065)   (37,356)     1,277 
Muyuan Foodstuff Co., Ltd., Class A  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.08   Monthly   (19,100)   (125,034)     7,574 
Muyuan Foodstuff Co., Ltd., Class A  Morgan Stanley  9/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (37,700)   (246,795)     15,924 
New Hope Liuhe Co., Ltd., Class A  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.08   Monthly   (26,400)   (44,686)     3,793 
New Hope Liuhe Co., Ltd., Class A  Morgan Stanley  9/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (247,043)   (418,160)     35,182 
TCL Technology Group Corp., Class A  HSBC  9/20/2022   0.05   Monthly   (143,000)   (157,753)     4,609 
Wangsu Science & Technology Co., Ltd., Class A  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.08   Monthly   (565,000)   (517,515)     24,774 
Wens Foodstuff Group Co., Ltd., Class A  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.08   Monthly   (406,500)   (816,371)     (857)
Yunda Holding Co., Ltd.  HSBC  9/20/2022   0.05   Monthly   (146,500)   (349,295)     (35,831)
                       (4,182,144)     31,671 
Columbia                               
BanColombia S.A. - SP ADR  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.08   Monthly   (9,386)   (312,085)     (18,134)
Hong Kong                               
China Taiping Insurance Holdings Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   -0.01   Monthly   (117,400)   (171,478)     4,197 
Fullshare Holdings Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   -0.01   Monthly   (16,690,000)   (225,332)     5,939 
Hong Kong & China Gas Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   -0.01   Monthly   (290,570)   (467,754)     10,379 
Ju Teng International Holdings Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   -0.01   Monthly   (380,000)   (78,175)     1,452 
Kuaishou Technology  Citigroup  3/30/2022   0.00   Monthly   (33,600)   (365,055)     (58,615)
Sunny Optical Technology  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   -0.01   Monthly   (14,500)   (438,498)     (32,511)
                       (1,746,292)     (69,159)

 

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

 

Annual Report 2021  |  73

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2021
BOSTON PARTNERS EMERGING MARKETS DYNAMIC EQUITY FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

REFERENCE
COMPANY
  COUNTERPARTY  EXPIRATION
DATE
  FINANCING
RATE
  PAYMENT
FREQUENCY
  NUMBER OF
CONTRACTS
LONG/
(SHORT)
  NOTIONAL
AMOUNT
  UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION
(DEPRECIATION)
Indonesia                               
Unilever Indonesia Tbk PT  Citigroup  3/30/2022   0.08   Monthly   (942,700)  $(267,690)           $5,825 
Unilever Indonesia Tbk PT  Macquarie  12/21/2021   0.08   Monthly   (1,186,600)   (336,948)     11,777 
                       (604,638)     17,602 
Israel                               
Elbit Systems Ltd.  Morgan Stanley  9/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (2,069)   (300,888)     (3,080)
Wix.com Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.08   Monthly   (2,556)   (567,636)     (56,800)
                       (868,524)     (59,880)
Kuwait                               
National Bank of Kuwait  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.09   Monthly   (25,860)   (80,495)     (3,798)
Malaysia                               
Careplus Group Bhd  Morgan Stanley  9/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (380,700)   (157,518)     (5,987)
Hartalega Holdings Bhd  HSBC  9/20/2022   0.05   Monthly   (272,400)   (483,597)     (30,184)
Kossan Rubber Industries  Morgan Stanley  9/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (489,300)   (364,886)     (2,422)
Supermax Corp Bhd  Morgan Stanley  9/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (501,800)   (398,350)     (36,804)
Top Glove Corp. Bhd  HSBC  9/22/2022   0.05   Monthly   (485,300)   (466,971)     (37,631)
                       (1,871,322)     (113,028)
Mexico                               
Becle SAB de CV  Morgan Stanley  9/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (222,300)   (570,139)     (61,057)
La Comer SAB de CV  Citigroup  3/30/2022   0.07   Monthly   (85,021)   (154,472)     (4,612)
                       (724,611)     (65,669)
Russia                               
Mail.ru Group Ltd. - GDR  Morgan Stanley  9/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (29,948)   (602,554)     2,028 
Saudi Arabia                               
Alinma Bank  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.09   Monthly   (11,446)   (69,884)     (107)
Arab National Bank  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.09   Monthly   (55,327)   (337,505)     1,752 
Banque Saudi Fransi  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.09   Monthly   (7,057)   (76,201)     935 
Rabigh Refining and Petrochemical  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.09   Monthly   (61,406)   (403,076)     972 
Saudi Arabian Oil Co.  Goldman Sachs  9/18/2025   0.09   Monthly   (42,781)   (400,926)     768 
                       (1,287,592)     4,320 
Singapore                               
Starhub Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.25   Monthly   (474,500)   (430,577)     3,397 
South Africa                               
Tiger Brands Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   3.33   Monthly   (29,118)   (372,718)     11,441 
South Korea                               
Amorepacific Corp.  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.08   Monthly   (2,603)   (510,744)     (30,604)
BH Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.08   Monthly   (20,357)   (375,730)     (35,607)
CJ CGV Co., Ltd.  Morgan Stanley  9/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (12,471)   (325,906)     (36,285)
Kakao Games Corp.  Morgan Stanley  9/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (5,258)   (368,235)     (24,862)
Kolmar BNH Co., Ltd.  Citigroup  3/30/2022   0.08   Monthly   (5,885)   (203,281)     20,499 
Lg Display Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.08   Monthly   (16,036)   (283,529)     (3,192)
Lotte Shopping Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.08   Monthly   (4,660)   (432,058)     (14,271)
NongShim Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.08   Monthly   (1,664)   (428,396)     (4,938)
Orion Corp.  Morgan Stanley  9/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (5,231)   (570,720)     (54,970)
Ottogi Corp.  Citigroup  3/30/2022   0.08   Monthly   (983)   (438,321)     (3,313)
Paradise Co., Ltd.  Morgan Stanley  9/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (7,362)   (107,943)     (10,487)
Samyang Foods Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.08   Monthly   (6,839)   (491,344)     9,087 
Sillajen, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  9/18/2025   0.08   Monthly   (10,490)   (29,162)     78,283 
Toptec Co., Ltd.  Morgan Stanley  9/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (29,938)   (273,701)     (14,987)
                       (4,839,070)     (125,647)

 

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

 

74  |  Annual Report 2021

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2021
BOSTON PARTNERS EMERGING MARKETS DYNAMIC EQUITY FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

REFERENCE
COMPANY
  COUNTERPARTY  EXPIRATION
DATE
  FINANCING
RATE
  PAYMENT
FREQUENCY
  NUMBER OF
CONTRACTS
LONG/
(SHORT)
  NOTIONAL
AMOUNT
  UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION
(DEPRECIATION)
Taiwan                               
Acer, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  9/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (507,000)  $(461,017)           $(7,118)
Asustek Computer, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.08   Monthly   (41,000)   (479,333)     (11,433)
AU Optronics Corp  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.08   Monthly   (768,000)   (487,734)     36,751 
Catcher Technology Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.08   Monthly   (22,000)   (132,571)     9,148 
Chunghwa Telecom Ltd. - SP ADR  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.08   Monthly   (11,014)   (449,922)     16,065 
Compal Electronics, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.08   Monthly   (600,000)   (495,787)     (15,525)
Far EasTone Telecommunications Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.08   Monthly   (273,000)   (606,809)     (8,138)
Formosa Petrochemical Corp.  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.08   Monthly   (125,000)   (441,121)     (13,531)
Genius Electronic Optical Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.08   Monthly   (16,000)   (279,142)     (9,299)
Global Lighting Technologies  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.08   Monthly   (54,000)   (164,259)     (9,194)
Grape King Bio Ltd.  Morgan Stanley  9/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (78,000)   (458,766)     (1,564)
HannStar Display Corp.  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.08   Monthly   (520,000)   (302,091)     357 
Innolux Corp.  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.08   Monthly   (812,000)   (505,421)     34,966 
Largan Precision Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.08   Monthly   (6,000)   (580,223)     (133)
Merry Electronics Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.08   Monthly   (109,000)   (378,758)     31,486 
Transcend Information, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  9/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (58,000)   (145,243)     (4,855)
                       (6,368,197)     47,983 
Thailand                               
Bangkok Commercial Asset - NVDR   Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.08   Monthly   (369,900)   (213,453)     (24,249)
PTT Global Chemical PCL - NVDR  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.08   Monthly   (61,300)   (121,716)     (10,094)
Sri Trang Gloves Thailand - NVDR  Morgan Stanley  9/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (249,800)   (286,748)     (1,095)
True Corp., PCL - NVDR  Morgan Stanley  9/20/2022   0.09   Monthly   (4,547,200)   (468,371)     (49,561)
                       (1,090,288)     (84,999)
United States                               
Pinduoduo, Inc. - ADR  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.08   Monthly   (530)   (53,011)     (10,908)
ZTO Express Cayman, Inc. - ADR  Goldman Sachs  9/16/2025   0.08   Monthly   (11,336)   (319,789)     (22,462)
                       (372,800)     (33,370)
Total Short                      (28,204,088)     (443,080)
Net unrealized gain/(loss) on Contracts For Difference                (6,997,331)    $8,550 

 

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

 

Annual Report 2021  |  75

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2021
BOSTON PARTNERS EMERGING MARKETS DYNAMIC EQUITY FUND Portfolio Of Investments (concluded)

 

A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments carried at fair value as of August 31, 2021 is as follows (see Notes to Portfolio of Investments):

 

   TOTAL   LEVEL 1   LEVEL 2   LEVEL 3 
Common Stock                    
Brazil  $2,295,132   $2,295,132   $   $ 
China   8,935,887    825,555    8,110,332     
Greece   416,826        416,826     
Hong Kong   2,107,033        2,107,033     
Hungary   854,363        854,363     
India   2,739,051        2,739,051     
Indonesia   510,876        510,876     
Malaysia   1,248,842        1,248,842     
Mexico   1,229,228    1,229,228         
Russia   1,534,332    1,534,332         
South Africa   1,082,398    501,800    580,598     
South Korea   3,808,166    269,826    3,538,340     
Taiwan   6,582,945        6,582,945     
United States   581,788    581,788         
Uruguay   90,432    90,432         
Preferred Stock                    
Brazil   1,005,053    1,005,053         
Chile   472,233    472,233         
South Korea   1,582,872        1,582,872     
Rights           *     
Short-Term Investments   14,998,445    14,998,445         
Contracts For Difference Equity Contracts   1,267,355    1,189,072    78,283     
Total Assets  $53,343,257   $24,992,896   $28,350,361   $ 
                     
   TOTAL   LEVEL 1   LEVEL 2   LEVEL 3   
Securities Sold Short United Kingdom  $(435,915)  $   $(435,915)  $ 
                     
Contracts For Difference Equity Contracts   (1,258,805)   (1,258,805)        
Total Liabilities  $(1,694,720)  $(1,258,805)  $(435,915)  $ 
                     
*   Value equals zero as of the end of the reporting period.      

 

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

 

76  |  Annual Report 2021

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2021
BOSTON PARTNERS EMERGING MARKETS FUND Portfolio Of Investments

 

COMMON STOCKS—83.2%        
Austria—1.0%          
Raiffeisen Bank International AG   9,656   $231,515 
Brazil—3.8%          
Clear Sale SA*   8,629    43,622 
Eletromidia SA*   176,076    629,962 
Sendas Distribuidora SA   67,500    221,789 
         895,373 
Chile—0.4%          
Banco Santander Chile - ADR   4,211    88,642 
China—20.1%          
Agricultural Bank of China Ltd., Class H   220,000    73,752 
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.*   16,100    337,127 
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. - SP ADR*   3,601    601,331 
Baidu, Inc. - SP ADR*   887    139,277 
China BlueChemical Ltd.   478,000    148,117 
China Construction Bank Corp., Class H   107,000    77,100 
China Medical System Holdings Ltd.   51,000    100,101 
China Yongda Automobiles Services Holdings Ltd.   495,000    829,418 
CIFI Holdings Group Co., Ltd.   276,231    185,689 
Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd., Class H  187,000    104,136 
JNBY Design Ltd.   66,000    156,823 
Longfor Group Holdings Ltd.   42,000    181,747 
Luxi Chemical Group Co., Ltd., Class A   85,100    304,597 
Ping An Insurance Group Co. of China Ltd., Class H  38,458    297,783 
Tencent Holdings Ltd.   5,300    327,343 
Tongcheng-Elong Holdings Ltd.*   60,400    140,803 
Zhongsheng Group Holdings Ltd.   92,500    773,392 
         4,778,536 
France—1.3%          
TotalEnergies SE   6,795    300,560 
Greece—0.6%          
JUMBO SA   9,159    143,858 
Hong Kong—3.8%          
Haitian International Holdings Ltd.   54,000    206,906 
Swire Properties Ltd.   74,000    200,001 
WH Group Ltd.   574,000    497,868 
         904,775 
Hungary—1.3%          
OTP Bank PLC*   4,999    301,898 
India—4.8%          
Bharti Airtel Ltd.   21,408    194,258 
Hindustan Petroleum Corp. Ltd.   119,538    435,742 
UPL Ltd.   50,367    509,871 
         1,139,871 
Indonesia—0.8%          
Bank Pembangunan Daerah Jawa Timur Tbk PT   2,343,600    117,430 
Wismilak Inti Makmur Tbk PT   2,048,000    68,103 
         185,533 
Malaysia—1.9%          
Bumi Armada Bhd*   1,591,300   $171,822 
Lotte Chemical Titan Holding Bhd   247,800    152,675 
Uchi Technologies Bhd   166,300    126,034 
         450,531 
Mexico—2.3%          
Concentradora Fibra Danhos SA de CV   147,900    183,954 
Grupo Comercial Chedraui SA de CV   74,300    116,200 
Macquarie Mexico Real Estate          
Management SA de CV   197,200    254,797 
         554,951 
Russia—3.3%          
Fix Price Group Ltd. - GDR   35,880    334,940 
Sberbank of Russia PJSC - SP ADR   25,668    458,687 
         793,627 
Singapore—2.7%          
DBS Group Holdings Ltd.   12,856    285,057 
Golden Agri-Resources Ltd.   1,199,500    204,665 
United Overseas Bank Ltd.   7,700    145,771 
         635,493 
South Africa—3.3%          
Distell Group Holdings Ltd.*   10,167    125,633 
Naspers Ltd., Class N - SP ADR   8,249    285,003 
Naspers Ltd., Class N   102    17,599 
Pick n Pay Stores Ltd.   46,809    188,259 
SPAR Group Ltd., (The)   12,350    176,524 
         793,018 
South Korea—10.7%          
GS Retail Co., Ltd.   3,890    114,865 
Hana Financial Group, Inc.   10,666    413,030 
Hankook Tire & Technology Co., Ltd.   4,128    165,613 
Innocean Worldwide, Inc.   3,031    152,821 
KakaoBank Corp.*   636    46,022 
KB Financial Group, Inc.   5,176    235,457 
Krafton, Inc.*   66    27,978 
LG Electronics, Inc.   1,839    224,600 
Osstem Implant Co., Ltd.   1,627    224,445 
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.   2,674    176,533 
SK Hynix, Inc.   8,239    754,366 
         2,535,730 
Taiwan—19.9%          
Fusheng Precision Co., Ltd.   23,000    150,402 
Ginko International Co., Ltd.   29,000    219,010 
Global Mixed Mode Technology, Inc.    31,000    291,785 
Lotes Co., Ltd.   6,000    116,635 
Nanya Technology Corp.   415,000    989,601 
O-TA Precision Industry Co., Ltd.   20,000    114,497 
Pegavision Corp.   8,000    172,435 
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.   20,000    438,705 
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. - SP ADR   7,018    835,212 
Tripod Technology Corp.   81,000    334,220 
Wiwynn Corp.   30,000    1,047,319 
         4,709,821 


 

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

 

Annual Report 2021  |  77

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2021
BOSTON PARTNERS EMERGING MARKETS FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
United States—0.9%          
Micron Technology, Inc.   2,858   $210,635 
Uruguay—0.3%          
Dlocal Ltd.*   1,179    75,456 
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $17,806,577)
        19,729,823 
PREFERRED STOCKS—4.8%          
Brazil—1.7%          
Randon SA Implementos e Participacoes 5.548%*   183,700    408,199 
Chile—0.7%          
Embotelladora Andina SA 6.317%   69,876    166,056 
South Korea—2.4%          
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. 4.274%   9,258    564,428 
TOTAL PREFERRED STOCKS
(Cost $1,037,910)
        1,138,683 
RIGHTS—0.0%          
Taiwan—0.0%          
Lotes Co., Ltd. *   116    0 
TOTAL RIGHTS
(Cost $198)
        0 
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS—10.3%          
U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 0.01%(a)  2,453,785   $2,453,785 
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(Cost $2,453,785)
        2,453,785 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—98.3%
(Cost $21,298,470)
        23,322,291 
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES—1.7%        406,676 
NET ASSETS—100.0%       $23,728,967 

 

 
ADR —  American Depositary Receipt
GDR Global Depositary Receipt
PLC Public Limited Company
SP ADR Sponsored American Depositary Receipt
* Non-income producing.
(a) The rate shown is as of August 31, 2021.


 

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

 

78  |  Annual Report 2021

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2021
BOSTON PARTNERS EMERGING MARKETS FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

Contracts For Difference held by the Fund at August 31, 2021, are as follows:

 

REFERENCE
COMPANY
  COUNTERPARTY  EXPIRATION
DATE
  FINANCING
RATE
  PAYMENT
FREQUENCY
  NUMBER OF
CONTRACTS
LONG/
(SHORT)
  NOTIONAL
AMOUNT
  UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION
(DEPRECIATION)
Long                                
China                                
Anhui Heli Co., Ltd., Class A  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025    0.09%  Monthly   185,000   $293,965            $(21,525)
Anhui Liuguo Chemical Co., Ltd., Class A  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025    0.09   Monthly   161,800    184,501      39,672 
Netdragon Websoft Holdings Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  09/18/2025    0.07   Monthly   21,500    48,101      6,460 
Yunnan Yuntianhua Co., Class A  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025    0.09   Monthly   63,900    244,400      71,526 
                        770,967      96,133 
Portugal                                
Jeronimo Martins SGPS SA  Goldman Sachs  09/18/2025    -0.57   Monthly   4,135    87,639      151 
Russia                                
Detsky Mir PJSC  Goldman Sachs  09/18/2025    0.09   Monthly   96,210    182,242      1,281 
South Korea                                
POSCO  Goldman Sachs  09/18/2025    0.09   Monthly   770    223,804      8,046 
Taiwan                                
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  09/18/2025    0.09   Monthly   9,000    199,397      11,942 
Total Long                       1,464,049      117,553 
Net unrealized gain/(loss) on Contracts For Difference                     $117,553 

 

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

 

Annual Report 2021  |  79

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2021
BOSTON PARTNERS EMERGING MARKETS FUND Portfolio Of Investments (concluded)

 

A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments carried at fair value as of August 31, 2021 is as follows (see Notes to Portfolio of Investments):

 

   TOTAL   LEVEL 1   LEVEL 2   LEVEL 3 
Common Stock                    
Austria  $231,515   $   $231,515   $ 
Brazil   895,373    895,373         
Chile   88,642    88,642         
China   4,778,536    897,431    3,881,105     
France   300,560        300,560     
Greece   143,858        143,858     
Hong Kong   904,775    206,906    697,869     
Hungary   301,898        301,898     
India   1,139,871        1,139,871     
Indonesia   185,533        185,533     
Malaysia   450,531        450,531     
Mexico   554,951    554,951         
Russia   793,627    793,627         
Singapore   635,493        635,493     
South Africa   793,018    587,160    205,858     
South Korea   2,535,730    74,000    2,461,730     
Taiwan   4,709,821    835,212    3,874,609     
United States   210,635    210,635         
Uruguay   75,456    75,456         
Preferred Stock                    
Brazil   408,199    408,199         
Chile   166,056    166,056         
South Korea   564,428        564,428     
Rights           *    
Short-Term Investments   2,453,785    2,453,785         
Contracts For Difference Equity Contracts   139,078    139,078         
Total Assets  $23,461,369   $8,386,511   $15,074,858   $ 
                     
   TOTAL   LEVEL 1   LEVEL 2   LEVEL 3 
Contracts For Difference Equity Contracts  $(21,525)  $(21,525)  $   $ 
Total Liabilities  $(21,525)  $(21,525)  $   $ 

 

* Value equals zero as of the end of the reporting period.

 

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

 

80  |  Annual Report 2021

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2021
BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL EQUITY ADVANTAGE FUND Portfolio Of Investments

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
COMMON STOCKS—81.4%          
Bermuda—1.3%          
Everest Re Group Ltd.   2,073   $549,138 
Canada—0.8%          
Cenovus Energy, Inc.   40,496    336,062 
China—0.4%          
Angang Steel Co., Ltd., Class H   230,000    175,718 
Finland-—1.5%          
Metso Outotec Oyj   25,661    274,405 
Nordea Bank Abp   29,646    348,194 
         622,599 
France—8.7%          
Airbus Group SE*   3,283    449,101 
Capgemini SA   2,815    632,776 
Cie de Saint-Gobain   8,079    585,670 
Cie Generale des Etablissements Michelin SCA   1,156    187,151 
Eiffage SA   4,067    423,166 
Imerys SA   5,253    243,580 
Klepierre SA*   9,305    228,122 
Sanofi   5,735    594,367 
TotalEnergies SE   7,651    338,424 
         3,682,357 
Germany—4.9%          
Brenntag SE   1,989    200,727 
Deutsche Post AG   6,400    449,978 
Deutsche Telekom AG   9,320    198,173 
HeidelbergCement AG   4,177    362,256 
Rheinmetall AG   4,287    419,234 
Siemens AG   2,664    441,944 
         2,072,312 
Hong Kong—0.4%          
Topsports International Holdings Ltd.   132,000    174,045 
Ireland—1.2%          
CRH PLC   7,183    382,153 
Flutter Entertainment PLC*   722    140,183 
         522,336 
Japan—7.4%          
Asahi Group Holdings Ltd.   7,900    367,229 
Fuji Corp.   9,700    251,104 
Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.   4,700    203,328 
Hitachi Ltd.   6,400    353,706 
Honda Motor Co., Ltd.   16,300    493,346 
Komatsu Ltd.   9,300    226,201 
Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co., Inc.   6,900    130,014 
Sony Group Corp.   5,200    537,656 
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc.   5,500    189,836 
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.   13,900    353,640 
         3,106,060 
Netherlands—3.9%          
Aalberts NV   3,313    206,884 
ING Groep NV   31,256    431,157 
NXP Semiconductors NV   957    205,879 
Signify NV   3,186    178,488 
Stellantis NV   29,759    596,539 
         1,618,947 
Norway—0.4%          
Norsk Hydro ASA   25,637    176,978 
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
Singapore—1.1%          
DBS Group Holdings Ltd.   7,767   $172,218 
United Overseas Bank Ltd.   15,500    293,435 
         465,653 
South Korea—2.6%          
KB Financial Group, Inc.   9,525    433,293 
POSCO   610    175,577 
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.   3,026    199,771 
SK Telecom Co., Ltd.   1,138    292,590 
         1,101,231 
Sweden—2.5%          
Loomis AB   9,265    287,523 
Svenska Handelsbanken AB, Class A   30,222    339,596 
Volvo AB, Class B   18,032    408,295 
         1,035,414 
Switzerland—3.7%          
Adecco Group AG   2,528    140,626 
Glencore PLC   111,505    502,637 
Novartis AG   5,429    502,133 
STMicroelectronics NV   9,683    431,345 
         1,576,741 
United Kingdom—4.9%          
Entain PLC*   10,600    281,705 
IMI PLC   10,718    268,771 
Inchcape PLC   20,016    253,038 
Liberty Global PLC, Class A*   8,085    232,363 
Melrose Industries PLC*   95,206    219,838 
Persimmon PLC   5,432    219,842 
Pets at Home Group PLC   1,568    10,797 
Travis Perkins PLC*   16,649    412,476 
WH Smith PLC*   7,328    164,706 
         2,063,536 
United States—35.7%          
AbbVie, Inc.   2,891    349,175 
Allstate Corp., (The)   1,900    257,032 
Anthem, Inc.   921    345,495 
Applied Materials, Inc.   1,718    232,153 
AutoZone, Inc.*   231    357,854 
Bank of America Corp.   5,783    241,440 
Carter’s, Inc.   4,275    437,675 
Charles Schwab Corp., (The)   3,185    232,027 
Charter Communications, Inc., Class A*   625    510,413 
Cigna Corp.   2,146    454,201 
Cisco Systems, Inc.   9,185    542,099 
Citigroup, Inc.   2,546    183,083 
Concentrix Corp.*   2,649    459,310 
CVS Health Corp.   6,185    534,322 
Diamondback Energy, Inc.   4,716    363,792 
DuPont de Nemours, Inc.   7,912    585,646 
Eagle Materials, Inc.   1,215    190,561 
Eaton Corp., PLC   1,718    289,242 
Fifth Third Bancorp   9,093    353,354 
FMC Corp.   1,632    152,804 
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., (The)   1,434    592,973 
HollyFrontier Corp.   7,687    248,521 
Huntington Bancshares, Inc.   17,526    272,179 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.   2,505    400,675 
KeyCorp   21,237    431,536 


 

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

 

Annual Report 2021  |  81

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2021
BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL EQUITY ADVANTAGE FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
United States—(continued)          
LKQ Corp.*   9,267   $488,278 
Marathon Petroleum Corp.   5,367    318,102 
McKesson Corp.   2,184    445,842 
Medtronic PLC   1,139    152,034 
Merck & Co., Inc.   3,243    247,408 
Micron Technology, Inc.   4,951    364,889 
Mohawk Industries, Inc.*   853    168,689 
Nexstar Media Group, Inc., Class A   2,406    360,299 
Oracle Corp.   2,144    191,095 
Oshkosh Corp.   2,258    258,722 
Owens Corning   4,533    433,128 
Pioneer Natural Resources Co.   1,447    216,572 
QUALCOMM, Inc.   1,381    202,579 
Schlumberger Ltd.   4,471    125,367 
Science Applications International Corp.   2,915    245,530 
Sensata Technologies Holding PLC*   5,701    337,385 
Synchrony Financial   8,877    441,631 
TE Connectivity Ltd.   1,860    279,409 
Textron, Inc.   3,790    275,419 
US Foods Holding Corp.*   5,013    170,442 
Valvoline, Inc.   10,407    313,875 
         15,054,257 
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $25,537,701)
        34,333,384 
PREFERRED STOCKS—0.9%          
Germany—0.6%          
Volkswagen AG 2.413%   1,091    259,499 
South Korea—0.3%          
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. 4.274%   2,324    141,686 
TOTAL PREFERRED STOCKS
(Cost $341,060)
        401,185 
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
INVESTMENT COMPANY—17.0%          
United States—17.0%          
Campbell Advantage Fund   1,214,956   $7,168,241 
TOTAL INVESTMENT COMPANY
(Cost $7,599,686)
        7,168,241 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS—0.5%          
U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 0.01%(a)  204,175    204,175 
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(Cost $204,175)
        204,175 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—99.8%
(Cost $33,682,622)
        42,106,985 
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES—0.2%        92,481 
NET ASSETS—100.0%       $42,199,466 

 

 
PLC —  Public Limited Company
* Non-income producing.
(a) The rate shown is as of August 31, 2021.


 

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

 

82  |  Annual Report 2021

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2021
BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL EQUITY ADVANTAGE FUND Portfolio Of Investments (concluded)

 

A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments carried at fair value as of August 31, 2021 is as follows (see Notes to Portfolio of Investments):

 

   TOTAL   LEVEL 1   LEVEL 2   LEVEL 3 
Common Stock                    
Bermuda  $549,138   $549,138   $   $ 
Canada   336,062    336,062         
China   175,718        175,718     
Finland   622,599        622,599     
France   3,682,357        3,682,357     
Germany   2,072,312        2,072,312     
Hong Kong   174,045        174,045     
Ireland   522,336        522,336     
Japan   3,106,060        3,106,060     
Netherlands   1,618,947    205,879    1,413,068     
Norway   176,978        176,978     
Singapore   465,653        465,653     
South Korea   1,101,231        1,101,231     
Sweden   1,035,414    287,523    747,891     
Switzerland   1,576,741        1,576,741     
United Kingdom   2,063,536    485,401    1,578,135     
United States   15,054,257    15,054,257         
Preferred Stock                    
Germany   259,499        259,499     
South Korea   141,686        141,686     
Investment Company                    
United States   7,168,241    7,168,241         
Short-Term Investments   204,175    204,175         
Total Assets  $42,106,985   $24,290,676   $17,816,309   $ 

 

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

 

Annual Report 2021  |  83

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2021
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES  

 

   Boston
Partners
Small Cap
Value Fund II
   Boston
Partners
Long/Short
Equity Fund
   Boston
Partners
Long/Short
Research Fund
   Boston
Partners
All-Cap
Value Fund
 
ASSETS                    
Investments in securities, at value †^  $854,854,333   $61,180,736   $801,275,041   $1,913,939,051 
Investments purchased with proceeds from securities lending collateral, at value *   138,807,820    7,088,767        121,525,521 
Short-term investments, at value **   25,267,439    530,224    3,629,974    15,670,704 
Cash                
Foreign currency, at value#                
Receivables                    
Investments sold       371,054    15,171,877     
Foreign currency deposits with brokers for securities sold short #       3,137,226    67,264,463     
Deposits with brokers for contracts for difference           406,933     
Deposits with brokers for securities sold short       5,498,703    106,794,457     
Capital shares sold   1,020,410    26,928    129,809    1,988,634 
Dividends and interest   618,091    137,548    1,413,139    3,209,717 
Due from prime broker                
Due from adviser                
Unrealized appreciation on contracts for difference ◊       141,143    3,960,520     
Prepaid expenses and other assets   28,634    15,424    57,383    76,874 
Total assets   1,020,596,727    78,127,753    1,000,103,596    2,056,410,501 
LIABILITIES                    
Securities sold short, at fair value ‡       8,988,661    151,600,354     
Options written, at value +◊       102,230         
Payables                    
Securities lending collateral (Note 8)   138,807,820    7,088,767        121,525,521 
Investments purchased           25,474,304     
Capital shares redeemed   259,047    4,019    1,526,531    481,303 
Due to prime broker                
Investment advisory fees   639,054    86,537    812,237    1,172,431 
Custodian fees   5,453    9,354    19,574    7,388 
Distribution and service fees   92,163    3,396    2,079    76,422 
Dividends on securities sold short       533    237,819     
Administration and accounting fees   25,119    10,336    97,912    51,451 
Transfer agent fees   6,071    7,209    51,689    14,697 
Unrealized depreciation on contracts for difference ◊       635,414    1,177,894     
Other accrued expenses and liabilities   38,025    68,572    318,005    76,931 
Total liabilities   139,872,752    17,005,028    181,318,398    123,406,144 
Net Assets  $880,723,975   $61,122,725   $818,785,198   $1,933,004,357 
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:                    
Par value  $27,394   $4,433   $48,687   $57,293 
Paid-in Capital   538,882,085    30,106,651    460,654,858    1,153,969,535 
Total Distributable earnings/(loss)   341,814,496    31,011,641    358,081,653    778,977,529 
Net Assets  $880,723,975   $61,122,725   $818,785,198   $1,933,004,357 
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS                    
Net assets  $776,441,526   $49,551,345   $808,565,104   $1,653,698,176 
Shares outstanding   24,009,371    3,486,032    48,063,691    48,969,461 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share  $32.34   $14.21   $16.82   $33.77 
INVESTOR CLASS                    
Net assets  $104,282,449   $11,571,380   $10,220,094   $279,306,181 
Shares outstanding   3,385,099    946,656    623,399    8,323,606 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share  $30.81   $12.22   $16.39   $33.56 
  Investments in securities, at cost  $562,840,781   $35,249,095   $512,463,705   $1,208,954,386 
  ^ Includes market value of securities on loan  $135,611,398   $6,923,720   $   $118,695,192 
  * Investments purchased with proceeds from securities lending collateral, at cost  $138,807,820   $7,088,767   $   $121,525,521 
  ** Short-term investments, at cost  $25,267,439   $530,224   $3,629,974   $15,670,704 
  # Foreign currency, at cost  $   $2,986,201   $67,922,922   $ 
  Proceeds received, securities sold short  $   $14,187,837   $172,464,854   $ 
  + Premiums received, options written  $   $246,066   $   $ 
  Primary risk exposure is equity contracts                    

 

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

 

84  |  Annual Report 2021

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2021
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (continued)  

 

   WPG Partners
Small/Micro Cap
Value Fund
   Boston
Partners Global
Equity Fund
   Boston
Partners Global
Long/Short Fund
 
ASSETS               
Investments in securities, at value †^  $27,273,778   $179,883,081   $102,392,020 
Investments purchased with proceeds from securities lending collateral, at value *    7,534,351    6,303,542     
Short-term investments, at value **   349,083    2,579,174    5,569,793 
Cash           201,351 
Foreign currency, at value#   1,241         
Receivables               
Investments sold   27,832        308,305 
Foreign currency deposits with brokers for securities sold short #           54,616 
Deposits with brokers for contracts for difference           110,000 
Deposits with brokers for securities sold short           40,299,670 
Capital shares sold       359,545    13,231 
Dividends and interest   26,424    856,040    651,491 
Due from prime broker            
Due from adviser            
Unrealized appreciation on contracts for difference ◊           72,038 
Prepaid expenses and other assets   11,444    9,593    20,191 
Total assets   35,224,153    189,990,975    149,692,706 
LIABILITIES               
Securities sold short, at fair value ‡           39,757,127 
Options written, at value +◊           690,564 
Payables               
Securities lending collateral (Note 8)   7,534,351    6,303,542     
Investments purchased   28,029        812,600 
Capital shares redeemed   6,850        325,981 
Due to prime broker            
Investment advisory fees   14,479    157,719    95,529 
Custodian fees   2,287    11,284    17,662 
Distribution and service fees           788 
Dividends on securities sold short           37,159 
Administration and accounting fees   4,001    10,005    35,915 
Transfer agent fees   1,577    2,835    13,825 
Unrealized depreciation on contracts for difference ◊           161,636 
Other accrued expenses and liabilities   30,430    72,202    92,861 
Total liabilities   7,622,004    6,557,587    42,041,647 
Net Assets  $27,602,149   $183,433,388   $107,651,059 
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:               
Par value  $1,428   $8,843   $8,845 
Paid-in Capital   20,884,577    169,094,154    118,423,870 
Total Distributable earnings/(loss)   6,716,144    14,330,391    (10,781,656)
Net Assets  $27,602,149   $183,433,388   $107,651,059 
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS               
Net assets  $27,602,149   $183,433,388   $102,691,330 
Shares outstanding   1,427,575    8,842,715    8,432,295 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share  $19.33   $20.74   $12.18 
INVESTOR CLASS               
Net assets  $   $   $4,959,729 
Shares outstanding           412,839 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share  $   $   $12.01 
  Investments in securities, at cost  $20,661,667   $132,940,507   $82,052,394 
  ^ Includes market value of securities on loan  $7,372,273   $6,200,112   $ 
  * Investments purchased with proceeds from securities lending collateral, at cost  $7,534,351   $6,303,542   $ 
  ** Short-term investments, at cost  $349,083   $2,579,174   $5,569,793 
  # Foreign currency, at cost  $1,242   $   $52,820 
  Proceeds received, securities sold short  $   $   $37,585,400 
  + Premiums received, options written  $   $   $593,855 
  Primary risk exposure is equity contracts               

 

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

 

Annual Report 2021  |  85

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2021
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (concluded)  

 

   Boston
Partners
Emerging Markets
Dynamic Equity Fund
  Boston
Partners
Emerging
Markets Fund
   Boston
Partners
Global Equity
Advantage Fund
 
ASSETS                     
Investments in securities, at value †^    $37,077,457     $20,868,506     $41,902,810 
Investments purchased with proceeds from securities lending collateral, at value *                   
Short-term investments, at value **     14,998,445      2,453,785      204,175 
Cash     6,334             
Foreign currency, at value#           232,165      33,468 
Receivables                     
Investments sold     60,576      34,332       
Foreign currency deposits with brokers for securities sold short #     296,745             
Deposits with brokers for contracts for difference     9,129,145             
Deposits with brokers for securities sold short     768,980             
Capital shares sold     16,331            3 
Dividends and interest     145,026      63,899      91,982 
Due from prime broker                  
Due from adviser                 30,430 
Unrealized appreciation on contracts for difference ◊     1,267,355      139,078       
Prepaid expenses and other assets     92,376      17,571      10,791 
Total assets     63,858,770      23,809,336      42,273,659 
LIABILITIES                     
Securities sold short, at fair value ‡     435,915             
Options written, at value +◊                  
Payables                     
Securities lending collateral (Note 8)                  
Investments purchased                  
Capital shares redeemed     89,592             
Due to prime broker                  
Investment advisory fees     81,007      5,276      16,021 
Custodian fees     2,982      5,042       
Distribution and service fees                  
Dividends on securities sold short                  
Administration and accounting fees     15,733      6,305      4,817 
Transfer agent fees     339      5,023      2,590 
Unrealized depreciation on contracts for difference ◊     1,258,805      21,525       
Other accrued expenses and liabilities     544,776      37,198      50,765 
Total liabilities     2,429,149      80,369      74,193 
Net Assets    $61,429,621     $23,728,967     $42,199,466 
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:                     
Par value    $5,370     $2,014     $3,243 
Paid-in Capital     59,216,031      20,665,907      32,330,220 
Total Distributable earnings/(loss)     2,208,220      3,061,046      9,866,003 
Net Assets    $61,429,621     $23,728,967     $42,199,466 
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS                     
Net assets    $61,429,621     $23,728,967     $42,199,466 
Shares outstanding     5,370,388      2,013,847      3,242,704 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share    $11.44     $11.78     $13.01 
INVESTOR CLASS                     
Net assets    $     $     $ 
Shares outstanding                  
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share    $     $     $ 
  Investments in securities, at cost    $32,885,932     $18,844,685     $33,478,447 
  ^ Includes market value of securities on loan    $     $     $ 
  * Investments purchased with proceeds from securities lending collateral, at cost    $     $     $ 
  ** Short-term investments, at cost    $14,998,445     $2,453,785     $204,175 
  # Foreign currency, at cost    $296,094     $231,761     $33,186 
  Proceeds received, securities sold short    $209,456     $     $ 
  + Premiums received, options written    $     $     $ 
  Primary risk exposure is equity contracts                     

 

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

 

86  |  Annual Report 2021

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS For the Year Ended August 31, 2021
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS  

 

   Boston
Partners
Small Cap
Value Fund II
   Boston
Partners
Long/Short
Equity Fund
   Boston
Partners
Long/Short
Research Fund
   Boston
Partners
All-Cap
Value Fund
 
Investment Income                    
Dividends †  $11,568,413   $1,125,505   $12,867,774   $25,898,640 
Interest   2,704    270    31    2,765 
Income from securities loaned (Note 8)   57,279    10,754        47,535 
Total investment income   11,628,396    1,136,529    12,867,805    25,948,940 
Expenses                    
Advisory fees (Note 2)   6,544,864    1,513,644    10,864,407    10,960,721 
Transfer agent fees (Note 2)   497,387    17,418    185,834    742,684 
Distribution fees (Investor Class) (Note 2)   239,937    30,722    39,894    620,046 
Administration and accounting fees (Note 2)   238,217    34,099    302,638    475,805 
Director’s fees   95,474    8,670    125,422    195,967 
Legal fees   94,176    9,391    121,230    192,903 
Printing and shareholder reporting fees   74,749    1,147    114,422    109,658 
Officer’s fees   61,375    7,499    105,033    132,186 
Registration fees   52,601    35,130    57,579    42,961 
Audit and tax service fees   37,845    52,316    56,054    38,927 
Custodian fees (Note 2)   31,498        105,810    44,922 
Other expenses   32,340    9,806    106,195    69,211 
Dividend expense on securities sold short       45,659    4,935,755     
Prime broker interest expense       380,676    1,515,170     
Total expenses before waivers and/or reimbursements   8,000,463    2,146,177    18,635,443    13,625,991 
Less: waivers and/or reimbursements net of amounts recouped (Note 2) n   (137,893)   (366,046)       (479,510)
Net expenses after waivers and/or reimbursements net of amounts recouped   7,862,570    1,780,131    18,635,443    13,146,481 
Net investment income/(loss)   3,765,826    (643,602)   (5,767,638)   12,802,459 
                     
Net realized gain/(loss) from:                    
Investment securities   107,612,636    21,547,439    280,898,563    76,615,508 
Securities sold short       (17,331,704)   (180,273,311)    
Options written **       580,204         
Contracts for difference **           863,463     
Foreign currency transactions   (57)   19,031    3,402,182    (1,717)
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:                    
Investment securities   201,239,291    5,888,124    46,884,054    407,462,755 
Securities sold short       6,854,575    53,369,815     
Options written **       290,018         
Contracts for difference **       (494,271)   2,305,067     
Foreign currency translation   (3)   (2,725)   (3,892,176)   227 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)   308,851,867    17,350,691    203,557,657    484,076,773 
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations  $312,617,693   $16,707,089   $197,790,019   $496,879,232 
†   Net of foreign withholding taxes of  $(5,669)  $(26,258)  $(401,292)  $(258,615)
n  Includes Acquired fund fees and expenses. See Note 2 for more details.       
**  Primary risk exposure is equity contracts.                    

 

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

 

Annual Report 2021  |  87

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS For the Year Ended August 31, 2021
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)  

 

   WPG Partners
Small/Micro Cap
Value Fund
   Boston
Partners Global
Equity Fund
   Boston
Partners Global
Long/Short Fund
 
Investment Income               
Dividends †  $364,731   $3,818,143   $2,639,267 
Interest   73    289    895 
Income from securities loaned (Note 8)   5,559    8,579     
Total investment income   370,363    3,827,011    2,640,162 
Expenses               
Advisory fees (Note 2)   197,100    1,476,366    1,786,541 
Transfer agent fees (Note 2)   10,390    7,840    8,069 
Distribution fees (Investor Class) (Note 2)           15,021 
Administration and accounting fees (Note 2)   24,666    29,704    72,773 
Director’s fees   3,074    22,660    17,454 
Legal fees   3,051    18,438    14,540 
Printing and shareholder reporting fees   564    24,689    39,405 
Officer’s fees   2,016    17,396    13,761 
Registration fees   21,818    23,748    37,596 
Audit and tax service fees   37,853    41,217    52,365 
Custodian fees (Note 2)   12,965    25,138    68,678 
Other expenses   1,489    24,560    46,506 
Dividend expense on securities sold short           388,445 
Prime broker interest expense           174,307 
Total expenses before waivers and/or reimbursements   314,986    1,711,756    2,735,461 
Less: waivers and/or reimbursements net of amounts recouped (Note 2) n   (43,934)   (140,758)    
Net expenses after waivers and/or reimbursements net of amounts recouped   271,052    1,570,998    2,735,461 
Net investment income/(loss)   99,311    2,256,013    (95,299)
                
Net realized gain/(loss) from:               
Investment securities   5,789,178    21,041,168    39,463,238 
Securities sold short           (15,336,991)
Options written **           (527,616)
Contracts for difference **           (630,572)
Foreign currency transactions   (3,403)   (122,997)   16,216 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:               
Investment securities   5,431,723    25,125,928    (1,397,662)
Securities sold short           5,928,134 
Options written **           86,476 
Contracts for difference **           (196,130)
Foreign currency translation   (1)   (32,416)   (73,332)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)   11,217,497    46,011,683    27,331,761 
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations  $11,316,808   $48,267,696   $27,236,462 
†   Net of foreign withholding taxes of  $(2,953)  $(469,021)  $(340,682)
n  Includes Acquired fund fees and expenses. See Note 2 for more details.  
**  Primary risk exposure is equity contracts.               

 

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

 

88  |  Annual Report 2021

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS For the Year Ended August 31, 2021
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (concluded)  

 

   Boston
Partners
Emerging Markets
Dynamic Equity Fund
 Boston
Partners
Emerging
Markets Fund
   Boston
Partners
Global Equity
Advantage Fund
 
Investment Income                   
Dividends †    $1,101,332     $475,458   $814,263 
Interest     1,614      303    62 
Income from securities loaned (Note 8)                
Total investment income     1,102,946      475,761    814,325 
Expenses                   
Advisory fees (Note 2)     854,477      164,913    410,383 
Transfer agent fees (Note 2)     19,853      1,312    3,003 
Distribution fees (Investor Class) (Note 2)                
Administration and accounting fees (Note 2)     58,371      30,931    34,587 
Director’s fees     8,900      2,186    2,265 
Legal fees     9,104      2,619    5,397 
Printing and shareholder reporting fees     4,565      1,006    1,682 
Officer’s fees     6,048      1,728    3,013 
Registration fees     22,814      20,278    26,185 
Audit and tax service fees     69,624      58,039    39,350 
Custodian fees (Note 2)     68,190      56,815    53,137 
Other expenses     3,463      3,613    6,522 
Dividend expense on securities sold short     90,280           
Prime broker interest expense     150,071           
Total expenses before waivers and/or reimbursements     1,365,760      343,440    585,524 
Less: waivers and/or reimbursements net of amounts recouped (Note 2) n     (168,395)     (123,547)   (254,829)
Net expenses after waivers and/or reimbursements net of amounts recouped     1,197,365      219,893    330,695 
Net investment income/(loss)     (94,419)     255,868    483,630 
                    
Net realized gain/(loss) from:                   
Investment securities     11,720,628      2,305,783    4,127,440 
Securities sold short     (3,209,337)          
Options written **                
Contracts for difference **     (1,509,631)     517,303     
Foreign currency transactions     20,445      (11,923)   (22,437)
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:                   
Investment securities     (186,768)     410,089    6,661,223 
Securities sold short     769,983           
Options written **                
Contracts for difference **     (718,007)     140,971     
Foreign currency translation     (3,925)     2,695    (1,753)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)     6,883,388      3,364,918    10,764,473 
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations    $6,788,969     $3,620,786   $11,248,103 
†   Net of foreign withholding taxes of    $(204,517)    $(82,457)  $(66,834)
n  Includes Acquired fund fees and expenses. See Note 2 for more details.          
**  Primary risk exposure is equity contracts.                   

 

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

 

Annual Report 2021  |  89

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

   Boston Partners
Small Cap Value Fund II
   Boston Partners
Long/Short Equity Fund
 
   For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2021
   For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2020
   For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2021
   For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2020
 
Increase/(decrease) in net assets from operations:                    
Net investment income/(loss)  $3,765,826   $4,826,236   $(643,602)  $(1,297,585)
Net realized gain/(loss) from investments and foreign currency   107,612,579    (54,211,771)   4,814,970    27,576,929 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments and foreign currency translation   201,239,288    14,499,468    12,535,721    (34,054,788)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   312,617,693    (34,886,067)   16,707,089    (7,775,444)
                     
Dividends and distributions to shareholders:                    
Institutional Class   (3,423,336)   (11,586,422)   (19,343,437)   (16,021,570)
Investor Class   (287,949)   (2,731,799)   (4,425,358)   (2,702,290)
Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders   (3,711,285)   (14,318,221)   (23,768,795)   (18,723,860)
                     
Capital transactions:                    
Institutional Class                    
Proceeds from shares sold   225,304,064    238,306,335    8,277,400    14,783,093 
Reinvestment of distributions   3,242,192    11,181,116    16,162,041    12,844,176 
Shares redeemed   (225,779,177)   (132,345,095)   (37,972,243)   (164,092,990)
Investor Class                    
Proceeds from shares sold   19,042,885    14,259,177    1,072,862    1,332,244 
Reinvestment of distributions   281,646    2,687,806    4,320,241    2,654,278 
Shares redeemed   (30,655,523)   (48,635,049)   (6,939,937)   (13,746,832)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets from capital transactions   (8,563,913)   85,454,290    (15,079,636)   (146,226,031)
Total increase/(decrease) in net assets   300,342,495    36,250,002    (22,141,342)   (172,725,335)
                     
Net assets:                    
Beginning of period   580,381,480    544,131,478    83,264,067    255,989,402 
End of period  $880,723,975   $580,381,480   $61,122,725   $83,264,067 
                     
Share transactions:                    
Institutional Class                    
Shares sold   7,949,707    11,884,055    631,527    886,645 
Shares reinvested   126,254    438,132    1,349,085    756,876 
Shares redeemed   (7,967,029)   (6,418,379)   (3,033,707)   (9,945,511)
Net increase/(decrease)   108,932    5,903,808    (1,053,095)   (8,301,990)
Investor Class                    
Shares sold   681,769    743,090    90,753    90,104 
Shares reinvested   11,491    110,337    418,628    173,482 
Shares redeemed   (1,146,893)   (2,508,720)   (624,820)   (942,479)
Net increase/(decrease)   (453,633)   (1,655,293)   (115,439)   (678,893)

 

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

 

90  |  Annual Report 2021

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (continued)

 

   Boston Partners
Long/Short Research Fund
   Boston Partners
All-Cap Value Fund
 
   For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2021
   For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2020
   For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2021
   For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2020
 
                 
Increase/(decrease) in net assets from operations:                    
Net investment income/(loss)  $(5,767,638)  $(196,417)  $12,802,459   $22,101,069 
Net realized gain/(loss) from investments and foreign currency   104,890,897    (22,401,419)   76,613,791    43,597,365 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments and foreign currency translation   98,666,760    (261,403,450)   407,462,982    (68,662,122)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   197,790,019    (284,001,286)   496,879,232    (2,963,688)
                     
Dividends and distributions to shareholders:                    
Institutional Class       (68,239,780)   (18,329,964)   (39,151,779)
Investor Class       (1,083,477)   (3,338,171)   (7,489,376)
Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders       (69,323,257)   (21,668,135)   (46,641,155)
                     
Capital transactions:                    
Institutional Class                    
Proceeds from shares sold   111,796,131    248,718,211    501,357,685    217,947,573 
Reinvestment of distributions       34,084,072    14,385,927    31,324,587 
Shares redeemed   (580,201,382)   (2,064,431,222)   (313,709,186)   (715,633,581)
Investor Class                    
Proceeds from shares sold   1,467,210    4,371,135    35,551,451    23,996,472 
Reinvestment of distributions       1,080,450    3,215,582    7,258,422 
Shares redeemed   (19,465,861)   (30,400,484)   (57,235,933)   (123,252,441)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets from capital transactions   (486,403,902)   (1,806,577,838)   183,565,526    (558,358,968)
Total increase/(decrease) in net assets   (288,613,883)   (2,159,902,381)   658,776,623    (607,963,811)
                     
Net assets:                    
Beginning of period   1,107,399,081    3,267,301,462    1,274,227,734    1,882,191,545 
End of period  $818,785,198   $1,107,399,081   $1,933,004,357   $1,274,227,734 
                     
Share transactions:                    
Institutional Class                    
Shares sold   7,333,928    16,878,926    16,405,789    9,208,074 
Shares reinvested       2,166,820    520,287    1,157,597 
Shares redeemed   (40,620,501)   (149,756,944)   (10,900,947)   (29,943,106)
Net increase/(decrease)   (33,286,573)   (130,711,198)   6,025,129    (19,577,435)
Investor Class                    
Shares sold   102,009    307,435    1,161,168    1,000,678 
Shares reinvested       70,205    116,803    269,329 
Shares redeemed   (1,357,505)   (2,183,851)   (2,013,653)   (5,141,085)
Net increase/(decrease)   (1,255,496)   (1,806,211)   (735,682)   (3,871,078)

 

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

 

Annual Report 2021  |  91

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (continued)

 

   WPG Partners
Small/Micro Cap Value Fund
   Boston Partners
Global Equity Fund
 
   For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2021
   For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2020
   For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2021
   For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2020
 
                 
Increase/(decrease) in net assets from operations:                    
Net investment income/(loss)  $99,311   $152,629   $2,256,013   $4,303,280 
Net realized gain/(loss) from investments and foreign currency   5,785,775    (3,385,849)   20,918,171    (23,857,335)
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments and foreign currency translation   5,431,722    1,416,754    25,093,512    (17,504,716)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   11,316,808    (1,816,466)   48,267,696    (37,632,243)
                     
Dividends and distributions to shareholders:                    
Institutional Class   (144,307)   (108,852)   (2,917,436)   (10,116,438)
Investor Class                
Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders   (144,307)   (108,852)   (2,917,436)   (10,116,438)
                     
Capital transactions:                    
Institutional Class                    
Proceeds from shares sold   1,232,374    931,570    21,725,184    13,415,264 
Reinvestment of distributions   133,250    101,138    2,898,546    10,102,108 
Shares redeemed   (4,086,219)   (2,230,051)   (64,010,620)   (481,947,978)
Investor Class                    
Proceeds from shares sold                
Reinvestment of distributions                
Shares redeemed                
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets from capital transactions   (2,720,595)   (1,197,343)   (39,386,890)   (458,430,606)
Total increase/(decrease) in net assets   8,451,906    (3,122,661)   5,963,370    (506,179,287)
                     
Net assets:                    
Beginning of period   19,150,243    22,272,904    177,470,018    683,649,305 
End of period  $27,602,149   $19,150,243   $183,433,388   $177,470,018 
                     
Share transactions:                    
Institutional Class                    
Shares sold   72,593    81,469    1,220,384    910,343 
Shares reinvested   9,209    6,942    169,110    595,292 
Shares redeemed   (255,753)   (175,463)   (4,261,605)   (32,766,623)
Net increase/(decrease)   (173,951)   (87,052)   (2,872,111)   (31,260,988)
Investor Class                    
Shares sold                
Shares reinvested                
Shares redeemed                
Net increase/(decrease)                

 

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

 

92  |  Annual Report 2021

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (continued)

 

   Boston Partners
Global Long/Short Fund
   Boston Partners
Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund
 
   For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2021
   For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2020
   For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2021
   For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2020
 
                     
Increase/(decrease) in net assets from operations:                    
Net investment income/(loss)  $(95,299)  $296,392   $(94,419)  $1,047,706 
Net realized gain/(loss) from investments and foreign currency   22,984,275    (29,499,627)   7,022,105    2,238,436 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments and foreign currency translation   4,347,486    (32,746,897)   (138,717)   2,437,798 
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   27,236,462    (61,950,132)   6,788,969    5,723,940 
                     
Dividends and distributions to shareholders:                    
Institutional Class   (79,283)   (7,186,270)   (5,338,757)   (1,296,540)
Investor Class       (133,127)        
Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders   (79,283)   (7,319,397)   (5,338,757)   (1,296,540)
                     
Capital transactions:                    
Institutional Class                    
Proceeds from shares sold   12,739,191    43,382,764    9,772,909    6,398,476 
Reinvestment of distributions   63,426    6,592,224    5,215,269    1,266,707 
Shares redeemed   (66,774,935)   (462,183,161)   (15,184,277)   (10,341,205)
Investor Class                    
Proceeds from shares sold   973,085    1,161,495         
Reinvestment of distributions       131,740         
Shares redeemed   (3,671,460)   (8,515,110)        
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets from capital transactions   (56,670,693)   (419,430,048)   (196,099)   (2,676,022)
Total increase/(decrease) in net assets   (29,513,514)   (488,699,577)   1,254,113    1,751,378 
                     
Net assets:                    
Beginning of period   137,164,573    625,864,150    60,175,508    58,424,130 
End of period  $107,651,059   $137,164,573   $61,429,621   $60,175,508 
                     
Share transactions:                    
Institutional Class                    
Shares sold   1,153,067    4,213,496    861,963    608,924 
Shares reinvested   5,955    609,263    461,937    118,052 
Shares redeemed   (6,184,959)   (48,274,686)   (1,310,319)   (961,867)
Net increase/(decrease)   (5,025,937)   (43,451,927)   13,581    (234,891)
Investor Class                    
Shares sold   90,220    115,237         
Shares reinvested       12,301         
Shares redeemed   (333,800)   (848,446)        
Net increase/(decrease)   (243,580)   (720,908)        

 

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

 

Annual Report 2021  |  93

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (concluded)

 

   Boston Partners
Emerging Markets Fund
   Boston Partners
Global Equity Advantage Fund
 
   For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2021
   For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2020
   For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2021
   For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2020
 
                 
Increase/(decrease) in net assets from operations:                    
Net investment income/(loss)  $255,868   $307,777   $483,630   $731,457 
Net realized gain/(loss) from investments and foreign currency   2,811,163    (1,046,424)   4,105,003    (2,958,640)
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments and foreign currency translation   553,755    1,653,337    6,659,470    466,717 
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   3,620,786    914,690    11,248,103    (1,760,466)
                     
Dividends and distributions to shareholders:                    
Institutional Class   (129,801)   (503,507)   (416,614)   (633,996)
Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders   (129,801)   (503,507)   (416,614)   (633,996)
                     
Capital transactions:                    
Institutional Class                    
Proceeds from shares sold   3,599,996    6,125,226    227,364    10,368,392 
Reinvestment of distributions   129,801    503,507    416,614    633,996 
Shares redeemed           (4,312,903)    
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets from capital transactions   3,729,797    6,628,733    (3,668,925)   11,002,388 
Total increase/(decrease) in net assets   7,220,782    7,039,916    7,162,564    8,607,926 
                     
Net assets:                    
Beginning of period   16,508,185    9,468,269    35,036,902    26,428,976 
End of period  $23,728,967   $16,508,185   $42,199,466   $35,036,902 
                     
Share transactions:                    
Institutional Class                    
Shares sold   315,790    602,890    19,157    956,529 
Shares reinvested   11,507    52,285    37,364    59,586 
Shares redeemed           (329,932)    
Net increase/(decrease)   327,297    655,175    (273,411)   1,016,115 

 

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

 

94  |  Annual Report 2021

 

(THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.)

 

Annual Report 2021  |  95

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Per Share Operating Performance

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for each class of shares outstanding, total investment return, ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

   Net Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Period
  Net
Investment
Income/
(Loss)*
  Net Realized
and
Unrealized
Gain/
(Loss) on
Investments
  Net Increase/
(Decrease)
in Net Assets
Resulting
from
Operations
  Dividends to
Shareholders
from Net
Investment
Income
  Distributions
to
Shareholders
from Net
Realized
Gains
  Total
Dividend and
Distributions
to
Shareholders
  Redemption
Fees*
Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II                          
Institutional Class                                        
8/31/21        $21.06               $0.15               $11.27         $11.42         $(0.14)              $         $(0.14)         $—     
8/31/20   23.42    0.20    (1.94)         (1.74)         (0.28)   (0.34)         (0.62)    
8/31/19   27.74    0.23    (3.12)   (2.89)   (0.12)   (1.31)   (1.43)    
8/31/18   24.96    0.21    3.75    3.96    (0.20)   (0.98)   (1.18)    
8/31/17   23.00    0.13    2.38    2.51    (0.21)   (0.34)   (0.55)    
Investor Class                                        
8/31/21  $20.07   $0.07   $10.75   $10.82   $(0.08)  $   $(0.08)   $— 
8/31/20   22.33    0.15    (1.85)   (1.70)   (0.22)   (0.34)   (0.56)    
8/31/19   26.53    0.16    (2.99)   (2.83)   (0.06)   (1.31)   (1.37)    
8/31/18   23.92    0.14    3.59    3.73    (0.14)   (0.98)   (1.12)    
8/31/17   22.06    0.07    2.29    2.36    (0.16)   (0.34)   (0.50)    
Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund                          
Institutional Class                                        
8/31/21  $15.15   $(0.12)  $3.69   $3.57   $   $(4.51)  $(4.51)   $— 
8/31/20   17.74    (0.14)   (0.70)   (0.84)       (1.75)   (1.75)    
8/31/19   20.51    (0.18)   (1.06)   (1.24)       (1.53)   (1.53)    
8/31/18   20.96    (0.35)   0.07    (0.28)       (0.17)   (0.17)    
8/31/17   20.09    (0.26)   1.13    0.87                 
Investor Class                                        
8/31/21  $13.64   $(0.14)  $3.23   $3.09   $   $(4.51)  $(4.51)   $— 
8/31/20   16.17    (0.16)   (0.62)   (0.78)       (1.75)   (1.75)    
8/31/19   18.88    (0.20)   (0.98)   (1.18)       (1.53)   (1.53)    
8/31/18   19.36    (0.38)   0.07    (0.31)       (0.17)   (0.17)    
8/31/17   18.60    (0.29)   1.05    0.76                 
Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund                          
Institutional Class                                        
8/31/21  $13.31   $(0.10)  $3.61   $3.51   $   $   $    $— 
8/31/20   15.15    (0.00)   (1.48)   (1.48)   (0.21)   (0.15)   (0.36)    
8/31/19   16.64    0.09    (0.79)   (0.70)   (0.01)   (0.78)   (0.79)    
8/31/18   16.27    (0.03)   0.40    0.37                 
8/31/17   15.23    (0.12)   1.16    1.04                 
Investor Class                                        
8/31/21  $13.01   $(0.13)  $3.51   $3.38   $   $   $    $— 
8/31/20   14.81    (0.04)   (1.44)   (1.48)   (0.17)   (0.15)   (0.32)    
8/31/19   16.31    0.06    (0.78)   (0.72)       (0.78)   (0.78)    
8/31/18   15.99    (0.08)   0.40    0.32                 
8/31/17   15.00    (0.15)   1.14    0.99                 

 

* Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.      

 

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

 

96  |  Annual Report 2021

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued) Per Share Operating Performance

 

  Net Asset
Value, End
of Period
  Total
Investment
Return1,2
  Net Assets,
End of Period
(000)
  Ratio of Expenses
to Average
Net Assets
With Waivers,
Reimbursements
and Recoupment
if any4
  Ratio of Expenses
to Average
Net Assets
With Waivers,
Reimbursements
and Recoupments
if any (Excluding
Dividend and
Interest Expense)
  Ratio of Expenses
to Average Net
Assets Without
Waivers,
Reimbursements
and Recoupments
if any
  Ratio of Net
Investment
Income/(Loss)
to Average Net
Assets With
Waivers and
Reimbursements
 Portfolio
Turnover
Rate
 
                                          
  $32.34      54.40%        $776,442        0.99%      N/A        1.01%      0.52%      33  
   21.06    (7.88)   503,349    1.07    N/A    1.09    0.94    46   
   23.42    (9.92)   421,429    1.10    N/A    1.16    0.97    29   
   27.74    16.25    476,179    1.10    N/A    1.14    0.78    40   
   24.96    10.92    362,674    1.10    N/A    1.18    0.53    24   
                                          
  $30.81    54.01%  $104,282    1.24%   N/A    1.26%   0.27%   33%  
   20.07    (8.07)   77,032    1.32    N/A    1.34    0.69    46   
   22.33    (10.20)   122,703    1.35    N/A    1.41    0.72    29   
   26.53    15.94    144,315    1.35    N/A    1.39    0.53    40   
   23.92    10.68    159,271    1.35    N/A    1.43    0.28    24   
                                          
  $14.21    29.08%  $49,551    2.60%   1.97%   3.14%   (0.91%)   31%  
   15.15    (5.78)   68,780    2.57    2.25    2.74    (0.81)   46   
   17.74    (6.05)   227,834    2.67    2.45    2.68    (0.94)   64   
   20.51    (1.38)   651,325    3.01    2.37    3.01    (1.62)   58   
   20.96    4.33    858,821    2.80    2.39    2.80    (1.21)   63   
                                          
  $12.22    28.71%  $11,571    2.85%   2.22%   3.39%   (1.16%)   31%  
   13.64    (5.99)   14,484    2.82    2.50    2.99    (1.06)   46   
   16.17    (6.27)   28,156    2.92    2.70    2.93    (1.19)   64   
   18.88    (1.65)   54,167    3.26    2.62    3.26    (1.87)   58   
   19.36    4.09    88,103    3.05    2.64    3.05    (1.46)   63   
                                          
  $16.82    26.37%  $808,565    2.15%   1.40%   2.15%   (0.66%)   61%  
   13.31    (10.13)   1,082,963    2.21    1.37    2.21    (0.01)   66   
   15.15    (4.05)   3,212,731    2.15    1.38    2.15    0.62    60   
   16.64    2.27    6,636,897    2.09    1.34    2.09    (0.19)   60   
   16.27    6.83    6,361,628    2.23    1.37    2.23    (0.75)   54   
                                          
  $16.39    25.98%  $10,220    2.40%   1.65%   2.40%   (0.91%)   61%  
   13.01    (10.32)   24,436    2.46    1.62    2.46    (0.26)   66   
   14.81    (4.27)   54,570    2.40    1.63    2.40    0.37    60   
   16.31    2.00    118,905    2.34    1.59    2.34    (0.44)   60   
   15.99    6.60    211,455    2.48    1.63    2.48    (1.00)   54   

 

1 Total return is calculated by assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of the period and is not annualized if period is less than one year.
2 Redemption fees, if any, are reflected in total return calculations.
3 Amount is less than $0.005 per share.
4 Beginning on September 1, 2018, the expense limitation includes acquired fund fees and expenses (AFFE). AFFE are not reflected as expenses in these financial statements and therefore this may cause the net expense ratios after waivers/reimbursements to be lower than the expense limitation in place.

 

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

 

Annual Report 2021  |  97

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued) Per Share Operating Performance

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for each class of shares outstanding, total investment return, ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

   Net Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Period
  Net
Investment
Income/
(Loss)*
  Net Realized
and
Unrealized
Gain/
(Loss) on
Investments
  Net Increase/
(Decrease)
in Net Assets
Resulting
from
Operations
  Dividends to
Shareholders
from Net
Investment
Income
  Distributions
to
Shareholders
from Net
Realized
Gains
  Total
Dividend and
Distributions
to
Shareholders
  Redemption
Fees*
Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund                          
Institutional Class                                        
8/31/21        $24.53              $0.26                 $9.43          $9.69               $(0.21)               $(0.24)              $(0.45)              $—       
8/31/20   24.97    0.36    (0.08)          0.28    (0.37)   (0.35)   (0.72)    
8/31/19   27.86    0.34    (1.76)   (1.42)   (0.29)   (1.18)   (1.47)    
8/31/18   25.57    0.22    3.20    3.42    (0.18)   (0.95)   (1.13)    
8/31/17   23.12    0.20    3.17    3.37    (0.27)   (0.65)   (0.92)    
Investor Class                                        
8/31/21  $24.39   $0.18   $9.38   $9.56   $(0.15)  $(0.24)  $(0.39)   $— 
8/31/20   24.82    0.30    (0.09)   0.21    (0.29)   (0.35)   (0.64)    
8/31/19   27.69    0.27    (1.75)   (1.48)   (0.21)   (1.18)   (1.39)    
8/31/18   25.42    0.16    3.18    3.34    (0.12)   (0.95)   (1.07)    
8/31/17   23.00    0.14    3.15    3.29    (0.22)   (0.65)   (0.87)    
WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund                          
Institutional Class                                        
8/31/21  $11.96   $0.07   $7.39   $7.46   $(0.09)  $   $(0.09)   $— 
8/31/20   13.19    0.09    (1.26)   (1.17)   (0.06)       (0.06)    
8/31/19   17.52    0.06    (3.36)   (3.30)   (0.05)   (0.98)   (1.03)    
8/31/18   16.13    0.04    2.50    2.54    (0.06)   (1.09)   (1.15)    
8/31/17   15.50    0.05    0.65    0.70    (0.07)       (0.07)    
Boston Partners Global Equity Fund                          
Institutional Class                                        
8/31/21  $15.15   $0.25   $5.69   $5.94   $(0.35)  $   $(0.35)   $— 
8/31/20   15.91    0.15    (0.67)   (0.52)   (0.24)       (0.24)    
8/31/19   18.73    0.25    (1.79)   (1.54)   (0.18)   (1.10)   (1.28)    
8/31/18   17.39    0.16    1.56    1.72    (0.12)   (0.26)   (0.38)    
8/31/17   15.60    0.14    1.95    2.09    (0.30)       (0.30)    

 

* Calculated based on average shares outstanding.       

 

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

 

98  |  Annual Report 2021

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued) Per Share Operating Performance

 

  Net Asset
Value, End
of Period
  Total
Investment
Return1,2
  Net Assets,
End of Period
(000)
  Ratio of Expenses
to Average
Net Assets
With Waivers,
Reimbursements
and Recoupment
if any5
  Ratio of Expenses
to Average
Net Assets
With Waivers,
Reimbursements
and Recoupments
if any (Excluding
Dividend and
Interest Expense)
  Ratio of Expenses
to Average Net
Assets Without
Waivers,
Reimbursements
and Recoupments
if any
  Ratio of Net
Investment
Income/(Loss)
to Average Net
Assets With
Waivers and
Reimbursements
  Portfolio
Turnover
Rate
 
                                  
  $33.77    39.91%         $1,653,698        0.80%      N/A        0.83%      0.86%      33  
   24.53    0.84    1,053,301    0.80    N/A    0.84    1.46    37   
   24.97    (4.65)   1,561,229    0.80    N/A    0.82    1.34    33   
   27.86    13.70    1,853,976    0.80    N/A    0.80    0.83    33   
   25.57    14.88    1,370,288    0.80    N/A    0.88    0.83    27   
                                          
  $33.56    39.57%  $279,306    1.05%   N/A    1.08%   0.61%   33%  
   24.39    0.59    220,927    1.05    N/A    1.09    1.21    37   
   24.82    (4.90)   320,962    1.05    N/A    1.07    1.09    33   
   27.69    13.44    510,737    1.05    N/A    1.05    0.58    33   
   25.42    14.56    426,904    1.05    N/A    1.13    0.58    27   
                                          
  $19.33    62.66%  $27,602    1.10%   N/A    1.28%   0.40%   114%  
   11.96    (8.92)   19,150    1.10    N/A    1.31    0.74    123   
   13.19    (18.85)   22,273    1.10    N/A    1.23    0.40    79   
   17.52    16.16    32,436    1.09    N/A    1.11    0.23    80   
   16.13    4.50    30,781    1.10    N/A    1.29    0.30    78   
                                          
  $20.74    39.66%  $183,433    0.95%   N/A    1.04%   1.38%   88%  
   15.15    (3.40)   177,470    0.95    N/A    1.22    0.96    118   
   15.91    (7.92)   683,649    0.95    N/A    1.03    1.55    97   
   18.73    9.93    666,271    0.95    N/A    1.03    0.88    80   
   17.39    13.59    590,525    0.95    N/A    1.04    0.84    83   

 

1 Total return is calculated by assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of the period and is not annualized if period is less than one year.
2 Redemption fees, if any, are reflected in total return calculations.
3 Portfolio turnover rate excludes securities delivered/received from processing redemptions/subscriptions in-kind.
4 Amount is less than $0.005.
5 Beginning on September 1, 2018, the expense limitation includes acquired fund fees and expenses (AFFE). AFFE are not reflected as expenses in these financial statements and therefore this may cause the net expense ratios after waivers/reimbursements to be lower than the expense limitation in place.

 

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

 

Annual Report 2021  |  99

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued) Per Share Operating Performance

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for each class of shares outstanding, total investment return, ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

   Net Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Period
  Net
Investment
Income/
(Loss)*
  Net Realized
and
Unrealized
Gain/
(Loss) on
Investments
  Net Increase/
(Decrease)
in Net Assets
Resulting
from
Operations
  Dividends to
Shareholders
from Net
Investment
Income
  Distributions
to
Shareholders
from Net
Realized
Gains
  Total
Dividend and
Distributions
to
Shareholders
  Redemption
Fees*
Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund                          
Institutional Class                                        
8/31/21        $9.72               $(0.01)               $2.48               $2.47             $(0.01)              $               $(0.01)              $—        
8/31/20   10.74    0.01    (0.89)   (0.88)   (0.14)       (0.14)    
8/31/19   11.52    0.07    (0.65)   (0.58)       (0.20)   (0.20)    
8/31/18   11.34    (0.01)   0.19    0.18                 
8/31/17   10.90    (0.11)   0.57    0.46    (0.02)       (0.02)    
Investor Class                                        
8/31/21  $9.61   $(0.03)  $2.43   $2.40   $   $   $    $— 
8/31/20   10.61    (0.02)   (0.88)   (0.90)   (0.10)       (0.10)    
8/31/19   11.40    0.05    (0.84)   (0.79)                
8/31/18   11.25    (0.04)   0.19    0.15                 
8/31/17   10.85    (0.13)   0.54    0.41    (0.01)       (0.01)    
Boston Partners Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund                             
Institutional Class                                        
8/31/21  $11.23   $(0.02)  $1.17   $1.15   $(0.94)  $   $(0.94)   $— 
8/31/20   10.45    0.19    0.82    1.01    (0.23)       (0.23)    
8/31/19   10.49    0.04    (0.03)   0.01        (0.05)   (0.05)    
8/31/18   12.12    (0.05)   (0.87)   (0.92)   (0.26)   (0.45)   (0.71)    
8/31/17   11.15    (0.07)   1.96    1.89    (0.82)   (0.10)   (0.92)    
Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund                          
Institutional Class                                        
8/31/21  $9.79   $0.13   $1.94   $2.07   $(0.08)  $   $(0.08)   $— 
8/31/20   9.18    0.21    0.89    1.10    (0.49)       (0.49)    
8/31/19   9.13    0.13    (0.08)   0.05                 
10/17/17**                                        
through 8/31/18   10.00    0.05    (0.86)   (0.81)   (0.06)       (0.06)    
Boston Partners Global Equity Advantage Fund                          
Institutional Class                                        
8/31/21  $9.96   $0.14   $3.03   $3.17   $(0.12)  $   $(0.12)   $— 
8/31/20   10.57    0.23    (0.59)   (0.36)   (0.21)   (0.04)   (0.25)    
5/29/19**                                        
through 8/31/19   10.00    0.05    0.52    0.57                 

 

* Calculated based on average shares outstanding, unless otherwise noted.     
** Commencement of operations.        

 

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

 

100  |  Annual Report 2021

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded) Per Share Operating Performance

 

  Net Asset
Value, End
of Period
  Total
Investment
Return1,2
  Net Assets,
End of Period
(000)
  Ratio of Expenses
to Average
Net Assets
With Waivers,
Reimbursements
and Recoupment
if any7
  Ratio of Expenses
to Average
Net Assets
With Waivers,
Reimbursements
and Recoupments
if any (Excluding
Dividend and
Interest Expense)
  Ratio of Expenses
to Average Net
Assets Without
Waivers,
Reimbursements
and Recoupments
if any
  Ratio of Net
Investment
Income/(Loss)
to Average Net
Assets With
Waivers and
Reimbursements
  Portfolio
Turnover
Rate
 
                                          
    $12.18      25.39%          $102,691         2.29%      1.83%        2.29%      (0.07%)      102  
   9.72    (8.30)   130,857    2.46    1.75    2.46    0.07    125   
   10.74    (5.00)   611,254    2.47    1.65    2.47    0.69    99   
   11.52    1.59    913,237    2.34    1.65    2.34    (0.11)   85   
   11.34    4.26    1,008,234    2.63    1.70    2.63    (0.94)   109   
                                          
  $12.01    24.97%  $4,960    2.54%   2.08%   2.54%   (0.32%)   102%  
   9.61    (8.55)   6,308    2.71    2.00    2.71    (0.18)   125   
   10.61    (5.14)   14,610    2.72    1.90    2.72    0.44    99   
   11.40    1.33    23,987    2.59    1.90    2.59    (0.36)   85   
   11.25    3.92    34,030    2.88    1.95    2.88    (1.17)   109   
                                          
  $11.44    10.38%  $61,430    1.75%   1.40%   2.00%   (0.14)%   125%  
   11.23    9.75    60,176    1.66    1.49    2.19    1.81    219   
   10.45    0.18    58,424    1.96    1.96    2.44    0.43    186   
   10.49    (8.11)   58,245    2.00    2.00    2.37    (0.47)   222   
   12.12    18.71    56,829    2.13    2.06    2.99    (0.60)   184   
                                          
  $11.78    21.15%  $23,729    1.00%   N/A    1.56%   1.16%   123%  
   9.79    12.05    16,508    1.06    N/A    2.39    2.29    177   
   9.18    0.55    9,468    1.07    N/A    2.89    1.41    155   
                                          
   9.13    (8.11)   8,296    1.105   N/A    2.955   0.58 5   1466  
                                          
  $13.01    32.01%  $42,199    0.81%   N/A    1.43%   1.18%   67%  
   9.96    (3.53)   35,037    0.58    N/A    1.70    2.34    124   
                                          
   10.57    5.70    26,429    0.25 5   N/A    1.885   1.695   166  

 

1 Total return is calculated by assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of the period and is not annualized if period is less than one year.
2 Redemption fees, if any, are reflected in total return calculations.
3 Portfolio turnover rate excludes securities delivered/received from processing redemptions/subscriptions in-kind.
4 Amount is less than $0.005.
5 Annualized.
6 Not Annualized.
7 Beginning on September 1, 2018, the expense limitation includes acquired fund fees and expenses (AFFE). AFFE are not reflected as expenses in these financial statements and therefore this may cause the net expense ratios after waivers/reimbursements to be lower than the expense limitation in place.

 

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

 

Annual Report 2021  |  101

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
August 31, 2021

 

1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The RBB Fund, Inc (“RBB” or the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland on February 29, 1988 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. RBB is a “series fund,” which is a mutual fund divided into separate portfolios. Each portfolio is treated as a separate entity for certain matters under the 1940 Act, and for other purposes, and a shareholder of one portfolio is not deemed to be a shareholder of any other portfolio. Currently, RBB has thirty-nine separate investment portfolios, including Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II (“BP Small Cap Value Fund II”), Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund (“BP Long/Short Equity Fund”), Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund (“BP Long/Short Research Fund”), Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund (“BP All-Cap Value Fund”), Boston Partners Global Equity Fund (“BP Global Equity Fund”), Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund (“BP Global Long/Short Fund”), Boston Partners Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund (“BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund”), Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund (“BP Emerging Markets Fund”) and Boston Partners Global Equity Advantage Fund (“BP Global Equity Advantage Fund”) (collectively the “BP Funds”), and WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund (“WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund” and, collectively with the BP Funds, the “Funds”). As of the end of the reporting period, the Funds (other than the WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund, BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund, BP Emerging Markets Fund and BP Global Equity Advantage Fund) each offer two classes of shares, Institutional Class and Investor Class. As of the end of the reporting period, Investor Class shares of the BP Global Equity Fund have not been issued. The WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund, BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund, BP Emerging Markets Fund and BP Global Equity Advantage Fund are single class funds, offering only the Institutional Class of shares.

 

RBB has authorized capital of one hundred billion shares of common stock of which 88.223 billion shares are currently classified into one hundred and ninety-three classes of common stock. Each class represents an interest in an active or inactive RBB investment portfolio.

 

The investment objective of BP Small Cap Value Fund II and BP All-Cap Value Fund is to seek long-term growth of capital primarily through investment in equity securities. The investment objective of BP Global Equity Fund, BP Global/Long Short Fund, BP Emerging Markets Fund, BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund and BP Global Equity Advantage Fund is to seek long-term capital growth. The investment objective of BP Long/Short Equity Fund is to seek long-term capital appreciation while reducing exposure to general equity market risk. The investment objective of WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund is to seek appreciation by investing primarily in common stocks, securities convertible into common stocks and in special situations. The investment objective of BP Long/Short Research Fund is to seek long-term total return.

 

The Funds are investment companies and follow accounting and reporting guidance in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 “Financial Services-Investment Companies.”

 

The end of the reporting period for the Funds is August 31, 2021, and the period covered by these Notes to Financial Statements is the fiscal period ended August 31, 2021 (the “current fiscal period”).

 

PORTFOLIO VALUATION — Each Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (generally 4:00 p.m Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. Securities held by a Fund are valued using the closing price or the last sale price on a national securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System (“NASDAQ”) market system where they are primarily traded. Equity securities traded in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market are valued at their closing prices. If there were no transactions on that day, securities traded principally on an exchange or on NASDAQ will be valued at the mean of the last bid and ask prices prior to the market close. Fixed income securities are valued using an independent pricing service, which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings, and are deemed representative of market values at the close of the market. Foreign securities are valued based on prices from the primary market in which they are traded, and are translated from the local currency into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates. Investments in other open-end investment companies, if any, are valued based on the NAV of the investment companies (which may use fair value pricing as disclosed in their prospectuses). Options for which the primary market is a national securities exchange are valued at the last sale price on the exchange on which they are traded, or, in the absence of any sale, will be valued at the mean of the last bid and ask prices prior to the market close. Options not traded on a national securities exchange are valued at the last quoted bid price for long option positions and the closing ask price for short option positions. If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable, securities will be valued in accordance with procedures adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). Relying on prices supplied by pricing services or dealers or using fair valuation may result in values that are higher or lower than the values used by other investment companies and investors to price the same investments Such procedures use fundamental valuation methods, which may include, but are not limited to, an analysis of the effect of any restrictions on the resale of the security, industry analysis and trends, significant changes in the issuer’s financial position, and any other event which could have a significant impact on the value of the security. Determination of fair value involves subjective judgment as the actual market value of a particular security can be established only by negotiations between the parties in a sales transaction, and the difference between the recorded fair value and the value that would be received in a sale could be significant. The Funds may use fair value pricing more frequently for securities traded primarily in non-U.S. markets because, among other things, most foreign markets close well before the Funds value their securities, generally as of 4:00 p.m. Eastern time. The earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, government actions or pronouncements, aftermarket trading, or news events may have occurred in the interim. To account for this, the Funds may value foreign securities using fair value prices based on third-party vendor modeling tools (international fair value pricing).

 

102  |  Annual Report 2021

 
 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
August 31, 2021

 

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS — The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the Funds’ investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:

 

  • Level 1 — Prices are determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
  • Level 2 — Prices are determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).
  • Level 3 — Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs (including the Funds’ own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

 

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

A summary of the inputs used to value each Fund’s investments as of the end of the reporting period is included in each Fund’s Portfolio of Investments.

 

At the end of each quarter, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities. Various factors are considered, such as changes in liquidity from the prior reporting period; whether or not a broker is willing to execute at the quoted price; the depth and consistency of prices from third party pricing services; and the existence of contemporaneous, observable trades in the market. Additionally, management evaluates the classification of Level 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities on a quarterly basis for changes in listings or delistings on national exchanges.

 

Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Funds’ investments may fluctuate from period to period. Additionally, the fair value of investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for such investments and may differ materially from the values the Funds may ultimately realize. Further, such investments may be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities.

 

For fair valuations using significant unobservable inputs, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires each Fund to present a reconciliation of the beginning to ending balances for reported market values that presents changes attributable to total realized and unrealized gains or losses, purchase and sales, and transfers in and out of Level 3 during the period. Transfers in and out between levels are based on values at the end of the period. A reconciliation of Level 3 investments is presented only when a Fund had an amount of Level 3 investments at the end of the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets. The amounts and reasons for all Level 3 transfers are disclosed if a Fund had an amount of total Level 3 transfers during the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets as of the end of the reporting period.

 

During the current fiscal year, the Funds had no significant level 3 investments or transfers.

 

USE OF ESTIMATES — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences could be significant.

 

INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS, INVESTMENT INCOME AND EXPENSES — The Funds record security transactions based on trade date for financial reporting purposes. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method for both financial reporting and income tax purposes in determining realized gains and losses on investments. Interest income (including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts) is accrued when earned. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. The Funds’ investment income, expenses (other than class specific expenses) and unrealized and realized gains and losses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class at the beginning of the day. Certain expenses are shared with PENN Capital Funds Trust (the “Trust”), a series trust of affiliated funds. Expenses incurred on behalf of a specific class, fund or fund family of the Company or Trust are charged directly to the class, fund or fund family (in proportion to net assets). Expenses incurred for all funds (such as director or professional fees) are charged to all funds in proportion to their average net assets of RBB and the Trust, or in such other manner as the Board deems fair or equitable. Offering costs are amortized for a new fund and accrued over a 12-month period from the inception date of the fund. Offering costs are charged directly to the fund in which they are incurred. Expenses and fees, including investment advisory, offering costs, and administration fees, are accrued daily and taken into account for the purpose of determining the NAV of the Funds.

 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS — Dividends from net investment income and distributions from net realized capital gains, if any, are declared and paid at least annually to shareholders and recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income dividends and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

 

U.S. TAX STATUS — No provision is made for U.S. income taxes as it is each Fund’s intention to qualify or continue to qualify for and elect the tax treatment applicable to regulated investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and make the requisite distributions to its shareholders which will be sufficient to relieve it from U.S. income and excise taxes.

 

Annual Report 2021  |  103

 
 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
August 31, 2021

 

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION — Assets and liabilities initially expressed in non-U.S. currencies are translated into U.S. dollars based on the applicable exchange rates at the date of the last business day of the financial statement period. Purchases and sales of securities, interest income, dividends, variation margin received and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect on the transaction date.

 

The Funds do not separately report the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates from changes in market prices of securities held. Such changes are included with the net realized gain or loss and change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments in the Statements of Operations. Other foreign currency transactions resulting in realized and unrealized gain or loss are reported separately as net realized gain or loss and change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on foreign currencies in the Statements of Operations.

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates market value.

 

OTHER — In the normal course of business, the Funds may enter into contracts that provide general indemnifications. Each Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on claims that may be made against the Funds in the future, and, therefore, cannot be estimated; however, the Funds expect the risk of material loss from such claims to be remote.

 

CURRENCY RISK — The Funds invest in securities of foreign issuers, including American Depositary Receipts. These markets are subject to special risks associated with foreign investments not typically associated with investing in U.S. markets. Because the foreign securities in which the Funds may invest generally trade in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, changes in currency exchange rates will affect the Funds’ NAV, the value of dividends and interest earned and gains and losses realized on the sale of securities. Because the NAV for the Funds are determined on the basis of U.S. dollars, the Funds may lose money by investing in a foreign security if the local currency of a foreign market depreciates against the U.S. dollar, even if the local currency value of the Funds’ holdings goes up. Generally, a strong U.S. dollar relative to these other currencies will adversely affect the value of the Funds’ holdings in foreign securities.

 

EMERGING MARKETS RISK — The BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund and the BP Emerging Markets Fund invest in emerging market instruments which are subject to certain credit and market risks. The securities and currency markets of emerging market countries are generally smaller, less developed, less liquid and more volatile than the securities and currency markets of the United States and other developed markets. Disclosure and regulatory standards in many respects are less stringent than in other developed markets. There also may be a lower level of monitoring and regulation of securities markets in emerging market countries and the activities of investors in such markets and enforcement of existing regulations may be extremely limited. Political and economic structures in many of these countries may be in their infancy and developing rapidly, and such countries may lack the social, political and economic stability characteristics of more developed countries.

 

FOREIGN SECURITIES MARKET RISK — Securities of many non-U.S. companies may be less liquid and their prices more volatile than securities of comparable U.S. companies. Securities of companies traded in many countries outside the U.S., particularly emerging markets countries, may be subject to further risks due to the inexperience of local investment professionals and financial institutions, the possibility of permanent or temporary termination of trading and greater spreads between bid and asked prices of securities. In addition, non-U.S. stock exchanges and investment professionals are subject to less governmental regulation, and commissions may be higher than in the United States. Also, there may be delays in the settlement of non-U.S. stock exchange transactions.

 

LIBOR DISCONTINUATION RISK — The terms of many financial instruments in which the Funds may invest or other transactions to which the Funds may be a party may be tied to the London Interbank Offered Rate, or “LIBOR.” LIBOR is the offered rate for short-term Eurodollar deposits between major international banks. LIBOR may be a significant factor in determining the Funds’ payment obligations under a derivative investment, the cost of financing to the Funds or an investment’s value or return to the Funds, and may be used in other ways that affect the Funds’ investment performance. In July 2017, the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”), the United Kingdom’s financial regulatory body, announced a desire to phase out the use of LIBOR by the end of 2021.

 

The FCA and ICE Benchmark Administrator have since announced that most LIBOR settings will no longer be published after December 31, 2021 and a majority of U.S. dollar LIBOR settings will cease publication after June 30, 2023. It is possible that a subset of LIBOR settings will be published after these dates on a “synthetic” basis, but any such publications would be considered non-representative of the underlying market. The U.S. Federal Reserve, based on the recommendations of the New York Federal Reserve’s Alternative Reference Rate Committee (comprised of major derivative market participants and their regulators), has begun publishing the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) that is intended to replace U.S. dollar LIBOR. Proposals for alternative reference rates for other currencies have also been announced or have already begun publication. Markets are slowly developing in response to these new reference rates. Uncertainty related to the liquidity impact of the change in rates, and how to appropriately adjust these rates at the time of transition, poses risks for the Funds. The effect of any changes to, or discontinuation of, LIBOR on the Funds will depend on, among other things, (1) existing fallback or termination provisions in individual contracts and (2) whether, how, and when industry participants develop and adopt new reference rates and fallbacks for both legacy and new instruments and contracts. In addition, there are obstacles to converting certain longer-term securities and transactions to a new reference rate or rates and the effectiveness of one alternative reference rate versus multiple alternative reference rates in new or existing financial instruments and products has not been determined.

 

The transition away from LIBOR might lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets for instruments whose terms currently reference LIBOR, reduced values of LIBOR-related investments, reduced effectiveness of hedging strategies, increased costs for certain

 

104  |  Annual Report 2021

 
 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
August 31, 2021

 

LIBOR-related instruments, increased difficulty in borrowing or refinancing, and prolonged adverse market conditions for the Funds. Furthermore, the risks associated with the expected discontinuation of LIBOR and related transition may be exacerbated if the work necessary to effect an orderly transition to an alternative reference rate is not completed in a timely manner. Because the usefulness of LIBOR as a benchmark could deteriorate during the transition period, these effects could occur prior to the end of 2021.

 

Although the Funds are working to minimize its exposure to risks associated with the expected discontinuation of LIBOR, all of the aforementioned risks may adversely affect the Funds’ performance or NAV.

 

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) PANDEMIC — The global outbreak of COVID-19 (commonly referred to as “coronavirus”) has disrupted economic markets and the prolonged economic impact is uncertain. Although vaccines for COVID-19 are becoming more widely available, the ultimate economic fallout from the pandemic, and the long-term impact on economies, markets, industries and individual issuers are not known. The operational and financial performance of the issuers of securities in which the Funds invest depends on future developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak and the pace of recovery which may vary from market to market, and such uncertainty may in turn adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Funds’ investments, impair the Funds’ ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the Funds’ performance.

 

OPTIONS WRITTEN — The Funds may enter into options written for: bona fide hedging; attempting to offset changes in the value of securities held or expected to be acquired or be disposed of; attempting to minimize fluctuations in foreign currencies; attempting to gain exposure to a particular market, index or instrument; or other risk management purposes. Such options may relate to particular securities or domestic stock indices, and may or may not be listed on exchanges regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission or on other non-U.S. exchanges. An option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a position in the contract (a long position if the option is a call and a short position if the option is a put) at a specified exercise price at any time during the option exercise period. The writer of the option is required upon exercise to assume a short futures position (if the option is a call) or a long futures position (if the option is a put). Upon exercise of the option, the accumulated cash balance in the writer’s futures margin account is delivered to the holder of the option. That balance represents the amount by which the market price of the futures contract at exercise exceeds, in the case of a call, or is less than, in the case of a put, the exercise price of the option. The maximum risk of loss associated with writing put options is limited to the exercised fair value of the option contract. The maximum risk of loss associated with writing call options is potentially unlimited. The Funds also have the additional risk of being unable to enter into a closing transaction at an acceptable price if a liquid secondary market does not exist. The Funds also may write OTC options where completing the obligation depends upon the credit standing of the other party. Option contracts also involve the risk that they may result in loss due to unanticipated developments in market conditions or other causes. Written options are initially recorded as liabilities to the extent of premiums received and subsequently marked to market to reflect the current value of the option written. Gains or losses are realized when the option transaction expires or closes. When an option is exercised, the proceeds on sales for a written call option or the purchase cost for a written put option is adjusted by the amount of the premium received. Listed option contracts present minimal counterparty credit risk since they are exchange traded and the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange-traded options, guarantees the options against default. As of the end of the reporting period, all of the Funds’ written options are exchange-traded options.

 

During the current fiscal period, the Funds’ average quarterly volume of options transactions was as follows:

 

FUND  PURCHASED OPTIONS (COST)   WRITTEN OPTIONS (PROCEEDS) 
BP Long/Short Equity Fund  $   $312,279 
BP Global Long/Short Fund       487,137 

 

SHORT SALES — When the investment adviser believes that a security is overvalued, the BP Long/Short Equity Fund, the BP Long/Short Research Fund, the BP Global Long/Short Fund and the BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund may sell the security short by borrowing the same security from a broker or other institution and selling the security. A Fund will incur a loss as a result of a short sale if the price of the borrowed security increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which the Fund buys and replaces such borrowed security. A Fund will realize a gain if there is a decline in price of the security between those dates where the decline in price exceeds the costs of borrowing the security and other transaction costs. There can be no assurance that a Fund will be able to close out a short position at any particular time or at an acceptable price. Although a Fund’s gain is limited to the amount at which it sold a security short, its potential loss is unlimited. Until a Fund replaces a borrowed security, it will maintain at all times cash, U.S. Government securities, or other liquid securities in an amount which, when added to any amount deposited with a broker as collateral, will at least equal the current market value of the security sold short. Depending on arrangements made with brokers, a Fund may not receive any payments (including interest) on collateral deposited with them.

 

In accordance with the terms of its prime brokerage agreements, a Fund may receive rebate income or be charged a fee for borrowed securities. Such income or fee is calculated on a daily basis based upon the market value of each borrowed security and a variable rate that is dependent upon the availability of such security. The Funds record these prime broker charges on a net basis as interest income or interest expense. During the current fiscal period, the BP Long/Short Equity Fund, the BP Long/Short Research Fund, the BP Global Long/Short Fund and the BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund had net charges of $(366,512), $(1,493,017), $(173,850) and $(149,639) respectively, on borrowed securities. Such amounts are included in prime broker interest expense on the Statements of Operations.

 

Annual Report 2021  |  105

 
 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
August 31, 2021

 

As of the end of the reporting period, BP Long/Short Equity Fund, BP Long/Short Research Fund, BP Global Long/Short Fund and BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund had securities sold short valued at $8,988,661, $151,600,354, $39,757,127 and $435,915, respectively, for which securities of $35,832,471, $260,872,886, $34,952,174 and $1,894,327 and deposits of $8,635,929, $174,058,920, $40,354,286 and $871,888, respectively, were pledged as collateral.

 

In accordance with Special Custody and Pledge Agreements with Goldman Sachs & Co. (“Goldman Sachs”) (the Funds’ prime broker), BP Long/Short Equity Fund, BP Long/Short Research Fund, BP Global Long/Short Fund and BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund may borrow from Goldman Sachs to the extent necessary to maintain required margin cash deposits on short positions. Interest on such borrowings is charged to the Funds based on the LIBOR rate plus an agreed upon spread.

 

The BP Long/Short Equity Fund, BP Long/Short Research Fund, BP Global Long/Short Fund and BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund utilized cash borrowings from Goldman Sachs to meet required margin cash deposits as follows during the current fiscal period:

 

BP LONG/SHORT EQUITY FUND  BP LONG/SHORT RESEARCH FUND
DAYS
UNITIZED
  AVERAGE DAILY
BORROWINGS
  WEIGHTED AVERAGE
 INTEREST RATE
  DAYS
UNITIZED
  AVERAGE DAILY
BORROWINGS
  WEIGHTED AVERAGE
 INTEREST RATE
 365   EUR 6,586     0.14%   248   AUD 377,254     0.46%
 365   USD 2,785,775     0.50%   248   CAD 127,941     0.58%
                226   CHF 195,884     0.38%
                323   EUR 539,108     0.14%
                219   GBP 481,478     0.45%
                255   HKD 5,520,542     0.50%
                205   ILS 158,807     0.53%
                240   JPY 105,849,755     0.39%
                365   MXN 0     0.00%
                209   NOK 1,285,142     0.42%
                267   SEK 2,094,274     0.36%
                6   SGD 40,018     0.59%
                180   USD 5,573,175     0.51%
                            
BP GLOBAL LONG/SHORT FUND  BP EMERGING MARKETS DYNAMIC EQUITY FUND
DAYS
UNITIZED
  AVERAGE DAILY
BORROWINGS
  WEIGHTED AVERAGE
INTEREST RATE
  DAYS
UNITIZED
  AVERAGE DAILY
BORROWINGS
  WEIGHTED AVERAGE
INTEREST RATE
 79   AUD 7,666     0.49%   1   EUR 4,598     0.16%
 78   CAD 4,011     0.61%   47   HKD 63,210     0.46%
 43   CHF 15,810     0.37%   16   SGD 7     0.00%
 32   EUR 3,835     0.15%   235   USD 130,658     0.50%
 33   GBP 17,816     0.43%               
 20   HKD 20,041     0.49%               
 276   JPY 1,318,589     0.38%               
 4   NOK 35,739     0.40%               
 75   SEK 96,360     0.37%               
 212   USD 136,136     0.50%               

 

The BP Long/Short Equity Fund, BP Long/Short Research Fund, BP Global Long/Short Fund and BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund incurred interest expense during the current fiscal period on such borrowings, in the amount of $14,164, $22,153, $457 and $432, respectively.

 

CONTRACTS FOR DIFFERENCE — The BP Long/Short Equity Fund, BP Long/Short Research Fund, BP Global Long/Short Fund, BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund and BP Emerging Markets Fund (for this section only, each a “Fund”) may enter into Contracts for Differences (“CFDs”). CFDs are leveraged derivative instruments that allow a Fund to take a position on the change in the market price of an underlying asset, such as a stock, or the value of an index or currency exchange rate. With a short CFD, a Fund is seeking to profit from falls in the market price of the asset. CFDs are subject to liquidity risk because the liquidity of CFDs is based on the liquidity of the underlying instrument, and are subject to counterparty risk, i.e., the risk that the counterparty to the CFD transaction may be unable or unwilling to make payments or to otherwise honor its financial obligations under the terms of the contract. It is also possible that the market price of the CFD will move between the time the order is placed by a Fund and when it is executed by the issuer, which can result in the trade being executed at a less favorable price. CFDs, like many other derivative instruments, involve the risk that, if the derivative security declines in value, additional margin would be required to maintain the margin level. The seller may require a Fund to deposit additional sums to cover this decline in value, and the margin call may be at short notice. If additional margin is not provided in time, the seller may liquidate the positions at a loss for which a Fund is liable. The potential for margin calls and large losses are much greater in CFDs than in other leveraged products. Most CFDs are traded OTC. CFDs are not registered with the SEC or any U.S. regulator, and are not subject to U.S. regulation. In a short position, the Fund will receive or pay an amount based upon the amount, if any, by which the notional amount of the CFD would have decreased or increased in value had it sold the particular stocks short, less the dividends that would have been paid on those stocks, plus a floating rate of interest on the notional amount of the CFD. All of these components are reflected in the market value of the CFD.

 

106  |  Annual Report 2021

 
 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
August 31, 2021

 

CFDs are marked-to-market daily based upon quotations from market makers and the resulting changes in market values, if any, are recorded as an unrealized gain or loss in the Statements of Operations. Periodic payments made or received are recorded as realized gains or losses. Entering into CFDs involves, to varying degrees, elements of credit and market risk in excess of the amounts recognized on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Such risks involve the possibility that there will be no liquid market for these contracts, that the counterparty to the contract may default on its obligation to perform and that there may be unfavorable changes in market conditions. CFDs outstanding at period end, if any, are listed on the Portfolio of Investments. As of the end of the reporting period, BP Long/Short Research Fund, BP Global Long/Short Fund and BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund had cash deposits for CFD of $406,933, $110,000 and $9,129,145, respectively, which were pledged as collateral. In connection with CFDs, cash or securities may be segregated as collateral by the Funds’ custodian. As of the end of the reporting period, the BP Long/Short Equity Fund, BP Long/Short Research Fund, BP Global Long/Short Fund, BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund and the BP Emerging Markets Fund held CFDs.

 

During the current fiscal period, the average volume of CFDs was as follows:

 

FUND  NOTIONAL AMOUNT
LONG
   NOTIONAL AMOUNT
 SHORT
 
BP Long/Short Equity Fund  $   $3,791,033 
BP Long/Short Research Fund   2,774,100    54,524,564 
BP Global Long/Short Fund   1,785,202    5,276,110 
BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund   20,605,588    26,137,481 
BP Emerging Markets Fund   1,306,194     

 

The following is a summary of CFD’s that are subject to enforceable master netting agreements (or similar arrangements) and collateral received and pledged in connection with the master netting agreements (or similar arrangements) as of the end of the reporting period:

 

       GROSS AMOUNT
NOT OFFSET IN
THE STATEMENTS OF
ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
           GROSS AMOUNT
NOT OFFSET IN
THE STATEMENTS OF
ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
     
FUND  GROSS
AMOUNTS OF
RECOGNIZED
ASSETS
   FINANCIAL
INSTRUMENTS
   CASH
COLLATERAL
RECEIVED
   NET
AMOUNT1
   GROSS
AMOUNTS OF
RECOGNIZED
LIABILITIES
   FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS   CASH
COLLATERAL

PLEDGED2
   NET
AMOUNT3
 
BP Long/Short Equity Fund                                        
Morgan Stanley  $141,143   $141,143   $   $   $635,414   $141,143   $   $494,271 
Total  $141,143   $141,143   $   $   $635,414   $141,143   $   $494,271 
BP Long/Short Research Fund                                        
Goldman Sachs  $2,742,940   $14,204   $   $2,728,736    $ 14,204    $14,204   $   $ 
Macquarie                   202,156        390,000     
Morgan Stanley   1,217,580    961,534        256,046    961,534    961,534    16,933     
Total  $3,960,520   $975,738   $   $2,984,782    $ 1,177,894    $975,738   $406,933   $ 
BP Global Long/Short Fund                                        
Goldman Sachs  $72,038   $72,038   $   $   $73,540   $72,038   $   $1,502 
Mac°quarie                   12,991        110,000     
Morgan Stanley                   75,105            75,105 
Total  $72,038   $72,038   $   $   $161,636   $72,038   $110,000   $76,607 
BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund                                        
Citigroup  $26,324   $26,324   $   $   $66,540  $26,324   $320,000   $ 
Goldman Sachs   1,088,942    756,957        331,985    756,957    756,957    420,000     
HSBC   57,890    57,890            103,646    57,890    260,000     
Macquarie   11,777            11,777            144,859     
Morgan Stanley   82,422    82,422            331,662    82,422    7,984,286     
Total  $1,267,355   $923,593   $   $343,762   $1,258,805  $923,593   $9,129,145   $ 
BP Emerging Markets Fund                                        
Goldman Sachs  $139,078   $21,525   $   $117,553   $21,525   $21,525   $   $ 
Total  $139,078   $21,525   $   $117,553   $21,525   $21,525   $   $ 

 

1 Net amount represents the net amount receivable from the counterparty in the event of default.
2 Actual collateral pledged may be more than the amount shown.
3 Net amount represents the net amount payable to the counterparty in the event of default.

 

2. INVESTMENT ADVISERS AND OTHER SERVICES

 

Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. (“Boston Partners” or the “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser to each Fund. Each Fund compensates the Adviser for its services at an annual rate based on the Fund’s average daily net assets (the “Advisory Fee”), payable on a monthly basis in arrears, as shown in the following table. Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC is a co-adviser to BP Global Equity Advantage Fund and is entitled to 50% of the Advisory Fee.

 

Annual Report 2021  |  107

 
 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

August 31, 2021

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent that total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) exceed the rates (“Expense Caps”) shown in the following table of each Fund’s average daily net assets. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed the Expense Caps as applicable: short sale dividend expense, brokerage commissions, extraordinary expenses, interest and taxes. This contractual limitation for all the Funds (other than the BP Global Equity Advantage Fund) is in effect until February 28, 2022 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board. For the BP Global Equity Advantage Fund, the contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2021 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board. The Adviser may discontinue these arrangements at any time after these dates.

 

       EXPENSE CAPS
FUND  ADVISORY FEE  INSTITUTIONAL
CLASS
  INVESTOR
CLASS
BP Small Cap Value Fund II   0.85%   0.99%   1.24%
BP Long/Short Equity Fund   2.25    1.96    2.21 
BP Long/Short Research Fund   1.25    1.50    1.75 
BP All-Cap Value Fund   0.70    0.80    1.05 
WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund*   0.80    1.10    N/A 
BP Global Equity Fund   0.90    0.95    1.20 
BP Global Long/Short Fund   1.50    2.00    2.25 
BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund   1.25    1.40    N/A 
BP Emerging Markets Fund   0.75    1.00    N/A 
BP Global Equity Advantage Fund   1.00    1.05    N/A 

 

* 0.80% of net asset up to $500 million, 0.75% of net assets in excess of $500 million.  

 

The Adviser may recoup from each Fund fees and expenses previously paid, waived, or absorbed for a period of three years after such fees or expenses were incurred, provided that the repayments do not cause the Funds’ operating expenses (excluding brokerage commissions, short sale dividend expense, taxes, interest expense, and any extraordinary expenses) to exceed the Expense Caps of each class of each Fund that were in effect at the time the fees and expenses were paid, waived, or absorbed by the Adviser, as well as the Expense Caps that are currently in effect, if different.

 

During the current fiscal period, investment advisory fees accrued, waived and/or reimbursed were as follows:

 

FUND  GROSS
ADVISORY FEES
  WAIVERS AND/OR
REIMBURSEMENTS*
  RECOUPMENTS  NET
ADVISORY FEES
BP Small Cap Value Fund II       $6,544,864                     $(139,323)                         $1,430                $6,406,971 
BP Long/Short Equity Fund   1,513,644    (366,046)       1,147,598 
BP Long/Short Research Fund   10,864,407            10,864,407 
BP All-Cap Value Fund   10,960,721    (479,510)       10,481,211 
WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund   197,100    (43,934)       153,166 
BP Global Equity Fund   1,476,366    (140,758)       1,335,608 
BP Global Long/Short Fund   1,786,541            1,786,541 
BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund   854,477    (168,395)       686,082 
BP Emerging Markets Fund   164,913    (123,547)       41,366 
BP Global Equity Advantage Fund   410,383    (254,829)       155,554 

 

As of the end of the reporting period, the Funds had amounts available for recoupment as follows:

 

FUND  August 31, 2022   August 31, 2023   August 31, 2024   TOTAL 
BP Small Cap Value Fund II                $406,176              $148,231                 $139,323    $693,730 
BP Long/Short Equity Fund   45,543    242,417    366,046    654,006 
BP All-Cap Value Fund   476,070    746,620    479,510    1,702,200 
WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund   35,195    45,416    43,934    124,545 
BP Global Equity Fund   608,508    1,193,888    140,758    1,943,154 
BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund   291,221    307,711    168,395    767,327 
BP Emerging Markets Fund   162,027    178,695    123,547    464,269 
BP Global Equity Advantage Fund   110,276    352,836    254,829    717,941 

 

* Includes Acquired fund fees and expenses. Acquired fund fees and expenses are indirect fees and expenses that the Fund incurs from investing in the shares of other mutual funds, including money market funds and exchange traded funds.

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (“Fund Services”), doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, serves as administrator for the Funds. For providing administrative and accounting services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Fund Services serves as the Funds’ transfer and dividend disbursing agent. For providing transfer agent services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

U.S. Bank, N.A. (the “Custodian”) provides certain custodial services to the Funds. The Custodian is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

108  |  Annual Report 2021

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

August 31, 2021

 

Quasar Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of Foreside Financial Group, LLC, serves as the principal underwriter and distributor of the Funds’ shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with RBB.

 

For compensation amounts paid to Fund Services and the Custodian, please refer to the Statements of Operations.

 

The Board has approved a Distribution Agreement for the Funds and adopted separate Plans of Distribution for the Investor Class Shares of each BP Fund (the “Plans”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Plans, Quasar Distributors, LLC (the “Underwriter”) is entitled to receive from each Fund a distribution fee with respect to the Investor Class Shares, which is accrued daily and paid monthly, of up to 0.25% on an annualized basis of the average daily net assets of the Investor Class Shares. Amounts paid to the Distributor under the Plans may be used by the Distributor to cover expenses that are related to (i) the sale of the Investor Class Shares, (ii) ongoing servicing and/or maintenance of the accounts of shareholders, and (iii) sub-transfer agency services, subaccounting services or administrative services related to the sale of the Investor Class Shares, all as set forth in the Plans.

 

3. DIRECTOR AND OFFICER COMPENSATION

 

The Directors of the Company receive an annual retainer and meeting fees for meetings attended. An employee of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serves as President and Chief Compliance Officer of the Company. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company. Employees of RBB serve as Treasurer, Secretary and Director of Marketing & Business Development of the Company. They are compensated for services provided. Certain employees of Fund Services serve as officers of the Company. They are not compensated by the Funds or the Company. For Director and Officer compensation amounts, please refer to the Statements of Operations.

 

4. PURCHASES AND SALES OF INVESTMENT SECURITIES

 

During the current fiscal period, aggregate purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments and derivative transactions) of the Funds were as follows:

 

FUND  PURCHASES   SALES 
BP Small Cap Value Fund II  $244,420,273   $266,565,725 
BP Long/Short Equity Fund   20,049,296    64,259,062 
BP Long/Short Research Fund   522,600,625    1,152,128,426 
BP All-Cap Value Fund   668,644,163    503,836,381 
WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund   27,084,340    29,972,294 
BP Global Equity Fund   141,001,433    181,856,026 
BP Global Long/Short Fund   114,879,419    186,866,950 
BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund   59,429,888    77,567,925 
BP Emerging Markets Fund   27,828,376    24,413,099 
BP Global Equity Advantage Fund   26,702,175    30,111,768 

 

There were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. Government securities during the current fiscal period.

 

5. CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

As of the end of the reporting period, each class of each Fund has 100,000,000 shares of $0.001 par value common stock authorized except for the Institutional Class Shares of the BP Long/Short Research Fund, BP Global Long/Short Fund and WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund, which have 750,000,000 shares, 300,000,000 shares and 50,000,000 shares, respectively, of $0.001 par value common stock authorized.

 

6. RESTRICTED SECURITIES

 

Each Fund may invest in securities that are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale. These securities generally may be resold in transactions exempt from registration or to the public if the securities are registered. Disposal of these securities may involve time-consuming negotiations and expense, and prompt sale at an acceptable price may be difficult. Information regarding restricted securities, if applicable, is included at the end of each Fund’s Schedule of Investments.

 

As of the end of the reporting period, the Funds did not hold any restricted securities that were illiquid.

 

7. FEDERAL INCOME TAX INFORMATION

 

The Funds have followed the authoritative guidance on accounting for and disclosure of uncertainty in tax positions, which requires the Funds to determine whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The Funds have determined that there was no effect on the financial statements from following this authoritative guidance. In the normal course of business, the Funds are subject

 

Annual Report 2021  |  109

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

August 31, 2021

 

to examination by federal, state and local jurisdictions, where applicable, for tax years for which applicable statutes of limitations have not expired.

 

As of August 31, 2021, the federal tax cost and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments held by each Fund were as follows:

FUND  FEDERAL
TAX COST
   UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION
   UNREALIZED
(DEPRECIATION)
  NET UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION/
(DEPRECIATION)
BP Small Cap Value Fund II    $734,568,674       $304,975,691         $(20,614,773)       $284,360,918 
BP Long/Short Equity Fund   44,612,423    32,124,320    (2,779,609)   29,344,711 
BP Long/Short Research Fund   525,011,455    317,624,143    (20,056,909)   297,567,234 
BP All-Cap Value Fund   1,351,693,766    708,628,284    (9,186,774)   699,441,510 
WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund   28,858,816    6,999,011    (700,615)   6,298,396 
BP Global Equity Fund   147,442,833    49,495,518    (8,172,554)   41,322,964 
BP Global Long/Short Fund   91,547,716    24,232,530    (11,492,659)   12,739,871 
BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund   48,151,488    6,377,403    (2,679,448)   3,697,955 
BP Emerging Markets Fund   21,492,874    3,133,461    (1,304,044)   1,829,417 
BP Global Equity Advantage Fund   34,069,706    9,302,345    (1,265,066)   8,037,279 

 

Distributions to shareholders, if any, from net investment income and realized gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from net investment income and realized gains recognized for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the character of distributions and composition of net assets for tax purposes may differ from those reflected in the accompanying financial statements. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on the tax treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.

 

The following permanent differences as of August 31, 2021 were reclassified among the following accounts. They are primarily attributable to net investment loss, deemed distributions due to shareholder redemptions and investments in partnerships.

 

FUND  DISTRIBUTABLE
EARNINGS/(LOSS)
  PAID-IN
CAPITAL
 
BP Small Cap Value Fund II              $   $ 
BP Long/Short Equity Fund    17,700    (17,700)
BP Long/Short Research Fund   6,177,427    (6,177,427)
BP All—Cap Value Fund    (8,922,121)   8,922,121 
WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund        
BP Global Equity Fund         
BP Global Long/Short Fund   2,177    (2,177)
BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund        
BP Emerging Markets Fund         
BP Global Equity Advantage Fund        

 

As of August 31, 2021, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

FUND  UNDISTRIBUTED
ORDINARY
INCOME
   UNDISTRIBUTED
LONG-TERM
CAPITAL GAINS
   CAPITAL LOSS
CARRYFORWARDS
   QUALIFIED
LATE-YEAR
LOSS DEFERRAL
   OTHER
TEMPORARY
DIFFERENCES
   UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION/
(DEPRECIATION)
 
BP Small Cap Value Fund II  $14,821,648   $42,631,933   $   $   $   $284,360,915 
BP Long/Short Equity Fund       2,791,035        (1,275,596)       29,496,202 
BP Long/Short Research Fund       64,542,028        (3,404,863)       296,944,488 
BP All-Cap Value Fund   32,100,975    47,434,695                699,441,859 
WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund   417,749                    6,298,395 
BP Global Equity Fund   1,891,621        (28,907,833)           41,346,603 
BP Global Long/Short Fund           (22,882,500)   (627,007)   (27,125)   12,754,976 
BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund           (1,047,838)   (442,354)       3,698,412 
BP Emerging Markets Fund   926,735    303,862                1,830,449 
BP Global Equity Advantage Fund   304,195    1,523,952                8,037,856 

 

The differences between the book and tax basis components of distributable earnings relate principally to the timing of recognition of income and gains for federal income tax purposes.

 

110  |  Annual Report 2021

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

August 31, 2021

 

The tax character of dividends and distributions paid during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2021 and 2020 was as follows:

 

   2021   2020 
FUND  ORDINARY
INCOME
   LONG-TERM
GAINS
   TOTAL   ORDINARY
INCOME
   LONG-TERM
GAINS
   TOTAL 
BP Small Cap Value Fund II  $3,711,285   $   $3,711,285   $6,975,898   $7,342,323   $14,318,221 
BP Long/Short Equity Fund       23,768,795    23,768,795        18,723,860    18,723,860 
BP Long/Short Research Fund               40,387,000    28,936,257    69,323,257 
BP All-Cap Value Fund   9,805,102    11,863,033    21,668,135    27,893,874    18,747,281    46,641,155 
WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund   144,307        144,307    108,852        108,852 
BP Global Equity Fund   2,917,436        2,917,436    10,116,438        10,116,438 
BP Global Long/Short Fund   79,283        79,283    7,319,397        7,319,397 
BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund   5,338,757        5,338,757    1,296,540        1,296,540 
BP Emerging Markets Fund   129,801        129,801    503,507        503,507 
BP Global Equity Advantage Fund   416,614        416,614    633,996        633,996 

 

Dividends from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income dividends for federal income tax purposes.

 

Pursuant to federal income tax rules applicable to regulated investment companies, the Funds may elect to treat certain capital losses between November 1 and August 31 and late year ordinary losses ((i) ordinary losses between January 1 and August 31, and (ii) specified ordinary and currency losses between November 1 and August 31) as occurring on the first day of the following tax year. For the year ended August 31, 2021, any amount of losses elected within the tax return will not be recognized for federal income tax purposes until September 1, 2021.

 

For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021, the following Funds deferred to September 1, 2021, the following qualified late-year losses.

 

FUND  LATE-YEAR
ORDINARY LOSS
DEFERRAL
  POST-OCTOBER
CAPITAL LOSS
DEFERRAL
BP Small Cap Value Fund II        $         $ 
BP Long/Short Equity Fund   1,275,596     
BP Long/Short Research Fund   3,404,863     
BP All-Cap Value Fund        
WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund        
BP Global Equity Fund        
BP Global Long/Short Fund   627,007     
BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund   442,354     
BP Emerging Markets Fund        
BP Global Equity Advantage Fund        

 

Accumulated capital losses represent net capital loss carryforwards as of August 31, 2021 that may be available to offset future realized capital gains and thereby reduce future capital gains distributions. Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010, the Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 for an unlimited period. Any losses incurred during those future taxable years will be required to be utilized prior to any losses incurred in pre-enactment taxable years. Additionally, post-enactment capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses rather than being considered all short-term as under the previous law. During the fiscal year, the WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund had utilized $4,995,702, BP Global Equity Fund had utilized $15,806,924, BP Global Long/Short Fund had utilized $16,093,057, BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund had utilized $4,418,457, BP Emerging Markets Fund had utilized $1,747,300 and BP Global Equity Advantage Fund had utilized $2,195,850 of carry forward capital losses.

 

As of August 31, 2021, the BP Global Equity Fund had short-term post-enactment capital losses of $28,907,833. The BP Global Long/Short Fund had short-term post-enactment capital losses of $22,882,500. The BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund had short-term post-enactment capital losses of $1,047,838. The capital losses can be carried forward for an unlimited period.

 

8. SECURITIES LENDING

 

Securities may be loaned to financial institutions, such as broker-dealers, and are required to be secured continuously by collateral in cash, cash equivalents, letter of credit or U.S. Government securities maintained on a current basis at an amount at least equal to the market value of the securities loaned. Cash collateral received, pursuant to investment guidelines established by the Funds and approved by the Board, is invested in short-term investments. All such investments are made at the risk of the Funds and, as such, the Funds are liable for investment losses. Such loans would involve risks of delay in receiving additional collateral in the event the value

 

Annual Report 2021  |  111

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

August 31, 2021

 

of the collateral decreased below the value of the securities loaned or of delay in recovering the securities loaned or even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially. However, loans will be made only to borrowers deemed by Boston Partners to be of good standing and only when, in Boston Partners’ judgment, the income to be earned from the loans justifies the attendant risks. Any loans of a Fund’s securities will be fully collateralized and marked to market daily. Investments purchased with proceeds from securities lending are overnight and continuous. During the current fiscal period, the Funds participated in securities lending. The market value of securities on loan and cash collateral as of the end of the reporting period and the income generated from the program during the current fiscal period with respect to such loans were as follows:

 

FUND  MARKET VALUE
OF SECURITIES
LOANED
   MARKET VALUE
OF COLLATERAL
  INCOME RECEIVED
FROM SECURITIES
LENDING
BP Small Cap Value Fund II     $135,611,398                $138,807,820                        $57,279            
BP Long/Short Equity Fund   6,923,720    7,088,767    10,754 
BP All-Cap Value Fund   118,695,192    121,525,521    47,535 
WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund   7,372,273    7,534,351    5,559 
BP Global Equity Fund   6,200,112    6,303,542    8,579 

 

Securities lending transactions are entered into by the Funds’ securities lending agent on behalf of the Funds under a Master Securities Lending Agreement (“MSLA”) which permits the Funds’ securities lending agent on behalf of the Funds, under certain circumstances including an event of default (such as bankruptcy or insolvency), to offset amounts payable on behalf of the Funds to the same counterparty against amounts to be received and create one single net payment due to or from the Funds. The following table is a summary of the Funds’ open securities lending transactions which are subject to a MSLA as of the end of the reporting period:

 

               GROSS AMOUNT NOT OFFSET IN THE
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
FUND  GROSS AMOUNT
OF RECOGNIZED
ASSETS
  GROSS AMOUNTS
OFFSET IN
THE STATEMENT
OF ASSETS
AND LIABILITIES
  NET AMOUNT
OF ASSETS
PRESENTED IN
THE STATEMENT
OF ASSETS
AND LIABILITIES
  FINANCIAL
INSTRUMENTS1
  CASH
COLLATERAL
RECEIVED
  NET AMOUNT
BP Small Cap Value Fund II       $135,611,398                                                       $135,611,398               $(135,611,398                                                  
BP Long/Short Equity Fund   6,923,720        6,923,720    (6,923,720)        
BP All-Cap Value Fund   118,695,192        118,695,192    (118,695,192)        
WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund   7,372,273        7,372,273    (7,372,273)        
BP Global Equity Fund   6,200,112        6,200,112    (6,200,112)        

 

1 Amount disclosed is limited to the amount of assets presented in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Actual collateral received may be more than the amount shown.

 

9. LINE OF CREDIT

 

The Company, on behalf of the Funds, has established a line of credit (“LoC”) with the Custodian to be used for temporary or emergency purposes, primarily for financing redemption payments. Any loan issued to a Fund utilizing the LoC (each, a “Borrowing Fund” and together, the “Borrowing Funds”) is secured by securities held in the Borrowing Fund’s portfolio. The LoC was renewed on September 14, 2021. The LoC will mature, unless renewed, on September 13, 2022. Borrowing under the LoC is limited to the lesser of (i) $100,000,000, (ii) 20.0% of the gross market value of a Borrowing Fund, or (iii) 33 1/3% of the net market value of the unencumbered assets of a Borrowing Fund. The interest rate paid by the Borrowing Funds on outstanding borrowings is equal to the prime lending rate of the Custodian, which was 3.25% at August 31, 2021.

 

During the current fiscal period, the Funds’ LoC borrowing activity was as follows:

 

   AVERAGE BORROWINGS   MAXIMUM
AMOUNT
OUTSTANDING
   INTEREST
EXPENSE
  AVERAGE
INTEREST RATE
BP Small Cap Value Fund II        $4,886,333            $11,465,000        $1,323           3.25%   
BP Long/Short Equity Fund   617,440    5,169,000    4,682    3.25%
BP Long/Short Research Fund   5,489,865    32,505,000    44,110    3.25%
WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund   79,091    239,000    79    3.25%
BP Global Equity Fund   12,698,818    32,009,000    12,611    3.25%
BP Global Long/Short Fund   95,857    144,000    61    3.25%
BP Emerging Markets Fund   116,000    116,000    10    3.25%
BP Global Equity Advantage Fund   801,533    3,859,000    1,085    3.25%

 

112  |  Annual Report 2021

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (concluded)

 

August 31, 2021

 

10. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS AND REGULATORY UPDATES

 

In October 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“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. Funds will be required to comply with Rule 18f-4 by August 19, 2022. It is not currently clear what impact, if any, Rule 18f-4 will have on the availability, liquidity or performance of derivatives. Management is currently evaluating the potential impact of Rule 18f-4 on the Funds. When fully implemented, Rule 18f-4 may require changes in how a Fund uses derivatives, adversely affect a Fund’s performance and increase costs related to a Fund’s use of derivatives.

 

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 Funds will be required to comply with the rules by September 8, 2022. Management is currently assessing the potential impact of the new rules on the Funds’ financial statements.

 

11. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Fund through the date the financial statements were issued and has determined that there were no significant events requiring recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.

 

Annual Report 2021  |  113

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. and Shareholders of Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II, Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund, Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund, Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund, WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund, Boston Partners Global Equity Fund, Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund, Boston Partners Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund (formerly, Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund), Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund and Boston Partners Global Equity Advantage Fund

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II, Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund, Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund, Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund, WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund, Boston Partners Global Equity Fund, Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund, Boston Partners Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund, Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund and Boston Partners Global Equity Advantage Fund (collectively referred to as the “Funds”) (ten of the portfolios constituting The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”)), including the portfolios of investments, as of August 31, 2021, and the related statements of operations, the statements of changes in net assets, and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated in the table below and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Funds (ten of the portfolios constituting The RBB Fund, Inc.) at August 31, 2021, and the results of their operations, changes in net assets and financial highlights for each of the periods indicated in the table below, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Individual portfolio constituting
The RBB Fund, Inc.
  Statement of operations   Statements of changes
in net assets
  Financial highlights
Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II
Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund
Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund
Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund
WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund
Boston Partners Global Equity Fund
Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund
Boston Partners Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund
  For the year ended August 31, 2021   For each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 2021   For each of the five years in the period ended August 31, 2021
Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund   For the year ended August 31, 2021   For each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 2021    For each of the three years ended August 31, 2021 and the period October 17, 2017 (commencement of operations) to August 31, 2018
Boston Partners Global Equity Advantage Fund   For the year ended August 31, 2021   For each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 2021   For each of the two years ended August 31, 2021 and the period May 29, 2019 (commencement of operations) to August 31, 2019

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on each of the Funds’ financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

114  |  Annual Report 2021

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM (concluded)

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 2021, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from brokers were not received. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Boston Partners investment companies since 2007.

 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

October 29, 2021

 

Annual Report 2021  |  115

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

SHAREHOLDER TAX INFORMATION

(unaudited)

 

Certain tax information regarding each Fund is required to be provided to shareholders based upon each Fund’s income and distributions for the taxable year ended August 31, 2021. The information and distributions reported herein may differ from information and distributions taxable to the shareholders for the calendar year ending December 31, 2021. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021, the following dividends and distributions were paid by each of the Funds:

 

    ORDINARY
INCOME
  LONG-TERM
CAPITAL GAINS
          
  BP Small Cap Value Fund II $3,711,285     $—
  BP Long/Short Equity Fund     23,768,795
  BP Long/Short Research Fund     
  BP All-Cap Value Fund  9,805,102   11,863,033
  WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund  144,307   
  BP Global Equity Fund  2,917,436   
  BP Global Long/Short Fund  79,283   
  BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund  5,338,757   
  BP Emerging Markets Fund  129,801   
  BP Global Equity Advantage Fund  416,614   

 

Distributions from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.

 

Under the Jobs and Growth Tax relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 the following percentages of ordinary dividends paid during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021 are designated as “qualified dividend income,” as defined in the Act, and are subject to reduced tax rates:

 

  BP Small Cap Value Fund II   67.21%      
  BP Long/Short Equity Fund 0.00%  
  BP Long/Short Research Fund 0.00%  
  BP All-Cap Value Fund 100.00%  
  WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund 100.00%  
  BP Global Equity Fund 100.00%  
  BP Global Long/Short Fund 100.00%  
  BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund 38.31%  
  BP Emerging Markets Fund 93.55%  
  BP Global Equity Advantage Fund 84.83%  

 

The percentage of total ordinary income dividends paid qualifying for the corporate dividends received deduction for each Fund is as follows:

 

  BP Small Cap Value Fund II   67.10%      
  BP Long/Short Equity Fund 0.00%  
  BP Long/Short Research Fund 0.00%  
  BP All-Cap Value Fund 100.00%  
  WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund 100.00%  
  BP Global Equity Fund 72.40%  
  BP Global Long/Short Fund 100.00%  
  BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund 1.20%  
  BP Emerging Markets Fund 3.92%  
  BP Global Equity Advantage Fund 36.92%  

 

The percentage of qualified interest income related dividends not subject to withholding tax for non-resident aliens and foreign corporations is as follows:

 

             
  BP Small Cap Value Fund II 0.00%  
  BP Long/Short Equity Fund 0.00%  
  BP Long/Short Research Fund 0.00%  
  BP All-Cap Value Fund 0.00%  
  WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund 0.00%  
  BP Global Equity Fund 0.51%  
  BP Global Long/Short Fund 1.94%  
  BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund 2.09%  
  BP Emerging Markets Fund 2.19%  
  BP Global Equity Advantage Fund 0.36%  

 

116  |  Annual Report 2021

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

SHAREHOLDER TAX INFORMATION (concluded)

(unaudited)

 

The percentage of ordinary income distributions designated as qualified short-term gains pursuant to the American Job Creation Act of 2004 is as follows:

 

  BP Small Cap Value Fund II   0.00%      
  BP Long/Short Equity Fund 0.00%  
  BP Long/Short Research Fund 0.00%  
  BP All-Cap Value Fund 0.00%  
  WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund 0.00%  
  BP Global Equity Fund 0.00%  
  BP Global Long/Short Fund 0.00%  
  BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund 0.00%  
  BP Emerging Markets Fund 0.00%  
  BP Global Equity Advantage Fund 0.00%  

 

Pursuant to Section 853 of the Internal Revenue Code, the following Portfolios elect to pass-through to shareholders the credit for taxes paid to eligible foreign countries, which may be less than the actual amount paid for financial statement purposes.

 

            PER SHARE    
FUND   GROSS FOREIGN
SOURCE INCOME
  FOREIGN TAXES
PASSTHROUGH
  GROSS FOREIGN
SOURCE INCOME
  FOREIGN TAXES
PASSTHROUGH
  SHARES
OUTSTANDING
AT 8/31/2021
BP Global Equity Fund   3,165,661     468,670     0.35799650   0.05300069   8,842,715
BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund   1,311,453     238,632     0.24420084   0.04443478   5,370,388
BP Emerging Markets Fund   559,896     87,620     0.27802311   0.04350877   2,013,847

 

Because each Fund’s fiscal year is not the calendar year, another notification will be sent with respect to calendar year 2021. The second notification, which will reflect the amount, if any, to be used by calendar year taxpayers on their U.S. federal income tax returns, will be made in conjunction with Form 1099-DIV and will be mailed in January 2022.

 

In general, dividends received by tax exempt recipients (e.g., IRAs and Keoghs) need not be reported as taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, some retirement trusts (e.g., corporate, Keogh and 403(b)(7) plans) may need this information for their annual information reporting.

 

Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the tax consequences of their investment in the Funds.

 

Annual Report 2021  |  117

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

OTHER INFORMATION

(unaudited)

 

Proxy Voting

 

Policies and procedures that the Funds use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities as well as information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 are available without charge, upon request, by calling (888) 261-4073 and on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Quarterly Portfolio Schedule

 

The Company files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third fiscal quarters of each fiscal year (quarters ended November 30 and May 31) as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. The Company’s Form N-PORT is available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Approval of Investment Advisory Agreements

 

Investment Advisory Agreement Renewal – All Funds (except BP Global Equity Advantage Fund)

 

As required by the 1940 Act, the Board, including all of the Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Directors”), considered the renewal of the investment advisory agreement between Boston Partners and the Company (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”) on behalf of the BP Small Cap Value Fund II, BP All-Cap Value Fund, BP Long/Short Equity Fund, BP Long/Short Research Fund, WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund, BP Global Equity Fund, BP Global Long/Short Fund, BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund, and the BP Emerging Markets Fund (for this section only, each a “Fund” and collectively the “Funds”), at a meeting of the Board held on May 12-13, 2021 (the “Meeting”). At the Meeting, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, approved the Investment Advisory Agreement for an additional one-year term. The Board’s decision to approve the Investment Advisory Agreement reflects the exercise of its business judgment to continue the existing arrangement. In approving the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Board considered information provided by Boston Partners with the assistance and advice of counsel to the Independent Directors and the Company.

 

In considering the renewal and approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Company and Boston Partners, with respect to the Funds, the Directors took into account all the materials provided prior to and during the Meeting and at other meetings throughout the past year, the presentations made during the Meeting, and the discussions held during the Meeting. Among other things, the Directors considered (i) the nature, extent, and quality of Boston Partners’ services provided to the Funds; (ii) descriptions of the experience and qualifications of Boston Partners personnel providing those services; (iii) Boston Partners’ investment philosophies and processes; (iv) Boston Partners’ assets under management and client descriptions; (v) Boston Partners’ soft dollar commission and trade allocation policies, including information on the types of research and services obtained in connection with soft dollar commissions; (vi) Boston Partners’ current advisory fee arrangements with the Company and other similarly managed clients; (vii) Boston Partners’ compliance procedures; (viii) Boston Partners’ financial information, insurance coverage and profitability analysis related to providing advisory services to the Funds; (ix) the extent to which economies of scale are relevant to the Funds; (x) report prepared by Broadridge/Lipper comparing each Fund’s management fees and total expense ratio to those each Fund’s respective Lipper Group and comparing the performance of each Fund to the performance of each Fund’s respective Lipper Group; and (xi) a report comparing the performance of each Fund to the performance of its benchmark.

 

As part of their review, the Directors considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by Boston Partners. The Directors concluded that Boston Partners had substantial resources to provide services to the Funds and that Boston Partners’ services had been acceptable.

 

The Directors also considered the investment performance of the Funds. Information on the Funds’ investment performance was provided for the one-, three-, five-, ten-years and since inception periods ended March 31, 2021, as applicable. The Directors considered the Funds’ investment performance in light of their investment objectives and investment strategies. The Directors concluded that the investment performance of each of the Funds as compared to their respective benchmarks and Lipper Groups was acceptable.

 

In reaching this conclusion, the Directors noted that the BP All-Cap Value Fund outperformed its benchmark, the Russell 3000 Value Index for one-year, five-year, ten-year and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2021, and underperformed its benchmark for the year-to-date and three-year periods ended March 31, 2021. The Directors also noted that the BP All-Cap Value Fund ranked in the 3rd quintile in its Lipper Performance Group for the one-year period and in the 2nd quintile for the two-year, three-year, four-year and five-year periods ended December 31, 2020.

 

The Directors noted that the BP Long/Short Equity Fund outperformed its primary benchmark, the S&P 500 Index, for the year-to-date and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2021, and underperformed its benchmark for the one-year, three-year, five-year, and ten-year periods ended March 31, 2021. The Directors noted that the BP Long/Short Equity Fund’s performance ranked in the 5th quintile in its Lipper Performance Group for the one-year, two-year, three-year, four-year and five-year period ended December 31, 2020.

 

118  |  Annual Report 2021

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

OTHER INFORMATION (continued)

(unaudited)

 

The Directors noted that the WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund outperformed its primary benchmark, the Russell 2000 Value Index, for the year-to-date period ended March 31, 2021, and underperformed its benchmark for the one-year, three-year, five-year, ten-year, and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2021. The Directors noted that the WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund’s performance ranked in the 3rd quintile in its Lipper Performance Group for the two-year and three-year periods, in the 5th quintile for the one-year and four-year periods, and in the 4th quintile for the 5-year period ended December 31, 2020.

 

Next, the Directors also reviewed the performance of the BP Long/Short Research Fund, noting that the Fund had outperformed its benchmark, the S&P 500 Index, for the year-to-date period ended March 31, 2021, and underperformed its benchmark for the one-year, three-year, five-year, ten-year, and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2021. The Directors noted that the BP Long/Short Research Fund ranked in the 5th quintile in its Lipper Performance Group for the one-year, two-year, three-year, four-year and five-year periods ended December 31, 2020.

 

The Directors next reviewed the performance of the BP Small Cap Value Fund II, which outperformed its benchmark, the Russell 2000 Value Index, for the ten-year and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2021, and underperformed its benchmark for the year-to-date, one-year, three-year, and five-year periods ended March 31, 2021. The Directors noted that the BP Small Cap Value Fund II ranked in the 4th quintile in its Lipper Performance Group for the one-year, two-year, four-year and five-year period and in the 3rd quintile for the three-year period ended December 31, 2020.

 

The Directors also considered the performance of the BP Global Equity Fund, which outperformed its benchmark, the MSCI World Index, for the year-to-date and one-year periods ended March 31, 2021, and underperformed its benchmark for the three-year, five-year, and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2021. They also noted that Fund ranked in the 4th quintile in its Lipper Performance Group for the one-year and two-year periods and in the 5th quintile for the three-year, four-year and five-year periods ended December 31, 2020.

 

The Directors noted that the BP Global Long/Short Fund had outperformed its benchmark, the MSCI World Index, for the year-to-date period ended March 31, 2021, and underperformed its benchmark for the one-year, three-year, five-year, and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2021. The Directors noted that the BP Global Long/Short Fund ranked in the 5th quintile in its Lipper Performance Group for the one-year, two-year, three-year, four-year and five-year periods ended December 31, 2020.

 

The Directors then reviewed the performance of the BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund, which slightly outperformed its benchmark, the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, for the year-to-date period ended March 31, 2021, and underperformed its benchmark for the one-year, three-year, five-year, and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2021. The Directors also noted that the BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund ranked in the 1st quintile in its Lipper Performance Group for the five-year period, in the 2nd quintile for the one-year, two-year and four-year periods, and in the 4th quintile for the 3-year period ended December 31, 2020.

 

Finally, the Directors noted that the BP Emerging Markets Fund had outperformed its benchmark, the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, for the year-to-date, one-year, and three-year periods ended March 31, 2021, and underperformed its benchmark for the since-inception period ended March 31, 2021. They also noted that Fund ranked in the 3rd quintile in its Lipper Performance Group for the two-year period, in the 5th quintile for the one-year and since-inception periods, and in the 4th quintile for the three-year period ended December 31, 2020.

 

The Board also considered the advisory fee rates payable by the Funds under the Investment Advisory Agreement. In this regard, information on the fees paid by the Funds and the Funds’ total operating expense ratios (before and after fee waivers and expense reimbursements) were compared to similar information for mutual funds advised by other, unaffiliated investment advisory firms. The Directors noted that Boston Partners had contractually agreed to waive management fees and reimburse expenses through at least December 31, 2021 for the Funds (through at least February 28, 2022 solely for the BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund) to limit total annual operating expenses to agreed upon levels for each Fund.

 

The Directors noted that the BP Small Cap Value Fund II’s actual advisor fees ranked in the 4th quintile of its Lipper Expense Group, and that the total expenses of the Fund ranked in the 4th quintile of its Lipper Expense Group.

 

The Directors noted that the BP Long/Short Equity Fund’s actual advisor fees and total expenses ranked in the 5th quintile of its Lipper Expense Group.

 

The Directors noted that the BP Long/Short Research Fund’s actual advisor fees ranked in the 4th quintile of its Lipper Expense Group, and that the total expenses of the Fund ranked in the 1st quintile of its Lipper Expense Group.

 

The Directors noted that the BP All-Cap Value Fund’s actual advisor fees ranked in the 4th quintile of its Lipper Expense Group, and that the total expenses of the Fund ranked in the 1st quintile of its Lipper Expense Group.

 

The Directors noted that the WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund’s actual advisor fees ranked in the 1st quintile of its Lipper Expense Group, and that the total expenses of the Fund ranked in the 2nd quintile of its Lipper Expense Group.

 

The Directors noted that the BP Global Equity Fund’s actual advisor fees ranked in the 2nd quintile of its Lipper Expense Group, and that the total expenses of the Fund ranked in the 4th quintile of its Lipper Expense Group.

 

Annual Report 2021  |  119

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

OTHER INFORMATION (continued)

(unaudited)

 

The Directors noted that the BP Global Long/Short Fund’s actual advisor fees ranked in the 5th quintile of its Lipper Expense Group, and that the total expenses of the Fund ranked in the 4th quintile of its Lipper Expense Group.

 

The Directors noted that the BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund’s actual advisor fees and total expenses ranked in the 4th quintile of its Lipper Expense Group.

 

The Directors noted that the BP Emerging Markets Fund’s actual advisor fees ranked in the 1st quintile of its Lipper Expense Group, and that the total expenses of the Fund ranked in the 2nd quintile of its Lipper Expense Group.

 

After reviewing the information regarding the Funds’ costs, profitability and economies of scale, and after considering Boston Partners’ services, the Directors concluded that the investment advisory fees paid by the Funds were fair and reasonable and that the Investment Advisory Agreement should be approved and continued for an additional one- year period ending August 16, 2022.

 

Investment Co-Advisory Agreement Renewal — BP Global Equity Advantage Fund

 

As required by the 1940 Act, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, considered the renewal of the investment co-advisory agreement among Boston Partners, Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC (“Campbell”), and the Company (the “Investment Co-Advisory Agreement”) on behalf of the BP Global Equity Advantage Fund (for this section only, the “Fund”) at the Meeting. At the Meeting, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, approved the Investment Co-Advisory Agreement for an additional one-year term. The Board’s decision to approve the Investment Co-Advisory Agreement reflects the exercise of its business judgment to continue the existing arrangement. In approving the Investment Co-Advisory Agreement, the Board considered information provided by Boston Partners and Campbell with the assistance and advice of counsel to the Independent Directors and the Company.

 

In considering the renewal and approval of the Investment Co-Advisory Agreement among the Company, Boston Partners, and Campbell with respect to the Fund, the Directors took into account all the materials provided prior to and during the Meeting and at other meetings throughout the past year, the presentations made during the Meeting, and the discussions held during the Meeting. Among other things, the Directors considered (i) the nature, extent, and quality of services provided to the Fund by Boston Partners and Campbell; (ii) descriptions of the experience and qualifications of personnel providing those services; (iii) the investment philosophies and processes of Boston Partners and Campbell; (iv) assets under management and client descriptions of Boston Partners and Campbell; (v) soft dollar commission and trade allocation policies, including information on the types of research and services obtained in connection with soft dollar commissions of Boston Partners and Campbell; (vi) the advisory fee arrangements and other similarly managed clients, as applicable; (vii) compliance procedures of Boston Partners and Campbell; (viii) financial information, insurance coverage and profitability analysis related to providing advisory services to the Fund; (ix) the extent to which economies of scale are relevant to the Fund; (x) report prepared by Broadridge/Lipper comparing the Fund’s management fees and total expense ratio to its Lipper Group and comparing the performance of the Fund to the performance of its Lipper Group; and (xi) a report comparing the performance of the Fund to the performance of its benchmark.

 

As part of their review, the Directors considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by Boston Partners and Campbell. The Directors concluded that Boston Partners and Campbell had substantial resources to provide services to the Fund and that Boston Partners’ and Campbell’s services had been acceptable.

 

The Directors also considered the investment performance of the Fund. Information on the Fund’s investment performance was provided for the since inception period ended March 31, 2020. The Directors considered the Fund’s investment performance in light of its investment objectives and investment strategies. The Directors concluded that the investment performance of the Fund as compared to its benchmarks and Lipper Groups was acceptable.

 

In reaching this conclusion, the Directors noted that the Fund had outperformed its benchmark, the MSCI World Index, for the year-to-date period ended March 31, 2021, and underperformed its benchmark for the one-year and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2021. The Directors also noted that the Fund had commenced operations on May 29, 2019. They also noted that Fund ranked in the 2nd quintile in its Lipper Performance Group for the one-year period and in the 3rd quintile for the since-inception period ended December 31, 2020.

 

The Board also considered the advisory fee rates payable by the Fund under the Investment Co-Advisory Agreement. In this regard, information on the fees paid by the Fund and the Fund’s total operating expense ratios (before and after fee waivers and expense reimbursements) were compared to similar information for mutual funds advised by other, unaffiliated investment advisory firms. The Directors noted that Boston Partners and Campbell had contractually agreed to waive management fees and reimburse expenses through at least December 31, 2021 for the Fund to limit total annual operating expenses to agreed upon levels. The Directors noted that the Fund’s actual advisor fees and total expenses ranked in the 1st quintile of its Lipper Expense Group.

 

After reviewing the information regarding costs, profitability and economies of scale of Boston Partners and Campbell, and after considering the services to be provided by Boston Partners and Campbell, the Directors concluded that the investment advisory fees to be paid by the Fund to Boston Partners and Campbell were fair and reasonable and that the Investment Co-Advisory Agreement should be approved and continued for an additional one-year period ending August 16, 2022.

 

120  |  Annual Report 2021

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

OTHER INFORMATION (concluded)

(unaudited)

 

Liquidity Risk Management Program

 

The Company has adopted and implemented a Liquidity Risk Management Program (the “Company Program”) as required by rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act. In accordance with the Company Program, the Adviser has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the “Adviser Program” and together with the Company Program, the “Programs”) on behalf of the Funds. The Programs seek to assess, manage and review each Fund’s Liquidity Risk. “Liquidity Risk” is defined as the risk that a Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of remaining investors’ interest in the Fund.

 

The Board has appointed Vigilant Compliance, LLC (“Vigilant”) as the program administrator for the Company Program and the Adviser as the program administrator for the Company Program. The Adviser has delegated oversight of the Adviser Program to its Liquidity Committee, whose process of monitoring and determining the liquidity of each Fund’s investments is supported by one or more third-party vendors.

 

At meetings held during the fiscal period, the Board and its Regulatory Oversight Committee received and reviewed a written report (the “Report”) of Vigilant and the Adviser concerning the operation of the Programs for the period from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020 (the “Period”). The Report summarized the operation of the Programs and the information and factors considered by Vigilant and the Adviser in reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of the implementation of the Programs with respect to each Fund. Such information and factors included, among other things: (i) the methodology used to classify the liquidity of each Fund’s portfolio investments and the Adviser’s assessment that each Fund’s strategy remained appropriate for an open-end mutual fund; (ii) analyses of each Fund’s trading environment and reasonably anticipated trading size; (iii) that each Fund held primarily highly liquid assets (investments that the Fund anticipates can be converted to cash within 3 business days or less in current market conditions without significantly changing their market value); (iv) that each Fund held a percentage of highly liquid assets above its highly liquid investment minimum at all times during the Period; (v) confirmation that none of the Funds had breached the 15% maximum illiquid security threshold (investments that cannot be sold or disposed of in seven days or less in current market conditions without the sale of the investment significantly changing the market value of the investment) and the procedures for monitoring compliance with the limit; (vi) that the processes, technologies and third-party vendors used to assess, manage, and/or periodically review each Fund’s Liquidity Risk functioned appropriately during the Period; and (vii) that the Programs operated adequately during the Period. The Report also indicated that there were no material changes made to the Programs during the Period.

 

Based on the review, the Report concluded that the Programs were being implemented effectively and reasonably designed to assess and manage Liquidity Risk in each Fund’s portfolio.

 

There can be no assurance that the Company Program or the Adviser Program will achieve its objectives under all circumstances in the future. Please refer to the Funds’ prospectuses for more information regarding a Fund’s exposure to liquidity risk and other risks to which it may be subject.

 

Annual Report 2021  |  121

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company is organized under and managed pursuant to Maryland law. The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below. The statement of additional information (“SAI”) includes additional information about the Directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-888-261-4073.

 

Name, Address, and Age   Position(s)
Held with
Company
  Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served1
  Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years
  Number of
Portfolios in Fund
Complex Overseen
by Director*
  Other Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years
INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS                
Julian A. Brodsky
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 88
  Director   1988 to present   From 1969 to 2011, Director and Vice Chairman, Comcast Corporation (cable television and communications).   46   AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).
J. Richard Carnall
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 82
  Director   2002 to present   Since 1984, Director of Haydon Bolts, Inc. (bolt manufacturer) and Parkway Real Estate Company (subsidiary of Haydon Bolts, Inc.); since 2004, Director of Cornerstone Bank.   46   None.
Gregory P. Chandler
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 54
  Director   2012 to present   Since 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Herspiegel Consulting LLC (life sciences consulting services); 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Avocado Systems Inc. (cyber security software provider); 2009-2020. Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services).   46   Emtec, Inc. (until December 2019); FS Investment Corporation (business development company) (until December 2018); FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company).
Nicholas A. Giordano
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 78
  Director   2006 to present   Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations.   46   IntriCon Corporation (biomedical device manufacturer); Kalmar Pooled Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until September 2017); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance) (until 2021).
Arnold M. Reichman
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 73
  Chairman

Director
  2005 to present

1991 to present
  Retired.   46   EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company).
Brian T. Shea
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 61
  Director   2018 to present   From 2014-2017, Chief Executive Officer, BNY Mellon Investment Services (fund services, global custodian and securities clearing firm); from 1983-2014, Chief Executive Officer and various positions, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm).   46   WisdomTree Investments, Inc. (asset management company) (until March 2019); Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (financial services technology company). Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (financial services company).
Robert A. Straniere
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 80
  Director   2006 to present   Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm).   46   None.

 

122  |  Annual Report 2021

 
 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS (continued)

 

INTERESTED DIRECTOR2        
Name, Address, and Age   Position(s)
Held with
Company
  Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served1
  Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years
  Number of
Portfolios in Fund
Complex Overseen
 by Director*
  Other Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years
Robert Sablowsky
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 83
  Vice Chairman

Director
  2016 to present

1991 to present
  Since 2002, Senior Director – Investments and, prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer).   46   None.
OFFICERS                    
Salvatore Faia, JD,
CPA, CFE
Vigilant Compliance, LLC
Gateway Corporate
Center, Suite 216
223 Wilmington
West Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Age: 58
  President

Chief Compliance Officer
  2009 to present

2004 to present
  Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company); since 2021, President and Chief Compliance Officer of Penn Capital Funds Trust.   N/A   N/A
James G. Shaw
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 60
  Treasurer and Secretary   2016 to present   Treasurer and Secretary of The RBB Fund, Inc. (since 2016) and Penn Capital Funds Trust (since 2021); from 2005 to 2016, Assistant Treasurer of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 1995 to 2016, Senior Director and Vice President of BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (financial services company).   N/A   N/A
Craig A. Urciuoli
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 46
  Director of Marketing & Business Development   2019 to present   Director of Marketing & Business Development of The RBB Fund, Inc. (since 2019) and Penn Capital Funds Trust (since 2021); from 2000-2019, Managing Director, Third Avenue Management LLC (investment advisory firm).   N/A   N/A
Jennifer Witt
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 38
  Assistant Treasurer   2018 to present   Since 2020, Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (fund administrative services firm); from 2016 to 2020, Assistant Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services; from 2007 to 2016, Supervisor, Nuveen Investments (registered investment company).   N/A   N/A
Edward Paz
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 50
  Assistant Secretary   2016 to present   Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm).   N/A   N/A
Michael P. Malloy
One Logan Square
Ste. 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 62
  Assistant Secretary   1999 to present   Since 1993, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).   N/A   N/A
Jillian L. Bosmann
One Logan Square
Ste. 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 42
  Assistant Secretary   2017 to present   Since 2017, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).   N/A   N/A

 

* Each Director oversees 46 portfolios of the fund complex, consisting of the series in the Company and Penn Capital Funds Trust (7 portfolios).
1. Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his or her successor is elected and qualified or his or her death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Carnall, Giordano, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.
2. Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

Annual Report 2021  |  123

 
 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS (concluded)

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the past five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Carnall has decades of senior executive-level management experience in the banking and financial services industry and also serves on the boards of various corporations and a bank. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Mr. Shea has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the brokerage, clearing and investment services industry, including service on the boards of industry regulatory organizations and a university.

 

124  |  Annual Report 2021

 
 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS
PRIVACY NOTICE
(unaudited)

 

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

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

  Social Security number
  account balances
  account transactions
  transaction history
  wire transfer instructions
  checking account information
     

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

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

 

Reasons we can share your personal information Do the Boston
 Partners Investment  
Funds share?
Can you limit
this sharing?
For our everyday business purposes – such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus Yes No
For our marketing purposes – to offer our products and services to you No No
For joint marketing with other financial companies No We don’t share
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes – information about your transactions and experiences Yes No
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes – information about your creditworthiness No We don’t share
For our affiliates to market to you No Yes
For nonaffiliates to market to you No We don’t share

 

Questions?   Call (888) 261-4073 or go to www.boston-partners.com  

 

Annual Report 2021  |  125

 
 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS
PRIVACY NOTICE (continued)
(unaudited)

 

What we do  
How do the Boston Partners Investment Funds protect my personal information? To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings.
How do the Boston Partners Investment Funds collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

 

•     open an account

•     provide account information

•     give us your contact information

•     make a wire transfer

•     tell us where to send the money

 

We also collect your information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

 

•     sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes-information about your creditworthiness

•     affiliates from using your information to market to you

•     sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

 

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

 

European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation

In addition to the above information, where applicable, you have the following rights under the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) and U.S. Privacy Laws, as applicable and to the extent permitted by law, to

 

•     Check whether we hold personal information about you and to access such data (in accordance with our policy)

•     Request the correction of personal information about you that is inaccurate

•     Have a copy of the personal information we hold about you provided to you or another “controller” where technically feasible

•     Request the erasure of your personal information

•     Request the restriction of processing concerning you

 

The legal grounds for processing of your personal information is for contractual necessity and compliance with law.

 

If you wish to exercise any of your rights above, please call: 1-888-261-4073.

 

You are required to ensure the personal information we hold about you is up-to-date and accurate and you must notify us of any changes to the personal data you provided to us.

 

 

126  |  Annual Report 2021

 
 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS
PRIVACY NOTICE (concluded)
(unaudited)

 

What we do (continued)  
European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (continued) The Boston Partners Investment Funds shall retain your personal data for as long as you are an investor in the Funds and thereafter as long as necessary to comply with applicable laws that require the Funds to retain your personal data, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission’s data retention rules. Your personal data will be transferred to the United States so that the Funds may provide the agreed upon services for you. No adequacy decision has been rendered by the European Commission as to the data protection of your personal data when transferring it to the United States. However, the Funds do take the security of your personal data seriously.
Definitions  
Affiliates

Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies. Our affiliates include:

 

•     ORIX Corporation.

•     Robeco Investment Management, Inc.

•     Robeco Securities, LLC

Nonaffiliates

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

 

•     The Boston Partners Investment Funds don’t share with nonaffiliates so   they can market to you. The Boston Partners Investment Funds may   share information with nonaffiliates that perform marketing services on   our behalf.

 

Joint marketing

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

 

•     The Boston Partners Investment Funds may share your information with other financial institutions with whom we have joint marketing arrangements who may suggest additional fund services or other investment products which may be of interest to you.

 

Controller “Controller” means the natural or legal person, public authority, agency or other body which, alone or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of the processing of personal data; where the purposes and means of such processing are determined by European Union or European Member State law, the controller or the specific criteria for its nomination may be provided for by European Union or European Member State law.

 

Annual Report 2021  |  127

 
 

 

 

INVESTMENT ADVISER
Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc.
1 Beacon Street, 30th Floor
Boston, MA 02108
 
ADMINISTRATOR AND TRANSFER AGENT
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201
 
PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER
Quasar Distributors, LLC
111 E. Kilbourn Ave., Suite 2200
Milwaukee, WI 53202
 
CUSTODIAN
U.S. Bank, N.A.
1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, WI 53212
 
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Ernst & Young LLP
One Commerce Square
2005 Market Street, Suite 700
Philadelphia, PA 19103
 
LEGAL COUNSEL
Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
One Logan Square, Ste. 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103-6996


 

BOS-AR21  
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Campbell Advantage Fund

 

of

 

THE RBB FUND, INC.

 

 

Annual Report

 

 

August 31, 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

Campbell Advantage Fund

 

Shareholder Letter
August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

For the one-year period ended August 31, 2021, the Campbell Advantage strategy, which is part of the Boston Partners Global Equity Advantage Fund’s strategy, posted positive returns. The performance of the strategy was driven by gains in energies, grains, industrial metals, and soft commodities, with losses occurring in equity indices, fixed income, and foreign exchange trading. The Campbell Advantage strategy’s risk target, which is a function of the strategy’s expected correlation to equities and equity volatility, decreased during the one-year period as the strategy’s correlation to equities rose to its limit. The Campbell Advantage strategy is limited to an expected correlation of 0.2 to the long equity exposure in the Fund provided by Boston Partners, with the goal of maintaining diversification in the Boston Partners Global Equity Advantage Fund’s portfolio.

 

1

 

 

Campbell Advantage Fund

 

Performance Data
August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in
Campbell Advantage Fund vs. BarclayHedge BTOP50 Index

 

 

This chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 initial investment in the Campbell Advantage Fund (“Fund”) is made on May 31, 2019 (the date on which the Fund commenced investment) and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the BarclayHedge BTOP50 Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

Average annual total returns for the periods ended August 31, 2021

 
 

ONE
YEAR

SINCE
INCEPTION (1)

 

Class I Shares

0.17%

-7.13%

 

BarclayHedge BTOP50 Index(2)

13.60%

7.33%

 

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund is May 31, 2019.

 

(2)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

Performance data quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the returns quoted above. Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Call the Fund at 1-844-261-6488 for returns current to the most recent month-end.

 

An investment in the Fund is speculative and involves substantial risk. The Fund is not suitable for all investors. It is possible that an investor may lose some or all of its investment. The Fund invests in long and short positions in futures, forwards and spot contracts, each of which may be tied to commodities, financial indices and instruments, foreign currencies, or equity indices. The Fund also invests in investment grade fixed income securities of all durations and maturities. The Fund may be more volatile than investments in traditional securities. Losses on futures and other derivatives can be caused by unanticipated market movements and may be potentially unlimited. Commodities,

 

2

 

 

Campbell Advantage Fund

 

Performance Data (Concluded)
August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

currencies, foreign investments, and interest rate-linked instruments each entail special risks. The Fund is non-diversified; therefore gains or losses on a single holding may have a relatively great impact on the Fund. A more complete description of the Fund’s risks can be found in its prospectus, which should be read carefully before investing.

 

The Fund intends to elect to be treated and to qualify each year, as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code (“Code”). To maintain qualification for federal income tax purposes as a RIC under the Code, the Fund must meet certain source-of-income, asset diversification and distribution of its income requirements. If the Fund were to fail to qualify as a RIC and became subject to federal income tax, shareholders of the Fund would be subject to diminished returns.

 

The BarclayHedge BTOP50 Index (“BTOP50”) seeks to replicate the overall composition of the managed futures industry with regard to trading style and overall market exposure. The BTOP50 employs a top-down approach in selecting its constituents. The largest investable trading adviser programs, as measured by assets under management, are selected for inclusion in the BTOP50. The index portfolio is equally weighted among the selected programs at the beginning of each calendar year and rebalanced annually. It is impossible to invest directly in an index.

 

Portfolio composition is subject to change.

 

3

 

 

Campbell Advantage Fund

 

Fund Expense Example

August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

 

This example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period from March 1, 2021 through August 31, 2021, and held for the entire period.

 

Actual Expenses

 

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

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

 

The second line of the accompanying table provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the accompanying table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs. Therefore, the second line of the accompanying table 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
March 1, 2021

Ending
Account Value
August 31, 2021

Expenses
Pa
id During
Period*

Annualized
Expense
Ratio

Actual Six-
Month Total
Investment
Return for
th
e Fund

Actual

$ 1,000.00

$ 865.10

$ 6.86

1.46%

-13.49%

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

1,000.00

1,017.85

7.43

1.46

N/A

 

 

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized six-month expense ratio for the period March 1, 2021 to August 31, 2021, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184) in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by 365 to reflect the one half year period. The Fund’s ending account value on the first line in the table is based on the actual six-month total investment return for the Fund.

 

4

 

 

Campbell Advantage Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio Holdings Summary Table

August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

The following table presents a consolidated summary of the portfolio holdings of the Fund:

 

   

% of Net
Assets

   

Value

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS:

               

U.S. Treasury Obligations

    46.5 %   $ 3,369,681  

Money Market Deposit Account

    10.8       785,326  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES (including futures and forward foreign currency contracts)

    42.7       3,098,625  

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 7,253,632  

 

 

The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by allocating its assets among derivatives and fixed income securities.

 

As a result of the Fund’s use of derivatives, the Fund may hold significant amounts of U.S. Treasuries or short-term investments.

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

Refer to the Consolidated Portfolio of Investments for a detailed listing of the Fund’s holdings.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
5

 

 

Campbell Advantage Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments

August 31, 2021

 

 

Coupon*

 

Maturity
Date

 

Par
(000’s)

   

Value

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 46.5%

                     

U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS — 46.5%

                     

United States Treasury Bill

0.015%

 

10/14/21

  $ 1,000     $ 999,958  

United States Treasury Bill

0.014%

 

11/12/21

    1,100       1,099,896  

United States Treasury Bill

0.020%

 

12/16/21

    950       949,888  

United States Treasury Bill

0.025%

 

02/10/22

    320       319,939  
                       

TOTAL U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS

                     

(Cost $3,369,859)

    3,369,681  
                       
         

Number
of Shares
(000’s)

         

MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT ACCOUNT — 10.8%

                     

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 0.01%(a)

    785       785,326  
                       

TOTAL MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT ACCOUNT

                     

(Cost $785,326)

    785,326  
                       

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

                     

(Cost $4,155,185)

    4,155,007  
                       

TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 57.3%

                     

(Cost $4,155,185)

    4,155,007  
                       

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES — 42.7%

    3,098,625  

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

  $ 7,253,632  

 

 

*

Short-term investments’ coupon reflects the annualized yield on the date of purchase for discounted investments.

(a)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2021.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
6

 

 

Campbell Advantage Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

Futures contracts outstanding as of August 31, 2021 were as follows:

 

Long Contracts

Expiration
Date

Number of
Contracts

 

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

10 Year Mini Japanese Government Bond

Sep-21

63

  $ 8,713,430     $ 6,111  

3-Month Euro Euribor

Sep-22

67

    19,875,446       (4,799 )

90-DAY Bank Bill

Sep-22

17

    12,430,199       586  

90-Day Euro

Dec-22

77

    19,169,150       4,995  

Amsterdam Index

Sep-21

3

    557,833       15,674  

Australian 3-Year Bond

Sep-21

161

    13,796,928       6,548  

Australian 10-Year Bond

Sep-21

33

    3,519,998       24,298  

Brent Crude

Dec-21

6

    426,000       2,470  

CAC40 10 Euro

Sep-21

3

    236,551       2,629  

Canadian 10-Year Bond

Dec-21

14

    1,621,543       (4,357 )

Cattle Feeder Futures

Oct-21

9

    754,875       (4,253 )

Cocoa

Dec-21

9

    228,600       (9,687 )

Coffee

Dec-21

8

    587,700       29,732  

Corn

Dec-21

11

    293,838       (11,544 )

Cotton No.2

Dec-21

20

    925,300       4,105  

DAX Index

Sep-21

1

    466,396       (415 )

Euro BUXL 30-Year Bond Futures

Sep-21

5

    1,254,664       (15,734 )

Euro Stoxx 50

Sep-21

5

    246,865       2,650  

Euro-Bobl

Sep-21

51

    8,127,651       (8,611 )

Euro-BTP

Sep-21

16

    2,895,952       (21,367 )

Euro-Bund

Sep-21

16

    3,314,599       (16,373 )

Euro-Oat

Sep-21

14

    2,664,384       (12,793 )

Euro-Schatz

Sep-21

194

    25,719,454       (13,118 )

FTSE 100 Index

Sep-21

3

    292,700       897  

FTSE/JSE TOP 40

Sep-21

1

    41,602       (884 )

FTSE/MIB Index

Sep-21

3

    460,669       (1,189 )

Gasoline RBOB

Oct-21

5

    449,799       3,226  

IBEX 35 Index

Sep-21

2

    208,449       (2,319 )

Live Cattle

Oct-21

4

    203,040       (5,812 )

London Metals Exchange Aluminum

Sep-21

22

    1,492,150       111,333  

London Metals Exchange Aluminum

Dec-21

20

    1,358,375       66,531  

London Metals Exchange Copper

Sep-21

3

    714,394       (47,956 )

London Metals Exchange Copper

Dec-21

2

    476,062       3,807  

London Metals Exchange Nickel

Sep-21

6

    704,430       45,915  

London Metals Exchange Nickel

Dec-21

4

    469,104       18,373  

London Metals Exchange Zinc

Sep-21

10

    749,750       3,566  

London Metals Exchange Zinc

Dec-21

8

    601,150       4,053  

Long Gilt

Dec-21

6

    1,057,868       (6,112 )

Low Sulphur Gasoil G Futures

Oct-21

7

    421,225       7,988  

MSCI Singapore Exchange ETS

Sep-21

13

    340,507       (4,768 )

Nasdaq 100 E-Mini

Sep-21

1

    311,650       5,848  

Natural Gas

Oct-21

15

    656,550       37,244  

OMX Stockholm 30 Index

Sep-21

18

    490,964       (1,370 )

S&P/TSX 60 Index

Sep-21

4

    779,868       5,477  

SGX Nifty 50

Sep-21

47

    1,609,797       49,765  

Soybean

Nov-21

3

    193,875       (8,571 )

SPI 200 Index

Sep-21

10

    1,367,450       19,809  

Sugar No. 11 (World)

Oct-21

45

    999,936       51,888  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
7

 

 

Campbell Advantage Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

Long Contracts

Expiration
Date

Number of
Contracts

 

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

Topix Index

Sep-21

1

  $ 178,567     $ 403  

U.S. Treasury 2-Year Notes

Dec-21

29

    6,389,516       (122 )

U.S. Treasury 10-Year Notes

Dec-21

8

    1,067,625       (1,435 )

U.S. Treasury Long Bond (Chicago Board of Trade)

Dec-21

7

    1,140,781       (9,090 )

U.S. Treasury Ultra Long Bond (Chicago Board of Trade)

Dec-21

4

    789,125       (7,507 )

Wheat

Dec-21

8

    288,900       (9,910 )

WTI Crude

Oct-21

4

    274,000       (1,940 )
                $ 303,885  

 

 

 

Short Contracts

Expiration
Date

Number of
Contracts

 

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

90-Day Sterling

Sep-22

150

  $ (25,658,641 )   $ 7,804  

Hang Seng Index

Sep-21

5

    (827,842 )     (7,608 )

London Metals Exchange Aluminum

Sep-21

22

    (1,492,150 )     (113,203 )

London Metals Exchange Aluminum

Dec-21

2

    (135,838 )     (7,924 )

London Metals Exchange Copper

Sep-21

3

    (714,394 )     (5,802 )

London Metals Exchange Copper

Dec-21

1

    (238,031 )     (8,684 )

London Metals Exchange Nickel

Sep-21

6

    (704,430 )     (49,724 )

London Metals Exchange Nickel

Dec-21

1

    (117,276 )     (4,456 )

London Metals Exchange Zinc

Sep-21

10

    (749,750 )     (12,735 )

London Metals Exchange Zinc

Dec-21

3

    (225,431 )     (3,452 )

Nikkie 225 (Osaka Securities Exchange)

Sep-21

1

    (128,073 )     (3,432 )

Palladium

Dec-21

1

    (247,100 )     (17,902 )

Platinum

Oct-21

8

    (405,640 )     (10,169 )

Silver

Dec-21

3

    (360,090 )     (9,972 )

U.S. Treasury 5-Year Notes

Dec-21

3

    (371,156 )     (661 )
                $ (247,920 )

Total Futures Contracts

              $ 55,965  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
8

 

 

Campbell Advantage Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Concluded)

August 31, 2021

 

Forward foreign currency contracts outstanding as of August 31, 2021 were as follows:

 

Currency Purchased

 

 

Currency Sold

 

 

Expiration
Date

Counterparty

 

Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

AUD

    3,200,000          

USD

    2,419,097          

Sep 15 2021

NatWest

  $ (77,926 )

CAD

    7,500,000          

USD

    6,158,076          

Sep 15 2021

NatWest

    (213,624 )

CHF

    3,750,000          

USD

    4,144,940          

Sep 15 2021

NatWest

    (48,340 )

EUR

    4,300,000          

USD

    5,147,708          

Sep 15 2021

NatWest

    (68,930 )

GBP

    3,700,000          

USD

    5,197,454          

Sep 15 2021

NatWest

    (110,337 )

JPY

    601,500,000          

USD

    5,486,694          

Sep 15 2021

NatWest

    (18,556 )

NOK

    25,950,000          

USD

    3,017,670          

Sep 15 2021

NatWest

    (32,855 )

NZD

    4,000,000          

USD

    2,838,696          

Sep 15 2021

NatWest

    (20,097 )

SEK

    33,300,000          

USD

    3,917,726          

Sep 15 2021

NatWest

    (58,416 )

USD

    5,084,056          

AUD

    6,850,000          

Sep 15 2021

NatWest

    72,485  

USD

    6,554,425          

CAD

    8,200,000          

Sep 15 2021

NatWest

    55,157  

USD

    4,744,913          

CHF

    4,350,000          

Sep 15 2021

NatWest

    (7,143 )

USD

    8,355,664          

EUR

    7,050,000          

Sep 15 2021

NatWest

    28,831  

USD

    5,589,220          

GBP

    4,050,000          

Sep 15 2021

NatWest

    20,891  

USD

    8,874,383          

JPY

    976,500,000          

Sep 15 2021

NatWest

    (2,819 )

USD

    3,587,587          

NOK

    31,500,000          

Sep 15 2021

NatWest

    (35,600 )

USD

    3,280,707          

NZD

    4,700,000          

Sep 15 2021

NatWest

    (31,146 )

USD

    5,316,802          

SEK

    45,900,000          

Sep 15 2021

NatWest

    (2,787 )

Total Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

  $ (551,212 )

 

AUD

Australian Dollar

 

JPY

Japanese Yen

CAD

Canadian Dollar

 

NatWest

National Westminster Bank

CHF

Swiss Franc

 

NOK

Norwegian Krone

EUR

Euro

 

NZD

New Zealand Dollar

GBP

British Pound

 

SEK

Swedish Krona

     

USD

United States Dollar

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
9

 

 

Campbell Advantage Fund

 

Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities

August 31, 2021

 

ASSETS

       

Investments, at value (cost $4,155,185)

  $ 4,155,007  

Deposits with brokers:

       

Futures contracts

    2,186,948  

Forward foreign currency contracts

    1,420,000  

Foreign currency deposits with broker for futures contracts (cost $45,581)

    45,598  

Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts

    543,725  

Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency contracts

    177,364  

Total assets

    8,528,642  

LIABILITIES

       

Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency contracts

  $ 728,576  

Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts

    487,760  

Other accrued expenses and liabilities

    58,674  

Total liabilities

    1,275,010  

Net assets

  $ 7,253,632  

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

       

Par value

  $ 1,229  

Paid-in capital

    9,284,265  

Total distributable earnings/(loss)

    (2,031,862 )

Net assets

  $ 7,253,632  

CAPITAL SHARES:

       

Net assets

  $ 7,253,632  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    1,228,609  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

  $ 5.90  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
10

 

 

Campbell Advantage Fund

 

Consolidated Statement of Operations

For the Year Ended

August 31, 2021

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

       

Interest

  $ 1,909  

Total investment income

    1,909  

EXPENSES

       

Audit and tax service fees

    45,364  

Administration and accounting fees (Note 2)

    28,599  

Custodian fees (Note 2)

    6,114  

Legal fees

    5,766  

Printing and shareholder reporting fees

    4,032  

Transfer agent fees (Note 2)

    3,390  

Officer fees

    1,640  

Director fees

    1,343  

Registration and filing fees

    690  

Other expenses

    7,790  

Total expenses

    104,728  

Net investment income/(loss)

    (102,819 )

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS

       

Net realized gain/(loss) from:

       

Investments

    (90 )

Futures contracts

    365,005  

Foreign currency transactions

    (96,367 )

Forward foreign currency contracts

    702,946  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:

       

Investments

    21  

Futures contracts

    53,947  

Foreign currency translations

    (2,221 )

Forward foreign currency contracts

    (906,510 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    116,731  

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 13,912  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
11

 

 

Campbell Advantage Fund

 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2021

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2020

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ (102,819 )   $ (114,419 )

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments, futures contracts, foreign currency transactions and forward foreign currency contracts

    971,494       (986,448 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments, futures contracts, foreign currency translations and forward foreign currency contracts

    (854,763 )     (77,845 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    13,912       (1,178,712 )
                 

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders From:

               

Total distributable earnings

          (743,737 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

          (743,737 )
                 
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Proceeds from shares sold

          8,040,070  

Proceeds from reinvestment of distributions

          743,737  

Shares redeemed

          (3,122,289 )

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

          5,661,518  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    13,912       3,739,069  
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    7,239,720       3,500,651  

End of period

  $ 7,253,632     $ 7,239,720  
                 

SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Shares sold

          1,282,088  

Shares reinvested

          112,858  

Shares redeemed

          (425,852 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

          969,094  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
12

 

 

Campbell Advantage Fund

 

Consolidated Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the consolidated financial statements.

 

 

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2021

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2020

   

For the
Period
Ended
August 31,
2019
(1)

 

PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE

                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 5.89     $ 13.49     $ 10.00  

Net investment income/(loss)(2)

    (0.08 )     (0.14 )     (0.22 )

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

    0.09       (4.59 )     3.71  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    0.01       (4.73 )     3.49  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                       

Net investment income

          (0.35 )      

Net realized capital gain

          (2.52 )      

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

          (2.87 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 5.90     $ 5.89     $ 13.49  

Total investment return(4)

    0.17 %     (37.35 )%     34.90 %(6)

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 7,254     $ 7,240     $ 3,501  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

    1.39 %     2.74 %     7.77 %(5)

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    (1.37 )%     (2.12 )%     (7.57 )%(5)

Portfolio turnover rate

    0 %     0 %     0 %(6)

 

 

(1)

The Fund commenced investment operations on May 31, 2019.

(2)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.

(3)

The amount shown may not correlate with the change in the aggregate gains and losses due to the timing of sales and purchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to fluctuating market values for the Fund’s portfolio.

(4)

Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale on the last day of the period reported and is not annualized and includes reinvestment of dividends and distributions, if any.

(5)

Annualized.

(6)

Not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
13

 

 

Campbell Advantage Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements

August 31, 2021

 

1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

 

The RBB Fund, Inc. (“RBB” or the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland on February 29, 1988 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. RBB is a “series fund,” which is a mutual fund divided into separate portfolios. Each portfolio is treated as a separate entity for certain matters under the 1940 Act, and for other purposes, and a shareholder of one portfolio is not deemed to be a shareholder of any other portfolio. Currently, RBB has thirty-nine separate investment portfolios, including the Campbell Advantage Fund (the “Fund”), which commenced investment operations on May 31, 2019. The Fund’s shares are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933 as amended (the “1933 Act”), and are only offered in private placements to other series of the Company and other persons that are “accredited investors” within the meaning of Regulation D under the 1933 Act.

 

RBB has authorized capital of one hundred billion shares of common stock of which 88.223 billion shares are currently classified into one hundred and ninety-three classes of common stock. Each class represents an interest in an active or inactive RBB investment portfolio.

 

The Fund’s investment objective is to seek capital appreciation.

 

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

 

The end of the reporting period for the Fund is August 31, 2021, and the period covered by these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements is the fiscal period ended August 31, 2021 (the “current fiscal period”).

 

Consolidation of Subsidiary — The Adviser’s Campbell Advantage Program is achieved by the Fund investing up to 25% of its total assets in the Campbell Advantage Offshore Limited (the “Subsidiary”), a wholly-owned and controlled subsidiary of the Fund organized under the acts of the Cayman Islands. The consolidated financial statements of the Fund include the financial statements of the Subsidiary. The Fund consolidates the results of subsidiaries in which the Fund holds a controlling financial interest. All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated. As of the end of the reporting period, the net assets of the Subsidiary were $1,167,554, which represented 16.10% of the Fund’s net assets.

 

Portfolio Valuation — The Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. Securities held by the Fund are valued using the closing price or the last sales price on a national securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System (“NASDAQ”) market system where they are primarily traded. Fixed income securities are valued using an independent pricing service, which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings, and are deemed representative of market values at the close of the market. Investments in other open-end investment companies are valued based on the NAV of those investment companies (which may use fair value pricing as discussed in their prospectuses). Forward currency exchange contracts are valued by interpolating between spot and forward currency rates as quoted by an independent pricing service. Futures contracts are generally valued using the settlement price determined by the relevant exchange. If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable, securities will be valued in accordance with procedures adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). Relying on prices supplied by pricing services or dealers or using fair valuation may result in values that are higher or lower than the values used by other investment companies and investors to price the same investments.

 

Fair Value Measurements — The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the Fund’s investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:

 

 

Level 1 – Prices are determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.

 

 

Level 2 – Prices are determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

14

 

 

Campbell Advantage Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

 

Level 3 – Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

 

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used, as of end of the reporting period, in valuing the Fund’s investments carried at fair value:

 

 

Total

   

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

 

Short-Term Investments

  $ 785,326     $ 785,326     $     $  

Commodity Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

    390,231       390,231              

Equity Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

    103,152       103,152              

Interest Rate Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

    50,342       50,342              

Foreign Currency Contracts

                               

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

    177,364             177,364        

Total Assets

  $ 1,506,415     $ 1,329,051     $ 177,364     $  

 

 

Total

   

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

 

Short-Term Investments

  $     $     $     $  

Commodity Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

    (343,696 )     (343,696 )            

Equity Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

    (21,985 )     (21,985 )            

Interest Rate Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

    (122,079 )     (122,079 )            

Foreign Currency Contracts

                               

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

    (728,576 )           (728,576 )      

Total Liabilities

  $ (1,216,336 )   $ (487,760 )   $ (728,576 )   $  

 

At the end of each quarter, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities. Various factors are considered, such as changes in liquidity from the prior reporting period; whether or not a broker is willing to execute at the quoted price; the depth and consistency of prices from third party pricing services; and the existence of contemporaneous, observable trades in the market. Additionally, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities on a quarterly basis for changes in listings or delistings on national exchanges.

 

Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Fund’s investments may fluctuate from period to period. Additionally, the fair value of investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for such investments and may differ materially from the values the Fund may ultimately realize. Further, such investments may be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities.

 

For fair valuations using significant unobservable inputs, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires the Fund to present a reconciliation of the beginning to ending balances for reported market values that presents changes attributable to total realized and unrealized gains or losses, purchase and sales, and transfers in and out of Level 3 during the period. Transfers in and out between levels are based on values at the end of the period. A reconciliation of Level 3 investments is presented only when the Fund had an amount of Level 3 investments at the end

 

15

 

 

Campbell Advantage Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

of the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets. The amounts and reasons for Level 3 transfers are disclosed if the Fund had an amount of total transfers during the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets as of the end of the reporting period.

 

During the current fiscal period, the Fund had no Level 3 transfers.

 

Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities — Derivative instruments are defined as financial instruments whose value and performance are based on the value and performance of another security or financial instrument. Derivative instruments that the Fund used during the period include forward foreign currency contracts and futures contracts.

 

During the current fiscal period, the Fund used long and short contracts on U.S. and foreign equity market indices, U.S. and foreign government bonds, foreign currencies and commodities (through investment in the Subsidiary), to gain investment exposure in accordance with its investment objective.

 

The following tables provide quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of, and gains and losses on, the Fund’s derivative instruments as of and for the current fiscal period.

 

The following tables list the fair values and location on the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities of the Fund’s derivative holdings as of end of the reporting period, grouped by derivative type and primary risk exposure category by contract type.

 

Derivative Type

 

Consolidated
Statement of Assets
& Liabilities
Location

   

Commodity
Contracts

   

Equity
Contracts

   

Interest
Rate
Contracts

   

Foreign
Currency
Contracts

   

Total

 

Asset Derivatives

Futures Contracts (a)

    Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts     $ 390,231     $ 103,152     $ 50,342     $     $ 543,725  

Forward Contracts (a)

    Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency contracts                         177,364       177,364  

Total Value - Assets

          $ 390,231     $ 103,152     $ 50,342     $ 177,364     $ 721,089  

 

Liability Derivatives

Futures Contracts (a)

    Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts     $ (343,696 )   $ (21,985 )   $ (122,079 )   $     $ (487,760 )

Forward Contracts (a)

    Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency contracts                         (728,576 )     (728,576 )

Total Value - Liabilities

          $ (343,696 )   $ (21,985 )   $ (122,079 )   $ (728,576 )   $ (1,216,336 )

 

(a)

This amount represents the cumulative appreciation/(depreciation) of forward and futures contracts as reported in the Consolidated Portfolio of Investments.

 

16

 

 

Campbell Advantage Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

The following table lists the amounts of realized gains/(losses) included in net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations during the current fiscal period, grouped by derivative type and primary risk exposure category by contract type.

 

Derivative Type

 

Consolidated
Statement of
Operations
Location

   

Commodity
Contracts

   

Equity
Contracts

   

Interest Rate
Contracts

   

Foreign
Currency
Contracts

   

Total

 

Realized Gain/(Loss)

Futures Contracts

    Net realized gain/(loss) from futures contracts     $ 1,497,403     $ (665,084 )   $ (467,314 )   $     $ 365,005  

Forward Contracts

    Net realized gain/(loss) from forward foreign currency contracts                         702,946       702,946  

Total Realized Gain/(Loss)

          $ 1,497,403     $ (665,084 )   $ (467,314 )   $ 702,946     $ 1,067,951  

 

The following table lists the amounts of change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) included in net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations during the current fiscal period, grouped by derivative type and primary risk exposure category by contract type.

 

Derivative Type

 

Consolidated
Statement of
Operations
Location

   

Commodity
Contracts

   

Equity
Contracts

   

Interest Rate
Contracts

   

Foreign
Currency
Contracts

   

Total

 

Change in Unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation)

Futures Contracts

    Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on futures contracts     $ 167,998     $ (55,960 )   $ (58,091 )   $     $ 53,947  

Forward Contracts

    Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on forward foreign currency contracts                         (906,510 )     (906,510 )

Total Change in Unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation)

          $ 167,998     $ (55,960 )   $ (58,091 )   $ (906,510 )   $ (852,563 )

 

For the year ended August 31, 2021, the Fund’s quarterly average volume of derivatives was as follows:

 

 

Long Futures
Notional
Amount

   

Short Futures
Notional
Amount

   

Forward Foreign
Currency
Contracts — Payable
(Value at Trade Date)

   

Forward Foreign
Currency
Contracts —
Receivable
(Value at Trade Date)

 
  $ 169,965,486     $ (32,800,713 )   $ (59,962,469 )   $ 59,943,064  

 

For financial reporting purposes, the Fund does not offset fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments and fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral (receivables) or the obligation to return cash collateral (payables) arising from derivative instruments recognized at fair value executed with the same counterparty under a master netting arrangement.

 

17

 

 

Campbell Advantage Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

The following is a summary of financial and derivative instruments that are subject to enforceable master netting agreements (or similar arrangements) and collateral received and pledged in connection with the master netting agreements (or similar arrangements).

 

           

Gross Amount Not
Offset in Consolidated
Statement of Assets and
Liabilities

                   

Gross Amount Not
Offset in Consolidated
Statement of Assets and
Liabilities

         

Description

 

Gross Amount
Presented in
the
Consolidated
Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Collateral
Received

   

Net
Amount
(1)

   

Gross Amount
Presented in
the
Consolidated
Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Collateral
Pledged
(2)

   

Net
Amount
(3)

 
   

Assets

   

Liabilities

 

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

  $ 177,364     $ (177,364 )   $     $     $ 728,576     $ (177,364 )   $ (551,212 )   $  

 

 

(1)

Net amount represents the net amount receivable from the counterparty in the event of default.

 

(2)

Actual collateral pledged may be more than the amount shown.

 

(3)

Net amount represents the net amount payable to the counterparty in the event of default.

 

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

 

Investment Transactions, Investment Income and Expenses — The Fund records security transactions based on trade date for financial reporting purposes. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method for both financial reporting and income tax purposes in determining realized gains and losses on investments. Interest income (including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts) is accrued when earned. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. The Fund’s investment income, expenses (other than class specific expenses) and unrealized and realized gains and losses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class at the beginning of the day. Certain expenses are shared with PENN Capital Funds Trust (the “Trust”), a series trust of affiliated funds. Expenses incurred on behalf of a specific class, fund or fund family of the Company or Trust are charged directly to the class, fund or fund family (in proportion to net assets). Expenses incurred for all funds (such as director or professional fees) are charged to all funds in proportion to their average net assets of RBB and the Trust, or in such other manner as the Board deems fair or equitable. Offering costs for a new fund are expensed over a 12-month period from the inception date of the fund. Offering costs are charged directly to the fund in which they are incurred. Expenses and fees, including offering costs and administration fees, are accrued daily and taken into account for the purpose of determining the NAV of the Fund.

 

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders — Dividends from net investment income and distributions from net realized capital gains, if any, are declared and paid at least annually to shareholders and recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income dividends and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

 

18

 

 

Campbell Advantage Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

U.S. Tax Status — No provision is made for U.S. income taxes as it is the Fund’s intention to qualify for and elect the tax treatment applicable to regulated investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and make the requisite distributions to its shareholders which will be sufficient to relieve it from U.S. income and excise taxes.

 

For tax purposes, the Subsidiary is an exempted Cayman Islands investment company. The Subsidiary has received an undertaking from the Government of the Cayman Islands exempting it from all local income, profits and capital gains taxes. No such taxes are levied in the Cayman Islands at the present time. For U.S. income tax purposes, the Subsidiary is a Controlled Foreign Corporation and as such is not subject to U.S. income tax.

 

Foreign Currency Translation — Assets and liabilities initially expressed in non-U.S. currencies are translated into U.S. dollars based on the applicable exchange rates at the date of the last business day of the consolidated financial statement period. Purchases and sales of securities, interest income, dividends, variation margin received and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect on the transaction date.

 

The Fund does not separately report the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates from changes in market prices of securities held. Such changes are included with the net realized gain or loss and change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Other foreign currency transactions resulting in realized and unrealized gain or loss are reported separately as net realized gain or loss and change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on foreign currencies in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

 

Currency Risk — Investment in foreign securities involves currency risk associated with securities that trade or are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and which may be affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates. An increase in the strength of the U.S. dollar relative to a foreign currency may cause the U.S. dollar value of an investment in that country to decline. Foreign currencies also are subject to risks caused by inflation, interest rates, budget deficits and low savings rates, political factors and government controls. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts may limit potential gains from a favorable change in value between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. Unanticipated changes in currency pricing may result in poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not engaged in these contracts.

 

Commodity Sector Risk — Exposure to the commodities markets may subject the Fund to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. The value of commodity-linked derivative instruments may be affected by changes in overall market movements, commodity index volatility, changes in interest rates or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs and international economic, political and regulatory developments. The prices of energy, industrial metals, precious metals, agriculture and livestock sector commodities may fluctuate widely due to factors such as changes in value, supply and demand and governmental regulatory policies. The commodity-linked securities in which the Fund invests may be issued by companies in the financial services sector, and events affecting the financial services sector may cause the Fund’s share value to fluctuate.

 

Foreign Securities Market Risk — A substantial portion of the trades of the Fund are expected to take place on markets or exchanges outside the United States. There is no limit to the amount of assets of the Fund that may be committed to trading on foreign markets. The risk of loss in trading foreign futures and options on futures contracts can be substantial. Participation in foreign futures and options on futures contracts involves the execution and clearing of trades on, or subject to the rules of, a foreign board of trade or exchange. Some of these foreign markets, in contrast to U.S. exchanges, are so-called principals’ markets in which performance is the responsibility only of the individual counterparty with whom the trader has entered into a commodity interest transaction and not of the exchange or clearing corporation. In these kinds of markets, there is risk of bankruptcy or other failure or refusal to perform by the counterparty.

 

19

 

 

Campbell Advantage Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

Counterparty Risk — The derivative contracts entered into by the Fund or its Subsidiary may be privately negotiated in the over-the-counter market. These contracts also involve exposure to credit risk, since contract performance depends in part on the financial condition of the counterparty. Relying on a counterparty exposes the Fund to the risk that a counterparty will not settle a transaction in accordance with its terms and conditions because of a dispute over the terms of the contract (whether or not bona fide) or because of a credit or liquidity problem, thus causing the Fund to suffer a loss. If a counterparty defaults on its payment obligations to the Fund, this default will cause the value of an investment in the Fund to decrease.

 

Futures Contracts — The Fund uses futures contracts in the normal course of pursuing its investment objective. Upon entering into a futures contract, the Fund must deposit initial margin in addition to segregating cash or liquid assets sufficient to meet its obligation to purchase or provide securities, or to pay the amount owed at the expiration of an index-based futures contract. Such liquid assets may consist of cash, cash equivalents, liquid debt or equity securities or other acceptable assets. Pursuant to the futures contract, the Fund agrees to receive from, or pay to the broker, an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in value of the contract. Such a receipt of payment is known as “variation margin” and is recorded by the Fund as an unrealized gain or loss. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the proceeds from (or cost of) the closing transactions and the Fund’s basis in the contract. Futures contracts have market risks, including the risk that the change in the value of the contract may not correlate with changes in the value of the underlying securities. Use of long futures contracts subjects the Fund to risk of loss in excess of the amount shown on the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities, up to the notional value of the futures contract. Use of short futures contracts subjects the Fund to unlimited risk of loss.

 

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts — The Fund uses forward foreign currency contracts (“forward contracts”) in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. These contracts are marked-to-market daily at the applicable translation rates. The Fund records realized gains or losses at the time the forward contract is closed. A forward contract is extinguished through a closing transaction or upon delivery of the currency or entering an off setting contract. Risks may arise upon entering these contracts from the potential inability of a counterparty to meet the terms of their contracts and from unanticipated movements in the value of a foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar or other currencies. The Fund’s maximum risk of loss from counterparty credit risk related to forward foreign currency contracts is the fair value of the contract. The risk may be mitigated to some extent if a master netting arrangement between the Fund and the counterparty is in place and to the extent the Fund obtains collateral to cover the Fund’s exposure to the counterparty.

 

Credit Risk — Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer of the security or a counterparty in respect of a derivative instrument will not be able to satisfy its payment obligations to the Fund when due. Changes in an issuer’s credit rating or the market’s perception of an issuer’s creditworthiness may also affect the value of the Fund’s investment in that issuer. Securities rated in the four highest categories by the rating agencies are considered investment grade but they may also have some speculative characteristics. Investment grade ratings do not guarantee that bonds will not lose value or default. In addition, the credit quality of securities may be lowered if an issuer’s financial condition changes.

 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic — The global outbreak of COVID-19 (commonly referred to as “coronavirus”) has disrupted economic markets and the prolonged economic impact is uncertain. Although vaccines for COVID-19 are becoming more widely available, the ultimate economic fallout from the pandemic, and the long-term impact on economies, markets, industries and individual companies are not known. The operational and financial performance of individual companies and the market in general depends on future developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak and the pace of recovery which may vary from market to market, and such uncertainty may in turn adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments, impair the Fund’s ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the Fund’s performance.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents — Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates market value.

 

Other — In the normal course of business, the Fund may enter into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on claims that may be made against the Fund in the future, and, therefore, cannot be estimated; however, the Fund expects the risk of material loss from such claims to be remote.

 

20

 

 

Campbell Advantage Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

2. Investment Adviser and Other Services

 

Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC (“Campbell” or the “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. The Adviser is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Campbell & Company, L.P. The Fund does not pay a fee to Campbell for investment advisory services. The Fund is only available for investment to clients of Campbell, including other investment companies advised by Campbell. Such clients have discretion to pay Campbell an amount deemed to be fair and reasonable.

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (“Fund Services”), doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, serves as administrator for the Fund. For providing administrative and accounting services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Fund Services serves as the Fund’s transfer and dividend disbursing agent. For providing transfer agent services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

U.S. Bank, N.A. (the “Custodian”) provides certain custodial services to the Fund. The Custodian is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Quasar Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of Foreside Financial Group, LLC, serves as the principal underwriter and distributor of the Fund’s shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with RBB.

 

For compensation amounts paid to Fund Services and the Custodian, please refer to the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

 

3. Director and Officer Compensation

 

The Directors of the Company receive an annual retainer and meeting fees for meetings attended. An employee of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serves as President and Chief Compliance Officer of the Company. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company. Employees of RBB serve as Treasurer, Secretary and Director of Marketing & Business Development of the Company. They are compensated for services provided. Certain employees of Fund Services serve as officers of the Company. They are not compensated by the Fund or the Company. For Director and Officer compensation amounts, please refer to the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

 

4. Purchases and Sales of Investment Securities

 

During the current fiscal period, there were no purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments and derivative transactions) or long-term U.S. Government securities by the Fund.

 

5. Federal Income Tax Information

 

The Fund has followed the authoritative guidance on accounting for and disclosure of uncertainty in tax positions, which requires the Fund to determine whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The Fund has determined that there was no effect on the consolidated financial statements from following this authoritative guidance. In the normal course of business, the Fund is subject to examination by federal, state and local jurisdictions, where applicable, for tax years for which applicable statutes of limitations have not expired.

 

21

 

 

Campbell Advantage Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

As of August 31, 2021, the federal tax cost and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments held by the Fund were as follows(a):

 

Federal Tax
Cost

Unrealized
Appreciation

Unrealized
(Depreciation)

Net
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

$6,116,404

$622,438

$(1,637,013)

$(1,014,575)

 

 

(a)

The difference between the book basis and tax basis cost and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments is attributable primarily to futures not regulated by section 1256 of the Internal Revenue Code and timing difference related to taxable income from a wholly owned controlled foreign corporation.

 

Distributions to shareholders, if any, from net investment income and realized gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from net investment income and realized gains recognized for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the character of distributions and composition of net assets for tax purposes may differ from those reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on the tax treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.

 

Permanent differences as of August 31, 2021, primarily attributable to investments in wholly-owned controlled foreign corporation and net operating losses were reclassified among the following accounts:

 

Distributable
Earnings/(Loss)

Paid-In
Capital

$(1,497,712)

$1,497,712

 

As of August 31, 2021, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gains

Qualified
Late-Year
Loss Deferral

Capital Loss
Carryforward

Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

$1,325,255

$—

$—

$(1,897,922)

$(1,459,195)

 

The differences between the book and tax basis components of distributable earnings relate principally to the timing of recognition of income and gains of the Subsidiary for federal income tax purposes. Short-term and foreign currency gains are reported as ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.

 

The tax character of dividends and distributions paid during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2021 and August 31, 2020 was as follows:

 

 

Ordinary
Income

Long-Term
Gains

Total

2021

$—

$—

$—

2020

361,246

382,491

743,737

 

Pursuant to federal income tax rules applicable to regulated investment companies, the Fund may elect to treat certain capital losses between November 1 and August 31 and late year ordinary losses ((i) ordinary losses between January 1 and August 31, and (ii) specified ordinary and currency losses between November 1 and August 31) as occurring on the first day of the following tax year. For the current fiscal period ended August 31, 2021, any amount of losses elected within the tax return will not be recognized for federal income tax purposes until September 1, 2021. As of August 31, 2021, the Fund had no tax basis qualified late-year loss deferral.

 

22

 

 

Campbell Advantage Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Concluded)

August 31, 2021

 

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010, the Fund is permitted to carry forward capital losses for an unlimited period. Additionally, capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses rather than being considered all short-term as under the previous law. As of August 31, 2021, the Fund had $1,230,258 of short term and $667,664 of long term capital loss carryovers to offset future capital gains.

 

6. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS AND REGULATORY UPDATES

 

In October 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“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. Funds will be required to comply with Rule 18f-4 by August 19, 2022. It is not currently clear what impact, if any, Rule 18f-4 will have on the availability, liquidity or performance of derivatives. Management is currently evaluating the potential impact of Rule 18f-4 on the Fund. When fully implemented, Rule 18f-4 may require changes in how the Fund uses derivatives, adversely affect the Fund’s performance and increase costs related to a Fund’s use of derivatives.

 

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 will be required to comply with the rules by September 8, 2022. Management is currently assessing the potential impact of the new rules on the Fund’s financial statements.

 

7. Subsequent Events

 

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Fund through the date the consolidated financial statements were issued and has determined that there were no significant events requiring recognition or disclosure in the consolidated financial statements.

 

23

 

 

Campbell Advantage Fund

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. and
Shareholders of Campbell Advantage Fund

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of assets and liabilities of Campbell Advantage Fund (the “Fund”) (one of the portfolios constituting The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”)), including the consolidated portfolio of investments, as of August 31, 2021, and the related consolidated statement of operations for the year then ended, the consolidated statement of changes in net assets for each of the two years then ended, the consolidated financial highlights for the each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 2021 and the period May 31, 2019 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2019 and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Fund (one of the portfolios constituting The RBB Fund, Inc.) at August 31, 2021, the consolidated results of its operations for the year then ended and the consolidated changes in its net assets for each of the two years then ended, the consolidated financial highlights for the each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 2021 and the period May 31, 2019 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2019, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audit we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 2021, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from brokers were not received. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Campbell & Company investment companies since 2015.

 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
October 29, 2021

 

24

 

 

Campbell Advantage Fund

 

Shareholder Tax Information

(Unaudited)

 

Certain tax information regarding the Fund is required to be provided to shareholders based upon the Fund’s income and distributions for the taxable year ended August 31, 2021. The information and distributions reported herein may differ from information and distributions taxable to the shareholders for the calendar year ended December 31, 2021. During the period ended August 31, 2021, the Fund paid no ordinary income distributions to its shareholders. Dividends from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income dividends for federal tax purposes.

 

The percentage of taxable ordinary income distributions that are designated as short-term capital gain distributions under Internal Revenue Section 871(k)(2)(C) was 0% for the Fund.

 

The percentage of ordinary income dividends qualifying for the 15% dividend tax rate is 0.00%.

 

The percentage of ordinary income dividends qualifying for the corporate dividends received deduction is 0.00%.

 

The Fund designates 100.00% of the ordinary income distributions as qualified short-term gain pursuant to the American Job Creation Act of 2004.

 

Because the Fund’s fiscal year is not the calendar year, another notification will be sent with respect to calendar year 2019. The second notification, which will reflect the amount, if any, to be used by calendar year taxpayers on their U.S. federal income tax returns, will be made in conjunction with Form 1099-DIV and will be mailed in January 2022.

 

Foreign shareholders will generally be subject to U.S. withholding tax on the amount of their ordinary income dividends. They will generally not be entitled to a foreign tax credit or deduction for the withholding taxes paid by the Fund, if any.

 

In general, dividends received by tax exempt recipients (e.g., IRAs and Keoghs) need not be reported as taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, some retirement trusts (e.g., corporate, Keogh and 403(b)(7) plans) may need this information for their annual information reporting.

 

Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the tax consequences of their investment in the Fund.

 

25

 

 

Campbell Advantage Fund

 

Other Information

(Unaudited)

 

Proxy Voting

 

Policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities as well as information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 are available without charge, upon request, by calling (844) 261-6488 and on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Quarterly Portfolio Schedules

 

The Company files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third fiscal quarters of each fiscal year (quarters ended November 30 and May 31) as an exhibit to its report on Form N-PORT. The Company’s Form N-PORT is available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Approval of Investment Advisory Agreements

 

As required by the 1940 Act, the Board, including all of the Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Directors”), considered the renewal of the investment advisory agreement between Campbell and the Company on behalf of the Fund, and the investment advisory agreement between Campbell and the Subsidiary (together, the “Investment Advisory Agreements”) at a meeting of the Board held on May 12-13, 2021 (the “Meeting”). At the Meeting, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, approved the Investment Advisory Agreements for an additional one-year term. The Board’s decision to approve the Investment Advisory Agreements reflects the exercise of its business judgment to continue the existing arrangements. In approving the Investment Advisory Agreements, the Board considered information provided by Campbell with the assistance and advice of counsel to the Independent Directors and the Company.

 

In considering the renewal and approval of the Investment Advisory Agreements, the Directors took into account all the materials provided prior to and during the Meeting and at other meetings throughout the past year, the presentations made during the Meeting, and the discussions held during the Meeting. Among other things, the Directors considered (i) the nature, extent, and quality of Campbell’s services to be provided to the Fund and Subsidiary; (ii) descriptions of the experience and qualifications of Campbell’s personnel providing those services; (iii) Campbell’s investment philosophies and processes; (iv) Campbell’s assets under management and client descriptions; (v) Campbell’s soft dollar commission and trade allocation policies, including information on the types of research and services obtained in connection with soft dollar commissions; (vi) Campbell’s advisory fee arrangement with the Company and other similarly managed clients; (vii) Campbell’s compliance policies and procedures; (viii) Campbell’s financial information, insurance coverage and profitability analysis related to providing advisory services to the Fund and Subsidiary; (ix) the extent to which economies of scale are relevant to the Fund; (x) a report prepared by Broadridge/Lipper comparing the Fund’s management fees and total expense ratio to those of its Lipper peer group; and (xi) a report comparing the performance of the Funds to the performance of its benchmark.

 

As part of their review, the Directors considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by Campbell. The Directors concluded that Campbell had substantial resources to provide services to the Fund and Subsidiary and that Campbell’s services had been acceptable.

 

The Directors also considered the investment performance of the Fund, noting that the Fund had commenced investment operations on May 31, 2019. The Directors noted that the Fund had underperformed its benchmark index (the BarclayHedge BTOP50 Index) for the year-to-date, one-year, and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2021. The Directors noted that the Fund ranked in the 4th quintile within its Lipper Performance Group for the one-year period and in the 5th quintile for the since-inception period ended December 31, 2020.

 

The Board also considered that no advisory fee was payable by the Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreements. The Directors then noted that the actual advisor fee of the Fund ranked in the 1st quintile of the Fund’s Lipper Expense Group, and that the total expenses of the Fund ranked in the 5th quintile of its Lipper Expense Group.

 

26

 

 

Campbell Advantage Fund

 

Other Information (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

After reviewing the information regarding the Fund’s costs, Campbell’s estimated profitability and economies of scale, and after considering Campbell’s services, the Directors concluded that the investment advisory fees to be paid by the Fund were fair and reasonable and that the Investment Advisory Agreements should be approved for an additional annual period ending August 16, 2022.

 

27

 

 

Campbell Advantage Fund

 

Company Management

(Unaudited)

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company is organized under and managed pursuant to Maryland law. The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below. The statement of additional information (“SAI”) includes additional information about the Directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-844-261-6488.

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s) Held with Company

Term of Office and Length of Time Served1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Julian A. Brodsky
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 88

Director

1988 to present

From 1969 to 2011, Director and Vice Chairman, Comcast Corporation (cable television and communications).

46

AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).

J. Richard Carnall
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 82

Director

2002 to present

Since 1984, Director of Haydon Bolts, Inc. (bolt manufacturer) and Parkway Real Estate Company (subsidiary of Haydon Bolts, Inc.); since 2004, Director of Cornerstone Bank.

46

None.

Gregory P. Chandler
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 54

Director

2012 to present

Since 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Herspiegel Consulting LLC (life sciences consulting services); 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Avocado Systems Inc. (cyber security software provider); 2009-2020, Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services).

46

Emtec, Inc. (until December 2019); FS Investment Corporation (business development company) (until December 2018); FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company).

Nicholas A. Giordano
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 78

Director

2006 to present

Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations.

46

IntriCon Corporation (biomedical device manufacturer); Kalmar Pooled Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until September 2017); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance) (until 2021).

Arnold M. Reichman
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 73

Chairman

 

Director

2005 to present

 

1991 to present

Retired.

46

EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company).

 

28

 

 

Campbell Advantage Fund

 

Company Management (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s) Held with Company

Term of Office and Length of Time Served1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

Brian T. Shea
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 61

Director

2018 to present

From 2014-2017, Chief Executive Officer, BNY Mellon Investment Services (fund services, global custodian and securities clearing firm); from 1983-2014, Chief Executive Officer and various positions, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm).

46

WisdomTree Investments, Inc. (asset management company) (until March 2019); Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (financial services technology company); Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (financial services company).

Robert A. Straniere
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 80

Director

2006 to present

Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm).

46

None.

INTERESTED DIRECTOR2

Robert Sablowsky
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 83

Vice Chairman

 

Director

2016 to present

 

1991 to present

Since 2002, Senior Director – Investments and, prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer).

46

None.

OFFICERS

Salvatore Faia, JD, CPA, CFE
Vigilant Compliance, LLC Gateway Corporate Center, Suite 216
223 Wilmington West Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Age: 58

President

 

Chief Compliance Officer

2009 to present

 

2004 to present

Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company); since 2021, President and Chief Compliance Officer of Penn Capital Funds Trust.

N/A

N/A

James G. Shaw
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 60

Treasurer and Secretary

2016 to present

Treasurer and Secretary of The RBB Fund, Inc. (since 2016) and Penn Capital Funds Trust (since 2021); from 2005 to 2016, Assistant Treasurer of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 1995 to 2016, Senior Director and Vice President of BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (financial services company).

N/A

N/A

Craig A. Urciuoli
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 46

Director of Marketing & Business Development

2019 to present

Director of Marketing & Business Development of The RBB Fund, Inc. (since 2019) and Penn Capital Funds Trust (since 2021); from 2000-2019, Managing Director, Third Avenue Management LLC.

N/A

N/A

 

 

29

 

 

Campbell Advantage Fund

 

Company Management (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s) Held with Company

Term of Office and Length of Time Served1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

Jennifer Witt
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 38

Assistant Treasurer

2018 to present

Since 2020, Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (fund administrative services firm); from 2016 to 2020, Assistant Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services; from 2007 to 2016, Supervisor, Nuveen Investments (registered investment company).

N/A

N/A

Edward Paz
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 50

Assistant Secretary

2016 to present

Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm).

N/A

N/A

Michael P. Malloy
One Logan Square
Ste. 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 62

Assistant Secretary

1999 to present

Since 1993, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

Jillian L. Bosmann
One Logan Square
Ste. 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 42

Assistant Secretary

2017 to present

Since 2017, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

 

*

Each Director oversees 46 portfolios of the fund complex, consisting of the series in the Company and Penn Capital Funds Trust (7 portfolios).

 

1

Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his or her successor is elected and qualified or his or her death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Carnall, Giordano, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.

 

2

Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

 

30

 

 

Campbell Advantage Fund

 

Company Management (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive-level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Carnall has decades of senior executive-level management experience in the banking and financial services industry and also serves on the boards of various corporations and a bank. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Mr. Shea has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the brokerage, clearing and investment services industry, including service on the boards of industry regulatory organizations and a university.

 

31

 

 

Campbell Advantage Fund

 

Privacy Notice

(Unaudited)

 

Campbell Advantage Fund

FACTS

WHAT DOES THE Campbell Advantage Fund DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?

Why?

Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.

What?

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

● Social Security number

● account balances

● account transactions

● transaction history

● wire transfer instructions

● checking account information

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

How?

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

       

Reasons we can share your personal information

Does the Campbell
Advantage Fund share?

Can you limit this sharing?

For our everyday business purposes —
such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus

Yes

No

For our marketing purposes —
to offer our products and services to you

Yes

No

For joint marketing with other financial companies

No

We do not share.

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes —
information about your transactions and experiences

Yes

No

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes —
information about your creditworthiness

No

We do not share.

For our affiliates to market to you

No

We do not share.

For nonaffiliates to market to you

No

We do not share.

 

Questions?

Call 1-844-261-6488

 

 

32

 

 

Campbell Advantage Fund

 

Privacy Notice (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

What we do

 

How does the Campbell Advantage Fund protect my personal information?

To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings.

How does the Campbell Advantage Fund collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

● open an account

● provide account information

● give us your contact information

● make a wire transfer

● tell us where to send the money

We also collect your information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

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

● affiliates from using your information to market to you

● sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

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

Definitions

 

Affiliates

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

Our affiliates include Campbell Advantage Fund’s investment adviser, Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC.

Nonaffiliates

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

The Campbell Advantage Fund doesn’t share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you.

Joint marketing

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

The Campbell Advantage Fund does not jointly market.

 

 

33

 

 

Campbell Advantage Fund

 

Affirmation of the Commodity Pool Operator

August 31, 2021

 

As required by the 1940 Act, the Board, including all of the Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Directors”), considered the renewal of the investment advisory agreement between Campbell and the Company on behalf of the Fund, and the investment advisory agreement between Campbell and the Subsidiary (together, the “Investment Advisory Agreements”) at a meeting of the Board held on May 12-13, 2021 (the “Meeting”). At the Meeting, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, approved the Investment Advisory Agreements for an additional one-year term. The Board’s decision to approve the Investment Advisory Agreements reflects the exercise of its business judgment to continue the existing arrangement. In approving the Investment Advisory Agreements, the Board considered information provided by Campbell with the assistance and advice of counsel to the Independent Directors and the Company.

 

In considering the renewal and approval of the Investment Advisory Agreements, the Directors took into account all the materials provided prior to and during the Meeting and at other meetings throughout the past year, the presentations made during the Meeting, and the discussions held during the Meeting. Among other things, the Directors considered (i) the nature, extent, and quality of Campbell’s services to be provided to the Fund; (ii) descriptions of the experience and qualifications of Campbell’s personnel providing those services; (iii) Campbell’s investment philosophies and processes; (iv) Campbell’s assets under management and client descriptions; (v) Campbell’s soft dollar commission and trade allocation policies, including information on the types of research and services obtained in connection with soft dollar commissions; (vi) Campbell’s advisory fee arrangement with the Company and other similarly managed clients; (vii) Campbell’s compliance policies and procedures; (viii) Campbell’s financial information, insurance coverage and profitability analysis related to providing advisory services to the Fund; (ix) the extent to which economies of scale are relevant to the Fund; (x) a report prepared by Broadridge/Lipper comparing the Fund’s management fees and total expense ratio to those of its Lipper peer group; and (xi) a report comparing the performance of the Funds to the performance of their respective benchmark.

 

As part of their review, the Directors considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by Campbell. The Directors concluded that Campbell had substantial resources to provide services to the Fund and that Campbell’s services had been acceptable.

 

The Directors also considered the investment performance of the Fund, noting that the Fund had commenced investment operations on May 31, 2019. The Directors noted that the Campbell Advantage Fund had underperformed its benchmark index (Barclay BTOP50 Index) for the year-to-date, one-year, and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2021. The Directors noted that the Fund ranked in the 4th quintile within its Lipper Performance Group for the one-year period and in the 5th quintile for the since-inception period ended December 31, 2020.

 

The Board also considered that no advisory fee was payable by the Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreement. The Directors then noted that the actual advisor fee of the Fund ranked in the 1st quintile of the Fund’s Lipper Expense Group, and that the total expenses of the Fund ranked in the 5th quintile of its Lipper Expense Group.

 

After reviewing the information regarding the Fund’s costs, Campbell’s estimated profitability and economies of scale, and after considering Campbell’s services, the Directors concluded that the investment advisory fees to be paid by the Fund were fair and reasonable and that the Investment Advisory Agreements should be approved for an additional annual period ending August 16, 2022.

 

34

 

 

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Investment Adviser
Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC
2850 Quarry Lake Drive
Baltimore, Maryland 21209

 

Administrator and Transfer Agent
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201

 

Custodian
U.S. Bank, N.A.
1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, WI 53212

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Ernst & Young LLP
One Commerce Square
2005 Market Street, Suite 700
Philadelphia, PA 19103

 

Legal Counsel
Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
One Logan Square, Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103-6996

 

CAAD-AR21

 

 

 

 

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

of

 

THE RBB FUND, INC.

 

 

Class A (TICKER: EBSAX)

Class C (TICKER: EBSCX)

Class I (TICKER: EBSIX)

Annual Report

 

 

August 31, 2021

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report
(Unaudited)

 

FUND PERFORMANCE AND MARKET COMMENTARY

 

The performance of the Fund was down in September 2020, with losses in equity indices partially offset by gains in fixed income, commodities and foreign exchange. From a strategy perspective, losses came from the Fund’s trend following and short-term strategies, while the Fund’s systematic macro strategies gained.

 

From a markets perspective, September had a pronounced risk-off tone. Over-bought conditions in US tech stocks, a lack of progress on another US fiscal stimulus package, signs that the global economic recovery was stalling, US presidential election uncertainty, and signs that a new wave of COVID-19 cases was emerging in a variety of regions around the globe led to a general risk-off malaise. In the UK and EU regions, fresh virus outbreaks linked with concerns of a “no deal” Brexit weighed on markets. In commodities, many markets fell due to the US dollar’s strength and concern over global growth prospects.

 

The performance of the Fund was up in October 2020, with gains in commodities and foreign exchange and losses in equity indices and fixed income. From a strategy perspective, gains came from the Fund’s short-term strategies, while the Fund’s trend following and systematic macro strategies were down.

 

From a markets perspective, regional developments in the fight against COVID-19 drove market returns, while a cross current of news and events, including speculation on the upcoming US election, led to volatile price action. In equity markets, European indices saw steep losses and, to a lesser extent, so did US indexes, while many markets in Asia actually produced gains. Many Asian countries experienced improved economic growth due to better control over new COVID-19 outbreaks. European markets, on the other hand, saw a resurgence of COVID-19 infections in the region, which prompted flight-to-safety buying as governments announced new lockdown measures.

 

The performance of the Fund was up in November 2020, with gains in commodities and equity indices and losses in foreign exchange and fixed income. From a strategy perspective, gains came from the Fund’s systematic macro, trend following and short-term strategies.

 

From a markets perspective, global stock markets rallied early in November after the US presidential and congressional election results indicated a divided government in the US and concerns over a disputed presidential election result began to fade. The optimism continued throughout the month as several pharmaceutical companies reported promising results from COVID-19 vaccine trials. Flight-to-safety buying dissipated in November with the absence of US election surprises and encouraging vaccine news, and demand for US, Australian and UK 10-years notes fell.

 

The performance of the Fund was up in December 2020, with gains in commodities, equity indices and foreign exchange and losses in fixed income. From a strategy perspective, gains came from the Fund’s systematic macro and trend following strategies, while losses occurred in the Fund’s short-term strategies.

 

From a markets perspective, many stock markets around the globe rallied as COVID-19 vaccines began to be distributed, the US Congress passed a long-awaited COVID-19 fiscal stimulus package that President Trump signed into law, and the UK and European Union came to a settlement on a Brexit separation agreement. These same factors narrowed credit spreads in the US and European markets and pushed fixed income prices lower in the US and Australia. Brexit uncertainty throughout the month led to higher prices in UK and German 10-year notes.

 

The performance of the Fund was down in January 2021, with gains in commodities more than offset by losses in fixed income, equity indices and foreign exchange. From a strategy perspective, losses came from the Fund’s trend following and short-term strategies, while gains came from the Fund’s systematic macro strategies.

 

From a markets perspective, US yields pushed higher as Democrats took control of the Senate and expectations of a large-scale fiscal stimulus package increased. In equity markets, many indexes gained early in January only to reverse later in the month as risk aversion took hold. Concerns about liquidity-induced asset bubbles, retail-driven stock volatility in companies with high levels of outstanding short positions, and limited vaccine availability and distribution hurdles all contributed to the risk-off sentiment. In foreign exchange markets, Latin American currencies were the top underperformers, sinking on regional spreading of the COVID-19 virus and slow vaccine rollouts in the region.

 

1

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)
(Unaudited)

 

The performance of the Fund gained in February 2021, with gains in commodities, equity indices, and foreign exchange more than offsetting losses in fixed income. From a strategy perspective, gains came from the Fund’s short-term and trend following strategies, while losses came from the Fund’s systematic macro strategies.

 

From a markets perspective, declining COVID-19 infection rates, improving COVID-19 vaccine distribution trends, and expectations for the passage of President Biden’s large US fiscal stimulus package all served as major tailwinds for global stock markets. Global yields also moved higher as growing concerns about mounting inflationary pressures sparked by pent-up demand from COVID-19 lockdowns combined with massive monetary and fiscal stimulus. In commodity markets, many commodities appreciated, led by energy markets, on declining COVID-19 infection trends, US dollar weakness, and strong expected demand.

 

The performance of the Fund gained in March 2021, with gains in foreign exchange, equity indices, and commodities and flat performance in fixed income. From a strategy perspective, gains came from the Fund’s systematic macro, short-term and trend following strategies.

 

From a markets perspective, global equity indices broadly rose throughout March and the US dollar strengthened. Risk-on market conditions pushed US equities to all-time highs, with investors focusing on the successful rollout of another round of stimulus payments as well as continued progress in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. These factors also led to a stronger US dollar against other major currencies, particularly the Japanese yen, which also suffered as market participants generally anticipated buyers would look overseas, undermining the currency. In Europe, although equity markets initially fell, a spike in COVID-19 cases and reinstatement of government lockdowns did little to prevent indices from following their US counterparts to all-time highs.

 

The performance of the Fund gained in April 2021, with gains in commodities and equity indices, and losses in foreign exchange and fixed income. From a strategy perspective, gains came from the Fund’s short-term, systematic macro, and trend following strategies.

 

From a markets perspective, most major global equity indexes advanced during the month as ongoing fiscal and monetary stimulus, especially from the US, along with strong corporate earnings and improving COVID-19 vaccination rates created an ideal environment for equity appreciation. In currency markets, the US dollar experienced a wide-breadth selloff on the US Federal Reserve’s (“Fed”) dovish assurances and President Biden’s expansionary fiscal policy measures. Many global bond prices also fell (yields rose) due to growing inflation concerns. Commodity markets generally rallied, particularly grains and energies, as demand expectations picked up.

 

The performance of the Fund gained in May 2021, with gains in commodities, foreign exchange, and equity indices and losses in fixed income. From a strategy perspective, gains came from the Fund’s systematic macro, short-term, and trend following strategies.

 

From a markets perspective, many global stock indexes advanced during the month as economic reopening progress from the pandemic linked with ongoing monetary and fiscal stimulus to create a risk-on backdrop for stocks. Central banks generally held firm on continued easing, with European Central Bank and Fed officials pushing back against market expectations that both central banks would consider reducing quantitative easing measures in the near term. Commentary from the US Federal Open Market Committee (“FOMC”) furthered this theme, as the drumbeat of dovish commentary from FOMC officials insisted that any inflationary pressures would be transitory, weakening the US dollar and sending gold futures higher by over 7% during the month.

 

The performance of the Fund was relatively flat in June 2021, with gains in commodities and equity indices offset by losses in foreign exchange and fixed income. From a strategy perspective, gains came from the Fund’s systematic macro strategies, while the Fund’s short-term and trend following strategies were down.

 

From a markets perspective, ongoing monetary and fiscal stimulus, accompanied by improving COVID-19 vaccination rates and expanding economic reopening, provided a tailwind for global equity markets and pushed the US NASDAQ and S&P 500 indexes to new all-time highs during the month. The US dollar and US fixed income prices increased

 

2

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Concluded)
(Unaudited)

 

when, during the mid-month FOMC meeting, Fed Chair Powell mentioned tapering and described the increase in inflation as largely reflecting transitory factors. In commodity markets, oil markets rallied amid improving demand dynamics linked with tighter supplies.

 

The performance of the Fund gained in July 2021, with gains in fixed income and commodities and losses in equity indices and foreign exchange. From a strategy perspective, gains came from the Fund’s trend following strategies, while small losses occurred in the Fund’s systematic macro strategies and the performance of the Fund’s short-term strategies was flat.

 

From a markets perspective, growing risks of rising COVID-19 Delta variant infections, inflation, and supply-side disruptions pressured markets as many continued to weigh ongoing accommodative central bank policies against the likelihood of a slowed global economic recovery. In equity markets, US indices gained on the back of strong Q2 earnings results, while many Asian indices fell due to concerns that the spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant could dampen recovery momentum. The US dollar also traded mostly weaker in July, a reversal from wide-breadth strength experienced in June 2021. Fed officials said that the job market still had “some ground to cover,” meaning that further job growth was likely required, which took some of the momentum out of the US dollar. Commodity markets continued their rally on increased demand and rising inflation concerns.

 

The performance of the Fund was down in August 2021, with gains in equity indices more than offset by losses in commodities, fixed income and foreign exchange. From a strategy perspective, losses came from the Fund’s systematic macro and short-term strategies, while the Fund’s trend following strategies gained.

 

From a markets perspective, most major global stock indexes finished August with gains as ongoing fiscal and monetary support continued to provide a tailwind for equities. Another catalyst for risk-on buying was optimism surrounding an increase in vaccination rates to combat the surging COVID-19 Delta variant. In rate markets, the Fed and European Central Bank began to prepare markets for a possible scaling back of quantitative easing measures amid elevated inflation readings, sending longer-dated rates higher.

 

This material must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus.

 

Mutual funds involve risk including possible loss of principal. Investments in Managed Futures are speculative, involve substantial risk, and are not suitable for all investors. There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. Exposure to the commodities markets may subject the Fund to greater volatility. These contracts also involve exposure to credit risk, since contract performance depends in part on the financial condition of the counterparty. Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer of the security will not be able to make principal and interest payments when due. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the US or abroad. Derivative instruments come in many varieties and have a wide range of potential risks and rewards, and may include futures contracts, options on futures contracts, options, swaps, and forward currency exchange contracts. Derivatives typically have economic leverage inherent in their terms. The use of leverage tends to exaggerate the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities or other investments. Furthermore, derivative instruments and futures contracts are highly volatile and are subject to occasional rapid and substantial fluctuations. Investments in foreign securities could subject the Fund to greater risks including, currency fluctuation, economic conditions, and different governmental and accounting standards, derivative instruments and futures contracts are highly volatile and are subject to occasional rapid and substantial fluctuations. Foreign security risks are magnified in emerging markets. The Fund is non-diversified which means it may be invested in fewer securities at any one time than a diversified fund.

 

Opinions expressed are subject to change at any time, are not guaranteed, and should not be considered investment advice.

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund is distributed by Quasar Distributors, LLC. Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC is the Investment Manager of the Fund and a federally registered investment adviser. Quasar Distributors is not affiliated with Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC.

 

3

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Performance Data
August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in
Campbell Systematic Macro Fund - Class A vs. BarclayHedge BTOP50 Index and S&P 500® Total Return Index

 

 

This chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 initial investment, adjusted for the Class A Shares maximum sales charge of 3.50% to a net initial investment of $9,650, in the Class A Shares is made on March 8, 2013 (commencement of operations) and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the BarclayHedge BTOP50 Index and S&P 500® Total Return Index are unmanaged, do not incur expenses and are not available for investment.

 

Average annual total returns for the periods ended AUGUST 31, 2021

 
 

ONE
YEAR

THREE
YEARS

FIVE
YEARS

SINCE
INCEPTION(1)

 

Class A Shares (without sales charge)

16.03%

7.46%

2.49%

2.91%

 

Class A Shares (with sales charge)

12.02%

6.18%

1.76%

2.48%

 

BarclayHedge BTOP50 Index (2)(3)

13.60%

5.95%

1.90%

2.15%

 

S&P 500® Total Return Index (2)(4)

31.17%

18.07%

18.02%

15.71%

 

 

(1)

The Fund commenced operations on March 8, 2013 as a separate portfolio (the “Predecessor Fund”) of Equinox Funds Trust. Effective May 29, 2020, the Predecessor Fund was reorganized as a new series of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Reorganization”). The performance shown for periods prior to May 29, 2020 represents the performance of the Predecessor Fund.

 

(2)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Class only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

(3)

The BarclayHedge BTOP50 Index (“BTOP50 Index”) seeks to replicate the overall composition of the managed futures industry with regard to trading style and overall market exposure. The BTOP50 Index employs a top-down approach in selecting its constituents. The largest investable trading advisor programs, as measured by assets under management, are selected for inclusion in the BTOP50 Index. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

(4)

This is not a primary benchmark of the Fund. Results of the S&P 500® Total Return Index are presented for general comparative purposes. The S&P 500® Total Return Index is a widely accepted, unmanaged index of U.S. stock market performance which does not take into account charges, fees and other expenses. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

4

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Performance Data (Continued)
August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Effective January 15, 2021, the outstanding Class P Shares of the Fund were converted into Class A Shares of the Fund. Class A Shares of the Fund have a 3.50% maximum sales charge. Prior to February 16, 2021, the Class A Shares of the Fund had a 5.75% maximum sales charge.

 

Performance data quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the returns quoted above. Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Call the Fund at 1-844-261-6488 for returns current to the most recent month-end.

 

The performance data quoted reflects fee waivers in effect and would have been less in their absence. The Fund’s total annual operating expense ratio for Class A Shares, as stated in the current prospectus dated December 31, 2020, as supplemented, is 2.36% and the Fund’s net operating expense ratio after waivers for Class A Shares is 2.00%. Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for Class A Shares to 2.00% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2021 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. Please see the Consolidated Financial Highlights for current figures.

 

An investment in the Fund is speculative and involves substantial risk. The Fund is not suitable for all investors. It is possible that an investor may lose some or all of its investment. The Fund invests in long and short positions in futures, forwards and spot contracts, each of which may be tied to commodities, financial indices and instruments, foreign currencies, or equity indices. The Fund also invests in investment grade fixed income securities of all durations and maturities. The Fund may be more volatile than investments in traditional securities. Losses on futures and other derivatives can be caused by unanticipated market movements and may be potentially unlimited. Commodities, currencies, foreign investments, and interest rate-linked instruments each entail special risks. The Fund is non-diversified; therefore gains or losses on a single holding may have a relatively great impact on the Fund. A more complete description of the Fund’s risks can be found in its prospectus, which should be read carefully before investing.

 

Portfolio composition is subject to change.

 

5

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Performance Data (Continued)
August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in
Campbell Systematic Macro Fund - Class C vs. BarclayHedge BTOP50 Index and S&P 500® Total Return Index

 

 

This chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 initial investment in the Class C Shares is made on February 11, 2014 (commencement of operations) and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the BarclayHedge BTOP50 Index and S&P 500® Total Return Index are unmanaged, do not incur expenses and are not available for investment.

 

Average annual total returns for the periods ended AUGUST 31, 2021

 
 

ONE
YEAR

THREE
YEARS

FIVE
YEARS

SINCE
INCEPTION(1)

 

Class C Shares

15.11%

6.63%

1.71%

3.05%

 

BarclayHedge BTOP50 Index (2)(3)

13.60%

5.95%

1.90%

2.89%

 

S&P 500® Total Return Index (2)(4)

31.17%

18.07%

18.02%

15.06%

 

 

(1)

Class C Shares of the Fund commenced operations on February 11, 2014 in a separate portfolio (the “Predecessor Fund”) of Equinox Funds Trust. Effective May 29, 2020, the Predecessor Fund was reorganized as a new series of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Reorganization”). The performance shown for periods prior to May 29, 2020 represents the performance of the Predecessor Fund.

 

(2)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Class only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

(3)

The BarclayHedge BTOP50 Index (“BTOP50 Index”) seeks to replicate the overall composition of the managed futures industry with regard to trading style and overall market exposure. The BTOP50 Index employs a top-down approach in selecting its constituents. The largest investable trading advisor programs, as measured by assets under management, are selected for inclusion in the BTOP50 Index. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

(4)

This is not a primary benchmark of the Fund. Results of the S&P 500® Total Return Index are presented for general comparative purposes. The S&P 500® Total Return Index is a widely accepted, unmanaged index of U.S. stock market performance which does not take into account charges, fees and other expenses. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

6

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Performance Data (Continued)
August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Performance data quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the returns quoted above. Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Call the Fund at 1-844-261-6488 for returns current to the most recent month-end.

 

The performance data quoted reflects fee waivers in effect and would have been less in their absence. The Fund’s total annual operating expense ratio for Class C Shares, as stated in the current prospectus dated December 31, 2020, as supplemented, is 3.11% and the Fund’s net operating expense ratio after waivers for Class C Shares is 2.75%. Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for Class C Shares to 2.75% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2021 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. Please see the Consolidated Financial Highlights for current figures.

 

An investment in the Fund is speculative and involves substantial risk. The Fund is not suitable for all investors. It is possible that an investor may lose some or all of its investment. The Fund invests in long and short positions in futures, forwards and spot contracts, each of which may be tied to commodities, financial indices and instruments, foreign currencies, or equity indices. The Fund also invests in investment grade fixed income securities of all durations and maturities. The Fund may be more volatile than investments in traditional securities. Losses on futures and other derivatives can be caused by unanticipated market movements and may be potentially unlimited. Commodities, currencies, foreign investments, and interest rate-linked instruments each entail special risks. The Fund is non-diversified; therefore gains or losses on a single holding may have a relatively great impact on the Fund. A more complete description of the Fund’s risks can be found in its prospectus, which should be read carefully before investing.

 

Portfolio composition is subject to change.

 

7

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Performance Data (Continued)
August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $100,000 Investment in
Campbell Systematic Macro Fund - Class I vs. BarclayHedge BTOP50 Index and S&P 500® Total Return Index

 

 

This chart assumes a hypothetical $100,000 initial investment in the Class I Shares is made on March 8, 2013 (commencement of operations) and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the BarclayHedge BTOP50 Index and S&P 500® Total Return Index are unmanaged, do not incur expenses and are not available for investment.

 

Average annual total returns for the periods ended AUGUST 31, 2021

 
 

ONE
YEAR

THREE
YEARS

FIVE
YEARS

SINCE
INCEPTION(1)

 

Class I Shares

16.34%

7.74%

2.74%

3.17%

 

BarclayHedge BTOP50 Index (2)(3)

13.60%

5.95%

1.90%

2.15%

 

S&P 500® Total Return Index (2)(4)

31.17%

18.07%

18.02%

15.71%

 

 

(1)

The Fund commenced operations on March 8, 2013 as a separate portfolio (the “Predecessor Fund”) of Equinox Funds Trust. Effective May 29, 2020, the Predecessor Fund was reorganized as a new series of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Reorganization”). The performance shown for periods prior to May 29, 2020 represents the performance of the Predecessor Fund.

 

(2)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Class only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

(3)

The BarclayHedge BTOP50 Index (“BTOP50 Index”) seeks to replicate the overall composition of the managed futures industry with regard to trading style and overall market exposure. The BTOP50 Index employs a top-down approach in selecting its constituents. The largest investable trading advisor programs, as measured by assets under management, are selected for inclusion in the BTOP50 Index. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

(4)

This is not a primary benchmark of the Fund. Results of the S&P 500® Total Return Index are presented for general comparative purposes. The S&P 500® Total Return Index is a widely accepted, unmanaged index of U.S. stock market performance which does not take into account charges, fees and other expenses. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

8

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Performance Data (Continued)
August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Performance data quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the returns quoted above. Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Call the Fund at 1-844-261-6488 for returns current to the most recent month-end.

 

The performance data quoted reflects fee waivers in effect and would have been less in their absence. The Fund’s total annual operating expense ratio for Class I Shares, as stated in the current prospectus dated December 31, 2020, as supplemented, is 2.11% and the Fund’s net operating expense ratio after waivers is for Class I Shares 1.75%. Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for Class I Shares to 1.75% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2021 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. Please see the Consolidated Financial Highlights for current figures.

 

An investment in the Fund is speculative and involves substantial risk. The Fund is not suitable for all investors. It is possible that an investor may lose some or all of its investment. The Fund invests in long and short positions in futures, forwards and spot contracts, each of which may be tied to commodities, financial indices and instruments, foreign currencies, or equity indices. The Fund also invests in investment grade fixed income securities of all durations and maturities. The Fund may be more volatile than investments in traditional securities. Losses on futures and other derivatives can be caused by unanticipated market movements and may be potentially unlimited. Commodities, currencies, foreign investments, and interest rate-linked instruments each entail special risks. The Fund is non-diversified; therefore gains or losses on a single holding may have a relatively great impact on the Fund. A more complete description of the Fund’s risks can be found in its prospectus, which should be read carefully before investing.

 

Portfolio composition is subject to change.

 

 

9

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Performance Data (Concluded)
August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Standard & Poor’s 500 Composite Stock Index (S&P 500 Index)

 

The 500 stocks in the S&P 500 are chosen by Standard & Poor’s based on industry representation, liquidity and stability. The stocks in the S&P 500 are not the 500 largest companies; rather the Index is designed to capture the returns of many different sectors of the U.S. economy. This index includes dividends reinvested.

 

NASDAQ Composite Index

 

Measures all NASDAQ domestic and non-U.S. based common stocks listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market (currently over 3,000 companies). The Index is market-value weighted. This means that each company’s security affects the Index in proportion to its market value. The market value, the last sale price multiplied by total shares outstanding, is calculated throughout the trading day, and is related to the total value of the Index.

 

10

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Fund Expense Example

August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

 

This example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period from March 1, 2021 through August 31, 2021, and held for the entire period.

 

Actual Expenses

 

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

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

 

The second line of the accompanying table provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the accompanying table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs. Therefore, the second line of the accompanying table 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
March 1, 2021

Ending
Account Value
August 31, 2021

Expenses
Pa
id During
Period *

Annualized
Expense
Ratio

Actual
Six-Month Total
Investment
Return for the
Fund

Actual

         

Class A

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,096.30

$ 10.73

2.03%

9.63%

Class C

1,000.00

1,095.20

14.68

2.78

9.52

Class I

1,000.00

1,098.50

9.42

1.78

9.85

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

         

Class A

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,014.97

$ 10.31

2.03%

N/A

Class C

1,000.00

1,011.19

14.09

2.78

N/A

Class I

1,000.00

1,016.23

9.05

1.78

N/A

 

 

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized six-month expense ratio for the period March 1, 2021 to August 31, 2021, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184) in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by 365 to reflect the one half year period. The Fund’s ending account values on the first line in the table is based on the actual six-month total investment return for the Fund.

 

11

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio Holdings Summary Table

August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

The following table presents a consolidated summary of the portfolio holdings of the Fund:

 

   

% of Net
Assets

   

Value

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS:

               

U.S. Treasury Bills

    68.4 %   $ 96,491,595  

MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT ACCOUNT:

               

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account

    9.9       13,993,774  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES (including futures and forward foreign currency contracts)

    21.7       30,529,677  

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 141,015,046  

 

 

The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by allocating its assets among derivatives and fixed income securities.

 

As a result of the Fund’s use of derivatives, the Fund may hold significant amounts of U.S. Treasuries or short-term investments.

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

Refer to the Consolidated Portfolio Investments for a detailed listing of the Fund’s holdings.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
12

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments

August 31, 2021

 

 

Coupon*

Maturity
Date

 

Par
(000’s)

   

Value

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 68.4%

                   

U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS — 68.4%

                   

United States Treasury Bill

0.016%

09/02/21

  $ 20,000     $ 19,999,986  

United States Treasury Bill

0.015%

10/14/21

    20,000       19,999,164  

United States Treasury Bill

0.015%

11/12/21

    18,500       18,498,243  

United States Treasury Bill

0.020%

12/16/21

    20,000       19,997,644  

United States Treasury Bill

0.025%

02/10/22

    18,000       17,996,558  

TOTAL U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS

                   

(Cost $96,495,875)

    96,491,595  
                     
       

Number
of Shares
(000’s)

         

MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT ACCOUNT — 9.9%

                   

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 0.01%(a)

    13,994       13,993,774  

TOTAL MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT ACCOUNT

                   

(Cost $13,993,774)

    13,993,774  
                     

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

                   

(Cost $110,489,649)

    110,485,369  
                     

TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 78.3%

                   

(Cost $110,489,649)

    110,485,369  
                     

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES — 21.7%

    30,529,677  

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

  $ 141,015,046  

 

 

*

Short-term investments’ coupon reflects the annualized yield on the date of purchase for discounted investments.

(a)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2021.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
13

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

Futures contracts outstanding as of August 31, 2021 were as follows:

 

Long Contracts

Expiration
Date

Number of
Contracts

 

Notional
Cost

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

90-Day Euro

Dec-22

1,158

  $ 288,284,100     $ 110,400  

Australian 3-Year Bond

Sep-21

306

    26,222,733       34,255  

Australian 10-Year Bond

Sep-21

198

    21,119,990       (32,891 )

Brent Crude

Dec-21

143

    10,153,000       56,374  

Canadian 10-Year Bond

Dec-21

5

    579,123       861  

Cattle Feeder Futures

Oct-21

39

    3,271,125       37,310  

Cocoa

Dec-21

74

    1,879,600       33,767  

Copper

Dec-21

20

    2,187,500       101,114  

Corn

Dec-21

245

    6,544,562       (227,841 )

Cotton No.2

Dec-21

43

    1,989,395       (16,610 )

DJIA Mini E-CBOT

Sep-21

29

    5,124,300       44,420  

Euro BUXL 30-Year Bond Futures

Sep-21

31

    7,778,916       (109,139 )

Euro-Bobl

Sep-21

237

    37,769,671       (71,428 )

Euro-BTP

Sep-21

52

    9,411,845       (51,013 )

Euro-Bund

Sep-21

477

    98,816,476       (614,298 )

Euro-Oat

Sep-21

82

    15,605,677       (88,939 )

FTSE/JSE TOP 40

Sep-21

20

    832,066       (8,473 )

FTSE/MIB Index

Sep-21

20

    3,071,128       45,612  

Gasoline RBOB

Oct-21

2

    179,920       (1,093 )

Gold 100 Oz

Dec-21

40

    7,272,400       3,373  

Hang Seng Index

Sep-21

59

    9,768,536       102,663  

IBEX 35 Index

Sep-21

41

    4,273,213       (32,904 )

JPN 10-Year Bond (Osaka Securities Exchange)

Sep-21

10

    13,830,841       (8,145 )

Kansas City Hard Red Winter Wheat

Dec-21

3

    106,800       (2,234 )

Live Cattle

Oct-21

147

    7,461,720       (94,174 )

London Metals Exchange Aluminum

Sep-21

406

    27,536,950       2,460,618  

London Metals Exchange Aluminum

Dec-21

83

    5,637,256       179,400  

London Metals Exchange Copper

Sep-21

254

    60,485,337       (671,010 )

London Metals Exchange Copper

Dec-21

87

    20,708,719       430,878  

London Metals Exchange Nickel

Sep-21

171

    20,076,255       1,323,530  

London Metals Exchange Nickel

Dec-21

52

    6,098,352       96,408  

London Metals Exchange Zinc

Sep-21

273

    20,468,175       (16,042 )

London Metals Exchange Zinc

Dec-21

105

    7,890,094       (27,449 )

Low Sulphur Gasoil G Futures

Oct-21

34

    2,045,950       12,567  

MSCI Singapore Exchange ETS

Sep-21

100

    2,619,287       (36,686 )

Nasdaq 100 E-Mini

Sep-21

11

    3,428,150       125,087  

Natural Gas

Oct-21

21

    919,170       22,209  

Nikkie 225 (Osaka Securities Exchange)

Sep-21

48

    12,295,051       176,933  

NY Harbor Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel

Oct-21

1

    89,468       3,849  

OMX Stockholm 30 Index

Sep-21

108

    2,945,784       1,465  

Russell 2000 E-Mini

Sep-21

5

    567,800       26,715  

S&P 500 E-Mini

Sep-21

55

    12,431,375       151,147  

S&P Mid 400 E-Mini

Sep-21

9

    2,476,800       87,171  

S&P/TSX 60 Index

Sep-21

71

    13,842,651       9,458  

SGX Nifty 50

Sep-21

155

    5,308,905       164,105  

Soybean

Nov-21

86

    5,557,750       (163,522 )

Soybean Oil

Dec-21

117

    4,124,250       (344,238 )

SPI 200 Index

Sep-21

117

    15,999,170       176,569  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
14

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

Long Contracts

Expiration
Date

Number of
Contracts

 

Notional
Cost

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

Sugar No. 11 (World)

Oct-21

102

  $ 2,266,522     $ 91,364  

Topix Index

Sep-21

10

    1,785,666       28,114  

U.S. Treasury 2-Year Notes

Dec-21

924

    203,583,188       138,409  

U.S. Treasury 5-Year Notes

Dec-21

312

    38,600,250       26,471  

U.S. Treasury 10-Year Notes

Dec-21

265

    35,365,078       (2,646 )

U.S. Treasury Long Bond (Chicago Board of Trade)

Dec-21

34

    5,540,937       3,942  

U.S. Treasury Ultra Long Bond (Chicago Board of Trade)

Dec-21

14

    2,761,938       (22,494 )

WTI Crude

Oct-21

56

    3,836,000       68,294  
                $ 3,731,583  

 

Short Contracts

Expiration
Date

Number of
Contracts

 

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

3-Month Euro Euribor

Sep-22

959

  $ (284,485,858 )   $ (9,246 )

90-DAY Bank Bill

Sep-22

54

    (39,484,329 )     (5,256 )

90-Day Sterling

Sep-22

710

    (121,450,901 )     (25,352 )

Amsterdam Index

Sep-21

15

    (2,789,165 )     (17,765 )

Bank Acceptance

Dec-22

26

    (5,098,918 )     (3,165 )

CAC40 10 Euro

Sep-21

74

    (5,834,931 )     2,778  

Coffee

Dec-21

12

    (881,550 )     (35,717 )

DAX Index

Sep-21

7

    (3,264,771 )     5,831  

Euro Stoxx 50

Sep-21

93

    (4,591,691 )     4,814  

Euro-Schatz

Sep-21

1,911

    (253,349,880 )     (116,751 )

FTSE 100 Index

Sep-21

43

    (4,195,360 )     17,826  

London Metals Exchange Aluminum

Sep-21

406

    (27,536,950 )     (2,233,850 )

London Metals Exchange Aluminum

Dec-21

79

    (5,365,581 )     (226,898 )

London Metals Exchange Copper

Sep-21

254

    (60,485,338 )     905,493  

London Metals Exchange Copper

Dec-21

74

    (17,614,312 )     (321,842 )

London Metals Exchange Nickel

Sep-21

171

    (20,076,255 )     (953,005 )

London Metals Exchange Nickel

Dec-21

45

    (5,277,420 )     (213,522 )

London Metals Exchange Zinc

Sep-21

273

    (20,468,175 )     (310,489 )

London Metals Exchange Zinc

Dec-21

111

    (8,340,956 )     (60,141 )

Long Gilt

Dec-21

452

    (79,692,693 )     351,218  

Palladium

Dec-21

1

    (247,100 )     (16,322 )

Platinum

Oct-21

38

    (1,926,790 )     (34,372 )

Silver

Dec-21

42

    (5,041,260 )     (42,487 )

Soybean Meal

Dec-21

75

    (2,592,000 )     107,545  

Wheat

Dec-21

62

    (2,238,975 )     61,247  
                $ (3,169,428 )

Total Futures Contracts

              $ 562,155  

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
15

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

Forward foreign currency contracts outstanding as of August 31, 2021 were as follows:

 

Currency Purchased

 

 

Currency Sold

 

 

Expiration
Date

Counterparty

 

Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

AUD

    180,700,000          

USD

    136,173,869          

Sep 15 2021

UBS

  $ (3,970,829 )

BRL

    69,500,000          

USD

    13,401,768          

Sep 15 2021

UBS

    12,867  

BRL

    6,200,000          

USD

    1,179,275          

Dec 15 2021

UBS

    (791 )

CAD

    260,550,000          

USD

    210,249,394          

Sep 15 2021

UBS

    (3,739,133 )

CHF

    28,200,000          

USD

    31,173,227          

Sep 15 2021

UBS

    (366,795 )

CLP

    7,170,000,000          

USD

    9,379,026          

Sep 15 2021

UBS

    (119,198 )

CNH

    9,700,000          

USD

    1,492,359          

Sep 15 2021

UBS

    8,527  

COP

    57,960,000,000          

USD

    15,303,763          

Sep 15 2021

UBS

    61,718  

CZK

    423,600,000          

USD

    19,864,892          

Sep 15 2021

UBS

    (192,155 )

EUR

    149,800,000          

USD

    178,286,465          

Sep 15 2021

UBS

    (1,356,028 )

GBP

    231,100,000          

USD

    321,693,831          

Sep 15 2021

UBS

    (3,955,308 )

HUF

    8,421,000,000          

USD

    28,630,953          

Sep 15 2021

UBS

    (152,522 )

IDR

    108,150,000,000          

USD

    7,455,033          

Sep 15 2021

UBS

    117,966  

INR

    1,706,000,000          

USD

    22,994,443          

Sep 15 2021

UBS

    339,426  

JPY

    27,507,000,000          

USD

    250,607,414          

Sep 15 2021

UBS

    (545,764 )

KRW

    3,435,000,000          

USD

    2,973,926          

Sep 15 2021

UBS

    (11,931 )

MXN

    1,302,000,000          

USD

    64,393,553          

Sep 15 2021

UBS

    298,745  

NOK

    312,000,000          

USD

    36,350,267          

Sep 15 2021

UBS

    (463,470 )

NZD

    204,100,000          

USD

    142,862,965          

Sep 15 2021

UBS

    956,025  

PHP

    832,500,000          

USD

    16,865,134          

Sep 15 2021

UBS

    (136,955 )

PLN

    124,875,000          

USD

    33,002,436          

Sep 15 2021

UBS

    (398,225 )

RUB

    540,000,000          

USD

    7,284,036          

Sep 15 2021

UBS

    70,685  

SEK

    295,500,000          

USD

    34,081,251          

Sep 15 2021

UBS

    165,777  

SGD

    16,065,000          

USD

    11,859,818          

Sep 15 2021

UBS

    88,887  

TWD

    209,250,000          

USD

    7,506,326          

Sep 15 2021

UBS

    44,016  

USD

    178,640,757          

AUD

    237,550,000          

Sep 15 2021

UBS

    4,845,339  

USD

    13,246,413          

BRL

    69,500,000          

Sep 15 2021

UBS

    (168,222 )

USD

    175,024,893          

CAD

    218,750,000          

Sep 15 2021

UBS

    1,645,045  

USD

    38,991,367          

CHF

    35,400,000          

Sep 15 2021

UBS

    319,463  

USD

    6,187,232          

CLP

    4,640,000,000          

Sep 15 2021

UBS

    194,819  

USD

    4,579,946          

CNH

    29,600,000          

Sep 15 2021

UBS

    (76 )

USD

    10,069,837          

COP

    39,300,000,000          

Sep 15 2021

UBS

    (348,787 )

USD

    13,860,917          

CZK

    300,400,000          

Sep 15 2021

UBS

    (90,193 )

USD

    210,072,315          

EUR

    176,250,000          

Sep 15 2021

UBS

    1,901,491  

USD

    309,054,129          

GBP

    222,700,000          

Sep 15 2021

UBS

    2,864,735  

USD

    19,921,883          

HUF

    5,970,000,000          

Sep 15 2021

UBS

    (267,671 )

USD

    3,810,241          

IDR

    55,650,000,000          

Sep 15 2021

UBS

    (86,544 )

USD

    11,431,454          

INR

    850,000,000          

Sep 15 2021

UBS

    (194,448 )

USD

    275,758,423          

JPY

    30,378,000,000          

Sep 15 2021

UBS

    (403,019 )

USD

    10,824,290          

KRW

    12,315,000,000          

Sep 15 2021

UBS

    205,085  

USD

    51,495,985          

MXN

    1,045,500,000          

Sep 15 2021

UBS

    (451,632 )

USD

    29,917,704          

NOK

    263,250,000          

Sep 15 2021

UBS

    (361,781 )

USD

    141,715,113          

NZD

    200,500,000          

Sep 15 2021

UBS

    432,862  

USD

    14,255,164          

PHP

    706,500,000          

Sep 15 2021

UBS

    58,817  

USD

    28,467,755          

PLN

    108,750,000          

Sep 15 2021

UBS

    73,697  

USD

    1,826,024          

RUB

    136,000,000          

Sep 15 2021

UBS

    (26,276 )

USD

    79,329,322          

SEK

    675,900,000          

Sep 15 2021

UBS

    995,764  

USD

    28,604,653          

SGD

    38,403,000          

Sep 15 2021

UBS

    41,558  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
16

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Concluded)

August 31, 2021

 

Currency Purchased

 

 

Currency Sold

 

 

Expiration
Date

Counterparty

 

Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

USD

    24,336,892          

TWD

    669,150,000          

Sep 15 2021

UBS

  $ 192,036  

USD

    46,259,781          

ZAR

    671,400,000          

Sep 15 2021

UBS

    137,625  

ZAR

    628,400,000          

USD

    43,747,813          

Sep 15 2021

UBS

    (579,563 )

Total Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

                      $ (2,314,341 )

 

AUD

Australian Dollar

 

JPY

Japanese Yen

BRL

Brazilian Real

 

KRW

South Korean Won

CAD

Canadian Dollar

 

MXN

Mexican Peso

CHF

Swiss Franc

 

NOK

Norwegian Krone

CLP

Chilean Peso

 

NZD

New Zealand Dollar

CNH

Chinese Yuan Renminbi

 

PHP

Philippine Peso

COP

Columbian Peso

 

PLN

Polish Zloty

CZK

Czech Koruna

 

RUB

Russian Ruble

EUR

Euro

 

SEK

Swedish Krona

GBP

British Pound

 

SGD

Singapore Dollar

HUF

Hungarian Forint

 

TWD

Taiwan New Dollar

IDR

Indonesian Rupiah

 

UBS

Union Bank of Switzerland

INR

Indian Rupee

 

USD

United States Dollar

     

ZAR

South African Rand

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
17

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities

August 31, 2021

 

ASSETS

       

Investments, at value (cost $110,489,649)

  $ 110,485,369  

Deposits with brokers:

       

Futures contracts

    17,812,126  

Forward foreign currency contracts

    14,754,702  

Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency contracts

    16,072,975  

Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts

    7,831,604  

Receivable for capital shares sold

    387,593  

Interest receivable

    69  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

    26,985  

Total assets

    167,371,423  

LIABILITIES

       

Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency contracts

  $ 18,387,316  

Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts

    7,269,449  

Due to broker

    398,111  

Payable for:

       

Advisory fees

    155,980  

Capital shares redeemed

    71,072  

Other accrued expenses and liabilities

    74,449  

Total liabilities

    26,356,377  

Net assets

  $ 141,015,046  

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

       

Par value

  $ 15,929  

Paid-in capital

    145,503,890  

Total distributable earnings/(loss)

    (4,504,773 )

Net assets

  $ 141,015,046  

CAPITAL SHARES:

       

Class A Shares:(1)

       

Net assets applicable to Class A Shares

  $ 12,612,691  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    1,440,157  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

  $ 8.76  

Maximum offering price per share (100/96.5 of $8.76 and $9.08, respectively)

  $ 9.08  
         

Class C Shares:

       

Net assets applicable to Class C Shares

  $ 9,078,800  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    1,083,137  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

  $ 8.38  
         

Class I Shares:

       

Net assets applicable to Class I Shares

  $ 119,323,555  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    13,406,025  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

  $ 8.90  

 

 

(1)

Effective January 15, 2021, the outstanding Class P Shares of the Fund were converted into Class A Shares of the Fund.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
18

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Consolidated Statement of Operations

For the Year Ended August 31, 2021

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

       

Interest

  $ 132,360  

Total investment income

    132,360  

EXPENSES

       

Advisory fees (Note 2)

    2,181,796  

Distribution fees - Class A Shares

    97,320  

Distribution fees - Class C Shares

    20,697  

Transfer agent fees (Note 2)

    175,186  

Administration and accounting fees (Note 2)

    109,218  

Registration and filing fees

    87,842  

Audit and tax service fees

    51,280  

Legal fees

    42,219  

Interest expense

    37,984  

Officer fees

    37,404  

Printing and shareholder reporting fees

    24,838  

Director fees

    23,317  

Custodian fees (Note 2)

    9,658  

Other expenses

    22,891  

Total expenses before waivers and/or reimbursements

    2,921,650  

Less: waivers and reimbursements (Note 2)

    (438,636 )

Net expenses after waivers and/or reimbursements

    2,483,014  

Net investment income/(loss)

    (2,350,654 )

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS

Net realized gain/(loss) from:

       

Investments

     

Futures contracts

    14,818,933  

Foreign currency transactions

    219,019  

Forward foreign currency contracts

    4,827,778  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:

       

Investments

    (81,307 )

Futures contracts

    1,557,760  

Foreign currency translations

    139,323  

Forward foreign currency contracts

    256,820  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    21,738,326  

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 19,387,672  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
19

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2021

   

For the
Period Ended
August 31,
2020
(1)

   

For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets From Operations:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ (2,350,654 )   $ (914,301 )   $ 38,264  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments, futures contracts, foreign currency transactions and forward foreign currency contracts

    19,865,730       (6,706,826 )     10,964,907  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments, future contracts, foreign currency translation and forward foreign currency contracts

    1,872,596       (4,201,682 )     (1,806,960 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    19,387,672       (11,822,809 )     9,196,211  
                         

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders From:

               

Total distributable earnings

          (11,439,705 )     (13,070,676 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

          (11,439,705 )     (13,070,676 )
                         

Capital Share Transactions:

                       

Class A Shares

                       

Proceeds from shares sold

    2,308,824       2,170,042       1,740,013  

Proceeds from Class A exchange(2)

    1,359,037              

Proceeds from reinvestment of distributions

          1,752,767       1,510,075  

Shares redeemed

    (2,953,649 )     (3,571,700 )     (5,361,030 )

Total from Class A Shares

    714,212       351,109       (2,110,942 )

Class C Shares

                       

Proceeds from shares sold

    754,588       646,771       807,341  

Proceeds from reinvestment of distributions

          1,670,432       1,569,438  

Shares redeemed

    (2,022,531 )     (3,575,911 )     (5,039,019 )

Total from Class C Shares

    (1,267,943 )     (1,258,708 )     (2,662,240 )

Class I Shares

                       

Proceeds from shares sold

    27,131,524       153,840,950       48,432,554  

Proceeds from reinvestment of distributions

          6,732,144       7,632,232  

Shares redeemed

    (39,760,338 )     (79,192,957 )     (92,370,875 )

Total from Class I Shares

    (12,628,814 )     81,380,137       (36,306,089 )

Class P Shares

                       

Proceeds from shares sold

    298       320,354       242,864  

Proceeds from reinvestment of distributions

          294,096       263,166  

Shares redeemed

    (206,759 )     (885,125 )     (30,245,677 )

Shares redeemed from exchange to Class A(2)

    (1,359,037 )            

Total from Class P Shares

    (1,565,498 )     (270,675 )     (29,739,647 )

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

    (14,748,043 )     80,201,863       (70,818,918 )

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    4,639,629       56,939,349       (74,693,383 )

 

 

(1)

The Fund changed its fiscal year end to August 31 during the period. The period ended is from October 1, 2019 to August 31, 2020.

 

(2)

Effective January 15, 2021, the outstanding Class P Shares of the Fund were converted into Class A Shares of the Fund.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
20

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets (Concluded)

 

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2021

   

For the
Period Ended
August 31,
2020
(1)

   

For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2019

 

Net Assets:

                       

Beginning of period

  $ 136,375,417     $ 79,436,068     $ 154,129,451  

End of period

  $ 141,015,046     $ 136,375,417     $ 79,436,068  
                         

Share Transactions:

                       

Class A Shares

                       

Shares sold

    266,755       263,105       190,779  

Shares exchanged from Class P(2)

    170,620              

Shares reinvested

          226,749       185,285  

Shares redeemed

    (370,683 )     (430,459 )     (616,034 )

Total from Class A Shares

    66,692       59,395       (239,970 )

Class C Shares

                       

Shares sold

    94,281       80,546       90,650  

Shares reinvested

          223,022       197,413  

Shares redeemed

    (259,840 )     (446,490 )     (600,031 )

Total from Class C Shares

    (165,559 )     (142,922 )     (311,968 )

Class I Shares

                       

Shares sold

    3,267,371       18,695,402       5,483,361  

Shares reinvested

          860,888       927,366  

Shares redeemed

    (4,947,584 )     (9,614,007 )     (10,591,009 )

Total from Class I Shares

    (1,680,213 )     9,942,283       (4,180,282 )

Class P Shares

                       

Shares sold

    38       35,885       25,638  

Shares reinvested

                 

Shares redeemed

    (26,237 )     36,762       31,367  

Shares exchanged into Class A(2)

    (164,862 )     (103,109 )     (3,411,713 )

Total from Class P Shares

    (191,061 )     (30,462 )     (3,354,708 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    (1,970,141 )     9,828,294       (8,086,928 )

 

 

(1)

The Fund changed its fiscal year end to August 31 during the period. The period ended is from October 1, 2019 to August 31, 2020.

 

(2)

Effective January 15, 2021, the outstanding Class P Shares of the Fund were converted into Class A Shares of the Fund at a conversion factor of 1:1.035.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
21

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Consolidated Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the consolidated financial statements.

 

 

   

Class A

 
   

For the
Year
Ended
A
ugust 31,
2021

   

For the
Period
Ended
A
ugust 31,
2020
(1)(2)

   

For the
Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2019

   

For the
Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2018

   

For the
Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2017

   

For the
Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2016

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                               

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 7.55     $ 9.81     $ 9.49     $ 9.36     $ 10.13     $ 11.17  

Net investment income/(loss)(3)

    (0.16 )     (0.07 )     (4)      (0.03 )     (0.04 )     (0.09 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments, futures, forward currency and swap contracts (5)

    1.37       (0.76 )     1.45       0.16       (0.73 )     (0.74 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    1.21       (0.83 )     1.45       0.13       (0.77 )     (0.83 )

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

          (0.79 )     (1.13 )                 (0.21 )

Net realized capital gain

          (0.64 )                        

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

          (1.43 )     (1.13 )                 (0.21 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 8.76     $ 7.55     $ 9.81     $ 9.49     $ 9.36     $ 10.13  

Total investment return (6)

    16.03 %     (8.86 )%(7)     17.73 %     1.39 %     (7.60 )%     (7.60 )%

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                               

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 12,613     $ 10,365     $ 12,895     $ 14,744     $ 24,092     $ 64,528  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements (10)

    2.03 %     2.15 %(8)     2.12 %     1.58 %     1.15 %     1.17 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and reimbursements (9)(11)

    2.36 %     2.51 %(8)     2.54 %     1.96 %     1.33 %     1.25 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    (1.93 )%     (0.93 )%(8)     (0.03 )%     (0.32 )%     (0.45 )%     (0.83 )%

Portfolio turnover rate (12)

    0 %     0 %(7)     15 %     122 %     0 %     0 %

 

 

(1)

The fiscal year end of the Predecessor Fund was September 30. The Fund changed its fiscal year end to August 31 to reflect the fiscal year end of the other series of the Company. The period ended is from October 1, 2019 to August 31, 2020.

(2)

Prior to May 29, 2020, the Fund was a diversified series (the “Predecessor Fund”) of Equinox Funds Trust (the “Trust”), an open-end management investment company (or mutual fund) organized on June 2, 2010, as a statutory trust under the laws of the State of Delaware. The Predecessor Fund was reorganized into the Fund following the close of business on May 29, 2020 (the “Reorganization”). As a result of the Reorganization, the performance and accounting history of the Predecessor Fund was assumed by the Fund. Performance and accounting information prior to May 29, 2020 included herein is that of the Predecessor Fund.

(3)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.

(4)

Less than $0.005 per share.

(5)

The amount shown may not correlate with the change in the aggregate gains and losses due to the timing of sales and purchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to fluctuating market values for the Fund’s portfolio.

(6)

Total returns are historical and assume changes in share price and reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized. Had the Adviser not waived its fees or reimbursed a portion of the Fund’s expenses, the returns would have been lower.

(7)

Not annualized

(8)

Annualized

(9)

Represents the ratio of expenses to average net assets absent fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements by the Adviser.

(10) Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense

2.00%

2.12%

2.07%

1.58%

1.15%

1.15%

(11) Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense(9)

2.33%

2.48%

2.49%

1.96%

1.33%

1.23%

 

(12)

Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between the classes of shares issued.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
22

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Consolidated Financial Highlights (Continued)

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the consolidated financial statements.

 

 

   

Class C

 
   

For the
Year
Ended
A
ugust 31,
2021

   

For the
Period
Ended
A
ugust 31,
2020
(1)(2)

   

For the
Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2019

   

For the
Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2018

   

For the
Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2017

   

For the
Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2016

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                               

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 7.28     $ 9.51     $ 9.20     $ 9.15     $ 9.98     $ 11.03  

Net investment income/(loss)(3)

    (0.21 )     (0.12 )     (0.07 )     (0.10 )     (0.11 )     (0.17 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments, futures, forward currency and swap contracts (4)

    1.31       (0.74 )     1.42       0.15       (0.72 )     (0.72 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    1.10       (0.86 )     1.35       0.05       (0.83 )     (0.89 )

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

          (0.73 )     (1.04 )                 (0.16 )

Net realized capital gain

          (0.64 )                        

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

          (1.37 )     (1.04 )                 (0.16 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 8.38     $ 7.28     $ 9.51     $ 9.20     $ 9.15     $ 9.98  

Total investment return (5)

    15.11 %     (9.49 )%(6)     16.88 %     0.55 %     (8.32 )%     (8.16 )%

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                               

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 9,079     $ 9,087     $ 13,237     $ 15,676     $ 22,792     $ 48,712  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements (9)

    2.78 %     2.88 %(7)     2.87 %     2.35 %     1.90 %     1.92 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and reimbursements (8)(10)

    3.11 %     3.27 %(7)     3.29 %     2.74 %     2.08 %     2.00 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    (2.67 )%     (1.65 )%(7)     (0.78 )%     (1.05 )%     (1.19 )%     (1.58 )%

Portfolio turnover rate (11)

    0.00 %     0 %(6)     15 %     122 %     0 %     0 %

 

 

(1)

The fiscal year end of the Predecessor Fund was September 30. The Fund changed its fiscal year end to August 31 to reflect the fiscal year end of the other series of the Company. The period ended is from October 1, 2019 to August 31, 2020.

(2)

Prior to May 29, 2020, the Fund was a diversified series (the “Predecessor Fund”) of Equinox Funds Trust (the “Trust”), an open-end management investment company (or mutual fund) organized on June 2, 2010, as a statutory trust under the laws of the State of Delaware. The Predecessor Fund was reorganized into the Fund following the close of business on May 29, 2020 (the “Reorganization”). As a result of the Reorganization, the performance and accounting history of the Predecessor Fund was assumed by the Fund. Performance and accounting information prior to May 29, 2020 included herein is that of the Predecessor Fund.

(3)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.

(4)

The amount shown may not correlate with the change in the aggregate gains and losses due to the timing of sales and purchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to fluctuating market values for the Fund’s portfolio.

(5)

Total returns are historical and assume changes in share price and reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized. Had the Adviser not waived its fees or reimbursed a portion of the Fund’s expenses, the returns would have been lower.

(6)

Not annualized

(7)

Annualized

(8)

Represents the ratio of expenses to average net assets absent fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements by the Adviser.

(9) Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense

2.75%

2.85%

2.82%

2.35%

1.90%

1.90%

(10) Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense(8)

3.08%

3.24%

3.24%

2.74%

2.08%

1.98%

 

(11)

Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between the classes of shares issued.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
23

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Consolidated Financial Highlights (Concluded)

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the consolidated financial statements.

 

 

   

Class I

 
   

For the
Year
Ended
A
ugust 31,
2021

   

For the
Period
Ended
A
ugust 31,
2020
(1)(2)

   

For the
Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2019

   

For the
Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2018

   

For the
Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2017

   

For the
Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2016

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                               

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 7.65     $ 9.93     $ 9.59     $ 9.44     $ 10.20     $ 11.22  

Net investment income/(loss)(3)

    (0.14 )     (0.07 )     0.02       (0.01 )     (0.02 )     (0.06 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments, futures, forward currency and swap contracts (4)

    1.39       (0.77 )     1.48       0.16       (0.74 )     (0.73 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    1.25       (0.84 )     1.50       0.15       (0.76 )     (0.79 )

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

          (0.80 )     (1.16 )                 (0.23 )

Net realized capital gain

          (0.64 )                        

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

          (1.44 )     (1.16 )                 (0.23 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 8.90     $ 7.65     $ 9.93     $ 9.59     $ 9.44     $ 10.20  

Total investment return (5)

    16.34 %     (8.75 )%(6)     18.17 %     1.59 %     (7.45 )%     (7.20 )%

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                               

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 119,324     $ 115,431     $ 51,067     $ 89,456     $ 279,212     $ 754,171  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements (9)

    1.78 %     1.88 %(7)     1.84 %     1.30 %     0.90 %     0.92 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and reimbursements (8)(10)

    2.11 %     2.24 %(7)     2.28 %     1.64 %     1.07 %     1.00 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    (1.68 )%     (0.91 )%(7)     0.23 %     (0.10 )%     (0.20 )%     (0.58 )%

Portfolio turnover rate (11)

    0.00 %     0 %(6)     15 %     122 %     0 %     0 %

 

 

(1)

The fiscal year end of the Predecessor Fund was September 30. The Fund changed its fiscal year end to August 31 to reflect the fiscal year end of the other series of the Company. The period ended is from October 1, 2019 to August 31, 2020.

(2)

Prior to May 29, 2020, the Fund was a diversified series (the “Predecessor Fund”) of Equinox Funds Trust (the “Trust”), an open-end management investment company (or mutual fund) organized on June 2, 2010, as a statutory trust under the laws of the State of Delaware. The Predecessor Fund was reorganized into the Fund following the close of business on May 29, 2020 (the “Reorganization”). As a result of the Reorganization, the performance and accounting history of the Predecessor Fund was assumed by the Fund. Performance and accounting information prior to May 29, 2020 included herein is that of the Predecessor Fund.

(3)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.

(4)

The amount shown may not correlate with the change in the aggregate gains and losses due to the timing of sales and purchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to fluctuating market values for the Fund’s portfolio.

(5)

Total returns are historical and assume changes in share price and reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized. Had the Adviser not waived its fees or reimbursed a portion of the Fund’s expenses, the returns would have been lower.

(6)

Not annualized

(7)

Annualized

(8)

Represents the ratio of expenses to average net assets absent fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements by the Adviser.

(9) Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense

1.75%

1.85%

1.80%

1.30%

0.90%

0.90%

(10) Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense(8)

2.08%

2.21%

2.24%

1.64%

1.07%

0.98%

 

(11)

Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between the classes of shares issued.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
24

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements

August 31, 2021

 

1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

 

The RBB Fund, Inc. (“RBB” or the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland on February 29, 1988 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. RBB is a “series fund,” which is a mutual fund divided into separate portfolios. Each portfolio is treated as a separate entity for certain matters under the 1940 Act, and for other purposes, and a shareholder of one portfolio is not deemed to be a shareholder of any other portfolio. Currently, RBB has thirty-nine separate investment portfolios, including the Campbell Systematic Macro Fund (the “Fund”), which commenced investment operations on March 4, 2013. The Fund currently offers Class A, Class C and Class I shares. Class A and Class I shares commenced operations on March 4, 2013. Class C commenced operations on February 11, 2014.

 

Class C and Class I shares are offered at net asset value. Class A shares are offered at net asset value plus a maximum sales charge of 3.50%. Prior to February 16, 2021, Class A shares were offered at net asset value plus a maximum sales charge of 5.75%. A contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) of 1.00% is assessed on certain redemptions of Class A shares made within twelve months after a purchase of Class A shares where no initial sales charge was paid at the time of purchase as part of an investment of $1,000,000 or more. A CDSC of 1.00% is assessed on redemptions of Class C shares made within twelve months after a purchase of such shares. Each class represents an interest in the same assets of the Fund and classes are identical except for differences in their sales charge structures and ongoing service and distribution charges. All classes of shares have equal voting privileges except that each class has exclusive voting rights with respect to its service and/or distribution plans. The Fund’s income, expenses (other than class specific distribution fees) and realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated proportionately each day based upon the relative net assets of each class.

 

Prior to May 29, 2020, the Fund was a diversified series (the “Predecessor Fund”) of Equinox Funds Trust (the “Trust”), an open-end management investment company (or mutual fund) organized on June 2, 2010, as a statutory trust under the laws of the State of Delaware. The Predecessor Fund was reorganized into the Fund following the close of business on May 29, 2020 (the “Reorganization”). As a result of the Reorganization, the performance and accounting history of the Predecessor Fund was assumed by the Fund. Performance and accounting information prior to May 29, 2020 included herein is that of the Predecessor Fund. On conversion date, the Fund’s net assets were $119,211,366 and net asset value (NAV) was $8.07.

 

The fiscal year end of the Predecessor Fund was September 30. The Fund changed its fiscal year end to August 31 to reflect the fiscal year end of the other series of the Company.

 

RBB has authorized capital of one hundred billion shares of common stock of which 88.223 billion shares are currently classified into one hundred and ninety-three classes of common stock. Each class represents an interest in an active or inactive RBB investment portfolio.

 

Effective January 15, 2021 (the “Conversion Date”), the outstanding Class P shares of the Fund were converted into Class A shares of the Fund (the “Class Conversion”). The Class Conversion was completed based on the share classes’ relative net asset values on the Conversion Date, without the imposition of any fees or expenses. All Class P shares of the Fund were converted into Class A shares as of the Conversion Date.

 

The Fund’s investment objective is to seek capital appreciation.

 

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

 

The end of the reporting period for the Fund is August 31, 2021, and the period covered by these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements is the fiscal period ended August 31, 2021 (the “current fiscal period”).

 

Consolidation of Subsidiary — The Adviser’s Campbell Systematic Macro Program is achieved by the Fund investing up to 25% of its total assets in the Campbell Systematic Macro Offshore Limited (the “Subsidiary”), a wholly-owned and controlled subsidiary of the Fund organized under the acts of the Cayman Islands. The consolidated

 

25

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

financial statements of the Fund include the financial statements of the Subsidiary. The Fund consolidates the results of subsidiaries in which the Fund holds a controlling financial interest. All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated. As of the end of the reporting period, the net assets of the Subsidiary were $13,661,341, which represented 9.68% of the Fund’s net assets.

 

Portfolio Valuation — The Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. Securities held by the Fund are valued using the closing price or the last sales price on a national securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System (“NASDAQ”) market system where they are primarily traded. Fixed income securities are valued using an independent pricing service, which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings, and are deemed representative of market values at the close of the market. Investments in other open-end investment companies are valued based on the NAV of those investment companies (which may use fair value pricing as discussed in their prospectuses). Forward currency exchange contracts are valued by interpolating between spot and forward currency rates as quoted by an independent pricing service. Futures contracts are generally valued using the settlement price determined by the relevant exchange. If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable, securities will be valued in accordance with procedures adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). Relying on prices supplied by pricing services or dealers or using fair valuation may result in values that are higher or lower than the values used by other investment companies and investors to price the same investments.

 

Fair Value Measurements — The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the Fund’s investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:

 

 

● Level 1 —

Prices are determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.

 

 

● Level 2 —

Prices are determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

 

● Level 3 —

Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

 

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used, as of the end of the reporting period, in valuing the Fund’s investments carried at fair value:

 

 

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

 

Short-Term Investments

  $ 13,993,774     $ 13,993,774     $     $  

Commodity Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

    5,995,340       5,995,340              

Equity Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

    1,170,708       1,170,708              

Interest Rate Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

    665,556       665,556              

Foreign Currency Contracts

                               

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

    16,072,975             16,072,975        

Total Assets

  $ 37,898,353     $ 21,825,378     $ 16,072,975     $  

 

26

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

 

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

 

Commodity Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

  $ (6,012,858 )   $ (6,012,858 )   $     $  

Equity Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

    (95,828 )     (95,828 )            

Interest Rate Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

    (1,160,763 )     (1,160,763 )            

Foreign Currency Contracts

                               

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

    (18,387,316 )           (18,387,316 )      

Total Liabilities

  $ (25,656,765 )   $ (7,269,449 )   $ (18,387,316 )   $  

 

At the end of each quarter, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities. Various factors are considered, such as changes in liquidity from the prior reporting period; whether or not a broker is willing to execute at the quoted price; the depth and consistency of prices from third party pricing services; and the existence of contemporaneous, observable trades in the market. Additionally, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities on a quarterly basis for changes in listings or delistings on national exchanges.

 

Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Fund’s investments may fluctuate from period to period. Additionally, the fair value of investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for such investments and may differ materially from the values the Fund may ultimately realize. Further, such investments may be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities.

 

For fair valuations using significant unobservable inputs, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires the Fund to present a reconciliation of the beginning to ending balances for reported market values that presents changes attributable to total realized and unrealized gains or losses, purchase and sales, and transfers in and out of Level 3 during the period. Transfers in and out between levels are based on values at the end of the period. A reconciliation of Level 3 investments is presented only when the Fund had an amount of Level 3 investments at the end of the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets. The amounts and reasons for Level 3 transfers are disclosed if the Fund had an amount of total transfers during the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets as of the end of the reporting period.

 

During the current fiscal period, the Fund had no Level 3 transfers.

 

Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities — Derivative instruments are defined as financial instruments whose value and performance are based on the value and performance of another security or financial instrument. Derivative instruments that the Fund used during the period include forward foreign currency contracts and futures contracts.

 

During the current fiscal period, the Fund used long and short contracts on U.S. and foreign equity market indices, U.S. and foreign government bonds, foreign currencies and commodities (through investment in the Subsidiary), to gain investment exposure in accordance with its investment objective.

 

The following tables provide quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of, and gains and losses on, the Fund’s derivative instruments as of and for the current fiscal period.

 

27

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

The following tables list the fair values and location on the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities of the Fund’s derivative holdings as of end of the reporting period, grouped by derivative type and primary risk exposure category by contract type.

 

Derivative Type

 

Consolidated
Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities
Location

   

Commodity
Contracts

   

Equity
Contracts

   

Interest
Rate
Contracts

   

Foreign
Currency
Contracts

   

Total

 

Asset Derivatives

Futures Contracts (a)

    Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts     $ 5,995,340     $ 1,170,708     $ 665,556     $     $ 7,831,604  

Forward Contracts (a)

    Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency contracts                         16,072,975       16,072,975  

Total Value – Assets

          $ 5,995,340     $ 1,170,708     $ 665,556     $ 16,072,975     $ 23,904,579  
                                                 

Liability Derivatives

Futures Contracts (a)

    Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts     $ (6,012,858 )   $ (95,828 )   $ (1,160,763 )   $     $ (7,269,449 )

Forward Contracts (a)

    Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency contracts                         (18,387,316 )     (18,387,316 )

Total Value – Liabilities

          $ (6,012,858 )   $ (95,828 )   $ (1,160,763 )   $ (18,387,316 )   $ (25,656,765 )

 

(a)

This amount represents the cumulative appreciation/(depreciation) of forward and futures contracts as reported in the Consolidated Portfolio of Investments.

 

The following table lists the amounts of realized gains/(losses) included in net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations during the current fiscal period, grouped by derivative type and primary risk exposure category by contract type.

 

Derivative Type

 

Consolidated
Statement of
Operations
Location

   

Commodity
Contracts

   

Equity
Contracts

   

Interest
Rate
Contracts

   

Foreign
Currency
Contracts

   

Total

 

Realized Gain (Loss)

Futures Contracts

    Net realized gain/(loss) from futures contracts     $ 14,737,168     $ 5,434,949     $ (5,353,184 )   $     $ 14,818,933  

Forward Contracts

    Net realized gain/(loss) from forward foreign currency contracts                         4,827,778       4,827,778  

Total Realized Gain/(Loss)

 

  $ 14,737,168     $ 5,434,949     $ (5,353,184 )   $ 4,827,778     $ 19,646,711  

 

28

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

The following table lists the amounts of change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) included in net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations during the current fiscal period, grouped by derivative type and primary risk exposure category by contract type.

 

Derivative Type

 

Consolidated
Statement of
Operations
Location

   

Commodity
Contracts

   

Equity
Contracts

   

Interest
Rate
Contracts

   

Foreign
Currency
Contracts

   

Total

 

Change in Unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation)

Futures Contracts

    Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on futures contracts     $ 45,686     $ 1,618,307     $ (106,233 )   $     $ 1,557,760  

Forward Contracts

    Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on forward foreign currency contracts                         256,820       256,820  

Total Change in Unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation)

          $ 45,686     $ 1,618,307     $ (106,233 )   $ 256,820     $ 1,814,580  

 

For the year ended August 31, 2021, the Fund’s quarterly average volume of derivatives was as follows:

 

 

LONG FUTURES
NOTIONAL
AMOUNT

   

SHORT FUTURES
NOTIONAL
AMOUNT

   

FORWARD FOREIGN
CURRENCY
CONTRACTS-PAYABLE
(VALUE AT TRADE DATE)

   

FORWARD FOREIGN
CURRENCY
CONTRACTS-
RECEIVABLE (VALUE AT
TRADE DATE)

 
    $904,046,453       $(653,540,183)       $(2,162,470,643)       $2,177,187,870  

 

For financial reporting purposes, the Fund does not offset fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments and fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral (receivables) or the obligation to return cash collateral (payables) arising from derivative instruments recognized at fair value executed with the same counterparty under a master netting arrangement.

 

29

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

The following is a summary of financial and derivative instruments that are subject to enforceable master netting agreements (or similar arrangements) and collateral received and pledged in connection with the master netting agreements (or similar arrangements).

 

           

Gross Amount Not
Offset in Consolidated
Statement of Assets and
Liabilities

                           

Gross Amount Not
Offset in Consolidated
Statement of Assets and
Liabilities

         

Description

 

Gross Amount
Presented in
the
Consolidated
Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Collateral
Received

   

Net
Amount
(1)

           

Gross Amount
Presented in
the
Consolidated
Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Collateral
Pledged
(2)

   

Net
Amount
(3)

 
   

Assets

           

Liabilities

 

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

  $ 16,072,975     $ (16,072,975 )   $     $             $ 18,387,316     $ (16,072,975 )   $     $ 2,314,341  

 

 

(1)

Net amount represents the net amount receivable from the counterparty in the event of default.

 

(2)

Actual collateral pledged may be more than the amount shown.

 

(3)

Net amount represents the net amount payable to the counterparty in the event of default.

 

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

 

Investment Transactions, Investment Income and Expenses — The Fund records security transactions based on trade date for financial reporting purposes. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method for both financial reporting and income tax purposes in determining realized gains and losses on investments. Interest income (including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts) is accrued when earned. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. The Fund’s investment income, expenses (other than class specific expenses) and unrealized and realized gains and losses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class at the beginning of the day. Certain expenses are shared with PENN Capital Funds Trust (the “Trust”), a series trust of affiliated funds. Expenses incurred on behalf of a specific class, fund or fund family of the Company or Trust are charged directly to the class, fund or fund family (in proportion to net assets). Expenses incurred for all funds (such as director or professional fees) are charged to all funds in proportion to their average net assets of RBB and the Trust, or in such other manner as the Board deems fair or equitable. or in such other manner as the Board deems fair or equitable. Expenses and fees, including investment advisory and administration fees, are accrued daily and taken into account for the purpose of determining the NAV of the Fund.

 

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders — Dividends from net investment income and distributions from net realized capital gains, if any, are declared and paid at least annually to shareholders and recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income dividends and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

 

30

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

U.S. Tax Status — No provision is made for U.S. income taxes as it is the Fund’s intention to continue to qualify for and elect the tax treatment applicable to regulated investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and make the requisite distributions to its shareholders which will be sufficient to relieve it from U.S. income and excise taxes.

 

For tax purposes, the Subsidiary is an exempted Cayman Islands investment company. The Subsidiary has received an undertaking from the Government of the Cayman Islands exempting it from all local income, profits and capital gains taxes. No such taxes are levied in the Cayman Islands at the present time. For U.S. income tax purposes, the Subsidiary is a Controlled Foreign Corporation and as such is not subject to U.S. income tax.

 

Foreign Currency Translation — Assets and liabilities initially expressed in non-U.S. currencies are translated into U.S. dollars based on the applicable exchange rates at the date of the last business day of the consolidated financial statement period. Purchases and sales of securities, interest income, dividends, variation margin received and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect on the transaction date.

 

The Fund does not separately report the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates from changes in market prices of securities held. Such changes are included with the net realized gain or loss and change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Other foreign currency transactions resulting in realized and unrealized gain or loss are reported separately as net realized gain or loss and change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on foreign currencies in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

 

Currency Risk — Investment in foreign securities involves currency risk associated with securities that trade or are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and which may be affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates. An increase in the strength of the U.S. dollar relative to a foreign currency may cause the U.S. dollar value of an investment in that country to decline. Foreign currencies also are subject to risks caused by inflation, interest rates, budget deficits and low savings rates, political factors and government controls. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts may limit potential gains from a favorable change in value between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. Unanticipated changes in currency pricing may result in poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not engaged in these contracts.

 

Commodity Sector Risk — Exposure to the commodities markets may subject the Fund to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. The value of commodity-linked derivative instruments may be affected by changes in overall market movements, commodity index volatility, changes in interest rates or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs and international economic, political and regulatory developments. The prices of energy, industrial metals, precious metals, agriculture and livestock sector commodities may fluctuate widely due to factors such as changes in value, supply and demand and governmental regulatory policies. The commodity-linked securities in which the Fund invests may be issued by companies in the financial services sector, and events affecting the financial services sector may cause the Fund’s share value to fluctuate.

 

Foreign Securities Market Risk — A substantial portion of the trades of the Fund are expected to take place on markets or exchanges outside the United States. There is no limit to the amount of assets of the Fund that may be committed to trading on foreign markets. The risk of loss in trading foreign futures and options on futures contracts can be substantial. Participation in foreign futures and options on futures contracts involves the execution and clearing of trades on, or subject to the rules of, a foreign board of trade or exchange. Some of these foreign markets, in contrast to U.S. exchanges, are so-called principals’ markets in which performance is the responsibility only of the individual counterparty with whom the trader has entered into a commodity interest transaction and not of the exchange or clearing corporation. In these kinds of markets, there is risk of bankruptcy or other failure or refusal to perform by the counterparty.

 

31

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

Counterparty Risk — The derivative contracts entered into by the Fund or its Subsidiary may be privately negotiated in the over-the-counter market. These contracts also involve exposure to credit risk, since contract performance depends in part on the financial condition of the counterparty. Relying on a counterparty exposes the Fund to the risk that a counterparty will not settle a transaction in accordance with its terms and conditions because of a dispute over the terms of the contract (whether or not bona fide) or because of a credit or liquidity problem, thus causing the Fund to suffer a loss. If a counterparty defaults on its payment obligations to the Fund, this default will cause the value of an investment in the Fund to decrease.

 

Futures Contracts — The Fund uses futures contracts in the normal course of pursuing its investment objective. Upon entering into a futures contract, the Fund must deposit initial margin in addition to segregating cash or liquid assets sufficient to meet its obligation to purchase or provide securities, or to pay the amount owed at the expiration of an index-based futures contract. Such liquid assets may consist of cash, cash equivalents, liquid debt or equity securities or other acceptable assets. Pursuant to the futures contract, the Fund agrees to receive from, or pay to the broker, an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in value of the contract. Such a receipt of payment is known as “variation margin” and is recorded by the Fund as an unrealized gain or loss. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the proceeds from (or cost of) the closing transactions and the Fund’s basis in the contract. Futures contracts have market risks, including the risk that the change in the value of the contract may not correlate with changes in the value of the underlying securities. Use of long futures contracts subjects the Fund to risk of loss in excess of the amount shown on the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities, up to the notional value of the futures contract. Use of short futures contracts subjects the Fund to unlimited risk of loss.

 

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts —The Fund uses forward foreign currency contracts (“forward contracts”) in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. These contracts are marked-to-market daily at the applicable translation rates. The Fund records realized gains or losses at the time the forward contract is closed. A forward contract is extinguished through a closing transaction or upon delivery of the currency or entering an off setting contract. Risks may arise upon entering these contracts from the potential inability of a counterparty to meet the terms of their contracts and from unanticipated movements in the value of a foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar or other currencies. The Fund’s maximum risk of loss from counterparty credit risk related to forward foreign currency contracts is the fair value of the contract. The risk may be mitigated to some extent if a master netting arrangement between the Fund and the counterparty is in place and to the extent the Fund obtains collateral to cover the Fund’s exposure to the counterparty.

 

Credit Risk — Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer of the security or a counterparty in respect of a derivative instrument will not be able to satisfy its payment obligations to the Fund when due. Changes in an issuer’s credit rating or the market’s perception of an issuer’s creditworthiness may also affect the value of the Fund’s investment in that issuer. Securities rated in the four highest categories by the rating agencies are considered investment grade but they may also have some speculative characteristics. Investment grade ratings do not guarantee that bonds will not lose value or default. In addition, the credit quality of securities may be lowered if an issuer’s financial condition changes.

 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic — The global outbreak of COVID-19 (commonly referred to as “coronavirus”) has disrupted economic markets and the prolonged economic impact is uncertain. Although vaccines for COVID-19 are becoming more widely available, the ultimate economic fallout from the pandemic, and the long-term impact on economies, markets, industries and individual companies are not known. The operational and financial performance of individual companies and the market in general depends on future developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak and the pace of recovery which may vary from market to market, and such uncertainty may in turn adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments, impair the Fund’s ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the Fund’s performance.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents — Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates market value.

 

32

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

Other — In the normal course of business, the Fund may enter into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on claims that may be made against the Fund in the future, and, therefore, cannot be estimated; however, the Fund expects the risk of material loss from such claims to be remote.

 

2. Investment Adviser and Other Services

 

Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC (“Campbell” or the “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. The Adviser is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Campbell & Company, L.P. The Fund compensates the Adviser for its services at an annual rate based on the Fund’s average daily net assets (the “Advisory Fee”), payable on a monthly basis in arrears, as shown in the following table.

 

Prior to May 29, 2020, Equinox Institutional Asset Management, LP (“Equinox”) served as adviser to the Predecessor Fund and Campbell served as a sub-adviser to the Predecessor Fund. Equinox was entitled to an advisory fee from the Predecessor Fund at the same rate payable to Campbell as Adviser to the Fund. Equinox, not the Predecessor Fund, paid a sub-advisory fee to Campbell.

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent that total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) exceed the rate (“Expense Cap”) shown in the following table of the Fund’s average daily net assets. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed the Expense Cap as applicable: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary expenses, interest and taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2021 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board. The Adviser may discontinue this arrangement at any time after December 31, 2021.

 

 

Expense Cap

Advisory Fee

Class A*

Class C

Class I

1.64%

2.00%

2.75%

1.75%

 

*

Effective January 15, 2021, the outstanding Class P Shares of the Fund were converted into Class A Shares of the Fund. Prior to that date, the Adviser had contractually agreed maintain an Expense Cap for Class P Shares of the Fund of 2.00%.

 

Prior to May 29, 2020, Equinox and Campbell had contractually agreed to reduce their advisory fees and/or reimburse certain expenses of the Predecessor Fund, to ensure that the Predecessor Fund’s total annual operating expenses, excluding (i) taxes, (ii) interest, (iii) extraordinary items, (iv) acquired fund fees and expenses, and (v) brokerage commissions, did not exceed, on an annual basis, 2.14% with respect to Class A shares, 2.89% with respect to Class C shares, and 1.89% with respect to Class I shares of the Predecessor Fund’s average daily net assets.

 

During the current fiscal period, investment advisory fees accrued, waived and/or reimbursed by the Adviser and/or Equinox were as follows:

 

Gross
Advisory Fees

Waivers and/or
Reimbursements

Net
Advisory Fees

$2,181,796

$(438,636)

$1,743,160

 

If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses for a year are less than the Expense Cap, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed the Expense Cap that was in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

33

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

As of the end of the reporting period, the Fund had amounts available for recoupment as follows:

 

Expiration

August 31,
2023

August 31,
2024

Total

$78,236

$438,636

$549,136

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (“Fund Services”), doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, serves as administrator for the Fund. For providing administrative and accounting services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Fund Services serves as the Fund’s transfer and dividend disbursing agent. For providing transfer agent services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

U.S. Bank, N.A. (the “Custodian”) provides certain custodial services to the Fund. The Custodian is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Quasar Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of Foreside Financial Group, LLC, serves as the principal underwriter and distributor of the Fund’s shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with RBB.

 

The Board has adopted a Plan of Distribution (the “Plan”) for the Class A Shares and Class C Shares of the Funds pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Plan, the Distributor is entitled to receive from each Fund a distribution fee with respect to the Shares, which is accrued daily and paid monthly, of up to 0.25% on an annualized basis of the average daily net assets of the Class A Shares and up to 1.00% on an annualized basis of the average daily net assets of the Class C Shares. The actual amount of such compensation under the Plan is agreed upon by the Board and by the Distributor. Because these fees are paid out of each Fund’s assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges. Amounts paid to the Distributor under the Plan may be used by the Distributor to cover expenses that are related to (i) the sale of the Shares, (ii) ongoing servicing and/or maintenance of the accounts of shareholders, and (iii) sub-transfer agency services, subaccounting services or administrative services related to the sale of the Shares, all as set forth in each Fund’s 12b-1 Plan.

 

For compensation amounts paid to Fund Services and the Custodian, please refer to the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

 

3. Director and Officer Compensation

 

The Directors of the Company receive an annual retainer and meeting fees for meetings attended. An employee of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serves as President and Chief Compliance Officer of the Company. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company. Employees of RBB serve as Treasurer, Secretary and Director of Marketing & Business Development of the Company. They are compensated for services provided. Certain employees of Fund Services serve as officers of the Company. They are not compensated by the Fund or the Company. For Director and Officer compensation amounts, please refer to the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

 

4. Purchases and Sales of Investment Securities

 

During the current fiscal period, there were no purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments and derivative transactions) or long-term U.S. Government securities by the Fund.

 

34

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

5. Federal Income Tax Information

 

The Fund has followed the authoritative guidance on accounting for and disclosure of uncertainty in tax positions, which requires the Fund to determine whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The Fund has determined that there was no effect on the consolidated financial statements from following this authoritative guidance. In the normal course of business, the Fund is subject to examination by federal, state and local jurisdictions, where applicable, for tax years for which applicable statutes of limitations have not expired.

 

As of August 31, 2021, the federal tax cost and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments held by the Fund were as follows(a):

 

Federal Tax
Cost

Unrealized
Appreciation

Unrealized
(Depreciation)

Net
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

$130,341,735

$11,078,211

$(16,306,118)

$(5,227,907)

 

 

(a)

The difference between the book basis and tax basis cost and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments is attributable primarily to futures not regulated by Section 1256 of the Internal Revenue Code and timing difference related to taxable income from a wholly owned controlled foreign corporation.

 

Distributions to shareholders, if any, from net investment income and realized gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from net investment income and realized gains recognized for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the character of distributions and composition of net assets for tax purposes may differ from those reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on the tax treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.

 

The following permanent differences as of August 31, 2021, primarily attributable to investments in wholly-owned controlled foreign corporation were reclassified among the following accounts:

 

Distributable
Earnings/(Loss)

PAID-IN
CAPITAL

$14,740,958

$(14,740,958)

 

As of August 31, 2021, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gains

Capital
Loss
Carryforwards

Qualified
Late-Year Loss
Deferral

Other
Accumulated

Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

$8,660,018

$1,491,169

$—

$—

$(28,114)

$(14,627,846)

 

The differences between the book and tax basis components of distributable earnings relate principally to the timing of recognition of income and gains of the Subsidiary for federal income tax purposes. Short-term and foreign currency gains are reported as ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.

 

35

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Concluded)

August 31, 2021

 

The tax character of dividends and distributions paid during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2021 and August 31, 2020 was as follows:

 

 

Ordinary
Income

Long-Term
Gains

Total

2021

$—

$—

$—

2020

6,320,770

5,118,935

11,439,705

 

Pursuant to federal income tax rules applicable to regulated investment companies, the Fund may elect to treat certain capital losses between November 1 and August 31 and late year ordinary losses ((i) ordinary losses between January 1 and August 31, and (ii) specified ordinary and currency losses between November 1 and August 31) as occurring on the first day of the following tax year. For the current fiscal period ended August 31, 2021, any amount of losses elected within the tax return will not be recognized for federal income tax purposes until September 1, 2021. As of August 31, 2021, the Fund had no tax basis qualified late-year loss deferral.

 

6. New Accounting Pronouncements and Regulatory Updates

 

In October 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“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. Funds will be required to comply with Rule 18f-4 by August 19, 2022. It is not currently clear what impact, if any, Rule 18f-4 will have on the availability, liquidity or performance of derivatives. Management is currently evaluating the potential impact of Rule 18f-4 on the Fund. When fully implemented, Rule 18f-4 may require changes in how the Fund uses derivatives, adversely affect the Fund’s performance and increase costs related to a Fund’s use of derivatives.

 

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 will be required to comply with the rules by September 8, 2022. Management is currently assessing the potential impact of the new rules on the Fund’s financial statements.

 

7. Subsequent Events

 

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Fund through the date the consolidated financial statements were issued and has determined that there were no significant events requiring recognition or disclosure in the consolidated financial statements.

 

36

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. and
Shareholders of Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of assets and liabilities of Campbell Systematic Macro Fund (the “Fund”) (one of the portfolios constituting The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”)), including the consolidated portfolio of investments, as of August 31, 2021, and the related consolidated statement of operations for the year then ended, the consolidated statements of changes in net assets and the consolidated financial highlights for the year then ended and the period from October 1, 2019 to August 31, 2020 and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Fund (one of the portfolios constituting The RBB Fund, Inc.) at August 31, 2021, the consolidated results of its operations for the year then ended and the consolidated changes in its net assets and its consolidated financial highlights for the year then ended and the period from October 1, 2019 to August 31, 2020, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

The consolidated statement of changes in net assets and financial highlights of the Fund for each of the periods presented through September 30, 2019, were audited by other auditors whose report dated November 27, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 2021, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from brokers were not received. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Campbell & Company investment companies since 2015.

 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
October 29, 2021

 

37

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Shareholder Tax Information

(Unaudited)

 

Certain tax information regarding the Fund is required to be provided to shareholders based upon the Fund’s income and distributions for the taxable year ended August 31, 2021. The information and distributions reported herein may differ from information and distributions taxable to the shareholders for the calendar year ended December 31, 2021. During the year ended August 31, 2021, the Fund paid $6,320,770 of ordinary income distributions to its shareholders. Dividends from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income dividends for federal tax purposes.

 

The percentage of ordinary income dividends qualifying for the 15% dividend tax rate is 0.00%.

 

The percentage of ordinary income dividends qualifying for the corporate dividends received deduction is 0.00%.

 

The Fund designates 0.00% of the ordinary income distributions as qualified short-term gain pursuant to the American Job Creation Act of 2004.

 

Because the Fund’s fiscal year is not the calendar year, another notification will be sent with respect to calendar year 2020. The second notification, which will reflect the amount, if any, to be used by calendar year taxpayers on their U.S. federal income tax returns, will be made in conjunction with Form 1099-DIV and will be mailed in January 2022.

 

Foreign shareholders will generally be subject to U.S. withholding tax on the amount of their ordinary income dividends. They will generally not be entitled to a foreign tax credit or deduction for the withholding taxes paid by the Fund, if any.

 

In general, dividends received by tax exempt recipients (e.g., IRAs and Keoghs) need not be reported as taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, some retirement trusts (e.g., corporate, Keogh and 403(b)(7) plans) may need this information for their annual information reporting.

 

Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the tax consequences of their investment in the Fund.

 

38

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Other Information

(Unaudited)

 

Proxy Voting

 

Policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities as well as information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 are available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-844-261-6488 and on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Quarterly Portfolio Schedules

 

The Company files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third fiscal quarters of each fiscal year (quarters ended November 30 and May 31) as an exhibit to its report on Form N-PORT. The Company’s Form N-PORT is available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Approval of Investment Agreements

 

As required by the 1940 Act, the Board, including all of the Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Directors”), considered the renewal of the investment advisory agreement between Campbell and the Company on behalf of the Fund, and the investment advisory agreement between Campbell and the Subsidiary (together, the “Investment Advisory Agreements”), at a meeting of the Board held on May 12-13, 2021 (the “Meeting”). At the Meeting, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, approved the Investment Advisory Agreements for an additional one-year term. The Board’s decision to approve the Investment Advisory Agreements reflects the exercise of its business judgment to continue the existing arrangements. In approving the Investment Advisory Agreements, the Board considered information provided by Campbell with the assistance and advice of counsel to the Independent Directors and the Company.

 

In considering the renewal of the Investment Advisory Agreements, the Directors took into account all the materials provided prior to and during the Meeting and at other meetings throughout the past year, the presentations made during the Meeting, and the discussions held during the Meeting. Among other things, the Directors considered (i) the nature, extent, and quality of Campbell’s services to be provided to the Fund and Subsidiary; (ii) descriptions of the experience and qualifications of Campbell’s personnel providing those services; (iii) Campbell’s investment philosophies and processes; (iv) Campbell’s assets under management and client descriptions; (v) Campbell’s soft dollar commission and trade allocation policies, including information on the types of research and services obtained in connection with soft dollar commissions; (vi) Campbell’s advisory fee arrangement with the Company and other similarly managed clients; (vii) Campbell’s compliance policies and procedures; (viii) Campbell’s financial information, insurance coverage and profitability analysis related to providing advisory services to the Fund and Subsidiary; (ix) the extent to which economies of scale are relevant to the Fund; (x) a report prepared by Broadridge/Lipper comparing the Fund’s management fees and total expense ratio to those of its Lipper peer group; and (xi) a report comparing the performance of the Fund to the performance of its benchmark.

 

As part of their review, the Directors considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by Campbell. The Directors concluded that Campbell had substantial resources to provide services to the Fund and Subsidiary and that Campbell’s services had been acceptable.

 

The Directors also considered the investment performance of the Fund. The Directors noted that the Fund had outperformed its benchmark index (the BarclayHedge BTOP50 Index) for the year-to-date, three-year, five-year and since-inception periods, and underperformed its benchmark for the one-year period, each ended March 31, 2021. The Directors noted that the Fund ranked in the 1st quintile within its Lipper Performance Group for the two-year and four-year periods ended December 31, 2020 and 2nd quintile for the one-year, three-year and five-year periods ended December 31, 2020.

 

39

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Other Information (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

The Board also considered the advisory fee rates payable by the Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreements. In this regard, information on the fees paid by the Fund and the Fund’s total operating expense ratio (before and after fee waivers and expense reimbursements) was compared to similar information for mutual funds advised by other, unaffiliated investment advisory firms.

 

The Directors noted that the actual advisor fee and the total expenses of the Fund ranked in the 4th quintile of the Fund’s Lipper Expense Group. In addition, the Directors noted that Campbell had contractually agreed to waive management fees and reimburse expenses through at least December 31, 2021 to limit total annual operating expenses to agreed upon levels for the Fund.

 

After reviewing the information regarding the Fund’s costs, Campbell’s estimated profitability and economies of scale, and after considering Campbell’s services, the Directors concluded that the investment advisory fees to be paid by the Fund were fair and reasonable and that the Investment Advisory Agreements should be approved for an additional annual period ending August 16, 2022.

 

40

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Company Management

(Unaudited)

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company is organized under and managed pursuant to Maryland law. The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below. The statement of additional information (“SAI”) includes additional information about the Directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling (844)-261-6488.

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s) Held with Company

Term of Office and Length of Time Served1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Julian A. Brodsky
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 88

Director

1988 to present

From 1969 to 2011, Director and Vice Chairman, Comcast Corporation (cable television and communications).

46

AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).

J. Richard Carnall
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 82

Director

2002 to present

Since 1984, Director of Haydon Bolts, Inc. (bolt manufacturer) and Parkway Real Estate Company (subsidiary of Haydon Bolts, Inc.); since 2004, Director of Cornerstone Bank.

46

None.

Gregory P. Chandler
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 54

Director

2012 to present

Since 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Herspiegel Consulting LLC (life sciences consulting services); 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Avocado Systems Inc. (cyber security software provider); 2009-2020, Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services).

46

Emtec, Inc. (until December 2019); FS Investment Corporation (business development company) (until December 2018); FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company).

Nicholas A. Giordano
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 78

Director

2006 to present

Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations.

46

IntriCon Corporation (biomedical device manufacturer); Kalmar Pooled Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until September 2017); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance) (until 2021).

Arnold M. Reichman
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 73

Chairman

 

Director

2005 to present

 

1991 to present

Retired.

46

EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company).

 

41

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Company Management (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s) Held with Company

Term of Office and Length of Time Served1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

Brian T. Shea
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 61

Director

2018 to present

From 2014-2017, Chief Executive Officer, BNY Mellon Investment Services (fund services, global custodian and securities clearing firm); from 1983-2014, Chief Executive Officer and various positions, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm).

46

WisdomTree Investments, Inc. (asset management company) (until March 2019); Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (financial services technology company); Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (financial services company).

Robert A. Straniere
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 80

Director

2006 to present

Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm).

46

None.

INTERESTED DIRECTOR2

Robert Sablowsky
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 83

Vice Chairman

 

Director

2016 to present

 

1991 to present

Since 2002, Senior Director – Investments and, prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer).

46

None

OFFICERS

Salvatore Faia, JD, CPA, CFE
Vigilant Compliance, LLC
Gateway Corporate Center, Suite 216
223 Wilmington West
Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Age: 58

President

 

Chief Compliance Officer

2009 to present

 

2004 to present

Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company); since 2021, President and Chief Compliance Officer of Penn Capital Funds Trust.

N/A

N/A

James G. Shaw
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 60

Treasurer and Secretary

2016 to present

Treasurer and Secretary of The RBB Fund, Inc. (since 2016) and Penn Capital Funds Trust (since 2021); from 2005 to 2016, Assistant Treasurer of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 1995 to 2016, Senior Director and Vice President of BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (financial services company).

N/A

N/A

Craig A. Urciuoli
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 46

Director of Marketing & Business Development

2019 to present

Director of Marketing & Business Development of The RBB Fund, Inc. (since 2019) and Penn Capital Funds Trust (since 2021); from 2000-2019, Managing Director, Third Avenue Management LLC.

N/A

N/A

 

 

42

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Company Management (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s) Held with Company

Term of Office and Length of Time Served1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

Jennifer Witt
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 38

Assistant Treasurer

2018 to present

Since 2020, Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (fund administrative services firm); from 2016 to 2020, Assistant Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services; from 2007 to 2016, Supervisor, Nuveen Investments (registered investment company).

N/A

N/A

Edward Paz
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 50

Assistant Secretary

2016 to present

Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm).

N/A

N/A

Michael P. Malloy
One Logan Square
Ste. 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 62

Assistant Secretary

1999 to present

Since 1993, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

Jillian L. Bosmann
One Logan Square
Ste. 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 42

Assistant Secretary

2017 to present

Since 2017, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

 

*

Each Director oversees 46 portfolios of the fund complex, consisting of the series in the Company and Penn Capital Funds Trust (7 portfolios).

 

1

Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his or her successor is elected and qualified or his or her death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Carnall, Giordano, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.

 

2

Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

 

43

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Company Management (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the past five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Carnall has decades of senior executive-level management experience in the banking and financial services industry and also serves on the boards of various corporations and a bank. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Mr. Shea has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the brokerage, clearing and investment services industry, including service on the boards of industry regulatory organizations and a university.

 

44

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Privacy Notice

(Unaudited)

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

FACTS

WHAT DOES THE Campbell Systematic Macro Fund DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?

Why?

Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.

What?

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

● Social Security number

● account balances

● account transactions

● transaction history

● wire transfer instructions

● checking account information

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

How?

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

       

Reasons we can share your personal information

Does the Campbell
Systematic Macro Fund share?

Can you limit this sharing?

For our everyday business purposes —
such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus

Yes

No

For our marketing purposes —
to offer our products and services to you

Yes

No

For joint marketing with other financial companies

No

We do not share.

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes —
information about your transactions and experiences

Yes

No

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes —
information about your creditworthiness

No

We do not share.

For our affiliates to market to you

No

We do not share.

For nonaffiliates to market to you

No

We do not share.

 

Questions?

Call 1-844-261-6488

 

 

45

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Privacy Notice (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

What we do

 

How does the Campbell Systematic Macro Fund protect my personal information?

To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings.

How does the Campbell Systematic Macro Fund collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

● open an account

● provide account information

● give us your contact information

● make a wire transfer

● tell us where to send the money

We also collect your information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

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

● affiliates from using your information to market to you

● sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

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

Definitions

 

Affiliates

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

Our affiliates include Campbell Systematic Macro Fund’s investment adviser, Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC.

Nonaffiliates

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

The Campbell Systematic Macro Fund doesn’t share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you.

Joint marketing

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

The Campbell Systematic Macro Fund does not jointly market.

 

 

46

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Affirmation of the Commodity Pool Operator

August 31, 2021

 

As required by the 1940 Act, the Board, including all of the Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Directors”), considered the renewal of the investment advisory agreement between Campbell and the Company on behalf of the Fund, and the investment advisory agreement between Campbell and the Subsidiary (together, the “Investment Advisory Agreements”,)at a meeting of the Board held on May 12-13, 2021 (the “Meeting”). At the Meeting, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, approved the Investment Advisory Agreements for an additional one-year term. The Board’s decision to approve the Investment Advisory Agreements reflects the exercise of its business judgment to continue the existing arrangement. In approving the Investment Advisory Agreements, the Board considered information provided by Campbell with the assistance and advice of counsel to the Independent Directors and the Company.

 

In considering the renewal of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Company and Campbell with respect to the Fund, the Directors took into account all the materials provided prior to and during the Meeting and at other meetings throughout the past year, the presentations made during the Meeting, and the discussions held during the Meeting. Among other things, the Directors considered (i) the nature, extent, and quality of Campbell’s services to be provided to the Fund; (ii) descriptions of the experience and qualifications of Campbell’s personnel providing those services; (iii) Campbell’s investment philosophies and processes; (iv) Campbell’s assets under management and client descriptions; (v) Campbell’s soft dollar commission and trade allocation policies, including information on the types of research and services obtained in connection with soft dollar commissions; (vi) Campbell’s advisory fee arrangement with the Company and other similarly managed clients; (vii) Campbell’s compliance policies and procedures; (viii) Campbell’s financial information, insurance coverage and profitability analysis related to providing advisory services to the Fund; (ix) the extent to which economies of scale are relevant to the Fund; (x) a report prepared by Broadridge/Lipper comparing the Fund’s management fees and total expense ratio to those of its Lipper peer group; and (xi) a report comparing the performance of the Fund to the performance of their respective benchmark.

 

As part of their review, the Directors considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by Campbell. The Directors concluded that Campbell had substantial resources to provide services to the Fund and that Campbell’s services had been acceptable.

 

The Directors also considered the investment performance of the Fund. The Directors noted that the Fund had outperformed its benchmark index (Barclay BTOP50 Index) for the year-to-date, three-year, five-year and since-inception periods, and underperformed its benchmark for the one-year period, each ended March 31, 2021. The Directors noted that the Fund ranked in the 1st quintile within its Lipper Performance Group for the two-year and four-year periods ended December 31, 2020 and 2nd quintile for the one-year, three-year and five-year periods.

 

The Board also considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreement. In this regard, information on the fees paid by the Fund and the Fund’s total operating expense ratio (before and after fee waivers and expense reimbursements) was compared to similar information for mutual funds advised by other, unaffiliated investment advisory firms.

 

The Directors noted that the actual advisor fee and the total expenses of the Fund ranked in the 4th quintile of the Fund’s Lipper Expense Group. In addition, the Directors noted that Campbell has contractually agreed to waive management fees and reimburse expenses through at least December 31, 2021 to limit total annual operating expenses to agreed upon levels for the Fund.

 

After reviewing the information regarding the Fund’s costs, Campbell’s estimated profitability and economies of scale, and after considering Campbell’s services, the Directors concluded that the investment advisory fees to be paid by the Fund were fair and reasonable and that the Investment Advisory Agreements should be approved for an additional annual period ending August 16, 2022.

 

47

 

 

[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

 

[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

 

Investment Adviser
Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC
2850 Quarry Lake Drive
Baltimore, Maryland 21209

 

Administrator and Transfer Agent
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201

 

Principal Underwriter
Quasar Distributors, LLC
111 E Kilbourn Ave, Suite 2200
Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Custodian
U.S. Bank, N.A.
1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, WI 53212

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Ernst & Young LLP
One Commerce Square
2005 Market Street, Suite 700
Philadelphia, PA 19103

 

Legal Counsel
Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
One Logan Square, Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103-6996

 

CSMF-AR21

 

 

 

 

ANNUAL report 2021

 

DriveWealth ETFs
Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.

8/31/21

 

 

DriveWealth Power Saver ETF

DriveWealth Steady Saver ETF

 

 

DriveWealth Power Saver ETF (EERN)

DriveWealth Steady Saver ETF (STBL)

 

Table of Contents

   

Letter to Shareholders

1

Portfolio Characteristics

2

Fund Expense Examples

4

Schedules of Investments

5

Financial Statements

7

Notes to Financial Statements

13

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

22

Shareholder Tax Information

23

Notice to Shareholders

24

Privacy Notice

26

Directors and Officers

32

 

 

 

 

DriveWealth ETFs

Letter to Shareholders

August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Dear DriveWealth Steady Saver ETF and/or DriveWealth Power Saver ETF Shareholder:

 

The DriveWealth ETFs commenced operations on July 26, 2021 and each seek to capture desired net distribution yield1 targets. Under normal market conditions, the DriveWealth Steady Saver ETF (ticker: “STBL”) seeks a net distribution yield of 3% and the DriveWealth Power Saver ETF (ticker: “EERN”) seeks a net distribution yield of 8%. To pursue these stated yields while minimizing risk and expenses, we use technology to create an investable universe of fixed income focused ETF’s and closed-end funds from which each of the DriveWealth ETFs’ portfolio is constructed. As of August 31, 2021, the DriveWealth ETFs’ portfolios each had diversified exposures across fixed income sectors, including high yield credit, emerging markets, local and hard currencies, government bonds, securitized products, and other niche income-oriented asset classes. As of the same date, both portfolios held between 7-10 underlying ETFs and closed-end funds, and those underlying funds each held hundreds of securities, thus allowing us to build very diversified portfolios for the DriveWealth ETFs in what we believe is an efficient and optimized manner.

 

The portfolios’ respective performance since inception through August 31, 2021 have been as follows: 0.35% for the DriveWealth Steady Saver ETF (STBL) and 1.01% for the DriveWealth Power Saver ETF (EERN). Investments hurting the performance of each of the portfolios have included allocations to underlying funds that hold local emerging market debt and high yield emerging market corporate bonds denominated in U.S. dollars. As the Chinese credit markets have been hurt by news of the debt crisis of China Evergrande Group other credit investments within the emerging markets have weakened in sympathy. Additionally, as the U.S. Federal Reserve has indicated that the tapering of monthly purchases of treasuries and mortgages will commence “soon”, underlying funds that have longer portfolio durations and holdings of mortgages, specifically, have underperformed. This type of volatility in the markets is to be expected, and the performance of the two DriveWealth ETFs is not out of the norm of our expectations.

 

Looking forward, our diversified exposures and well-rounded factor and sector holdings give us confidence that the two DriveWealth ETFs will generate their respective stated targeted net distribution yields with risk and expenses below those of other similar products in the market. Although the extremely accommodative monetary and fiscal policy environment that has been in place globally since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic has begun to roll back, the DriveWealth ETFs’ portfolios are each well-positioned, in our view, to withstand market volatility and offer shareholders great alternatives to investments in money market funds (in the case of the DriveWealth Steady Saver ETF) or higher-risk holdings in other asset classes (in the case of the DriveWealth Power Saver ETF).

 

Sincerely,

 

Stewart Russell

 

Stewart Russell

 

Chief Investment Officer

 

YieldX Inc.

 

 

1

Net distribution yield is defined as the dollar amount of the dividends received by the ETF holders divided by the dollar amount of their ETF holdings annualized.

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

DriveWealth Power Saver ETF

Portfolio Characteristics

(Unaudited)

 

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, 2021

 

Since
Inception

Inception
Date

DriveWealth Power Saver ETF

1.01%

7/26/2021

S&P 500® Total Return Index*

2.43%(1)

Fund Expense Ratios (2): Gross 1.97% and Net 1.49%

   

 

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed or sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

(1)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

(2)

The expense ratios of the Fund are set forth according to the Prospectus for the Fund and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Financial Highlights table in this report. See the Financial Highlights for most current expense ratios.

 

*

The S&P 500® Total Return Index is the total return version of the S&P 500® Index. Dividends are reinvested on a daily basis and all regular cash dividends are assumed reinvested in the index on the ex-dividend date. The S&P 500® Index is a market-capitalization-weighted index of 500 US stocks chosen for market size, liquidity and industry grouping, among other factors. The S&P 500® Index is designed to be a leading indicator of U.S. equities and is meant to reflect the risk/return characteristics of the large cap universe. The S&P 500® Index was first introduced on the 1st of January, 1923, though expanded to 500 stocks on March 4, 1957.

 

The DriveWealth Power Saver ETF uses the Global Industry Classification StandardSM (“GICSSM”) as the basis for the classification of securities on the Schedule of Investments (“SOI”).

 

Sector allocation

% of net assets

Finance and Insurance

99.8%

 

2

 

 

 

DriveWealth Steady Saver ETF

Portfolio Characteristics

(Unaudited)

 

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, 2021

 

Since
Inception

Inception
Date

DriveWealth Steady Saver ETF

0.35%

7/26/2021

S&P 500® Total Return Index*

2.43%(1)

Fund Expense Ratios (2): Gross 0.86% and Net 0.66%

   

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed or sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

(1)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

(2)

The expense ratios of the Fund are set forth according to the Prospectus for the Fund and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Financial Highlights table in this report. See the Financial Highlights for most current expense ratios.

 

*

The S&P 500® Total Return Index is the total return version of the S&P 500® Index. Dividends are reinvested on a daily basis and all regular cash dividends are assumed reinvested in the index on the ex-dividend date. The S&P 500® Index is a market-capitalization-weighted index of 500 US stocks chosen for market size, liquidity and industry grouping, among other factors. The S&P 500® Index is designed to be a leading indicator of U.S. equities and is meant to reflect the risk/return characteristics of the large cap universe. The S&P 500® Index was first introduced on the 1st of January, 1923, though expanded to 500 stocks on March 4, 1957.

 

The DriveWealth Steady Saver ETF uses the Global Industry Classification StandardSM (“GICSSM”) as the basis for the classification of securities on the Schedule of Investments (“SOI”).

 

Sector allocation

% of net assets

Finance and Insurance

100.0%

 

 

 

3

 

 

DriveWealth ETFs

Fund Expense Examples

August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund(s), you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including brokerage commissions on purchases and sales of Fund shares, and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund(s) and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other ETFs.

 

These examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period from March 1, 2021 through August 31, 2021, and held for the entire period. The actual values and expenses are based on the 36-day period from inception on July 26, 2021 through August 31, 2021.

 

Actual Expenses

 

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

 

Hypothetical Examples for Comparison Purposes

 

The second line of the accompanying table provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on each Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in a Fund and other funds. To do so, compare these 5% hypothetical examples with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the accompanying table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs. Therefore, the second line of the accompanying table 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
MArch 1,
2021

Ending
Account
Value
AUGUST 31,
2021

Expenses
Paid During
Period*

Annualized
Expense
Ratio

Actual Since
Inception
Total
Investment
Returns
for the Funds

DriveWealth Power Saver ETF

         

Actual

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,010.10

$ 0.37

0.37%

1.01%

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

1,000.00

1,023.34

1.89

0.37

N/A

DriveWealth Steady Saver ETF

         

Actual

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,003.50

$ 0.39

0.39%

0.35%

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

1,000.00

1,023.24

1.99

0.39

N/A

 

*

Expenses are equal to each Fund’s annualized expense ratio for the period March 1, 2021 through August 31, 2021, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184) in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by 365 to reflect the one-half year period. The actual dollar amounts shown are expenses paid by the Funds during the period from the Funds’ inception on July 26, 2021 through August 31, 2021 multiplied by 36 days, which is the number of days from the Funds’ inception through August 31, 2021. Each Fund’s ending account value in the first section in the table is based on the actual since inception total investment return for the Fund.

 

4

 

 

 

DriveWealth Power Saver ETF

Schedule of Investments

August 31, 2021

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Exchange Traded Funds — 28.4%

               

SPDR Bloomberg Barclays Emerging Markets Local Bond ETF (United States)

    1,302     $ 34,229  

VanEck Vectors Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF (United States)

    1,582       37,541  
                 

Total Exchange Traded Funds (Cost $71,476)

            71,770  
                 

Closed-End Mutual Funds — 69.8%

               

Brookfield Real Assets Income Fund, Inc. (United States)

    1,688       37,288  

DoubleLine Opportunistic Credit Fund (United States)

    1,894       37,539  

Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Fund (United States)

    1,400       29,638  

PIMCO Income Strategy Fund II (United States)

    1,584       18,026  

Western Asset Global High Income Fund, Inc. (United States)

    3,651       37,824  

Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund, Inc. (United States)

    1,173       15,871  
                 

Total Closed-End Mutual Funds (Cost $175,131)

            176,186  
                 

Short-Term Investments — 1.6%

               

First American Government Obligations Fund, Class X, 0.03% (United States)(a)

    4,054       4,054  

Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $4,054)

            4,054  
                 

Total Investments (Cost $250,661) — 99.8%

            252,010  

Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 0.2%

            519  

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

               

(Applicable to 10,000 shares outstanding)

          $ 252,529  

 

(a)

Seven-day yield as of August 31, 2021.

 

ETF Exchange-Traded Fund

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

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

 

 

5

 

 

DriveWealth Steady Saver ETF

Schedule of Investments

August 31, 2021

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Exchange Traded Funds — 91.4%

               

Global X US Preferred ETF (United States)

    964     $ 25,112  

iShares 0-5 Year High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (United States)

    958       43,963  

iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (United States)

    248       36,910  

PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF (United States)

    1,042       51,798  

SPDR Blackstone Senior Loan ETF (United States)

    1,634       75,115  

SPDR Bloomberg Barclays Emerging Markets Local Bond ETF (United States)

    2,874       75,557  

SPDR Bloomberg Barclays Short Term High Yield Bond ETF (United States)

    2,730       74,993  

VanEck Vectors Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF (United States)

    3,164       75,082  
                 

Total Exchange Traded Funds (Cost $457,623)

            458,530  
                 

Closed-End Mutual Funds — 6.3%

               

Putnam Master Intermediate Income Trust (United States)

    7,780       31,664  

Total Closed-End Mutual Funds (Cost $32,443)

            31,664  
                 

Short-Term Investments — 2.3%

               

First American Government Obligations Fund, Class X, 0.03% (United States)(a)

    11,535       11,535  

Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $11,535)

            11,535  
                 

Total Investments (Cost $501,601) — 100.0%

            501,729  

Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 0.0%

            6  

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

               

(Applicable to 20,000 shares outstanding)

          $ 501,735  

 

(a)

Seven-day yield as of August 31, 2021.

 

ETF Exchange-Traded Fund

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

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

 

6

 

 

 

DriveWealth ETFs

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

August 31, 2021

 

 

 

DriveWealth
Power Saver
ETF

   

DriveWealth
Steady Saver
ETF

 

ASSETS

               

Investments in securities of unaffiliated issurers, at value (cost $246,607 and $490,066, respectively)

  $ 247,956     $ 490,194  

Short-term investments, at value (cost $4,054 and $11,535, respectively)

    4,054       11,535  

Receivables for:

               

Dividends

    598       171  

Total assets

    252,608       501,900  
                 

LIABILITIES

               

Payables for:

               

Advisory fees

    79       165  

Total liabilities

    79       165  

Net assets

  $ 252,529     $ 501,735  
                 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

               

Par value

  $ 10     $ 20  

Paid-in capital

    249,990       500,142  

Total distributable earnings/(losses)

    2,529       1,573  

Net assets

  $ 252,529     $ 501,735  
                 

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    10,000       20,000  

Net asset value, price per share

    25.25       25.09  

 

 

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

 

 

7

 

 

DriveWealth ETFs

Statements of Operations

FOR THE period ENDED August 31, 2021

 

 

 

DriveWealth
Power Saver
ETF*

   

DriveWealth
Steady Saver
ETF*

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

               

Dividends

  $ 1,147     $ 1,626  

Total investment income

    1,147       1,626  
                 

EXPENSES

               

Advisory fees (Note 3)

    206       274  

Total expenses

    206       274  

Expense fees (waived)/reimbursed

    (116 )     (93 )

Net expenses after waivers/reimbursements

    90       181  

Net investment income/(loss)

    1,057       1,445  
                 

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS

               

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    123        

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    1,349       128  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    1,472       128  

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 2,529     $ 1,573  

 

*

Inception date of the Fund was July 26, 2021.

 

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

 

8

 

 

 

DriveWealth Power Saver ETF

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

 

FOR THE
PERIOD ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2021*

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

       

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 1,057  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    123  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    1,349  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    2,529  
         

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

       

Proceeds from shares sold

    250,000  

Shares redeemed

     

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

    250,000  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    252,529  
         

NET ASSETS:

       

Beginning of period

     

End of period

  $ 252,529  
         

SHARES TRANSACTIONS:

       

Shares sold

    10,000  

Shares redeemed

     

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    10,000  

 

*

Inception date of the Fund was July 26, 2021.

 

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

 

 

9

 

 

DriveWealth Steady Saver ETF

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

 

FOR THE
PERIOD ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2021*

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

       

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 1,445  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

     

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    128  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    1,573  
         

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

       

Proceeds from shares sold

    500,162  

Shares redeemed

     

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

    500,162  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    501,735  
         

NET ASSETS:

       

Beginning of period

     

End of period

  $ 501,735  
         

SHARES TRANSACTIONS:

       

Shares sold

    20,000  

Shares redeemed

     

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    20,000  

 

*

Inception date of the Fund was July 26, 2021.

 

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

 

10

 

 

 

DriveWealth Power Saver ETF

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the period. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

 

For the
Period Ended
august 31,

 

 

 

2021(1)

 

PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE

       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 25.00  

Net investment income/(loss)(2)

    0.11  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    0.14  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    0.25  

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 25.25  

Market value, end of period

  $ 25.27  

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value(3)

    1.01 %(5)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price(4)

    1.08 %(5)

RATIO/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 253  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and/or reimbursements

    0.85 %(6)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and/or reimbursements

    0.37 %(6)

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    4.25 %(6)

Portfolio turnover rate

    11 %(5)(7)

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund was July 26, 2021.

 

(2)

Per share data calculated using average shares outstanding method.

 

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

 

(4)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the market price on the first day of the period, reinvestment of dividends and distributions at market price during the period and redemption at market price on the last day of the period.

 

(5)

Not annualized.

 

(6)

Annualized.

 

(7)

Excludes effect of in-kind transfers.

 

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

 

 

11

 

 

DriveWealth Steady Saver ETF

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss) return, ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the period. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

 

FOR THE
PERIOD ENDED
AUGUST 31,

 

 

 

2021(1)

 

PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE

       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 25.00  

Net investment income/(loss)(2)

    0.08  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    0.01  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    0.09  

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 25.09  

Market value, end of period

  $ 25.09  

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value(3)

    0.35 %(5)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price(4)

    0.38 %(5)

RATIO/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 502  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and/or reimbursements

    0.59 %(6)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and/or reimbursements

    0.39 %(6)

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    3.02 %(6)

Portfolio turnover rate

    0 %(5)(7)

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund was July 26, 2021.

 

(2)

Per share data calculated using average shares outstanding method.

 

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

 

(4)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the market price on the first day of the period, reinvestment of dividends and distributions at market price during the period and redemption at market price on the last day of the period.

 

(5)

Not annualized.

 

(6)

Annualized.

 

(7)

Excludes effect of in-kind transfers.

 

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

 

12

 

 

 

DriveWealth ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements

August 31, 2021

 

1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The RBB Fund, Inc. (“RBB” or the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland on February 29, 1988 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. RBB is a “series fund,” which is a mutual fund divided into separate portfolios. Each portfolio is treated as a separate entity for certain matters under the 1940 Act, and for other purposes, and a shareholder of one portfolio is not deemed to be a shareholder of any other portfolio. Currently, RBB has thirty-nine separate investment portfolios, including the DriveWealth Power Saver ETF (“Power Saver ETF”) and the DriveWealth Steady Saver ETF (“Steady Saver ETF”) (each a “Fund” and together the “Funds”). The Funds commenced investment operations on July 26, 2021.

 

RBB has authorized capital of one hundred billion shares of common stock of which 88.223 billion shares are currently classified into one hundred and ninety-three classes of common stock. Each class represents an interest in an active or inactive RBB investment portfolio.

 

The investment objective of the Funds is to provide investors with current income.

 

The Funds are investment companies and follow accounting and reporting guidance in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 “Financial Services - Investment Companies”.

 

The end of the reporting period for the Funds is August 31, 2021, and the period covered by these Notes to Financial Statements is the since inception period from July 26, 2021 through August 31, 2021 (the “current fiscal period”).

 

INVESTMENT COMPANY SECURITIES — The Funds pursue their investment objectives by investing primarily in shares of registered, open-end investment companies and exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) (collectively, “underlying funds”). When a Fund invests in underlying funds it will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any fees and expenses payable directly by the underlying fund. In connection with its investments in other investment companies, a Fund will incur higher expenses, many of which may be duplicative. Furthermore, because the Funds invest in shares of ETFs and underlying funds their performances are directly related to the ability of the ETFs and underlying funds to meet their respective investment objectives, as well as the allocation of each Fund’s assets among the ETFs and underlying funds. Accordingly, the Funds’ investment performance will be influenced by the investment strategies of and risks associated with the ETFs and underlying funds in direct proportion to the amount of assets the Funds allocate to the ETFs and underlying funds utilizing such strategies.

 

PORTFOLIO VALUATION — Each Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. Securities held by the Funds are valued using the closing price or the last sale price on a national securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System (“NASDAQ”) market system where they are primarily traded. Equity securities traded in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market are valued at their closing prices. If there were no transactions on that day, securities traded principally on an exchange or on NASDAQ will be valued at the mean of the last bid and ask prices prior to the market close. Fixed income securities are valued using an independent pricing service, which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings, and are deemed representative of market values at the close of the market. Foreign securities are valued based on prices from the primary market in which they are traded, and are translated from the local currency into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates. If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable, securities will be valued in accordance with procedures adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). Relying on prices supplied by pricing services or dealers or using fair valuation may result in values that are higher or lower than the values used by other investment companies and investors to price the same investments. Such procedures use fundamental valuation methods, which may include, but are not limited to, an analysis of the effect of any restrictions on the resale of the security, industry analysis and trends,

 

 

13

 

 

DriveWealth ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

August 31, 2021

 

significant changes in the issuer’s financial position, and any other event which could have a significant impact on the value of the security. Determination of fair value involves subjective judgment as the actual market value of a particular security can be established only by negotiations between the parties in a sales transaction, and the difference between the recorded fair value and the value that would be received in a sale could be significant.

 

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS — The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the Funds’ investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:

 

 

Level 1 – Prices are determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.

 

 

Level 2 – Prices are determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

 

Level 3 – Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs (including the Funds’ own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

 

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used, as of the end of the reporting period, in valuing the Funds’ investments carried at fair value:

 

Power Saver ETF

 

 

 

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

 

Exchange Traded Funds

  $ 71,770     $ 71,770     $     $  

Closed-End Mutual Funds

    176,186       176,186              

Short-Term Investments

    4,054       4,054              

Total Investments*

  $ 252,010     $ 252,010     $     $  

 

STEADY Saver ETF

 

 

 

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

 

Exchange Traded Funds

  $ 458,530     $ 458,530     $     $  

Closed-End Mutual Funds

    31,664       31,664              

Short-Term Investments

    11,535       11,535              

Total Investments*

  $ 501,729     $ 501,729     $     $  

 

*

Please refer to the Schedule of Investments for further details.

 

At the end of each quarter, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities. Various factors are considered, such as changes in liquidity from the prior reporting period; whether or not a broker is willing to execute at the quoted price; the depth and consistency of prices from third party pricing services; and the existence of contemporaneous, observable trades in the market. Additionally, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities on a quarterly basis for changes in listings or delistings on national exchanges.

 

Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Funds’ investments may fluctuate from period to period. Additionally, the fair value of investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been

 

14

 

 

 

DriveWealth ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

August 31, 2021

 

used had a ready market existed for such investments and may differ materially from the values the Funds may ultimately realize. Further, such investments may be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities.

 

For fair valuations using significant unobservable inputs, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires each Fund to present a reconciliation of the beginning to ending balances for reported market values that presents changes attributable to total realized and unrealized gains or losses, purchase and sales, and transfers in and out of Level 3 during the period. Transfers in and out between levels are based on values at the end of the period. A reconciliation of Level 3 investments is presented only when a Fund had an amount of Level 3 investments at the end of the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets. The amounts and reasons for all Level 3 transfers are disclosed if a Fund had an amount of total Level 3 transfers during the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets as of the end of the reporting period.

 

During the current fiscal period, the Funds had no Level 3 transfers.

 

USE OF ESTIMATES — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences could be significant.

 

INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS, INVESTMENT INCOME AND EXPENSES — The Funds record security transactions based on trade date for financial reporting purposes. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method for both financial reporting and income tax purposes in determining realized gains and losses on investments. Interest income (including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts) is accrued when earned. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or capital gains are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. Certain expenses are shared with PENN Capital Funds Trust (the “Trust”), a series trust of affiliated funds. Expenses incurred on behalf of a specific class, fund or fund family of the Company or Trust are charged directly to the class, fund or fund family (in proportion to net assets). Expenses incurred for all of the RBB or Trust funds (such as director or professional fees) are charged to all funds in proportion to their average net assets of RBB and the Trust, or in such other manner as the Board deems fair or equitable. Expenses and fees, including investment advisory fees, are accrued daily and taken into account for the purpose of determining the NAV of each Fund.

 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS — Each Fund pays dividends from its net investment income and distributes any net capital gains that it realizes. The Funds declare and pay any taxable capital gains at least annually and as required to comply with federal excise tax requirements. Distributions to shareholders are determined in accordance with tax regulations and recorded on ex dividend date. Additionally, each Fund reports details of distribution-related transactions on quarterly account statements.

 

U.S. TAX STATUS — No provision is made for U.S. income taxes as it is the Funds’ intention to continue to qualify for and elect the tax treatment applicable to regulated investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and make the requisite distributions to its shareholders which will be sufficient to relieve it from U.S. income and excise taxes.

 

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) PANDEMIC — The global outbreak of COVID-19 (commonly referred to as “coronavirus”) has disrupted economic markets and the prolonged economic impact is uncertain. The ultimate economic fallout from the pandemic, and the long-term impact on economies, markets, industries and individual issuers are not known. Although vaccines for COVID-19 are becoming more available, the operational and financial performance of the issuers of securities in which the Funds invest depends on

 

 

15

 

 

DriveWealth ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

August 31, 2021

 

future developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak and the pace of recovery which may vary from market to market, and such uncertainty may in turn adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Funds’ investments, impair the Funds’ ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the Funds’ performance.

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates market value.

 

OTHER — In the normal course of business, the Funds may enter into contracts that provide general indemnifications. Each Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on claims that may be made against the Funds in the future, and, therefore, cannot be estimated; however, the Funds expect the risk of material loss from such claims to be remote.

 

2. Investment Policies and Practices

 

The sections below describe some of the different types of investments that may be made by the Funds and the investment practices in which the Funds may engage.

 

TYPES OF FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES — Each Fund may invest in bonds and other types of debt obligations of U.S. and foreign issuers. Fixed income securities purchased by a Fund may include, among others, bonds, notes, and debentures issued by corporations; debt securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or one of its agencies or instrumentalities (“U.S. Government Securities”); municipal securities; mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities; and debt securities issued or guaranteed by foreign governments, their agencies, instrumentalities, or political subdivisions, or by government-owned, -controlled, or -sponsored entities, including central banks. These investments also include money market instruments and other types of obligations. Investors should recognize that, although securities ratings issued by S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”), a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., and Moody’s Investors Services©, Inc. (“Moody’s”), provide a generally useful guide as to credit risks, they do not offer any criteria to evaluate interest rate risk. Changes in interest rate levels generally cause fluctuations in the prices of fixed-income securities and will, therefore, cause fluctuations in the NAV per share of a Fund. Subsequent to the purchase of a fixed-income security by a Fund, the ratings or credit quality of such security may deteriorate. Any such subsequent adverse changes in the rating or quality of a security held by a Fund would not require a Fund to sell the security.

 

TYPES OF EQUITY SECURITIES - In addition to common stock, the equity securities that the Fund may purchase include securities having equity characteristics, such as rights. Common stock represents an equity or ownership interest in a company. This interest often gives the Fund the right to vote on measures affecting the company’s organization and operations. Equity securities have a history of long-term growth in value, but their prices tend to fluctuate in the shorter term. Rights essentially are options to purchase equity securities at specific prices valid for a specific period of time. Their prices do not necessarily move parallel to the prices of the underlying securities. Rights normally have a short duration and are distributed directly by the issuer to its shareholders. Rights have no voting rights, receive no dividends, and have no rights with respect to the assets of the issuer.

 

SECURITIES OF OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES - The Fund may invest in securities of other investment companies, including ETF shares and shares of money market funds. The Fund’s investment in these securities (other than shares of money market funds and of certain ETFs) may be subject to certain limitations imposed by the 1940 Act — generally, a prohibition on acquiring more than 3 percent of the outstanding voting stock of another investment company. Investment companies such as ETFs and money market funds pay investment advisory and other fees and incur various expenses in connection with their operations. When the Fund invests in another investment company, shareholders of the Fund will indirectly bear these fees and expenses, which will be in addition to the fees and expenses of the Fund.

 

16

 

 

 

DriveWealth ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

August 31, 2021

 

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS — Real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) are pooled investment vehicles that manage a portfolio of real estate or real estate-related loans to earn profits for their shareholders. REITs are generally classified as equity REITs, mortgage REITs, or a combination of equity and mortgage REITs. Investing in REITs involves certain unique risks in addition to those risks associated with investing in the real estate industry in general. Equity REITs may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property owned by the REITs, while mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of the borrower on any credit extended. REITs are dependent upon management skills, may not be diversified geographically or by property type, and are subject to heavy cash-flow dependency, default by borrowers, and self-liquidation. REITs must also meet certain requirements under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), to avoid entity level tax and be eligible to pass through certain tax attributes of their income to shareholders. REITs are consequently subject to the risk of failing to meet these requirements for favorable tax treatment and of failing to maintain their exemptions from registration under the 1940 Act. REITs are also subject to the risks of changes in the Code, affecting their tax status.

 

REITs (especially mortgage REITs) are also subject to interest rate risks. When interest rates decline, the value of a REIT’s investment in fixed-rate obligations can be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of a REIT’s investment in fixed-rate obligations can be expected to decline. In contrast, as interest rates on adjustable-rate mortgage loans are reset periodically, yields on a REIT’s investments in such loans will gradually align themselves to reflect changes in market interest rates, causing the value of such investments to fluctuate less dramatically in response to interest rate fluctuations than would investments in fixed-rate obligations.

 

The management of a REIT may be subject to conflicts of interest with respect to the operation of the business of the REIT and may be involved in real estate activities competitive with the REIT. REITs may own properties through joint ventures or in other circumstances in which a REIT may not have control over its investments. REITs may use significant amounts of leverage.

 

TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS — During periods of adverse market or economic conditions, a Fund may temporarily invest all or a substantial portion of its assets in high-quality, fixed-income securities, money market instruments, and shares of money market mutual funds, or it may hold cash. At such times, a Fund would not be pursuing its stated investment objective with its usual investment strategies. A Fund may also hold these investments for liquidity purposes. Fixed-income securities will be deemed to be of high quality if they are rated “A” or better by S&P or Moody’s or, if unrated, are determined to be of comparable quality by YieldX Advisers, LLC (“YieldX”) the Adviser. Money market instruments are high-quality, short-term fixed income obligations (which generally have remaining maturities of one year or less), and may include U.S. Government Securities, commercial paper, certificates of deposit and banker’s acceptances issued by domestic branches of United States banks that are members of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and repurchase agreements for US. Government Securities. In lieu of purchasing money market instruments, a Fund may purchase shares of money market mutual funds that invest primarily in U.S. Government Securities and repurchase agreements involving those securities, subject to certain limitations imposed by the 1940 Act. A Fund, as an investor in a money market fund, will indirectly bear the fees and expenses of the money market fund. These indirect fees and expenses will be in addition to the fees and expenses of the Funds. Repurchase agreements involve certain risks not associated with direct investments in debt securities.

 

3. INVESTMENT adviser and other services

 

Red Gate Advisers, LLC (“Red Gate” or the “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser to the Funds. YieldX and Vident Investment Advisory, LLC (“Vident”), each serves as an investment sub-adviser (“Sub-Advisers”) to the Funds. Subject to the supervision of the Board, the Adviser manages the overall investment operations of the Funds, primarily in the form of oversight of the Sub-Advisers pursuant to the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and the Company on behalf of the Funds. Each Fund compensates the Adviser with a unitary management fee for its services at an annual rate based on

 

 

17

 

 

DriveWealth ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

August 31, 2021

 

each Fund’s average daily net assets (the “Advisory Fee”), payable on a monthly basis in arrears as shown in the following table. From the Advisory Fee, the Adviser pays most of the expenses of each Fund, including the cost of sub-advisory, transfer agency, custody, fund administration, legal, audit and other services. However, the Adviser is not responsible for interest expenses, brokerage commissions and other trading expenses, fees and expenses of independent directors and their independent counsel, taxes and other extraordinary costs such as litigation and other expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of business.

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive a portion of it’s unitary management fee for the first year of each Fund’s operations to the extent that total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding brokerage commissions, taxes, interest expense, acquired fund fees and expenses, and any extraordinary expenses) exceed the rate “(Expense Caps”) shown in the following table of each Fund’s average daily net assets. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2022 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board. The Adviser may discontinue these arrangements at any time after December 31, 2022.

 

FUND

 

Advisory Fee

   

Expense Cap

 

Power Saver ETF

    0.85 %     0.37 %

Steady Saver ETF

    0.59       0.39  

 

During the current fiscal period, investment advisory fees accrued and waived were as follows:

 

FUND

 

Gross advisory
fees

   

waivers and/or
reimbursements

   

NET
Advisory fees

 

Power Saver ETF

  $ 206     $ (116 )   $ 90  

Steady Saver ETF

    274       (93 )     181  

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (“Fund Services”), doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, serves as administrator for the Funds. For providing administrative and accounting services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Fund Services serves as the Funds’ transfer and dividend disbursing agent. For providing transfer agent services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

U.S. Bank, N.A. (the “Custodian”) provides certain custodial services to the Funds. The Custodian is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Vigilant Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”) serves as the principal underwriter and distributor of the Funds’ shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with RBB.

 

Under the Fund’s unitary fee, the Adviser compensates Fund Services and the Custodian for its services provided.

 

DIRECTOR AND OFFICER COMPENSATION — The Directors of the Company receive an annual retainer and meeting fees for meetings attended. An employee of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serves as President and Chief Compliance Officer of the Company. Vigilant Compliance, LLC, an affiliate of the Adviser, is compensated for the services provided to the Company. Employees of RBB serve as Treasurer, Secretary and Director of Marketing & Business Development of the Company. They are compensated for services provided. Certain employees of Fund Services serve as officers of the Company. They are not compensated by the Funds or the Company. As of the end of the reporting period, there were no director and officer fees charged or paid by the Funds.

 

18

 

 

 

DriveWealth ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

August 31, 2021

 

4. PURCHASES AND SALES OF INVESTMENT SECURITIES

 

During the current fiscal period, aggregate purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding in-kind transactions and short-term investments) of the Funds were as follows:

 

FUND

 

PURCHASES

   

SALES

 

Power Saver ETF

  $ 29,862     $ 27,826  

Steady Saver ETF

           

 

There were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. Government Securities during the current fiscal period.

 

During the current fiscal period, aggregate purchases and sales of in-kind transactions of the Funds were as follows:

 

FUND

 

PURCHASES

   

SALES

 

Power Saver ETF

  $ 244,716     $  

Steady Saver ETF

    490,066        

 

5. Federal Income tax information

 

The Funds have followed the authoritative guidance on accounting for and disclosure of uncertainty in tax positions, which requires the Funds to determine whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The Funds have determined that there was no effect on the financial statements from following this authoritative guidance. In the normal course of business, the Funds are subject to examination by federal, state and local jurisdictions, where applicable, for tax years for which applicable statutes of limitations have not expired.

 

As of August 31, 2021, the federal tax cost, aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of securities held by the Funds were as follows:

 

FUND

 

FEDERAL
TAX COST

   

UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION

   

UNREALIZED
(DEPRECIATION)

   

NET UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION/
(DEPRECIATION)

 

Power Saver ETF

  $ 250,661     $ 1,592     $ (243 )   $ 1,349  

Steady Saver ETF

    501,601       1,024       (896 )     128  

 

Distributions to shareholders, if any, from net investment income and realized gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from net investment income and realized gains recognized for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the character of distributions and composition of net assets for tax purposes may differ from those reflected in the accompanying financial statements. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on the tax treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.

 

As of August 31, 2021, there were no permanent differences between distributable earnings/(loss) and paid-in capital, respectively.

 

 

19

 

 

DriveWealth ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

As of August 31, 2021, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

FUND

 

Undistributed
Ordinary income

   

Undistributed
long-term
capital gains

   

NET UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION/
(DEPRECIATION)

 

Power Saver ETF

  $ 1,180     $     $ 1,349  

Steady Saver ETF

    1,445             128  

 

The differences between the book and tax basis components of distributable earnings relate primarily to the timing of recognition of income and gains for federal income tax purposes.

 

6. SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

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

 

Each Fund currently offers one class of shares, which has no front-end sales load, no deferred sales charge, and no redemption fee. A fixed transaction fee is imposed for the transfer and other transaction costs associated with the purchase or sale of Creation Units. The standard fixed transaction fee for each Fund is $500, payable to the custodian. In addition, a variable fee may be charged on all cash transactions or substitutes for Creation Units of up to a maximum of 2% as a percentage of the value of the Creation Units subject to the transaction. Variable fees are imposed to compensate each Fund for the transaction costs associated with the cash transactions. Variable fees received by each Fund, if any, are displayed in the capital shares transactions section of the Statements of Changes in Net Assets. Each Fund may issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest, with $0.001 par value per share. Shares of each Fund have equal rights and privileges.

 

7. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS AND REGULATORY UPDATES

 

In October 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“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. Funds will be required to comply with Rule 18f-4 by August 19, 2022. It is not currently clear what impact, if any, Rule 18f-4 will have on the availability, liquidity or performance of derivatives. Management is currently evaluating the potential impact of Rule 18f-4 on the Funds. When fully implemented, Rule 18f-4 may require changes in how a Fund uses derivatives, adversely affect a Fund’s performance and increase costs related to a Fund’s use of derivatives.

 

20

 

 

 

DriveWealth ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements (CONCLUDED)

August 31, 2021

 

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 Funds will be required to comply with the rules by September 8, 2022. Management is currently assessing the potential impact of the new rules on the Funds’ financial statements.

 

8. Subsequent Events

 

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Funds through the date the financial statements were issued and has determined that there were no significant events requiring recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.

 

 

21

 

 

DriveWealth ETFs

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. and Shareholders of DriveWealth Steady Saver ETF and DriveWealth Power Saver ETF

 

Opinions on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the schedules of investments, of DriveWealth Steady Saver ETF and DriveWealth Power Saver ETF (two of the funds constituting The RBB Fund, Inc., hereafter collectively referred to as the “Funds”) as of August 31, 2021, the related statements of operations and changes in net assets, including the related notes, and the financial highlights for the period July 26, 2021 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2021 (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Funds as of August 31, 2021, and the results of each of their operations, changes in each of their net assets and each of the financial highlights for the period July 26, 2021 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2021 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Basis for Opinions

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Funds’ financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Funds in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 2021 by correspondence with the custodian. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

 

/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
October 29, 2021

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Red Gate Advisers, LLC investment companies since 2021.

 

22

 

 

 

DriveWealth ETFs

Shareholder Tax Information

(UNAUDITED)

 

Certain tax information regarding the Funds is required to be provided to shareholders based upon the Funds’ income and distributions for the taxable period ended August 31, 2021. The information and distributions reported herein may differ from information and distributions taxable to the shareholders for the calendar year ending December 31, 2021. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021, the Funds did not pay ordinary income dividends nor long-term capital gains dividends to its shareholders.

 

Dividends from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income dividends for federal income tax purposes.

 

Because the Funds’ fiscal year is not the calendar year, another notification will be sent with respect to calendar year 2021. The second notification, which will reflect the amount, if any, to be used by calendar year taxpayers on their U.S. federal income tax returns, will be made in conjunction with Form 1099-DIV and will be mailed in January 2022.

 

Foreign shareholders will generally be subject to U.S. withholding tax on the amount of their ordinary income dividends. They will generally not be entitled to a foreign tax credit or deduction for the withholding taxes paid by the Funds, if any.

 

In general, dividends received by tax-exempt recipients (e.g., IRAs and Keoghs) need not be reported as taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, some retirement trusts (e.g., corporate, Keogh and 403(b)(7) plans) may need this information for their annual information reporting.

 

Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the tax consequences of their investment in the Funds.

 

 

23

 

 

DriveWealth ETFs

Notice to Shareholders

(Unaudited)

 

Information on Proxy Voting

 

Policies and procedures that the Funds use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities as well as information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 are available (i) without charge, upon request, by calling (800) 617-0004; and (ii) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Quarterly Schedule of Investments

 

The Company files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third fiscal quarters of each fiscal year (quarters ended November 30 and May 31) as an exhibit to its report on Form N-PORT. The Company’s Forms N-PORT are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Frequency Distributions of Premiums and Discounts

 

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

 

APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENTS

 

As required by the 1940 Act, the Board, including all of the Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Directors”), considered (1) the approval of the investment advisory agreement between the Adviser and the Company on behalf of the Funds (the “Advisory Agreement”) and (2) the approval of the sub-advisory agreement between the Adviser and YieldX and the approval of the sub-advisory agreement among the Adviser, the Company and Vident (together, the “Sub-Advisory Agreements”) at meetings of the Board held on May 12-13, 2021 and June 24, 2021 (collectively, the “Meeting”). At the Meeting, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, approved the Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreements for initial terms. In approving the Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreements, the Board considered information provided by the Adviser and each of the Sub-Advisers with the assistance and advice of counsel to the Independent Directors and the Company.

 

In considering the approval of the Advisory Agreement between the Company and Red Gate with respect to the DriveWealth Power Saver ETF and DriveWealth Steady Saver ETF (for this section only, each a “Fund” and together the “Funds”), and the approval of the Sub-Advisory Agreements between Red Gate and each of YieldX Advisers, LLC and Vident (each, a “Sub-Adviser”) with respect to the Funds, the Directors took into account all materials provided prior to and during the Meeting and at other meetings throughout the past year, the presentations made during the Meeting, and the discussions held during the Meeting. Among other things, the Directors considered (i) the nature, extent, and quality of services to be provided to the Funds by Red Gate and each Sub-Adviser; (ii) descriptions of the experience and qualifications of the personnel providing those services; (iii) Red Gate’s and the Sub-Advisers’ investment philosophies and processes; (iv) Red Gate’s and the Sub-Advisers’ assets under management and client descriptions; (v) Red Gate’s and the Sub-Advisers’ soft dollar commission and trade allocation policies, including information on the types of research and services obtained in connection with soft dollar commissions; (vi) Red Gate’s and the Sub-Advisers’ advisory fee arrangements and other similarly managed clients, as applicable; (vii) Red Gate’s and the Sub-Advisers’ compliance procedures; (viii) Red Gate’s and the Sub-Advisers’ financial information and insurance coverage; (ix) the extent to which economies of scale are relevant to the Funds; and (x) a report prepared by Broadridge/Lipper comparing each Fund’s proposed management fees and total expense ratio to those of its Lipper Group. The Directors noted that the Funds had not yet commenced operations, and consequently there was no performance information to review with respect to the Funds.

 

As part of their review, the Directors considered the nature, extent and quality of the services to be provided by Red Gate and each Sub-Adviser. The Directors concluded that Red Gate and each Sub-Adviser had sufficient resources to provide services to the Funds.

 

24

 

 

 

DriveWealth ETFs

Notice to Shareholders (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

The Board also considered the effect of the unitary management fee payable by the Funds under the Advisory Agreement. In this regard, information on the fees paid by each Fund and the Fund’s total operating expense ratio (before and after fee waivers and expense reimbursements) was compared to similar information for ETFs advised by other, unaffiliated investment advisory firms. The Directors also considered the fees payable to each Sub-Adviser under the Sub-Advisory Agreements.

 

After reviewing the information regarding Red Gate’s and the Sub-Advisers’ estimated costs, profitability and economies of scale, and after considering the services to be provided by Red Gate and Sub-Advisers, the Directors concluded that the unitary management fees to be paid by the Funds to Red Gate and the sub-advisory fees to be paid to each Sub-Adviser by Red Gate were fair and reasonable and that the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreements should be approved for an initial period ending August 16, 2022.

 

 

25

 

 

DriveWealth ETFs

Privacy Notice

(Unaudited)

 

Scope of Privacy Policies and Procedures

 

Red Gate Advisers, LLC (“Red Gate”, “RGA” or “We”) is the investment adviser to the Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF (STNC), DriveWealth Steady Saver ETF (STBL) and DriveWealth Power Saver ETF (EERN) (collectively the “Funds”). As a registered investment adviser to the Funds, Red Gate is subject to the laws enforced by the SEC and the Federal Trade Commission that govern the privacy of consumer information, impose restrictions on the ability of financial institutions to disclose non-public personal information about consumers who are natural persons (i.e., individuals) to nonaffiliated third parties and require financial institutions to provide privacy notices to consumers. Red Gate’s clients are the Funds and we do not directly work with any consumer1, therefore the Privacy Policy and Privacy Notice below do not apply to Red Gate as we do not handle personal information specific to consumers. Non-public personal information about individuals includes personally identifiable financial information that is not publicly available, such as account balances, social security numbers, and net worth. Red Gate does not have access to this type of information. If Red Gate’s business changes, and they handle personal information of consumers, the below policy will be enforced.

 

These Privacy Policies and Procedures are designed to ensure that we maintain the confidentiality of personal information about our Fund investors and that we comply with applicable privacy regulations.

 

Applicability to Individuals

 

Privacy rules apply to both “consumers” and “customers.” A consumer is an individual who obtains or has obtained a financial product or service that is used primarily for personal, family, or household purposes. For example, an individual is a consumer if he or she provides non-public personal information in connection with obtaining or seeking to obtain investment advisory services from Red Gate or seeking to invest in a Fund or Funds, regardless of whether such services are provided or a continuing relationship with the individual is established. A customer, on the other hand, is a consumer that has a continuing relationship with an institution. For example, a Red Gate customer would include a Fund investor that is an individual.

 

These Privacy Policies and Procedures apply to all current and former “consumers” and “customers” of Red Gate and the Funds, and Red Gate and the Funds extend the same confidentiality protections to all investors, whether institutional or individual (collectively “Investors”).

 

Non-Disclosure of Investor Information

 

Red Gate and the Fund(s) do not share any information about Investors with nonaffiliated third parties, except as necessary or appropriate in connection with the processing and administration of the Fund’s investments and in connection with Red Gate and the Fund’s general business operations. For example, information about Investors may be disclosed as necessary to process an Investor’s subscription to a Fund, to the extent required in connection with an investment or transaction Red Gate proposes to make, or to Red Gate’s technical service providers that maintain the security of Red Gate or the Fund’s records. Information about Investors may also be disclosed to the extent an Investor specifically authorized the disclosure, and for other purposes required or permitted by law, such as where reasonably necessary to prevent fraud, unauthorized transactions or liability, to respond to judicial process or subpoena, or complying with federal, state or local laws.

 

In the event that Red Gate or a Fund discloses non-public personal information about an Investor either to a non-affiliated third party that provides marketing services on behalf of Red Gate or a Fund (i.e., not on behalf of Investors or as otherwise described above) or to a non-affiliated third party financial institution, such as a prime broker, in connection with joint marketing by Red Gate or a Fund and the third

 

 

1

A consumer is an individual who obtains or has obtained a financial product or service that is used primarily for personal, family, or household purposes.

 

26

 

 

 

DriveWealth ETFs

Privacy Notice (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

party, Red Gate shall: (i) notify Investors in the Privacy Notice (as described below) of the possibility of such disclosure; and (ii) enter into a contractual agreement with the third-party that prohibits the third-party from disclosing or using Investor information other than to carry out the purposes for which the information was disclosed to the third party and requires the parties agree to maintain the confidentiality of investor information. Any disclosure of Investor information to third-party service providers and joint marketing partners must be pre-approved by the Chief Compliance Officer.

 

Except as described above, Red Gate will not disclose non-public personal Investor information to non-affiliated parties, unless a Fund investor has been given a notice of the possibility of such disclosure and an opportunity to “opt-out” of the disclosure.

 

Privacy Notices

 

The Fund will deliver initial notification of these policies and procedures to Investors and annual notice to current Investors thereafter in the form of a privacy notice (the “Privacy Notice”). One acceptable method for delivering an initial notice is through a cover letter accompanying required Red Gate or Fund disclosure documents such as Red Gate’s Form ADV, which Red Gate provides to Investors, where applicable. An acceptable method for delivering an annual notice would be through a cover letter accompanying a monthly or quarterly statement to current Investors. A form of Privacy Notice is attached hereto as Exhibit A.

 

Safeguarding Investor Information and Disposing of Consumer Report Information

 

Employees of Red Gate must comply with certain minimum procedures that are designed to address administrative, technical and physical safeguards for the protection of Investor information, as well as for the proper disposal of consumer report information (or any compilation of consumer report information derived from consumer reports) about Investors who are individuals and current, former and prospective employees that Red Gate possesses for a business purpose. In general, a “consumer report” is any report from a consumer reporting agency that contains information bearing on an individual’s credit, reputation, personal characteristics, or mode of living, that is to be used as a factor in establishing the consumer’s eligibility for credit, employment, and certain financial transactions. Proper disposal of consumer report information is intended to protect Investors who are individuals and current, former and prospective employees from the possibility of unauthorized access to information about them that is contained in any consumer report (whether in paper, electronic or other form) and to protect against identity theft and fraud. Red Gate might possess consumer report information for example in connection with evaluating a potential investor or making an employment decision about an individual.

 

Red Gate’ policies and procedures designed to address these requirements are described below:

 

 

A.

Secure Records Containing Investor Information

 

Records containing Investor information must be stored in a secure location. The Chief Information Security Officer (“CISO”) is responsible for ensuring that:

 

1.    Hard-copy records: Any records stored in hard copy should be kept in a secure, locked location, such as designated filing cabinets.

 

2.    Diskette stored records: Any records stored on diskettes should be safeguarded by keeping diskettes in a secure locked location, such as designated filing cabinets.

 

3.    Electronically stored records: Any records stored electronically on a hard drive server or otherwise should be safeguarded by restricting access through the use of passwords or other access-limiting devices.

 

 

27

 

 

DriveWealth ETFs

Privacy Notice (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

 

B.

Limit Access to Records Containing Investor Information

 

Red Gate restricts access to Investor information to those employees who need to know such information in order to provide services to investors. Any employee who is authorized to have access to Investor information in connection with the performance of such employee’s duties and responsibilities is required to keep such information secure and confidential.

 

 

C.

Proper Disposal of Consumer Report Information

 

Red Gate on behalf of its Transfer Agent on behalf of the Fund(s) are responsible for ensuring the proper disposal of consumer report information. Disposal of consumer report information means either (i) the discarding or abandoning of consumer report information or (ii) the sale, donation or transfer of any medium, including computer equipment, on which consumer report information is stored. These procedures do not require that the disposal of consumer report information, but they apply whenever there is disposal of such information.

 

1.    Proper Disposal Measures. The Transfer Agent stores and disposes of paper records containing consumer reports. Consumer Reports of investor accounts that are inactive and maintained electronically by the Transfer Agent are purged from the Transfer Agent’s system, generally every 18 months. The Transfer Agent defines inactive accounts as:

 

 

(a)

Accounts that have been opened but never funded;

 

 

(b)

Accounts that were fully funded and subsequently fully redeemed; and

 

 

(c)

Accounts that are inactive for 18 months or greater.

 

Review by Chief Compliance Officer

 

The Chief Compliance Officer may suggest changes that he/she deems necessary for the purpose of enhancing the effectiveness of the policies and procedures.

 

Further Information

 

The Chief Compliance Officer should be contacted for further information regarding these policies and procedures.

 

28

 

 

 

DriveWealth ETFs

Privacy Notice (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Exhibit A

 

FACTS

WHAT DOES RED GATE ADVISERS, LLC (“RED GATE”) DO WITH YOUR

PERSONAL INFORMATION?

Why?

Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.

What?

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

● Social Security number and transaction history

● Account balances and checking account information

● Account transactions and wire transfer instructions

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

How?

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

       

Reasons we share your personal information

Does Red Gate share?

Can you limit this?

For our everyday business purposes—
such as to process your transaction, maintain your account(s), provide you with necessary information, respond to court orders and legal
investigation.

Yes

No

For joint marketing with other financial
companies

Yes

Yes

For joint marketing with other financial
companies

No

We don’t share

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes—
information about your transactions and
experiences

Yes

No

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes—
Information about your creditworthiness

No

We don’t share

For our affiliates to market to you

Yes

No

For non-affiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share

 

To limit our sharing

Please note:

If you are a new customer, we can begin sharing your information 30 days from the days from the date we sent this notice. When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in this notice.

However, you can contact us at any time to limit our sharing.

Questions?

Call 1-888-229-1855 or visit https://redgateadvisers.com/ should you have any questions.

 

 

 

29

 

 

 

 

DriveWealth ETFs

Privacy Notice (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Exhibit A

 

What we do

 

How does Red Gate protect my personal information?

To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings.

How does Red Gate collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

● open an account

● provide account information

● give us your contact information

● make a wire transfer

● tell us where to send the money

We also collect your information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

● sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes-information about your creditworthiness

● affiliates from using your information to market to you

● sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

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

What happens when I limit sharing for an account I hold jointly with someone else?

In addition to the above information, where applicable, you have the following rights under the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) and U.S. Privacy Laws, as applicable and to the extent permitted by law, to

● Check whether we hold personal information about you and to access such data (in accordance with our policy)

● Request the correction of personal information about you that is

● inaccurate

● Have a copy of the personal information we hold about you provided to you or another “controller” where technically feasible

● Request the erasure of your personal information

● Request the restriction of processing concerning you

The legal grounds for processing of your personal information is for contractual necessity and compliance with law.

If you wish to exercise any of your rights above, please call: 1-888-229-1855.

You are required to ensure the personal information we hold about you is up-to-date and accurate and you must notify us of any changes to the personal data you provided to us.

The Funds shall retain your personal data for as long as you are an investor in the Funds and thereafter as long as necessary to comply with applicable laws that require the Funds to retain your personal data, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission’s data retention rules. Your personal data will be transferred to the United States so that the Funds may provide the agreed upon services for you. No adequacy decision has been rendered by the European Commission as to the data protection of your personal data when transferring it to the United States. However, the Funds do take the security of your personal data seriously.

European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation

To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings.

 

 

30

 

 

 

 

 

DriveWealth ETFs

Privacy Notice (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

Exhibit A

 

Definitions

 

Affiliates

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

Red Gate shares ownership with Vigilant Compliance, LLC, Vigilant Distributors, LLC and Red Gate Distribution, LLC.

Non-affiliates

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

Red Gate shares ownership with Vigilant Compliance, LLC, Vigilant Distributors, LLC and Red Gate Distribution, LLC.

Joint marketing

A formal agreement between non-affiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.

Red Gate doesn’t jointly market.

Controller

“Controller” means the natural or legal person, public authority, agency or other body which, alone or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of the processing of personal data; where the purposes and means of such processing are determined by European union or European Member state law, the controller or the specific criteria for its nomination may be provided for by European union or European Member state law.

 

 

 

31

 

 

 

 

DriveWealth ETFs

Directors and Officers

(Unaudited)

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company is organized under and managed pursuant to Maryland law. The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below. The statement of additional information (“SAI”) includes additional information about the Directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling (800) 617-0004.

 

Name, Address, AND AGE

Positions(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and
Length of
Time
Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Julian A. Brodsky
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 88

Director

1988 to present

From 1969 to 2011, Director and Vice Chairman, Comcast Corporation (cable television and communications).

46

AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).

J. Richard Carnall
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 82

Director

2002 to present

Since 1984, Director of Haydon Bolts, Inc. (bolt manufacturer) and Parkway Real Estate Company (subsidiary of Haydon Bolts, Inc.); since 2004, Director of Cornerstone Bank.

46

None.

Gregory P. Chandler
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 54

Director

2012 to present

Since 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Herspiegel Consulting LLC (life sciences consulting services); 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Avocado Systems Inc. (cyber security software provider); 2009-2020, Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services).

46

Emtec, Inc. (until December 2019); FS Investment Corporation (business development company) (until December 2018); FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company).

 

32

 

 

 

DriveWealth ETFs

Directors and Officers (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address, AND AGE

Positions(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and
Length of
Time
Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

Nicholas A. Giordano
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 78

Director

2006 to present

Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations.

46

IntriCon Corporation (biomedical device manufacturer); Kalmar Pooled Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until September 2017); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance) (until 2021).

Arnold M. Reichman 615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 73

Chairman

 

Director

2005 to present

1991 to present

Retired.

46

EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company).

Brian T. Shea
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 61

Director

2018 to present

From 2014-2017, Chief Executive Officer, BNY Mellon Investment Services (fund services, global custodian and securities clearing firm); from 1983-2014, Chief Executive Officer and various positions, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm).

46

WisdomTree Investments, Inc. (asset management company) (until March 2019); Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (financial services technology company); Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (financial services company).

Robert A. Straniere
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 80

Director

2006 to present

Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm).

46

None.

INTERESTED DIRECTOR2

Robert Sablowsky
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 83

Vice Chairman

Director

2016 to present

1991 to present

Since 2002, Senior Director – Investments and, prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer).

46

None.

 

 

 

33

 

 

 

 

DriveWealth ETFs

Directors and Officers (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address, AND AGE

Positions(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and
Length of
Time
Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

OFFICERS

Salvatore Faia, JD, CPA, CFE Vigilant Compliance, LLC Gateway Corporate Center, Suite 216
223 Wilmington West Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Age: 58

President

 

Chief Compliance Officer

2009 to present

2004 to present

Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company); since 2021, President and Chief Compliance Officer of Penn Capital Funds Trust.

N/A

N/A

James G. Shaw
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 60

Treasurer and Secretary

2016 to present

Treasurer and Secretary of The RBB Fund, Inc. (since 2016) and Penn Capital Funds Trust (since 2021); from 2005 to 2016, Assistant Treasurer of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 1995 to 2016, Senior Director and Vice President of BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (financial services company).

N/A

N/A

Craig A. Urciuoli
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 46

Director of Marketing & Business Development

2019 to present

Director of Marketing & Business Development of The RBB Fund, Inc. (since 2019) and Penn Capital Funds Trust (since 2021); from 2000-2019, Managing Director, Third Avenue Management LLC.

N/A

N/A

Jennifer Witt
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 38

Assistant Treasurer

2018 to present

Since 2020, Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (fund administrative services firm); from 2016 to 2020, Assistant Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services; from 2007 to 2016, Supervisor, Nuveen Investments (registered investment company).

N/A

N/A

 

 

34

 

 

 

 

 

DriveWealth ETFs

Directors and Officers (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address, AND AGE

Positions(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and
Length of
Time
Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

Edward Paz
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 50

Assistant Secretary

2016 to present

Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm).

N/A

N/A

Michael P. Malloy
One Logan Square Ste. 2000 Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 62

Assistant Secretary

1999 to present

Since 1993, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

Jillian L. Bosmann
One Logan Square Ste. 2000 Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 42

Assistant Secretary

2017 to present

Since 2017, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

 

*

Each Director oversees 46 portfolios of the fund complex, consisting of the series in the Company and Penn Capital Funds Trust (7 portfolios).

 

1.

Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his or her successor is elected and qualified or his or her death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Carnall, Giordano, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.

 

2.

Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

 

35

 

 

DriveWealth ETFs

Directors and Officers (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive-level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Carnall has decades of senior executive-level management experience in the banking and financial services industry and also serves on the boards of various corporations and a bank. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Mr. Shea has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the brokerage, clearing and investment services industry, including service on the boards of industry regulatory organizations and a university.

 

36

 

 

 

Investment Adviser

Red Gate Advisers, LLC
Gateway Corporate Center, Suite 216
223 Wilmington West Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania 19317

 

Investment Sub-Advisers

YieldX Advisers, LLC
2980 NE 20th Street, Suite 504
Aventura, Florida 33810

 

Vident Investment Advisory, LLC
300 Colonial Center Parkway, Suite 330
Roswell, Georgia 30076

 

Administrator and Transfer Agent

U.S. Bank Global Fund Services
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201

 

Custodian

U.S. Bank, N.A.
1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP
Two Commerce Square, Suite 1800
2001 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103

 

Underwriter

Vigilant Distributors, LLC
Gateway Corporate Center, Suite 216
223 Wilmington West Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania 19317

 

Legal Counsel

Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
One Logan Square, Suite 2000
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-6996

 

 

37

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FREE MARKET U.S. EQUITY FUND
FREE MARKET INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND
FREE MARKET FIXED INCOME FUND

 

of

 

The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

 

Annual Report

 

August 31, 2021

 

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report

AUGUST 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Free Market U.S. Equity Fund

 

The twelve-month period ended August 31, 2021 saw some periods of noticeable volatility in domestic equity markets. Common news stories over the past twelve months have included continued coverage of the global COVID-19 pandemic and the availability of the vaccines, reopening of the economy and attempts to return to some level of normalcy, indices hitting record highs, a significant drop in the U.S. unemployment rate, the 2020 presidential election, and the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan. The performance of U.S. equities in 2021 has begun to reverse course from the beginning of 2020 and has shown strong positive trajectory despite noticeable volatility.

 

For the twelve months ended August 31, 2021, the Free Market U.S. Equity Fund provided a total return of 49.28% at net asset value. This compares with a return of 45.87% over the same period for the Fund’s benchmark, the Russell 2500® Index.

 

As a result of the Free Market U.S. Equity Fund’s diversified investment approach, performance principally was determined by broad structural trends in equity markets, rather than the behavior of a limited number of stocks. Among the most important factors explaining differences in the performance of diversified equity funds, like the Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, are the size and value/growth characteristics of the underlying fund holdings. Size is measured by market capitalization and “value” classification is a function of stock price relative to one or more fundamental characteristics.

 

U.S. small company stocks performed better than U.S. large company stocks during the period. The Russell 2000® Index returned 47.08%, while the S&P 500® Index was up 31.17% for the twelve-month period ended August 31, 2021. Furthermore, for the same time-period, the Russell 2000® Value Index returned 59.49% and the Russell 1000® Value Index returned 36.44%.

 

In summary, U.S. small cap stocks performed better than large cap stocks and U.S. value stocks outperformed U.S. growth stocks. Factors that contributed to the Fund’s overperformance compared to its benchmark can largely be explained by its tilt toward small cap and value stocks.

 

Today’s environment underscores that markets are highly unpredictable over the short term. In other words, anything can happen, so we believe that a balanced, diversified, long-term approach is favored.

 

1

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Free Market International Equity Fund

 

The global markets experienced a roller coaster ride during the twelve-month period ended August 31, 2021. 2020 ended with international equity markets faring better than U.S. markets, however over the entire twelve months, U.S. equity markets outpaced international equity markets. We also saw the continued effects of the COVID-19 pandemic that has caused tremendous global human and economic hardships, while global markets attempted to return to some level of normalcy.

 

For the twelve months ended August 31, 2021, the Free Market International Equity Fund provided a total return of 34.43% at net asset value. This compares with a return of 26.57% over the same period for the Fund’s benchmark, the MSCI World (ex USA) Index, which captures large and mid-cap representation across 22 of 23 Developed Markets (DM) countries excluding the U.S.

 

As a result of the Free Market International Equity Fund’s diversified investment approach, performance principally was determined by broad structural trends in global equity markets, rather than the behavior of a limited number of stocks. Among the most important factors explaining differences in the behavior of diversified international equity funds, like the Free Market International Equity Fund, are company size and company value/growth characteristics of the underlying fund holdings and broad exposure to emerging market equities.

 

International small company stocks fared better than international large company stocks during the fiscal year. The MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index returned 32.81% for the twelve months ended August 31, 2021, while the MSCI EAFE Index returned 26.12% for the same period. Furthermore, for the same time period, the MSCI EAFE Value Index rose by 26.99%, while the MSCI EAFE Small Cap Value Index returned 35.52% and the MSCI Emerging Markets Index returned 21.12%.

 

In summary, factors that contributed to the Fund’s overperformance compared to its benchmark can largely be explained by its tilt toward small cap and value stocks.

 

Today’s environment underscores that markets are highly unpredictable over the short term. In other words, anything can happen, so we believe that a balanced, diversified, long-term approach is favored.

 

 

2

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Free Market Fixed Income Fund

 

The U.S. economy experienced periods of volatility during the twelve months ended August 31, 2021. We continued to see the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic causing tremendous global human and economic hardship while global markets attempted to return to some level of normalcy. Disruptions to economic activity continue to affect financial conditions. The U.S. Federal Reserve continued to hold its policy rate close to zero to support the economic recovery. The broad proxy for the U.S. bond market, the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, fell -0.08%, while the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond Index (hedged) returned 0.76% for the twelve-month period ended August 31, 2021. As a result of the increase in interest rates, long-term bonds were outperformed by ones with shorter maturities. For the twelve months ended August 31, 2021, the Bloomberg U.S. Government/Credit 1-3 Years Index returned 0.15% while the Morningstar Long-Term U.S. Government Bond Index, which includes U.S. Treasury and U.S. Government Agency bonds with maturities of seven years or longer, returned -6.16%.

 

The Free Market Fixed Income Fund focuses on assets that invest in global high quality and shorter-term government and corporate fixed income assets. For the twelve-month period ended August 31, 2021, the Free Market Fixed Income Fund returned 0.31%. This compares with a return of 0.26% over the same period for the Fund’s benchmark, the FTSE World Government Bond 1-5 Year Currency Hedged U.S. Dollar Index.

 

The Free Market Fixed Income Fund performed as expected, and slightly overperformed its benchmark for the period. A contributing factor to the performance of the Fund compared to its benchmark was the Fund’s slightly lower exposure to certain global markets and exposure to shorter term maturities.

 

3

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

The Russell 2500 Index: The Russell 2500™ Index measures the performance of the small to mid-cap segment of the US equity universe, commonly referred to as “smid” cap. The Russell 2500™ Index is a subset of the Russell 3000® Index. It includes approximately 2500 of the smallest securities based on a combination of their market cap and current index membership. The Russell 2500™ Index is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased barometer for the small to mid-cap segment. The index is completely reconstituted annually to ensure larger stocks do not distort the performance and characteristics of the true small to mid-cap opportunity set.

 

Russell 2000® Index: Measures the performance of the small-cap segment of the U.S. equity universe. The Russell 2000 is a subset of the Russell 3000® Index representing approximately 10% of the total market capitalization of that index. It includes approximately 2000 of the smallest securities based on a combination of their market cap and current index membership. The Russell 2000® Index is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased small-cap barometer and is completely reconstituted annually to ensure larger stocks do not distort the performance and characteristics of the true small-cap opportunity set.

 

Russell 2000® Value Index: The Russell 2000® Value Index measures the performance of small-cap value segment of the US equity universe. It includes those Russell 2000® companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values. The Russell 2000® Value Index is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased barometer for the small-cap value segment. The index is completely reconstituted annually to ensure larger stocks do not distort the performance and characteristics of the true small-cap opportunity set and that the represented companies continue to reflect value characteristics.

 

The S&P 500® Index is a market-capitalization-weighted index that consists of the 500 largest U.S. publicly traded companies.

 

Russell 1000® Value Index: The Russell 1000® Value Index measures the performance of the large-cap value segment of the US equity universe. It includes those Russell 1000® companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower expected growth values. The Russell 1000® Value Index is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased barometer for the large-cap value segment. The index is completely reconstituted annually to ensure new and growing equities are included and that the represented companies continue to reflect value characteristics.

 

The MSCI World (ex USA) Index captures large and mid -cap representation across 22 of 23 developed markets (DM) countries*--excluding the United States. With 934 constituents, the index covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in each country.

 

MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index is an equity index which captures small cap representation across Developed Markets countries* around the world, excluding the US and Canada. With 2,377 constituents, the index covers approximately 14% of the free float adjusted market capitalization in each country.

 

MSCI EAFE Small Cap Value Index captures small cap securities exhibiting overall value style characteristics across Developed Markets countries* around the world, excluding the U.S. and Canada. The value investment style characteristics for index construction are defined using three variables: book value to price, 12-month forward earnings to price and dividend yield.

 

MSCI EAFE Index is an equity index which captures large and mid-cap representation across 21 Developed Markets countries* around the world, excluding the US and Canada. With 843 constituents, the index covers approximately 85% of the free float adjusted market capitalization in each country

 

MSCI EAFE Value Index captures large and mid-cap securities exhibiting overall value style characteristics across Developed Markets countries* around the world, excluding the US and Canada. The value investment style characteristics for index construction are defined using three variables: book value to price, 12-month forward earnings to price and dividend yield.

 

MSCI Emerging Markets Index captures large and mid-cap representation across 27 Emerging Markets (EM) countries**. With 1,407 constituents, the index covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in each country.

 

Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based flagship benchmark that measures the investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market.

 

4

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Concluded)

AUGUST 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond Index is a flagship measure of global investment grade debt from twenty-four local currency markets.

 

Bloomberg U.S. Government/Credit 1-3 Years Index measures the performance of investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate, taxable corporate and government-related debt with 1 to 3 years to maturity.

 

Morningstar Long-Term US Government Bond Index includes US Treasury and US Government Agency bonds with maturities of seven years or longer.

 

FTSE World Government Bond 1-5 Year Currency Hedged U.S. Dollar Index is a broad index providing exposure to the global sovereign fixed income market. The index measures the performance of fixed-rate, local currency, investment-grade sovereign bonds. It comprises sovereign debt from over 20 countries, denominated in a variety of currencies. The index provides a broad benchmark for the global sovereign fixed income market. Sub-indexes are available in any combination of currency, maturity, or rating.

 

* Developed Markets countries include: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK and the U.S.

 

** EM countries include: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and United Arab Emirates.

 

One cannot invest directly in an index.

 

Growth stocks typically are more volatile than value stocks; however, value stocks have a lower expected growth rate in earnings and sales.

 

Opinions expressed are subject to change at any time, are not guaranteed and should not be considered investment advice.

 

Must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus.

 

Mutual fund investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. Diversification does not assure a profit nor protect against loss in a declining market. Investing in micro-cap or small cap companies involve additional risks such as limited liquidity and greater volatility than large companies. Investing in foreign securities involves greater volatility and political, economic and currency risks and differences in accounting methods. These risks are greater in emerging markets. Investments in debt securities typically decrease in value when interest rates rise. This risk is usually greater for longer-term debt securities.

 

Shares of the Funds are distributed by Vigilant Distributors, LLC. Member of FINRA and SIPC.

 

5

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

PERFORMANCE DATA

AUGUST 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Free Market U.S. Equity Fund

 

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in
Free Market U.S. Equity Fund vs. Russell 2500® Index and Composite Index

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 minimum initial investment in the Fund made on August 31, 2010 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is a professionally managed mutual fund while the Russell 2500® Index and Composite Index are unmanaged, do not incur sales charges and/or expenses and are not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended August 31, 2021

 

1 Year

5 Years

10 Years

Since
Inception

Free Market U.S. Equity Fund

49.28%

12.50%

13.03%

9.82%(1)

Russell 2500® Index

45.87%

15.10%

14.32%

10.51%

Composite Index(2)

43.50%

14.09%

13.90%

9.41%

 

(1)

The Fund commenced operations on December 31, 2007.

(2)

The Composite Index is comprised of the S&P 500® Index, Russell 1000® Value Index, Russell 2000® Index and Russell 2000® Value Index, each weighted 25%, 25%, 25% and 25%, respectively.

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-866-780-0357 ext. 3863. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratio, as stated in the current prospectus dated December 31, 2020, is 0.87% (included in the ratio is 0.31% attributable to acquired fund fees and expenses).

 

The Fund’s aggregate total return since inception is based on an increase in net asset value from $10.00 per share on December 31, 2007 (commencement of operations) to $23.59 per share on August 31, 2021.

 

Portfolio composition is subject to change.

 

The Free Market U.S. Equity Fund’s underlying funds invest in small-cap and micro-cap stocks, large-cap stocks and other equity securities. In addition to the ordinary risks of equity investing, small companies entail special risk. Small companies tend to have more risk than large companies. An investor in the Fund will incur the expenses of the underlying funds in addition to the Fund’s expenses. The foregoing is not intended to be a complete discussion of all risks associated with the investment strategies of the Fund.

 

6

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

PERFORMANCE DATA (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Free Market International Equity Fund

 

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in
Free Market International Equity Fund vs. MSCI World (excluding U.S.) Index and Composite Index

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 minimum initial investment in the Fund made on August 31, 2010 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is a professionally managed mutual fund while the MSCI World (excluding U.S.) Index and Composite Index are unmanaged, do not incur sales charges and/or expenses and are not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended August 31, 2021

 

1 Year

5 Years

10 Years

Since
Inception

Free Market International Equity Fund

34.43%

8.06%

6.31%

3.94%(1)

MSCI World (excluding U.S.) Index

26.57%

9.78%

7.05%

3.17%

Composite Index(2)

27.07%

9.85%

7.05%

3.63%

 

(1)

The Fund commenced operations on December 31, 2007.

(2)

The Composite Index is comprised of the MSCI EAFE Index, MSCI EAFE Value Index, MSCI EAFE Small Company Index and MSCI Emerging Markets Free Index, each weighted 25%, 25%, 25% and 25%, respectively.

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-866-780-0357 ext. 3863. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratio, as stated in the current prospectus dated December 31, 2020, is 1% (included in the ratio is 0.42% attributable to acquired fund fees and expenses).

 

The Fund’s aggregate total return since inception is based on an increase in net asset value from $10.00 per share on December 31, 2007 (commencement of operations) to $11.60 per share on August 31, 2021.

 

Portfolio composition is subject to change.

 

The Free Market International Equity Fund’s underlying funds invest in common stock, preferred stock, securities convertible into stocks and other equity securities issued by foreign companies. In addition to the ordinary risks of equity investing, foreign and small companies entail special risk. The return on foreign equities may be adversely affected by currency fluctuations. Emerging markets may be subject to social instability and lack of market liquidity. Small companies tend to have more risk than large companies. An investor in the Fund will incur the expenses of the underlying funds in addition to the Fund’s expenses. The foregoing is not intended to be a complete discussion of all risks associated with the investment strategies of the Fund.

 

7

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

PERFORMANCE DATA (CONCLUDED)

AUGUST 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Free Market Fixed Income Fund

 

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in
Free Market Fixed Income Fund vs. FTSE World Government Bond Index 1-5 Years and Composite Index

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 minimum initial investment in the Fund made on August 31, 2010 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is a professionally managed mutual fund while the FTSE World Government Bond Index 1-5 Years and Composite Index are unmanaged, do not incur sales charges and/or expenses and are not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended August 31, 2021

 

1 Year

5 Years

10 Years

Since
Inception

Free Market Fixed Income Fund

0.31%

1.67%

1.26%

1.74%(1)

FTSE World Government Bond Index 1-5 Years

0.26%

1.99%

1.78%

2.23%

Composite Index(2)

-0.05%

2.10%

1.80%

2.39%

 

(1)

The Fund commenced operations on December 31, 2007.

(2)

The Composite Index is comprised of the Three-Month Treasury Bill Index, Bloomberg Barclays Intermediate Government/Credit Bond Index, ICE BofA Merrill Lynch 1-3 Year US Government/Corporate Index and Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Capital Aggregate Bond Index, each weighted 25%, 25%, 25% and 25%, respectively.

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-866-780-0357 ext. 3863. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratio, as stated in the current prospectus dated December 31, 2020, is 0.69% (included in the ratio is 0.13% attributable to acquired fund fees and expenses).

 

The Fund’s aggregate total return since inception is based on an increase in net asset value from $10.00 per share on December 31, 2007 (commencement of operations) to $10.56 per share on August 31, 2021.

 

Portfolio composition is subject to change.

 

The Free Market Fixed Income Fund’s underlying funds invest in fixed income securities. The underlying funds may invest their assets in bonds and other debt securities issued by domestic and foreign governments and companies. Debt instruments involve the risk that their prices will fall when interest rates rise, and they are subject to the risk that the borrower may default. In addition, the return on foreign debt securities may be adversely affected by currency fluctuations. An investor in the Fund will incur expenses of the underlying funds in addition to the Fund’s expenses. The foregoing is not intended to be a complete discussion of all risks associated with the investment strategies of the Fund.

 

8

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

Fund Expense Examples

AUGUST 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund(s), you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund(s) and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

 

These examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period from March 1, 2021 through August 31, 2021, and held for the entire period.

 

Actual Expenses

 

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

 

Hypothetical EXAMPLES for Comparison Purposes

 

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

 

The expenses shown in the accompanying table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs. Therefore, the second section of the accompanying table 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.

 

9

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

Fund Expense Examples (CONCLUDED)

AUGUST 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

 

Beginning
Account Value
MARCH 1, 2021

Ending
Account Value
AUGUST 31, 2021

Expenses
Paid during
period*

Annualized
Expense Ratio*

Actual
S
ix-Month
Total
Investment
Return for the
Fund

Actual

         

Free Market U.S. Equity Fund

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,122.30

$ 2.94

0.55%

12.23%

Free Market International Equity Fund

1,000.00

1,099.50

2.96

0.56%

9.95%

Free Market Fixed Income Fund

1,000.00

1,005.70

2.83

0.56%

0.57%

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

         

Free Market U.S. Equity Fund

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,022.43

$ 2.80

0.55%

N/A

Free Market International Equity Fund

1,000.00

1,022.38

2.85

0.56%

N/A

Free Market Fixed Income Fund

1,000.00

1,022.38

2.85

0.56%

N/A

 

*

Expenses are equal to each Fund’s annualized six-month expense ratio for the period March 1, 2021 to August 31, 2021, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184) in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by 365 to reflect the one half year period. The annualized expense ratios do not reflect fees and expenses associated with the underlying funds. If such fees and expenses had been included, the expenses would have been higher. Each Fund’s ending account values in the first section in the table is based on the actual six-month total investment return for each Fund for the period March 1, 2021 to August 31, 2021. The range of weighted expense ratios of the underlying funds held by the Funds, as stated in the underlying funds’ current prospectuses, were as follows:

 

FUNDS

RANGE OF WEIGHTED
EXPENSE RATIOS

Free Market U.S. Equity Fund

0.00% - 0.10%

Free Market International Equity Fund

0.00% - 0.20%

Free Market Fixed income Fund

0.00% - 0.04%

 

10

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

FREE MARKET U.S. EQUITY FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

   

Number
of Shares

   

Value

 

DOMESTIC EQUITY FUNDS — 99.9%

       

iShares Core S&P 500 ETF

    417,813     $ 189,565,936  

iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF

    2,022,525       212,628,053  

U.S. Large Cap Value Portfolio III (a)

    22,001,720       679,193,106  

U.S. Large Cap Value Series (b)

    2,825,615       191,209,397  

U.S. Large Company Portfolio (a)

    10,471,282       355,814,159  

U.S. Micro Cap Portfolio (c)

    18,938,886       545,818,681  

U.S. Small Cap Portfolio (c)

    11,468,915       545,576,310  

U.S. Small Cap Value Portfolio (c)

    20,180,307       910,737,251  

TOTAL DOMESTIC EQUITY FUNDS

       

(Cost $1,982,216,898)

            3,630,542,893  
                 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 0.1%

STIT-Government & Agency Portfolio, 0.03%*

    3,073,429       3,073,429  

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

       

(Cost $3,073,429)

            3,073,429  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 100.0%

       

(Cost $1,985,290,327)

            3,633,616,322  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES — 0.0%

            1,702,046  

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

          $ 3,635,318,368  

 

 

 

 

Portfolio Holdings Summary Table

 

   

% OF
NET ASSETS

   

VALUE

 

Domestic Equity Funds

    99.9 %   $ 3,630,542,893  

Short-Term Investments

    0.1       3,073,429  

Other Assets In Excess Of Liabilities

    0.0       1,702,046  

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 3,635,318,368  

 

 

*

Seven-day yield as of August 31, 2021.

(a)

A portfolio of Dimensional Investment Group Inc.

(b)

A portfolio of DFA Investment Trust Company.

(c)

A portfolio of DFA Investment Dimensions Group Inc.

 

ETF

Exchange-Traded Fund

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

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

 

11

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

FREE MARKET INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

   

Number
of Shares/
BENEFICIAL
INTEREST

   

Value

 

INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUNDS — 99.8%

       

Canadian Small Company Series (a)

    2,108,704     $ 34,173,910  

DFA International Small Cap Value Portfolio (b)

    48,473,197       1,077,559,171  

DFA International Value Portfolio III (c)

    25,191,029       417,919,163  

DFA International Value Series (a)

    13,331,142       375,404,971  

Emerging Markets Small Cap Portfolio (b)

    4,846,712       131,006,621  

Emerging Markets Value Portfolio, Class Institutional (b)

    3,998,956       130,485,934  

iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF

    1,720,363       132,037,860  

iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF

    2,206,168       141,393,307  

iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF

    3,055,010       236,946,576  

TOTAL INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUNDS

       

(Cost $2,141,941,175)

            2,676,927,513  
                 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 0.1%

       

STIT-Government & Agency Portfolio, 0.03%*

    3,667,952       3,667,952  

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

       

(Cost $3,667,952)

            3,667,952  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 99.9%

       

(Cost $2,145,609,127)

            2,680,595,465  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES — 0.1%

            1,617,330  

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

          $ 2,682,212,795  

 

 

 

 

Portfolio Holdings Summary Table

 

   

% OF
NET ASSETS

   

VALUE

 

International Equity Funds

    99.8 %   $ 2,676,927,513  

Short-Term Investments

    0.1       3,667,952  

Other Assets In Excess Of Liabilities

    0.1       1,617,330  

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 2,682,212,795  

 

 

*

Seven-day yield as of August 31, 2021.

(a)

A portfolio of DFA Investment Trust Company.

(b)

A portfolio of DFA Investment Dimensions Group Inc.

(c)

A portfolio of Dimensional Investment Group Inc.

 

ETF - Exchange Traded Fund

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

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

 

12

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

FREE MARKET FIXED INCOME FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

   

Number
of Shares

   

Value

 

FIXED INCOME FUNDS — 99.4%

       

DFA One-Year Fixed Income Portfolio (a)

    39,647,379     $ 408,368,000  

DFA Two-Year Global Fixed Income Portfolio (a)

    70,762,086       704,082,752  

iShares 1-3 Year Treasury Bond ETF

    1,306,881       112,718,486  

iShares 3-7 Year Treasury Bond ETF

    1,287,464       169,069,773  

iShares Core International Aggregate Bond ETF

    7,566,116       421,810,967  

iShares Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF

    2,779,727       169,090,793  

iShares Short-Term Corporate Bond ETF

    12,342,209       676,723,319  

iShares TIPS Bond ETF

    1,093,711       141,734,009  

TOTAL FIXED INCOME FUNDS

       

(Cost $2,740,741,510)

            2,803,598,099  
                 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 0.5%

       

STIT-Government & Agency Portfolio, 0.03%*

    15,482,588       15,482,588  

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

       

(Cost $15,482,588)

            15,482,588  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 99.9%

       

(Cost $2,756,224,098)

            2,819,080,687  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES — 0.1%

            1,529,288  

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

          $ 2,820,609,975  

 

 

 

Portfolio Holdings Summary Table

 

   

% OF
NET ASSETS

   

VALUE

 

Fixed Income Funds

    99.4 %   $ 2,803,598,099  

Short-Term Investments

    0.5       15,482,588  

Other Assets In Excess Of Liabilities

    0.1       1,529,288  

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 2,820,609,975  

 

 

*

Seven-day yield as of August 31, 2021.

(a)

A portfolio of DFA Investment Dimensions Group Inc.

 

ETF

Exchange-Traded Fund

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

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

 

13

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

   

Free Market
U.S. Equity
Fund

   

Free Market
International
Equity Fund

   

Free Market
Fixed Income
Fund

 

ASSETS

                       

Investments in non-affiliated funds, at value (cost $1,982,216,898, $2,141,941,175 and $2,740,741,510, respectively)

  $ 3,630,542,893     $ 2,676,927,513     $ 2,803,598,099  

Short-term investments, at value (cost $3,073,429, $3,667,952 and $15,482,588, respectively)

    3,073,429       3,667,952       15,482,588  

Receivables for:

                       

Capital shares sold

    4,200,066       3,503,547       4,145,732  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

    136,772       97,481       84,464  

Total assets

    3,637,953,160       2,684,196,493       2,823,310,883  

LIABILITIES

                       

Payables for:

                       

Advisory fees

    1,492,084       1,109,536       1,178,374  

Capital shares redeemed

    863,343       587,362       788,952  

Administration and accounting fees

    112,521       84,247       97,840  

Transfer agent fees

    11,827       12,021       14,039  

Other accrued expenses and liabilities

    155,017       190,532       621,703  

Total liabilities

    2,634,792       1,983,698       2,700,908  

Net assets

  $ 3,635,318,368     $ 2,682,212,795     $ 2,820,609,975  
                         

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

                       

Par value

  $ 154,090     $ 231,299     $ 267,143  

Paid-in capital

    1,866,165,766       2,126,565,355       2,758,530,189  

Total distributable earnings/(loss)

    1,768,998,512       555,416,141       61,812,643  

Net assets

  $ 3,635,318,368     $ 2,682,212,795     $ 2,820,609,975  
                         

CAPITAL SHARES:

                       

Net assets

  $ 3,635,318,368     $ 2,682,212,795     $ 2,820,609,975  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 700,000,000 shares authorized)

    154,089,765       231,299,388       267,143,303  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

  $ 23.59     $ 11.60     $ 10.56  

 

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

 

14

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

Statements of Operations

FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2021

 

   

Free Market
U.S. Equity
Fund

   

Free Market
International
Equity Fund

   

Free Market
Fixed Income
Fund

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

                       

Dividends from non-affiliated funds

  $ 52,710,332     $ 54,881,963     $ 20,962,622  

Total investment income

    52,710,332       54,881,963       20,962,622  
                         

EXPENSES

                       

Advisory fees (Note 2)

    16,213,196       11,995,103       12,510,855  

Administration and accounting fees (Note 2)

    767,390       573,437       610,641  

Director fees

    344,715       248,240       286,546  

Legal fees

    207,607       154,060       159,552  

Officer fees

    140,969       105,774       115,072  

Transfer agent fees (Note 2)

    130,007       107,743       112,279  

Custodian fees (Note 2)

    87,368       62,478       59,117  

Printing and shareholder reporting fees

    78,113       77,992       79,302  

Registration and filing fees

    43,753       37,653       40,467  

Audit and tax service fees

    33,003       34,478       32,998  

Other expenses

    120,709       117,913       79,649  

Total expenses

    18,166,830       13,514,871       14,086,478  

Net investment income/(loss)

    34,543,502       41,367,092       6,876,144  
                         

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS

                       

Net realized gain/(loss) from:

                       

Non-affiliated funds

    109,738,757       (5,700,840 )     1,331,942  

Capital gain distributions from non-affiliated fund investments

    8,139,666              

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:

                       

Non-affiliated funds

    1,129,419,277       659,178,653       (753,197 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    1,247,297,700       653,477,813       578,745  

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 1,281,841,202     $ 694,844,905     $ 7,454,889  

 

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

 

15

  

 

FREE MARKET U.S. EQUITY FUND

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2021

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2020

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 34,543,502     $ 29,486,016  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    117,878,423       34,313,684  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    1,129,419,277       (27,260,145 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    1,281,841,202       36,539,555  
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (50,706,505 )     (169,412,819 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (50,706,505 )     (169,412,819 )
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    432,642,543       545,707,591  

Reinvestment of distributions

    50,687,033       169,205,765  

Shares redeemed

    (918,483,367 )     (641,720,675 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets from capital shares

    (435,153,791 )     73,192,681  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    795,980,906       (59,680,583 )
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    2,839,337,462       2,899,018,045  

End of period

  $ 3,635,318,368     $ 2,839,337,462  
                 

SHARES TRANSACTIONS:

               

Shares sold

    20,921,700       36,797,183  

Dividends and distributions reinvested

    2,722,182       9,343,223  

Shares redeemed

    (46,351,977 )     (40,900,928 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    (22,708,095 )     5,239,478  

 

 

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

 

16

 

 

FREE MARKET INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2021

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2020

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 41,367,092     $ 45,116,811  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    (5,700,840 )     44,528,825  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    659,178,653       (63,417,824 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    694,844,905       26,227,812  
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (70,369,565 )     (60,103,777 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (70,369,565 )     (60,103,777 )
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    362,663,494       430,793,091  

Reinvestment of distributions

    70,361,038       60,073,300  

Shares redeemed

    (528,942,045 )     (458,243,187 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets from capital shares

    (95,917,513 )     32,623,204  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    528,557,827       (1,252,761 )
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    2,153,654,968       2,154,907,729  

End of period

  $ 2,682,212,795     $ 2,153,654,968  
                 

SHARES TRANSACTIONS:

               

Shares sold

    34,174,355       52,513,619  

Dividends and distributions reinvested

    6,987,193       5,947,851  

Shares redeemed

    (51,989,791 )     (53,365,026 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    (10,828,243 )     5,096,444  

 

 

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

 

17

 

FREE MARKET FIXED INCOME FUND

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2021

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2020

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 6,876,144     $ 35,268,501  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    1,331,942       12,622,854  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    (753,197 )     20,505,178  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    7,454,889       68,396,533  
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (17,950,325 )     (41,833,397 )

Return of capital

    (79,992 )      

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (18,030,317 )     (41,833,397 )
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    923,051,070       403,565,489  

Reinvestment of distributions

    18,024,820       41,824,622  

Shares redeemed

    (417,799,422 )     (912,637,509 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets from capital shares

    523,276,468       (467,247,398 )

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    512,701,040       (440,684,262 )
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    2,307,908,935       2,748,593,197  

End of period

  $ 2,820,609,975     $ 2,307,908,935  
                 

SHARES TRANSACTIONS:

               

Shares sold

    87,481,192       38,541,527  

Dividends and distributions reinvested

    1,703,385       4,021,935  

Shares redeemed

    (39,568,985 )     (87,441,618 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    49,615,592       (44,878,156 )

 

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

 

18

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

FREE MARKET U.S. EQUITY FUND

 

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for each share outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2021

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2020

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2019

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2018

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2017

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 16.06     $ 16.90     $ 20.37     $ 17.60     $ 16.18  

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    0.21       0.17       0.17       0.15       0.12  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    7.62       (2)      (2.73 )     3.34       2.13  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    7.83       0.17       (2.56 )     3.49       2.25  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

    (0.08 )     (0.16 )     (0.15 )     (0.20 )     (0.15 )

Net realized capital gains

    (0.22 )     (0.85 )     (0.76 )     (0.52 )     (0.68 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.30 )     (1.01 )     (0.91 )     (0.72 )     (0.83 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 23.59     $ 16.06     $ 16.90     $ 20.37     $ 17.60  

Total investment return/(loss)(3)

    49.28 %     0.32 %     (12.09 )%     20.11 %     13.97 %
                                         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 3,635,318     $ 2,839,337     $ 2,899,018     $ 3,413,559     $ 2,724,995  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets(4)

    0.55 %     0.56 %     0.55 %     0.55 %     0.56 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets(4)

    1.05 %     1.05 %     0.96 %     0.76 %     0.72 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    5 %     14 %     7 %     2 %     5 %

 

 

(1)

The selected per share data is calculated using the average shares outstanding method for the period.

(2)

Amount less than $(0.005) per share.

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated by assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(4)

The Fund also will indirectly bear its prorated share of expenses of the underlying funds. Such expenses are not included in the calculation of this ratio.

 

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

 

19

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

FREE MARKET INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND

 

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for each share outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2021

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2020

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2019

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2018

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2017

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 8.89     $ 9.09     $ 10.72     $ 10.97     $ 9.24  

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    0.18       0.19       0.21       0.22       0.14  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    2.84       (0.13 )     (1.47 )     (0.10 )     1.89  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    3.02       0.06       (1.26 )     0.12       2.03  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

    (0.13 )     (0.14 )     (0.18 )     (0.26 )     (0.19 )

Net realized capital gains

    (0.18 )     (0.12 )     (0.19 )     (0.11 )     (0.11 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.31 )     (0.26 )     (0.37 )     (0.37 )     (0.30 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 11.60     $ 8.89     $ 9.09     $ 10.72     $ 10.97  

Total investment return/(loss)(2)

    34.43 %     0.30 %     (11.66 )%     0.98 %     22.50 %
                                         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 2,682,213     $ 2,153,655     $ 2,154,908     $ 2,312,863     $ 2,190,068  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets(3)

    0.56 %     0.58 %     0.58 %     0.57 %     0.58 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets(3)

    1.70 %     2.13 %     2.22 %     1.93 %     1.42 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    5 %     28 %     4 %     3 %     2 %

 

 

(1)

The selected per share data is calculated using the average shares outstanding method for the period.

(2)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated by assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(3)

The Fund also will indirectly bear its prorated share of expenses of the underlying funds. Such expenses are not included in the calculation of this ratio.

 

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

 

20

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

FREE MARKET FIXED INCOME FUND

 

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for each share outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2021

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2020

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2019

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2018

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2017

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.61     $ 10.47     $ 10.22     $ 10.36     $ 10.43  

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    0.03       0.15       0.27       0.10       0.10  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    (2)      0.16       0.24       (0.14 )     (0.06 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    0.03       0.31       0.51       (0.04 )     0.04  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

    (0.05 )     (0.17 )     (0.26 )     (0.09 )     (0.11 )

Net realized capital gains

    (0.03 )           (2)      (0.01 )      

Return of capital

    (2)                         

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.08 )     (0.17 )     (0.26 )     (0.10 )     (0.11 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.56     $ 10.61     $ 10.47     $ 10.22     $ 10.36  

Total investment return/(loss)(3)

    0.31 %     2.98 %     5.11 %     (0.35 )%     0.39 %
                                         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 2,820,610     $ 2,307,909     $ 2,748,593     $ 2,867,621     $ 2,503,032  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets(4)

    0.56 %     0.56 %     0.55 %     0.55 %     0.56 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets(4)

    0.27 %     1.39 %     2.62 %     1.02 %     0.94 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    2 %     46 %     3 %     0 %     0 %

 

 

(1)

The selected per share data is calculated using the average shares outstanding method for the period.

(2)

Amount less than $(0.005) per share.

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated by assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(4)

The Fund also will indirectly bear its prorated share of expenses of the underlying funds. Such expenses are not included in the calculation of this ratio.

 

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

 

21

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

Notes to Financial Statements

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

1.

Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

 

The RBB Fund, Inc. (“RBB” or the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland on February 29, 1988 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. RBB is a “series fund,” which is a mutual fund divided into separate portfolios. Each portfolio is treated as a separate entity for certain matters under the 1940 Act, and for other purposes, and a shareholder of one portfolio is not deemed to be a shareholder of any other portfolio. Currently, RBB has thirty-nine separate investment portfolios, including the Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, the Free Market International Equity Fund and the Free Market Fixed Income Fund (each a “Fund,” collectively the “Funds”). Each Fund operates as a “fund of funds” and commenced investment operations on December 31, 2007.

 

RBB has authorized capital of one hundred billion shares of common stock of which 88.223 billion shares are currently classified into one hundred and ninety-three classes of common stock. Each class represents an interest in an active or inactive RBB investment portfolio.

 

Free Market U.S. Equity and Free Market International Equity’s investment objective is to seek long-term capital appreciation. Free Market Fixed Income’s investment objective is to seek total return (consisting of current income and capital appreciation).

 

The Funds are investment companies and follow accounting and reporting guidance in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 “Financial Services - Investment Companies”.

 

The end of the reporting period for the Funds is August 31, 2021, and the period covered by these Notes to Financial Statements is the fiscal period ended August 31, 2021 (the “current fiscal period”).

 

Investment Company Securities – The Funds pursue their investment objectives by investing primarily in shares of registered, open-end investment companies and exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) (collectively, “underlying funds”). When a Fund invests in underlying funds it will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any fees and expenses payable directly by the underlying fund. In connection with its investments in other investment companies, a Fund will incur higher expenses, many of which may be duplicative. Furthermore, because the Funds invest in shares of ETFs and underlying funds their performances are directly related to the ability of the ETFs and underlying funds to meet their respective investment objectives, as well as the allocation of each Fund’s assets among the ETFs and underlying funds. Accordingly, the Funds’ investment performance will be influenced by the investment strategies of and risks associated with the ETFs and underlying funds in direct proportion to the amount of assets the Funds allocate to the ETFs and underlying funds utilizing such strategies. As disclosed in the Portfolio of Investments, the Funds invest in a number of different underlying funds, including underlying funds that are portfolios of DFA Investment Dimensions Group Inc., and Dimensional Investment Group Inc. (collectively, “DFA Underlying Funds”) and iShares by BlackRock (“iShares Underlying Funds”). Information about DFA Underlying Funds and iShares Underlying Funds’ risks may be found in such DFA Underlying Funds’ and iShares Underlying Funds’ annual or semiannual report to shareholders, which can be found at us.dimensional.com and iShares.com, respectively. Additional information about derivatives related risks, if applicable, may also be found in each such DFA Underlying Fund or iShares Underlying Funds’ annual or semiannual report to shareholders. The annual and semiannual reports to shareholders for the underlying funds may also be found by visiting the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

PORTFOLIO VALUATION — Investments in the underlying funds are valued at each Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) determined as of the close of business on the New York Stock Exchange (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time). Investments in Exchange-Traded Funds (“ETFs”) are valued at their last reported sale price. As required, some securities and assets may be valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). Direct investments in fixed income securities are valued using an independent pricing service, which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings, and are deemed representative of market values at the close of the market.

 

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS — The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the Funds’ investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:

 

 

● Level 1 —

Prices are determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.

 

 

● Level 2 —

Prices are determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

22

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

 

● Level 3 —

Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs (including the Funds’ own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

 

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used, as of the end of the reporting period, in valuing the Funds’ investments carried at fair value:

 

FREE MARKET U.S. EQUITY FUND

 

   

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

   

INVESTMENTS
MEASURED AT NET
ASSET VALUE*

 

Domestic Equity Funds

  $ 3,630,542,893     $ 3,439,333,496     $     $     $ 191,209,397  

Short-Term Investments

    3,073,429       3,073,429                    

Total Investments**

  $ 3,633,616,322     $ 3,442,406,925     $     $     $ 191,209,397  

 

*

Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in the table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

**

Please refer to the Portfolio of Investments for further details.

 

FREE MARKET INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND

 

   

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

   

INVESTMENTS
MEASURED AT NET
ASSET VALUE*

 

International Equity Funds

  $ 2,676,927,513     $ 2,267,348,632     $     $     $ 409,578,881  

Short-Term Investments

    3,667,952       3,667,952                    

Total Investments**

  $ 2,680,595,465     $ 2,271,016,584     $     $     $ 409,578,881  

 

*

Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in the table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

**

Please refer to the Portfolio of Investments for further details.

 

FREE MARKET FIXED INCOME FUND

 

   

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

   

INVESTMENTS
MEASURED AT NET
ASSET VALUE*

 

Fixed Income Funds

  $ 2,803,598,099     $ 2,803,598,099     $     $     $  

Short-Term Investments

    15,482,588       15,482,588                    

Total Investments**

  $ 2,819,080,687     $ 2,819,080,687     $     $     $  

 

*

Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in the table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

**

Please refer to the Portfolio of Investments for further details.

 

23

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

At the end of each quarter, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities. Various factors are considered, such as changes in liquidity from the prior reporting period; whether or not a broker is willing to execute at the quoted price; the depth and consistency of prices from third party pricing services; and the existence of contemporaneous, observable trades in the market. Additionally, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities on a quarterly basis for changes in listings or delistings on national exchanges.

 

Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Funds’ investments may fluctuate from period to period. Additionally, the fair value of investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for such investments and may differ materially from the values the Funds may ultimately realize. Further, such investments may be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities.

 

For fair valuations using significant unobservable inputs, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires each Fund to present a reconciliation of the beginning to ending balances for reported market values that presents changes attributable to total realized and unrealized gains or losses, purchase and sales, and transfers in and out of Level 3 during the period. Transfers in and out between levels are based on values at the end of the period. A reconciliation of Level 3 investments is presented only when a Fund had an amount of Level 3 investments at the end of the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets. The amounts and reasons for all Level 3 transfers are disclosed if a Fund had an amount of total Level 3 transfers during the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets as of the end of the reporting period.

 

During the current fiscal period, the Funds had no Level 3 transfers.

 

USE OF ESTIMATES — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences could be significant.

 

INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS, INVESTMENT INCOME AND EXPENSES — The Funds record security transactions based on trade date for financial reporting purposes. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method for both financial reporting and income tax purposes in determining realized gains and losses on investments. Interest income (including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts) is accrued when earned. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. Each Fund’s investment income, expenses (other than class specific expenses) and unrealized and realized gains and losses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class at the beginning of the day. Certain expenses are shared with PENN Capital Funds Trust (the “Trust”), a series trust of affiliated funds. Expenses incurred on behalf of a specific class, fund or fund family of the Company or Trust are charged directly to the class, fund or fund family (in proportion to net assets). Expenses incurred for all funds (such as director or professional fees) are charged to all funds in proportion to their average net assets of RBB and the Trust, or in such other manner as the Board deems fair or equitable. Expenses and fees, including investment advisory and administration fees, are accrued daily and taken into account for the purpose of determining the NAV of the Funds. In addition to the net annual operating expenses that the Funds bear directly, the shareholders indirectly bear the Funds’ pro-rata expenses of the underlying mutual funds in which each Fund invests.

 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS — Dividends from net investment income and distributions from net realized capital gains, if any, are declared and paid at least annually to shareholders recorded on the ex-dividend date for each Fund with the exception of the Free Market Fixed Income Fund which declares and pays quarterly dividends from net investment income. Income dividends and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

 

24

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

U.S. TAX STATUS — No provision is made for U.S. income taxes as it is each Fund’s intention to continue to qualify for and elect the tax treatment applicable to regulated investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and make the requisite distributions to its shareholders which will be sufficient to relieve it from U.S. income and excise taxes.

 

MARKET RISK — The value of a Fund’s shares will fluctuate as a result of the movement of the overall stock market or the value of the underlying fund held by a Fund, and you could lose money.

 

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) PANDEMIC — The global outbreak of COVID-19 (commonly referred to as “coronavirus”) has disrupted economic markets and the prolonged economic impact is uncertain. Although vaccines for COVID-19 are becoming more widely available, the ultimate economic fallout from the pandemic, and the long-term impact on economies, markets, industries and individual issuers are not known. The operational and financial performance of the issuers of securities in which the Funds invest depends on future developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak and the pace of recovery which may vary market to market, and such uncertainty may in turn adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Funds’ investments, impair the Funds’ ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the Funds’ performance.

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates market value.

 

OTHER — In the normal course of business, the Funds may enter into contracts that provide general indemnifications. Each Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on claims that may be made against the Funds in the future, and, therefore, cannot be estimated; however, the Funds expect the risk of material loss for such claims is considered to be remote.

 

For additional information about the DFA Underlying Funds and iShares Underlying Funds’ valuation policies, refer to the DFA Underlying Funds and iShares Underlying Funds’ most recent annual or semiannual report which can be found at us.dimensional.com and iShares.com, respectively.

 

2.

Investment Adviser and Other Services

 

Matson Money, Inc. (“Matson Money” or the “Adviser”), serves as the investment adviser to each Fund. Each Fund compensates the Adviser for its services at an annual rate based on each Fund’s average daily net assets (the “Advisory Fee”), payable on a monthly basis in arrears, as shown in the following tables.

 

AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS

 

ADVISORY FEE

 

For the first $1 billion

    0.50 %

Over $1 billion to $3 billion

    0.49  

Over $3 billion to $5 billion

    0.48  

Over $5 billion

    0.47  

 

The Adviser has voluntarily agreed to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent that total annual Fund operating expenses exceed the rates (“Expense Caps”) shown in the following table annually of each Fund’s average daily net assets. The Adviser may not recoup waived management fees or reimbursed expenses. The Adviser may discontinue these arrangements at any time.

 

FUND

 

EXPENSE CAPS

 

Free Market U.S. Equity Fund

    1.13 %

Free Market International Equity Fund

    1.35  

Free Market Fixed Income Fund

    1.00  

 

25

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

During the current fiscal period, investment advisory fees accrued were as follows:

 

FUND

 

ADVISORY FEES

 

Free Market U.S. Equity Fund

  $ 16,213,196  

Free Market International Equity Fund

    11,995,103  

Free Market Fixed Income Fund

    12,510,855  

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (“Fund Services”), doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, serves as administrator for the Funds. For providing administrative and accounting services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Fund Services serves as the Funds’ transfer and dividend disbursing agent. For providing transfer agent services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

U.S. Bank, N.A. (the “Custodian”) provides certain custodial services to the Funds. The Custodian is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Effective as of January 4, 2021, Herald Investment Marketing, LLC (the “Distributor”), an affiliate of Vigilant Compliance, LLC, serves as the principal underwriter and distributor of the Funds’ shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with RBB. Prior to January 4, 2021, Quasar Distributors, LLC, a wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of Foreside Financial Group, LLC, served as the principal underwriter and distributor of the Funds’ shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with RBB.

 

For compensation amounts paid to Fund Services and the Custodian, please refer to the Statements of Operations.

 

3.

Director and Officer Compensation

 

The Directors of the Company receive an annual retainer and meeting fees for meetings attended. An employee of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serves as President and Chief Compliance Officer of the Company. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company. Employees of RBB serve as Treasurer, Secretary and Director of Marketing & Business Development of the Company. They are compensated for services provided. Certain employees of Fund Services serve as officers of the Company. They are not compensated by the Funds or the Company. For Director and Officer compensation amounts, please refer to the Statements of Operations.

 

4.

Purchases and Sales of Investment Securities

 

During the current fiscal period, aggregate purchase and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) of the Funds were as follows:

 

   

Purchases

   

Sales

 

Free Market U.S. Equity Fund

  $ 161,721,643     $ 596,504,687  

Free Market International Equity Fund

    112,807,035       251,642,463  

Free Market Fixed Income Fund

    570,347,401       58,457,020  

 

There were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. Government securities during the current fiscal period.

 

5.

Federal Income Tax Information

 

The Funds have followed the authoritative guidance on accounting for and disclosure of uncertainty in tax positions, which requires the Funds to determine whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The Funds have

 

26

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

determined that there was no effect on the financial statements from following this authoritative guidance. In the normal course of business, the Funds are subject to examination by federal, state and local jurisdictions, where applicable, for tax years for which applicable statutes of limitations have not expired.

 

As of August 31, 2021, the federal tax cost and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments held by each Fund were as follows:

 

   

FEDERAL
TAX COST

   

UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION

   

UNREALIZED
(DEPRECIATION)

   

NET UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION/
(DEPRECIATION)

 

Free Market U.S. Equity Fund

  $ 1,971,548,015     $ 1,681,134,347     $ (19,066,039 )   $ 1,662,068,308  

Free Market International Equity Fund

    2,063,636,097       647,782,055       (30,822,686 )     616,959,369  

Free Market Fixed Income Fund

    2,757,268,044       67,609,941       (5,797,298 )     61,812,643  

 

Distributions to shareholders, if any, from net investment income and realized gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from net investment income and realized gains recognized for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the character of distributions and composition of net assets for tax purposes may differ from those reflected in the accompanying financial statements. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on the tax treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.

 

Permanent differences as of August 31, 2021, primarily attributable to equalization, were reclassified among the following accounts:

 

   

DISTRIBUTABLE
EARNINGS/(LOSS)

   

Paid-In
Capital

 

Free Market U.S. Equity Fund

  $ (11,149,335 )   $ 11,149,335  

Free Market International Equity Fund

           

Free Market Fixed Income Fund

           

 

As of August 31, 2021, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

   

Undistributed
Ordinary Income

   

Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gains

   

Capital Loss
CarryForwards

   

NET Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

Free Market U.S. Equity Fund

  $ 32,386,078     $ 74,544,126     $     $ 1,662,068,308  

Free Market International Equity Fund

    35,219,288             (96,762,516 )     616,959,369  

Free Market Fixed Income Fund

                      61,812,643  

 

The differences between the book and tax basis components of distributable earnings relate primarily to the timing of recognition of income and gains for federal income tax purposes and are inclusive of underlying partnerships and investments. Short-term and foreign currency gains, if applicable, are reported as ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2021 and August 31, 2020 were as follows:

 

           

Ordinary
Income

   

Long-Term
Gains

   

RETURN OF
CAPITAL

   

Total

 

Free Market U.S. Equity Fund

    2021     $ 14,110,436     $ 36,596,069     $     $ 50,706,505  
      2020       26,516,498       142,896,321             169,412,819  

Free Market International Equity Fund

    2021       29,143,899       41,225,666           $ 70,369,565  
      2020       32,785,339       27,318,438             60,103,777  

Free Market Fixed Income Fund

    2021       11,112,294       6,838,031       79,992     $ 18,030,317  
      2020       41,833,397                   41,833,397  

 

27

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

Notes to Financial Statements (Concluded)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

Distributions from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.

 

The Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an unlimited period. Capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of August 31, 2021, the Free Market International Equity Fund had $15,267,481 of short-term capital loss carryforwards and $81,495,035 of long-term capital loss carryforwards.

 

6.

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS AND REGULATORY UPDATES

 

In October 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“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. Funds will be required to comply with Rule 18f-4 by August 19, 2022. It is not currently clear what impact, if any, Rule 18f-4 will have on the availability, liquidity or performance of derivatives. Management is currently evaluating the potential impact of Rule 18f-4 on the Funds. When fully implemented, Rule 18f-4 may require changes in how a Fund uses derivatives, adversely affect a Fund’s performance and increase costs related to a Fund’s use of derivatives.

 

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 Funds will be required to comply with the rules by September 8, 2022. Management is currently assessing the potential impact of the new rules on the Funds’ financial statements.

 

7.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Funds through the date the financial statements were issued and has determined there were no subsequent events.

 

28

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. and Shareholders of Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund and Free Market Fixed Income Fund

 

Opinions on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the portfolios of investments, of Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund and Free Market Fixed Income Fund (three of the funds constituting The RBB Fund, Inc., hereafter collectively referred to as the “Funds”) as of August 31, 2021, the related statements of operations for the year ended August 31, 2021, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 2021, including the related notes, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended August 31, 2021 (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Funds as of August 31, 2021, the results of each of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in each of their net assets for each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 2021 and each of the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended August 31, 2021 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Basis for Opinions

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Funds’ financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Funds in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 2021 by correspondence with the custodian and transfer agent. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

 

 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
October 29, 2021

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Matson Money, Inc. investment companies since 2008.

 

29

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

SHAREHOLDER TAX INFORMATION

(UNAUDITED)

 

The tax character of dividends and distributions paid during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021 were as follows:

 

   

Ordinary
Income

   

Long-Term
CAPITAL GAINS

   

RETURN OF
CAPITAL

   

Total

 

Free Market U.S. Equity Fund

  $ 14,110,436     $ 36,596,069     $     $ 50,706,505  

Free Market International Equity Fund

    29,143,899       41,225,666             70,369,565  

Free Market Fixed Income Fund

    11,112,294       6,838,031       79,992       18,030,317  

 

Dividends from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income dividends for federal income tax purposes.

 

The percentage of taxable ordinary income distributions that are designated as short-term capital gain distributions under Internal Revenue Section 871(k)(2)(c) are 0.00% for each Fund.

 

The percentage of total ordinary income dividends qualifying for the 15% dividend income tax rate is 100% for the Free Market U.S. Equity Fund and 78.05% for the Free Market International Equity Fund.

 

The percentage of total ordinary dividends qualifying for the corporate dividends received deduction is 100% for the Free Market U.S. Equity Fund.

 

The percentage of qualified interest income related dividends not subject to withholding tax for non-resident aliens and foreign corporations is 64.14% for the Free Market Fixed Income Fund. A total of 52.55% of the dividend distributed during the fiscal year was derived from U.S. Government securities, which is generally exempt from state income tax for the Free Market Fixed Income Fund.

 

Because each Fund’s fiscal year is not the calendar year, another notification will be sent with respect to calendar year 2021. The second notification, which will reflect the amount, if any, to be used by calendar year taxpayers on their U.S. federal income tax returns, will be made in conjunction with Form 1099-DIV and will be mailed in January 2022.

 

Foreign shareholders will generally be subject to U.S. withholding tax on the amount of their ordinary income dividends. They will generally not be entitled to a foreign tax credit or deduction for the withholding taxes paid by the Funds, if any. The Free Market International Equity Fund passed through foreign tax credits of $4,863,390 and earned $52,628,259 of gross foreign source income during the fiscal year.

 

In general, dividends received by tax-exempt recipients (e.g., IRAs and Keoghs) need not be reported as taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, some retirement trusts (e.g., corporate, Keogh and 403(b)(7) plans) may need this information for their annual information reporting.

 

Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the tax consequences of their investment in the Funds.

 

30

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

Other Information

(Unaudited)

 

 

Proxy Voting

 

Policies and procedures that the Funds use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities as well as information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 are available without charge, upon request, by calling Free Market Funds at (866) 780-0357, ext. 3863 and on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Quarterly Portfolio Schedules

 

The Company files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third fiscal quarters of each fiscal year (quarters ended November 30 and May 31) as an exhibit to its report on Form N-PORT. The Company’s Form N-PORT is available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Free Market Funds Approval of Investment Advisory Agreements

 

As required by the 1940 Act, the Board, including all of the Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Directors”), considered the renewal of the investment advisory agreement between Matson Money and the Company (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”) on behalf of the Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund and Free Market Fixed Income Fund (for this section only, each a “Fund” and collectively the “Funds”), at a meeting of the Board held on May 12-13, 2021 (the “Meeting”). At the Meeting, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, approved the Investment Advisory Agreement for an additional one-year term. The Board’s decision to approve the Investment Advisory Agreement reflects the exercise of its business judgment to continue the existing arrangement. In approving the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Board considered information provided by Matson Money with the assistance and advice of counsel to the Independent Directors and the Company.

 

In considering the renewal and approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Company and Matson Money with respect to the Funds, the Directors took into account all the materials provided prior to and during the Meeting and at other meetings throughout the past year, the presentations made during the Meeting, and the discussions held during the Meeting. Among other things, the Directors considered (i) the nature, extent, and quality of Matson Money’s services provided to the Funds; (ii) descriptions of the experience and qualifications of Matson Money’s personnel providing those services; (iii) Matson Money’s investment philosophies and processes; (iv) Matson Money’s assets under management and client descriptions; (v) Matson Money’s current advisory fee arrangements with the Company and other similarly managed clients; (vi) Matson Money’s compliance procedures; (vii) Matson Money’s financial information, insurance coverage and profitability analysis related to providing advisory services to the Funds; (viii) the extent to which economies of scale are relevant to the Funds; (ix) a report prepared by Broadridge/Lipper comparing each Fund’s management fees and total expense ratio to those of its respective Lipper Group and comparing the performance of each Fund to the performance of its respective Lipper Group; and (x) a report comparing the performance of each Fund to the performance of its primary and composite benchmarks.

 

As part of their review, the Directors considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by Matson Money. The Directors concluded that Matson Money had substantial resources to provide services to the Funds and that Matson Money’s services had been acceptable.

 

The Directors also considered the investment performance of the Funds and Matson Money. Information on the Funds’ investment performance was provided for the year-to-date, one-year, five-year, ten-year, and since-inception periods, as applicable, and for the quarter ended March 31, 2021. The Directors considered the Funds’ investment performance in light of their investment objectives and investment strategies. The Directors concluded that the investment performance of each of the Funds as compared to their respective benchmarks and Lipper Groups was acceptable.

 

31

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

Other Information (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

 

In reaching this conclusion, the Directors observed that the Free Market U.S. Equity Fund had outperformed its benchmark for the year-to-date period ended March 31, 2021, and underperformed its benchmark for the one-year, five-year, ten-year, and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2021. The Directors also noted that the Free Market U.S. Equity Fund ranked in the 5th quintile in its Performance Group for the one-year, two-year, three-year, four-year and five-year periods ended December 31, 2020.

 

The Directors noted the Free Market International Equity Fund had outperformed its benchmark for the year-to-date, one-year, and since-inception periods, and underperformed its benchmark for the five-year and ten-year periods, each ended March 31, 2021. The Directors also noted that the Free Market International Equity Fund ranked in the 3rd quintile in its Performance Group for the one-year, two-year, three-year and four-year periods and in the 2nd quintile for the five-year period ended December 31, 2020.

 

The Directors noted the Free Market Fixed Income Fund had outperformed its benchmark for the one-year period, and underperformed its benchmark for the year-to-date, five-year, ten-year, and since-inception periods, each ended March 31, 2021. The Directors also noted that the Free Market Fixed Income Fund ranked in the 4th quintile in its Performance Group for the one-year period and in the 5th quintile for the two-year, three-year, four-year and five-year periods ended December 31, 2020.

 

The Board also considered the advisory fee rates payable by the Funds under the Investment Advisory Agreement. In this regard, information on the fees paid by the Funds and the Funds’ total operating expense ratios (before and after the voluntary fee waiver and expense reimbursements) were compared to similar information for mutual funds advised by other, unaffiliated investment advisory firms.

 

The Directors noted that the actual advisor fee of the Free Market U.S. Equity Fund ranked in the 3rd quintile of the Fund’s Lipper Expense Group, and that the total expenses of the Fund ranked in the 2nd quintile of its Lipper Expense Group.

 

The Directors noted that the actual advisor fee of the Free Market International Equity Fund ranked in the 1st quintile of the Fund’s Lipper Expense Group, and that the total expenses of the Fund ranked in the 1st quintile of its Lipper Expense Group.

 

The Directors noted that the actual advisor fee of the Free Market Fixed Income Fund ranked in the 3rd quintile of the Fund’s Lipper Expense Group, and that the total expenses of the Fund ranked in the 1st quintile of its Lipper Expense Group.

 

In addition, the Directors took note that Matson Money had voluntarily agreed to waive its advisory fee and reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses to 1.13%, 1.35% and 1.00% of the average daily net assets of the Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund and Free Market Fixed Income Fund, respectively.

 

After reviewing the information regarding the Funds’ costs, profitability and economies of scale, and after considering Matson Money’s services, the Directors concluded that the investment advisory fees paid by the Funds were fair and reasonable and that the Investment Advisory Agreements should be approved and continued for an additional one year period ending August 16, 2022.

 

32

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

Liquidity Risk Management Program

(Unaudited)

 

 

The Company has adopted and implemented a Liquidity Risk Management Program (the “Company Program”) as required by rule 22e-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. In accordance with the Company Program, the “Adviser has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the “Adviser Program” and together with the Company Program, the “Programs”) on behalf of the Free Market Fixed Income Fund, Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, and Free Market International Equity Fund (each a “Fund” and together, the “Funds”). The Programs seek to assess, manage and review each Fund’s Liquidity Risk. “Liquidity Risk” is defined as the risk that a Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of remaining investors’ interest in the Fund.

 

The Board has appointed Vigilant Compliance, LLC (“Vigilant”) as the program administrator for the Company Program and the Adviser as the program administrator for the Company Program. The Adviser has delegated oversight of the Adviser Program to its Liquidity Risk Committee, whose process of monitoring and determining the liquidity of each Fund’s investments is supported by one or more third-party vendors.

 

At meetings held during the fiscal period, the Board and its Investment and Regulatory Oversight Committee received and reviewed a written report (the “Report”) of Vigilant and the Adviser concerning the operation of the Programs for the period from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020 (the “Period”). The Report summarized the operation of the Programs and the information and factors considered by Vigilant and the Adviser in reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of the implementation of the Programs with respect to each Fund. Such information and factors included, among other things: (i) the methodology used to classify the liquidity of each Fund’s portfolio investments and the Adviser’s assessment that each Fund’s strategy remained appropriate for an open-end mutual fund; (ii) that each Fund held primarily highly liquid assets (investments that the Fund anticipates can be converted to cash within 3 business days or less in current market conditions without significantly changing their market value); (iii) that none of the Funds required the establishment of a highly liquid investment minimum and the methodology for that determination; (iv) confirmation that none of the Funds had breached the 15% maximum illiquid security threshold (investments that cannot be sold or disposed of in seven days or less in current market conditions without the sale of the investment significantly changing the market value of the investment) and the procedures for monitoring compliance with the limit; (v) that the processes, technologies and third-party vendors used to assess, manage, and/or periodically review each Fund’s Liquidity Risk functioned appropriately during the Period; and (vi) that the Programs operated adequately during the Period. The Report also indicated that there were no material changes made to the Programs during the Period.

 

Based on the review, the Report concluded that the Programs were being implemented effectively and reasonably designed to assess and manage Liquidity Risk in each Fund’s portfolio.

 

There can be no assurance that the Company Program or the Adviser Program will achieve its objectives under all circumstances in the future. Please refer to the Funds’ prospectus for more information regarding a Fund’s exposure to liquidity risk and other risks to which it may be subject.

 

33

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

COMPANY MANAGEMENT

(UNAUDITED)

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company is organized under and managed pursuant to Maryland law. The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below. The statement of additional information (“SAI”) includes additional information about the Directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling 866-780-0357, ext. 3863.

 

Name, Address, and Age

Position(s) Held with Company

Term of Office and Length of Time Served1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Julian A. Brodsky

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 88

Director

1988 to present

From 1969 to 2011, Director and Vice Chairman, Comcast Corporation (cable television and communications).

46

AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).

J. Richard Carnall

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 82

Director

2002 to present

Since 1984, Director of Haydon Bolts, Inc. (bolt manufacturer) and Parkway Real Estate Company (subsidiary of Haydon Bolts, Inc.); since 2004, Director of Cornerstone Bank.

46

None.

Gregory P. Chandler

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 54

 

Director

2012 to present

Since 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Herspiegel Consulting LLC (life sciences consulting services); 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Avocado Systems Inc. (cyber security software provider); 2009-2020, Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services).

46

Emtec, Inc. (until December 2019); FS Investment Corporation (business development company) (until December 2018); FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company).

Nicholas A. Giordano

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 78

Director

2006 to present

Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations.

46

IntriCon Corporation (biomedical device manufacturer); Kalmar Pooled Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until September 2017); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance) (until 2021).

 

34

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

COMPANY MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)

(UNAUDITED)

 

Name, Address, and Age

Position(s) Held with Company

Term of Office and Length of Time Served1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Arnold M. Reichman

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 73

Chairman

Director

2005 to present

1991 to present

Retired.

46

EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company).

Brian T. Shea

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 61

Director

2018 to present

From 2014-2017, Chief Executive Officer, BNY Mellon Investment Services (fund services, global custodian and securities clearing firm); from 1983-2014, Chief Executive Officer and various positions, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm).

46

WisdomTree Investments, Inc. (asset management company) (until March 2019); Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (financial services technology company); Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (financial services company).

Robert A. Straniere

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 80

Director

2006 to present

Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm).

46

None.

INTERESTED DIRECTOR2

Robert Sablowsky

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 83

Vice Chairman

Director

2016 to present

1991 to present

Since 2002, Senior Director – Investments and, prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer).

46

None.

OFFICERS

Salvatore Faia, JD,

CPA, CFE

Vigilant Compliance, LLC

Gateway Corporate

Center, Suite 216

223 Wilmington West

Chester Pike

Chadds Ford, PA 19317

Age: 58

President

Chief Compliance Officer

2009 to present

2004 to present

Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company); since 2021, President and Chief Compliance Officer of Penn Capital Funds Trust.

N/A

N/A

 

 

35

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

COMPANY MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)

(UNAUDITED)

 

Name, Address, and Age

Position(s) Held with Company

Term of Office and Length of Time Served1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

OFFICERS

James G. Shaw

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 60

Treasurer
and
Secretary

2016 to present

Treasurer and Secretary of The RBB Fund, Inc. (since 2016) and Penn Capital Funds Trust (since 2021); from 2005 to 2016, Assistant Treasurer of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 1995 to 2016, Senior Director and Vice President of BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (financial services company).

N/A

N/A

Craig A. Urciuoli

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 46

Director of Marketing & Business Development

2019 to present

Director of Marketing & Business Development of The RBB Fund, Inc. (since 2019) and Penn Capital Funds Trust (since 2021); from 2000-2019, Managing Director, Third Avenue Management LLC.

N/A

N/A

Jennifer Witt

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 38

Assistant Treasurer

2018 to present

Since 2020, Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (fund administrative services firm); from 2016 to 2020, Assistant Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services; from 2007 to 2016, Supervisor, Nuveen Investments (registered investment company).

N/A

N/A

Edward Paz

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 50

Assistant Secretary

2016 to present

Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm).

N/A

N/A

Michael P. Malloy

One Logan Square

Ste. 2000

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Age: 62

Assistant
Secretary

1999 to present

Since 1993, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

Jillian L. Bosmann

One Logan Square

Ste. 2000

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Age: 42

Assistant Secretary

2017 to present

Since 2017, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

 

*

Each Director oversees 46 portfolios of the fund complex, consisting of the series in the Company and Penn Capital Funds Trust (7 portfolios).

 

1.

Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his or her successor is elected and qualified or his or her death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has

 

36

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

COMPANY MANAGEMENT (CONCLUDED)

(UNAUDITED)

 

approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Carnall, Giordano, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.

 

2.

Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive-level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Carnall has decades of senior executive-level management experience in the banking and financial services industry and also serves on the boards of various corporations and a bank. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Mr. Shea has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the brokerage, clearing and investment services industry, including service on the boards of industry regulatory organizations and a university.

 

37

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

PRIVACY NOTICE

(UNAUDITED)

 

FACTS

WHAT DO THE FREE MARKET FUNDS DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?

Why?

Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.

What?

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

 

● Social Security number

● account balances

● account transactions

● transaction history

● wire transfer instructions

● checking account information

 

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

How?

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

       

Reasons we can share your information

Do the Free Market Funds share?

Can you limit this sharing?

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

Yes

No

For our marketing purposes
to offer our products and services to you

Yes

No

For joint marketing with other financial companies

Yes

No

For affiliates’ everyday business purposes
information about your transactions and experiences

Yes

No

For affiliates’ everyday business purposes
information about your creditworthiness

No

We don’t share

For our affiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share

For nonaffiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share

 

Questions?

Call (866) 780-0357 Ext. 3863 or go to www.MatsonMoney.com

 

 

38

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

PRIVACY NOTICE (CONCLUDED)

(UNAUDITED)

 

What we do

 

How does the Free Market Funds protect my personal information?

To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings.

How does the Free Market Funds collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

 

● open an account

● provide account information

● give us your contact information

● make a wire transfer

● tell us where to send the money

 

We also collect your information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

 

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

● affiliates from using your information to market to you

● sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

 

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

Definitions

 

Affiliates

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

 

Our affiliates include McGriff Video Productions and Matson Money, Inc.

Nonaffiliates

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

 

The Free Market Funds don’t share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you. The Funds may share information with nonaffiliates that perform marketing services on our behalf.

Joint marketing

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

 

The Free Market Funds may share your information with other financial institutions with whom we have joint marketing arrangements who may suggest additional fund services or other investment products which may be of interest to you.

 

 

39

 

 

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[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

 

[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

 

Investment Adviser

Matson Money, Inc.
5955 Deerfield Blvd.
Mason, OH 45040

 

Administrator and Transfer Agent

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201

 

Principal Underwriter

Herald Investment Marketing, LLC
Gateway Corporate Center, Suite 216
223 Wilmington West Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317

 

Custodian

U.S. Bank, N.A.
1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, WI 53212

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Two Commerce Square, Suite 1800
2001 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103-7042

 

Legal Counsel

Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
One Logan Square, Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103-6996

 

FMFI-AR21

 

 

 

 

 

MATSON MONEY U.S. EQUITY VI PORTFOLIO
MATSON MONEY INTERNATIONAL EQUITY VI PORTFOLIO
MATSON MONEY FIXED INCOME VI PORTFOLIO

 

of

 

The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

 

Annual Report

 

August 31, 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This report is submitted for the general information of the shareholders of the Portfolios. It is not authorized for distribution unless preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus for the Portfolios.

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report

August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio

 

The twelve-month period ended August 31, 2021 saw some periods of noticeable volatility in domestic equity markets. Common news stories over the past twelve months have included continued coverage of the global COVID-19 pandemic and the availability of the vaccines, reopening of the economy and attempts to return to some level of normalcy, indices hitting record highs, a significant drop in the U.S. unemployment rate, the 2020 presidential election, and the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan. The performance of U.S. equities in 2021 has begun to reverse course from the beginning of 2020 and has shown strong positive trajectory despite noticeable volatility.

 

For the twelve months ended August 31, 2021, the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio provided a total return of 49.31% at net asset value. This compares with a return of 45.87% over the same period for the Portfolio’s benchmark, the Russell 2500® Index.

 

As a result of the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio’s diversified investment approach, performance principally was determined by broad structural trends in equity markets, rather than the behavior of a limited number of stocks. Among the most important factors explaining differences in the performance of diversified equity funds, like the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio, are the size and value/growth characteristics of the underlying fund holdings. Size is measured by market capitalization and “value” classification is a function of stock price relative to one or more fundamental characteristics.

 

U.S. small company stocks performed better than U.S. large company stocks during the period. The Russell 2000® Index returned 47.08%, while the S&P 500® Index was up 31.17% for the twelve-month period ended August 31, 2021. Furthermore, for the same time-period, the Russell 2000® Value Index returned 59.49% and the Russell 1000® Value Index returned 36.44%.

 

In summary, U.S. small cap stocks performed better than large cap stocks and U.S. value stocks outperformed U.S. growth stocks. Factors that contributed to the Portfolio’s overperformance compared to its benchmark can largely be explained by its tilt toward small cap and value stocks, as well as the Portfolio’s limited exposure to real estate investment trusts.

 

Today’s environment underscores that markets are highly unpredictable over the short term. In other words, anything can happen, so we believe that a balanced, diversified, long-term approach is favored.

 

 

1

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)

August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio

 

The global markets experienced a roller coaster ride during the twelve-month period ended August 31, 2021. 2020 ended with international equity markets faring better than U.S. markets, however over the entire twelve months, U.S. equity markets outpaced international equity markets. We also saw the continued effects of the COVID-19 pandemic that has caused tremendous global human and economic hardships, while global markets attempted to return to some level of normalcy.

 

For the twelve months ended August 31, 2021, the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio provided a total return of 33.96% at net asset value. This compares with a return of 26.57% over the same period for the Portfolio’s benchmark, the MSCI World (ex USA) Index, which captures large and mid-cap representation across 22 of 23 Developed Markets (DM) countries excluding the U.S.

 

As a result of the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio’s diversified investment approach, performance principally was determined by broad structural trends in global equity markets, rather than the behavior of a limited number of stocks. Among the most important factors explaining differences in the behavior of diversified international equity funds, like the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio, are company size and company value/growth characteristics of the underlying fund holdings and broad exposure to emerging market equities.

 

International small company stocks fared better than international large company stocks during the fiscal year. The MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index returned 32.81% for the twelve months ended August 31, 2021, while the MSCI EAFE Index returned 26.12% for the same period. Furthermore, for the same time period, the MSCI EAFE Value Index rose by 26.99%, while the MSCI EAFE Small Cap Value Index returned 35.52% and the MSCI Emerging Markets Index returned 21.12%.

 

In summary, factors that contributed to the Portfolio’s overperformance compared to its benchmark can largely be explained by its tilt toward small cap and value stocks.

 

Today’s environment underscores that markets are highly unpredictable over the short term. In other words, anything can happen, so we believe that a balanced, diversified, long-term approach is favored.

 

2

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)

August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio

 

The U.S. economy experienced periods of volatility during the twelve months ended August 31, 2021. We continued to see the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic causing tremendous global human and economic hardship while global markets attempted to return to some level of normalcy. Disruptions to economic activity continued to affect financial conditions. The U.S. Federal Reserve continued to hold its policy rate close to zero to support the economic recovery. The broad proxy for the U.S. bond market, the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index fell -0.08%, while the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond Index (hedged) returned 0.76% for the twelve-month period ended August 31, 2021. As a result of the increase in interest rates, long-term bonds were outperformed by ones with shorter maturities. For the twelve months ended August 31, 2021, the Bloomberg U.S. Government/Credit 1-3 Years Index returned 0.15% while the Morningstar Long-Term U.S. Government Bond Index, which includes U.S. Treasury and U.S. Government Agency bonds with maturities of seven years or longer, returned -6.16%.

 

The Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio focuses on assets that invest in global high quality and shorter-term government and corporate fixed income assets. For the twelve-month period ended August 31, 2021, the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio returned 0.22%. This compares with a return of 0.26% over the same period for the Portfolio’s benchmark, the FTSE World Government Bond 1-5 Year Currency Hedged U.S. Dollar Index.

 

The Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio performed as expected, and slightly underperformed its benchmark for the period. A contributing factor to the performance of the Portfolio compared to its benchmark was the Portfolio’s slightly lower exposure to certain global markets and exposure to shorter term maturities.

 

3

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)

August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

The Russell 2500 Index: The Russell 2500™ Index measures the performance of the small to mid-cap segment of the US equity universe, commonly referred to as “smid” cap. The Russell 2500™ Index is a subset of the Russell 3000® Index. It includes approximately 2500 of the smallest securities based on a combination of their market cap and current index membership. The Russell 2500™ Index is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased barometer for the small to mid-cap segment. The index is completely reconstituted annually to ensure larger stocks do not distort the performance and characteristics of the true small to mid-cap opportunity set.

 

Russell 2000® Index: Measures the performance of the small-cap segment of the U.S. equity universe. The Russell 2000 is a subset of the Russell 3000® Index representing approximately 10% of the total market capitalization of that index. It includes approximately 2000 of the smallest securities based on a combination of their market cap and current index membership. The Russell 2000® Index is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased small-cap barometer and is completely reconstituted annually to ensure larger stocks do not distort the performance and characteristics of the true small-cap opportunity set.

 

Russell 2000® Value Index: The Russell 2000® Value Index measures the performance of small-cap value segment of the US equity universe. It includes those Russell 2000® companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values. The Russell 2000® Value Index is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased barometer for the small-cap value segment. The index is completely reconstituted annually to ensure larger stocks do not distort the performance and characteristics of the true small-cap opportunity set and that the represented companies continue to reflect value characteristics.

 

The S&P 500® Index is a market-capitalization-weighted index that consists of the 500 largest U.S. publicly traded companies.

 

Russell 1000® Value Index: The Russell 1000® Value Index measures the performance of the large-cap value segment of the US equity universe. It includes those Russell 1000® companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower expected growth values. The Russell 1000® Value Index is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased barometer for the large-cap value segment. The index is completely reconstituted annually to ensure new and growing equities are included and that the represented companies continue to reflect value characteristics.

 

The MSCI World (ex USA) Index captures large and mid -cap representation across 22 of 23 developed markets (DM) countries*--excluding the United States. With 934 constituents, the index covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in each country.

 

MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index is an equity index which captures small cap representation across Developed Markets countries* around the world, excluding the US and Canada. With 2,377 constituents, the index covers approximately 14% of the free float adjusted market capitalization in each country.

 

MSCI EAFE Small Cap Value Index captures small cap securities exhibiting overall value style characteristics across Developed Markets countries* around the world, excluding the U.S. and Canada. The value investment style characteristics for index construction are defined using three variables: book value to price, 12-month forward earnings to price and dividend yield.

 

MSCI EAFE Index is an equity index which captures large and mid-cap representation across 21 Developed Markets countries* around the world, excluding the US and Canada. With 843 constituents, the index covers approximately 85% of the free float adjusted market capitalization in each country

 

MSCI EAFE Value Index captures large and mid-cap securities exhibiting overall value style characteristics across Developed Markets countries* around the world, excluding the US and Canada. The value investment style characteristics for index construction are defined using three variables: book value to price, 12-month forward earnings to price and dividend yield.

 

MSCI Emerging Markets Index captures large and mid-cap representation across 27 Emerging Markets (EM) countries**. With 1,407 constituents, the index covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in each country.

 

4

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Concluded)

August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based flagship benchmark that measures the investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market.

 

Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond Index is a flagship measure of global investment grade debt from twenty-four local currency markets.

 

Bloomberg U.S. Government/Credit 1-3 Years Index measures the performance of investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate, taxable corporate and government-related debt with 1 to 3 years to maturity.

 

Morningstar Long-Term US Government Bond Index includes US Treasury and US Government Agency bonds with maturities of seven years or longer.

 

FTSE World Government Bond 1-5 Year Currency Hedged U.S. Dollar Index is a broad index providing exposure to the global sovereign fixed income market. The index measures the performance of fixed-rate, local currency, investment-grade sovereign bonds. It comprises sovereign debt from over 20 countries, denominated in a variety of currencies. The index provides a broad benchmark for the global sovereign fixed income market. Sub-indexes are available in any combination of currency, maturity, or rating.

 

* Developed Markets countries include: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK and the U.S.

 

** EM countries include: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and United Arab Emirates.

 

One cannot invest directly in an index.

 

Growth stocks typically are more volatile than value stocks; however, value stocks have a lower expected growth rate in earnings and sales.

 

Opinions expressed are subject to change at any time, are not guaranteed and should not be considered investment advice.

 

Must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus.

 

Mutual fund investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. Diversification does not assure a profit nor protect against loss in a declining market. Investing in micro-cap or small cap companies involve additional risks such as limited liquidity and greater volatility than large companies. Investing in foreign securities involves greater volatility and political, economic and currency risks and differences in accounting methods. These risks are greater in emerging markets. Investments in debt securities typically decrease in value when interest rates rise. This risk is usually greater for longer-term debt securities.

 

Shares of the Portfolios are distributed by Vigilant Distributors, LLC. Member of FINRA and SIPC.

 

5

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Performance Data

August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio

 

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in
Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio vs. Russell 2500® Index and Composite Index

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 minimum initial investment in the Portfolio made on February 18, 2014 (commencement of operations) and reflects Portfolio expenses. Investors should note that the Portfolio is a professionally managed mutual fund while the Russell 2500® Index and Composite Index are unmanaged, do not incur sales charges and/or expenses and are not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended August 31, 2021

 

1 YEAR

5 YEARS

SINCE
INCEPTION

Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio

49.31%

12.27%

9.61%(1)

Russell 2500® Index

45.87%

15.10%

12.05%(3)

Composite Index(2)

43.50%

14.09%

11.87%(3)

 

(1)

The Portfolio commenced operations on February 18, 2014.

(2)

The Composite Index is comprised of the S&P 500® Index, Russell 1000® Value Index, Russell 2000® Index and Russell 2000® Value Index, each weighted 25%, 25%, 25% and 25%, respectively.

(3)

Index information is not available as of the date of the inception of the Portfolio. The average annual returns for the Russell 2500® Index and the Composite Index are presented as of March 1, 2014. If the Portfolio had commenced operations on March 1, 2014, its average annual return since inception would have been 9.41%.

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or on the redemption of Portfolio shares. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-866-780-0357 ext. 3863. The Portfolio’s annual operating expense ratio, as stated in the current prospectus dated December 31, 2020 is 1.06% (included in the ratio is 0.30% attributable to acquired fund fees and expenses).

 

The Portfolio’s aggregate total return since inception is based on an increase in net asset value from $25.00 per share on February 18, 2014 (commencement of operations) to $36.70 per share on August 31, 2021.

 

Portfolio composition is subject to change.

 

The Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio’s underlying funds invest in small-cap and micro-cap stocks, large-cap stocks and other equity securities. In addition to the ordinary risks of equity investing, small companies entail special risk. Small companies tend to have more risk than large companies. An investor in the Portfolio will incur the expenses of the underlying funds in addition to the Portfolio’s expenses. The foregoing is not intended to be a complete discussion of all risks associated with the investment strategies of the Portfolio.

 

6

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Performance Data (Continued)

August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio

 

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in
Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio vs. MSCI World (excluding U.S.) Index and Composite Index

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 minimum initial investment in the Portfolio made on February 18, 2014 (commencement of operations) and reflects Portfolio expenses. Investors should note that the Portfolio is a professionally managed mutual fund while the MSCI World (excluding U.S.) Index and Composite Index are unmanaged, do not incur sales charges and/or expenses and are not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended August 31, 2021

 

1 YEAR

5 YEARS

SINCE
INCEPTION

Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio

33.96%

7.89%

4.22%(1)

MSCI World (excluding U.S.) Index

26.57%

9.78%

6.13%(3)

Composite Index(2)

27.07%

9.85%

6.49%(3)

 

(1)

The Portfolio commenced operations on February 18, 2014.

(2)

The Composite Index is comprised of the MSCI EAFE Index, MSCI EAFE Value Index, MSCI EAFE Small Company Index, and MSCI Emerging Markets Index, each weighted 25%, 25%, 25% and 25%, respectively.

(3)

Index information is not available as of the date of the inception of the Portfolio. The average annual returns for the MSCI World (excluding U.S.) Index and the Composite Index are presented as of March 1, 2014. If the Portfolio had commenced operations on March 1, 2014, its average annual return since inception would have been 4.02%.

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or on the redemption of Portfolio shares. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-866-780-0357 ext. 3863. The Portfolio’s annual operating expense ratio, as stated in the current prospectus dated December 31, 2020 is 1.29% (included in the ratio is 0.46% attributable to acquired fund fees and expenses).

 

The Portfolio’s aggregate total return since inception is based on an increase in net asset value from $25.00 per share on February 18, 2014 (commencement of operations) to $28.00 per share on August 31, 2021.

 

Portfolio composition is subject to change.

 

The Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio’s underlying funds invest in common stock, preferred stock, securities convertible into stocks and other equity securities issued by foreign companies. In addition to the ordinary risks of equity investing, foreign and small companies entail special risk. The return on foreign equities may be adversely affected by currency fluctuations. Emerging markets may be subject to social instability and lack of market liquidity. Small companies tend to have more risk than large companies. An investor in the Portfolio will incur the expenses of the underlying funds in addition to the Portfolio’s expenses. The foregoing is not intended to be a complete discussion of all risks associated with the investment strategies of the Portfolio.

 

7

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Performance Data (Concluded)

August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio

 

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in
Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio vs. FTSE World Government Bond Index 1-5 Years and Composite Index

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 minimum initial investment in the Portfolio made on February 18, 2014 (commencement of operations) and reflects Portfolio expenses. Investors should note that the Portfolio is a professionally managed mutual fund while the FTSE World Government Bond Index 1-5 years and Composite Index are unmanaged, do not incur sales charges and/or expenses and are not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended August 31, 2021

 

1 YEAR

5 YEARS

SINCE
INCEPTION

Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio

0.22%

1.52%

1.26%(1)

FTSE World Government Bond Index 1-5 Years

0.26%

1.99%

1.87%(3)

Composite Index(2)

-0.05%

2.10%

2.04%(3)

 

(1)

The Portfolio commenced operations on February 18, 2014.

(2)

The Composite Index is comprised of the Three-Month Treasury Bill Index, Bloomberg Barclays Capital Intermediate Government Bond Index, ICE BofA Merrill Lynch 1-3 Year US Government/Corporate Index and Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, each weighted 25%, 25%, 25% and 25%, respectively.

(3)

Index information is not available as of the date of the inception of the Portfolio. The average annual returns for the FTSE World Government Bond Index 1-5 Years (formerly known as the Citigroup World Govt. Bond 1-5 Year Currency Hedged U.S. Dollar Index), and the Composite Index are presented as of March 1, 2014. If the Portfolio had commenced operations on March 1, 2014, its average annual return since inception would have been 1.23%.

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or on the redemption of Portfolio shares. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-866-780-0357 ext. 3863. The Portfolio’s annual operating expense ratio, as stated in the current prospectus dated December 31, 2020 is 0.88% (included in the ratio is 0.14% attributable to acquired fund fees and expenses).

 

The Portfolio’s aggregate total return since inception is based on an increase in net asset value from $25.00 per share on February 18, 2014 (commencement of operations) to $25.55 per share on August 31, 2021.

 

Portfolio composition is subject to change.

 

The Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio’s underlying funds invest in fixed income securities. The underlying funds may invest their assets in bonds and other debt securities issued by domestic and foreign governments and companies. Debt instruments involve the risk that their prices will fall when interest rates rise, and they are subject to the risk that the borrower may default. In addition, the return on foreign debt securities may be adversely affected by currency fluctuations. An investor in the Portfolio will incur expenses of the underlying funds in addition to the Portfolio’s expenses. The foregoing is not intended to be a complete discussion of all risks associated with the investment strategies of the Portfolio.

 

8

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Fund Expense ExampleS

August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of the Portfolio(s), you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees and other Portfolio expenses. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Portfolio(s) and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

 

These examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period from March 1, 2021 through August 31, 2021, and held for the entire period.

 

ACTUAL EXPENSES

 

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

 

HYPOTHETICAL EXAMPLES FOR COMPARISON PURPOSES

 

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

 

The expenses shown in the accompanying table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as redemption fees. Therefore, the second section of the accompanying table 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.

 

9

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Fund Expense Examples (CONCLUDED)

August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

 

BEGINNING
ACCOUNT VALUE
MARCH 1, 2021

ENDING
ACCOUNT VALUE
AUGUST 31, 2021

EXPENSES
PAID*

ANNUALIZED
EXPENSE
RATIO*

ACTUAL SIX-
MONTH TOTAL
INVESTMENT
RETURN FOR
THE PORTFOLIO

Actual

         

Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,123.40

$ 3.96

0.74%

12.34%

Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio

1,000.00

1,098.00

4.23

0.80%

9.80%

Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio

1,000.00

1,005.50

3.69

0.73%

0.55%

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,021.48

$ 3.77

0.74%

N/A

Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio

1,000.00

1,021.17

4.08

0.80%

N/A

Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio

1,000.00

1,021.53

3.72

0.73%

N/A

 

*

Expenses are equal to each Portfolio’s annualized six-month expense ratio for the period March 1, 2021 to August 31, 2021, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184) in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by 365 to reflect the one half year period. The annualized expense ratios do not reflect fees and expenses associated with the underlying funds. Fees and expenses presented for a Portfolio do not reflect any fees and expenses imposed on shares of the Portfolio purchased through variable annuity contracts, variable life insurance policies, and certain qualified pension and retirement plans, which would increase overall fees and expenses. If such fees and expenses had been included, the expenses would have been higher. Each Portfolio’s ending account value in the first section in the table is based on the actual six-month total investment return for each Portfolio for the period March 1, 2021 to August 31, 2021. The range of weighted expense ratios of the underlying funds held by the Portfolios, as stated in the underlying funds’ current prospectuses, were as follows:

 

PORTFOLIO

RANGE OF WEIGHTED
EXPENSE RATIOS

Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio

0.01% - 0.07%

Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio

0.00% - 0.14%

Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio

0.00% - 0.02%

 

10

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

MATSON MONEY U.S. EQUITY VI PORTFOLIO

 

Portfolio of Investments

August 31, 2021

 

   

NUMBER OF
SHARES

   

VALUE

 

DOMESTIC EQUITY FUNDS — 99.1%

       

U.S. Large Cap Value Portfolio III (a)

    265,438     $ 8,194,060  

U.S. Large Company Portfolio (a)

    131,130       4,455,810  

U.S. Micro Cap Portfolio (b)

    166,916       4,810,527  

U.S. Small Cap Portfolio (b)

    100,967       4,803,021  

U.S. Small Cap Value Portfolio (b)

    71,191       3,212,835  

VA U.S. Large Value Portfolio (b)

    38,334       1,243,552  

VA U.S. Targeted Value Portfolio (b)

    197,530       4,784,169  

TOTAL DOMESTIC EQUITY FUNDS

       

(Cost $23,189,673)

            31,503,974  
                 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 1.0%

STIT-Government & Agency Portfolio, 0.03%*

    311,807       311,807  

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

       

(Cost $311,807)

            311,807  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 100.1%

       

(Cost $23,501,480)

            31,815,781  

LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS — (0.1)%

            (19,833 )

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

          $ 31,795,948  

 

 

 

                 

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS SUMMARY TABLE

   

% of
Net Assets

   

Value

 

Domestic Equity Funds

    99.1 %   $ 31,503,974  

Short-Term Investments

    1.0       311,807  

Liabilities In Excess Of Other Assets

    (0.1 )     (19,833 )

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 31,795,948  

 

 

*

Seven-day yield as of August 31, 2021.

(a)

A portfolio of Dimensional Investment Group Inc.

(b)

A portfolio of DFA Investment Dimensions Group Inc.

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

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

 

11

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

MATSON MONEY INTERNATIONAL EQUITY VI PORTFOLIO

 

Portfolio of Investments

August 31, 2021

 

   

NUMBER OF
SHARES

   

VALUE

 

INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUNDS — 99.2%

       

DFA International Small Cap Value Portfolio (a)

    288,333     $ 6,409,642  

DFA International Value Portfolio III (b)

    409,527       6,794,051  

Emerging Markets Small Cap Portfolio (a)

    41,815       1,130,257  

Emerging Markets Value Portfolio, Class Institutional (a)

    34,595       1,128,823  

iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF

    11,704       898,282  

iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF

    19,115       1,225,080  

VA International Small Portfolio (a)

    251,937       3,882,349  

VA International Value Portfolio (a)

    82,816       1,132,922  

TOTAL INTERNTAIONAL EQUITY FUNDS

       

(Cost $19,305,746)

            22,601,406  
                 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 0.9%

STIT-Government & Agency Portfolio, 0.03%*

    198,775       198,775  

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

       

(Cost $198,775)

            198,775  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 100.1%

       

(Cost $19,504,521)

            22,800,181  

LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS — (0.1)%

            (20,426 )

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

          $ 22,779,755  

 

 

 

                 

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS SUMMARY TABLE

   

% of
Net Assets

   

Value

 

International Equity Funds

    99.2 %   $ 22,601,406  

Short-Term Investments

    0.9       198,775  

Liabilities In Excess Of Other Assets

    (0.1 )     (20,426 )

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 22,779,755  

 

 

*

Seven-day yield as of August 31, 2021.

(a)

A portfolio of DFA Investment Dimensions Group Inc.

(b)

A portfolio of Dimensional Investment Group Inc.

ETF

Exchange-Traded Fund

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

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

 

12

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

MATSON MONEY FIXED INCOME VI PORTFOLIO

 

Portfolio of Investments

August 31, 2021

 

   

NUMBER OF
SHARES

   

VALUE

 

FIXED INCOME FUNDS — 98.6%

       

DFA One-Year Fixed Income Portfolio (a)

    369,548     $ 3,806,343  

DFA Two-Year Global Fixed Income Portfolio (a)

    498,974       4,964,796  

iShares 1-3 Year Treasury Bond ETF

    15,358       1,324,627  

iShares 3-7 Year Treasury Bond ETF

    15,094       1,982,144  

iShares Core International Aggregate Bond ETF

    89,436       4,986,057  

iShares Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF

    32,578       1,981,720  

iShares Short-Term Corporate Bond ETF

    145,634       7,985,112  

iShares TIPS Bond ETF

    12,832       1,662,899  

VA Global Bond Portfolio (a)

    309,333       3,312,952  

VA Short-Term Fixed Income Portfolio (a)

    63,600       648,719  

TOTAL FIXED INCOME FUNDS

       

(Cost $31,953,870)

            32,655,369  
                 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 1.4%

STIT-Government & Agency Portfolio, 0.03%*

    457,415       457,415  

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

       

(Cost $457,415)

            457,415  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 100.0%

       

(Cost $32,411,285)

            33,112,784  

LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS — 0.0%

            (9,537 )

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

          $ 33,103,247  

 

 

 

                 

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS SUMMARY TABLE

   

% of
Net Assets

   

Value

 

Fixed Income Funds

    98.6 %   $ 32,655,369  

Short-Term Investments

    1.4       457,415  

Liabilities In Excess Of Other Assets

    0.0       (9,537 )

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 33,103,247  

 

 

*

Seven-day yield as of August 31, 2021.

(a)

A portfolio of DFA Investment Dimensions Group Inc.

ETF

Exchange-Traded Fund

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

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

 

13

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

August 31, 2021

 

   

MATSON MONEY
U.S. EQUITY
VI PORTFOLIO

   

MATSON MONEY
INTERNATIONAL EQUITY
VI PORTFOLIO

   

MATSON MONEY
FIXED INCOME
VI PORTFOLIO

 

ASSETS

                       

Investments, at value (cost $23,189,673, $19,305,746 and $31,953,870, respectively)

  $ 31,503,974     $ 22,601,406     $ 32,655,369  

Short-term investments, at value (cost $311,807, $198,775 and $457,415, respectively)

    311,807       198,775       457,415  

Receivables for:

                       

Capital shares sold

    17,072       11,366       28,610  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

    910       152       742  

Total assets

    31,833,763       22,811,699       33,142,136  
                         

LIABILITIES

                       

Payables for:

                       

Audit fees

    17,623       17,507       17,523  

Advisory fees

    13,139       9,448       13,975  

Administration and accounting fees

    3,490       3,212       3,563  

Transfer agent fees

    421       380       434  

Capital shares redeemed

    42       33       28  

Other accrued expenses and liabilities

    3,100       1,364       3,366  

Total liabilities

    37,815       31,944       38,889  

Net assets

  $ 31,795,948     $ 22,779,755     $ 33,103,247  
                         

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

                       

Par Value

  $ 866     $ 814     $ 1,296  

Paid-in capital

    21,839,743       19,261,543       32,470,138  

Total distributable earnings/(loss)

    9,955,339       3,517,398       631,813  

Net assets

  $ 31,795,948     $ 22,779,755     $ 33,103,247  
                         

CAPITAL SHARES:

                       

Net assets

  $ 31,795,948     $ 22,779,755     $ 33,103,247  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    866,339       813,571       1,295,659  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

  $ 36.70     $ 28.00     $ 25.55  

 

 

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

 

14

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Statements of Operations

FOR THE YEAR ENDED August 31, 2021

 

   

MATSON MONEY
U.S. EQUITY
VI PORTFOLIO

   

MATSON MONEY
INTERNATIONAL EQUITY
VI PORTFOLIO

   

MATSON MONEY
FIXED INCOME
VI PORTFOLIO

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

                       

Dividends from non-affiliated funds

  $ 435,215     $ 475,416     $ 243,911  

Total investment income

    435,215       475,416       243,911  
                         

EXPENSES:

                       

Advisory fees (Note 2)

    143,974       104,425       151,749  

Audit and tax services fees

    30,086       30,089       30,114  

Administration and accounting fees (Note 2)

    19,988       17,271       19,589  

Printing and shareholder reporting fees

    7,878       6,242       8,614  

Custodian fees (Note 2)

    4,098       2,586       3,047  

Director fees

    2,973       2,189       3,456  

Legal fees

    1,798       1,269       1,852  

Officer fees

    1,289       899       1,419  

Transfer agent fees (Note 2)

    309       1,692       2,246  

Other expenses

    754       206       237  

Total expenses

    213,147       166,868       222,323  

Net investment income/(loss)

    222,068       308,548       21,588  
                         

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS

                       

Net realized gain/(loss) from:

                       

Non-affiliated funds

    1,896,774       683,588       48,963  

Capital gain distributions from non-affiliated fund investments

    85,701       58,739        

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:

                       

Non-affiliated funds

    9,177,417       4,992,500       2,245  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    11,159,892       5,734,827       51,208  

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 11,381,960     $ 6,043,375     $ 72,796  

 

 

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

 

15

 

 

MATSON MONEY U.S. EQUITY VI PORTFOLIO

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2021

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2020

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 222,068     $ 214,567  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    1,982,475       625,526  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    9,177,417       (428,512 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    11,381,960       411,581  
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (1,112,545 )     (1,496,610 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (1,112,545 )     (1,496,610 )
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    4,806,910       4,803,621  

Reinvestment of distributions

    1,112,545       1,496,610  

Shares redeemed

    (9,463,229 )     (4,983,541 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets from capital shares

    (3,543,774 )     1,316,690  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    6,725,641       231,661  
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    25,070,307       24,838,646  

End of period

  $ 31,795,948     $ 25,070,307  
                 

SHARES TRANSACTIONS:

               

Shares sold

    140,452       205,802  

Dividends and distributions reinvested

    38,350       51,679  

Shares redeemed

    (290,841 )     (196,267 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    (112,039 )     61,214  

 

 

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

 

16

 

 

MATSON MONEY INTERNATIONAL EQUITY VI PORTFOLIO

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2021

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2020

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 308,548     $ 366,406  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    742,327       (56,754 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    4,992,500       (73,772 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    6,043,375       235,880  
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (430,312 )     (892,907 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (430,312 )     (892,907 )
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    3,504,955       3,624,757  

Reinvestment of distributions

    430,312       892,907  

Shares redeemed

    (5,327,668 )     (3,529,908 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets from capital shares

    (1,392,401 )     987,756  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    4,220,662       330,729  
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    18,559,093       18,228,364  

End of period

  $ 22,779,755     $ 18,559,093  
                 

SHARES TRANSACTIONS:

               

Shares sold

    133,013       180,551  

Dividends and distributions reinvested

    17,679       36,791  

Shares redeemed

    (206,417 )     (166,464 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    (55,725 )     50,878  

 

 

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

 

17

 

 

MATSON MONEY FIXED INCOME VI PORTFOLIO

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2021

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2020

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 21,588     $ 485,768  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    48,963       39,000  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    2,245       238,804  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    72,796       763,572  
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (170,529 )     (496,143 )

Return of capital

    (14,611 )      

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (185,140 )     (496,143 )
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    9,842,877       5,478,109  

Reinvestment of distributions

    185,140       496,143  

Shares redeemed

    (4,135,263 )     (8,465,121 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets from capital shares

    5,892,754       (2,490,869 )

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    5,780,410       (2,223,440 )
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    27,322,837       29,546,277  

End of period

  $ 33,103,247     $ 27,322,837  
                 

SHARES TRANSACTIONS:

               

Shares sold

    385,803       216,510  

Dividends and distributions reinvested

    7,229       19,854  

Shares redeemed

    (162,244 )     (335,860 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    230,788       (99,496 )

 

 

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

 

18

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

MATSON MONEY U.S. EQUITY VI PORTFOLIO

 

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for each share outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2021

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2020

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2019

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2018

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2017

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 25.62     $ 27.08     $ 33.12     $ 29.15     $ 26.80  

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    0.25       0.22       0.21       0.18       0.14  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    12.06       (0.04 )     (4.34 )     5.40       3.44  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    12.31       0.18       (4.13 )     5.58       3.58  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

    (0.29 )     (0.24 )     (0.27 )     (0.33 )     (0.21 )

Net realized capital gains

    (0.94 )     (1.40 )     (1.64 )     (1.28 )     (1.02 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (1.23 )     (1.64 )     (1.91 )     (1.61 )     (1.23 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 36.70     $ 25.62     $ 27.08     $ 33.12     $ 29.15  

Total investment return/(loss)(2)

    49.31 %     (0.02 )%     (11.89 )%     19.56 %     13.42 %
                                         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 31,796     $ 25,070     $ 24,839     $ 26,181     $ 20,093  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers, if any(3)

    0.74 %     0.76 %     0.76 %     0.73 %     0.81 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers, if any(3)

    0.74 %     0.76 %     0.76 %     0.73 %     0.81 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets with waivers(3)

    0.77 %     0.86 %     0.72 %     0.58 %     0.49 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    18 %     18 %     17 %     12 %     21 %

 

 

(1)

The selected per share data is calculated using the average shares outstanding method for the period.

(2)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated by assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(3)

The Portfolio also will indirectly bear its prorated share of expenses of the underlying funds. Such expenses are not included in the calculation of this ratio.

 

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

 

19

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

MATSON MONEY INTERNATIONAL EQUITY VI PORTFOLIO

 

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for each share outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2021

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2020

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2019

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2018

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2017

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 21.35     $ 22.27     $ 26.16     $ 26.60     $ 22.54  

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    0.37       0.42       0.43       0.47       0.29  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    6.80       (0.25 )     (3.51 )     (0.13 )     4.51  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    7.17       0.17       (3.08 )     0.34       4.80  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

    (0.35 )     (0.52 )     (0.39 )     (0.54 )     (0.44 )

Net realized capital gains

    (0.17 )     (0.57 )     (0.42 )     (0.24 )     (0.30 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.52 )     (1.09 )     (0.81 )     (0.78 )     (0.74 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 28.00     $ 21.35     $ 22.27     $ 26.16     $ 26.60  

Total investment return/(loss)(2)

    33.96 %     0.17 %     (11.62 )%     1.13 %     21.90 %
                                         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 22,780     $ 18,559     $ 18,228     $ 17,950     $ 15,019  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers, if any(3)

    0.80 %     0.83 %     0.86 %     0.79 %     0.88 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers, if any(3)

    0.80 %     0.83 %     0.86 %     0.79 %     0.88 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets with waivers(3)

    1.48 %     1.99 %     1.82 %     1.70 %     1.22 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    18 %     26 %     13 %     8 %     21 %

 

 

(1)

The selected per share data is calculated using the average shares outstanding method for the period.

(2)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated by assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(3)

The Portfolio also will indirectly bear its prorated share of expenses of the underlying funds. Such expenses are not included in the calculation of this ratio.

 

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

 

20

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

MATSON MONEY FIXED INCOME VI PORTFOLIO

 

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for each share outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2021

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2020

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2019

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2018

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2017

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 25.66     $ 25.38     $ 24.74     $ 25.12     $ 25.31  

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    0.02       0.43       0.59       0.23       0.18  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    0.04       0.27       0.61       (0.36 )     (0.13 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    0.06       0.70       1.20       (0.13 )     0.05  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

    (0.16 )     (0.42 )     (0.56 )     (0.22 )     (0.12 )

Net realized capital gains

                (2)      (0.03 )     (0.12 )

Return of capital

    (0.01 )                        

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.17 )     (0.42 )     (0.56 )     (0.25 )     (0.24 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 25.55     $ 25.66     $ 25.38     $ 24.74     $ 25.12  

Total investment return/(loss)(3)

    0.22 %     2.80 %     4.98 %     (0.50 )%     0.19 %
                                         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 33,103     $ 27,323     $ 29,546     $ 30,405     $ 26,017  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers, if any(4)

    0.73 %     0.74 %     0.74 %     0.71 %     0.77 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers, if any(4)

    0.73 %     0.74 %     0.74 %     0.71 %     0.77 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets with waivers(4)

    0.07 %     1.69 %     2.39 %     0.93 %     0.70 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    8 %     46 %     19 %     2 %     11 %

 

 

(1)

The selected per share data is calculated using the average shares outstanding method for the period.

(2)

Amount less than $(0.005) per share.

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated by assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(4)

The Portfolio also will indirectly bear its prorated share of expenses of the underlying funds. Such expenses are not included in the calculation of this ratio.

 

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

 

21

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Notes to Financial Statements

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

1.

Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

 

The RBB Fund, Inc. (“RBB” or the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland on February 29, 1988 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. RBB is a “series fund,” which is a mutual fund divided into separate portfolios. Each portfolio is treated as a separate entity for certain matters under the 1940 Act, and for other purposes, and a shareholder of one portfolio is not deemed to be a shareholder of any other portfolio. Currently, RBB has thirty-nine separate investment portfolios, including the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio, the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio and the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio (each a “Portfolio,” collectively the “Portfolios”). Each Portfolio operates as a “fund of funds” and commenced investment operations on February 18, 2014. Shares of the Portfolios are offered to separate accounts of participating life insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies.

 

RBB has authorized capital of one hundred billion shares of common stock of which 88.223 billion shares are currently classified into one hundred and ninety-three classes of common stock. Each class represents an interest in an active or inactive RBB investment portfolio.

 

Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio and Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio’s investment objective is to seek long-term capital appreciation. Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio’s investment objective is to seek total return (consisting of current income and capital appreciation).

 

The Portfolios are investment companies and follow accounting and reporting guidance in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 “Financial Services - Investment Companies”.

 

The end of the reporting period for the Portfolios is August 31, 2021, and the period covered by these Notes to Financial Statements is the fiscal period ended August 31, 2021 (the “current fiscal period”).

 

INVESTMENT COMPANY SECURITIES — The Portfolios pursue their investment objectives by investing primarily in shares of registered, open-end investment companies and exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) (collectively, “underlying funds”). When a Portfolio invests in underlying funds it will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any fees and expenses payable directly by the underlying fund. In connection with its investments in other investment companies, a Portfolio will incur higher expenses, many of which may be duplicative. Furthermore, because the Portfolios invest in shares of ETFs and underlying funds their performances are directly related to the ability of the ETFs and underlying funds to meet their respective investment objectives, as well as the allocation of each Portfolio’s assets among the ETFs and underlying funds. Accordingly, the Portfolios’ investment performance will be influenced by the investment strategies of and risks associated with the ETFs and underlying funds in direct proportion to the amount of assets the Portfolios allocate to the ETFs and underlying funds utilizing such strategies. As disclosed in the Portfolio of Investments, the Portfolios invest in a number of different underlying funds, including underlying funds that are portfolios of DFA Investment Dimensions Group Inc., and Dimensional Investment Group Inc. (collectively, “DFA Underlying Funds”) and iShares by BlackRock (“iShares Underlying Funds”). Information about DFA Underlying Funds’ and iShares Underlying Funds’ risks may be found in such DFA Underlying Funds and iShares Underlying Funds’ annual or semiannual report to shareholders, which can be found at us.dimensional.com and iShares.com, respectively. Additional information about derivatives related risks, if applicable, may also be found in each such DFA Underlying Fund or iShares Underlying Funds’ annual or semiannual report to shareholders. The annual and semiannual reports to shareholders for the underlying funds may also be found by visiting the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

PORTFOLIO VALUATION — Investments in the underlying funds are valued at each Portfolio’s net asset value (“NAV”) determined as of the close of business on the New York Stock Exchange (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time). Investments in Exchange-Traded Funds (“ETFs”) are valued at their last reported sale price. As required, some securities and assets may be valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). Direct investments in fixed income securities are valued using an independent pricing service, which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings, and are deemed representative of market values at the close of the market.

 

22

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS — The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the Portfolios’ investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:

 

 

● Level 1 —

Prices are determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.

 

 

● Level 2 —

Prices are determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

 

● Level 3 —

Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs (including the Portfolios’ own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

 

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used, as of the end of the reporting period, in valuing the Portfolios’ investments carried at fair value:

 

MATSON MONEY U.S. EQUITY VI PORTFOLIO

 

   

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

   

INVESTMENTS
MEASURED AT NET
ASSET VALUE*

 

Domestic Equity Funds

  $ 31,503,974     $ 25,476,253     $     $     $ 6,027,721  

Short-Term Investments

    311,807       311,807                    

Total Investments**

  $ 31,815,781     $ 25,788,060     $     $     $ 6,027,721  

 

*

Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in the table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

**

Please refer to the Portfolio of Investments for further details.

 

MATSON MONEY INTERNATIONAL EQUITY VI PORTFOLIO

 

   

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

   

INVESTMENTS
MEASURED AT NET
ASSET VALUE*

 

International Equity Funds

  $ 22,601,406     $ 17,586,135     $     $     $ 5,015,271  

Short-Term Investments

    198,775       198,775                    

Total Investments**

  $ 22,800,181     $ 17,784,910     $     $     $ 5,015,271  

 

*

Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in the table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

**

Please refer to the Portfolio of Investments for further details.

 

23

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

MATSON MONEY FIXED INCOME VI PORTFOLIO

 

   

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

   

INVESTMENTS
MEASURED AT NET
ASSET VALUE*

 

Fixed Income Funds

  $ 32,655,369     $ 28,693,698     $     $     $ 3,961,671  

Short-Term Investments

    457,415       457,415                    

Total Investments**

  $ 33,112,784     $ 29,151,113     $     $     $ 3,961,671  

 

*

Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in the table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

**

Please refer to the Portfolio of Investments for further details.

 

At the end of each quarter, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities. Various factors are considered, such as changes in liquidity from the prior reporting period; whether or not a broker is willing to execute at the quoted price; the depth and consistency of prices from third party pricing services; and the existence of contemporaneous, observable trades in the market. Additionally, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities on a quarterly basis for changes in listings or delistings on national exchanges.

 

Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Portfolios’ investments may fluctuate from period to period. Additionally, the fair value of investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for such investments and may differ materially from the values the Portfolios may ultimately realize. Further, such investments may be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities.

 

For fair valuations using significant unobservable inputs, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires each Portfolio to present a reconciliation of the beginning to ending balances for reported market values that presents changes attributable to total realized and unrealized gains or losses, purchases and sales, and transfers in and out of Level 3 during the period. Transfers in and out between levels are based on values at the end of the period. A reconciliation of Level 3 investments is presented only when a Portfolio had an amount of Level 3 investments at the end of the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets. The amounts and reasons for all Level 3 transfers are disclosed if a Portfolio had an amount of total Level 3 transfers during the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets as of the end of the reporting period.

 

During the current fiscal period, the Portfolios had no Level 3 transfers.

 

USE OF ESTIMATES — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences could be significant.

 

INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS, INVESTMENT INCOME AND EXPENSES — The Portfolios record security transactions based on trade date for financial reporting purposes. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method for both financial reporting and income tax purposes in determining realized gains and losses on investments. Interest income (including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts) is accrued when earned. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. Each Portfolio’s investment income, expenses (other than class specific expenses) and unrealized and realized gains and losses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class at the beginning of the day. Certain expenses are shared with PENN Capital Funds Trust (the “Trust”), a series trust of affiliated funds. Expenses incurred on behalf of a specific class, fund or fund family of the Company or Trust are charged directly to the class, fund or fund family (in proportion to net assets). Expenses incurred for

 

24

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

all funds (such as director or professional fees) are charged to all funds in proportion to their average net assets of RBB and the Trust, or in such other manner as the Board deems fair or equitable. Expenses and fees, including investment advisory and administration fees, are accrued daily and taken into account for the purpose of determining the NAV of the Portfolios. In addition to the net annual operating expenses that the Portfolios bear directly, the shareholders indirectly bear the Portfolios’ pro-rata expenses of the underlying mutual funds in which each Portfolio invests.

 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS — Dividends from net investment income and distributions from net realized capital gains, if any, are declared and paid at least annually to shareholders recorded on the ex-dividend date for each Portfolio. Income dividends and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

 

U.S. TAX STATUS — No provision is made for U.S. income taxes as it is each Portfolio’s intention to continue to qualify for and elect the tax treatment applicable to regulated investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and make the requisite distributions to its shareholders which will be sufficient to relieve it from U.S. income and excise taxes.

 

MARKET RISK — The value of a Portfolio’s shares will fluctuate as a result of the movement of the overall stock market or the value of the underlying fund held by a Portfolio, and you could lose money.

 

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) PANDEMIC — The global outbreak of COVID-19 (commonly referred to as “coronavirus”) has disrupted economic markets and the prolonged economic impact is uncertain. Although vaccines for COVID-19 are becoming more widely available, the ultimate economic fallout from the pandemic, and the long-term impact on economies, markets, industries and individual issuers are not known. The operational and financial performance of the issuers of securities in which the Portfolios invest depends on future developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak and the pace of recovery which may vary market to market, and such uncertainty may in turn adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Portfolios’ investments, impair the Portfolios’ ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the Portfolios’ performance.

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates market value.

 

OTHER — In the normal course of business, the Portfolios may enter into contracts that provide general indemnifications. Each Portfolio’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on claims that may be made against the Portfolios in the future, and, therefore, cannot be estimated; however, the Portfolios expect the risk of material loss for such claims to be remote.

 

For additional information about the DFA Underlying Funds and iShares Underlying Funds’ valuation policies, refer to the DFA Underlying Funds and iShares Underlying Funds’ most recent annual or semiannual report which can be found at us.dimensional.com and iShares.com, respectively.

 

2.

Investment Adviser and Other Services

 

Matson Money, Inc. (“Matson Money” or the “Adviser”), serves as the investment adviser to each Portfolio. Each Portfolio compensates the Adviser for its services at an annual rate based on each Portfolio’s average daily net assets (the “Advisory Fee”), payable on a monthly basis in arrears, as shown in the following table.

 

AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS

 

ADVISORY FEE

 

For the first $1 billion

    0.50 %

Over $1 billion to $5 billion

    0.49  

Over $5 billion

    0.47  

 

25

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent that total annual Portfolio operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) exceed the rates (“Expense Caps”) shown in the following table of each Portfolio’s average daily net assets. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and certain of these expenses could cause total annual Portfolio operating expenses to exceed the Expense Caps: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2021 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board. The Adviser may discontinue these arrangements at any time after December 31, 2021.

 

PORTFOLIO

 

EXPENSE CAPS

 

Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio

    1.13 %

Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio

    1.35  

Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio

    1.00  

 

During the current fiscal period, investment advisory fees accrued were as follows:

 

PORTFOLIO

 

ADVISORY FEES

 

Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio

  $ 143,974  

Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio

    104,425  

Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio

    151,749  

 

Effective September 1, 2019, if at any time a Portfolio’s total annual Portfolio operating expenses for a year are less than the Expense Cap, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Portfolio of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Portfolio within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Portfolio to exceed the Expense Cap that was in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement. As of the end of the reporting period, the Portfolios had no amounts available for recoupment.

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (“Fund Services”), doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services serves as administrator for the Portfolios. For providing administrative and accounting services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Fund Services serves as the Portfolios’ transfer and dividend disbursing agent. For providing transfer agent services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

U.S. Bank, N.A. (the “Custodian”) provides certain custodial services to the Portfolios. The Custodian is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Effective as of January 4, 2021, Herald Investment Marketing, LLC (the “Distributor”), an affiliate of Vigilant Compliance, LLC, serves as the principal underwriter and distributor of the Funds’ shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with RBB. Prior to January 4, 2021, Quasar Distributors, LLC, a wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of Foreside Financial Group, LLC, served as the principal underwriter and distributor of the Funds’ shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with RBB.

 

For compensation amounts paid to Fund Services and the Custodian, please refer to the Statements of Operations.

 

3.

Director and Officer Compensation

 

The Directors of the Company receive an annual retainer and meeting fees for meetings attended. An employee of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serves as President and Chief Compliance Officer of the Company. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company. Employees of RBB serve as Treasurer, Secretary and Director of Marketing &

 

26

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Notes to Financial Statements (CONTINUED)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

Business Development of the Company. They are compensated for services provided. Certain employees of Fund Services serve as officers of the Company. They are not compensated by the Portfolios or the Company. For Director and Officer compensation amounts, please refer to the Statements of Operations.

 

4.

Purchases and Sales of Investment Securities

 

During the current fiscal period, aggregate purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) of the Portfolios were as follows:

 

   

PURCHASES

   

SALES

 

Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio

  $ 5,123,476     $ 9,532,250  

Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio

    3,605,313       5,088,496  

Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio

    8,100,507       2,374,882  

 

There were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. Government securities during the current fiscal period.

 

5.

Federal Income Tax Information

 

The Portfolios have followed the authoritative guidance on accounting for and disclosure of uncertainty in tax positions, which requires the Portfolios to determine whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The Portfolios have determined that there was no effect on the financial statements from following this authoritative guidance. In the normal course of business, the Portfolios are subject to examination by federal, state and local jurisdictions, where applicable, for tax years for which applicable statutes of limitations have not expired.

 

As of August 31, 2021, the federal tax cost and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments held by each Portfolio were as follows:

 

   

FEDERAL TAX
COST

   

UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION

   

UNREALIZED
(DEPRECIATION)

   

NET
UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION/
(DEPRECIATION)

 

Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio

  $ 23,737,998     $ 8,314,811     $ (237,028 )   $ 8,077,783  

Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio

    19,985,808       3,359,423       (545,050 )     2,814,373  

Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio

    32,475,255       729,169       (91,640 )     637,529  

 

Distributions to shareholders from net investment income and realized gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from net investment income and realized gains recognized for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the character of distributions and composition of net assets for tax purposes may differ from those reflected in the accompanying financial statements. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on the tax treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.

 

There were no material permanent differences as of August 31, 2021.

 

27

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Notes to Financial Statements (CONTINUED)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

As of August 31, 2021, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

   

Undistributed
Ordinary Income

   

Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gains

   

Capital Loss
Carry Forward

   

Net
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio

  $     $ 1,885,179     $     $ 8,077,783  

Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio

    55,442       647,583             2,814,373  

Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio

                      637,528  

 

The differences between the book and tax basis components of distributable earnings relate primarily to the timing of recognition of income and gains for federal income tax purposes. Short-term and foreign currency gains, if applicable, are reported as ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2021 and August 31, 2020 were as follows:

 

     

ORDINARY
INCOME

   

LONG-TERM
GAINS

   

RETURN OF
CAPITAL

   

TOTAL

 

Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio

2021

  $ 262,875     $ 849,670     $     $ 1,112,545  
 

2020

    221,900       1,274,710             1,496,610  

Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio

2021

    293,803       136,509             430,312  
 

2020

    428,978       463,929             892,907  

Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio

2021

    149,987       20,542       14,611       185,140  
 

2020

    496,143                   496,143  

 

Distributions from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.

 

Pursuant to federal income tax rules applicable to regulated investment companies, the Funds may elect to treat certain capital losses between November 1 and August 31 and late year ordinary losses ((i) ordinary losses between January 1 and August 31, and (ii) specified ordinary and currency losses between November 1 and August 31) as occurring on the first day of the following tax year. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021, any amount of losses elected within the tax return will not be recognized for federal income tax purposes until September 1, 2021. The Matson Money U.S. Equity Fund deferred qualified late-year losses of $7,623 and the Matson Money Fixed Income Fund deferred qualified late-year losses of $5,716 which will be treated as arising on the first business day of the following fiscal year.

 

The Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an unlimited period. Capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. The Matson Money Fixed Income Fund had utilized $26,840. As of August 31, 2021, the Funds had no unexpiring short-term or long-term losses.

 

6.

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS AND REGULATORY UPDATES

 

In October 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“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. Funds will be required to comply with Rule 18f-4 by August 19, 2022. It is not currently clear what impact, if any, Rule 18f-4 will have on the availability, liquidity

 

28

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Notes to Financial Statements (concluded)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

or performance of derivatives. Management is currently evaluating the potential impact of Rule 18f-4 on the Funds. When fully implemented, Rule 18f-4 may require changes in how a Fund uses derivatives, adversely affect a Fund’s performance and increase costs related to a Fund’s use of derivatives.

 

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 Funds will be required to comply with the rules by September 8, 2022. Management is currently assessing the potential impact of the new rules on the Funds’ financial statements.

 

7.

Subsequent Events

 

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Funds through the date the financial statements were issued and has determined there were no subsequent events.

 

29

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. and Shareholders of Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio and Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio

 

Opinions on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the portfolios of investments, of Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio and Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio (three of the funds constituting The RBB Fund, Inc., hereafter collectively referred to as the “Funds”) as of August 31, 2021, the related statements of operations for the year ended August 31, 2021, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 2021, including the related notes, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended August 31, 2021 (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Funds as of August 31, 2021, the results of each of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in each of their net assets for each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 2021 and each of the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended August 31, 2021 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Basis for Opinions

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Funds’ financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Funds in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 2021 by correspondence with the custodian and transfer agent. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

 


Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
October 29, 2021

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Matson Money, Inc. investment companies since 2008.

 

30

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Shareholder Tax Information

(Unaudited)

 

The tax character of dividends and distributions paid during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021 were as follows:

 

   

Ordinary
Income

   

Long-Term
Gains

   

RETURN OF
CAPITAL

   

Total

 

Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio

  $ 262,875     $ 849,670     $     $ 1,112,545  

Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio

    293,803       136,509             430,312  

Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio

    149,987       20,542       14,611       185,140  

 

Dividends from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income dividends for federal income tax purposes.

 

The percentage of total ordinary income dividends qualifying for the 15% dividend income tax rate is 100% for the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio and 97.76% for the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio.

 

The percentage of total ordinary dividends qualifying for the corporate dividends received deduction is 100% for the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio.

 

The percentage of qualified interest income related dividends not subject to withholding tax for non-resident aliens and foreign corporations is 52.44% for the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio.

 

Because each Portfolio’s fiscal year is not the calendar year, another notification will be sent with respect to calendar year 2021. The second notification, which will reflect the amount, if any, to be used by calendar year taxpayers on their U.S. federal income tax returns, will be made in conjunction with Form 1099-DIV and will be mailed in January 2022.

 

Foreign shareholders will generally be subject to U.S. withholding tax on the amount of their ordinary income dividends. They will generally not be entitled to a foreign tax credit or deduction for the withholding taxes paid by the Portfolios, if any. The Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio passed through foreign tax credits of $40,247 and earned $453,578 of gross foreign source income during the fiscal year.

 

In general, dividends received by tax-exempt recipients (e.g., IRAs and Keoghs) need not be reported as taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, some retirement trusts (e.g., corporate, Keogh and 403(b)(7) plans) may need this information for their annual information reporting.

 

Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the tax consequences of their investment in the Portfolios.

 

31

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Other Information

(Unaudited)

 

Proxy Voting

 

Policies and procedures that the Portfolios use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities as well as information regarding how the Portfolios voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 are available without charge, upon request, by calling Matson Money VI Portfolios at (866) 780-0357, ext. 3863 and on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Quarterly Portfolio Schedules

 

The Company files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third fiscal quarters of each fiscal year (quarters ended November 30 and May 31) as an exhibit to its report on Form N-PORT. The Company’s Form N-PORT is available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Matson Money VI Portfolios Approval of Investment Advisory Agreements

 

As required by the 1940 Act, the Board, including all of the Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Directors”), considered the renewal of the investment advisory agreement between Matson Money and the Company (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”) on behalf of the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio and Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio (for this section only, each a “Portfolio” and collectively the “Portfolios”), at a meeting of the Board held on May 12-13, 2021 (the “Meeting”). At the Meeting, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, approved the Investment Advisory Agreement for an additional one-year term. The Board’s decision to approve the Investment Advisory Agreement reflects the exercise of its business judgment to continue the existing arrangement. In approving the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Board considered information provided by Matson Money with the assistance and advice of counsel to the Independent Directors and the Company.

 

In considering the renewal and approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Company and Matson Money with respect to the Portfolios, the Directors took into account all the materials provided prior to and during the Meeting and at other meetings throughout the past year, the presentations made during the Meeting, and the discussions held during the Meeting. Among other things, the Directors considered (i) the nature, extent, and quality of Matson Money’s services provided to the Portfolios; (ii) descriptions of the experience and qualifications of Matson Money’s personnel providing those services; (iii) Matson Money’s investment philosophies and processes; (iv) Matson Money’s assets under management and client descriptions; (v) Matson Money’s current advisory fee arrangements with the Company and other similarly managed clients; (vi) Matson Money’s compliance procedures; (vii) Matson Money’s financial information, insurance coverage and profitability analysis related to providing advisory services to the Portfolios; (viii) the extent to which economies of scale are relevant to the Portfolios; (ix) a report prepared by Broadridge/Lipper comparing each Portfolio’s management fees and total expense ratio to those of its respective Lipper Group and comparing the performance of each Portfolio to the performance of its respective Lipper Group; and (x) a report comparing the performance of each Portfolio to the performance of its primary and composite benchmarks.

 

As part of their review, the Directors considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by Matson Money. The Directors concluded that Matson Money had substantial resources to provide services to the Portfolios and that Matson Money’s services had been acceptable.

 

The Directors also considered the investment performance of the Portfolios and Matson Money. Information on the Portfolios’ investment performance was provided for the year-to-date, one-year, five-year, ten-year, and since-inception periods, as applicable, and for the quarter ended March 31, 2021. The Directors considered the Portfolios’ investment performance in light of their investment objectives and investment strategies. The Directors concluded that the investment performance of each of the Portfolios as compared to their respective benchmarks and Lipper Groups was acceptable.

 

32

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Other Information (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

The Directors noted the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio had outperformed its benchmark for the year-to-date period, and underperformed its benchmark for the one-year, three-year, five-year, and since inception periods, each ended March 31, 2021. The Directors also noted that the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio ranked in the 4th quintile in its Performance Group for the one-year and five-year periods and in the 5th quintile for the two-year, three-year and four-year periods ended December 31, 2020.

 

Directors also considered that the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio had outperformed its benchmark for the year-to-date and one-year periods, and underperformed its benchmark for the three-year, five-year, and since inception periods, each ended March 31, 2021. The Directors also noted that the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio ranked in the 2nd quintile in its Performance Group for the five-year period, and in the 5th quintile for the one-year, two-year, three-year and four-year periods ended December 31, 2020.

 

The Directors noted the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio had outperformed its benchmark for the one-year period, and underperformed its benchmark for the year-to-date, three-year, five-year, and since inception periods, each ended March 31, 2021. The Directors also noted that the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio ranked in the 5th quintile in its Performance Group for the one-year, two-year, three-year, four-year and five-year periods ended December 31, 2020.

 

The Board also considered the advisory fee rates payable by the Portfolios under the Investment Advisory Agreements. In this regard, information on the fees paid by the Portfolios and the Portfolios’ total operating expense ratios (before and after fee waivers and expense reimbursements) were compared to similar information for mutual funds advised by other, unaffiliated investment advisory firms.

 

The Directors noted that the actual advisor fee of the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio ranked in the 2nd quintile of the Portfolio’s Lipper Expense Group, and that the total expenses of the Portfolio ranked in the 3rd quintile of its Lipper Expense Group.

 

The Directors noted that the actual advisor fee of the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio ranked in the 2nd quintile of the Portfolio’s Lipper Expense Group, and that the total expenses of the Portfolio ranked in the 2nd quintile of its Lipper Expense Group.

 

The Directors noted that the actual advisor fee of the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio ranked in the 3rd quintile of the Portfolio’s Lipper Expense Group, and that the total expenses of the Portfolio ranked in the 3rd quintile of its Lipper Expense Group.

 

In addition, the Directors noted that Matson Money had contractually agreed to waive management fees and reimburse expenses through at least December 31, 2021 to limit total annual operating expenses to agreed upon levels for the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio, and Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio.

 

After reviewing the information regarding the Portfolios’ costs, profitability and economies of scale, and after considering Matson Money’s services, the Directors concluded that the investment advisory fees paid by the Portfolios were fair and reasonable and that the Investment Advisory Agreements should be approved and continued for an additional one year period ending August 16, 2022.

 

33

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Liquidity Risk Management Program

(Unaudited)

 

The Company has adopted and implemented a Liquidity Risk Management Program (the “Company Program”) as required by rule 22e-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. In accordance with the Company Program, the Adviser has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the “Adviser Program” and together with the Company Program, the “Programs”) on behalf of the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio, Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio and Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio (each a “Portfolio” and together, the “Portfolios”). The Programs seek to assess, manage and review each Portfolio’s Liquidity Risk. “Liquidity Risk” is defined as the risk that a Portfolio could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Portfolio without significant dilution of remaining investors’ interest in the Portfolio.

 

The Board has appointed Vigilant Compliance, LLC (“Vigilant”) as the program administrator for the Company Program and the Adviser as the program administrator for the Company Program. The Adviser has delegated oversight of the Adviser Program to its Liquidity Risk Committee, whose process of monitoring and determining the liquidity of each Portfolio’s investments is supported by one or more third-party vendors.

 

At meetings held during the fiscal period, the Board and its Investment and Regulatory Oversight Committee received and reviewed a written report (the “Report”) of Vigilant and the Adviser concerning the operation of the Programs for the period from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020 (the “Period”). The Report summarized the operation of the Programs and the information and factors considered by Vigilant and the Adviser in reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of the implementation of the Programs with respect to each Portfolio. Such information and factors included, among other things: (i) the methodology used to classify the liquidity of each Fund’s portfolio investments and the Adviser’s assessment that each Portfolio’s strategy remained appropriate for an open-end mutual fund; (ii) that each Portfolio held primarily highly liquid assets (investments that the Portfolio anticipates can be converted to cash within 3 business days or less in current market conditions without significantly changing their market value); (iii) that none of the Portfolios required the establishment of a highly liquid investment minimum and the methodology for that determination; (iv) confirmation that none of the Portfolios had breached the 15% maximum illiquid security threshold (investments that cannot be sold or disposed of in seven days or less in current market conditions without the sale of the investment significantly changing the market value of the investment) and the procedures for monitoring compliance with the limit; (v) that the processes, technologies and third-party vendors used to assess, manage, and/or periodically review each Portfolio’s Liquidity Risk functioned appropriately during the Period; and (vi) that the Programs operated adequately during the Period. The Report also indicated that there were no material changes made to the Programs during the Period.

 

Based on the review, the Report concluded that the Programs were being implemented effectively and reasonably designed to assess and manage Liquidity Risk in each Portfolio’s portfolio.

 

There can be no assurance that the Company Program or the Adviser Program will achieve its objectives under all circumstances in the future. Please refer to the Portfolios’ prospectus for more information regarding a Fund’s exposure to liquidity risk and other risks to which it may be subject.

 

34

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Company Management

(Unaudited)

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company is organized under and managed pursuant to Maryland law. The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below. The statement of additional information (“SAI”) includes additional information about the Directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling 866-780-0357, ext. 3863.

 

Name, Address, and Age

Position(s) Held with Company

Term of Office and Length of Time Served1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Julian A. Brodsky

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 88

Director

1988 to present

From 1969 to 2011, Director and Vice Chairman, Comcast Corporation (cable television and communications).

46

AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).

J. Richard Carnall

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 82

Director

2002 to present

Since 1984, Director of Haydon Bolts, Inc. (bolt manufacturer) and Parkway Real Estate Company (subsidiary of Haydon Bolts, Inc.); since 2004, Director of Cornerstone Bank.

46

None.

Gregory P. Chandler

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 54

Director

2012 to present

Since 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Herspiegel Consulting LLC (life sciences consulting services); 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Avocado Systems Inc. (cyber security software provider); 2009-2020, Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services).

46

Emtec, Inc. (until December 2019); FS Investment Corporation (business development company) (until December 2018); FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company).

Nicholas A. Giordano

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 78

Director

2006 to present

Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations.

46

IntriCon Corporation (biomedical device manufacturer); Kalmar Pooled Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until September 2017); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance) (until 2021).

 

35

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Company Management (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address, and Age

Position(s) Held with Company

Term of Office and Length of Time Served1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

Arnold M. Reichman

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 73

Chairman

 

Director

2005 to present

 

1991 to present

Retired.

46

EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company).

Brian T. Shea
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 61

Director

2018 to present

From 2014-2017, Chief Executive Officer, BNY Mellon Investment Services (fund services, global custodian and securities clearing firm); from 1983-2014, Chief Executive Officer and various positions, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm).

46

WisdomTree Investments, Inc. (asset management company) (until March 2019); Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (financial services technology company); Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (financial services company).

Robert A. Straniere

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 80

Director

2006 to present

Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm).

46

None.

INTERESTED DIRECTOR2

Robert Sablowsky

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 83

Vice Chairman

 

Director

2016 to present

 

 

1991 to present

Since 2002, Senior Director - Investments and, prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer).

46

None.

OFFICERS

Salvatore Faia, JD,

CPA, CFE

Vigilant Compliance, LLC

Gateway Corporate

Center, Suite 216

223 Wilmington West

Chester Pike

Chadds Ford, PA 19317

Age: 58

President

 

Chief Compliance Officer

2009 to present

 

2004 to present

Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company); since 2021, President and Chief Compliance Officer of Penn Capital Funds Trust..

N/A

N/A

James G. Shaw

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 60

Treasurer and Secretary

2016 to present

Treasurer and Secretary of The RBB Fund, Inc. (since 2016) and Penn Capital Funds Trust (since 2021); from 2005 to 2016, Assistant Treasurer of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 1995 to 2016, Senior Director and Vice President of BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (financial services company).

N/A

N/A

 

 

36

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Company Management (CONTINUED)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address, and Age

Position(s) Held with Company

Term of Office and Length of Time Served1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

Craig A. Urciuoli

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 46

Director of Marketing & Business Development

2019 to present

Director of Marketing & Business Development of The RBB Fund, Inc. (since 2019) and Penn Capital Funds Trust (since 2021); from 2000-2019, Managing Director, Third Avenue Management LLC.

N/A

N/A

Jennifer Witt

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 38

Assistant Treasurer

2018 to present

Since 2020, Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (fund administrative services firm); from 2016 to 2020, Assistant Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services; from 2007 to 2016, Supervisor, Nuveen Investments (registered investment company).

N/A

N/A

Edward Paz

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 50

Assistant Secretary

2016 to present

Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm).

N/A

N/A

Michael P. Malloy

One Logan Square

Ste. 2000

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Age: 62

Assistant Secretary

1999 to present

Since 1993, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

Jillian L. Bosmann

One Logan Square

Ste. 2000

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Age: 42

Assistant Secretary

2017 to present

Since 2017, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

 

*

Each Director oversees 46 portfolios of the fund complex, consisting of the series in the Company and Penn Capital Funds Trust (7 portfolios).

 

1.

Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his or her successor is elected and qualified or his or her death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Carnall, Giordano, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.

 

2.

Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

 

37

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Company Management (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive-level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Carnall has decades of senior executive-level management experience in the banking and financial services industry and also serves on the boards of various corporations and a bank. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Mr. Shea has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the brokerage, clearing and investment services industry, including service on the boards of industry regulatory organizations and a university.

 

38

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Privacy Notice

(Unaudited)

 

FACTS

WHAT DO THE MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?

Why?

Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.

What?

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

 

● Social Security number

● account balances

● account transactions

● transaction history

● wire transfer instructions

● checking account information

 

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

How?

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

       

Reasons we can share your personal information

Do the Matson Money VI Portfolios share?

Can you limit this sharing?

For our everyday business purposes —
such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus

Yes

No

For our marketing purposes —
to offer our products and services to you

Yes

No

For joint marketing with other financial companies

Yes

No

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes —
information about your transactions and experiences

Yes

No

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes —
information about your creditworthiness

No

We don’t share.

For our affiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share.

For nonaffiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share.

 

Questions?

Call (866) 780-0357 Ext. 3863 or go to www.MatsonMoney.com

 

 

39

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Privacy Notice (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

What we do

   

How do the Matson Money VI Portfolios protect my personal information?

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40

 

 

[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

 

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Investment Adviser

Matson Money, Inc.
5955 Deerfield Blvd.
Mason, OH 45040

 

Administrator and Transfer Agent

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201

 

Principal Underwriter

Herald Investment Marketing, LLC
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Legal Counsel

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MMFI-AR21

 

 

 

ANNUAL
report 2021

Motley Fool Asset Management Funds
Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.

8/31/21

 

MFAM Global Opportunities Fund

MFAM Mid-Cap Growth Fund

 

 

 

 

MFAM Global Opportunities Fund (FOOLX)

 

 

MFAM Mid-Cap Growth Fund (TMFGX)

 

 

Join our Community! Looking for more of our fun and educational insights, market commentary, and product updates? Email help@mfamfunds.com and we will deliver it directly to your inbox! Our investors are just as diverse as our portfolios! No matter where you are on your investment path, Motley Fool Asset Management strives to make investing accessible to people of all backgrounds and experience levels! We look forward to welcoming you to our Family!

 

On September 21-22, 2021, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the conversion of the Global Opportunities Fund and the Mid-Cap Growth Fund into exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) by the reorganization of the Global Opportunities Fund and the Mid-Cap Growth Fund into corresponding ETFs, the MFAM Global Opportunities ETF and the MFAM Mid-Cap Growth ETF, respectively. There will be no change to the Funds’ investment objectives, investment strategies or portfolio management as a result of the reorganizations.

 

Table of Contents

 

   

Letter to Shareholders

1

Portfolio Characteristics

6

Fund Expense Examples

11

Schedules of Investments

13

Financial Statements

20

Notes to Financial Statements

30

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

43

Shareholder Tax Information

44

Notice to Shareholders

45

Directors and Officers

50

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL ASSET MANAGEMENT FUNDS

Letter to Shareholders

AUGUST 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

 

   
Bryan Hinmon
Chief Investment Officer,
Motley Fool Asset Management
 

 

Abbott: Who’s on first, What’s on second, I Don’t Know is on third...

Costello: You know the guys names on the baseball team?

Abbott: Yes.

Costello: Well go ahead, who’s on first?

Abbott: Yes.

Costello: I mean the guy’s name.

Abbott: Who?

Costello: The guy playing first.

Abbott: Who.

Costello: The guy playing first base.

Abbott: Who.

Costello: The guy on first base.

Abbott: Who is on first.

Costello: What are you asking me for? I don’t know!

Abbott: Now wait a minute...

Costello: I’m asking you who’s on first.

Abbott: That’s his name.

Costello: Well go ahead and tell me...

 

    Abbott and Costello, Who’s on First?1

 

Dear Fellow Shareholder,

 

The Who’s on First? skit is good for a laugh every time I watch it. It is a reminder that people seemingly engaged in the same conversation can actually be on two different planets of understanding. I’m certain this has happened to you, too, and I hope you were able to laugh and keep your cool instead of getting as spun up as Costello.

 

DIFFERENT CONVERSATIONS

 

When our investing team is asked why we believe we can outperform, we reply that we think differently than many other investment shops. A truly long-term orientation via our unique definition of Quality enables us to act and see things differently.

 

We so strongly believe in this philosophy that we don’t pay much attention to what other investors are doing. Doing so would just be a distraction. We go about our business in heads-down fashion, controlling what we can control, trying to be the best stewards of your (and our!) capital that we can be. But every once in a while, we’re lopped upside the head with a clear reminder that we do think differently from other investors and market participants.

 

This happened to me recently while I was reading the fiscal second quarter 2021 earnings call transcript for a business we own in the MFAM Mid-Cap Growth Fund2, Alarm.com. These 45-60 minute calls allow public company management teams to communicate with the investing public what is going on with their businesses. Management teams generally release quarterly financial details, provide helpful commentary, and take questions from the analyst community.

 

Now, executives are busy folk. Analysts have limited time and access to them and, therefore, should be asking only the most important questions that could influence investment decisions. That makes sense, right? With limited time and access, analysts should focus on what matters. What struck me while reading this call transcript was how unhelpful the questions being asked were to shaping our own investment opinion.

 

In other words, the items of heightened importance to the investing community (as represented by the analysts who dialed in live and felt the urge to ask a question), were completely different from what we consider of heightened importance. Seemingly on another planet. Our team seeks out information that is simply different from that sought by typical analysts.

 

 

1

Abbott and Costello performed this sketch several times. Our feelings won’t be hurt if you stop reading now and track down one of their performances on YouTube.

 

2

As of August 31, 2021, the MFAM Mid-Cap Growth Fund held a 3.48% position in Alarm.com.

 

1

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL ASSET MANAGEMENT FUNDS

Letter to Shareholders (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

To put a finer point on this, I categorized the 11 questions that were asked on the call3. Only two of the 11 questions could be useful in our team’s analysis of Alarm.com’s business and investment potential. That is less than 20%! Five of the questions centered on next-quarter expectations or financial modeling and four other questions were, in our opinion, useless. [Useless may be a harsh classification, but these were questions pertaining to data that the company either discloses in its filings or could be deduced using available information.]

 

The obvious difference between the questions asked and the questions our team would have asked is orientation. I classified five questions as having a short-term orientation and only two as having a longer-term orientation. And really, the balance was closer to nine short-term and two long-term. The overwhelming tilt towards short-term orientation may help traders, but it doesn’t help long-term, patient owners of businesses. Unfortunately, what dominates most earnings calls and business news stories is oriented to the short-term. We view this as unhelpful, or worse, a distraction.

 

Who is on first base? Yes.

 

MARKET PERFORMANCE AND COMMENTARY

 

The full year period of September 1, 2020 through August 31, 2021 provides a novel storyline compared to recent history. First, let’s remember that the prior year (September 1, 2019 through August 31, 2020) included the first outbreak of COVID-19. In aggregate, stocks fell rapidly beginning in February 2020 and continued their decline into March 2020 as the world grappled with what a pandemic meant and didn’t. The peak to trough decline of US stocks was about 40%4. As time passed, the short- and long-term impacts were sorted, the vision of a new reality with an ever-present coronavirus set in, and by August 2020, US stocks had regained their losses.

 

The recovery was not universal, of course. Growth stocks5 had returned to previous highs by June 2020 and ended the fiscal year ended August 31, 2020 up more than 35%. Value stocks6 recovered some of their losses, but did not eclipse their pre-coronavirus highs, and finished the fiscal year ended August 31, 2020 in negative territory. We retell this story to point out that, at the beginning of the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021, the performance disparity between Growth and Value stocks was remarkable -- greater than 40%!

 

Whether Value stocks looked dramatically more attractive, or seemed a better fit for fears of rising inflation and interest rates (two macroeconomic storylines that dominated the airwaves the first half of the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021), they began to outperform Growth stocks. The “catch-up” was in full effect. At its most dramatic, the performance differential between Value and Growth stocks exceeded 26%. By August 31, 2021 , Growth stocks had closed the gap to a single-digit differential, with both Value and Growth stocks notching greater than 30% gains for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021.

 

A similar catch-up phenomenon occurred with Small Capitalization stocks7. After trailing Mid and Large Capitalization stocks, Small Capitalization stocks advanced more than 47% during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021, besting Mid Capitalization stocks by 5% and Large Capitalization stocks by more than 12%. As US consumers benefited from government support and a rapid economic recovery seemed likely, the more economically sensitive and domestic focused Small Capitalization segment of the market soared.

 

Outside the US, Global stocks8 recovered, too. However, negative consequences of the pandemic were, on average, more lasting and impactful with less access to vaccine production and distribution. Accordingly, the realized and anticipated pace of economic recovery were on average slower, and Global stocks trailed the advance in US stocks.

 

 

3

I am not drawing from a widely accepted rubric of any sort, just applying my own judgement in good faith.

 

4

US stocks are represented by the Morningstar US Core TR Index. The index measures the performance of US stocks where neither growth nor value characteristics predominate.

 

5

Growth stocks are represented by the Morningstar US Growth Index. The index measures the performance of US stocks that are expected to grow at a faster pace than the rest of the market as measured by forward earnings, historical earnings, book value, cash flow and sales.

 

6

Value stocks are represented by the Morningstar US Value TR Index. The index measures the performance of stocks with relatively low prices given anticipated per-share earnings, book value, cash flow, sales and dividends.

 

7

Small Capitalization stocks are represented by the Morningstar US Small Cap TR Index. The index measures the performance of US stocks that fall between the 90th and 97th percentile in market capitalization of the investable universe. Mid Capitalization stocks are represented by the US Mid Cap TR Index. The index measures the performance of stocks that fall between the 70th and 90thpercentile in market capitalization of the investable universe. Large Capitalization stocks are represented by the Morningstar US Large Cap TR Index. The index measures the performance of stocks that represent the largest 70% capitalization of the investable universe.

 

8

Global stocks are represented by the S&P Global X-US BMI TR Index. The index measures stock market performance globally, excluding the US.

 

2

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL ASSET MANAGEMENT FUNDS

Letter to Shareholders (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

FUND PERFORMANCE AND COMMENTARY

 

MFAM Global Opportunities Fund

 

Amidst that backdrop, the MFAM Global Opportunities Fund returned 30.69% during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021, slightly besting its benchmark’s return of 30.12% for the same period. Cumulatively since inception (12 years and counting!), the MFAM Global Opportunities Fund has returned 461.83% versus 311.72% returns for the benchmark over the same period9.

 

During the period, the Fund’s investments leaned towards Growth and Large Capitalization stocks. If you recall from the Market Performance and Commentary above, this created a headwind to performance. However, this headwind was overcome by individual stock selection and performance. We believe in constructing focused portfolios of truly special Quality businesses (we have a “no strangers in the portfolio” mantra), so whether our performance is relatively good or bad, we can usually attribute it to stock selection and that is again the case.

 

The top three contributors to returns10 were Atlassian (+91%), Axon Enterprise (+112%), and MercadoLibre (+60%). Collaboration software specialist Atlassian’s shares gained as the company continued to benefit from strong demand for its wares—adding customers at a healthy clip, adroitly managing the transition from a traditional licensing to cloud model, and intelligently upselling customers. We believe Atlassian’s management’s ability to attract new customers, manage a foundational shift in its model, and engage in acquisitions without missing a beat has been second to none. Axon helps law enforcement to be more transparent and effective through unique hardware and software solutions. The company is experiencing rapid product adoption and continues to show a clear ability to solve meaningful problems for its customers. Axon recently took the uncommon approach of providing two year guidance (which was quite strong) to encourage everyone paying attention to think about its business over a longer horizon — just how we like it. If there were ever a business made for the times, it’s Latin American e-commerce and payments giant MercadoLibre. We believe that the pandemic crystallized an already powerful growth trajectory for MercadoLibre, as e-commerce adoption was pulled forward, driving triple-digit growth. Although e-commerce penetration within MercadoLibre’s core geographies (Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico) remains low, its efforts in financial inclusion are bearing fruit, and its networks continue to serve customers and suppliers extremely well.

 

The bottom three contributors to returns were Alibaba (-42%), Splunk (-30%), and Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical (-33%). Despite strong results within Alibaba’s core e-commerce, financial services, and cloud businesses — all of which posted outstanding growth as the pandemic drove ongoing e-commerce and cloud adoption — the same cannot be said of Alibaba’s shares. At the root is a hard-to-quantify but increasing risk: the Chinese government. Increasingly, it appears the Chinese Communist Party is intent on realizing its image of what is best for public good, even where that means reigning in established practices, services, and profit streams of bellwether Chinese tech firms. This new reality has called into question what Alibaba’s (and other Chinese firms’) long-term cash-generating capacity will be. For as smoothly as Atlassian’s cloud migration has gone, Splunk’s has not. Splunk remains a leader in observability (helping an enterprise’s digital footprint run efficiently) and is broadening its reach in a large and attractive market, but has suffered from uneven execution. Ultragenyx has suffered from the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) recent caution around gene therapy treatments — the FDA wants to see evidence of safety and sustained improvement. Unfortunately for Ultragenyx’s shareholders, two of the firm’s treatments furthest along in the company’s development pipeline are gene therapy treatments. Positive developments with two drugs currently on the market weren’t enough for Ultragenyx to overcome the FDA’s commentary, and we wouldn’t expect any reprieve until after Phase III trials begin for the treatment duo late in 2021.

 

MFAM Mid-Cap Growth Fund

 

The MFAM Mid-Cap Growth Fund returned 24.22% during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021, trailing its benchmark’s return of 35.17% for the same period. Cumulatively since inception (10 years and counting!), the MFAM Mid-Cap Growth Fund has returned 341.91% versus 413.39% returns for its benchmark over the same period11.

 

 

9

Returns are for the MFAM Global Opportunities Fund’s investor share class, net of fees and expenses. Inception of the Fund’s investor share class was 6/16/2009 (we had less gray hair back then). The benchmark of the MFAM Global Opportunities Fund is the FTSE Global All Cap Net Tax Index.

 

10

Contribution to return is a combination of average weighting in the portfolio and total return during the period.

 

11

Returns are for the MFAM Mid-Cap Growth Fund’s investor share class, net of fees and expenses. Inception of the Fund’s investor share class was 11/1/2010 (still less gray hair, but I definitely had some). The benchmark of the MFAM Mid-Cap Growth Fund is the Russell Midcap Growth Index.

 

3

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL ASSET MANAGEMENT FUNDS

Letter to Shareholders (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

The Fund’s underperformance of its benchmark’s returns can be traced to stock selection within the Healthcare and Information Technology sectors. We tend to own around 30 investments and it only takes a fit of bad stock performance from a few to drive this result (the opposite scenario is true too, of course). As we detail below, the bottom three contributors were two healthcare businesses and a technology business.

 

The top three contributors to returns were Jones Lang LaSalle (+135%), Axon Enterprise (+112%), and Resmed (+62%). Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), the second-largest global commercial real estate (CRE) services firm, benefited from better-than-feared CRE markets, share gains within its core service areas (leasing, outsourced property management, and capital markets), and impressive cost containment during the pandemic’s worst months. We expect JLL’s brand and reputation, global scale, network of highly-skilled real estate professionals, and expansive suite of services to allow ongoing share gains as large enterprises seek to consolidate their real estate spend and the institutionalization of CRE continues. We spoke to the excellent year Axon had in the Fund Performance and Commentary for MFAM Global Opportunities Fund above. Resmed, which makes connected devices to aid in sleep-disordered breathing, has recently benefited from the unfortunate product recall issue of its primary competitor. Recalls in the medical device industry are a serious matter and Resmed has capitalized (in terms of sales and reputation) on the product issues of its competitor. We anticipate that Resmed will use this added tailwind to drive innovation and further product superiority while its competitor regroups.

 

The bottom three contributors to returns were Splunk (-30%), Teladoc Health (-33%), and Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical (-43%). We’ve already detailed the transitory issues at Splunk and regulatory clouds over Ultragenyx in the Fund Performance and Commentary for MFAM Global Opportunities Fund above. Teladoc, through its telemedicine offerings, was among the largest beneficiaries of changing needs and habits during the first year of the pandemic. Many regulatory provisions that were relaxed during 2020 to enable safer virtual medical care have been rolled back and have slowed progress in the industry. While Teladoc remains an industry leader and well positioned, what appeared to be a clear path for the industry to evolve has seen roadblocks added back. It remains to be seen what regulatory changes will be made permanent, which we believe will have a big impact on how Teladoc can build its business, help patients, and create value for shareholders.

 

A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT GAME

 

Being different is not a goal in and of itself. We may have different goals than the analysts on that Alarm.com earnings call and we clearly have a different set of beliefs about what matters. But time and time again, our interactions with other investors lead us to the same conclusion: having a long-term orientation — being patient owners of Quality businesses — is a differentiator and provides the basis for performance that is different from a benchmark index.

 

Over time, our aim is to achieve acceptable risk-adjusted returns, to grow and protect your investment. Our focus remains on patiently owning a collection of special, Quality businesses that will create winning outcomes for their stakeholders over time. Crafting the best mix of these opportunities is a never ending and never boring task. We continue to be proud of our results, but not satisfied, and ever humbled by your trust.

 

Onward,

 

 

Bryan Hinmon
Chief Investment Officer, Motley Fool Asset Management LLC

 

4

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL ASSET MANAGEMENT FUNDS

Letter to Shareholders (Concluded)

AUGUST 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Past performance does not guarantee future results. There can be no guarantee that any strategy (risk management or otherwise) will be successful. All investing involves risk, including potential loss of principal. Securities in a Fund may not match those in an index and performance of the Fund will be different. You cannot invest directly into an index.

 

The Letter to Shareholders seeks to describe some of the Adviser’s current opinions and views of the financial markets. Although the Adviser believes it has a reasonable basis for any opinions or views expressed, actual results may differ, sometimes significantly so, from those expected or expressed. The securities held by the Funds that are discussed in the Letter to Shareholders were held during the period covered by the annual report. They do not comprise the entire investment portfolio of the Funds, may be sold at any time, and may no longer be held by the Funds. The opinions of the Adviser with respect to those securities may change at any time.

 

New to investing? Reading your first mutual fund annual report?

 

Welcome! Here are some important things you need to know. Mutual fund investing offers many potential benefits. But there also are risks. Financial gain is not guaranteed when it comes to investing in equity securities. It’s possible to lose money, including your principal — especially during the short term.

 

We focus on the stocks of high quality businesses. Even the best businesses in the world fall in price — and sometimes a lot. Over the longer term, stock prices usually reflect business values, but the relationship is much more tenuous in the short term.

 

We also construct focused portfolios. This means we’re likely to own far fewer securities than are in the “market” or our benchmark. This could result in higher volatility or performance that is worse from the market and benchmark. To be fair, it could also result in lower volatility and performance that is better.

 

Our funds may invest in foreign companies and in companies with small market capitalization. There are certain risks associated with these types of investments. The risks are described on pages 6 and 9 of this report. Additional risk information is provided in section 2 of the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

5

 

 

MFAM Global Opportunities Fund

Portfolio Characteristics

(Unaudited)

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ended August 31, 2021

 

One
Year

Five
Years

TEN
YEARS

Since
Inception

Inception
Date

Investor Shares*

30.69%

20.25%

14.23%

15.19%

6/16/2009

Institutional Shares*

30.86%

20.40%

N/A

14.46%

6/17/2014

FTSE Global All Cap Net Tax Index**

30.12%

14.48%

11.62%

(1)

Fund Expense Ratios(2): Investor Shares: Gross 1.09% and Net 1.09%; Institutional Shares: Gross 1.00% and Net 0.95%

 

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained at www.mfamfunds.com. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

(1)

The index returned 12.29% from the inception date of the Investor Shares and 10.36% from the inception date of the Institutional Shares.

 

(2)

The expense ratios of the Fund are set forth according to the December 31, 2020 Prospectus for the Fund and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Financial Highlights tables in this report. See the Financial Highlights for more current expense ratios.

 

*

The MFAM Global Opportunities Fund operated as a series of The Motley Fool Funds Trust (the “Predecessor Fund”) prior to December 21, 2016 at which time the Predecessor Fund was reorganized into the Fund. The performance shown for periods prior to December 21, 2016 represents the performance of the Predecessor Fund. These returns reflect expense waivers by the Fund’s investment adviser. Without these waivers, returns would have been lower.

 

**

The FTSE Global All Cap Net Tax Index is a market-capitalization weighted index representing the performance of large, mid and small cap companies in Developed and Emerging markets. The index is comprised of approximately 7,900 securities from 49 countries and captures 98% of the world’s investable market capitalization. Fair value prices and foreign exchange as of 4 pm ET are used in the calculation of this index, and returns are adjusted for withholding taxes applicable to dividends received by a U.S. Regulated Investment Company domiciled in the United States. The index is unmanaged and not available for direct investments. Its performance does not reflect deductions for fees, expenses or taxes.

 

6

 

 

MFAM Global Opportunities Fund
Portfolio Characteristics (Continued)
(Unaudited)

 

The investment objective of the MFAM Global Opportunities Fund is to achieve long-term capital appreciation, and it pursues this objective by investing primarily in common stocks of companies located anywhere in the world. The Fund seeks long-term growth by identifying and acquiring securities of companies that are, in the view of Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC (the “Adviser”), high quality. To identify these high-quality businesses, the Adviser engages in research to evaluate each company under consideration using four criteria: management, culture, and incentives; the economics of the business; competitive advantage; and trajectory. The Adviser’s approach prizes a long-term mindset and a balance of qualitative and quantitative factors.

 

The Fund will invest in areas of the market, that, in the view of the Adviser, offer the greatest potential for long-term capital appreciation, and it does not attempt to match the allocations of its benchmark. As such, significant deviation from the benchmark is expected from time to time, especially over shorter time frames.

 

The allocations to various sectors, countries, or any other macro-economic designation, are the byproduct of rigorous bottom-up analysis rather than an intentional top-down opinion of asset classes. While market conditions are constantly changing, exposure to equity market risk is needed to consistently achieve equity-like returns.

 

The following tables show the top ten holdings, sector allocations, and top ten countries in which the Fund was invested in as of August 31, 2021. Portfolio holdings are subject to change without notice.

 

Top Ten Holdings

% OF NET
Assets

Atlassian Corp., PLC, Class A

6.6%

Amazon.com, Inc.

5.6

Mastercard, Inc., Class A

4.2

Medtronic PLC

3.9

Axon Enterprise, Inc.

3.9

MercadoLibre, Inc.

3.8

Alphabet, Inc., Class C

3.7

PayPal Holdings, Inc.

3.6

Watsco, Inc.

3.6

Brookfield Asset Management, Inc., Class A

3.2

 

42.1%

 

7

 

 

MFAM Global Opportunities Fund
Portfolio Characteristics (Concluded)
(Unaudited)

 

The MFAM Global Opportunities Fund uses the Global Industry Classification StandardSM (“GICS SM”) as the basis for the classification of securities on the Schedule of Investments (“SOI”).

 

Sector Allocation

% OF Net
Assets

Information Technology

26.2%

Communication Services

15.8

Industrials

15.1

Consumer Discretionary

14.3

Health Care

8.8

Real Estate

8.0

Financials

7.8

Consumer Staples

1.5

 

97.5%

 

Top ten Countries

% OF Net
Assets

United States*

52.0%

Ireland

6.8

Australia

6.6

Canada

6.0

Argentina

3.8

China

3.4

Taiwan

3.1

France

2.9

India

2.4

Philippines

2.3

 

89.3%

 

*

As of the date of this report, the Fund had a holding of 1.0% in the U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account.

 

8

 

 

MFAM Mid-Cap Growth Fund

Portfolio Characteristics

(Unaudited)

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ended August 31, 2021

 

One
Year

Five
Years

TEN
Years

Since
Inception

Inception
Date

Investor Shares*

24.22%

17.68%

15.08%

14.71%

11/1/2010

Institutional Shares*

24.38%

17.89%

N/A

13.25%

6/17/2014

Russell Midcap® Growth Total Return Index**

35.17%

20.44%

16.88%

(1)

Fund Expense Ratios(2): Investor Shares: Gross 1.10% and Net 1.10%; Institutional Shares: Gross 1.00% and Net 0.95%

 

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained at www.mfamfunds.com. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

(1)

The index returned 16.31% from the inception date of the Investor Shares and 15.80% from the inception date of the Institutional Shares.

 

(2)

The expense ratios of the Fund are set forth according to the December 31, 2020 Prospectus for the Fund and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Financial Highlights tables in this report. See the Financial Highlights for more current expense ratios.

 

*

The MFAM Mid-Cap Growth Fund operated as a series of The Motley Fool Funds Trust (the “Predecessor Fund”) prior to December 21, 2016 at which time the Predecessor Fund was reorganized into the Fund. The performance shown for periods prior to December 21, 2016 represents the performance of the Predecessor Fund. These returns reflect expense waivers by the Fund’s investment adviser. Without these waivers, returns would have been lower.

 

**

The Russell Midcap® Growth Total Return Index measures the performance of the mid-cap growth segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell Midcap® Index companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. The Russell Midcap® Growth Total Return Index is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased barometer of the mid-cap growth market. The Index is completely reconstituted annually to ensure larger stocks do not distort the performance and characteristics of the true mid-cap growth market.

 

The investment objective of the MFAM Mid-Cap Growth Fund is to achieve long-term capital appreciation, and it pursues this objective by investing primarily in common stocks of companies organized in the United States. The Fund seeks long-term growth by identifying and acquiring securities of companies that are, in the view of the Adviser, high quality. To identify these high-quality businesses, the Adviser engages in research to evaluate each company under consideration using four criteria: management, culture, and incentives; the economics of the business; competitive advantage; and trajectory. The Adviser’s approach prizes a long-term mindset and a balance of qualitative and quantitative factors.

 

9

 

 

MFAM Mid-Cap Growth Fund
Portfolio Characteristics (Concluded)
(Unaudited)

 

The Fund will invest in areas of the market, that, in the view of the Adviser, offer the greatest potential for long-term capital appreciation, and it does not attempt to match the allocations of its benchmark. As such, significant deviation from the benchmark is expected from time to time, especially over shorter time frames.

 

The allocations to various sectors, or any other macro-economic designation, are the byproduct of rigorous bottom-up analysis rather than an intentional top-down opinion of asset classes. While market conditions are constantly changing, exposure to equity market risk is needed to consistently achieve equity-like returns. The Adviser views its time as best spent focused on evaluating businesses and seeking to minimize company-specific risk in order to pursue its objective of long-term capital appreciation.

 

Although the MFAM Mid-Cap Growth Fund may invest in companies with any market capitalization, the Adviser expects that investments in the securities of companies having smaller- and mid-market capitalizations will be important components of the Fund’s investment program. Investments in securities of these companies may involve greater risk than do investments in larger, more established companies. Small- and mid-cap stocks tend to be more volatile and less liquid than their large-cap counterparts.

 

The following tables show the top ten holdings, and sector allocations in which the Fund was invested in as of August 31, 2021.Portfolio holdings are subject to change without notice.

 

Top ten Holdings

% OF Net
Assets

Watsco, Inc.

5.5%

Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc.

5.4

Axon Enterprise, Inc.

4.9

SBA Communications Corp.

4.9

Cooper Companies, Inc., (The)

4.8

ResMed, Inc.

4.4

Tyler Technologies, Inc.

4.2

Paylocity Holding Corp.

4.0

Everbridge, Inc.

3.5

Brown & Brown, Inc.

3.5

 

45.1%

 

The MFAM Mid-Cap Growth Fund uses the Global Industry Classification StandardSM (“GICS SM”) as the basis for the classification of securities on the Schedule of Investments (“SOI”).

 

Sector Allocation

% OF Net
Assets

Information Technology

32.6%

Industrials

18.8

Health Care

16.1

Real Estate

10.3

Financials

9.9

Consumer Discretionary

9.5

Communication Services

2.0

 

99.2%

 

 

 

10

 

 

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL ASSET MANAGEMENT FUNDS

Fund Expense Examples

August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund(s), you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, and (2) ongoing costs, including advisory fees and other Fund expenses. These examples are intended to help you to understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund(s) and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

 

These examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period from March 1, 2021 to August 31, 2021, and held for the entire period.

 

Actual Expenses

 

The first section of the accompanying tables provide information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this section, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you incurred over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first section under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses attributable to your investment during this period.

 

Hypothetical EXAMPLES for Comparison Purposes

 

The second section of the accompanying tables provide information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on each Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. Thus, you should not use the hypothetical account values and expenses to estimate the actual ending account balance or your expenses for the period. Rather, these figures are provided to enable you to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund as compared to the costs of investing in 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 accompanying tables are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs. Therefore, the second section of the accompanying tables are 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.

 

Do you know how many times a fund, or the market, has returned a smooth 5% over a long period of time? Never. But we have to pick some example. In reality, the market’s returns are always far bumpier, with the market returning 20% one year, followed by a loss of 10% the next year, followed by a 3% gain, etc. These variations affect actual expenses as well. Happily, over almost all time periods of 20 years or longer, according to the research of University of Pennsylvania’s Jeremy Siegel and others, the domestic market’s returns have been at least 5% per year on average.

 

 

Beginning
Account
Value
MARCH 1,
2021

Ending
Account
Value
August 31,
2021

Expenses
Paid During
Period
(1)

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
(2)

Actual
Six-Month
Total
Investment
Returns
for the
Funds

MFAM Global Opportunities Fund

       

Actual

         

Investor Shares

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,113.50

$5.86

1.10%

11.35%

Institutional Shares

1,000.00

1,114.70

5.06

0.95

11.47

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

         

Investor Shares

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,019.66

$5.60

1.10%

N/A

Institutional Shares

1,000.00

1,020.42

4.84

0.95

N/A

 

11

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL ASSET MANAGEMENT FUNDS
Fund Expense Examples (Concluded)
August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

 

Beginning
Account
Value
MARCH 1,
2021

Ending
Account
Value
August 31,
2021

Expenses
Paid During
Period
(1)

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
(2)

Actual
Six-Month
Total
Investment
Returns
for the
Funds

MFAM Mid-Cap Growth Fund

       

Actual

         

Investor Shares

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,089.50

$6.00

1.14%

8.95%

Institutional Shares

1,000.00

1,090.30

5.01

0.95

9.03

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

         

Investor Shares

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,019.46

$5.80

1.14%

N/A

Institutional Shares

1,000.00

1,020.42

4.84

0.95

N/A

 

(1)

Expenses are equal to each Fund’s annualized expense ratio for the period March 1, 2021 to August 31, 2021, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184) in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by 365 to reflect the one-half year period. Each Fund’s ending account value in the first section of the tables are based on the actual six-month total investment return for the Fund.

 

(2)

These ratios reflect expenses waived by the Funds’ investment adviser. Without these waivers, the Funds’ expenses would have been higher and the ending account values would have been lower.

 

12

 

 

MFAM Global Opportunities Fund
Schedule of Investments
August 31, 2021

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 2)

 

 

               

Common Stocks — 97.5%

               

Aerospace & Defense — 3.9%

               

Axon Enterprise, Inc. (United States)*

    150,000     $ 27,280,500  

Banks — 3.3%

               

Bank of Georgia Group PLC (Georgia)

    293,132       6,730,328  

HDFC Bank., Ltd., ADR (India)

    210,700       16,499,917  
              23,230,245  

Biotechnology — 0.6%

               

Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical, Inc. (United States)(a)*

    45,000       4,333,050  

Capital Markets — 3.6%

               

Brookfield Asset Management, Inc., Class A (Canada)

    400,000       22,220,000  

Georgia Capital PLC (Georgia)*

    310,817       2,666,527  
              24,886,527  

Commercial Services & Supplies — 2.9%

               

Waste Connections, Inc. (Canada)

    155,000       20,027,550  

Consumer Finance — 0.9%

               

Gentera SAB de CV (Mexico)*

    11,939,872       6,563,244  

Diversified Telecommunication Services — 2.0%

               

Cellnex Telecom SA (Spain)*

    205,000       14,031,876  

Entertainment — 2.9%

               

Vivendi SA (France)(a)

    525,000       19,998,050  

Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 6.1%

               

American Tower Corp. (United States)

    45,000       13,147,650  

Equinix, Inc. (United States)

    20,000       16,869,000  

SBA Communications Corp. (United States)

    35,500       12,743,435  
              42,760,085  

Food & Staples Retailing — 1.5%

               

Costco Wholesale Corp. (United States)

    23,000       10,476,270  

Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 5.2%

               

Medtronic PLC (Ireland)

    205,272       27,399,707  

ResMed, Inc. (United States)

    32,000       9,296,960  
              36,696,667  

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

13

 

 

MFAM Global Opportunities Fund
Schedule of Investments (continued)
August 31, 2021

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 2)

 

 

               

Common Stocks (continued)

               

Health Care Providers & Services — 0.0%

               

NMC Health PLC (United Arab Emirates)(b)

    485,482     $ 100,120  

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 4.0%

               

Starbucks Corp. (United States)

    155,000       18,210,950  

Yum China Holdings, Inc. (China)

    160,751       9,895,832  
              28,106,782  

Interactive Media & Services — 5.7%

               

Alphabet, Inc., Class C (United States)*

    9,024       26,252,982  

Tencent Holding Ltd. (China)

    225,600       13,933,687  
              40,186,669  

Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 9.5%

               

Amazon.com, Inc. (United States)*

    11,400       39,567,006  

MercadoLibre, Inc. (Argentina)*

    14,387       26,867,003  
              66,434,009  

IT Services — 7.9%

               

Mastercard, Inc., Class A (United States)

    86,000       29,775,780  

PayPal Holdings, Inc. (United States)*

    87,900       25,373,214  
              55,148,994  

Life Sciences Tools & Services — 2.9%

               

ICON PLC (Ireland)*

    80,000       20,461,600  

Machinery — 0.5%

               

Fanuc Corp. (Japan)

    16,000       3,485,777  

Media — 3.4%

               

Cardlytics, Inc. (United States)(a)*

    75,000       6,808,500  

Comcast Corp., Class A (United States)

    235,000       14,259,800  

System1 Group PLC (United Kingdom)*

    645,000       2,775,624  
              23,843,924  

Multiline Retail — 0.9%

               

Mitra Adiperkasa Tbk PT (Indonesia)*

    114,754,000       5,951,355  

Real Estate Management & Development — 1.9%

               

Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc. (United States)*

    56,000       13,576,080  

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

14

 

 

MFAM Global Opportunities Fund
Schedule of Investments (continued)
august 31, 2021

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 2)

 

 

               

Common Stocks (continued)

               

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 3.1%

               

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd., SP ADR (Taiwan)

    183,900     $ 21,885,939  

Software — 15.2%

               

Atlassian Corp., PLC, Class A (Australia)*

    126,000       46,249,560  

Avalara, Inc. (United States)*

    40,000       7,188,000  

Douzone Bizon Co., Ltd. (South Korea)

    124,798       9,158,848  

Everbridge, Inc. (United States)(a)*

    113,500       17,816,095  

Paycom Software, Inc. (United States)*

    37,000       18,089,300  

Splunk, Inc. (United States)*

    52,000       7,949,240  
              106,451,043  

Trading Companies & Distributors — 5.5%

               

Fastenal Co. (United States)

    248,000       13,850,800  

Watsco, Inc. (United States)(a)

    90,000       25,057,800  
              38,908,600  

Transportation Infrastructure — 2.3%

               

International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (Philippines)

    4,395,000       16,448,038  

Wireless Telecommunication Services — 1.8%

               

Safaricom PLC (Kenya)

    4,000,000       1,550,179  

SoftBank Group Corp. (Japan)

    200,000       11,270,754  
              12,820,933  

Total Common Stocks (Cost $289,711,295)

            684,093,927  
                 

Investments Purchased with Proceeds from Securities Lending Collateral — 7.6%

               

Mount Vernon Liquid Assets Portfolio, LLC, 0.09%

    53,339,987       53,339,987  

Total Investments Purchased with Proceeds from Securities Lending Collateral (Cost $53,339,987)

            53,339,987  
                 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

15

 

 

MFAM Global Opportunities Fund
Schedule of Investments (concluded)
August 31, 2021

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 2)

 

 

               

Short-Term Investments — 1.0%

               

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 0.01% (United States)(c)*

    6,940,467     $ 6,940,467  

Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $6,940,467)

            6,940,467  
                 

Total Investments (Cost $349,991,749) — 106.1%

            744,374,381  

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (6.1)%

            (42,800,329 )

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

               

(Applicable to 19,032,437 shares outstanding)

          $ 701,574,052  

 

*

Non-income producing security.

 

ADR — American Depositary Receipt

PLC — Public Limited Company

SP ADR — Sponsored ADR

 

(a)

All or a portion of the security is on loan. At August 31, 2021, the market value of securities on loan was $51,773,703.

(b)

Security has been valued at fair market value using significant unobservable inputs as determined in good faith by or under the direction of The RBB Fund, Inc.’s Board of Directors. As of August 31, 2021, these securities amounted to $100,120 or 0.0% of net assets.

(c)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2021.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

16

 

 

MFAM Mid-Cap Growth Fund
Schedule of Investments
August 31, 2021

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 2)

 

 

               

Common Stocks — 99.2%

               

Aerospace & Defense — 4.9%

               

Axon Enterprise, Inc. (United States)*

    90,000     $ 16,368,300  

Air Freight & Logistics — 2.5%

               

GXO Logistics, Inc. (United States)*

    100,000       8,179,000  

Auto Components — 5.6%

               

Gentex Corp. (United States)

    300,000       9,240,000  

LCI Industries (United States)

    65,414       9,266,547  
              18,506,547  

Automobiles — 2.5%

               

Thor Industries, Inc. (United States)(a)

    72,500       8,223,675  

Banks — 3.0%

               

SVB Financial Group (United States)*

    18,000       10,071,000  

Biotechnology — 0.6%

               

Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical, Inc. (United States)*

    22,000       2,118,380  

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 4.6%

               

Cognex Corp. (United States)

    75,000       6,646,500  

IPG Photonics Corp. (United States)(a)*

    49,500       8,448,660  
              15,095,160  

Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 4.9%

               

SBA Communications Corp. (United States)

    45,000       16,153,650  

Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 10.5%

               

Cooper Companies, Inc. (The) (United States)

    35,400       15,955,134  

Heska Corp. (United States)(a)*

    16,026       4,251,697  

ResMed, Inc. (United States)

    50,500       14,671,765  
              34,878,596  

Health Care Providers & Services — 1.8%

               

HealthEquity, Inc. (United States)(a)*

    95,000       6,096,150  

Health Care Technology — 3.0%

               

Teladoc, Inc. (United States)(a)*

    70,000       10,109,400  

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

17

 

 

MFAM Mid-Cap Growth Fund
Schedule of Investments (continued)
August 31, 2021

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 2)

 

 

               

Common Stocks (continued)

               

Insurance — 6.9%

               

Brown & Brown, Inc. (United States)

    200,000     $ 11,610,000  

Markel Corp. (United States)*

    8,900       11,305,225  
              22,915,225  

IT Services — 2.9%

               

Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (United States)

    55,000       9,472,100  

Media — 2.1%

               

Cardlytics, Inc. (United States)(a)*

    75,000       6,808,500  

Real Estate Management & Development — 5.4%

               

Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc. (United States)*

    73,500       17,818,605  

Road & Rail — 2.6%

               

XPO Logistics, Inc. (United States)*

    100,000       8,691,000  

Software — 25.2%

               

Alarm.com Holdings, Inc. (United States)(a)*

    136,902       11,544,946  

ANSYS, Inc. (United States)*

    8,000       2,922,880  

Avalara, Inc. (United States)(a)*

    49,000       8,805,300  

Everbridge, Inc. (United States)(a)*

    74,500       11,694,265  

Paycom Software, Inc. (United States)*

    22,400       10,951,360  

Paylocity Holding Corp. (United States)*

    49,241       13,255,677  

Splunk, Inc. (United States)*

    68,000       10,395,160  

Tyler Technologies, Inc. (United States)*

    28,400       13,793,880  
              83,363,468  

Specialty Retail — 1.5%

               

Tractor Supply Co. (United States)(a)

    24,800       4,817,400  

Trading Companies & Distributors — 8.7%

               

Fastenal Co. (United States)

    193,500       10,806,976  

Watsco, Inc. (United States)

    65,000       18,097,300  
              28,904,276  

Total Common Stocks (Cost $142,507,904)

            328,590,432  
                 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

18

 

 

MFAM Mid-Cap Growth Fund
Schedule of Investments (concluded)
August 31, 2021

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 2)

 

 

               

Investments Purchased with Proceeds from Securities Lending Collateral — 14.5%

               

Mount Vernon Liquid Assets Portfolio, LLC, 0.09%

    48,062,351     $ 48,062,351  

Total Investments Purchased with Proceeds from Securities Lending Collateral (Cost $48,062,351)

            48,062,351  
                 

Short-Term Investments — 0.9%

               

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 0.01% (United States)(b)*

    3,126,662       3,126,662  

Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $3,126,662)

            3,126,662  
                 

Total Investments (Cost $193,696,917) — 114.6%

            379,779,445  

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (14.6)%

            (48,494,528 )

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

               

(Applicable to 10,089,370 shares outstanding)

          $ 331,284,917  

 

*

Non-income producing security.

(a)

All or a portion of the security is on loan. At August 31, 2021, the market value of securities on loan was $47,134,012.

(b)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2021.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

19

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL ASSET MANAGEMENT FUNDS
STATEMENTS of Assets and Liabilities
August 31, 2021

 

 

 

MFAM
Global
Opportunities
Fund

   

MFAM
Mid-Cap
Growth
Fund

 

ASSETS

               

Investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers, at value^ (cost $289,711,295 and $142,507,904, respectively)

  $ 684,093,927     $ 328,590,432  

Investments purchased with proceeds from securities lending collateral (cost $53,339,987 and $48,062,351, respectively)

    53,339,987       48,062,351  

Short-term investments, at value (cost $6,940,467 and $3,126,662, and respectively)

    6,940,467       3,126,662  

Foreign currency, at value (cost $30,150 and $0, respectively)

    30,136        

Receivables for:

               

Investments sold

    10,518,704        

Dividends and tax reclaims

    528,102       66,508  

Shares of beneficial interest sold

    251,108       37,307  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

    25,234       12,014  

Total assets

    755,727,665       379,895,274  
                 

LIABILITIES

               

Payables for:

               

Securities lending collateral (see Note 6)

    53,339,987       48,062,351  

Advisory fees

    489,534       233,652  

Distribution and service fees

    156,545       116,233  

Shares of beneficial interest redeemed

    79,557       154,122  

Other accrued expenses and liabilities

    87,990       43,999  

Total liabilities

    54,153,613       48,610,357  

Net assets

  $ 701,574,052     $ 331,284,917  
                 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

               

Par value

  $ 19,032     $ 10,089  

Paid-in-capital

    275,481,349       128,348,284  

Total distributable earnings/(losses)

    426,073,671       202,926,544  

Net assets

  $ 701,574,052     $ 331,284,917  
                 

NET ASSET VALUE:

               

Investor Shares:

               

Net assets applicable to capital shares outstanding

  $ 520,065,182     $ 276,825,257  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    14,130,924       8,449,160  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

  $ 36.80     $ 32.76  
                 

Institutional Shares:

               

Net assets applicable to capital shares outstanding

  $ 181,508,870     $ 54,459,660  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    4,901,513       1,640,209  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

  $ 37.03     $ 33.20  
                 

^ Includes market value of securities on loan

  $ 51,773,703     $ 47,134,012  

 

 

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

 

20

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL ASSET MANAGEMENT FUNDS
Statements of Operations
for the Year ended August 31, 2021

 

 

 

MFAM
Global
Opportunities
Fund

   

MFAM
Mid-Cap
Growth
Fund

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

               

Dividends

  $ 5,166,488     $ 2,002,085  

Less foreign taxes withheld

    (323,989 )      

Securities lending income

    40,898       34,743  

Total investment income

    4,883,397       2,036,828  
                 

EXPENSES

               

Advisory fees

    5,264,922       2,635,695  

Shareholder service fees - Investor Shares

    406,214       300,799  

Administration and accounting services fees

    206,230       110,911  

Transfer agent fees and shareholder account services

    181,764       88,955  

Director fees

    81,431       43,325  

Legal fees

    67,631       32,064  

Custodian fees

    60,744       8,046  

Officer fees

    49,889       23,606  

Registration and filing fees

    37,123       41,138  

Printing and shareholder reporting fees

    23,897       9,589  

Audit and tax service fees

    21,902       22,149  

Other expenses

    51,705       10,110  

Total expenses

    6,453,452       3,326,387  

Expense fees waived/reimbursed net of amount recaptured

    (40,827 )     (13,167 )

Net expenses after waivers/reimbursements

    6,412,625       3,313,220  

Net investment income/(loss)

    (1,529,228 )     (1,276,392 )
                 

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS

               

Net realized gain/(loss) from:

               

Investments

    40,498,520       27,656,516  

Foreign currency transactions

    (146,135 )      

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:

               

Investments

    127,445,433       41,096,995  

Foreign currency translation

    825        

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)

    167,798,643       68,753,511  

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 166,269,415     $ 67,477,119  

 

 

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

 

21

 

 

MFAM Global Opportunities Fund
Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

 

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2021

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2020

 

OPERATIONS

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ (1,529,228 )   $ (608,688 )

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments and foreign currency transactions

    40,352,385       31,659,744  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments, foreign currency translation and assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies

    127,446,258       80,611,492  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    166,269,415       111,662,548  

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

               

Investor Shares

    (29,627,168 )     (17,111,692 )

Institutional Shares

    (8,731,295 )     (4,191,966 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (38,358,463 )     (21,303,658 )

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Investor Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    38,245,067       30,395,856  

Reinvestment of dividends

    28,940,492       16,712,957  

Shares redeemed

    (70,627,638 )     (89,171,236 )

Total from Investor Shares

    (3,442,079 )     (42,062,423 )

Institutional Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    26,065,853       14,910,549  

Reinvestment of dividends

    8,440,970       4,089,548  

Shares redeemed

    (7,360,393 )     (8,557,376 )

Total from Institutional Shares

    27,146,430       10,442,721  

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

    23,704,351       (31,619,702 )

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    151,615,303       58,739,188  

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

  $ 549,958,749     $ 491,219,561  

End of period

  $ 701,574,052     $ 549,958,749  

 

 

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

 

22

 

 

MFAM Global Opportunities Fund
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (CONCLUDED)

 

 

 

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2021

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2020

 

SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Investor Shares

               

Shares sold

    1,169,191       1,207,150  

Shares reinvested

    908,079       668,786  

Shares redeemed

    (2,183,641 )     (3,587,571 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares

    (106,371 )     (1,711,635 )
                 

Institutional Shares

               

Shares sold

    806,765       541,635  

Shares reinvested

    263,533       163,060  

Shares redeemed

    (225,516 )     (345,173 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares

    844,782       359,522  

 

 

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

 

23

 

 

MFAM Mid-Cap Growth Fund
Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

 

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2021

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2020

 

OPERATIONS

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ (1,276,392 )   $ (509,876 )

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments and foreign currency transactions

    27,656,516       30,695,234  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments, foreign currency translation, and assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies

    41,096,995       36,647,739  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    67,477,119       66,833,097  

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

               

Investor Shares

    (28,230,758 )     (13,623,726 )

Institutional Shares

    (4,600,549 )     (1,699,890 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (32,831,307 )     (15,323,616 )

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Investor Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    13,864,720       12,539,673  

Reinvestment of dividends

    27,593,542       13,304,640  

Shares redeemed

    (44,985,080 )     (57,309,980 )

Total from Investor Shares

    (3,526,818 )     (31,465,667 )

Institutional Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    7,535,394       5,923,465  

Reinvestment of dividends

    4,435,828       1,671,146  

Shares redeemed

    (2,493,650 )     (3,778,142 )

Total from Institutional Shares

    9,477,572       3,816,469  

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

    5,950,754       (27,649,198 )

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    40,596,566       23,860,283  

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

  $ 290,688,351     $ 266,828,068  

End of period

  $ 331,284,917     $ 290,688,351  

 

 

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

 

24

 

 

MFAM Mid-Cap Growth Fund
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (CONCLUDED)

 

 

 

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2021

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2020

 

SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Investor Shares

               

Shares sold

    457,162       493,166  

Shares reinvested

    952,158       535,829  

Shares redeemed

    (1,484,062 )     (2,297,274 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares

    (74,742 )     (1,268,279 )
                 

Institutional Shares

               

Shares sold

    243,287       219,115  

Shares reinvested

    151,238       66,632  

Shares redeemed

    (80,018 )     (153,278 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares

    314,507       132,469  

 

 

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

 

25

 

 

MFAM Global Opportunities Fund
Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

 

YEARS ENDED
AUGUST 31,

   

FISCAL
PERIOD
ENDED
AUGUST 31,

   

YEAR
ENDED
OCTOBER 31,

 

Investor Shares

 

2021

   

2020

   

2019

   

2018

   

2017(1)(2)

   

2016

 

PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE

                                               

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 30.03     $ 24.98     $ 25.91     $ 24.09     $ 20.36     $ 20.32  

Net investment income/(loss)(3)

    (0.09 )     (0.04 )     0.01       (0.02 )     0.03       0.04  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    8.98       6.19       0.79       4.94       4.30       0.01  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    8.89       6.15       0.80       4.92       4.33       0.05  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                               

Net investment income

          (0.01 )           (0.05 )     (0.04 )     *

Net realized capital gains

    (2.12 )     (1.09 )     (1.73 )     (3.05 )     (0.56 )     (0.01 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (2.12 )     (1.10 )     (1.73 )     (3.10 )     (0.60 )     (0.01 )

Redemption and small-balance account fees

                      *     *     *

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 36.80     $ 30.03     $ 24.98     $ 25.91     $ 24.09     $ 20.36  

Total investment return/(loss)(4)

    30.69 %     25.49 %     4.74 %     22.32 %     21.91 %(5)     0.25 %

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

                                               

Net assets, end of period (thousands)

  $ 520,065     $ 427,553     $ 398,459     $ 393,197     $ 337,821     $ 353,118  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

    1.06 %     1.09 %     1.10 %     1.06 %     1.15 %(6)     1.14 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets (before waivers and reimbursement of expenses and/or recapture of previously waived fees)

    1.06 %     1.08 %     1.11 %     1.06 %     1.15 %(6)     1.14 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    (0.28 )%     (0.15 )%     0.05 %     (0.06 )%     0.18 %(6)     0.20 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets (before waivers and reimbursement of expenses and/or recapture of previously waived fees)

    (0.28 )%     (0.14 )%     0.04 %     (0.06 )%     0.18 %(6)     0.20 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    12 %     10 %     11 %     15 %     38 %(5)     26 %

 

*

Amount represents less than $0.005 per share.

(1)

The Fund changed its fiscal year end to August 31 during the period.

(2)

Effective as of December 21, 2016, the Fund acquired all the assets and liabilities of the Motley Fool Global Opportunities Fund, a series of The Motley Fool Funds Trust (the “Predecessor Fund”). The financial highlights for the periods prior to that date reflect the performances of the Predecessor Fund.

(3)

Per share data calculated using average shares outstanding method.

(4)

Total investment return/(loss) reflects the rate an investor would have earned on an investment in the Fund during the period. Redemption and small-balance account fees received had no effect on the Fund’s Investor Shares total investment return.

(5)

Not annualized.

(6)

Annualized.

 

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

 

26

 

 

MFAM Global Opportunities Fund
Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

 

YEARS ENDED
AUGUST 31,

   

FISCAL
PERIOD
ENDED
AUGUST 31,

   

YEAR
ENDED
OCTOBER 31,

 

Institutional Shares

 

2021

   

2020

   

2019

   

2018

   

2017(1)(2)

   

2016

 

PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE

                                               

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 30.17     $ 25.09     $ 25.97     $ 24.09     $ 20.40     $ 20.35  

Net investment income/(loss)(3)

    (0.05 )     *     0.05       0.02       0.09       0.08  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    9.03       6.21       0.80       4.94       4.25       0.02  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    8.98       6.21       0.85       4.96       4.34       0.10  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                               

Net investment income

          (0.04 )           (0.03 )     (0.09 )     (0.04 )

Net realized capital gains

    (2.12 )     (1.09 )     (1.73 )     (3.05 )     (0.56 )     (0.01 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (2.12 )     (1.13 )     (1.73 )     (3.08 )     (0.65 )     (0.05 )

Redemption and small-balance account fees

                      *     *     *

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 37.03     $ 30.17     $ 25.09     $ 25.97     $ 24.09     $ 20.40  

Total investment return/(loss)(4)

    30.86 %     25.64 %     4.94 %     22.48 %     21.97 %(5)     (0.47 )%

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

                                               

Net assets, end of period (thousands)

  $ 181,509     $ 122,406     $ 92,760     $ 78,987     $ 60,623     $ 7,243  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

    0.95 %     0.95 %     0.95 %     0.95 %     0.95 %(6)     0.95 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets (before waivers and reimbursement of expenses and/or recapture of previously waived fees)

    0.98 %     1.00 %     0.99 %     1.06 %     1.17 %(6)     2.12 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    (0.16 )%     (0.01 )%     0.19 %     0.07 %     0.48 %(6)     0.39 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets (before waivers and reimbursement of expenses and/or recapture of previously waived fees)

    (0.19 )%     (0.06 )%     0.15 %     (0.04 )%     0.26 %(6)     (0.78 )%

Portfolio turnover rate

    12 %     10 %     11 %     15 %     38 %(5)     26 %

 

*

Amount represents less than $0.005 per share.

(1)

The Fund changed its fiscal year end to August 31 during the period.

(2)

Effective as of December 21, 2016, the Fund acquired all the assets and liabilities of the Motley Fool Global Opportunities Fund, a series of The Motley Fool Funds Trust (the “Predecessor Fund”). The financial highlights for the periods prior to that date reflect the performances of the Predecessor Fund.

(3)

Per share data calculated using average shares outstanding method.

(4)

Total investment return/(loss) reflects the rate an investor would have earned on an investment in the Fund during the period. Redemption and small-balance account fees received had no effect on the Fund’s Institutional Shares total investment return.

(5)

Not annualized.

(6)

Annualized.

 

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

 

27

 

 

MFAM Mid-Cap Growth Fund
Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

 

YEARS ENDED
AUGUST 31,

   

FISCAL
PERIOD
ENDED
AUGUST 31,

   

YEAR
ENDED
OCTOBER 31,

 

Investor Shares

 

2021

   

2020

   

2019

   

2018

   

2017(1)(2)

   

2016

 

PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE

                                               

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 29.47     $ 24.27     $ 27.32     $ 22.04     $ 18.29     $ 18.72  

Net investment income/(loss)(3)

    (0.13 )     (0.05 )     (0.01 )     (0.06 )     (0.05 )     (0.05 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    6.82       6.71       (1.88 )     6.69       3.80       (0.35 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    6.69       6.66       (1.89 )     6.63       3.75       (0.40 )

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                               

Net investment income

                                  (0.03 )

Net realized capital gains

    (3.40 )     (1.46 )     (1.16 )     (1.35 )            

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (3.40 )     (1.46 )     (1.16 )     (1.35 )           (0.03 )

Redemption and small-balance account fees

                      *     *     *

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 32.76     $ 29.47     $ 24.27     $ 27.32     $ 22.04     $ 18.29  

Total investment return/(loss)(4)

    24.22 %     28.56 %     (6.13 )%     30.88 %     20.50 %(5)     (2.15 )%

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

                                               

Net assets, end of period (thousands)

  $ 276,825     $ 251,200     $ 237,623     $ 303,669     $ 210,404     $ 205,149  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

    1.09 %     1.10 %     1.10 %     1.12 %     1.15 %(6)     1.15 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets (before waivers and reimbursement of expenses and/or recapture of previously waived fees)

    1.09 %     1.08 %     1.12 %     1.06 %     1.16 %(6)     1.17 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    (0.43 )%     (0.21 )%     (0.05 )%     (0.22 )%     (0.30 )%(6)     (0.29 )%

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets (before waivers and reimbursement of expenses and/or recapture of previously waived fees)

    (0.43 )%     (0.19 )%     (0.07 )%     (0.16 )%     (0.31 )%(6)     (0.31 )%

Portfolio turnover rate

    15 %     14 %     4 %     19 %     24 %(5)     21 %

 

*

Amount represents less than $0.005 per share.

(1)

The Fund changed its fiscal year end to August 31 during the period.

(2)

Effective as of December 21, 2016, the Fund acquired all the assets and liabilities of the Motley Fool Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund, a series of The Motley Fool Funds Trust (the “Predecessor Fund”). The financial highlights for the periods prior to that date reflect the performances of the Predecessor Fund.

(3)

Per share data calculated using average shares outstanding method.

(4)

Total investment return/(loss) reflects the rate an investor would have earned on an investment in the Fund during the period. Redemption and small-balance account fees received had no effect on the Fund’s Investor Shares total investment return.

(5)

Not annualized.

(6)

Annualized.

 

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

 

28

 

 

MFAM Mid-Cap Growth Fund
Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

 

YEARS ENDED
AUGUST 31,

   

FISCAL
PERIOD
ENDED
AUGUST 31,

   

YEAR
ENDED
OCTOBER 31,

 

Institutional Shares

 

2021

   

2020

   

2019

   

2018

   

2017(1)(2)

   

2016

 

PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE

                                               

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 29.79     $ 24.48     $ 27.50     $ 22.14     $ 18.34     $ 18.75  

Net investment income/(loss)(3)

    (0.09 )     (0.02 )     0.02       (0.01 )     (0.03 )     (0.02 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    6.90       6.79       (1.88 )     6.72       3.83       (0.33 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    6.81       6.77       (1.86 )     6.71       3.80       (0.35 )

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                               

Net investment income

                                  (0.06 )

Net realized capital gains

    (3.40 )     (1.46 )     (1.16 )     (1.35 )            

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (3.40 )     (1.46 )     (1.16 )     (1.35 )           (0.06 )

Redemption and small-balance account fees

                      *     *     *

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 33.20     $ 29.79     $ 24.48     $ 27.50     $ 22.14     $ 18.34  

Total investment return/(loss)(4)

    24.38 %     28.77 %     (5.97 )%     31.10 %     20.72 %(5)     (1.89 )%

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

                                               

Net assets, end of period (thousands)

  $ 54,460     $ 39,488     $ 29,205     $ 30,562     $ 20,365     $ 5,502  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

    0.95 %     0.95 %     0.95 %     0.95 %     0.95 %(6)     0.95 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets (before waivers and reimbursement of expenses and/or recapture of previously waived fees)

    0.98 %     1.00 %     0.98 %     1.17 %     1.47 %(6)     2.40 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    (0.30 )%     (0.06 )%     0.10 %     (0.05 )%     (0.15 )%(6)     (0.08 )%

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets (before waivers and reimbursement of expenses and/or recapture of previously waived fees)

    (0.33 )%     (0.11 )%     0.07 %     (0.26 )%     (0.67 )%(6)     (1.53 )%

Portfolio turnover rate

    15 %     14 %     4 %     19 %     24 %(5)     21 %

 

*

Amount represents less than $0.005 per share.

(1)

The Fund changed its fiscal year end to August 31 during the period.

(2)

Effective as of December 21, 2016, the Fund acquired all the assets and liabilities of the Motley Fool Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund, a series of The Motley Fool Funds Trust (the “Predecessor Fund”). The financial highlights for the periods prior to that date reflect the performances of the Predecessor Fund.

(3)

Per share data calculated using average shares outstanding method.

(4)

Total investment return/(loss) reflects the rate an investor would have earned on an investment in the Fund during the period. Redemption and small-balance account fees received had no effect on the Fund’s Institutional Shares total investment return.

(5)

Not annualized.

(6)

Annualized.

 

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

 

29

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL ASSET MANAGEMENT FUNDS

Notes to Financial Statements

August 31, 2021

 

1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The RBB Fund, Inc. (“RBB” or the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland on February 29, 1988 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. RBB is a “series fund,” which is a mutual fund divided into separate portfolios. Each portfolio is treated as a separate entity for certain matters under the 1940 Act, and for other purposes, and a shareholder of one portfolio is not deemed to be a shareholder of any other portfolio. Currently, RBB has thirty-nine separate investment portfolios, including the MFAM Global Opportunities Fund (“Global Opportunities Fund”) and MFAM Mid-Cap Growth Fund (“Mid-Cap Growth Fund”) (each a “Fund” and together the “Funds”), which became series of RBB at the close of business on December 21, 2016. As of August 31, 2021, the Global Opportunities Fund and Mid-Cap Growth Fund each offer two classes of shares, Investor and Institutional.

 

RBB has authorized capital of one hundred billion shares of common stock of which 88.223 billion shares are currently classified into one hundred and ninety-three classes of common stock. Each class represents an interest in an active or inactive RBB investment portfolio.

 

Prior to December 21, 2016, the Funds were diversified series (the “Predecessor Funds”) of The Motley Fool Funds Trust (the “Trust”), an open-end management investment company (or mutual fund) organized on November 7, 2008, as a statutory trust under the laws of the State of Delaware. Each of the Predecessor Funds was reorganized into a corresponding Fund on December 21, 2016 (the “Reorganization”). As a result of the Reorganization, the performance and accounting history of each Predecessor Fund was assumed by its corresponding Fund. Performance and accounting information prior to December 21, 2016 included herein is that of the relevant Predecessor Fund.

 

The investment objective of each Fund is to achieve long-term capital appreciation. The Global Opportunities Fund pursues its objective by investing primarily in common stocks of United States companies and of companies that are organized under the laws of other countries around the world. The Mid-Cap Growth Fund pursues its objective by investing primarily in common stocks of companies that are organized in the United States and that are engaged in a broad range of industries.

 

Each Fund is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 “Financial Services - Investment Companies”.

 

The end of the reporting period for the Funds is August 31, 2021, and the period covered by these Notes to Financial Statements is the fiscal period ended August 31, 2021, (the “current fiscal period”).

 

PORTFOLIO VALUATION — Each Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. Securities held by the Funds are valued using the closing price or the last sale price on a national securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System (“NASDAQ”) market system where they are primarily traded. Equity securities traded in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market are valued at their closing prices. If there were no transactions on that day, securities traded principally on an exchange or on NASDAQ will be valued at the mean of the last bid and ask prices prior to the market close. Fixed income securities are valued using an independent pricing service, which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings, and are deemed representative of market values at the close of the market. Foreign securities are valued based on prices from the primary market in which they are traded, and are translated from the local currency into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates. If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable, securities will be valued in accordance with procedures adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). Relying on prices supplied by pricing services or dealers or using fair valuation may result in values that are higher or lower than the values used by other investment companies and investors to price the same investments. Such procedures use fundamental valuation methods, which may include, but are not limited to, an analysis of the effect of any restrictions on the resale of the security, industry analysis and trends, significant changes in the issuer’s financial position, and any other event which could have a significant impact on the value of the security. Determination of fair value involves subjective judgment as the actual market value of a particular security can be established only by negotiations between the parties in a sales transaction, and the difference between the recorded fair value and the value that would be received in a sale could be significant. The Funds may use fair value pricing more frequently for securities traded primarily in non-U.S. markets because, among other things, most foreign markets close well before the Funds value their securities, generally as of 4:00 p.m. Eastern time. The earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility

 

30

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL ASSET MANAGEMENT FUNDS

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

August 31, 2021

 

that significant events, including broad market moves, government actions or pronouncements, aftermarket trading, or news events may have occurred in the interim. To account for this, the Funds may value foreign securities using fair value prices based on third-party vendor modeling tools (international fair value pricing).

 

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS — The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the Funds’ investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:

 

 

Level 1 – Prices are determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.

 

 

Level 2 – Prices are determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

 

Level 3 – Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs (including the Funds’ own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

 

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

You’d think that it would be easy to determine what a share of the Fund is worth – just add up the value of everything it holds, and then divide by the number of shares. It’s not that simple, though. Some foreign markets have different operating hours (when it’s daytime in Chicago, for example, it is night in Shanghai). That means that when we calculate a Fund’s value at the end of the day, the market quotations for some of the securities held by the Fund could be several hours old, and intervening events may have affected what the stocks are worth. In addition, characteristics of the relevant markets and stocks might, in some cases, cast doubt on a particular valuation. For these reasons, we may rely on a pricing service to determine the value of particular securities. It is possible that when a Fund buys or sells the securities, the price on the real market will be different from the value used for the fair-value pricing.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used, as of the end of the reporting period, in valuing the Funds’ investments carried at fair value:

 

GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

 

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

   

INVESTMENTS
MEASURED
AT NET ASSET
VALUE^

 

Common Stocks

  $ 684,093,927     $ 588,165,243     $ 95,828,564     $ 100,120     $  

Investments Purchased with Proceeds From Securities Lending Collateral

    53,339,987                         53,339,987  

Short-Term Investments

    6,940,467       6,940,467                    

Total Investments*

  $ 744,374,381     $ 595,105,710     $ 95,828,564     $ 100,120     $ 53,339,987  

 

31

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL ASSET MANAGEMENT FUNDS

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

August 31, 2021

 

MID-CAP GROWTH FUND

 

 

 

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

   

INVESTMENTS
MEASURED
AT NET ASSET
VALUE^

 

Common Stocks

  $ 328,590,432     $ 328,590,432     $     $     $  

Investments Purchased with Proceeds From Securities Lending Collateral

    48,062,351                         48,062,351  

Short-Term Investments

    3,126,662       3,126,662                    

Total Investments*

  $ 379,779,445     $ 331,717,094     $     $     $ 48,062,351  

 

*

Please refer to the Schedule of Investments for further details.

^

Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in the table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

At the end of each quarter, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities. Various factors are considered, such as changes in liquidity from the prior reporting period; whether or not a broker is willing to execute at the quoted price; the depth and consistency of prices from third party pricing services; and the existence of contemporaneous, observable trades in the market. Additionally, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities on a quarterly basis for changes in listings or delistings on national exchanges.

 

Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Funds’ investments may fluctuate from period to period. Additionally, the fair value of investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for such investments and may differ materially from the values the Fund may ultimately realize. Further, such investments may be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities.

 

For fair valuations using significant unobservable inputs, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires each Fund to present a reconciliation of the beginning to ending balances for reported market values that presents changes attributable to total realized and unrealized gains or losses, purchase and sales, and transfers in and out of Level 3 during the period. Transfers in and out between levels are based on values at the end of the period. A reconciliation of Level 3 investments is presented only if a Fund had an amount of Level 3 investments at the end of the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets. The amounts and reasons for Level 3 transfers in and out of each level is disclosed when a Fund had an amount of total Level 3 transfers during the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets as of the end of the reporting period.

 

The Funds did not have any significant Level 3 transfers during the current fiscal period.

 

USE OF ESTIMATES — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences could be significant.

 

INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS, INVESTMENT INCOME AND EXPENSES — The Funds record security transactions based on trade date for financial reporting purposes. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method for both financial reporting and income tax purposes in determining realized gains and losses on investments. Interest income (including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts) is accrued when earned. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or capital gains are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. The Funds’ investment income, expenses (other than class specific expenses) and unrealized and realized gains and losses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class at the beginning of the day. Certain expenses are shared with PENN Capital Funds Trust (the “Trust”),

 

32

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL ASSET MANAGEMENT FUNDS

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

August 31, 2021

 

a series trust of affiliated funds. Expenses incurred on behalf of a specific class, fund or fund family of the Company or Trust are charged directly to the class, fund or fund family (in proportion to net assets). Expenses incurred for all funds (such as director or professional fees) are charged to all funds in proportion to their average net assets of RBB and the Trust, or in such other manner as the Board deems fair or equitable. Expenses and fees, including investment advisory and administration fees, are accrued daily and taken into account for the purpose of determining the NAV of the Funds.

 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS — Each Fund pays dividends from its net investment income and distributes any net capital gains that it realizes. Dividends and capital gains distributions are generally paid once a year and as required to comply with federal excise tax requirements. Distributions to shareholders are determined in accordance with tax regulations and recorded on ex dividend date. All dividends and other distributions will be reinvested in Fund shares unless a shareholder chooses either to (1) receive dividends in cash, while reinvesting capital gains distributions in additional Fund shares; or (2) receive all distributions in cash. Additionally, each Fund reports details of distribution-related transactions on quarterly account statements. You may not receive a separate confirmation statement for these transactions.

 

When a Fund pays a dividend or other distribution, its net asset value (NAV) per share will decline by the per-share amount of the distribution. Investors are no poorer for this “distribution drop,” however. As this section explains, investors may elect to reinvest their dividend and distribution payments. Doing so would allow them to acquire additional shares at the post-distribution NAV per share. They may also choose to receive a check in the amount of their portion of the dividend or distribution.

 

U.S. TAX STATUS — No provision is made for U.S. income taxes as it is each Fund’s intention to continue to qualify for and elect the tax treatment applicable to regulated investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and make the requisite distributions to its shareholders which will be sufficient to relieve it from U.S. income and excise taxes.

 

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) PANDEMIC — The global outbreak of COVID-19 (commonly referred to as “coronavirus”) has disrupted economic markets and the prolonged economic impact is uncertain. Although vaccines for COVID-19 are becoming more widely available, the ultimate economic fallout from the pandemic, and the long-term impact on economies, markets, industries and individual issuers are not known. The operational and financial performance of the issuers of securities in which the Funds invest depends on future developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak and the pace of recovery which may vary from market to market, and such uncertainty may in turn adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Funds’ investments, impair the Funds’ ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the Funds’ performance.

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates market value.

 

OTHER — In the normal course of business, the Funds may enter into contracts that provide general indemnifications. Each Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on claims that may be made against the Funds in the future, and, therefore, cannot be estimated; however, based on experience, the risk of material loss from such claims is considered remote.

 

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION — The books and records of the Funds are maintained in U.S. dollars as follows: (1) the values of investment securities and other assets and liabilities stated in foreign currencies are translated at the exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period; and (2) purchases, sales and income are translated at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Transaction gains or losses resulting from changes in exchange rates during the reporting period or upon settlement from foreign currency transactions are reported in the Statements of Operations for the current period. The Funds do not isolate the portion of gains and losses on investments.

 

33

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL ASSET MANAGEMENT FUNDS

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

August 31, 2021

 

2. INVESTMENT POLICIES AND PRACTICES

 

The sections below describe some of the different types of investments that may be made by the Funds and the investment practices in which the Funds may engage.

 

When we say that the Funds may invest in other types of securities and in other asset classes, the “may” is well worth emphasizing, as the Funds’ primary focus is the common stocks of companies that the Adviser believes are both high-quality and available at a reasonable price.

 

FOREIGN SECURITIES — The Global Opportunities Fund and the Mid-Cap Growth Fund may invest, in equity and fixed-income securities of foreign companies, including companies located in both developed and emerging-market countries. Investment in foreign securities may include the purchase of American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) and other depositary receipts (European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”) and Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”)) that represent indirect interests in securities of foreign issuers. A significant portion of a Fund’s exposure to foreign investments may be composed of such investments. Investments in foreign securities are affected by risk factors generally not associated with investments in the securities of U.S. companies in the U.S. With respect to such securities, there may be more limited information publicly available concerning the issuer than would be the case with respect to domestic securities, foreign issuers may use different accounting standards, and foreign trading markets may not be as liquid as are U.S. markets. Foreign securities also involve such risks as currency risks, possible imposition of withholding or confiscatory taxes, possible currency transfer restrictions, expropriation or other adverse political or economic developments, and the difficulty of enforcing obligations in other countries. These risks may be greater in emerging-market countries and in less-developed countries.

 

If a Fund holds a foreign stock, and the stock is traded on a foreign exchange, with its price denominated in that foreign currency, the value of the stock will change, for the Fund, whenever the relative value of the U.S. dollar and that foreign currency change. To take an imaginary example, if the Fund holds shares in Ruritania Telecom, traded on the Ruritanian Stock Exchange, those shares will be worth more to the Fund if the value of the Ruritanian ploof increases against the U.S. dollar, and vice versa, all other things being equal.

 

The purchase of securities denominated in foreign currencies will subject the value of the Funds’ investments in those securities to fluctuations caused by changes in foreign exchange rates. To hedge against the effects of changes in foreign exchange rates, the Funds may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts (“forward contracts”). These contracts represent agreements to exchange an amount of currency at an agreed-upon future date and rate. The Funds will generally use forward contracts only to “lock in” the price in U.S. dollars of a foreign security that a Fund plans to purchase or to sell. In certain limited cases, it may use such contracts to hedge against an anticipated substantial decline in the price of a foreign currency against the U.S. dollar that would adversely affect the U.S. dollar value of foreign securities held by the Fund. Forward contracts will not be used in all cases and, in any event, cannot completely protect the Funds against all changes in the values of foreign securities resulting from fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. The Funds will not enter into a forward contract if, as a result, forward contracts would represent more than 20% of a Fund’s total assets. For hedging purposes, the Funds may also use options on foreign currencies, which expose the Funds to certain risks.

 

Some foreign securities are traded in the U.S. in the form of ADRs. ADRs are receipts typically issued by a U.S. bank or company evidencing ownership of the underlying securities of foreign issuers. EDRs and GDRs are receipts typically issued by foreign banks or trust companies, evidencing ownership of underlying securities issued by either a foreign or U.S. issuer. Generally, depositary receipts in registered form are designed for use in the U.S. and depositary receipts in bearer form are designed for use in securities markets outside the U.S. Depositary receipts may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the underlying securities into which they may be converted. Depositary receipts generally involve the same risks as other investments in foreign securities. However, holders of ADRs and other depositary receipts may not have all the legal rights of shareholders and may experience difficulty in receiving shareholder communications.

 

34

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL ASSET MANAGEMENT FUNDS

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

August 31, 2021

 

TYPES OF FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES — A Fund may invest in bonds and other types of debt obligations of U.S. and foreign issuers. Fixed income securities purchased by a Fund may include, among others, bonds, notes, and debentures issued by corporations; debt securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or one of its agencies or instrumentalities (“U.S. Government Securities”); municipal securities; mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities; and debt securities issued or guaranteed by foreign governments, their agencies, instrumentalities, or political subdivisions, or by government-owned, -controlled, or -sponsored entities, including central banks. These investments also include money market instruments and other types of obligations. Investors should recognize that, although securities ratings issued by Standard & Poor’s® Ratings Services (“S&P”), a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., and Moody’s Investors Services©, Inc. (“Moody’s”), provide a generally useful guide as to credit risks, they do not offer any criteria to evaluate interest rate risk. Changes in interest rate levels generally cause fluctuations in the prices of fixed-income securities and will, therefore, cause fluctuations in the NAV per share of a Fund. Subsequent to the purchase of a fixed-income security by a Fund, the ratings or credit quality of such security may deteriorate. Any such subsequent adverse changes in the rating or quality of a security held by a Fund would not require a Fund to sell the security.

 

PARTICIPATORY NOTES — A participatory note, as used by a Fund, is an instrument used by investors to obtain exposure to an equity investment, including common stocks and warrants, in a local market where direct ownership is not permitted (or is impractical.) In countries where direct ownership by a foreign investor, such as a Fund, is not allowed by local law, such as Saudi Arabia, an investor may gain exposure to the market through a participatory note, which derives its value from a group of underlying equity securities. A participatory note is intended (disregarding the effect of any fees and expenses) to reflect the performance of the underlying equity securities on a one-to-one basis so that investors will not normally gain more in absolute terms than they would have made had they invested in the underlying securities directly, and will not normally lose more than they would have lost had they invested in the underlying securities directly.

 

In addition to providing access to otherwise closed markets, participatory notes can also provide a less expensive option to direct investment (where ownership by foreign investors is permitted) by reducing registration and transaction costs in acquiring and selling local registered shares. The Funds’ investment manager also believes that participatory notes can offer greater liquidity in markets that restrict the ability of the Funds to dispose of an investment by either restricting transactions by size or requiring registration and/or regulatory approvals.

 

The purchase of participatory notes involves risks that are in addition to the risks normally associated with a direct investment in the underlying securities. The Fund is subject to the risk that the issuer of the participatory note (i.e., the issuing bank or broker-dealer), which is the only responsible party under the note, is unable or refuses to perform under the terms of the participatory note, also known as counterparty risk.

 

While the holder of a participatory note is entitled to receive from the bank or broker-dealer any dividends or other distributions paid on the underlying securities, the holder is not entitled to the same rights as an owner of the underlying securities, such as voting rights.

 

Participatory notes may not be traded on exchanges, are privately issued, and may be illiquid. To the extent a participatory note is determined to be illiquid, it would be subject to the Fund’s limitation on investments in illiquid securities. There can be no assurance that the trading price or value of participatory notes will equal the value of the underlying value of the equity securities they seek to replicate.

 

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS — Real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) are pooled investment vehicles that manage a portfolio of real estate or real estate-related loans to earn profits for their shareholders. REITs are generally classified as equity REITs, mortgage REITs, or a combination of equity and mortgage REITs. Investing in REITs involves certain unique risks in addition to those risks associated with investing in the real estate industry in general. Equity REITs may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property owned by the REITs, while mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of the borrower on any credit extended. REITs are dependent upon management skills, may not be diversified geographically or by property type, and are subject to heavy cash-flow dependency, default by borrowers, and self-liquidation. REITs must also meet certain requirements under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), to avoid entity level tax and be eligible to pass through certain tax attributes of their income to shareholders. REITs are consequently subject to the risk of failing to meet these requirements for favorable tax treatment and of failing to maintain their exemptions from registration under the 1940 Act. REITs are also subject to the risks of changes in the Code, affecting their tax status.

 

35

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL ASSET MANAGEMENT FUNDS

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

August 31, 2021

 

REITs (especially mortgage REITs) are also subject to interest rate risks. When interest rates decline, the value of a REIT’s investment in fixed-rate obligations can be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of a REIT’s investment in fixed-rate obligations can be expected to decline. In contrast, as interest rates on adjustable-rate mortgage loans are reset periodically, yields on a REIT’s investments in such loans will gradually align themselves to reflect changes in market interest rates, causing the value of such investments to fluctuate less dramatically in response to interest rate fluctuations than would investments in fixed-rate obligations.

 

The management of a REIT may be subject to conflicts of interest with respect to the operation of the business of the REIT and may be involved in real estate activities competitive with the REIT. REITs may own properties through joint ventures or in other circumstances in which a REIT may not have control over its investments. REITs may use significant amounts of leverage.

 

REITs often do not provide complete tax information until after the end of the calendar year. Consequently, because of the delay, it may be necessary for a Fund, if invested in REITs, to request permission to extend the deadline for issuance of Forms 1099-DIV beyond January 31. Alternatively, amended Forms 1099-DIV may be sent. During the current fiscal period, the Global Opportunities Fund and Mid-Cap Growth Fund invested in REITs.

 

TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS — During periods of adverse market or economic conditions, a Fund may temporarily invest all or a substantial portion of its assets in high-quality, fixed-income securities, money market instruments, and shares of money market mutual funds, or it may hold cash. At such times, a Fund would not be pursuing its stated investment objective with its usual investment strategies. A Fund may also hold these investments for liquidity purposes. Fixed-income securities will be deemed to be of high quality if they are rated “A” or better by S&P or Moody’s or, if unrated, are determined to be of comparable quality by the Adviser. Money market instruments are high-quality, short-term fixed income obligations (which generally have remaining maturities of one year or less), and may include U.S. Government Securities, commercial paper, certificates of deposit and banker’s acceptances issued by domestic branches of United States banks that are members of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and repurchase agreements for US. Government Securities. In lieu of purchasing money market instruments, a Fund may purchase shares of money market mutual funds that invest primarily in U.S. Government Securities and repurchase agreements involving those securities, subject to certain limitations imposed by the 1940 Act. A Fund, as an investor in a money market fund, will indirectly bear the fees and expenses of the money market fund. These indirect fees and expenses will be in addition to the fees and expenses of the Funds. Repurchase agreements involve certain risks not associated with direct investments in debt securities.

 

3. INVESTMENT ADVISER AND OTHER SERVICES

 

Each Fund pays all of its expenses other than those expressly assumed by Motley Fool Asset Management (“MFAM” or the “Adviser”). Expenses of each Fund are deducted from the Funds’ total income before dividends are paid. Subject to the supervision of the Board, the Adviser manages the overall investment operations of the Funds in accordance with the Funds’ investment objective and policies and formulates a continuing investment strategy for the Funds pursuant to the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and the Company on behalf of the Funds. The Adviser is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Motley Fool Investment Management, LLC, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Motley Fool Holdings Inc. (“TMF Holdings”), a multimedia financial-services holding company that also owns The Motley Fool, LLC, which publishes investment information and analysis across a wide range of media, including investment newsletter services, websites, and books. TMF Holdings is controlled by David Gardner and Tom Gardner, along with other private shareholders. Each Fund compensates the Adviser for its services at an annual rate based on each Fund’s average daily net assets (the “Advisory Fee”), payable on a monthly basis in arrears, as shown in the following table.

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to pay, waive or absorb a portion of the operating expenses of each Fund’s share classes to the extent that total annual Fund operating expenses of the Investor and Institutional Shares of each Fund (as applicable) (excluding certain items discussed below) exceed the rates (“Expense Caps”) shown in the following table of each Fund’s average daily net assets. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed the

 

36

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL ASSET MANAGEMENT FUNDS

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

August 31, 2021

 

Expense Caps as applicable: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2021 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board. The Adviser may discontinue these arrangements at any time after December 31, 2021.

 

   

EXPENSE CAPS

FUND

ADVISORY
FEES

INVESTOR
SHARES

INSTITUTIONAL
SHARES

Global Opportunities Fund

0.85%

1.15%

0.95%

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

0.85%

1.15%

0.95%

 

During the current fiscal period, investment advisory fees accrued and waived were as follows:

 

FUND

 

GROSS
ADVISORY FEES

   

RECOUPMENT/
WAIVERS

   

NET
ADVISORY FEES

 

Global Opportunities Fund

  $ 5,264,922     $ (40,827 )   $ 5,224,095  

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

    2,635,695       (13,167 )     2,622,528  

 

The Adviser may recover from the Investor and Institutional Shares of each Fund fees and expenses previously paid, waived, or absorbed for a period of three years after such fees or expenses were incurred, provided that the repayments do not cause the Funds’ operating expenses (excluding brokerage commissions, taxes, interest expense, acquired fund fees and expenses, and any extraordinary expenses) to exceed the expense limits of the Investor and Institutional Class, respectively, of each Fund that were in effect at the time the fees and expenses were paid, waived, or absorbed by the Adviser, as well as the expense limits that are currently in effect, if different. Previously waived fees subject to future recovery by the Adviser are as follows:

 

   

EXPIRATION

         

FUND

 

AUGUST 31,
2022

   

AUGUST 31,
2023

   

AUGUST 31,
2024

   

TOTAL

 

Global Opportunities Fund - Investor Class

  $     $     $     $  

Global Opportunities Fund - Institutional Class

    32,294       49,147       40,827       122,268  

Mid-Cap Growth Fund - Investor Class

                653       653  

Mid-Cap Growth Fund - Institutional Class

    8,934       16,169       12,514       37,617  

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (“Fund Services”), doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, serves as administrator for the Funds. For providing administrative and accounting services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Fund Services serves as the Funds’ transfer and dividend disbursing agent. For providing transfer agent services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

U.S. Bank, N.A. (the “Custodian”) provides certain custodial services to the Funds. The Custodian is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Foreside Funds Distributors, LLC serves as the principal underwriter and distributor of the Funds’ shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with RBB.

 

For compensation amounts paid to Fund Services and the Custodian, please refer to the Statements of Operations.

 

37

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL ASSET MANAGEMENT FUNDS

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

August 31, 2021

 

DIRECTOR AND OFFICER COMPENSATION — The Directors of the Company receive an annual retainer and meeting fees for meetings attended. An employee of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serves as President and Chief Compliance Officer of the Company. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company. Employees of RBB serve as Treasurer, Secretary and Director of Marketing & Business Development of the Company. They are compensated for services provided. Certain employees of Fund Services serve as officers of the Company. They are not compensated by the Funds or the Company. Prior to October 1, 2020, an employee of Vigilant Compliance, LLC served as the Chief Compliance Officer of the Adviser. Neither the Funds nor the Company compensated this individual or Vigilant Compliance, LLC for services provided to Motley Fool Asset Management. For Director and Officer compensation amounts, please refer to the Statements of Operations.

 

SHAREHOLDER SERVICING FEE — The Funds have entered into a shareholder servicing agreement (the “Agreement”) with the Adviser, under which the Adviser provides, or arranges for others to provide, certain specified shareholder services. As compensation for the provision of shareholder services, the Funds may pay servicing fees up to an annual rate of 0.20% of the average daily net assets of the Investor Shares. Payments to the Adviser under the Agreement may reimburse the Adviser for payments it makes to selected brokers, dealers and administrators which have entered into service agreements with the Adviser for services provided to shareholders of the Funds. The services provided by such intermediaries are primarily designed to assist shareholders of the Funds and include the furnishing of office space and equipment, telephone facilities, personnel, and assistance to the Fund in servicing such shareholders. Services provided by such intermediaries also include the provision of support services to the Funds and include establishing and maintaining shareholders’ accounts and record processing, purchase and redemption transactions, answering routine client inquiries regarding the Funds, and providing such other personal services to shareholders as the Funds may reasonably request. During the current fiscal period, the Funds incurred shareholder servicing fees as follows:

 

FUND

 

SHAREHOLDER
SERVICING FEES

 

Global Opportunities Fund – Investor Shares

  $ 406,214  

Mid-Cap Growth Fund – Investor Shares

    300,799  

 

REDEMPTION FEE — Prior to January 1, 2018, the Funds imposed a redemption fee of 2.00% on redemptions/exchanges of Fund shares held less than 90 days. The redemption fee was calculated as a percentage of the net asset value of the total redemption proceeds and was retained by the Funds and accounted for as additional paid-in capital. Effective January 1, 2018, the Funds have eliminated their redemption fees. Please see the Funds’ prospectus for more information.

 

SMALL-BALANCE ACCOUNT FEE — The Funds charge a small-balance account fee of $24 annually if the value of an account is less than $10,000. The fee is assessed by redeeming shares from that account. Certain exceptions to the imposition of the small-balance account fee exist. Please see the Funds’ prospectus for more information.

 

TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES — Advisers to investment companies, including MFAM Funds, are permitted under 17a-7 of the 1940 Act to purchase or sell securities directly between affiliated clients. When affecting these “cross” transactions, Rule 17a-7 imposes restrictions on how the trades are processed and reported. The specified conditions within Rule 17a-7 are outlined in procedures established by or under the direction of the Board of Directors. The procedures have been designed to provide assurance that any purchase or sale of securities by the Fund from or to another Fund complies with Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act.

 

During the current fiscal period, the Funds did not engage in any security transactions with affiliates.

 

38

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL ASSET MANAGEMENT FUNDS

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

August 31, 2021

 

4. PURCHASES AND SALES OF INVESTMENT SECURITIES

 

During the current fiscal period, aggregate purchases and sales and maturities of investment securities of the Funds were as follows:

 

FUND

 

PURCHASES

   

SALES

 

Global Opportunities Fund

  $ 74,940,155     $ 102,815,184  

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

    44,126,308       70,537,540  

 

There were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. Government Securities during the current fiscal period.

 

5. FEDERAL INCOME TAX INFORMATION

 

The Funds have followed the authoritative guidance on accounting for and disclosure of uncertainty in tax positions, which requires the Funds to determine whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The Funds have determined that there was no effect on the financial statements from following this authoritative guidance. In the normal course of business, the Funds are subject to examination by federal, state and local jurisdictions, where applicable, for tax years for which applicable statutes of limitations have not expired.

 

As of August 31, 2021, the federal tax cost, aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of securities held by each Fund were as follows:

 

FUND

 

FEDERAL
TAX COST

   

UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION

   

UNREALIZED
(DEPRECIATION)

   

NET UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION/
(DEPRECIATION)

 

Global Opportunities Fund

  $ 350,149,612     $ 408,227,942     $ (14,003,173 )   $ 394,224,769  

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

    193,696,917       186,269,382       (186,854 )     186,082,528  

 

Distributions to shareholders, if any, from net investment income and realized gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from net investment income and realized gains recognized for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the character of distributions and composition of net assets for tax purposes may differ from those reflected in the accompanying financial statements. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on the tax treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.

 

Permanent differences as of August 31, 2021 were reclassified among the following accounts:

 

FUND

 

DISTRIBUTABLE
EARNINGS/(LOSS)

   

PAID-IN
CAPITAL

 

Global Opportunities Fund

  $ 325,798     $ (325,798 )

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

    529,010       (529,010 )

 

39

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL ASSET MANAGEMENT FUNDS

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

August 31, 2021

 

As of August 31, 2021, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

FUND

 

UNDISTRIBUTED
ORDINARY
INCOME

   

UNDISTRIBUTED
LONG-TERM
CAPITAL GAINS

   

CAPITAL
LOSS
CARRYOVER

   

QUALIFIED
LATE-YEAR LOSS
DEFERRAL

   

UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION/
(DEPRECIATION)

   

TOTAL

 

Global Opportunities Fund

  $     $ 33,191,007     $     $ (1,349,566 )   $ 394,232,230     $ 426,073,671  

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

          17,958,485             (1,114,469 )     186,082,528       202,926,544  

 

The differences between the book and tax basis components of distributable earnings relate primarily to the timing of recognition of income and gains for federal income tax purposes.

 

The tax character of dividends and distributions paid during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2021 and August 31, 2020 were as follows:

 

FUND

 

TAX YEAR

   

ORDINARY
INCOME

   

LONG-TERM
CAPITAL GAIN

   

TOTAL

 

Global Opportunities Fund

    2021     $ 254,531     $ 38,103,932     $ 38,358,463  
      2020       290,198       21,013,460       21,303,658  

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

    2021             32,831,307       32,831,307  
      2020             15,323,616       15,323,616  

 

Dividends from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income dividends for federal income tax purposes.

 

Pursuant to federal income tax rules applicable to regulated investment companies, the Funds may elect to treat certain capital losses between November 1 and August 31 and late year ordinary losses ((i) ordinary losses between January 1 and August 31, and (ii) specified ordinary and currency losses between November 1 and August 31) as occurring on the first day of the following tax year. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021, any amount of losses elected within the tax return will not be recognized for federal income tax purposes until September 1, 2021. The Global Opportunities Fund deferred qualified late-year losses of $1,349,566 and the Mid-Cap Growth Fund deferred qualified late-year losses of $1,114,469 which will be treated as arising on the first business day of the following fiscal year.

 

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010, the Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 for an unlimited period. Additionally, capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses rather than being considered all short-term as under the previous law. As of August 31, 2021, the Funds had no unexpiring short-term or long-term losses.

 

6. SECURITIES LENDING

 

The Funds may make secured loans of its portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and other financial institutions to earn additional income and receive cash collateral equal to at least 100% of the current market value of the loaned securities, as marked to market each day that the NAV of the Funds are determined. When the collateral falls below specified amounts, the Funds’ lending agent will use its best effort to obtain additional collateral on the next business day to meet required amounts under the security lending agreement. The Funds will pay administrative and custodial fees in connection with the loan of securities. Collateral is invested in short-term investments and the Funds will bear the risk of loss of the invested collateral. Investments purchased with proceeds from securities lending are overnight and continuous. Securities lending will expose the Funds to the risk

 

40

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL ASSET MANAGEMENT FUNDS

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

August 31, 2021

 

of loss should a borrower default on its obligation to return the borrowed securities. The market value of the securities on loan and cash collateral as of the end of the reporting period and the income generated from the program during the current fiscal period with respect to such secured loans were as follows:

 

FUND

 

MARKET VALUE
OF SECURITIES
LOANED

   

MARKET VALUE
OF COLLATERAL

   

INCOME
RECEIVED FROM
SECURITIES
LENDING

 

Global Opportunities Fund

  $ 51,773,703     $ 53,339,987     $ 40,898  

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

    47,134,012       48,062,351       34,743  

 

Securities lending transactions are entered into by the Funds’ securities lending agent on behalf of the Funds under a Master Securities Lending Agreement (“MSLA”) which permits the Funds’ securities lending agent on behalf of the Funds under certain circumstances including an event of default (such as bankruptcy or insolvency), to offset amounts payable on behalf of the Funds to the same counterparty against amounts to be received and create one single net payment due to or from the Funds. The following table is a summary of the Funds open securities lending transactions which are subject to a MSLA as of the end of the reporting period:

 

           

GROSS
AMOUNTS
OFFSET IN THE

   

NET AMOUNT
OF ASSETS
PRESENTED IN
THE

   

GROSS AMOUNT NOT OFFSET IN THE
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

 

FUND

 

GROSS
AMOUNTS OF
RECOGNIZED
ASSETS

   

STATEMENTS
OF ASSETS
AND
LIABILITIES

   

STATEMENTS
OF ASSETS
AND
LIABILITIES

   

FINANCIAL
INSTRUMENTS
1

   

CASH
COLLATERAL
RECEIVED

   

NET AMOUNT2

 

Global Opportunities Fund

  $ 51,773,703     $     $ 51,773,703     $ (51,773,703 )   $     $  

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

    47,134,012             47,134,012       (47,134,012 )            

 

1

Amount disclosed is limited to the amount of assets presented in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Actual collateral received may be more than the amount shown.

2

Net amount represents the net amount receivable from the counterparty in the event of default.

 

7. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS AND REGULATORY UPDATES

 

In October 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“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. Funds will be required to comply with Rule 18f-4 by August 19, 2022. It is not currently clear what impact, if any, Rule 18f-4 will have on the availability, liquidity or performance of derivatives. Management is currently evaluating the potential impact of Rule 18f-4 on the Funds. When fully implemented, Rule 18f-4 may require changes in how a Fund uses derivatives, adversely affect a Fund’s performance and increase costs related to a Fund’s use of derivatives.

 

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

 

41

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL ASSET MANAGEMENT FUNDS

Notes to Financial Statements (CONCLUDED)

August 31, 2021

 

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 Funds will be required to comply with the rules by September 8, 2022. Management is currently assessing the potential impact of the new rules on the Funds’ financial statements.

 

8. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Funds through the date the financial statements were issued and has determined that there was the following subsequent event:

 

On September 21-22, 2021, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the conversion of the Global Opportunities Fund and the Mid-Cap Growth Fund into exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) by the reorganization of the Global Opportunities Fund and the Mid-Cap Growth Fund into corresponding ETFs, the MFAM Global Opportunities ETF and the MFAM Mid-Cap Growth ETF, respectively. There will be no change to the Funds’ investment objectives, investment strategies or portfolio management as a result of the reorganizations.

 

42

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL ASSET MANAGEMENT FUNDS

Report of Independent Registered
Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Directors of
The RBB Fund, Inc.
and the Shareholders of the MFAM Funds

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of the MFAM Global Opportunities Fund and MFAM Mid-Cap Growth Fund (the “Funds”), each a series of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Trust”), including the schedules of investments, as of August 31, 2021, the related statements of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, financial highlights for each of the four years in the period then ended, for the period ended August 31, 2017 and for the year ended October 31, 2016, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Funds as of August 31, 2021, the results of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in their net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and their financial highlights for each of the four years in the period then ended, for the period ended August 31, 2017 and for the year ended October 31, 2016, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Funds’ financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Funds in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We have served as the auditor of one or more of the funds in the Trust since 2011.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Funds are not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Funds’ internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Funds’ internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 2021 by correspondence with the custodian. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 

TAIT, WELLER & BAKER LLP

 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
October 28, 2021

 

43

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL ASSET MANAGEMENT FUNDS

Shareholder Tax Information (Unaudited)

 

Certain tax information regarding the Funds is required to be provided to shareholders based upon the Funds’ income and distributions for the taxable period ended August 31, 2021. The information and distributions reported herein may differ from information and distributions taxable to the shareholders for the calendar year ending December 31, 2021. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021, the following dividends and distributions were paid by the Funds:

 

FUND

ORDINARY
INCOME

LONG-TERM
GAINS

Global Opportunities Fund

$ 254,531

$ 38,103,932

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

32,831,307

 

Dividends from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income dividends for federal income tax purposes.

 

Under the Jobs and Growth Tax relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 the following percentages of ordinary dividends paid during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021 are designated as “qualified dividend income,” as defined in the Act, and are subject to reduced tax rates:

 

Global Opportunities Fund

100.00%

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

0.00%

 

The percentage of total ordinary income dividends paid qualifying for the corporate dividends received deduction for the Funds are as follows:

 

Global Opportunities Fund

100.00%

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

0.00%

 

Because the Funds’ fiscal year is not the calendar year, another notification will be sent with respect to calendar year 2022. The second notification, which will reflect the amount, if any, to be used by calendar year taxpayers on their U.S. federal income tax returns, will be made in conjunction with Form 1099-DIV and will be mailed in January 2022.

 

Foreign shareholders will generally be subject to U.S. withholding tax on the amount of their ordinary income dividends. They will generally not be entitled to a foreign tax credit or deduction for the withholding taxes paid by the Funds, if any.

 

In general, dividends received by tax-exempt recipients (e.g., IRAs and Keoghs) need not be reported as taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, some retirement trusts (e.g., corporate, Keogh and 403(b)(7) plans) may need this information for their annual information reporting.

 

Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the tax consequences of their investment in the Funds.

 

44

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL ASSET MANAGEMENT FUNDS

Notice to Shareholders (UNAUDITED)

 

Information on Proxy Voting

 

Policies and procedures that the Funds use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities as well as information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 are available (i) without charge, upon request, by calling (888) 863-8803; and (ii) on the U.S. SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Quarterly Schedule of Investments

 

The Company files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its report on Form N-PORT. Shareholders can obtain the Form N-PORT (i) without charge, upon request, by calling (888) 863-8803; (ii) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov; and (iii) on the Funds website at http://www.mfamfunds.com.

 

Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement

 

As required by the 1940 Act, the Board, including all of the Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Directors”), considered the renewal of the investment advisory agreement between MFAM and the Company (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”) on behalf of the MFAM Global Opportunities Fund and the MFAM Mid-Cap Growth Fund (each a “Fund” and together the “Funds”), at a meeting of the Board held on May 12-13, 2021 (the “Meeting”). At the Meeting, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, approved the Investment Advisory Agreement for an additional one-year term. The Board’s decision to approve the Investment Advisory Agreement reflects the exercise of its business judgment to continue the existing arrangements. In approving the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Board considered information provided by MFAM with the assistance and advice of counsel to the Independent Directors and the Company.

 

In considering the renewal and approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Company and MFAM with respect to the Funds, the Directors took into account all the materials provided prior to and during the Meeting and at other meetings throughout the past year, the presentations made during the Meeting, and the discussions held during the Meeting. Among other things, the Directors considered (i) the nature, extent, and quality of MFAM’s services provided to the Funds; (ii) descriptions of the experience and qualifications of MFAM’s personnel providing those services; (iii) MFAM’s investment philosophies and processes; (iv) MFAM’s assets under management and client descriptions; (v) MFAM’s soft dollar commission and trade allocation policies, including information on the types of research and services obtained in connection with soft dollar commissions; (vi) MFAM’s advisory fee arrangement with the Company and other similarly managed clients; (vii) MFAM’s compliance policies and procedures; (viii) MFAM’s financial information, insurance coverage and profitability analysis related to providing advisory services to the Funds; (ix) the extent to which economies of scale are relevant to the Funds; (x) a report prepared by Broadridge/Lipper comparing each Fund’s management fees and total expense ratio to those of its Lipper peer group; and (xi) a report comparing the performance of the Funds to the performance of their respective benchmark.

 

As part of their review, the Directors considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by MFAM. The Directors concluded that MFAM had substantial resources to provide services to the Funds and that MFAM’s services had been acceptable.

 

The Directors also considered the investment performance of the Funds and MFAM. The Directors considered the Funds’ investment performance in light of their investment objectives and investment strategies. The Directors concluded that the investment performance of each of the Funds as compared to their respective benchmarks and Lipper Groups was acceptable.

 

In reaching this conclusion, the Directors observed that the MFAM Global Opportunities Fund had outperformed its benchmark for the one-year, three-year, five-year, ten-year and since-inception periods, and underperformed its benchmark for the year-to-date period, each ended March 31, 2021. The Directors also noted that the MFAM Global Opportunities Fund ranked in the 2nd quintile in its Lipper Performance Group for the one-year, two-year, three-year, four-year, and five-year periods ended December 31, 2020.

 

45

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL ASSET MANAGEMENT FUNDS

Notice to Shareholders (Concluded) (Unaudited)

 

The Directors noted the MFAM Mid-Cap Growth Fund had outperformed its benchmark for the ten-year period, and underperformed its benchmark for the year-to-date, one-year, three-year, five-year, and since-inception periods, each ended March 31, 2021. The Directors also noted that the MFAM Mid-Cap Growth Fund ranked in the 4th quintile in its Lipper Performance Group for the one-year, four-year and five-year periods and in the 5th quintile for the two-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2020.

 

The Board also considered the advisory fee rates payable by the Funds under the Investment Advisory Agreements. In this regard, information on the fees paid by the Funds and the Funds’ total operating expense ratios (before and after fee waivers and expense reimbursements) were compared to similar information for mutual funds advised by other, unaffiliated investment advisory firms.

 

The Directors noted that the actual advisor fee of the MFAM Mid-Cap Growth Fund ranked in the 4th quintile of the Fund’s Lipper Expense Group, and that the total expenses of the Fund ranked in the 3rd quintile of its Lipper Expense Group.

 

The Directors noted that the actual advisor fee and total expenses of the MFAM Global Opportunities Fund ranked in the 4th quintile of the Fund’s Lipper Expense Group.

 

The Directors noted that MFAM had contractually agreed to waive management fees and reimburse expenses through at least December 31, 2021 to agreed upon levels for the MFAM Global Opportunities Fund and the MFAM Mid-Cap Growth Fund.

 

After reviewing the information regarding the Funds’ costs, profitability and economies of scale, and after considering MFAM’s services, the Directors concluded that the investment advisory fees paid by the Funds were fair and reasonable and that the Investment Advisory Agreement should be approved and continued for an additional one year period ending August 16, 2022.

 

46

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL ASSET MANAGEMENT FUNDS

PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)

 

What Does Motley Fool Asset Management Funds Do With Your Personal Information?

 

Why?: Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information.

 

Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.

 

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

 

Social Security number and transaction history

 

Account balances and checking account information

 

Account transactions and wire transfer instructions

 

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

 

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

 

Reasons we share your personal information

Does MFAM share?

Can you limit this sharing?

For our everyday business purposes
such as to process your transaction, maintain your account(s), provide you with necessary information, respond to court orders and legal investigation, or report to credit bureaus

Yes

No

For our marketing purposes —
to offer our products and services to you

Yes

Yes

For joint marketing with other financial companies

No

We don’t share

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes
information about your transactions and experiences

Yes

No

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes — information about your creditworthiness

No

We don’t share

For our affiliates to market to you

Yes

Yes

For nonaffiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share

 

Visit us online: http://www.mfamfunds.com/website-privacy-policy/

 

Please note:

 

 

If you are a new customer, we can begin sharing your information 30 days from the days from the date we sent this notice. When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in this notice.

 

47

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL ASSET MANAGEMENT FUNDS

PRIVACY NOTICE (Continued) (Unaudited)

 

However, you can contact us at any time to limit our sharing.

 

Questions: Call 1-888-863-8803 or go to www.mfamfunds.com

 

What we do:

 

How does MFAM protect my personal information?

 

We collect your personal information, for example, when you:

 

Open an account or provide account information

 

Make deposits or withdrawals from your account

 

Make a wire transfer or tell us where to send the money

 

We also collect your personal information from other companies.

 

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

 

Federal law gives you the right to limit only:

 

Sharing for affiliates everyday business purposes – information about your creditworthiness

 

Make deposits or withdrawals from your account

 

Sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

 

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

 

What happens when I limit sharing for an account I hold jointly with someone else?

 

Your choices will apply to everyone on your account.

 

EUROPEAN UNION’S GENERAL DATA PROTECTION REGULATION

 

In addition to the above information, where applicable, you have the following rights under the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) and U.S. Privacy Laws, as applicable and to the extent permitted by law, to

 

Check whether we hold personal information about you and to access such data (in accordance with our policy)

 

Request the correction of personal information about you that is inaccurate

 

Have a copy of the personal information we hold about you provided to you or another “controller” where technically feasible

 

Request the erasure of your personal information

 

Request the restriction of processing concerning you

 

The legal grounds for processing of your personal information is for contractual necessity and compliance with law.

 

If you wish to exercise any of your rights above, please call: 1-888-863-8803.

 

You are required to ensure the personal information we hold about you is up-to-date and accurate and you must notify us of any changes to the personal data you provided to us.

 

The MFAM Funds shall retain your personal data for as long as you are an investor in the Funds and thereafter as long as necessary to comply with applicable laws that require the Funds to retain your personal data, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission’s data retention rules. Your personal data will be transferred to the United States so that the Funds may provide the agreed upon services for you. No adequacy decision has been rendered by the European Commission as to the data protection of your personal data when transferring it to the United States. However, the Funds do take the security of your personal data seriously.

 

Definitions:

 

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

Our affiliates include companies with a Motley Fool name; financial companies such as Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC; and nonfinancial companies such as The Motley Fool, LLC and The Motley Fool Holdings, Inc.

 

48

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL ASSET MANAGEMENT FUNDS

PRIVACY NOTICE (concluded) (Unaudited)

 

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

Motley Fool Asset Management does not share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you.

 

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

Motley Fool Asset Management doesn’t jointly market.

 

Controller - “Controller” means the natural or legal person, public authority, agency or other body which, alone or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of the processing of personal data; where the purposes and means of such processing are determined by European Union or European Member State law, the controller or the specific criteria for its nomination may be provided for by European Union or European Member State law.

 

49

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL ASSET MANAGEMENT FUNDS

Directors and Officers (Unaudited)

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company is organized under and managed pursuant to Maryland law. The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below. The statement of additional information (“SAI”) includes additional information about the Directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling (888) 863-8803.

 

Name, Address,
AND AGE

Positions(s)
Held with
Company

Term of
Office
and
Length of
TIME
Served
(1)

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director
(*)

Other
Directorships
Held by
Director
in the Past
5 Years

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Julian A. Brodsky

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 88

Director

1988 to present

From 1969 to 2011, Director and Vice Chairman, Comcast Corporation (cable television and communications).

46

AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).

J. Richard Carnall

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 82

Director

2002 to present

Since 1984, Director of Haydon Bolts, Inc. (bolt manufacturer) and Parkway Real Estate Company (subsidiary of Haydon Bolts, Inc.); since 2004, Director of Cornerstone Bank.

46

None.

Gregory P. Chandler

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 54

Director

2012 to present

Since 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Herspiegel Consulting LLC (life sciences consulting services); 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Avocado Systems Inc. (cyber security software provider); from 2009-2020, Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services).

46

Emtec, Inc.(until December 2019); FS Investment Corporation (business development company) (until December 2018); FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios)(registered investment company).

Nicholas A. Giordano

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 78

Director

2006 to present

Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations.

46

IntriCon Corporation (biomedical device manufacturer); Kalmar Pooled Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until September 2017); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance) (until 2021).

 

50

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL ASSET MANAGEMENT FUNDS

DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS (CONTINUED) (Unaudited)

 

Name, Address,
AND AGE

Positions(s)
Held with
Company

Term of
Office
and
Length of
TIME
Served
(1)

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director
(*)

Other
Directorships
Held by
Director
in the Past
5 Years

Arnold M. Reichman

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 73

Chairman Director

2005 to present 1991 to present

Retired.

46

EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company).

Brian T. Shea

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 61

Director

2018 to present

From 2014-2017, Chief Executive Officer, BNY Mellon Investment Services (fund services, global custodian and securities clearing firm); from 1983-2014, Chief Executive Officer and various positions, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm).

46

WisdomTree Investments, Inc. (asset management company) (until March 2019); Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (financial services technology company); Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (financial services company).

Robert A. Straniere

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 80

Director

2006 to present

Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm).

46

None.

INTERESTED DIRECTOR2

Robert Sablowsky

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 83

Vice Chairman Director

2016 to present 1991 to present

Since 2002, Senior Director – Investments and, prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer).

46

None.

OFFICERS

Salvatore Faia, JD,
CPA, CFE
Vigilant Compliance, LLC Gateway Corporate Center. Suite 216

223 Wilmington West Chester Pike

Chadds Ford, PA 19317

Age: 58

President Chief Compliance Officer

2009 to present 2004 to present

Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company); since 2021, President and Chief Compliance Officer of Penn Capital Funds Trust.

N/A

N/A

 

 

51

 

 

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL ASSET MANAGEMENT FUNDS

DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS (CONTINUED) (Unaudited)

 

Name, Address,
AND AGE

Positions(s)
Held with
Company

Term of
Office
and
Length of
TIME
Served
(1)

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director
(*)

Other
Directorships
Held by
Director
in the Past
5 Years

James G. Shaw

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 60

Treasurer and Secretary

2016 to present

Treasurer and Secretary of The RBB Fund, Inc. (since 2016) and Penn Capital Funds Trust (since 2021); from 2005 to 2016, Assistant Treasurer of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 1995 to 2016, Senior Director and Vice President of BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (financial services company).

N/A

N/A

Craig A. Urciuoli

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 46

Director of Marketing & Business Development

2019 to present

Director of Marketing & Business Development of The RBB Fund, Inc. (since 2019) and Penn Capital Funds Trust (since 2021); from 2000-2019, Managing Director, Third Avenue Management LLC.

N/A

N/A

Jennifer Witt

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 38

Assistant Treasurer

2018 to present

Since 2020, Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (fund administrative services firm); from 2016 to 2020, Assistant Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services; from 2007 to 2016, Supervisor, Nuveen Investments (registered investment company).

N/A

N/A

Edward Paz

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 50

Assistant Secretary

2016 to present

Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm).

N/A

N/A

Michael P. Malloy

One Logan Square

Ste. 2000

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Age: 62

Assistant Secretary

1999 to present

Since 1993, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

Jillian L. Bosmann

One Logan Square

Ste. 2000

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Age: 42

Assistant Secretary

2017 to present

Since 2017, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

 

*

Each Director oversees 46 portfolios of the fund complex, consisting of the series in the Company and Penn Capital Funds Trust (7 portfolios).

 

1.

Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his or her successor is elected and qualified or his or her death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Carnall, Giordano, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.

 

52

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL ASSET MANAGEMENT FUNDS

DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS (CONCLUDED) (Unaudited)

 

2 .

Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive-level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Carnall has decades of senior executive-level management experience in the banking and financial services industry and also serves on the boards of various corporations and a bank. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Mr. Shea has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the brokerage, clearing and investment services industry, including service on the boards of industry regulatory organizations and a university.

 

53

 

 

Investment Adviser

Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC
2000 Duke Street
Suite 275
Alexandria, VA 22314

 

Administrator and Transfer Agent

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201

 

Custodian

U.S. Bank, N.A.
1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, WI 53212

 

Distributor

Foreside Funds Distributors LLC
899 Cassatt Road
400 Berwyn Park, Suite 110
Berwyn, PA 19312

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Tait, Weller & Baker LLP
Two Liberty Place
50 S 16th St. Suite 2900
Philadelphia, PA 19102-2529

 

Legal Counsel

Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
One Logan Square, Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103-6996

 

54

 

 

(This Page Intentionally Left Blank.)

 

 

(This Page Intentionally Left Blank.)

 

 

 

Join our Community!

 

Looking for more of our fun and educational insights, market commentary, and product updates? Email help@mfamfunds.com and we will deliver it directly to your inbox!

 

Our investors are just as diverse as our portfolios! No matter where you are on your investment path, Motley Fool Asset Management strives to make investing accessible to people of all backgrounds and experience levels!

 

We look forward to welcoming you to our Family!

 

 

 

 

 

ANNUAL
report 2021

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs
Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

8/31/21

 

Motley Fool 100 Index ETF

MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF

 

 

 

 

This report contains information for two ETFs that are very different. The Motley Fool 100 Index ETF — as you’d expect from its name — is designed to track the returns of the Motley Fool 100 Index. Our other ETF, the MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF, is an actively managed ETF that isn’t designed to track much of anything.

 

 

 

Motley Fool 100 Index ETF (TMFC)

MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF (MFMS)

 

Join our Community! Looking for more of our fun and educational insights, market commentary, and product updates? Email help@mfamfunds.com and we will deliver it directly to your inbox! Our investors are just as diverse as our portfolios! No matter where you are on your investment path, Motley Fool Asset Management strives to make investing accessible to people of all backgrounds and experience levels! We look forward to welcoming you to our Family!

 

On September 21-22, 2021, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the conversion of the Global Opportunities Fund and the Mid-Cap Growth Fund into exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) by the reorganization of the Global Opportunities Fund and the Mid-Cap Growth Fund into corresponding ETFs, the MFAM Global Opportunities ETF and the MFAM Mid-Cap Growth ETF, respectively. There will be no change to the Funds’ investment objectives, investment strategies or portfolio management as a result of the reorganizations.

 

Table of Contents

 

   

Letter to Shareholders

1

Portfolio Characteristics

6

Fund Expense Examples

10

Schedules of Investments

12

Financial Statements

21

Notes to Financial Statements

27

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

36

Shareholder Tax Information

37

Notice to Shareholders

38

Directors and Officers

43

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Letter to Shareholders

August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Bryan Hinmon
Chief Investment Officer,
Motley Fool Asset Management

 

Abbott: Who’s on first, What’s on second, I Don’t Know is on third...
Costello: You know the guys names on the baseball team?
Abbott: Yes.
Costello: Well go ahead, who’s on first?
Abbott: Yes.
Costello: I mean the guy’s name.
Abbott: Who?
Costello: The guy playing first.
Abbott: Who.
Costello: The guy playing first base.
Abbott: Who.
Costello: The guy on first base.
Abbott: Who is on first.
Costello: What are you asking me for? I don’t know!
Abbott: Now wait a minute...
Costello: I’m asking you who’s on first.
Abbott: That’s his name.
Costello: Well go ahead and tell me...

 

    — Abbott and Costello, Who’s on First?1

 

Dear Fellow Shareholder,

 

The Who’s on First? skit is good for a laugh every time I watch it. It is a reminder that people seemingly engaged in the same conversation can actually be on two different planets of understanding. I’m certain this has happened to you, too, and I hope you were able to laugh and keep your cool instead of getting as spun up as Costello.

 

DIFFERENT CONVERSATIONS

 

When our investing team is asked why we believe we can outperform, we reply that we think differently than many other investment shops. A truly long-term orientation via our unique definition of Quality enables us to act and see things differently.

 

We so strongly believe in this philosophy that we don’t pay much attention to what other investors are doing. Doing so would just be a distraction. We go about our business in heads-down fashion, controlling what we can control, trying to be the best stewards of your (and our!) capital that we can be. But every once in a while, we’re lopped upside the head with a clear reminder that we do think differently from other investors and market participants.

 

This happened to me recently while I was reading the fiscal second quarter 2021 earnings call transcript for a business we own in the MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF2, Alarm.com. These 45-60 minute calls allow public company management teams to communicate with the investing public what is going on with their businesses. Management teams generally release quarterly financial details, provide helpful commentary, and take questions from the analyst community.

 

Now, executives are busy folk. Analysts have limited time and access to them and, therefore, should be asking only the most important questions that could influence investment decisions. That makes sense, right? With limited time and access, analysts should focus on what matters. What struck me while reading this call transcript was how unhelpful the questions being asked were to shaping our own investment opinion.

 

In other words, the items of heightened importance to the investing community (as represented by the analysts who dialed in live and felt the urge to ask a question), were completely different from what we consider of heightened importance. Seemingly on another planet. Our team seeks out information that is simply different from that sought by typical analysts.

 

 

1

Abbott and Costello performed this sketch several times. Our feelings won’t be hurt if you stop reading now and track down one of their performances on YouTube.

2

As of August 31, 2021, the MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF held a 4.83% position in Alarm.com.

 

 

1

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Letter to Shareholders (continued)

August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

To put a finer point on this, I categorized the 11 questions that were asked on the call3. Only two of the 11 questions could be useful in our team’s analysis of Alarm.com’s business and investment potential. That is less than 20%! Five of the questions centered on next-quarter expectations or financial modeling and four other questions were, in our opinion, useless. [Useless may be a harsh classification, but these were questions pertaining to data that the company either discloses in its filings or could be deduced using available information.]

 

The obvious difference between the questions asked and the questions our team would have asked is orientation. I classified five questions as having a short-term orientation and only two as having a longer-term orientation. And really, the balance was closer to nine short-term and two long-term. The overwhelming tilt towards short-term orientation may help traders, but it doesn’t help long-term, patient owners of businesses. Unfortunately, what dominates most earnings calls and business news stories is oriented to the short-term. We view this as unhelpful, or worse, a distraction.

 

Who is on first base? Yes.

 

MARKET PERFORMANCE AND COMMENTARY

 

The full year period of September 1, 2020 through August 31, 2021 provides a novel storyline compared to recent history. First, let’s remember that the prior year (September 1, 2019 through August 31, 2020) included the first outbreak of COVID-19. In aggregate, stocks fell rapidly beginning in February 2020 and continued their decline into March 2020 as the world grappled with what a pandemic meant and didn’t. The peak to trough decline of US stocks was about 40%4. As time passed, the short- and long-term impacts were sorted, the vision of a new reality with an ever present coronavirus set in, and by August 2020, US stocks had regained their losses.

 

The recovery was not universal, of course. Growth stocks5 had returned to previous highs by June 2020 and ended the fiscal year ended August 31, 2020 up more than 35%. Value stocks6 recovered some of their losses, but did not eclipse their pre-coronavirus highs, and finished the fiscal year ended August 31, 2020 in negative territory. We retell this story to point out that, at the beginning of the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021, the performance disparity between Growth and Value stocks was remarkable -- greater than 40%!

 

Whether Value stocks looked dramatically more attractive, or seemed a better fit for fears of rising inflation and interest rates (two macroeconomic storylines that dominated the airwaves the first half of the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021), they began to outperform Growth stocks. The “catch-up” was in full effect. At its most dramatic, the performance differential between Value and Growth stocks exceeded 26%. By August 31, 2021 , Growth stocks had closed the gap to a single-digit differential, with both Value and Growth stocks notching greater than 30% gains for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021.

 

A similar catch-up phenomenon occurred with Small Capitalization stocks7. After trailing Mid and Large Capitalization stocks, Small Capitalization stocks advanced more than 47% during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021, besting Mid Capitalization stocks by 5% and Large Capitalization stocks by more than 12%. As US consumers benefited from government support and a rapid economic recovery seemed likely, the more economically sensitive and domestic focused Small Capitalization segment of the market soared.

 

 

3

I am not drawing from a widely accepted rubric of any sort, just applying my own judgement in good faith.

4

US stocks are represented by the Morningstar US Core TR Index. The index measures the performance of US stocks where neither growth nor value characteristics predominate.

 

5

Growth stocks are represented by the Morningstar US Growth Index. The index measures the performance of US stocks that are expected to grow at a faster pace than the rest of the market as measured by forward earnings, historical earnings, book value, cash flow and sales.

 

6

Value stocks are represented by the Morningstar US Value TR Index. The index measures the performance of stocks with relatively low prices given anticipated per-share earnings, book value, cash flow, sales and dividends.

 

7

Small Capitalization stocks are represented by the Morningstar US Small Cap TR Index. The index measures the performance of US stocks that fall between the 90th and 97th percentile in market capitalization of the investable universe. Mid Capitalization stocks are represented by the US Mid Cap TR Index. The index measures the performance of stocks that fall between the 70th and 90thpercentile in market capitalization of the investable universe. Large Capitalization stocks are represented by the Morningstar US Large Cap TR Index. The index measures the performance of stocks that represent the largest 70% capitalization of the investable universe.

 

2

 

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Letter to Shareholders (continued)

August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Outside the US, Global stocks8 recovered, too. However, negative consequences of the pandemic were, on average, more lasting and impactful with less access to vaccine production and distribution. Accordingly, the realized and anticipated pace of economic recovery were on average, slower, and Global stocks trailed the advance in US stocks.

 

FUND PERFORMANCE AND COMMENTARY

 

MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF

 

Amidst that backdrop, the MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF returned 32.00% during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021, slightly behind its benchmark’s return of 35.61% for the same period. Cumulatively since inception (coming up on three years!), the MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF has returned 117.99% versus 71.09% returns for the benchmark over the same period9.

 

The top three contributors to returns10 were Heska (+156%), Jones Lang LaSalle (+135%), and Paylocity Holding (+83%). Heska is the third-largest player in the companion animal diagnostics business. Demand strengthened during the pandemic as people stuck at home adopted pets at record levels. This coincided with Heska’s roll out of a revamped product lineup, continued growth in its core consumables business, and a strengthening vision and presence outside of the US. It was a banner year. Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), the second-largest global commercial real estate (CRE) services firm, benefited from better-than-feared CRE markets, share gains within its core service areas (leasing, outsourced property management, and capital markets), and impressive cost containment during the pandemic’s worst months. We expect JLL’s brand and reputation, global scale, network of highly-skilled real estate professionals, and expansive suite of services to allow ongoing share gains as large enterprises seek to consolidate their real estate spend and the institutionalization of CRE continues. Despite the pandemic’s initially bruising effect on small- and mid-sized businesses, the core customer for payroll and human capital software provider Paylocity, Paylocity’s results and growth remained quite strong. The company continues to poach clients from incumbents ADP and Paychex and displace homegrown solutions. We believe Paylocity’s product offering remains among the strongest in the industry, allowing it to attract highly-qualified sales professionals and strong programming talent, key to retaining its edge.

 

The bottom three contributors to returns were iRhythm Technologies (-71%), Proto Labs (-50%), and Upland Software (-22%). Our thesis for iRhythm was wrong, primarily with respect to the value of some of its core products. Gatekeepers who determine insurance reimbursement rates (and ultimately how much iRhythm can earn) slashed what they were willing to pay for iRhythm’s products — a clear cut stance on the ultimate value of those products to patients. Shortly after, iRhythm’s CEO stepped down (he had only been on the post for a few months) and a competitor released promising product news. Proto Labs is in the midst of a core platform rebuild, CEO transition, and large acquisition integration. It’s a formula for things to go awry, and Proto Labs’ stressed or outright shuttered manufacturing customers did not help the situation. It does not appear Proto Labs has emerged stronger from the pandemic. Upland Software is a relatively new purchase that appears to have been poorly timed. A market-wide sell-off of software stocks brought Upland along for the fall. We don’t currently see any notable cracks or changes in the company’s business fundamentals.

 

Motley Fool 100 Index ETF

 

The Motley Fool 100 Index ETF returned 25.74% during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021. During the same period, the Motley Fool 100 Index, which the Motley Fool 100 Index ETF is designed to track, returned 26.43% and the S&P 500 Index returned 31.17%. Cumulatively since inception (3.5 years and counting!), the Motley Fool 100 Index ETF returned 114.09%. Over that period, the Motley Fool 100 Index returned 117.98% and the S&P 500 Index returned 69.40%11.

 

 

8

Global stocks are represented by the S&P Global X-US BMI TR Index. The index measures stock market performance globally, excluding the US.

9

Returns are for Net Asset Value, net of fees and expenses. The market price returns for the MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF for the year ending 8/31/2021 was 31.91%, and since inception, was 118.02%. Inception of the MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF was 10/29/2018. The benchmark is the Russell 2000 Growth Total Return Index.

 

10

Contribution to return is a combination of average weighting in the portfolio and total return during the period.

 

11

Returns are for Net Asset Value, net of fees and expenses. The market price return for the Motley Fool 100 Index ETF for the year ended 8/31/2021 was 25.72%, and since inception, was 114.86%. Inception of the Motley Fool 100 Index ETF was 1/29/2018.

 

 

3

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Letter to Shareholders (continued)

August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

The Fund’s net asset value return differed from that of its underlying index, the Motley Fool 100 Index, due primarily to the deduction of management fees. Cash drag, transaction costs, and corporate actions contributed to the remaining tracking error.

 

As a passive implementation of active stock selection, the Fund’s performance in each period is reflective of the construction of its underlying index, the Motley Fool 100 Index, which is a market capitalization weighted portfolio of the 100 largest, liquid, high-conviction stock selections from the Motley Fool12. The Motley Fool 100 Index tends to have a top-heavy construction, so the largest holdings have a significant impact on overall performance. This was the case for the period ended August 31, 2021.

 

The top three contributors to the Motley Fool 100 Index ETF’s performance were Alphabet (+78%), Microsoft (+35%) and Apple (+18%). These three companies had a combined average portfolio weight during the period of nearly 30%. The bottom three contributors were Intel (-19%), Vertex Pharmaceuticals (-28%), and AirBnB (-18%). These three companies had a combined average portfolio weight during the period of just over 1%.

 

The Motley Fool 100 Index was also fairly concentrated in three sectors: Information Technology, Consumer Discretionary, and Communication Services. During the year ended August 31, 2021, the Fund reflected that fact with average weights in these sectors of 41%, 18%, and 18% respectively. The average returns for the stocks in all three of these sectors were positive and strongest returns were in the Communication Services industry.

 

A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT GAME

 

Being different is not a goal in and of itself. We may have different goals than the analysts on that Alarm.com earnings call and we clearly have a different set of beliefs about what matters. But time and time again, our interactions with other investors lead us to the same conclusion: having a long-term orientation — being patient owners of Quality businesses — is a differentiator and provides the basis for performance that is different from a benchmark index.

 

Over time, our aim is to achieve acceptable risk-adjusted returns, to grow and protect your investment. Our focus remains on patiently owning a collection of special, Quality businesses that will create winning outcomes for their stakeholders over time. Crafting the best mix of these opportunities is a never ending and never boring task. We continue to be proud of our results, but not satisfied, and ever humbled by your trust.

 

Onward,

 

 

Bryan Hinmon

 

Chief Investment Officer, Motley Fool Asset Management LLC

 

 

12

Motley Fool Asset Management LLC is a subsidiary of The Motley Fool. The Motley Fool is responsible for independently managing the Motley Fool 100 Index. To learn more about the index, see its website: https://www.fool100.com/

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Letter to Shareholders (concluded)

August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Past performance does not guarantee future results.

 

This report is submitted for general information to the shareholders of the Funds. It is not authorized for distribution unless preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus for the Funds. Opinions expressed are subject to change at any time, are not guaranteed, and should not be considered investment advice.

 

The value of the Funds’ investments may decrease, which will cause the value of the Funds’ shares to decrease. As a result, you may lose money on your investment in the Funds, and there can be no assurance that the Funds will achieve its investment objective. Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. The Funds are non-diversified, which means the NAV, market price and total returns may fluctuate or fall more than a diversified fund. Gains or losses on a single stock may have a greater impact on the Funds. The MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF is actively managed. The Motley Fool 100 Index ETF is not actively managed and the Adviser does not attempt to take defensive positions in any market conditions, including adverse markets. This Fund invests primarily in particular market capitalizations, including small-cap stocks, thus its performance will be especially sensitive to market conditions that particularly affect smaller capitalization companies. The stocks of quality growth companies can continue to be undervalued by the market for long periods of time. As a consequence of its investing style the Fund may underperform the market and its peers over short timeframes.

 

As with all ETFs, shares of the Funds may be bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices. Although it is expected that the market price of shares will approximate the Funds’ NAV, there may be times when the market price of shares is more than the NAV intra-day (premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (discount) due to supply and demand of shares or during periods of market volatility. Shares are not individually redeeming from the Funds and brokerage commissions will reduce returns.

 

Funds holdings and/or security allocations are subject to change at any time and are not recommendations to buy or sell any security. Please see the schedule of investments in this report for a full list of Funds holdings.

 

Diversification does not assure a profit nor protect against loss in a declining market.

 

The Russell 2000 Growth Total Return® Index measures the performance of those companies included in the Russell 2000 Index with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted earnings growth rates. The Russell 2000 Index measures the performance of approximately 2,000 companies with small-market capitalizations. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

Russell 1000 Growth Index is an unmanaged benchmark that measures the investment return of large- and mid-capitalization growth stocks.

 

Russell 1000 Value Index, a broadly diversified index predominantly made up of value stocks of large U.S. companies.

 

The Motley Fool 100 Index was established by The Motley Fool in 2017 and is a proprietary, rules-based index designed to track the performance of the 100 largest, most liquid U.S. companies that have been recommended by The Motley Fool’s analysts and newsletters.

 

The Motley Fool 100 Index ETF and MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF are distributed by Quasar Distributors, LLC. No other products mentioned are distributed by Quasar Distributors, LLC.

 

 

5

 

 

Motley Fool 100 Index ETF

Portfolio Characteristics

(Unaudited)

 

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIODS ENDED AUGUST 31, 2021

 

One
Year

Since
Inception

Inception
Date

Motley Fool 100 Index ETF

25.74%

23.65%

1/29/2018

Motley Fool 100 Index*

26.43%

24.27%(1)

S&P 500® Total Return Index**

31.17%

15.83%(1)

Fund Expense Ratio(2): 0.50%

     

 

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed or sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

(1)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

(2)

The expense ratio of the Fund is set forth according to the December 31, 2020 Prospectus for the Fund and may differ from the expense ratio disclosed in the Financial Highlights table in this report. See the Financial Highlights for most current expense ratio.

 

*

The Motley Fool 100 Index (“Fool 100 Index”) was developed by The Motley Fool, LLC (“The Motley Fool”), an affiliate of Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC (“Adviser”), in 2017 and is a proprietary, rules-based index designed to track the performance of the 100 largest, most liquid U.S. companies that have been recommended by The Motley Fool’s analysts and newsletters or the highest-rated stocks in Fool IQ, the company’s analyst opinion database. Every company included in the Fool 100 Index is incorporated and listed in the U.S. The Fool 100 Index is calculated and administered by Solactive AG (the “Index Calculation Agent”), which is not affiliated with the Fund, the Adviser or The Motley Fool. Additional information regarding the Fool 100 Index, including its value, is available on the websites of the Fund at www.mfamfunds.com and the Index Calculation Agent, at www.solactive.com. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

**

The S&P 500® Total Return Index is the total return version of the S&P 500® Index. Dividends are reinvested on a daily basis and all regular cash dividends are assumed reinvested in the index on the ex-dividend date. The S&P 500® Index is a market-capitalization-weighted index of 500 US stocks chosen for market size, liquidity and industry grouping, among other factors. The S&P 500® Index is designed to be a leading indicator of U.S. equities and is meant to reflect the risk/return characteristics of the large cap universe. The S&P 500® Index was first introduced on the 1st of January, 1923, though expanded to 500 stocks on March 4, 1957.

 

6

 

 

 

Motley Fool 100 Index ETF

Portfolio Characteristics (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

The following tables show the top ten holdings and sector allocations, in which the Motley Fool 100 Index ETF was invested in as of August 31, 2021. Portfolio holdings are subject to change without notice.

 

Top TEN Holdings

% OF Net
Assets

Apple, Inc.

11.9%

Microsoft Corp.

10.7

Alphabet, Inc., Class C

9.4

Amazon.com, Inc.

8.5

Facebook, Inc., Class A

5.0

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., Class B

3.2

Tesla, Inc.

3.1

NVIDIA Corp.

2.5

Visa, Inc., Class A

2.4

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

1.9

 

58.6%

 

The Motley Fool 100 Index ETF uses the Global Industry Classification StandardSM (“GICSSM”) as the basis for the classification of securities on the Schedule of Investments (“SOI”). We believe that this makes the SOI classifications more standard with the rest of the industry.

 

Sector Allocation

% OF Net
Assets

Information Technology

42.4%

Communication Services

19.2

Consumer Discretionary

17.0

Health Care

8.8

Financials

4.9

Industrials

3.3

Real Estate

1.4

Consumer Staples

1.2

Utilities

0.8

Materials

0.7

Energy

0.2

 

99.9%

 

 

7

 

 

MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF

Portfolio Characteristics

(Unaudited)

 

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIODS ENDED AUGUST 31, 2021

 

One
Year

Since
Inception

Inception
Date

MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF

32.00%

31.59%

10/29/2018

Russell 2000 Growth Total Return® Index*

35.61%

20.83%(1)

Fund Expense Ratio(2): 0.85%

     

 

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed or sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

(1)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

(2)

The expense ratio of the Fund is set forth according to the December 31, 2020 Prospectus for the Fund and may differ from the expense ratio disclosed in the Financial Highlights table in this report. See the Financial Highlights for most current expense ratio.

 

*

The Russell 2000 Growth Total Return® Index measures the performance of those companies included in the Russell 2000 Index with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted earnings growth rates. The Russell 2000 Index measures the performance of approximately 2,000 companies with small-market capitalizations.

 

8

 

 

 

MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF

Portfolio Characteristics (CONCLUDED)

(Unaudited)

 

The following tables show the top ten holdings and sector allocations, in which the MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF was invested in as of August 31, 2021. Portfolio holdings are subject to change without notice.

 

Top TEN Holdings

% OF Net
Assets

Heska Corp.

6.9%

Axon Enterprise, Inc.

4.9

Alarm.com Holdings, Inc.

4.8

Everbridge, Inc.

4.2

Watsco, Inc.

4.2

Goosehead Insurance, Inc., Class A

4.1

Penumbra, Inc.

4.0

Paylocity Holding Corp.

3.6

Globus Medical, Inc., Class A

3.5

PTC Therapeutics, Inc.

3.5

 

43.7%

 

The MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF uses GICSSM as the basis for the classification of securities on the Schedule of Investments.

 

Sector Allocation

% OF Net
Assets

Health Care

27.8%

Information Technology

26.9

Industrials

19.2

Real Estate

11.4

Consumer Discretionary

4.7

Financials

4.1

Communication Services

3.0

 

97.1%

 

 

9

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Fund Expense Examples

AUGUST 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund(s), you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including brokerage commissions on purchases and sales of Fund shares, and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund(s) and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other ETFs.

 

These examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period from March 1, 2021 through August 31, 2021, and held for the entire period.

 

Actual Expenses

 

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

 

Hypothetical Examples for Comparison Purposes

 

The second line of the accompanying table provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on each Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in a Fund and other funds. To do so, compare these 5% hypothetical examples with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the accompanying table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs. Therefore, the second line of the accompanying table 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.

 

Do you know how many times a fund, or the market, has returned a smooth 5% over a long period of time? Never. But we have to pick some example. In reality, the market’s returns are always far bumpier, with the market returning 20% one year, followed by a loss of 10% the next year, followed by a 3% gain,etc. These variations affect actual expenses as well. Happily, over almost all time periods of 20 years or longer, according to the research of University of Pennsylvania’s Jeremy Siegel and others, the domestic market’s returns have been at least 5% per year on average.

 

 

10

 

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Fund Expense Examples (Concluded)

AUGUST 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

 

Beginning
Account Value
MARCH 1,
2021

Ending
Account Value
AUGUST 31, 2021

Expenses
Paid During
Period*

Annualized
Expense
Ratio

Actual Six-Month Total Investment Returns
for the Funds

Motley Fool 100 Index ETF

         

Actual

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,202.20

$ 2.78

0.50%

20.22%

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

1,000.00

1,022.68

2.55

0.50

N/A

MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF

         

Actual

$ 1,000.00

$ 993.00

$ 4.27

0.85%

-0.70%

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

1,000.00

1,020.92

4.33

0.85

N/A

 

*

Expenses are equal to each Fund’s annualized expense ratio for the period March 1, 2021 through August 31, 2021, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184) in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by 365 to reflect the one-half year period. Each Fund’s ending account value in the first section in the table is based on the actual six-month total investment return for the Fund.

 

 

11

 

 

Motley Fool 100 Index ETF

Schedule of Investments

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 2)

 

 

               

Common Stocks — 99.9%

               

Aerospace & Defense — 0.2%

               

TransDigm Group, Inc. (United States)*

    1,452     $ 882,046  

Air Freight & Logistics — 0.3%

               

FedEx Corp. (United States)

    6,733       1,788,891  

Automobiles — 3.1%

               

Tesla, Inc. (United States)*

    22,559       16,597,107  

Beverages — 0.3%

               

Monster Beverage Corp. (United States)*

    13,619       1,328,806  

Biotechnology — 2.2%

               

Amgen, Inc. (United States)

    14,581       3,288,453  

Biogen, Inc. (United States)*

    4,247       1,439,351  

Gilead Sciences, Inc. (United States)

    31,663       2,304,433  

Moderna, Inc. (United States)*

    9,118       3,434,659  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (United States)*

    6,175       1,236,791  
              11,703,687  

Capital Markets — 1.3%

               

Charles Schwab Corp., (The) (United States)

    48,473       3,531,258  

CME Group, Inc. (United States)

    9,360       1,888,099  

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (United States)

    13,847       1,655,132  
              7,074,489  

Chemicals — 0.7%

               

Ecolab, Inc. (United States)

    7,475       1,684,566  

Sherwin-Williams Co., (The) (United States)

    6,805       2,066,474  
              3,751,040  

Commercial Services & Supplies — 0.7%

               

Cintas Corp. (United States)

    2,554       1,010,797  

Copart, Inc. (United States)*

    6,014       867,940  

Waste Management, Inc. (United States)

    10,808       1,676,429  
              3,555,166  

Consumer Finance — 0.2%

               

Discover Financial Services (United States)(a)

    7,748       993,449  

Diversified Financial Services — 3.2%

               

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., Class B (United States)*

    58,532       16,726,690  

 

 

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

 

12

 

 

 

Motley Fool 100 Index ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 2)

 

 

               

Common Stocks (continued)

               

Electric Utilities — 0.8%

               

NextEra Energy, Inc. (United States)

    50,984     $ 4,282,146  

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 0.2%

               

Corning, Inc. (United States)(a)

    21,068       842,509  

Entertainment — 3.4%

               

Activision Blizzard, Inc. (United States)(a)

    19,145       1,576,974  

Electronic Arts, Inc. (United States)

    7,186       1,043,479  

Netflix, Inc. (United States)*

    10,691       6,085,210  

Roku, Inc. (United States)*

    2,820       993,768  

Walt Disney Co., (The) (United States)*

    46,107       8,359,199  
              18,058,630  

Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 1.4%

               

American Tower Corp. (United States)

    11,548       3,373,979  

Crown Castle International Corp. (United States)

    11,088       2,158,723  

Equinix, Inc. (United States)

    2,344       1,977,047  
              7,509,749  

Food & Staples Retailing — 1.0%

               

Costco Wholesale Corp. (United States)

    11,094       5,053,206  

Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 1.9%

               

Align Technology, Inc. (United States)*

    2,030       1,439,270  

Becton Dickinson and Co. (United States)

    7,359       1,852,260  

DexCom, Inc. (United States)*

    2,448       1,296,020  

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (United States)*

    2,093       1,410,180  

Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (United States)*

    2,936       3,093,252  

ResMed, Inc. (United States)

    3,621       1,052,009  
              10,142,991  

Health Care Providers & Services — 2.9%

               

CVS Health Corp. (United States)

    34,034       2,940,197  

HCA Healthcare, Inc. (United States)

    8,582       2,171,075  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc. (United States)

    24,052       10,012,126  
              15,123,398  

 

 

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

 

 

13

 

 

Motley Fool 100 Index ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 2)

 

 

               

Common Stocks (continued)

               

Health Care Technology — 0.2%

               

Veeva Systems, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    3,804     $ 1,262,852  

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 2.0%

               

Airbnb, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    15,241       2,362,203  

Booking Holdings, Inc. (United States)*

    1,084       2,492,842  

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (United States)(a)*

    665       1,265,714  

Marriott International, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    8,721       1,178,556  

Starbucks Corp. (United States)

    30,016       3,526,580  
              10,825,895  

Industrial Conglomerates — 0.8%

               

3M Co. (United States)

    14,674       2,857,615  

Roper Technologies, Inc. (United States)

    2,642       1,276,826  
              4,134,441  

Insurance — 0.2%

               

Aflac, Inc. (United States)

    17,266       978,637  

Interactive Media & Services — 14.9%

               

Alphabet, Inc., Class C (United States)*

    16,991       49,430,897  

Facebook, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    69,465       26,353,632  

Match Group, Inc. (United States)*

    6,649       913,838  

Pinterest, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    14,786       821,658  

Twitter, Inc. (United States)*

    18,310       1,180,995  
              78,701,020  

Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 9.1%

               

Amazon.com, Inc. (United States)*

    12,969       45,012,675  

Chewy, Inc., Class A (United States)(a)*

    10,189       897,855  

eBay, Inc. (United States)

    16,063       1,232,675  

Wayfair, Inc., Class A (United States)(a)*

    2,612       733,319  
              47,876,524  

IT Services — 7.3%

               

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Class A (United States)

    13,677       1,043,692  

Mastercard, Inc., Class A (United States)

    25,955       8,986,400  

 

 

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

 

14

 

 

 

Motley Fool 100 Index ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 2)

 

 

               

Common Stocks (continued)

               

IT Services (continued)

               

Okta, Inc. (United States)*

    3,684     $ 971,102  

PayPal Holdings, Inc. (United States)*

    29,316       8,462,356  

Snowflake, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    7,760       2,361,756  

Square, Inc., Class A (United States)(a)*

    11,151       2,989,249  

Twilio, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    4,029       1,438,192  

Visa, Inc., Class A (United States)(a)

    54,794       12,553,305  
              38,806,052  

Leisure Products — 0.1%

               

Peloton Interactive, Inc., Class A (United States)(a)*

    6,621       663,358  

Life Sciences Tools & Services — 0.3%

               

Illumina, Inc. (United States)*

    3,628       1,658,577  

Machinery — 0.2%

               

Cummins, Inc. (United States)

    3,659       863,451  

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 0.2%

               

Kinder Morgan, Inc. (United States)

    58,471       951,323  

Pharmaceuticals — 1.2%

               

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. (United States)

    57,696       3,857,554  

Zoetis, Inc. (United States)

    12,146       2,484,586  
              6,342,140  

Professional Services — 0.2%

               

CoStar Group, Inc. (United States)*

    10,947       927,649  

Road & Rail — 1.0%

               

Uber Technologies, Inc. (United States)*

    45,595       1,784,588  

Union Pacific Corp. (United States)

    16,887       3,661,777  
              5,446,365  

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 5.1%

               

Broadcom, Inc. (United States)

    10,280       5,111,319  

Intel Corp. (United States)

    103,650       5,603,319  

Lam Research Corp. (United States)

    3,481       2,105,378  

NVIDIA Corp. (United States)

    58,873       13,178,721  

Xilinx, Inc. (United States)

    5,561       865,236  
              26,863,973  

 

 

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

 

 

15

 

 

Motley Fool 100 Index ETF

Schedule of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 2)

 

 

               

Common Stocks (continued)

               

Software — 17.9%

               

Adobe Systems, Inc. (United States)*

    11,895     $ 7,894,711  

Autodesk, Inc. (United States)*

    5,400       1,674,486  

Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (United States)*

    6,850       1,119,838  

Cloudflare, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    7,470       901,928  

Crowdstrike Holdings, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    5,399       1,517,119  

Datadog, Inc., Class A (United States)(a)*

    7,611       1,048,796  

DocuSign, Inc. (United States)*

    4,819       1,427,581  

Fortinet, Inc. (United States)*

    4,129       1,301,213  

Intuit, Inc. (United States)

    6,827       3,864,833  

Microsoft Corp. (United States)

    187,198       56,511,332  

Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (United States)(a)*

    2,517       1,160,438  

Salesforce.com, Inc. (United States)*

    23,750       6,300,163  

ServiceNow, Inc. (United States)*

    4,922       3,167,996  

Synopsys, Inc. (United States)*

    3,756       1,247,893  

VMware, Inc., Class A (United States)(a)*

    10,437       1,553,756  

Workday, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    6,284       1,716,537  

Zoom Video Communications, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    7,130       2,064,135  
              94,472,755  

Specialty Retail — 1.6%

               

Home Depot, Inc., (The) (United States)

    26,205       8,547,547  

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 11.9%

               

Apple, Inc. (United States)

    413,721       62,815,259  

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 1.1%

               

NIKE, Inc., Class B (United States)

    34,092       5,616,316  

Wireless Telecommunication Services — 0.8%

               

T-Mobile US, Inc. (United States)

    32,124       4,401,631  

Total Common Stocks (Cost $312,220,017)

            527,569,765  

 

 

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

 

16

 

 

 

Motley Fool 100 Index ETF

Schedule of Investments (Concluded)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 2)

 

 

               

Rights — 0.0%

               

Altaba, Inc. - Escrow Shares (United States)*

    8,565     $ 61,239  

Total Rights (Cost $30,083)

            61,239  
                 

Investments Purchased with Proceeds from Securities Lending Collateral — 4.8%

               

Mount Vernon Liquid Assets Portfolio, LLC, 0.09%

    25,180,752       25,180,752  

Total Investments Purchased with Proceeds from Securities Lending Collateral (Cost $25,180,752)

            25,180,752  
                 

Short-Term Investments — 0.1%

               

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 0.01% (United States)(b)

    298,116       298,116  

Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $298,116)

            298,116  
                 

Total Investments (Cost $337,728,968) — 104.8%

            553,109,872  

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (4.8)%

            (25,098,373 )

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

               

(Applicable to 12,525,000 shares outstanding)

          $ 528,011,499  

 

*

Non-income producing security.

 

(a)

All or a portion of the security is on loan. At August 31, 2021, the market value of securities on loan was $24,500,142.

 

(b)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2021.

 

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

 

 

17

 

 

MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF

Schedule of Investments

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 2)

 
                 

Common Stocks — 97.0%

               

Aerospace & Defense — 6.8%

               

Axon Enterprise, Inc. (United States)*

    51,068     $ 9,287,737  

RADA Electronic Industries Ltd. (Israel)*

    320,749       3,659,746  
              12,947,483  

Auto Components — 3.5%

               

Fox Factory Holding Corp. (United States)*

    42,968       6,602,893  

Biotechnology — 7.0%

               

PTC Therapeutics, Inc. (United States)(a)*

    153,220       6,688,053  

Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical, Inc. (United States)*

    68,461       6,592,110  
              13,280,163  

Building Products — 2.7%

               

Trex Co., Inc. (United States)(a)*

    45,786       5,025,471  

Diversified Consumer Services — 1.2%

               

Frontdoor, Inc. (United States)*

    53,471       2,332,405  

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 2.5%

               

NLight, Inc. (United States)(a)*

    168,530       4,653,113  

Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 2.2%

               

STAG Industrial, Inc. (United States)

    98,809       4,174,680  

Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 16.4%

               

Globus Medical, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    82,124       6,701,318  

Heska Corp. (United States)(a)*

    48,921       12,978,741  

Mesa Laboratories, Inc. (United States)(a)

    14,240       3,800,941  

Penumbra, Inc. (United States)(a)*

    27,342       7,517,683  
              30,998,683  

Health Care Providers & Services — 3.1%

               

HealthEquity, Inc. (United States)(a)*

    90,679       5,818,871  

Health Care Technology — 1.2%

               

Schrodinger, Inc. (United States)(a)*

    39,357       2,349,219  

Insurance — 4.1%

               

Goosehead Insurance, Inc., Class A (United States)(a)

    53,304       7,823,961  

 

 

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

 

18

 

 

 

MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF

Schedule of Investments (CONTINUED)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 2)

 
                 

Common Stocks (continued)

               

Machinery — 3.1%

               

John Bean Technologies Corp. (United States)

    40,602     $ 5,923,426  

Media — 3.0%

               

Cardlytics, Inc. (United States)*

    62,798       5,700,803  

Real Estate Management & Development — 9.2%

               

Howard Hughes Corp., (The) (United States)*

    58,314       5,279,166  

Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc. (United States)*

    25,569       6,198,693  

Newmark Group, Inc., Class A (United States)

    440,893       6,004,963  
              17,482,822  

Road & Rail — 2.4%

               

Landstar System, Inc. (United States)

    26,970       4,531,769  

Software — 24.4%

               

Alarm.com Holdings, Inc. (United States)*

    108,490       9,148,962  

Everbridge, Inc. (United States)(a)*

    50,306       7,896,533  

Paylocity Holding Corp. (United States)*

    25,045       6,742,114  

Ping Identity Holding Corp. (United States)(a)*

    227,050       5,891,947  

Q2 Holdings, Inc. (United States)(a)*

    67,321       5,930,307  

Smartsheet, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    79,099       6,293,907  

Upland Software, Inc. (United States)*

    110,170       4,294,427  
              46,198,197  

Trading Companies & Distributors — 4.2%

               

Watsco, Inc. (United States)

    28,272       7,871,490  

Total Common Stocks (Cost $133,103,370)

            183,715,449  
                 

Investments Purchased with Proceeds from Securities Lending Collateral — 22.2%

               

Mount Vernon Liquid Assets Portfolio, LLC, 0.09%

    42,120,103       42,120,103  

Total Investments Purchased with Proceeds from Securities Lending Collateral (Cost $42,120,103)

            42,120,103  
                 

 

 

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

 

 

19

 

 

MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF

Schedule of Investments (Concluded)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 2)

 
                 

Short-Term Investments — 3.0%

               

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 0.01% (United States)(b)*

    5,773,743     $ 5,773,743  

Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $5,773,743)

            5,773,743  
                 

Total Investments (Cost $180,997,216) — 122.2%

            231,609,295  

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (22.2)%

            (42,227,706 )

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

               

(Applicable to 4,650,000 shares outstanding)

          $ 189,381,589  

 

*

Non-income producing security.

 

(a)

All or a portion of the security is on loan. At August 31, 2021, the market value of securities on loan was $41,564,500.

 

(b)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2021.

 

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

 

20

 

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

 

 

Motley
Fool 100
Index ETF

   

MFAM
Small-Cap
Growth ETF

 

ASSETS

               

Investments in securities at value (cost $312,250,100 and $133,103,370, respectively)^

  $ 527,631,004     $ 183,715,449  

Investments purchased with proceeds from securities lending collateral, at value (cost $25,180,752 and $42,120,103, respectively)

    25,180,752       42,120,103  

Short-term investments, at value (cost $298,116 and $5,773,743, respectively)

    298,116       5,773,743  

Receivables for:

               

Dividends

    300,256       24,741  

Total assets

    553,410,128       231,634,036  
                 

LIABILITIES

               

Payables for:

               

Securities lending collateral (see Note 7)

    25,180,752       42,120,103  

Advisory fees

    217,877       132,344  

Total liabilities

    25,398,629       42,252,447  

Net assets

  $ 528,011,499     $ 189,381,589  
                 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

               

Par value

  $ 12,525     $ 4,650  

Paid-in capital

    313,968,327       135,544,404  

Total distributable earnings/(losses)

    214,030,647       53,832,535  

Net assets

  $ 528,011,499     $ 189,381,589  
                 

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    12,525,000       4,650,000  

Net asset value, price per share

    42.16       40.73  

^ Includes market value of securities on loan

  $ 24,500,142     $ 41,564,500  

 

 

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

 

 

21

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Statements of Operations

FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2021

 

 

 

Motley
Fool 100
Index ETF

   

MFAM
Small-Cap
Growth ETF

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

               

Dividends

  $ 2,651,423     $ 519,173  

Securities lending income

    26,419       33,726  

Total investment income

    2,677,842       552,899  
                 

EXPENSES

               

Advisory fees (Note 3)

    2,069,521       1,391,652  

Total expenses

    2,069,521       1,391,652  

Net investment income/(loss)

    608,321       (838,753 )
                 

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS

               

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    2,658,198       4,922,086  

Net realized gain/(loss) from redemption in-kind

    1,292,625       6,107,817  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    98,157,416       26,857,789  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    102,108,239       37,887,692  

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 102,716,560     $ 37,048,939  

 

 

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

 

22

 

 

 

Motley Fool 100 Index ETF

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

 

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2021

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2020

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 608,321     $ 972,337  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    3,950,823       2,822,268  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    98,157,416       96,115,567  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    102,716,560       99,910,172  
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (1,629,559 )     (1,030,211 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (1,629,559 )     (1,030,211 )
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    92,015,882       75,805,220  

Shares redeemed

    (2,638,120 )     (23,009,180 )

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

    89,377,762       52,796,040  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    190,464,763       151,676,001  
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    337,546,736       185,870,735  

End of period

  $ 528,011,499     $ 337,546,736  
                 

SHARES TRANSACTIONS:

               

Shares sold

    2,575,000       2,750,000  

Shares redeemed

    (75,000 )     (1,000,000 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    2,500,000       1,750,000  

 

 

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

 

 

23

 

 

MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

 

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2021

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2020

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ (838,753 )   $ (222,384 )

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    11,029,903       9,609,632  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    26,857,789       18,317,993  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    37,048,939       27,705,241  
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (8,371,857 )     (979,168 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (8,371,857 )     (979,168 )
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    68,065,890       23,164,892  

Shares redeemed

    (14,105,940 )     (14,299,738 )

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

    53,959,950       8,865,154  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    82,637,032       35,591,227  
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    106,744,557       71,153,330  

End of period

  $ 189,381,589     $ 106,744,557  
                 

SHARES TRANSACTIONS:

               

Shares sold

    1,750,000       850,000  

Shares redeemed

    (375,000 )     (625,000 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    1,375,000       225,000  

 

 

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

 

24

 

 

 

Motley Fool 100 Index ETF

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

 

YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,

   

For the
Period
Ended
august 31,

 

 

 

2021

   

2020

   

2019

   

2018(1)

 

PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE

                               

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 33.67     $ 22.46     $ 22.10     $ 20.00  

Net investment income/(loss)(2)

    0.05       0.11       0.15       0.08  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    8.59       11.23       0.32       2.02  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    8.64       11.34       0.47       2.10  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                               

Net investment income

    (0.10 )     (0.13 )     (0.11 )      

Net realized capital gains

    (0.05 )                  

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.15 )     (0.13 )     (0.11 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 42.16     $ 33.67     $ 22.46     $ 22.10  

Market value, end of period

  $ 42.20     $ 33.66     $ 22.42     $ 22.13  

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value(3)

    25.74 %     50.67 %     2.27 %     10.49 %(5)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price(4)

    25.91 %     50.89 %     1.93 %     10.65 %(5)

RATIO/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

                               

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 528,011     $ 337,547     $ 185,871     $ 140,879  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

    0.50 %     0.50 %     0.50 %     0.50 %(6)

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    0.15 %     0.43 %     0.69 %     0.68 %(6)

Portfolio turnover rate

    23 %     26 %     26 %     10 %(5)

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund was January 29, 2018.

 

(2)

Per share data calculated using average shares outstanding method.

 

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

 

(4)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the market price on the first day of the period, reinvestment of dividends and distributions at market price during the period and redemption at market price on the last day of the period.

 

(5)

Not annualized.

 

(6)

Annualized.

 

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

 

 

25

 

 

MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss) return, ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

 

YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,

   

FOR THE
PERIOD
ENDED
AUGUST 31,

 

 

 

2021

   

2020

   

2019(1)

 

PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE

                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 32.59     $ 23.33     $ 20.00  

Net investment income/(loss)(2)

    (0.19 )     (0.07 )     (3) 

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    10.48       9.67       3.33  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    10.29       9.60       3.33  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                       

Net realized capital gains

    (2.15 )     (0.34 )      

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (2.15 )     (0.34 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 40.73     $ 32.59     $ 23.33  

Market value, end of period

  $ 40.74     $ 32.68     $ 23.34  

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value(4)

    32.00 %     41.58 %     16.65 %(6)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price(5)

    31.54 %     41.88 %     16.69 %(6)

RATIO/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 189,382     $ 106,745     $ 71,153  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

    0.85 %     0.85 %     0.85 %(7)

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    (0.51 )%     (0.29 )%     (0.01 )%(7)

Portfolio turnover rate

    21 %     27 %     21 %(6)

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund was October 29, 2018.

 

(2)

Per share data calculated using average shares outstanding method.

 

(3)

Amount rounds to less than 0.01 per share.

 

(4)

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

 

(5)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the market price on the first day of the period, reinvestment of dividends and distributions at market price during the period and redemption at market price on the last day of the period.

 

(6)

Not annualized.

 

(7)

Annualized.

 

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

 

26

 

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The RBB Fund, Inc. (“RBB” or the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland on February 29, 1988 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. RBB is a “series fund,” which is a mutual fund divided into separate portfolios. Each portfolio is treated as a separate entity for certain matters under the 1940 Act, and for other purposes, and a shareholder of one portfolio is not deemed to be a shareholder of any other portfolio. Currently, RBB has thirty-nine separate investment portfolios, including the Motley Fool 100 Index ETF (the “Fool 100 Fund”) and the MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF (“Small-Cap Growth Fund”) (each a “Fund” and together the “Funds”). The Fool 100 Fund and Small-Cap Growth Fund commenced investment operations on January 29, 2018 and October 29, 2018, respectively.

 

RBB has authorized capital of one hundred billion shares of common stock of which 88.223 billion shares are currently classified into one hundred and ninety-three classes of common stock. Each class represents an interest in an active or inactive RBB investment portfolio.

 

The investment objective of the Fool 100 Fund is to achieve investment results that correspond (before fees and expenses) generally to the total return performance of the Motley Fool 100 Index (the “Fool 100 Index”). The Fool 100 Index was developed by The Motley Fool, LLC (“The Motley Fool”), an affiliate of the Adviser, in 2017 and is a proprietary, rules-based index designed to track the performance of the 100 largest, most liquid U.S. companies that have been recommended by The Motley Fool’s analysts and newsletters or the highest-rated stocks in Fool IQ, the company’s analyst opinion database. Every company include in the Fool 100 Index is incorporated and listed in the U.S. The investment objective of the Small-Cap Growth Fund is to achieve long-term capital appreciation.

 

The Funds are investment companies and follow accounting and reporting guidance in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 “Financial Services - Investment Companies”.

 

The end of the reporting period for the Funds is August 31, 2021, and the period covered by these Notes to Financial Statements is the fiscal period ended August 31, 2021 (the “current fiscal period”).

 

PORTFOLIO VALUATION — Each Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. Securities held by the Funds are valued using the closing price or the last sale price on a national securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System (“NASDAQ”) market system where they are primarily traded. Equity securities traded in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market are valued at their closing prices. If there were no transactions on that day, securities traded principally on an exchange or on NASDAQ will be valued at the mean of the last bid and ask prices prior to the market close. Fixed income securities are valued using an independent pricing service, which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings, and are deemed representative of market values at the close of the market. Foreign securities are valued based on prices from the primary market in which they are traded, and are translated from the local currency into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates. If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable, securities will be valued in accordance with procedures adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). Relying on prices supplied by pricing services or dealers or using fair valuation may result in values that are higher or lower than the values used by other investment companies and investors to price the same investments. Such procedures use fundamental valuation methods, which may include, but are not limited to, an analysis of the effect of any restrictions on the resale of the security, industry analysis and trends, significant changes in the issuer’s financial position, and any other event which could have a significant impact on the value of the security. Determination of fair value involves subjective judgment as the actual market value of a particular security can be established only by negotiations between the parties in a sales transaction, and the difference between the recorded fair value and the value that would be received in a sale could be significant.

 

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS — The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the Funds’ investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:

 

 

Level 1 – Prices are determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.

 

 

Level 2 – Prices are determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

 

27

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

 

Level 3 – Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs (including the Funds’ own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

 

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used, as of the end of the reporting period, in valuing the Funds’ investments carried at fair value:

 

FOOL 100 FUND

 

 

 

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

   

INVESTMENTS
MEASURED
AT NET ASSET
VALUE^

 

Common Stocks

  $ 527,569,765     $ 527,569,765     $     $     $  

Rights

    61,239                   61,239        

Investments Purchased with Proceeds From Securities Lending Collateral

    25,180,752                         25,180,752  

Short-Term Investments

    298,116       298,116                    

Total Investments*

  $ 553,109,872     $ 527,867,881     $     $ 61,239     $ 25,180,752  

 

SMALL-CAP GROWTH FUND

 

 

 

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

   

INVESTMENTS
MEASURED
AT NET ASSET
VALUE^

 

Common Stocks

  $ 183,715,449     $ 183,715,449     $     $     $  

Investments Purchased with Proceeds From Securities Lending Collateral

    42,120,103                         42,120,103  

Short-Term Investments

    5,773,743       5,773,743                    

Total Investments*

  $ 231,609,295     $ 189,489,192     $     $     $ 42,120,103  

 

*

Please refer to the Schedule of Investments for further details.

 

^

Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in the table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

At the end of each quarter, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities. Various factors are considered, such as changes in liquidity from the prior reporting period; whether or not a broker is willing to execute at the quoted price; the depth and consistency of prices from third party pricing services; and the existence of contemporaneous, observable trades in the market. Additionally, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities on a quarterly basis for changes in listings or delistings on national exchanges.

 

Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Funds’ investments may fluctuate from period to period. Additionally, the fair value of investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for such investments and may differ materially from the values the Funds may ultimately realize. Further, such investments may be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities.

 

28

 

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

For fair valuations using significant unobservable inputs, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires each Fund to present a reconciliation of the beginning to ending balances for reported market values that presents changes attributable to total realized and unrealized gains or losses, purchase and sales, and transfers in and out of Level 3 during the period. Transfers in and out between levels are based on values at the end of the period. A reconciliation of Level 3 investments is presented only when a Fund had an amount of Level 3 investments at the end of the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets. The amounts and reasons for all Level 3 transfers are disclosed if a Fund had an amount of total Level 3 transfers during the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets as of the end of the reporting period.

 

During the current fiscal period, the Funds had no Level 3 transfers.

 

USE OF ESTIMATES — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences could be significant.

 

INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS, INVESTMENT INCOME AND EXPENSES — The Funds record security transactions based on trade date for financial reporting purposes. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method for both financial reporting and income tax purposes in determining realized gains and losses on investments. Interest income (including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts) is accrued when earned. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or capital gains are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. Certain expenses are shared with PENN Capital Funds Trust (the “Trust”), a series trust of affiliated funds. Expenses incurred on behalf of a specific class, fund or fund family of the Company or Trust are charged directly to the class, fund or fund family (in proportion to net assets). Expenses incurred for all funds (such as director or professional fees) are charged to all funds in proportion to their average net assets of RBB and the Trust, or in such other manner as the Board deems fair or equitable. Expenses and fees, including investment advisory fees, are accrued daily and taken into account for the purpose of determining the NAV of each Fund.

 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS — Each Fund pays dividends from its net investment income and distributes any net capital gains that it realizes. Dividends and capital gains distributions are generally paid once a year and as required to comply with federal excise tax requirements. Distributions to shareholders are determined in accordance with tax regulations and recorded on ex dividend date. Additionally, each Fund reports details of distribution-related transactions on quarterly account statements. You may not receive a separate confirmation statement for these transactions.

 

U.S. TAX STATUS — No provision is made for U.S. income taxes as it is the Funds’ intention to continue to qualify for and elect the tax treatment applicable to regulated investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and make the requisite distributions to its shareholders which will be sufficient to relieve it from U.S. income and excise taxes.

 

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) PANDEMIC — The global outbreak of COVID-19 (commonly referred to as “coronavirus”) has disrupted economic markets and the prolonged economic impact is uncertain. Although vaccines for COVID-19 are becoming more widely available, the ultimate economic fallout from the pandemic, and the long-term impact on economies, markets, industries and individual issuers are not known. The operational and financial performance of the issuers of securities in which the Funds invest depends on future developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak and the pace of recovery which may vary from market to market, and such uncertainty may in turn adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Funds’ investments, impair the Funds’ ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the Funds’ performance.

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates market value.

 

OTHER — In the normal course of business, the Funds may enter into contracts that provide general indemnifications. Each Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on claims that may be made against the Funds in the future, and, therefore, cannot be estimated; however, the Funds expect the risk of material loss from such claims to be remote.

 

 

29

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

2. Investment Policies and Practices

 

The sections below describe some of the different types of investments that may be made by the Funds and the investment practices in which the Funds may engage.

 

TYPES OF FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES — Each Fund may invest in bonds and other types of debt obligations of U.S. and foreign issuers. Fixed income securities purchased by a Fund may include, among others, bonds, notes, and debentures issued by corporations; debt securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or one of its agencies or instrumentalities (“U.S. Government Securities”); municipal securities; mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities; and debt securities issued or guaranteed by foreign governments, their agencies, instrumentalities, or political subdivisions, or by government-owned, -controlled, or -sponsored entities, including central banks. These investments also include money market instruments and other types of obligations. Investors should recognize that, although securities ratings issued by S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”), a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., and Moody’s Investors Services©, Inc. (“Moody’s”), provide a generally useful guide as to credit risks, they do not offer any criteria to evaluate interest rate risk. Changes in interest rate levels generally cause fluctuations in the prices of fixed-income securities and will, therefore, cause fluctuations in the NAV per share of a Fund. Subsequent to the purchase of a fixed-income security by a Fund, the ratings or credit quality of such security may deteriorate. Any such subsequent adverse changes in the rating or quality of a security held by a Fund would not require a Fund to sell the security.

 

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS — Real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) are pooled investment vehicles that manage a portfolio of real estate or real estate-related loans to earn profits for their shareholders. REITs are generally classified as equity REITs, mortgage REITs, or a combination of equity and mortgage REITs. Investing in REITs involves certain unique risks in addition to those risks associated with investing in the real estate industry in general. Equity REITs may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property owned by the REITs, while mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of the borrower on any credit extended. REITs are dependent upon management skills, may not be diversified geographically or by property type, and are subject to heavy cash-flow dependency, default by borrowers, and self-liquidation. REITs must also meet certain requirements under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), to avoid entity level tax and be eligible to pass through certain tax attributes of their income to shareholders. REITs are consequently subject to the risk of failing to meet these requirements for favorable tax treatment and of failing to maintain their exemptions from registration under the 1940 Act. REITs are also subject to the risks of changes in the Code, affecting their tax status.

 

REITs (especially mortgage REITs) are also subject to interest rate risks. When interest rates decline, the value of a REIT’s investment in fixed-rate obligations can be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of a REIT’s investment in fixed-rate obligations can be expected to decline. In contrast, as interest rates on adjustable-rate mortgage loans are reset periodically, yields on a REIT’s investments in such loans will gradually align themselves to reflect changes in market interest rates, causing the value of such investments to fluctuate less dramatically in response to interest rate fluctuations than would investments in fixed-rate obligations.

 

The management of a REIT may be subject to conflicts of interest with respect to the operation of the business of the REIT and may be involved in real estate activities competitive with the REIT. REITs may own properties through joint ventures or in other circumstances in which a REIT may not have control over its investments. REITs may use significant amounts of leverage.

 

REITs often do not provide complete tax information until after the end of the calendar year. Consequently, because of the delay, it may be necessary for a Fund, if invested in REITs, to request permission to extend the deadline for issuance of Forms 1099-DIV beyond January 31. Alternatively, amended Forms 1099-DIV may be sent.

 

TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS — During periods of adverse market or economic conditions, a Fund may temporarily invest all or a substantial portion of its assets in high-quality, fixed-income securities, money market instruments, and shares of money market mutual funds, or it may hold cash. At such times, a Fund would not be pursuing its stated investment objective with its usual investment strategies. A Fund may also hold these investments for liquidity purposes. Fixed-income securities will be deemed to be of high quality if they are rated “A” or better by S&P or Moody’s or, if unrated, are determined to be of comparable quality by the Adviser. Money market instruments are high-quality, short-term fixed income obligations (which generally have remaining maturities of one year or less), and may include U.S. Government Securities, commercial paper, certificates of deposit and banker’s acceptances issued by domestic branches of United States banks that are members of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and repurchase agreements for US. Government Securities. In lieu of purchasing money market instruments, a Fund may purchase shares of money market mutual funds that invest primarily in U.S. Government Securities and repurchase

 

30

 

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

agreements involving those securities, subject to certain limitations imposed by the 1940 Act. A Fund, as an investor in a money market fund, will indirectly bear the fees and expenses of the money market fund. These indirect fees and expenses will be in addition to the fees and expenses of the Funds. Repurchase agreements involve certain risks not associated with direct investments in debt securities.

 

3. INVESTMENT adviser and other services

 

Each Fund pays all of its expenses other than those expressly assumed by Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC (the “Adviser”). Expenses of each Fund are deducted from the Fund’s total income before dividends are paid. Subject to the supervision of the Board, the Adviser manages the overall investment operations of each Fund in accordance with the Fund’s respective investment objective and policies and formulates a continuing investment strategy for each Fund pursuant to the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreements between the Adviser and the Company on behalf of each Fund. The Adviser is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Motley Fool Investment Management, LLC, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Motley Fool Holdings Inc. (“TMF Holdings”), a multimedia financial-services holding company that also owns The Motley Fool, which publishes investment information and analysis across a wide range of media, including investment newsletter services, websites, and books. TMF Holdings is controlled by David Gardner and Tom Gardner, along with other private shareholders. The Funds compensate the Adviser with a unitary management fee for its services at an annual rate of 0.50% for the Fool 100 Fund and 0.85% for the Small-Cap Growth Fund; based on each Fund’s average daily net assets (the “Advisory Fee”), payable on a monthly basis in arrears. From the Advisory Fee, the Adviser pays most of the expenses of each Fund, including the cost of transfer agency, custody, fund administration, legal, audit and other services. However, the Adviser is not responsible for interest expenses, brokerage commissions and other trading expenses, fees and expenses of independent directors and their independent counsel, taxes and other extraordinary costs such as litigation and other expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of business.

 

During the current fiscal period, investment advisory fees accrued were as follows:

 

FUND

 

ADVISORY FEES

 

Fool 100 Fund

  $ 2,069,521  

Small-Cap Growth Fund

    1,391,652  

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (“Fund Services”), doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, serves as administrator for the Funds. For providing administrative and accounting services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Fund Services serves as the Funds’ transfer and dividend disbursing agent. For providing transfer agent services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

U.S. Bank, N.A. (the “Custodian”) provides certain custodial services to the Funds. The Custodian is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Quasar Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of Foreside Financial Group, LLC, serves as the principal underwriter and distributor of the Funds’ shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with RBB.

 

Under the Fund’s unitary fee, the Adviser compensates Fund Services and the Custodian for its services provided.

 

DIRECTOR AND OFFICER COMPENSATION — The Directors of the Company receive an annual retainer and meeting fees for meetings attended. An employee of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serves as President and Chief Compliance Officer of the Company. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company. Employees of RBB serve as Treasurer, Secretary and Director of Marketing & Business Development of the Company. They are compensated for services provided. Certain employees of Fund Services serve as officers of the Company. They are not compensated by the Funds or the Company. Until October 1, 2020, an employee of Vigilant Compliance, LLC served as Chief Compliance Officer of the Adviser. Neither the Funds nor the Company compensated this individual or Vigilant Compliance, LLC for the services provided to Motley Fool Asset Management. For Director and Officer compensation amounts, please refer to the Statements of Operations.

 

 

31

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

4. PURCHASES AND SALES OF INVESTMENT SECURITIES

 

During the current fiscal period, aggregate purchases and sales and maturities of investment securities (excluding in-kind transactions and short-term investments) of the Funds were as follows:

 

FUND

 

PURCHASES

   

SALES

 

Fool 100 Fund

  $ 97,713,036     $ 96,685,910  

Small-Cap Growth Fund

    33,333,790       42,164,647  

 

There were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. Government Securities during the current fiscal period.

 

During the current fiscal period, aggregate purchases and sales and maturities of in-kind transactions of the Funds were as follows:

 

FUND

 

PURCHASES

   

SALES

 

Fool 100 Fund

  $ 90,221,262     $ 2,587,485  

Small-Cap Growth Fund

    65,066,489       13,599,079  

 

5. Federal Income tax information

 

The Funds have followed the authoritative guidance on accounting for and disclosure of uncertainty in tax positions, which requires the Funds to determine whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The Funds have determined that there was no effect on the financial statements from following this authoritative guidance. In the normal course of business, the Funds are subject to examination by federal, state and local jurisdictions, where applicable, for tax years for which applicable statutes of limitations have not expired.

 

As of August 31, 2021, the federal tax cost, aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of securities held by the Funds were as follows:

 

FUND

 

FEDERAL
TAX COST

   

UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION

   

UNREALIZED
(DEPRECIATION)

   

NET UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION/
(DEPRECIATION)

 

Fool 100 Fund

  $ 340,404,928     $ 217,892,162     $ (5,187,218 )   $ 212,704,944  

Small-Cap Growth Fund

    181,017,375       57,610,757       (7,018,837 )     50,591,920  

 

Distributions to shareholders, if any, from net investment income and realized gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from net investment income and realized gains recognized for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the character of distributions and composition of net assets for tax purposes may differ from those reflected in the accompanying financial statements. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on the tax treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.

 

32

 

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

The following permanent differences as of August 31, 2021, primarily attributable to foreign currency transactions and in-kind redemptions gains, were reclassified among the following accounts:

 

FUND

 

DISTRIBUTABLE
EARNINGS/(LOSS)

   

PAID-IN
CAPITAL

 

Fool 100 Fund

  $ (1,277,059 )   $ 1,277,059  

Small-Cap Growth Fund

    (5,844,417 )     5,844,417  

 

As of August 31, 2021, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

FUND

 

UNDISTRIBUTED
ORDINARY
INCOME

   

UNDISTRIBUTED
LONG-TERM
CAPITAL GAINS

   

CAPITAL
LOSS
CARRYOVER

   

QUALIFIED
LATE-YEAR
LOSS DEFERRAL

   

OTHER

   

UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION/
(DEPRECIATION)

   

Total

 

Fool 100 Fund

  $ 311,015     $ 1,014,688     $     $     $     $ 212,704,944     $ 214,030,647  

Small-Cap Growth Fund

          3,829,513             (588,898 )           50,591,920       53,832,535  

 

The differences between the book and tax basis components of distributable earnings relate primarily to the timing of recognition of income and gains for federal income tax purposes.

 

The tax character of dividends and distributions paid during the fiscal periods ended August 31, 2021 and August 31, 2020 were as follows:

 

FUND

 

TAX
YEAR

   

ORDINARY
INCOME

   

LONG-TERM
CAPITAL GAIN

   

TOTAL

 

Fool 100 Fund

    2021     $ 1,067,239     $ 562,320     $ 1,629,559  
      2020       1,030,211             1,030,211  

Small-Cap Growth Fund

    2021       454,925       7,916,932       8,371,857  
      2020       966,374       12,794       979,168  

 

Dividends from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income dividends for federal income tax purposes.

 

Pursuant to federal income tax rules applicable to regulated investment companies, the Funds may elect to treat certain capital losses between November 1 and August 31 and late year ordinary losses ((i) ordinary losses between January 1 and August 31, and (ii) specified ordinary and currency losses between November 1 and August 31) as occurring on the first day of the following tax year. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021, any amount of losses elected within the tax return will not be recognized for federal income tax purposes until September 1, 2021. The Small-Cap Growth Fund deferred qualified late-year losses of $588,898 which will be treated as arising on the first business day of the following fiscal year.

 

6. SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

Shares of the Funds are listed and trade on the Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc. (the “Exchange”). Market prices for the shares may be different from their NAV. Each Fund issues and redeems shares on a continuous basis at NAV only in blocks of 25,000 shares, called “Creation Units.” Creation Units are issued and redeemed principally in-kind for securities included in a specified universe. Once created, shares generally trade in the secondary market at market prices that change throughout the day. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, shares are not redeemable securities of each Fund. Creation Units may only be purchased or redeemed by certain financial institutions (“Authorized Participants”). An Authorized Participant is either (i) a broker-dealer or other participant in the

 

 

33

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

clearing process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the National Securities Clearing Corporation or (ii) a Depository Trust Company participant and, in each case, must have executed a Participant Agreement with the Distributor. Most retail investors do not qualify as Authorized Participants nor have the resources to buy and sell whole Creation Units. Therefore, they are unable to purchase or redeem shares directly from each Fund. Rather, most retail investors may purchase shares in the secondary market with the assistance of a broker and are subject to customary brokerage commissions or fees.

 

Each Fund currently offers one class of shares, which has no front-end sales load, no deferred sales charge, and no redemption fee. A fixed transaction fee is imposed for the transfer and other transaction costs associated with the purchase or sale of Creation Units. The standard fixed transaction fee for each Fund is $250, payable to the custodian. In addition, a variable fee may be charged on all cash transactions or substitutes for Creation Units of up to a maximum of 2% as a percentage of the value of the Creation Units subject to the transaction. Variable fees are imposed to compensate each Fund for the transaction costs associated with the cash transactions. Variable fees received by each Fund, if any, are displayed in the capital shares transactions section of the Statements of Changes in Net Assets. Each Fund may issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest, with $0.001 par value per share. Shares of each Fund have equal rights and privileges.

 

7. SECURITIES LENDING

 

The Funds may make secured loans of its portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and other financial institutions to earn additional income and receive cash collateral equal to at least 100% of the current market value of the loaned securities, as marked to market each day that the NAV of the Funds is determined. When the collateral falls below specified amounts, the Funds’ lending agent will use its best effort to obtain additional collateral on the next business day to meet required amounts under the security lending agreement. The Funds will pay administrative and custodial fees in connection with the loan of securities. Collateral is invested in short-term investments and the Funds will bear the risk of loss of the invested collateral. Investments purchased with proceeds from securities lending are overnight and continuous. Securities lending will expose the Funds to the risk of loss should a borrower default on its obligation to return the borrowed securities. The market value of the securities on loan and cash collateral as of the end of the reporting period and the income generated from the program during the current fiscal period with respect to such secured loans were as follows:

 

FUND

 

MARKET VALUE
OF SECURITIES
LOANED

   

MARKET VALUE
OF COLLATERAL

   

INCOME
RECEIVED FROM
SECURITIES
LENDING

 

Fool 100 Fund

  $ 24,500,142     $ 25,180,752     $ 26,419  

Small-Cap Growth Fund

    41,564,500       42,120,103       33,726  

 

Securities lending transactions are entered into by the Funds’ securities lending agent on behalf of the Funds’ under a Master Securities Lending Agreement (“MSLA”) which permits the Funds’ securities lending agent on behalf of the Funds under certain circumstances including an event of default (such as bankruptcy or insolvency), to offset amounts payable on behalf of the

 

34

 

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements (concluded)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

Funds to the same counterparty against amounts to be received and create one single net payment due to or from the Funds. The following table is a summary of the Funds’ open securities lending transactions which are subject to a MSLA as of the end of the reporting period:

 

                           

GROSS AMOUNTS NOT OFFSET IN THE
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

 

FUND

 

GROSS
AMOUNTS OF
RECOGNIZED
ASSETS

   

GROSS
AMOUNTS
OFFSET IN THE
STATEMENTS
OF ASSETS
AND
LIABILITIES

   

NET AMOUNTS
OF ASSETS
PRESENTED
IN THE
STATEMENTS
OF ASSETS
AND
LIABILITIES

   

FINANCIAL
INSTRUMENTS
1

   

CASH
COLLATERAL
RECEIVED

   

NET
AMOUNT
2

 

Fool 100 Fund

  $ 24,500,142           $ 24,500,142     $ (24,500,142 )            

Small-Cap Growth Fund

    41,564,500             41,564,500       (41,564,500 )            

 

1

Amount disclosed is limited to the amount of assets presented in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Actual collateral received may be more than the amount shown.

 

2

Net amount represents the net amount receivable from the counterparty in the event of default.

 

8. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS AND REGULATORY UPDATES

 

In October 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“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. Funds will be required to comply with Rule 18f-4 by August 19, 2022. It is not currently clear what impact, if any, Rule 18f-4 will have on the availability, liquidity or performance of derivatives. Management is currently evaluating the potential impact of Rule 18f-4 on the Funds. When fully implemented, Rule 18f-4 may require changes in how a Fund uses derivatives, adversely affect a Fund’s performance and increase costs related to a Fund’s use of derivatives.

 

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 Funds will be required to comply with the rules by September 8, 2022. Management is currently assessing the potential impact of the new rules on the Funds’ financial statements.

 

9. Subsequent Events

 

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Funds through the date the financial statements were issued and has determined that there were no significant events requiring recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.

 

 

35

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Report of Independent Registered
Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Directors of
The RBB Fund, Inc.
and the Shareholders of the Motley Fool ETFs

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of the Motley Fool 100 Index ETF and MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF (the “Funds”), each a series of The RBB Fund, Inc., including the schedules of investments, as of August 31, 2021, the related statements of operations, the statements of changes in net assets and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated in the table below, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Funds as of August 31, 2021, the results of their operations, the changes in their net assets, and their financial highlights for the periods indicated in the table below, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Individual Funds
constituting
Motley Fool
ETFs

Statement of
operations

Statements of
changes in net assets

Financial highlights

Motley Fool 100 Index ETF

For the year ended August 31, 2021

For each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 2021

For each of the three years in the period ended August 31, 2021 and for the period January 29, 2018 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2018

MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF

For the year ended August 31, 2021

For each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 2021

For each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 2021 and for the period October 29, 2018 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2019

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Funds’ financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Funds in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We have served as the auditor of one or more of the funds in the Trust since 2011.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Fund is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Funds’ internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Funds’ internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 2021 by correspondence with the custodian. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 

TAIT, WELLER & BAKER LLP

 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
October 28, 2021

 

36

 

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Shareholder Tax Information (Unaudited)

 

Certain tax information regarding the Funds is required to be provided to shareholders based upon the Funds’ income and distributions for the taxable period ended August 31, 2021. The information and distributions reported herein may differ from information and distributions taxable to the shareholders for the calendar year ending December 31, 2021. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021, the following dividends and distributions were paid by the Funds:

 

FUND

ORDINARY
INCOME

LONG-TERM
capital gain

Fool 100 Fund

$ 1,067,239

$ 562,320

Small-Cap Growth Fund

454,925

7,916,932

 

Dividends from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income dividends for federal income tax purposes.

 

Under the Jobs and Growth Tax relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 the following percentages of ordinary dividends paid during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021 are designated as “qualified dividend income,” as defined in the Act, and are subject to reduced tax rates:

 

Fool 100 Fund

100%

Small-Cap Growth Fund

63.77%

 

The percentage of total ordinary income dividends paid qualifying for the corporate dividends received deduction for the Funds are as follows:

 

Fool 100 Fund

100%

Small-Cap Growth Fund

63.75%

 

Because the Funds’ fiscal year is not the calendar year, another notification will be sent with respect to calendar year 2022. The second notification, which will reflect the amount, if any, to be used by calendar year taxpayers on their U.S. federal income tax returns, will be made in conjunction with Form 1099-DIV and will be mailed in January 2022.

 

Foreign shareholders will generally be subject to U.S. withholding tax on the amount of their ordinary income dividends. They will generally not be entitled to a foreign tax credit or deduction for the withholding taxes paid by the Funds, if any.

 

In general, dividends received by tax-exempt recipients (e.g., IRAs and Keoghs) need not be reported as taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, some retirement trusts (e.g., corporate, Keogh and 403(b)(7) plans) may need this information for their annual information reporting.

 

Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the tax consequences of their investment in the Funds.

 

 

37

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Notice to Shareholders

(Unaudited)

 

Information on Proxy Voting

 

Policies and procedures that the Funds use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities as well as information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 are available (i) without charge, upon request, by calling (888) 863-8803; and (ii) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Quarterly Schedule of Investments

 

The Company files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third fiscal quarters of each fiscal year (quarters ended November 30 and May 31) as an exhibit to its report on Form N-PORT. The Company’s Form N-PORT are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Frequency Distributions of Premiums and Discounts

 

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

 

APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENTS

 

As required by the 1940 Act, the Board of the Company, including all of the Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Directors”), considered the renewal of the investment advisory agreements between MFAM and the Company (the “Investment Advisory Agreements”) on behalf of the Motley Fool 100 Index ETF and the MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF (for this section only, each a “Fund” and collectively the “Funds”), at a meeting of the Board held on May 12-13, 2021 (the “Meeting”). At the Meeting, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, approved the Investment Advisory Agreement for an additional one-year term. The Board’s decision to approve the Investment Advisory Agreement reflects the exercise of its business judgment to continue the existing arrangements. In approving the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Board considered information provided by MFAM with the assistance and advice of counsel to the Independent Directors and the Company.

 

In considering the renewal and approval of the Investment Advisory Agreements between the Company and MFAM with respect to the Funds, the Directors took into account all the materials provided prior to and during the Meeting and at other meetings throughout the past year, the presentations made during the Meeting, and the discussions held during the Meeting. Among other things, the Directors considered (i) the nature, extent, and quality of MFAM’s services provided to the Funds; (ii) descriptions of the experience and qualifications of MFAM’s personnel providing those services; (iii) MFAM’s investment philosophies and processes; (iv) MFAM’s assets under management and client descriptions; (v) MFAM’s soft dollar commission and trade allocation policies, including information on the types of research and services obtained in connection with soft dollar commissions; (vi) MFAM’s advisory fee arrangement with the Company and other similarly managed clients; (vii) MFAM’s compliance policies and procedures; (viii) MFAM’s financial information, insurance coverage and profitability analysis related to providing advisory services to the Funds; (ix) the extent to which economies of scale are relevant to the Funds; (x) a report prepared by Broadridge/Lipper comparing each Fund’s management fees and total expense ratio to those of its Lipper peer group; and (xi) a report comparing the performance of the Funds to the performance of their respective benchmark.

 

As part of their review, the Directors considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by MFAM. The Directors concluded that MFAM had substantial resources to provide services to the Funds and that MFAM’s services had been acceptable.

 

The Directors also considered the investment performance of the Funds and MFAM. The Directors considered the Funds’ investment performance in light of their investment objectives and investment strategies. The Directors concluded that the investment performance of each of the Funds as compared to their respective benchmarks and Lipper Groups was acceptable.

 

The Directors then noted the performance of the Motley Fool 100 Index ETF. The Directors considered that because the Fund was designed to track the performance of its index, the relevant consideration was the extent to which the Fund tracked its index before fees and expenses. The Board also noted that the performance of the index did not take into account the expenses incurred when purchasing or selling securities, which expenses would lower the performance of a fund seeking to replicate some or all of the holdings of the index. The Board noted that for the year-to-date, one-year, three-year and since inception periods ended March

 

38

 

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Notice to Shareholders (ConCLUDED)

(Unaudited)

 

31, 2021, the Fund’s performance was in line with its index before fees and expenses. The Directors also noted that the Motley Fool 100 Index ETF ranked in the 1st quintile in its Lipper Performance Group for the one-year, two-year and since-inception periods ended December 31, 2020.

 

Finally, the Directors noted the MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF had outperformed its benchmark for the since-inception period, and underperformed its benchmark for the year-to-date and one-year periods, each ended March 31, 2021. The Directors also noted that the MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF ranked in the 1st quintile in its Lipper Performance Group for the one-year, two-year and since-inception periods ended December 31, 2020.

 

The Board also considered the advisory fee rates payable by the Funds under the Investment Advisory Agreements. In this regard, information on the fees paid by the Funds and the Funds’ total operating expense ratios (before and after fee waivers and expense reimbursements) were compared to similar information for ETFs advised by other, unaffiliated investment advisory firms.

 

The Directors noted that the actual advisor fee and total expenses of the MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF ranked in the 5th quintile of the Fund’s Lipper Expense Group.

 

The Directors noted that the actual advisor fee and total expenses of the Motley Fool 100 Index ETF ranked in the 5th quintile of the Fund’s Lipper Expense Group.

 

The Board also took into consideration that the advisory fee for the Motley Fool 100 Index ETF and the MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF was a “unitary fee,” meaning those Funds paid no expenses other than the advisory fee and certain other costs such as interest, brokerage and extraordinary expenses. The Board noted that MFAM continued to be responsible for compensating the Company’s other service providers and paying other expenses of the Motley Fool 100 Index ETF and the MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF out of its own fees and resources.

 

After reviewing the information regarding the Funds’ costs, profitability and economies of scale, and after considering MFAM’s services, the Directors concluded that the investment advisory fees paid by the Funds were fair and reasonable and that the Investment Advisory Agreements should be approved and continued for an additional one year period ending August 16, 2022.

 

 

39

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

PRIVACY NOTICE

(Unaudited)

 

What Does Motley Fool Asset Management Funds Do With Your Personal Information?

 

Why?: Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information.

 

Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.

 

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

 

Social Security number and transaction history

 

Account balances and checking account information

 

Account transactions and wire transfer instructions

 

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

 

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

 

Reasons we share your personal information

Does Motley Fool Asset Management share?

Can you limit this sharing?

For our everyday business purposes
such as to process your transaction, maintain your account(s), provide you with necessary information, respond to court orders and legal investigation, or report to credit bureaus

Yes

No

For our marketing purposes —
to offer our products and services to you

Yes

Yes

For joint marketing with other financial companies

No

We don’t share

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes
information about your transactions and experiences

Yes

No

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes — information about your creditworthiness

No

We don’t share

For our affiliates to market to you

Yes

Yes

For nonaffiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share

 

Visit us online: https://www.mfamfunds.com/website-privacy-policy/

 

Please note:

 

 

If you are a new customer, we can begin sharing your information 30 days from the days from the date we sent this notice. When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in this notice.

 

40

 

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

PRIVACY NOTICE (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

However, you can contact us at any time to limit our sharing.

 

Questions: Call 1-888-863-8803 or go to www.mfamfunds.com

 

What we do:

 

How does Motley Fool Asset Management protect my personal information?

 

We collect your personal information, for example, when you:

 

Open an account or provide account information

 

Make deposits or withdrawals from your account

 

Make a wire transfer or tell us where to send the money

 

We also collect your personal information from other companies.

 

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

 

Federal law gives you the right to limit only:

 

Sharing for affiliates everyday business purposes – information about your creditworthiness

 

Make deposits or withdrawals from your account

 

Sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

 

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

 

What happens when I limit sharing for an account I hold jointly with someone else?

 

Your choices will apply to everyone on your account.

 

EUROPEAN UNION’S GENERAL DATA PROTECTION REGULATION

 

In addition to the above information, where applicable, you have the following rights under the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) and U.S. Privacy Laws, as applicable and to the extent permitted by law, to

 

Check whether we hold personal information about you and to access such data (in accordance with our policy)

 

Request the correction of personal information about you that is inaccurate

 

Have a copy of the personal information we hold about you provided to you or another “controller” where technically feasible

 

Request the erasure of your personal information

 

Request the restriction of processing concerning you

 

The legal grounds for processing of your personal information is for contractual necessity and compliance with law.

 

If you wish to exercise any of your rights above, please call: 1-888-863-8803.

 

You are required to ensure the personal information we hold about you is up-to-date and accurate and you must notify us of any changes to the personal data you provided to us.

 

The MFAM Funds shall retain your personal data for as long as you are an investor in the Funds and thereafter as long as necessary to comply with applicable laws that require the Funds to retain your personal data, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission’s data retention rules. Your personal data will be transferred to the United States so that the Funds may provide the agreed upon services for you. No adequacy decision has been rendered by the European Commission as to the data protection of your personal data when transferring it to the United States. However, the Funds do take the security of your personal data seriously.

 

Definitions:

 

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

Our affiliates include companies with a Motley Fool name; financial companies such as Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC; and nonfinancial companies such as The Motley Fool, LLC and The Motley Fool Holdings, Inc.

 

 

41

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

PRIVACY NOTICE (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

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

Motley Fool Asset Management does not share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you.

 

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

Motley Fool Asset Management doesn’t jointly market.

 

Controller - “Controller” means the natural or legal person, public authority, agency or other body which, alone or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of the processing of personal data; where the purposes and means of such processing are determined by European Union or European Member State law, the controller or the specific criteria for its nomination may be provided for by European Union or European Member State law.

 

42

 

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Directors and Officers

(Unaudited)

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company is organized under and managed pursuant to Maryland law. The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below. The statement of additional information (“SAI”) includes additional information about the Directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling (888) 863-8803.

 

Name, Address, AND AGE

Positions(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and
Length of
Time
Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

           

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Julian A. Brodsky
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 88

Director

1988 to present

From 1969 to 2011, Director and Vice Chairman, Comcast Corporation (cable television and communications).

46

AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).

J. Richard Carnall
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 82

Director

2002 to present

Since 1984, Director of Haydon Bolts, Inc. (bolt manufacturer) and Parkway Real Estate Company (subsidiary of Haydon Bolts, Inc.); since 2004, Director of Cornerstone Bank.

46

None.

Gregory P. Chandler
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 54

Director

2012 to present

Since 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Herspiegel Consulting LLC (life sciences consulting services); 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Avocado Systems Inc. (cyber security software provider); 2009-2020, Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services).

46

Emtec, Inc. (until December 2019); FS Investment Corporation (business development company) (until December 2018); FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios)(registered investment company).

Nicholas A. Giordano
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 78

Director

2006 to present

Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations.

46

IntriCon Corporation (biomedical device manufacturer); Kalmar Pooled Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until September 2017); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance) (until 2021).

 

 

43

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Directors and Officers (CONTINUED)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address, AND AGE

Positions(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and
Length of
Time
Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

           

Arnold M. Reichman 615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 73

Chairman Director

2005 to present 1991 to present

Retired.

46

EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company).

Brian T. Shea
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 61

Director

2018 to present

From 2014-2017, Chief Executive Officer, BNY Mellon Investment Services (fund services, global custodian and securities clearing firm); from 1983-2014, Chief Executive Officer and various positions, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm).

46

WisdomTree Investments, Inc. (asset management company) (until March 2019); Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (financial services technology company); Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (financial services company).

Robert A. Straniere
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 80

Director

2006 to present

Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm).

46

None.

INTERESTED DIRECTOR2

Robert Sablowsky
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 83

Vice Chairman Director

2016 to present 1991 to present

Since 2002, Senior Director – Investments and, prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer).

46

None.

OFFICERS

Salvatore Faia, JD, CPA, CFE Vigilant Compliance, LLC Gateway Corporate Center. Suite 216
223 Wilmington West Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Age: 58

President Chief Compliance Officer

2009 to present 2004 to present

Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company); since 2021, President and Chief Compliance Officer of Penn Capital Funds Trust.

N/A

N/A

James G. Shaw
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 60

Treasurer and Secretary

2016 to present

Treasurer and Secretary of The RBB Fund, Inc. (since 2016) and Penn Capital Funds Trust (since 2021); from 2005 to 2016, Assistant Treasurer of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 1995 to 2016, Senior Director and Vice President of BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (financial services company).

N/A

N/A

 

 

44

 

 

 

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Directors and Officers (CONTINUED)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address, AND AGE

Positions(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and
Length of
Time
Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

           

Craig A. Urciuoli
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 46

Director of Marketing & Business Development

2019 to present

Director of Marketing & Business Development of The RBB Fund, Inc. (since 2019) and Penn Capital Funds Trust (since 2021); from 2000-2019, Managing Director, Third Avenue Management LLC.

N/A

N/A

Jennifer Witt
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 38

Assistant Treasurer

2018 to present

Since 2020, Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (fund administrative services firm); from 2016 to 2020, Assistant Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services; from 2007 to 2016, Supervisor, Nuveen Investments (registered investment company).

N/A

N/A

Edward Paz
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 50

Assistant Secretary

2016 to present

Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm).

N/A

N/A

Michael P. Malloy
One Logan Square Ste. 2000 Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 62

Assistant Secretary

1999 to present

Since 1993, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

Jillian L. Bosmann
One Logan Square Ste. 2000 Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 42

Assistant Secretary

2017 to present

Since 2017, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

 

*

Each Director oversees 46 portfolios of the fund complex, consisting of the series in the Company and Penn Capital Funds Trust (7 portfolios).

 

1.

Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his or her successor is elected and qualified or his or her death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Carnall, Giordano, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.

 

2.

Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

 

45

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Directors and Officers (CONCLUDED)

(Unaudited)

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive-level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Carnall has decades of senior executive-level management experience in the banking and financial services industry and also serves on the boards of various corporations and a bank. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Mr. Shea has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the brokerage, clearing and investment services industry, including service on the boards of industry regulatory organizations and a university.

 

46

 

 

 

(This Page Intentionally Left Blank.)

 

 

Investment Adviser

Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC
2000 Duke Street
Suite 275
Alexandria, VA 22314

 

Administrator and Transfer Agent

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201

 

Custodian

U.S. Bank, N.A.
1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, WI 53212

 

Principal Underwriter

Quasar Distributors, LLC
111 E Kilbourn Ave, Suite 2200
Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Tait, Weller & Baker LLP
Two Liberty Place
50 S 16th St. Suite 2900
Philadelphia, PA 19102-2529

 

Legal Counsel

Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
One Logan Square, Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103-6996

 

48

 

 

 

Join our Community!

 

Looking for more of our fun and educational insights, market commentary, and product updates? Email help@mfamfunds.com and we will deliver it directly to your inbox!

 

Our investors are just as diverse as our portfolios! No matter where you are on your investment path, Motley Fool Asset Management strives to make investing accessible to people of all backgrounds and experience levels!

 

We look forward to welcoming you to our Family!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ORINDA FUNDS

 

 

Annual Report

 

August 31, 2021

 

 

 

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

 

of

 

the RBB Fund, Inc.

 

Class I Shares – OIOIX

 

Class A Shares – OIOAX

 

Class D Shares – OIODX

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

   

Commentary

1

Performance Data

5

Fund Expense Examples

8

Allocation of Portfolio Assets

9

Schedule of Investments

10

Schedule of Securities Sold Short

14

Financial Statements

15

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

15

Statement of Operations

16

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

17

Statement of Cash Flows

19

Financial Highlights

21

Notes to Financial Statements

24

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

35

Shareholder Tax Information

36

Notice to Shareholders

37

Management

39

Privacy Notice

43

 

 

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

Commentary

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

COVID-induced headwinds in the real estate securities sector during 2020 became tailwinds for the Orinda Income Opportunities Fund (the “Fund”) in 2021. Class A shares without load of the Fund posted returns of 18.12% for the year-to-date period ended August 31, 2021 and 28.78% for one-year period ended August 31, 2021, which compares to the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index’s returns of -0.69% and -0.08% for the same periods, respectively. The Fund’s three-year returns are still muted, given the difficult performance of the Fund in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

The Fund’s increased allocation to real estate investment trust (“REIT”) equities in the fourth quarter of 2020, which allocation was approximately 37% of the Fund’s net assets at August 31, 2021, contributed importantly to the Fund’s total return over the last fiscal year. We anticipate that if prices for many equity REITs on Wall Street transition from discounts to Net Asset Value (“NAV”), and thus closer to the value of the underlying real estate on Main Street, we will gradually rotate the Fund’s portfolio back to a larger percentage of investments in income-generating REIT preferred securities.

 

We believe that the Fund’s portfolio is positioned to account for the following:

 

 

Our belief that the worst of the pandemic-related news flow is behind us and that the consensus among public health experts is that existing vaccines are largely successfully mitigating risks from known COVID-19 variants.

 

 

Our belief that there is significant pent-up travel demand on the part of businesses and consumers. As of the end of the fiscal year, retail shopping demand also appears to be increasing. For example, Kimco Realty, one of the Fund’s shopping center holdings, noted on its second quarter 2021 earnings call that “the combination of record leasing demand and a five-year low of new vacancies continue to drive the earlier than anticipated occupancy recovery.”

 

 

Our belief that there will be a relatively low interest rate environment with a 10-year Treasury yield range of 1.50% to 2.00% – somewhat higher at the low-end than where it closed on August 31, 2021 (1.30%). Our belief that there is mispricing of certain real estate sectors that extends to individual traded securities due to some companies with dividends covered by cash flows trading below the break-up value of their underlying real estate.

 

 

Our belief that in the latter part of 2021 and into 2022, there will likely be significant demand for real estate securities given the extremely low return expectations for fixed income investments.

 

1

 

 

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

Commentary (Continued)

 

Shown below is the Fund’s performance for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021, as well as the performance for the Bloomberg Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index.

 

ORINDA INCOME OPPORTUNITIES FUND

Annualized Returns
as of 8/31/21

1 year

3 years

5 years

Since
Inception
(6/28/13)1

Since
Inception
(9/27/13)2

PERFORMANCE AT NAV without sales charge

 

A share

28.78%

1.22%

2.16%

3.04%

N/A

I share

29.12%

1.52%

2.47%

3.35%

N/A

D share (commenced 9/27/13)

27.80%

0.49%

1.45%

N/A

2.42%

           

Bloomberg Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index

-0.08%

5.43%

3.11%

3.46%

3.49%

PERFORMANCE AT MOP includes maximum sales charge

 

A share

22.33%

-0.49%

1.13%

2.39%

N/A

 

1.

The Orinda Income Opportunities Fund, a series of Advisor Series Trust (the “Predecessor Fund”) reorganized into the Fund following the close of business on April 28, 2017. The Predecessor Fund’s Class I and Class A shares commenced operations on June 28, 2013.

 

2.

The Predecessor Fund’s Class D shares commenced operations on September 27, 2013.

 

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (what an investor would pay as of 12/31/20):
Class A shares: 2.05%; Class I shares: 1.80%; Class D shares: 2.80%.

 

Performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance of the Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month end may be obtained by calling 1-877-903-1313 or visiting www.orindafunds.com. Performance data shown at MOP (Maximum Offering Price) reflects the Class A shares maximum sales charge of 5.00%. Performance data shown at NAV (Net Asset Value) does not reflect the deduction of the sales load. If reflected, the load would reduce the performance quoted. Investment performance reflects fee waivers in effect. In the absence of such waivers total return would be reduced.

 

Until December 31, 2021, Orinda Asset Management, LLC (the “Adviser”) has agreed to waive its fees to the extent necessary to maintain annualized expense ratios for the Class I, Class A and Class D shareholders of average daily net assets of 1.40%, 1.65%, and 2.40%, respectively (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes). There can be no assurance that the Adviser will continue such waiver for the Fund after December 31, 2021. For more detailed review of fund expenses, please refer to the prospectus by visiting www.orindafunds.com.

 

2

 

 

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

Commentary (CONTINUED)

 

Market Outlook

 

Macro View

 

 

We believe the economy will continue to vigorously emerge from the very difficult COVID-19 shutdown, and while there will be unforeseen stresses due to supply chain inefficiencies, businesses may trend toward greater profitability. This trend is important because our nation’s business is frequently conducted in the real estate assets owned by our portfolio companies. We believe that an economic recovery would drive rental demand for these assets.

 

 

Historically, we believe that real estate has been a good asset class for investors in times of inflation, but debt and equity markets often exhibit hyper-sensitivity to signs of inflation as participants gauge the evolution in U.S. Federal Reserve (“Fed”) policy. Fed responses to inflation have ranged from very accommodative, or dovish during the COVID-19 pandemic, to more hawkish, which we believe appears to be the likely direction Fed policy will take over the next several quarters given the unfolding economic recovery’s strength.

 

 

The 10-year Treasury yield, we believe, will remain relatively low (in a yield range of 1.50% to 2.00%) during the coming quarters, rising from where it closed the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021 (1.30%).

 

Sector and Security Type Allocation Percentages: REIT Preferred vs. Equity Securities

 

 

We believe that sectors like office, hotels, and retail REITs, which suffered mightily at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, continue to offer attractively priced stocks.

 

 

We believe that certain REIT equities offer a higher risk-adjusted return today than the REIT preferred sector, which accounts for the higher allocation to common stocks in the Fund’s portfolio than has been typical.

 

 

Historically, the Fund’s portfolio allocation has ranged from approximately 70% to 90% to REIT preferred securities and 0% to 30% to REIT common stocks.

 

Micro View

 

 

We expect that as individual common stocks recover in price and their prices move closer to NAV from the large discounts witnessed over the last few quarters, the resulting exposures will be reduced in the Fund’s portfolio.

 

 

We believe that stocks in sectors that performed well in 2020 during the “work from home” phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as data center and industrial REITs, appear relatively expensive when evaluated by metrics that include funds from operations (FFO) multiples and premiums to NAV.

 

 

We continue to see attractive pricing in the sectors where the Fund’s portfolio has meaningful exposure: mortgage, office, hotel, and retail sectors—often in both the preferred and common stocks of these issuers.

 

Thank you for your continued interest in the Fund. After what has been a particularly trying economic period, we are encouraged by what we believe are many attractive investment opportunities available in the real estate securities sector.

 

 

Ian Goltra
Portfolio Manager

 

 

3

 

 

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

Commentary (Concluded)

 

The information provided herein represents the opinions of Orinda Asset Management, LLC and is not intended to be a forecast of future events, a guarantee of future results, investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any security.

 

This report is intended for shareholders of the Fund and may not be used as sales literature unless preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus.

 

The Fund can make short sales of securities, which involves the risk that losses in securities may exceed the original amount invested. The Fund may use leverage which may exaggerate the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of portfolio securities or the set asset value of the Fund, and money borrowed will be subject to interest costs. Investments in smaller and medium companies involve greater risks such as limited liquidity and greater volatility. Investments in foreign securities involve greater volatility and political, economic and currency risks and differences in accounting methods. These risks are greater for emerging markets. Investments in debt securities typically decrease in value when interest rates rise. This risk is usually greater for longer-term debt securities. Investment by the Fund in lower-rated and non-rated securities presents a greater risk of loss to principal and interest than higher-rated securities. The Fund may use certain types of investment derivatives such as futures, forwards, and swaps. Derivatives involve risks different from, and in certain cases, greater than the risks presented by more traditional investments. Investments in asset backed and mortgage backed securities include additional risks that investors should be aware of such as credit risk, prepayment risk, possible illiquidity and default, as well as increased susceptibility to adverse economic developments. To the extent that a master limited partnership’s (“MLP’s”) interests are all in a particular industry, the MLP will be negatively impacted by economic events adversely impacting that industry. The risks of investing in an MLP are generally those involved in investing in a partnership as opposed to a corporation. Exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) are typically open-end investment companies that are bought and sold on a national securities exchange. When the Fund invests in an ETF, it will bear additional expenses based on its pro rata share of the ETF’s operating expenses, including the potential duplication of management fees. The risk of owning an ETF generally reflects the risks of owning the underlying securities it holds. Rule 144A securities carry the risk that the trading market may not continue and the Fund might be unable to dispose of these securities promptly or at reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty satisfying redemption requirements. The risk exists that the market value of initial public offering (“IPO”) shares will fluctuate considerably due to factors such as the absence of a prior public market, unseasoned trading, and the small number of shares available for trading and limited information about the issuer. The purchase of IPO shares may involve high transaction costs. IPO shares are subject to market risk and liquidity risk. The Fund is non-diversified, which means that there is no restriction on how much the Fund may invest in the securities of an issuer under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Some of the risks involved in investing in REITs include a general decline in the value of real estate, fluctuations in rental income, changes in interest rates, increases in property taxes, increased operating costs, overbuilding, changes in zoning laws, and changes in consumer demand for real estate.

 

Fund holdings and sector allocations are subject to change at any time and should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Please refer to the Schedule of Investments for a complete listing of Fund holdings.

 

INDICES / DEFINITIONS

 

The Bloomberg Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index* is an unmanaged, market capitalization-weighted index, comprised predominately of U.S. traded investment grade bonds with maturities of one year or more. The index includes Treasury securities, Government agency bonds, mortgage-backed bonds, and corporate bonds. The index is representative of intermediate duration U.S. investment grade debt securities.

 

Orinda Asset Management, LLC is the investment adviser to the Orinda Income Opportunities Fund, which is distributed by Quasar Distributors, LLC.

 

*

One cannot invest directly in an index.

 

4

 

 

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

Performance Data

August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Comparison of the change in value of a $100,000 investment in the
Orinda Income Opportunities Fund – Class I and
the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (formerly known as Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index)

 

 

This chart illustrates the performance of a hypothetical $100,000 investment made in the Fund on June 28, 2013, the Fund’s inception date. Returns reflect the reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions. Fee waivers are in effect. In the absence of fee waivers, returns would be reduced. The performance data and graph do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder may pay on dividends, capital gain distributions, or redemption of Fund shares. This chart does not imply any future performance.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods ended August 31, 2021

 
 

One
Year

Three
Years

Five
Years

Since
Inception(1)

 

Class I Shares (No Load)

29.12%

1.52%

2.47%

3.35%

 

Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index

-0.08%

5.43%

3.11%

3.46%

 

 

(1)

Inception date of Class I Shares of the Fund was June 28, 2013.

 

Until December 31, 2021, the Adviser has agreed to waive its fees to the extent necessary to maintain annualized expense ratios for the Class I Shares of average daily net assets of 1.40% (excluding certain items discussed below). In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause the Fund’s net annualized expense ratio to exceed the applicable expense limitation: acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes. There can be no assurance that the Adviser will continue such waiver for the Fund after December 31, 2021. The Fund’s expense ratio for the Class I Shares, as stated in the current prospectus, is 1.80%.

 

Performance data quoted represents past performance; past performance does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance of the Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month end may be obtained by calling 1-855-467-4632.

 

The Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is an unmanaged, market capitalization-weighted index, comprised predominately of U.S. traded investment grade bonds with maturities of one year or more. The index includes Treasury securities, Government agency bonds, mortgage-backed bonds, and corporate bonds. The index is representative of intermediate duration US investment grade debt securities. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

5

 

 

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

Performance Data (Continued)

August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Comparison of the change in value of a $10,000 investment in the
Orinda Income Opportunities Fund – Class A and
the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (formerly known as Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index)

 

 

This chart illustrates the performance of a hypothetical $10,000 investment made in the Fund on June 28, 2013, the Fund’s inception date. Returns reflect the reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions. Fee waivers are in effect. In the absence of fee waivers, returns would be reduced. The performance data and graph do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder may pay on dividends, capital gain distributions, or redemption of Fund shares. This chart does not imply any future performance.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods ended August 31, 2021

 
 

One
Year

Three
Years

Five
Years

Since
Inception(1)

 

Class A Shares (No Load)

28.78%

1.22%

2.16%

3.04%

 

Class A Shares (Load)

22.33%

-0.49%

1.13%

2.39%

 

Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index

-0.08%

5.43%

3.11%

3.46%

 

 

(1)

Inception date of Class A Shares of the Fund was June 28, 2013.

 

Until December 31, 2021, the Adviser has agreed to waive its fees to the extent necessary to maintain annualized expense ratios for the Class A Shares of average daily net assets of 1.65% (excluding certain items discussed below). In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause the Fund’s net annualized expense ratio to exceed the applicable expense limitation: acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes. There can be no assurance that the Adviser will continue such waiver for the Fund after December 31, 2021. The Fund’s expense ratio for the Class A Shares, as stated in the current prospectus, is 2.05%.

 

Performance data quoted represents past performance; past performance does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance of the Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Performance data shown for Class A Shares (Load) reflects the Class A maximum sales charge of 5.00%. Performance data current to the most recent month end may be obtained by calling 1-855-467-4632.

 

The Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is an unmanaged, market capitalization-weighted index, comprised predominately of U.S. traded investment grade bonds with maturities of one year or more. The index includes Treasury securities, Government agency bonds, mortgage-backed bonds, and corporate bonds. The index is representative of intermediate duration US investment grade debt securities. It is not possible to invest directly in an index..

 

6

 

 

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

Performance Data (CONCLUDED)

August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Comparison of the change in value of a $10,000 investment in the
Orinda Income Opportunities Fund – Class D and
the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (formerly known as Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index)

 

 

This chart illustrates the performance of a hypothetical $10,000 investment made in the Fund on September 27, 2013, the Fund’s inception date. Returns reflect the reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions. Fee waivers are in effect. In the absence of fee waivers, returns would be reduced. The performance data and graph do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder may pay on dividends, capital gain distributions, or redemption of Fund shares. This chart does not imply any future performance.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods ended August 31, 2021

 
 

One
Year

Three
Years

Five
Years

Since
Inception(1)

 

Class D Shares (No Load)

27.80%

0.49%

1.45%

2.42%

 

Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index

-0.08%

5.43%

3.11%

3.49%

 

 

(1)

Inception date of Class D Shares of the Fund was September 27, 2013.

 

Until December 31, 2021, the Adviser has agreed to waive its fees to the extent necessary to maintain annualized expense ratios for the Class D Shares of average daily net assets of 2.40% (excluding certain items discussed below). In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause the Fund’s net annualized expense ratio to exceed the applicable expense limitation: acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes. There can be no assurance that the Adviser will continue such waiver for the Fund after December 31, 2021. The Fund’s expense ratio for the Class D Shares, as stated in the current prospectus, is 2.80%.

 

Performance data quoted represents past performance; past performance does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance of the Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month end may be obtained by calling 1-855-467-4632.

 

The Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is an unmanaged, market capitalization-weighted index, comprised predominately of U.S. traded investment grade bonds with maturities of one year or more. The index includes Treasury securities, Government agency bonds, mortgage-backed bonds, and corporate bonds. The index is representative of intermediate duration US investment grade debt securities. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

7

 

 

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

Fund Expense Examples

August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, (if any); and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees and other Fund expenses. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

 

These examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period from March 1, 2021 to August 31, 2021.

 

ACTUAL EXPENSES

 

The first section in the accompanying table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this section 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 section under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

 

HYPOTHETICAL EXAMPLE FOR COMPARISON PURPOSES

 

The second section of the accompanying table provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and 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 accompanying table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) or exchange fees. Therefore, the second section of the accompanying table 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
March 1,
2021

   

Ending
Account
VALUE
August 31,
2021

   

Expenses
Paid
During
Period
*

   

ANNUALIZED
EXPENSE
RATIO

   

ACTUAL
SIX-MONTH
TOTAL
INVESTMENT
RETURN FOR
THE FUND

 

Actual

                                       

Class I Shares

  $ 1,000.00     $ 1,133.20     $ 7.58       1.41 %     13.32 %

Class A Shares

    1,000.00       1,131.40       8.92       1.66       13.14  

Class D Shares

    1,000.00       1,114.10       10.70       2.40       12.62  

 

                                       

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

                               

Class I Shares

  $ 1,000.00     $ 1,018.10     $ 7.17       1.41 %     N/A  

Class A Shares

    1,000.00       1,016.84       8.44       1.66       N/A  

Class D Shares

    1,000.00       1,013.11       12.18       2.40       N/A  

 

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s Class I Shares, Class A Shares and Class D Shares annualized six-month expense ratios for the period March 1, 2021 to August 31, 2021, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184) in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by 365 to reflect the one half year period. The Fund’s ending account values in the first section in the table is based on the actual six-month total investment return for the Fund’s respective share classes.

 

8

 

 

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

Allocation of Portfolio Assets

August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

 

Percentages represent market value as a percentage of net assets. Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

9

 

 

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

Schedule of Investments

August 31, 2021

 


REITS - 98.6%

 

number of
Shares

   


Value

 

Financials - 29.8%

               

AGNC Investment Corp.

    125,000     $ 2,038,750  

AGNC Investment Corp. - Series E, 6.50% (3 Month LIBOR USD + 4.99%) (a)

    46,015       1,187,187  

AGNC Investment Corp. - Series F, 6.13% (3 Month LIBOR USD + 4.70%) (a)

    31,100       795,227  

AGNC Investment Corp. - Series C, 7.00% (3 Month LIBOR USD + 5.11%) (a)(b)

    157,542       4,113,422  

AGNC Investment Corp. - Series D, 6.88% (3 Month LIBOR USD + 4.33%) (a)(b)

    60,000       1,571,400  

Annaly Capital Management, Inc.

    49,800       432,762  

Annaly Capital Management, Inc. - Series F, 6.95% (3 Month LIBOR USD + 4.99%) (a)(b)

    95,097       2,438,287  

Annaly Capital Management, Inc. - Series G, 6.50% (3 Month LIBOR USD + 4.17%) (a)

    39,250       1,011,472  

Annaly Capital Management, Inc. - Series I, 6.75% (3 Month LIBOR USD + 4.99%) (a)(b)

    98,581       2,577,893  

Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc.

    74,152       1,153,064  

Arbor Realty Trust, Inc.

    7,386       135,016  

Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. - Series E, 6.25%

    90,000       2,268,900  

Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. - Series D, 6.38% (b)

    89,043       2,273,268  

Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc.

    73,628       2,415,735  

Chimera Investment Corp. - Series A, 8.00% (b)

    74,755       1,921,203  

Chimera Investment Corp. - Series B, 8.00% (3 Month LIBOR USD + 5.79%) (a)(b)

    41,312       1,088,158  

Chimera Investment Corp. - Series C, 7.75% (3 Month LIBOR USD + 4.74%) (a)

    74,632       1,984,465  

Chimera Investment Corp. - Series D, 8.00% (3 Month LIBOR USD + 5.38%) (a)(b)

    79,733       2,110,533  

Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc.

    22,100       663,663  

Invesco Mortgage Capital, Inc. - Series C, 7.50% (3 Month LIBOR USD + 5.29%) (a)

    35,500       918,030  

KKR Real Estate Finance Trust, Inc.

    119,000       2,538,270  

KKR Real Estate Finance Trust, Inc. - Series A, 6.50% (b)

    102,500       2,776,725  

New Residential Investment Corp. - Series A, 7.50% (3 Month LIBOR USD + 5.80%) (a)(b)

    94,243       2,457,857  

New Residential Investment Corp. - Series B, 7.13% (3 Month LIBOR USD + 5.64%) (a)(b)

    108,751       2,794,901  

New Residential Investment Corp. - Series C, 6.38% (3 Month LIBOR USD + 4.97%) (a)(b)

    108,129       2,578,877  

PennyMac Mortgage Investment Trust - Series C, 6.75%

    67,000       1,644,850  

PennyMac Mortgage Investment Trust - Series A, 8.13% (3 Month LIBOR USD + 5.83%) (a)(b)

    60,110       1,582,095  

PennyMac Mortgage Investment Trust - Series B, 8.00% (3 Month LIBOR USD + 5.99%) (a)(b)

    92,248       2,498,998  

Realty Income Corp.

    23,202       1,675,648  

Starwood Property Trust, Inc.

    100,000       2,580,000  

TPG RE Finance Trust, Inc. - Series C, 6.25% (b)

    50,000       1,235,000  

Two Harbors Investment Corp. - Series A, 8.13% (3 Month LIBOR USD + 5.66%) (a)(b)

    37,764       1,014,341  

Two Harbors Investment Corp. - Series C, 7.25% (3 Month LIBOR USD + 5.01%) (a)(b)

    34,322       873,152  
              59,349,149  

Real Estate - 68.8%

               

Alpine Income Property Trust, Inc.

    20,071       378,138  

American Assets Trust, Inc.

    36,904       1,469,517  

American Finance Trust, Inc. - Series A, 7.50%

    41,000       1,114,380  

American Homes 4 Rent - Series G, 5.88% (b)

    40,222       1,058,241  

American Homes 4 Rent - Series H, 6.25%

    19,659       547,700  

Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc.

    31,300       462,614  

Armada Hoffler Properties, Inc.

    112,819       1,515,159  

Armada Hoffler Properties, Inc. - Series A, 6.75%

    51,171       1,425,624  

Bluerock Residential Growth REIT, Inc. - Series C, 7.63%

    9,428       240,885  

Bluerock Residential Growth REIT, Inc. - Series D, 7.13% (b)

    52,627       1,344,620  

Boston Properties, Inc.

    6,000       677,940  

 

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

 

10

 

 

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

Schedule Of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 


REITS - 98.6% (CONTINUED)

 

number of
Shares

   


Value

 

Real Estate - 68.8% (Continued)

               

Brandywine Realty Trust

    182,950     $ 2,539,346  

Centerspace - Series C, 6.63% (b)

    49,046       1,313,207  

Chatham Lodging Trust - Series A, 6.63% (b)

    80,000       2,112,000  

City Office REIT, Inc. (b)

    52,527       838,856  

City Office REIT, Inc. - Series A, 6.63% (b)

    74,425       1,907,513  

Columbia Property Trust, Inc.

    132,058       2,208,010  

Corporate Office Properties Trust

    77,500       2,183,950  

DiamondRock Hospitality Co., 8.25%

    58,715       1,655,763  

Digital Realty Trust, Inc. - Series K, 5.85% (b)

    38,877       1,084,280  

DigitalBridge Group, Inc. - Series J, 7.13%

    100,216       2,572,545  

DigitalBridge Group, Inc. - Series I, 7.15% (b)

    94,400       2,430,800  

DigitalBridge Group, Inc. - Series H, 7.13% (b)

    116,520       2,979,416  

Easterly Government Properties, Inc.

    126,700       2,707,579  

Federal Realty Investment Trust

    16,370       1,993,375  

Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc.

    1,000       49,300  

Global Medical REIT, Inc.

    42,476       654,980  

Global Net Lease, Inc.

    14,389       244,613  

Global Net Lease, Inc. - Series A, 7.25% (b)

    71,191       1,900,800  

Hersha Hospitality Trust - Series C, 6.88%

    27,688       696,353  

Hersha Hospitality Trust - Series E, 6.50% (b)

    159,755       3,787,791  

Highwoods Properties, Inc.

    118,752       5,425,779  

Independence Realty Trust, Inc.

    7,000       143,360  

iStar, Inc. - Series D, 8.00% (b)

    51,662       1,329,263  

iStar, Inc. - Series I, 7.50%

    35,793       915,943  

Kimco Realty Corp.

    94,136       2,051,223  

Kite Realty Group Trust

    28,900       585,514  

Lexington Realty Trust

    36,000       487,080  

LTC Properties, Inc.

    58,700       2,025,737  

Macerich Co. (The)

    149,100       2,546,628  

Medical Properties Trust, Inc.

    52,645       1,078,170  

Monmouth Real Estate Investment Corp. - Series C, 6.13%

    60,000       1,515,600  

National Health Investors, Inc.

    23,100       1,381,842  

National Retail Properties, Inc.

    57,500       2,737,575  

National Storage Affiliates Trust - Series A, 6.00%

    40,295       1,087,562  

Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc.

    112,200       3,762,066  

Paramount Group, Inc.

    34,000       301,240  

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust - Series E, 6.38% (b)

    97,392       2,462,070  

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust - Series F, 6.30%

    92,505       2,330,201  

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust - Series G, 6.38% (b)

    95,700       2,619,309  

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust - Series H, 5.70%

    100,000       2,549,000  

Physicians Realty Trust

    22,114       409,330  

Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc.

    205,360       3,659,515  

Plymouth Industrial REIT, Inc.

    35,739       842,011  

Postal Realty Trust, Inc.

    3,650       71,358  

PS Business Parks, Inc. - Series Z, 4.88% (b)

    37,900       1,061,579  

QTS Realty Trust, Inc. - Series A, 7.13% (b)

    75,230       1,894,291  

 

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

 

11

 

 

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

Schedule Of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 


REITS - 98.6% (CONTINUED)

 

number of
Shares

   


Value

 

Real Estate - 68.8% (Continued)

               

QTS Realty Trust, Inc. - Series B, 6.50%

    5,000     $ 863,850  

Regency Centers Corp.

    14,800       1,015,576  

RLJ Lodging Trust - Series A, 1.95% (b)(c)

    215,432       6,223,830  

RPT Realty - Series D, 7.25%

    9,056       535,662  

Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc.

    194,200       3,107,200  

Seritage Growth Properties - Series A, 7.00%

    32,452       825,903  

Simon Property Group, Inc.

    37,000       4,974,650  

SITE Centers Corp.

    54,000       869,940  

SL Green Realty Corp.

    6,000       420,480  

SL Green Realty Corp. - Series I Cumulative Preferred, 6.50% (b)

    60,156       1,600,751  

Spirit Realty Capital, Inc.

    25,200       1,304,604  

STAG Industrial, Inc.

    43,300       1,829,425  

Summit Hotel Properties, Inc. - Series E, 6.25%

    41,215       1,099,204  

Summit Hotel Properties, Inc. - Series F, 5.88%

    105,000       2,665,950  

Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. - Series H, 6.13%

    60,000       1,610,400  

Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. - Series I, 5.70%

    50,000       1,309,000  

UMH Properties, Inc. - Series C, 6.75% (b)

    94,739       2,490,688  

UMH Properties, Inc. - Series D, 6.38% (b)

    54,000       1,426,140  

Urban Edge Properties

    90,000       1,704,600  

Vornado Realty Trust

    208,000       8,711,040  

Vornado Realty Trust - Series M, 5.25% (b)

    27,515       729,973  

WP Carey, Inc.

    4,863       379,898  
              137,067,305  
                 

TOTAL REITS

               

(Cost $175,653,199)

            196,416,454  
                 

PREFERRED STOCKS - 4.9%

 

 

   

 

 

Financials - 1.4%

               

Capstead Mortgage Corp. - Series E, 7.50%

    48,338       1,232,619  

Invesco Mortgage Capital, Inc. - Series B, 7.75% (3 Month LIBOR USD + 5.180%) (a)(b)

    38,008       971,865  

MFA Financial, Inc. - Series B, 7.50%

    21,897       559,030  
              2,763,514  

Industrials - 1.2%

               

Triton International Ltd., 6.88% (c)

    35,606       954,953  

Triton International Ltd., 7.38% (c)

    51,600       1,397,844  
              2,352,797  

Real Estate - 2.3%

               

Hersha Hospitality Trust - Series D, 6.50% (b)

    137,777       3,297,004  

iStar, Inc. - Series G, 7.65%

    22,245       567,247  

Landmark Infrastructure Partners LP - Series B, 7.90%

    14,282       359,478  

Summit Hotel Properties, Inc. - Series D, 6.45%

    19,791       494,775  
              4,718,504  

TOTAL PREFERRED STOCKS

               

(Cost $9,188,980)

            9,834,815  

 

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

 

12

 

 

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

Schedule Of Investments (Concluded)

August 31, 2021

 


CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCKS - 1.0%

 

number of
Shares

   


Value

 

Real Estate - 1.0%

               

CorEnergy Infrastructure Trust, Inc. - Series A, 7.38%

    80,173     $ 1,941,790  
                 

TOTAL CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCKS

               

(Cost $1,974,694)

            1,941,790  
                 

CLOSED-END MUTUAL FUNDS - 0.9%

 

 

   

 

 

Nuveen Preferred Income Opportunities Fund (b)

    170,000       1,705,100  
                 

TOTAL CLOSED-END MUTUAL FUNDS

               

(Cost $1,383,440)

            1,705,100  
                 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 0.7%

 

 

   

 

 

First American Treasury Obligations Fund, 0.01% (d)

    1,374,276       1,374,276  
                 

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

            1,374,276  

(Cost $1,374,276)

               
                 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS

               

(Cost $189,574,589) - 106.1%

            211,272,435  

LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS - (6.1)%

            (12,073,393 )
                 

TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.0%

          $ 199,199,042  

 

 

Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

 

(a)

Variable Rate Security. The rate shown represents the rate at August 31, 2021.

 

(b)

All or a portion of the security has been segregated for open short positions.

 

(c)

U.S. traded security of a foreign issuer or corporation.

 

(d)

Seven-day yield as of August 31, 2021.

 

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

 

13

 

 

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

Schedule of Securities Sold Short

August 31, 2021

 


EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS - (5.5%)

 

number of
Shares

   


Value

 

Finance and Insurance - (5.5%)

               

iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF

    (100,000 )   $ (10,879,000 )
                 

TOTAL EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS

            (10,879,000 )

(Proceeds $10,454,682)

               
                 

REITS - (0.1%)

 

 

   

 

 

Real Estate - (0.1%)

               

Preferred Apartment Communities, Inc.

    (20,000 )     (249,600 )
                 

TOTAL REITS

               

(Proceeds $225,757)

            (249,600 )
                 

TOTAL SECURITIES SOLD SHORT

               

(Proceeds $10,680,439) - (5.6%)

          $ (11,128,600 )

 

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

 

14

 

 

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

August 31, 2021

 

ASSETS

       

Investments in securities, at value (cost $188,200,313)

  $ 209,898,159  

Short-term investments, at value (cost $1,374,276)

    1,374,276  

Receivables for:

       

Deposit at brokers

    10,157,114  

Investments sold

    1,745,885  

Dividends and interest

    478,276  

Capital shares sold

    163,078  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

    38,827  

Total assets

    223,855,615  
         

LIABILITIES

       

Securities sold short, at fair value (proceeds $10,680,439)

    11,128,600  

Payables for:

       

Loans payable

    12,108,762  

Investments purchased

    871,237  

Capital shares redeemed

    202,890  

Advisory fees

    168,998  

Distribution and service fees

    50,273  

Other accrued expenses and liabilities

    125,813  

Total liabilities

    24,656,573  

Net assets

    199,199,042  
         

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

       

Par value

  $ 10,453  

Paid-in capital

    226,401,169  

Total distributable earnings/(loss)

    (27,212,580 )

Net assets

  $ 199,199,042  

 

CLASS I SHARES:

       

Net assets

  $ 181,351,389  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    9,504,053  

Net asset value and redemption price per share

  $ 19.08  
         

CLASS A SHARES:

       

Net assets

  $ 7,427,320  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    390,447  

Net asset value and redemption price per share

  $ 19.02  

Maximum offering price per share (net asset value divided by 95.00%)

  $ 20.02  
         

CLASS D SHARES:

       

Net assets

  $ 10,420,333  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    558,319  

Net asset value and redemption price per share

  $ 18.66  

 

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

 

15

 

 

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

Statement of Operations

FOR THE Year ENDED August 31, 2021

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

       

Dividends (net of foreign withholding taxes of $0)

  $ 6,019,495  

Interest income

    33,612  

Total investment income

    6,053,107  
         

EXPENSES

       

Advisory fees (Note 2)

  $ 1,840,514  

Transfer agent fees (Note 2)

    240,105  

Interest expense

    140,904  

Distribution fees - Class D Shares

    101,550  

Distribution fees - Class A Shares

    24,039  

Administration and accounting fees (Note 2)

    96,282  

Registration and filing fees

    62,063  

Printing and shareholder reporting fees

    39,146  

Legal fees

    34,869  

Director fees

    31,523  

Prime broker interest expense

    28,788  

Audit and tax service fees

    25,147  

Custodian fees (Note 2)

    13,375  

Officer fees

    12,366  

Dividend expense on securities sold-short

    656  

Other expenses

    15,753  

Total expenses before waivers and/or reimbursements

    2,707,080  

Less: waivers and/or reimbursements (Note 2)

    53,072  

Net expenses after waivers and/or reimbursements

    2,760,152  

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 3,292,955  
         

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS

       

Net realized gain/(loss) from:

       

Investments

  $ 16,352,087  

Purchased options

    (536,836 )

Securities sold short

    (79,594 )

Written options

    154,912  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:

       

Investments

  $ 27,424,604  

Securities sold short

    (448,049 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    42,867,124  

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 46,160,079  

 

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

 

16

 

 

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

Year Ended
August 31,
2021

   

Year ended
August 31,
2020

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 3,292,955     $ 8,341,437  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    15,890,569       (33,873,147 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    26,976,555       (20,177,237 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    46,160,079       (45,708,947 )
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:

               

Total distributable earnings

               

Class I Shares

    (5,711,462 )     (9,433,203 )

Class A Shares

    (339,983 )     (1,835,060 )

Class D Shares

    (283,885 )     (568,713 )

Return of Capital

               

Class I Shares

    (4,767,912 )     (3,284,419 )

Class A Shares

    (301,835 )     (667,533 )

Class D Shares

    (304,923 )     (226,072 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (11,710,000 )     (16,015,000 )
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Class I Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    35,187,084       85,954,772  

Reinvestment of distributions

    8,175,027       10,799,683  

Shares redeemed

    (42,958,063 )     (103,065,903 )

Total from Class I Shares

    404,048       (6,311,448 )
                 

Class A Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    1,897,639       10,878,704  

Reinvestment of distributions

    300,780       1,839,257  

Shares redeemed

    (10,880,258 )     (52,988,539 )

Total from Class A Shares

    (8,681,839 )     (40,270,578 )
                 

Class D Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    2,242,051       1,532,105  

Reinvestment of distributions

    400,255       510,064  

Shares redeemed

    (3,748,213 )     (6,861,108 )

Total from Class D Shares

    (1,105,907 )     (4,818,939 )

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

    (9,383,698 )     (51,400,965 )

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    25,066,381       (113,124,912 )
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    174,132,661       287,257,573  

End of period

  $ 199,199,042     $ 174,132,661  

 

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

 

17

 

 

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

Statements Of Changes in Net Assets (Concluded)

 

   

Year Ended
August 31,
2021

   

Year ended
August 31,
2020

 

SHARES TRANSACTIONS:

               

Class I Shares

               

Shares sold

    2,015,894       5,538,481  

Dividends and distributions reinvested

    484,622       622,873  

Shares redeemed

    (2,503,338 )     (6,107,999 )

Net increase/(decrease)

    (2,822 )     53,355  
                 

Class A Shares

               

Shares sold

    103,697       550,503  

Dividends and distributions reinvested

    18,254       90,986  

Shares redeemed

    (649,354 )     (2,615,795 )

Net increase/(decrease)

    (527,403 )     (1,974,306 )
                 

Class D Shares

               

Shares sold

    135,875       106,132  

Dividends and distributions reinvested

    24,267       29,139  

Shares redeemed

    (223,231 )     (347,578 )

Net increase/(decrease)

    (63,089 )     (212,307 )
                 

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    (593,314 )     (2,133,258 )

 

 

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

 

18

 

 

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

Statement of Cash Flows

 

   

Year Ended
August 31,
2021

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

       

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 46,160,079  

Adjustments to reconcile net increase/(decrease) in net assets from operations to net cash used in operating activities:

       

Purchases of investments

    (284,972,170 )

Purchases to cover securities sold short

    (15,202,162 )

Proceeds from sales of long-term investments

    303,431,066  

Proceeds from securities sold short

    25,795,921  

Premiums received on written options

    154,912  

Purchases of short-term investments, net

    (532,145 )

Return of capital and capital gain distributions received from underlying investments

    8,555,073  

Proceeds from litigation income

    218,894  

Proceeds from merger

    92,400  

Net realized gain/(loss) on investments

    (16,352,087 )

Net realized gain/(loss) on purchased options

    536,836  

Net realized gain/(loss) on short transactions

    79,594  

Net realized gain/(loss) on written options

    (154,912 )

Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    (27,424,604 )

Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on short transactions

    448,049  

Increases/(decreases) in operating assets:

     

Increase/(decrease) in due to broker

    (36,606 )

Increase/(decrease) in dividends and interest receivable

    182,760  

Increase/(decrease) in deposits at broker for short sales

    (10,157,114 )

Increase/(decrease) in receivable for investments sold

    (896,091 )

Increase/(decrease) in prepaid expenses and other assets

    9,333  

Increases/(decreases) in operating liabilities:

     

Increase/(decrease) in payable for investments purchased

    221,277  

Increase/(decrease) in payable to advisor

    13,901  

Increase/(decrease) in payable for distribution and service fees

    677  

Increase/(decrease) in other accrued expenses

    (70,087 )

Net cash used in operating activities

    30,102,794  

 

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

 

19

 

 

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

Statement Of Cash Flows (concluded)

 

   

Year Ended
August 31,
2021

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

       

Proceeds from shares sold

  $ 39,278,339  

Payment on shares redeemed

    (57,803,579 )

Cash distributions paid to shareholders

    (2,833,938 )

Increase/(decrease) in loan payable

    (8,743,616 )

Net cash provided by financing activities

    (30,102,794 )

Net change in cash

     
         

CASH:

       

Beginning balance

     

Ending balance

  $  
         

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES:

       

Cash paid for interest

  $ 140,904  

Non-cash financing activities - distributions reinvested

    8,876,062  

Non-cash financing activities - increase/(decrease) in receivable for Fund shares sold

    48,435  

Non-cash financing activities - increase/(decrease) in payable for Fund shares redeemed

    (217,045 )

 

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

 

20

 

 

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

Financial Highlights

 

For a capital share outstanding throughout the period

   

CLASS I SHARES

 
   

Year Ended
August 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
August 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
August 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
August 31,
2018

   

Six Months
Ended
August 31,
2017
(2),(3)

   

Year Ended
February 28,
2017

 

Net asset value – Beginning of period

  $ 15.78     $ 21.83     $ 22.50     $ 23.42     $ 23.66     $ 21.36  

Income from Investment Operations:

                       

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    0.32       0.67       0.95       0.86       0.63       1.10  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    4.10       (5.44 )     (0.12 )     (0.17 )     (0.02 )     2.90  

Total from investment operations

    4.42       (4.77 )     0.83       0.69       0.61       4.00  

Less Distributions:

                                               

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.61 )     (0.95 )     (1.14 )     (1.15 )     (0.63 )     (1.10 )

Distributions from net realized gains

                                   

Return of capital

    (0.51 )     (0.33 )     (0.36 )     (0.46 )     (0.22 )     (0.60 )

Total distributions

    (1.12 )     (1.28 )     (1.50 )     (1.61 )     (0.85 )     (1.70 )

Net asset value – End of period

  $ 19.08     $ 15.78     $ 21.83     $ 22.50     $ 23.42     $ 23.66  

Total return/(loss)

    29.12 %     (22.22 )%     4.17 %     3.24 %     2.62 %(4)     19.29 %
                                                 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

                       

Net assets, end of period (thousands)

  $ 181,351     $ 150,062     $ 206,355     $ 193,184     $ 193,361     $ 180,360  

Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets:

               

Before Recoupments/Reimbursements

    1.40 %     1.71 %     1.79 %     1.92 %     1.82 %(5)     2.01 %

After Recoupments/Reimbursements

    1.43 %     1.69 %     1.79 %     1.92 %     1.82 %(5)     2.01 %

Ratio of interest expense and dividends on short positions to average net assets

    0.09 %     0.35 %     0.50 %     0.63 %     0.55 %(5)     0.68 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets:

       

Before Recoupments/Reimbursements

    1.88 %     3.65 %     4.43 %     3.83 %     5.33 %(5)     4.68 %

After Recoupments/Reimbursements

    1.85 %     3.67 %     4.43 %     3.83 %     5.33 %(5)     4.68 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    149 %     153 %     131 %     102 %     46 %(4)     121 %

 

(1)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period.

(2)

Effective as of the close of business on April 28, 2017, the Fund acquired all the assets and liabilities of the Orinda Income Opportunities Fund, a series of Advisors Series Trust (the “Predecessor Fund”). The financial highlights for the periods prior to that date reflect the performance of the Predecessor Fund.

(3)

The Fund changed its fiscal year end to August 31.

(4)

Not annualized.

(5)

Annualized.

 

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

 

21

 

 

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

Financial Highlights (Continued)

 

For a capital share outstanding throughout the period

   

CLASS A SHARES

 
   

Year Ended
August 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
August 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
August 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
August 31,
2018

   

Six Months
Ended
August 31,
2017
(2),(3)

   

Year Ended
February 28,
2017

 

Net asset value – Beginning of period

  $ 15.74     $ 21.77     $ 22.46     $ 23.33     $ 23.58     $ 21.31  

Income from Investment Operations:

                       

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    0.30       0.68       0.85       0.77       0.59       1.03  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    4.06       (5.48 )     (0.10 )     (0.14 )     (0.02 )     2.88  

Total from investment operations

    4.36       (4.80 )     0.75       0.63       0.57       3.91  

Less Distributions:

                                               

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.57 )     (0.90 )     (1.08 )     (1.04 )     (0.60 )     (1.04 )

Distributions from net realized gains

                                   

Return of capital

    (0.51 )     (0.33 )     (0.36 )     (0.46 )     (0.22 )     (0.60 )

Total distributions

    (1.08 )     (1.23 )     (1.44 )     (1.50 )     (0.82 )     (1.64 )

Net asset value – End of period

  $ 19.02     $ 15.74     $ 21.77     $ 22.46     $ 23.33     $ 23.58  

Total return/(loss)

    28.78 %     (22.43 )%     3.82 %     2.94 %     2.49 %(4)     18.90 %
                                                 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

                       

Net assets, end of period (thousands)

  $ 7,427     $ 14,444     $ 62,963     $ 45,783     $ 112,549     $ 101,270  

Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets:

               

Before Recoupments/Reimbursements

    1.65 %     1.82 %     2.04 %     2.07 %     2.12 %(5)     2.29 %

After Recoupments/Reimbursements

    1.69 %     1.80 %     2.04 %     2.07 %     2.12 %(5)     2.29 %

Ratio of interest expense and dividends on short positions to average net assets

    0.08 %     0.25 %     0.46 %     0.51 %     0.55 %(5)     0.66 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets:

       

Before Recoupments/Reimbursements

    1.80 %     3.34 %     3.96 %     3.37 %     5.03 %(5)     4.34 %

After Recoupments/Reimbursements

    1.76 %     3.36 %     3.96 %     3.37 %     5.03 %(5)     4.34 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    149 %     153 %     131 %     102 %     46 %(4)     121 %

 

(1)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period.

(2)

Effective as of the close of business on April 28, 2017, the Fund acquired all the assets and liabilities of the Orinda Income Opportunities Fund, a series of Advisors Series Trust (the “Predecessor Fund”). The financial highlights for the periods prior to that date reflect the performance of the Predecessor Fund.

(3)

The Fund changed its fiscal year end to August 31.

(4)

Not annualized.

(5)

Annualized.

 

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

 

22

 

 

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

Financial Highlights (CONCLUDED)

 

For a capital share outstanding throughout the period

   

CLASS D SHARES

 
   

Year Ended
August 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
August 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
August 31,
2019

   

Year Ended
August 31,
2018

   

Six Months
Ended
August 31,
2017
(2),(3)

   

Year Ended
February 28,
2017

 

Net asset value – Beginning of period

  $ 15.49     $ 21.52     $ 22.23     $ 23.18     $ 23.49     $ 21.25  

Income from Investment Operations:

                       

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    0.15       0.49       0.73       0.63       0.51       0.87  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    4.00       (5.36 )     (0.13 )     (0.16 )     (0.02 )     2.88  

Total from investment operations

    4.15       (4.87 )     0.60       0.47       0.49       3.75  

Less Distributions:

                                               

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.47 )     (0.83 )     (0.95 )     (0.96 )     (0.58 )     (0.90 )

Distributions from net realized gains

                                   

Return of capital

    (0.51 )     (0.33 )     (0.36 )     (0.46 )     (0.22 )     (0.61 )

Total distributions

    (0.98 )     (1.16 )     (1.31 )     (1.42 )     (0.80 )     (1.51 )

Net asset value – End of period

  $ 18.66     $ 15.49     $ 21.52     $ 22.23     $ 23.18     $ 23.49  

Total return/(loss)

    27.80 %     (22.99 )%     3.12 %     2.23 %     2.13 %(4)     18.10 %
                                                 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

                       

Net assets, end of period (thousands)

  $ 10,420     $ 9,626     $ 17,939     $ 20,497     $ 22,274     $ 23,963  

Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets:

       

Before Recoupments/Reimbursements

    2.40 %     2.70 %     2.80 %     2.93 %     2.79 %(5)     2.98 %

After Recoupments/Reimbursements

    2.43 %     2.68 %     2.80 %     2.93 %     2.79 %(5)     2.98 %

Ratio of interest expense and dividends on short positions to average net assets

    0.09 %     0.34 %     0.52 %     0.64 %     0.55 %(5)     0.67 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets:

       

Before Recoupments/Reimbursements

    0.90 %     2.65 %     3.43 %     2.90 %     4.36 %(5)     3.76 %

After Recoupments/Reimbursements

    0.88 %     2.67 %     3.43 %     2.90 %     4.36 %(5)     3.76 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    149 %     153 %     131 %     102 %     46 %(4)     121 %

 

(1)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period.

(2)

Effective as of the close of business on April 28, 2017, the Fund acquired all the assets and liabilities of the Orinda Income Opportunities Fund, a series of Advisors Series Trust (the “Predecessor Fund”). The financial highlights for the periods prior to that date reflect the performance of the Predecessor Fund.

(3)

The Fund changed its fiscal year end to August 31.

(4)

Not annualized.

(5)

Annualized.

 

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

 

23

 

 

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

Notes to Financial Statements

August 31, 2021

 

1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The RBB Fund, Inc. (“RBB” or the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland on February 29, 1988 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. RBB is a “series fund,” which is a mutual fund divided into separate portfolios. Each portfolio is treated as a separate entity for certain matters under the 1940 Act, and for other purposes, and a shareholder of one portfolio is not deemed to be a shareholder of any other portfolio. Currently, RBB has thirty-nine separate investment portfolios, including the Orinda Income Opportunities Fund (the “Fund”), which became a series of RBB as of the close of business on April 28, 2017. The Fund is authorized to offer three classes of shares, Class I Shares, Class A Shares and Class D Shares. Class A Shares are sold subject to a front-end maximum sales charge of 5.00%. Front-end sales charges may be reduced or waived under certain circumstances. Class I Shares, Class A Shares and Class D Shares commenced investment operations on June 28, 2013, June 28, 2013 and September 27, 2013, respectively.

 

Prior to April 28, 2017, the Fund was a series (the “Predecessor Fund”) of Advisors Series Trust (the “Trust”), an open-end management investment company (or mutual fund) organized on October 3, 1996, as a statutory trust under the laws of the State of Delaware. The Predecessor Fund was reorganized into the Fund on April 28, 2017 (the “Reorganization”). As a result of the Reorganization, the performance and accounting history of the Predecessor Fund was assumed by the Fund. Performance and accounting information prior to April 28, 2017 included herein is that of the Predecessor Fund.

 

RBB has authorized capital of one hundred billion shares of common stock of which 88.223 billion shares are currently classified into one hundred and ninety-three classes of common stock. Each class represents an interest in an active or inactive RBB investment portfolio.

 

The Fund’s investment objective is to maximize current income with potential for modest growth of capital.

 

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

 

The end of the reporting period for the Fund is August 31, 2021, and the period covered by these Notes to Financial Statements is the fiscal period ended August 31, 2021 (the “current fiscal period”).

 

PORTFOLIO VALUATION — The Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. Securities held by the Fund are valued using the closing price or the last sale price on a national securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System (“NASDAQ”) market system where they are primarily traded. Equity securities traded in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market are valued at their closing prices. If there were no transactions on that day, securities traded principally on an exchange or on NASDAQ will be valued at the mean of the last bid and ask prices prior to the market close. Fixed income securities are valued using an independent pricing service, which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings, and are deemed representative of market values at the close of the market. Foreign securities are valued based on prices from the primary market in which they are traded, and are translated from the local currency into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates. Investments in other open-end investment companies are valued based on the NAV of the investment companies (which may use fair value pricing as disclosed in their prospectuses). Options for which the primary market is a national securities exchange are valued at the last sale price on the exchange on which they are traded, or, in the absence of any sale, will be valued at the mean of the last bid and ask prices prior to the market close. Options not traded on a national securities exchange are valued at the last quoted bid price for long option positions and the closing ask price for short option positions. If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable, securities will be valued in accordance with procedures adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). Relying on prices supplied by pricing services or dealers or using fair valuation may result in values that are higher or lower than the values used by other investment companies and investors to price the same investments. Such procedures use fundamental valuation methods, which may include, but are not limited to, an analysis of the effect of any restrictions on the resale of the security, industry analysis and trends, significant changes in the issuer’s financial position, and any other event which could have a significant impact on the value of the security. Determination of fair value involves subjective judgment as the actual market value of a particular security can be established only by negotiations between the parties in a sales transaction, and the difference between the recorded fair value and the value that would be received in a sale could be significant. The Fund may use fair value pricing more frequently for securities traded primarily in non-U.S. markets because, among other things, most foreign markets close well before the Fund values its securities, generally as of 4:00 p.m. Eastern time. The earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to

 

24

 

 

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

Notes To Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, government actions or pronouncements, aftermarket trading, or news events may have occurred in the interim. To account for this, the Fund may value foreign securities using fair value prices based on third-party vendor modeling tools (international fair value pricing).

 

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS — The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the Fund’s investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:

 

 

● Level 1 —

Prices are determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.

 

 

● Level 2 —

Prices are determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

 

● Level 3 —

Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

 

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used, as of the end of the reporting period, in valuing the Fund’s investments carried at fair value:

 

   

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

 

Assets

                               

REITs

                               

Financials

  $ 59,349,149     $ 59,349,149     $     $  

Real Estate

    137,067,305       137,067,305              

Total REITs

    196,416,454       196,416,454              

Preferred Stocks

                               

Financials

    2,763,514       2,763,514              

Industrials

    2,352,797       2,352,797              

Real Estate

    4,718,504       4,718,504              

Total Preferred Stocks

    9,834,815       9,834,815              

Convertible Preferred Stocks

                               

Real Estate

    1,941,790       1,941,790              

Total Convertible Preferred Stocks

    1,941,790       1,941,790              

Closed-End Mutual Funds

    1,705,100       1,705,100              

Short-Term Investments

    1,374,276       1,374,276              

Total Investments in Securities

  $ 211,272,435     $ 211,272,435     $     $  

Total Assets

  $ 211,272,435     $ 211,272,435     $     $  

Liabilities

                               

Securities Sold Short

  $ (11,128,600 )   $ (11,128,600 )   $     $  

Total Liabilities

  $ (11,128,600 )   $ (11,128,600 )   $     $  

 

At the end of each quarter, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities. Various factors are considered, such as changes in liquidity from the prior reporting period; whether or not a broker is willing to execute at the quoted price; the depth and consistency of prices from third party pricing services; and the existence of contemporaneous, observable trades in the market. Additionally, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities on a quarterly basis for changes in listings or delistings on national exchanges.

 

25

 

 

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

Notes To Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Fund’s investments may fluctuate from period to period. Additionally, the fair value of investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for such investments and may differ materially from the values the Fund may ultimately realize. Further, such investments may be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities.

 

For fair valuations using significant unobservable inputs, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires the Fund to present a reconciliation of the beginning to ending balances for reported market values that presents changes attributable to total realized and unrealized gains or losses, purchase and sales, and transfers in and out of Level 3 during the period. Transfers in and out between levels are based on values at the end of the period. A reconciliation of Level 3 investments is presented only when the Fund had an amount of Level 3 investments at the end of the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets. The amounts and reasons for all Level 3 transfers are disclosed if the Fund had an amount of Level 3 transfers during the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets as of the end of the reporting period.

 

Foreign securities that utilize international fair pricing are categorized as Level 2 in the hierarchy.

 

During the current fiscal period, the Fund had no Level 3 transfers.

 

DISCLOSURES ABOUT DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES — The Fund may use derivatives for different purposes, such as a substitute for taking a position in the underlying asset and/or as part of a strategy designed to reduce exposure to other risks, such as interest rate or currency risk. The various derivative instruments that the Fund may use are options, futures, swaps, and forward foreign currency contracts, among others. The Fund may also use derivatives for leverage, in which case their use would involve leveraging risk. The Fund’s use of derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments. Derivatives are subject to a number of risks, such as liquidity risk, interest rate risk, market risk, credit risk, and management risk. A Fund investing in a derivative instrument could lose more than the principal amount invested.

 

The Fund has adopted the disclosure provisions of FASB Accounting Standard Codification 815, Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”). ASC 815 requires enhanced disclosures about the Fund’s use of, and accounting for, derivative instruments and the effect of derivative instruments on the Fund’s results of operations and financial position. Tabular disclosure regarding derivative fair value and gain/loss by contract type (e.g., interest rate contracts, foreign exchange contracts, credit contracts, etc.) is required and derivatives accounted for as hedging instruments under ASC 815 must be disclosed separately from those that do not qualify for hedge accounting. Even though the Fund may use derivatives in an attempt to achieve an economic hedge, the Fund’s derivatives are not accounted for as hedging instruments under ASC 815 because investment companies account for their derivatives at fair value and record any changes in fair value in current period earnings.

 

OPTIONS The Fund may utilize options for hedging purposes as well as direct investment. Some options strategies, including buying puts, tend to hedge the Fund’s investments against price fluctuations. Other strategies, such as writing puts and calls and buying calls, tend to increase market exposure. Options contracts may be combined with each other in order to adjust the risk and return characteristics of each Fund’s overall strategy in a manner deemed appropriate to the Adviser and consistent with each Fund’s investment objective and policies. When a call or put option is written, an amount equal to the premium received is recorded as a liability. The liability is marked-to-market daily to reflect the current fair value of the written option. When a written option expires, a gain is realized in the amount of the premium originally received. If a closing purchase contract is entered into, a gain or loss is realized in the amount of the original premium less the cost of the closing transaction. If a written call option is exercised, a gain or loss is realized from the sale of the underlying security, and the proceeds from such sale are increased by the premium originally received. If a written put option is exercised, the amount of the premium originally received reduces the cost of the security which is purchased upon the exercise of the option.

 

With options, there is minimal counterparty credit risk to the Fund since the options are covered or secured, which means that the Fund will own the underlying security or, to the extent it does not hold such a portfolio, will maintain a segregated account with the Fund’s custodian consisting of high quality liquid debt obligations equal to the market value of the option, marked to market daily.

 

26

 

 

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

Notes To Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

Options purchased are recorded as investments and marked-to-market daily to reflect the current fair value of the option contract. If an option purchased expires, a loss is realized in the amount of the cost of the option contract. If a closing transaction is entered into, a gain or loss is realized to the extent that the proceeds from the sale are greater or less than the cost of the option. If a purchase put option is exercised, a gain or loss is realized from the sale of the underlying security by adjusting the proceeds from such sale by the amount of the premium originally paid. If a purchased call option is exercised, the cost of the security purchased upon exercise is increased by the premium originally paid.

 

FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS — The Fund is subject to equity price risk, interest rate risk, and foreign currency exchange rate risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. The Fund uses futures contracts and options on such futures contracts to gain exposure to, or hedge against, changes in the value of equities, interest rates or foreign currencies. A futures contract represents a commitment for the future purchase or sale of an asset at a specified price on a specified date. Upon entering into such contracts, the Fund is required to deposit with the broker, either in cash or securities, an initial margin deposit in an amount equal to a certain percentage of the contract amount. Subsequent payments (variation margin) are made or received by the Fund each day, depending on the daily fluctuations in the value of the contract, and are recorded for financial statement purposes as unrealized gains or losses by the Fund. Upon entering into such contracts, the Fund bears the risk of interest or exchange rates or securities prices moving unexpectedly, in which case, the Fund may not achieve the anticipated benefits of the futures contracts and may realize a loss. With futures, there is minimal counterparty credit risk to the Fund since futures are exchange traded and the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange-traded futures, guarantees the futures against default. The use of futures contracts, and options on futures contracts, involves the risk of imperfect correlation in movements in the price of futures contracts and options thereon, interest rates and the underlying hedged assets.

 

LEVERAGE AND SHORT SALES The Fund may use leverage in connection with its investment activities and may effect short sales of securities. Leverage can increase the investment returns of the Fund if the securities purchased increase in value in an amount exceeding the cost of the borrowing. However, if the securities decrease in value, the Fund will suffer a greater loss than would have resulted without the use of leverage. A short sale is the sale by the Fund of a security which it does not own in anticipation of purchasing the same security in the future at a lower price to close the short position. A short sale will be successful if the price of the shorted security decreases. However, if the underlying security goes up in price during the period in which the short position is outstanding, the Fund will realize a loss. The risk on a short sale is unlimited because the Fund must buy the shorted security at the higher price to complete the transaction. Therefore, short sales may be subject to greater risks than investments in long positions. With a long position, the maximum sustainable loss is limited to the amount paid for the security plus the transaction costs, whereas there is no maximum attainable price of the shorted security. The Fund would also incur increased transaction costs associated with selling securities short. In addition, if the Fund sells securities short, it must maintain a segregated account with its custodian containing cash or high-grade securities equal to (i) the greater of the current market value of the securities sold short or the market value of such securities at the time they were sold short, less (ii) any collateral deposited with the Fund’s broker (not including the proceeds from the short sales). The Fund may be required to add to the segregated account as the market price of a shorted security increases. As a result of maintaining and adding to its segregated account, the Fund may maintain higher levels of cash or liquid assets (for example, U.S. Treasury bills, repurchase agreements, high quality commercial paper and long equity positions) for collateral needs thus reducing its overall managed assets available for trading purposes. The Fund is obligated to pay the counterparty any dividends or interest due on securities sold short. Such dividends and interest are recorded as an expense to the Fund.

 

MUTUAL FUND AND ETF TRADING RISK — The Fund may invest in other mutual funds that are either open-end or closed-end investment companies as well as ETFs. ETFs are investment companies that are bought and sold on a national securities exchange. Unlike mutual funds, ETFs do not necessarily trade at the net asset values of their underlying securities, which means an ETF could potentially trade above or below the value of the underlying portfolios. Additionally, because ETFs trade like stocks on exchanges, they are subject to trading and commission costs unlike mutual funds. Also, both mutual funds and ETFs have management fees that are part of their costs, and the Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of the costs.

 

REITS — The Fund has made certain investments in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) which pay dividends to their shareholders based upon available funds from operations. It is quite common for these dividends to exceed the REITs’ taxable earnings and profits resulting in the excess portion being designated as a return of capital. The Fund intends to include the gross dividends from such REITs in its annual distributions to shareholders and, accordingly, a portion of the Fund’s distributions may also be designated as a return of capital.

 

27

 

 

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

Notes To Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

USE OF ESTIMATES — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences could be significant.

 

INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS, INVESTMENT INCOME AND EXPENSES — The Fund records security transactions based on trade date for financial reporting purposes. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method for both financial reporting and income tax purposes in determining realized gains and losses on investments. Interest income (including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts) is accrued when earned. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or capital gains are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. The Fund’s investment income, expenses (other than class specific expenses) and unrealized and realized gains and losses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class at the beginning of the day. Certain expenses are shared with PENN Capital Funds Trust (the “Trust”), a series trust of affiliated funds. Expenses incurred on behalf of a specific class, fund or fund family of the Company or Trust are charged directly to the class, fund or fund family (in proportion to net assets). Expenses incurred for all funds (such as director or professional fees) are charged to all funds in proportion to their average net assets of RBB and the Trust, or in such other manner as the Board deems fair or equitable. Expenses and fees, including investment advisory and administration fees, are accrued daily and taken into account for the purpose of determining the NAV of the Fund.

 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS — The Fund distributes substantially all of its net investment income, if any, quarterly, and net realized capital gains, if any, annually. Income dividends and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

 

U.S. TAX STATUSNo provision is made for U.S. income taxes as it is the Fund’s intention to continue to qualify for and elect the tax treatment applicable to regulated investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and make the requisite distributions to its shareholders which will be sufficient to relieve it from U.S. income and excise taxes.

 

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION — Assets and liabilities initially expressed in non-U.S. currencies are translated into U.S. dollars based on the applicable exchange rates at the date of the last business day of the financial statement period. Purchases and sales of securities, interest income, dividends, variation margin received and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect on the transaction date.

 

The Fund does not separately report the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates from changes in market prices of securities held. Such changes are included with the net realized gain or loss and change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments in the Statement of Operations. Other foreign currency transactions resulting in realized and unrealized gain or loss are reported separately as net realized gain or loss and change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on foreign currencies in the Statement of Operations.

 

MARKET RISK The value of the Fund’s shares will fluctuate as a result of the movement of the overall stock market or the value of the individual securities held by the Fund, and you could lose money.

 

MASTER LIMITED PARTNERSHIP RISK Investments in securities (units) of MLPs involve risks that differ from an investment in common stock. To the extent that an MLP’s interests are all in a particular industry, the MLP will be negatively impacted by economic events adversely impacting that industry. Additionally, holders of the units of MLPs have more limited control and limited rights to vote on matters affecting the partnership. There are also certain tax risks associated with an investment in units of MLPs.

 

FOREIGN AND EMERGING MARKET SECURITIES RISK — Foreign investments may carry risks associated with investing outside the United States, such as currency fluctuation, economic or financial instability, lack of timely or reliable financial information or unfavorable political or legal developments. Those risks are increased for investments in emerging markets.

 

28

 

 

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

Notes To Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

CURRENCY RISK Changes in foreign currency exchange rates will affect the value of what the Fund owns and the Fund’s share price. Generally, when the U.S. dollar rises in value against a foreign currency, an investment in that country loses value because that currency is worth fewer U.S. dollars. Devaluation of a currency by a country’s government or banking authority also will have a significant impact on the value of any investments denominated in that currency. Currency markets generally are not as regulated as securities markets.

 

SMALL AND MEDIUM COMPANIES RISK — Investing in securities of small and medium capitalization companies may involve greater volatility than investing in larger and more established companies because small and medium capitalization companies can be subject to more abrupt or erratic share price changes than larger, more established companies.

 

DERIVATIVES RISK — The Fund’s use of derivatives (which may include options, futures and swaps, among others) may reduce the Fund’s returns and/or increase volatility. Derivatives involve the risk of improper valuation, the risk of ambiguous documentation, and the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying security. Derivatives are also subject to market risk, interest rate risk, credit risk, counterparty risk and liquidity risk. Derivatives may be more sensitive to changes in economic or market conditions than other types of investments and could result in losses that significantly exceed the Fund’s original investment.

 

OPTIONS RISK — Purchasing and writing put and call options are highly specialized activities and entail greater than ordinary investment risks. The Fund may not fully benefit from or may lose money on an option if changes in its value do not correspond as anticipated to changes in the value of the underlying securities.

 

INTEREST RATE RISK Interest rate risk is the risk that fixed income securities will decline in value because of changes in interest rates. It is likely there will be less governmental action in the near future to maintain low interest rates. The negative impact on fixed income securities from the resulting rate increases for that and other reasons could be swift and significant.

 

FIXED INCOME SECURITIES RISK — Fixed income securities are subject to interest rate risk and credit risk. There is also the risk that an issuer may “call,” or repay, its high yielding bonds before their maturity dates. Fixed income 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. Limited trading opportunities for certain fixed income securities may make it more difficult to sell or buy a security at a favorable price or time.

 

REAL ESTATE AND REIT CONCENTRATION RISK — The Fund is vulnerable to the risks of the real estate industry, such as the risk that a decline in rental income may occur because of extended vacancies, the failure to collect rents, increased competition from other properties, or poor management. The value and performance of REITs depends on how well the underlying properties owned by the REIT are managed. In addition, the value of an individual REIT’s securities can decline if the REIT fails to continue qualifying for special tax treatment.

 

CONVERTIBLE BOND RISK — Convertible bonds are hybrid securities that have characteristics of both bonds and common stocks and are therefore subject to both debt security risks and equity risk. Convertible bonds are subject to equity risk especially when their conversion value is greater than the interest and principal value of the bond. The prices of equity securities may rise or fall because of economic or political changes and may decline over short or extended periods of time.

 

PREFERRED STOCK RISK Preferred stocks may be more volatile than fixed income securities and are more correlated with the issuer’s underlying common stock than fixed income securities. Additionally, the dividend on a preferred stock may be changed or omitted by the issuer.

 

INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING RISK — The Fund may purchase securities of companies that are offered pursuant to an IPO. The risk exists that the market value of IPO shares will fluctuate considerably due to factors such as the absence of a prior public market, unseasoned trading, the small number of shares available for trading and limited information about the issuer. The purchase of IPO shares may involve high transaction costs. IPO shares are subject to market risk and liquidity risk. When the Fund’s asset base is small, a significant portion of the Fund’s performance could be attributable to investments in IPOs, because such investments would have a magnified impact on the Fund. As the Fund’s assets grow, the effect of the Fund’s investments in IPOs on the Fund’s performance probably will decline, which could reduce the Fund’s performance.

 

29

 

 

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

Notes To Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RISK A high portfolio turnover rate (100% or more) increases the Fund’s transaction costs (including brokerage commissions and dealer costs), which would adversely impact the Fund’s performance. Higher portfolio turnover may result in the realization of more short-term capital gains than if the Fund had lower portfolio turnover.

 

LIBOR DISCONTINUATION RISK The terms of many financial instruments in which the Fund may invest or other transactions to which the Fund may be a party may be tied to the London Interbank Offered Rate, or “LIBOR.” LIBOR is the offered rate for short-term Eurodollar deposits between major international banks. LIBOR may be a significant factor in determining the Fund’s payment obligations under a derivative investment, the cost of financing to the Fund or an investment’s value or return to the Fund, and may be used in other ways that affect the Fund’s investment performance. In July 2017, the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”), the United Kingdom’s financial regulatory body, announced a desire to phase out the use of LIBOR by the end of 2021.

 

The FCA and ICE Benchmark Administrator have since announced that most LIBOR settings will no longer be published after December 31, 2021 and a majority of U.S. dollar LIBOR settings will cease publication after June 30, 2023. It is possible that a subset of LIBOR settings will be published after these dates on a “synthetic” basis, but any such publications would be considered non-representative of the underlying market. The U.S. Federal Reserve, based on the recommendations of the New York Federal Reserve’s Alternative Reference Rate Committee (comprised of major derivative market participants and their regulators), has begun publishing the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) that is intended to replace U.S. dollar LIBOR. Proposals for alternative reference rates for other currencies have also been announced or have already begun publication. Markets are slowly developing in response to these new reference rates. Uncertainty related to the liquidity impact of the change in rates, and how to appropriately adjust these rates at the time of transition, poses risks for the Fund. The effect of any changes to, or discontinuation of, LIBOR on the Fund will depend on, among other things, (1) existing fallback or termination provisions in individual contracts and (2) whether, how, and when industry participants develop and adopt new reference rates and fallbacks for both legacy and new instruments and contracts. In addition, there are obstacles to converting certain longer-term securities and transactions to a new reference rate or rates and the effectiveness of one alternative reference rate versus multiple alternative reference rates in new or existing financial instruments and products has not been determined.

 

The transition away from LIBOR might lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets for instruments whose terms currently reference LIBOR, reduced values of LIBOR-related investments, reduced effectiveness of hedging strategies, increased costs for certain LIBOR-related instruments, increased difficulty in borrowing or refinancing, and prolonged adverse market conditions for the Fund. Furthermore, the risks associated with the expected discontinuation of LIBOR and related transition may be exacerbated if the work necessary to effect an orderly transition to an alternative reference rate is not completed in a timely manner. Because the usefulness of LIBOR as a benchmark could deteriorate during the transition period, these effects could occur prior to the end of 2021.

 

Although the Fund is working to minimize its exposure to risks associated with the expected discontinuation of LIBOR, all of the aforementioned risks may adversely affect the Fund’s performance or NAV.

 

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) PANDEMIC — The global outbreak of COVID-19 (commonly referred to as “coronavirus”) has disrupted economic markets and the prolonged economic impact is uncertain. Although vaccines for COVID-19 are becoming more widely available, the ultimate economic fallout from the pandemic, and the long-term impact on economies, markets, industries and individual issuers are not known. The operational and financial performance of the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests depends on future developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak and the pace of recovery which may vary from market to market, and such uncertainty may in turn adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments, impair the Fund’s ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the Fund’s performance.

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates market value.

 

REDEMPTION FEES — The Fund does not charge redemption fees to shareholders.

 

OTHER — In the normal course of business, the Fund may enter into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on claims that may be made against the Fund in the future, and, therefore, cannot be estimated; however, the Fund expects the risk of material loss from such claims to be remote.

 

30

 

 

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

Notes To Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

2. INVESTMENT ADVISER AND OTHER SERVICES

 

Orinda Asset Management, LLC (the “Adviser” or “Orinda”) serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. The Adviser furnishes all investment advice, office space, and facilities, and provides most of the personnel needed by the Fund. The Fund compensates the Adviser for its services at an annual rate based on the Fund’s average daily net assets (the “Advisory Fee”), payable on a monthly basis in arrears, as shown in the following table.

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent that the total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) exceed the rate (“Expense Cap”) shown in the following table of the average daily net assets for each class of shares. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed the Expense Cap as applicable: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, dividends on securities sold short, extraordinary expenses, interest and taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2021 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board. The Adviser may discontinue these arrangements at any time after December 31, 2021.

 

ADVISORY

 

EXPENSE CAPS

FEE

 

CLASS I

CLASS A

CLASS D

1.00%

 

1.40%

1.65%

2.40%

 

During the current fiscal period, investment advisory fees accrued, waived and/or reimbursed were as follows:

 

 

GROSS ADVISORY
FEES

   

WAIVERS AND/OR
REIMBURSEMENTS

   

NET ADVISORY
FEES

 
  $ 1,840,514     $ 53,072     $ 1,893,586  

 

If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes) for a year are less than the relevant share class’s Expense Cap, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed the relevant share class’s Expense Cap that was in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

As of the end of the reporting period, the Fund had amounts available for recoupment as follows:

 

 

EXPIRATION

 
 

AUGUST 31, 2022

   

AUGUST 31, 2023

   

AUGUST 31, 2024

 
  $     $     $  

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (“Fund Services”), doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, serves as administrator for the Fund. For providing administrative and accounting services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Fund Services serves as the Fund’s transfer and dividend disbursing agent. For providing transfer agent services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

U.S. Bank, N.A. (the “Custodian”) provides certain custodial services to the Fund. The Custodian is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Quasar Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of Foreside Financial Group, LLC, serves as the principal underwriter and distributor of the Funds’ shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with RBB.

 

For compensation amounts paid to Fund Services and the Custodian, please refer to the Statement of Operations.

 

31

 

 

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

Notes To Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

The Board has adopted Plans of Distribution for Class A Shares and Class D Shares (the “Plans”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Plans, the Fund’s distributor is entitled to receive from the Fund a distribution fee with respect to Class A Shares and Class D Shares of the Fund, which is accrued daily and paid monthly, of up to 0.25% on an annualized basis of the average daily net assets of the Class A Shares and up to 1.00% on an annualized basis of the average daily net assets of the Class D Shares. The actual amount of such compensation under the Plans is agreed upon by the Board and by the Distributor. Because these fees are paid out of the Fund’s assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment in Class A Shares and Class D Shares and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges. Amounts paid to the Distributor under the Plans may be used by the Distributor to cover expenses that are related to (i) the sale of Class A Shares and Class D Shares, (ii) ongoing servicing and/or maintenance of the accounts of Class A and Class D shareholders, and (iii) sub-transfer agency services, sub-accounting services or administrative services related to the sale of Class A Shares and Class D Shares, all as set forth in the Plans.

 

3. DIRECTOR AND OFFICER COMPENSATION

 

The Directors of the Company receive an annual retainer and meeting fees for meetings attended. An employee of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serves as President and Chief Compliance Officer of the Company. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company. Employees of RBB serve as Treasurer, Secretary and Director of Marketing & Business Development of the Company. They are compensated for services provided. Certain employees of Fund Services serve as officers of the Company. They are not compensated by the Fund or the Company. An employee of Vigilant Compliance, LLC also serves as the Chief Compliance Officer of the Adviser. Neither the Fund nor the Company compensates this individual or Vigilant Compliance, LLC for services provided to Orinda. For Director and Officer compensation amounts, please refer to the Statement of Operations.

 

4. PURCHASES AND SALES OF INVESTMENT SECURITIES

 

During the current fiscal period, aggregate purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) of the Fund were as follows:

 

 

PURCHASES

   

SALES

 
  $ 284,435,333     $ 303,431,066  

 

There were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. Government securities during the current fiscal period.

 

5. LEVERAGE & LINE OF CREDIT

 

The Fund may purchase securities with borrowed money, including bank overdrafts (a form of leverage). The Fund may borrow amounts up to one-third of the value of its assets after giving effect to such borrowing. Leverage exaggerates the effect on the net asset value of any increase or decrease in the market value of the Fund’s portfolio securities. These borrowings will be subject to interest costs, which may or may not be recovered by appreciation of the securities purchased. In certain cases, interest costs may exceed the return received on the securities purchased.

 

The Fund may also utilize the line of credit for short term financing, if necessary, subject to certain restrictions, in connection with shareholder redemptions. The Fund maintains a separate line of credit with BNP Paribas (acting through its New York Branch). The Fund is charged interest of 1.20% above the one-month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) for borrowings under this agreement. The Fund can borrow up to a maximum of 50% of the market value of assets pledged as collateral. However, depending on the liquidity of the collateral, issuer concentration, debt ratings of fixed income investments, and the share price of equity holdings, the amount eligible to be borrowed can also be less than 50% of the market value of the assets pledged as collateral.

 

The Fund has pledged a portion of its investment securities as the collateral for their line of credit. As of the end of the reporting period, the value of the investment securities pledged as collateral was $57,201,076. The Fund had an outstanding average daily balance and a weighted average interest rate of approximately $11 million and 1.29%, respectively. The maximum amount outstanding for the Fund during the reporting period was $22,862,709.

 

32

 

 

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

Notes To Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2021

 

6. FEDERAL INCOME TAX INFORMATION

 

The Fund has followed the authoritative guidance on accounting for and disclosure of uncertainty in tax positions, which requires the Fund to determine whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The Fund has determined that there was no effect on the financial statements from following this authoritative guidance. In the normal course of business, the Fund is subject to examination by federal, state and local jurisdictions, where applicable, for tax years for which applicable statutes of limitations have not expired.

 

As of August 31, 2021, the federal tax cost and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments held by the Fund were as follows:

 

 

FEDERAL
TAX COST

   

UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION

   

UNREALIZED
(DEPRECIATION)

   

NET
UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION/
(DEPRECIATION)

 
  $ 180,098,194     $ 23,842,672     $ (3,797,031 )   $ 20,045,641  

 

Distributions to shareholders, if any, from net investment income and realized gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from net investment income and realized gains recognized for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the character of distributions and composition of net assets for tax purposes may differ from those reflected in the accompanying financial statements. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on the tax treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.

 

Permanent differences as of August 31, 2021 were reclassified among the following accounts:

 

 

Distributable
earnings/
(Loss)

   

PAID-IN
CAPITAL

 
  $ 1,875,773     $ (1,875,773 )

 

As of August 31, 2021, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

 

UNDISTRIBUTED
ORDINARY
INCOME

   

UNDISTRIBUTED
LONG-TERM
CAPITAL GAINS

   

NET
UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION/
(DEPRECIATION)

   

ACCUMULATED
LOSSES

   

TOTAL

 
  $     $     $ 20,045,641     $ (47,258,221 )   $ (27,212,580 )

 

The differences between the book and tax basis components of distributable earnings relate principally to the timing of recognition of income and gains for federal income tax purposes. Short-term and foreign currency gains are reported as ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.

 

The tax character of dividends and distributions paid during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2021 and August 31, 2020 were as follows:

 

   

ORDINARY
INCOME

   

LONG-TERM
CAPITAL GAINS

   

RETURN
OF CAPITAL

 

2021

  $ 6,335,330     $     $ 5,374,670  

2020

  $ 11,836,976     $     $ 4,178,024  

 

Dividends from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income dividends for federal income tax purposes.

 

33

 

 

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

Notes To Financial Statements (Concluded)

August 31, 2021

 

The Fund is permitted to carryforward capital losses for an unlimited period. Capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of August 31, 2021, the Fund had $29,190,885 of short-term capital loss carryforwards and $18,067,336 of long-term capital loss carryforwards.

 

7. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS AND REGULATORY UPDATES

 

In October 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“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. Funds will be required to comply with Rule 18f-4 by August 19, 2022. It is not currently clear what impact, if any, Rule 18f-4 will have on the availability, liquidity or performance of derivatives. Management is currently evaluating the potential impact of Rule 18f-4 on the Fund. When fully implemented, Rule 18f-4 may require changes in how the Fund uses derivatives, adversely affect the Fund’s performance and increase costs related to a Fund’s use of derivatives.

 

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 will be required to comply with the rules by September 8, 2022. Management is currently assessing the potential impact of the new rules on the Fund’s financial statements.

 

8. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Fund through the date the financial statements were issued and has determined that there were no significant events requiring recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.

 

34

 

 

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Directors of
The RBB Fund, Inc.
and the Shareholders of the Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Orinda Income Opportunities Fund (the “Fund”), a series of The RBB Fund, Inc., including the schedule of investments, as of August 31, 2021, the related statements of operations and cash flows for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, financial highlights for each of the four years in the period then ended, for the six month period ended August 31, 2017, and for the year ended February 28, 2017, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of August 31, 2021, the results of its operations and cash flows for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the four years in the period then ended, for the six month period ended August 31, 2017, and for the year ended February 28, 2017, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We have served as the Fund’s auditor since 2011.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Fund is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 2021 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 


 

TAIT, WELLER & BAKER LLP

 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
October 28, 2021

 

35

 

 

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

Shareholder Tax Information

(Unaudited)

 

Certain tax information regarding the Fund is required to be provided to shareholders based upon the Fund’s income and distributions for the taxable year ended August 31, 2021. The information and distributions reported herein may differ from information and distributions taxable to the shareholders for the calendar year ended December 31, 2021. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021, the following dividends and distributions were paid by the Fund:

 

 

ORDINARY
INCOME
DIVIDENDS

   

LONG-TERM
CAPITAL GAIN
DIVIDENDS

   

Return
of Capital
DIVIDENDS

 
  $ 6,335,330     $     $ 5,374,670  

 

Distributions from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income dividends for federal income tax purposes.

 

Under the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003, the percentage of ordinary income dividends qualifying for the 15% dividend tax rate is 12.41%.

 

The percentage of ordinary income dividends qualifying for the corporate dividends received deduction is 8.07%.

 

The Fund designates 0.00% of the ordinary income distributions as qualified short-term gain pursuant to the American Job Creation Act of 2004.

 

Because the Fund’s fiscal year is not the calendar year, another notification will be sent with respect to calendar year 2021. The second notification, which will reflect the amount, if any, to be used by calendar year taxpayers on their U.S. federal income tax returns, will be made in conjunction with Form 1099-DIV and will be mailed in January 2022.

 

Foreign shareholders will generally be subject to U.S. withholding tax on the amount of their ordinary income dividends. They will generally not be entitled to a foreign tax credit or deduction for the withholding taxes paid by the Fund, if any.

 

In general, dividends received by tax exempt recipients (e.g., IRAs and Keoghs) need not be reported as taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, some retirement trusts (e.g., corporate, Keogh and 403(b)(7) plans) may need this information for their annual information reporting.

 

Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the tax consequences of their investment in the Fund.

 

36

 

 

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

Notice to Shareholders

August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

How to Obtain a Copy of the Fund’s Proxy Voting Policies

 

A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-855-467-4632 or on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

How to Obtain a Copy of the Fund’s Proxy Voting Records for the 12-Month Period Ended June 30, 2021

 

Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-855-467-4632. Furthermore, you can obtain the Fund’s proxy voting records on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Quarterly Portfolio Schedules

 

The Company files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third fiscal quarters of each fiscal year (quarters ended November 30 and May 31) as an exhibit to its report on Form N-PORT. The Company’s Form N-PORT is available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement

 

As required by the 1940 Act, the Board, including all of the Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Directors”), considered the renewal of the investment advisory agreement between Orinda and the Company (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”) on behalf of the Fund, at a meeting of the Board held on May 12-13, 2021 (the “Meeting”). At the Meeting, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, approved the Investment Advisory Agreement for an additional one-year term. The Board’s decision to approve the Investment Advisory Agreement reflects the exercise of its business judgment to continue the existing arrangement. In approving the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Board considered information provided by Orinda with the assistance and advice of counsel to the Independent Directors and the Company.

 

In considering the renewal and approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Company and Orinda with respect to the Fund, the Directors took into account all the materials provided prior to and during the Meeting and at other meetings throughout the past year, the presentations made during the Meeting, and the discussions held during the Meeting. Among other things, the Directors considered (i) the nature, extent, and quality of Orinda’s services provided to the Fund; (ii) descriptions of the experience and qualifications of Orinda’s personnel providing those services; (iii) Orinda’s investment philosophies and processes; (iv) Orinda’s assets under management and client descriptions; (v) Orinda’s soft dollar commission and trade allocation policies, including information on the types of research and services obtained in connection with soft dollar commissions; (vi) Orinda’s current advisory fee arrangement with the Company and other similarly managed clients; (vii) Orinda’s compliance procedures; (viii) Orinda’s financial information, insurance coverage and profitability analysis related to providing advisory services to the Fund; (ix) the extent to which economies of scale are relevant to the Orinda; (x) a report prepared by Broadridge/Lipper comparing the Fund’s management fees and total expense ratio to those of its Lipper Group and comparing the performance of the Fund to the performance of its Lipper Group; and (xi) a report comparing the performance of the Fund to the performance of its benchmark.

 

As part of their review, the Directors considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by Orinda. The Directors concluded that Orinda had substantial resources to provide services to the Fund and that Orinda’s services had been acceptable.

 

The Directors also considered the investment performance of the Fund and Orinda. The Directors noted that the Fund had outperformed the Fund’s primary benchmark for the year-to-date and one-year periods, and underperformed the Fund’s primary benchmark for the three-year, five-year and since-inception periods, each ended March 31, 2021. The Directors also considered the Fund’s 5th quintile ranking within its Lipper Performance Group for the one-year, two-year, three-year, four-year, and five-year periods ended December 31, 2020.

 

The Board also considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreement. In this regard, information on the fees paid by the Fund and the Fund’s total operating expense ratio (before and after fee waivers and expense reimbursements) was compared to similar information for mutual funds advised by other, unaffiliated investment advisory firms.

 

37

 

 

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

Notice to Shareholders (Concluded)

August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

The Directors noted that the actual advisor fee of the Fund ranked in the 4th quintile of the Fund’s Lipper Expense Group, and that the total expenses of the Fund ranked in the 5th quintile of its Lipper Expense Group. In addition, the Directors noted that Orinda has contractually agreed to waive management fees and reimburse expenses through at least December 31, 2021 to agreed upon levels.

 

After reviewing the information regarding the Fund’s costs, profitability and economies of scale, and after considering Orinda’s services, the Directors concluded that the investment advisory fees paid by the Fund were fair and reasonable and that the Investment Advisory Agreement should be approved and continued for an additional one-year period ending August 16, 2022.

 

38

 

 

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

Management (Unaudited)

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company is organized under and managed pursuant to Maryland law. The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below. The statement of additional information (“SAI”) includes additional information about the Directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling (855) 467-4632.

 

Name, Address, and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of
Office and
Length
of Time
Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other Directorships Held by
Director in the Past 5 Years

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Julian A. Brodsky
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 88

Director

1988 to present

From 1969 to 2011, Director and Vice Chairman, Comcast Corporation (cable television and communications).

46

AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).

J. Richard Carnall
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 82

Director

2002 to present

Since 1984, Director of Haydon Bolts, Inc. (bolt manufacturer) and Parkway Real Estate Company (subsidiary of Haydon Bolts, Inc.); since 2004, Director of Cornerstone Bank.

46

None.

Gregory P. Chandler
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 54

Director

2012 to present

Since 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Herspiegel Consulting LLC (life sciences consulting services); 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Avocado Systems Inc. (cyber security software provider); 2009-2020, Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services).

46

Emtec, Inc. (until December 2019); FS Investment Corporation (business development company) (until December 2018); FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company).

 

39

 

 

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

Management (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

Name, Address, and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office and Length of Time Served1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund
Complex Overseen by Director*

Other Directorships Held by Director in the Past 5 Years

Nicholas A. Giordano
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 78

Director

2006 to present

Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations.

46

IntriCon Corporation (biomedical device manufacturer); Kalmar Pooled Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until September 2017); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance) (until 2021).

Arnold M. Reichman
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 73

Chairman

 


Director

2005 to present

 

1991 to present

Retired.

46

EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company).

Brian T. Shea
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 61

Director

2018 to present

From 2014-2017, Chief Executive Officer, BNY Mellon Investment Services (fund services, global custodian and securities clearing firm); from 1983-2014, Chief Executive Officer and various positions, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm).

46

WisdomTree Investments, Inc. (asset management company) (until March 2019); Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (financial services technology company); Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (financial services company).

Robert A. Straniere
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 80

Director

2006 to present

Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm).

46

None.

INTERESTED DIRECTOR2

Robert Sablowsky
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 83

Vice Chairman

 

Director

2016 to present

 

1991 to present

Since 2002, Senior Director – Investments and, prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer).

46

None.

 

40

 

 

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

Management (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

Name, Address, and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office and Length of Time Served1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund
Complex Overseen by Director*

Other Directorships Held by Director in the Past 5 Years

OFFICERS

Salvatore Faia, JD,
CPA, CFE
Vigilant Compliance, LLC
Gateway Corporate
Center, Suite 216
223 Wilmington West
Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Age: 58

President

 


Chief Compliance Officer

2009 to present

 

2004 to present

Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company); since 2021, President and Chief Compliance Officer of Penn Capital Funds Trust.

N/A

N/A

James G. Shaw
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 60

Treasurer
and
Secretary

2016 to present

Treasurer and Secretary of The RBB Fund, Inc. (since 2016) and Penn Capital Funds Trust (since 2021); from 2005 to 2016, Assistant Treasurer of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 1995 to 2016, Senior Director and Vice President of BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (financial services company).

N/A

N/A

Craig A. Urciuoli
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 46

Director of Marketing & Business Development

2019 to present

Director of Marketing & Business Development of The RBB Fund, Inc. (since 2019) and Penn Capital Funds Trust (since 2021); from 2000-2019, Managing Director, Third Avenue Management LLC.

N/A

N/A

Jennifer Witt
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 38

Assistant Treasurer

2018 to present

Since 2020, Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (fund administrative services firm); from 2016 to 2020, Assistant Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services; from 2007 to 2016, Supervisor, Nuveen Investments (registered investment company).

N/A

N/A

 

41

 

 

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

Management (Unaudited) (Concluded)

 

Name, Address, and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office and Length of Time Served1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund
Complex Overseen by Director*

Other Directorships Held by Director in the Past 5 Years

Edward Paz
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 50

Assistant Secretary

2016 to present

Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm).

N/A

N/A

Michael P. Malloy
One Logan Square
Ste. 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 62

Assistant
Secretary

1999 to present

Since 1993, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

Jillian L. Bosmann
One Logan Square
Ste. 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 42

Assistant Secretary

2017 to present

Since 2017, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

 

*

Each Director oversees 46 portfolios of the fund complex, consisting of the series in the Company and Penn Capital Funds Trust (7 portfolios).

 

1.

Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his or her successor is elected and qualified or his or her death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Carnall, Giordano, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.

 

2.

Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Carnall has decades of senior executive-level management experience in the banking and financial services industry and also serves on the boards of various corporations and a bank. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Mr. Shea has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the brokerage, clearing and investment services industry, including service on the boards of industry regulatory organizations and a university.

 

42

 

 

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

Privacy Notice

(Unaudited)

 

FACTS

WHAT DOES THE ORINDA INCOME OPPORTUNITIES FUND DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?

Why?

Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.

What?

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

● Social Security number

● account balances

● account transactions

● transaction history

● wire transfer instructions

● checking account information

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

How?

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

       

Reasons we can share your personal information

Does the Orinda Income Opportunities Fund share?

Can you limit this
sharing?

For our everyday business purposes —
such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus

Yes

No

For our marketing purposes —
to offer our products and services to you

Yes

No

For joint marketing with other financial companies

No

We don’t share.

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes —
information about your transactions and experiences

Yes

No

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes —
information about your creditworthiness

No

We don’t share.

For our affiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share.

For nonaffiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share.

 

Questions?

Call (855) 467-4632 or go to www.orindafunds.com

 

43

 

 

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

Privacy Notice (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

What we do

 

How does the Orinda Income Opportunities Fund protect my personal information?

To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings.

How does the Orinda Income Opportunities Fund collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

● open an account

● provide account information

● give us your contact information

● make a wire transfer

● tell us where to send the money

We also collect your information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

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

● affiliates from using your information to market to you

● sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

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

Definitions

 

Affiliates

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

Our affiliates include Orinda Investment Partners, LLC (“OIP”) and Orinda Asset Management, LLC (“OAM”).

Nonaffiliates

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

The Orinda Income Opportunities Fund doesn’t share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you. The Fund may share information with nonaffiliates that perform marketing services on our behalf.

Joint marketing

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

The Orinda Income Opportunities Fund does not jointly market.

 

44

 

 

(This Page Intentionally Left Blank.)

 

 

 

 

Investment Adviser

Orinda Asset Management LLC

3658 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Suite 220

Lafayette, CA 94549

 

Distributor

Quasar Distributors, LLC

111 E Kilbourn Ave, Suite 2200
Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Administrator and Transfer Agent

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC

P.O. Box 701

Milwaukee, WI 53201

 

Custodian

U.S. Bank National Association

Custody Operations

1555 North River Center Drive, Suite 302

Milwaukee, WI 53212

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Tait, Weller & Baker LLP

Two Liberty Place

50 S 16th St Suite 2900

Philadelphia, PA 19102-2529

 

Legal Counsel

Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP

One Logan Square, Suite 2000

Philadelphia, PA 19103-6996

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OR-AR21

 

This report is intended for shareholders of the Fund and may not be used as sales literature unless preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus.

 

Past performance results shown in this report should not be considered a representation of future performance. Share price and returns will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Statements and other information herein are dated and are subject to change.

 

 

 

 

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP EQUITY FUND

 

SGI U.S. SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND

 

SGI GLOBAL EQUITY FUND

 

SGI CONSERVATIVE FUND

 

SGI PRUDENT GROWTH FUND

 

SGI PEAK GROWTH FUND

 

SGI SMALL CAP GROWTH FUND

 

of

 

The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

ANNUAL REPORT

 

August 31, 2021

 

This report is submitted for the general information of the shareholders of the Funds. It is not authorized for distribution unless preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus for the Funds.

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report
AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund
Class I Shares: SILVX
Class A Shares: LVOLX
Class C Shares: SGICX

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

Established in 2010, Summit Global Investments, LLC (“SGI”) was founded to bring enhanced risk management to institutions, advisors and families. SGI’s strategies utilize a distinct quantitative process to analyze the market and select stocks SGI determines and believes provide the least number of adverse surprises. SGI further incorporates fundamental analysis, examining each potential holding for idiosyncratic downside risks and environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) characteristics. The goal is to invest in outstanding companies with the least potential for downside risks.

 

To continue to manage risk effectively, SGI analyzes companies both fundamentally and quantitatively. But risk appears from various points that are difficult to account for with fundamental and quantitative analyses alone. For example, analyzing the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) seems allusive. And although much of the terror and panic which gripped the market and mindset of the world in March of 2020 has dissipated, the COVID-19 Delta variant is still a large driving force in the day-to-day lives of many investors. Stock market volatility seems to act in correlation with uncertainty: the more uncertainty, the higher the stock market’s volatility. With the possibility of various actions from the Federal Reserve, the continued spread of COVID-19 and current supply change issues, I suspect this relationship will continue.

 

SGI cannot foresee every bump or every cliff, let alone every turn, of the market, but we feel more confident than before that the market is not trading on fundamentals alone. The market doesn’t seem to really care who a company is, how well managed it is, or how much money (earnings) it has – although I suspect that there will be a time when these factors will be much more important than they are today.

 

Downside protection is not just about defensive sectors. SGI is cognizant of the fact that having a portfolio of utilities, real estate investment trusts (“REITS”), and consumer staples still wouldn’t mitigate massive macro risks, such as COVID-19, investment style, supply change issues, and political risks. Going to high cash levels in our portfolios makes little sense too, since we never know what tomorrow will bring.

 

I know everyone, especially clients, cares about returns and downside protection, and we feel SGI’s distinct quantitative and qualitative processes offer the design to provide such protection with benchmark-like returns.

 

Market volatility comes down to massive uncertainty, fear of the unknown, anxiety, changes to our daily norms, etc. Moreover, when markets have little information and less visibility into the future, volatility may intensify.

 

In addition to taking steps within the portfolios to limit the impact of such major macro risks, we will continue to seek out stocks we believe, individually and collectively, have the best possible risk/return characteristics.

 

COVID-19

 

Our plan continues to be to protect employees and continue business operations in all aspects of SGI. It augments existing preparedness and recovery planning and outlines technologies and strategies by which the impact of a virus upon the company and its employees may be mitigated.

 

We are ready to respond as necessary should the virus become more prevalent in the areas where we operate. Currently, every SGI employee, where possible, has configured work environments at home with the necessary technology and connectivity required to work remotely. For your information, all SGI employees returned full-time to the office in March of 2021.

 

1

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

The continual delivery of critical financial services is the focus and foundational basis of our strategic planning. We will continue to provide financial services to our customers at the highest service levels. Furthermore, we will continue to monitor relevant information and to make appropriate adjustments when necessary.

 

Everyone at SGI is 100% committed to doing everything we can to ensure your investments perform as designed. Again, if there is any doubt you have or any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly or to the team collectively.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

David Harden

 

Highlights

 

 

The SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund - Class I Shares returned 20.31% on a gross basis1 in the twelve months ended August 31, 2021. The fund underperformed its benchmark, the S&P 500 Index, which increased 31.17%, but outperformed the S&P 500 Low Volatility Index, which returned 19.36% during the same period.

 

 

The Information Technology sector was the largest average sector exposure during the year ended August 31, 2021, comprising 29.71% of the fund’s portfolio. Strong stock selection benefitted relative performance the most in this sector.

 

 

The worst contributing sectors were Communications Services and Financials. An underweight position in both sectors, combined with poor stock selection, detracted from relative performance.

 

 

From a factor exposure standpoint, an underweight position to the size factor and overweight position to the earnings variability factor both benefited relative performance. An underweight position to the volatility, value, dividend yield, and leverage factors, combined with being overweight the profitability factor, detracted from relative performance.

 

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

 

The fund seeks to outperform the S&P 500 Index over a market cycle while reducing overall volatility.

 

FUND COMMENTARY

 

How did the fund perform in the past twelve months?

 

The SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund - Class I Shares returned 20.31% on a gross basis1 in the twelve-month period ended August 31, 2021. The fund lagged its benchmark, the S&P 500 Index, which gained 31.17%, but outperformed the S&P 500 Low Volatility Index, which returned 19.36% during the same period. Performance of other share classes will differ. Please see the prospectus for details.

 

1 Gross return equals net return plus 0.85% annual expense ratio for I class shares as shown in the prospectus.

 

2

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

What factors influenced the fund’s performance?

 

The Information Technology sector was the largest average sector exposure during the year, comprising 29.71% of the fund’s portfolio, and was the largest contributing sector to the fund’s total return. Strong stock selection benefitted relative performance the most in this sector. Intuit, Inc. returned 64.88%, F5 Networks, Inc. returned 53.84%, Microsoft Corp. returned 35.09%, Adobe Systems, Inc. returned 29.28%, and Fortinet, Inc. increased 138.73% during the year. These were the five largest contributors to return during the period.

 

The fund’s worst contributing sectors were Communication Services and Financials. An underweight position in both sectors, combined with poor stock selection, detracted from relative performance. The three worst contributing companies in the Communications Services sector were: Activision Blizzard, Inc., which declined 13.69%, Zynga Inc., which declined 13.32%, and Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc., which dropped 5.82% during the year. The three worst contributing companies in the Financials sector were: MarketAxess Holdings, Inc., which returned 2.70%, Interactive Brokers LLC, which declined 1.51%, and Everest Re Group, Ltd., which increased 5.71% during the year.

 

Underweight exposure to Industrials, Materials, and Energy sectors all hurt relative returns. In the Industrials sector, Mercury Systems, Inc., Delta Air Lines, Inc., and Verisk Analytics, Inc. were the three worst contributing companies for the year. In the Materials sector Ecolab, Inc. was the worst contributor, and in Energy, Exxon Mobil Corporation and Chevron Corporation were the worst contributors for the year.

 

In terms of factor exposures, an underweight position to the size factor and overweight position to the earnings variability factor both benefited relative performance. An underweight position to the volatility, value, dividend yield, and leverage factors all hurt relative performance. Being overweight the profitability factor also detracted from relative performance.

 

How is the fund positioned?

 

The Information Technology sector remains our largest allocation, accounting for 28.6% of the fund’s portfolio as of August 31, 2021, which is a slight overweight position to the fund’s benchmark index weighting of 27.9%. The fund is also positioned overweight to the Healthcare and Consumer Discretionary sectors by 1.7% and 3.0%, respectively. The fund’s most underweight sectors relative to its benchmark index are Communications Services by 3.9% and Energy by 2.2%. The fund is also positioned somewhat underweight to the Materials, Real Estate, and Industrials sectors.

 

Fund positioning from a factor standpoint shows the largest underexposure to size, leverage, dividend yield, and volatility factors and overweighted exposure to the growth and earnings variability factors.

 

What is portfolio management’s outlook?

 

Massive fiscal and monetary stimulus in response to the COVID-19 pandemic combined with effective vaccination programs accelerated economic growth in 2021. The S&P 500 Index increased by over 30% during the trailing twelve-months. Current stock market valuations are expensive relative to history and fundamentals. By some measures, the stock market may be in a bubble. The Federal Reserve has signaled potential tapering of bond purchases in late 2021 contingent on economic releases.

 

Inflation numbers have been stronger than expected, with the September 2021 Consumer Price Index +5.4% year-over-year. The 10-year treasury yield is 1.54%, implying a significantly negative real interest rate regime. Negative interest rates have forced many investors to seek higher returns in generally riskier assets, such as stocks, corporate bonds, and real estate. In fact, over the past year, housing prices have increased +20% year-over-year nationally.

 

We expect that overvalued speculative stocks will mean revert, but timing is difficult to predict. We also expect that underperforming factors, such as value and low volatility, will likely also mean revert and begin to outperform. Our outlook remains cautiously optimistic due to a relatively strong economy, but risk factors such as inflation and high valuations remain concerns.

 

3

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

Over longer time horizons, we believe that our managed risk approach towards investing can provide favorable relative returns. As always, we maintain a disciplined adherence to our rigorous quantitative and fundamental investment process.

 

The views expressed reflect the opinions of Summit Global Investments, LLC as of the date of this report and are subject to change based on changes in market, economic, or other conditions. These views are not intended to be a forecast of future events and are no guarantee of future results.

 

Fund holdings and sector allocations are subject to change and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security. Please refer to the Portfolio of Investments in this report for a complete list of fund holdings.

 

The S&P 500® Index is a broad-based unmanaged index of 500 stocks, which is widely recognized as representative of the equity market in general. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

The S&P 500 Low Volatility® Index is designed to measure the performance of the 100 least volatile stocks of the S&P 500 Index. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

Mutual Fund investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. Equity securities (stocks) are subject to market, economic, and business risks that will cause their price to rise or fall over time. The net asset value per share of the Fund will fluctuate as the value of the securities in the portfolio change and an investor may lose money. Although the Fund seeks lower volatility, there is no guarantee the Fund will perform as expected. Investing in other investment companies, including ETFs, may result in duplication of expenses, including advisory fees, in addition to the Fund’s own expenses and will be subject to the risks of the underlying investments. The stocks of mid-sized companies may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than stocks of larger companies.

 

Must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus.

 

The Funds are distributed by Quasar Distributors, LLC.

 

4

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund
Class I Shares: SCLVX
Class A Shares: LVSMX
Class C Shares: SMLVX

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

Established in 2010, Summit Global Investments, LLC (“SGI”) was founded to bring enhanced risk management to institutions, advisors and families. SGI’s strategies utilize a distinct quantitative process to analyze the market and select stocks SGI determines and believes provide the least number of adverse surprises. SGI further incorporates fundamental analysis, examining each potential holding for idiosyncratic downside risks and environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) characteristics. The goal is to invest in outstanding companies with the least potential for downside risks.

 

To continue to manage risk effectively, SGI analyzes companies both fundamentally and quantitatively. But risk appears from various points that are difficult to account for with fundamental and quantitative analyses alone. For example, analyzing the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) seems allusive. And although much of the terror and panic which gripped the market and mindset of the world in March of 2020 has dissipated, the COVID-19 Delta variant is still a large driving force in the day-to-day lives of many investors. Stock market volatility seems to act in correlation with uncertainty: the more uncertainty, the higher the stock market’s volatility. With the possibility of various actions from the Federal Reserve, the continued spread of COVID-19 and current supply change issues, I suspect this relationship will continue.

 

SGI cannot foresee every bump or every cliff, let alone every turn, of the market, but we feel more confident than before that the market is not trading on fundamentals alone. The market doesn’t seem to really care who a company is, how well managed it is, or how much money (earnings) it has – although I suspect that there will be a time when these factors will be much more important than they are today.

 

Downside protection is not just about defensive sectors. SGI is cognizant of the fact that having a portfolio of utilities, real estate investment trusts (“REITS”), and consumer staples still wouldn’t mitigate massive macro risks, such as COVID-19, investment style, supply change issues, and political risks. Going to high cash levels in our portfolios makes little sense too, since we never know what tomorrow will bring.

 

I know everyone, especially clients, cares about returns and downside protection, and we feel SGI’s distinct quantitative and qualitative processes offer the design to provide such protection with benchmark-like returns.

 

Market volatility comes down to massive uncertainty, fear of the unknown, anxiety, changes to our daily norms, etc. Moreover, when markets have little information and less visibility into the future, volatility may intensify.

 

In addition to taking steps within the portfolios to limit the impact of such major macro risks, we will continue to seek out stocks we believe, individually and collectively, have the best possible risk/return characteristics.

 

COVID-19

 

Our plan continues to be to protect employees and continue business operations in all aspects of SGI. It augments existing preparedness and recovery planning and outlines technologies and strategies by which the impact of a virus upon the company and its employees may be mitigated.

 

We are ready to respond as necessary should the virus become more prevalent in the areas where we operate. Currently, every SGI employee, where possible, has configured work environments at home with the necessary technology and connectivity required to work remotely. For your information, all SGI employees returned full-time to the office in March of 2021.

 

5

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

The continual delivery of critical financial services is the focus and foundational basis of our strategic planning. We will continue to provide financial services to our customers at the highest service levels. Furthermore, we will continue to monitor relevant information and to make appropriate adjustments when necessary.

 

Everyone at SGI is 100% committed to doing everything we can to ensure your investments perform as designed. Again, if there is any doubt you have or any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly or to the team collectively.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

David Harden

 

Highlights

 

 

The SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund – Class I Shares returned 20.45% on a gross basis1 in the twelve-month period ended August 31, 2021. The fund lagged its benchmark, the Russell 2000 Index, which gained 47.08%, and the MSCI USA Small-Cap Minimum Volatility Index, which gained 28.02% during the same period.

 

 

The largest factor that hurt relative performance was weak stock selection in the Industrials, Consumer Discretionary, and Financials sectors.

 

 

The fund’s overweight in the Consumer Staples and Utilities sectors, average cash balances, and an underweight to the Energy sector cumulatively cost the fund 3.74% of underperformance.

 

 

From a factor exposure standpoint, underweighting the volatility, trading activity, leverage, and earnings variability factors, and overweighting the profitability factor all significantly hurt relative performance.

 

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

 

The fund seeks to outperform the Russell 2000 Index over a market cycle while reducing overall volatility.

 

FUND COMMENTARY

 

How did the fund perform in the past six months?

 

The SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund – Class I Shares returned 20.45% on a gross basis1 in the twelve-month period ended August 31, 2021. The fund lagged its benchmark, the Russell 2000 Index, which gained 47.08%, and the MSCI USA Small Cap Minimum Volatility Index, which gained 28.02% during the same period. Performance of other share classes will differ. Please see the prospectus for details.

 

What factors influenced the fund’s performance?

 

The largest factor that hurt the fund’s relative performance was weak stock selection. Each of the Industrials, Consumer Discretionary, and Financials sectors underperformed by over 500 basis points during the year, costing the fund over 16% of relative performance. An overweight in the Consumer Staples and Utilities sectors, average cash balances, and an underweight to the Energy sector cumulatively cost the fund 3.74% of underperformance.

 

1 Gross return equals net return plus the annual 1.43% expense ratio for the class I shares shown in the prospectus.

 

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SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

Specific holdings detracted from relative performance. Amedisys, Inc. fell 24%, BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. dropped 14%, DMC Global Inc. declined 42%, Dun & Bradstreet Corporation lost 26%, and Grocery Outlet Holding Corp. fell 8%. These five holdings cost the fund the most relative returns. Repligen increased 82%, Life Storage increased 83%, Houlihan Lokey, Inc. returned 57%, Acushnet Holdings rose 49%, and Logitech International S.A. returned 23%. These five holdings were the largest contributors to relative performance.

 

From a factor exposure standpoint, underweighting the volatility, trading activity, leverage, and earnings variability factors, and overweighting the profitability factor, all significantly hurt relative performance. Slightly overweight exposure to the value factor and underweight exposure to the momentum factor both benefitted relative fund performance. The massive liquidity support for the economy and stock markets fueled a “risk-on” rally during the year, significantly benefitting low quality, highly volatile companies in the small cap universe.

 

How is the fund positioned?

 

The two largest overweight sectors are Consumer Staples and Utilities. Health Care remains the fund’s largest sector allocation at August 31, 2021, accounting for a nearly 18% weight, which is 2.6% underweight the fund’s benchmark index. The Information Technology and Consumer Discretionary sectors remain the fund’s largest underweights relative to the fund’s benchmark and were 3.8% and 2.6%, respectively, of the fund’s portfolio as of August 31, 2021. The fund maintained slight underweights in the Communications Services, Financials, and Real Estate sectors and a slight overweight in the Industrials, Materials, and Energy sectors as of August 31, 2021.

 

Fund positioning from a factor standpoint shows an overweight to the profitability, value, and growth factors. The fund is underexposed to volatility, momentum, trading activity, leverage, and earnings variability factors.

 

What is portfolio management’s outlook?

 

Massive fiscal and monetary stimulus in response to the COVID-19 pandemic combined with effective vaccination programs accelerated economic growth in 2021. The S&P 500 Index increased by over 30% during the trailing twelve-months. Current stock market valuations are expensive relative to history and fundamentals. By some measures, the stock market may be in a bubble. The Federal Reserve has signaled potential tapering of bond purchases in late 2021 contingent on economic releases.

 

Inflation numbers have been stronger than expected, with the September 2021 Consumer Price Index +5.4% year-over-year. The 10-year treasury yield is 1.54%, implying a significantly negative real interest rate regime. Negative interest rates have forced many investors to seek higher returns in generally riskier assets, such as stocks, corporate bonds, and real estate. In fact, over the past year, housing prices have increased +20% year-over-year nationally.

 

We expect that overvalued speculative stocks will mean revert, but timing is difficult to predict. We also expect that underperforming factors, such as value and low volatility, will likely also mean revert and begin to outperform. Our outlook remains cautiously optimistic due to a relatively strong economy, but risk factors such as inflation and high valuations remain concerns.

 

Over longer time horizons, we believe that our managed risk approach towards investing can provide favorable relative returns. As always, we maintain a disciplined adherence to our rigorous quantitative and fundamental investment process.

 

The views expressed reflect the opinions of Summit Global Investments, LLC as of the date of this report and are subject to change based on changes in market, economic, or other conditions. These views are not intended to be a forecast of future events and are no guarantee of future results.

 

Fund holdings and sector allocations are subject to change and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security. Please refer to the Portfolio of Investments in this report for a complete list of fund holdings.

 

7

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

The Russell 2000® Index consists of the smallest 2,000 companies in a group of 3,000 U.S. companies in the Russell 3000® Index, as ranked by market capitalization. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

Mutual Fund investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. Equity securities (stocks) are subject to market, economic, and business risks that will cause their price to rise or fall over time. The net asset value per share of the Fund will fluctuate as the value of the securities in the portfolio change and an investor may lose money. Although the Fund seeks lower volatility, there is no guarantee the Fund will perform as expected. Small-capitalization companies tend to have limited liquidity and greater price volatility than large-capitalization companies. Investing in other investment companies, including ETFs, may result in duplication of expenses, including advisory fees, in addition to the Fund’s own expenses and will be subject to the risks of the underlying investments.

 

Must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus.

 

The Funds are distributed by Quasar Distributors, LLC.

 

8

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

SGI Global Equity Fund
I Share: SGLIX

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

Established in 2010, Summit Global Investments, LLC (“SGI”) was founded to bring enhanced risk management to institutions, advisors and families. SGI’s strategies utilize a distinct quantitative process to analyze the market and select stocks SGI determines and believes provide the least number of adverse surprises. SGI further incorporates fundamental analysis, examining each potential holding for idiosyncratic downside risks and environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) characteristics. The goal is to invest in outstanding companies with the least potential for downside risks.

 

To continue to manage risk effectively, SGI analyzes companies both fundamentally and quantitatively. But risk appears from various points that are difficult to account for with fundamental and quantitative analyses alone. For example, analyzing the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) seems allusive. And although much of the terror and panic which gripped the market and mindset of the world in March of 2020 has dissipated, the COVID-19 Delta variant is still a large driving force in the day-to-day lives of many investors. Stock market volatility seems to act in correlation with uncertainty: the more uncertainty, the higher the stock market’s volatility. With the possibility of various actions from the Federal Reserve, the continued spread of COVID-19 and current supply change issues, I suspect this relationship will continue.

 

SGI cannot foresee every bump or every cliff, let alone every turn, of the market, but we feel more confident than before that the market is not trading on fundamentals alone. The market doesn’t seem to really care who a company is, how well managed it is, or how much money (earnings) it has – although I suspect that there will be a time when these factors will be much more important than they are today.

 

Downside protection is not just about defensive sectors. SGI is cognizant of the fact that having a portfolio of utilities, real estate investment trusts (“REITS”), and consumer staples still wouldn’t mitigate massive macro risks, such as COVID-19, investment style, supply change issues, and political risks. Going to high cash levels in our portfolios makes little sense too, since we never know what tomorrow will bring.

 

I know everyone, especially clients, cares about returns and downside protection, and we feel SGI’s distinct quantitative and qualitative processes offer the design to provide such protection with benchmark-like returns.

 

Market volatility comes down to massive uncertainty, fear of the unknown, anxiety, changes to our daily norms, etc. Moreover, when markets have little information and less visibility into the future, volatility may intensify.

 

In addition to taking steps within the portfolios to limit the impact of such major macro risks, we will continue to seek out stocks we believe, individually and collectively, have the best possible risk/return characteristics.

 

COVID-19

 

Our plan continues to be to protect employees and continue business operations in all aspects of SGI. It augments existing preparedness and recovery planning and outlines technologies and strategies by which the impact of a virus upon the company and its employees may be mitigated.

 

We are ready to respond as necessary should the virus become more prevalent in the areas where we operate. Currently, every SGI employee, where possible, has configured work environments at home with the necessary technology and connectivity required to work remotely. For your information, all SGI employees returned full-time to the office in March of 2021.

 

The continual delivery of critical financial services is the focus and foundational basis of our strategic planning. We will continue to provide financial services to our customers at the highest service levels. Furthermore, we will continue to monitor relevant information and to make appropriate adjustments when necessary.

 

9

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

Everyone at SGI is 100% committed to doing everything we can to ensure your investments perform as designed. Again, if there is any doubt you have or any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly or to the team collectively.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

David Harden

 

Highlights

 

 

The SGI Global Equity Fund – Class I Shares returned 18.02% on a gross basis1 in the twelve-month period ended August 31, 2021. The fund lagged its benchmark, the MSCI ACWI Index, which gained 28.64%, but outperformed the MSCI ACWI Minimum Volatility Index, which returned 16.65% during the same period.

 

 

The Information Technology sector was the largest average sector exposure during the year ended August 31, 2021, comprising 23.65% of the fund’s portfolio. Underweight positions in the Financials and Consumer Discretionary sectors, as well as poor stock selection, hurt relative fund performance.

 

 

The Utilities and Communications Services sectors were the strongest contributors to total return. Both sectors averaged an overweight to the benchmark weighting, which, combined with good stock selection, benefitted relative returns.

 

 

From a factor exposure standpoint, a slight overweight position to the value factor and a slight underweight position to the earnings variability factor benefited relative performance. An underweight position to the volatility and momentum factors, and an overweight position to the profitability factor, all hurt relative performance.

 

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

 

The fund seeks to outperform the MSCI ACWI Index over a market cycle while reducing overall volatility.

 

FUND COMMENTARY

 

How did the fund perform in the past twelve months?

 

The SGI Global Equity Fund – Class I Shares returned 18.02% on a gross basis1 in the twelve-month period ended August 31, 2021. The fund lagged its benchmark, the MSCI ACWI Index, which gained 28.64%, but outperformed the MSCI ACWI Minimum Volatility Index, which returned 16.65% during the same period. Performance of other share classes will differ. Please see the prospectus for details.

 

What factors influenced the fund’s performance?

 

The Information Technology sector was the largest average sector exposure during the year, comprising 23.65% of the fund’s portfolio. In terms of contribution to returns, underweighting in the Financials and Consumer Discretionary sectors, as well as poor stock selection, hurt relative performance. The worst contributors in the Financials sector for the year were: JPMorgan Chase & Co., which returned 6.30%, SLM Corporation, which declined -10.46%, and Bank of

 

1 Gross return equals net return plus 0.87% expense ratio shown in the prospectus.

 

10

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

America Corporation, which returned 8.36%. The worst contributors in the Consumer Discretionary sector for the year were: New Oriental Education & Technology Group Inc., which declined 24.65%, Starbucks Corporation, which returned 8.38%, and Target Corporation, which returned only 2.53%.

 

The Utilities and Communications Services sectors were the strongest contributors to total return. Both sectors averaged an overweight to the fund’s benchmark index weighting, which, combined with good stock selection, benefitted relative returns. Duke Energy Corporation rose 35.51% and Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. returned 16.42% for the year, which contributed to relative returns in the Utilities sector. In the Communication Services sector, Alphabet Inc. returned 78.02% and SK Telecom Co., Ltd. returned 30.92% for the year, benefitting relative returns.

 

An underweight position in the Materials, Industrials, Energy, and Real Estate sectors all hurt the relative returns of the fund. From a portfolio standpoint, the strongest contributors to relative returns were: Amdocs, which increased 28.84%, Intuit, Inc., which returned 42.59%, Eli Lilly and Company, which returned 77.04%, Honda Motor Company, Ltd., which increased 30.86%, and Costco Wholesale Corporation, which returned 35.46% for the year. The worst contributing companies to fund performance were: Citrix Systems, Inc., which declined 24.66%, Agnico Eagle Mines Limited, which dropped 14.33%, SLM Corporation, which dropped 10.46%, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, which declined 6.72%, and Barrick Gold Corporation, which dropped 22.95% for the year.

 

In terms of factor exposures, a slight overweight position to the value factor and a slight underweight to the earnings variability factor benefited relative performance. An underweight position to the volatility and momentum factors and an overweight position to the profitability factor all hurt relative performance.

 

How is the fund positioned?

 

The Information Technology sector remains our largest allocation, accounting for 22.61% of the fund’s portfolio as of August 31, 2021, which is in line with the fund’s benchmark index weighting. The fund is also positioned overweight to the Communications Services and Utilities sectors by 3.7% and 1.7%, respectively. The fund’s largest underweight sectors are Industrials and Materials, which are underweight 5.4% and 3.7%, respectively. The fund is also slightly overweight the Consumer Staples and Health Care sectors.

 

Fund positioning from a factor standpoint shows significant underexposure to volatility, profitability, and momentum factors and an overweighted exposure to the value factor.

 

What is portfolio management’s outlook?

 

Massive fiscal and monetary stimulus in response to the COVID-19 pandemic combined with effective vaccination programs accelerated economic growth in 2021. The S&P 500 Index increased by over 30% during the trailing twelve-months. Current stock market valuations are expensive relative to history and fundamentals. By some measures, the stock market may be in a bubble. The Federal Reserve has signaled potential tapering of bond purchases in late 2021 contingent on economic releases.

 

Inflation numbers have been stronger than expected, with the September 2021 Consumer Price Index +5.4% year-over-year. The 10-year treasury yield is 1.54%, implying a significantly negative real interest rate regime. Negative interest rates have forced many investors to seek higher returns in generally riskier assets, such as stocks, corporate bonds, and real estate. In fact, over the past year, housing prices have increased +20% year-over-year nationally.

 

We expect that overvalued speculative stocks will mean revert, but timing is difficult to predict. We also expect that underperforming factors, such as value and low volatility, will likely also mean revert and begin to outperform. Our outlook remains cautiously optimistic due to a relatively strong economy, but risk factors such as inflation and high valuations remain concerns.

 

11

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

Over longer time horizons, we believe that our managed risk approach towards investing can provide favorable relative returns. As always, we maintain a disciplined adherence to our rigorous quantitative and fundamental investment process.

 

The views expressed reflect the opinions of Summit Global Investments, LLC as of the date of this report and are subject to change based on changes in market, economic, or other conditions. These views are not intended to be a forecast of future events and are no guarantee of future results.

 

Fund holdings and sector allocations are subject to change and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security. Please refer to the Portfolio of Investments in this report for a complete list of fund holdings.

 

The MSCI ACWI Index captures large and mid cap representation across 23 Developed Markets (DM) and 26 Emerging Markets countries. With more than 3,000 constituents, the index covers approximately 85% of the global investable equity opportunity set. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

The MSCI ACWI Minimum Volatility Index is designed to reflect the performance of the lowest volatility optimized version of the parent MSCI index. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

Mutual Fund investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. Equity securities (stocks) are subject to market, economic, and business risks that will cause their price to rise or fall over time. The net asset value per share of the Fund will fluctuate as the value of the securities in the portfolio change and an investor may lose money. Although the Fund seeks lower volatility, there is no guarantee the Fund will perform as expected. International investing is subject to special risks including, but not limited to, currency risk associated with securities denominated in other than the U.S. dollar, which may be affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates, political, social or economic instability, and differences in taxation, auditing, and other financial practices. Investing in other investment companies, including ETFs, may result in duplication of expenses, including advisory fees, in addition to the Fund’s own expenses and will be subject to the risks of the underlying investments.

 

Must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus.

 

The Funds are distributed by Quasar Distributors, LLC.

 

12

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

SGI Peak Growth Fund (SGPKX)
SGI Prudent Growth Fund (SGPGX)
SGI Conservative Fund (SGCIX)

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

Established in 2010, Summit Global Investments, LLC (“SGI”) was founded to bring enhanced risk management to institutions, advisors and families. SGI’s strategies utilize a distinct quantitative process to analyze the market and select stocks SGI determines and believes provide the least number of adverse surprises. SGI further incorporates fundamental analysis, examining each potential holding for idiosyncratic downside risks and environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) characteristics. The goal is to invest in outstanding companies with the least potential for downside risks.

 

To continue to manage risk effectively, SGI analyzes companies both fundamentally and quantitatively. But risk appears from various points that are difficult to account for with fundamental and quantitative analyses alone. For example, analyzing the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) seems allusive. And although much of the terror and panic which gripped the market and mindset of the world in March of 2020 has dissipated, the COVID-19 Delta variant is still a large driving force in the day-to-day lives of many investors. Stock market volatility seems to act in correlation with uncertainty: the more uncertainty, the higher the stock market’s volatility. With the possibility of various actions from the Federal Reserve, the continued spread of COVID-19 and current supply change issues, I suspect this relationship will continue.

 

SGI cannot foresee every bump or every cliff, let alone every turn, of the market, but we feel more confident than before that the market is not trading on fundamentals alone. The market doesn’t seem to really care who a company is, how well managed it is, or how much money (earnings) it has – although I suspect that there will be a time when these factors will be much more important than they are today.

 

Downside protection is not just about defensive sectors. SGI is cognizant of the fact that having a portfolio of utilities, real estate investment trusts (“REITS”), and consumer staples still wouldn’t mitigate massive macro risks, such as COVID-19, investment style, supply change issues, and political risks. Going to high cash levels in our portfolios makes little sense too, since we never know what tomorrow will bring.

 

I know everyone, especially clients, cares about returns and downside protection, and we feel SGI’s distinct quantitative and qualitative processes offer the design to provide such protection with benchmark-like returns.

 

Market volatility comes down to massive uncertainty, fear of the unknown, anxiety, changes to our daily norms, etc. Moreover, when markets have little information and less visibility into the future, volatility may intensify.

 

In addition to taking steps within the portfolios to limit the impact of such major macro risks, we will continue to seek out stocks we believe, individually and collectively, have the best possible risk/return characteristics.

 

COVID-19

 

Our plan continues to be to protect employees and continue business operations in all aspects of SGI. It augments existing preparedness and recovery planning and outlines technologies and strategies by which the impact of a virus upon the company and its employees may be mitigated.

 

We are ready to respond as necessary should the virus become more prevalent in the areas where we operate. Currently, every SGI employee, where possible, has configured work environments at home with the necessary technology and connectivity required to work remotely. For your information, all SGI employees returned full-time to the office in March of 2021.

 

13

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

The continual delivery of critical financial services is the focus and foundational basis of our strategic planning. We will continue to provide financial services to our customers at the highest service levels. Furthermore, we will continue to monitor relevant information and to make appropriate adjustments when necessary.

 

Everyone at SGI is 100% committed to doing everything we can to ensure your investments perform as designed. Again, if there is any doubt you have or any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly or to the team collectively.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

David Harden

 

Highlights

 

 

The SGI Peak Growth Fund returned 17.33% on a gross basis1 in the past twelve-month period ended August 31, 2021. The fund lagged its benchmark, the S&P 500 Index, which increased 31.17% during the same period.

 

 

The SGI Prudent Growth Fund returned 12.15% on a gross basis2 in the past twelve-month period ended August 31, 2021. The fund underperformed its primary benchmark, the S&P 500 Index, which increased 31.17% during the same period. The fund lagged a composite benchmark, which is 60% the S&P 500 Index and 40% the Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index, which increased 17.92% during the same period.

 

 

The SGI Conservative Fund returned 4.75% on a gross basis3 in the past twelve-month period ended August 31, 2021. The fund outperformed its primary benchmark, the Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index, which returned -0.08% during the same period. The fund lagged a composite benchmark, which is 25% the S&P 500 Index and 75% the Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index, which increased 7.16% during the same period.

 

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

 

The SGI Peak Growth Fund seeks capital appreciation. The SGI Prudent Growth Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation. The SGI Conservative Fund seeks conservative capital appreciation. There can be no guarantee that the Funds will achieve their respective investment objectives.

 

FUND COMMENTARY

 

The stock market was very strong during the twelve-month period ended August 31, 2021.

 

For the SGI Peak Growth Fund, the largest factor detracting from relative performance was the allocation to Class I Shares of both the SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund (“SILVX”) and SGI Global Equity Fund (“SGLIX”). Totaling over 50% of the fund’s portfolio allocation during the year, these large cap stock underlying funds accounted for over 50% of the SGI Peak Growth Fund’s underperformance. Both of these underlying funds underperformed their respective benchmarks during the year. The SGI Peak Growth Fund’s small cap allocation averaged over 27% its assets during the year and was invested in Class I Shares of both the SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund (“SCLVX”) and SGI Small Cap Growth Fund (“BOGIX”), which hurt relative performance. Combined, these four underlying funds accounted for approximately 80% of the SGI Peak Growth Fund’s total underperformance.

 

1 Gross return equals net return plus prorated 1.88% annual expense ratio as shown in the prospectus.

 

2 Gross return equals net return plus prorated 1.81% annual expense ratio as shown in the prospectus.

 

3 Gross return equals net return plus prorated 1.73% annual expense ratio as shown in the prospectus.

 

14

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

For the SGI Prudent Growth Fund, the largest factor detracting from relative performance was the allocation of over 27% of the fund’s assets during the year to the fixed income iShares Core US Aggregate ETF, which generated negative returns during the twelve-month period. The next largest detractor from the SGI Prudent Growth Fund’s relative performance during the year was the allocation of nearly 49% of its assets to SGLIX, SILVX, and SCLVX, which all underperformed.

 

For the SGI Conservative Fund, the largest factor detracting from relative performance was the significant 69% allocation of fund assets during the year to the fixed income iShares Core US Aggregate Bond ETF and iShares Core 1-5 Year Bond ETF. Both of these underlying funds generated negative total returns for the period. The largest contributor to the SGI Conservative Fund’s relative performance was the allocation Invesco QQQ Trust, which increased 29.58% during the period.

 

From a factor standpoint, equities investments exhibiting higher risk, higher volatility, lower profitability, and lower capitalization (size) all benefitted relative returns. The underperformance of lower volatility as a factor caused the underperformance of all SGI funds. Exposure to longer duration fixed income securities hurt relative performance the most.

 

MANAGEMENT’S OUTLOOK

 

Massive fiscal and monetary stimulus in response to the COVID-19 pandemic combined with effective vaccination programs accelerated economic growth in 2021. The S&P 500 Index increased by over 30% during the trailing twelve-months. Current stock market valuations are expensive relative to history and fundamentals. By some measures, the stock market may be in a bubble. The Federal Reserve has signaled potential tapering of bond purchases in late 2021 contingent on economic releases.

 

Inflation numbers have been stronger than expected, with the September 2021 Consumer Price Index +5.4% year-over-year. The 10-year treasury yield is 1.54%, implying a significantly negative real interest rate regime. Negative interest rates have forced many investors to seek higher returns in generally riskier assets, such as stocks, corporate bonds, and real estate. In fact, over the past year, housing prices have increased +20% year-over-year nationally.

 

We expect that overvalued speculative stocks will mean revert, but timing is difficult to predict. We also expect that underperforming factors, such as value and low volatility, will likely also mean revert and begin to outperform. Our outlook remains cautiously optimistic due to a relatively strong economy, but risk factors such as inflation and high valuations remain concerns.

 

Over longer time horizons, we believe that our managed risk approach towards investing can provide favorable relative returns. As always, we maintain a disciplined adherence to our rigorous quantitative and fundamental investment process.

 

The views expressed reflect the opinions of Summit Global Investments, LLC as of the date of this report and are subject to change based on changes in market, economic, or other conditions. These views are not intended to be a forecast of future events and are no guarantee of future results.

 

Fund holdings and sector allocations are subject to change and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security. Please refer to the Portfolio of Investments in this report for a complete list of fund holdings.

 

The S&P 500® Index is a broad-based unmanaged index of 500 stocks, which is widely recognized as representative of the equity market in general. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

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

 

It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

15

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

Mutual Fund investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. Equity securities (stocks) are subject to market, economic, and business risks that will cause their price to rise or fall over time. The net asset value per share of each Fund will fluctuate as the value of the securities in the Fund’s portfolio change and an investor may lose money. There is no guarantee a Fund will perform as expected. Investing in other investment companies, including ETFs, may result in duplication of expenses, including advisory fees, in addition to a Fund’s own expenses and will be subject to the risks of the underlying investments. The stocks of small- and mid-sized companies may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than stocks of larger companies. Investments in debt securities typically decrease in value when interest rates rise. The risk is usually greater for longer-term debt securities. Although the Funds seek lower volatility, there is no guarantee the Funds will perform as expected. The Funds may invest in foreign securities which involve political, economic and currency risks, greater volatility and differences in accounting methods. These risks are greater in emerging markets. To the extent the Funds invest in Underlying Funds that focus their investments in a particular industry or sector, the Fund’s shares may be more volatile and fluctuate more than shares of a fund investing in a broader range of securities.

 

Must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus.

 

The Funds are distributed by Quasar Distributors, LLC.

 

16

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

SGI Small Cap Growth Fund (formerly, the Bogle Investment Management Small Cap Growth Fund)
Class I Shares: BOGIX

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

Established in 2010, Summit Global Investments, LLC (“SGI”) was founded to bring enhanced risk management to institutions, advisors and families. SGI’s strategies utilize a distinct quantitative process to analyze the market and select stocks SGI determines and believes provide the best upside return while the portfolio maintains equivalent market risk.

 

To continue to manage risk and return effectively, SGI analyzes companies both fundamentally and quantitatively. Risks appear from various points that are difficult to account for with fundamental and quantitative analyses alone. For example, analyzing the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) seems allusive. And although much of the terror and panic which gripped the market and mindset of the world in March of 2020 has dissipated, the COVID-19 Delta variant is still a large driving force in the day-to-day lives of many investors, especially smaller sized companies as found in the portfolio.

 

Stock market volatility seems to act in correlation with uncertainty: the more uncertainty, the higher the stock market’s volatility. With the possibility of various actions from the Federal Reserve, the continued spread of COVID-19 and current supply change issues, I suspect this relationship will continue.

 

SGI cannot foresee every bump or every cliff, let alone every turn, of the market, but we feel more confident than before that the market is not trading on fundamentals alone. The market doesn’t seem to really care who a company is, how well managed it is, or how much money (earnings) it has – although I suspect that there will be a time when these factors will be much more important than they are today.

 

I know everyone, especially clients, cares about returns and moderated downside protection and we feel SGI’s distinct quantitative and qualitative processes offer the design to provide such protection with the returns you have been accustomed to from the Fund.

 

Market volatility comes down to massive uncertainty, fear of the unknown, anxiety, changes to our daily norms, etc. Moreover, when markets have little information and less visibility into the future, volatility may intensify.

 

In addition to taking steps within the portfolios to limit the impact of such major macro risks, we will continue to seek out stocks we believe, individually and collectively, have the best possible risk/return characteristics.

 

COVID-19

 

Our plan continues to be to protect employees and continue business operations in all aspects of SGI. It augments existing preparedness and recovery planning and outlines technologies and strategies by which the impact of a virus upon the company and its employees may be mitigated.

 

We are ready to respond as necessary should the virus become more prevalent in the areas where we operate. Currently, every SGI employee, where possible, has configured work environments at home with the necessary technology and connectivity required to work remotely. For your information, all SGI employees returned full-time to the office in March of 2021.

 

The continual delivery of critical financial services is the focus and foundational basis of our strategic planning. We will continue to provide financial services to our customers at the highest service levels. Furthermore, we will continue to monitor relevant information and to make appropriate adjustments when necessary.

 

17

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

Everyone at SGI is 100% committed to doing everything we can to ensure your investments perform as designed. Again, if there is any doubt you have or any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly or to the team collectively.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

David Harden

 

Highlights

 

 

The SGI Small Cap Growth Fund – Class I Shares returned 45.86% on a gross basis1 in the twelve-month period ended August 31, 2021. The fund slightly lagged its benchmark, the Russell 2000 Index, which gained 47.08% during the same period.

 

 

The largest factor that hurt relative performance was weak stock selection in the Industrials, Consumer Discretionary, and Financials sectors.

 

 

The fund’s overweight in the Consumer Staples and Utilities sectors, average cash balances, and an underweight to the Energy sector cumulatively cost the fund 3.74% of underperformance.

 

 

From a factor exposure standpoint, underweighting the volatility, trading activity, leverage, and earnings variability factors, and overweighting the profitability factor all significantly hurt relative performance.

 

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

 

The fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation.

 

FUND COMMENTARY

 

How did the fund perform in the past six months?

 

The SGI Small Cap Growth Fund – Class I Shares returned 45.86% on a gross basis1 in the twelve-month period ended August 31, 2021. The fund slightly lagged its benchmark, the Russell 2000 Index, which gained 47.08% during the same period. The remainder of this commentary covers the period from March 15, 2021 (the date on which SGI took over management of the fund from its predecessor investment manager) through August 31, 2021 (the “Period”).

 

What factors influenced the fund’s performance?

 

The largest factor that benefitted the fund’s relative performance during the Period was strong stock selection, specifically in the Health Care and Financials sectors. Stock selection in these two sectors accounted for 2.64% of the fund’s relative performance during the Period. An overweight in the Consumer Discretionary and Communications Services sectors also benefitted relative performance. An underweight to the Real Estate sector and a modest cash position hurt relative performance.

 

1 Gross return equals net return plus the annual 1.25% expense ratio for the class I shares shown in the prospectus.

 

18

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (CONTINUED)
AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

Specific fund holdings benefitted relative performance. The Joint Corp returned 99%, Medifast, Inc. increased 25%, Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. rose 33%, CarGurus returned 27%, and Aptose Bioscience gained 66% during the Period. These five holdings benefitted the fund by providing 1.67% of relative returns. Other fund holdings detracted from relative performance. Everquote declined 48%, Nautilus, Inc. fell 30%, Scotts Miracle Gro lost 31%, PetIQ dropped 33%, and Chuy’s Holdings declined 21%. These five holdings were the largest detractors to relative performance, costing the fund 1.39% of relative returns.

 

From a factor exposure standpoint, underweighting the momentum, size, and leverage factors and overweighting the trading activity factor all hurt relative performance. Overweight exposure to the profitability and growth factors both benefitted relative fund performance. The massive liquidity support for the economy and stock markets fueled a “risk-on” rally during the year, significantly benefitting low quality, highly volatile companies in the small cap universe.

 

How is the fund positioned?

 

The largest overweight sectors are Consumer Staples, Health Care, Industrials, and Consumer Discretionary, cumulatively accounting for 63% of the fund’s portfolio exposure at August 31, 2021. The Real Estate, Financials, Information Technology, Materials, Utilities, and Energy sectors cumulatively accounted for 28% of the fund’s portfolio exposure, and 18% of the relative underweights, as of August 31, 2021. Health Care remains the fund’s largest sector allocation, accounting for a 24% portfolio allocation at August 31, 2021, which is a 3.66% overweight to the fund’s benchmark index.

 

Fund positioning from a factor standpoint shows an overweight to the profitability, value, growth, and earnings variability factors. The fund is underexposed to momentum, dividend yield, size, leverage, and volatility factors.

 

What is portfolio management’s outlook?

 

Massive fiscal and monetary stimulus in response to the COVID-19 pandemic combined with effective vaccination programs accelerated economic growth in 2021. The S&P 500 Index increased by over 30% during the trailing twelve-months. Current stock market valuations are expensive relative to history and fundamentals. By some measures, the stock market may be in a bubble. The Federal Reserve has signaled potential tapering of bond purchases in late 2021 contingent on economic releases.

 

Inflation numbers have been stronger than expected, with the September 2021 Consumer Price Index +5.4% year-over-year. The 10-year treasury yield is 1.54%, implying a significantly negative real interest rate regime. Negative interest rates have forced many investors to seek higher returns in generally riskier assets, such as stocks, corporate bonds, and real estate. In fact, over the past year, housing prices have increased +20% year-over-year nationally.

 

We expect that overvalued speculative stocks will mean revert, but timing is difficult to predict. We also expect that underperforming factors, such as value and low volatility, will likely also mean revert and begin to outperform. Our outlook remains cautiously optimistic due to a relatively strong economy, but risk factors such as inflation and high valuations remain concerns.

 

Over longer time horizons, we believe that our managed risk approach towards investing can provide favorable relative returns. As always, we maintain a disciplined adherence to our rigorous quantitative and fundamental investment process.

 

The views expressed reflect the opinions of Summit Global Investments, LLC as of the date of this report and are subject to change based on changes in market, economic, or other conditions. These views are not intended to be a forecast of future events and are no guarantee of future results.

 

Fund holdings and sector allocations are subject to change and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security. Please refer to the Portfolio of Investments in this report for a complete list of fund holdings.

 

19

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (CONCLUDED)
AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

The Russell 2000® Index consists of the smallest 2,000 companies in a group of 3,000 U.S. companies in the Russell 3000® Index, as ranked by market capitalization. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

Mutual Fund investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. Equity securities (stocks) are subject to market, economic, and business risks that will cause their price to rise or fall over time. The net asset value per share of the Fund will fluctuate as the value of the securities in the portfolio change and an investor may lose money. Although the Fund seeks lower volatility, there is no guarantee the Fund will perform as expected. Small-capitalization companies tend to have limited liquidity and greater price volatility than large-capitalization companies. Investing in other investment companies, including ETFs, may result in duplication of expenses, including advisory fees, in addition to the Fund’s own expenses and will be subject to the risks of the underlying investments.

 

Must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus.

 

The Funds are distributed by Quasar Distributors, LLC.

 

20

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP EQUITY FUND - CLASS I SHARES

 

Performance Data

AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $1,000,000 Investment in SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund - Class I Shares
vs. S&P 500® Index

 

 

This chart assumes a hypothetical $1,000,000 initial investment in the Fund’s Class I Shares made on February 29, 2012 (commencement of operations) and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the S&P 500® Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ended August 31, 2021

 
 

One
Year

Three
Years

Five
Years

Since
Inception
(1)

 

Class I Shares

19.46%

11.65%

13.39%

12.96%

 

S&P 500® Index(2)

31.17%

18.07%

18.02%

15.73%

 

 

 

(1)

Class I Shares of the Fund commenced operations on February 29, 2012.

 

(2)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Class I Shares only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

Performance quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher. Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling 1-855-744-8500.

 

The Fund’s total annual operating expenses, as stated in the current prospectus dated December 31, 2020, is 0.85% of average daily net assets for Class I Shares. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. The Fund’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to waive management fees and/or reimburse expenses through December 31, 2021 to the extent that total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) exceed 0.98% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed 0.98%: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. The contractual limitation may not be terminated before December 31, 2021 without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses for a year are less than 0.98% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

21

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP EQUITY FUND - CLASS I SHARES

 

Performance Data (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

The Fund’s investments will generally consist of securities, which may include common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants to acquire common stock and securities convertible into common stock. Portfolio composition is subject to change. The Fund evaluates performance as compared to that of the Standard & Poor’s 500® Index (“S&P 500®”). The S&P 500® is a widely recognized, unmanaged index of 500 common stocks which are generally representative of the U.S. stock market as a whole. It is impossible to invest directly in an index.

 

22

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP EQUITY FUND - CLASS A SHARES

 

Performance Data (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund - Class A Shares
vs. S&P 500® Index

 

 

This chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 initial investment, adjusted for the Class A Shares maximum sales charge of 5.25% to a net initial investment of $9,475, in the Fund’s Class A Shares made on October 29, 2015 (commencement of operations) and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the S&P 500® Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ended August 31, 2021

 
 

One
Year

Three
Years

Five
Years

Since
Inception
(1)

 

Class A Shares (without sales charge)

19.20%

11.39%

13.12%

12.37%

 

Class A Shares (with sales charge)

12.91%

9.40%

11.91%

11.35%

 

S&P 500® Index(2)

31.17%

18.07%

18.02%

16.38%

 

 

 

(1)

Class A Shares of the Fund commenced operations on October 29, 2015.

 

(2)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Class A Shares only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

Class A Shares of the Fund have a 5.25% maximum sales charge.

 

Performance quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher. Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling 1-855-744-8500.

 

The Fund’s total annual operating expenses, as stated in the current prospectus dated December 31, 2020, is 1.10% of average daily net assets for Class A Shares. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. The Fund’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to waive management fees and/or reimburse expenses through December 31, 2021 to the extent that total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) exceed 1.23% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A Shares. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse certain expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed 1.23%: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. The contractual limitation may not be terminated before December 31, 2021 without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses for a year are less than 1.23% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A Shares, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory

 

23

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP EQUITY FUND - CLASS A SHARES

 

Performance Data (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

The Fund’s investments will generally consist of securities, which may include common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants to acquire common stock and securities convertible into common stock. Portfolio composition is subject to change. The Fund evaluates performance as compared to that of the Standard & Poor’s 500® Index (“S&P 500®”). The S&P 500® is a widely recognized, unmanaged index of 500 common stocks which are generally representative of the U.S. stock market as a whole. It is impossible to invest directly in an index.

 

24

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP EQUITY FUND - CLASS C SHARES

 

Performance Data (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund - Class C Shares
vs. S&P 500® Index

 

 

This chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 initial investment in the Fund’s Class C Shares made on December 31, 2015 (commencement of operations) and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the S&P 500® Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ended August 31, 2021

 
 

One
Year

Three
Years

Five
Years

Since
Inception
(1)

 

Class C Shares

18.25%

10.70%

12.38%

12.16%

 

S&P 500® Index(2)

31.17%

18.07%

18.02%

17.28%

 

 

 

(1)

Class C Shares of the Fund commenced operations on December 31, 2015.

 

(2)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Class C Shares only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

Performance quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher. Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling 1-855-744-8500.

 

The Fund’s total annual operating expenses, as stated in the current prospectus dated December 31, 2020, is 1.85% of average daily net assets for Class C Shares. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. The Fund’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to waive management fees and/or reimburse expenses through December 31, 2021 to the extent that total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) exceed 1.98% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class C Shares. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed 1.98%: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. The contractual limitation may not be terminated before December 31, 2021 without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses for a year are less than 1.98% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class C Shares, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

25

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP EQUITY FUND - CLASS C SHARES

 

Performance Data (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

The Fund’s investments will generally consist of securities, which may include common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants to acquire common stock and securities convertible into common stock. Portfolio composition is subject to change. The Fund evaluates performance as compared to that of the Standard & Poor’s 500® Index (“S&P 500®”). The S&P 500® is a widely recognized, unmanaged index of 500 common stocks which are generally representative of the U.S. stock market as a whole. It is impossible to invest directly in an index.

 

 

26

 

 

SGI U.S. SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND - CLASS I SHARES

 

Performance Data (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $1,000,000 Investment in SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund - Class I Shares
vs. Russell 2000® Index

 

 

This chart assumes a hypothetical $1,000,000 initial investment in the Fund’s Class I Shares made on March 31, 2016 (commencement of operations) and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the Russell 2000® Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ended August 31, 2021

 
 

One
Year

Three
Years

Five
Years

Since
Inception
(1)

 

Class I Shares

19.02%

-2.75%

5.25%

6.39%

 

Russell 2000® Index(2)

47.08%

10.75%

14.38%

15.58%

 

 

 

(1)

Class I Shares of the Fund commenced operations on March 31, 2016.

 

(2)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Class I Shares only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

Performance quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher. Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling 1-855-744-8500.

 

The Fund’s total annual gross and net operating expenses, as stated in the current prospectus dated December 31, 2020, are 1.56% and 1.43%, respectively, of average daily net assets for Class I Shares. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. The Fund’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to waive management fees and/or reimburse expenses through December 31, 2021 to the extent that total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) exceed 1.23% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed 1.23%: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation may not be terminated before December 31, 2021 without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses for a year are less than 1.23% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

27

 

 

SGI U.S. SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND - CLASS I SHARES

 

Performance Data (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

The Fund’s investments will generally consist of securities, which may include common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants to acquire common stock and securities convertible into common stock. Portfolio composition is subject to change. The Fund evaluates performance as compared to that of the Russell 2000® Index (“Russell 2000®”). The Russell 2000® is a widely recognized, unmanaged index of 2,000 common stocks which are generally representative of the U.S. Small Companies. It is impossible to invest directly in an index.

 

The Fund invests in equity securities and in stocks of small companies which are subject to market, economic and business risks that may cause their price to rise or fall over time. Stocks of small companies may be more volatile, less liquid or not as readily marketable as those of larger companies. Small companies may also have limited product lines, markets or financial resources and may be dependent on relatively small or inexperienced management groups. Although the Fund seeks lower volatility, there is no guarantee the Fund will perform as expected.

 

28

 

 

SGI U.S. SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND - CLASS A SHARES

 

Performance Data (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund - Class A Shares
vs. Russell 2000® Index

 

 

This chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 initial investment in the Fund’s Class A Shares made on March 31, 2016 (commencement of operations) and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the Russell 2000® Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ended August 31, 2021

 
 

One
Year

Three
Years

Five
Years

Since
Inception
(1)

 

Class A Shares (without sales charge)

18.69%

-2.98%

5.00%

6.15%

 

Class A Shares (with sales charge)

12.50%

-4.70%

3.87%

5.11%

 

Russell 2000® Index(2)

47.08%

10.75%

14.38%

15.58%

 

 

 

(1)

Class A Shares of the Fund commenced operations on March 31, 2016.

 

(2)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Class A Shares only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

Class A Shares of the Fund have a 5.25% maximum sales charge.

 

Performance quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher. Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling 1-855-744-8500.

 

The Fund’s total annual gross and net operating expenses, as stated in the current prospectus dated December 31, 2020, are 1.81% and 1.68%, respectively, of average daily net assets for Class A Shares. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. The Fund’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to waive management fees and/or reimburse expenses through December 31, 2021 to the extent that total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) exceed 1.48% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A Shares. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed 1.48%: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation may not be terminated before December 31, 2021 without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses for a year are less than 1.48% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A Shares, the Adviser is entitled

 

29

 

 

SGI U.S. SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND - CLASS A SHARES

 

Performance Data (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

The Fund’s investments will generally consist of securities, which may include common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants to acquire common stock and securities convertible into common stock. Portfolio composition is subject to change. The Fund evaluates performance as compared to that of the Russell 2000® Index (“Russell 2000®”). The Russell 2000® is a widely recognized, unmanaged index of 2,000 common stocks which are generally representative of the U.S. Small Companies. It is impossible to invest directly in an index.

 

The Fund invests in equity securities and in stocks of small companies which are subject to market, economic and business risks that may cause their price to rise or fall over time. Stocks of small companies may be more volatile, less liquid or not as readily marketable as those of larger companies. Small companies may also have limited product lines, markets or financial resources and may be dependent on relatively small or inexperienced management groups. Although the Fund seeks lower volatility, there is no guarantee the Fund will perform as expected.

 

30

 

 

SGI U.S. SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND - CLASS C SHARES

 

Performance Data (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund - Class C Shares
vs. Russell 2000® Index

 

 

This chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 initial investment in the Fund’s Class C Shares made on March 31, 2016 (commencement of operations) and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the Russell 2000® Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ended August 31, 2021

 
 

One
Year

Three
Years

Five
Years

Since
Inception
(1)

 

Class C Shares

17.74%

-3.72%

4.19%

5.34%

 

Russell 2000® Index(2)

47.08%

10.75%

14.38%

15.58%

 

 

 

(1)

Class C Shares of the Fund commenced operations on March 31, 2016.

 

(2)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Class C Shares only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

Performance quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher. Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling 1-855-744-8500.

 

The Fund’s total annual gross and net operating expenses, as stated in the current prospectus dated December 31, 2020, are 2.56% and 2.43%, respectively, of average daily net assets for Class C Shares. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. The Fund’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to waive management fees and/or reimburse expenses through December 31, 2021 to the extent that total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) exceed 2.23% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class C Shares. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed 2.23%: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation may not be terminated before December 31, 2021 without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses for a year are less than 2.23% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class C Shares, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

31

 

 

SGI U.S. SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND - CLASS C SHARES

 

Performance Data (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

The Fund’s investments will generally consist of securities, which may include common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants to acquire common stock and securities convertible into common stock. Portfolio composition is subject to change. The Fund evaluates performance as compared to that of the Russell 2000® Index (“Russell 2000®”). The Russell 2000® is a widely recognized, unmanaged index of 2,000 common stocks which are generally representative of the U.S. Small Companies. It is impossible to invest directly in an index.

 

The Fund invests in equity securities and in stocks of small companies which are subject to market, economic and business risks that may cause their price to rise or fall over time. Stocks of small companies may be more volatile, less liquid or not as readily marketable as those of larger companies. Small companies may also have limited product lines, markets or financial resources and may be dependent on relatively small or inexperienced management groups. Although the Fund seeks lower volatility, there is no guarantee the Fund will perform as expected.

 

32

 

 

SGI GLOBAL EQUITY FUND - CLASS I SHARES

 

Performance Data (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $1,000,000 Investment in SGI Global Equity Fund - Class I Shares
vs. MSCI ACWI Index

 

 

This chart assumes a hypothetical $1,000,000 minimum initial investment, in the Fund’s Class I Shares made on August 31, 2011 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the MSCI ACWI Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ended August 31, 2021(1)

 
 

One
Year

Five
Years

Ten
Years

Since
Inception

 

Class I Shares(2)

17.15%

10.20%

10.46%

15.67%

 

MSCI ACWI Index(3)

28.64%

14.29%

11.27%

13.30%

 

 

 

(1)

Returns for periods prior to January 3, 2017 were generated under the management of the Fund’s former investment adviser and reflect a previous investment strategy.

 

(2)

The Fund operated as a series of Scotia Institutional Funds prior to the close of business on March 21, 2014 (the “Predecessor Fund”), at which time the Predecessor Fund was reorganized into the Scotia Dynamic U.S. Growth Fund, a newly created series of The RBB Fund, Inc. The fiscal year end of the Predecessor Fund was September 30. The performance shown for periods prior to March 21, 2014 represents the performance for the Predecessor Fund. While the Predecessor Fund commenced operations on March 31, 2009, the Predecessor Fund began investing consistent with its investment objective on April 1, 2009. Effective January 3, 2017, the Scotia Dynamic U.S. Growth Fund changed its name to the Summit Global Investments Global Low Volatility Fund (the “Fund”).

 

(3)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Predecessor Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

Performance quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher. Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling 1-855-744-8500.

 

The Fund’s total annual gross and net operating expenses, as stated in the current prospectus dated December 31, 2020, are 1.01% and 0.87%, respectively, of average daily net assets for Class I Shares. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. The Fund’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to waive management fees and/or reimburse certain expenses of the Fund through December 31, 2021 to the extent necessary to ensure that the Fund’s total annual operating expenses (excluding taxes, extraordinary expenses, brokerage commissions and interest)

 

33

 

 

SGI GLOBAL EQUITY FUND - CLASS I SHARES

 

Performance Data (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

do not exceed 0.84% (on an annual basis) of Class I’s average daily net assets (the “Expense Limitation”). The Expense Limitation shall remain in effect until December 31, 2021 unless the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. approves its earlier termination. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses for a year are less than 0.84% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

International investing is subject to special risks including, but not limited to, currency risk associated with securities denominated in other than the U.S. dollar, which may be affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates, political, social or economic instability, and differences in taxation, auditing, and other financial practices.

 

The MSCI ACWI Index (the “Index”) captures large and mid cap representation across 23 Developed Markets (DM) and 27 Emerging Markets (EM) countries. With more than 3,000 constituents, the index covers approximately 85% of the global investable equity opportunity set. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

34

 

 

SGI CONSERVATIVE FUND - CLASS I SHARES

 

Performance Data (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in SGI Conservative Fund - Class I Shares
vs. Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index (formerly known as the Bloomberg Barclays US Aggregate Index) and Composite Index

 

 

This chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 minimum initial investment, in the Fund’s Class I Shares made on June 8, 2020 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index (formerly known as the Bloomberg Barclays US Aggregate Index) and Composite Index are unmanaged, do not incur expenses and are not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ended August 31, 2021

 
 

One
Year

Since
Inception
(1)

 

Class I Shares

3.12%

5.35%

 

Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index (formerly known as the Bloomberg Barclays US Aggregate Index)(2)

-0.08%

1.24%

 

Composite Index(3)

7.16%

8.73%

 

 

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund is June 8, 2020.

 

(2)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

(3)

The Composite Index is comprised of the Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index (formerly known as the Bloomberg Barclays US Aggregate Index) and S&P 500® Index, weighted 75% and 25%, respectively.

 

Performance quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher. Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling 1-855-744-8500.

 

The Fund’s total annual gross and net operating expenses, as stated in the current prospectus dated December 31, 2020, are 16.11% and 1.73%, respectively, of average daily net assets for Class I Shares. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. The Fund’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to waive management fees and/or reimburse certain expenses of the Fund through December 31, 2021 to the extent necessary to ensure that the Fund’s total annual operating expenses (excluding taxes, extraordinary expenses, brokerage commissions and interest) do not exceed 1.70% (on an annual basis) of Class I’s average daily net assets (the “Expense Limitation”). The Expense Limitation shall remain in effect until December 31, 2021, unless the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. approves its earlier termination. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses for a year are less than 1.70% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares, the

 

35

 

 

SGI CONSERVATIVE FUND - CLASS I SHARES

 

Performance Data (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

The Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index (formerly known as the Bloomberg Barclays US Aggregate Index) is an unmanaged, market capitalization-weighted index, comprised predominately of U.S. traded investment grade bonds with maturities of one year or more. The index includes Treasury securities, Government agency bonds, mortgage- backed bonds, and corporate bonds. The index is representative of intermediate duration U.S. investment grade debt securities. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

36

 

 

SGI PRUDENT GROWTH FUND - CLASS I SHARES

 

Performance Data (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in SGI Prudent Growth Fund - Class I Shares
vs. S&P 500® Index and Composite Index

 

 

This chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 minimum initial investment, in the Fund’s Class I Shares made on June 8, 2020 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the S&P 500® Index and Composite Index are unmanaged, do not incur expenses and are not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ended August 31, 2021

 
 

One
Year

Since
Inception
(1)

 

Class I Shares

10.34%

13.59%

 

S&P 500® Index(2)

31.17%

33.44%

 

Composite Index(3)

17.92%

19.84%

 

 

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund is June 8, 2020.

 

(2)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

(3)

The Composite Index is comprised of the S&P 500® Index and Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index, weighted 60% and 40%, respectively.

 

Performance quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher. Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling 1-855-744-8500.

 

The Fund’s total annual gross and net operating expenses, as stated in the current prospectus dated December 31, 2020 are 4.08% and 1.81%, respectively, of average daily net assets for Class I Shares. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. The Fund’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to waive management fees and/or reimburse certain expenses of the Fund through December 31, 2021 to the extent necessary to ensure that the Fund’s total annual operating expenses (excluding taxes, extraordinary expenses, brokerage commissions and interest) do not exceed 1.70% (on an annual basis) of Class I’s average daily net assets (the “Expense Limitation”). The Expense Limitation shall remain in effect until December 31, 2021, unless the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. approves its earlier termination. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses for a year are less than 1.70% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

37

 

 

SGI PRUDENT GROWTH FUND - CLASS I SHARES

 

Performance Data (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

The S&P 500® Index is a widely recognized, unmanaged index of 500 common stocks which are generally representative of the U.S. stock market as a whole. It is impossible to invest directly in an index.

 

38

 

 

SGI PEAK GROWTH FUND - CLASS I SHARES

 

Performance Data (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in SGI Peak Growth Fund - Class I Shares
vs. S&P 500® Index

 

 

This chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 minimum initial investment, in the Fund’s Class I Shares made on June 8, 2020 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the S&P 500® Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ended August 31, 2021

 
 

One
Year

Since
Inception
(1)

 

Class I Shares

15.45%

20.90%

 

S&P 500® Index(2)

31.17%

33.44%

 

 

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund is June 8, 2020.

 

(2)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

Performance quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher. Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling 1-855-744-8500.

 

The Fund’s total annual gross and net operating expenses, as stated in the current prospectus dated December 31, 2020 are 3.70% and 1.88%, respectively, of average daily net assets for Class I Shares. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. The Fund’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to waive management fees and/or reimburse certain expenses of the Fund through December 31, 2021 to the extent necessary to ensure that the Fund’s total annual operating expenses (excluding taxes, extraordinary expenses, brokerage commissions and interest) do not exceed 1.70% (on an annual basis) of Class I’s average daily net assets (the “Expense Limitation”). The Expense Limitation shall remain in effect until December 31, 2021, unless the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. approves its earlier termination. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses for a year are less than 1.70% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

The S&P 500® Index is a widely recognized, unmanaged index of 500 common stocks which are generally representative of the U.S. stock market as a whole. It is impossible to invest directly in an index.

 

39

 

 

SGI SMALL CAP GROWTH FUND (formerly, the Bogle Investment Management Small Cap Growth Fund) - CLASS I SHARES

 

Performance Data (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in SGI Small Cap Growth Fund
vs. Russell 2000® Index

 

 

This chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 initial investment in the Fund made on August 31, 2011 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the Russell 2000® Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended August 31, 2021

 
 

One
Year

Five
Years

Ten
Years

Since
Inception
(1)

 

SGI Small Cap Growth Fund(2)

44.61%

14.07%

13.70%

11.59%

 

Russell 2000® Index

47.08%

14.38%

13.62%

9.41%

 

 

 

(1)

For the period October 1, 1999 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2020.

 

(2)

As of the close of business on March 15, 2021, Bogle Investment Management, L.P. (“Bogle”), the Fund’s prior investment adviser, resigned and was replaced by Summit Global Investments, LLC (the “Adviser”), and the Fund changed its name to the SGI Small Cap Growth Fund. The performance shown for periods prior to March 15, 2021 represents the performance under the Fund’s previous investment adviser.

 

Performance quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher. Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling 1-855-744-8500.

 

The Fund’s total net operating expenses, as stated in the current prospectus dated December 31, 2020, as supplemented, are 1.25%, respectively, of average daily net assets for Class I Shares. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. The Fund’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to waive management fees and/or reimburse expenses through December 31, 2022 to the extent that total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) exceed 1.23% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed 1.23%: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation may not be terminated before December 31, 2022 without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses for a year are less than 1.23% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares, the Adviser is entitled to

 

40

 

 

SGI SMALL CAP GROWTH FUND - CLASS I SHARES

 

Performance Data (CONCLUDED)

AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement. The Fund’s investments will generally consist of securities, which may include common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants to acquire common stock and securities convertible into common stock. Portfolio composition is subject to change. The Fund evaluates performance as compared to that of the Russell 2000® Index (“Russell 2000®”). The Russell 2000® is a widely recognized, unmanaged index of 2,000 common stocks which are generally representative of the U.S. Small Companies. It is impossible to invest directly in an index.

 

The Fund invests in equity securities and in stocks of small companies which are subject to market, economic and business risks that may cause their price to rise or fall over time. Stocks of small companies may be more volatile, less liquid or not as readily marketable as those of larger companies. Small companies may also have limited product lines, markets or financial resources and may be dependent on relatively small or inexperienced management groups. Although the Fund seeks lower volatility, there is no guarantee the Fund will perform as expected.

 

41

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Fund Expense Examples

AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund(s), you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments (if applicable); and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees; and other Fund expenses. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund(s) and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

 

These examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period from March 1, 2021 through August 31, 2021 and held for the entire period.

 

Actual Expenses

 

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

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

 

The second section of the accompanying tables provide information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on each Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in each Fund and other funds. To do so, compare these 5% hypothetical examples with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

 

The expenses shown in the accompanying tables are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads), redemption fees or exchange fees. Therefore, the second section of the accompanying tables 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.

 

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

 

Beginning
Account Value
MARCH 1, 2021

Ending
Account Value
AUGUST 31, 2021

Expenses
Paid During
Period
(1)

Annualized
Expense
Ratio

Actual
Six-Month
Total
Investment
Return for
the Fund

Actual

         

Class I Shares

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,163.40

$ 4.74

0.87%

16.34%

Class A Shares

1,000.00

1,161.90

6.10

1.12

16.19

Class C Shares

1,000.00

1,157.10

10.17

1.87

15.71

         

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

       

Class I Shares

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,020.82

$ 4.43

0.87%

N/A

Class A Shares

1,000.00

1,019.56

5.70

1.12

N/A

Class C Shares

1,000.00

1,015.78

9.50

1.87

N/A

 

42

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Fund Expense Examples (CONTINUED)

AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

 

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

 

Beginning
Account Value
MARCH 1, 2021

Ending
Account Value
AUGUST 31, 2021

Expenses
Paid During
Period
(1)

Annualized
Expense
Ratio

Actual
Six-Month
Total
Investment
Return for
the Fund

Actual

         

Class I Shares

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,055.90

$ 6.37

1.23%

5.59%

Class A Shares

1,000.00

1,054.30

7.66

1.48

5.43

Class C Shares

1,000.00

1,050.30

11.52

2.23

5.03

         

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

       

Class I Shares

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,019.00

$ 6.26

1.23%

N/A

Class A Shares

1,000.00

1,017.74

7.53

1.48

N/A

Class C Shares

1,000.00

1,013.96

11.32

2.23

N/A

 

 

SGI Global Equity Fund

 

Beginning
Account Value
MARCH 1, 2021

Ending
Account Value
AUGUST 31, 2021

Expenses
Paid During
Period
(1)

Annualized
Expense
Ratio

Actual
Six-Month
Total
Investment
Return for
the Fund

Actual

         

Class I Shares

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,140.10

$ 4.53

0.84%

14.01%

         

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

       

Class I Shares

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,020.97

$ 4.28

0.84%

N/A

 

 

SGI Conservative Fund

 

Beginning
Account Value
MARCH 1, 2021

Ending
Account Value
AUGUST 31, 2021

Expenses
Paid During
Period
(1)

Annualized
Expense
Ratio

Actual
Six-Month
Total
Investment
Return for
the Fund

Actual

         

Class I Shares

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,038.50

$ 8.73

1.70%

3.85%

         

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

       

Class I Shares

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,016.64

$ 8.64

1.70%

N/A

 

 

43

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Fund Expense Examples (Concluded)

AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

 

SGI Prudent Fund

 

Beginning
Account Value
MARCH 1, 2021

Ending
Account Value
AUGUST 31, 2021

Expenses
Paid During
Period
(1)

Annualized
Expense
Ratio

Actual
Six-Month
Total
Investment
Return for
the Fund

Actual

         

Class I Shares

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,081.40

$ 8.92

1.70%

8.14%

         

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

       

Class I Shares

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,016.64

$ 8.64

1.70%

N/A

 

 

SGI Peak Growth Fund

 

Beginning
Account Value
MARCH 1, 2021

Ending
Account Value
AUGUST 31, 2021

Expenses
Paid During
Period
(1)

Annualized
Expense
Ratio

Actual
Six-Month
Total
Investment
Return for
the Fund

Actual

         

Class I Shares

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,096.40

$ 8.98

1.70%

9.64%

         

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

       

Class I Shares

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,016.64

$ 8.64

1.70%

N/A

 

 

SGI small cap Growth Fund

 

Beginning
Account Value
MARCH 1, 2021

Ending
Account Value
AUGUST 31, 2021

Expenses
Paid During
Period
(1)

Annualized
Expense
Ratio

Actual
Six-Month
Total
Investment
Return for
the Fund

Actual

         

Class I Shares

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,048.90

$ 5.89

1.14%

4.89%

         

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

       

Class I Shares

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,019.46

$ 5.80

1.14%

N/A

 

 

(1)

Expenses are equal to each Fund’s annualized six-month expense ratio for the period March 1, 2021 to August 31, 2021, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184) in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by 365 to reflect the one half year period. Each Fund’s ending account values on the first line in the tables is based on the actual six-month total investment return for each Fund.

 

44

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP EQUITY FUND

 

Portfolio Holdings Summary Table

AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

The following table presents a summary by sector of the portfolio holdings of the Fund:

 

   

% of Net
Assets

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS:

               

Software

    23.3 %   $ 125,642,799  

Retail

    11.4       61,094,037  

Internet

    6.2       33,564,315  

Pharmaceuticals

    5.9       31,549,271  

Computers

    4.8       25,801,090  

Semiconductors

    4.2       22,610,195  

Insurance

    4.1       22,055,788  

Healthcare-Products

    4.1       21,818,434  

Biotechnology

    3.0       15,945,473  

Diversified Financial Services

    2.6       13,861,315  

Media

    2.4       13,052,127  

Healthcare-Services

    2.3       12,458,598  

REITS

    2.3       12,195,370  

Oil & Gas

    2.2       12,077,688  

Commercial Services

    2.2       11,880,426  

Telecommunications

    2.2       11,680,104  

Distribution & Wholesale

    2.1       11,384,842  

Home Builders

    2.0       10,877,874  

Food

    1.7       9,230,009  

Chemicals

    1.6       8,641,180  

Home Furnishings

    1.3       6,927,789  

Environmental Control

    1.2       6,685,892  

Electrical Components & Equipment

    0.7       3,775,479  

Aerospace/Defense

    0.7       3,706,740  

Electric

    0.7       3,489,246  

Banks

    0.6       3,003,765  

Machinery-Diversified

    0.5       2,762,394  

Beverages

    0.5       2,751,474  

Packaging & Containers

    0.5       2,690,360  

Transportation

    0.4       2,318,814  

Electronics

    0.4       2,242,250  

Office/Business Equipment

    0.4       2,231,246  

Water

    0.4       2,077,650  

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

    1.1       6,149,266  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES

    0.0       265,557  

NET ASSETS

    100 %   $ 538,498,857  

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
45

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP EQUITY FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

   Number
of Shares
   Value 
COMMON STOCKS — 98.9%
Aerospace/Defense — 0.6%
L3Harris Technologies, Inc.   12,600   $2,935,926 
Mercury Systems, Inc.*   15,300    770,814 
         3,706,740 
Banks — 0.6%
Bank of America Corp.   36,700    1,532,225 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.   9,200    1,471,540 
         3,003,765 
Beverages — 0.5%
Monster Beverage Corp.*   28,200    2,751,474 
Biotechnology — 3.0%
Incyte Corp.*   103,700    7,932,013 
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*   11,900    8,013,460 
         15,945,473 
Chemicals — 1.6%
Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.   9,000    2,425,590 
Celanese Corp.   17,100    2,712,060 
Dow, Inc.   55,700    3,503,530 
         8,641,180 
Commercial Services — 2.3%
Cintas Corp.   3,800    1,503,926 
Robert Half International, Inc.   18,800    1,943,920 
S&P Global, Inc.   19,000    8,432,580 
         11,880,426 
Computers — 4.8%
Accenture PLC, Class A, (Ireland)   9,800    3,298,288 
Apple, Inc.   104,000    15,790,320 
Fortinet, Inc.*   21,300    6,712,482 
         25,801,090 
Distribution & Wholesale — 2.1%
Copart, Inc.*   32,600    4,704,832 
Fastenal Co.   53,600    2,993,560 
WW Grainger, Inc.   8,500    3,686,450 
         11,384,842 
Diversified Financial Services — 2.6%
Cboe Global Markets, Inc.   93,200    11,757,180 
SEI Investments Co.   33,500    2,104,135 
         13,861,315 
Electric — 0.6%
Alliant Energy Corp.   18,600    1,130,694 
Dominion Resources, Inc.   30,300    2,358,552 
         3,489,246 
Electrical Components & Equipment — 0.7%
Universal Display Corp.   18,100    3,775,479 
Electronics — 0.4%
Keysight Technologies, Inc.*   12,500   $2,242,250 
Environmental Control — 1.3%
Republic Services, Inc.   15,500    1,924,015 
Waste Management, Inc.   30,700    4,761,877 
         6,685,892 
Food — 1.7%
Flowers Foods, Inc.   108,900    2,627,757 
Hershey Co., (The)   14,500    2,576,650 
Hormel Foods Corp.   36,800    1,675,872 
J M Smucker Co., (The)   19,000    2,349,730 
         9,230,009 
Healthcare-Products — 4.1%
ICU Medical, Inc.*   7,600    1,515,060 
IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.*   22,700    15,294,352 
Masimo Corp.*   8,600    2,335,244 
QIAGEN NV*   47,900    2,673,778 
         21,818,434 
Healthcare-Services — 2.3%
Chemed Corp.   16,100    7,674,870 
Encompass Health Corp.   12,400    972,780 
Humana, Inc.   9,400    3,810,948 
         12,458,598 
Home Builders — 2.0%
NVR, Inc.*   2,100    10,877,874 
Home Furnishings — 1.3%
Dolby Laboratories, Inc., Class A   69,900    6,927,789 
Insurance — 4.0%
Allstate Corp., (The)   9,500    1,285,160 
Assurant, Inc.   8,300    1,411,913 
Everest Re Group, Ltd.   24,300    6,437,070 
Fidelity National Financial, Inc.   59,600    2,910,268 
First American Financial Corp.   126,100    8,893,833 
Progressive Corp., (The)   11,600    1,117,544 
         22,055,788 
Internet — 6.2%
Alphabet, Inc., Class A*   400    1,157,580 
Amazon.com, Inc.*   5,800    20,130,582 
Etsy, Inc.*   21,200    4,584,712 
F5 Networks, Inc.*   11,500    2,341,055 
Netflix, Inc.*   9,400    5,350,386 
         33,564,315 
Machinery-Diversified — 0.5%
Middleby Corp., (The)*   15,100    2,762,394 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
46

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP EQUITY FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments (CONCLUDED)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

   Number
of Shares
   Value 
Media — 2.4%
Cable One, Inc.   4,400   $9,238,196 
New York Times Co., (The), Class A   23,900    1,213,642 
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., Class A   49,900    2,600,289 
         13,052,127 
Office/Business Equipment — 0.4%
Zebra Technologies Corp., Class A*   3,800    2,231,246 
Oil & Gas — 2.3%
Chevron Corp.   49,400    4,780,438 
Exxon Mobil Corp.   83,100    4,530,612 
Pioneer Natural Resources Co.   9,400    1,406,898 
Texas Pacific Land Corp.   1,000    1,359,740 
         12,077,688 
Packaging & Containers — 0.5%
Sonoco Products Co.   41,200    2,690,360 
Pharmaceuticals — 5.8%
AbbVie, Inc.   17,900    2,161,962 
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.   14,700    982,842 
Jazz Pharmaceuticals PLC, (Ireland)*   49,900    6,572,329 
Merck & Co., Inc.   42,700    3,257,583 
Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.*   24,800    2,360,960 
Pfizer, Inc.   131,700    6,067,419 
Zoetis, Inc.   49,600    10,146,176 
         31,549,271 
REITS — 2.3%
American Homes 4 Rent, Class A   100,400    4,210,776 
AvalonBay Communities, Inc.   6,200    1,423,396 
Douglas Emmett, Inc.   46,800    1,544,868 
Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc.   81,000    5,016,330 
         12,195,370 
Retail — 11.4%
Best Buy Co., Inc.   98,000    11,417,980 
Costco Wholesale Corp.   7,200    3,279,528 
Dollar General Corp.   19,600    4,369,036 
Lululemon Athletica, Inc.*   15,700    6,282,669 
Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc., Class A   41,800    2,115,916 
Target Corp.   69,600    17,189,808 
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.   111,000    16,439,100 
         61,094,037 
Semiconductors — 4.2%
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.*   116,200    12,865,664 
Cirrus Logic, Inc.*   12,300    1,029,141 
Intel Corp.   80,700    4,362,642 
Texas Instruments, Inc.   22,800    4,352,748 
         22,610,195 
Software — 23.4%
Adobe Systems, Inc.*   29,600   $19,645,520 
Cadence Design Systems, Inc.*   9,600    1,569,408 
Cerner Corp.   115,600    8,826,060 
Dropbox, Inc., Class A*   219,300    6,954,003 
Electronic Arts, Inc.   21,300    3,092,973 
Fiserv, Inc.*   38,800    4,570,252 
Intuit, Inc.   38,600    21,851,845 
Microsoft Corp.   67,700    20,437,276 
Paycom Software, Inc.*   21,100    10,315,790 
ServiceNow, Inc.*   6,200    3,990,568 
Synopsys, Inc.*   5,300    1,760,872 
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.*   85,100    13,719,822 
Zynga, Inc., Class A*   1,006,600    8,908,410 
         125,642,799 
Telecommunications — 2.2%
Cisco Systems, Inc.   65,200    3,848,104 
Verizon Communications, Inc.   142,400    7,832,000 
         11,680,104 
Transportation — 0.4%
Landstar System, Inc.   13,800    2,318,814 
Water — 0.4%
American Water Works Co., Inc.   11,400    2,077,650 
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS          
(Cost $396,260,630)        532,084,034 
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 1.1%

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 0.01% (a)

   6,149,266    6,149,266 
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS          
(Cost $6,149,266)        6,149,266 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 100.0%          
(Cost $402,409,896)        538,233,300 
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES — 0.0%        265,557 
NET ASSETS — 100.0%       $538,498,857 

 

 

*

Non-income producing security.

 

(a)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2021.

 

PLC Public Limited Company

 

REIT Real Estate Investment Trust

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
47

 

 

SGI U.S. SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND

 

Portfolio Holdings Summary Table

AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

The following table presents a summary by sector of the portfolio holdings of the Fund:

 

   

% of Net
Assets

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS:

               

Pharmaceuticals

    8.7 %   $ 2,912,399  

Diversified Financial Services

    7.2       2,417,028  

Retail

    6.1       2,038,316  

REITS

    6.0       2,007,150  

Commercial Services

    5.5       1,862,928  

Healthcare-Products

    5.1       1,712,017  

Transportation

    4.5       1,496,672  

Internet

    4.0       1,331,673  

Food

    3.8       1,285,356  

Water

    3.8       1,262,894  

Banks

    3.6       1,227,099  

Insurance

    3.3       1,116,000  

Household Products/Wares

    3.1       1,049,160  

Software

    3.0       1,011,374  

Healthcare-Services

    3.0       1,006,364  

Chemicals

    2.8       929,380  

Building Materials

    2.4       803,585  

Oil & Gas Services

    2.2       740,119  

Oil & Gas

    2.2       733,289  

Packaging & Containers

    2.1       703,030  

Electronics

    2.1       694,295  

Computers

    1.8       618,018  

Auto Parts & Equipment

    1.6       555,701  

Leisure Time

    1.6       539,386  

Textiles

    1.5       503,954  

Electric

    1.1       366,155  

Telecommunications

    1.0       342,858  

Gas

    1.0       339,820  

Airlines

    0.6       195,110  

Media

    0.5       171,963  

Machinery-Diversified

    0.5       164,750  

Miscellaneous Manufacturing

    0.5       164,197  

Biotechnology

    0.5       163,548  

Metal Fabricate/Hardware

    0.4       149,930  

Semiconductors

    0.4       133,144  

Savings & Loans

    0.3       105,456  

Home Builders

    0.2       74,844  

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

    1.9       635,997  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES

    0.1       39,263  

NET ASSETS

    100 %   $ 33,604,222  

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
48

 

 

SGI U.S. SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

   Number
of Shares
   Value 
COMMON STOCKS — 98.0%
Airlines — 0.6%
Alaska Air Group, Inc.*   1,100   $63,074 
Hawaiian Holdings, Inc.*   3,300    66,726 
SkyWest, Inc.*   1,400    65,310 
         195,110 
Auto Parts & Equipment — 1.6%
Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc.*   10,900    114,559 
Dorman Products, Inc.*   4,700    441,142 
         555,701 
Banks — 3.6%
First Financial Corp.   4,090    165,359 
German American Bancorp, Inc.   3,100    115,816 
Great Southern Bancorp, Inc.   1,900    103,493 
Lakeland Financial Corp.   4,400    292,204 
Nicolet Bankshares, Inc.*   2,300    175,743 
Westamerica BanCorp   6,600    374,484 
         1,227,099 
Biotechnology — 0.5%
Radius Health, Inc.*   11,800    163,548 
Building Materials — 2.4%
AAON, Inc.   3,900    265,629 
AZEK Co., Inc., (The)*   8,400    356,916 
Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.   1,600    181,040 
         803,585 
Chemicals — 2.8%
Balchem Corp.   5,000    702,100 
Hawkins, Inc.   6,000    227,280 
         929,380 
Commercial Services — 5.5%
Alarm.com Holdings, Inc.*   2,100    177,093 
Dun & Bradstreet Holdings, Inc.*   12,900    236,457 
FTI Consulting, Inc.*   5,600    782,376 
ICF International, Inc.   4,300    402,738 
Transcat, Inc.*   3,900    264,264 
         1,862,928 
Computers — 1.8%
Maximus, Inc.   3,500    304,815 
Rapid7, Inc.*   1,500    182,280 
Vocera Communications, Inc.*   2,700    130,923 
         618,018 
Diversified Financial Services — 7.2%
Houlihan Lokey, Inc.   13,200    1,190,640 
International Money Express, Inc.*   10,800    196,992 
PJT Partners, Inc., Class A   4,200    331,716 
Virtu Financial, Inc., Class A   28,500    697,680 
         2,417,028 
Electric — 1.1%
Avangrid, Inc.   6,700   $366,155 
Electronics — 2.1%
OSI Systems, Inc.*   4,500    445,230 
TTM Technologies, Inc.*   4,600    64,400 
Turtle Beach Corp.*   6,500    184,665 
         694,295 
Food — 3.8%
Flowers Foods, Inc.   25,200    608,076 
Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc.*   27,200    677,280 
         1,285,356 
Gas — 1.0%
Chesapeake Utilities Corp.   2,600    339,820 
Healthcare-Products — 5.1%
Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.*   5,100    182,529 
Globus Medical, Inc., Class A*   3,400    277,440 
Inari Medical, Inc.*   3,400    278,324 
InfuSystem Holdings, Inc.*   3,400    48,450 
Omnicell, Inc.*   1,800    279,486 
Repligen Corp.*   1,900    537,662 
Surmodics, Inc.*   1,800    108,126 
         1,712,017 
Healthcare-Services — 3.0%
Amedisys, Inc.*   4,400    807,180 
Aveanna Healthcare Holdings, Inc.*   21,100    199,184 
         1,006,364 
Home Builders — 0.2%
Forestar Group, Inc.*   3,600    74,844 
Household Products/Wares — 3.1%
Helen of Troy, Ltd.*   2,400    574,056 
Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc.   16,800    475,104 
         1,049,160 
Insurance — 3.4%
Employers Holdings, Inc.   8,300    341,711 
Erie Indemnity Co., Class A   2,200    389,598 
Hanover Insurance Group Inc., (The)   1,300    183,703 
HCI Group, Inc.   1,800    200,988 
         1,116,000 
Internet — 3.9%
HealthStream, Inc.*   14,500    440,655 
Mimecast, Ltd.*   9,300    649,233 
QuinStreet, Inc.*   13,500    241,785 
         1,331,673 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
49

 

 

SGI U.S. SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

   Number
of Shares
   Value 
Leisure Time — 1.6%
Clarus Corp.   8,000   $216,720 
Johnson Outdoors, Inc., Class A   1,400    160,706 
OneWater Marine, Inc., Class A   4,000    161,960 
         539,386 
Machinery-Diversified — 0.5%
Lindsay Corp.   1,000    164,750 
Media — 0.5%
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., Class A   3,300    171,963 
Metal Fabricate/Hardware — 0.4%
Olympic Steel, Inc.   5,500    149,930 
Miscellaneous Manufacturing — 0.5%
American Outdoor Brands, Inc.*   5,900    164,197 
Oil & Gas — 2.2%
CNX Resources Corp.*   9,200    104,512 
Denbury, Inc.*   3,400    239,122 
Oasis Petroleum, Inc.   4,500    389,655 
         733,289 
Oil & Gas Services — 2.2%
DMC Global, Inc.*   11,700    469,989 
National Energy Services Reunited Corp.*   23,800    270,130 
         740,119 
Packaging & Containers — 2.1%
Silgan Holdings, Inc.   13,600    577,048 
UFP Technologies, Inc.*   1,800    125,982 
         703,030 
Pharmaceuticals — 8.7%
Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*   20,600    404,996 
Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc.*   9,900    203,247 
Eagle Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*   11,600    619,092 
Pacira BioSciences, Inc.*   3,000    177,870 
Premier, Inc., Class A   12,300    457,314 
Prestige Brands Holdings, Inc.*   11,700    671,463 
USANA Health Sciences, Inc.*   3,900    378,417 
         2,912,399 
REITS — 6.0%
Easterly Government Properties, Inc.   10,900    232,933 
Equity Commonwealth   21,800    574,212 
Life Storage, Inc.   8,200    1,020,408 
Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc.   2,900    179,597 
         2,007,150 
Retail — 6.1%
BlueLinx Holdings, Inc.*   3,400   $195,704 
Freshpet, Inc.*   3,200    410,048 
Haverty Furniture Cos., Inc.   10,700    381,241 
MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc., Class A   1,500    126,315 
Murphy USA, Inc.   5,300    822,984 
Papa John’s International, Inc.   800    102,024 
         2,038,316 
Savings & Loans — 0.3%
Waterstone Financial, Inc.   5,200    105,456 
Semiconductors — 0.4%
EMCORE Corp.*   17,800    133,144 
Software — 3.1%
Appfolio, Inc., Class A*   1,700    200,770 
CSG Systems International, Inc.   5,000    241,050 
ManTech International Corp., Class A   1,900    150,423 
Progress Software Corp.   5,800    270,048 
SPS Commerce, Inc.*   1,100    149,083 
         1,011,374 
Telecommunications — 1.0%
Ooma, Inc.*   9,300    176,700 
Viavi Solutions, Inc.*   10,200    166,158 
         342,858 
Textiles — 1.5%
UniFirst Corp.   2,200    503,954 
Transportation — 4.4%
Heartland Express, Inc.   16,400    275,192 
Landstar System, Inc.   1,600    268,848 
Werner Enterprises, Inc.   20,200    952,632 
         1,496,672 
Water — 3.8%
American States Water Co.   5,500    507,155 
California Water Service Group   4,489    285,276 
Middlesex Water Co.   4,300    470,463 
         1,262,894 
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS          
(Cost $27,530,421)        32,928,962 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
50

 

 

SGI U.S. SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments (Concluded)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

   Number
of Shares
   Value 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 1.9%

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 0.01%(a)

   635,997   $635,997 
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS          
(Cost $635,997)        635,997 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 99.9%          
(Cost $28,166,418)        33,564,959 
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES — 0.1%        39,263 
NET ASSETS — 100.0%       $33,604,222 

 

 

*

Non-income producing security.

 

(a)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2021.

 

REIT Real Estate Investment Trust

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
51

 

 

SGI GLOBAL EQUITY FUND

 

Portfolio Holdings Summary Table

AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

The following table presents a summary by sector of the portfolio holdings of the Fund:

 

   

% of Net
Assets

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS:

               

Banks

    13.9 %   $ 15,562,869  

Software

    10.9       12,217,065  

Pharmaceuticals

    9.7       10,905,878  

Internet

    7.7       8,593,187  

Retail

    6.5       7,272,912  

Diversified Financial Services

    5.3       5,995,430  

Electric

    4.4       4,911,802  

Telecommunications

    4.0       4,476,210  

Semiconductors

    3.8       4,238,976  

Home Furnishings

    3.6       3,998,518  

Computers

    3.3       3,644,197  

Oil & Gas

    3.2       3,550,689  

Biotechnology

    2.8       3,163,680  

REITS

    1.9       2,149,341  

Healthcare-Products

    1.8       2,048,807  

Auto Manufacturers

    1.8       2,006,238  

Food

    1.6       1,755,025  

Media

    1.6       1,752,900  

Chemicals

    1.5       1,666,939  

Cosmetics & Personal Care

    1.2       1,381,183  

Apparel

    1.0       1,153,180  

Machinery-Diversified

    1.0       1,126,267  

Aerospace/Defense

    0.9       1,007,440  

Building Materials

    0.8       927,520  

Insurance

    0.7       770,514  

Office/Business Equipment

    0.6       642,870  

Pipelines

    0.5       594,728  

Auto Parts & Equipment

    0.4       397,320  

Mining

    0.3       363,022  

Beverages

    0.3       328,419  

EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS:

               

Exchange-Traded Funds

    1.5       1,687,292  

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

    1.6       1,847,678  

LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS

    (0.1 )     (103,202 )

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 112,034,894  

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
52

 

 

SGI GLOBAL EQUITY FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

   Number
of Shares
   Value 
COMMON STOCKS — 97.0%
Aerospace/Defense — 0.9%
Lockheed Martin Corp.   2,800   $1,007,440 
Apparel — 1.0%
NIKE, Inc., Class B   7,000    1,153,180 
Auto Manufacturers — 1.8%
Honda Motor Co., Ltd., (Japan) SP ADR   66,300    2,006,238 
Auto Parts & Equipment — 0.4%
Gentex Corp.   12,900    397,320 
Banks — 13.9%
Bank of America Corp.   50,100    2,091,675 
Bank of Montreal, (Canada)   11,000    1,094,720 
Bank of Nova Scotia, (The)   9,900    612,909 
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, (Canada)   6,900    793,569 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.   12,900    2,063,355 
Royal Bank of Canada, (Canada)   38,900    3,997,364 
Shinhan Financial Group Co., Ltd., (South Korea) ADR   28,900    960,925 
Toronto-Dominion Bank, (The), (Canada)   60,800    3,948,352 
         15,562,869 
Beverages — 0.3%
PepsiCo, Inc.   2,100    328,419 
Biotechnology — 2.8%
Blueprint Medicines Corp.*   13,300    1,240,491 
Incyte Corp.*   18,100    1,384,469 
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*   800    538,720 
         3,163,680 
Building Materials — 0.8%
Johnson Controls International PLC, (Ireland)   12,400    927,520 
Chemicals — 1.5%
Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.   2,800    754,628 
Linde PLC, (Ireland)   2,900    912,311 
         1,666,939 
Computers — 3.2%
Apple, Inc.   14,900    2,262,267 
Check Point Software Technologies Ltd., (Israel)*   11,000    1,381,930 
         3,644,197 
Cosmetics & Personal Care — 1.2%
Procter & Gamble Co., (The)   9,700    1,381,183 
Diversified Financial Services — 5.3%
Cboe Global Markets, Inc.   2,700   $340,605 
Houlihan Lokey, Inc.   13,500    1,217,700 
ORIX Corp., (Japan) SP ADR   18,900    1,770,741 
SLM Corp.   104,000    1,950,000 
T Rowe Price Group, Inc.   3,200    716,384 
         5,995,430 
Electric — 4.4%
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp., (Canada)   66,100    1,026,533 
Duke Energy Corp.   20,200    2,114,132 
Fortis, Inc., (Canada)   24,100    1,104,262 
Xcel Energy, Inc.   9,700    666,875 
         4,911,802 
Food — 1.6%
General Mills, Inc.   9,700    560,757 
Kellogg Co.   9,000    568,260 
Kroger Co., (The)   13,600    626,008 
         1,755,025 
Healthcare-Products — 1.8%
Medtronic PLC, (Ireland)   11,000    1,468,280 
STERIS PLC, (Ireland)   2,700    580,527 
         2,048,807 
Home Furnishings — 3.6%
Dolby Laboratories, Inc., Class A   27,400    2,715,614 
Sony Group Corp., (Japan) SP ADR   12,400    1,282,904 
         3,998,518 
Insurance — 0.7%
China Life Insurance Co., Ltd., (China) ADR   21,200    178,292 
Chubb Ltd., (Switzerland)   3,220    592,222 
         770,514 
Internet — 7.7%
Alphabet, Inc., Class C*   1,200    3,491,088 
Amazon.com, Inc.*   1,100    3,817,869 
Yandex NV, Class A (Russia)*   16,700    1,284,230 
         8,593,187 
Machinery-Diversified — 1.0%
CNH Industrial NV, (Netherlands)   68,300    1,126,267 
Media — 1.6%
Thomson Reuters Corp., (Canada)   15,000    1,752,900 
Mining — 0.3%
Southern Copper Corp.   5,800    363,022 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
53

 

 

SGI GLOBAL EQUITY FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments (Concluded)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

   Number
of Shares
   Value 
Office/Business Equipment — 0.6%
Canon, Inc., (Japan) SP ADR   27,000   $642,870 
Oil & Gas — 3.2%
Chevron Corp.   7,200    696,744 
China Petroleum & Chemical Corp., (China) ADR   14,400    691,056 
Exxon Mobil Corp.   15,800    861,416 
PetroChina Co., Ltd., (China) ADR   20,500    894,005 
TOTAL SE, (France) SP ADR   9,200    407,468 
         3,550,689 
Pharmaceuticals — 9.8%
CVS Health Corp.   12,500    1,079,875 
GlaxoSmithKline PLC, (United Kingdom) SP ADR   27,500    1,120,350 
Merck & Co., Inc.   12,300    938,367 
Novartis AG, (Switzerland) SP ADR   15,500    1,432,045 
Novo Nordisk, (Denmark) SP ADR   26,300    2,629,211 
Sanofi, (France) ADR   33,670    1,743,433 
Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., (Japan) SP ADR   118,300    1,962,597 
         10,905,878 
Pipelines — 0.5%
Cheniere Energy, Inc.*   6,800    594,728 
REITS — 1.9%
American Homes 4 Rent, Class A   35,900    1,505,646 
Digital Realty Trust, Inc.   1,800    295,038 
VEREIT, Inc.   6,900    348,657 
         2,149,341 
Retail — 6.5%
Costco Wholesale Corp.   4,800    2,186,352 
Dollar General Corp.   8,200    1,827,862 
Starbucks Corp.   3,200    375,968 
Target Corp.   4,800    1,185,504 
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.   11,460    1,697,226 
         7,272,912 
Semiconductors — 3.8%
QUALCOMM, Inc.   1,800    264,042 
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd., (China) SP ADR   33,400    3,974,934 
         4,238,976 
Software — 10.9%
Adobe Systems, Inc.*   4,800   $3,185,760 
Electronic Arts, Inc.   3,200    464,672 
Microsoft Corp.   14,100    4,256,508 
Salesforce.com, Inc.*   6,300    1,671,201 
ServiceNow, Inc.*   4,100    2,638,924 
         12,217,065 
Telecommunications — 4.0%
Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd., (China) SP ADR   49,800    2,034,330 
Nice Ltd., (Isreal) SP ADR   8,400    2,441,880 
         4,476,210 
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS          
(Cost $92,105,118)        108,603,126 
           
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS — 1.5%
Exchange-Traded Funds — 1.5%
iShares MSCI ACWI ETF   8,100    845,073 
Vanguard Total World Stock ETF   7,900    842,219 
         1,687,292 
TOTAL EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS          
(Cost $1,672,068)        1,687,292 
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 1.6%

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 0.01% (a)

   1,847,678    1,847,678 
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS          
(Cost $1,847,678)        1,847,678 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 100.1%          
(Cost $95,624,864)        112,138,096 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS — (0.1)%        (103,202)
NET ASSETS — 100.0%       $112,034,894 

 

 

*

Non-income producing security.

 

(a)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2021.

 

ADR American Depositary Receipt

 

PLC Public Limited Company

 

REIT Real Estate Investment Trust

 

SP ADR Sponsored ADR

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
54

 

 

SGI CONSERVATIVE FUND

 

Portfolio Holdings Summary Table

AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

The following table presents a summary by sector of the portfolio holdings of the Fund:

 

   

% of Net
Assets

   

Value

 

EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS

    89.2 %   $ 1,245,380  

MUTUAL FUNDS

    9.8       136,202  

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

    2.3       32,475  

LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS

    (1.3 )     (17,585 )

NET ASSETS

    100 %   $ 1,396,472  

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
55

 

 

SGI CONSERVATIVE FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

   Number
of Shares
   Value 
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS — 89.2%
Exchange-Traded Funds — 89.2%
Invesco QQQ Trust Series 1   160   $60,792 
iShares Core 1-5 Year USD Bond ETF   3,850    197,544 
iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF   420    32,235 
iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF   340    38,206 
iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF   6,490    753,229 
iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol USA ETF   210    16,306 
iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF   330    60,139 
iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF   120    16,950 
iShares TIPS Bond ETF   540    69,979 
         1,245,380 
TOTAL EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS          
(Cost $1,228,540)        1,245,380 
           
MUTUAL FUNDS — 9.8%
Mutual Funds — 9.8%
SGI Global Equity Fund, Class I   1,485    56,913 
SGI Small Cap Growth Fund, Class I   377    14,581 
SGI US Large Cap Equity Fund, Class I   2,788    64,708 
         136,202 
TOTAL MUTUAL FUNDS          
(Cost $117,069)        136,202 
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 2.3%

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 0.01% (a)

   32,475    32,475 
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS          
(Cost $32,475)        32,475 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 101.3%          
(Cost $1,378,084)        1,414,057 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS — (1.3)%        (17,585)
NET ASSETS — 100.0%       $1,396,472 

 

 

(a)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2021.

 

ETF Exchange-Traded Funds

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
56

 

 

SGI PRUDENT GROWTH FUND

 

Portfolio Holdings Summary Table

AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

The following table presents a summary by sector of the portfolio holdings of the Fund:

 

   

% of Net
Assets

   

Value

 

EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS

    50.0 %   $ 5,400,975  

MUTUAL FUNDS

    48.4       5,231,101  

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

    2.4       257,961  

LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS

    (0.8 )     (82,594 )

NET ASSETS

    100 %   $ 10,807,443  

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
57

 

 

SGI PRUDENT GROWTH FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

   Number
of Shares
   Value 
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS — 50.0%
Exchange-Traded Funds — 50.0%
Invesco QQQ Trust Series 1   1,490   $566,125 
iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF   5,150    214,961 
iShares Core 1-5 Year USD Bond ETF   12,670    650,098 
iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF   6,380    489,665 
iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF   3,110    349,471 
iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF   17,250    2,002,035 
iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol USA ETF   1,940    150,641 
iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF   3,080    561,299 
iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF   1,060    149,725 
iShares TIPS Bond ETF   2,060    266,955 
         5,400,975 
TOTAL EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS          
(Cost $5,182,906)        5,400,975 
           
MUTUAL FUNDS — 48.4%
Mutual Funds — 48.4%
SGI Global Equity Fund, Class I   64,173    2,459,759 
SGI Small Cap Growth Fund, Class I   26,464    1,022,575 
SGI US Large Cap Equity Fund, Class I   56,522    1,311,872 
SGI US Small Cap Equity Fund, Class I   36,683    436,895 
         5,231,101 
TOTAL MUTUAL FUNDS          
(Cost $4,444,829)        5,231,101 
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 2.4%

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 0.01% (a)

   257,961    257,961 
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS          
(Cost $257,961)        257,961 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 100.8%          
(Cost $9,885,696)        10,890,037 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS — (0.8)%        (82,594)
NET ASSETS — 100.0%       $10,807,443 

 

 

(a)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2021.

 

ETF Exchange-Traded Funds

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
58

 

 

SGI PEAK GROWTH FUND

 

Portfolio Holdings Summary Table

AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

The following table presents a summary by sector of the portfolio holdings of the Fund:

 

   

% of Net
Assets

   

Value

 

EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS

    23.6 %   $ 2,586,098  

MUTUAL FUNDS

    75.2       8,221,093  

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

    0.1       12,484  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES

    1.1       119,937  

NET ASSETS

    100 %   $ 10,939,612  

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
59

 

 

SGI PEAK GROWTH FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

   Number
of Shares
   Value 
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS — 23.6%
Exchange-Traded Funds — 23.6%
Invesco QQQ Trust Series 1   1,510   $573,724 
iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF   10,030    769,803 
iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF   3,210    360,708 
iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol USA ETF   2,010    156,077 
iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF   3,130    570,411 
iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF   1,100    155,375 
         2,586,098 
TOTAL EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS          
(Cost $2,390,048)        2,586,098 
           
MUTUAL FUNDS — 75.2%
Mutual Funds — 75.2%
SGI Global Equity Fund, Class I   85,748    3,286,722 
SGI Small Cap Growth Fund, Class I   59,644    2,304,649 
SGI US Large Cap Equity Fund, Class I   84,875    1,969,949 
SGI US Small Cap Equity Fund, Class I   55,397    659,773 
         8,221,093 
TOTAL MUTUAL FUNDS          
(Cost $7,040,915)        8,221,093 
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 0.1%

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 0.01% (a)

   12,484    12,484 
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS          
(Cost $12,484)        12,484 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 98.9%          
(Cost $9,443,447)        10,819,675 
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES — 1.1%        119,937 
NET ASSETS — 100.0%       $10,939,612 

 

 

(a)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2021.

 

ETF Exchange-Traded Funds

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
60

 

 

SGI SMALL CAP GROWTH FUND

 

Portfolio Holdings Summary Table

AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

The following table presents a summary by security type of the portfolio holdings of the Fund:

 

   

% of Net
Assets

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS:

               

Pharmaceuticals

    10.1 %   $ 9,811,395  

Retail

    8.9       8,668,425  

Healthcare-Products

    6.6       6,401,777  

Diversified Financial Services

    6.6       6,381,158  

Software

    6.4       6,280,009  

Commercial Services

    6.1       5,947,145  

Biotechnology

    5.4       5,248,850  

Transportation

    4.3       4,238,153  

Healthcare-Services

    3.0       2,928,308  

Food

    3.0       2,896,151  

Internet

    2.8       2,743,301  

Banks

    2.5       2,417,773  

Electronics

    2.1       2,001,988  

Telecommunications

    2.0       1,968,978  

Home Furnishings

    2.0       1,931,012  

Building Materials

    1.9       1,854,090  

Leisure Time

    1.8       1,746,223  

Oil & Gas Services

    1.8       1,741,289  

Metal Fabricate/Hardware

    1.7       1,675,340  

Beverages

    1.5       1,464,942  

Media

    1.5       1,454,742  

Computers

    1.2       1,200,258  

Insurance

    1.1       1,095,086  

Auto Parts & Equipment

    1.0       951,551  

Distribution/Wholesale

    1.0       934,632  

REITS

    0.9       912,499  

Machinery-Diversified

    0.9       840,775  

Textiles

    0.8       778,838  

Housewares

    0.7       688,327  

Oil & Gas

    0.6       629,177  

Semiconductors

    0.6       609,620  

Apparel

    0.6       601,144  

Chemicals

    0.5       529,226  

Household Products/Wares

    0.5       527,186  

Water

    0.5       488,713  

Gas

    0.5       483,590  

Miscellaneous Manufacturing

    0.5       481,459  

Aerospace/Defense

    0.5       447,732  

Entertainment

    0.4       390,586  

Machinery-Construction & Mining

    0.3       338,499  

Home Builders

    0.3       322,245  

Electrical Components & Equipment

    0.3       305,397  

Savings & Loans

    0.3       291,434  

Energy-Alternate Sources

    0.3       269,770  

Packaging & Containers

    0.2       174,975  

Environmental Control

    0.2       168,378  

Office Furnishings

    0.2       154,628  

Real Estate

    0.1       120,036  

Lodging

    0.1       91,560  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
61

 

 

SGI SMALL CAP GROWTH FUND

 

Portfolio Holdings Summary Table (CONCLUDED)

AUGUST 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)

 

   

% of Net
Assets

   

Value

 

EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS:

               

Exchange-Traded Funds

    1.3 %   $ 1,270,144  

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

    1.7       1,615,814  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES

    (0.1 )     (105,665 )

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 97,408,663  

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
62

 

 

SGI SMALL CAP GROWTH FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

   Number
of Shares
   Value 
Common Stocks — 97.1%
Aerospace/Defense — 0.5%
Astronics Corp.*   22,200   $296,592 
Mercury Systems, Inc.*   3,000    151,140 
         447,732 
Apparel — 0.6%
Rocky Brands, Inc.   9,200    457,056 
Unifi, Inc.*   6,200    144,088 
         601,144 
Auto Parts & Equipment — 1.0%
American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc.*   45,900    407,133 
Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc.*   51,800    544,418 
         951,551 
Banks — 2.4%
Farmers National Banc Corp.   9,200    143,520 
First Financial Corp.   11,800    477,074 
Metropolitan Bank Holding Corp.*   4,000    313,200 
Nicolet Bankshares, Inc.*   5,600    427,896 
Origin Bancorp, Inc.   8,800    362,120 
Provident Bancorp, Inc.   4,800    77,904 
QCR Holdings, Inc.   6,100    316,895 
Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc.   5,800    299,164 
         2,417,773 
Beverages — 1.5%
Coca Cola Bottling Co.   1,200    487,392 
National Beverage Corp.   21,000    977,550 
         1,464,942 
Biotechnology — 5.5%
Anaptysbio, Inc.*   6,500    166,465 
Cue Biopharma, Inc.*   17,700    212,223 
Evolus, Inc.*   45,200    479,120 
Innoviva, Inc.*   49,500    755,370 
Organogenesis Holdings, Inc.*   57,200    975,832 
Puma Biotechnology, Inc.*   46,200    349,734 
Radius Health, Inc.*   41,400    573,804 
Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*   220,600    838,280 
Surface Oncology, Inc.*   114,949    727,627 
Verastem, Inc.*   64,300    170,395 
         5,248,850 
Building Materials — 1.8%
AAON, Inc.   10,500    715,155 
Boise Cascade Co.   15,680    907,088 
UFP Industries, Inc.   3,088    231,847 
         1,854,090 
Chemicals — 0.5%
American Vanguard Corp.   21,000   $321,930 
Quaker Chemical Corp.   800    207,296 
         529,226 
Commercial Services — 6.0%
Aaron’s Co. Inc., (The)   10,000    265,200 
American Public Education Inc.*   13,000    341,900 
Barrett Business Services Inc.   2,500    193,750 
Carriage Services, Inc.   4,400    203,412 
Franklin Covey Co.*   6,600    286,902 
FTI Consulting, Inc.*   6,800    950,028 
Heidrick & Struggles International Inc.   19,300    834,146 
Kforce, Inc.   10,000    584,200 
Perdoceo Education Corp.*   48,500    532,530 
PROG Holdings, Inc.*   17,381    822,469 
ShotSpotter, Inc.*   2,200    87,626 
Transcat, Inc.*   4,600    311,696 
Vectrus, Inc.*   10,600    533,286 
         5,947,145 
Computers — 1.3%
Corsair Gaming, Inc.*   3,300    95,535 
PAE, Inc.*   57,300    383,337 
Quantum Corp.*   57,300    357,552 
Tenable Holdings, Inc.*   8,200    363,834 
         1,200,258 
Distribution/Wholesale — 1.0%
Leslies, Inc.*   6,600    159,192 
Titan Machy, Inc.*   27,000    775,440 
         934,632 
Diversified Financial Services — 6.5%
Columbia Financial, Inc.*   20,000    360,600 
Cowen Group, Inc., Class A   13,300    479,332 
Enova International, Inc.*   7,000    230,860 
Ezcorp, Inc., Class A*   32,700    225,303 
Greenhill & Co., Inc.   20,400    300,696 
Houlihan Lokey, Inc.   8,400    757,680 
International Money Express, Inc.*   26,500    483,360 
PJT Partners, Inc., Class A   13,198    1,042,378 
Pra Group, Inc.*   16,700    701,400 
SLM Corp.   26,951    505,331 
Virtu Financial, Inc., Class A   29,600    724,608 
World Accep Corp.*   3,000    569,610 
         6,381,158 
Electrical Components & Equipment — 0.3%
nLight, Inc.*   4,700    129,767 
Orion Energy Systems, Inc.*   38,600    175,630 
         305,397 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
63

 

 

SGI SMALL CAP GROWTH FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

   Number
of Shares
   Value 
Electronics — 2.1%
CyberOptics Corp.*   7,700   $323,785 
OSI Systems, Inc.*   2,500    247,350 
Turtle Beach Corp.*   34,538    981,225 
Universal Electronics, Inc.*   8,900    449,628 
         2,001,988 
Energy-Alternate Sources — 0.3%
Alto Ingredients, Inc.*   53,000    269,770 
Entertainment — 0.4%
Chicken Soup For The Soul Entertainment, Inc., Class A*   16,100    390,586 
Environmental Control — 0.2%
Heritage Crystal Clean, Inc.*   5,700    168,378 
Food — 2.9%
Flowers Foods, Inc.   41,900    1,011,047 
Sanfilippo John B & Son, Inc.   2,100    178,479 
Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc.*   40,700    1,013,430 
Treehouse Foods, Inc.*   18,500    693,195 
         2,896,151 
Gas — 0.5%
Chesapeake Utilities Corp.   3,700    483,590 
Healthcare-Products — 6.5%
Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.*   25,200    901,908 
Cerus Corp.*   21,600    139,320 
Hanger, Inc.*   27,600    659,088 
ICU Medical, Inc.*   2,784    554,991 
Inari Medical, Inc.*   10,700    875,902 
Natus Medical Inc.*   25,575    678,249 
Quidel Corp.*   7,300    941,335 
Retractable Technologies, Inc.*   10,000    128,800 
SI-BONE, Inc.*   5,300    129,373 
Surmodics, Inc.*   4,700    282,329 
Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc.*   9,900    1,110,483 
         6,401,778 
Healthcare-Services — 3.0%
Agilon Health, Inc.*   13,700    479,500 
Aveanna Healthcare Holdings, Inc.*   104,700    988,368 
Fulgent Genetics, Inc.*   3,000    273,720 
Inotiv, Inc.*   15,700    408,671 
Joint Corp, (The)*   5,700    582,369 
Sotera Health Co.*   8,000    195,680 
         2,928,308 
Home Builders — 0.3%
Forestar Group, Inc.*   15,500    322,245 
Home Furnishings — 2.0%
Dolby Laboratories, Inc., Class A   1,800   $178,398 
Herman Miller, Inc.   8,200    344,646 
Lovesac Co., (The)*   10,500    593,880 
Sleep Number Corp.*   8,800    814,088 
         1,931,012 
Household Products/Wares — 0.6%
WD-40 Co.   2,200    527,186 
Housewares — 0.7%
Scotts Miracle Gro Co.   4,389    688,327 
Insurance — 1.2%
Amerisafe, Inc.   8,400    483,420 
Mercury General Corp.   1,600    95,536 
Nmi Holdings, Inc., Class A*   11,700    264,069 
Safety Ins Group, Inc.   3,100    252,061 
         1,095,086 
Internet — 2.8%
Everquote, Inc., Class A*   20,500    403,645 
HealthStream, Inc.*   14,400    437,616 
Makemytrip Ltd.*   14,100    364,062 
Mimecast Ltd.*   7,400    516,594 
Net Element, Inc.*   23,217    253,994 
QuinStreet, Inc.*   42,847    767,390 
         2,743,301 
Leisure Time — 1.9%
Liberty Tripadvisor Holdings, Inc., Class A*   44,500    166,430 
MasterCraft Boat Holdings, Inc.*   10,900    271,846 
Nautilus, Inc.*   67,849    773,479 
OneWater Marine, Inc., Class A   13,200    534,468 
         1,746,223 
Lodging — 0.1%
Bluegreen Vacations Holding Corp.*   4,000    91,560 
Machinery-Construction & Mining — 0.3%
Argan, Inc.   7,311    338,499 
Machinery-Diversified — 0.9%
Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc.   2,803    248,935 
Tennant Co.   8,000    591,840 
         840,775 
Media — 1.4%
Scripps E W Co., Class A   24,500    454,230 
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., Class A   19,200    1,000,512 
         1,454,742 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
64

 

 

SGI SMALL CAP GROWTH FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

   Number
of Shares
   Value 
Metal Fabricate/Hardware — 1.8%
Mayville Engineering Co., Inc.*   5,600   $83,552 
Mueller Inds, Inc.   19,000    847,590 
Olympic Steel, Inc.   27,300    744,198 
         1,675,340 
Miscellaneous Manufacturing — 0.5%
American Outdoor Brands, Inc.*   17,300    481,459 
Office Furnishings — 0.1%
Kimball International, Inc., Class B   12,400    154,628 
Oil & Gas — 0.6%
CNX Resources Corp.*   24,300    276,048 
Earthstone Energy, Inc., Class A*   42,700    353,129 
         629,177 
Oil & Gas Services — 1.8%
DMC Global, Inc.*   18,700    751,179 
National Energy Services Reunited Corp.*   28,800    326,880 
ProPetro Holding Corp.*   46,300    358,362 
Rpc, Inc.*   79,600    304,868 
         1,741,289 
Packaging & Containers — 0.2%
UFP Technologies, Inc.*   2,500    174,975 
Pharmaceuticals — 10.0%
Agile Therapeutics, Inc.*   126,000    146,160 
Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*   9,500    186,770 
Anika Therapeutics, Inc.*   12,400    534,812 
Antares Pharma, Inc.*   133,200    524,808 
Biodelivery Sciences International Inc.*   129,700    500,642 
Catalyst Pharmaceuticals Partners, Inc.*   130,000    716,300 
Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc.*   40,300    827,359 
Eagle Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*   12,319    657,465 
Fortress Biotech, Inc.*   44,900    147,721 
Harmony Biosciences Holdings, Inc.*   16,800    569,352 
Harpoon Therapeutics, Inc.*   10,800    102,384 
Herbalife, Ltd.*   17,500    898,450 
Ironwood Pharmaceuticals Inc., Class A*   77,542    1,015,800 
KalVista Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*   24,500    500,780 
Pacira BioSciences, Inc.*   8,000    474,320 
Paratek Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*   18,600    103,416 
PetIQ, Inc.*   23,100    599,445 
Spero Therapeutics, Inc.*   8,900    171,325 
Syros Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*   31,800    168,540 
USANA Health Sciences, Inc.*   9,951    965,545 
         9,811,394 
Real Estate — 0.1%
Fathom Holdings, Inc.*   4,200   $120,036 
REITS — 1.0%
Easterly Government Properties, Inc.   42,700    912,499 
Retail — 8.9%
Abercrombie & Fitch Co., Class A*   13,200    472,032 
Bjs Restaurants, Inc.*   14,800    632,848 
BlueLinx Holdings, Inc.*   13,300    765,548 
Chuys Holdings, Inc.*   27,600    890,376 
Citi Trends, Inc.*   8,500    732,190 
Duluth Holdings, Inc., Class B*   36,600    569,496 
El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc.*   24,000    435,360 
Haverty Furniture Cos., Inc.   26,700    951,321 
Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc.*   48,312    1,007,788 
Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc., Class A   8,443    427,385 
Rush Enterprises, Inc., Class A   11,100    489,510 
Texas Roadhouse, Inc.   10,300    978,500 
Tillys, Inc., Class A   20,300    316,071 
         8,668,425 
Savings & Loans — 0.4%
Hometrust Bancshares, Inc.   5,300    147,446 
Waterstone Financial, Inc.   7,100    143,988 
         291,434 
Semiconductors — 0.6%
EMCORE Corp.*   81,500    609,620 
Software — 6.5%
Benefitfocus, Inc.*   46,300    558,841 
Brightcove, Inc.*   33,900    385,104 
Castlight Health, Inc., Class B*   100,600    182,086 
Computer Programs & Systems, Inc.*   6,200    220,534 
Cornerstone Ondemand, Inc.*   6,800    389,640 
Dropbox, Inc., Class A*   16,667    528,510 
Duck Creek Technologies, Inc.*   21,300    993,219 
eGain Corp.*   17,101    201,450 
Health Catalyst, Inc.*   3,700    202,057 
Immersion Corp.*   21,100    158,250 
Jamf Holding Corp.*   21,100    741,665 
Model N, Inc.*   3,000    101,730 
Playtika Holding Corp.*   40,700    1,074,073 
Verra Mobility Corp.*   35,000    542,850 
         6,280,009 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
65

 

 

SGI SMALL CAP GROWTH FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments (Concluded)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

   Number
of Shares
   Value 
Telecommunications — 2.0%
A10 Networks, Inc.*   14,425   $200,363 
ATN International, Inc.   3,300    150,447 
DZS, Inc.*   9,800    135,338 
Harmonic, Inc.*   45,000    415,800 
Ooma, Inc.*   26,900    511,100 
United States Cellular Corp.*   17,400    555,930 
         1,968,978 
Textiles — 0.8%
UniFirst Corp.   3,400    778,838 
Transportation — 4.3%
Covenant Logistics Group, Inc.*   9,000    219,240 
Custom Truck One Source, Inc.*   12,500    107,125 
Daseke, Inc.*   39,600    374,220 
Genco Shipping & Trading, Ltd.   10,800    210,492 
Heartland Express, Inc.   42,800    718,184 
Landstar System, Inc.   2,500    420,075 
Marten Transport, Ltd.   28,300    441,197 
Safe Bulkers, Inc.*   174,600    705,384 
Werner Enterprises, Inc.   22,100    1,042,236 
         4,238,153 
Water — 0.5%
American States Water Co.   5,300    488,713 
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS          
(Cost $94,225,202)        94,628,370 
           
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS — 1.3%
Exchange-Traded Funds — 1.3%
iShares Russell 2000 ETF   3,200    722,944 
Vanguard Russell 2000 ETF   6,000    547,200 
         1,270,144 
TOTAL EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS          
(Cost $1,250,273)        1,270,144 
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 1.7%

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 0.01% (a)

       $1,615,814 
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS          
(Cost $1,615,814)        1,615,814 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 100.1%          
(Cost $97,091,289)        97,514,328 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS — (0.1)%        (105,665)
NET ASSETS — 100.0%       $97,408,663 

 

 

*

Non-income producing security.

 

(a)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2021.

 

ETF Exchange-Traded Funds

 

REIT Real Estate Investment Trust

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
66

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

   

SGI U.S.
Large Cap
Equity Fund

   

SGI U.S.
Small Cap
Equity Fund

   

SGI Global
Equity Fund

 

ASSETS

                       

Investments, at value (cost $396,260,630, $27,530,421, and $93,777,186 respectively)

  $ 532,084,034     $ 32,928,962     $ 110,290,418  

Short-term investments, at value (cost $6,149,266, $635,997, and $1,847,678, respectively)

    6,149,266       635,997       1,847,678  

Receivables for:

                       

Capital shares sold

    989,027       109,849       45,235  

Dividends

    660,340       28,759       231,730  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

    32,489       17,679       28,902  

Total assets

  $ 539,915,156     $ 33,721,246     $ 112,443,963  
                         

LIABILITIES

                       

Payables for:

                       

Capital shares redeemed

  $ 956,664     $ 40,675     $ 321,419  

Advisory fees

    316,339       16,945       47,856  

Other accrued expenses and liabilities

    143,296       59,404       39,794  

Total liabilities

    1,416,299       117,024       409,069  

Net assets

  $ 538,498,857     $ 33,604,222     $ 112,034,894  
                         

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

                       

Par value

  $ 23,206     $ 2,825     $ 2,923  

Paid-in capital

    333,942,622       30,887,023       91,607,018  

Total distributable earnings/(loss)

    204,533,029       2,714,374       20,424,953  

Net assets

  $ 538,498,857     $ 33,604,222     $ 112,034,894  

CLASS I SHARES:

                       

Net assets applicable to Class I Shares

  $ 506,159,236     $ 27,913,292     $ 112,034,894  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    21,810,635       2,344,567       2,922,727  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

  $ 23.21     $ 11.91     $ 38.33  
                         

CLASS A SHARES:

                       

Net assets applicable to Class A Shares

  $ 29,422,900     $ 5,573,010     $  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    1,265,743       470,285        

Net asset value and redemption price per share

  $ 23.25     $ 11.85     $  

Maximum offering price per share (100/94.75 of $23.25 and $11.85, respectively)

  $ 24.53     $ 12.51     $  
                         

CLASS C SHARES:

                       

Net assets applicable to Class C Shares

  $ 2,916,721     $ 117,920     $  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    129,406       10,274        

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

  $ 22.54     $ 11.48     $  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
67

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities (Concluded)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

   

SGI
CONSERVATIVE
Fund

   

SGI prudent
growth
Fund

   

SGI PEAK
GROWTH
FUND

   

SGI SMALL
CAP GROWTH
FUND

 

ASSETS

                               

Investments, at value (cost $1,345,609, $9,627,735,$9,430,963,and, $95,475,475, respectively)

  $ 1,381,582     $ 10,632,076     $ 10,807,191     $ 95,898,514  

Short-term investments, at value (cost $32,475, $257,961, $12,484, and $1,615,814, respectively)

    32,475       257,961       12,484       1,615,814  

Receivables for:

                               

Capital shares sold

                      37,794  

Dividends

                      59,996  

Due from advisor

    5,854                    

Investments sold

    46,210       434,329       666,441        

Prepaid expenses and other assets

    11,611       13,075       10,636       22,177  

Total assets

  $ 1,477,732     $ 11,337,441     $ 11,496,752     $ 97,634,295  
                                 

LIABILITIES

                               

Payables for:

                               

Investments Purchased

  $ 52,056     $ 497,569     $ 525,286     $  

Capital shares redeemed

                      121,143  

Advisory fees

          6,054       6,422       71,961  

Other accrued expenses and liabilities

    29,204       26,375       25,432       32,528  

Total liabilities

    81,260       529,998       557,140       225,632  

Net assets

  $ 1,396,472     $ 10,807,443     $ 10,939,612     $ 97,408,663  
                                 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

                               

Par value

  $ 133     $ 925     $ 866     $ 2,521  

Paid-in capital

    1,335,996       9,611,564       9,022,964       71,510,202  

Total distributable earnings/(loss)

    60,343       1,194,954       1,915,782       25,895,940  

Net assets

  $ 1,396,472     $ 10,807,443     $ 10,939,612     $ 97,408,663  

CLASS I SHARES:

                               

Net assets applicable to Class I Shares

  $ 1,396,472     $ 10,807,443     $ 10,939,612     $ 97,408,663  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    132,567       924,850       866,303       2,521,128  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

  $ 10.53     $ 11.69     $ 12.63     $ 38.64  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
68

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Statements of Operations

FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2021

 

   

SGI U.S.
Large Cap
Equity Fund

   

SGI U.S.
Small Cap
Equity Fund

   

SGI Global
Equity Fund

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

                       

Dividends (net of foreign withholdings taxes of $0, $5,325, and $152,265 respectively)

  $ 5,351,389     $ 461,955     $ 1,723,342  

Total investment income

    5,351,389       461,955       1,723,342  
                         

EXPENSES

                       

Advisory fees (Note 2)

    3,683,935       430,563       624,166  

Administration and accounting fees (Note 2)

    249,800       39,632       54,959  

Transfer agent fees (Note 2)

    189,599       33,369       61,492  

Legal fees

    96,722       8,980       14,153  

Director fees

    90,962       7,871       9,084  

Officer fees

    67,027       5,911       8,797  

Distribution fees - Class A Shares

    62,685       18,943        

Distribution fees - Class C Shares

    28,016       1,104        

Registration and filing fees

    53,958       50,390       25,493  

Audit and tax service fees

    35,465       33,562       31,282  

Printing and shareholder reporting fees

    28,357       3,101       2,371  

Custodian fees (Note 2)

    22,311       15,219       10,614  

Other expenses

    37,325       4,246       4,551  

Total expenses before waivers and/or reimbursements

    4,646,162       652,891       846,962  

(Waivers and/or reimbursements) net of amounts recouped (Note 2)

          (75,377 )     (97,962 )

Net expenses after waivers and/or reimbursements net of amounts recouped

    4,646,162       577,514       749,000  

Net investment income/(loss)

    705,227       (115,559 )     974,342  
                         

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS

                       

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    85,368,756       9,246,644       5,367,053  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    6,254,867       317,525       9,054,219  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    91,623,623       9,564,169       14,421,272  

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 92,328,850     $ 9,448,610     $ 15,395,614  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
69

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Statements of Operations (Concluded)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2021

 

   

SGI
CONSERVATIVE
Fund

   

SGI prudent
growth
Fund

   

SGI PEAK
GROWTH
FUND

   

SGI SMALL
CAP GROWTH
FUND

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

                               

Dividends (net of foreign withholdings taxes of $0, $0, $0, and $2,497, respectively)

  $ 20,248     $ 91,786     $ 49,678     $ 627,178  

Total investment income

    20,248       91,786       49,678       627,178  
                                 

EXPENSES

                               

Advisory fees (Note 2)

    9,823       66,724       69,730       756,748  

Administration and accounting fees (Note 2)

    14,962       18,012       18,272       60,158  

Transfer agent fees (Note 2)

    1,216       7,160       8,129       38,827  

Legal fees

    5       44       42       25,974  

Director fees

    35       140       140       18,384  

Officer fees

    17       140       135       16,431  

Registration and filing fees

    9,463       11,315       10,584       25,265  

Audit and tax service fees

    27,927       27,927       27,927       25,213  

Printing and shareholder reporting fees

    764       2,107       2,112       4,907  

Custodian fees (Note 2)

    37       44       2,246       15,887  

Offering costs

    20,808       20,808       20,808        

Other expenses

    907       1,275       1,454       9,123  

Total expenses before waivers and/or reimbursements

    85,964       155,696       161,579       996,917  

(Waivers and/or reimbursements) net of amounts recouped (Note 2)

    (63,697 )     (4,454 )     (3,523 )     (38,737 )

Net expenses after waivers and/or reimbursements net of amounts recouped

    22,267       151,242       158,056       958,180  

Net investment income/(loss)

    (2,019 )     (59,456 )     (108,378 )     (331,002 )
                                 

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS

                               

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    28,972       264,359       662,947       29,571,349  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    19,369       698,753       779,268       (5,218,328 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    48,341       963,112       1,442,215       24,353,021  

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 46,322     $ 903,656     $ 1,333,837     $ 24,022,019  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
70

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP EQUITY FUND

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2021

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2020

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 705,227     $ 4,056,849  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    85,368,756       (11,612,784 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    6,254,867       54,613,524  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    92,328,850       47,057,589  
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (3,273,647 )     (14,903,187 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (3,273,647 )     (14,903,187 )
                 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

Class I Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    105,163,748       227,813,044  

Reinvestment of distributions

    700,221       4,370,538  

Shares redeemed

    (240,294,997 )     (202,815,918 )

Total from Class I Shares

    (134,431,028 )     29,367,664  

Class A Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    6,983,680       11,780,291  

Reinvestment of distributions

    103,833       410,286  

Shares redeemed

    (5,603,311 )     (5,403,116 )

Total from Class A Shares

    1,484,202       6,787,461  

Class C Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    240,050       1,268,707  

Reinvestment of distributions

    7,069       48,859  

Shares redeemed

    (706,698 )     (975,466 )

Total from Class C Shares

    (459,579 )     342,100  

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

    (133,406,405 )     36,497,225  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    (44,351,202 )     68,651,627  
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    582,850,059       514,198,432  

End of period

  $ 538,498,857     $ 582,850,059  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
71

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP EQUITY FUND

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets (Concluded)

 

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2021

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2020

 

SHARES TRANSACTIONS:

               

Class I Shares

               

Shares sold

    5,108,245       12,796,027  

Shares reinvested

    34,701       238,109  

Shares redeemed

    (11,798,906 )     (11,814,581 )

Total Class I Shares

    (6,655,960 )     1,219,555  

Class A Shares

               

Shares sold

    334,721       678,397  

Shares reinvested

    5,158       22,298  

Shares redeemed

    (269,665 )     (311,716 )

Total Class A Shares

    70,214       388,979  

Class C Shares

               

Shares sold

    12,078       73,186  

Shares reinvested

    366       2,734  

Shares redeemed

    (35,577 )     (55,487 )

Total Class C Shares

    (23,133 )     20,433  

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    (6,608,879 )     1,628,967  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
72

 

 

SGI U.S. SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2021

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2020

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ (115,559 )   $ 279,312  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    9,246,644       (10,620,497 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    317,525       4,605,882  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    9,448,610       (5,735,303 )
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (119,130 )     (502,870 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (119,130 )     (502,870 )
                 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

Class I Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    19,923,888       28,871,289  

Reinvestment of distributions

    74,127       300,161  

Shares redeemed

    (42,720,127 )     (14,342,228 )

Total from Class I Shares.

    (22,722,112 )     14,829,222  

Class A Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    4,403,023       5,325,935  

Reinvestment of distributions

    14,986       46,215  

Shares redeemed

    (7,255,626 )     (1,871,475 )

Total from Class A Shares

    (2,837,617 )     3,500,675  

Class C Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    2,950       197,322  

Reinvestment of distributions

          755  

Shares redeemed

    (4,948 )     (165,953 )

Total from Class C Shares

    (1,998 )     32,124  

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

    (25,561,727 )     18,362,021  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    (16,232,247 )     12,123,848  
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    49,836,469       37,712,621  

End of period

  $ 33,604,222     $ 49,836,469  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
73

 

 

SGI U.S. SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets (Concluded)

 

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2021

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2020

 

SHARES TRANSACTIONS:

               

Class I Shares

               

Shares sold

    1,826,006       2,724,552  

Shares reinvested

    6,876       24,285  

Shares redeemed

    (3,758,088 )     (1,412,848 )

Total Class I Shares

    (1,925,206 )     1,335,989  

Class A Shares

               

Shares sold

    408,607       529,555  

Shares reinvested

    1,394       3,745  

Shares redeemed

    (630,037 )     (182,617 )

Total Class A Shares

    (220,036 )     350,683  

Class C Shares

               

Shares sold

    277       18,619  

Shares reinvested

          62  

Shares redeemed

    (478 )     (18,392 )

Total Class C Shares

    (201 )     289  

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    (2,145,443 )     1,686,961  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
74

 

 

SGI GLOBAL EQUITY FUND

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2021

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2020

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 974,342     $ 467,486  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    5,367,053       (1,838,679 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    9,054,219       5,566,336  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    15,395,614       4,195,143  
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (551,275 )     (985,930 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (551,275 )     (985,930 )
                 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

Class I Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    61,955,131       45,798,226  

Reinvestment of distributions

    464,361       698,565  

Shares redeemed

    (23,490,959 )     (12,964,281 )

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

    38,928,533       33,532,510  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    53,772,872       36,741,723  
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    58,262,022       21,520,299  

End of period

  $ 112,034,894     $ 58,262,022  
 

SHARES TRANSACTIONS:

               

Class I Shares

               

Shares sold

    1,813,299       1,517,536  

Shares reinvested

    13,666       21,205  

Shares redeemed

    (673,755 )     (429,011 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    1,153,210       1,109,730  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
75

 

 

SGI CONSERVATIVE FUND

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2021

   

FOR THE
PERIOD ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2020
(1)

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ (2,019 )   $ (197 )

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    28,972       15,290  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    19,369       16,604  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    46,322       31,697  
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (17,684 )      

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (17,684 )      
                 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

Class I Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    1,512,467       1,246,923  

Reinvestment of distributions

    17,684        

Shares redeemed

    (817,511 )     (623,426 )

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

    712,640       623,497  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    741,278       655,194  
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    655,194        

End of period

  $ 1,396,472     $ 655,194  
 

SHARES TRANSACTIONS:

               

Class I Shares

               

Shares sold

    146,885       123,505  

Shares reinvested

    1,722        

Shares redeemed

    (79,426 )     (60,119 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    69,181       63,386  

 

 

(1)

Fund commenced operations on June 8, 2020.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
76

 

 

SGI PRUDENT GROWTH FUND

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2021

   

FOR THE
PERIOD ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2020
(1)

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ (59,456 )   $ (11,085 )

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    264,359       558  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    698,753       305,588  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    903,656       295,061  
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (4,271 )      

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (4,271 )      
                 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

Class I Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    6,704,479       6,362,213  

Reinvestment of distributions

    4,271        

Shares redeemed

    (3,208,535 )     (249,431 )

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

    3,500,215       6,112,782  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    4,399,600       6,407,843  
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    6,407,843        

End of period

  $ 10,807,443     $ 6,407,843  
 

SHARES TRANSACTIONS:

               

Class I Shares

               

Shares sold

    608,029       629,135  

Shares reinvested

    394        

Shares redeemed

    (288,003 )     (24,705 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    320,420       604,430  

 

 

(1)

Fund commenced operations on June 8, 2020.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
77

 

 

SGI PEAK GROWTH FUND

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2021

   

FOR THE
PERIOD ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2020
(1)

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ (108,378 )   $ (19,137 )

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    662,947       1,287  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    779,268       596,960  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    1,333,837       579,110  
                 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

Class I Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    5,837,060       6,840,227  

Shares redeemed

    (3,558,030 )     (92,592 )

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

    2,279,030       6,747,635  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    3,612,867       7,326,745  
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    7,326,745        

End of period

  $ 10,939,612     $ 7,326,745  
 

SHARES TRANSACTIONS:

               

Class I Shares

               

Shares sold

    500,535       678,507  

Shares redeemed

    (303,661 )     (9,078 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    196,874       669,429  

 

 

(1)

Fund commenced operations on June 8, 2020.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
78

 

 

SGI SMALL CAP GROWTH FUND

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2021

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2020

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ (331,002 )   $ (225,757 )

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    29,571,349       378,756  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    (5,218,328 )     5,209,500  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    24,022,019       5,362,499  
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (3,334,454 )     (208,711 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (3,334,454 )     (208,711 )
                 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

Proceeds from shares sold

    126,727,651       486,094  

Reinvestment of distributions

    3,236,288       199,405  

Distributions for shares redeemed

    (110,352,037 )     (18,031,798 )

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

    19,611,902       (17,346,299 )

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    40,299,467       (12,192,511 )
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    57,109,196       69,301,707  

End of period

  $ 97,408,663     $ 57,109,196  
                 

SHARES TRANSACTIONS:

               

Shares sold

    3,271,914       19,675  

Shares reinvested

    102,414       7,251  

Shares redeemed

    (2,881,312 )     (698,757 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    493,016       (671,831 )

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
79

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP EQUITY FUND

 

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for Class I Shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

Class I Shares

 
   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2021

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2020

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2019

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2018

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2017

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 19.55     $ 18.24     $ 17.97     $ 15.43     $ 14.69  

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    0.03       0.14       0.18       0.16       0.22  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments(2)

    3.76       1.66       0.75       3.52       0.90  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    3.79       1.80       0.93       3.68       1.12  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

    (0.08 )     (0.18 )     (0.11 )     (0.18 )     (0.16 )

Net realized capital gains

    (0.05 )     (0.31 )     (0.55 )     (0.96 )     (0.22 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.13 )     (0.49 )     (0.66 )     (1.14 )     (0.38 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 23.21     $ 19.55     $ 18.24     $ 17.97     $ 15.43  

Total investment return/(loss)(3)

    19.46 %     10.10 %     5.83 %     24.98 %     7.73 %
                                         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 506,159     $ 556,511     $ 497,097     $ 437,424     $ 91,977  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and/or reimbursements net of amounts recouped

    0.87 %     0.85 %     0.93 %     0.98 %     0.98 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and/or reimbursements net of amounts recouped

    0.87 %     0.85 %     0.86 %     0.94 %     1.14 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    0.15 %     0.76 %     1.07 %     0.87 %     1.32 %

Portfolio turnover rate(4)

    91 %     129 %     104 %     85 %     31 %

 

 

(1)

The selected per share data is calculated based on average shares outstanding method for the period.

(2)

The amount shown may not correlate with the change in the aggregate gains and losses due to the timing of sales and purchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to fluctuating market values for the Fund’s portfolio.

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(4)

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
80

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP EQUITY FUND

 

Financial Highlights (continued)

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for Class A Shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

Class A Shares

 
   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2021

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2020

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2019

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2018

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2017

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 19.59     $ 18.29     $ 17.99     $ 15.40     $ 14.67  

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    (0.02 )     0.08       0.14       0.10       0.16  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments(2)

    3.77       1.67       0.76       3.55       0.92  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    3.75       1.75       0.90       3.65       1.08  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

    (0.04 )     (0.14 )     (0.05 )     (0.10 )     (0.13 )

Net realized capital gains

    (0.05 )     (0.31 )     (0.55 )     (0.96 )     (0.22 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.09 )     (0.45 )     (0.60 )     (1.06 )     (0.35 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 23.25     $ 19.59     $ 18.29     $ 17.99     $ 15.40  

Total investment return/(loss)(3)

    19.20 %     9.78 %     5.61 %     24.68 %     7.48 %
                                         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 29,423     $ 23,424     $ 14,751     $ 9,530     $ 22,195  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and/or reimbursements net of amounts recouped

    1.12 %     1.10 %     1.18 %     1.23 %     1.23 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and/or reimbursements net of amounts recouped

    1.12 %     1.10 %     1.11 %     1.27 %     1.39 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    (0.09 )%     0.47 %     0.84 %     0.62 %     1.07 %

Portfolio turnover rate(4)

    91 %     129 %     104 %     85 %     31 %

 

 

(1)

The selected per share data is calculated based on the average shares outstanding method for the period.

(2)

The amount shown may not correlate with the change in the aggregate gains and losses due to the timing of sales and purchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to fluctuating market values for the Fund’s portfolio.

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any. Total investment return does not reflect any applicable sales charge.

(4)

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
81

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP EQUITY FUND

 

Financial Highlights (continued)

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for Class C Shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

Class C Shares

 
   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2021

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2020

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2019

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2018

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2017

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 19.11     $ 17.79     $ 17.59     $ 15.15     $ 14.51  

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    (0.17 )     (0.05 )     0.01       (0.02 )     0.04  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments(2)

    3.65       1.71       0.74       3.48       0.93  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    3.48       1.66       0.75       3.46       0.97  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

          (0.03 )           (0.06 )     (0.11 )

Net realized capital gains

    (0.05 )     (0.31 )     (0.55 )     (0.96 )     (0.22 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.05 )     (0.34 )     (0.55 )     (1.02 )     (0.33 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 22.54     $ 19.11     $ 17.79     $ 17.59     $ 15.15  

Total investment return/(loss)(3)

    18.25 %     9.47 %     4.78 %     23.80 %     6.74 %
                                         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 2,917     $ 2,915     $ 2,350     $ 1,916     $ 1,226  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and/or reimbursements net of amounts recouped

    1.87 %     1.85 %     1.93 %     1.98 %     1.98 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and/or reimbursements net of amounts recouped

    1.87 %     1.85 %     1.86 %     2.00 %     2.15 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    (0.84 )%     (0.26 )%     0.07 %     (0.11 )%     0.30 %

Portfolio turnover rate(4)

    91 %     129 %     104 %     85 %     31 %

 

 

(1)

The selected per share data is calculated based on the average shares outstanding method for the period.

(2)

The amount shown may not correlate with the change in the aggregate gains and losses due to the timing of sales and purchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to fluctuating market values for the Fund’s portfolio.

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(4)

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
82

 

 

SGI U.S. SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND

 

Financial Highlights (continued)

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for Class I Shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

Class I Shares

 
   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2021

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2020

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2019

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2018

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2017

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.03     $ 11.49     $ 13.82     $ 12.39     $ 10.83  

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    (0.02 )     0.07       0.14       (0.01 )     0.04  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments(2)

    1.92       (1.40 )     (1.89 )     2.61       1.57  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    1.90       (1.33 )     (1.75 )     2.60       1.61  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

    (0.02 )     (0.13 )     (0.04 )     (0.05 )     (0.05 )

Net realized capital gains

                (0.54 )     (1.12 )     (4) 

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.02 )     (0.13 )     (0.58 )     (1.17 )     (0.05 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 11.91     $ 10.03     $ 11.49     $ 13.82     $ 12.39  

Total investment return/(loss)(3)

    19.02 %     (11.75 )%     (12.43 )%     22.26 %     14.86 %
                                         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 27,913     $ 42,830     $ 33,707     $ 31,559     $ 12,919  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements

    1.23 %     1.23 %     1.23 %     1.23 %     1.23 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and reimbursements

    1.40 %     1.36 %     1.40 %     1.60 %     2.21 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    (0.23 )%     0.68 %     1.19 %     (0.05 )%     0.31 %

Portfolio turnover rate(5)

    135 %     151 %     145 %     122 %     95 %

 

 

(1)

The selected per share data is calculated based on the average shares outstanding method for the period.

(2)

The amount shown may not correlate with the change in the aggregate gains and losses due to the timing of sales and purchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to fluctuating market values for the Fund’s portfolio.

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(4)

Amount represents less than $0.005 per share.

(5)

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
83

 

 

SGI U.S. SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND

 

Financial Highlights (continued)

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for Class A Shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

Class A Shares

 
   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2021

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2020

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2019

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2018

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2017

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.00     $ 11.46     $ 13.80     $ 12.38     $ 10.83  

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    (0.05 )     0.03       0.11       (0.03 )     0.01  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments(2)

    1.92       (1.38 )     (1.88 )     2.59       1.57  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    1.87       (1.35 )     (1.77 )     2.56       1.58  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

    (0.02 )     (0.11 )     (0.03 )     (0.02 )     (0.03 )

Net realized capital gains

                (0.54 )     (1.12 )     (4) 

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.02 )     (0.11 )     (0.57 )     (1.14 )     (0.03 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 11.85     $ 10.00     $ 11.46     $ 13.80     $ 12.38  

Total investment return/(loss)(3)

    18.69 %     (11.95 )%     (12.61 )%     21.90 %     14.63 %
                                         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 5,573     $ 6,905     $ 3,892     $ 3,560     $ 3,132  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements

    1.48 %     1.48 %     1.48 %     1.48 %     1.48 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and reimbursements

    1.65 %     1.61 %     1.65 %     1.86 %     2.44 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    (0.48 )%     0.32 %     0.94 %     (0.23 )%     0.06 %

Portfolio turnover rate(5)

    135 %     151 %     145 %     122 %     95 %

 

 

(1)

The selected per share data is calculated based on the average shares outstanding method for the period.

(2)

The amount shown may not correlate with the change in the aggregate gains and losses due to the timing of sales and purchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to fluctuating market values for the Fund’s portfolio.

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any. Total investment return does not reflect any applicable sales charge.

(4)

Amount represents less than $0.005 per share.

(5)

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
84

 

 

SGI U.S. SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND

 

Financial Highlights (continued)

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for Class C Shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

Class C Shares

 
   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2021

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2020

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2019

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2018

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2017

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 9.75     $ 11.22     $ 13.59     $ 12.27     $ 10.80  

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    (0.14 )     (0.03 )     0.01       (0.12 )     (0.08 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments(2)

    1.87       (1.37 )     (1.84 )     2.56       1.55  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    1.73       (1.40 )     (1.83 )     2.44       1.47  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net realized capital gains

          (0.07 )     (0.54 )     (1.12 )     (4) 

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

          (0.07 )     (0.54 )     (1.12 )     (4) 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 11.48     $ 9.75     $ 11.22     $ 13.59     $ 12.27  

Total investment return/(loss)(3)

    17.74 %     (12.57 )%     (13.30 )%     21.05 %     13.63 %
                                         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 118     $ 102     $ 114     $ 200     $ 168  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements

    2.23 %     2.23 %     2.23 %     2.23 %     2.23 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and reimbursements

    2.40 %     2.36 %     2.40 %     2.61 %     2.89 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    (1.26 )%     (0.29 )%     0.09 %     (0.95 )%     (0.67 )%

Portfolio turnover rate(5)

    135 %     151 %     145 %     122 %     95 %

 

 

(1)

The selected per share data is calculated based on the average shares outstanding method for the period.

(2)

The amount shown may not correlate with the change in the aggregate gains and losses due to the timing of sales and purchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to fluctuating market values for the Fund’s portfolio.

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(4)

Amount represents less than $0.005 per share.

(5)

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
85

 

 

SGI GLOBAL EQUITY FUND

 

Financial Highlights (CONTINUED)

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for Class I shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

Class I Shares

 
   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2021

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2020

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2019

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2018

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2017

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 32.93     $ 32.62     $ 30.30     $ 27.20     $ 24.93  

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    0.38       0.41       0.53       0.35       0.06  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    5.24       1.06       2.20       2.75       2.21  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    5.62       1.47       2.73       3.10       2.27  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

    (0.22 )     (0.85 )     (0.41 )            

Net realized capital gains

          (0.31 )                  

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.22 )     (1.16 )     (0.41 )            

Redemption fees added to paid-in capital(1)

    (2)      (2)      (2)      (2)      (2) 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 38.33     $ 32.93     $ 32.62     $ 30.30     $ 27.20  

Total investment return/(loss)(3)

    17.15 %     4.53 %     9.18 %     11.36 %     9.15 %
                                         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 112,035     $ 58,262     $ 21,520     $ 19,530     $ 22,765  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements

    0.84 %     0.84 %     0.84 %     0.84 %     0.84 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and reimbursements

    0.95 %     0.98 %     1.11 %     1.25 %     1.32 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    1.09 %     1.32 %     1.75 %     1.19 %     0.26 %

Portfolio turnover rate(4)

    88 %     122 %     74 %     44 %     247 %

 

 

(1)

The selected per share data is calculated based on the average shares outstanding method for the period.

(2)

Amount represents less than $0.005 per share.

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(4)

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
86

 

 

SGI CONSERVATIVE FUND

 

Financial Highlights (CONTINUED)

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for Class I shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

Class I Shares

 
   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2021

   

FOR THE
PERIOD
ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2020
(1)

 

Per Share Operating Performance

               

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.34     $ 10.00  

Net investment income/(loss)(2)

    (0.02 )     (3) 

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

    0.34       0.34  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    0.32       0.34  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

               

Net investment income

           

Net realized capital gains

    (0.13 )      

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.13 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.53     $ 10.34  

Total investment return/(loss)(5)

    3.12 %     3.40 %(7)
                 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

               

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 1,396     $ 655  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements

    1.70 %     1.70 %(6)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and reimbursements

    6.56 %     16.08 %(6)

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    (0.15 )%     (0.09 )%(6)

Portfolio turnover rate(8)

    174 %     65 %(7)

 

 

(1)

The Fund commenced investment operations on June 8, 2020.

(2)

The selected per share data is calculated based on the average shares outstanding method for the period.

(3)

Amount represents less than $0.005 per share.

(4)

The amount shown may not correlate with the change in the aggregate gains and losses due to the timing of sales and purchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to fluctuating market values for the Fund’s portfolio.

(5)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(6)

Annualized.

(7)

Not annualized.

(8)

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
87

 

 

SGI PRUDENT GROWTH FUND

 

Financial Highlights (CONTINUED)

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for Class I shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

Class I Shares

 
   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2021

   

FOR THE
PERIOD
ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2020
(1)

 

Per Share Operating Performance

               

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.60     $ 10.00  

Net investment income/(loss)(2)

    (0.07 )     (0.03 )

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

    1.16       0.63  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    1.09       0.60  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

               

Net investment income

    (4)       

Net realized capital gains

    (4)       

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

           

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 11.69     $ 10.60  

Total investment return/(loss)(5)

    10.34 %     6.00 %(7)
                 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

               

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 10,807     $ 6,408  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements

    1.70 %     1.70 %(6)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and reimbursements

    1.75 %     3.97 %(6)

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    (0.67 )%     (1.08 )%(6)

Portfolio turnover rate(8)

    170 %     6 %(7)

 

 

(1)

The Fund commenced investment operations on June 8, 2020.

(2)

The selected per share data is calculated based on the average shares outstanding method for the period.

(3)

The amount shown may not correlate with the change in the aggregate gains and losses due to the timing of sales and purchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to fluctuating market values for the Fund’s portfolio.

(4)

Amount represents less than $0.005 per share.

(5)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(6)

Annualized.

(7)

Not annualized.

(8)

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
88

 

 

SGI PEAK GROWTH FUND

 

Financial Highlights (Continued)

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for Class I shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

Class I Shares

 
   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2021

   

FOR THE
PERIOD
ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2020
(1)

 

Per Share Operating Performance

               

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.94     $ 10.00  

Net investment income/(loss)(2)

    (0.14 )     (0.04 )

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

    1.83       0.98  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    1.69       0.94  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

               

Net investment income

           

Net realized capital gains

           

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

           

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 12.63     $ 10.94  

Total investment return/(loss)(4)

    15.45 %     9.40 %(6)
                 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

               

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 10,940     $ 7,327  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements

    1.70 %     1.70 %(5)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and reimbursements

    1.74 %     3.52 %(5)

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    (1.17 )%     (1.58 )%(5)

Portfolio turnover rate(7)

    178 %     5 %(6)

 

 

(1)

The Fund commenced investment operations on June 8, 2020.

(2)

The selected per share data is calculated based on the average shares outstanding method for the period.

(3)

The amount shown may not correlate with the change in the aggregate gains and losses due to the timing of sales and purchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to fluctuating market values for the Fund’s portfolio.

(4)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(5)

Annualized.

(6)

Not annualized.

(7)

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
89

 

 

SGI SMALL CAP GROWTH FUND

 

Financial Highlights (concluded)

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

FOR THE
YEAR
ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2021
(1)

   

FOR THE
YEAR
ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2020

   

FOR THE
YEAR
ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2019

   

FOR THE
YEAR
ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2018

   

FOR THE
YEAR
ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2017

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 28.16     $ 25.67     $ 35.14     $ 32.04     $ 27.00  

Net investment income/(loss)(2)

    (0.15 )     (0.10 )     (0.15 )     (0.19 )     (0.18 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    12.33       2.68       (5.55 )     6.63       5.22  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    12.18       2.58       (5.70 )     6.44       5.04  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

    (0.07 )                        

Net realized capital gains

    (1.63 )     (0.09 )     (3.77 )     (3.34 )      

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (1.70 )     (0.09 )     (3.77 )     (3.34 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 38.64     $ 28.16     $ 25.67     $ 35.14     $ 32.04  

Total investment return(3)

    44.61 %     10.04 %     (16.02 )%     21.77 %     18.69 %
                                         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 97,409     $ 57,109     $ 69,302     $ 96,579       $ 106,278  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements

    1.24 %     1.25 %     1.25 %     1.25 %     1.27 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waiver and reimbursements(4)

    1.29 %     1.38 %     1.37 %     1.29 %     1.37 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    (0.43 )%     (0.38 )%     (0.53 )%     (0.57 )%     (0.61 )%

Portfolio turnover rate(5)

    314 %     302 %     344 %     349 %     366 %

 

 

(1)

The Bogle Investment Management Small Cap Growth Fund (the “Predecessor Fund”) changed it’s name to the SGI Small Cap Growth Fund at the close of business on March 15, 2021. All prior performance and accounting information was assumed by the Fund.

(2)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.

(3)

Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(4)

During the current fiscal period, certain fees were waived and/or reimbursed. If such fee waivers and/or reimbursements had not occurred, the ratios would have been as indicated (See Note 2).

(5)

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
90

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

 

The RBB Fund, Inc. (“RBB” or the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland on February 29, 1988 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the “1940 Act”) as an open-end management investment company. RBB is a “series fund,” which is a mutual fund divided into separate portfolios. Each portfolio is treated as a separate entity for certain matters under the 1940 Act, and for other purposes, and a shareholder of one portfolio is not deemed to be a shareholder of any other portfolio. Currently, RBB has thirty-nine separate investment portfolios, including the SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund, the SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund, the SGI Global Equity Fund, the SGI Conservative Fund, the SGI Prudent Growth Fund, the SGI Peak Growth Fund and the SGI Small Cap Growth Fund (formerly, the Bogle Investment Management Small Cap Growth Fund) (each a “Fund” and, collectively, the “Funds”). The SGI Small Cap Growth Fund, the SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund and the SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund commenced investment operations on October 1, 1999, February 29, 2012 and March 31, 2016, respectively. The SGI Conservative Fund, the SGI Prudent Growth Fund and the SGI Peak Growth Fund commenced investment operations on June 8, 2020.

 

The Dynamic U.S. Growth Fund (the “Predecessor Fund”), a series of Scotia Institutional Funds, transferred all of its assets and liabilities to the SGI Global Equity Fund in a tax-free reorganization (the “Reorganization”). The Reorganization occurred at the close of business on March 21, 2014. The Predecessor Fund commenced operations on March 31, 2009. As a result of the Reorganization, the performance and accounting history of the Predecessor Fund was assumed by the Fund. Effective January 3, 2017, Summit Global Investments, LLC (“Summit” or the “Adviser”) took over management of the Fund from its predecessor investment manager.

 

Effective as of the close of business on March 15, 2021, Summit took over management of the SGI Small Cap Growth Fund from its predecessor investment manager.

 

As of the end of the reporting period, the SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund, the SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund and the SGI Global Equity Fund all offer three classes of shares: Class I Shares, Class A Shares and Class C Shares; the SGI Conservative Fund, the SGI Prudent Growth Fund, the SGI Peak Growth Fund and the SGI Small Cap Growth Fund, all offer one class of shares; Class I Shares. As of the end of the reporting period, Class A Shares and Class C Shares of the SGI Global Equity Fund were not yet operational.

 

RBB has authorized capital of one hundred billion shares of common stock of which 88.223 billion shares are currently classified into one hundred and ninety-three classes of common stock. Each class represents an interest in an active or inactive RBB investment portfolio.

 

The investment objective of the SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund is to outperform the S&P 500® Index over a market cycle while reducing overall volatility. The investment objective of the SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund is to outperform the Russell 2000® Index over a market cycle while reducing overall volatility. The investment objective of each of the SGI Global Equity Fund, the SGI Conservative Fund, the SGI Prudent Growth Fund, the SGI Peak Growth Fund and the SGI Small Cap Growth Fund is to seek long-term capital appreciation.

 

The Funds are investment companies and follow accounting and reporting guidance in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 “Financial Services - Investment Companies.”

 

The end of the reporting period for the Funds is August 31, 2021, and the period covered by these Notes to Financial Statements is the fiscal period ended August 31, 2021 (the “current fiscal period”).

 

Portfolio Valuation — Each Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. Securities held by the Funds are valued using the closing price or the last sale price on a national securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System (“NASDAQ”) market system where they are primarily traded. Equity securities traded in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market are valued at their closing prices. If there were no transactions on that day, securities traded principally on an exchange or on NASDAQ will

 

91

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

be valued at the mean of the last bid and ask prices prior to the market close. Fixed income securities are valued using an independent pricing service, which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings, and are deemed representative of market values at the close of the market. Investments in Exchange-Traded Funds (“ETFs”) are valued at their last reported sale price. Investments in other open-end investment companies, if any, are valued based on the NAV of those investment companies (which may use fair value pricing as disclosed in their prospectuses). If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable, securities will be valued in accordance with procedures adopted by The RBB Fund, Inc.’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). Relying on prices supplied by pricing services or dealers or using fair valuation may result in values that are higher or lower than the values used by other investment companies and investors to price the same investments.

 

Fair Value Measurements — The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the Funds’ investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:

 

 

● Level 1 —

Prices are determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.

 

 

● Level 2 —

Prices are determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

 

● Level 3 —

Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs (including the Funds’ own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

 

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used, as of the end of the reporting period, in valuing each Funds’ investments carried at fair value:

 

   

Total

   

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

                               

Common Stocks

  $ 532,084,034     $ 532,084,034     $     $  

Short-Term Investments

    6,149,266       6,149,266              

Total Investments*

  $ 538,233,300     $ 538,233,300     $     $  
                                 

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

                               

Common Stocks

  $ 32,928,962     $ 32,928,962     $     $  

Short-Term Investments

    635,997       635,997              

Total Investments*

  $ 33,564,959     $ 33,564,959     $     $  
                                 

SGI Global Equity Fund

                               

Common Stocks

  $ 108,603,126     $ 108,603,126     $     $  

Exchange-Traded Funds

    1,687,292       1,687,292              

Short-Term Investments

    1,847,678       1,847,678              

Total Investments*

  $ 112,138,096     $ 112,138,096     $     $  
                                 

SGI CONSERVATIVE Fund

                               

Exchange-Traded Funds

  $ 1,245,380     $ 1,245,380     $     $  

Mutual Funds

    136,202       136,202              

Short-Term Investments

    32,475       32,475              

Total Investments*

  $ 1,414,057     $ 1,414,057     $     $  
                                 

 

92

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

   

Total

   

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

 

SGI PRUDENT GROWTH Fund

                               

Exchange-Traded Funds

  $ 5,400,975     $ 5,400,975     $     $  

Mutual Funds

    5,231,101       5,231,101              

Short-Term Investments

    257,961       257,961              

Total Investments*

  $ 10,890,037     $ 10,890,037     $     $  
                                 

SGI PEAK GROWTH FUND

                               

Exchange-Traded Funds

  $ 2,586,098     $ 2,586,098     $     $  

Mutual Funds

    8,221,093       8,221,093              

Short-Term Investments

    12,484       12,484              

Total Investments*

  $ 10,819,675     $ 10,819,675     $     $  
                                 

SGI SMALL CAP GROWTH Fund

                               

Common Stocks

  $ 94,628,370     $ 94,628,370     $     $  

Exchange-Traded Funds

    1,270,144       1,270,144              

Short-Term Investments

    1,615,814       1,615,814              

Total Investments*

  $ 97,514,328     $ 97,514,328     $     $  

 

 

*

Please refer to Portfolio of Investments for further details.

 

At the end of each quarter, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities. Various factors are considered, such as changes in liquidity from the prior reporting period; whether or not a broker is willing to execute at the quoted price; the depth and consistency of prices from third party pricing services; and the existence of contemporaneous, observable trades in the market. Additionally, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities on a quarterly basis for changes in listings or delistings on national exchanges.

 

Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Fund’s investments may fluctuate from period to period. Additionally, the fair value of investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for such investments and may differ materially from the values the Fund may ultimately realize. Further, such investments may be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities.

 

For fair valuations using significant unobservable inputs, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires the Fund to present a reconciliation of the beginning to ending balances for reported market values that presents changes attributable to total realized and unrealized gains or losses, purchase and sales, and transfers in and out of Level 3 during the period. Transfers in and out between levels are based on values at the end of the period. A reconciliation of Level 3 investments is presented only if a Fund had an amount of Level 3 investments at the end of the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets. The amounts and reasons for all Level 3 transfers are disclosed if the Fund had an amount of total Level 3 transfers during the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets as of the end of the reporting period.

 

During the current fiscal period, the Fund had no Level 3 purchases, sales, or transfers.

 

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

 

93

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

Investment Transactions, Investment Income and Expenses — The Funds record security transactions based on trade date for financial reporting purposes. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method for both financial reporting and income tax purposes in determining realized gains and losses on investments. Interest income (including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts) is accrued when earned. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. The Funds’ investment income, expenses (other than class specific expenses) and unrealized and realized gains and losses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class at the beginning of the day. Certain expenses are shared with PENN Capital Funds Trust (the “Trust”), a series trust of affiliated funds. Expenses incurred on behalf of a specific class, fund or fund family of the Company or Trust are charged directly to the class, fund or fund family (in proportion to net assets). Expenses incurred for all funds (such as director or professional fees) are charged to all funds in proportion to their average net assets of RBB and the Trust, or in such other manner as the Board deems fair or equitable. Expenses and fees, including investment advisory and administration fees, are accrued daily and taken into account for the purpose of determining the NAV of the Funds.

 

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders — Dividends from net investment income and distributions from net realized capital gains, if any, are declared and paid at least annually to shareholders and recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income dividends and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

 

U.S. tax status — No provision is made for U.S. income taxes as it is each Fund’s intention to continue to qualify for and elect the tax treatment applicable to regulated investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and make the requisite distributions to its shareholders which will be sufficient to relieve it from U.S. income and excise taxes.

 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic — The global outbreak of COVID-19 (commonly referred to as “coronavirus”) has disrupted economic markets and the prolonged economic impact is uncertain. Although vaccines for COVID-19 are becoming more widely available, the ultimate economic fallout from the pandemic, and the long-term impact on economies, markets, industries and individual issuers are not known. The operational and financial performance of the issuers of securities in which the Funds invest depends on future developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak and the pace of recovery which may vary from market to market, and such uncertainty may in turn adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Funds’ investments, impair the Funds’ ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the Funds’ performance.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents — Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates market value.

 

Other — In the normal course of business, the Funds may enter into contracts that provide general indemnifications. Each Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on claims that may be made against the Funds in the future, and, therefore, cannot be estimated; however, the Funds expect the risk of material loss from such claims to be remote.

 

2. Investment Adviser and Other Services

 

Summit serves as the investment adviser to each Fund. Each Fund compensates the Adviser for its services at an annual rate based on each Fund’s average daily net assets (the “Advisory Fee”), payable on a monthly basis in arrears, as shown in the following table.

 

94

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent that total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) exceed the rates (“Expense Caps”) shown in the following table of each Fund’s average daily net assets. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed the Expense Caps as applicable: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary expenses, interest and taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2021 for the SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund, the SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund, the SGI Global Equity Fund, the SGI Conservative Fund, the SGI Prudent Growth Fund, and the SGI Peak Growth Fund and until December 31, 2022 for the SGI Small Cap Growth Fund and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board. The Adviser may discontinue these arrangements at any time after the Funds’ respective contractual limitation expiration dates.

 

FUND

 

ADVISORY FEE

   

EXPENSE CAPS

 
           

CLASS I

   

CLASS A

   

CLASS C

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

    0.70 %     0.98 %     1.23 %     1.98 %

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

    0.95       1.23       1.48       2.23  

SGI Global Equity Fund

    0.70       0.84       1.09       1.84  

SGI Conservative Fund

    0.75       1.70              

SGI Prudent Growth Fund

    0.75       1.70              

SGI Peak Growth Fund

    0.75       1.70              

SGI Small Cap Growth Fund(1)

    0.95       1.23              

 

 
 

(1)

Prior to May 6, 2021, the advisory fee paid to the Adviser and the previous investment adviser was 1.00% and the Expense Cap was 1.25%.

 

If at any time a Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses for a year are less than the relevant share class’ Expense Cap, the Adviser is entitled to recoup from the Fund the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such recoupment does not cause the Fund to exceed the relevant share class’ Expense Cap that was in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

During the current fiscal period, investment advisory fees accrued, waived and/or reimbursed and recoupments were as follows:

 

FUND

 

Gross
Advisory Fees

   

Waivers AND/OR
Reimbursements

   

RECOUPMENTS

   

Net
Advisory Fees

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

  $ 3,683,935     $           $ 3,683,935  

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

    430,563       (75,377 )           355,187  

SGI Global Equity Fund

    624,166       (97,962 )           526,204  

SGI Conservative Fund

    9,823       (63,697 )           (53,874 )

SGI Prudent Growth Fund

    66,724       (13,235 )     8,781       62,270  

SGI Peak Growth Fund

    69,730       (12,786 )     9,263       66,207  

SGI Small Cap Growth Fund

    756,748       (38,737 )           718,011  

 

95

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

As of the end of the reporting period, the Funds had amounts available for recoupment by the Adviser as follows:

 

   

EXPIRATION

 

FUND

 

August 31,
2022

   

August 31,
2023

   

August 31,
2024

 

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

  $ 61,230     $ 58,188     $ 75,377  

SGI Global Equity Fund

    54,073       50,894       97,962  

SGI Conservative Fund

          32,032       63,697  

SGI Prudent Growth Fund

          16,270       13,235  

SGI Peak Growth Fund

          11,079       12,786  

SGI Small Cap Growth Fund

          75,685       38,737  

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (“Fund Services”), doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, serves as administrator for the Funds. For providing administrative and accounting services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Fund Services serves as the Funds’ transfer and dividend disbursing agent. For providing transfer agent services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

U.S. Bank, N.A. (the “Custodian”) provides certain custodial services to the Funds. The Custodian is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Quasar Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of Foreside Financial Group, LLC, serves as the principal underwriter and distributor of the Funds’ shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with RBB.

 

For compensation amounts paid to Fund Services and the Custodian, please refer to the Statements of Operations.

 

The Board has adopted a Plan of Distribution (the “Plan”) for the Class A Shares and Class C Shares of the Funds pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Plan, the Distributor is entitled to receive from each Fund a distribution fee with respect to the Shares, which is accrued daily and paid monthly, of up to 0.25% on an annualized basis of the average daily net assets of the Class A Shares and up to 1.00% on an annualized basis of the average daily net assets of the Class C Shares. The actual amount of such compensation under the Plan is agreed upon by the Board and by the Distributor. Because these fees are paid out of each Fund’s assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges. Amounts paid to the Distributor under the Plan may be used by the Distributor to cover expenses that are related to (i) the sale of the Shares, (ii) ongoing servicing and/or maintenance of the accounts of shareholders, and (iii) sub-transfer agency services, subaccounting services or administrative services related to the sale of the Shares, all as set forth in each Fund’s 12b-1 Plan.

 

3. DIRECTOR AND OFFICER Compensation

 

The Directors of the Company receive an annual retainer and meeting fees for meetings attended. An employee of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serves as President and Chief Compliance Officer of the Company. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company. Employees of RBB serve as Treasurer, Secretary and Director of Marketing & Business Development of the Company. They are compensated for services provided. Certain employees of Fund Services serve as officers of the Company. They are not compensated by the Funds or the Company. For Director and Officer compensation amounts, please refer to the Statements of Operations.

 

96

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

4. Purchases and Sales of Investment Securities

 

During the current fiscal period, aggregate purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) of the Funds were as follows:

 

FUND

 

Purchases

   

Sales

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

  $ 468,170,209     $ 593,966,205  

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

    57,898,306       80,762,830  

SGI Global Equity Fund

    118,370,767       75,676,603  

SGI Conservative Fund

    2,872,260       2,149,150  

SGI Prudent Growth Fund

    18,064,634       14,654,112  

SGI Peak Growth Fund

    18,221,357       15,956,670  

SGI Small Cap Growth Fund

    251,584,031       235,480,656  

 

There were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. Government securities during the current fiscal period.

 

5. Federal Income Tax Information

 

The Funds have followed the authoritative guidance on accounting for and disclosure of uncertainty in tax positions, which requires the Funds to determine whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The Funds have determined that there was no effect on the financial statements from following this authoritative guidance. In the normal course of business, the Funds are subject to examination by federal, state and local jurisdictions, where applicable, for tax years for which applicable statutes of limitations have not expired.

 

As of August 31, 2021, the federal tax cost and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments held by each Fund were as follows:

 

FUND

 

Federal Tax
Cost

   

Unrealized
Appreciation

   

Unrealized
(Depreciation)

   

Net Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

  $ 404,044,771     $ 143,994,407     $ (9,805,878 )   $ 134,188,529  

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

    28,437,243       6,203,471       (1,075,755 )     5,127,716  

SGI Global Equity Fund

    96,215,066       17,716,628       (1,793,598 )     15,923,030  

SGI Conservative Fund

    1,387,781       41,713       (15,437 )     26,276  

SGI Prudent Growth Fund

    9,952,523       1,019,699       (82,185 )     937,514  

SGI Peak Growth Fund

    9,480,717       1,415,886       (76,928 )     1,338,958  

SGI Small Cap Growth Fund

    97,428,931       6,563,373       (6,477,976 )     85,397  

 

The difference between the book basis and tax basis cost and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments is attributable primarily to timing differences related to wash sales and investments in passive foreign investment companies.

 

Distributions to shareholders, if any, from net investment income and realized gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from net investment income and realized gains recognized for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the character of distributions and composition of net assets for tax purposes may differ from those reflected in the accompanying financial statements. Any permanent differences resulting from different book and tax treatment are reclassified at year-end and have no impact on net income, NAV or NAV per share of the Funds.

 

97

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

Permanent differences as of August 31, 2021, primarily attributable to Net Operating Losses and Distribution in Excess were reclassified among the following accounts:

 

   

Distributable
Earnings/(loss)

   

Paid-in
Capital

 

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

  $ 168,469     $ (168,469 )

SGI Global Equity Fund

    265       (265 )

SGI Conservative Fund

    8       (8 )

SGI Prudent Growth Fund

    508       (508 )

SGI Peak Growth Fund

    552       (552 )

 

As of August 31, 2021, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

FUND

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

   

UNDISTRIBUTED
LONG TERM
GAINS

   

Capital
Loss Carry
Forward

   

Qualified
late-
year loss
deferral

   

OTHER
TEMPORARY
DIFFERENCES

   

NET
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

  $ 20,410,249     $ 49,934,251     $     $     $     $ 134,188,529  

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

                (2,346,901 )     (66,441 )           5,127,716  

SGI Global Equity Fund

    2,069,409       2,432,514                         15,923,030  

SGI Conservative Fund

    30,536       3,531                         26,276  

SGI Prudent Growth Fund

    219,145       49,828                   (11,533 )     937,514  

SGI Peak Growth Fund

    497,166       93,998                   (14,340 )     1,338,958  

SGI Small Cap Growth Fund

    22,307,089       3,503,454                         85,397  

 

The differences between the book and tax basis components of distributable earnings relate primarily to wash sales and investments in publicly traded partnerships.

 

The tax character of dividends and distributions paid during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021 and August 31, 2020 were as follows:

 

FUND

 

Ordinary
Income

   

Long-Term
Gains

   

Total

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

2021

    1,974,531       1,299,116       3,273,647  
 

2020

    7,409,283       7,493,904       14,903,187  

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

2021

    119,130             119,130  
 

2020

    502,870             502,870  

SGI Global Equity Fund

2021

    551,275             551,275  
 

2020

    723,090       262,840       985,930  

SGI Conservative Fund

2021

    17,684             17,684  

SGI Prudent Growth Fund

2021

    4,271             4,271  

SGI Small Cap Growth Fund

2021

    3,152,424       182,030       3,334,454  
 

2020

          208,711       208,711  

 

Dividends from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income dividends for federal income tax purposes.

 

98

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010, the Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 for an unlimited period. Additionally, capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses rather than being considered all short-term as under the previous law. As of August 31, 2021, the SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund had $1,114,136 of short-term and $1,232,765 of long-term capital loss carryovers, respectively.

 

Pursuant to federal income tax rules applicable to regulated investment companies, the Fund may elect to treat certain capital losses between November 1 and August 31 and late year ordinary losses ((i) ordinary losses between January 1 and August 31, and (ii) specified ordinary and currency losses between November 1 and August 31) as occurring on the first day of the following tax year. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021, any amount of losses elected within the tax return will not be recognized for federal income tax purposes until September 1, 2021. SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund deferred qualified late-year losses of $66,441, which will be treated as arising on the first business day of the following fiscal year.

 

6. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS AND REGULATORY UPDATES

 

In October 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“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. Funds will be required to comply with Rule 18f-4 by August 19, 2022. It is not currently clear what impact, if any, Rule 18f-4 will have on the availability, liquidity or performance of derivatives. Management is currently evaluating the potential impact of Rule 18f-4 on the Funds. When fully implemented, Rule 18f-4 may require changes in how a Fund uses derivatives, adversely affect a Fund’s performance and increase costs related to a Fund’s use of derivatives.

 

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 Funds will be required to comply with the rules by September 8, 2022. Management is currently assessing the potential impact of the new rules on the Funds’ financial statements.

 

7. CHANGE IN INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

On May 13, 2021 , the Board, upon the recommendation of the Fund’s audit committee, dismissed PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP as independent registered public accounting firm for the SGI Small Cap Growth Fund and selected Ernst & Young LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund.

 

The reports by PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP on the financial statements of the Fund as of and for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2020 and August 31, 2019, did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, nor were they qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles.

 

During the fiscal years ended August 31, 2020 and August 31, 2019, there were no (1) disagreements with PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP on any matters of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedures, which disagreements if not resolved to their satisfaction would have caused them to make reference in connection with their opinion to the subject matter of the disagreements, or (2) reportable events of the kind described in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.

 

99

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements (concluded)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

During the Fund’s fiscal years ended August 31, 2020 and August 31, 2019 , the Fund, nor anyone on its behalf has consulted with Ernst & Young LLP on items which (i) concerned the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Fund’s financial statements or (ii) concerned the subject of a disagreement (as defined in paragraph (a)(1)(iv) of Item 304 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) or reportable events (as described in paragraph (a)(1)(v) of said Item 304).

 

8. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Funds through the date the financial statements were issued and has determined that there were no significant events requiring recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.

 

100

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. and Shareholders of SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund, SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund, SGI Global Equity Fund, SGI Conservative Fund, SGI Prudent Growth Fund, SGI Peak Growth Fund, and SGI Small Cap Growth Fund

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund, SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund, SGI Global Equity Fund, SGI Conservative Fund, SGI Prudent Growth Fund, SGI Peak Growth Fund, and SGI Small Cap Growth Fund (collectively referred to as the “Funds”) (seven of the portfolios constituting The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”)), including the portfolios of investments, as of August 31, 2021, and the related statements of operations, changes in net assets, and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated in the table below and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Funds (seven of the portfolios constituting The RBB Fund, Inc.) at August 31, 2021, and the results of their operations, changes in net assets and financial highlights for each of the periods indicated in the table below, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Individual portfolio
constituting The RBB Fund, Inc.

Statement of
operations

Statements of changes
in net assets

Financial highlights

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

For the year ended August 31, 2021

For each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 2021

For each of the five years in the period ended August 31, 2021

SGI Global Equity Fund

For the year ended August 31, 2021

For each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 2021

For each of the four years in the period ended August 31, 2021

SGI Conservative Fund, SGI Prudent Growth Fund and SGI Peak Growth Fund

For the year ended August 31, 2021

For the year ended August 31, 2021 and for the period June 8, 2020 (Commencement of Operation) to August 31, 2020.

SGI Small Cap Growth Fund

For the year ended August 31, 2021

 

The financial highlights of SGI Global Equity Fund, for the year ended presented through August 31, 2017, were audited by other auditors whose report dated October 27, 2017, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial highlights.

 

The financial highlights and statement changes in net assets of SGI Small Cap Growth Fund, for the year ended presented through August 31, 2020, were audited by other auditors whose report dated October 27, 2020, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on each of the Funds’ financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

101

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM (Concluded)

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 2021, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from brokers were not received. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Summit Global Investments investment companies since 2012.

 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
October 29, 2021

 

102

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

SHAREHOLDER TAX INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

 

Certain tax information is required to be provided to shareholders based upon the Funds’ income and distributions for the taxable year ended August 31, 2021. The information and distributions reported herein may differ from information and distributions taxable to the shareholders for the calendar year ending December 31, 2021. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021, the tax character of distributions paid by the Fund’s were as follows:

 

           

Ordinary Income
Dividend

   

Long-Term
Capital Gain
Dividends

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

    2021     $ 1,974,531     $ 1,299,116  

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

    2021       119,130        

SGI Global Equity Fund

    2021       551,275        

SGI Conservative Fund

    2021       17,684        

SGI Prudent Growth Fund

    2021       4,271        

SGI Peak Growth Fund

    2021              

SGI Small Cap Growth Fund

    2021       3,152,424       182,030  

 

Distributions from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.

 

Under the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003, the following percentages of ordinary dividends paid during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021 are designated as “qualified dividend income,” as defined in the Act, and are subject to reduced tax rates:

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

    88.36 %

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

    100.00 %

SGI Global Equity Fund

    80.55 %

SGI Conservative Fund

    1.93 %

SGI Prudent Growth Fund

    17.30 %

SGI Peak Growth Fund

    0.00 %

SGI Small Cap Growth Fund

    2.70 %

 

The percentage of total ordinary income dividends paid qualifying for corporate dividends received deduction for each Fund is as follows:

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

    88.40 %

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

    100.00 %

SGI Global Equity Fund

    36.86 %

SGI Conservative Fund

    0.00 %

SGI Prudent Growth Fund

    8.25 %

SGI Peak Growth Fund

    0.00 %

SGI Small Cap Growth Fund

    2.67 %

 

103

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

SHAREHOLDER TAX INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (Concluded)

 

The percentage of qualified interest income related dividends not subject to withholding tax for non-resident aliens and foreign corporations is as follows:

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

    0.00 %

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

    0.00 %

SGI Global Equity Fund

    0.00 %

SGI Conservative Fund

    0.00 %

SGI Prudent Growth Fund

    0.00 %

SGI Peak Growth Fund

    0.00 %

SGI Small Cap Growth Fund

    0.00 %

 

The percentage of ordinary income distributions designated as qualified short-term gains pursuant to the American Job Creation Act of 2004 is as follows:

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

    0.00 %

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

    0.00 %

SGI Global Equity Fund

    0.00 %

SGI Conservative Fund

    100.00 %

SGI Prudent Growth Fund

    69.98 %

SGI Peak Growth Fund

    0.00 %

SGI Small Cap Growth Fund

    95.73 %

 

Because the Funds’ fiscal year is not the calendar year, another notification will be sent with respect to calendar year 2020. The second notification, which will reflect the amount, if any, to be used by calendar year taxpayers on their U.S. federal income tax returns, will be made in conjunction with Form 1099-DIV and will be mailed in January 2022.

 

Foreign shareholders will generally be subject to U.S. withholding tax on the amount of their ordinary income dividends. They will generally not be entitled to a foreign tax credit or deduction for the withholding taxes paid by the Funds, if any.

 

In general, dividends received by tax-exempt recipients (e.g., IRAs and Keoghs) need not be reported as taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, some retirement trusts (e.g., corporate, Keogh and 403(b)(7) plans) may need this information for their annual information reporting.

 

Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the tax consequences of their investment in the Funds.

 

104

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

Other Information (Unaudited)

 

Proxy Voting

 

Policies and procedures that the Funds use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities as well as information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 are available without charge, upon request, by calling (855) 744-8500 and on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Quarterly Portfolio Schedules

 

The Company files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third fiscal quarters of each fiscal year (quarters ended November 30 and May 31) as an exhibit to its report on Form N-PORT. The Company’s Form N-PORT is available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Investment Advisory Agreement renewal – SGI U.S. LARGE CAP EQUITY FUND, SGI U.S. SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND, SGI GLOBAL EQUITY FUND, SGI CONSERVATIVE FUND, SGI PRUDENT GROWTH FUND, AND SGI PEAK GROWTH FUND

 

As required by the 1940 Act, the Board, including all of the Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Directors”), considered the renewal of the investment advisory agreement between Summit and the Company (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”) on behalf of the SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund, SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund SGI Global Equity Fund, SGI Conservative Fund, SGI Prudent Growth Fund and the SGI Peak Growth Fund (for this section only, the “Funds”), at a meeting of the Board held on May 12-13, 2021 (for this section only, the “Meeting”). At the Meeting, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, approved the Investment Advisory Agreement for an additional one-year term. The Board’s decision to approve the Investment Advisory Agreement reflects the exercise of its business judgment to continue the existing arrangement. In approving the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Board considered information provided by Summit with the assistance and advice of counsel to the Independent Directors and the Company.

 

In considering the renewal and approval of the Investment Advisory Agreements between the Company and SGI with respect to the Funds, the Directors took into account all the materials provided prior to and during the Meeting and at other meetings throughout the past year, the presentations made during the Meeting, and the discussions held during the Meeting. Among other things, the Directors considered (i) the nature, extent, and quality of SGI’s services provided to the Funds; (ii) descriptions of the experience and qualifications of SGI’s personnel providing those services; (iii) SGI’s investment philosophies and processes; (iv) SGI’s assets under management and client descriptions; (v) SGI’s soft dollar commission and trade allocation policies, including information on the types of research and services obtained in connection with soft dollar commissions; (vi) SGI’s current advisory fee arrangement with the Company and other similarly managed clients; (vii) SGI’s compliance procedures; (viii) SGI’s financial information, insurance coverage and profitability analysis related to providing advisory services to the Funds; (ix) the extent to which economies of scale are relevant to the Funds; (x) a report prepared by Broadridge/Lipper comparing the Funds’ management fees and total expense ratio to those of its respective Lipper Group and comparing the performance of each Fund to the performance of its Lipper Group; and (xi) a report comparing the performance of each Fund to the performance of its benchmark.

 

As part of their review, the Directors considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by SGI. The Directors concluded that SGI had substantial resources to provide services to the Funds and that SGI’s services had been acceptable.

 

The Directors also considered the investment performance of the Funds and SGI. The Directors considered each Fund’s investment performance in light of its investment objective and investment strategies. The Directors noted that the SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund underperformed its benchmark, the S&P 500 Index, for the year-to-date, one-year, three-year, five-year and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2021. The Directors also noted that the SGI

 

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Other Information (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund ranked in the 1st quintile in its Lipper Performance Group for the three-year and four-year periods, in the 2nd quintile for the 5-year period, and in the 3rd quintile for the one-year and two-year periods ended December 31, 2020.

 

Next, the Directors noted that the SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund’s investment performance underperformed its benchmark, the Russell 2000 Index, for the year-to-date, one-year, three-year, five-year, and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2021. The Directors also noted that the SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund ranked in the 5th quintile in its Lipper Performance Group for the one-year, two-year, three-year, four-year and since-inception periods ended December 31, 2020.

 

The Directors noted that the SGI Global Equity Fund’s investment performance outperformed its benchmark, the MSCI ACWI Index, for the since-inception period, and underperformed its benchmark for the year-to-date, one-year, three-year, five-year, and ten-year periods, each ended March 31, 2021. The Directors also noted that the SGI Global Equity Fund ranked in the 3rd quintile in its Lipper Performance Group for the three-year and four-year periods and in the 5th quintile for the one-year, two-year and five-year periods ended December 31, 2020.

 

Next, the Directors noted that the SGI Peak Growth Fund’s investment performance underperformed its benchmark, the MSCI ACWI Index, for the year-to-date period ended March 31, 2021. The Directors also noted that the SGI Peak Growth Fund ranked in the 5th quintile in its Lipper Performance Group for the since-inception period ended December 31, 2020.

 

The Directors noted that the SGI Prudent Growth Fund’s investment performance underperformed its benchmark, the MSCI ACWI Index, for the year-to-date period ended March 31, 2021. The Directors also noted that the SGI Prudent Growth Fund ranked in the 5th quintile in its Lipper Performance Group for the since-inception period ended December 31, 2020.

 

Finally, the Directors noted that the SGI Conservative Fund’s investment performance underperformed its benchmark, the MSCI ACWI Index, for the year-to-date period ended March 31, 2021. The Directors also noted that the SGI Conservative Fund ranked in the 5th quintile in its Lipper Performance Group for the since-inception period ended December 31, 2020.

 

The Board also considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Funds under the Investment Advisory Agreements. In this regard, information on the fees paid by the Funds and each Fund’s total operating expense ratio (before and after fee waivers and expense reimbursements) were compared to similar information for mutual funds advised by other, unaffiliated investment advisory firms.

 

The Directors noted that the actual advisor fee and total expenses of the SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund ranked in the 5th quintile of the Fund’s Lipper Expense Group.

 

The Directors noted that the actual advisor fee and total expenses of the SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund ranked in the 5th quintile of the Fund’s Lipper Expense Group.

 

The Directors noted that the actual advisor fee of the SGI Global Equity Fund ranked in the 3rd quintile of the Fund’s Lipper Expense Group, and that the total expenses of the Fund ranked in the 1st quintile of its Lipper Expense Group.

 

The Directors noted that the actual advisor fee of the SGI Peak Growth Fund ranked in the 1st quintile of the Fund’s Lipper Expense Group, and that the total expenses of the Fund ranked in the 5th quintile of its Lipper Expense Group.

 

The Directors noted that the actual advisor fee of the SGI Prudent Growth Fund ranked in the 1st quintile of the Fund’s Lipper Expense Group, and that the total expenses of the Fund ranked in the 5th quintile of its Lipper Expense Group.

 

The Directors noted that the actual advisor fee of the SGI Conservative Fund ranked in the 1st quintile of the Fund’s Lipper Expense Group, and that the total expenses of the Fund ranked in the 4th quintile of its Lipper Expense Group.

 

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Other Information (Unaudited) (Concluded)

 

The Directors then noted that SGI had contractually agreed to waive management fees and reimburse expenses through at least December 31, 2021 to limit total annual operating expenses to agreed upon levels for each Fund.

 

After reviewing the information regarding each Fund’s costs, profitability and economies of scale, and after considering SGI’s services, the Directors concluded that the investment advisory fees paid by the Fund were fair and reasonable and that the Investment Advisory Agreement should be approved and continued for an additional one-year period ending August 16, 2022.

 

Special Meeting of Shareholders

 

A special meeting of shareholders (the “Special Meeting”) of the SGI Small Cap Growth Fund (formerly, the Bogle Investment Management Small Cap Growth Fund) (the “Fund”) was held on May 6, 2021. At the Special Meeting, shareholders voted on one proposal – the approval of an investment advisory agreement between Summit Global Investments, LLC and The RBB Fund, Inc., on behalf of the Fund. Further details regarding the proposal and the Special Meeting are contained in a definitive proxy statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 1, 2021.

 

At the Special Meeting, the proposal was approved by shareholders of the Fund as follows:

 

 

Number of Votes For

Number of Votes Against

Number of Votes Abstain

Proposal

1,217,405.366

90,716.306

44,888.458

 

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Company Management (Unaudited)

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company is organized under and managed pursuant to Maryland law. The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below. The statement of additional information (“SAI”) includes additional information about the Directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling (855) 744-8500.

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s) Held with Company

Term of Office and Length of Time Served1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Julian A. Brodsky
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 88

Director

1988 to present

From 1969 to 2011, Director and Vice Chairman, Comcast Corporation (cable television and communications).

46

AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).

J. Richard Carnall
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 82

Director

2002 to present

Since 1984, Director of Haydon Bolts, Inc. (bolt manufacturer) and Parkway Real Estate Company (subsidiary of Haydon Bolts, Inc.); since 2004, Director of Cornerstone Bank.

46

None.

Gregory P. Chandler
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 54

Director

2012 to present

Since 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Herspiegel Consulting LLC (life sciences consulting services); 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Avocado Systems Inc. (cyber security software provider); 2009-2020, Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services).

46

Emtec, Inc. (until December 2019); FS Investment Corporation (business development company) (until December 2018); FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company).

Nicholas A. Giordano
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 78

Director

2006 to present

Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations.

46

IntriCon Corporation (biomedical device manufacturer); Kalmar Pooled Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until September 2017); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance) (until 2021).

 

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Company Management (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s) Held with Company

Term of Office and Length of Time Served1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

Arnold M. Reichman
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 73

Chairman

 

Director

2005 to present

1991 to present

Retired.

46

EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company).

Brian T. Shea
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 61

Director

2018 to present

From 2014-2017, Chief Executive Officer, BNY Mellon Investment Services (fund services, global custodian and securities clearing firm); from 1983-2014, Chief Executive Officer and various positions, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm).

46

WisdomTree Investments, Inc. (asset management company) (until March 2019); Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (financial services technology company); Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (financial services company).

Robert A. Straniere
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 80

Director

2006 to present

Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm).

46

None.

INTERESTED DIRECTOR2

Robert Sablowsky
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 83

Vice Chairman

 

Director

2016 to present

 

1991 to present

Since 2002, Senior Director - Investments and, prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer).

46

None.

OFFICERS

Salvatore Faia, JD,
CPA, CFE
Vigilant Compliance, LLC
Gateway Corporate Center, Suite 216
223 Wilmington West
Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Age: 58

President

 

 

Chief Compliance Officer

2009 to present

 

2004 to present

Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company); since 2021, President and Chief Compliance Officer of Penn Capital Funds Trust.

N/A

N/A

James G. Shaw
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 60

Treasurer and Secretary

2016 to present

Treasurer and Secretary of The RBB Fund, Inc. (since 2016) and Penn Capital Funds Trust (since 2021); from 2005 to 2016, Assistant Treasurer of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 1995 to 2016, Senior Director and Vice President of BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (financial services company).

N/A

N/A

 

 

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Company Management (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s) Held with Company

Term of Office and Length of Time Served1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

Craig A. Urciuoli

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 46

Director of Marketing & Business Development

2019 to present

Director of Marketing & Business Development of The RBB Fund, Inc. (since 2019) and Penn Capital Funds Trust (since 2021); from 2000-2019, Managing Director, Third Avenue Management LLC.

N/A

N/A

Jennifer Witt
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 38

Assistant Treasurer

2018 to present

Since 2020, Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (fund administrative services firm); from 2016 to 2020, Assistant Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services; from 2007 to 2016, Supervisor, Nuveen Investments (registered investment company).

N/A

N/A

Edward Paz
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 50

Assistant Secretary

2016 to present

Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm).

N/A

N/A

Michael P. Malloy
One Logan Square
Ste. 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 62

Assistant Secretary

1999 to present

Since 1993, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

Jillian L. Bosmann
One Logan Square
Ste. 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Age: 42

Assistant Secretary

2017 to present

Since 2017, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

 

*

Each Director oversees 46 portfolios of the fund complex, consisting of the series in the Company and Penn Capital Funds Trust (7 portfolios).

 

1.

Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his or her successor is elected and qualified or his or her death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Carnall, Giordano, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.

 

2.

Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

 

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Company Management (Unaudited) (Concluded)

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive-level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Carnall has decades of senior executive-level management experience in the banking and financial services industry and also serves on the boards of various corporations and a bank. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Mr. Shea has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the brokerage, clearing and investment services industry, including service on the boards of industry regulatory organizations and a university.

 

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PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)

 

FACTS

WHAT DOES THE SGI FUNDS DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?

Why?

Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.

What?

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

 

● Social Security number

● account balances

● account transactions

● transaction history

● wire transfer instructions

● checking account information

 

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

How?

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

       

Reasons we can share your information

Do the SGI Funds share?

Can you limit this sharing?

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

Yes

No

For our marketing purposes
to offer our products and services to you

Yes

No

For joint marketing with other financial companies

Yes

No

For affiliates’ everyday business purposes
information about your transactions and experiences

Yes

No

For affiliates’ everyday business purposes
information about your creditworthiness

No

We don’t share

For our affiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share

For nonaffiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share

 

 

 

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PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited) (Concluded)

 

Questions?

Call 1-855-744-8500 or go to www.summitglobalinvestments.com

 

What we do

 

How do the SGI Funds protect my personal information?

To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings.

How do the SGI Funds collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

 

● open an account

● provide account information

● give us your contact information

● make a wire transfer

● tell us where to send the money

 

We also collect your information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

 

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

● affiliates from using your information to market to you

● sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

 

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

Definitions

 

Affiliates

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

 

Our affiliates include Summit Global Investments, LLC, the investment adviser to the SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund, SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund, SGI Global Equity Fund, SGI Conservative Fund, SGI Prudent Growth Fund, SGI Peak Growth Fund and SGI Small Cap Growth Fund.

Nonaffiliates

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

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund, SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund, SGI Global Equity Fund, SGI Conservative Fund, SGI Prudent Growth Fund, SGI Peak Growth Fund and SGI Small Cap Growth Fund doesn’t share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you.

Joint marketing

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

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund, SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund, SGI Global Equity Fund, SGI Conservative Fund, SGI Prudent Growth Fund, SGI Peak Growth Fund and SGI Small Cap Growth Fund may share your information with other financial institutions with whom they have joint marketing arrangements who may suggest additional fund services or other investments products which may be of interest to you. We do not currently have any joint marketing arrangements with other financial institutions.

 

 

113

 

 

Investment Adviser

Summit Global Investments, LLC
620 South Main Street
Bountiful, UT 84010

 

Administrator and Transfer Agent

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201

 

Principal Underwriter

Quasar Distributors, LLC
111 E Kilbourn Ave, Suite 2200
Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Custodian

U.S. Bank, N.A.
1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, WI 53212

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Ernst & Young LLP
One Commerce Square
2005 Market Street, Suite 700
Philadelphia, PA 19103

 

Legal Counsel

Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
One Logan Square, Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103-6996

 

SGI-AR21

 

 

 

ANNUAL
report 2021

A series of The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

8/31/21

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF (STNC)

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

 

   

Letter to Shareholders

1

Portfolio Characteristics

3

Fund Expense Example

5

Schedule of Investments

6

Financial Statements

11

Notes to Financial Statements

15

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

23

Shareholder Tax Information

24

Notice to Shareholders

25

Privacy Notice

27

Directors and Officers

33

 

 

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Letter to Shareholders

August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Dear Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF Shareholder:

 

The Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF (ticker: “STNC”), the “Fund”, commenced investment operations during mid-March 2021 and has been structured to attempt to achieve long-term capital appreciation. The Fund is an actively managed exchange-traded fund (“ETF”) that invests, under normal circumstances at least 80% of the value of its net assets (plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in exchange-traded equity securities of U.S. large capitalization issuers that meet environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) standards, as determined and in the sole discretion of Stance Capital, LLC (“Stance”). The Fund currently considers companies within the Russell 1000® Index and S&P 500® Index to be large capitalization issuers.

 

In identifying investments for the Fund, Stance generally utilizes three independent processes. First, we apply a rules-based methodology to the universe of large capitalization companies and identify companies that successfully manage, in Stance’s view and in its sole discretion, sustainability-related key performance indicators (“KPIs”) which may include energy productivity1, carbon intensity2, water dependence3, waste profile4 and KPIs relating to governance, which may include capacity to innovate, unfunded pension fund liabilities, chief executive officer/average worker pay, safety performance, employee turnover, leadership diversity, percentage tax paid, and percent of bonus linked to sustainability performance. Companies who have engaged exclusively or primarily in weapons, tobacco, or thermal coal, are generally excluded from consideration. Second, we apply a machine learning model which uses financial, risk, and other factors to identify companies that, in our view, and based on our sole discretion, are most likely to outperform both in absolute returns and in risk adjusted returns over the next quarter. Finally, we attempt to optimize the Fund’s portfolio by minimizing tail risk and maximize diversification.

 

Since inception on March 16, 2021, the Fund’s total return for the period ended August 31, 2021 was 11.23%, which compares to the S&P 500 Total Return Index’s return of 14.68% during that same period. Please note we will refer to the SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust (“SPY ETF”) as the investable version of the benchmark for the purposes of analytics below.

 

In the opinion of the management team, the Fund’s underperformance was largely driven by two main events:

 

 

1)

The Fund being exposed to lower market risk than the investable benchmark (SPY ETF). We believe the management team’s focus on risk efficiency generally enables the Fund to have a superior risk to return profile; however this may lead to underperformance in strong upward markets.

 

 

2)

The blow up of Archegos Capital Management and the resulting downward performance of ViacomCBS, which was a large Fund position in Q1 of 2021, resulted in significant underperformance in the latter part of Q1 of 2021.

 

The management team believes that our risk efficiency will pay off over the longer term as markets correct and does not expect another hedge fund to blow up and take out a large S&P500® Index name.

 

It is worth noting that the S&P500® Index has significantly high exposure to technology/communication services companies. The top 5 companies in the S&P500® Index represent 22.51% of the index,as compared to 17.62% of the Fund’s portfolio on rebalance.

 

 

1

Energy Productivity: Revenue (converted to USD using PPP exchange Rate) / (Energy Use – renewable energy generated by the company or certified RECs).

 

2

Carbon Intensity: Carbon Emissions / Revenue (converted to USD using PPP exchange rate).

 

3

Water Dependence: Water use / Revenue (converted to USD using PPP exchange rate).

 

4

Waste Profile: Waste Productivity: Revenue (converted to USD using PPP exchange Rate) / Total waste generated.

 

 

1

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Letter to Shareholders (concluded)

August 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

The portfolio management team is optimistic and confident that our process will yield excess benchmark returns, as we are expecting to enter into a more volatile market environment where we expect our focus on risk efficiency will be rewarded.

 

Sincerely,

 

Bill Davis

 

Bill Davis

 

Founding Partner, Portfolio Manager

 

Stance Capital, LLC

 

2

 

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Portfolio Characteristics

(Unaudited)

 

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, 2021

 

Since
Inception

Inception
Date

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

11.23%

3/15/2021

S&P 500® Total Return Index**

14.68%(1)

Fund Expense Ratios (2): Gross 0.95% and Net 0.85%

   

 

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed or sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

(1)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

(2)

The expense ratios of the Fund are set forth according to the Prospectus for the Fund and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Financial Highlights table in this report. See the Financial Highlights for most current expense ratios.

 

**

The S&P 500® Total Return Index is the total return version of the S&P 500® Index. Dividends are reinvested on a daily basis and all regular cash dividends are assumed reinvested in the index on the ex-dividend date. The S&P 500® Index is a market-capitalization-weighted index of 500 US stocks chosen for market size, liquidity and industry grouping, among other factors. The S&P 500® Index is designed to be a leading indicator of U.S. equities and is meant to reflect the risk/return characteristics of the large cap universe. The S&P 500® Index was first introduced on the 1st of January, 1923, though expanded to 500 stocks on March 4, 1957.

 

 

3

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Portfolio Characteristics (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

The following tables show the top ten holdings and sector allocations, in which the Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF was invested in as of August 31, 2021. Portfolio holdings are subject to change without notice.

 

Top TEN Holdings

% OF Net
Assets

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

3.8%

Sherwin-Williams Co/The

3.7

CVS Health Corp.

3.5

Starbucks Corp.

3.4

Verisk Analytics, Inc.

3.3

eBay, Inc.

3.3

Ralph Lauren Corp.

3.3

MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.

3.2

Sealed Air Corp.

3.0

Biogen, Inc.

2.9

 

33.4%

 

The Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF uses the Global Industry Classification StandardSM (“GICSSM”) as the basis for the classification of securities on the Schedule of Investments (“SOI”).

 

Sector Allocation

% OF Net
Assets

Health Care

24.0%

Consumer Discretionary

18.9

Industrials

14.4

Consumer Staples

13.0

Information Technology

12.4

Financials

6.7

Materials

6.7

Communication Services

2.3

Real Estate

0.9

 

99.3%

 

4

 

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Fund Expense Example

AUGUST 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including brokerage commissions on purchases and sales of Fund shares, and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other ETFs.

 

This example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period from March 1, 2021 through August 31, 2021, and held for the entire period. The actual values and expenses are based on the 168-day period from inception on March 15, 2021 through August 31, 2021.

 

Actual Expenses

 

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

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

 

The second line of the accompanying table provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in a Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the accompanying table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs. Therefore, the second line of the accompanying table 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
MARCH 1,
2021

Ending
Account Value
AUGUST 31,
2021

Expenses
Paid During
Period*

Annualized
Expense
Ratio

Actual SINCE INCEPTION Total Investment Return
for the Fund

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

       

Actual

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,112.30

$ 4.13

0.85%

11.23%

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

1,000.00

1,020.92

4.33

0.85

N/A

 

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio for the period March 1, 2021 through August 31, 2021, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184) in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by 365 to reflect the one-half year period. The actual dollar amounts shown are expenses paid by the Fund during the period from the Fund’s inception on March 15, 2021 through August 31, 2021 multiplied by 168 days, which is the number of days from the Fund’s inception through August 31, 2021. The Fund’s ending account value in the first section in the table is based on the actual since inception total investment return for the Fund.

 

 

5

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Schedule of Investments

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

 

               

Common Stocks — 99.3%

               

Air Freight & Logistics — 0.4%

               

Expeditors International of Washington, Inc. (United States)

    1,164     $ 145,081  

Airlines — 1.4%

               

American Airlines Group, Inc. (United States)*

    25,259       503,664  

Automobiles — 0.4%

               

Ford Motor Co. (United States)*

    10,152       132,281  

Biotechnology — 6.6%

               

Biogen, Inc. (United States)*

    3,151       1,067,906  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (United States)*

    2,078       1,399,325  
              2,467,231  

Building Products — 2.3%

               

Allegion PLC (Ireland)

    2,898       417,283  

Johnson Controls International PLC (Ireland)

    6,033       451,268  
              868,551  

Capital Markets — 6.7%

               

Franklin Resources, Inc. (United States)

    4,587       148,802  

MarketAxess Holdings, Inc. (United States)

    2,518       1,198,366  

Moody’s Corp. (United States)

    1,423       541,836  

S&P Global, Inc. (United States)

    969       430,062  

T Rowe Price Group, Inc. (United States)

    730       163,425  
              2,482,491  

Chemicals — 3.7%

               

Sherwin-Williams Co., (The) (United States)

    4,527       1,374,714  

Commercial Services & Supplies — 1.1%

               

Copart, Inc. (United States)*

    2,765       399,045  

 

 

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

 

6

 

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

 

               

Common Stocks (continued)

               

Communications Equipment — 3.4%

               

Cisco Systems Inc/Delaware (United States)

    14,886     $ 878,572  

Motorola Solutions, Inc. (United States)

    1,618       395,148  
              1,273,720  

Containers & Packaging — 3.0%

               

Sealed Air Corp. (United States)

    18,240       1,113,187  

Distributors — 0.8%

               

Pool Corp. (United States)

    569       281,257  

Electrical Equipment — 1.0%

               

Eaton Corp PLC (Ireland)

    2,209       371,907  

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 1.8%

               

Keysight Technologies, Inc. (United States)*

    3,803       682,182  

Entertainment — 0.4%

               

Netflix, Inc. (United States)*

    277       157,666  

Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 0.9%

               

Kimco Realty Corp. (United States)

    15,111       329,269  

Food Products — 10.8%

               

Conagra Brands, Inc. (United States)

    4,521       149,736  

General Mills, Inc. (United States)

    11,926       689,442  

Hershey Co., (The) (United States)

    3,019       536,476  

Hormel Foods Corp. (United States)

    22,894       1,042,593  

J M Smucker Co., (The) (United States)

    5,049       624,410  

Kellogg Co. (United States)

    7,987       504,299  

Mondelez International, Inc., Class A (United States)

    7,677       476,511  
              4,023,467  

 

 

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

 

 

7

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

 

               

Common Stocks (continued)

               

Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 4.3%

               

Edwards Lifesciences Corp. (United States)*

    1,046     $ 122,570  

Hologic, Inc. (United States)*

    11,073       876,428  

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (United States)*

    168       113,192  

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. (United States)

    1,120       505,814  
              1,618,004  

Health Care Providers & Services — 10.3%

               

AmerisourceBergen Corp. (United States)

    6,360       777,256  

Anthem, Inc. (United States)

    1,523       571,323  

Cardinal Health, Inc. (United States)

    5,958       312,735  

Cigna Corp. (United States)

    1,963       415,469  

CVS Health Corp. (United States)

    15,065       1,301,465  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc. (United States)

    1,110       462,060  
              3,840,308  

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 4.4%

               

Starbucks Corp. (United States)

    10,892       1,279,701  

Yum! Brands, Inc. (United States)

    2,767       362,560  
              1,642,261  

Household Durables — 1.2%

               

Garmin Ltd. (Switzerland)

    2,519       439,389  

Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 3.3%

               

eBay, Inc. (United States)

    16,192       1,242,574  

IT Services — 1.7%

               

DXC Technology Co. (United States)*

    2,877       105,643  

Paychex, Inc. (United States)

    2,704       309,527  

PayPal Holdings, Inc. (United States)*

    298       86,021  

Visa, Inc., Class A (United States)

    619       141,813  
              643,004  

 

 

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

 

8

 

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

 

               

Common Stocks (continued)

               

Leisure Products — 1.2%

               

Hasbro, Inc. (United States)

    4,595     $ 451,734  

Life Sciences Tools & Services — 1.2%

               

Waters Corp. (United States)*

    1,058       438,033  

Machinery — 4.5%

               

Illinois Tool Works, Inc. (United States)

    875       203,752  

Pentair PLC (Ireland)

    11,404       879,933  

Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp. (United States)

    6,781       608,866  
              1,692,551  

Media — 1.9%

               

Omnicom Group, Inc. (United States)

    9,779       716,018  

Personal Products — 2.3%

               

Estee Lauder Cos., Inc., (The), Class A (United States)

    2,462       838,286  

Pharmaceuticals — 1.6%

               

Zoetis, Inc. (United States)

    2,912       595,679  

Professional Services — 3.3%

               

Verisk Analytics, Inc. (United States)

    6,163       1,243,447  

Road & Rail — 0.4%

               

CSX Corp. (United States)

    4,732       153,932  

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 0.2%

               

Enphase Energy, Inc. (United States)*

    519       90,166  

Software — 3.8%

               

Adobe, Inc. (United States)*

    366       242,914  

ANSYS, Inc. (United States)*

    490       179,026  

Autodesk, Inc. (United States)*

    791       245,281  

Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (United States)*

    796       130,130  

Citrix Systems, Inc. (United States)

    3,681       378,665  

salesforce.com, Inc. (United States)*

    860       228,132  
              1,404,148  

 

 

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

 

 

9

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Schedule of Investments (Concluded)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

 

               

Common Stocks (continued)

               

Specialty Retail — 2.6%

               

Home Depot Inc., (The) (United States)

    681     $ 222,128  

Lowe’s Cos, Inc. (United States)

    3,749       764,384  
              986,512  

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 1.4%

               

HP, Inc. (United States)

    17,863       531,246  

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 5.0%

               

PVH Corp. (United States)*

    6,019       630,731  

Ralph Lauren Corp. (United States)

    10,643       1,235,972  
              1,866,703  

Total Common Stocks (Cost $34,697,725)

            37,039,708  
                 

Short-Term Investments — 0.7%

               

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 0.01% (United States)(a)*

    242,568       242,568  

Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $242,568)

            242,568  
                 

Total Investments (Cost $34,940,293) — 100.0%

            37,282,276  

Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 0.0%

            2,281  

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

               

(Applicable to 1,340,000 shares outstanding)

          $ 37,284,557  

 

*

Non-income producing security.

 

PLC

Public Limited Company

 

(a)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2021.

 

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

 

10

 

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

ASSETS

       

Investments in securities, at value (cost $34,697,725)

  $ 37,039,708  

Short-term investments, at value (cost $242,568)

    242,568  

Receivables for:

       

Dividends

    28,687  

Total assets

    37,310,963  
         

LIABILITIES

       

Payables for:

       

Advisory fees

    26,406  

Total liabilities

    26,406  

Net assets

  $ 37,284,557  
         

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

       

Par value

  $ 1,340  

Paid-in capital

    33,511,866  

Total distributable earnings/(losses)

    3,771,351  

Net assets

  $ 37,284,557  
         

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    1,340,000  

Net asset value, price per share

    27.82  

 

 

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

 

 

11

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Statement of Operations

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 31, 2021*

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

       

Dividends

  $ 160,598  

Total investment income

    160,598  
         

EXPENSES

       

Advisory fees (Note 3)

    146,820  

Total expenses

    146,820  

Expense fees (waived)/reimbursed

    (15,462 )

Net expenses after waivers/reimbursements

    131,358  

Net investment income/(loss)

    29,240  
         

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS

       

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    250,351  

Net realized gain/(loss) from redemption in-kind

    1,149,777  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    2,341,983  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    3,742,111  

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 3,771,351  

 

*

Inception date of the Fund was March 15, 2021.

 

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

 

12

 

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

 

FOR THE
period ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2021*

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

       

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 29,240  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    1,400,128  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    2,341,983  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    3,771,351  
         

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

       

Proceeds from shares sold

    62,522,221  

Shares redeemed

    (29,009,015 )

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

    33,513,206  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    37,284,557  
         

NET ASSETS:

       

Beginning of period

     

End of period

  $ 37,284,557  
         

SHARES TRANSACTIONS:

       

Shares sold

    2,470,000  

Shares redeemed

    (1,130,000 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    1,340,000  

 

*

Inception date of the Fund was March 15, 2021.

 

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

 

 

13

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective period. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

 

For the
Period
Ended
august 31,

 

 

 

2021(1)

 

PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE

       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 25.00  

Net investment income/(loss)(2)

    0.02  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    2.80  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    2.82  

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 27.82  

Market value, end of period

  $ 27.91  

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value(3)

    11.23 %(5)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price(4)

    11.56 %(5)

RATIO/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 37,285  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and/or reimbursements

    0.85 %(6)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and/or reimbursements

    0.95 %(6)

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    0.19 %(6)

Portfolio turnover rate

    180 %(5)(7)

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund was March 15, 2021.

 

(2)

Per share data calculated using average shares outstanding method.

 

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

 

(4)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the market price on the first day of the period, reinvestment of dividends and distributions at market price during the period and redemption at market price on the last day of the period.

 

(5)

Not annualized.

 

(6)

Annualized.

 

(7)

Excludes effect of in-kind transfers.

 

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

 

14

 

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Notes to Financial Statements

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The RBB Fund, Inc. (“RBB” or the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland on February 29, 1988 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. RBB is a “series fund,” which is a mutual fund divided into separate portfolios. Each portfolio is treated as a separate entity for certain matters under the 1940 Act, and for other purposes, and a shareholder of one portfolio is not deemed to be a shareholder of any other portfolio. Currently, RBB has thirty-nine separate investment portfolios, including the Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF (the “Fund”). The Fund commenced investment operations on March 15, 2021.

 

RBB has authorized capital of one hundred billion shares of common stock of which 88.223 billion shares are currently classified into one hundred and ninety-three classes of common stock. Each class represents an interest in an active or inactive RBB investment portfolio.

 

The investment objective of the Fund is to achieve long-term capital appreciation.

 

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

 

The end of the reporting period for the Fund is August 31, 2021, and the period covered by these Notes to Financial Statements is the since inception period from March 15, 2021 through August 31, 2021 (the “current fiscal period”).

 

PORTFOLIO VALUATION — The Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. Securities held by the Fund are valued using the closing price or the last sale price on a national securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System (“NASDAQ”) market system where they are primarily traded. Equity securities traded in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market are valued at their closing prices. If there were no transactions on that day, securities traded principally on an exchange or on NASDAQ will be valued at the mean of the last bid and ask prices prior to the market close. Fixed income securities are valued using an independent pricing service, which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings, and are deemed representative of market values at the close of the market. Foreign securities are valued based on prices from the primary market in which they are traded, and are translated from the local currency into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates. If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable, securities will be valued in accordance with procedures adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). Relying on prices supplied by pricing services or dealers or using fair valuation may result in values that are higher or lower than the values used by other investment companies and investors to price the same investments. Such procedures use fundamental valuation methods, which may include, but are not limited to, an analysis of the effect of any restrictions on the resale of the security, industry analysis and trends, significant changes in the issuer’s financial position, and any other event which could have a significant impact on the value of the security. Determination of fair value involves subjective judgment as the actual market value of a particular security can be established only by negotiations between the parties in a sales transaction, and the difference between the recorded fair value and the value that would be received in a sale could be significant.

 

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS — The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the Fund’s investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:

 

 

Level 1 – Prices are determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.

 

 

Level 2 – Prices are determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

 

15

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

 

Level 3 – Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

 

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used, as of the end of the reporting period, in valuing the Fund’s investments carried at fair value:

 

 

 

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

 

Common Stocks

  $ 37,039,708     $ 37,039,708     $     $  

Short-Term Investments

    242,568       242,568              

Total Investments*

  $ 37,282,276     $ 37,282,276     $     $  

 

*

Please refer to the Schedule of Investments for further details.

 

At the end of each quarter, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities. Various factors are considered, such as changes in liquidity from the prior reporting period; whether or not a broker is willing to execute at the quoted price; the depth and consistency of prices from third party pricing services; and the existence of contemporaneous, observable trades in the market. Additionally, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities on a quarterly basis for changes in listings or delistings on national exchanges.

 

Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Fund’s investments may fluctuate from period to period. Additionally, the fair value of investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for such investments and may differ materially from the values the Fund may ultimately realize. Further, such investments may be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities.

 

For fair valuations using significant unobservable inputs, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires the Fund to present a reconciliation of the beginning to ending balances for reported market values that presents changes attributable to total realized and unrealized gains or losses, purchase and sales, and transfers in and out of Level 3 during the period. Transfers in and out between levels are based on values at the end of the period. A reconciliation of Level 3 investments is presented only when the Fund had an amount of Level 3 investments at the end of the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets. The amounts and reasons for all Level 3 transfers are disclosed if the Fund had an amount of total Level 3 transfers during the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets as of the end of the reporting period.

 

During the current fiscal period, the Fund had no Level 3 transfers.

 

USE OF ESTIMATES — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences could be significant.

 

INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS, INVESTMENT INCOME AND EXPENSES — The Fund records security transactions based on trade date for financial reporting purposes. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method for both financial reporting and income tax purposes in determining realized gains and losses on investments. Interest income (including

 

16

 

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts) is accrued when earned. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or capital gains are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. Certain expenses are shared with PENN Capital Funds Trust (the “Trust”), a series trust of affiliated funds. Expenses incurred on behalf of a specific class, fund or fund family of the Company or Trust are charged directly to the class, fund or fund family (in proportion to net assets). Expenses incurred for all funds (such as director or professional fees) are charged to all funds in proportion to their average net assets of RBB and the Trust, or in such other manner as the Board deems fair or equitable. Expenses and fees, including investment advisory fees, are accrued daily and taken into account for the purpose of determining the NAV of the Fund.

 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS — The Fund pays dividends from its net investment income and distributes any net capital gains that it realizes. Dividends and capital gains distributions are generally paid once a year and as required to comply with federal excise tax requirements. Distributions to shareholders are determined in accordance with tax regulations and recorded on ex dividend date. Quarterly, the Fund will report details of distributions including gain and loss distributions and related taxes.

 

U.S. TAX STATUS — No provision is made for U.S. income taxes as it is the Fund’s intention to continue to qualify for and elect the tax treatment applicable to regulated investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and make the requisite distributions to its shareholders which will be sufficient to relieve it from U.S. income and excise taxes.

 

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) PANDEMIC — The global outbreak of COVID-19 (commonly referred to as “coronavirus”) has disrupted economic markets and the prolonged economic impact is uncertain. Although vaccines for COVID-19 are becoming more widely available, the ultimate economic fallout from the pandemic, and the long-term impact on economies, markets, industries and individual issuers are not known. The operational and financial performance of the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests depends on future developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak and the pace of recovery which may vary market to market, and such uncertainty may in turn adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments, impair the Fund’s ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the Fund’s performance.

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates market value.

 

OTHER — In the normal course of business, the Fund may enter into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on claims that may be made against the Fund in the future, and, therefore, cannot be estimated; however, the Fund expects the risk of material loss from such claims to be remote.

 

2. Investment Policies and Practices

 

The sections below describe some of the different types of investments that may be made by the Fund and the investment practices in which the Fund may engage.

 

TYPES OF FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES — The Fund may invest in bonds and other types of debt obligations of U.S. and foreign issuers. Fixed income securities purchased by the Fund may include, among others, bonds, notes, and debentures issued by corporations; debt securities issued

 

 

17

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

or guaranteed by the U.S. government or one of its agencies or instrumentalities (“U.S. Government Securities”); municipal securities; mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities; and debt securities issued or guaranteed by foreign governments, their agencies, instrumentalities, or political subdivisions, or by government-owned, -controlled, or -sponsored entities, including central banks. These investments also include money market instruments and other types of obligations. Investors should recognize that, although securities ratings issued by S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”), a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., and Moody’s Investors Services©, Inc. (“Moody’s”), provide a generally useful guide as to credit risks, they do not offer any criteria to evaluate interest rate risk. Changes in interest rate levels generally cause fluctuations in the prices of fixed-income securities and will, therefore, cause fluctuations in the NAV per share of the Fund. Subsequent to the purchase of a fixed-income security by the Fund, the ratings or credit quality of such security may deteriorate. Any such subsequent adverse changes in the rating or quality of a security held by the Fund would not require the Fund to sell the security.

 

TYPES OF EQUITY SECURITIES — In addition to common stock, the equity securities that the Fund may purchase include securities having equity characteristics, such as rights. Common stock represents an equity or ownership interest in a company. This interest often gives the Fund the right to vote on measures affecting the company’s organization and operations. Equity securities have a history of long-term growth in value, but their prices tend to fluctuate in the shorter term. Rights essentially are options to purchase equity securities at specific prices valid for a specific period of time. Their prices do not necessarily move parallel to the prices of the underlying securities. Rights normally have a short duration and are distributed directly by the issuer to its shareholders. Rights have no voting rights, receive no dividends, and have no rights with respect to the assets of the issuer.

 

SECURITIES OF OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES — The Fund may invest in securities of other investment companies, including ETF shares and shares of money market funds. The Fund’s investment in these securities (other than shares of money market funds and of certain ETFs) may be subject to certain limitations imposed by the 1940 Act — generally, a prohibition on acquiring more than 3 percent of the outstanding voting stock of another investment company. Investment companies such as ETFs and money market funds pay investment advisory and other fees and incur various expenses in connection with their operations. When the Fund invests in another investment company, shareholders of the Fund will indirectly bear these fees and expenses, which will be in addition to the fees and expenses of the Fund.

 

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS — Real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) are pooled investment vehicles that manage a portfolio of real estate or real estate-related loans to earn profits for their shareholders. REITs are generally classified as equity REITs, mortgage REITs, or a combination of equity and mortgage REITs. Investing in REITs involves certain unique risks in addition to those risks associated with investing in the real estate industry in general. Equity REITs may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property owned by the REITs, while mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of the borrower on any credit extended. REITs are dependent upon management skills, may not be diversified geographically or by property type, and are subject to heavy cash-flow dependency, default by borrowers, and self-liquidation. REITs must also meet certain requirements under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), to avoid entity level tax and be eligible to pass through certain tax attributes of their income to shareholders. REITs are consequently subject to the risk of failing to meet these requirements for favorable tax treatment and of failing to maintain their exemptions from registration under the 1940 Act. REITs are also subject to the risks of changes in the Code, affecting their tax status.

 

REITs (especially mortgage REITs) are also subject to interest rate risks. When interest rates decline, the value of a REIT’s investment in fixed-rate obligations can be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of a REIT’s investment in fixed-rate obligations can be expected to decline. In contrast, as interest rates on adjustable-rate mortgage loans are reset periodically, yields on a

 

18

 

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

REIT’s investments in such loans will gradually align themselves to reflect changes in market interest rates, causing the value of such investments to fluctuate less dramatically in response to interest rate fluctuations than would investments in fixed-rate obligations.

 

The management of a REIT may be subject to conflicts of interest with respect to the operation of the business of the REIT and may be involved in real estate activities competitive with the REIT. REITs may own properties through joint ventures or in other circumstances in which a REIT may not have control over its investments. REITs may use significant amounts of leverage.

 

TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS — During periods of adverse market or economic conditions, the Fund may temporarily invest all or a substantial portion of its assets in high-quality, fixed-income securities, money market instruments, and shares of money market mutual funds, or it may hold cash. At such times, the Fund would not be pursuing its stated investment objective with its usual investment strategies. The Fund may also hold these investments for liquidity purposes. Fixed-income securities will be deemed to be of high quality if they are rated “A” or better by S&P or Moody’s or, if unrated, are determined to be of comparable quality by the the Fund’s sub-adviser, Stance Capital, LLC. Money market instruments are high-quality, short-term fixed income obligations (which generally have remaining maturities of one year or less), and may include U.S. Government Securities, commercial paper, certificates of deposit and banker’s acceptances issued by domestic branches of United States banks that are members of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and repurchase agreements for US. Government Securities. In lieu of purchasing money market instruments, the Fund may purchase shares of money market mutual funds that invest primarily in U.S. Government Securities and repurchase agreements involving those securities, subject to certain limitations imposed by the 1940 Act. The Fund, as an investor in a money market fund, will indirectly bear the fees and expenses of the money market fund. These indirect fees and expenses will be in addition to the fees and expenses of the Fund. Repurchase agreements involve certain risks not associated with direct investments in debt securities.

 

3. INVESTMENT adviser and other services

 

Red Gate Advisers, LLC (the “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. Stance Capital, LLC and Vident Advisory, LLC each serves as an investment sub-adviser (“Sub-Adviser”) to the Fund. Subject to the supervision of the Board, the Adviser manages the overall investment operations of the Fund, primarily in the form of oversight of the Fund’s sub-advisers, pursuant to the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and the Company on behalf of the Fund. The Fund compensates the Adviser with a unitary management fee for its services at an annual rate of 0.95%; based on the Fund’s average daily net assets (the “Advisory Fee”), payable on a monthly basis in arrears. From the Advisory Fee, the Adviser pays most of the expenses of the Fund, including the cost of sub-advisory, transfer agency, custody, fund administration, legal, audit and other services. However, the Adviser is not responsible for interest expenses, brokerage commissions and other trading expenses, fees and expenses of independent directors and their independent counsel, taxes and other extraordinary costs such as litigation and other expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of business.

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive a portion of it’s unitary management fee for the first year of the Fund’s operations to the extent necessary to limit the Fund’s annual operating expenses (excluding brokerage commissions, taxes, interest expense, acquired fund fees and expenses, and any extraordinary expenses) to an amount not exceeding 0.85% annually of the Fund’s average daily net assets. This contractual limitation is in effect until March 15, 2022 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board. The Adviser may discontinue these arrangements at any time after March 15, 2022.

 

 

19

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

During the current fiscal period, investment advisory fees accrued and waived were as follows:

 

 

Gross
ADVISORY FEES

   

WAIVERS AND/OR
REIMBURSEMENTS

   

NET
ADVISORY FEES

 
  $ 146,820     $ (15,462)   $ 131,358  

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (“Fund Services”), doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, serves as administrator for the Fund. For providing administrative and accounting services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Fund Services serves as the Fund’s transfer and dividend disbursing agent. For providing transfer agent services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

U.S. Bank, N.A. (the “Custodian”) provides certain custodial services to the Fund. The Custodian is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Vigilant Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), an affiliate of the Adviser, serves as the principal underwriter and distributor of the Fund’s shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with RBB.

 

Under the Fund’s unitary fee, the Adviser compensates Fund Services and the Custodian for its services provided.

 

DIRECTOR AND OFFICER COMPENSATION — The Directors of the Company receive an annual retainer and meeting fees for meetings attended. An employee of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serves as President and Chief Compliance Officer of the Company. Vigilant Compliance, LLC, an affiliate of the Adviser, is compensated for the services provided to the Company. Employees of RBB serve as Treasurer, Secretary and Director of Marketing & Business Development of the Company. They are compensated for services provided. Certain employees of Fund Services serve as officers of the Company. They are not compensated by the Funds or the Company. As of the end of the reporting period, there were no director and officer fees charged or paid by the Fund.

 

4. PURCHASES AND SALES OF INVESTMENT SECURITIES

 

During the current fiscal period, aggregate purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding in-kind transactions and short-term investments) of the Fund were as follows:

 

 

PURCHASES

   

SALES

 
  $ 60,776,384     $ 60,793,877  

 

There were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. Government Securities during the current fiscal period.

 

During the current fiscal period, aggregate purchases and sales of in-kind transactions of the Fund were as follows:

 

 

PURCHASES

   

SALES

 
  $ 34,778,608     $ 29,106,114  

 

 

20

 

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

5. Federal Income tax information

 

It is the Fund’s intention to meet the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), that are applicable to a regulated investment company (“RIC”). The Fund intends to continue to operate so as to qualify to be taxed as a RIC under the Code and, as such, to not be subject to federal income tax on the portion of its taxable income and gains distributed to stockholders. To qualify for RIC tax treatment, among other requirements, the Fund is required to distribute at least 90% of its investment company taxable income, as defined by the Code. Accordingly, the Fund intends to distribute its taxable income and net realized gains, if any, to shareholders in accordance with timing requirements imposed by the Code. While the Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its taxable net investment income and capital gains, if any, in a manner necessary to minimize the imposition of a 4% excise tax, there can be no assurance that it will avoid any or all of the excise tax. In such event, the Fund will be liable only for the amount by which it does not meet the foregoing distribution requirements. The Fund has adopted October 31 as its tax year end.

 

In accounting for income taxes, the Fund follows the guidance in FASB ASC Codification 740, as amended by ASU 2009-06, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“ASC 740”). ASC 740 prescribes the minimum recognition threshold a tax position must meet in connection with accounting for uncertainties in income tax positions taken or expected to be taken by an entity before being measured and recognized in the financial statements. Management has concluded, there were no uncertain tax positions as of August 31, 2021 for federal income tax purposes or in, the Fund’s major state and local tax jurisdiction of Delaware.

 

Because U.S. federal income tax regulations differ from U.S. GAAP, distributions in accordance with tax regulations may differ from net investment income and realized gains recognized for financial reporting purposes. Differences may be permanent or temporary. Permanent difference are reclassified among capital accounts in the financial statements to reflect the applicable tax characterization. Temporary differences arise when certain items of income, expense, gain or loss are recognized at some time in the future. The tax basis components of distributable earnings may differ from the amount reflected in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities due to temporary book/tax differences due to a tax free incorporation transfer. As of August 31, 2021 there were no permanent differences.

 

As of August 31, 2021, the federal tax cost, aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of securities held by the Fund were as follows:

 

 

FEDERAL
TAX COST

   

UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION

   

UNREALIZED
(DEPRECIATION)

   

NET
UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION/
(DEPRECIATION)

 
  $ 34,766,389     $ 3,042,007     $ (526,120)   $ 2,515,887  

 

6. SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

Shares of the Fund are listed and traded on the NYSE Arca, Inc. (the “Exchange”). Market prices for the shares may be different from their NAV. The Fund issues and redeems shares on a continuous basis at NAV only in blocks of 5,000 shares, called “Creation Units.” Creation Units are issued and redeemed principally in-kind for securities included in a specified universe. Once created, shares generally trade in the secondary market at market prices that change throughout the day. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, shares are not redeemable securities of the Fund. Creation Units may only be purchased or redeemed by certain financial institutions (“Authorized Participants”). An Authorized Participant is either (i) a broker-dealer or other participant in the clearing process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the National Securities Clearing Corporation or (ii) a Depository Trust Company participant and, in each case, must have executed a Participant Agreement with the Distributor. Most retail investors do not qualify as Authorized Participants nor have the resources to buy and sell whole Creation Units. Therefore, they are unable to purchase or redeem shares directly from the Fund. Rather, most retail investors may purchase shares in the secondary market with the assistance of a broker and are subject to customary brokerage commissions or fees.

 

 

21

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Notes to Financial Statements (concluded)

AUGUST 31, 2021

 

The Fund currently offers one class of shares, which has no front-end sales load, no deferred sales charge, and no redemption fee. A fixed transaction fee is imposed for the transfer and other transaction costs associated with the purchase or sale of Creation Units. The standard fixed transaction fee for the Fund is $500, payable to the custodian. In addition, a variable fee may be charged on all cash transactions or substitutes for Creation Units of up to a maximum of 2% as a percentage of the value of the Creation Units subject to the transaction. Variable fees are imposed to compensate the Fund for the transaction costs associated with the cash transactions. Variable fees received by the Fund, if any, are displayed in the capital shares transactions section of the Statement of Changes in Net Assets. The Fund may issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest, with $0.001 par value per share. Shares of the Fund have equal rights and privileges.

 

7. In-Kind SUBSCRIPTION

 

On March 15, 2021, the Fund received securities in connection with an in-kind subscription transaction. The seed shares totaled 1,105,000 with a NAV of $25.0159. For financial reporting purposes, these transactions were treated as purchases of securities and recognized based on the market value of the securities. The value of the initial in-kind subscriptions was $27,642,570.

 

8. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS AND REGULATORY UPDATES

 

In October 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“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. Funds will be required to comply with Rule 18f-4 by August 19, 2022. It is not currently clear what impact, if any, Rule 18f-4 will have on the availability, liquidity or performance of derivatives. Management is currently evaluating the potential impact of Rule 18f-4 on the Fund. When fully implemented, Rule 18f-4 may require changes in how the Fund uses derivatives, adversely affect the Fund’s performance and increase costs related to a Fund’s use of derivatives.

 

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 will be required to comply with the rules by September 8, 2022. Management is currently assessing the potential impact of the new rules on the Fund’s financial statements.

 

9. Subsequent Events

 

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Fund through the date the financial statements were issued and has determined that there were no significant events requiring recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.

 

 

22

 

 

 

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. and Shareholders of Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF (one of the funds constituting The RBB Fund, Inc., hereafter referred to as the “Fund”) as of August 31, 2021, the related statement of operations and changes in net assets, including the related notes, and the financial highlights for the period March 15, 2021 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2021 (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of August 31, 2021, and the results of its operations, changes in its net assets and the financial highlights for the period March 15, 2021 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2021 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audit of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

 

Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 2021 by correspondence with the custodian. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
October 29, 2021

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Red Gate Advisers, LLC investment companies since 2021.

 

 

23

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Shareholder Tax Information (Unaudited)

 

Certain tax information regarding the Fund is required to be provided to shareholders based upon the Fund’s income and distributions for the taxable period ended August 31, 2021. The information and distributions reported herein may differ from information and distributions taxable to the shareholders for the calendar year ending December 31, 2021. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021, the following dividends and distributions were paid by the Fund:

 

ORDINARY
INCOME

LONG-TERM
GAINS

$ —

$ —

 

Dividends from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income dividends for federal income tax purposes.

 

Under the Jobs and Growth Tax relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 the following percentages of ordinary dividends paid during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021 are designated as “qualified dividend income,” as defined in the Act, and are subject to reduced tax rates:

 

0.00%

 

The percentage of total ordinary income dividends paid qualifying for the corporate dividends received deduction for the Fund is as follows:

 

0.00%

 

Because the Fund’s fiscal year is not the calendar year, another notification will be sent with respect to calendar year 2021. The second notification, which will reflect the amount, if any, to be used by calendar year taxpayers on their U.S. federal income tax returns, will be made in conjunction with Form 1099-DIV and will be mailed in January 2022.

 

Foreign shareholders will generally be subject to U.S. withholding tax on the amount of their ordinary income dividends. They will generally not be entitled to a foreign tax credit or deduction for the withholding taxes paid by the Fund, if any.

 

In general, dividends received by tax-exempt recipients (e.g., IRAs and Keoghs) need not be reported as taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, some retirement trusts (e.g., corporate, Keogh and 403(b)(7) plans) may need this information for their annual information reporting.

 

Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the tax consequences of their investment in the Fund.

 

24

 

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Notice to Shareholders

(Unaudited)

 

Information on Proxy Voting

 

Policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities as well as information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 are available (i) without charge, upon request, by calling (800) 617-0004; and (ii) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Quarterly Schedule of Investments

 

The Company files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third fiscal quarters of each fiscal year (quarters ended November 30 and May 31) as an exhibit to its report on Form N-PORT. The Company’s Forms N-PORT are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Frequency Distributions of Premiums and Discounts

 

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

 

APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENTS

 

As required by the 1940 Act, the Board, including all of the Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Directors”), considered (1) the approval of new investment advisory agreements between the Adviser and the Company on behalf of the Funds (the “Advisory Agreement”) and (2) the approval of new sub-advisory agreements between the Adviser and Stance Capital, LLC and the approval of new sub-advisory agreements among the Adviser, the Company and Vident (together, the “Sub-Advisory Agreements”) at meetings of the Board held on November 11-12, 2020 and May 12-13, 2021 (collectively, the “Meeting”). At the Meeting, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, approved the Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreements for initial terms. In approving the Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreements, the Board considered information provided by the Adviser and each of the Sub-Advisers with the assistance and advice of counsel to the Independent Directors and the Company.

 

In considering the approval of the Advisory Agreement between the Company and the Adviser with respect to the Fund, and the approval of the new Sub-Advisory Agreements between the Adviser and each of Stance and Vident (each, a “Sub-Adviser”) with respect to the Fund, the Directors took into account all materials provided prior to and during the Meeting and at other meetings throughout the past year, the presentations made during the Meeting, and the discussions held during the Meeting. Among other things, the Directors considered (i) the nature, extent, and quality of services to be provided to the Fund by the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser; (ii) descriptions of the experience and qualifications of the personnel providing those services; (iii) the Adviser’s and the Sub-Advisers’ investment philosophies and processes; (iv) the Adviser’s and the Sub-Advisers’ assets under management and client descriptions; (v) the Adviser’s and the Sub-Advisers’ soft dollar commission and trade allocation policies, including information on the types of research and services obtained in connection with soft dollar commissions; (vi) the Adviser’s and the Sub-Advisers’ advisory fee arrangements and other similarly managed clients, as applicable; (vii) the Adviser’s and the Sub-Advisers’ compliance procedures; (viii) the Adviser’s and the Sub-Advisers’ financial information and insurance coverage; (ix) the extent to which economies of scale are relevant to the Fund; (x) a report comparing the performance of the Fund to the performance of its benchmark; and (xi) a report prepared by Broadridge/Lipper comparing the Fund’s proposed management fees and total expense ratio to those of its Lipper Group.

 

 

25

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Notice to Shareholders (ConCLUDED)

(Unaudited)

 

As part of their review, the Directors considered the nature, extent and quality of the services to be provided by the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser. The Directors concluded that the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser had sufficient resources to provide services to the Fund.

 

The Board also considered the effect of the unitary management fee payable by the Fund under the Advisory Agreement. In this regard, information on the fees paid by the Fund and the Fund’s total operating expense ratio (before and after fee waivers and expense reimbursements) was compared to similar information for ETFs advised by other, unaffiliated investment advisory firms. The Directors also considered the fees payable to each Sub-Adviser under the Sub-Advisory Agreements.

 

After reviewing the information regarding the Adviser’s and the Sub-Advisers’ estimated costs, profitability and economies of scale, and after considering the services to be provided by the Adviser and Sub-Advisers, the Directors concluded that the unitary management fees to be paid by the Fund to the Adviser and the sub-advisory fees to be paid to each Sub-Adviser by the Adviser were fair and reasonable and that the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreements should be approved for an initial period ending August 16, 2022.

 

26

 

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Privacy Notice

(Unaudited)

 

Scope of Privacy Policies and Procedures

 

Red Gate Advisers, LLC (“Red Gate”, “RGA” or “We”) is the investment adviser to the Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF (STNC), DriveWealth Steady Saver ETF (STBL) and DriveWealth Power Saver ETF (EERN) (collectively the “Funds”). As a registered investment adviser to the Funds, Red Gate is subject to the laws enforced by the SEC and the Federal Trade Commission that govern the privacy of consumer information, impose restrictions on the ability of financial institutions to disclose non-public personal information about consumers who are natural persons (i.e., individuals) to nonaffiliated third parties and require financial institutions to provide privacy notices to consumers. Red Gate’s clients are the Funds and we do not directly work with any consumer1, therefore the Privacy Policy and Privacy Notice below do not apply to Red Gate as we do not handle personal information specific to consumers. Non-public personal information about individuals includes personally identifiable financial information that is not publicly available, such as account balances, social security numbers, and net worth. Red Gate does not have access to this type of information. If Red Gate’s business changes, and they handle personal information of consumers, the below policy will be enforced.

 

These Privacy Policies and Procedures are designed to ensure that we maintain the confidentiality of personal information about our Fund investors and that we comply with applicable privacy regulations.

 

Applicability to Individuals

 

Privacy rules apply to both “consumers” and “customers.” A consumer is an individual who obtains or has obtained a financial product or service that is used primarily for personal, family, or household purposes. For example, an individual is a consumer if he or she provides non-public personal information in connection with obtaining or seeking to obtain investment advisory services from Red Gate or seeking to invest in a Fund or Funds, regardless of whether such services are provided or a continuing relationship with the individual is established. A customer, on the other hand, is a consumer that has a continuing relationship with an institution. For example, a Red Gate customer would include a Fund investor that is an individual.

 

These Privacy Policies and Procedures apply to all current and former “consumers” and “customers” of Red Gate and the Funds, and Red Gate and the Funds extend the same confidentiality protections to all investors, whether institutional or individual (collectively “Investors”).

 

Non-Disclosure of Investor Information

 

Red Gate and the Fund(s) do not share any information about Investors with nonaffiliated third parties, except as necessary or appropriate in connection with the processing and administration of the Fund’s investments and in connection with Red Gate and the Fund’s general business operations. For example, information about Investors may be disclosed as necessary to process an Investor’s subscription to a Fund, to the extent required in connection with an investment or transaction Red Gate proposes to make, or to Red Gate’s technical service providers that maintain the security of Red Gate or the Fund’s records. Information about Investors may also be disclosed to the extent an Investor specifically authorized the disclosure, and for other purposes required or permitted by law, such as where reasonably necessary to prevent fraud, unauthorized transactions or liability, to respond to judicial process or subpoena, or complying with federal, state or local laws.

 

In the event that Red Gate or a Fund discloses non-public personal information about an Investor either to a non-affiliated third party that provides marketing services on behalf of Red Gate or a Fund (i.e., not on behalf of Investors or as otherwise described above) or to a non-affiliated third party financial institution, such as a prime broker, in connection with joint marketing by Red Gate or a Fund and the third party, Red Gate shall: (i) notify Investors in the Privacy Notice (as described below) of the possibility

 

 

1

A consumer is an individual who obtains or has obtained a financial product or service that is used primarily for personal, family, or household purposes.

 

 

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PRIVACY NOTICE (Continued)

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of such disclosure; and (ii) enter into a contractual agreement with the third-party that prohibits the third-party from disclosing or using Investor information other than to carry out the purposes for which the information was disclosed to the third party and requires the parties agree to maintain the confidentiality of investor information. Any disclosure of Investor information to third-party service providers and joint marketing partners must be pre-approved by the Chief Compliance Officer.

 

Except as described above, Red Gate will not disclose non-public personal Investor information to non-affiliated parties, unless a Fund investor has been given a notice of the possibility of such disclosure and an opportunity to “opt-out” of the disclosure.

 

Privacy Notices

 

The Fund will deliver initial notification of these policies and procedures to Investors and annual notice to current Investors thereafter in the form of a privacy notice (the “Privacy Notice”). One acceptable method for delivering an initial notice is through a cover letter accompanying required Red Gate or Fund disclosure documents such as Red Gate’s Form ADV, which Red Gate provides to Investors, where applicable. An acceptable method for delivering an annual notice would be through a cover letter accompanying a monthly or quarterly statement to current Investors. A form of Privacy Notice is attached hereto as Exhibit A.

 

Safeguarding Investor Information and Disposing of Consumer Report Information

 

Employees of Red Gate must comply with certain minimum procedures that are designed to address administrative, technical and physical safeguards for the protection of Investor information, as well as for the proper disposal of consumer report information (or any compilation of consumer report information derived from consumer reports) about Investors who are individuals and current, former and prospective employees that Red Gate possesses for a business purpose. In general, a “consumer report” is any report from a consumer reporting agency that contains information bearing on an individual’s credit, reputation, personal characteristics, or mode of living, that is to be used as a factor in establishing the consumer’s eligibility for credit, employment, and certain financial transactions. Proper disposal of consumer report information is intended to protect Investors who are individuals and current, former and prospective employees from the possibility of unauthorized access to information about them that is contained in any consumer report (whether in paper, electronic or other form) and to protect against identity theft and fraud. Red Gate might possess consumer report information for example in connection with evaluating a potential investor or making an employment decision about an individual.

 

Red Gate’ policies and procedures designed to address these requirements are described below:

 

 

A.

Secure Records Containing Investor Information

 

 

Records containing Investor information must be stored in a secure location. The Chief Information Security Officer (“CISO”) is responsible for ensuring that:

 

 

1.

Hard-copy records: Any records stored in hard copy should be kept in a secure, locked location, such as designated filing cabinets.

 

 

2.

Diskette stored records: Any records stored on diskettes should be safeguarded by keeping diskettes in a secure locked location, such as designated filing cabinets.

 

 

3.

Electronically stored records: Any records stored electronically on a hard drive server or otherwise should be safeguarded by restricting access through the use of passwords or other access-limiting devices.

 

 

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(Unaudited)

 

 

B.

Limit Access to Records Containing Investor Information

 

 

Red Gate restricts access to Investor information to those employees who need to know such information in order to provide services to investors. Any employee who is authorized to have access to Investor information in connection with the performance of such employee’s duties and responsibilities is required to keep such information secure and confidential.

 

 

C.

Proper Disposal of Consumer Report Information

 

 

Red Gate on behalf of its Transfer Agent on behalf of the Fund(s) are responsible for ensuring the proper disposal of consumer report information. Disposal of consumer report information means either (i) the discarding or abandoning of consumer report information or (ii) the sale, donation or transfer of any medium, including computer equipment, on which consumer report information is stored. These procedures do not require that the disposal of consumer report information, but they apply whenever there is disposal of such information.

 

 

1.

Proper Disposal Measures. The Transfer Agent stores and disposes of paper records containing consumer reports. Consumer Reports of investor accounts that are inactive and maintained electronically by the Transfer Agent are purged from the Transfer Agent’s system, generally every 18 months. The Transfer Agent defines inactive accounts as:

 

 

(a)

Accounts that have been opened but never funded;

 

 

(b)

Accounts that were fully funded and subsequently fully redeemed; and

 

 

(c)

Accounts that are inactive for 18 months or greater.

 

Review by Chief Compliance Officer

 

The Chief Compliance Officer may suggest changes that he/she deems necessary for the purpose of enhancing the effectiveness of the policies and procedures.

 

Further Information

 

The Chief Compliance Officer should be contacted for further information regarding these policies and procedures.

 

 

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PRIVACY NOTICE (Continued)

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Exhibit A

FACTS

WHAT DOES RED GATE ADVISERS, LLC (“RED GATE”) DO WITH YOUR

PERSONAL INFORMATION?

Why?

Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.

What?

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

● Social Security number and transaction history

● Account balances and checking account information

● Account transactions and wire transfer instructions

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

How?

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

       

Reasons we share your personal information

Does Red Gate share?

Can you limit this?

For our everyday business purposes —
such as to process your transaction, maintain your account(s), provide you with necessary information, respond to court orders and legal investigation.

Yes

No

For our marketing purposes —
to offer our products and services to you

Yes

Yes

For joint marketing with other financial companies

No

We don’t share.

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes —
information about your transactions and experiences

Yes

No

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes —
Information about your creditworthiness

No

We don’t share.

For our affiliates to market to you

Yes

No

For non-affiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share.

 

To limit our sharing

Please note:

If you are a new customer, we can begin sharing your information 30 days from the days from the date we sent this notice. When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in this notice.

However, you can contact us at any time to limit our sharing

Questions?

Call 1-888-229-1855 or visit https://redgateadvisers.com/ should you have any questions.

 

 

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Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

PRIVACY NOTICE (CONTINUED)

(Unaudited)

 

Exhibit A

What we do

 

How does Red Gate protect my personal information?

To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings.

How does Red Gate collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

● open an account

● provide account information

● give us your contact information

● make a wire transfer

● tell us where to send the money

We also collect your information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

● sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes-information about your creditworthiness

● affiliates from using your information to market to you

● sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

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

What happens when I limit sharing for an account I hold jointly with someone else?

In addition to the above information, where applicable, you have the following rights under the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) and U.S. Privacy Laws, as applicable and to the extent permitted by law, to

● Check whether we hold personal information about you and to access such data (in accordance with our policy)

● Request the correction of personal information about you that is

● inaccurate

● Have a copy of the personal information we hold about you provided to you or another “controller” where technically feasible

● Request the erasure of your personal information

● Request the restriction of processing concerning you

The legal grounds for processing of your personal information is for contractual necessity and compliance with law.

If you wish to exercise any of your rights above, please call:1-888-229-1855.

You are required to ensure the personal information we hold about you is up-to-date and accurate and you must notify us of any changes to the personal data you provided to us.

The Funds shall retain your personal data for as long as you are an investor in the Funds and thereafter as long as necessary to comply with applicable laws that require the Funds to retain your personal data, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission’s data retention rules. Your personal data will be transferred to the United States so that the Funds may provide the agreed upon services for you. No adequacy decision has been rendered by the European Commission as to the data protection of your personal data when transferring it to the United States. However, the Funds do take the security of your personal data seriously.

European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation

To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings.

 

 

 

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PRIVACY NOTICE (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

Exhibit A

Definitions

 

Affiliates

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

Red Gate shares ownership with Vigilant Compliance, LLC, Vigilant Distributors, LLC and Red Gate Distribution, LLC.

Non-affiliates

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

Red Gate does not share with non-affiliates so they can market to you.

Joint marketing

A formal agreement between non-affiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.

Red Gate doesn’t jointly market.

Controller

“Controller” means the natural or legal person, public authority, agency or other body which, alone or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of the processing of personal data; where the purposes and means of such processing are determined by European union or European Member state law, the controller or the specific criteria for its nomination may be provided for by European union or European Member state law.

 

 

 

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Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Directors and Officers

(Unaudited)

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company is organized under and managed pursuant to Maryland law. The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below. The statement of additional information (“SAI”) includes additional information about the Directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling (800) 617-0004.

 

Name, Address, AND AGE

Positions(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and
Length of
Time
Served1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Julian A. Brodsky
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 88

Director

1988 to present

From 1969 to 2011, Director and Vice Chairman, Comcast Corporation (cable television and communications).

46

AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).

J. Richard Carnall
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 82

Director

2002 to present

Since 1984, Director of Haydon Bolts, Inc. (bolt manufacturer) and Parkway Real Estate Company (subsidiary of Haydon Bolts, Inc.); since 2004, Director of Cornerstone Bank.

46

None.

Gregory P. Chandler
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 54

Director

2012 to
present

Since 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Herspiegel Consulting LLC (life sciences consulting services); 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Avocado Systems Inc. (cyber security software provider); 2009-2020, Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services).

46

Emtec, Inc. (until December 2019); FS Investment Corporation (business development company) (until December 2018); FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company).

 

 

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Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Directors and Officers (CONTINUED)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address, AND AGE

Positions(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and
Length of
Time
Served1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

Nicholas A. Giordano
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 78

Director

2006 to present

Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations.

46

IntriCon Corporation (biomedical device manufacturer); Kalmar Pooled Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until September 2017); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance) (until 2021).

Arnold M. Reichman 615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 73

Chairman Director

2005 to present 1991
to present

Retired.

46

EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company).

Brian T. Shea
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 61

Director

2018 to present

From 2014-2017, Chief Executive Officer, BNY Mellon Investment Services (fund services, global custodian and securities clearing firm); from 1983-2014, Chief Executive Officer and various positions, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm).

46

WisdomTree Investments, Inc. (asset management company) (until March 2019); Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (financial services technology company); Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (financial services company).

Robert A. Straniere
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 80

Director

2006 to present

Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm).

46

None.

 

 

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Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Directors and Officers (CONTINUED)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address, AND AGE

Positions(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and
Length of
Time
Served1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

INTERESTED DIRECTOR2

Robert Sablowsky
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 83

Vice Chairman Director

2016 to present 1991 to present

Since 2002, Senior Director – Investments and, prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer).

46

None.

OFFICERS

Salvatore Faia, JD, CPA, CFE Vigilant Compliance, LLC Gateway Corporate Center, Suite 216
223 Wilmington West Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Age: 58

President Chief Compliance Officer

2009 to present 2004 to present

Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company); since 2021, President and Chief Compliance Officer of Penn Capital Funds Trust.

N/A

N/A

James G. Shaw
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 60

Treasurer and Secretary

2016 to present

Treasurer and Secretary of The RBB Fund, Inc. (since 2016) and Penn Capital Funds Trust (since 2021); from 2005 to 2016, Assistant Treasurer of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 1995 to 2016, Senior Director and Vice President of BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (financial services company).

N/A

N/A

Craig A. Urciuoli
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 46

Director of Marketing & Business Development

2019 to present

Director of Marketing & Business Development of The RBB Fund, Inc. (since 2019) and Penn Capital Funds Trust (since 2021); from 2000-2019, Managing Director, Third Avenue Management LLC.

N/A

N/A

 

 

 

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Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Directors and Officers (CONTINUED)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address, AND AGE

Positions(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and
Length of
Time
Served1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

Jennifer Witt
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 38

Assistant Treasurer

2018 to present

Since 2020, Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (fund administrative services firm); from 2016 to 2020, Assistant Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services; from 2007 to 2016, Supervisor, Nuveen Investments (registered investment company).

N/A

N/A

Edward Paz
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 50

Assistant Secretary

2016 to present

Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm).

N/A

N/A

Michael P. Malloy
One Logan Square Ste. 2000 Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 62

Assistant Secretary

1999 to present

Since 1993, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

Jillian L. Bosmann
One Logan Square Ste. 2000 Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 42

Assistant Secretary

2017 to present

Since 2017, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

 

*

Each Director oversees 46 portfolios of the fund complex, consisting of the series in the Company and Penn Capital Funds Trust (7 portfolios).

 

1.

Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his or her successor is elected and qualified or his or her death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Carnall, Giordano, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.

 

2.

Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

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Directors and Officers (CONCLUDED)

(Unaudited)

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive-level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Carnall has decades of senior executive-level management experience in the banking and financial services industry and also serves on the boards of various corporations and a bank. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Mr. Shea has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the brokerage, clearing and investment services industry, including service on the boards of industry regulatory organizations and a university.

 

 

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INVESTMENT ADVISER

Red Gate Advisers, LLC
Gateway Corporate Center, Ste 216
223 Wilmington West Chester Pike Chadds Ford, PA 19317

 

INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISERS

Stance Capital, LLC
75 Central Street, 5th Floor
Boston, Massachusetts 02109

 

Vident Investment Advisory, LLC
1125 Sanctuary Parkway
Suite 515
Alpharetta, GA 30009

 

ADMINISTRATOR AND TRANSFER AGENT

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

 

CUSTODIAN

U.S. Bank, N.A.
1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Two Commerce Square, Suite 1800
2001 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103

 

UNDERWRITER

Vigilant Distributors, LLC
Gateway Corporate Center, Ste 216
223 Wilmington West Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317

 

LEGAL COUNSEL

Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
One Logan Square, Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103

 

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Item 2. Code of Ethics.

 

The registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer. The registrant has not made any substantive amendments to its code of ethics during the period covered by this report. The registrant has not granted any waivers from any provisions of the code of ethics during the period covered by this report. A copy of the registrant’s Code of Ethics is filed herewith.

 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

 

The registrant’s board of directors has determined that the registrant has at least one audit committee financial expert serving on its audit committee. Julian A. Brodsky, Gregory P. Chandler and Nicholas A. Giordano are the registrant’s audit committee financial experts and each of them is “independent.”

 

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

Audit Fees

 

(a)The aggregate fees billed for each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for the audit of the registrant's annual financial statements or services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years were:

 

  Fiscal Year 2021 Fiscal Year 2020
Ernst & Young LLP $676,775 $596,611
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP $266,548 $234,803
Tait, Weller & Baker $90,900 $88,900
Aggregate Fees $1,034,223 $920,314

 

Audit-Related Fees

 

  (b) The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for assurance and related services by the principal accountant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the registrant's financial statements and are not reported under paragraph (a) of this Item were related to review of the semi-annual reports and N-1A filings for Ernst & Young LLP and review of semi-annual reports for Tait, Weller & Baker and were as follows:

 

 

 

  Fiscal Year 2021 Fiscal Year 2020
Ernst & Young LLP $12,500 $17,400
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP $0 $0
Tait, Weller & Baker $2,300 $2,300
Aggregate Fees $14,800 $19,700

 

Tax Fees

 

(c)The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning were related to federal and state tax return review and excise distribution review and were as follows:

 

  Fiscal Year 2021 Fiscal Year 2020
Ernst & Young LLP $194,040 $162,228
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP $46,750 $42,140
Tait, Weller & Baker $17,300 $17,300
Aggregate Fees $258,090 $221,668

 

All Other Fees

 

(d)The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for products and services provided by the principal accountant, other than the services reported in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this Item were:

 

  Fiscal Year 2021 Fiscal Year 2020
Ernst & Young LLP $0 $0
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP $0 $0
Tait, Weller & Baker $0 $0
Aggregate Fees $0 $0

 

(e)(1)Disclose the audit committee’s pre-approval policies and procedures described in paragraph (c)(7) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.

 

Pre-Approval of Audit and Permitted Non-Audit Services

 

1.Pre-Approval Requirements of the Company. The Committee shall pre-approve all auditing services and permissible non-audit services (e.g., tax services) to be provided to the Company by the Auditor, including the fees associated with those services.

 

2.Pre-Approval Requirements of Affiliates. Additionally, the Committee shall pre-approve any engagement of the Auditor to provide non-audit services to an investment adviser of a Portfolio or to any affiliate of such investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the Company, if the engagement relates directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Company.

 

 

 

3.Delegation. The Committee may delegate to the Chairman of the Committee, or if the Chairman is not available, one or more of its members, the authority to grant pre-approvals. The decisions of any member to whom authority is delegated shall be presented to the full Committee at its next scheduled meeting.

 

4.Prohibited Services. The Committee shall confirm with the Auditor that the Auditor is not performing contemporaneously with the Company’s audit any prohibited non-audit services for the Company, any investment adviser of a Portfolio, or any affiliates of the Company or such investment advisers. The Auditor is responsible for informing the Committee of whether it believes that a particular service is permissible or prohibited pursuant to applicable regulations and standards.

 

(e)(2)The percentage of services described in each of paragraphs (b) through (d) of this Item that were approved by the audit committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X are as follows:

 

(b)Not applicable.

 

(c)Not applicable.

 

(d)Not applicable.

 

(f)The percentage of hours expended on the principal accountant’s engagement to audit the registrant’s financial statements for the most recent fiscal year that were attributed to work performed by persons other than the principal accountant’s full-time, permanent employees was not applicable.

 

(g)The aggregate non-audit fees billed by the registrant’s accountant for services rendered to the registrant, and rendered to the registrant’s investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant for each of the last two fiscal years of the registrant were:

 

  Fiscal Year 2021 Fiscal Year 2020
Ernst & Young LLP $206,540 $179,628
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP $46,750 $352,558
Tait, Weller & Baker $19,600 $19,600
Aggregate Fees $260,390 $551,786

 

(h)Not applicable.
(i)Not applicable.
(j)Not applicable.

 

 

 

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

 

Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

 

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 the shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s board of directors, 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 (17 CFR 229.407) (as required by Item 22(b)(15) of Schedule 14A (17 CFR 240.14a-101)), or this Item.

 

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

 

Item 13. Exhibits.

 

(a)(1) Senior Officer Code of Ethics, or any amendment thereto, that is the subject of disclosure required by Item 2 is attached hereto.

 

(a)(2) A separate certification for each principal executive officer and principal financial officer pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the 1940 Act is attached hereto.

 

(a)(3) Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

 

(a)(4) On May 13, 2021, the Board, upon the recommendation of the Fund’s audit committee, dismissed PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP as independent registered public accounting firm for the SGI Small Cap Growth Fund and selected Ernst & Young LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund.

 

The reports by PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP on the financial statements of the Fund as of and for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2020 and August 31, 2019, did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, nor were they qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles.

 

During the fiscal years ended August 31, 2020 and August 31, 2019 and the subsequent interim period from September 1, 2020 through May 13, 2021, there were no (1) disagreements with PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP on any matters of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedures, which disagreements if not resolved to their satisfaction would have caused them to make reference in connection with their opinion to the subject matter of the disagreements, or (2) reportable events of the kind described in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.

 

The Fund provided PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP with a copy of the foregoing disclosures. Attached as Exhibit 13(a)(4) is a copy of PwC’s letter, dated November 4, 2021, stating that it agrees with such statements.

 

During the Fund’s fiscal years ended August 31, 2020 and August 31, 2019 and the subsequent interim period from September 1, 2020 through May 13, 2021, neither the Fund, nor anyone on its behalf has consulted with Ernst & Young LLP on items which (i) concerned the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Fund’s financial statements or (ii) concerned the subject of a disagreement (as defined in paragraph (a)(1)(iv) of Item 304 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) or reportable events (as described in paragraph (a)(1)(v) of said Item 304).

 

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

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

(Registrant)  The RBB Fund, Inc.  
     
By (Signature and Title)* /s/ Salvatore Faia  
  Salvatore Faia, President  
  (principal executive officer)  
     
Date   11/3/21  

 

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/ Salvatore Faia  
  Salvatore Faia, President  
  (principal executive officer)  
     
Date 11/3/21  
     
By (Signature and Title)* /s/ James Shaw  
  James Shaw, Treasurer  
  (principal financial officer)  
     
Date 11/3/21  

 

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