N-CSR 1 northstarncsr.htm N-CSR

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 811-22549

 

Northern Lights Fund Trust II

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450 Cincinnati, OH 45246

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

Rich Malinowski, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC

80 Arkay Drive Suite 110, Hauppauge, NY 11788

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 631-470-2600

 

Date of fiscal year end: 11/30

 

Date of reporting period: 11/30/21

 

Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

 

     
     
  (NORTH STAR LOGO)  
     
     
  North Star Opportunity Fund  
  Class I Shares (Symbol: NSOIX)  
  Class A Shares (Symbol: NSOPX)  
     
     
  North Star Micro Cap Fund  
  Class I Shares (Symbol: NSMVX)  
     
     
  North Star Dividend Fund  
  Class I Shares (Symbol: NSDVX)  
     
     
  North Star Bond Fund  
  Class I Shares (Symbol: NSBDX)  
     
     
  Annual Report  
  November 30, 2021  
     
     
     
     
     
  www.nsinvestfunds.com  
  Investor Information: 1-312-580-0900  
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
Distributed by Northern Lights Distributors, LLC  
Member FINRA  
     
     
     

 

 

The North Star Mutual Fund Family consists of four funds; The North Star Opportunity Fund, the North Star Micro Cap Fund, the North Star Dividend Fund, and the North Star Bond Fund. The first three funds share the objective of producing long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in the common stocks of publicly traded companies that are trading at attractive enterprise values relative to their free cash flow, while the fourth invests in fixed income securities to generate monthly income:

 

The North Star Opportunity Fund’s range of investments may include smaller, underfollowed companies to the largest multinational organizations as well as fixed income securities. The result is a diversified Micro to Macro portfolio of stocks and fixed income securities structured to offer a relatively high yield with relatively low volatility. As of 11-30-2021 61.9% of the portfolio is in large and mid- cap stocks, 13.7% in small and micro-cap stocks, 6.9% in real estate investment trusts, 12.0% in fixed income securities, and 5.5% in cash and equivalents.

 

The North Star Micro Cap Fund invests in the common stocks of misunderstood or underfollowed companies with under $1 billion capitalizations.

 

The North Star Dividend Fund’s primary objective is to generate monthly income. The Fund seeks to achieve its objectives by investing in a diversified portfolio of common stocks of companies with under $ 2.5 billion market capitalization which offer attractive dividend yields.

 

The North Star Bond Fund will generally focus on bonds issued by companies with market capitalizations of less than $2.5 billion.

 

In last year’s annual letter, our outlook for 2021 was for for continued weakness in GDP and for corporate profits in the first quarter, with improvement in each progressive quarter. We expected the economy to recover, leading to a risk that inflation might surprise the market by rising rapidly with demand as supplies might be in short supply. The recovery in the economy and corporate profits was much swifter and far stronger than we envisioned, with S&P 500 composite earnings reaching record levels by the end of the second quarter, and continuing that torrid growth rate in the following quarter. Inflation registered at the highest levels since 1980, as extreme supply chain challenges coupled with the strong demand created an imbalance in the goods markets. Nevertheless, the rally in the market that started in November 2020 triggered by news of successful COVID-19 vaccines powered on throughout the year, particularly for large cap companies, with the S&P reaching new highs consistently. Small caps peaked in early March, with the Russell 2000 trading 5% lower on November 30 than on March 15, as concerns over new COVID-19 variants and the possibility of rising interest rates weighed heavily on the shares of smaller companies.

 

The North Star Funds fared well, despite the headwinds that small caps faced. Our funds have relatively concentrated portfolios consisting of approximately 50 positions, and in fiscal 2021 a number of those holdings produced particularly strong returns. In the North Star Opportunity Fund, our technology holdings of Advanced Micro Devices and Alphabet both returned over 50%, while financials Blackstone and KKR fared even better. Our performance in the North Star Micro Cap Fund was bolstered by Boot Barn and Build-A-Bear, returning 189% and 367% respectively, while the declines from the previous year’s star performers Orion Energy Systems, Escalade, and CarParts.com Inc. detracted from our

 

1808-NLD-12172021

1

 

returns. Even though dividend paying securities remained out of favor throughout most of the year, the North Star Dividend benefitted from strong returns posted by Wintrust Financial, Evolution Petroleum, Sprott, and Otter Tail in November began to outperform.

 

The Funds’ results for the period ending 11-30-2021 are detailed below.

 

  Total Return for        
  the 12 Month NAV Distributions NAV Total Assets
Fund Period 11/30/2021 During Period 11/30/20 (in 000’s)
           
North Star Opportunity Fund A 19.73% $20.05 $0.0157 $16.76 $31,276
           
North Star Opportunity Fund I 20.00% $20.00 $0.0492 $16.71 $146,910
           
North Star Micro Cap Fund I 16.88% $41.77 $0.0027 $35.74 $126,281
           
North Star Dividend Fund I 18.70% $23.43 $0.3707 $20.05 $88,006
           
North Star Bond Fund I 2.85% $9.49 $0.2701 $9.49 $31,113

 

Our outlook for 2022 is for the GDP and corporate profit growth rates to moderate to more historically normal levels, and for interest rates to rise as monetary policy tightens. The pandemic remains the wild card, with data on the omicron variant still in the early stages of analysis. We are optimistic that the war against the pandemic will be won through a combination of science and common sense. The other enemy, Inflation, will probably remain elevated at least through the first quarter, with the most recent surge in producer prices flowing through to consumer prices. Another variable will be the labor market, as the mismatch between the record number of job openings concurrent with an elevated level of unemployment hopefully will be resolved, leading to a boost in GDP growth with more people working. Finally, we believe that terrific bargains can be found in the types of companies we focus on in the North Star Family of Funds. The business quality characteristics (operating margins, return on equity, and revenue growth history) of the companies in our Funds remain solid, while their valuation measures (enterprise value/EBITDA, price/book, dividend yields) have become significantly more relatively attractive. Whereas large cap growth stocks are trading at over a 65% premium to historic P/E multiples, small cap value stocks are trading at a 7.5% discount to their historic multiple, and on average our holdings are at even bigger discounts.

 

We thank you for your investment in the North Star Funds.

 

Please remember that past performance may not be indicative and is no guarantee of future results. The fund performance data quoted here represents past performance. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted above.

 

1808-NLD-12172021

2

 

Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. A Fund’s performance, especially for very short periods of time, should not be the sole factor in making your investment decisions. For current performance information, please visit www.nsinvestfunds.com or call 1-312-580-0900. All performance figures reflect fee waivers and expense subsidies, without which performance figures would have been lower.

 

The indices shown are for informational purposes only and are not reflective of any investment. As it is not possible to invest in the indices, the data shown does not reflect or compare features of an actual investment, such as its objectives, costs and expenses, liquidity, safety, guarantees or insurance, fluctuation of principal or return, or tax features. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

 

S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged composite of 500 large capitalization companies. This index is widely used by professional investors as a performance benchmark for large-cap stocks.

 

Russell 2000® Index is an unmanaged index that is a widely recognized indicator of small capitalization company performance. It includes approximately 2000 of the smallest securities based on a combination of their market cap and current index membership.

 

1808-NLD-12172021

3

 

North Star Opportunity Fund
PORTFOLIO REVIEW (Unaudited)
November 30, 2021

 

Comparison of the Change in Value of a $10,000 Investment

 

(LINE GRAPH)

 

The Fund’s performance* figures for the periods ended November 30, 2021, compared to its benchmark:

 

        Since Since
    Five Year Ten Year Inception** Inception***
  One Year (Annualized) (Annualized) (Annualized) (Annualized)
North Star Opportunity Fund – Class A 19.73% 12.49% N/A 11.36% N/A
North Star Opportunity Fund – Class A with load 12.86% 11.16% N/A 10.70% N/A
North Star Opportunity Fund – Class I (a) 20.00% 12.77% 11.46% N/A 7.61%
Morningstar Moderately Aggressive Target Risk Index (b) 14.30% 11.60% 10.21% 10.54% 7.32%
S&P 500 Total Return Index (c) 27.92% 17.90% 16.16% 16.51% 10.40%
S&P Target Risk Aggressive Index Total Return (d) 16.30% 11.89% 10.70% 11.06% 7.28%

 

*Past performance is not predictive of future results. The performance comparison includes reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains and has been adjusted for the Class A maximum applicable sales charge of 5.75%. Shares held for less than 30 days are subject to a 2.00% redemption fee. The total operating expense ratios (including indirect expenses), as stated in the Fund’s Prospectus dated April 1, 2021, are 1.64% and 1.39% for Class A and Class I shares, respectively. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate. An investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Total return is calculated assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. The returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemptions of Fund shares. Returns greater than 1 year are annualized. Total returns would have been lower had the advisor not waived its fees and reimbursed a portion of the fund’s expenses. For performance information current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-312-580-0900.

 

**Inception date is December 15, 2011.

 

***Inception date is December 31, 2006 (Predecessor Fund).

 

(a)The North Star Opportunity Fund is the successor to the North Star Opportunity Fund, L.P. (the “Predecessor Fund”), which

4

 

North Star Opportunity Fund
PORTFOLIO REVIEW (Unaudited) (Continued)
November 30, 2021

 

transferred its assets to the Fund in connection with the Fund’s commencement of operations. The Predecessor Fund was managed by the same adviser who currently manages the Fund, and had substantially similar investment objectives and strategies to those of the Fund. The performance includes the performance of the Predecessor Fund prior to the commencement of the Fund’s operations. The Predecessor Fund’s performance has been adjusted to reflect the annual deduction of fees and expenses applicable to the Class I Shares. The Predecessor Fund was not registered as a mutual fund under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), and therefore was not subject to certain investment restrictions, limitations and diversification requirements imposed by the 1940 Act and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). If the Predecessor Fund had been registered under the 1940 Act, its performance may have been different.

 

(b)The Morningstar Moderately Aggressive Target Risk Index is one of five asset allocation indexes in the Morningstar Target Risk Index series, that seeks approximately 80% exposure to global equity markets.

 

(c)The S&P 500 Total Return Index is an unmanaged market capitalization-weighted index which is comprised of 500 of the largest U.S. domiciled companies and includes the reinvestment of all dividends. Investors cannot invest directly in an index or benchmark.

 

(d)The S&P Target Risk Aggressive Index Total Return is designed to measure the performance of aggressive stock-bond allocations to equities, seeking to maximize opportunities for long-term capital accumulation. It may include small allocations to fixed income to enhance portfolio efficiency. The S&P Target Risk Aggressive Index Total Return is more suitable for the Fund’s objective.

 

The adviser has elected to change the benchmark for the Fund. Going forward, the S&P Target Risk Aggressive Index Total Return will replace the Morningstar Moderately Aggressive Target Risk Index as the Fund’s primary broad-based index. The Morningstar Moderately Aggressive Target Risk Index Total Return will continue to be shown for a period of one year.

 

The Fund’s Top Ten Industries are as follows:

 

Industries  % of Net Assets 
Asset Management   14.1%
Biotech & Pharma   9.5%
Semiconductors   7.4%
Technology Hardware   6.7%
Banking   5.1%
E-Commerce Discretionary   3.7%
Healthcare Facilities & Services   3.6%
Entertainment Content   3.6%
Industrial REIT   3.1%
Internet Media & Services   3.1%
Other Industries   34.5%
Short-Term Investments and Other Assets Net of Liabilities   5.6%
    100.0%

 

Please refer to the Portfolio of Investments in this annual report for a detailed analysis of the Fund’s holdings.

5

 

North Star Micro Cap Fund
PORTFOLIO REVIEW (Unaudited)
November 30, 2021

 

Comparison of the Change in Value of a $10,000 Investment

 

(LINE GRAPH)

 

The Fund’s performance* figures for the periods ended November 30, 2021, compared to its benchmark:

 

        Since
    Five Year Ten Year Inception**
  One Year (Annualized) (Annualized) (Annualized)
North Star Micro Cap Fund – Class I (a) 16.88% 11.40% 12.43% 11.06%
Morningstar US Small Value PR Index (b) 31.72% 4.39% 8.44% 6.47%

 

*Past performance is not predictive of future results. The performance comparison includes reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains. Shares held for less than 30 days are subject to a 2.00% redemption fee. The total operating expense ratio (including indirect expenses), as stated in the Fund’s Prospectus dated April 1, 2021, is 1.40% for Class I shares. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate. An investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Total return is calculated assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. The returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemptions of Fund shares. Returns greater than 1 year are annualized. Total returns would have been lower had the advisor not waived its fees and reimbursed a portion of the Fund’s expenses. For performance information current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-312-580-0900.

 

**Inception date is December 31, 1997 (Predecessor Fund).

 

(a)The North Star Micro Cap Fund is the successor to the Kuby Gottlieb Special Value Fund, L.P. (the “Predecessor Fund”), which transferred its assets to the North Star Micro Cap Fund in connection with the North Star Micro Cap Fund’s commencement of operations. The Predecessor Fund was managed by the same adviser who currently manages the North Star Micro Cap Fund, and had substantially similar investment objectives and strategies to those of the North Star Micro Cap Fund. The performance includes the performance of the Predecessor Fund prior to the commencement of the North Star Micro Cap Fund’s operations. The Predecessor Fund’s performance has been adjusted to reflect the annual deduction of fees and expenses applicable to the Class I Shares. The Predecessor Fund was not registered as a mutual fund under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), and therefore was not subject to certain investment restrictions, limitations and diversification requirements imposed by the 1940 Act and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). If the Predecessor Fund had been registered under the 1940 Act, its performance may have been different.

 

(b)The Morningstar US Small Value PR Index measures the performance of small-cap stocks with relatively low prices given anticipated per-share earnings, book value, cash flow, sales and dividends.

6

 

North Star Micro Cap Fund
PORTFOLIO REVIEW (Unaudited) (Continued)
November 30, 2021

 

The Fund’s Top Ten Industries are as follows:

 

Industries  % of Net Assets 
Retail - Discretionary   11.3%
Apparel & Textile Products   10.6%
Leisure Products   8.2%
E-Commerce Discretionary   7.2%
Commercial Support Services   6.9%
Electrical Equipment   6.0%
Technology Hardware   5.8%
Machinery   5.5%
Leisure Facilities & Services   4.3%
Industrial Intermediate Prod   4.1%
Other Industries   28.4%
Short-Term Investments and Other Assets Net of Liabilities   1.7%
    100.0%

 

Please refer to the Portfolio of Investments in this annual report for a detailed analysis of the Fund’s holdings.

7

 

North Star Dividend Fund
PORTFOLIO REVIEW (Unaudited)
November 30, 2021

 

Comparison of the Change in Value of a $10,000 Investment

 

(LINE GRAPH)

 

The Fund’s performance* figures for the periods ended November 30, 2021, compared to its benchmark:

 

        Since
    Five Year Ten Year Inception**
  One Year (Annualized) (Annualized) (Annualized)
North Star Dividend Fund – Class I (a) 18.70% 6.41% 9.83% 10.56%
Morningstar US Small Value PR Index (b) 31.72% 4.39% 8.44% 8.52%

 

*Past performance is not predictive of future results. The performance comparison includes reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains. Shares held for less than 30 days are subject to a 2.00% redemption fee. The total operating expense ratio (including indirect expenses), as stated in the Fund’s Prospectus dated April 1, 2021, is 1.50% for Class I shares. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate. An investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Total return is calculated assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. The returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemptions of Fund shares. Returns greater than 1 year are annualized. Total returns would have been lower had the adviser not waived its fees and reimbursed a portion of the Fund’s expenses. For performance information current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-312-580-0900.

 

**Inception date is February 1, 2010.

 

(a)The North Star Dividend Fund is the successor to the North Star Dividend Fund, L.P. (the “Predecessor Fund”), which transferred its assets to the North Star Dividend Fund in connection with the North Star Dividend Fund’s commencement of operations. The Predecessor Fund was managed by the same adviser who currently manages the North Star Dividend Fund, and had substantially similar investment objectives and strategies to those of the North Star Dividend Fund. The performance includes the performance of the Predecessor Fund prior to the commencement of the North Star Dividend Fund’s operations. The Predecessor Fund’s performance has been adjusted to reflect the annual deduction of fees and expenses applicable to the Class I Shares. The Predecessor Fund was not registered as a mutual fund under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), and therefore was not subject to certain investment restrictions, limitations and diversification requirements imposed by the 1940 Act and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). If the Predecessor Fund had been registered under the 1940 Act, its performance may have been different.

 

(b)The Morningstar US Small Value PR Index measures the performance of small-cap stocks with relatively low prices given anticipated per-share earnings, book value, cash flow, sales and dividends.

8

 

North Star Dividend Fund
PORTFOLIO REVIEW (Unaudited) (Continued)
November 30, 2021

 

The Fund’s Top Ten Industries are as follows:

 

Industries  % of Net Assets 
Banking   10.4%
Industrial REIT   7.6%
Commercial Support Services   6.8%
Home & Office Products   6.5%
Electric Utilities   6.1%
Gas & Water Utiities   6.1%
Apparel & Textile Products   4.7%
Asset Management   4.7%
Chemicals   4.0%
Household Products   3.5%
Other Industries   33.7%
Short-Term Investments and Other Assets Net of Liabilities   5.9%
    100.0%

 

Please refer to the Portfolio of Investments in this annual report for a detailed analysis of the Fund’s holdings.

9

 

North Star Bond Fund
PORTFOLIO REVIEW (Unaudited)
November 30, 2021

 

Comparison of the Change in Value of a $10,000 Investment

 

(LINE GRAPH)

 

The Fund’s performance* figures for the periods ended November 30, 2021, compared to its benchmark:

 

      Since
    Five Year Inception**
  One Year (Annualized) (Annualized)
North Star Bond Fund – Class I 2.85% 2.36% 2.46%
Bloomberg U.S. High Yield Ba/B Index (a) 4.44% 6.33% 5.95%

 

*Past performance is not predictive of future results. Shares held for less than 30 days are subject to a 2.00% redemption fee. The performance comparison includes reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains. The total operating expense ratio (including indirect expenses), as stated in the Fund’s Prospectus dated April 1, 2021, is 1.64% for Class I shares. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate. An investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Total return is calculated assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. The returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemptions of Fund shares. Total returns would have been lower had the adviser not waived its fees and reimbursed a portion of the Fund’s expenses. Performance figures are not annualized. For performance information current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-312-580-0900.

 

**Inception date is December 19, 2014.

 

(a)The Bloomberg U.S. High Yield Ba/B Index measures the performance of bonds with Ba or B ratings.

10

 

North Star Bond Fund
PORTFOLIO REVIEW (Unaudited) (Continued)
November 30, 2021

 

The Fund’s Top Ten Industries are as follows:

 

Industries  % of Net Assets 
Leisure Facilities & Services   10.3%
Automotive   8.7%
Entertainment Content   7.3%
Transportation Equipment   7.0%
Real Estate Investment Trusts   6.5%
Asset Management   5.5%
Banking   4.4%
Technology Hardware   4.1%
Food   4.0%
Apparel & Textile Products   3.9%
Other Industries   30.5%
Short-Term Investments and Other Assets Net of Liabilities   7.8%
    100.0%

 

Please refer to the Portfolio of Investments in this annual report for a detailed analysis of the Fund’s holdings.

11

 

NORTH STAR OPPORTUNITY FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
November 30, 2021

 

Shares      Fair Value 
     COMMON STOCKS —  82.5%     
     ASSET MANAGEMENT - 12.6%     
 71,000   Blackstone, Inc.  $10,042,949 
 3,083   Brookfield Infrastructure Corporation, Class A   182,483 
 120,000   Compass Diversified Holdings   3,457,200 
 81,000   KKR & Company, Inc.   6,030,450 
 66,000   Sprott, Inc.   2,874,300 
         22,587,382 
     AUTOMOTIVE - 2.0%     
 131,000   Sono Group N.V.(a)   1,978,100 
 1,376   Tesla, Inc.(a)   1,575,190 
         3,553,290 
     BANKING - 3.9%     
 105,000   Bank of America Corporation   4,669,350 
 14,000   JPMorgan Chase & Company   2,223,620 
         6,892,970 
     BEVERAGES - 2.3%     
 2,500   Constellation Brands, Inc., Class A   563,325 
 50,000   Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc.   1,699,500 
 12,000   PepsiCo, Inc.   1,917,360 
         4,180,185 
     BIOTECH & PHARMA - 9.5%     
 32,000   AbbVie, Inc.   3,688,960 
 47,000   Bristol-Myers Squibb Company   2,520,610 
 119,000   Pfizer, Inc.   6,393,870 
 19,000   Zoetis, Inc.   4,218,760 
         16,822,200 
     COMMERCIAL SUPPORT SERVICES - 1.0%     
 132,000   BGSF, Inc.   1,848,000 
           
     CONSUMER SERVICES - 0.3%     
 9,000   Service Corp International   595,440 
           
     E-COMMERCE DISCRETIONARY - 3.7%     
 950   Amazon.com, Inc.(a)   3,331,717 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 

12

 

NORTH STAR OPPORTUNITY FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
November 30, 2021

 

Shares      Fair Value 
     COMMON STOCKS — 82.5% (Continued)     
     E-COMMERCE DISCRETIONARY - 3.7% (Continued)     
 245,000   CarParts.com, Inc.(a)  $3,030,650 
         6,362,367 
     ELECTRIC UTILITIES - 0.8%     
 24,000   Brookfield Infrastructure Partners, L.P.   1,363,680 
           
     ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT - 2.8%     
 900,000   Orion Energy Systems, Inc.(a)   3,393,000 
 4,500   Rockwell Automation, Inc.   1,512,900 
         4,905,900 
     ENTERTAINMENT CONTENT - 2.9%     
 27,000   Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corporation(a)   1,785,240 
 73,000   ViacomCBS, Inc., Class B   2,259,350 
 8,200   Walt Disney Company (The)(a)   1,188,180 
         5,232,770 
     FOOD - 1.0%     
 14,500   J M Smucker Company (The)   1,833,815 
           
     HEALTH CARE FACILITIES & SERVICES - 3.3%     
 52,000   CVS Health Corporation   4,631,120 
 3,000   UnitedHealth Group, Inc.   1,332,660 
         5,963,780 
     HOME & OFFICE PRODUCTS - 0.3%     
 4,300   Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (The)   623,027 
           
     INDUSTRIAL REIT - 3.1%     
 270,000   Monmouth Real Estate Investment Corporation   5,607,900 
           
     INTERNET MEDIA & SERVICES - 3.1%     
 1,900   Alphabet, Inc., Class A(a)   5,392,105 
           
     LEISURE FACILITIES & SERVICES - 1.4%     
 3,000   McDonald’s Corporation   733,800 
 7,000   Starbucks Corporation   767,480 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 

13

 

NORTH STAR OPPORTUNITY FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
November 30, 2021

 

Shares      Fair Value 
     COMMON STOCKS — 82.5% (Continued)     
     LEISURE FACILITIES & SERVICES - 1.4% (Continued)     
 52,000   Wendy’s Company (The)  $1,070,160 
         2,571,440 
     LEISURE PRODUCTS - 0.7%     
 45,000   Callaway Golf Company(a)   1,213,200 
           
     MACHINERY - 0.5%     
 7,000   Xylem, Inc.   847,770 
           
     MULTI ASSET CLASS REITS - 2.2%     
 60,000   Armada Hoffler Properties, Inc.   837,000 
 205,000   Lexington Realty Trust   3,085,250 
         3,922,250 
     RESIDENTIAL REIT - 1.3%     
 80,000   Bluerock Residential Growth REIT, Inc.   1,183,200 
 45,000   UMH Properties, Inc.   1,038,600 
         2,221,800 
     RETAIL - CONSUMER STAPLES - 2.8%     
 20,000   Target Corporation   4,876,800 
           
     SEMICONDUCTORS - 7.4%     
 57,000   Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.(a)   9,027,090 
 23,000   QUALCOMM, Inc.   4,152,880 
         13,179,970 
     SOFTWARE - 0.1%     
 680   salesforce.com, Inc.(a)   193,773 
           
     SPECIALTY REITS - 0.4%     
 16,000   EPR Properties   737,920 
           
     TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE - 6.2%     
 43,500   Apple, Inc.   7,190,550 
 141,000   Turtle Beach Corporation(a)   3,778,800 
         10,969,350 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

14

 

NORTH STAR OPPORTUNITY FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
November 30, 2021

 

Shares      Fair Value 
     COMMON STOCKS — 82.5% (Continued)     
     TECHNOLOGY SERVICES - 1.9%     
 25,000   Paychex, Inc.  $2,980,000 
 2,500   Visa, Inc., Class A   484,425 
         3,464,425 
     TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS - 1.7%     
 4,000   FedEx Corporation   921,480 
 11,000   United Parcel Service, Inc., Class B   2,182,070 
         3,103,550 
     TRANSPORTATION EQUIPMENT - 0.9%     
 81,000   Blue Bird Corporation(a)   1,639,440 
           
     WHOLESALE - DISCRETIONARY - 2.4%     
 124,096   Acme United Corporation   4,338,036 
           
     TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $65,666,946)   147,044,535 
           
     PREFERRED STOCKS — 3.3%     
     ASSET MANAGEMENT - 1.5%     
 42,000   B Riley Financial, Inc., 6.375%   1,089,480 
 60,000   Compass Diversified Holdings, 7.875%(b)   1,633,200 
         2,722,680 
     BANKING - 0.9%     
 45,000   JPMorgan Chase & Company, 4.20%   1,114,650 
 300   Wells Fargo & Company, 7.50% - Series L   439,806 
         1,554,456 
     ENTERTAINMENT CONTENT - 0.7%     
 25,000   ViacomCBS, Inc., 5.75%   1,291,500 
           
     REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS - 0.2%     
 12,000   Monmouth Real Estate Investment Corporation, 6.125% - Series C   300,120 
           
     TOTAL PREFERRED STOCKS (Cost $6,011,148)   5,868,756 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 

15

 

NORTH STAR OPPORTUNITY FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
November 30, 2021

 

Principal         Coupon Rate       
Amount ($)      Spread  (%)  Maturity  Fair Value 
     CORPORATE BONDS — 8.6%              
     AUTOMOTIVE — 0.9%              
 1,350,000   Ford Motor Company     7.1250  11/15/25  $1,568,471 
                    
     BANKING — 0.3%              
 500,000   Barclays Bank plc(b)  US0003M + 1.250%  1.3740  04/11/23   501,703 
                    
     FOOD — 0.8%              
 1,350,000   B&G Foods, Inc.     5.2500  04/01/25   1,373,078 
                    
     HEALTH CARE FACILITIES & SERVICES — 0.3%              
 500,000   McKesson Corporation     3.7960  03/15/24   527,685 
                    
     HOME & OFFICE PRODUCTS — 0.7%              
 1,165,000   Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (The)     5.2500  12/15/26   1,198,430 
                    
     LEISURE FACILITIES & SERVICES — 1.0%              
 1,650,000   Wendy’s International, LLC     7.0000  12/15/25   1,863,121 
                    
     OIL & GAS PRODUCERS — 1.2%              
 500,000   Chevron Corporation     2.4980  03/03/22   501,908 
 1,575,000   Murphy Oil Corporation     5.7500  08/15/25   1,604,039 
                  2,105,947 
     PUBLISHING & BROADCASTING — 0.9%              
 1,591,000   Meredith Corporation     6.8750  02/01/26   1,645,699 
                    
     REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS — 0.6%              
 1,000,000   IIP Operating Partnership, L.P.     5.5000  05/25/26   1,077,708 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

16

 

NORTH STAR OPPORTUNITY FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
November 30, 2021

 

Principal          Coupon Rate       
Amount ($)      Spread   (%)  Maturity  Fair Value 
     CORPORATE BONDS — 8.6% (Continued)               
     RETAIL - DISCRETIONARY — 0.3%               
 600,000   Sally Holdings, LLC / Sally Capital, Inc.      5.6250  12/01/25  $612,135 
                     
     TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE — 0.5%               
 770,000   Pitney Bowes, Inc.      6.2000  04/01/23   802,302 
                     
     TELECOMMUNICATIONS — 1.1%               
 500,000   AT&T, Inc.      3.0000  06/30/22   505,029 
 1,341,000   CenturyLink, Inc. Series D      7.2000  12/01/25   1,491,299 
                   1,996,328 
                     
     TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS (Cost $15,060,855)             15,272,607 
                     
Shares                    
     SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 5.4%     
     MONEY MARKET FUNDS - 5.4%     
 9,707,436   First American Treasury Obligations Fund, Class X, 0.01% (Cost $9,707,436)(c)   9,707,436 
                       
     TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 99.8% (Cost $96,446,385)      $177,893,334 
     OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES - 0.2%   293,151 
     NET ASSETS - 100.0%  $178,186,485 

 

LLC- Limited Liability Company

 

LP- Limited Partnership

 

NV- Naamioze Vennootschap

 

PLC- Public Limited Company

 

REIT- Real Estate Investment Trust

 

US0003MICE LIBOR USD 3 Month

 

(a)Non-income producing security.

 

(b)Variable rate security; the rate shown represents the rate on November 30, 2021.

 

(c)Rate disclosed is the seven day effective yield as of November 30, 2021.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

17

 

NORTH STAR MICRO CAP FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
November 30, 2021

 

Shares      Fair Value 
     COMMON STOCKS — 98.3%     
     APPAREL & TEXTILE PRODUCTS - 10.6%     
 90,000   Delta Apparel, Inc.(a)  $2,649,600 
 161,000   Lakeland Industries, Inc.(a)   3,081,540 
 20,000   Movado Group, Inc.   897,400 
 102,500   Rocky Brands, Inc.   3,641,825 
 140,000   Superior Group of Companies, Inc.   3,130,400 
         13,400,765 
     ASSET MANAGEMENT - 0.9%     
 71,000   Westwood Holdings Group, Inc.   1,150,910 
           
     AUTOMOTIVE - 1.5%     
 56,231   Miller Industries, Inc.   1,839,316 
           
     BANKING - 3.3%     
 50,500   Bar Harbor Bankshares   1,442,785 
 50,000   First Busey Corporation   1,285,000 
 55,000   Territorial Bancorp, Inc.   1,384,900 
         4,112,685 
     BEVERAGES - 0.2%     
 278,942   Truett-Hurst, Inc.(a),(b),(c)   195,120 
           
     COMMERCIAL SUPPORT SERVICES - 6.9%     
 609,000   ARC Document Solutions, Inc.   1,766,100 
 38,000   Barrett Business Services, Inc.   2,682,420 
 50,000   Sharps Compliance Corporation(a)   369,000 
 148,000   SP Plus Corporation(a)   4,012,279 
         8,829,799 
     CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS - 3.2%     
 32,150   Apogee Enterprises, Inc.   1,327,795 
 23,000   United States Lime & Minerals, Inc.   2,740,450 
         4,068,245 
     E-COMMERCE DISCRETIONARY - 7.2%     
 124,000   1-800-Flowers.com, Inc., Class A(a)   3,692,720 
 333,000   CarParts.com, Inc.(a)   4,119,210 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 

18

 

NORTH STAR MICRO CAP FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
November 30, 2021

 

Shares      Fair Value 
     COMMON STOCKS — 98.3% (Continued)     
     E-COMMERCE DISCRETIONARY - 7.2% (Continued)     
 47,000   PetMed Express, Inc.  $1,285,920 
         9,097,850 
     ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT - 6.0%     
 35,250   Allied Motion Technologies, Inc.   1,390,613 
 58,500   Napco Security Technologies, Inc.(a)   2,718,495 
 923,000   Orion Energy Systems, Inc.(a)   3,479,710 
         7,588,818 
     ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION - 1.9%     
 162,000   Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation(a)   2,394,360 
           
     FOOD - 1.3%     
 9,000   Nathan’s Famous, Inc.   553,860 
 55,000   Phibro Animal Health Corporation, Class A   1,077,450 
         1,631,310 
     HOME & OFFICE PRODUCTS - 2.9%     
 326,000   ACCO Brands Corporation   2,692,760 
 67,000   Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Company, Class A   1,005,000 
         3,697,760 
     HOME CONSTRUCTION - 1.9%     
 94,902   Green Brick Partners, Inc.(a)   2,367,805 
           
     HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS - 2.7%     
 18,000   Central Garden & Pet Company(a)   867,240 
 335,468   Crown Crafts, Inc.   2,549,557 
         3,416,797 
     INDUSTRIAL INTERMEDIATE PROD - 4.1%     
 165,700   Eastern Company (The)   4,159,899 
 21,200   Lawson Products, Inc.(a)   1,020,356 
         5,180,255 
     LEISURE FACILITIES & SERVICES - 4.3%     
 125,600   Century Casinos, Inc.(a)   1,639,080 
 280,000   Del Taco Restaurants, Inc.   2,144,800 
 121,000   Denny’s Corporation(a)   1,675,850 
         5,459,730 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 

19

 

NORTH STAR MICRO CAP FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
November 30, 2021

 

Shares      Fair Value 
     COMMON STOCKS — 98.3% (Continued)     
     LEISURE PRODUCTS - 8.2%     
 251,500   Escalade, Inc.  $4,278,015 
 58,500   Johnson Outdoors, Inc., Class A   6,086,340 
         10,364,355 
     MACHINERY - 5.5%     
 21,900   Alamo Group, Inc.   3,114,618 
 116,499   QEP Company, Inc.(b)   2,446,479 
 17,500   Tennant Company   1,376,550 
         6,937,647 
     OIL & GAS PRODUCERS - 1.4%     
 344,300   Evolution Petroleum Corporation   1,711,171 
           
     REAL ESTATE OWNERS & DEVELOPERS - 1.0%     
 75,000   Postal Realty Trust, Inc.   1,301,250 
           
     RETAIL - DISCRETIONARY - 11.3%     
 74,000   Boot Barn Holdings, Inc.(a)   9,053,160 
 200,400   Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.(a)   3,418,824 
 75,300   Ethan Allen Interiors, Inc.   1,694,250 
         14,166,234 
     TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE - 5.8%     
 83,000   AstroNova, Inc.(a)   1,371,990 
 222,200   Turtle Beach Corporation(a)   5,954,960 
         7,326,950 
     TELECOMMUNICATIONS - 1.2%     
 208,000   Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc.(a)   1,564,160 
           
     TRANSPORTATION EQUIPMENT - 2.0%     
 122,000   Blue Bird Corporation(a)   2,469,280 
           
     WHOLESALE - DISCRETIONARY - 3.0%     
 109,481   Acme United Corporation   3,827,138 
           
     TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $77,168,676)   124,099,710 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 

20

 

NORTH STAR MICRO CAP FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
November 30, 2021

 

Shares      Fair Value 
     SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 1.7%     
     MONEY MARKET FUNDS - 1.7%     
 2,175,513   First American Treasury Obligations Fund, Class X, 0.01% (Cost $2,175,513)(d)  $2,175,513 
           
     TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 100.0% (Cost $79,344,189)  $126,275,223 
     OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES - 0.0%   6,029 
     NET ASSETS - 100.0%  $126,281,252 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.

 

(b)Illiquid security. The total fair value of these securities as of November 30, 2021 was $2,641,599, representing 2.1% of net assets.

 

(c)Affiliated Company North Star Micro Cap Fund holds in excess of 5% of outstanding voting securities of this issuer.

 

(d)Rate disclosed is the seven day effective yield as of November 30, 2021.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 

21

 

NORTH STAR DIVIDEND FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
November 30, 2021

 

Shares      Fair Value 
     COMMON STOCKS — 94.1%     
     APPAREL & TEXTILE PRODUCTS - 4.7%     
 93,000   Rocky Brands, Inc.  $3,304,290 
 34,000   Weyco Group, Inc.   837,420 
         4,141,710 
     ASSET MANAGEMENT - 4.7%     
 82,000   Compass Diversified Holdings   2,362,420 
 41,000   Sprott, Inc.   1,785,550 
         4,147,970 
     BANKING - 10.4%     
 24,400   Bank of Hawaii Corporation   1,946,632 
 76,500   Bar Harbor Bankshares   2,185,605 
 73,000   First Hawaiian, Inc.   1,916,250 
 47,200   Old National Bancorp   833,552 
 26,500   Wintrust Financial Corporation   2,319,545 
         9,201,584 
     CHEMICALS - 4.0%     
 87,500   Oil-Dri Corporation of America   2,913,750 
 19,000   Valvoline, Inc.   647,330 
         3,561,080 
     COMMERCIAL SUPPORT SERVICES - 6.8%     
 23,200   ABM Industries, Inc.   1,044,000 
 212,800   BGSF, Inc.   2,979,200 
 79,000   Healthcare Services Group, Inc.   1,382,500 
 31,000   Resources Connection, Inc.   532,580 
         5,938,280 
     CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS - 1.4%     
 30,100   Apogee Enterprises, Inc.   1,243,130 
           
     CONTAINERS & PACKAGING - 1.9%     
 27,000   Greif, Inc., Class A   1,638,360 
           
     E-COMMERCE DISCRETIONARY - 2.5%     
 81,600   PetMed Express, Inc.   2,232,576 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 

22

 

NORTH STAR DIVIDEND FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
November 30, 2021

 

Shares      Fair Value 
     COMMON STOCKS — 94.1% (Continued)     
     ELECTRIC UTILITIES - 6.1%     
 31,500   NorthWestern Corporation  $1,741,950 
 43,000   Otter Tail Corporation   2,811,770 
 20,000   Unitil Corporation   828,800 
         5,382,520 
     ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT - 1.7%     
 214,800   LSI Industries, Inc.   1,525,080 
           
     FOOD - 0.6%     
 14,000   Alico, Inc.   487,480 
           
     GAS & WATER UTILITIES - 6.1%     
 152,000   Global Water Resources, Inc.   2,617,440 
 34,000   Northwest Natural Holding Company   1,466,080 
 59,500   RGC Resources, Inc.   1,275,085 
         5,358,605 
     HOME & OFFICE PRODUCTS - 6.5%     
 321,000   ACCO Brands Corporation   2,651,460 
 64,000   Flexsteel Industries, Inc.   1,816,320 
 110,000   Steelcase, Inc., Class A   1,230,900 
         5,698,680 
     HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS - 3.5%     
 410,000   Crown Crafts, Inc.   3,116,000 
           
     INDUSTRIAL REIT - 7.6%     
 10,300   Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc.   2,645,349 
 193,000   Monmouth Real Estate Investment Corporation   4,008,610 
         6,653,959 
     INSURANCE - 1.2%     
 325,840   Marketing Alliance, Inc. (The) (a)   1,058,979 
           
     LEISURE PRODUCTS - 3.5%     
 179,000   Escalade, Inc.   3,044,790 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 

23

 

NORTH STAR DIVIDEND FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
November 30, 2021

 

Shares      Fair Value 
     COMMON STOCKS — 94.1% (Continued)     
     MACHINERY - 2.8%     
 62,000   Douglas Dynamics, Inc.  $2,464,500 
           
     OIL & GAS PRODUCERS - 3.4%     
 600,000   Evolution Petroleum Corporation   2,982,000 
           
     PUBLISHING & BROADCASTING - 2.5%     
 92,250   DallasNews Corporation   611,618 
 31,200   John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Class A   1,621,776 
         2,233,394 
     REAL ESTATE OWNERS & DEVELOPERS - 2.2%     
 25,000   McGrath RentCorporation   1,932,500 
           
     RETAIL - CONSUMER STAPLES - 0.8%     
 34,000   Village Super Market, Inc., Class A   722,840 
           
     RETAIL - DISCRETIONARY - 0.9%     
 35,000   Ethan Allen Interiors, Inc.   787,500 
           
     SPECIALTY FINANCE - 1.6%     
 14,000   GATX Corporation   1,379,000 
           
     TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE - 0.7%     
 94,000   Pitney Bowes, Inc.   642,020 
           
     TECHNOLOGY SERVICES - 1.0%     
 20,500   Value Line, Inc.   830,250 
           
     TELECOMMUNICATIONS - 2.5%     
 122,500   Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.   2,165,800 
           
     TIMBER REITS - 0.7%     
 85,500   CatchMark Timber Trust, Inc., Class A   657,495 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 

24

 

NORTH STAR DIVIDEND FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
November 30, 2021

 

Shares      Fair Value 
     COMMON STOCKS — 94.1% (Continued)     
     TRANSPORTATION EQUIPMENT - 1.0%     
 33,000   Trinity Industries, Inc.  $874,500 
           
     WHOLESALE - DISCRETIONARY - 0.8%     
 21,000   Acme United Corporation   734,099 
           
     TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $59,855,621)   82,836,681 
           
     SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 5.8%     
     MONEY MARKET FUNDS - 5.8%     
 5,062,490   First American Treasury Obligations Fund, Class X, 0.01% (Cost $5,062,490)(b)   5,062,490 
           
     TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 99.9% (Cost $64,918,111)  $87,899,171 
     OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES - 0.1%   106,876 
     NET ASSETS - 100.0%  $88,006,047 

 

REIT- Real Estate Investment Trust

 

(a)Illiquid security. The total fair value of these securities as of November 30, 2021 was $1,058,979, representing 1.2% of net assets.

 

(b)Rate disclosed is the seven day effective yield as of November 30, 2021.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 

25

 

NORTH STAR BOND FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
November 30, 2021

 

Shares              Fair Value 
     PREFERRED STOCKS — 15.4%     
     ASSET MANAGEMENT - 3.6%     
 23,000   B Riley Financial, Inc., 6.375%  $596,620 
 19,576   Compass Diversified Holdings, 7.875%   532,859 
                 1,129,479 
     BANKING - 4.4%     
 18,000   Bank of America Corporation, 4.00%   447,480 
 16,000   JPMorgan Chase & Company, 4.20%   396,320 
 21,000   US Bancorp - Series F, 6.50%   532,139 
                 1,375,939 
     ENTERTAINMENT CONTENT - 4.6%     
 14,000   ViacomCBS, Inc., 5.75%   723,240 
 700,000   ViacomCBS, Inc., 5.875%   697,589 
                 1,420,829 
     INSTITUTIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES - 0.8%     
 250,000   Mellon Capital IV - Series 1, 4.00%   249,090 
                   
     REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS - 2.0%     
 25,000   Monmouth Real Estate Investment Corporation - Series C, 6.125%   625,250 
                   
     TOTAL PREFERRED STOCKS (Cost $4,949,082)   4,800,587 
               
Principal      Coupon Rate       
Amount ($)      (%)  Maturity    
     CONVERTIBLE BONDS — 10.9%           
     ASSET MANAGEMENT — 1.9%           
 575,000   Hercules Capital, Inc.  4.3750  02/01/22   591,839 
                 
     LEISURE PRODUCTS — 3.0%           
 700,000   Winnebago Industries, Inc.  1.5000  04/01/25   934,063 
                 
     SPECIALTY FINANCE — 3.0%           
 922,000   Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc.  4.7500  03/15/23   943,734 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 

26

 

NORTH STAR BOND FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
November 30, 2021

 

Principal      Coupon Rate       
Amount ($)      (%)  Maturity  Fair Value 
     TRANSPORTATION EQUIPMENT — 3.0%           
 925,000   Greenbrier Companies, Inc. (The)  2.8750  02/01/24  $931,938 
                 
     TOTAL CONVERTIBLE BONDS (Cost $3,060,303)         3,401,574 
                 
     CORPORATE BONDS — 65.9%           
     APPAREL & TEXTILE PRODUCTS — 3.9%           
 1,200,000   Under Armour, Inc.  3.2500  06/15/26   1,224,756 
                 
     AUTOMOTIVE — 8.7%           
 1,200,000   Ford Motor Company  7.1250  11/15/25   1,394,196 
 1,200,000   Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (The)  9.5000  05/31/25   1,297,518 
               2,691,714 
     CHEMICALS — 2.0%           
 603,000   CF Industries, Inc.  3.4500  06/01/23   625,299 
                 
     ENTERTAINMENT CONTENT — 2.7%           
 825,000   AMC Networks, Inc.  4.7500  08/01/25   839,631 
                 
     FOOD — 4.0%           
 1,210,000   B&G Foods, Inc.  5.2500  04/01/25   1,230,685 
                 
     HEALTH CARE FACILITIES & SERVICES — 3.9%           
 1,140,000   Owens & Minor, Inc.  4.3750  12/15/24   1,199,816 
                 
     HOME & OFFICE PRODUCTS — 3.8%           
 1,150,000   Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (The)  5.2500  12/15/26   1,182,999 
                 
     INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT SERVICES — 0.7%           
 100,000   Anixter, Inc.  5.5000  03/01/23   104,737 
 104,000   Anixter, Inc.  6.0000  12/01/25   112,796 
               217,533 
     LEISURE FACILITIES & SERVICES — 10.3%           
 1,172,000   Brinker International, Inc.  3.8750  05/15/23   1,203,486 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 

27

 

NORTH STAR BOND FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
November 30, 2021

 

Principal      Coupon Rate       
Amount ($)      (%)  Maturity  Fair Value 
     CORPORATE BONDS — 65.9% (Continued)           
     LEISURE FACILITIES & SERVICES — 10.3% (Continued)           
 650,000   Marriott International, Inc.  2.1250  10/03/22  $657,413 
 1,169,000   Wendy’s International, LLC  7.0000  12/15/25   1,319,994 
               3,180,893 
     OIL & GAS PRODUCERS — 3.8%           
 1,175,000   Murphy Oil Corporation  5.7500  08/15/25   1,196,664 
                 
     PUBLISHING & BROADCASTING — 3.8%           
 1,142,000   Meredith Corporation  6.8750  02/01/26   1,181,262 
                 
     REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS — 4.5%           
 1,300,000   IIP Operating Partnership, L.P.  5.5000  05/25/26   1,401,020 
                 
     SEMICONDUCTORS — 1.8%           
 550,000   Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.  7.5000  08/15/22   575,132 
                 
     TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE — 4.1%           
 1,200,000   Pitney Bowes, Inc.  6.2000  04/01/23   1,250,340 
                 
     TELECOMMUNICATIONS — 3.9%           
 1,175,000   CenturyLink, Inc.  5.6250  04/01/25   1,225,925 
                 
     TRANSPORTATION EQUIPMENT — 4.0%           
 1,200,000   Trinity Industries, Inc.  4.5500  10/01/24   1,256,376 
                 
     TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS (Cost $20,045,789)   20,480,045 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 

28

 

NORTH STAR BOND FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
November 30, 2021

 

Shares      Fair Value 
     SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 7.0%     
     MONEY MARKET FUNDS - 7.0%     
 2,180,761   First American Treasury Obligations Fund, Class X, 0.01% (Cost $2,180,761)(a)  $2,180,761 
           
     TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 99.2% (Cost $30,235,935)  $30,862,967 
     OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES - 0.8%   249,734 
     NET ASSETS - 100.0%  $31,112,701 

 

LLC- Limited Liability Company

 

LP- Limited Partnership

 

REIT- Real Estate Investment Trust

 

(a)Rate disclosed is the seven day effective yield as of November 30, 2021.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 

29

 

North Star Funds
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
November 30, 2021

  

   North Star   North Star   North Star   North Star 
   Opportunity   Micro Cap   Dividend   Bond 
Assets:  Fund   Fund   Fund   Fund 
Investments in Unaffiliated Securities at Cost  $96,446,385   $78,549,584   $64,918,111   $30,235,935 
Investments in Non-controlled Affiliated Securities at Cost       794,605         
Total Securities at Cost   96,446,385    79,344,189    64,918,111    30,235,935 
Investments in Unaffiliated Securities at Value  $177,893,334   $126,080,103   $87,899,171   $30,862,967 
Investments in Non-controlled Affiliated Securities at Value       195,120         
Total Securities at Value   177,893,334    126,275,223    87,899,171    30,862,967 
Cash   12,135        7,526     
Dividends and Interest Receivable   473,588    91,607    213,703    297,811 
Receivable for Fund Shares Sold   9,908    48,017    63     
Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets   32,967    19,718    20,113    14,493 
Total Assets   178,421,932    126,434,565    88,140,576    31,175,271 
                     
Liabilities:                    
Payable for Fund Shares Redeemed   9,737        9,120     
Investment Advisory Fees Payable   147,116    108,243    76,642    21,967 
Distribution (12b-1) Fees Payable   7,346             
Payable to Related Parties   37,825    18,166    21,547    17,433 
Audit and Tax Fees Payable   20,777    15,623    16,122    14,990 
Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities   12,646    11,281    11,098    8,180 
Total Liabilities   235,447    153,313    134,529    62,570 
                     
Net Assets  $178,186,485   $126,281,252   $88,006,047   $31,112,701 
                     
Composition of Net Assets:                    
At November 30, 2021, Net Assets consisted of:                    
Paid-in-Capital  $91,692,192   $75,629,273   $63,387,680   $32,371,242 
Accumulated Earnings/(Losses)   86,494,293    50,651,979    24,618,367    (1,258,541)
Net Assets  $178,186,485   $126,281,252   $88,006,047   $31,112,701 
                     
Net Asset Value Per Share:                    
Class I Shares:                    
Net Assets  $146,910,216   $126,281,252   $88,006,047   $31,112,701 
Shares of Beneficial Interest Outstanding ($0 par value, unlimited shares authorized)   7,344,951    3,022,974    3,755,814    3,277,849 
Net Asset Value (Net Assets/Shares Outstanding), Offering Price and Redemption Price Per Share*  $20.00   $41.77   $23.43   $9.49 
Class A Shares:                    
Net Assets  $31,276,269                
Shares of Beneficial Interest Outstanding ($0 par value, unlimited shares authorized)   1,560,076                
Net Asset Value (Net Assets/Shares Outstanding) and Redemption Price Per Share*  $20.05                
Maximum Offering Price Per Share (Maximum Sales Charge of 5.75%)  $21.27                

 

 

*The Funds charge a fee of 2.00% on redemptions of shares held for less than 30 days.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

30

 

North Star Funds
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the Year Ended November 30, 2021

 

   North Star   North Star   North Star   North Star 
   Opportunity Fund   Micro Cap Fund   Dividend Fund   Bond Fund 
Investment Income                    
Dividends from Unaffiliated Investments  $2,573,809   $1,636,999   $2,853,096   $239,409 
Interest   413,207    698    408    1,021,354 
Total Investment Income   2,987,016    1,637,697    2,853,504    1,260,763 
                     
Expenses                    
Investment Advisory Fees   1,579,012    1,248,146    906,150    258,039 
Administrative Service Fees   144,358    107,310    79,080    60,669 
Third Party Administrative Servicing Fees   120,377    93,307    70,088    28,160 
Distribution (12b-1) Fees - Class A   74,284             
Accounting Service Fees   48,176    31,425    22,733    9,594 
Trustees’ Fees and Expenses   29,084    31,832    29,111    27,600 
Registration Fees   38,652    31,175    26,521    25,086 
Transfer Agent Fees   30,433    23,689    24,242    14,766 
Legal Fees   21,147    23,981    22,588    24,608 
Audit and Tax Fees   15,401    16,425    16,425    16,060 
Insurance Expense   12,778    9,527    8,051    4,049 
Custodian Fees   18,011    11,323    9,391    4,778 
Chief Compliance Officer Fees   15,515    11,879    9,195    7,524 
Printing Expense   7,156    3,402    4,615    1,423 
Other Expenses   4,158    3,459    2,782    1,513 
Total Expenses   2,158,542    1,646,880    1,230,972    483,869 
Fees Recaptured by the Advisor   48,610             
Net Expenses   2,207,152    1,646,880    1,230,972    483,869 
                     
Net Investment Income (Loss)   779,864    (9,183)   1,622,532    776,894 
                     
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments                    
Net Realized Gain/(Loss):                    
on Unaffiliated Investments   4,812,682    6,415,408    3,799,568    156,401 
on Foreign Currency Transactions   1,749        1,341     
Total Net Realized Gain   4,814,431    6,415,408    3,800,909    156,401 
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation):                    
on Unaffiliated Investments   23,191,979    9,295,792    9,115,093    (111,532)
on Affiliated Investments       31,074    (421,337)    
on Foreign Currency Translations   (22)       (45)    
Total Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)   23,191,957    9,326,866    8,693,711    (111,532)
                     
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments   28,006,388    15,742,274    12,494,620    44,869 
                     
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting From Operations  $28,786,252   $15,733,091   $14,117,152   $821,763 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

31

 

North Star Funds
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

   North Star Opportunity Fund 
   For the Year   For the Year 
   Ended   Ended 
   November 30, 2021   November 30, 2020 
Operations          
Net Investment Income  $779,864   $1,056,990 
Net Realized Gain on Investments   4,814,431    1,839,438 
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation on Investments   23,191,957    20,791,104 
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting From Operations   28,786,252    23,687,532 
           
Distributions to Shareholders:          
Return of Capital          
Class I       (37,525)
Class A       (10,641)
Distributions Paid          
Class I   (351,001)   (706,388)
Class A   (28,883)   (156,028)
Total Distributions Paid   (379,884)   (910,582)
           
Capital Shares of Beneficial Interest          
Class I Shares:          
Proceeds from Shares Sold (1,307,314 and 585,815 shares, respectively)   24,124,943    7,999,237 
Distributions Reinvested (16,426 and 46,716 shares, respectively)   337,168    659,905 
Cost of Shares Redeemed (820,031 and 486,266 shares, respectively)   (15,329,083)   (6,476,129)
Redemption Fee Proceeds   9,196     
Total Class I Shares   9,142,224    2,183,013 
           
Class A Shares:          
Proceeds from Shares Sold (339,918 and 70,992 shares, respectively)   6,158,835    974,914 
Proceeds from Shares Issued in Connection with Acquisition of Two Oaks          
Diversified Growth & Income Fund (Note 11) (1,613,057 and 0 shares, respectively)   30,279,834     
Distributions Reinvested (1,555 and 11,683 shares, respectively)   28,688    164,524 
Cost of Shares Redeemed (2,001,900 and 833,652 shares, respectively)   (37,099,215)   (11,734,433)
Redemption Fee Proceeds   10    135 
Total Class A Shares   (631,848)   (10,594,860)
           
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets From Shares of Beneficial Interest   8,510,376    (8,411,847)
           
Total Increase in Net Assets   36,916,744    14,365,103 
           
Net Assets          
Beginning of Year   141,269,741    126,904,638 
End of Year  $178,186,485   $141,269,741 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

32

 

North Star Funds
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

   North Star 
   Micro Cap Fund 
   For the Year   For the Year 
   Ended   Ended 
   November 30, 2021   November 30, 2020 
Operations          
Net Investment Income (Loss)  $(9,183)  $(309)
Net Realized Gain on Investments   6,415,408    122,133 
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation on Investments   9,326,866    24,660,530 
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting From Operations   15,733,091    24,782,354 
           
Distributions to Shareholders:          
Class I Shares:          
Return of Capital       (155,381)
Distributions Paid   (7,346)   (218,429)
Total Distributions to Shareholders   (7,346)   (373,810)
           
Capital Shares of Beneficial Interest          
Class I Shares:          
Proceeds from Shares Sold (497,920 and 165,311 shares, respectively)   21,879,552    4,871,028 
Distributions Reinvested (180 and 12,564 shares, respectively)   6,491    330,168 
Cost of Shares Redeemed (196,295 and 305,865 shares, respectively)   (8,599,627)   (6,739,217)
Redemption Fee Proceeds   7,163    571 
Total Class I Shares   13,293,579    (1,537,450)
           
Total Increase in Net Assets   29,019,324    22,871,094 
           
Net Assets          
Beginning of Year   97,261,928    74,390,834 
End of Year  $126,281,252   $97,261,928 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

33

 

North Star Funds
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

   North Star 
   Dividend Fund 
   For the Year   For the Year 
   Ended   Ended 
   November 30, 2021   November 30, 2020 
Operations          
Net Investment Income  $1,622,532   $1,380,819 
Net Realized Gain/(Loss) on Investments   3,800,909    (2,513,165)
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation on Investments   8,693,711    538,408 
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting From Operations   14,117,152    (593,938)
           
Distributions to Shareholders:          
Class I Shares:          
Return of Capital       (61,465)
Distributions Paid   (1,400,205)   (1,128,820)
Total Distributions to Shareholders   (1,400,205)   (1,190,285)
           
Capital Shares of Beneficial Interest          
Class I Shares:          
Proceeds from Shares Sold (474,549 and 468,027 shares, respectively)   11,414,701    8,069,672 
Distributions Reinvested (47,999 and 58,175 shares, respectively)   1,137,294    1,008,871 
Cost of Shares Redeemed (523,013 and 713,756 shares, respectively)   (12,563,697)   (12,246,246)
Redemption Fee Proceeds   5,001    2,636 
Total Class I Shares   (6,701)   (3,165,067)
           
Total Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets   12,710,246    (4,949,290)
           
Net Assets          
Beginning of Year   75,295,801    80,245,091 
End of Year  $88,006,047   $75,295,801 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

34

 

North Star Funds
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

   North Star 
   Bond Fund 
   For the Year   For the Year 
   Ended   Ended 
   November 30, 2021   November 30, 2020 
Operations          
Net Investment Income  $776,894   $846,753 
Net Realized Gain/(Loss) on Investments   156,401    (1,676,779)
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation) on Investments   (111,532)   1,035,852 
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting From Operations   821,763    205,826 
           
Distributions to Shareholders:          
Class I Shares:          
Total Distributions Paid   (849,571)   (788,702)
           
Capital Shares of Beneficial Interest          
Class I Shares:          
Proceeds from Shares Sold (467,289 and 487,476 shares, respectively)   4,498,836    4,528,185 
Distributions Reinvested (70,641 and 68,516 shares, respectively)   678,123    636,667 
Cost of Shares Redeemed (194,610 and 261,744 shares, respectively)   (1,873,718)   (2,330,655)
Redemption Fee Proceeds       1,650 
Total Class I Shares   3,303,241    2,835,847 
           
Total Increase in Net Assets   3,275,433    2,252,971 
           
Net Assets          
Beginning of Year   27,837,268    25,584,297 
End of Year  $31,112,701   $27,837,268 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

35

 

North Star Funds
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 

The table below sets forth financial data for one share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each year.

 

   North Star Opportunity Fund 
   Class I 
   For the Year   For the Year   For the Year   For the Year   For the Year 
   Ended   Ended   Ended   Ended   Ended 
   November 30, 2021   November 30, 2020   November 30, 2019   November 30, 2018   November 30, 2017 
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year  $16.71   $14.00   $13.52   $13.47   $12.18 
Activity From Investment Operations:                         
Net investment income (a)   0.10    0.13    0.21    0.29    0.18 
Net gain from securities (both realized and unrealized)   3.23    2.69    0.99    0.13    1.25 
Total from operations   3.33    2.82    1.20    0.42    1.43 
                          
Less Distributions From:                         
Net investment income   (0.04)   (0.10)   (0.20)   (0.25)   (0.13)
Net realized gains on investments   (0.00) (b)       (0.52)   (0.12)   (0.01)
Return of Capital       (0.01)            
Total Distributions   (0.04)   (0.11)   (0.72)   (0.37)   (0.14)
                          
Redemption Fees   0.00 (b)       0.00 (b)        
                          
Net Asset Value, End of Year  $20.00   $16.71   $14.00   $13.52   $13.47 
                          
Total Return (c)   20.00%   20.29%   9.61%   3.13%   11.76%
                          
Ratios/Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of year (in 000’s)  $146,910   $114,330   $93,761   $84,473   $81,108 
Ratio to average net assets:                         
Expenses, Gross (d)   1.27%   1.37%   1.34%   1.42%   1.42%
Expenses, Net of waiver or recapture   1.30%   1.30%   1.34% (e)   1.42%   1.42%
Net investment income   0.52%   0.90%   1.58%   2.11%   1.40%
Portfolio turnover rate   30%   59%   46%   44%   47%
                          
 
(a)Per share amounts are calculated using the average shares method, which more appropriately presents the per share data for the period.

 

(b)Less than $0.005 per share.

 

(c)Total returns are historical in nature and assume changes in share price, reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. Had the Adviser not absorbed a portion of the expenses for the year ended November 30, 2020, total returns would have been lower. Had the Advisor not recaptured expenses for the year ended November 30, 2021, total return would have been higher.

 

(d)Represents the ratio of expenses to average net assets absent any fee waivers, expense reimbursements and/or expense recapture by the Adviser.

 

(e)Effective February 19, 2019, the expense limitation was reduced to 1.30%.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

36

 

North Star Funds
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 

The table below sets forth financial data for one share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each year.

 

   North Star Opportunity Fund 
   Class A 
   For the Year   For the Year   For the Year   For the Year   For the Year 
   Ended   Ended   Ended   Ended   Ended 
   November 30, 2021   November 30, 2020   November 30, 2019   November 30, 2018   November 30, 2017 
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year  $16.76   $14.05   $13.57   $13.51   $12.22 
Activity From Investment Operations:                         
Net investment income (a)   0.05    0.10    0.17    0.26    0.15 
Net gain from securities (both realized and unrealized)   3.26    2.69    1.00    0.13    1.24 
Total from operations   3.31    2.79    1.17    0.39    1.39 
                          
Less Distributions From:                         
Net investment income   (0.02)   (0.07)   (0.17)   (0.21)   (0.09)
Net realized gains on investments           (0.52)   (0.12)   (0.01)
Return of Capital       (0.01)            
Total Distributions   (0.02)   (0.08)   (0.69)   (0.33)   (0.10)
                          
Redemption Fees   0.00 (b)   0.00 (b)   0.00 (b)        
                          
Net Asset Value, End of Year   20.05    16.76    14.05    13.57    13.51 
                          
Total Return (c)   19.73%   19.99%   9.32%   2.92%   11.44%
                          
Ratios/Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of year (in 000’s)  $31,276   $26,940   $33,143   $16   $17 
Ratio to average net assets:                         
Expenses, Gross (d)   1.51%   1.62%   1.55%   1.67%   1.68%
Expenses, Net of waiver or recapture   1.54%   1.55%   1.55% (e)   1.67%   1.68%
Net investment income   0.26%   0.67%   1.27%   1.86%   1.15%
Portfolio turnover rate   30%   59%   46%   44%   47%
                          
 
(a)Per share amounts are calculated using the average shares method, which more appropriately presents the per share data for the period.

 

(b)Less than $0.005 per share.

 

(c)Total returns are historical in nature and assume changes in share price, reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. Had the Adviser not absorbed a portion of the expenses for the years ended November 30, 2019 and November 30, 2020, total returns would have been lower. Had the Advisor not recaptured expenses for the year ended November 30, 2021, total return would have been higher.

 

(d)Represents the ratio of expenses to average net assets absent any fee waivers, expense reimbursements and/or expense recapture by the Adviser.

 

(e)Effective February 19, 2019, the expense limitation was reduced to 1.55%.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

37

 

North Star Funds
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 

The table below sets forth financial data for one share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each year.

 

   North Star Micro Cap Fund 
   Class I 
   For the Year   For the Year   For the Year   For the Year   For the Year 
   Ended   Ended   Ended   Ended   Ended 
   November 30, 2021   November 30, 2020   November 30, 2019   November 30, 2018   November 30, 2017 
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year  $35.74   $26.11   $26.86   $29.47   $28.02 
Activity From Investment Operations:                         
Net investment income (loss) (a)   (0.00) (b)   (0.00) (b)   0.00 (b)   0.00 (b)   (0.05)
Net gain (loss) from securities (both realized and unrealized)   6.03    9.76    0.97    (1.70)   2.43 
Total from operations   6.03    9.76    0.97    (1.70)   2.38 
                          
Less Distributions From:                         
Net investment income   (0.00) (b)   (0.08)   (0.04)        
Net realized gains on investments           (1.62)   (0.91)   (0.93)
Return of Capital       (0.05)   (0.06)        
Total Distributions   (0.00)   (0.13)   (1.72)   (0.91)   (0.93)
                          
Redemption Fees   0.00 (b)   0.00 (b)            
                          
Net Asset Value, End of Year  $41.77   $35.74   $26.11   $26.86   $29.47 
                          
Total Return (c)   16.88%   37.57%   4.26%   (5.87)%   8.71%
                          
Ratios/Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of year (in 000’s)  $126,281   $97,262   $74,391   $77,748   $83,005 
Ratio to average net assets:                         
Expenses   1.29%   1.38%   1.43%   1.39%   1.39%
Net investment income (loss)   (0.01)%   (0.00)% (d)   0.02%   0.01%   (0.18)%
Portfolio turnover rate   9%   35%   22%   32%   28%
                          
 
(a)Per share amounts are calculated using the average shares method, which more appropriately presents the per share data for the period.

 

(b)Less than $0.005 per share.

 

(c)Total returns are historical in nature and assume changes in share price, reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any.

 

(d)Less than 0.005%.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

38

 

North Star Funds
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
The table below sets forth financial data for one share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each year.

 

   North Star Dividend Fund 
   Class I 
   For the Year   For the Year   For the Year   For the Year   For the Year 
   Ended   Ended   Ended   Ended   Ended 
   November 30, 2021   November 30, 2020   November 30, 2019   November 30, 2018   November 30, 2017 
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year  $20.05   $20.35   $20.09   $21.93   $20.46 
Activity From Investment Operations:                         
Net investment income (a)   0.43    0.37    0.52    0.49    0.47 
Net gain (loss) from securities (both realized and unrealized)   3.32    (0.35)   1.04    (1.85)   2.04 
Total from operations   3.75    0.02    1.56    (1.36)   2.51 
                          
Less Distributions From:                         
Net investment income   (0.37)   (0.30)   (0.51)   (0.48)   (0.46)
Net realized gains on investments           (0.78)       (0.51)
Return of Capital       (0.02)   (0.01)       (0.07)
Total Distributions   (0.37)   (0.32)   (1.30)   (0.48)   (1.04)
                          
Redemption Fees (b)   0.00    0.00    0.00    0.00    0.00 
                          
Net Asset Value, End of Year  $23.43   $20.05   $20.35   $20.09   $21.93 
                          
Total Return (c)   18.70%   0.36%   8.46%   (6.35)%   12.74%
                          
Ratios/Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of year (in 000’s)  $88,006   $75,296   $80,245   $79,134   $80,761 
Ratio to average net assets:                         
Expenses   1.36%   1.48%   1.43%   1.42%   1.41%
Net investment income   1.79%   2.08%   2.73%   2.21%   2.29%
Portfolio turnover rate   12%   54%   15%   20%   18%
                          
 
(a)Per share amounts are calculated using the average shares method, which more appropriately presents the per share data for the period.

 

(b)Less than $0.005 per share.

 

(c)Total returns are historical in nature and assume changes in share price, reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

39

 

North Star Funds
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
The table below sets forth financial data for one share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each year.

 

   North Star Bond Fund 
   Class I 
   For the Year   For the Year   For the Year   For the Year   For the Year 
   Ended   Ended   Ended   Ended   Ended 
   November 30, 2021   November 30, 2020   November 30, 2019   November 30, 2018   November 30, 2017 
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year  $9.49   $9.69   $9.44   $9.92   $9.93 
Activity From Investment Operations:                         
Net investment income (a)   0.25    0.31    0.34    0.35    0.32 
Net gain (loss) from securities (both realized and unrealized)   0.02    (0.22)   0.25    (0.48)   (0.02)
Total from operations   0.27    0.09    0.59    (0.13)   0.30 
                          
Less Distributions From:                         
Net investment income   (0.27)   (0.29)   (0.34)   (0.35)   (0.31)
Total Distributions   (0.27)   (0.29)   (0.34)   (0.35)   (0.31)
                          
Redemption Fees       0.00 (b)   0.00 (b)   0.00 (b)    
                          
Net Asset Value, End of Year  $9.49   $9.49   $9.69   $9.44   $9.92 
                          
Total Return (c)   2.85%   1.07%   6.29%   (1.34)%   3.09%
                          
Ratios/Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of year (in 000’s)  $31,113   $27,837   $25,584   $22,539   $23,056 
Ratio to average net assets:                         
Expenses, Gross (d)   1.59%   1.63%   1.63%   1.68%   1.71%
Expenses, Net of expense waiver or recapture   1.59%   1.63%   1.63%   1.77%   1.79%
Net investment income   2.56%   3.35%   3.55%   3.57%   3.16%
Portfolio turnover rate   42%   55%   33%   23%   26%
                          
 
(a)Per share amounts are calculated using the average shares method, which more appropriately presents the per share data for the period.

 

(b)Less than $0.005 per share.

 

(c)Total return represents aggregate total return based on Net Asset Value. Total returns are historical in nature and assume changes in share price, reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. Had the Adviser not recaptured previously waived expenses for the fiscal years ended November 30, 2018 and 2017, total returns would have been higher in those years.

 

(d)Represents the ratio of expenses to average net assets absent fee waivers, expense reimbursements and/or recapture by the Adviser.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

40

 

North Star Funds
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
November 30, 2021

 

1.ORGANIZATION

 

The North Star Opportunity Fund, the North Star Micro Cap Fund, the North Star Dividend Fund and the North Star Bond Fund (each a “Fund,” and together the “Funds”) are each a series of shares of beneficial interest of the Northern Lights Fund Trust II (the “Trust”), a trust organized under the laws of the State of Delaware on August 26, 2010, and are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-ended management investment companies.

 

The diversification policy of each Fund is as follows:

 

Fund   
North Star Opportunity Fund  Diversified
North Star Micro Cap Fund  Diversified
North Star Dividend Fund  Diversified
North Star Bond Fund  Diversified

 

The investment objective of each Fund is as follows:

 

Fund  Primary Objective  
North Star Opportunity Fund  To seek long-term capital appreciation
North Star Micro Cap Fund  Capital appreciation and to derive income from short term liquid securities
North Star Dividend Fund  To generate dividend income and to seek capital appreciation
North Star Bond Fund  To generate income, with preservation of capital

 

The North Star Micro Cap Fund is the successor to the Kuby Gottlieb Special Value Fund, L.P. (the “Predecessor Micro Cap Fund”), which transferred its assets to the North Star Micro Cap Fund in connection with the North Star Micro Cap Fund’s commencement of operations. The North Star Dividend Fund is the successor to the North Star Dividend Fund, L.P. (the “Predecessor Dividend Fund”), which transferred its assets to the North Star Dividend Fund in connection with the North Star Dividend Fund’s commencement of operations. The North Star Opportunity Fund is the successor to the North Star Opportunity Fund, L.P. (the “Predecessor North Star Opportunity Fund”), which transferred its assets to the Fund in connection with the North Star Opportunity Fund’s commencement of operations. The Predecessor Funds were managed by the same adviser who currently manages the Funds, and have substantially similar investment objectives and strategies to those of the Funds. Each Fund commenced operations on the following dates:

 

Fund  Date
North Star Opportunity Fund  December 15, 2011
North Star Micro Cap Fund  May 31, 2013
North Star Dividend Fund  May 31, 2013
North Star Bond Fund  December 19, 2014

 

The North Star Micro Cap Fund, the North Star Dividend Fund and the North Star Bond Fund currently offer Class I shares. The North Star Opportunity Fund currently offers Class I and Class A shares. Class A shares are offered at net asset value plus a maximum sales charge of 5.75%. Class I shares are offered at net asset value. Each class represents an interest in the same assets of the Fund and classes are identical except for differences in their sales charge structures and ongoing service and distribution charges. All classes of shares have equal voting privileges except that each class has exclusive voting rights with respect to its service and/or distribution plans. The Funds’ income, expenses (other than class specific distribution fees) and realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated proportionately each day based upon the relative net assets of each class.

41

 

North Star Funds
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
November 30, 2021

 

2.SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Funds in preparation of their financial statements. These policies are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The preparation of financial statements 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 income and expenses for the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Funds are investment companies and accordingly follow the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standard Codification Topic 946 “Financial Services – Investment Companies”.

 

Securities valuation – Securities listed on an exchange are valued at the last reported sale price at the close of the regular trading session of the primary exchange on the business day the value is being determined, or in the case of securities listed on NASDAQ at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price. In the absence of a sale such securities shall be valued at the mean between the current bid and ask prices on the day of valuation. Short-term investments that mature in 60 days or less may be valued at amortized cost, provided such valuations represent fair value. Debt securities (other than short-term obligations) are valued each day by an independent pricing service approved by the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) based on methods which include consideration of: yields or prices of securities of comparable quality, coupon, maturity and type, indications as to values from dealers, and general market conditions or market quotations from a major market maker in the securities. The independent pricing service does not distinguish between smaller-sized bond positions known as “odd lots” and larger institutional-sized bond positions known as “round lots”. The Funds may fair value a particular bond if the adviser does not believe that the round lot value provided by the independent pricing service reflects fair value of the Funds’ holding. Investments in open-ended investment companies are valued at net asset value.

 

The Funds may hold securities, such as private investments, interests in commodity pools, other non-traded securities or temporarily illiquid securities, for which market quotations are not readily available or are determined to be unreliable. These securities will be valued using the “fair value” procedures approved by the Board. The Board has delegated execution of these procedures to a fair value team composed of one or more representatives from each of the (i) Trust, (ii) administrator, and (iii) advisor. The team may also enlist third party consultants such as a valuation specialist at a public accounting firm, valuation consultant or financial officer of a security issuer on an as-needed basis to assist in determining a security-specific fair value. The Board has also engaged a third party valuation firm to attend valuation meetings held by the Trust, review minutes of such meetings and report to the Board on a quarterly basis. The Board reviews and ratifies the execution of this process and the resultant fair value prices at least quarterly to assure the process produces reliable results.

 

Fair Valuation Process – As noted above, the fair value committee is composed of one or more representatives from each of the (i) Trust, (ii) administrator, and (iii) adviser. The applicable investments are valued collectively via inputs from each of these groups. For example, fair value determinations are required for the following securities: (i) securities for which market quotations are insufficient or not readily available on a particular business day (including securities for which there is a short and temporary lapse in the provision of a price by the regular pricing source), (ii) securities for which, in the judgment of the adviser, the prices or values available do not represent the fair value of the instrument. Factors which may cause the adviser to make such a judgment include, but are not limited to, the following: only a bid price or an ask price is available; the spread between bid and ask prices is substantial; the frequency of sales; the thinness of the market; the size of reported trades; and actions of the securities markets, such as the suspension or limitation of trading; (iii) securities determined to be illiquid; (iv) securities with respect to which an event that will affect the value thereof has occurred (a “significant event”) since the closing prices were established on the principal exchange on which they are traded, but prior to the Fund’s calculation of its net asset value. Specifically, interests in commodity pools or managed futures pools are valued on a daily basis by reference to the closing market prices of each futures contract or other asset held by a pool, as

42

 

North Star Funds
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
November 30, 2021

 

adjusted for pool expenses. Restricted or illiquid securities, such as private investments or non-traded securities are valued via inputs from the adviser based upon the current bid for the security from two or more independent dealers or other parties reasonably familiar with the facts and circumstances of the security (who should take into consideration all relevant factors as may be appropriate under the circumstances). If the adviser is unable to obtain a current bid from such independent dealers or other independent parties, the fair value committee shall determine the fair value of such security using the following factors: (i) the type of security; (ii) the cost at date of purchase; (iii) the size and nature of the Fund’s holdings; (iv) the discount from market value of unrestricted securities of the same class at the time of purchase and subsequent thereto; (v) information as to any transactions or offers with respect to the security; (vi) the nature and duration of restrictions on disposition of the security and the existence of any registration rights; (vii) how the yield of the security compares to similar securities of companies of similar or equal creditworthiness; (viii) the level of recent trades of similar or comparable securities; (ix) the liquidity characteristics of the security; (x) current market conditions; and (xi) the market value of any securities into which the security is convertible or exchangeable.

 

The Funds utilize various methods to measure the fair value of all of their investments on a recurring basis. GAAP establishes a hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods. The three levels of input are:

 

Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities that the Fund has the ability to access.

 

Level 2 – Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These inputs may include quoted prices for the identical instrument on an inactive market, prices for similar instruments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, yield curves, default rates and similar data.

 

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, to the extent relevant observable inputs are not available, representing the Fund’s own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability, and would be based on the best information available.

 

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

 

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

 

The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The following tables summarize the inputs used as of November 30, 2021 for the Funds’ investments measured at fair value:

43

 

North Star Funds
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
November 30, 2021

 

North Star Opportunity Fund 
                 
Assets *  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Common Stocks  $147,044,535   $   $   $147,044,535 
Preferred Stocks   5,868,756            5,868,756 
Corporate Bonds       15,272,607        15,272,607 
Short-Term Investments   9,707,436            9,707,436 
Total  $162,620,727   $15,272,607   $   $177,893,334 
                     
North Star Micro Cap Fund 
                 
Assets *  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Common Stocks  $121,458,111   $2,641,599   $   $124,099,710 
Short-Term Investments   2,175,513            2,175,513 
Total  $123,633,624   $2,641,599   $   $126,275,223 
                     
North Star Dividend Fund 
                 
Assets *  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Common Stocks  $81,777,702   $1,058,979   $   $82,836,681 
Short-Term Investments   5,062,490            5,062,490 
Total  $86,840,192   $1,058,979   $   $87,899,171 
                     
North Star Bond Fund 
                 
Assets *  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Preferred Stocks  $4,800,587   $   $   $4,800,587 
Convertible Bonds       3,401,574        3,401,574 
Corporate Bonds       20,480,045        20,480,045 
Short-Term Investments   2,180,761            2,180,761 
Total  $6,981,348   $23,881,619   $   $30,862,967 

 

The Funds did not hold any Level 3 securities during the period.

 

*Refer to the Schedules of Investments for security classifications.

 

Security Transactions and Investment Income – Investment security transactions are accounted for on a trade date basis. Cost is determined and gains and losses are based upon the specific identification method for both financial statement and federal income tax purposes. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date and interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. Purchase discounts and premiums on securities are accreted and amortized over the life of the respective securities.

 

Expenses – Expenses of the Trust that are directly identifiable to a specific fund are charged to that fund. Expenses, which are not readily identifiable to a specific fund, are allocated in such a manner as deemed equitable, taking into consideration the nature and type of expense and the relative sizes of the funds in the Trust.

 

Federal Income Taxes – Each Fund intends to comply with the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and will distribute all of its taxable income, if any, to shareholders. Accordingly, no provision for Federal income taxes is required in the financial statements.

 

Each Fund recognizes the tax benefits of uncertain tax positions only where the position is “more likely than not” to be sustained assuming examination by tax authorities. Management has analyzed the Funds tax positions and has concluded

44

 

North Star Funds
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
November 30, 2021

 

that no liability for unrecognized tax benefits should be recorded related to uncertain tax positions taken on returns filed for open tax years November 30, 2018 to November 30, 2020 or expected to be taken in the Fund’s November 30, 2021 tax returns. Each Fund identifies its major tax jurisdictions as U.S. Federal, Ohio and foreign jurisdictions where the Fund may make significant investments. However, the Funds are not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will change materially in the next twelve months.

 

Distributions to Shareholders – The following table summarizes each Fund’s Investment Income and Capital Gain declaration policy:

 

Fund  Income Dividends  Capital Gains
North Star Opportunity Fund  Quarterly  Annually
North Star Micro Cap Fund  Annually  Annually
North Star Dividend Fund  Monthly  Annually
North Star Bond Fund  Monthly  Annually

 

Each Fund records dividends and distributions to its shareholders on the ex-dividend date. Dividends from net investment income and distributions from net realized gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP. These “book/tax” differences are considered either temporary (e.g., deferred losses, capital loss carryforwards) or permanent in nature. To the extent these differences are permanent in nature, such amounts are reclassified within the composition of net assets based on their federal tax-basis treatment; temporary differences do not require reclassification. Any such reclassifications will have no effect on net assets, results of operations or net asset values per share of each Fund.

 

Indemnification – The Trust indemnifies its officers and trustees for certain liabilities that may arise from the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Funds enter into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties and which provide general indemnities. Each Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the risk of loss due to these warranties and indemnities appears to be remote.

 

3.INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT AND TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES

 

Advisory Fees – North Star Investment Management Corp. serves as the Funds’ Investment Adviser (the “Adviser”). Pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement with the Funds, the Adviser, under the oversight of the Board, directs the daily operations of the Funds and supervises the performance of administrative and professional services provided by others. Under the terms of the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser receives monthly fees calculated at an annual rate of the average daily net assets of each Fund:

 

Fund  Advisory Fee
North Star Opportunity Fund  1.00% on the first $100 million in net assets
   0.90% on net assets greater than $100 million
North Star Micro Cap Fund*  1.00% on the first $100 million in net assets
   0.90% on net assets greater than $100 million
North Star Dividend Fund*  1.00% on the first $100 million in net assets
   0.90% on net assets greater than $100 million
North Star Bond Fund  0.85%

45

 

North Star Funds
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
November 30, 2021

 

*Effective April 1, 2021. Previously, the advisory fee was 1.00% for North Star Micro Cap and North Star Dividend. For the year ended November 30, 2021, the Adviser earned advisory fees of:

 

Fund  Advisory Fee 
North Star Opportunity Fund  $1,579,012 
North Star Micro Cap Fund   1,248,146 
North Star Dividend Fund   906,150 
North Star Bond Fund   258,039 

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed, at least until March 31, 2023 for the North Star Micro Cap, North Star Dividend and North Star Bond Funds, or as in the case of North Star Opportunity through March 31, 2024, to waive all or part of its management fees and/or make payments to limit Funds expenses (exclusive of any front-end or contingent deferred loads, taxes, leverage interest, brokerage commissions, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization, dividend expense on securities sold short, acquired fund fees and expenses, or extraordinary expenses such as litigation) so that the total annual operating expenses of the Funds do not exceed 1.55% and 1.30% of the North Star Opportunity Fund’s average net assets, for Class A and Class I shares, respectively, 1.74% of the North Star Micro Cap Fund’s average net assets for Class I shares, 1.74% of the North Star Dividend Fund’s average net assets for Class I shares and 1.79% of the North Star Bond Fund’s average net assets for Class I shares. For the year ended November 30, 2021, the Adviser did not waive any fees.

 

If the Adviser waives any fee or reimburses any expense pursuant to the Waiver Agreement, and the Fund’s Operating Expenses are subsequently less than 1.55% and 1.30% of the North Star Opportunity Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A and Class I shares, respectively, 1.74% of the North Star Micro Cap Fund’s and North Star Dividend Fund’s average daily net assets for Class I shares and 1.79% of the North Star Bond Fund’s average daily net assets for Class I shares, the Adviser shall be entitled to recapture by the Funds for such waived fees or reimbursed expenses provided that such reimbursement does not cause the Funds expenses to exceed 1.55% and 1.30% of the North Star Opportunity Fund’s average daily net assets for Class A and Class I shares, respectively, 1.74% of the North Star Micro Cap Fund’s and North Star Dividend Fund’s average daily net assets for Class I shares and 1.79% of the North Star Bond Fund’s average daily net assets for Class I shares. If Fund Operating Expenses subsequently exceed 1.55% and 1.30% of the North Star Opportunity Fund’s Class A and Class I shares respectively, 1.74% of the North Star Micro Cap Fund’s and North Star Dividend Fund’s Class I shares and 1.79% of the North Star Bond Fund’s Class I shares per annum of the average daily net assets, the reimbursements shall be suspended. The North Star Opportunity fund had recaptured fees in the amount of $48,610 for the year ended November 30, 2021.

 

The Adviser may seek reimbursement only for expenses waived or paid by it during the three fiscal years prior to such reimbursement; provided, however, that such expenses may only be reimbursed to the extent they were waived or paid after the date of the Waiver Agreement (or any similar agreement.) The Adviser may recapture expenses only if the expenses are below the expense limitation at the time of the waiver, for North Star Opportunity Fund. The Board may terminate this expense reimbursement arrangement at any time. For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2021, the North Star Micro Cap, North Star Dividend and North Star Bond Funds had no recapture available. Cumulative expenses subject to recapture pursuant to the aforementioned conditions as of November 30, 2021 will expire on November 30 of the following years:

 

Fund  Amount   Expiring 
North Star Opportunity Fund  $32,002    2023 

 

Distributor – The Board has adopted the Trust’s Master Distribution and Shareholder Service Plan (the “Plan”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The distributor of the Funds is Northern Lights Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”). The

46

 

North Star Funds
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
November 30, 2021

 

Board of Trustees of the Northern Lights Fund Trust II has adopted, on behalf of the North Star Opportunity Fund, a Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Plan”), as amended, to pay for certain distribution activities and shareholder services. Under the Plan, the Fund is permitted to pay 0.25% per year of its average daily net assets of Class A shares for such distribution and shareholder service activities. For the year ended November 30, 2021, the North Star Opportunity Fund Class A shares incurred $74,284 in distribution fees.

 

The Distributor acts as the Funds’ principal underwriter in a continuous offering of each Fund’s shares. For the year ended November 30, 2021, the Distributor received $5,293 in underwriting commissions, of which $523 was retained by the principal underwriter for sales of the North Star Opportunity Fund’s Class A shares.

 

In addition, certain affiliates of the Distributor provide services to the Funds as follows:

 

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (“UFS”) – an affiliate of the Distributor, provides administration, fund accounting, and transfer agent services to the Trust. Pursuant to separate servicing agreements with UFS, the Fund pays UFS customary fees for providing administration, fund accounting and transfer agency services to the Fund. Certain officers of the Trust are also officers of UFS, and are not paid any fees directly by the Fund for serving in such capacities.

 

Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (“NLCS”) – NLCS, an affiliate of UFS and the Distributor, 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 customary fees from the Funds.

 

Blu Giant, LLC (“Blu Giant”) – Blu Giant, an affiliate of UFS and the Distributor, provides EDGAR conversion and filing services as well as print management services for the Funds on an ad-hoc basis. For the provision of these services, Blu Giant receives customary fees from the Funds.

 

4.INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS

 

The cost of purchases and proceeds from the sale of securities, other than short-term securities, for the year ended

November 30, 2021 were as follows:

 

Fund  Purchases   Sales 
North Star Opportunity Fund  $60,596,273*  $41,847,716 
North Star Micro Cap Fund   32,117,567    10,752,958 
North Star Dividend Fund   10,115,475    12,103,351 
North Star Bond Fund   20,240,817    16,759,036 

 

*The cost of securities received in conjunction with the reorganization were excluded from this amount.

 

5.CONTROL OWNERSHIP

 

The beneficial ownership, either directly or indirectly, of more than 25% of the voting securities of a Fund creates presumption of control of the Fund, under Section 2(a)(9) of the 1940 Act. As of November 30, 2021, NFS LLC held approximately 60.9% of the voting securities the North Star Opportunity Fund, 66.7% of the North Star Micro Cap Fund, 74.7% of the North Star Dividend Fund and 79.9% of the North Star Bond Fund. The Trust has no knowledge as to whether all or any portion of the shares owned of record are also beneficially owned by NFS LLC.

47

 

North Star Funds
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
November 30, 2021

 

6.REDEMPTION FEES

 

The Funds may assess a short-term redemption fee of 2.00% of the total redemption amount if shareholders sell their shares after holding them for less than 30 days. The redemption fee is paid directly to the Funds. For the year ended November 30, 2021 the North Star Opportunity Fund had $9,196 and $10 in redemption fees for Class I and Class A, respectively. The North Star Micro Cap Fund had $7,163 in redemption fees, the North Star Dividend Fund had $5,001 in redemption fees and the North Star Bond Fund had $0 in redemption fees.

 

7.INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATED ISSUERS

 

An affiliated issuer is an issuer in which the Fund has ownership of at least 5% of the voting securities. Issuers which are affiliates of the North Star Micro Cap Fund at November 30, 2021, are noted in the Fund’s Schedule of Investments.

 

Transactions during the period with companies which are affiliates are as follows:

 

North Star Micro Cap Fund

 

                       Net Change in     
               Dividends       Unrealized     
   Fair Value           Credited to   Realized   Appreciation   Fair Value 
Description  11/30/2020   Purchases   Sales   Income   Gain/(Loss)   (Depreciation)   11/30/2021 
Truett-Hurst, Inc. - Class A  $164,046   $   $   $   $   $31,074   $195,120 

 

8.AGGREGATE UNREALIZED APPRECIATION AND DEPRECIATION

 

The identified cost of investments in securities owned by each Fund for federal income tax purposes, and their respective gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation at November 30, 2021, were as follows:

 

               Net Unrealized 
       Gross Unrealized   Gross Unrealized   Appreciation/ 
Fund  Tax Cost   Appreciation   Depreciation   (Depreciation) 
North Star Opportunity Fund  $  95,119,927   $83,822,040   $(1,048,633)  $82,773,407 
North Star Micro Cap Fund   79,401,437    48,980,066    (2,106,280)   46,873,786 
North Star Dividend Fund   65,226,866    25,901,774    (3,229,469)   22,672,305 
North Star Bond Fund   30,246,307    965,221    (348,561)   616,660 

48

 

North Star Funds
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
November 30, 2021

 

9.DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS AND TAX COMPONENTS OF CAPITAL

 

The tax character of fund distributions for the following years was as follows:

 

   For the period ended November 30, 2021   For the period ended November 30, 2020 
   Ordinary   Long-Term       Ordinary   Return of     
Fund  Income   Capital Gains   Total   Income   Capital   Total 
North Star Opportunity Fund  $343,830   $36,054   $379,884   $862,416   $48,166   $910,582 
North Star Micro Cap Fund       7,346    7,346    218,429    155,381    373,810 
North Star Dividend Fund   1,400,205        1,400,205    1,128,820    61,465    1,190,285 
North Star Bond Fund   849,571        849,571    788,702        788,702 

 

As of November 30, 2021, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

   Undistributed   Undistributed   Post October Loss   Capital Loss   Other   Unrealized   Total 
   Ordinary   Long-Term   and   Carry   Book/Tax   Appreciation/   Accumulated 
Fund  Income   Capital Gains   Late Year Loss   Forwards   Differences   (Depreciation)   Earnings/(Deficits) 
North Star Opportunity Fund  $   $3,774,943   $   $   $(54,035)  $82,773,385   $86,494,293 
North Star Micro Cap Fund       3,789,766    (68,821)       57,248    46,873,786    50,651,979 
North Star Dividend Fund   5,608    1,499,722            490,711    22,672,326    24,668,367 
North Star Bond Fund   59,555            (1,934,756)       616,660    (1,258,541)

 

The difference between book basis and tax basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation), undistributed ordinary income (loss) and accumulated net realized gain (loss) from investments is primarily attributable to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales, adjustments for tax gain/loss due to the Funds’ conversion from limited partnerships, unamortized organizational costs from fund mergers and tax adjustments for partnerships, trust preferred securities, C-Corporations with return of capital distributions and perpetual bonds.

 

Late year losses incurred after December 31 within the fiscal year are deemed to arise on the first business day of the following fiscal year for tax purposes. The following Funds incurred and elected to defer such late year losses as follows:

 

Fund  Late Year Losses 
North Star Micro Cap Fund  $68,821 

 

At November 30, 2021, the following Funds had capital loss carry forwards for federal income tax purposes available to offset future capital gains as follows:

 

   Non-Expiring         
Fund  Short-Term   Long-Term   Total   CLCF Utilized 
North Star Opportunity Fund  $   $   $   $931,381 
North Star Micro Cap Fund               2,568,304 
North Star Dividend Fund               2,276,891 
North Star Bond Fund   772,101    1,162,655    1,934,756    142,482 

 

Permanent book and tax differences, primarily attributable to net operating losses, non-deductible expenses, adjustments for the tax gain/loss due to the Funds’ conversion from limited partnerships and adjustments for fund mergers, resulted in reclassification for the following Funds for the year ended November 30, 2021 as follows:

49

 

North Star Funds
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
November 30, 2021

 

   Paid   Accumulated 
   In   Earnings 
Fund  Capital   (Losses) 
North Star Opportunity Fund  $(628,404)  $628,404 
North Star Micro Cap Fund   (114,791)   114,791 
North Star Dividend Fund   (129,272)   129,272 
North Star Bond Fund   (809)   809 

 

10.MARKET AND GEOPOLITICAL RISK

 

The increasing interconnectivity between global economies and financial markets increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one region or financial market may adversely impact issuers in a different country, region or financial market. Securities in the Fund’s portfolio may underperform due to inflation (or expectations for inflation), interest rates, global demand for particular products or resources, natural disasters, pandemics, epidemics, terrorism, regulatory events and governmental or quasi-governmental actions. The occurrence of global events similar to those in recent years may result in market volatility and may have long term effects on both the U.S. and global financial markets. The current novel coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic and the aggressive responses taken by many governments, including closing borders, restricting international and domestic travel, and the imposition of prolonged quarantines or similar restrictions, as well as the forced or voluntary closure of, or operational changes to, many retail and other businesses, has had negative impacts, and in many cases severe negative impacts, on markets worldwide. It is not known how long such impacts, or any future impacts of other significant events described above, will or would last, but there could be a prolonged period of global economic slowdown, which may impact your Fund investment.

 

11.FUND REORGANIZATION

 

On May 7, 2021, the North Star Opportunity Fund acquired the assets and certain liabilities of the Two Oaks Diversified Growth and Income Fund (the “Acquired Fund”), pursuant to a plan of reorganization, approved by the Board of Trustees of the Trust, of both the Acquired Fund and the North Star Opportunity Fund. Total shares issued by the North Star Opportunity Fund and the total net assets of the Acquired Fund and the North Star Opportunity Fund on the date of the transfer were as follows:

 

               Cost of 
   Shares   Total Net   Total Net Assets   Investments 
   issued by   Assets of the   of the Fund after   Received from 
Acquired Fund  the Fund   Acquired Fund   Merger   Acquired Fund 
Two Oaks Diversified Growth and Income Fund   1,613,057   $30,279,834*  $180,826,787   $16,579,239 

 

*The net assets of the Acquired Fund includes cash of $2,359,112 and other assets in excess of other liabilities of $2,265.

 

As part of the reorganization, for each share they held, shareholders of the Acquired Fund received 0.8828 of the Class A Shares of the North Star Opportunity Fund.

 

The total net assets of the Acquired Fund before acquisition included unrealized appreciation of $11,339,218. Total net assets of the North Star Opportunity Fund immediately after the transfer were $180,826,787. The transaction was structured to qualify as a tax-free reorganization under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

Because the combined investment portfolios have been managed as a single portfolio since the acquisition was completed, it is not practicable to separate the amounts of revenue and earnings of the Acquired Fund that have been included in the North Star Opportunity Fund’s accompanying Statement of Operations since the close of business on May 7, 2021.

50

 

North Star Funds
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
November 30, 2021

 

12.NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT

 

In March 2020, FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting (’‘ASU 2020-04’’). The amendments in ASU 2020-04 provide optional temporary financial reporting relief from the effect of certain types of contract modifications due to the planned discontinuation of LIBOR and other interbank-offered based reference rates as of the end of 2021. ASU 2020-04 is effective for certain reference rate-related contract modifications that occur during the period March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. Management is currently evaluating the impact, if any of applying this ASU.

 

13.SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Subsequent events have been evaluated from the date of the Statement of Assets and Liabilities through the date the financial statements were issued. Management has determined that no events or transactions occurred requiring adjustment or disclosure in the financial statements.

51

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Trustees of Northern Lights Fund Trust II

And the Shareholders of North Star Opportunity Fund, North Star Micro Cap Fund,

North Star Dividend Fund and North Star Bond Fund

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of North Star Opportunity Fund, North Star Micro Cap Fund, North Star Dividend Fund and North Star Bond Fund (collectively, the Funds), each a separate series of the Northern Lights Fund Trust II, including the schedules of investments, as of November 30, 2021, the related statements of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the related notes to the financial statements (collectively, the financial statements), and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended. In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Funds as of November 30, 2021, the results of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Funds’ financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Funds in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Funds are not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of their internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Funds’ internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of investments owned as of November 30, 2021, by correspondence with the custodians. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

/s/ RSM US LLP

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies in the North Star fund complex since 2015.

 

Denver, Colorado

January 31, 2022

52

 

North Star Funds
LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (Unaudited)
November 30, 2021

 

The Funds have adopted and implemented a written liquidity risk management program as required by Rule 22e-4 (the “Liquidity Rule”) under the 1940 Act. The program is reasonably designed to assess and manage the Funds’ liquidity risk, taking into consideration, among other factors, the Funds’ investment strategy and the liquidity of its portfolio investments during normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions; its short and long-term cash flow projections; and its cash holdings and access to other funding sources.

 

During the fiscal year ended November 30, 2021 the Trust’s Liquidity Risk Management Program Committee (the “Committee”) reviewed the Funds’ investments and determined that the Funds held adequate levels of cash and highly liquid investments to meet shareholder redemption activities in accordance with applicable requirements. Accordingly, the Committee concluded that (i) the Funds’ liquidity risk management program is reasonably designed to prevent violations of the Liquidity Rule and (ii) the Funds’ liquidity risk management program has been effectively implemented.

53

 

North Star Funds
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (Unaudited)
November 30, 2021

 

As a shareholder of each Fund you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchases of Class A shares; (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees; and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in a Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. Please note, the expenses shown in the tables are meant to highlight ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs.

 

This example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested for the period of time as indicated in the table below.

 

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

 

Hypothetical Examples 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 the other funds.

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs which may be applicable to your account. Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

   Beginning  Ending  Expenses Paid   
   Account Value  Account Value  During Period  Fund’s Annualized
Actual  6/1/2021  11/30/2021  6/1/2021 – 11/30/21*  Expense Ratio
North Star Opportunity Fund            
Class I  $1,000.00  $1,066.40  $6.73  1.30%
Class A  $1,000.00  $1,065.40  $8.03  1.55%
North Star Micro Cap Fund            
Class I  $1,000.00  $890.40  $6.26  1.32%
North Star Dividend Fund            
Class I  $1,000.00  $929.60  $6.58  1.36%
North Star Bond Fund            
Class I  $1,000.00  $997.50  $8.06  1.61%

 

*Expenses are equal to the average account value over the period, multiplied by the Fund’s annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the number of days in the period (183) divided by the number of days in the fiscal year (365).

54

 

North Star Funds
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (Unaudited) (Continued)
November 30, 2021

 

   Beginning  Ending  Expenses Paid   
Hypothetical  Account Value  Account Value  During Period  Fund’s Annualized
(5% return before expenses)  6/1/2021  11/30/2021  6/1/2021 – 11/30/2021*  Expense Ratio
North Star Opportunity Fund            
Class I  $1,000.00  $1,018.55  $6.58  1.30%
Class A  $1,000.00  $1,017.30  $7.84  1.55%
North Star Micro Cap Fund            
Class I  $1,000.00  $1,018.45  $6.68  1.32%
North Star Dividend Fund            
Class I  $1,000.00  $1,018.25  $6.88  1.36%
North Star Bond Fund            
Class I  $1,000.00  $1,017.00  $8.14  1.61%

 

*Expenses are equal to the average account value over the period, multiplied by the Fund’s annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the number of days in the period (183) divided by the number of days in the fiscal year (365).

55

 

North Star Funds
Additional Information (Unaudited)
November 30, 2021

 

FACTORS CONSIDERED BY THE TRUSTEES IN APPROVAL OF THE RENEWAL OF AN INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT

 

At a Regular meeting (the “Meeting”) of the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of Northern Lights Fund Trust II (the “Trust”) held on October 18 and 19, 2021, the Board, including the disinterested Trustees (the “Independent Trustees”), considered the renewal of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust, on behalf of the North Star Opportunity Fund, North Star Dividend Fund, North Star Micro Cap Fund and the North Star Bond Fund (the “North Star Funds”) and North Star Investment Management Corporation (“North Star”) (the “North Star Advisory Agreement”).

 

Based on their evaluation of the information provided by North Star, in conjunction with each North Star Fund’s other service providers, the Board, by a unanimous vote (including a separate vote of the Independent Trustees), approved the North Star Advisory Agreement with respect to each of the North Star Funds.

 

In advance of the Meeting, the Board requested and received materials to assist them in considering the North Star Advisory Agreement. The materials provided contained information with respect to the factors enumerated below, including the North Star Advisory Agreement, a memorandum prepared by the Trust’s outside legal counsel discussing in detail the Trustees’ fiduciary obligations and the factors they should assess in considering the continuation of the North Star Advisory Agreement and comparative information relating to the advisory fee and other expenses of each of the North Star Funds. The materials also included due diligence materials relating to North Star (including due diligence questionnaires completed by North Star, select financial information of North Star, bibliographic information regarding North Star’s key management and investment advisory personnel, and comparative fee information relating to the Funds) and other pertinent information. At the Meeting, the Independent Trustees were advised by counsel that is experienced in Investment Company Act of 1940 matters and that is independent of fund management and met with such counsel separately from fund management.

 

The Board then reviewed and discussed the written materials that were provided in advance of the Meeting and deliberated on the renewal of the North Star Advisory Agreement. The Board relied upon the advice of independent legal counsel and their own business judgment in determining the material factors to be considered in evaluating the North Star Advisory Agreement and the weight to be given to each such factor. The conclusions reached by the Board were based on a comprehensive evaluation of all of the information provided and were not the result of any one factor. Moreover, each Trustee may have afforded different weight to the various factors in reaching his conclusions with respect to the North Star Advisory Agreement. In considering the renewal of the North Star Advisory Agreement, the Board reviewed and analyzed various factors that they determined were relevant, including the factors enumerated below.

 

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services. The Board reviewed materials provided by North Star related to the proposed renewal of the North Star Advisory Agreement with respect to each of the North Star Funds, including its Form ADV and related schedules, a description of the manner in which investment decisions were made and executed, a review of the personnel performing services for each of the North Star Funds, including the individuals that primarily monitor and execute the investment process. The Board discussed the extent of the research capabilities, the quality of North Star’s compliance infrastructure and the experience of its investment advisory personnel. The Board noted that North Star was an experienced investment adviser with seasoned senior management and that the performance of the North Star Funds supported the quality and experience of the staff. Additionally, the Board received satisfactory responses from the representatives of North Star with respect to a series of important questions, including: whether North Star was involved in any lawsuits or pending regulatory actions; whether the advisory services provided to its other accounts would conflict with the advisory services provided to each of the North Star Funds; whether there were procedures in place to adequately allocate trades among its respective clients; and whether North Star’s CCO had processes in place to review the portfolio managers’ performance of their duties to ensure compliance under North Star’s compliance program. The Board reviewed the information provided on the practices for monitoring compliance with each of the North Star Fund’s investment limitations and discussed North Star’s compliance program with the CCO of the Trust. The Board noted that

56

 

North Star Funds
Additional Information (Unaudited) (Continued)
November 30, 2021

 

the CCO of the Trust continued to represent that North Star’s policies and procedures were reasonably designed to prevent violations of applicable federal securities laws. The Board also noted North Star’s representation that the prospectus and statement of additional information for the North Star Funds accurately describe the investment strategies of each of the North Star Funds. The Board then reviewed the capitalization of North Star based on financial information provided by and representations made by North Star and its representatives and concluded that North Star was sufficiently well-capitalized, or that its principals have the ability to make additional contributions, in order to meet its obligations to each of the North Star Funds. The Board concluded that North Star had sufficient quality and depth of personnel, resources, investment methods and compliance policies and procedures essential to performing its duties under the North Star Advisory Agreement and that the nature, overall quality and extent of the advisory services to be provided by North Star to each of the North Star Funds were satisfactory.

 

Performance. The Board discussed the report prepared by Broadridge and reviewed the performance as compared to its peer group, Morningstar category and benchmark for the one year, three year, five year and since inception periods ended September 30, 2021, for each of North Star Opportunity, North Star Micro Cap, North Star Dividend, and North Star Bond. With respect to North Star Opportunity, the Board noted that North Star Opportunity outperformed its peer group median and benchmark, the Morningstar Moderately Aggressive Target Risk, and was nearly on par with its Morningstar category median for the one year period, outperformed its peer group median and Morningstar category median but underperformed its benchmark for the three year period, outperformed its peer group median, Morningstar category median and benchmark for the five year period, and outperformed its benchmark, equaled its peer group median but underperformed its Morningstar category median for the since inception period. The Board reviewed the performance of North Star Micro Cap noting that North Star Micro Cap had underperformed its benchmark, peer group median and Morningstar category median for the one year period yet outperformed its benchmark, peer group median and Morningstar category median for the three year, five year and since inception periods. The Board next reviewed the performance of North Star Dividend noting that North Star Dividend had underperformed its benchmark, peer group median and Morningstar category median for the one year period, underperformed its peer group median and Morningstar category median yet out performed its benchmark for the three year and five year periods. The Board also noted that North Star Dividend outperformed its peer group median and benchmark yet slightly underperformed its Morningstar category median for the since inception period. The Board also reviewed the performance of North Star Bond noting that North Star Bond had underperformed its benchmark and peer group median yet outperformed its Morningstar category median for the one year period. The Board further noted that North Star Bond had underperformed its benchmark, peer group median and Morningstar category for the three year, five year and since inception periods. The Board noted that the North Star Bond’s short duration during a sharply declining interest rate environment contributed to the Fund’s recent underperformance. After further discussion, the Board concluded that the performance of each of North Star Opportunity, North Star Micro Cap, North Star Dividend and North Star Bond was acceptable although the Board would continue to monitor the performance of each.

 

Fees and Expenses. As to the costs of the services provided by North Star, the Board reviewed and discussed each of the North Star Fund’s advisory fee and total operating expenses as compared to its peer group and its Morningstar category as presented in the Broadridge Report. The Board noted that the advisory fee for each North Star Fund was near or at the high end of its respective peer group and Morningstar category ranges. The Board further noted that North Star Opportunity, North Star Micro Cap and North Star Dividend were each being charged a 1.00% advisory fee by North Star which was above the Morningstar category median and peer group median for each Fund although not the highest in their respective peer groups. The Board also noted that, with respect to each of North Star Opportunity, North Star Micro Cap and North Star Dividend, the advisory fee was reduced to 0.90% on assets above $100 million. With respect to North Star Bond, the Board noted the Fund’s 0.85% advisory fee was also higher than the peer group median and Morningstar category median and that the Fund’s higher net expense ratio may be explained by relatively lower asset levels than its peers and less ability to benefit from economies of scale.

 

The Board discussed North Star’s similarly managed accounts which were comparable to North Star Micro Cap and North Star Dividend noting the advisory fee of 0.50% was substantially less than the 1.00% advisory fee charged by

57

 

North Star Funds
Additional Information (Unaudited) (Continued)
November 30, 2021

 

North Star for those Funds. The Board noted, however, that North Star had represented to the Board that it charged a lower fee for such accounts as they are sub-advisory accounts where North Star only manages a portion of an account portfolio, did not have direct contact with the client and overall North Star provided fewer services to such accounts.

 

The Board then reviewed the contractual arrangements for each of the North Star Funds, which stated that North Star had agreed to waive or limit its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses at least until March 31, 2023 or as in the case of North Star Opportunity through March 31, 2024, in order to limit net annual operating expenses, exclusive of certain fees, so as not to exceed: 1.55%, 1.55%, and 1.30%, of North Star Opportunity’s average annual net assets for Class A, Class R and Class I Shares, respectively; 2.24%, 1.74%, 1.99% of North Star Dividend’s average annual net assets for Class A, Class I and Class R shares, respectively; 2.24%, 1.74%, and 1.99% of North Star Micro Cap’s average annual net assets for Class A, Class I, Class R shares, respectively; and 2.04%, 1.79% and 2.29% of North Star Bond’s average annual net assets for Class A, Class I shares and Class R shares, respectively. The Board found such arrangements to be beneficial to shareholders. The Board further noted that each North Star Fund was currently operating below each of these expense caps. The Board concluded that based on North Star’s experience, expertise and services provided to the Funds, the advisory fee charged by North Star for each North Star Fund, although at or near the high end of each North Star Fund’s peer group, was not unreasonable.

 

Profitability. The Board also considered the level of profits that could be expected to accrue to North Star with respect to each of North Star Opportunity, North Star Dividend, North Star Micro Cap, and North Star Bond based on profitability reports and profitability analyses provided by North Star with respect to each North Star Fund. The Board also reviewed the selected financial information of North Star provided by North Star. After review and discussion, the Board concluded that the anticipated profit from North Star’s relationship with each of the North Star Funds was not excessive.

 

Economies of Scale. As to the extent to which each of the North Star Funds would realize economies of scale as it grew, and whether the fee levels reflect these economies of scale for the benefit of investors, the Board discussed the current size of each of the North Star Funds and North Star’s expectations for growth, and concluded that any material economies of scale would not be achieved in the near term.

 

Conclusion. The Board relied upon the advice of counsel, and their own business judgment in determining the material factors to be considered in evaluating the North Star Advisory Agreement and the weight to be given to each such factor. Accordingly, having requested and received such information from North Star as the Trustees believed to be reasonably necessary to evaluate the terms of the North Star Advisory Agreement, and as assisted by the advice of independent counsel, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, determined that, with respect to the North Star Advisory Agreement, (a) the terms of the North Star Advisory Agreement are not unreasonable; (b) the advisory fee is not unreasonable; and (c) the North Star Advisory Agreement is in the best interests of each North Star Fund and its respective shareholders. In considering the renewal of the North Star Advisory Agreement, the Board did not identify any one factor as all important, but rather considered these factors collectively and determined that approval of the renewal of the North Star Advisory Agreement was in the best interest of each North Star Fund and its respective shareholders. Moreover, the Board noted that each Trustee may have afforded different weight to the various factors in reaching his conclusions with respect to the North Star Advisory Agreement.

58

 

North Star Funds
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (Unaudited)(Continued)
November 30, 2021

 

The Trustees and the officers of the Trust are listed below with their present positions with the Trust and principal occupations over at least the last five years. The business address of each Trustee and Officer is 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, OH 45246. All correspondence to the Trustees and Officers should be directed to c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, P.O. Box 541150, Omaha, Nebraska 68154.

 

Independent Trustees

 

Name and
Year of Birth
Position/Term of
Office*
Principal Occupation
During the Past Five Years
Number of
Portfolios in
Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Trustee***
Other Directorships held by
Trustee
During the Past Five Years
Thomas T. Sarkany
1946
Trustee Since October 2011 President, TTS Consultants, LLC (financial services)(since 2010). 4 Director, Aquila Distributors; Trustee, Arrow ETF Trust; Trustee, Arrow Investments Trust; Trustee, Northern Lights Fund Trust IV
Anthony H. Lewis
1946
Trustee Since May 2011 Chairman and CEO of The Lewis Group USA (executive consulting firm)(since 2007). 4 Director, Member of the Compensation Committee and Member of the Risk Committee of Torotel Inc. (Magnetics, Aerospace and Defense), Trustee, Chairman of the Fair Valuation Committee and Member of the Audit Committee of the Wildermuth Endowment Strategy Fund
Keith Rhoades
1948
Trustee Since May 2011 Retired since 2008. 4 NONE
Randal D. Skalla
1962
Trustee Since May 2011 President, L5 Enterprises, Inc. (financial services company) (since 2001). 4 Board Member, Orizon Investment Counsel (financial services company) (from 2001 to 2017)

59

 

North Star Funds
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (Unaudited)(Continued)
November 30, 2021

 

Interested Trustees and Officers

 

Name and
Year of Birth
Position/Term
of Office*
Principal Occupation
During the Past Five Years
Number of
Portfolios in
Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Trustee***
Other Directorships held by
Trustee
During the Past Five Years
Brian Nielsen**
1972
Trustee Since May 2011 Trustee of Northern Lights Fund Trust II(since 2011); Special Projects Counsel of NorthStar Financial Services Group, LLC (from 2018to 2019); Secretary of CLS Investments, LLC(from 2001 to 2018); Secretary of Orion Advisor Services, LLC(from 2001 to 2018); General Counsel and Secretary (from 2003 to 2018) of NorthStar Financial Services Group, LLC; CEO (from 2012 to 2018), Secretary (from 2003 to 2018)and Manager (from 2005 to 2018)of Northern Lights Distributors, LLC; Director, Secretary and General Counsel of Constellation Trust Company(from 2004 to 2018); CEO (from 2015 to 2018), General Counsel and Secretary (from 2011 to 2018) of Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC; General Counsel and Secretary of Blu Giant, LLC(from 2011 to 2018); Secretary of Gemini Fund Services, LLC(from 2012 to 2018); Manager of Arbor Point Advisors, LLC(from 2012 to 2018); Director, Secretary and General Counsel of NorthStar CTC Holdings, Inc. (from 2015 to 2018) and Secretary and Chief Legal Officer of AdvisorOne Funds(from 2003 to 2018). 4 Manager of Northern Lights Distributors, LLC (from 2005 to 2018); Manager of Arbor Point Advisors, LLC (from 2012 to 2018); Director of Constellation Trust Company(from 2004 to 2018)
Kevin E. Wolf
1969
President Since January 2013 Vice President of The Ultimus Group, LLC; Executive Vice President, Head ofFund Administration and Product(since 2019) and President(2012 -2019)ofGemini Fund Services, LLC. N/A N/A
Richard Malinowski
1983
Secretary Since January 2018 Senior Vice President and Senior Managing Counsel(since February 2020), Senior Vice President Legal Administration(April 2017to February 2020)andVice President and Counsel (April 2016 toApril 2017)of Gemini Fund Services, LLC. N/A N/A
Erik Naviloff
1968
Treasurer Since January 2013 Vice President of Gemini Fund Services, LLC (since 2011). N/A N/A
Emile R. Molineaux
1962
Chief Compliance Officer and Anti Money Laundering Officer Since May 2011 Senior Compliance Officer and CCO of Various clients of Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (since 2011). N/A N/A

 

*The term of office for each Trustee and Officer listed above will continue indefinitely.

 

**Brian Nielsen is an “interested person” of the Trust as that term is defined under the 1940 Act, because of his prior affiliation with Northern Lights Distributors, LLC (the Fund’s Distributor).

 

***As of November 30, 2021, the Trust was comprised of 22 active portfolios managed by unaffiliated investment advisers. The term “Fund Complex” applies only to the Funds, and not to any other series of the Trust. The Funds do not hold itself out as related to any other series within the Trust for investment purposes, nor do they share the same investment adviser with any other series.

 

The Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) includes additional information about the Trustees and is available free of charge, upon request, by calling toll-free at 1-312-580-0900.

60

 

Privacy Policy

 

Rev. May 2021

 

FACTS WHAT DOES NORTHERN LIGHTS FUND TRUST II (“NLFT II”) 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

 

●    Employment information

 

●    Account balances

●    Account transactions

 

●    Income

 

●    Investment experience


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 a customer’s personal information to run their everyday business - to process transactions, maintain customer accounts, and report to credit bureaus. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customer’s personal information; the reasons NLFT II chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing.
   

Reasons we can share your personal information Does NLFT II
share?
Can you limit
this sharing?

For our everyday business purposes —
such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus

Yes No

For our marketing purposes —
to offer our products and services to you


Yes No

For joint marketing with other financial companies

Yes No

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes —
information about your transactions and experiences


Yes No

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes —
information about your creditworthiness

No We don’t share

For nonaffiliates to market to you

No We don’t share

Questions? Call 1-631-490-4300

61

 

Who we are
Who is providing this notice? Northern Lights Fund Trust II
What we do
How does NLFT II protect my personal information? To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings.
How does NLFT II collect my personal information? We collect your personal information, for example, when you

●    open an account

 

●    give us your income information

 

●    provide employment information

 

●    provide account information

 

●    give us your contact information

We also collect your personal information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.
Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

 

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

 

●    affiliates from using your information to market to you

 

●    sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

 

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

Definitions
Affiliates

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

 

●    NLFT II has no affiliates.

 

Nonaffiliates

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

 

●    NLFT II does not share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you.

Joint marketing

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

 

●    Our joint marketing partners include other financial service companies.

62

 

Proxy Voting Policy

 

Information regarding how the Funds vote proxies relating to portfolio securities for the 12 month period ended June 30th as well as a description of the policies and procedures that the Funds used to determine how to vote proxies is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-312-580-0900 or by referring to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Portfolio Holdings

 

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, within sixty days after the end of the period. Form N-PORT reports are available at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment Adviser  
North Star Investment Management Corp.  
20 N. Wacker Drive #1416  
Chicago, IL 60606  
   
Administrator  
Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC  
225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450  
Cincinnati, OH 45246 NSF-AR21

 

 

(a)Include a copy of the report transmitted to stockholders pursuant to Rule 30e-1 under the Act (17 CFR 270.30e-1).

 

(b)Include a copy of each notice transmitted to stockholders in reliance on Rule 30e-3 under the Act (17 CFR 270.30e-3) that contains disclosures specified by paragraph (c)(3) of that rule.

 

Item 2. Code of Ethics.

 

(a)       As of the end of the period covered by this report, the registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant's principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the registrant or a third party.

 

(b)        For purposes of this item, “code of ethics” means written standards that are reasonably designed to deter wrongdoing and to promote:

 

(1)Honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships;
(2)Full, fair, accurate, timely, and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that a registrant files with, or submits to, the Commission and in other public communications made by the registrant;

(3)        Compliance with applicable governmental laws, rules, and regulations;

(4)The prompt internal reporting of violations of the code to an appropriate person or persons identified in the code; and

(5)        Accountability for adherence to the code.

 

(c)        Amendments: During the period covered by the report, there have not been any amendments to the provisions of the code of ethics.

 

(d)        Waivers: During the period covered by the report, the registrant has not granted any express or implicit waivers from the provisions of the code of ethics.

 

(e) The Code of Ethics is not posted on Registrant’ website.

 

(f) A copy of the Code of Ethics is attached as an exhibit.

 

 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

 

(a) The Registrant’s board of trustees has determined that Keith Rhoades is an audit committee financial expert, as defined in Item 3 of Form N-CSR. Mr. Rhoades is independent for purposes of this Item.

 

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

(a)Audit Fees

2021 - $61,500 *

2020 - $57,000

2019 - $58,500

2018 - $56,000

2017 - $55,200

* The audit fees above include additional audit procedures performed necessary to audit the reorganization with Two Oaks Diversified Income and Growth Fund.

 

(b)Audit-Related Fees

2021 - 2,000 *

2020 - None

2019 - None

2018 - $4,000 *

2017 - None

* The audit-related fees above relate to N-14 filings consents paid for by the Advisor.

 

(c)Tax Fees

2021 - $10,600

2020 - $10,000

2019 - $10,000

2018 - $10,000

2017 - $9,000

 

Preparation of Federal & State income tax returns, assistance with calculation of required income, capital gain and excise distributions and preparation of Federal excise tax returns.

 

(d)All Other Fees

2021 - None

2020 - None

2019 - None

2018 - None

2017 - None

 

(e)(1) Audit Committee’s Pre-Approval Policies

 

The registrant’s Audit Committee is required to pre-approve all audit services and, when appropriate, any non-audit services (including audit-related, tax and all other services) to the registrant. The registrant’s Audit Committee also is required to pre-approve, when appropriate, any non-audit services (including audit-related, tax and all other services) to its adviser, or any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant, to the extent that the services may be determined to have an impact on the operations or financial reporting of the registrant. Services are reviewed on an engagement by engagement basis by the Audit Committee.

 

(2)Percentages of Services Approved by the Audit Committee
   2017  2018  2019  2020  2021
Audit-Related Fees:   0.00%   0.00%   0.00%   0.00%   0.00%
Tax Fees:   0.00%   0.00%   0.00%   0.00%   0.00%
All Other Fees:   0.00%   0.00%   0.00%   0.00%   0.00%

 

(f)During the audit of registrant's financial statements for the most recent fiscal year, less than 50 percent of the hours expended on the principal accountant's engagement were attributed to work performed by persons other than the principal accountant's full-time, permanent employees.

 

(g)The aggregate non-audit fees billed by the registrant's accountant for services rendered to the registrant, and rendered to the registrant's investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant:

 

2021 - $10,600

2020 - $10,000

2019 - $10,000

2018 - $10,000

2017 - $9,000

 

(h)        The registrant's audit committee has considered whether the provision of non-audit services to the registrant's investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant, that were not pre-approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X, is compatible with maintaining the principal accountant's independence.

 

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Companies. Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

 

Item 6. Schedule of Investments. Schedule of investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers is included under Item 1.

 

Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Funds. Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

 

Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies. Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

 

Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Funds. Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

 

Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders. None

 

 

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

 

(a)       Based on an evaluation of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of filing date of this Form N-CSR, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the Registrant have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures of the Registrant are reasonably designed to ensure that the information required in filings on Form N-CSR is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported by the filing date, including that information required to be disclosed is accumulated and communicated to the Registrant’s management, including the Registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

(b)       There were no significant changes in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s last fiscal half-year 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 Management Investment Companies. Not applicable

Item 13. Exhibits.

 

(a)(1) Code of Ethics filed herewith.

 

(a)(2) Certifications required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (and Item 11(a)(2) of Form N-CSR) are filed herewith.

 

(a)(3) Not applicable for open-end investment companies.

 

(b)       Certifications required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (and Item 11(b) of Form N-CSR) are 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) Northern Lights Fund Trust II

 

By (Signature and Title)

/s/ Kevin E. Wolf

Kevin E. Wolf, Principal Executive Officer/President

 

Date 2/3/22

 

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

 

By (Signature and Title)

/s/Kevin E. Wolf

Kevin E. Wolf, Principal Executive Officer/President

 

Date 2/3/22

 

 

By (Signature and Title)

/s/ Erik Naviloff

Erik Naviloff, Principal Financial Officer/Treasurer

 

Date 2/3/22