N-CSRS 1 ust_ncsrs.htm N-CSRS

united states
securities and exchange commission
washington, d.c. 20549

form n-csr

certified shareholder report of registered management
investment companies

Investment Company Act file number 811-21237

 

Unified Series Trust

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450

Cincinnati, OH 45246

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip code)

 

Zachary P. Richmond

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC

225 Pictoria Drive. Suite 450

Cincinnati, OH 45246

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

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

 

Date of fiscal year end: 08/31

 

Date of reporting period: 02/28/2023

 

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

 

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

 

Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

 

(a)
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FISHER INVESTMENTS INSTITUTIONAL
GROUP FUND FAMILY

 

Semi-Annual Report

February 28, 2023

 

 

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group

All Foreign Equity Environmental and Social Values Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fund Adviser:

Fisher Asset Management, LLC

5525 NW Fisher Creek Drive

Camas, Washington 98607

(800) 851-8845

 

 

Investment Results (Unaudited)

 

Average Annual Total Returns as of February 28, 2023(a)
      Since
      Inception
Fund/Index Six Months One Year (7/17/20)
Fisher Investments Institutional Group All Foreign Equity      
Environmental and Social Values Fund 11.99% (7.20)% 4.58%
MSCI ACWI ex U.S. Index(b) 7.30% (7.19)% 4.46%
       
      Expense
      Ratios(c)
Gross     93.97%
With Applicable Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursements     0.68%
       

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

 

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

 

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

 

(c)The expense ratios are from the Fund’s prospectus dated December 29, 2022. Fisher Asset Management, LLC, d/b/a Fisher Investments (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or to reimburse the Fund’s other expenses in order to limit the Fund’s total annual operating expenses to 0.68% of the Fund’s average daily net assets through December 31, 2027 (excluding portfolio transaction and other investment-related costs (including brokerage fees and commissions); taxes; borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short); acquired fund fees and expenses; certain fees and expenses associated with investments in other collective investment vehicles or derivative instruments (including for example option and swap fees and expenses); any administrative and/or shareholder servicing fees payable pursuant to a plan adopted by the Board of Trustees; expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization; extraordinary expenses (such as litigation expenses, indemnification of Trust officers and Trustees and contractual indemnification of Fund service providers); and other expenses that the Trustees agree have not been incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business). This expense cap may not be terminated prior to this date except by the Board of Trustees. Each waiver/expense payment by the Adviser is subject to recoupment by the Adviser from the Fund in the three years

1

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)
 

following the date the particular waiver/expense payment occurred, but only if such recoupment can be achieved without exceeding the annual expense limitation in effect at the time of the waiver/ expense payment and any expense limitation in effect at the time of the recoupment. Additional information pertaining to the Fund’s expense ratios as of February 28, 2023 can be found in the financial highlights.

 

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

 

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

2

 

Fund Holdings (Unaudited)
 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group All Foreign Equity Environmental and Social Values Fund Holdings as of February 28, 2023*

 

(BAR CHAT)

 

*As a percentage of net assets.

 

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

 

Availability of Portfolio Schedule (Unaudited)
 

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

3

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group All Foreign Equity
Environmental and Social Values Fund
Schedule of Investments
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

COMMON STOCKS — 100.39%  Shares   Fair Value 
Argentina — 2.18%          
Consumer Discretionary — 2.18%          
MercadoLibre, Inc.(a)   3   $3,661 
Total Argentina        3,661 
           
Australia — 1.99%          
Health Care — 1.06%          
CSL Ltd.   9    1,794 
           
Technology — 0.93%          
XERO LTD(a)   30    1,568 
Total Australia        3,362 
           
Canada — 0.83%          
Technology — 0.83%          
Shopify, Inc., Class A(a)   34    1,399 
Total Canada        1,399 
           
China — 5.98%          
Communications — 1.94%          
NetEase, Inc. - ADR   19    1,475 
Tencent Holdings Ltd. - ADR   41    1,803 
         3,278 
Consumer Discretionary — 3.42%          
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. - ADR(a)   17    1,492 
Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd.   800    1,038 
Haier Smart Home Co. Ltd., H Shares   350    1,237 
JD.com, Inc. - ADR   26    1,155 
Meituan - ADR(a)   25    866 
         5,788 
Health Care — 0.62%          
WuXi Biologics Cayman Inc.(a)   150    1,045 
Total China        10,111 
           
Denmark — 3.94%          
Energy — 1.15%          
Vestas Wind Systems A/S   68    1,938 
           
Health Care — 2.79%          
Coloplast A/S - ADR   51    585 
Novo Nordisk A/S, Class B   29    4,104 
         4,689 
Total Denmark        6,627 
           
France — 16.46%          
Consumer Discretionary — 5.57%          
Cia Generale de Establissements Michelin SCA   51    1,604 
Hermes International SA   3    5,445 
Kering SA   4    2,349 
         9,398 
           

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

4

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group All Foreign Equity
Environmental and Social Values Fund
Schedule of Investments (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

COMMON STOCKS — 100.39% - continued  Shares   Fair Value 
France — 16.46% - continued          
Consumer Staples — 1.64%          
L’Oreal SA   7   $2,778 
           
Financials — 2.38%          
BNP Paribas SA   25    1,750 
Credit Agricole SA   116    1,419 
Societe Generale SA   29    838 
         4,007 
Health Care — 1.00%          
Sanofi   18    1,693 
           
Industrials — 1.66%          
Aeroports de Paris(a)   14    2,036 
Vinci SA - ADR   27    767 
         2,803 
Materials — 2.16%          
Cie de Saint-Gobain   61    3,635 
           
Technology — 2.05%          
Dassault Systems SE   65    2,516 
Teleperformance   2    521 
Worldline SA/France(a)   10    418 
         3,455 
Total France        27,769 
           
Germany — 6.95%          
Consumer Staples — 1.34%          
Beiersdorf AG   19    2,271 
           
Financials — 1.55%          
Deutsche Boerse AG   15    2,618 
           
Industrials — 3.45%          
Deutsche Post AG   69    2,929 
Siemens AG   19    2,909 
         5,838 
Technology — 0.61%          
SAP SE   9    1,023 
Total Germany        11,750 
           
Hong Kong — 0.72%          
Consumer Staples — 0.72%          
China Mengniu Dairy Co. Ltd.(a)   275    1,209 
Total Hong Kong        1,209 
           
India — 2.80%          
Financials — 1.69%          
HDFC Bank Ltd. - ADR   42    2,842 
           

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

5

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group All Foreign Equity
Environmental and Social Values Fund
Schedule of Investments (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

COMMON STOCKS — 100.39% - continued  Shares   Fair Value 
India — 2.80% - continued          
Technology — 1.11%          
Infosys Ltd. - ADR   104   $1,866 
Total India        4,708 
           
Indonesia — 1.62%          
Financials — 1.62%          
Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero Tbk PT - ADR   176    2,722 
Total Indonesia        2,722 
           
Israel — 1.38%          
Technology — 1.38%          
NICE-Systems Ltd. - ADR(a)   6    1,244 
Wix.com Ltd.(a)   12    1,086 
         2,330 
Total Israel        2,330 
           
Italy — 1.68%          
Energy — 1.15%          
Eni SpA   137    1,937 
           
Financials — 0.53%          
Intesa Sanpaolo SpA   329    892 
Total Italy        2,829 
           
Japan — 10.12%          
Communications — 0.86%          
M3, Inc.   61    1,457 
           
Health Care — 1.64%          
Eisai Co Ltd - ADR   56    752 
Hoya Corp. - ADR   12    1,181 
Terumo Corp. - ADR   31    837 
         2,770 
Industrials — 7.01%          
Daifuku Co. Ltd. - ADR   40    545 
FANUC Corp. - ADR   105    1,783 
Keyence Corp.   14    6,055 
Kubota Corp.   100    1,510 
Recruit Holdings Co. Ltd. - ADR   356    1,908 
         11,801 
Technology — 0.61%          
OBIC Co. Ltd.   7    1,025 
Total Japan        17,053 
           
Korea (Republic of) — 4.87%          
Communications — 0.84%          
NAVER Corp.   9    1,421 
           

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

6

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group All Foreign Equity
Environmental and Social Values Fund
Schedule of Investments (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

COMMON STOCKS — 100.39% - continued  Shares   Fair Value 
Korea (Republic of) — 4.87% - continued          
Financials — 1.31%          
KB Financial Group, Inc.   57   $2,214 
           
Technology — 2.72%          
Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.   100    4,589 
Total Korea (Republic of)        8,224 
           
Netherlands — 10.75%          
Consumer Discretionary — 0.83%          
Stellantis NV   80    1,401 
           
Financials — 0.72%          
ING Groep NV   87    1,221 
           
Technology — 9.20%          
Adyen NV(a)   1    1,423 
ASML Holding NV   12    7,413 
NXP Semiconductors NV   27    4,819 
Wolters Kluwer NV   16    1,853 
         15,508 
Total Netherlands        18,130 
           
Norway — 1.26%          
Energy — 1.26%          
Equinor ASA   69    2,127 
Total Norway        2,127 
           
Spain — 3.35%          
Consumer Discretionary — 0.99%          
Industria de Diseno Textil SA   54    1,662 
           
Energy — 1.87%          
Repsol SA   199    3,160 
           
Financials — 0.49%          
Banco Santander SA   209    823 
Total Spain        5,645 
           
Sweden — 0.89%          
Consumer Discretionary — 0.89%          
H&M Hennes & Mauritz AB, Class B   119    1,501 
Total Sweden        1,501 
           
Switzerland — 1.44%          
Industrials — 1.44%          
ABB Ltd.   73    2,430 
Total Switzerland        2,430 
           

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

7

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group All Foreign Equity
Environmental and Social Values Fund
Schedule of Investments (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

COMMON STOCKS — 100.39% - continued  Shares   Fair Value 
Taiwan Province of China — 4.28%          
Technology — 4.28%          
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. - ADR   83   $7,227 
Total Taiwan Province of China        7,227 
           
United Kingdom — 16.90%          
Communications — 0.79%          
WPP PLC   108    1,330 
           
Consumer Discretionary — 1.02%          
Next PLC   21    1,728 
Consumer Staples — 2.68%          
Coca-Cola European Partners PLC   53    2,915 
Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC   23    1,594 
         4,509 
Energy — 1.55%          
BP PLC   395    2,616 
           
Financials — 1.10%          
Barclays PLC   587    1,233 
London Stock Exchange Group PLC   7    626 
         1,859 
Health Care — 1.94%          
AstraZeneca PLC   25    3,272 
           
Materials — 5.88%          
Anglo American PLC   93    3,227 
Antofagasta PLC   206    3,890 
Rio Tinto PLC   41    2,817 
         9,934 
Technology — 1.94%          
Experian PLC   97    3,272 
Total United Kingdom        28,520 
Total Common Stocks (Cost $156,899)        169,334 
           
MONEY MARKET FUNDS - 9.30%          
First American Government Obligations Fund, Class X, 4.37%(b)   15,680    15,680 
           
Total Money Market Funds (Cost $15,680)        15,680 
           
Total Investments — 109.69% (Cost $172,579)        185,014 
           
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (9.69)%        (16,350)
           
NET ASSETS — 100.00%       $168,664 
           
(a)Non-income producing security.

 

(b)Rate disclosed is the seven day effective yield as of February 28, 2023.

 

ADR - American Depositary Receipt.

 

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

8

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group All Foreign Equity
Environmental and Social Values Fund
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

Assets     
Investments in securities at fair value (cost $172,579)  $185,014 
Dividends receivable   300 
Receivable from Adviser   13,394 
Prepaid expenses   2,100 
Total Assets   200,808 
      
Liabilities     
Payable to affiliates   12,178 
Accrued audit and tax fees   9,937 
Other accrued expenses   10,029 
Total Liabilities   32,144 
Net Assets  $168,664 
      
Net Assets consist of:     
Paid-in capital  $159,993 
Accumulated earnings   8,671 
Net Assets  $168,664 
Shares outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized, no par value)   15,838 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share  $10.65 
      

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

9

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group All Foreign Equity
Environmental and Social Values Fund
Statement of Operations
For the six months ended February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

Investment Income     
Dividend income (net of foreign taxes withheld of $219)  $1,213 
Total investment income   1,213 
      
Expenses     
Administration   24,730 
Legal   9,655 
Audit and tax   9,348 
Trustee   7,886 
Custodian   7,516 
Compliance services   5,960 
Transfer agent   5,951 
Report printing   2,395 
Pricing   2,347 
Registration   803 
Adviser   474 
Miscellaneous   13,097 
Total expenses   90,162 
Fees waived and expenses reimbursed by Adviser   (89,633)
Net operating expenses   529 
Net investment income   684 
      
Net Realized and Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments     
Net realized loss on investment securities transactions   (991)
Net realized loss on foreign currency translations   (29)
Net change in unrealized appreciation of investment securities   18,307 
Net change in unrealized appreciation of foreign currency   4 
Net realized and change in unrealized gain on investments   17,291 
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations  $17,975 
      

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

10

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group All Foreign Equity
Environmental and Social Values Fund
Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   For the Six     
   Months Ended   For the Year 
   February 28,   Ended August 
   2023   31, 2022 
   (Unaudited)     
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets due to:          
Operations          
Net investment income  $684   $2,838 
Net realized loss on investment securities transactions   (1,020)   (1,345)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investment securities   18,311    (59,177)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   17,975    (57,684)
           
Distributions From:          
Earnings   (2,634)   (6,731)
Total distributions   (2,634)   (6,731)
           
Capital Transactions          
Reinvestment of distributions   2,634    6,730 
Amount paid for shares redeemed       (11)
Net increase in net assets resulting from capital transactions   2,634    6,719 
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets   17,975    (57,696)
           
Net Assets          
Beginning of period   150,689    208,385 
End of period  $168,664   $150,689 
           
Share Transactions          
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions   263    521 
Shares redeemed       (1)
Net increase in shares   263    520 
           

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

11

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group All Foreign Equity
Environmental and Social Values Fund
Financial Highlights
 
(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the Six           For the 
   Months   For the   For the   Period 
   Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended   Ended 
   February   August 31,   August 31,   August 31, 
   28, 2023   2022   2021   2020(a) 
   (Unaudited)             
Selected Per Share Data:                    
Net asset value, beginning of period  $9.67   $13.84   $10.36   $10.00 
Investment operations:                    
Net investment income   0.04    0.19    0.14    0.01 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)   1.11    (3.91)   3.38    0.35 
Total from investment operations   1.15    (3.72)   3.52    0.36 
Less distributions to shareholders from:                    
Net investment income   (0.17)   (0.16)   (0.04)    
Net realized gains       (0.29)        
Total distributions   (0.17)   (0.45)   (0.04)    
Net asset value, end of period  $10.65   $9.67   $13.84   $10.36 
Total Return(b)   11.99(c)   (27.71)%   34.07%   3.60(c)
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                    
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $169   $151   $208   $155 
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.68(d)   0.68%   0.68%   0.68(d)
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets before waiver and reimbursement   115.93(d)   93.97%   80.18%   201.44(d)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   0.88(d)   1.56%   1.15%   0.98(d)
Portfolio turnover rate   12(c)   22%   17%   4(c)
                     
(a)For the period July 17, 2020 (commencement of operations) to August 31, 2020.

 

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

 

(c)Not annualized.

 

(d)Annualized.

 

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

12

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group All Foreign Equity
Environmental and Social Values Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION

 

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

 

NOTE 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

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

 

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

 

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

13

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group All Foreign Equity
Environmental and Social Values Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

of investment income and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts actually received or paid. The change in unrealized currency gains (losses) on foreign currency translations for the period is reflected in the Statement of Operations.

 

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

 

As of and during the six months ended February 28, 2023, the Fund did not have any liabilities for any unrecognized tax benefits. The Fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense in the Statement of Operations when incurred. During the six months ended February 28, 2023, the Fund did not incur any interest or penalties. Management of the Fund has reviewed tax positions taken in tax years that remain subject to examination by all major tax jurisdictions, including federal (i.e., the previous three tax year ends and the interim tax period since then, as applicable) and has concluded that no provision for unrecognized tax benefits or expenses is required in these financial statements and does not expect this to change over the next twelve months.

 

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

 

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

 

Dividends and Distributions – The Fund intends to distribute its net investment income and net realized long-term and short-term capital gains, if any, at least annually. Dividends and distributions to shareholders, which are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The treatment for financial reporting

14

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group All Foreign Equity
Environmental and Social Values Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

purposes of distributions made to shareholders during the period from net investment income or net realized capital gains may differ from their ultimate treatment for federal income tax purposes. These differences are caused primarily by differences in the timing of the recognition of certain components of income, expense or realized capital gain for federal income tax purposes. Where such differences are permanent in nature, they are reclassified among the components of net assets based on their ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. Any such reclassifications will have no effect on net assets, results of operations or net asset value (“NAV”) per share of the Fund.

 

NOTE 3. SECURITIES VALUATION AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

15

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group All Foreign Equity
Environmental and Social Values Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

16

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group All Foreign Equity
Environmental and Social Values Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

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

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 28, 2023:

 

       Valuation Inputs         
Assets  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Common Stocks(a)  $169,334   $   $   $169,334 
Money Market Funds   15,680            15,680 
Total  $185,014   $   $   $185,014 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

The Adviser, under the terms of the management agreement (the “Agreement”) with the Trust with respect to the Fund, manages the Fund’s investments. As compensation for its management services, the Fund is obligated to pay the Adviser a management fee computed and accrued daily and paid monthly at an annual rate of 0.61% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. For the six months ended February 28, 2023, the Adviser earned management fees of $474 from the Fund before the waiver and reimbursement described below.

17

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group All Foreign Equity
Environmental and Social Values Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or to reimburse the Fund’s other expenses in order to limit the Fund’s total annual operating expenses to 0.68% of the Fund’s average daily net assets through December 31, 2027 (excluding portfolio transaction and other investment-related costs (including brokerage fees and commissions); taxes; borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short); acquired fund fees and expenses; fees and expenses associated with investments in other collective investment vehicles or derivative instruments (including for example option and swap fees and expenses); any amounts payable pursuant to a distribution or service plan adopted in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act; any administrative and/ or shareholder servicing fees payable pursuant to a plan adopted by the Board; expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization; extraordinary expenses (such as litigation expenses, indemnification of Trust officers and Trustees and contractual indemnification of Fund service providers); and other expenses that the Trustees agree have not been incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business. This expense cap may not be terminated prior to this date except by the Board). For the six months ended February 28, 2023, the Adviser waived fees and reimbursed expenses in the amount of $89,633 for the Fund. At February 28, 2023, the Adviser owed the Fund $13,394.

 

Each expense payment by the Adviser (but not management fee waiver) is subject to recoupment by the Adviser from the Fund in the three years following the date the particular expense payment occurred, but only if such recoupment can be achieved without exceeding the annual expense limitation in effect at the time of the expense payment and any expense limitation in effect at the time of the recoupment. As of February 28, 2023, the Adviser may seek repayment of expense reimbursements in amounts as follows:

 

Recoverable Through 
August 31, 2023  $35,943 
August 31, 2024   147,330 
August 31, 2025   169,173 
February 28, 2026   89,633 

 

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

 

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

18

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group All Foreign Equity
Environmental and Social Values Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

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

 

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

 

The Board supervises the business activities of the Trust. Each Trustee serves as a trustee until termination of the Trust unless the Trustee dies, resigns, retires, or is removed. The Chairman of the Board and more than 75% of the Trustees are “Independent Trustees”, which means that they are not “interested persons” as defined in the 1940 Act. The Independent Trustees review and establish compensation at least annually. Each Independent Trustee of the Trust receives annual compensation, which is an established amount paid quarterly per fund in the Trust at the time of the regular quarterly Board meetings. The Chairman of the Board receives the highest compensation, commensurate with his additional duties and each Chair of a committee receives additional compensation as well. Independent Trustees also receive $1,000 for attending any special meeting that requires an in-person approval of a contract and $250 for the first hour and $200 for each additional hour for attending other special meetings. In addition, the Trust reimburses Independent Trustees for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in conjunction with attendance at meetings.

 

NOTE 5. INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS

 

For the six months ended February 28, 2023, purchases and sales of investment securities, other than short-term investments, were $18,533 and $23,526, respectively.

 

There were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. government obligations during the six months ended February 28, 2023.

 

NOTE 6. BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP

 

The beneficial ownership, either directly or indirectly, of more than 25% of the voting securities of a fund creates a presumption of control of a fund, under Section 2(a)(9) of the 1940 Act. As of February 28, 2023, the Adviser owned 100% of the Fund’s outstanding shares. As a result, the Adviser may be deemed to control the Fund.

 

NOTE 7. FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION

 

At February 28, 2023, the net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) and tax cost of investments for tax purposes was as follows:

 

Gross unrealized appreciation  $29,521 
Gross unrealized depreciation  $(17,385)
Net unrealized appreciation on investments  $12,136 
Tax cost of investments  $172,878 

19

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group All Foreign Equity
Environmental and Social Values Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

The tax character of distributions paid for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022, the Fund’s most recent fiscal year end, was as follows:

 

Distributions paid from:     
Ordinary income(a)  $4,604 
Long-term capital gains   2,127 
Total distributions paid  $6,731 

 

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

 

At August 31, 2022, the components of accumulated earnings (deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed ordinary income  $2,204 
Accumulated capital and other losses   (2,565)
Unrealized depreciation on investments   (6,309)
Total accumulated deficit  $(6,670)

 

NOTE 8. SECTOR RISK

 

If the Fund has significant investments in the securities of issuers within a particular sector, any development affecting that sector will have a greater impact on the value of the net assets of the Fund than would be the case if the Fund did not have significant investments in that sector. In addition, this may increase the risk of loss in the Fund and increase the volatility of the Fund’s NAV per share. For instance, economic or market factors, regulatory changes or other developments may negatively impact all companies in a particular sector, and therefore the value of the Fund’s portfolio will be adversely affected. As of February 28, 2023, the Fund had 25.66% of the value of its net assets invested in stocks within the Technology sector.

 

NOTE 9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

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

20

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group All Foreign Equity
Environmental and Social Values Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 10. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

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

21

 

Summary of Fund Expenses (Unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution (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 funds. You may pay brokerage commissions on purchases and sales of exchange-traded fund shares, which are not reflected in the example. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from September 1, 2022 through February 28, 2023.

 

Actual Expenses

 

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

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

 

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

 

   Beginning   Ending        
   Account   Account   Expenses    
   Value   Value   Paid   Annualized
   September   February   During   Expense
   1, 2022   28, 2023   Period(a)   Ratio
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,119.90   $3.57   0.68%
Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00   $1,021.42   $3.41   0.68%

 

(a)Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

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

22

 

Investment Management Agreement Renewal (Unaudited)

 

The Fisher Investments Institutional Group All Foreign Equity Environmental and Social Values Fund (the “Fund”) is a series of Unified Series Trust (the “Trust”). The Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board” or the “Trustees”) oversees the management of the Fund and, as required by law, considered the approval of the continuance of the Fund’s management agreement with its investment adviser, Fisher Asset Management, LLC (“Fisher”).

 

The Board requested and evaluated all information that the Trustees deemed reasonably necessary under the circumstances in connection with the renewal of the management agreement.

 

The Trustees held a teleconference on February 15, 2023 to review and discuss materials provided by Fisher and the Trust’s CCO, which were compiled by Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, the Trust’s administrator, with regard to renewal of the management agreement between the Trust and Fisher. At the Trustees’ quarterly meeting held in February 2023, the Board interviewed certain executives of Fisher, including Fisher’s Vice President and Senior Relationship Manager. After discussion, the Trustees, including the Trustees who are not “interested persons” (as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) of the Trust or Fisher (the “Independent Trustees”), approved the continuance of the management agreement between the Trust and Fisher for an additional year. The Trustees’ continuance of the Fund’s management agreement was based on a consideration of all the information provided to the Trustees and was not the result of any single factor. Some of the factors that figured particularly in the Trustees’ deliberations are described below, although individual Trustees may have evaluated this information differently, ascribing different weights to various factors.

 

(i) The Nature, Extent, and Quality of Services. The Trustees reviewed and considered information regarding the nature, extent, and quality of services that Fisher provides to the Fund, which include, but are not limited to, providing a continuous investment program for the Fund, adhering to the Fund’s investment restrictions, complying with the Trust’s policies and procedures, and voting proxies on behalf of the Fund. The Trustees considered the qualifications and experience of Fisher’s portfolio managers who are responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio, as well as the qualifications and experience of the other individuals at Fisher who provide services to the Fund. The Trustees further reviewed and considered Fisher’s compliance program and its team members, including the Trust CCO’s compliance review with respect to Fisher and the Fund. The Trustees concluded that they were impressed with the consistency of the nature, extent, and quality of investment management services provided by Fisher to the Fund.

 

(ii) Fund Performance. The Trustees next reviewed and discussed in detail the performance of the Fund for periods ended December 31, 2022. The Trustees noted that the Fund had outperformed the median of its peer group and Morningstar Foreign Large Growth category but underperformed its benchmark, the MSCI ACWI ex U.S. Index, for the one-year and since inception periods. The Board acknowledged that Fisher attributed much of the Fund’s underperformance relative to its benchmark to country allocation and an overweight to, and equity selection within, the information technology sector. The Trustees noted that Fisher does not manage accounts comparable to the Fund. Based upon the foregoing, the Trustees concluded the performance of the Fund is acceptable.

 

(iii) Fee Rate and Profitability. The Trustees reviewed a fee and expense comparison for the Fund. The Trustees noted that the management fee of the Fund is below the averages and medians of the Fund’s Morningstar category and peer group. The Trustees further observed that the Fund’s

23

 

Investment Management Agreement Renewal (Unaudited) (continued)

 

net expense ratio was below the medians and averages of its Morningstar category and peer group. The Trustees also noted that Fisher has committed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse expenses of the Fund through at least December 31, 2027.

 

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

 

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

24

 

PRIVACY NOTICE

 

Rev: January 2020

 

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

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

 

■    Social Security number

 

■    account balances and account transactions

 

■    transaction or loss history and purchase history

 

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

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

 

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

For our everyday business purposes—

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

Yes No

For our marketing purposes—

to offer our products and services to you

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

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes—

information about your transactions and experiences

No We don’t share

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes—

information about your creditworthiness

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

 

Questions? Call (800) 851-8845

25

 

Who we are
Who is providing this  notice?

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

Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC (Distributor)

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (Administrator)

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

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

 

■    open an account or deposit money

 

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

 

We also collect your personal information from other companies.

Why can’t I limit  all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

 

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

 

■    affiliates from using your information to market to you

 

■    sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

 

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

Definitions
Affiliates

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

 

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

Nonaffiliates

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

 

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

Joint marketing

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

 

■    The Fund does not jointly market.

26

 

Proxy Voting

 

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

 

 

TRUSTEES
Daniel J. Condon, Chairman
David R. Carson
Kenneth G.Y. Grant 
Freddie Jacobs, Jr.
Catharine B. McGauley
Ronald C. Tritschler 
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Cohen & Company, Ltd.
151 North Franklin Street, Suite 575
Chicago, IL 60606 
   
   

OFFICERS
Martin R. Dean, President

GwenethK. Gosselink, Chief Compliance Officer 

Zachary P. Richmond, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

Lynn E. Wood, Assistant Chief
Compliance Officer

LEGAL COUNSEL
Thompson Hine LLP
312 Walnut Street, 20th Floor
Cincinnati, OH 45202
   
   
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Fisher Asset Management, LLC
5525 NW Fisher Creek Drive
Camas, WA 98607
CUSTODIAN
U.S. Bank, N.A.
425 Walnut Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
   
   
DISTRIBUTOR
Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC
225 PictoriaDrive, Suite 450
Cincinnati, OH 45246

ADMINISTRATOR, TRANSFER

AGENT AND FUND ACCOUNTANT
Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC
225 PictoriaDrive, Suite 450
Cincinnati, OH 45246

   

 

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

 

Distributed by Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC

 

Member FINRA/SIPC

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fisher1-SAR-23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FISHER INVESTMENTS INSTITUTIONAL
GROUP FUND FAMILY

 

 

 

 

Semi-Annual Report

February 28, 2023

 

 

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fund Adviser:

Fisher Asset Management, LLC

5525 NW Fisher Creek Drive

Camas, Washington 98607

(800) 851-8845

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment Results (Unaudited)

 

 

Average Annual Total Returns as of February 28, 2023(a)
      Since
      Inception
Fund/Index Six Months One Year (7/17/20)
Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Large Cap Equity Environmental and Social Values Fund 4.53% (11.01)% 8.93%
S&P 500 Index(b) 1.26% (7.69)% 9.97%
       
      Expense
      Ratios(c)
Gross     71.11%
With Applicable Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursements     0.47%
       

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

 

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

 

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

 

(c)The expense ratios are from the Fund’s prospectus dated December 29, 2022. Fisher Asset Management, LLC, d/b/a Fisher Investments (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or to reimburse the Fund’s other expenses in order to limit the Fund’s total annual operating expenses to 0.47% of the Fund’s average daily net assets through December 31, 2027 (excluding portfolio transaction and other investment-related costs (including brokerage fees and commissions); taxes; borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short); acquired fund fees and expenses; certain fees and expenses associated with investments in other collective investment vehicles or derivative instruments (including for example option and swap fees and expenses); any administrative and/or shareholder servicing fees payable pursuant to a plan adopted by the Board of Trustees; expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization; extraordinary expenses (such as litigation expenses, indemnification of Trust officers and Trustees and contractual indemnification of Fund service providers); and other expenses that the Trustees agree have not been incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business). This expense

1

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)
 

cap may not be terminated prior to this date except by the Board of Trustees. Each waiver/expense payment by the Adviser is subject to recoupment by the Adviser from the Fund in the three years following the date the particular waiver/expense payment occurred, but only if such recoupment can be achieved without exceeding the annual expense limitation in effect at the time of the waiver/ expense payment and any expense limitation in effect at the time of the recoupment. Additional information pertaining to the Fund’s expense ratios as of February 28, 2023 can be found in the financial highlights.

 

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

 

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

2

 

Fund Holdings (Unaudited)
 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Large Cap Equity Environmental and Social Values Fund Holdings as of February 28, 2023*

 

(BAR CHAT)

 

*As a percentage of net assets.

 

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

 

Availability of Portfolio Schedule (Unaudited)
 

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

3

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Large Cap
Equity Environmental and Social Values Fund
Schedule of Investments
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

COMMON STOCKS — 98.86%  Shares   Fair Value 
Communications — 6.25%          
Alphabet, Inc., Class A(a)   57   $5,133 
Meta Platforms, Inc., Class A(a)   23    4,024 
Netflix, Inc.(a)   8    2,577 
         11,734 
Consumer Discretionary — 12.24%          
Amazon.com, Inc.(a)   57    5,371 
Aptiv PLC(a)   14    1,628 
Ford Motor Co.   111    1,340 
General Motors Co.   33    1,278 
Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc.   8    1,157 
Home Depot, Inc. (The)   24    7,116 
KB Home   65    2,293 
NIKE, Inc., Class B   14    1,663 
Yum! Brands, Inc.   9    1,144 
         22,990 
Consumer Staples — 2.19%          
Costco Wholesale Corp.   4    1,937 
General Mills, Inc.   18    1,431 
Kimberly-Clark Corp.   6    750 
         4,118 
Energy — 5.62%          
ConocoPhillips   21    2,170 
Exxon Mobil Corp.   10    1,099 
Halliburton Co.   47    1,703 
Hess Corp.   20    2,695 
Pioneer Natural Resources Co.   8    1,603 
Schlumberger Ltd.   24    1,277 
         10,547 
Financials — 10.25%          
American Express Co.   24    4,176 
Bank of America Corp.   47    1,612 
BlackRock, Inc.   6    4,137 
First Republic Bank   14    1,722 
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)   11    3,868 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.   15    2,150 
T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.   14    1,572 
         19,237 
Health Care — 9.76%          
Abbott Laboratories   15    1,526 
Align Technology, Inc.(a)   7    2,167 
Amgen, Inc.   5    1,158 
Biogen, Inc.(a)   6    1,620 
DexCom, Inc.(a)   11    1,221 
IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.(a)   3    1,420 
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.(a)   14    3,210 
Johnson & Johnson   5    766 
           

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

4

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Large Cap
Equity Environmental and Social Values Fund
Schedule of Investments (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

COMMON STOCKS — 98.86% - continued  Shares   Fair Value 
Health Care — 9.76% - continued          
Medtronic PLC   16   $1,325 
Merck & Co., Inc.   21    2,232 
Pfizer, Inc.   20    811 
ResMed, Inc.   4    852 
Viatris, Inc.   1    11 
         18,319 
Industrials — 9.33%          
3M Co.   7    754 
Caterpillar, Inc.   11    2,635 
Cummins, Inc.   5    1,215 
Eaton Corp. PLC   13    2,274 
Emerson Electric Co.   12    993 
HEICO Corp.   10    1,656 
Norfolk Southern Corp.   4    899 
Otis Worldwide Corp.   14    1,185 
Rockwell Automation, Inc.   12    3,538 
United Parcel Service, Inc., Class B   13    2,373 
         17,522 
Materials — 2.68%          
Nucor Corp.   30    5,023 
           
Real Estate — 0.79%          
Prologis, Inc.   12    1,481 
           
Technology — 39.75%          
Adobe, Inc.(a)   9    2,916 
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.(a)   81    6,365 
Apple, Inc.   93    13,709 
Autodesk, Inc.(a)   10    1,987 
Cisco Systems, Inc.   38    1,840 
Intel Corp.   41    1,022 
Marvell Technology, Inc.   50    2,258 
Microsoft Corp.   42    10,476 
MSCI, Inc.   10    5,221 
NVIDIA Corp.   46    10,679 
Oracle Corp.   28    2,447 
PayPal Holdings, Inc.(a)   36    2,650 
QUALCOMM, Inc.   15    1,853 
salesforce.com, Inc.(a)   30    4,908 
Texas Instruments, Inc.   15    2,572 
Visa, Inc., Class A   17    3,739 
         74,642 
Total Common Stocks (Cost $160,197)        185,613 
           
MONEY MARKET FUNDS - 8.25%          
First American Government Obligations Fund, Class X, 4.37%(b)   15,490    15,490 
Total Money Market Funds (Cost $15,490)        15,490 
           

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

5

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Large Cap
Equity Environmental and Social Values Fund
Schedule of Investments (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

COMMON STOCKS — 98.86% - continued  Shares   Fair Value 
Total Investments — 107.11% (Cost $175,687)       $201,103 
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (7.11)%        (13,354)
NET ASSETS — 100.00%       $187,749 
           
(a)Non-income producing security.

 

(b)Rate disclosed is the seven day effective yield as of February 28, 2023.

 

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

6

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Large Cap
Equity Environmental and Social Values Fund
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

Assets     
Investments in securities at fair value (cost $175,687)  $201,103 
Receivable for investments sold   1,883 
Dividends receivable   278 
Receivable from Adviser   12,117 
Prepaid expenses   2,097 
Total Assets   217,478 
      
Liabilities     
Payable for investments purchased   2,257 
Payable to   12,179 
Accrued audit and tax fees   9,664 
Other accrued expenses   5,629 
Total Liabilities   29,729 
Net Assets  $187,749 
      
Net Assets consist of:     
Paid-in capital  $160,611 
Accumulated earnings   27,138 
Net Assets  $187,749 
Shares outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized, no par value)   15,839 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share  $11.85 
      

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

7

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Large Cap
Equity Environmental and Social Values Fund
Statement of Operations
For the six months ended February 28, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Investment Income     
Dividend income  $1,373 
Total investment income   1,373 
      
Expenses     
Administration   24,730 
Legal   9,656 
Audit and tax   9,075 
Trustee   7,886 
Compliance services   5,960 
Transfer agent   5,951 
Report printing   2,372 
Custodian   1,240 
Registration   803 
Pricing   465 
Adviser   354 
Miscellaneous   10,223 
Total expenses   78,715 
Fees waived and expenses reimbursed by Adviser   (78,299)
Net operating expenses   416 
Net investment income   957 
      
Net Realized and Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments     
Net realized gain on investment securities transactions   783 
Net change in unrealized appreciation of investment securities   6,395 
Net realized and change in unrealized gain on investments   7,178 
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations  $8,135 
      

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

8

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Large Cap
Equity Environmental and Social Values Fund
Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   For the Six     
   Months Ended   For the Year 
   February 28,   Ended August 
   2023   31, 2022 
   (Unaudited)     
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets due to:          
Operations          
Net investment income  $957   $1,406 
Net realized gain on investment securities transactions   783    7,217 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investment securities   6,395    (58,231)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   8,135    (49,608)
           
Distributions From:          
Earnings   (1,063)   (4,897)
Net realized gains   (4,150)    
Total distributions   (5,213)   (4,897)
           
Capital Transactions          
Reinvestment of distributions   5,213    4,896 
Amount paid for shares redeemed       (13)
Net increase in net assets resulting from capital transactions   5,213    4,883 
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets   8,135    (49,622)
           
Net Assets          
Beginning of period   179,614    229,236 
End of period  $187,749   $179,614 
           
Share Transactions          
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions   479    317 
Shares redeemed       (1)
Net increase in shares   479    316 
           

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

9

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Large Cap
Equity Environmental and Social Values Fund
Financial Highlights
 
(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the Six           For the 
   Months   For the   For the   Period 
   Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended   Ended 
   February   August 31,   August 31,   August 31, 
   28, 2023   2022   2021   2020(a) 
   (Unaudited)             
Selected Per Share Data:                    
Net asset value, beginning of period  $11.69   $15.24   $11.20   $10.00 
                     
Investment operations:                    
Net investment income   0.06    0.09    0.07    0.01 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)   0.44    (3.32)   4.00    1.19 
Total from investment operations   0.50    (3.23)   4.07    1.20 
                     
Less distributions to shareholders from:                    
Net investment income   (0.07)   (0.07)   (0.03)    
Net realized gains   (0.27)   (0.25)        
Total distributions   (0.34)   (0.32)   (0.03)    
                     
Net asset value, end of period  $11.85   $11.69   $15.24   $11.20 
                     
Total Return(b)   4.53(c)   (21.68)%   36.46%   12.00(c)
                     
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                    
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $188   $180   $229   $168 
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.47(d)   0.47%   0.47%   0.47(d)
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets before waiver and reimbursement   89.04(d)   71.11%   74.51%   185.76(d)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   1.08(d)   0.67%   0.60%   0.60(d)
Portfolio turnover rate   15(c)   12%   9%   (c)
                     
(a)For the period July 17, 2020 (commencement of operations) to August 31, 2020.

 

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

 

(c)Not annualized.

 

(d)Annualized.

 

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

10

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Large Cap
Equity Environmental and Social Values Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION

 

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

 

NOTE 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

As of and during the six months ended February 28, 2023, the Fund did not have any liabilities for any unrecognized tax benefits. The Fund recognizes interest and penalties,

11

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Large Cap
Equity Environmental and Social Values Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense in the Statement of Operations when incurred. During the six months ended February 28, 2023, the Fund did not incur any interest or penalties. Management of the Fund has reviewed tax positions taken in tax years that remain subject to examination by all major tax jurisdictions, including federal (i.e., the previous three tax year ends and the interim tax period since then, as applicable) and has concluded that no provision for unrecognized tax benefits or expenses is required in these financial statements and does not expect this to change over the next twelve months.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

NOTE 3. SECURITIES VALUATION AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

The Fund values its portfolio securities at fair value as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each business day the NYSE is open for business. Fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive upon selling an investment in a timely transaction to an independent buyer in the principal or most advantageous market of the investment. GAAP establishes

12

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Large Cap
Equity Environmental and Social Values Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

a three-tier hierarchy to maximize the use of observable market data and minimize the use of unobservable inputs and to establish classification of fair value measurements for disclosure purposes.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Equity securities that are traded on any stock exchange are generally valued at the last quoted sale price on the security’s primary exchange. Lacking a last sale price, an exchange-traded security is generally valued at its last bid price. Securities traded in the Nasdaq over-the-counter market are generally valued at the Nasdaq Official Closing Price. When using market quotations and when the market is considered active, the security is classified as a Level 1 security. In the event that market quotations are not readily available or are considered unreliable due to market or other events, securities are valued in good

13

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Large Cap
Equity Environmental and Social Values Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

faith by the Adviser, as Valuation Designee, under oversight of the Board. The Adviser has adopted written policies and procedures for valuing securities and other assets in circumstances where market quotes are not readily available. In the event that market quotes are not readily available, and the security or asset cannot be valued pursuant to one of the valuation methods, the value of the security or asset will be determined in good faith by the Adviser pursuant to its policies and procedures. The Trust’s administrator maintains a pricing review committee that will review any fair value provided by the Valuation Designee, subject to the ultimate review of the pricing methodology by the Pricing & Liquidity Committee of the Board on a quarterly basis. Under these policies, the securities will be classified as Level 2 or 3 within the fair value hierarchy, depending on the inputs used.

 

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

 

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

14

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Large Cap
Equity Environmental and Social Values Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 28, 2023:

 

       Valuation Inputs         
Assets  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Common Stocks(a)  $185,613   $   $   $185,613 
Money Market Funds   15,490            15,490 
Total  $201,103   $   $   $201,103 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

The Adviser, under the terms of the management agreement (the “Agreement”) with the Trust with respect to the Fund, manages the Fund’s investments. As compensation for its management services, the Fund is obligated to pay the Adviser a management fee computed and accrued daily and paid monthly at an annual rate of 0.40% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. For the six months ended February 28, 2023, the Adviser earned management fees of $354 from the Fund before the waiver and reimbursement described below.

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or to reimburse the Fund’s other expenses in order to limit the Fund’s total annual operating expenses to 0.47% of the Fund’s average daily net assets through December 31, 2027 (excluding portfolio transaction and other investment-related costs (including brokerage fees and commissions); taxes; borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short); acquired fund fees and expenses; fees and expenses associated with investments in other collective investment vehicles or derivative instruments (including for example option and swap fees and expenses); any amounts payable pursuant to a distribution or service plan adopted in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act; any administrative and/ or shareholder servicing fees payable pursuant to a plan adopted by the Board; expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization; extraordinary expenses (such as litigation expenses, indemnification of Trust officers and Trustees and contractual indemnification of Fund service providers); and other expenses that the Trustees agree have not been incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business. This expense cap may not be terminated prior to this date except by the Board). For the six months ended February 28, 2023, the Adviser waived fees and reimbursed expenses in the amount of $78,299 for the Fund. At February 28, 2023, the Adviser owed the Fund $12,117.

15

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Large Cap
Equity Environmental and Social Values Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

Each expense payment by the Adviser (but not management fee waiver) is subject to recoupment by the Adviser from the Fund in the three years following the date the particular expense payment occurred, but only if such recoupment can be achieved without exceeding the annual expense limitation in effect at the time of the expense payment and any expense limitation in effect at the time of the recoupment. As of February 28, 2023, the Adviser may seek repayment of expense reimbursements in amounts as follows:

 

Recoverable Through 
August 31, 2023  $33,995 
August 31, 2024   139,012 
August 31, 2025   147,523 
February 28, 2026   78,299 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

The Board supervises the business activities of the Trust. Each Trustee serves as a trustee until termination of the Trust unless the Trustee dies, resigns, retires, or is removed. The Chairman of the Board and more than 75% of the Trustees are “Independent Trustees”, which means that they are not “interested persons” as defined in the 1940 Act. The Independent Trustees review and establish compensation at least annually. Each Independent Trustee of the Trust receives annual compensation, which is an established amount paid quarterly per fund in the Trust at the time of the regular quarterly Board meetings. The Chairman of the Board receives the highest compensation, commensurate with his additional duties and each Chair of a committee receives additional compensation as well. Independent Trustees also receive $1,000 for attending any special meeting that requires an in-person approval of a contract and $250 for the first hour and $200 for each additional hour for attending

16

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Large Cap
Equity Environmental and Social Values Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

other special meetings. In addition, the Trust reimburses Independent Trustees for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in conjunction with attendance at meetings.

 

NOTE 5. INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS

 

For the six months ended February 28, 2023, purchases and sales of investment securities, other than short-term investments, were $26,618 and $38,723, respectively.

 

There were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. government obligations during the six months ended February 28, 2023.

 

NOTE 6. BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP

 

The beneficial ownership, either directly or indirectly, of more than 25% of the voting securities of a fund creates a presumption of control of a fund, under Section 2(a)(9) of the 1940 Act. As of February 28, 2023, the Adviser owned 100% of the Fund’s outstanding shares. As a result, the Adviser may be deemed to control the Fund.

 

NOTE 7. FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION

 

At February 28, 2023, the net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) and tax cost of investments for tax purposes was as follows:

 

Gross unrealized appreciation  $40,081 
Gross unrealized depreciation   (14,681)
Net unrealized appreciation on investments  $25,400 
Tax cost of investments  $175,703 

 

The tax character of distributions paid for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022, the Fund’s most recent fiscal year end, was as follows:

 

Distributions paid from:    
Ordinary income(a)  $3,305 
Long-term capital gains   1,592 
Total distributions paid  $4,897 

 

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

17

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Large Cap
Equity Environmental and Social Values Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

At August 31, 2022, the components of accumulated earnings (deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed ordinary income  $1,136 
Undistributed long-term capital gains   4,075 
Unrealized appreciation on investments   19,005 
Total accumulated earnings  $24,216 

 

NOTE 8. SECTOR RISK

 

If the Fund has significant investments in the securities of issuers within a particular sector, any development affecting that sector will have a greater impact on the value of the net assets of the Fund than would be the case if the Fund did not have significant investments in that sector. In addition, this may increase the risk of loss in the Fund and increase the volatility of the Fund’s NAV per share. For instance, economic or market factors, regulatory changes or other developments may negatively impact all companies in a particular sector, and therefore the value of the Fund’s portfolio will be adversely affected. As of February 28, 2023, the Fund had 39.75% of the value of its net assets invested in stocks within the Technology sector.

 

NOTE 9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

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

 

NOTE 10. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

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

18

 

Summary of Fund Expenses (Unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution (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 funds. You may pay brokerage commissions on purchases and sales of exchange-traded fund shares, which are not reflected in the example. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from September 1, 2022 through February 28, 2023.

 

Actual Expenses

 

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

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

 

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

 

   Beginning   Ending        
   Account   Account   Expenses    
   Value   Value   Paid   Annualized
   September   February   During   Expense
   1, 2022   28, 2023   Period(a)   Ratio
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,045.30   $2.38   0.47%
Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00   $1,022.46   $2.36   0.47%

 

(a)Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

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

19

 

Investment Management Agreement Renewal (Unaudited)

 

The Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Large Cap Equity Environmental and Social Values Fund (the “Fund”) is a series of Unified Series Trust (the “Trust”). The Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board” or the “Trustees”) oversees the management of the Fund and, as required by law, considered the approval of the continuance of the Fund’s management agreement with its investment adviser, Fisher Asset Management, LLC (“Fisher”).

 

The Board requested and evaluated all information that the Trustees deemed reasonably necessary under the circumstances in connection with renewal of the management agreement.

 

The Trustees held a teleconference on February 15, 2023 to review and discuss materials provided by Fisher and the Trust’s CCO, which were compiled by Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, the Trust’s administrator, with regard to renewal of the management agreement between the Trust and Fisher. At the Trustees’ quarterly meeting held in February 2023, the Board interviewed certain executives of Fisher, including Fisher’s Vice President and Senior Relationship Manager. After discussion, the Trustees, including the Trustees who are not “interested persons” (as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) of the Trust or Fisher (the “Independent Trustees”), approved the continuance of the management agreement between the Trust and Fisher for an additional year. The Trustees’ continuance of the Fund’s management agreement was based on a consideration of all the information provided to the Trustees and was not the result of any single factor. Some of the factors that figured particularly in the Trustees’ deliberations are described below, although individual Trustees may have evaluated this information differently, ascribing different weights to various factors.

 

(i) The Nature, Extent, and Quality of Services. The Trustees reviewed and considered information regarding the nature, extent, and quality of services that Fisher provides to the Fund, which include, but are not limited to, providing a continuous investment program for the Fund, adhering to the Fund’s investment restrictions, complying with the Trust’s policies and procedures, and voting proxies on behalf of the Fund. The Trustees considered the qualifications and experience of Fisher’s portfolio managers who are responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio, as well as the qualifications and experience of the other individuals at Fisher who provide services to the Fund. The Trustees further reviewed and considered Fisher’s compliance program and its team members, including the Trust CCO’s compliance review with respect to Fisher and the Fund. The Trustees concluded that they were impressed with the consistency of the nature, extent, and quality of investment management services provided by Fisher to the Fund.

 

(ii) Fund Performance. The Trustees next reviewed and discussed in detail the performance of the Fund for periods ended December 31, 2022. The Trustees noted that the Fund had outperformed the medians of its peer group and Morningstar Large Growth category but underperformed its benchmark, the S&P 500 Index, for the one-year and since inception periods and the information Fisher provided with respect to performance. The Trustees noted that the Fund performed comparably to a composite of accounts managed by Fisher with a similar investment strategy to the Fund noting that the composite includes holdings acquired prior to the inception date of the Fund. Based upon the foregoing, the Trustees concluded the performance of the Fund is acceptable.

 

(iii) Fee Rate and Profitability. The Trustees reviewed a fee and expense comparison for the Fund. The Trustees noted that the management fee of the Fund is below the averages and

20

 

Investment Management Agreement Renewal (Unaudited) (continued)

 

medians of the Fund’s Morningstar category and peer group. The Trustees discussed that the Fund’s net expense ratio was also below the medians and averages of its Morningstar category and peer group. The Trustees also considered that Fisher has committed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse expenses of the Fund through at least December 31, 2027. The Trustees also noted that the management fee of the Fund is lower than the fee that Fisher charges to its comparable accounts.

 

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

 

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

21

 

PRIVACY NOTICE Rev: January 2020

 

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

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

 

■    Social Security number

 

■    account balances and account transactions

 

■    transaction or loss history and purchase history

 

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

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

 

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

For our everyday business purposes –

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

Yes No

For our marketing purposes –

to offer our products and services to you

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

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes –

information about your transactions and experiences

No We don’t share

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes –

information about your creditworthiness

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

 

Questions? Call (800) 851-8845

22

 

Who we are
Who is providing this  notice?

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Large Cap Equity

Environmental and Social Values Fund

Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC (Distributor)

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (Administrator)

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

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

 

■     open an account or deposit money

 

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

 

We also collect your personal information from other companies.

Why can’t I limit  all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

 

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

 

■     affiliates from using your information to market to you

 

■     sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

 

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

   
Definitions
Affiliates

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

 

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

Nonaffiliates

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

 

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

Joint marketing

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

 

■    The Fund does not jointly market.

23

 

Proxy Voting

 

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

 

TRUSTEES
Daniel J. Condon, Chairman
David R. Carson
Kenneth G.Y. Grant 
Freddie Jacobs, Jr.
Catharine B. McGauley
Ronald C. Tritschler
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Cohen & Company, Ltd.
151 North Franklin Street, Suite 575
Chicago, IL 60606
   
OFFICERS
Martin R. Dean, President
GwenethK. Gosselink, Chief Compliance Officer 
Zachary P. Richmond, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
Lynn E. Wood, Assistant Chief Compliance Officer
LEGAL COUNSEL
Thompson Hine LLP
312 Walnut Street, 20th Floor
Cincinnati, OH 45202
   
   
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Fisher Asset Management, LLC
5525 NW Fisher Creek Drive
Camas, WA 98607
CUSTODIAN
U.S. Bank, N.A.
425 Walnut Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
   
   
DISTRIBUTOR
UltimusFund Distributors, LLC
225 PictoriaDrive, Suite 450
Cincinnati, OH 45246
 
ADMINISTRATOR, TRANSFER
AGENT AND FUND ACCOUNTANT

UltimusFund Solutions, LLC
225 PictoriaDrive, Suite 450
Cincinnati, OH 45246

  

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

 

Distributed by Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC

 

Member FINRA/SIPC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fisher2-SAR-23

 

 

 

 

 

FISHER INVESTMENTS INSTITUTIONAL

GROUP FUND FAMILY

 

 

Semi-Annual Report 

February 28, 2023

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group 

Stock Fund for Retirement Plans

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group

ESG Stock Fund for Retirement Plans

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group 

Fixed Income Fund for Retirement Plans

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group 

ESG Fixed Income Fund for Retirement Plans

 

 

 

 

 

Fund Adviser:

 

Fisher Asset Management, LLC 

5525 NW Fisher Creek Drive 

Camas, Washington 98607 

(800) 851-8845

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment Results (Unaudited)

 

Average Annual Total Returns as of February 28, 2023(a)

 

         Since
         Inception
Fund/Index  Six Months  One Year  (12/13/19)
Fisher Investments Institutional Group Stock Fund for Retirement Plans  8.58%  (8.50)%  8.15%
MSCI ACWI Investable Market Index(b)  3.58%  (8.07)%  5.64%
          
         Expense
         Ratios(c)
Gross        0.00%
With Applicable Waivers        0.00%

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(c)The expense ratios are from the Fund’s prospectus dated December 29, 2022. Fisher Asset Management, LLC, d/b/a Fisher Investments (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to pay all of the operating expenses of the Fund except portfolio transaction and other investment related costs (including brokerage fees and commissions, and fees and expenses associated with investments in derivative instruments, such as option and swap fees and expenses), taxes, borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short), extraordinary expenses, and any indirect expenses (such as fees and expenses associated with investment in acquired funds and other collective investment vehicles). The Fund is available only to eligible retirement plans receiving the Adviser’s managed account or other services. The Fund does not pay a management fee to the Adviser. Retirement plans, plan sponsors and/or plan participants pay a separate fee for the Adviser’s services and also pay fees to record keepers and administrators. If paid from plan assets, these fees will reduce the net return to plan participants but are not reflected in net fund performance.

 

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

1

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Average Annual Total Returns as of February 28, 2023(a)

 

         Since
         Inception
Fund/Index  Six Months  One Year  (12/13/19)
Fisher Investments Institutional Group ESG Stock Fund for         
Retirement Plans  8.78%  (8.07)%  8.18%
MSCI ACWI Investable Market Index(b)  3.58%  (8.07)%  5.64%
          
         Expense
         Ratios(c)
Gross        0.00%
With Applicable Waivers        0.00%

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(c)The expense ratios are from the Fund’s prospectus dated December 29, 2022. Fisher Asset Management, LLC, d/b/a Fisher Investments (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to pay all of the operating expenses of the Fund except portfolio transaction and other investment related costs (including brokerage fees and commissions, and fees and expenses associated with investments in derivative instruments, such as option and swap fees and expenses), taxes, borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short), extraordinary expenses, and any indirect expenses (such as fees and expenses associated with investment in acquired funds and other collective investment vehicles). The Fund is available only to eligible retirement plans receiving the Adviser’s managed account or other services. The Fund does not pay a management fee to the Adviser. Retirement plans, plan sponsors and/or plan participants pay a separate fee for the Adviser’s services and also pay fees to record keepers and administrators. If paid from plan assets, these fees will reduce the net return to plan participants but are not reflected in net fund performance.

 

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

2

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Average Annual Total Returns as of February 28, 2023(a)

 

         Since
         Inception
Fund/Index  Six Months  One Year  (12/13/19)
Fisher Investments Institutional Group Fixed Income Fund for         
Retirement Plans  (2.66)%  (10.99)%  (2.64)%
ICE BofA U.S. Broad Market Index(b)  (2.28)%  (9.77)%  (2.50)%
          
         Expense
         Ratios(c)
Gross        0.01%
With Applicable Waivers        0.01%

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(c)The expense ratios are from the Fund’s prospectus dated December 29, 2022 and represents acquired fund fees and expenses. Fisher Asset Management, LLC, d/b/a Fisher Investments (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to pay all of the operating expenses of the Fund except portfolio transaction and other investment related costs (including brokerage fees and commissions, and fees and expenses associated with investments in derivative instruments, such as option and swap fees and expenses), taxes, borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short), extraordinary expenses, and any indirect expenses (such as fees and expenses associated with investment in acquired funds and other collective investment vehicles). The Fund is available only to eligible retirement plans receiving the Adviser’s managed account or other services. The Fund does not pay a management fee to the Adviser. Retirement plans, plan sponsors and/or plan participants pay a separate fee for the Adviser’s services and also pay fees to record keepers and administrators. If paid from plan assets, these fees will reduce the net return to plan participants but are not reflected in net fund performance.

 

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

3

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Average Annual Total Returns as of February 28, 2023(a)

 

         Since
         Inception
Fund/Index  Six Months  One Year  (12/13/19)
Fisher Investments Institutional Group ESG Fixed Income Fund         
for Retirement Plans  (2.65)%  (11.30)%  (2.82)%
ICE BofA U.S. Broad Market Index(b)  (2.28)%  (9.77)%  (2.50)%
          
         Expense
         Ratios(c)
Gross        0.02%
With Applicable Waivers        0.02%

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(c)The expense ratios are from the Fund’s prospectus dated December 29, 2022 and represents acquired fund fees and expenses. Fisher Asset Management, LLC, d/b/a Fisher Investments (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to pay all of the operating expenses of the Fund except portfolio transaction and other investment related costs (including brokerage fees and commissions, and fees and expenses associated with investments in derivative instruments, such as option and swap fees and expenses), taxes, borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short), extraordinary expenses, and any indirect expenses (such as fees and expenses associated with investment in acquired funds and other collective investment vehicles). The Fund is available only to eligible retirement plans receiving the Adviser’s managed account or other services. The Fund does not pay a management fee to the Adviser. Retirement plans, plan sponsors and/or plan participants pay a separate fee for the Adviser’s services and also pay fees to record keepers and administrators. If paid from plan assets, these fees will reduce the net return to plan participants but are not reflected in net fund performance.

 

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

4

 

Fund Holdings (Unaudited)

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group Stock Fund for Retirement Plans Holdings as of February 28, 2023.*

 

(BAR GRAPH)

 

As a percentage of net assets.

 

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

5

 

Fund Holdings (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group ESG Stock Fund for Retirement Plans Holdings as of February 28, 2023.*

 

(BAR GRAPH)

 

As a percentage of net assets.

 

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

6

 

Fund Holdings (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group Fixed Income Fund for Retirement Plans Holdings as of February 28, 2023.*

 

(BAR GRAPH)

 

As a percentage of net assets.

 

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

7

 

Fund Holdings (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group ESG Fixed Income Fund for Retirement Plans Holdings as of February 28, 2023.*

 

(BAR GRAPH)

 

As a percentage of net assets.

 

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

 

Availability of Portfolio Schedule – (Unaudited)

 

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

8

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group Stock Fund For Retirement Plans
Schedule of Investments
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

COMMON STOCKS — 98.52%  Shares   Fair Value 
Argentina — 1.26%          
Consumer Discretionary — 1.26%          
MercadoLibre, Inc.(a)   2   $2,440 
Total Argentina        2,440 
           
Australia — 0.87%          
Energy — 0.05%          
Woodside Energy Group Ltd.   4    97 
           
Materials — 0.82%          
BHP Group Ltd.   26    791 
Rio Tinto Ltd.   10    785 
         1,576 
Total Australia        1,673 
           
Brazil — 0.32%          
Materials — 0.32%          
Vale SA - ADR   38    621 
Total Brazil        621 
           
Canada — 2.05%          
Industrials — 0.79%          
Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd.   20    1,519 
           
Materials — 1.26%          
Hudbay Minerals, Inc.(a)   232    1,146 
Lundin Mining Corp.   208    1,294 
         2,440 
Total Canada        3,959 
           
China — 0.82%          
Communications — 0.55%          
Tencent Holdings Ltd. - ADR   24    1,055 
           
Consumer Discretionary — 0.27%          
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. - ADR(a)   6    527 
Total China        1,582 
           
France — 3.97%          
Consumer Discretionary — 1.07%          
Kering SA - ADR   35    2,057 
           
Energy — 0.84%          
Total Energies SE   26    1,611 
           
Financials — 0.84%          
BNP Paribas SA   23    1,609 
           
Health Care — 0.44%          
Sanofi   9    846 

 

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

9

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group Stock Fund For Retirement Plans
Schedule of Investments (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

COMMON STOCKS — 98.52% - continued  Shares   Fair Value 
France — 3.97% - continued          
Technology — 0.78%          
Dassault Systems SE   39   $1,509 
Total France        7,632 
           
Germany — 3.97%          
Consumer Discretionary — 2.47%          
adidas AG   12    1,798 
Mercedes-Benz Group AG   28    2,152 
Sixt SE   6    813 
         4,763 
Industrials — 1.50%          
MTU Aero Engines AG   6    1,450 
Siemens AG(a)   9    1,378 
Siemens Energy AG(a)   4    80 
         2,908 
Total Germany        7,671 
           
Hong Kong — 0.40%          
Health Care — 0.40%          
Sino Biopharmaceutical Ltd. - ADR   75    767 
Total Hong Kong        767 
           
India — 0.60%          
Technology — 0.60%          
Infosys Ltd. - ADR   65    1,166 
Total India        1,166 
           
Italy — 1.10%          
Energy — 0.55%          
Eni SpA   75    1,061 
           
Financials — 0.55%          
Intesa Sanpaolo SpA   390    1,057 
Total Italy        2,118 
           
Japan — 3.20%          
Industrials — 3.20%          
Daifuku Co. Ltd. - ADR   42    572 
FANUC Corp. - ADR   99    1,681 
SMC Corp. - ADR   98    2,491 
Yaskawa Electric Corp. - ADR   18    1,418 
         6,162 
Total Japan        6,162 
           
Korea (Republic of) — 2.21%          
Financials — 0.42%          
KB Financial Group, Inc.   21    816 

 

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

10

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group Stock Fund For Retirement Plans
Schedule of Investments (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

COMMON STOCKS — 98.52% - continued  Shares   Fair Value 
Korea (Republic of) — 2.21% - continued          
Technology — 1.79%          
Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. - GDR   3   $3,444 
Total Korea (Republic of)        4,260 
           
Netherlands — 3.24%          
Financials — 0.68%          
ING Groep NV   93    1,305 
           
Technology — 2.56%          
ASML Holding NV   8    4,943 
Total Netherlands        6,248 
           
Spain — 0.97%          
Financials — 0.97%          
Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA   142    1,108 
Banco Santander SA   198    780 
         1,888 
Total Spain        1,888 
           
Switzerland — 0.57%          
Health Care — 0.57%          
Novartis AG   13    1,094 
Total Switzerland        1,094 
           
Taiwan Province of China — 3.07%          
Technology — 3.07%          
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. - ADR   68    5,921 
Total Taiwan Province of China        5,921 
           
United Kingdom — 2.24%          
Consumer Staples — 0.09%          
Haleon PLC(a)   44    170 
           
Energy — 1.30%          
BP PLC   148    980 
Shell PLC   50    1,526 
         2,506 
Health Care — 0.85%          
AstraZeneca PLC   8    1,047 
GSK PLC   35    600 
         1,647 
Total United Kingdom        4,323 
           
United States — 67.66%          
Communications — 4.78%          
Alphabet, Inc., Class A(a)   53    4,773 
Meta Platforms, Inc., Class A(a)   11    1,924 
Netflix, Inc. (a)   3    966 
Uber Technologies, Inc.(a)   29    965 

 

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

11

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group Stock Fund For Retirement Plans
Schedule of Investments (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

COMMON STOCKS — 98.52% - continued  Shares   Fair Value 
United States — 67.66% - continued          
Communications — 4.78% - continued          
Walt Disney Co. (The)(a)   6   $598 
         9,226 
Consumer Discretionary — 8.40%          
Amazon.com, Inc.(a)   40    3,770 
Autoliv, Inc.   19    1,759 
Capri Holding Ltd.(a)   32    1,586 
General Motors Co.   47    1,821 
Home Depot, Inc. (The)   8    2,372 
Starbucks Corp.   13    1,327 
Toll Brothers, Inc.   27    1,618 
Wynn Resorts Ltd.(a)   18    1,951 
         16,204 
Consumer Staples — 4.09%          
Costco Wholesale Corp.   6    2,904 
Procter & Gamble Co. (The)   13    1,789 
Target Corp.   8    1,348 
Walmart, Inc.   13    1,848 
         7,889 
Energy — 3.14%          
Chevron Corp.   11    1,767 
Exxon Mobil Corp.   12    1,319 
Marathon Oil Corp.   45    1,132 
Schlumberger Ltd.   34    1,809 
Vitesse Energy Inc.(a)   2    35 
         6,062 
Financials — 8.00%          
American Express Co.   13    2,262 
Bank of America Corp.   25    858 
BlackRock, Inc.   4    2,758 
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)   5    1,758 
Invesco Ltd.   52    918 
Jefferies Financial Group, Inc.   25    945 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.   14    2,006 
Morgan Stanley   29    2,799 
T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.   10    1,123 
         15,427 
Health Care — 8.18%          
Abbott Laboratories   9    915 
Align Technology, Inc.(a)   7    2,166 
Danaher Corp.   5    1,238 
Edwards LifeSciences Corp.(a)   9    724 
Eli Lilly & Co.   8    2,490 
Exact Sciences Corp.(a)   14    873 
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.(a)   9    2,064 
Merck & Co., Inc.   13    1,381 
PTC Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   15    655 

 

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

12

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group Stock Fund For Retirement Plans
Schedule of Investments (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

COMMON STOCKS — 98.52% - continued  Shares   Fair Value 
United States — 67.66% - continued          
Health Care — 8.18% - continued          
Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   5   $611 
Stryker Corp.   6    1,577 
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.   2    1,084 
         15,778 
Industrials — 7.41%          
A.O. Smith Corp.   23    1,509 
AeroVironment, Inc.(a)   14    1,200 
Boeing Co. (The)(a)   10    2,016 
Carrier Global Corp.   6    270 
Cummins, Inc.   8    1,945 
Deere & Co.   4    1,677 
IDEX Corp.   7    1,575 
Lennox International, Inc.   7    1,784 
Otis Worldwide Corp.   3    254 
Raytheon Technologies Corp.   6    589 
Rockwell Automation, Inc.   5    1,475 
         14,294 
Materials — 1.35%          
Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc. (a)   69    1,471 
Materion Corp.   10    1,117 
         2,588 
Technology — 22.31%          
Adobe, Inc.(a)   5    1,620 
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.(a)   17    1,336 
Apple, Inc.   55    8,108 
Autodesk, Inc.(a)   6    1,192 
Block, Inc., Class A(a)   12    921 
DocuSign, Inc.(a)   15    920 
Intuit, Inc.   2    814 
MasterCard, Inc., Class A   5    1,776 
Microsoft Corp.   26    6,486 
NVIDIA Corp.   44    10,214 
Oracle Corp.   22    1,924 
Paycom Software, Inc.(a)   6    1,734 
PayPal Holdings, Inc.(a)   13    957 
salesforce.com, Inc.(a)   9    1,472 
ServiceNow, Inc.(a)   2    864 
Visa, Inc., Class A   10    2,200 
Zoom Video Communications, Inc., Class A(a)   7    522 
         43,060 
Total United States        130,528 
Total Common Stocks — (Cost $160,630)        190,053 

 

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

13

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group Stock Fund For Retirement Plans
Schedule of Investments (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

COMMON STOCKS — 98.52% - continued  Shares   Fair Value 
MONEY MARKET FUNDS —  1.35%          
First American Government Obligations Fund, Class X, 4.37%(b)   2,605   $2,605 
Total Money Market Funds (Cost $2,605)        2,605 
           
Total Investments — 99.87% (Cost $163,235)        192,658 
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 0.13%        256 
NET ASSETS — 100.00%       $192,914 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.

 

(b)Rate disclosed is the seven day effective yield as of February 28, 2023.

 

ADR - American Depositary Receipt

 

GDR- Global Depositary Receipt

 

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

14

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group ESG Stock Fund For Retirement Plans
Schedule of Investments
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

COMMON STOCKS — 99.00%  Shares   Fair Value 
Argentina — 1.26%          
Consumer Discretionary — 1.26%          
MercadoLibre, Inc.(a)   2   $2,440 
Total Argentina        2,440 
           
Australia — 0.89%          
Materials — 0.89%          
Rio Tinto Ltd.   22    1,727 
Total Australia        1,727 
           
Canada — 1.40%          
Industrials — 0.67%          
Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd.   17    1,291 
           
Materials — 0.73%          
Hudbay Minerals Inc.(a)   158    784 
Lundin Mining Corp.   100    622 
         1,406 
Total Canada        2,697 
           
China — 0.70%          
Communications — 0.43%          
Tencent Holdings Ltd. - ADR   19    835 
           
Consumer Discretionary — 0.27%          
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. - ADR(a)   6    527 
Total China        1,362 
           
Colombia — 0.67%          
Energy — 0.67%          
Ecopetrol SA - ADR   116    1,286 
Total Colombia        1,286 
           
France — 3.98%          
Consumer Discretionary — 1.00%          
Kering SA - ADR   33    1,939 
           
Financials — 0.84%          
BNP Paribas SA   23    1,610 
           
Health Care — 0.54%          
Sanofi   11    1,034 
           
Technology — 1.60%          
Dassault Systems SE   80    3,096 
Total France        7,679 
           
Germany — 2.83%          
Consumer Discretionary — 1.92%          
adidas AG   8    1,199 
Mercedes-Benz Group AG   22    1,691 

 

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

15

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group ESG Stock Fund For Retirement Plans
Schedule of Investments (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

COMMON STOCKS — 99.00% - continued  Shares   Fair Value 
Germany — 2.83% - continued          
Consumer Discretionary — 1.92% - continued          
Sixt SE   6   $813 
         3,703 
Industrials — 0.91%          
Siemens AG(a)   11    1,684 
Siemens Energy AG(a)   4    80 
         1,764 
Total Germany        5,467 
           
Hong Kong — 0.40%          
Health Care — 0.40%          
Sino Biopharmaceutical Ltd. - ADR   76    777 
Total Hong Kong        777 
           
India — 0.44%          
Technology — 0.44%          
Infosys Ltd. - ADR   47    843 
Total India        843 
           
Italy — 0.98%          
Energy — 0.45%          
Eni SpA   61    863 
           
Financials — 0.53%          
Intesa Sanpaolo SpA   380    1,030 
Total Italy        1,893 
           
Japan — 2.22%          
Industrials — 2.22%          
Daifuku Co. Ltd. - ADR   43    586 
FANUC Corp. - ADR   92    1,562 
Yaskawa Electric Corp. - ADR   27    2,126 
         4,274 
Total Japan        4,274 
           
Korea (Republic of) — 1.65%          
Financials — 0.46%          
KB Financial Group, Inc.   23    893 
           
Technology — 1.19%          
Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. - GDR   2    2,296 
Total Korea (Republic of)        3,189 
           
Netherlands — 2.56%          
Technology — 2.56%          
ASML Holding NV   8    4,943 
Total Netherlands        4,943 

 

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

16

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group ESG Stock Fund For Retirement Plans
Schedule of Investments (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

COMMON STOCKS — 99.00% - continued  Shares   Fair Value 
Spain — 0.97%          
Financials — 0.97%          
Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA   137   $1,069 
Banco Santander SA   208    819 
         1,888 
Total Spain        1,888 
           
Switzerland — 0.74%          
Industrials — 0.74%          
ABB Ltd.   41    1,362 
Accelleron Industries Ltd.(a)   2    49 
         1,411 
Total Switzerland        1,411 
           
Taiwan Province of China — 3.02%          
Technology — 3.02%          
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. - ADR   67    5,834 
Total Taiwan Province of China        5,834 
           
United Kingdom — 4.02%          
Consumer Staples — 0.67%          
Unilever PLC   26    1,298 
           
Energy — 1.64%          
BP PLC   479    3,172 
           
Health Care — 0.68%          
AstraZeneca PLC   10    1,309 
           
Materials — 1.03%          
Antofagasta PLC   105    1,983 
Total United Kingdom        7,762 
           
United States — 70.27%          
Communications — 6.16%          
Alphabet, Inc., Class A(a)   80    7,204 
Meta Platforms, Inc., Class A(a)   11    1,924 
Netflix, Inc.(a)   4    1,289 
Uber Technologies, Inc.(a)   26    865 
Walt Disney Co. (The)(a)   6    598 
         11,880 
Consumer Discretionary — 5.19%          
Amazon.com, Inc.(a)   43    4,052 
Autoliv, Inc.   10    926 
Capri Holding Ltd.(a)   15    744 
Home Depot, Inc. (The)   8    2,372 
NIKE, Inc., Class B   8    950 
Toll Brothers, Inc.   16    959 
         10,003 
Consumer Staples — 3.96%          
Costco Wholesale Corp.   5    2,421 

 

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

17

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group ESG Stock Fund For Retirement Plans
Schedule of Investments (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

COMMON STOCKS — 99.00% - continued  Shares   Fair Value 
United States — 70.27% - continued          
Consumer Staples — 3.96% - continued          
PepsiCo, Inc.   11   $1,909 
Procter & Gamble Co. (The)   14    1,926 
Target Corp.   4    674 
Walmart, Inc.   5    711 
         7,641 
Energy — 3.34%          
Exxon Mobil Corp.   39    4,286 
Schlumberger Ltd.   40    2,128 
Vitesse Energy Inc.(a)   2    35 
         6,449 
Financials — 7.51%          
American Express Co.   14    2,436 
Bank of America Corp.   20    686 
BlackRock, Inc.   4    2,758 
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)   5    1,758 
Jefferies Financial Group, Inc.   20    756 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.   14    2,006 
Morgan Stanley   26    2,509 
T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.   14    1,572 
         14,481 
Health Care — 10.69%          
Abbott Laboratories   9    915 
Align Technology, Inc.(a)   7    2,167 
Danaher Corp.   5    1,238 
Edwards LifeSciences Corp.(a)   9    724 
Eli Lilly & Co.   13    4,046 
Exact Sciences Corp.(a)   17    1,060 
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.(a)   9    2,065 
Merck & Co., Inc.   19    2,019 
PTC Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   14    611 
Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   5    611 
Stryker Corp.   6    1,577 
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.   4    2,166 
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   5    1,451 
         20,650 
Industrials — 4.94%          
A.O. Smith Corp.   17    1,116 
Cummins, Inc.   4    972 
Deere & Co.   4    1,677 
HEICO Corp.   10    1,656 
Lennox International, Inc.   3    764 
Rockwell Automation, Inc.   9    2,654 
Xylem, Inc.   7    719 
         9,558 

 

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

18

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group ESG Stock Fund For Retirement Plans
Schedule of Investments (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

COMMON STOCKS — 99.00% - continued  Shares   Fair Value 
United States — 70.27% - continued          
Materials — 0.86%          
Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc. (a)   78   $1,664 
           
Technology — 27.62%          
Adobe, Inc.(a)   10    3,240 
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.(a)   19    1,493 
Apple, Inc.   66    9,729 
Autodesk, Inc.(a)   7    1,391 
Block, Inc., Class A(a)   12    921 
DocuSign, Inc.(a)   12    736 
Intuit, Inc.   2    814 
MasterCard, Inc., Class A   7    2,487 
Microsoft Corp.   35    8,731 
NVIDIA Corp.   44    10,215 
Oracle Corp.   41    3,583 
Paycom Software, Inc.(a)   6    1,734 
PayPal Holdings, Inc.(a)   12    883 
salesforce.com, Inc.(a)   17    2,781 
ServiceNow, Inc.(a)   2    864 
Visa, Inc., Class A   15    3,299 
Zoom Video Communications, Inc., Class A(a)   6    448 
         53,349 
Total United States        135,675 
           
Total Common Stocks — (Cost $156,385)        191,147 
           
MONEY MARKET FUNDS —  0.87%          
First American Government Obligations Fund, Class X, 4.37%(b)   1,681    1,681 
Total Money Market Funds (Cost $1,681)        1,681 
           
Total Investments — 99.87% (Cost $158,066)        192,828 
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 0.13%        258 
NET ASSETS — 100.00%       $193,086 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.

 

(b)Rate disclosed is the seven day effective yield as of February 28, 2023.

 

ADR - American Depositary Receipt

 

GDR - Global Depositary Receipt

 

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

19

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group Fixed Income Fund For Retirement Plans
Schedule of Investments
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

   Principal     
CORPORATE BONDS — 30.14%  Amount   Fair Value 
Communications — 3.39%          
Comcast Corp., 3.55%, 5/1/2028  $100,000   $93,232 
           
Consumer Staples — 3.81%          
Procter & Gamble Co. (The), 5.50%, 2/1/2034   100,000    104,948 
           
Financials — 6.87%          
BlackRock, Inc., 3.25%, 4/30/2029   100,000    92,383 
JPMorgan Chase & Co., 4.13%, 12/15/2026   100,000    96,551 
         188,934 
Health Care — 2.57%          
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., 4.55%, 2/20/2048   78,000    70,792 
           
Industrials — 2.88%          
Southwest Airlines Co., 7.38%, 3/1/2027   75,000    79,165 
           
Real Estate — 4.30%          
Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc., 3.38%, 2/1/2031   150,000    118,403 
           
Technology — 6.32%          
International Business Machines Corp., 4.25%, 5/15/2049   100,000    82,386 
Oracle Corp., 3.25%, 11/15/2027   100,000    91,539 
         173,925 
Total Corporate Bonds (Cost $973,094)        829,399 
           
U.S. GOVERNMENT & AGENCIES — 35.45%          
United States Treasury Note, 1.50%, 9/30/2024   109,700    103,928 
United States Treasury Note, 1.50%, 2/15/2025   254,000    238,363 
United States Treasury Note, 2.63%, 2/15/2029   301,100    277,118 
United States Treasury Note, 4.50%, 2/15/2036   334,000    356,349 
Total U.S. Government & Agencies (Cost $1,111,686)        975,758 
           
   Shares      
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS — 32.59%          
iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF   11,815    413,170 
iShares MBS ETF   5,201    483,745 
Total Exchange-Traded Funds (Cost $986,641)        896,915 
           
MONEY MARKET FUNDS —  1.72%          
First American Government Obligations Fund, Class X, 4.37%(a)   47,435    47,435 
Total Money Market Funds (Cost $47,435)        47,435 
           
Total Investments — 99.90% (Cost $3,118,854)        2,749,507 
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 0.10%        2,748 
NET ASSETS — 100.00%       $2,752,255 

 

(a)Rate disclosed is the seven day effective yield as of February 28, 2023.

 

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

20

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group ESG Fixed Income Fund for Retirement Plans
Schedule of Investments
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

   Principal     
CORPORATE BONDS — 29.59%  Amount   Fair Value 
Communications — 3.41%          
Comcast Corp., 3.55%, 5/1/2028  $100,000   $93,232 
           
Consumer Staples — 3.84%          
Procter & Gamble Co. (The), 5.50%, 2/1/2034   100,000    104,948 
           
Financials — 6.89%          
BlackRock, Inc., 3.25%, 4/30/2029   100,000    92,383 
JPMorgan Chase & Co., 4.13%, 12/15/2026   100,000    96,551 
         188,934 
Health Care — 2.59%          
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., 4.55%, 2/20/2048   78,000    70,792 
           
Industrials — 2.89%          
Southwest Airlines Co., 7.38%, 3/1/2027   75,000    79,165 
           
Real Estate — 3.61%          
Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc., 3.38%, 2/1/2031   125,000    98,669 
           
Technology — 6.36%          
International Business Machines Corp., 4.25%, 5/15/2049   100,000    82,386 
Oracle Corp., 3.25%, 11/15/2027   100,000    91,539 
         173,925 
Total Corporate Bonds (Cost $952,899)        809,665 
           
U.S. GOVERNMENT & AGENCIES — 35.46%          
United States Treasury Note, 1.50%, 9/30/2024   109,900    104,117 
United States Treasury Note, 1.50%, 2/15/2025   261,000    244,932 
United States Treasury Note, 2.63%, 2/15/2029   286,700    263,865 
United States Treasury Note, 4.50%, 2/15/2036   335,000    357,417 
Total U.S. Government & Agencies (Cost $1,104,201)        970,331 
           
   Shares      
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS — 33.14%          
iShares MBS ETF   5,156    479,559 
Nuveen ESG High Yield Corporate Bond ETF   20,911    427,212 
Total Exchange-Traded Funds (Cost $1,006,044)        906,771 
           
MONEY MARKET FUNDS —  1.79%          
First American Government Obligations Fund, Class X, 4.37%(a)   48,907    48,907 
Total Money Market Funds (Cost $48,907)        48,907 
           
Total Investments — 99.98% (Cost $3,112,051)        2,735,674 
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 0.02%        585 
NET ASSETS — 100.00%       $2,736,259 

 

(a)Rate disclosed is the seven day effective yield as of February 28, 2023.

 

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

21

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group Fund Family
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

   Fisher Investments Institutional Group 
               ESG Fixed 
   Stock   ESG Stock   Fixed Income   Income 
   Fund for   Fund for   Fund for   Fund for 
   Retirement   Retirement   Retirement   Retirement 
   Plans   Plans   Plans   Plans 
Assets                    
Investments in securities at value (cost $163,235, $158,066, $3,118,854 and $3,112,051)  $192,658   $192,828   $2,749,507   $2,735,674 
Receivable for investments sold           166,627    170,900 
Dividends and interest receivable   256    258    11,105    11,045 
Total Assets   192,914    193,086    2,927,239    2,917,619 
Liabilities                    
Bank overdraft           37,330    44,120 
Payable for investments purchased           137,654    137,240 
Total Liabilities           174,984    181,360 
Net Assets  $192,914   $193,086   $2,752,255   $2,736,259 
Net Assets consist of:                    
Paid-in capital  $158,148   $157,696   $3,224,384   $3,222,897 
Accumulated earnings (deficits)   34,766    35,390    (472,129)   (486,638)
Net Assets  $192,914   $193,086   $2,752,255   $2,736,259 
Shares outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized, no par value)   15,645    15,610    323,178    323,110 
Net asset value (“NAV”) and offering price per share  $12.33   $12.37   $8.52   $8.47 

 

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

22

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group Fund Family
Statements of Operations
For the six months ended February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

   Fisher Investments Institutional Group 
               ESG Fixed 
   Stock   ESG Stock   Fixed Income   Income 
   Fund for   Fund for   Fund for   Fund for 
   Retirement   Retirement   Retirement   Retirement 
   Plans   Plans   Plans   Plans 
Investment Income                    
Dividend income  $1,294   $1,179   $17,118   $17,598 
Interest income           23,495    23,312 
Foreign dividend taxes withheld   (115)   (84)        
Total investment income   1,179    1,095    40,613    40,910 
Net investment income   1,179    1,095    40,613    40,910 
Net Realized and Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments                    
Net realized gain (loss) on investment securities transactions   6,988    2,543    (94,286)   (95,211)
Net realized loss on foreign currency translations   (3)   (1)        
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investment securities and foreign currency translations   7,089    12,008    (22,129)   (21,179)
Net realized and change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency   14,074    14,550    (116,415)   (116,390)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations  $15,253   $15,645   $(75,802)  $(75,480)

 

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

23

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group Fund Family
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

   Fisher Investments   Fisher Investments 
   Institutional Group Stock   Institutional Group ESG Stock 
   Fund for Retirement Plans   Fund for Retirement Plans 
   For the Six       For the Six     
   Months       Months     
   Ended   For the Year   Ended   For the Year 
   February 28,   Ended August   February 28,   Ended August 
   2023   31, 2022   2023   31, 2022 
   (Unaudited)       (Unaudited)     
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets due to:                    
Operations                    
Net investment income  $1,179   $2,846   $1,095   $2,846 
Net realized gain (loss) on investment securities transactions and foreign currency translations   6,985    (837)   2,542    (715)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investment securities and foreign currency translations   7,089    (53,752)   12,008    (52,521)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   15,253    (51,743)   15,645    (50,390)
Earnings   (3,263)   (2,617)   (2,881)   (2,359)
Total distributions   (3,263)   (2,617)   (2,881)   (2,359)
Capital Transactions                    
Reinvestment of distributions   3,263    2,617    2,881    2,359 
Amount paid for shares redeemed       (14)       (13)
Net increase in net assets resulting from capital transactions   3,263    2,603    2,881    2,346 
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets   15,253    (51,757)   15,645    (50,403)
Net Assets                    
Beginning of period   177,661    229,418    177,441    227,844 
End of period  $192,914   $177,661   $193,086   $177,441 
Share Transactions                    
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions   290    174    255    157 
Shares redeemed       (1)       (1)
Net increase in shares outstanding   290    173    255    156 

 

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

24

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group Fund Family
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

   Fisher Investments   Fisher Investments 
   Institutional Group Fixed   Institutional Group ESG Fixed 
   Income Fund for Retirement Plans   Income Fund for Retirement Plans 
   For the Six       For the Six     
   Months       Months     
   Ended   For the Year   Ended   For the Year 
   February 28,   Ended August   February 28,   Ended August 
   2023   31, 2022   2023   31, 2022 
   (Unaudited)        (Unaudited)      
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets due to:                    
Operations                    
Net investment income  $40,613   $57,359   $40,910   $57,021 
Net realized loss on investment securities transactions and foreign currency translations   (94,286)   (22,424)   (95,211)   (20,538)
Net change in unrealized depreciation of investment securities and foreign currency translations   (22,129)   (442,415)   (21,179)   (451,545)
Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations   (75,802)   (407,480)   (75,480)   (415,062)
Earnings   (67,327)   (56,411)   (68,072)   (53,329)
Total distributions   (67,327)   (56,411)   (68,072)   (53,329)
Capital Transactions                    
Reinvestment of distributions   67,327    56,411    68,072    53,329 
Amount paid for shares redeemed       (9)       (9)
Net increase in net assets resulting from capital transactions   67,327    56,402    68,072    53,320 
Total Decrease in Net Assets   (75,802)   (407,489)   (75,480)   (415,071)
Net Assets                    
Beginning of period   2,828,057    3,235,546    2,811,739    3,226,810 
End of period  $2,752,255   $2,828,057   $2,736,259   $2,811,739 
Share Transactions                    
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions   7,828    5,569    7,962    5,275 
Shares redeemed       (1)       (1)
Net increase in shares outstanding   7,828    5,568    7,962    5,274 

 

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

25

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group Stock Fund for Retirement Plans
Financial Highlights
(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the Six
Months
Ended
February
28, 2023
(Unaudited)
   For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2022
   For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2021
   For the
Period
Ended
August 31,
2020
(a)
 
Selected Per Share Data:                    
Net asset value, beginning of period  $11.57   $15.11   $11.58   $10.00 
Investment operations:                    
Net investment income   0.07    0.18    0.17    0.10 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)   0.90    (3.55)   3.51    1.48 
Total from investment operations   0.97    (3.37)   3.68    1.58 
Less distributions to shareholders from:                    
Net investment income   (0.18)   (0.17)   (0.15)    
Net realized gains   (0.03)            
Total distributions   (0.21)   (0.17)   (0.15)    
Net asset value, end of period  $12.33   $11.57   $15.11   $11.58 
Total Return(b)   8.58(c)   (22.55)%   32.06%   15.80(c)
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                    
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $193   $178   $229   $174 
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   1.32(d)   1.37%   1.27%   1.44(d)
Portfolio turnover rate   15(c)   11%   1%   12(c)

 

(a)For the period December 13, 2019 (commencement of operations) to August 31, 2020.

 

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

 

(c)Not annualized.

 

(d)Annualized.

 

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

26

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group ESG Stock Fund for Retirement Plans
Financial Highlights
(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the Six
Months
Ended
February
28, 2023
(Unaudited)
   For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2022
   For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2021
   For the
Period
Ended
August 31,
2020
(a)
 
Selected Per Share Data:                    
Net asset value, beginning of period  $11.56   $14.98   $11.58   $10.00 
Investment operations:                    
Net investment income   0.07    0.19    0.16    0.12 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)   0.93    (3.45)   3.40    1.46 
Total from investment operations   1.00    (3.26)   3.56    1.58 
Less distributions to shareholders from:                    
Net investment income   (0.19)   (0.16)   (0.16)    
Total distributions   (0.19)   (0.16)   (0.16)    
Net asset value, end of period  $12.37   $11.56   $14.98   $11.58 
Total Return(b)   8.78(c)   (22.03)%   31.07%   15.80(c)
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                    
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $193   $177   $228   $174 
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   1.23(d)   1.37%   1.23%   1.64(d)
Portfolio turnover rate   6(c)   10%   1%   15(c)

 

(a)For the period December 13, 2019 (commencement of operations) to August 31, 2020.

 

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

 

(c)Not annualized.

 

(d)Annualized.

 

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

27

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group Fixed Income Fund for Retirement Plans
Financial Highlights
(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the Six
Months
Ended
February
28, 2023
(Unaudited)
   For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2022
   For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2021
   For the
Period
Ended
August 31,
2020
(a)
 
Selected Per Share Data:                    
Net asset value, beginning of period  $8.97   $10.44   $10.53   $10.00 
Investment operations:                    
Net investment income   0.12    0.18    0.21    0.18 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)   (0.36)   (1.47)   0.04    0.35 
Total from investment operations   (0.24)   (1.29)   0.25    0.53 
Less distributions to shareholders from:                    
Net investment income   (0.21)   (0.18)   (0.27)    
Net realized gains        (b)   (0.07)    
Total distributions   (0.21)   (0.18)   (0.34)    
Net asset value, end of period  $8.52   $8.97   $10.44   $10.53 
Total Return(c)   (2.66)% (d)   (12.54)%   2.38%   5.30(d)
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                    
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $2,752   $2,828   $3,236   $3,160 
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   2.97(e)   1.89%   2.00%   2.51% (e)
Portfolio turnover rate   14(d)   32%   46%   (d)

 

(a)For the period December 13, 2019 (commencement of operations) to August 31, 2020.

 

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

 

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

 

(d)Not annualized.

 

(e)Annualized.

 

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

28

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group ESG Fixed Income Fund for Retirement Plans
Financial Highlights
(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

  

For the Six

Months

Ended

February

28, 2023

(Unaudited)

  

For the

Year Ended

August 31,

2022

  

For the

Year Ended

August 31,

2021

  

For the

Period

Ended

August 31,

2020(a)

 
Selected Per Share Data:                    
Net asset value, beginning of period  $8.92   $10.41   $10.54   $10.00 
Investment operations:                    
Net investment income   0.13    0.18    0.21    0.18 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)   (0.36)   (1.50)    (b)   0.36 
Total from investment operations   (0.23)   (1.32)   0.21    0.54 
Less distributions to shareholders from:                    
Net investment income   (0.22)   (0.17)   (0.27)    
Net realized gains        (b)   (0.07)    
Total distributions   (0.22)   (0.17)   (0.34)    
Net asset value, end of period  $8.47   $8.92   $10.41   $10.54 
Total Return(c)   (2.65)% (d)   (12.85)%   2.02%   5.40(d)
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                    
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $2,736   $2,812   $3,227   $3,162 
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   3.01(e)   1.88%   1.99%   2.46(e)
Portfolio turnover rate   14(d)   33%   46%   (d)

 

(a)For the period December 13, 2019 (commencement of operations) to August 31, 2020.

 

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

 

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

 

(d)Not annualized.

 

(e)Annualized.

 

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

29

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group Fund Family
Notes to the Financial Statements
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION

 

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

 

NOTE 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

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

 

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

 

Foreign Currency Translation – The accounting records of the Funds are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currency amounts are translated into U.S. dollars at the current rate of exchange each business day to determine the value of investments, and other assets and liabilities. Purchases and sales of foreign securities, and income and expenses, are

30

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group Fund Family
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

translated at the prevailing rate of exchange on the respective date of these transactions. The Funds do not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of securities held. These fluctuations are included with the realized and unrealized gain or loss from investments. Net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency translations on the Statements of Operations represents currency gains (losses) realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amount of investment income and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Funds’ books and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts actually received or paid. The net change in unrealized currency gains (losses) on foreign currency translations for the period is reflected in the Statements of Operations.

 

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

 

As of and during the six months ended February 28, 2023, the Funds did not have any liabilities for any unrecognized tax benefits. The Funds recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense in the Statements of Operations when incurred. During the period, the Funds did not incur any interest or penalties. Management of the Funds has reviewed tax positions taken in tax years that remain subject to examination by all major tax jurisdictions, including federal (i.e., the previous three tax year ends and the interim tax period since then, as applicable) and has concluded that no provision for unrecognized tax benefits or expenses is required in these financial statements and does not expect this to change over the next twelve months.

 

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

 

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

31

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group Fund Family
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

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

 

NOTE 3. SECURITIES VALUATION AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

32

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group Fund Family
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

33

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group Fund Family
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

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

 

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

 

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

34

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group Fund Family
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Funds’ investments as of February 28, 2023:

 

Stock Fund      Valuation Inputs         
Assets  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Common Stocks(a)  $189,286   $767   $   $190,053 
Money Market Funds   2,605            2,605 
Total  $191,891   $767   $   $192,658 
                     
ESG Stock Fund      Valuation Inputs         
Assets  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Common Stocks(a)  $190,370   $777   $   $191,147 
Money Market Funds   1,681            1,681 
Total  $192,051   $777   $   $192,828 
                     
Fixed Income Fund      Valuation Inputs         
Assets  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Corporate Bonds(a)  $   $829,399   $   $829,399 
U.S. Government & Agencies       975,758        975,758 
Exchange-Traded Funds   896,915            896,915 
Money Market Funds   47,435            47,435 
Total  $944,350   $1,805,157   $   $2,749,507 
                     
ESG Fixed Income Fund      Valuation Inputs         
Assets  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Corporate Bonds(a)  $   $809,665   $   $809,665 
U.S. Government & Agencies       970,331        970,331 
Exchange-Traded Funds   906,771            906,771 
Money Market Funds   48,907            48,907 
Total  $955,678   $1,779,996   $   $2,735,674 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

The Adviser, under the terms of the management agreement with the Trust with respect to the Funds, manages the Funds’ investments. The Adviser pays all of the operating expenses of the Funds except portfolio transaction and other investment related costs (including brokerage fees and commissions, and fees and expenses associated with investments in derivative instruments, such as option and swap fees and expenses), taxes, borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short), extraordinary expenses, and any indirect expenses (such as fees and expenses associated with investment in acquired

35

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group Fund Family
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

funds and other collective investment vehicles). In this regard, it should be noted that most investment companies pay their own operating expenses directly, while the Funds’ expenses, except those specified above, are paid by the Adviser. The Funds do not pay a management fee to the Adviser. Retirement plans, plan sponsors and/or plan participants pay a separate fee for the Adviser’s services and also pay fees to record keepers and administrators.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

The Board supervises the business activities of the Trust. Each Trustee serves as a trustee until termination of the Trust unless the Trustee dies, resigns, retires, or is removed. The Chairman of the Board and more than 75% of the Trustees are “Independent Trustees”, which means that they are not “interested persons” as defined in the 1940 Act. The Independent Trustees review and establish compensation at least annually. Each Independent Trustee of the Trust receives annual compensation, which is an established amount paid quarterly per fund in the Trust at the time of the regular quarterly Board meetings. The Chairman of the Board receives the highest compensation, commensurate with his additional duties and each Chair of a committee receives additional compensation as well. Independent Trustees also receive $1,000 for attending any special meeting that requires an in-person approval of a contract and $250 for the first hour and $200 for each additional hour for attending other special meetings. In addition, the Trust reimburses Independent Trustees for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in conjunction with attendance at meetings.

36

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group Fund Family
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 5. INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS

 

For the six months ended February 28, 2023, purchases and sales of investment securities, other than short-term investments, were as follows:

 

       ESG Stock   Fixed Income   ESG Fixed 
   Stock Fund   Fund   Fund   Income Fund 
Purchases  $26,222   $10,370   $218,214   $197,660 
Sales   27,045    10,002         
U.S. Government Purchases           238,442    245,014 
U.S. Government Sales           367,565    371,623 

 

NOTE 6. BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP

 

The beneficial ownership, either directly or indirectly, of more than 25% of the voting securities of a fund creates a presumption of control of a fund, under Section 2(a)(9) of the 1940 Act. As of February 28, 2023, the Adviser owned 100% of outstanding shares of each of the Stock Fund, ESG Stock Fund, Fixed Income Fund and ESG Fixed Income Fund. As a result, the Adviser may be deemed to control each Fund.

 

NOTE 7. FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION

 

At February 28, 2023, the net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) and tax cost of investments for tax purposes was as follows:

 

   ESG Stock   Fixed Income   ESG Fixed     
   Stock Fund   Fund   Fund   Income Fund 
Gross unrealized appreciation  $40,802   $46,015   $   $ 
Gross unrealized depreciation   (11,379)   (11,253)   (367,446)   (374,491)
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments   29,423    34,762    (367,446)   (374,491)
Tax cost of investments  $163,235   $158,066   $3,116,953   $3,110,165 
                     

The tax character of distributions paid for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022, the Funds’ most recent fiscal year end, was as follows:

 

       ESG Stock   Fixed Income   ESG Fixed 
   Stock Fund   Fund   Fund   Income Fund 
Distributions paid from:                    
Ordinary income(a)  $2,617   $2,359   $56,361   $53,329 
Long-term capital gains           50     
Total distributions paid  $2,617   $2,359   $56,411   $53,329 

 

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

37

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group Fund Family
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

At August 31, 2022, the components of accumulated earnings (deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

       ESG Stock   Fixed Income   ESG Fixed 
   Stock Fund   Fund   Fund   Income Fund 
Undistributed ordinary income  $2,025   $2,184   $38,741   $38,639 
Accumulated capital and other losses   (1,584)   (2,314)   (22,424)   (28,414)
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments   22,335    22,756    (345,317)   (353,311)
Total accumulated earnings (deficit)  $22,776   $22,626   $(329,000)  $(343,086)

 

NOTE 8. SECTOR RISK

 

If a Fund has significant investments in the securities of issuers within a particular sector, any development affecting that sector will have a greater impact on the value of the net assets of a Fund than would be the case if a Fund did not have significant investments in that sector. In addition, this may increase the risk of loss in a Fund and increase the volatility of a Fund’s NAV per share. For instance, economic or market factors, regulatory changes or other developments may negatively impact all companies in a particular sector, and therefore the value of a Fund’s portfolio will be adversely affected. As of February 28, 2023, the Stock Fund and ESG Stock Fund had 31.12% and 36.43%, respectively, of the value of its net assets invested in stocks within the Technology sector.

 

NOTE 9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

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

 

NOTE 10. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

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

38

 

Summary of Fund Expenses (Unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of a Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in each Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other funds. Each Fund’s example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from September 1, 2022 through February 28, 2023.

 

Actual Expenses

 

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

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

 

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

 

   Beginning   Ending        
   Account   Account   Expenses    
   Value   Value   Paid   Annualized
   September   February   During   Expense
   1, 2022   28, 2023   Period(a)   Ratio
Fisher Investments Institutional Group Stock Fund for Retirement Plans
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,085.80   $   —%
Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00   $1,024.79   $   —%
                   
Fisher Investments Institutional Group ESG Stock Fund for Retirement Plans
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,087.80   $   —%
Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00   $1,024.79   $   —%
                   
Fisher Investments Institutional Group Fixed Income Fund for Retirement Plans
Actual  $1,000.00   $973.40   $   —%
Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00   $1,024.79   $   —%
                   
Fisher Investments Institutional Group ESG Fixed Income Fund for Retirement Plans
Actual  $1,000.00   $973.50   $   —%
Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00   $1,024.79   $   —%

 

(a)Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

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

39

 

Investment Management Agreement Renewal (Unaudited)

 

The Fisher Investments Institutional Group Stock Fund for Retirement Plans (the “Stock Fund”), Fisher Investments Institutional Group ESG Stock Fund for Retirement Plans (the “ESG Stock Fund”), Fisher Investments Institutional Group Fixed Income Fund for Retirement Plans (the “Fixed Income Fund”) and Fisher Investments Institutional Group ESG Fixed Income Fund for Retirement Plans (the “ESG Fixed Income Fund”) (together, the “Funds”) are series of Unified Series Trust (the “Trust”). The Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board” or the “Trustees”) oversees the management of the Funds and, as required by law, considered the approval of the continuance of the Funds’ management agreement with their investment adviser, Fisher Asset Management, LLC (“Fisher”).

 

The Board requested and evaluated all information that the Trustees deemed reasonably necessary under the circumstances in connection with the renewal of the management agreement.

 

The Trustees held a teleconference on February 15, 2023 to review and discuss materials provided by Fisher and the Trust’s CCO, which were compiled by Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, the Trust’s administrator, with regard to the renewal of the management agreement between the Trust and Fisher. At the Trustees’ quarterly meeting held in February 2023, the Board interviewed certain executives of Fisher, including Fisher’s Vice President and Senior Relationship Manager. After discussion, the Trustees, including the Trustees who are not “interested persons” (as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) of the Trust or Fisher (the “Independent Trustees”), approved the continuance of the management agreement between the Trust and Fisher for an additional year. The Trustees’ continuance of the Funds’ management agreement was based on a consideration of all the information provided to the Trustees and was not the result of any single factor. Some of the factors that figured particularly in the Trustees’ deliberations are described below, although individual Trustees may have evaluated this information differently, ascribing different weights to various factors.

 

(i) The Nature, Extent, and Quality of Services. The Trustees reviewed and considered information regarding the nature, extent, and quality of services that Fisher provides to the Funds, which include, but are not limited to, providing a continuous investment program for the Funds, adhering to the Funds’ investment restrictions, complying with the Trust’s policies and procedures, and voting proxies on behalf of the Funds. The Trustees considered the qualifications and experience of Fisher’s portfolio managers who are responsible for the day-to-day management of the Funds’ portfolios, as well as the qualifications and experience of the other individuals at Fisher who provide services to the Funds. The Trustees further reviewed and considered Fisher’s compliance program and its team members, including the Trust CCO’s compliance review with respect to Fisher and the Funds. The Trustees concluded that they were impressed with the consistent nature, extent, and quality of investment management services provided by Fisher to each of the Funds.

 

(ii) Fund Performance. The Trustees next reviewed and discussed in detail the performance of each Fund for periods ended December 31, 2022. The Trustees noted that the Stock Fund and ESG Stock Fund had outperformed the medians of their Morningstar Global Large Stock Growth category and peer group for the one- and three-year and since inception periods. The Trustees noted that the ESG Stock Fund had also outperformed its benchmark, the MSCI ACWI IMI Index, for the three-year and since inception periods but underperformed for the one-year period. The Trustees further noted that the Stock Fund underperformed its benchmark, the MSCI ACWI IMI Index, across all periods. They further reflected upon Fisher representations regarding its stock selections and that they expect to be rewarded for conviction in the long term. The Trustees also noted that for the one-

40

 

Investment Management Agreement Renewal (Unaudited) (continued)

 

and three-year periods the Stock Fund and ESG Stock Fund underperformed a composite of accounts managed by Fisher with similar investment strategies to the Funds. The Trustees considered Fisher’s explanation that underperformance relative to the composite accounts was attributable to country allocation and the fact that the composite accounts include holdings acquired prior to the inception date of the Funds.

 

The Trustees noted that the Fixed Income Fund and ESG Fixed Income Fund underperformed the medians of their Morningstar Intermediate Core Bond category and peer group for the one- and three-year and since inception periods. The Trustees noted that the Fixed Income Fund and the ESG Fixed Income Fund had also underperformed their benchmark, the ICE BofA U.S. Broad Market Index, for all periods. Fisher noted an overweight to and selection within corporate debt was the largest drivers of relative return, driven by Investment Grade. Conversely, selection within Sovereign bonds detracted, as long duration bonds underperformed with rising rates. The Trustees noted that Fisher does not manage a comparable composite to these Funds.

 

Based upon the foregoing, the Trustees concluded the performance of each Fund is acceptable.

 

(iii) Fee Rate and Profitability. The Trustees reviewed a fee and expense comparison for each Fund. The Trustees noted that, with respect to the Stock Fund, Fixed Income Fund, ESG Stock Fund and ESG Fixed Income Fund, Fisher does not charge a management fee at the fund level, but that shareholders (retirement plans, plan sponsors, and/or plan participants) would pay a program fee, which fee would be for both investment management services and the retirement plan platform, including ERISA fiduciary services. The Trustees considered that the program fee, which includes fees for the retirement plan platform, is below the median and close to the average management fee charged to funds in the Morningstar category for the Stock Fund and ESG Stock Fund and above the medians and averages for the Fixed Income Fund and the ESG Fixed Income Fund. The Trustees also considered that Fisher pays the operating expenses of each Fund, which would result in an estimated net fees, including the typical program fee, substantially below the average and median net management fees in each Fund’s Morningstar category.

 

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

 

(iv) Economies of Scale. Because the Funds are not charged a management fee, the Trustees determined that Fisher is not making a profit and that economies of scale are not a consideration at this time.

41

 

PRIVACY NOTICE Rev: January 2020

 

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

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

 

■    Social Security number

 

■    account balances and account transactions

 

■    transaction or loss history and purchase history

 

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

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

 

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

For our everyday business purposes—

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

Yes No

For our marketing purposes—

to offer our products and services to you

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

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes—

information about your transactions and experiences

No We don’t share

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes—

information about your creditworthiness

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

 

Questions? Call (800) 851-8845

42

 

Who we are
Who is providing this notice?

Fisher Investments Institutional Group Fund Family

Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC (Distributor)

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (Administrator)

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

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

 

■    open an account or deposit money

 

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

 

We also collect your personal information from other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

 

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

 

■    affiliates from using your information to market to you

 

■    sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

 

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

Definitions
Affiliates

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

 

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

Nonaffiliates

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

 

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

Joint marketing

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

 

■    The Funds don’t jointly market.

43

 

PROXY VOTING

 

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

 

TRUSTEES
Daniel J. Condon, Chairman
David R. Carson
Kenneth G.Y. Grant 
Freddie Jacobs, Jr.
Catharine B. McGauley
Ronald C. Tritschler
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Cohen & Company, Ltd.
151 North Franklin Street, Suite 575
Chicago, IL 60606
   
   
OFFICERS
Martin R. Dean, President
GwenethK. Gosselink, Chief Compliance Officer 
Zachary P. Richmond, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
Lynn E. Wood, Assistant Chief Compliance Officer
LEGAL COUNSEL
Thompson Hine LLP
312 Walnut Street, 20th Floor
Cincinnati, OH 45202
 
   
   
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Fisher Asset Management, LLC
5525 NW Fisher Creek Drive
Camas, WA 98607
CUSTODIAN
U.S. Bank, N.A.
425 Walnut Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
   
   
DISTRIBUTOR
UltimusFund Distributors, LLC
225 PictoriaDrive, Suite 450
Cincinnati, OH 45246
ADMINISTRATOR, TRANSFER
AGENT AND FUND ACCOUNTANT

UltimusFund Solutions, LLC
225 PictoriaDrive, Suite 450
Cincinnati, OH 45246
   

 

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

 

Distributed by Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC

 

Member FINRA/SIPC

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fisher4-SAR-23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FISHER INVESTMENTS INSTITUTIONAL
GROUP FUND FAMILY

 

 

 

 

Semi-Annual Report

 

February 28, 2023

 

 

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group

U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fund Adviser:

Fisher Asset Management, LLC

5525 NW Fisher Creek Drive

Camas, Washington 98607

(800) 851-8845

 

 

Investment Results (Unaudited)

 

Average Annual Total Returns as of February 28, 2023(a)
      Since
      Inception
Fund/Index Six Months One Year (7/17/20)
Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund 7.99% (10.89)% 8.78%
Russell 2000 Index(b) 3.63% (6.02)% 11.46%
       
      Expense
      Ratios(c)
Gross     72.50%
With Applicable Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursements     0.75%
       

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

 

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

 

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

 

(c)The expense ratios are from the Fund’s prospectus dated December 29, 2022. Fisher Asset Management, LLC, d/b/a Fisher Investments (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse the Fund’s other expenses in order to limit the Fund’s total annual operating expenses to 0.75% of the Fund’s average daily net assets through December 31, 2027 (excluding portfolio transaction and other investment-related costs (including brokerage fees and commissions); taxes; borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short); acquired fund fees and expenses; certain fees and expenses associated with investments in other collective investment vehicles or derivative instruments (including for example option and swap fees and expenses); any administrative and/or shareholder servicing fees payable pursuant to a plan adopted by the Board of Trustees; expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization; extraordinary expenses (such as litigation expenses, indemnification of Trust officers and Trustees and contractual indemnification of Fund service providers); and other expenses that the Trustees agree have not been incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business). This expense cap may not be terminated prior to this date except by the Board of Trustees. Each waiver/expense

1

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)
 

payment by the Adviser is subject to recoupment by the Adviser from the Fund in the three years following the date the particular waiver/expense payment occurred, but only if such recoupment can be achieved without exceeding the annual expense limitation in effect at the time of the waiver/ expense payment and any expense limitation in effect at the time of the recoupment. Additional information pertaining to the Fund’s expense ratios as of February 28, 2023 can be found in the financial highlights.

 

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

 

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

2

 

Fund Holdings (Unaudited)
 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund Holdings as of February 28, 2023*

 

(BAR CHAT)

 

*As a percentage of net assets.

 

The Fund seeks to outperform, net of fees and expenses, the return of the Russell 2000 Index as its investment objective.

 

Availability of Portfolio Schedule (Unaudited)
 

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

3

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund
Schedule of Investments
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

COMMON STOCKS — 98.65%  Shares   Fair Value 
Communications — 0.57%          
8X8, Inc.(a)   199   $1,059 
Consumer Discretionary — 18.56%          
Abercrombie & Fitch Co., Class A(a)   56    1,647 
Builders FirstSource, Inc.(a)   62    5,255 
Freshpet, Inc.(a)   44    2,736 
Gap, Inc. (The)   95    1,236 
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (The)(a)   69    784 
Hibbett, Inc.   19    1,367 
M.D.C. Holdings, Inc.   32    1,184 
M/I Homes, Inc.(a)   39    2,256 
National Vision Holdings, Inc.(a)   34    1,270 
Papa John’s International, Inc.   32    2,687 
Pool Corp.   5    1,784 
Revolve Group, Inc.(a)   96    2,600 
Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. (The)   14    1,155 
Shake Shack, Inc., Class A(a)   32    1,785 
Six Flags Entertainment Corp.(a)   68    1,795 
Taylor Morrison Home Corp.(a)   36    1,290 
Thor Industries, Inc.   11    1,001 
Upbound Group, Inc.   31    832 
Urban Outfitters, Inc. (a)   40    1,078 
Wolverine World Wide, Inc.   58    972 
         34,714 
Consumer Staples — 0.87%          
Boston Beer Company, Inc. (The), Class A(a)   5    1,619 
           
Energy — 4.87%          
ChampionX Corp.   130    3,974 
Helmerich & Payne, Inc.   12    505 
Oceaneering International, Inc.(a)   99    2,068 
Ovintiv, Inc.   60    2,566 
         9,113 
Financials — 10.55%          
Cadence Bank   71    1,885 
Evercore Partners, Inc., Class A   19    2,492 
First Merchants Corp.   56    2,291 
Focus Financial Partners, Inc., Class A(a)   46    2,385 
Independent Bank Corp.   23    1,833 
Moelis & Co., Class A   39    1,670 
Piper Sandler Cos.   18    2,719 
Stifel Financial Corp.   26    1,738 
SVB Financial Group(a)   5    1,441 
Umpqua Holdings Corp.   73    1,289 
         19,743 
Health Care — 20.85%          
Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   45    1,139 
Align Technology, Inc.(a)   11    3,405 
           

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

4

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund
Schedule of Investments (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

COMMON STOCKS — 98.65% - continued  Shares   Fair Value 
Health Care — 20.85% - continued          
Alkermes PLC(a)   14   $374 
Anika Therapeutics(a)   82    2,599 
Avid Bioservices, Inc.(a)   47    774 
BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   74    655 
Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.(a)   5    1,097 
CONMED Corp.   55    5,289 
Exact Sciences Corp.(a)   29    1,808 
Haemonetics Corp.(a)   41    3,189 
Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   17    816 
ImmunoGen, Inc.(a)   231    896 
Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   85    958 
Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Class B(a)   13    938 
Medpace Holdings, Inc.(a)   15    2,908 
Myriad Genetics, Inc.(a)   55    1,041 
NanoString Technologies, Inc.(a)   73    712 
Neurocrine Biosciences Inc.(a)   6    619 
OmniAb, Inc. - Earnout Shares(a)   4     
OmniAb, Inc. - Earnout Shares(a)   4     
PTC Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   33    1,441 
Shockwave Medical, Inc.(a)   4    761 
Twist Bioscience Corp.(a)   29    564 
Vericel Corp.(a)   38    1,156 
WillScot Mobile Mini Holdings Corp.(a)   114    5,860 
         38,999 
Industrials — 14.33%          
Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.   47    4,375 
Alarm.com Holdings, Inc.(a)   36    1,830 
Cactus, Inc., Class A   83    3,813 
Casella Waste Systems, Inc., Class A(a)   31    2,412 
Chart Industries, Inc.(a)   18    2,403 
Columbus McKinnon Corp.   57    2,116 
H&E Equipment Services, Inc.   47    2,609 
HEICO Corp.   6    993 
Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.   14    2,351 
Mercury Systems, Inc.(a)   32    1,675 
Montrose Environmental Group Inc.(a)   46    2,240 
         26,817 
Materials — 5.68%          
Alcoa Corp.   56    2,740 
Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc. (a)   100    2,133 
Steel Dynamics, Inc.   15    1,892 
UFP Industries, Inc.   26    2,224 
Worthington Industries, Inc.   27    1,632 
         10,621 
Real Estate — 0.98%          
Macerich Co. (The)   153    1,828 
           

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

5

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund
Schedule of Investments (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

COMMON STOCKS — 98.65% - continued  Shares   Fair Value 
Technology — 21.39%          
Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Inc.(a)   261   $4,335 
Alteryx, Inc., Class A(a)   44    2,874 
Azenta, Inc.(a)   27    1,185 
Box, Inc., Class A(a)   34    1,134 
Cerence, Inc.(a)   32    876 
Ceridian HCM Holding, Inc.(a)   16    1,167 
Diodes, Inc.(a)   62    5,685 
Donnelley Financial Solutions, Inc.(a)   38    1,608 
Dropbox, Inc., Class A(a)   38    775 
Five9, Inc.(a)   8    528 
Knowles Corp.(a)   112    1,902 
LivePerson, Inc.(a)   58    587 
Manhattan Associates, Inc.(a)   6    863 
Momentive Global, Inc.(a)   203    1,401 
Omnicell, Inc.(a)   22    1,198 
Paycom Software, Inc.(a)   6    1,734 
Paylocity Holdings Corp.(a)   34    6,549 
Pegasystems, Inc.   14    649 
Qualys, Inc.(a)   6    709 
SPS Commerce, Inc.(a)   7    1,054 
Synaptics, Inc.(a)   7    823 
Tenable Holdings, Inc.(a)   14    619 
Vicor Corp.(a)   38    1,786 
         40,041 
Total Common Stocks (Cost $170,213)        184,554 
           
MONEY MARKET FUNDS - 8.34%          
First American Government Obligations Fund, Class X, 4.37%(b)   15,609    15,609 
Total Money Market Funds (Cost $15,609)        15,609 
           
Total Investments — 106.99% (Cost $185,822)        200,163 
           
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (6.99)%        (13,083)
           
NET ASSETS — 100.00%       $187,080 
           
(a)Non-income producing security.

 

(b)Rate disclosed is the seven day effective yield as of February 28, 2023.

 

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

6

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

Assets     
Investments in securities at fair value (cost $185,822)  $200,163 
Dividends receivable   119 
Receivable from Adviser   12,206 
Prepaid expenses   2,104 
Total Assets   214,592 
      
Liabilities     
Payable to affiliates   12,179 
Accrued audit and tax fees   9,664 
Other accrued expenses   5,669 
Total Liabilities   27,512 
Net Assets  $187,080 
      
Net Assets consist of:     
Paid-in capital  $176,730 
Accumulated earnings   10,350 
Net Assets  $187,080 
Shares outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized, no par value)   17,282 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share  $10.82 
      

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

7

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund
Statement of Operations
For the six months ended February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

Investment Income     
Dividend income (net of foreign taxes withheld of $1)  $694 
Total investment income   694 
      
Expenses     
Administration   24,730 
Legal   9,655 
Audit and tax   9,075 
Trustee   7,886 
Compliance services   5,960 
Transfer agent   5,951 
Report printing   2,367 
Custodian   1,245 
Registration   803 
Pricing   683 
Adviser   594 
Miscellaneous   10,715 
Total expenses   79,664 
Fees waived and expenses reimbursed by Adviser   (79,009)
Net operating expenses   655 
Net investment income   39 
      
Net Realized and Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments     
Net realized loss on investment securities transactions   (2,575)
Net change in unrealized appreciation of investment securities   16,450 
Net realized and change in unrealized gain on investments   13,875 
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations  $13,914 
      

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

8

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund
Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   For the Six     
   Months Ended   For the Year 
   February 28,   Ended August 
   2023   31, 2022 
   (Unaudited)     
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets due to:          
Operations          
Net investment income (loss)  $39   $(409)
Net realized gain (loss) on investment securities transactions   (2,575)   14,605 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investment securities   16,450    (75,719)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   13,914    (61,523)
           
Distributions From:          
Earnings   (13,142)   (13,339)
Total distributions   (13,142)   (13,339)
           
Capital Transactions          
Reinvestment of distributions   13,142    13,338 
Amount paid for shares redeemed       (13)
Net increase in net assets resulting from capital transactions   13,142    13,325 
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets   13,914    (61,537)
           
Net Assets          
Beginning of period   173,166    234,703 
End of period  $187,080   $173,166 
           
Share Transactions          
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions   1,337    926 
Shares redeemed       (1)
Net increase in shares   1,337    925 
           

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

9

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund
Financial Highlights
 
(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the Six           For the 
   Months   For the   For the   Period 
   Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended   Ended 
   February   August 31,   August 31,   August 31, 
   28, 2023   2022   2021   2020(a) 
   (Unaudited)                
Selected Per Share Data:                    
Net asset value, beginning of period  $10.86   $15.63   $10.47   $10.00 
                     
Investment operations:                    
Net investment loss    (b)   (0.03)   (0.03)    (b)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)   0.78    (3.85)   5.21    0.47 
Total from investment operations   0.78    (3.88)   5.18    0.47 
                     
Less distributions to shareholders from:                    
Net realized gains   (0.82)   (0.89)   (0.02)    
Total distributions   (0.82)   (0.89)   (0.02)    
                     
Net asset value, end of period  $10.82   $10.86   $15.63   $10.47 
                     
Total Return(c)   7.99(d)   (26.23)%   49.47%   4.70(d)
                     
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                    
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $187   $173   $235   $157 
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.75(e)   0.75%   0.75%   0.75(e)
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets before waiver and reimbursement   91.20(e)   72.50%   68.54%   188.33(e)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets   0.04(e)   (0.20)%   (0.23)%   0.30(e)
Portfolio turnover rate   10(d)   30%   24%   2(d)
                     
(a)For the period July 17, 2020 (commencement of operations) to August 31, 2020.

 

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

 

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

 

(d)Not annualized.

 

(e)Annualized.

 

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

10

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION

 

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

 

NOTE 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

As of and during the six months ended February 28, 2023, the Fund did not have any liabilities for any unrecognized tax benefits. The Fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense in the Statement of

11

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

Operations when incurred. During the six months ended February 28, 2023, the Fund did not incur any interest or penalties. Management of the Fund has reviewed tax positions taken in tax years that remain subject to examination by all major tax jurisdictions, including federal (i.e., the previous three tax year ends and the interim tax period since then, as applicable) and has concluded that no provision for unrecognized tax benefits or expenses is required in these financial statements and does not expect this to change over the next twelve months.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

NOTE 3. SECURITIES VALUATION AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

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

12

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

use of unobservable inputs and to establish classification of fair value measurements for disclosure purposes.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Equity securities that are traded on any stock exchange are generally valued at the last quoted sale price on the security’s primary exchange. Lacking a last sale price, an exchange-traded security is generally valued at its last bid price. Securities traded in the Nasdaq over-the-counter market are generally valued at the Nasdaq Official Closing Price. When using market quotations and when the market is considered active, the security is classified as a Level 1 security. In the event that market quotations are not readily available or are considered unreliable due to market or other events, securities are valued in good faith by the Adviser, as Valuation Designee, under oversight of the Board. The Adviser

13

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

has adopted written policies and procedures for valuing securities and other assets in circumstances where market quotes are not readily available. In the event that market quotes are not readily available, and the security or asset cannot be valued pursuant to one of the valuation methods, the value of the security or asset will be determined in good faith by the Adviser pursuant to its policies and procedures. The Trust’s administrator maintains a pricing review committee that will review any fair value provided by the Valuation Designee, subject to the ultimate review of the pricing methodology by the Pricing & Liquidity Committee of the Board on a quarterly basis. Under these policies, the securities will be classified as Level 2 or 3 within the fair value hierarchy, depending on the inputs used.

 

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

 

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

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 28, 2023:

 

       Valuation Inputs         
Assets  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Common Stocks(a)  $184,554   $   $   $184,554 
Money Market Funds   15,609            15,609 
Total  $200,163   $   $   $200,163 

 

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

14

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

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

 

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

 

The Adviser, under the terms of the management agreement (the “Agreement”) with the Trust with respect to the Fund, manages the Fund’s investments. As compensation for its management services, the Fund is obligated to pay the Adviser a management fee computed and accrued daily and paid monthly at an annual rate of 0.68% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. For the six months ended February 28, 2023, the Adviser earned management fees of $594 from the Fund before the waiver and reimbursement described below.

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or to reimburse the Fund’s other expenses in order to limit the Fund’s total annual operating expenses to 0.75% of the Fund’s average daily net assets through December 31, 2027 (excluding portfolio transaction and other investment-related costs (including brokerage fees and commissions); taxes; borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short); acquired fund fees and expenses; fees and expenses associated with investments in other collective investment vehicles or derivative instruments (including for example option and swap fees and expenses); any amounts payable pursuant to a distribution or service plan adopted in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act; any administrative and/ or shareholder servicing fees payable pursuant to a plan adopted by the Board; expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization; extraordinary expenses (such as litigation expenses, indemnification of Trust officers and Trustees and contractual indemnification of Fund service providers); and other expenses that the Trustees agree have not been incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business. This expense cap may not be terminated prior to this date except by the Board). For the six months ended February 28, 2023, the Adviser waived fees and reimbursed expenses in the amount of $79,009 for the Fund. At February 28, 2023, the Adviser owed the Fund $12,206.

 

Each expense payment by the Adviser (but not management fee waiver) is subject to recoupment by the Adviser from the Fund in the three years following the date the particular expense payment occurred, but only if such recoupment can be achieved without exceeding the annual expense limitation in effect at the time of the expense payment and any expense limitation in effect at the time of the recoupment. As of February 28, 2023, the Adviser may seek repayment of expense reimbursements in amounts as follows:

 

Recoverable Through 
August 31, 2023  $34,216 
August 31, 2024   139,672 
August 31, 2025   148,379 
February 28, 2026   79,009 

15

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

The Board supervises the business activities of the Trust. Each Trustee serves as a trustee until termination of the Trust unless the Trustee dies, resigns, retires, or is removed. The Chairman of the Board and more than 75% of the Trustees are “Independent Trustees”, which means that they are not “interested persons” as defined in the 1940 Act. The Independent Trustees review and establish compensation at least annually. Each Independent Trustee of the Trust receives annual compensation, which is an established amount paid quarterly per fund in the Trust at the time of the regular quarterly Board meetings. The Chairman of the Board receives the highest compensation, commensurate with his additional duties and each Chair of a committee receives additional compensation as well. Independent Trustees also receive $1,000 for attending any special meeting that requires an in-person approval of a contract and $250 for the first hour and $200 for each additional hour for attending other special meetings. In addition, the Trust reimburses Independent Trustees for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in conjunction with attendance at meetings.

 

NOTE 5. INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS

 

For the six months ended February 28, 2023, purchases and sales of investment securities, other than short-term investments, were $17,151 and $31,002, respectively.

16

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

There were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. government obligations during the six months ended February 28, 2023.

 

NOTE 6. BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP

 

The beneficial ownership, either directly or indirectly, of more than 25% of the voting securities of a fund creates a presumption of control of a fund, under Section 2(a)(9) of the 1940 Act. As of February 28, 2023, the Adviser owned 100% of the Fund’s outstanding shares. As a result, the Adviser may be deemed to control the Fund.

 

NOTE 7. FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION

 

At February 28, 2023, the net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) and tax cost of investments for tax purposes was as follows:

 

Gross unrealized appreciation  $46,294 
Gross unrealized depreciation   (31,953)
Net unrealized appreciation on investments  $14,341 
Tax cost of investments  $185,822 

 

The tax character of distributions paid for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022, the Fund’s most recent fiscal year end, was as follows:

 

Distributions paid from:     
Ordinary income(a)  $10,864 
Long-term capital gains   2,475 
Total distributions paid  $13,339 

 

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

 

At August 31, 2022, the components of accumulated earnings (deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed long-term capital gains  $13,141 
Accumulated capital and other losses   (1,245)
Unrealized depreciation on investments   (2,318)
Total accumulated earnings  $9,578 

 

NOTE 8. SECTOR RISK

 

If the Fund has significant investments in the securities of issuers within a particular sector, any development affecting that sector will have a greater impact on the value of the net assets of the Fund than would be the case if the Fund did not have significant investments

17

 

Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

in that sector. In addition, this may increase the risk of loss in the Fund and increase the volatility of the Fund’s NAV per share. For instance, economic or market factors, regulatory changes or other developments may negatively impact all companies in a particular sector, and therefore the value of the Fund’s portfolio will be adversely affected.

 

NOTE 9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

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

 

NOTE 10. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

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

18

 

Summary of Fund Expenses (Unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution (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 funds. You may pay brokerage commissions on purchases and sales of exchange-traded fund shares, which are not reflected in the example. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from September 1, 2022 through February 28, 2023.

 

Actual Expenses

 

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

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

 

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

 

   Beginning   Ending        
   Account   Account   Expenses    
   Value   Value   Paid   Annualized
   September   February   During   Expense
   1, 2022   28, 2023   Period(a)   Ratio
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,079.90   $3.87   0.75%
Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00   $1,021.08   $3.76   0.75%

 

(a)Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

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

19

 

Investment Management Agreement Renewal (Unaudited)

 

The Fisher Investments Institutional Group U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund (the “Fund”) is a series of Unified Series Trust (the “Trust”). The Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) oversees the management of the Fund and, as required by law, considered the approval of the continuance of the Fund’s management agreement with its investment adviser, Fisher Asset Management, LLC (“Fisher”).

 

The Board requested and evaluated all information that the Trustees deemed reasonably necessary under the circumstances in connection with the renewal of the management agreement.

 

The Trustees held a teleconference on February 15, 2023 to review and discuss materials provided by Fisher and the Trust’s CCO, which were compiled by Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, the Trust’s administrator, with regard to renewal of the management agreement between the Trust and Fisher. At the Trustees’ quarterly meeting held in February 2023, the Board interviewed certain executives of Fisher, including Fisher’s Vice President and Senior Relationship Manager. After discussion, the Trustees, including the Trustees who are not “interested persons” (as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) of the Trust or Fisher (the “Independent Trustees”), approved the continuance of the management agreement between the Trust and Fisher for an additional year. The Trustees’ continuance of the Fund’s management agreement was based on a consideration of all the information provided to the Trustees and was not the result of any single factor. Some of the factors that figured particularly in the Trustees’ deliberations are described below, although individual Trustees may have evaluated this information differently, ascribing different weights to various factors.

 

(i) The Nature, Extent, and Quality of Services. The Trustees reviewed and considered information regarding the nature, extent, and quality of services that Fisher provides to the Fund, which include, but are not limited to, providing a continuous investment program for the Fund, adhering to the Fund’s investment restrictions, complying with the Trust’s policies and procedures, and voting proxies on behalf of the Fund. The Trustees considered the qualifications and experience of Fisher’s portfolio managers who are responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio, as well as the qualifications and experience of the other individuals at Fisher who provide services to the Fund. The Trustees further reviewed and considered Fisher’s compliance program and its team members, including the Trust CCO’s compliance review with respect to Fisher and the Fund. The Trustees concluded that they were impressed with the consistency of the nature, extent, and quality of investment management services provided by Fisher to the Fund.

 

(ii) Fund Performance. The Trustees next reviewed and discussed in detail the performance of the Fund for periods ended December 31, 2022. The Trustees noted that the Fund had outperformed the median of its Morningstar Small Growth category and peer group for the one-year and since inception periods, but underperformed its benchmark, the Russell 2000 Index, for both periods. The Trustees noted that the Fund performed comparably to a composite of accounts managed by Fisher with a similar investment strategy to the Fund and noted that the composite includes holdings acquired prior to the inception date of the Fund. Based upon the foregoing, the Trustees concluded the performance the Fund is acceptable.

 

(iii) Fee Rate and Profitability. The Trustees reviewed a fee and expense comparison for the Fund. The Trustees noted that the management fee of the Fund is slightly above the average and median of the Fund’s Morningstar category and the average of the Fund’s peer group. The

20

 

Investment Management Agreement Renewal (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Trustees observed that the Fund’s management fee is below the median of its peer group. The Trustees discussed that the Fund’s net expense ratio was below the medians and averages of its Morningstar category and peer group. The Trustees also considered that Fisher has committed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse expenses of the Fund through at least December 31, 2027. The Trustees also considered that the management fee of the Fund is lower than the fee that Fisher charges to its comparable accounts.

 

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

 

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

21

 

PRIVACY NOTICE
   
  Rev: January 2020

 

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

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

 

■    Social Security number

 

■    account balances and account transactions

 

■    transaction or loss history and purchase history

 

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

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

For our everyday business purposes –

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

Yes Yes

For our marketing purposes –

to offer our products and services to you

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

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes –

information about your transactions and experiences

No We don’t share

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes

information about your creditworthiness

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

22

 

Who we are
Who is providing this notice?

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

Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC (Distributor)

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (Administrator)

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

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

 

■    open an account or deposit money

 

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

 

We also collect your personal information from other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

 

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

 

■    affiliates from using your information to market to you

 

■    sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

 

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

 
Definitions
Affiliates

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

 

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

Nonaffiliates

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

 

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

Joint marketing

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

 

   The Fund does not jointly market.

23

 

Proxy Voting

 

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

 

TRUSTEES
Daniel J. Condon, Chairman
David R. Carson
Kenneth G.Y. Grant 
Freddie Jacobs, Jr.
Catharine B. McGauley
Ronald C. Tritschler
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Cohen & Company, Ltd.
151 North Franklin Street, Suite 575
Chicago, IL 60606

 

 
OFFICERS
Martin R. Dean, President
GwenethK. Gosselink, Chief Compliance Officer 
Zachary P. Richmond, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
Lynn E. Wood, Assistant Chief Compliance Officer
LEGAL COUNSEL
Thompson Hine LLP
312 Walnut Street, 20th Floor
Cincinnati, OH 45202
   
   
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Fisher Asset Management, LLC
5525 NW Fisher Creek Drive
Camas, WA 98607
CUSTODIAN
U.S. Bank, N.A.
425 Walnut Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
   
DISTRIBUTOR
UltimusFund Distributors, LLC
225 PictoriaDrive, Suite 450
Cincinnati, OH 45246
ADMINISTRATOR, TRANSFER
AGENT AND FUND
ACCOUNTANT

UltimusFund Solutions, LLC
225 PictoriaDrive, Suite 450
Cincinnati, OH 45246

 

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

 

Distributed by Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC

 

Member FINRA/SIPC

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fisher3-SAR-23

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
(ONE ASSETS LOGO)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OneAscent Large Cap Core ETF (OALC)
OneAscent Core Plus Bond ETF (OACP)
OneAscent International Equity ETF (OAIM)
OneAscent Emerging Markets ETF (OAEM)
NYSE Arca, Inc.
 
 
Semi-Annual Report
 
February 28, 2023
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OneAscent Investment Solutions, LLC
23 Inverness Center Parkway
Birmingham, Alabama 35242
Telephone: 1-800-222-8274

 

 

Investment Results (Unaudited)

 

Total Returns* as of February 28, 2023

 

         Since
         Inception
   Six Months  One Year  (11/15/2021)
OneAscent Large Cap Core ETF - NAV  6.98%  (3.26)%  (10.29)%
OneAscent Large Cap Core ETF - Market Price  6.81%  (3.13)%  (10.25)%
S&P 500® Index(a)  1.26%  (7.69)%  (10.58)%

 

Total annual operating expenses, as disclosed in the OneAscent Large Cap Core ETF’s (the “Fund”) prospectus dated December 29, 2022 was 0.82% of average daily net assets. Additional information pertaining to the Fund’s expense ratio as of February 28, 2023 can be found in the financial highlights.

 

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

 

*Return figures reflect any change in price per share and assume the reinvestment of all distributions.

 

Total returns for less than one year are not annualized.

 

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

 

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

 

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

1

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Total Returns* as of February 28, 2023

 

      Inception
      Since
   Six Months  (3/30/2022)
OneAscent Core Plus Bond ETF - NAV  (1.91)%  (7.05)%
OneAscent Core Plus Bond ETF - Market Price  (1.58)%  (6.97)%
Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index(a)  (2.13)%  (7.08)%

 

Total annual operating expenses based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year, as disclosed in the OneAscent Core Plus Bond ETF’s (the “Fund”) prospectus dated December 29, 2022 was 0.76% of average daily net assets. OneAscent Investment Solutions, LLC (the “Adviser”) contractually has agreed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse expenses so that total annual Fund operating expenses, excluding portfolio transaction and other investment-related costs (including brokerage fees and commissions); taxes; borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short); acquired fund fees and expenses; fees and expenses associated with investments in other collective investment vehicles or derivative instruments (including for example option and swap fees and expenses); any administrative and/or shareholder servicing fees payable pursuant to a plan adopted by the Board of Trustees; expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization; extraordinary expenses (such as litigation expenses, indemnification of Trust officers and Trustees and contractual indemnification of Fund service providers); and other expenses that the Trustees agree have not been incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business, do not exceed 1.00% through December 31, 2023. This expense cap may not be terminated prior to this date except by the Board of Trustees upon sixty (60) days’ notice and may not be terminated by the Adviser without the Board of Trustees’ consent. Each waiver/expense payment by the Adviser is subject to recoupment by the Adviser from the Fund in the three years following the date the particular waiver/expense payment occurred, but only if such recoupment can be achieved without exceeding the annual expense limitation in effect at the time of the waiver/expense payment and any expense limitation in effect at the time of the recoupment. Additional information pertaining to the Fund’s expense ratio as of February 28, 2023 can be found in the financial highlights.

 

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

 

*Return figures reflect any change in price per share and assume the reinvestment of all distributions.

 

Total returns for less than one year are not annualized.

2

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

(a)The Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad based, market capitalization-weighted bond market index representing intermediate term investment grade bonds traded in the United States and is representative of a broader market and range of securities than are found in the Fund’s portfolio. Index returns do not reflect the deduction of expenses, which have been deducted from the Fund’s returns. Index returns assume reinvestment of all distributions and do not reflect the deduction of taxes and fees. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index.

 

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

 

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

3

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Total Returns* as of February 28, 2023

 

   Since
   Inception
   (9/14/2022)
OneAscent International Equity ETF - NAV  14.64%
OneAscent International Equity ETF - Market Price  14.40%
MSCI ACWI ex USA Index(a)  8.91%

 

Total annual operating expenses based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year, as disclosed in the OneAscent International Equity ETF’s (the “Fund”) prospectus dated August 16, 2022 were 1.29% of average daily net assets (0.95% after fee waivers/expense reimbursements by the Adviser). The Adviser contractually has agreed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse expenses so that total annual Fund operating expenses, excluding portfolio transaction and other investment-related costs (including brokerage fees and commissions); taxes; borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short); acquired fund fees and expenses; fees and expenses associated with investments in other collective investment vehicles or derivative instruments (including for example option and swap fees and expenses); any administrative and/or shareholder servicing fees payable pursuant to a plan adopted by the Board of Trustees; expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization; extraordinary expenses (such as litigation expenses, indemnification of Trust officers and Trustees and contractual indemnification of Fund service providers); and other expenses that the Trustees agree have not been incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business, do not exceed 0.95% through December 31, 2023. This expense cap may not be terminated prior to this date except by the Board of Trustees upon sixty (60) days’ notice and may not be terminated by the Adviser without the Board of Trustees’ consent. Each waiver/expense payment by the Adviser is subject to recoupment by the Adviser from the Fund in the three years following the date the particular waiver/expense payment occurred, but only if such recoupment can be achieved without exceeding the annual expense limitation in effect at the time of the waiver/ expense payment and any expense limitation in effect at the time of the recoupment. Additional information pertaining to the Fund’s expense ratio as of February 28, 2023 can be found in the financial highlights.

 

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

 

*Return figures reflect any change in price per share and assume the reinvestment of all distributions. The Fund’s returns reflect any fee reductions during the applicable period. If such fee reductions had

4

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

not occurred, the quoted performance would have been lower. Total returns for less than one year are not annualized.

 

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

 

Individuals cannot invest directly in an index.

 

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

 

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

5

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Total Returns* as of February 28, 2023

 

   Since
   Inception
   (9/14/2022)
OneAscent Emerging Markets ETF - NAV  8.28%
OneAscent Emerging Markets ETF - Market Price  7.80%
MSCI Emerging Markets Index(a)  0.83%

 

Total annual operating expenses based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year, as disclosed in the OneAscent Emerging Markets ETF’s (the “Fund”) prospectus dated August 16, 2022, were 2.12% of average daily net assets (1.25% after fee waivers/expense reimbursements by the Adviser). The Adviser contractually has agreed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse expenses so that total annual Fund operating expenses, excluding portfolio transaction and other investment-related costs (including brokerage fees and commissions); taxes; borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short); acquired fund fees and expenses; fees and expenses associated with investments in other collective investment vehicles or derivative instruments (including for example option and swap fees and expenses); any administrative and/or shareholder servicing fees payable pursuant to a plan adopted by the Board of Trustees; expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization; extraordinary expenses (such as litigation expenses, indemnification of Trust officers and Trustees and contractual indemnification of Fund service providers); and other expenses that the Trustees agree have not been incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business, do not exceed 1.25% through December 31, 2023. This expense cap may not be terminated prior to this date except by the Board of Trustees upon sixty (60) days’ notice and may not be terminated by the Adviser without the Board of Trustees’ consent. Each waiver/expense payment by the Adviser is subject to recoupment by the Adviser from the Fund in the three years following the date the particular waiver/expense payment occurred, but only if such recoupment can be achieved without exceeding the annual expense limitation in effect at the time of the waiver/ expense payment and any expense limitation in effect at the time of the recoupment. Additional information pertaining to the Fund’s expense ratio as of February 28, 2023 can be found in the financial highlights.

 

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

 

*Return figures reflect any change in price per share and assume the reinvestment of all distributions. The Fund’s returns reflect any fee reductions during the applicable period. If such fee reductions had

6

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

not occurred, the quoted performance would have been lower. Total returns for less than one year are not annualized.

 

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

 

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

 

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

7

 

Fund Holdings (Unaudited)

 

OneAscent Large Cap Core ETF Holdings as of February 28, 2023.*

 

(BAR GRAPH)

 

*As a percentage of net assets.

 

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

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change.

 

OneAscent Core Plus Bond ETF Holdings as of February 28, 2023.*

 

(BAR GRAPH)

 

*As a percentage of net assets.

8

 

Fund Holdings (Unaudited)

 

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

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change.

 

OneAscent International Equity ETF Holdings as of February 28, 2023.*

 

(BAR GRAPH)

 

*As a percentage of net assets.

 

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

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change.

9

 

Fund Holdings (Unaudited)

 

OneAscent Emerging Markets ETF Holdings as of February 28, 2023.*

 

(BAR GRAPH)

 

*As a percentage of net assets.

 

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

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change.

 

Availability of Portfolio Schedule (Unaudited)

 

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

10

 

OneAscent Large Cap Core ETF
Schedule of Investments
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

COMMON STOCKS — 89.73%  Shares   Fair Value 
Consumer Discretionary — 13.77%          
Copart, Inc.(a)   4,342   $305,938 
Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc.   2,530    156,734 
Gentex Corp.   25,013    714,121 
Hess Corp.   1,446    194,776 
Lennar Corp., Class A   1,763    170,552 
LKQ Corp.   3,239    185,562 
Lululemon Athletica, Inc.(a)   270    83,484 
Progressive Corp. (The)   3,829    549,538 
Thor Industries, Inc.   9,352    850,939 
Tractor Supply Co.   1,921    448,092 
Williams-Sonoma, Inc.   2,104    262,832 
YETI Holdings, Inc.(a)   12,112    472,126 
         4,394,694 
Consumer Staples — 2.63%          
Cboe Global Markets, Inc.   1,773    223,699 
Clorox Co. (The)   1,114    173,161 
Costco Wholesale Corp.   327    158,327 
Estee Lauder Cos., Inc. (The), Class A   561    136,351 
McCormick & Co., Inc.   1,985    147,525 
         839,063 
Energy — 1.07%          
EOG Resources, Inc.   1,384    156,420 
ONEOK, Inc.   2,825    184,896 
         341,316 
Financials — 12.23%          
Arch Capital Group Ltd.(a)   8,484    593,880 
Brown & Brown, Inc.   2,943    165,014 
Charles Schwab Corp. (The)   10,951    853,301 
Chubb Ltd.   2,796    590,012 
Cincinnati Financial Corp.   2,176    262,643 
Everest Re Group Ltd.   996    382,434 
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.   1,173    252,078 
SVB Financial Group(a)   999    287,822 
T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.   2,884    323,816 
Willis Towers Watson PLC   819    191,941 
         3,902,941 
Health Care — 8.59%          
Cigna Corp.   1,879    548,856 
Danaher Corp.   3,544    877,246 
Elevance Health, Inc.   1,322    620,904 
Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings   642    153,669 
PerkinElmer, Inc.   1,114    138,771 
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   1,390    403,503 
         2,742,949 
Industrials — 8.54%          
Amphenol Corp., Class A   8,236    638,455 

 

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

11

 

OneAscent Large Cap Core ETF
Schedule of Investments (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

COMMON STOCKS — 89.73% - continued  Shares   Fair Value 
Industrials — 8.54% - continued          
Cintas Corp.   642   $281,498 
Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.   1,973    206,297 
Graco, Inc.   2,353    163,628 
JB Hunt Transport Services, Inc.   937    169,400 
Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.   524    177,772 
Sensata Technologies Holding PLC   14,133    714,847 
Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.   1,944    166,426 
Toro Co. (The)   1,881    207,737 
         2,726,060 
Materials — 3.10%          
Newmont Corp.   3,976    173,393 
Sherwin-Williams Co. (The)   2,741    606,721 
Steel Dynamics, Inc.   1,665    209,973 
         990,087 
Real Estate — 1.71%          
Crown Castle International Corp.   1,468    191,941 
Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc.(a)   701    122,296 
Prologis, Inc.   1,881    232,116 
         546,353 
Technology — 37.24%          
Adobe, Inc.(a)   1,211    392,303 
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.(a)   9,393    738,102 
Arista Networks, Inc.(a)   4,811    667,286 
FactSet Research Systems, Inc.   517    214,322 
Garmin Ltd.   3,871    379,861 
Intuit, Inc.   1,378    561,094 
KLA Corporation   841    319,059 
Lam Research Corp.   798    387,836 
Leidos Holdings, Inc.   1,940    188,316 
MasterCard, Inc., Class A   2,058    731,187 
Micron Technology, Inc.   9,925    573,864 
Microsoft Corp.   8,049    2,007,582 
MKS Instruments, Inc.   9,767    946,714 
NVIDIA Corp.   3,622    840,884 
S&P Global, Inc.   672    229,286 
TD SYNNEX Corp.   9,835    949,274 
Universal Display Corp.   1,450    196,983 
Verisk Analytics, Inc.   1,216    208,070 
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.   41,249    875,715 
VMware, Inc., Class A(a)   4,305    474,110 
         11,881,848 
Utilities — 0.85%          
WEC Energy Group, Inc.   3,062    271,477 
           
Total Common Stocks/Investments — 89.73% (Cost $32,454,889)          $28,636,788 
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 10.27%           3,276,730 
NET ASSETS — 100.00%          $31,913,518 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.

 

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

12

 

OneAscent Core Plus Bond ETF
Schedule of Investments
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

   Principal     
ASSET BACKED SECURITIES — 13.04%  Amount   Fair Value 
Century Plaza Towers, Series 2019-CPT, Class B, 3.00%, 11/13/2039(a)(b)  $740,000   $552,710 
COMM Mortgage Trust, Series 2022-HC, Class B, 3.17%, 1/10/2039(a)   1,000,000    865,234 
DBUBS Mortgage Trust, Series 2017-BRBK, Class A, 3.45%, 10/10/2034(a)   1,000,000    942,172 
GoodLeap Sustainable Home Solutions Trust, Series 2022-3CS, Class B, 5.50%, 7/20/2049(a)   1,250,000    1,077,843 
GoodLeap Sustainable Home Solutions Trust, Series 2022-3CS, Class B, 5.52%, 7/20/2049(a)   1,100,000    1,075,584 
Hertz Vehicle Financing, LLC, Series 2023-2A, Class C, 7.13%, 9/25/2029(a)   900,000    901,195 
J.P. Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2020- 609M, Class A, 5.96%, 10/15/2033 (US0001M + 1.370bps)(a)(b)   1,000,000    934,625 
Mosaic Solar Loan Trust, Series 2022-3A, Class A, 6.16%, 6/20/2053(a)   936,006    949,576 
Natixis Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2019-MILE, Class A, 6.14%, 7/15/2036 (US0001M + 1.500bps)(a)(b)   1,000,000    966,168 
One Bryant Park Trust, Series 2019-OBP, Class A, 2.52%, 9/15/2054(a)   500,000    414,492 
One Market Plaza Trust, Series 2017-1MKT, Class A, 3.61%, 2/10/2024(a)   1,000,000    941,172 
One Market Plaza Trust, Series 2017-1MKT, Class B, 3.85%, 2/10/2032(a)   1,000,000    929,021 
One Market Plaza Trust, Series 2017-1MKT, Class C, 4.02%, 2/10/2032(a)   500,000    459,645 
STWD Mortgage Trust, Series 2021-LIH, Class B, 6.24%, 11/15/2036 (US0001M + 1.656bps)(a)(b)   1,000,000    965,575 
Sunrun Jupiter Issuer, LLC, Series 2022-1A, Class A, 4.75%, 7/30/2057(a)   943,130    837,865 
Vivint Solar Financing V, LLC, Series 2018-1A, Class B, 7.37%, 4/30/2048(a)   633,043    583,367 
Total Asset Backed Securities (Cost $14,164,783)        13,396,244 
           
COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS — 0.85%          
Freddie Mac Multiclass Certificates, Series 2022-P013, Class A2, 2.76%, 2/25/2032(b)   1,000,000    870,487 
Total Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (Cost $944,283)        870,487 
           
CORPORATE BONDS — 39.74%          
Communications — 1.50%          
Alphabet, Inc., 1.10%, 8/15/2030   1,000,000    788,166 
Verizon Communications, Inc., 3.40%, 3/22/2041   1,000,000    752,632 
         1,540,798 
Consumer Discretionary — 2.89%          
Conservation Fund, Series 2019, 3.47%, 12/15/2029   1,000,000    852,667 
General Motors Co., 5.60%, 10/15/2032   500,000    475,419 
Magna International, Inc., 2.45%, 6/15/2030   1,000,000    832,192 
Walmart, Inc., 1.80%, 9/22/2031   1,000,000    806,756 
         2,967,034 
Consumer Staples — 1.65%          
PepsiCo, Inc., 3.90%, 7/18/2032   1,100,000    1,033,910 
Unilever Capital Corp., 2.63%, 8/12/2051   1,000,000    665,958 
         1,699,868 

 

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

13

 

OneAscent Core Plus Bond ETF
Schedule of Investments (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

   Principal     
CORPORATE BONDS — 39.74% - continued  Amount   Fair Value 
Energy — 2.40%          
BP Capital Markets America, Inc., 4.81%, 2/13/2033  $1,000,000   $981,189 
BP Capital Markets America, Inc., 2.77%, 11/10/2050   1,000,000    642,779 
Equinor ASA, 3.95%, 5/15/2043   1,000,000    846,983 
         2,470,951 
Financials — 8.14%          
Bank of America Corp., MTN, 3.38%, 4/2/2026 (SOFRRATE + 1.330bps)(b)   1,000,000    956,716 
BB Blue Financing DAC, Series A2, 4.40%, 9/20/2029   1,000,000    981,450 
BB Blue Financing DAC, Series A1, 4.40%, 9/20/2037   1,000,000    944,190 
HSBC Holdings PLC, 5.40%, 8/11/2033 (SOFRRATE + 2.870bps)(b)   1,075,000    1,030,166 
ING Groep N.V., 1.40%, 7/1/2026 (H15T1Y + 1.100bps)(a)(b)   1,000,000    906,330 
National Bank of Canada, MTN, 0.55%, 11/15/2024 (H15T1Y + 0.400bps)(b)   1,000,000    964,435 
OMERS Finance Trust, 3.50%, 4/19/2032(a)   1,000,000    909,303 
OMERS Finance Trust, 4.00%, 4/19/2052(a)   1,000,000    824,091 
Province of Quebec Canada, 1.90%, 4/21/2031   1,000,000    832,595 
         8,349,276 
Health Care — 2.36%          
Amgen, Inc., 5.25%, 3/2/2033   925,000    917,195 
Gilead Sciences, Inc., 2.60%, 10/1/2040   1,000,000    696,132 
Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 2.05%, 3/31/2030   1,000,000    815,306 
         2,428,633 
Industrials — 3.71%          
Delta Air Lines Pass Through Trust, Series 2020-1, Class A, 2.50%,          
6/10/2028   1,524,982    1,324,063 
Otis Worldwide Corp., 3.11%, 2/15/2040   1,000,000    742,754 
Tote Shipholdings, LLC, 3.40%, 10/16/2040   1,023,000    910,838 
Vessel Management Services, Inc., 3.48%, 1/16/2037   931,000    836,403 
         3,814,058 
Materials — 2.21%          
Eastman Chemical Co., 5.75%, 3/8/2033   1,000,000    994,740 
FMG Resources (August 2006) Pty Ltd., 6.13%, 4/15/2032(a)   500,000    473,220 
Newmont Corp., 2.25%, 10/1/2030   1,000,000    805,996 
         2,273,956 
Multi-Nationals — 5.97%          
Central American Bank for Economic Integration, 5.00%, 2/9/2026(a)   250,000    248,240 
European Investment Bank, 0.75%, 9/23/2030   1,000,000    785,070 
Inter-American Investment Corp., 2.63%, 4/22/2025   1,000,000    952,081 
International Bank for Reconstruction & Development, EMTN, Zero Coupon, 3/31/2028   500,000    474,970 
International Financial Corp., GMTN, 0.50%, 3/20/2023   1,000,000    997,747 
Kreditanstalt fuer Wiederaufbau, 1.00%, 10/1/2026   1,000,000    886,407 
OPEC Fund for International Development (The), 4.50%, 1/26/2026(a)   900,000    887,439 
United States International Development Finance, 3.43%, 6/1/2033   975,992    904,568 
         6,136,522 
Real Estate — 1.75%          
HAT Holdings I, LLC/HAT Holdings II, LLC, 3.38%, 6/15/2026(a)   1,000,000    868,525 

 

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

14

 

OneAscent Core Plus Bond ETF
Schedule of Investments (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

   Principal     
CORPORATE BONDS — 39.74% - continued  Amount   Fair Value 
Preservation of Affordable Housing, Inc., 4.48%, 12/1/2032  $1,000,000   $926,925 
         1,795,450 
Technology — 1.81%          
Apple, Inc., 3.00%, 6/20/2027   1,000,000    939,559 
Intel Corp., 4.15%, 8/5/2032   1,000,000    920,586 
         1,860,145 
Utilities — 5.35%          
Ameren Illinois Co., 2.90%, 6/15/2051   1,000,000    664,954 
Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC, 3.55%, 3/15/2052   1,000,000    743,146 
Duke Energy Progress, LLC, 3.45%, 3/15/2029   850,000    776,868 
New York State Electric & Gas Corp., 2.15%, 10/1/2031(a)   1,000,000    785,208 
San Diego Gas & Electric Co., 2.95%, 8/15/2051   1,000,000    660,411 
Topaz Solar Farms, LLC, 5.75%, 9/30/2039(a)   1,000,000    927,760 
Vistra Corp., 7.00%, Perpetual (H15T5Y + 5.740bps)(a)(b)   1,000,000    936,086 
         5,494,433 
Total Corporate Bonds (Cost $44,573,785)        40,831,124 
           
FOREIGN GOVERNMENT BONDS — 1.96%          
Canada Government International Bond, 2.88%, 4/28/2025   1,100,000    1,056,866 
Council of Europe Development Bank, 3.00%, 6/16/2025   1,000,000    960,664 
Total Foreign Government Bonds (Cost $2,098,283)        2,017,530 
           
MUNICIPAL BONDS — 7.12%          
District of Columbia — 1.64%          
District of Columbia, Revenue, 3.85%, 2/28/2025   1,750,000    1,681,216 
           
Florida — 0.98%          
Florida Development Finance Corp., Revenue, Series A, 7.25%, 7/1/2057   1,000,000    1,003,197 
           
Indiana — 0.96%          
Fort Wayne, Solid Waste Facility, Revenue, Series 2022A-2, 10.75%, 12/1/2029   1,000,000    982,410 
           
Montana — 1.00%          
Gallatin County Industrial Development, Revenue, Series B, 11.50%, 9/1/2027   1,000,000    1,033,396 
           
New York — 2.06%          
Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Revenue, 5.18%, 11/15/2049   1,000,000    905,826 
New York State Energy Research & Development Authority, Revenue, Series A, 4.87%, 4/1/2037   1,335,000    1,222,464 
         2,128,290 
Wisconsin — 0.48%          
Fond du Lac County Social Bonds, Revenue, Series A, 5.57%, 11/1/2051   500,000    488,268 
Total Municipal Bonds (Cost $7,627,032)        7,316,777 
           
TERM LOANS — 2.76%          
Utilities — 1.87%          
ExGen Renewables IV, LLC, 7.24%, 12/15/2027 (US0001M + 250.000bps)(b)   943,711    943,272 

 

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

15

 

OneAscent Core Plus Bond ETF
Schedule of Investments (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

   Principal     
TERM LOANS — 2.76% - continued  Amount   Fair Value 
TerraForm Power Operating, LLC, 6.40%, 5/30/2029 (TSFR1M + 275.000bps)(b)  $995,000   $986,015 
         1,929,287 
Industrials — 0.89%          
LTR Intermediate Holdings, Inc., 9.35%, 5/7/2028 (US0001M + 450.000bps)(b)   992,443    910,567 
Total Term Loans (Cost $2,897,984)        2,839,854 
           
U.S. GOVERNMENT & AGENCIES — 31.03%          
Fannie Mae Pool, 4.00%, 5/1/2044   883,610    846,466 
Fannie Mae Pool, 2.00%, 6/1/2051   963,532    788,419 
Fannie Mae Pool, 2.50%, 1/1/2052   2,258,813    1,923,717 
Fannie Mae Pool, 2.50%, 2/1/2052   206,507    175,961 
Fannie Mae Pool, 3.00%, 4/1/2052   2,804,514    2,487,820 
Fannie Mae Pool, 3.50%, 4/1/2052   2,823,629    2,573,881 
Fannie Mae Pool, 5.00%, 5/1/2052   180,103    177,178 
Fannie Mae Pool, 5.00%, 7/1/2052   452,114    444,908 
Fannie Mae Pool, 4.00%, 8/1/2052   1,132,112    1,063,413 
Fannie Mae Pool, 4.50%, 8/1/2052   2,090,315    2,015,538 
Fannie Mae Pool, 4.50%, 9/1/2052   1,211,854    1,168,471 
Fannie Mae Pool, 4.00%, 10/1/2052   1,550,705    1,456,284 
Federal National Mortgage Association, 0.88%, 8/5/2030   1,000,000    793,191 
Freddie Mac Pool, 3.00%, 2/1/2052   222,143    197,077 
Freddie Mac Pool, 2.00%, 3/1/2052   1,113,100    912,801 
Ginnie Mae II Pool, 2.50%, 9/20/2051   1,524,709    1,322,592 
Ginnie Mae II Pool, 3.00%, 12/20/2051   1,809,148    1,620,260 
Ginnie Mae II Pool, 3.00%, 5/20/2052   105,906    94,520 
Ginnie Mae II Pool, 3.50%, 7/20/2052   211,353    194,468 
Ginnie Mae II Pool, 4.00%, 9/20/2052   1,072,613    1,014,339 
Ginnie Mae II Pool, 4.50%, 12/20/2052   746,454    724,052 
United States Treasury Bond, 2.38%, 2/15/2042   483,000    371,004 
United States Treasury Note, 4.63%, 2/28/2025   1,710,000    1,704,456 
United States Treasury Note, 4.00%, 2/29/2028   250,000    248,135 
United States Treasury Note, 3.50%, 2/15/2033   2,248,000    2,171,779 
United States Treasury Note, 3.88%, 2/15/2043   3,070,000    2,972,863 
United States Treasury Note, 4.00%, 11/15/2052   2,382,900    2,412,686 
           
Total U.S. Government & Agencies (Cost $33,511,043)        31,876,279 
Total Investments — 96.50% (Cost $105,817,193)        99,148,295 
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 3.50%        3,595,214 
NET ASSETS — 100.00%       $102,743,509 

 

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

 

(b)Variable rate security. Interest rate resets periodically. The rate shown is the effective interest rate as of February 28, 2023. For securities based on a published reference rate and spread, the reference rate and spread (in basis points) are indicated parenthetically. Certain variable rate securities are not based on a published reference rate and spread but are determined by the issuer or agent and are based on current market conditions. These securities, therefore, do not indicate a reference rate and spread.

 

EMTN - Euro Medium Term Note

 

GMTN - Global Medium Term Note

 

MTN - Medium Term Note

 

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

16

 

OneAscent International Equity ETF
Schedule of Investments
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

COMMON STOCKS — 93.11%  Shares   Fair Value 
Communications — 2.09%          
Trip.com Group Ltd. (China)(a)   44,683   $1,580,202 
           
Consumer Discretionary — 3.06%          
China Literature Ltd. (Cayman Islands)(a)   201,769    862,378 
Valeo S.A. (France)   69,386    1,448,723 
         2,311,101 
Consumer Staples — 13.17%          
Carrefour S.A. (France)   99,428    1,968,152 
Dollarama, Inc. (Canada)   26,818    1,549,067 
Kimberly-Clark de Mexico SAB de CV (Mexico)   1,159,428    2,319,059 
L’Oreal S.A. (France)   3,922    1,556,435 
Nestle S.A. - ADR (Switzerland)   22,684    2,552,290 
         9,945,003 
Financials — 19.22%          
AIA Group Ltd. (Hong Kong)   190,270    2,017,927 
Bangkok Bank PCL (Thailand)   494,490    2,295,383 
Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero Tbk P.T. (Indonesia)   7,274,780    2,229,068 
DBS Group Holdings Ltd. (Singapore)   110,558    2,801,625 
HDFC Bank Ltd. - ADR (India)   25,228    1,706,422 
KBC Group N.V. (Belgium)   46,322    3,464,839 
         14,515,264 
Health Care — 5.54%          
PHC Holdings Corp. (Japan)   118,720    1,255,761 
Santen Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. (Japan)   185,288    1,415,472 
Straumann Holding AG (Switzerland)   11,448    1,517,591 
         4,188,824 
Industrials — 22.60%          
Adecco Group AG (Switzerland)   51,198    1,818,929 
CAE, Inc. (Canada)(a)   79,182    1,785,506 
China Airlines Ltd. (Taiwan Province of China)   1,217,000    803,784 
Daikin Industries Ltd. (Japan)   8,639    1,481,419 
Element Fleet Management Corp. (Canada)   181,578    2,593,477 
Ferguson plc (United Kingdom)   14,098    2,025,506 
Intertek Group plc (United Kingdom)   24,486    1,229,307 
Mitsubishi Electric Corp. (Japan)   136,528    1,537,391 
MTU Aero Engines A.G. (Germany)   8,798    2,126,897 
Nabtesco Corp. (Japan)   63,851    1,650,939 
         17,053,155 
Materials — 7.65%          
CRH plc (Ireland)   53,742    2,531,310 
Givaudan S.A. (Switzerland)   424    1,279,010 
Smurfit Kappa Group plc (Ireland)   52,576    1,967,428 
         5,777,748 
Technology — 19.78%          
ASML Holding N.V. - ADR (Netherlands)   3,604    2,226,299 
ASMPT Ltd. (Hong Kong)   197,397    1,682,354 
Constellation Software, Inc. (Canada)   848    1,458,011 

 

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

17

 

OneAscent International Equity ETF
Schedule of Investments (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

COMMON STOCKS — 93.11% - continued  Shares   Fair Value 
Technology — 19.78% - continued          
Lumine Group, Inc. (Canada)(a)(b)   2,448   $ 
Murata Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (Japan)   28,100    1,510,908 
Nomura Research Institute Ltd. (Japan)   62,434    1,394,169 
Novatek Microelectronics Corp. (Taiwan Province of China)   108,000    1,431,871 
NXP Semiconductors NV (Netherlands)   7,844    1,399,997 
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. - ADR (Taiwan Province of China)   24,745    2,154,547 
Topicus.com, Inc. (Canada)(a)   25,652    1,667,824 
         14,925,980 
           
Total Common Stocks/Investments — 93.11% (Cost $61,800,673)        70,297,277 
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 6.89%        5,205,020 
NET ASSETS — 100.00%       $75,502,297 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.

 

(b)Security is currently being valued according to the fair value procedures approved by the Board of Trustees.

 

ADR - American Depositary Receipt

 

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

18

 

OneAscent Emerging Markets ETF
Schedule of Investments
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

COMMON STOCKS — 94.39%  Shares   Fair Value 
Communications — 2.13%          
Trip.com Group Ltd. (China)(a)   16,332   $577,577 
           
Consumer Discretionary — 12.61%          
Ace Hardware Indonesia Tbk P.T. (Indonesia)   12,176,159    403,449 
China Literature Ltd. (Cayman Islands)(a)   147,776    631,607 
Coway Co. Ltd. (South Korea)   9,255    374,217 
Haier Smart Home Co. Ltd., H Shares (China)   320,760    1,133,950 
MercadoLibre, Inc. (Argentina)(a)   300    366,000 
Sendas Distribuidora S.A. (Brazil)   145,100    502,657 
         3,411,880 
Consumer Staples — 6.09%          
Charoen Pokphand Foods PCL (Thailand)   492,123    310,175 
Indofood CBP Sukses Makmur Tbk P.T. (Indonesia)   857,085    569,384 
Kimberly-Clark de Mexico SAB de CV (Mexico)   385,514    771,095 
         1,650,654 
Financials — 22.54%          
Banco Bradesco S.A. - ADR (Brazil)   132,067    334,130 
Bangkok Bank PCL (Thailand)   175,412    814,248 
Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero Tbk P.T. (Indonesia)   2,840,573    870,380 
BB Seguridade Participacoes S.A. (Brazil)   92,400    603,483 
Chailease Holding Co. Ltd. (Taiwan Province of China)   147,000    1,078,491 
HDFC Bank Ltd. - ADR (India)   12,764    863,356 
Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Ltd. (Hong Kong)   12,776    512,041 
NU Holdings Ltd., Class A (Taiwan Province of China)(a)   68,715    346,324 
Regional S.A.B. de C.V. (Mexico)   81,131    673,047 
         6,095,500 
Health Care — 3.18%          
Dentium Co. Ltd. (South Korea)(a)   9,405    861,688 
           
Industrials — 8.31%          
China Airlines Ltd. (Taiwan Province of China)   1,023,000    675,654 
Sarana Menara Nusantara Tbk P.T. (Indonesia)   8,102,457    558,204 
Sporton International, Inc. (Taiwan Province of China)   51,000    441,372 
Voltronic Power Technology Corp. (Taiwan Province of China)   11,000    574,408 
         2,249,638 
Materials — 3.49%          
Hanwha Solutions Corp. (South Korea)(a)   13,305    419,096 
Orbia Advance Corp. SAB de CV (Mexico)   252,061    523,589 
         942,685 
Technology — 36.04%          
Accton Technology Corp. (Taiwan Province of China)   80,000    736,596 
ASMPT Ltd. (Hong Kong)   81,840    697,497 
DB HiTek Co. Ltd. (South Korea)   24,460    838,997 
eMemory Technology, Inc. (Taiwan Province of China)   11,000    669,248 
Infosys Ltd. - ADR (India)   42,200    757,068 
MediaTek, Inc. (Taiwan Province of China)   44,000    1,035,008 
Novatek Microelectronics Corp. (Taiwan Province of China)   39,000    517,065 

 

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

19

 

OneAscent Emerging Markets ETF
Schedule of Investments (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

COMMON STOCKS — 94.39% - continued  Shares   Fair Value 
Technology — 36.04% - continued          
Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp. (Taiwan Province of China)   240,000   $260,021 
Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. (South Korea)   37,796    1,734,300 
Samsung SDI Co. Ltd. (South Korea)   1,159    610,799 
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (Taiwan Province of China)   100,000    1,662,545 
Unimicron Technology Corp. (Taiwan Province of China)   55,000    229,047 
         9,748,191 
           
Total Common Stocks/Investments — 94.39% (Cost $23,707,270)        25,537,813 
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 5.61%        1,517,621 
NET ASSETS — 100.00%       $27,055,434 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.

 

ADR - American Depositary Receipt

 

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

20

 

OneAscent ETFs
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

   OneAscent   OneAscent   OneAscent   OneAscent 
   Large Cap   Core Plus   International   Emerging 
   Core ETF   Bond ETF   Equity ETF   Markets ETF 
Assets                    
Investments in securities, at fair value (cost $32,454,889, $105,817,193, $61,800,673 and $23,707,270)  $28,636,788   $99,148,295   $70,297,277   $25,537,813 
Cash   3,286,947    5,071,033    5,203,184    1,470,944 
Receivable for fund shares sold       1,128,917         
Dividend and interest receivable   29,450    748,001    25,878    68,677 
Tax reclaims receivable           19,780    629 
Prepaid offering cost           6,737    6,737 
Prepaid expenses   4,585    4,937    3,710    3,878 
Total Assets   31,957,770    106,101,183    75,556,566    27,088,678 
                     
Liabilities                    
Payable for investments purchased       3,000,874         
Payable for distributions to shareholders       276,300         
Due to custodian           497     
Payable to Adviser   9,774    39,316    31,722    14,528 
Payable to affiliates   8,542    12,789    7,540    7,540 
Payable to audit and tax   9,822    9,770    9,474    9,474 
Other accrued expenses   16,114    18,625    5,036    1,702 
Total Liabilities   44,252    3,357,674    54,269    33,244 
Net Assets  $31,913,518   $102,743,509   $75,502,297   $27,055,434 
                     
Net Assets consist of:                    
Paid-in capital  $40,228,205   $112,917,776   $66,670,266   $24,231,035 
Accumulated earnings (deficit)   (8,314,687)   (10,174,267)   8,832,031    2,824,399 
Net Assets  $31,913,518   $102,743,509   $75,502,297   $27,055,434 
Shares outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized, no par value)   1,475,000    4,550,000    2,650,000    1,000,000 
Net asset value per share  $21.64   $22.58   $28.49   $27.06 

 

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

21

 

OneAscent ETFs
Statements of Operations
For the six months ended February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

               OneAscent 
   OneAscent   OneAscent   OneAscent   Emerging 
   Large Cap   Core Plus   International   Markets 
   Core ETF   Bond ETF   Equity ETF(a)   ETF(a) 
Investment Income                    
Dividend income (net of foreign taxes withheld of $–, $–, $35,169 and $25,955)  $290,961   $31,987   $304,433   $124,288 
Interest income   63,486    2,224,205    52,475    20,372 
Total investment income   354,447    2,256,192    356,908    144,660 
                     
Expenses                    
Adviser   88,439    251,902    183,460    84,094 
Administration   30,736    45,504    28,305    28,305 
Custodian   15,622    9,585    11,372    10,743 
Legal   10,055    11,407    8,467    8,467 
Audit and tax   9,014    9,512    9,474    9,474 
Trustee   8,369    8,369    8,056    7,889 
Compliance services   7,069    10,812    6,269    6,269 
Report printing   5,737    6,209    2,530    2,327 
Transfer agent   5,227    5,417    4,979    4,978 
Insurance   1,738    2,125         
Pricing   745    9,838    2,687    2,290 
Offering           2,428    2,428 
Organizational           17,193    17,193 
Miscellaneous   15,394    16,723    14,098    12,362 
Fees waived by Adviser           (61,823)   (53,856)
Net operating expenses   198,145    387,403    237,495    142,963 
Net investment income   156,302    1,868,789    119,413    1,697 
                     
Net Realized and Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments                    
Net realized gain (loss) on:                    
Investment securities   840,192    (1,779,794)   548,169    1,058,262 
Foreign currency transactions           (1,454)   (55,765)
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:                    
Investment securities   2,570,173    (2,260,458)   8,496,604    1,830,543 
Foreign currency translations       (1)   54    (978)
Net realized and change in unrealized gain (loss) on investment securities   3,410,365    (4,040,253)   9,043,373    2,832,062 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations  $3,566,667   $(2,171,464)  $9,162,786   $2,833,759 

 

(a)For the period September 14, 2022 (commencement of operations) to February 28, 2023.

 

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

22

 

OneAscent ETFs
Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   OneAscent Large Cap Core ETF   OneAscent Core Plus Bond ETF 
   For the Six       For the Six     
   Months Ended   For the Period   Months Ended   For the Period 
   February 28,   Ended August   February 28,   Ended August 
   2023   31, 2022(a)   2023   31, 2022(b) 
   (Unaudited)       (Unaudited)     
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets due to:                    
Operations                    
Net investment income  $156,302   $127,620   $1,868,789   $1,108,585 
Net realized gain (loss) on investment securities and foreign currency transactions   840,192    (5,133,241)   (1,779,794)   (1,724,603)
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investment securities and foreign currency translations   2,570,173    (6,392,154)   (2,260,459)   (4,408,440)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   3,566,667    (11,397,775)   (2,171,464)   (5,024,458)
                     
Distributions to Shareholders From:                    
Earnings   (223,290)   (33,250)   (1,903,770)   (1,074,575)
Total distributions   (223,290)   (33,250)   (1,903,770)   (1,074,575)
                     
Capital Transactions                    
Proceeds from shares sold   1,898,633    73,618,036    9,117,185    115,196,878 
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (31,706,173)   (3,809,330)   (7,861,841)   (3,534,446)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from capital transactions   (29,807,540)   69,808,706    1,255,344    111,662,432 
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets   (26,464,163)   58,377,681    (2,819,890)   105,563,399 
                     
Net Assets                    
Beginning of period  $58,377,681   $   $105,563,399   $ 
End of period  $31,913,518   $58,377,681   $102,743,509   $105,563,399 
                     
Share Transactions                    
Shares sold   100,000    3,050,000    400,000    4,650,000 
Shares redeemed   (1,500,000)   (175,000)   (350,000)   (150,000)
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding   (1,400,000)   2,875,000    50,000    4,500,000 

 

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

 

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

 

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

23

 

OneAscent ETFs
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

   OneAscent   OneAscent 
   International   Emerging 
   Equity ETF   Markets ETF 
   For the   For the 
   Period Ended   Period Ended 
   February 28,   February 28, 
   2023(a)   2023(a) 
   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited) 
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets due to:          
Operations          
Net investment income  $119,413   $1,697 
Net realized gain on investment securities and foreign currency transactions   546,715    1,002,497 
Change in unrealized appreciation on investment securities and foreign currency translations   8,496,658    1,829,565 
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations   9,162,786    2,833,759 
           
Distributions to Shareholders From:          
Earnings   (330,755)   (9,360)
Total distributions   (330,755)   (9,360)
           
Capital Transactions          
Proceeds from shares sold   70,880,441    36,118,539 
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (4,210,175)   (11,887,504)
Net increase in net assets resulting from capital transactions   66,670,266    24,231,035 
Total Increase in Net Assets   75,502,297    27,055,434 
           
Net Assets          
Beginning of period  $   $ 
End of period  $75,502,297   $27,055,434 
           
Share Transactions          
Shares sold   2,825,000    1,425,000 
Shares redeemed   (175,000)   (425,000)
Net increase in shares outstanding   2,650,000    1,000,000 

 

(a)For the period September 14, 2022 (commencement of operations) to February 28, 2023.

 

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

24

 

OneAscent Large Cap Core ETF
Financial Highlights

 

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the Six   For the 
   Months   Period 
   Ended   Ended 
   February   August 31, 
   28, 2023   2022(a) 
   (Unaudited)     
Selected Per Share Data:          
Net asset value, beginning of period  $20.31   $25.00 
Investment operations:          
Net investment income   0.06    0.04 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   1.35    (4.72)
Total from investment operations   1.41    (4.68)
Less distributions to shareholders from:          
Net investment income   (0.08)   (0.01)
Total distributions   (0.08)   (0.01)
Net asset value, end of period  $21.64   $20.31 
Market price, end of period  $21.65   $20.35 
Total Return(b)   6.98(c)   (18.71%) (c)
Ratios and Supplemental Data:          
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $31,914   $58,378 
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.79(d)   0.81(d)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   0.62(d)   0.28(d)
Portfolio turnover rate(e)   24(c)   52(c)

 

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

 

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

 

(c)Not annualized.

 

(d)Annualized.

 

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

 

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

25

 

OneAscent Core Plus Bond ETF
Financial Highlights

 

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the Six   For the 
   Months   Period 
   Ended   Ended 
   February   August 31, 
   28, 2023   2022(a) 
   (Unaudited)     
Selected Per Share Data:          
Net asset value, beginning of period  $23.46   $25.00 
Investment operations:          
Net investment income   0.42    0.24 
Net realized and unrealized loss on investments   (0.87)   (1.55)
Total from investment operations   (0.45)   (1.31)
Less distributions to shareholders from:          
Net investment income   (0.43)   (0.23)
Total distributions   (0.43)   (0.23)
Net asset value, end of period  $22.58   $23.46 
Market price, end of period  $22.60   $23.40 
Total Return(b)   (1.91%) (c)   (5.23%) (c)
Ratios and Supplemental Data:          
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $102,744   $105,563 
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.77(d)   0.83(d)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   3.71(d)   2.51(d)
Portfolio turnover rate(e)   70(c)   122(c)

 

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

 

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

 

(c)Not annualized.

 

(d)Annualized.

 

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

 

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

26

 

OneAscent International Equity ETF
Financial Highlights

 

(For a share outstanding during the period)

 

   For the 
   Period 
   Ended 
   February 
   28, 2023(a) 
   (Unaudited) 
Selected Per Share Data:     
Net asset value, beginning of period  $25.00 
Investment operations:     
Net investment income   0.08 
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments   3.57 
Total from investment operations   3.65 
Less distributions to shareholders from:     
Net investment income   (0.16)
Total distributions   (0.16)
Net asset value, end of period  $28.49 
Market price, end of period  $28.43 
Total Return(b)   14.64(c)
Ratios and Supplemental Data:     
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $75,502 
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.95(d)
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets before waiver   1.20(d)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   0.48(d)
Portfolio turnover rate(e)   8(c)

 

(a)For the period September 14, 2022 (commencement of operations) to February 28, 2023.

 

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

 

(c)Not annualized.

 

(d)Annualized.

 

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

 

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

27

 

OneAscent Emerging Markets ETF
Financial Highlights

 

(For a share outstanding during the period)

 

   For the 
   Period 
   Ended 
   February 
   28, 2023(a) 
   (Unaudited) 
Selected Per Share Data:     
Net asset value, beginning of period  $25.00 
Investment operations:     
Net investment income    (b)
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments   2.07 
Total from investment operations   2.07 
Less distributions to shareholders from:     
Net investment income   (0.01)
Total distributions   (0.01)
Net asset value, end of period  $27.06 
Market price, end of period  $26.94 
Total Return(c)   8.28(d)
Ratios and Supplemental Data:     
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $27,055 
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   1.25(e)
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets before waiver   1.72(e)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   0.01(e)
Portfolio turnover rate(f)   36(d)

 

(a)For the period September 14, 2022 (commencement of operations) to February 28, 2023.

 

(b)Less than $0.005.

 

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

 

(d)Not annualized.

 

(e)Annualized.

 

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

 

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

28

 

OneAscent ETFs
Notes to the Financial Statements
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION

 

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

 

NOTE 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

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

 

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

29

 

OneAscent ETFs
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

modifications that occur during the period from March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2024. Management is evaluating the impact of ASU 2020-04, ASU 2021-01, and ASU 2022-06 on the Funds’ investments, derivatives, debt, and other contracts that will undergo reference rater elated modifications as a result of the reference rate reform. Management is also currently actively working with other financial institutions and counterparties to modify contracts as required by applicable regulation and within the regulatory deadlines.

 

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

 

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

 

As of and during the six months ended February 28, 2023, the Funds did not have any liabilities for any unrecognized tax benefits. The Funds recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense in the Statements of Operations when incurred. During the period, the Funds did not incur any interest or penalties. Management of the Funds has reviewed tax positions taken in tax years that remain subject to examination by all major tax jurisdictions, including federal (i.e., the previous tax year end and the interim tax period since then, as applicable) and has concluded that no provision for unrecognized tax benefits or expenses is required in these financial statements and does not expect this to change over the next twelve months.

 

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

 

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

30

 

OneAscent ETFs
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

estate investment trusts (“REITs”) that represent a return of capital or capital gain are recorded as a reduction of the cost of investment or as a realized gain, respectively. The calendar year-end amounts of ordinary income, capital gains, and return of capital included in distributions received from the Funds’ investments in REITs are reported to the Funds after the end of the calendar year; accordingly, the Funds estimate these amounts for accounting purposes until the characterization of REIT distributions is reported. Estimates are based on the most recent REIT distributions information available. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends and related reclaims have been provided for in accordance with the Funds’ understanding of the applicable country’s tax rules and rates.

 

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

 

Organization and Offering Costs – The Adviser advanced some of the Funds’ organization and initial offering costs and was subsequently reimbursed by the Funds. Costs of $9,165 incurred in connection with the offering and initial registration of each of the International Equity ETF and Emerging Markets ETF have been deferred and are being amortized on a straight-line basis over the first twelve months after commencement of operations. Costs of $17,193 incurred in connection with the organization of each of the International Equity ETF and Emerging Markets ETF were expensed as incurred. As of February 28, 2023, the amount of the offering costs remaining to amortize was $6,737 for the International Equity ETF and $6,737 for the Emerging Markets ETF.

31

 

OneAscent ETFs
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 3. SECURITIES VALUATION AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

32

 

OneAscent ETFs
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

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

 

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

 

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

33

 

OneAscent ETFs
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

Designee would be the amount that the Funds might reasonably expect to receive upon the current sale. Methods that are in accordance with this principle may, for example, be based on (i) a multiple of earnings; (ii) a discount from market prices of a similar freely traded security (including a derivative security or a basket of securities traded on other markets, exchanges or among dealers); or (iii) yield to maturity with respect to debt issues, or a combination of these and other methods. Fair-value pricing is permitted if, in the Valuation Designee’s opinion, the validity of market quotations appears to be questionable based on factors such as evidence of a thin market in the security based on a small number of quotations, a significant event occurs after the close of a market but before a Fund’s NAV calculation that may affect a security’s value, or the Valuation Designee is aware of any other data that calls into question the reliability of market quotations.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Funds’ investments as of February 28, 2023:

 

       Valuation Inputs         
Assets  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Large Cap Core ETF                    
Common Stocks(a)  $28,636,788   $   $   $28,636,788 
Total  $28,636,788   $   $   $28,636,788 
                     
Core Plus Bond ETF                    
Asset Backed Securities  $   $13,396,244   $   $13,396,244 
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations       870,487        870,487 
Corporate Bonds       40,831,124        40,831,124 
Foreign Government Bonds       2,017,530        2,017,530 
Municipal Bonds       7,316,777        7,316,777 
Term Loans       2,839,854        2,839,854 
U.S. Government & Agencies       31,876,279        31,876,279 
Total  $   $99,148,295   $   $99,148,295 
                     
International Equity ETF                    
Common Stocks(a)  $70,297,277   $   $(b)  $70,297,277 
Total  $70,297,277   $   $   $70,297,277 
                     
Emerging Markets ETF                    
Common Stocks(a)  $25,537,813   $   $   $25,537,813 
Total  $25,537,813   $   $   $25,537,813 

 

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

 

(b)Lumine Group, Inc. is currently being fair valued according to the fair value procedures approved by the Board.

34

 

OneAscent ETFs
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

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

 

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

 

   Large Cap  Core Plus  International  Emerging
   Core ETF  Bond ETF  Equity ETF  Markets ETF
Management fee rate  0.35%  0.50%  0.74%  0.74%
Management fees earned  $88,439  $251,902  $183,460  $84,094
Management fees waived  $-  $-  $(61,823)  $(53,856)

 

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

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse expenses so that total annual operating expenses, excluding portfolio transaction and other investment-related costs (including brokerage fees and commissions); taxes; borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short); acquired fund fees and expenses; fees and expenses associated with investments in other collective investment vehicles or derivative instruments (including for example option and swap fees and expenses); any administrative and/or shareholder servicing fees payable pursuant to a plan adopted by the Board; expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization; extraordinary expenses (such as litigation expenses, indemnification of Trust officers and Trustees and contractual indemnification of Fund service providers); and other expenses that the Trustees agree have not been incurred in the ordinary course of the Funds’ business, do not exceed 1.00% of the Core Plus Bond ETF’s average daily net assets, 0.95% of the International Equity ETF’s average daily net assets and 1.25% of the Emerging Markets ETF’s average daily net assets. The contractual arrangements for the Funds are in place through December 31, 2023. Prior to January 1, 2023, the Adviser had contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse expenses so that total annual operating expenses did not exceed 1.00% of the Large Cap Core ETF’s average daily net assets.

 

Each fee waiver/expense payment by the Adviser is subject to recoupment by the Adviser from the Fund in the three years following the date in which that particular waiver/expense payment occurred, but only if such recoupment can be achieved without exceeding the annual expense limitation in effect at the time of the waiver/expense payment and

35

 

OneAscent ETFs
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

any expense limitation in effect at the time of the recoupment. The amounts subject to repayment by the Funds, pursuant to the aforementioned conditions are as follows:

 

   International   Emerging 
Recoverable Through  Equity ETF   Markets ETF 
February 28, 2026  $61,823   $53,856 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

The Board supervises the business activities of the Trust. Each Trustee serves as a trustee until termination of the Trust unless the Trustee dies, resigns, retires, or is removed. The Chairman of the Board and more than 75% of the Trustees are “Independent Trustees,” which means that they are not “interested persons” as defined in the 1940 Act. The Independent Trustees review and establish compensation at least annually. Each Independent Trustee of the Trust receives annual compensation, which is an established amount paid quarterly per fund in the Trust at the time of the regular quarterly Board meetings. The Chairman of the Board receives the highest compensation, commensurate with his additional duties and each Chair of a committee receives additional compensation as well. Independent Trustees also receive $1,000 for attending any special meeting that requires an in-person approval of a contract and $250 for the first hour and $200 for each additional hour for attending other special meetings. In addition, the Trust reimburses Independent Trustees for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in conjunction with attendance at meetings.

36

 

OneAscent ETFs
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 5. PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES

 

For the six months ended February 28, 2023, purchases and sales of investment securities, other than short-term investments, were as follows:

 

           U.S.   U.S. 
           Government   Government 
   Purchases   Sales   Purchases   Sales 
Large Cap Core ETF  $11,089,445   $11,223,809   $   $ 
Core Plus Bond ETF   16,201,740    26,702,553    52,396,280    42,559,683 
International Equity ETF(a)   4,560,294    4,678,057         
Emerging Markets ETF(a)   22,124,031    8,646,897         

 

For the six months ended February 28, 2023, purchases and sales for in-kind transactions were as follows:

 

   Purchases   Sales 
Large Cap Core ETF  $1,715,623   $29,018,361 
Core Plus Bond ETF        
International Equity ETF(a)   65,260,763    3,890,496 
Emerging Markets ETF(a)   14,323,499    5,151,624 

 

For the six months ended February 28, 2023, the Funds incurred net realized gains on in-kind redemptions as follows:

 

   In-Kind 
   Realized Gains 
Large Cap Core ETF  $778,640 
Core Plus Bond ETF    
International Equity ETF(a)   90,270 
Emerging Markets ETF(a)   835,739 

 

(a)For the period September 14, 2022 (commencement of operations) to February 28, 2023.

 

NOTE 6. CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

Shares are not individually redeemable and may be redeemed by each Fund at NAV only in large blocks known as “Creation Units.” Shares are created and redeemed by the Large Cap Core ETF, International Equity ETF and Emerging Markets ETF only in Creation Unit size aggregations of 25,000 shares. Shares are created and redeemed by the Core Plus Bond ETF only in Creation Unit size aggregations of 50,000 shares. Only Authorized Participants or

37

 

OneAscent ETFs
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

transactions done through an Authorized Participant are permitted to purchase or redeem Creation Units from a Fund. An Authorized Participant is either (i) a broker-dealer or other participant in the clearing process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the National Securities Clearing Corporation or (ii) a Depository Trust Company participant and, in each case, must have executed a Participant Agreement with the Distributor. Such transactions are generally permitted on an in-kind basis, with a balancing cash component to equate the transaction to the NAV per share of a Fund on the transaction date. Cash may be substituted equivalent to the value of certain securities generally when they are not available in sufficient quantity for delivery, not eligible for trading by the Authorized Participant or as a result of other market circumstances. In addition, a Fund may impose transaction fees on purchases and redemptions of Fund shares to cover the custodial and other costs incurred by the Fund in effecting trades. A fixed fee payable to the Custodian may be imposed on each creation and redemption transaction regardless of the number of Creation Units involved in the transaction (“Fixed Fee”). Purchases and redemptions of Creation Units for cash or involving cash-in-lieu are required to pay an additional variable charge to compensate a Fund and its ongoing shareholders for brokerage and market impact expenses relating to Creation Unit transactions (“Variable Charge,” and together with the Fixed Fee, the “Transaction Fees”). For the six months ended February 28, 2023, the Large Cap Core ETF, the Core Plus Bond ETF, the International Equity ETF and the Emerging Market ETF received $7,000, $2,200, $7,000 and $8,100 in fixed fees, respectively. For the six months ended February 28, 2023, the Emerging Markets ETF had a variable charge of $3,571. The Transaction Fees for each Fund are listed in the table below:

 

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

 

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

38

 

OneAscent ETFs
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 7. FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION

 

At February 28, 2023, the net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) and tax cost of investments for tax purposes were as follows:

 

   Large Cap Core   Core Plus Bond   International   Emerging 
   ETF   ETF   Equity ETF   Markets ETF 
Gross unrealized appreciation  $502,492   $88,033   $8,641,993   $2,367,785 
Gross unrealized depreciation   (5,036,784)   (6,799,563)   (145,389)   (537,242)
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments  $(4,534,292)  $(6,711,530)  $8,496,604   $1,830,543 
Tax cost of investments  $33,171,080   $105,859,825   $61,800,673   $23,707,270 

 

The tax character of distributions paid for the fiscal period ended August 31, 2022, the Funds’ most recent fiscal year end, were as follows:

 

   Large Cap Core   Core Plus Bond 
   ETF   ETF 
Distributions paid from:          
Ordinary income(a)  $33,250   $817,625 
Total distributions paid  $33,250   $817,625 

 

At August 31, 2022, the components of accumulated earnings (deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

   Large Cap Core   Core Plus Bond 
   ETF   ETF 
Undistributed ordinary income  $80,978   $309,935 
Distributions payable       (256,950)
Accumulated capital and other losses   (4,634,577)   (1,700,946)
Unrealized depreciation on investments   (7,104,465)   (4,451,072)
Total accumulated deficit  $(11,658,064)  $(6,099,033)

 

As of August 31, 2022, the Core Plus Bond ETF had short-term capital loss carryforwards available to offset future gains and not subject to expiration in the amount of $1,700,946.

 

Under current tax law, net investment losses after December 31 and capital losses realized after October 31 of a Fund’s fiscal year may be deferred and treated as occurring on the first business day of the following fiscal period for tax purposes. For the fiscal period ended August 31, 2022, the Large Cap Core ETF deferred Post-October capital losses of $4,634,577.

39

 

OneAscent ETFs
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 8. SECTOR RISK

 

If a Fund has significant investments in the securities of issuers within a particular sector, any development affecting that sector will have a greater impact on the value of the net assets of the Fund than would be the case if the Fund did not have significant investments in that sector. In addition, this may increase the risk of loss in the Fund and increase the volatility of the Fund’s NAV per share. For instance, economic or market factors, regulatory changes or other developments may negatively impact all companies in a particular sector, and therefore the value of a Fund’s portfolio will be adversely affected. As of February 28, 2023, the Large Cap Core ETF and Emerging Markets ETF had 37.24% and 36.04% of the value of its net assets invested in securities within the Technology sector, respectively.

 

NOTE 9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

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

 

NOTE 10. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

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

40

 

Summary of Fund Expenses (Unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of a Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in each Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. You may pay brokerage commissions on purchases and sales of exchange-traded fund shares, which are not reflected in the example. Each Fund’s example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from September 1, 2022 through February 28, 2023.

 

Actual Expenses

 

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

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

 

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

 

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

41

 

Summary of Fund Expenses (Unaudited) (continued)

 

     Beginning   Ending        
     Account   Account   Expenses    
     Value   Value   Paid   Annualized
     September   February   During   Expense
     1, 2022   28, 2023   Period(a)   Ratio
OneAscent Large Cap Core ETF                  
  Actual  $1,000.00   $1,069.80   $4.04   0.79%
  Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00   $1,020.89   $3.94   0.79%
                     
OneAscent Core Plus Bond ETF                  
  Actual  $1,000.00   $980.90   $3.78   0.77%
  Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00   $1,020.98   $3.85   0.77%
                     
OneAscent International Equity ETF                  
  Actual (c)  $1,000.00   $1,146.40   $4.69   0.95%
  Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00   $1,020.08   $4.76   0.95%
                     
OneAscent Emerging Markets ETF                  
  Actual (c)  $1,000.00   $1,082.80   $5.99   1.25%
  Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00   $1,018.60   $6.26   1.25%

 

(a)Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

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

 

(c)Actual expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 168/365 (to reflect the period since commencement of operations on September 14, 2022).

42

 

Investment Advisory Agreement Approval (Unaudited)

 

The OneAscent Emerging Markets ETF (the “Emerging Markets Fund”) and the OneAscent International Equity ETF (the “International Fund”) (each, a “Fund”, together, the “Funds”) are series of Unified Series Trust (the “Trust”). The Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board” or “Trustees”) oversees the management of the Funds and, as required by law, considered the approval of each Fund’s management agreement with its investment adviser, OneAscent Investment Solutions, LLC (“OneAscent”). The Board approved the management agreements.

 

The Board requested and evaluated all information that the Trustees deemed reasonably necessary under the circumstances in connection with the approval of the management agreements.

 

The Trustees met on May 13, 2022 and at their quarterly meeting in May 2022 to review and discuss materials provided by OneAscent and the Trust CCO which were compiled by Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, the Trust’s administrator, with regard to approval of the management agreements between the Trust and OneAscent. The Trustees noted that the Board had previously approved management agreements with OneAscent for the same strategies in the form of open-end mutual funds, but that the registration statement had been withdrawn as OneAscent is instead pursuing the strategies in exchange traded funds. They further noted that the SEC had already provided comments in connection with the prior fund filings and that all prior comments had been taken into consideration. At the Trustees’ quarterly meeting, the Board interviewed certain executives of OneAscent, including OneAscent’s President, its Director of Portfolio Strategy and its Chief Compliance Officer. the Trust’s CCO and Assistant CCO had completed a review of OneAscent’s Code of Ethics and compliance program and reported to the Board. After reviewing all of the information provided and based upon various factors discussed below and their related conclusions, the Trustees, including the Trustees who are not “interested persons” (as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940) of the Trust or OneAscent (the “Independent Trustees”), unanimously approved the management agreements between the Trust and OneAscent each for an initial period of two years. The Trustees’ approval of each Fund’s management agreement was based on a consideration of all the information provided to the Trustees, and was not the result of any single factor. Some of the factors that figured particularly in the Trustees’ deliberations are described below, although individual Trustees may have evaluated this information differently, ascribing different weights to various factors.

 

(i) The Nature, Extent, and Quality of Services. The Trustees reviewed and considered information regarding the nature, extent, and quality of services that OneAscent would provide to the Funds, which include, but are not limited to, providing a continuous investment program for the Funds, adhering to the Funds’ investment restrictions, complying with the Trust’s policies and procedures, and voting proxies on behalf of the Funds. The Trustees considered the qualifications and experience of OneAscent’s portfolio managers who would be responsible for the day-to-day management of each Fund’s portfolio, as well as the qualifications and experience of the other individuals at OneAscent who would provide services to the Funds, noting the team had recently been expanded to add an analyst. They discussed OneAscent’s value-based investment strategy, how any screens are applied, and the self-discipline associated with such impact investing. The Trustees discussed and reviewed OneAscent’s compliance program and its compliance policies and procedures with respect to regulatory requirements for ETFs, and Ms. Gosselink and Mr. Wood provided assurances regarding their continuing review and oversight with respect to adoption of appropriate compliance policies. They further discussed with OneAscent the firm’s financial

43

 

Investment Advisory Agreement Approval (Unaudited) (continued)

 

position and its commitment with respect to supporting the expense reimbursement and fee waiver commitments to the Funds. They noted OneAscent has prior experience with ETFs and the reasons OneAscent now desires to move forward with these strategies as ETFs. After a thorough discussion and consideration, the Trustees concluded that OneAscent has adequate resources to provide satisfactory investment management services to the Funds.

 

(ii) Fund Performance. The Trustees next reviewed and discussed the performance of model portfolios that have investment strategies similar to those of the proposed Funds and which are managed by key personnel of OneAscent. The Trustees once again considered OneAscent’s values-based investment strategy and how that would be applied to each Fund. It was the consensus of the Trustees that it was reasonable to conclude that OneAscent has the experience and ability to manage the proposed Funds successfully from a performance standpoint.

 

(iii) Fee Rate and Profitability. The Trustees reviewed fee and expense comparisons for the Morningstar Foreign Large Blend and Diversified Emerging Markets categories, which indicated that the International Fund’s proposed management fee is higher than the average but equal to the median for its category and lower than the peer group average, and that the Emerging Markets Fund’s proposed management fee is lower than the average for its Morningstar category and peer group. The Trustees noted that the estimated net expense ratio for each Fund is higher than the average and median for its respective category, but that OneAscent is executing expense limitation agreements with respect to the Funds. The Trustees also considered profitability analyses prepared by OneAscent for its management of the Funds, which indicated that, both before and after the deduction of marketing expenses, OneAscent expects to earn a profit as a result of managing the International Fund in its first and second years of operations, and expects to earn a profit as a result of managing the Emerging Markets Fund beginning in its second year of operations.

 

The Trustees considered other potential benefits that OneAscent may receive in connection with its management of the Funds, including third-party research obtained by soft dollars, and noted that OneAscent currently does not have soft dollar arrangements in place but may in the future. After considering the above information, the Trustees concluded that the proposed management fees represent reasonable compensation in light of the nature and quality of the services that OneAscent proposes to provide to the Funds and the fees paid by other funds in the same Morningstar categories.

 

(iv) Economies of Scale. In determining the reasonableness of the proposed management fees, the Trustees also considered the extent to which OneAscent may realize economies of scale as each Fund grows larger. The Trustees determined that, in light of the anticipated size of each

 

Fund in its first two years of operations, it does not appear that OneAscent will realize benefits from economies of scale in managing the Funds in the near term to such an extent that breakpoints in the management fee need to be considered at this time.

44

 

PROXY VOTING

 

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

 

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

ADMINISTRATOR AND FUND

ACCOUNTANT
UltimusFund Solutions, LLC
225 PictoriaDrive, Suite 450
Cincinnati, OH 45246

   

  

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

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OneAscent-SAR-23

 

 

 
 
 
Tactical Multi-Purpose Fund
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Semi-Annual Report
 
February 28, 2023
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fund Adviser:
Fisher Asset Management, LLC
5525 NW Fisher Creek Drive
Camas, Washington 98607
(800) 550-1071

 

 

Investment Results (Unaudited)

 

Average Annual Total Returns(a)
as of February 28, 2023
              Since
              Inception
Fund/Index Six Months   One Year   Three Year   (3/30/17)
Tactical Multi-Purpose Fund 1.02%   1.12%   (0.20)%   (0.17)%
ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill(b) 1.76%   2.12%   0.85%   1.31%
               

Total annual operating expenses, as disclosed in the Tactical Multi-Purpose Fund (the “Fund”) prospectus dated December 29, 2022, were 644.33% of average daily net assets (1.00% after fee waivers/expense reimbursements). Fisher Asset Management, LLC, d/b/a Fisher Investments (the “Adviser”) is contractually obligated to limit the Fund’s total annual operating expenses to 1.00% of the Fund’s average daily net assets through December 31, 2027 (excluding portfolio transaction and other investment-related costs (including brokerage fees and commissions); taxes; borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short); acquired fund fees and expenses; fees and expenses associated with investments in other collective investment vehicles or derivative instruments (including for example option and swap fees and expenses); any amounts payable pursuant to a distribution or service plan adopted in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940; any administrative and/or shareholder servicing fees payable pursuant to a plan adopted by the Board of Trustees; expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization; extraordinary expenses (such as litigation expenses, indemnification of Trust officers and Trustees and contractual indemnification of Fund service providers); and other expenses that the Trustees agree have not been incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business). This expense cap may not be terminated prior to this date except by the Board of Trustees. Each expense payment by the Adviser (but not management fee waiver) is subject to recoupment by the Adviser from the Fund in the three years following the date the particular expense payment occurred, but only if such recoupment can be achieved without exceeding the annual expense limitation in effect at the time of the expense payment and any expense limitation in effect at the time of recoupment. Additional information pertaining to the Fund’s expense ratios as of February 28, 2023 can be found in the financial highlights.

 

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

 

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

 

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

1

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)
 

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

 

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

 

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

2

 

FUND HOLDINGS (Unaudited)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)
 

Tactical Multi-Purpose Fund Holdings as of February 28, 2023*

 

(BAR CHAT)

 

*As a percentage of net assets.

 

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

 

Availability of Portfolio Schedule (Unaudited)
 

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

3

 

Tactical Multi-Purpose Fund
Schedule of Investments
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

MONEY MARKET FUNDS - 130.86%  Shares   Fair Value 
First American Government Obligations Fund, Class X, 4.37%(a)   32,394   $32,394 
Total Money Market Funds (Cost $32,394)        32,394 
Total Investments — 130.86% (Cost $32,394)        32,394 
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (30.86)%        (7,640)
NET ASSETS — 100.00%       $24,754 

 

(a)Rate disclosed is the seven day effective yield as of February 28, 2023.

 

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

4

 

Tactical Multi-Purpose Fund
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

Assets    
Investments in securities at fair value (cost $32,394)  $32,394 
Interest receivable   66 
Receivable from Adviser   11,615 
Prepaid expenses   919 
Total Assets   44,994 
      
Liabilities     
Payable to affiliates   11,049 
Other accrued expenses   9,191 
Total Liabilities   20,240 
Net Assets  $24,754 
      
Net Assets consist of:     
Paid-in capital  $24,520 
Accumulated earnings   234 
Net Assets  $24,754 
Shares outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized, no par value)   2,500 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share  $9.90 

 

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

5

 

Tactical Multi-Purpose Fund
Statement of Operations
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

Investment Income     
Dividend income  $378 
Interest income   6 
Total investment income   384 
      
Expenses     
Fund accounting   14,878 
Administration   14,876 
Legal   11,134 
Trustee   7,896 
Compliance services   5,960 
Transfer agent   5,951 
Audit and tax   5,771 
Custodian   2,480 
Report printing   1,769 
Registration   177 
Adviser   31 
Miscellaneous   9,815 
Total expenses   80,738 
Fees waived and expenses reimbursed by Adviser   (78,031)
Fees reduced by Administrator   (2,585)
Net operating expenses   122 
Net investment income   262 
      
Net change in unrealized appreciation of investment securities   2 
Net realized and change in unrealized gain on investments   2 
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations  $264 

 

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

6

 

Tactical Multi-Purpose Fund
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

   For the Six     
   Months   For the 
   Ended   Year Ended 
   February 28,   August 31, 
   2023   2022 
    (Unaudited)      
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets due to:          
Operations          
Net investment income (loss)  $262   $(108)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investment securities   2    (2)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   264    (110)
           
Capital Transactions          
Amount paid for shares redeemed       (10)
Net decrease in net assets resulting from capital transactions       (10)
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets   264    (120)
           
Net Assets          
Beginning of period   24,490    24,610 
End of period  $24,754   $24,490 
           
Share Transactions          
Shares redeemed       (1)
Net decrease in shares       (1)
           

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

7

 

Tactical Multi-Purpose Fund
Financial Highlights
 
(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the Six                     
   Months                     
   Ended   For the   For the   For the   For the   For the 
   February   Year Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended 
   28, 2023   August 31,   August 31,   August 31,   August 31,   August 31, 
   (Unaudited)   2022   2021   2020   2019   2018 
Selected Per Share Data:                              
Net asset value, beginning of period  $9.80   $9.84   $9.93   $9.95   $9.93   $9.98 
Investment operations:                              
Net investment income (loss)   0.10    (0.04)   (0.09)   (0.02)   0.02    (0.05)
Net realized and unrealized gain    (a)    (a)        (a)    (a)    
Total from investment operations   0.10    (0.04)   (0.09)   (0.02)   0.02    (0.05)
Net asset value, end of period  $9.90   $9.80   $9.84   $9.93   $9.95   $9.93 
Total Return(b)   1.02(c)   (0.41)%   (0.91)%   (0.20)%   0.20%   (0.50)%
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                              
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $25   $24   $25   $25   $25   $25 
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   1.00(d)   1.00%   1.00%   1.00%   1.00%   1.00%
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets before waiver and reimbursement   661.52(d)   644.19%   635.29%   596.00%   589.45%   534.46%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets   2.15(d)   (0.44)%   (0.91)%   (0.20)%   0.15%   (0.46)%
Portfolio turnover rate    %(c)   %   %   %   %   %
                               
(a)Rounds to less than $0.005 per share.

 

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

 

(c)Not annualized.

 

(d)Annualized.

 

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

8

 

Tactical Multi-Purpose Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION

 

The Tactical Multi-Purpose Fund (the “Fund”) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as a non-diversified series of Unified Series Trust (the “Trust”) on November 14, 2016. The Trust is an open-end investment company established under the laws of Ohio by an Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated October 14, 2002, as amended (the “Trust Agreement”). The Trust Agreement permits the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”) to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest of separate series without par value. The Fund is one of a series of funds currently authorized by the Board. The Fund commenced operations on March 30, 2017. The investment adviser to the Fund is Fisher Asset Management, LLC, d/b/a Fisher Investments (the “Adviser”). The Fund seeks positive total returns over the long-term regardless of market conditions in the U.S. and foreign equity markets as its investment objective.

 

NOTE 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

As of and during the six months ended February 28, 2023, the Fund did not have any liabilities for any unrecognized tax benefits. The Fund recognizes interest and penalties,

9

 

Tactical Multi-Purpose Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

NOTE 3. NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK

 

The Fund is non-diversified, which means it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in a limited number of issuers as compared to other mutual funds that are more broadly diversified. As a result, the Fund’s share price may be more volatile than the share price of some other mutual funds, and the poor performance of an individual holding in the Fund’s portfolio may have a significant negative impact on the Fund’s performance.

10

 

Tactical Multi-Purpose Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 4. SECURITIES VALUATION AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

11

 

Tactical Multi-Purpose Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

In accordance with the Trust’s valuation policies, the Board or Adviser as Valuation Designee is required to consider all appropriate factors relevant to the value of securities for which it has determined other pricing sources are not available or reliable as described above. No single method exists for determining fair value, because fair value depends upon

12

 

Tactical Multi-Purpose Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

the circumstances of each individual case. As a general principle, the current fair value of a security being valued by the Valuation Designee would be the amount that the Fund might reasonably expect to receive upon the current sale. Methods that are in accordance with this principle may, for example, be based on (i) a multiple of earnings; (ii) a discount from market prices of a similar freely traded security (including a derivative security or a basket of securities traded on other markets, exchanges or among dealers); or (iii) yield to maturity with respect to debt issues, or a combination of these and other methods. Fair-value pricing is permitted if, in the Valuation Designee’s opinion, the validity of market quotations appears to be questionable based on factors such as evidence of a thin market in the security based on a small number of quotations, a significant event occurs after the close of a market but before the Fund’s NAV calculation that may affect a security’s value, or the Valuation Designee is aware of any other data that calls into question the reliability of market quotations.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 28, 2023:

 

       Valuation Inputs         
Assets  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Money Market Funds  $32,394   $   $   $32,394 
Total  $32,394   $   $   $32,394 

 

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

 

NOTE 5. FEES AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES AND OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS

 

The Adviser, under the terms of the management agreement (the “Agreement”) with the Trust with respect to the Fund, manages the Fund’s investments. As compensation for its management services, the Fund is obligated to pay the Adviser a management fee computed and accrued daily and paid monthly at an annual rate of 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. For the six months ended February 28, 2023, the Adviser earned management fees of $31 from the Fund before the waiver and reimbursement described below.

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to limit the Fund’s total annual operating expenses to 1.00% of the Fund’s average daily net assets through December 31, 2027 (excluding portfolio transaction and other investment-related costs (including brokerage fees and commissions); taxes; borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short); acquired fund fees and expenses; fees and expenses associated with

13

 

Tactical Multi-Purpose Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

investments in other collective investment vehicles or derivative instruments (including for example option and swap fees and expenses); any amounts payable pursuant to a distribution or service plan adopted in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act; any administrative and/or shareholder servicing fees payable pursuant to a plan adopted by the Board; expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization; extraordinary expenses (such as litigation expenses, indemnification of Trust officers and Trustees and contractual indemnification of Fund service providers); and other expenses that the Trustees agree have not been incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business). This expense cap may not be terminated prior to this date except by the Board.

 

Each expense payment by the Adviser (but not management fee waiver) is subject to recoupment by the Adviser from the Fund in the three years following the date the particular expense payment occurred, but only if such recoupment can be achieved without exceeding the annual expense limitation in effect at the time of the expense payment and any expense limitation in effect at the time of the recoupment. As of February 28, 2023, the Adviser may seek repayment of expense reimbursements in amounts as follows:

 

Recoverable Through
August 31, 2023  $77,291 
August 31, 2024   147,330 
August 31, 2025   169,173 
February 28, 2026   78,031 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

The Board supervises the business activities of the Trust. Each Trustee serves as a trustee until termination of the Trust unless the Trustee dies, resigns, retires, or is removed. The

14

 

Tactical Multi-Purpose Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

Chairman of the Board and more than 75% of the Trustees are “Independent Trustees,” which means that they are not “interested persons” as defined in the 1940 Act. The Independent Trustees review and establish compensation at least annually. Each Independent Trustee of the Trust receives annual compensation, which is an established amount paid quarterly per fund in the Trust at the time of the regular quarterly Board meetings. The Chairman of the Board receives the highest compensation, commensurate with his additional duties and each Chair of a committee receives additional compensation as well. Independent Trustees also receive $1,000 for attending any special meeting that requires an in-person approval of a contract and $250 for the first hour and $200 for each additional hour for attending other special meetings. In addition, the Trust reimburses Independent Trustees for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in conjunction with attendance at meetings.

 

NOTE 6. INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS

 

For the six months ended February 28, 2023, there were no purchases or sales of investment securities, other than short-term investments.

 

NOTE 7. BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP

 

The beneficial ownership, either directly or indirectly, of more than 25% of the voting securities of a fund creates a presumption of control of a fund, under Section 2(a)(9) of the 1940 Act. As of February 28, 2023, the Adviser owned 100% of the Fund’s outstanding shares. As a result, the Adviser may be deemed to control the Fund.

 

NOTE 8. FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION

 

At February 28, 2023, the net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) and tax cost of investments for tax purposes was as follows:

 

Gross unrealized appreciation  $ 
Gross unrealized depreciation    
Net unrealized appreciation on investments  $ 
Tax cost of investments  $32,394 

 

At August 31, 2022, the components of accumulated earnings (deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Accumulated capital and other losses  $(28)
Unrealized depreciation on investments   (2)
Total accumulated deficit  $(30)

15

 

Tactical Multi-Purpose Fund
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
February 28, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

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

 

NOTE 10. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

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

16

 

Summary of Fund Expenses (Unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution (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 funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from September 1, 2022 through February 28, 2023.

 

Actual Expenses

 

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

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

 

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

 

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

 

   Beginning   Ending        
   Account   Account   Expenses    
   Value   Value   Paid   Annualized
   September   February   During   Expense
   1, 2022   28, 2023   Period(a)   Ratio
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,010.20   $4.97   1.00%
Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00   $1,019.85   $5.00   1.00%

 

(a)Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

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

17

 

Investment Management Agreement Renewal (Unaudited)

 

The Tactical Multi-Purpose Fund (the “Fund”) is a series of Unified Series Trust (the “Trust”). The Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board” or the “Trustees”) oversees the management of the Fund and, as required by law, has considered the approval of the continuance of the Fund’s management agreement with its investment adviser, Fisher Asset Management, LLC (“Fisher”).

 

The Board requested and evaluated all information that the Trustees deemed reasonably necessary under the circumstances in connection with renewal of the management agreement.

 

The Trustees held a teleconference on February 15, 2023 to review and discuss materials provided by Fisher and the Trust’s CCO, which were compiled by Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, the Trust’s administrator, with regard to renewal of the management agreement between the Trust and Fisher. At the Trustees’ quarterly meeting held in February 2023, the Board interviewed certain executives of Fisher, including Fisher’s Vice President of Portfolio Engineering. After discussion, the Trustees, including the Trustees who are not “interested persons” (as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940) of the Trust or Fisher (the “Independent Trustees”), approved the continuance of the management agreement between the Trust and Fisher for an additional year. The Trustees’ continuance of the Fund’s management agreement was based on a consideration of all the information provided to the Trustees, and was not the result of any single factor. Some of the factors that figured particularly in the Trustees’ deliberations are described below, although individual Trustees may have evaluated this information differently, ascribing different weights to various factors.

 

(i) The Nature, Extent, and Quality of Services. The Trustees reviewed and considered information regarding the nature, extent, and quality of services that Fisher will provide to the Fund when it is deployed, which include, but are not limited to, providing a continuous investment program for the Fund, adhering to the Fund’s investment restrictions, complying with the Trust’s policies and procedures, and voting proxies on behalf of the Fund. The Trustees considered the qualifications and experience of Fisher’s portfolio managers who are responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio, as well as the qualifications and experience of the other individuals at Fisher who provide services to the Fund. The Trustees further reviewed and considered Fisher’s compliance program and its team members, including the Trust CCO’s compliance review. They noted the strategic nature of the Fund and the fact that the strategy has not yet been deployed. The Trustees concluded that they were satisfied with the nature, extent, and quality of investment management services to be provided by Fisher to the Fund.

 

(ii) Fund Performance. The Trustees next noted that Fisher has not yet deployed the strategy, which is intended to be used strategically under extraordinary market circumstances. Therefore the Fund’s performance to date consists of returns from minimal money market fund holdings. They discussed market conditions that would trigger deployment of the Fund and the post-deployment investment strategy. The Trustees concluded that Fisher has the ability to manage the Fund successfully in accordance with its investment strategy.

 

(iii) Fee Rate and Profitability. The Trustees reviewed a fee comparison but noted that Fisher is waiving its management fee and that it has contractually agreed to reimburse expenses of the Fund to the extent they exceed 1.00% annually through December 31, 2027. The Trustees noted that the Fund is not profitable to Fisher and it has not been deployed with respect to any clients/ shareholders.

18

 

Investment Management Agreement Renewal (Unaudited) (continued)

 

(iv) Economies of Scale. The Trustees also considered whether Fisher may realize economies of scale when Fisher deploys the Fund’s strategy. The Trustees determined that, so long as Fisher continues to waive its management fee and due to the nature of the Fund’s strategy, Fisher is not expected to realize benefits from economies of scale in managing the Fund. They further concluded that reductions or breakpoints are not a relevant consideration at this time.

19

 

PRIVACY NOTICE

 

Rev: January 2020

 

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

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

 

■     Social Security number

 

■     account balances and account transactions

 

■     transaction or loss history and purchase history

 

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

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

 

Reasons we can share your personal information Does the
Fund share?
Can you limit
this sharing?
For our everyday business purposes—    
such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus Yes No
For our marketing purposes—    
to offer our products and services to you No We don’t share
For joint marketing with other financial companies No We don’t share
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes—
information about your transactions and experiences
No We don’t share
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes—
information about your creditworthiness
No We don’t share
For nonaffiliates to market to you No We don’t share

 

Questions? Call (800) 550-1071

20

 

Who we are
Who is providing this notice?

Tactical Multi-Purpose Fund

Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC (Distributor)

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (Administrator)

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

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

 

■     open an account or deposit money

 

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

 

We also collect your personal information from other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

 

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

 

■     affiliates from using your information to market to you

 

■     sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

 

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

Definitions  
Affiliates

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

 

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

Nonaffiliates

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

 

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

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

■     
The Fund does not jointly market.

21

 

Proxy Voting

 

A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities and information regarding how the Fund voted those proxies during the most recent twelve month period ended June 30, are available (1) without charge upon request by calling the Fund at (800) 550-1071 and (2) in Fund documents filed with the SEC on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

TRUSTEES
Daniel J. Condon, Chairman
David R. Carson
Kenneth G.Y. Grant 
Freddie Jacobs, Jr.
Catharine B. McGauley
Ronald C. Tritschler
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Cohen & Company, Ltd.
151 North Franklin Street, Suite 575
Chicago, IL 60606
   
   
OFFICERS
Martin R. Dean, President
Gweneth K. Gosselink, Chief Compliance Officer 
Zachary P. Richmond, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
Lynn E. Wood, Assistant Chief Compliance Officer
LEGAL COUNSEL
Thompson Hine LLP
312 Walnut Street, 20th Floor
Cincinnati, OH 45202
   
   
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Fisher Asset Management, LLC
5525 NW Fisher Creek Drive
Camas, WA 98607
CUSTODIAN
U.S. Bank, N.A.
425 Walnut Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
   
   
DISTRIBUTOR
Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC
225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450
Cincinnati, OH 45246
ADMINISTRATOR, TRANSFER
AGENT AND FUND ACCOUNTANT

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

 

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

 

Distributed by Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC

 

Member FINRA/SIPC

 

(b)Not applicable.
 
 

Item 2. Code of Ethics. NOT APPLICABLE – disclosed with annual report

 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert. NOT APPLICABLE- disclosed with annual report

 

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services. NOT APPLICABLE – disclosed with annual report

 

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Companies. Certain series of the registrant that appear in the shareholder report included in Item 1 are listed issuers as defined in Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and have a separately-designated standing audit committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)A of the Exchange Act. The registrant’s audit committee member is Freddie Jacobs, Jr.

 

Item 6. Schedule of Investments. Schedule filed with Item 1.

 

Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies. NOT APPLICABLE – applies to closed-end funds only

 

Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Investment Companies. NOT APPLICABLE – applies to closed-end funds only

 

Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers. NOT APPLICABLE – applies to closed-end funds only

 

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

The registrant has not adopted procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s board of trustees.

 

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

(a)       Based on their evaluation of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”)) as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report, the registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that such disclosure controls and procedures are reasonably designed and are operating effectively to ensure that material information relating to the registrant is made known to them by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared, and that the information required in filings on Form N-CSR is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported on a timely basis.

 

(b)       There were no significant changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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

 

Not Applicable.

 

Item 13. Exhibits.

 

(a)(1) Not Applicable – filed with annual report

 

(a)(2)Certifications by the registrant's principal executive officer and principal financial officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002 and required by Rule 30a-2under the Investment Company Act of 1940 are filed herewith.

 

(a)(3) Not Applicable – there were no written solicitations to purchase securities under Rule 23c-1

during the period

 

 
 
(b)Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 is filed herewith

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

(Registrant) Unified Series Trust

 

By       /s/ Martin R. Dean                                            

Martin R. Dean, President

 

Date   5/3/2023                

 

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

 

By           /s/ Martin R. Dean                                         

Martin R. Dean, President

 

Date    5/3/2023                   

 

By        /s/ Zachary P. Richmond                                                        

Zachary P. Richmond, Treasurer

 

Date       5/3/2023