N-CSRS 1 cst_ncsrs.htm N-CSRS

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM N-CSR

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED

MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

 

 

 

Investment Company Act file number:   811-22895

 

 

Capitol Series Trust

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC

225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450

Cincinnati, OH 45246

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

Zachary P. Richmond

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC

225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450

Cincinnati, OH 45246

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

 

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

 

 

Date of fiscal year end:     September 30

 

Date of reporting period: March 31, 2023

 

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

 

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

 

Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

 

(a)
Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund
 
Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund
 
Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund
 
Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund
 
Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund
 
Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund
 
 
Semi-Annual Report
 
March 31, 2023
 
 
(FULLER LOGO)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
411 Borel Avenue, Suite 300
San Mateo, CA 94402
(888) 912-4562
www.fullerthalerfunds.com

 

 

Investment Results (Unaudited)

 

Average Annual Total Returns* as of March 31, 2023

 

          Since  
          Inception  
  Six Months One Year Five Year Ten Year (12/19/18)  
Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund        
R6 Shares 16.12% 4.30% 9.81% 11.95%  
Institutional Shares 16.06% 4.18% 9.70% 11.82%  
Investor Shares 15.88% 3.91% 9.39% 11.58%  
A Shares            
Without Load 15.89% 3.89% 14.51%  
With Load 9.23% (2.08)% 12.93%  
C Shares            
Without Load 15.53% 3.24% 13.81%  
With Load 14.53% 3.24% 13.81%  
Russell 2000® Index(a) 9.14% (11.61)% 4.71% 8.04% 8.43%  

 

      Institutional Investor    
    R6 Shares Shares Shares A Shares C Shares
Expense Ratio(b)   0.65% 0.77% 1.06% 1.05% 1.65%

 

The performance quoted represents past performance, which does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund (the “Small-Cap Equity Fund”) distributions or the redemption of Small-Cap Equity Fund shares. Current performance of the Small-Cap Equity Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. The Small-Cap Equity Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. Performance data current to the most recent month end may be obtained by calling (888) 912-4562.

 

*Return figures reflect any change in price per share and assume the reinvestment of all distributions. The Small-Cap Equity Fund’s returns reflect any fee waivers during the applicable periods. If such fee waivers had not occurred, the quoted performance would have been lower. Prior to October 26, 2015, the performance reflected represents that of a series of Allianz Funds Multi-Strategy Trust for which Fuller & Thaler Asset Management, Inc. (the “Adviser”) served as the sole sub-adviser (“the Predecessor Fund”) (see Note 1). Total returns for periods less than 1 year are not annualized.

 

(a)The Russell 2000® Index (“Russell 2000”) is a widely recognized unmanaged index of equity securities and is representative of a broader domestic equity market and range of securities than is found in the Small-Cap Equity Fund’s portfolio. The Russell 2000 measures the performance of the small-cap segment of the U.S. equity universe and is a subset of the Russell 3000® Index. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index; however, an individual can invest in exchange traded funds or other investment vehicles that attempt to track the performance of a benchmark index.

 

(b)The expense ratios are from the Small-Cap Equity Fund’s most recent prospectus dated January 30, 2023. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse Small-Cap Equity Fund expenses so that total annual operating expenses do not exceed 1.30%,

1

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

1.80%, 1.25%, 0.92% and 0.80% for A Shares, C Shares, Investor Shares, Institutional Shares and R6 Shares, respectively, of the average daily net assets for each class through January 31, 2024. The expense limitation does not apply to (i) interest (other than custodial overdraft fees and expenses associated with the Small-Cap Fund’s participation in an alternative liquidity program), (ii) taxes, (iii) brokerage fees and commissions, (iv) other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Small-Cap Equity Fund’s business, (v) dividend expense on short sales and (vi) indirect expenses such as acquired fund fees and expenses incurred by the Small-Cap Equity Fund in any fiscal year. During any fiscal year that the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and Capitol Series Trust (the “Trust”) is in effect, the Adviser may recoup the sum of all fees previously waived or expenses reimbursed, less any reimbursement previously paid, provided that the Adviser is only permitted to recoup fees or expenses within 36 months from the date the fee waiver or expense reimbursement occurred and provided further that such recoupment can be achieved within the Expense Limitation Agreement currently in effect and the Expense Limitation Agreement in place when the waiver/reimbursement occurred. The Expense Limitation Agreement may not be terminated by the Adviser prior to its expiration date, but the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”) may terminate such agreement at any time. The Expense Limitation Agreement shall terminate automatically upon the termination of the Advisory Agreement. Additional information pertaining to the Small-Cap Equity Fund’s expense ratios as of March 31, 2023 can be found in the financial highlights.

 

The Small-Cap Equity Fund’s investment objectives, strategies, risks, charges and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. The Small-Cap Equity Fund’s prospectus contains this and other important information about the Small-Cap Equity Fund and may be obtained by calling (888) 912-4562. Please read it carefully before investing.

 

The Small-Cap Equity Fund is distributed by Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.

2

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Average Annual Total Returns* as of March 31, 2023

 

        Since Since
        Inception Inception
  Six Months One Year Five Year (12/21/17) (12/19/18)
Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund        
R6 Shares 17.58% (5.21)% 12.57% 12.34%
Institutional Shares 17.56% (5.33)% 12.48% 12.24%
Investor Shares 17.39% (5.55)% 12.19% 11.95%
A Shares          
Without Load 17.39% (5.59)% 15.43%
With Load 10.63% (11.02)% 13.84%
C Shares          
Without Load 17.05% (6.07)% 14.86%
With Load 16.05% (6.07)% 14.86%
Russell 2000® Growth Index(a) 10.46% (10.60)% 4.26% 4.39% 8.11%
           
  Expense Ratios(b)
    Institutional Investor    
  R6 Shares Shares Shares A Shares C Shares
Gross 1.09% 1.18% 1.51% 1.44% 2.09%
With Applicable Waivers 0.86% 0.96% 1.25% 1.30% 1.80%

 

The performance quoted represents past performance, which does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund (the “Small-Cap Growth Fund”) distributions or the redemption of Small-Cap Growth Fund shares. Current performance of the Small-Cap Growth Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. The Small-Cap Growth Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. Performance data current to the most recent month end may be obtained by calling (888) 912-4562.

 

*Return figures reflect any change in price per share and assume the reinvestment of all distributions. The Small-Cap Growth Fund’s returns reflect any fee waivers during the applicable periods. If such fee waivers had not occurred, the quoted performance would have been lower. Total returns for periods less than 1 year are not annualized.

 

(a)The Russell 2000® Growth Index (“Russell 2000 Growth”) is a widely recognized unmanaged index of equity securities and is representative of a broader domestic equity market and range of securities than is found in the Small-Cap Growth Fund’s portfolio. Russell 2000 Growth measures the performance of those Russell 2000 companies with higher price/book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index; however, an individual can invest in exchange traded funds or other investment vehicles that attempt to track the performance of a benchmark index.

 

(b)The expense ratios are from the Small-Cap Growth Fund’s most recent prospectus dated January

3

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

30, 2023. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse Small-Cap Growth Fund expenses so that total annual operating expenses do not exceed 1.30%, 1.80%, 1.25%, 0.96%, and 0.86% for A Shares, C Shares, Investor Shares, Institutional Shares and R6 Shares, respectively, of the average daily net assets for each class through January 31, 2024. The expense limitation does not apply to (i) interest (other than custodial overdraft fees and expenses associated with the Small-Cap Growth Fund’s participation in an alternative liquidity program), (ii) taxes, (iii) brokerage fees and commissions, (iv) other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Small-Cap Growth Fund’s business, (v) dividend expense on short sales and (vi) indirect expenses such as acquired fund fees and expenses incurred by the Small-Cap Growth Fund in any fiscal year. During any fiscal year that the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and the Trust is in effect, the Adviser may recoup the sum of all fees previously waived or expenses reimbursed, less any reimbursement previously paid, provided that the Adviser is only permitted to recoup fees or expenses within 36 months from the date the fee waiver or expense reimbursement occurred and provided further that such recoupment can be achieved within the Expense Limitation Agreement currently in effect and the Expense Limitation Agreement in place when the waiver/reimbursement occurred. The Expense Limitation Agreement may not be terminated by the Adviser prior to its expiration date, but the Board may terminate such agreement at any time. The Expense Limitation Agreement shall terminate automatically upon the termination of the Advisory Agreement. Additional information pertaining to the Small-Cap Growth Fund’s expense ratios as of March 31, 2023 can be found in the financial highlights.

 

The Small-Cap Growth Fund’s investment objectives, strategies, risks, charges and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other important information about the Small-Cap Growth Fund and may be obtained by calling (888) 912-4562. Please read it carefully before investing.

 

The Small-Cap Growth Fund is distributed by Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.

4

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Average Annual Total Returns* as of March 31, 2023

 

        Since Since
        Inception Inception
  Six Months One Year Five Year (12/21/17) (3/10/22)
Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund        
R6 Shares 6.44% (9.55)% 8.71% 7.61%
Institutional Shares 6.37% (9.66)% 8.59% 7.50%
Investor Shares 6.26% (9.85)% 8.32% 7.22%
A Shares          
Without Load 6.26% (9.88)% (5.82)%
With Load 0.13% (15.05)% (10.95)%
C Shares          
Without Load 5.94% (10.39)% (6.36)%
With Load 4.94% (10.39)% (6.36)%
Russell Midcap® Value Index(a) 11.91% (9.22)% 6.54% 5.74% (4.66)%
           
    Expense Ratios(b)  
    Institutional Investor    
  R6 Shares Shares Shares A Shares C Shares
Gross 0.83% 0.98% 1.26% 1.17% 1.84%
With Applicable Waivers 0.75% 0.85% 1.15% 1.17% 1.70%

 

The performance quoted represents past performance, which does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund (the “Mid-Cap Value Fund”) distributions or the redemption of Mid-Cap Value Fund shares. Current performance of the Mid-Cap Value Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. The Mid-Cap Value Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. Performance data current to the most recent month end may be obtained by calling (888) 912-4562.

 

*Return figures reflect any change in price per share and assume the reinvestment of all distributions. The Mid-Cap Value Fund’s returns reflect any fee waivers during the applicable periods. If such fee waivers had not occurred, the quoted performance would have been lower. Total returns for periods less than 1 year are not annualized.

 

(a)The Russell Midcap® Value Index (“Russell Midcap Value”) is a widely recognized unmanaged index of equity securities and is representative of a broader domestic equity market and range of securities than is found in the Mid-Cap Value Fund’s portfolio. The Russell Midcap Value measures the performance of those Russell Midcap companies with lower price/book ratios and lower forecasted growth values. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index; however, an individual can invest in exchange traded funds or other investment vehicles that attempt to track the performance of a benchmark index.

 

(b)The expense ratios are from the Mid-Cap Value Fund’s most recent prospectus dated January 30,

5

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

2023. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse Mid-Cap Value Fund expenses so that total annual operating expenses do not exceed 1.20%, 1.70%, 1.15%, 0.85%, and 0.75% for A Shares, C Shares, Investor Shares, Institutional Shares and R6 Shares, respectively, of the average daily net assets for each class through January 31, 2024. The expense limitation does not apply to (i) interest (other than custodial overdraft fees and expenses associated with the Mid-Cap Value Fund’s participation in an alternative liquidity program), (ii) taxes, (iii) brokerage fees and commissions, (iv) other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Mid-Cap Value Fund’s business, (v) dividend expense on short sales and (vi) indirect expenses such as acquired fund fees and expenses incurred by the Mid-Cap Value Fund in any fiscal year. During any fiscal year that the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and the Trust is in effect, the Adviser may recoup the sum of all fees previously waived or expenses reimbursed, less any reimbursement previously paid, provided that the Adviser is only permitted to recoup fees or expenses within 36 months from the date the fee waiver or expense reimbursement occurred and provided further that such recoupment can be achieved within the Expense Limitation Agreement currently in effect and the Expense Limitation Agreement in place when the waiver/ reimbursement occurred. This Expense Limitation Agreement may not be terminated by the Adviser prior to its expiration date, but the Board may terminate such agreement at any time. The Expense Limitation Agreement shall terminate automatically upon the termination of the Advisory Agreement. Additional information pertaining to the Mid-Cap Value Fund’s expense ratios as of March 31, 2023 can be found in the financial highlights.

 

The Mid-Cap Value Fund’s investment objectives, strategies, risks, charges and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other important information about the Mid-Cap Value Fund and may be obtained by calling (888) 912-4562. Please read it carefully before investing.

 

The Mid-Cap Value Fund is distributed by Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.

6

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Average Annual Total Returns* as of March 31, 2023

 

      Since Since
      Inception Inception
  Six Months One Year (12/26/18) (5/27/21)
Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund      
R6 Shares 17.94% (3.28)% 14.23%
Institutional Shares 17.92% (3.36)% 14.12%
A Shares        
Without Load 17.81% (3.65)% (4.66)%
With Load 11.04% (9.19)% (7.67)%
C Shares        
Without Load 17.69% (4.09)% (5.14)%
With Load 16.69% (4.09)% (5.14)%
Russell 3000® Index(a) 14.88% (8.58)% 14.06% (1.67)%
         
    Expense Ratios(b)  
    Institutional    
  R6 Shares Shares A Shares C Shares
Gross 1.19% 1.34% 1.59% 2.21%
With Applicable Waivers 0.87% 0.97% 1.30% 1.80%

 

The performance quoted represents past performance, which does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund (the “Unconstrained Equity Fund”) distributions or the redemption of Unconstrained Equity Fund shares. Current performance of the Unconstrained Equity Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. The Unconstrained Equity Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. Performance data current to the most recent month end may be obtained by calling (888) 912-4562.

 

*Return figures reflect any change in price per share and assume the reinvestment of all distributions. The Unconstrained Equity Fund’s returns reflect any fee waivers during the applicable periods. If such fee waivers had not occurred, the quoted performance would have been lower. Total returns for periods less than 1 year are not annualized.

 

(a)The Russell 3000® Index (“Russell 3000”) measures the performance of the broad U.S. equity market. The Russell 3000 represents the 3000 largest U.S. publicly traded companies as measured by market capitalization. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index; however, an individual can invest in exchange traded funds or other investment vehicles that attempt to track the performance of a benchmark index.

 

(b)The expense ratios are from the Unconstrained Equity Fund’s most recent prospectus dated January 30, 2023. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse Unconstrained Equity Fund expenses so that total annual operating expenses do not exceed 1.30%, 1.80%, 0.97% and 0.87% for A Shares, C Shares, Institutional Shares and R6 Shares,

7

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

respectively, of the average daily net assets for each class through January 31, 2024. The expense limitation does not apply to (i) interest (other than custodial overdraft fees and expenses associated with the Unconstrained Equity Fund’s participation in an alternative liquidity program), (ii) taxes, (iii) brokerage fees and commissions, (iv) other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Unconstrained Equity Fund’s business, (v) dividend expense on short sales and (vi) indirect expenses such as acquired fund fees and expenses incurred by the Unconstrained Equity Fund in any fiscal year. During any fiscal year that the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and the Trust is in effect, the Adviser may recoup the sum of all fees previously waived or expenses reimbursed, less any reimbursement previously paid, provided that the Adviser is only permitted to recoup fees or expenses within 36 months from the date the fee waiver or expense reimbursement occurred and provided further that such recoupment can be achieved within the Expense Limitation Agreement currently in effect and the Expense Limitation Agreement in place when the waiver/reimbursement occurred. This Expense Limitation Agreement may not be terminated by the Adviser prior to its expiration date, but the Board may terminate such agreement at any time. The Expense Limitation Agreement shall terminate automatically upon the termination of the Advisory Agreement. Additional information pertaining to the Unconstrained Equity Fund’s expense ratios as of March 31, 2023 can be found in the financial highlights.

 

The Unconstrained Equity Fund’s investment objectives, strategies, risks, charges and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other important information about the Unconstrained Equity Fund and may be obtained by calling (888) 912-4562. Please read it carefully before investing.

 

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

8

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Average Annual Total Returns* as of March 31, 2023

 

      Since Since
      Inception Inception
  Six Months One Year (12/26/18) (3/10/22)
Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund      
Institutional Shares 19.37% (2.79)% 13.51%
A Shares        
Without Load 19.19% (3.09)% (2.92)%
With Load 12.32% (8.67)% (8.21)%
Russell 2500® Index(a) 11.07% (10.39)% 10.90% (6.36)%
         
      Expense Ratios(b)
      Institutional  
      Shares A Shares
Gross     2.59% 2.75%
With Applicable Waivers     0.93% 1.26%

 

The performance quoted represents past performance, which does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund (the “Small-Mid Core Equity Fund”) distributions or the redemption of Small-Mid Core Equity Fund shares. Current performance of the Small-Mid Core Equity Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. The Small-Mid Core Equity Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. Performance data current to the most recent month end may be obtained by calling (888) 912-4562.

 

*Return figures reflect any change in price per share and assume the reinvestment of all distributions. The Small-Mid Core Equity Fund’s returns reflect any fee waivers during the applicable periods. If such fee waivers had not occurred, the quoted performance would have been lower. Total returns for periods less than 1 year are not annualized.

 

(a)The Russell 2500® Index (“Russell 2500”) is a widely recognized unmanaged index of equity securities and is representative of a broader domestic equity market and range of securities than is found in the Small-Mid Core Equity Fund’s portfolio. The Russell 2500 measures the performance of those Russell 2500 companies with lower price/book ratios and lower forecasted growth values. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index; however, an individual can invest in exchange traded funds or other investment vehicles that attempt to track the performance of a benchmark index.

 

(b)The expense ratios are from the Small-Mid Core Equity Fund’s most recent prospectus dated January 30, 2023. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/ or reimburse Small-Mid Core Equity Fund expenses so that total annual operating expenses do not exceed 1.26% and 0.93% of the Small-Mid Core Equity Fund’s A Shares and Institutional Shares average daily net assets through January 31, 2024. The expense limitation does not apply to (i) interest (other than custodial overdraft fees and expenses associated with the Small-Mid Core Equity Fund’s participation in an alternative liquidity program), (ii) taxes, (iii) brokerage fees and commissions, (iv) other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Small-Mid

9

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Core Equity Fund’s business, (v) dividend expense on short sales and (vi) indirect expenses such as acquired fund fees and expenses incurred by the Small-Mid Core Equity Fund in any fiscal year. During any fiscal year that the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and the Trust is in effect, the Adviser may recoup the sum of all fees previously waived or expenses reimbursed, less any reimbursement previously paid, provided that the Adviser is only permitted to recoup fees or expenses within 36 months from the date the fee waiver or expense reimbursement occurred and provided further that such recoupment can be achieved within the Expense Limitation Agreement currently in effect and the Expense Limitation Agreement in place when the waiver/reimbursement occurred. This Expense Limitation Agreement may not be terminated by the Adviser prior to its expiration date, but the Board may terminate such agreement at any time. The Expense Limitation Agreement shall terminate automatically upon the termination of the Advisory Agreement. Additional information pertaining to the Small-Mid Core Equity Fund’s expense ratios as of March 31, 2023 can be found in the financial highlights.

 

The Small-Mid Core Equity Fund’s investment objectives, strategies, risks, charges and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other important information about the Small-Mid Core Equity Fund and may be obtained by calling (888) 912-4562. Please read it carefully before investing.

 

The Small-Mid Core Equity Fund is distributed by Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC, Member FINRA/ SIPC.

10

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Average Annual Total Returns* as of March 31, 2023

 

      Since
      Inception
  Six Months One Year (12/28/18)
Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund      
Institutional Shares 7.15% (27.19)% 6.85%
Russell Microcap® Index(a) 1.78% (17.92)% 7.33%
       
  Expense Ratios(b)
  Institutional
  Shares
Gross 2.25%
With Applicable Waivers 1.43%

 

The performance quoted represents past performance, which does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund (the “Micro-Cap Equity Fund”) distributions or the redemption of Micro-Cap Equity Fund shares. Current performance of the Micro-Cap Equity Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. The Micro-Cap Equity Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. Performance data current to the most recent month end may be obtained by calling (888) 912-4562.

 

*Return figures reflect any change in price per share and assume the reinvestment of all distributions. The Micro-Cap Equity Fund’s returns reflect any fee waivers during the applicable periods. If such fee waivers had not occurred, the quoted performance would have been lower. Total returns for periods less than 1 year are not annualized.

 

(a)The Russell Microcap® Index (“Russell Microcap”) measures the performance of the microcap segment of the U.S. equity market. Russell Microcap stocks make up less than 3% of the U.S. equity market (by market cap) and consist of the smallest 1,000 securities in the small cap Russell 2000® Index, plus the next smallest eligible securities by market cap. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index; however, an individual can invest in exchange traded funds or other investment vehicles that attempt to track the performance of a benchmark index.

 

(b)The expense ratios are from the Micro-Cap Equity Fund’s most recent prospectus dated January 30, 2023. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse Micro-Cap Equity Fund expenses so that total annual operating expenses do not exceed 1.40% of the Micro-Cap Equity Fund’s Institutional Shares average daily net assets through January 31, 2024. The expense limitation does not apply to (i) interest (other than custodial overdraft fees and expenses associated with the Micro-Cap Equity Fund’s participation in an alternative liquidity program), (ii) taxes, (iii) brokerage fees and commissions, (iv) other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Micro-Cap Equity Fund’s business, (v) dividend expense on short sales and (vi) indirect expenses such as acquired fund fees and expenses incurred by the Micro-Cap Equity Fund in any fiscal year. During any fiscal year that the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and the Trust is in effect, the Adviser may recoup the sum of all fees previously waived or expenses reimbursed, less any reimbursement previously paid, provided that the Adviser

11

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

is only permitted to recoup fees or expenses within 36 months from the date the fee waiver or expense reimbursement occurred and provided further that such recoupment can be achieved within the Expense Limitation Agreement currently in effect and the Expense Limitation Agreement in place when the waiver/reimbursement occurred. This Expense Limitation Agreement may not be terminated by the Adviser prior to its expiration date, but the Board may terminate such agreement at any time. The Expense Limitation Agreement shall terminate automatically upon the termination of the Advisory Agreement. Additional information pertaining to the Micro-Cap Equity Fund’s expense ratios as of March 31, 2023 can be found in the financial highlights.

 

The Micro-Cap Equity Fund’s investment objectives, strategies, risks, charges and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other important information about the Micro-Cap Equity Fund and may be obtained by calling (888) 912-4562. Please read it carefully before investing.

 

The Micro-Cap Equity Fund is distributed by Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.

12

 

Portfolio Illustration (Unaudited)

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund Sector Holdings as of March 31, 2023.*

 

(BAR GRAPH)

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund Sector Holdings as of March 31, 2023.*

 

(BAR GRAPH)

 

*As a percentage of net assets.

13

 

Portfolio Illustration (Unaudited)

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund Sector Holdings as of March 31, 2023.*

 

(BAR GRAPH)

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund Sector Holdings as of March 31, 2023.*

 

(BAR GRAPH)

 

*As a percentage of net assets.

14

 

Portfolio Illustration (Unaudited)

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund Sector Holdings as of March 31, 2023.*

 

(BAR GRAPH)

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund Sector Holdings as of March 31, 2023.*

 

(BAR GRAPH)

 

*As a percentage of net assets.

15

 

Availability of Portfolio Schedules (Unaudited)

 

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

16

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund
Schedule of Investments
March 31, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

   Shares   Fair Value 
COMMON STOCKS — 97.68%          
Apparel & Textile Products — 5.63%          
Carter’s, Inc.   500,719   $36,011,710 
Deckers Outdoor Corp.(a)   341,618    153,574,373 
Kontoor Brands, Inc.   1,244,665    60,229,339 
Oxford Industries, Inc.   288,061    30,416,361 
Ralph Lauren Corp.   673,329    78,557,295 
         358,789,078 
Asset Management — 2.18%          
Federated Hermes, Inc.,          
Class B   1,159,056    46,524,508 
Stifel Financial Corp.   1,562,799    92,345,793 
         138,870,301 
Banking — 11.31%          
Atlantic Union Bancshares Corp.   999,912    35,046,916 
Axos Financial, Inc.(a)   1,399,148    51,656,544 
Bank OZK   4,644,715    158,849,252 
Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc.   795,456    19,934,127 
Cadence Bank   3,645,953    75,689,984 
F.N.B. Corp.   4,201,787    48,740,729 
First Commonwealth Financial Corp.   1,699,559    21,125,518 
First Financial Bancorp   1,347,063    29,325,562 
First Financial Bankshares, Inc.   1,063,631    33,929,829 
First Financial Corp.   112,829    4,228,831 
Fulton Financial Corp.   1,972,947    27,266,128 
Hancock Whitney Corp.   1,676,975    61,041,890 
Lakeland Bancorp, Inc.   173,754    2,717,513 
Lakeland Financial Corp.   411,577    25,781,183 
Provident Financial Services, Inc.   504,422    9,674,814 
TowneBank   197,960    5,275,634 
Washington Federal, Inc.   1,470,972    44,305,677 
Wintrust Financial Corp.   903,928    65,941,548 
         720,531,679 
Biotech & Pharma — 2.81%          
Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   768,619    28,823,213 
Exelixis, Inc.(a)   2,049,690    39,784,483 
   Shares   Fair Value 
         
Biotech & Pharma — (continued)          
United Therapeutics Corp.(a)   492,973   $110,406,232 
         179,013,928 
Chemicals — 2.43%          
Avient Corp.   371,729    15,300,366 
Huntsman Corp.   4,736,086    129,579,312 
Stepan Co.   97,138    10,008,128 
         154,887,806 
Commercial Support Services — 6.28%          
AMN Healthcare Services, Inc.(a)   1,639,296    135,995,995 
Clean Harbors, Inc.(a)   191,051    27,236,231 
CRA International, Inc.   70,331    7,583,088 
FTI Consulting, Inc.(a)   215,707    42,569,776 
H&R Block, Inc.   2,015,476    71,045,529 
Kforce, Inc.   482,148    30,491,040 
ManpowerGroup, Inc.   255,000    21,045,150 
TriNet Group, Inc.(a)   796,829    64,232,386 
         400,199,195 
Consumer Services — 1.30%          
Adtalem Global Education, Inc.(a)   898,903    34,715,634 
Perdoceo Education Corp.(a)   565,802    7,598,721 
Rent-A-Center, Inc.   482,996    11,838,232 
Stride, Inc.(a)   726,557    28,517,362 
         82,669,949 
Containers & Packaging — 2.29%          
Graphic Packaging Holding Co.   2,950,673    75,212,655 
Sonoco Products Co.   1,158,531    70,670,391 
         145,883,046 
Electric Utilities — 0.56%          
Otter Tail Corp.   389,764    28,168,244 
Portland General Electric Co.   152,877    7,474,157 
         35,642,401 
Electrical Equipment — 4.75%          
Acuity Brands, Inc.   501,550    91,648,232 
Atkore, Inc.(a)   931,395    130,842,369 
Belden, Inc.   922,187    80,018,166 
         302,508,767 
Engineering & Construction — 4.38%          
Comfort Systems USA, Inc.   393,764    57,473,793 
EMCOR Group, Inc.   717,899    116,723,199 


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

17

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund
Schedule of Investments (continued)
March 31, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

   Shares   Fair Value 
COMMON STOCKS — (continued)          
Engineering & Construction — (continued)          
Installed Building Products, Inc.   447,527   $51,031,504 
Primoris Services Corp.   306,858    7,567,118 
TopBuild Corp.(a)   223,451    46,509,091 
         279,304,705 
Food — 0.77%          
Simply Good Foods Co. (The)(a)   1,241,841    49,388,016 
           
Forestry, Paper & Wood Products — 0.63%          
Louisiana-Pacific Corp.   739,613    40,094,421 
           
Health Care Facilities & Services — 3.01%          
Chemed Corp.   70,275    37,790,381 
Medpace Holdings, Inc.(a)   819,775    154,158,689 
         191,949,070 
Home Construction — 1.51%          
Masonite International Corp.(a)   325,515    29,546,997 
Meritage Homes Corp.   573,701    66,985,328 
         96,532,325 
Household Products — 0.06%          
Helen of Troy Ltd.(a)   39,517    3,760,833 
           
Industrial Intermediate Products — 1.26%          
Mueller Industries, Inc.   1,094,554    80,427,828 
           
Industrial Support Services — 0.91%          
Applied Industrial          
Technologies, Inc.   407,175    57,871,783 
           
Institutional Financial Services — 1.35%          
Evercore, Inc., Class A   681,442    78,624,778 
Jefferies Financial Group, Inc.   236,169    7,496,004 
         86,120,782 
Insurance — 1.52%          
Hanover Insurance Group, Inc.   675,957    86,860,475 
Primerica, Inc.   59,622    10,269,293 
         97,129,768 
Machinery — 0.99%          
Crane Holding Co.   453,846    51,511,521 
Donaldson Co., Inc.   175,059    11,438,355 
         62,949,876 
Medical Equipment & Devices — 5.30%          
Bruker Corp.   2,121,002    167,219,797 
   Shares   Fair Value 
         
Medical Equipment & Devices — (continued)          
Globus Medical, Inc., Class A(a)   94,138   $5,331,976 
Integer Holdings Corp.(a)   82,083    6,361,433 
Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corp.(a)   1,419,546    81,496,136 
Merit Medical Systems, Inc.(a)   1,044,127    77,213,192 
         337,622,534 
Oil & Gas Producers — 4.18%          
Chord Energy Corp.   983,446    132,371,832 
HF Sinclair Corp.   469,774    22,727,666 
Murphy USA, Inc.   432,220    111,534,371 
         266,633,869 
Publishing & Broadcasting — 1.44%          
Nexstar Media Group, Inc., Class A   531,681    91,800,041 
           
Real Estate — 2.03%          
Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc.   6,106,152    94,767,479 
City Office, Inc.   1,435,374    9,904,081 
Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc., Class A   3,413,153    24,916,017 
         129,587,577 
Real Estate Services — 0.25%          
Newmark Group, Inc., Class A   2,220,688    15,722,471 
           
Retail - Discretionary — 4.82%          
Academy Sports & Outdoors, Inc.   2,212,952    144,395,118 
AutoNation, Inc.(a)   625,200    84,001,872 
Builders FirstSource, Inc.(a)   362,445    32,177,867 
Signet Jewelers Ltd.   596,663    46,408,448 
         306,983,305 
Semiconductors — 4.26%          
Amkor Technology, Inc.   1,083,508    28,192,878 
Cirrus Logic, Inc.(a)   1,346,758    147,308,390 
Diodes, Inc.(a)   842,898    78,187,218 
MaxLinear, Inc.(a)   511,417    18,006,993 
         271,695,479 
Software — 3.03%          
Concentrix Corp.   187,098    22,741,762 
Donnelley Financial Solutions, Inc.(a)   324,108    13,243,053 
Progress Software Corp.   1,117,747    64,214,565 
Teradata Corp.(a)   835,849    33,667,998 


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

18

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund
Schedule of Investments (continued)
March 31, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

   Shares   Fair Value 
COMMON STOCKS — (continued)          
Software — (continued)          
Ziff Davis, Inc. (a)   759,138   $59,250,721 
         193,118,099 
Specialty Finance — 0.15%          
Stewart Information          
Services Corp.   232,201    9,369,310 
           
Steel — 1.41%          
Commercial Metals Co.   1,839,655    89,959,130 
           
Technology Hardware — 5.97%          
Avnet, Inc.   699,172    31,602,574 
Jabil, Inc.   2,664,299    234,884,600 
Lumentum Holdings, Inc.(a)   134,852    7,283,357 
Sanmina Corp.(a)   1,747,195    106,561,423 
         380,331,954 
Technology Services — 5.05%          
CSG Systems          
International, Inc.   947,636    50,888,053 
EVERTEC, Inc.   1,216,638    41,061,533 
ExlService Holdings, Inc.(a)   572,851    92,704,477 
Insight Enterprises, Inc.(a)   342,689    48,990,819 
Science Applications International Corp.   732,460    78,710,152 
TTEC Holdings, Inc.   249,879    9,302,995 
         321,658,029 
Transportation & Logistics — 3.57%          
Hub Group, Inc., Class A(a)   1,020,180    85,633,909 
Landstar System, Inc.   791,745    141,928,209 
         227,562,118 
Wholesale - Discretionary — 0.29%          
Veritiv Corp.   135,630    18,329,038 
           
Total Common Stocks          
(Cost $5,082,228,651)        6,224,898,511 
           
MONEY MARKET FUNDS - 1.51%          
Fidelity Investments          
Money Market          
Government          
Portfolio, Institutional          
Class, 4.76%(b)   96,427,505    96,427,505 
           
Total Money Market Funds          
(Cost $96,427,505)        96,427,505 
   Shares   Fair Value 
MONEY MARKET FUNDS - 1.51% - continued          
Total Investments — 99.19%          
(Cost $5,178,656,156)       $6,321,326,016 
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 0.81%        51,597,233 
NET ASSETS — 100.00%       $6,372,923,249 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.

 

(b)Rate disclosed is the seven day effective yield as of March 31, 2023.


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

19

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund
Schedule of Investments
March 31, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

   Shares   Fair Value 
COMMON STOCKS — 97.58%          
Apparel & Textile Products — 1.45%          
PVH Corp.   27,630   $2,463,491 
           
Biotech & Pharma — 3.13%          
Alkermes PLC(a)   79,125    2,230,534 
WillScot Mobile Mini Holdings Corp., Class A(a)   65,840    3,086,579 
         5,317,113 
Electrical Equipment — 8.72%          
AAON, Inc.   27,200    2,629,968 
Acuity Brands, Inc.   21,920    4,005,442 
Atkore, Inc.(a)   41,595    5,843,266 
Vertiv Holdings Co., Class A   163,830    2,344,407 
         14,823,083 
Engineering & Construction — 1.35%          
Dycom Industries, Inc.(a)   24,565    2,300,512 
           
Food — 1.66%          
BellRing Brands, Inc.(a)   83,200    2,828,800 
           
Health Care Facilities & Services — 3.04%          
Medpace Holdings, Inc.(a)   15,050    2,830,152 
Progyny, Inc.(a)   72,931    2,342,544 
         5,172,696 
Home Construction — 4.24%          
Griffon Corp.   108,675    3,478,687 
Skyline Champion Corp.(a)   49,662    3,736,072 
         7,214,759 
Household Products — 4.31%          
e.l.f. Beauty, Inc.(a)   89,010    7,329,974 
           
Leisure Facilities & Services — 10.15%          
Everi Holdings, Inc.(a)   186,350    3,195,903 
Jack in the Box, Inc.   28,685    2,512,519 
Playa Hotels & Resorts N.V.(a)   279,700    2,685,120 
Six Flags Entertainment Corp.(a)   97,100    2,593,541 
Wingstop, Inc.   20,360    3,737,688 
   Shares   Fair Value 
         
Leisure Facilities & Services — (continued)          
Xponential Fitness, Inc., Class A(a)   83,775   $2,545,922 
         17,270,693 
Leisure Products — 3.60%          
Axon Enterprise, Inc.(a)   17,315    3,893,278 
Callaway Golf Co.(a)   103,355    2,234,535 
         6,127,813 
Medical Equipment & Devices — 9.46%          
Lantheus Holdings, Inc.(a)   56,926    4,699,811 
Merit Medical Systems, Inc.(a)   54,900    4,059,855 
Neogen Corp.(a)   199,350    3,691,962 
ShockWave Medical, Inc.(a)   16,795    3,641,660 
         16,093,288 
Oil & Gas Producers — 1.54%          
Par Pacific Holdings, Inc.(a)   89,579    2,615,707 
           
Oil & Gas Services & Equipment — 2.60%          
Weatherford International PLC(a)   74,510    4,422,168 
           
Renewable Energy — 1.40%          
Array Technologies, Inc.(a)   109,220    2,389,734 
           
Retail - Discretionary — 4.30%          
Freshpet, Inc.(a)   72,220    4,780,242 
Sonic Automotive, Inc., Class A   46,500    2,526,810 
         7,307,052 
Semiconductors — 6.88%          
Axcelis Technologies, Inc.(a)   43,310    5,771,058 
Cirrus Logic, Inc.(a)   28,935    3,164,910 
Synaptics, Inc.(a)   24,880    2,765,412 
         11,701,380 
Software — 16.77%          
Alteryx, Inc., Class A(a)   37,600    2,212,384 
Calix, Inc.(a)   42,085    2,255,335 
Evolent Health, Inc., Class A(a)   132,340    4,294,432 


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

20

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund
Schedule of Investments (continued)
March 31, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

   Shares   Fair Value 
COMMON STOCKS — (continued)          
Software — (continued)          
Fastly, Inc., Class A(a)   207,425   $3,683,868 
New Relic, Inc.(a)   31,520    2,373,141 
Nutanix, Inc., Class A(a)   138,120    3,589,739 
Smartsheet, Inc., Class A(a)   52,600    2,514,280 
Tenable Holdings, Inc.(a)   57,174    2,716,337 
Teradata Corp.(a)   60,700    2,444,996 
Zeta Global Holdings Corp., Class A(a)   225,411    2,441,201 
         28,525,713 
Technology Hardware — 6.92%          
Extreme Networks,          
Inc.(a)   155,240    2,968,189 
Sanmina Corp.(a)   67,685    4,128,108 
Super Micro Computer, Inc.(a)   43,875    4,674,880 
         11,771,177 
Technology Services — 4.72%          
Payoneer Global, Inc.(a)   360,050    2,261,114 
Remitly Global, Inc.(a)   176,850    2,997,608 
Shift4 Payments, Inc., Class A(a)   36,650    2,778,070 
         8,036,792 
Transportation & Logistics — 1.34%          
Scorpio Tankers, Inc.   40,500    2,280,555 
Total Common Stocks/ Investments — 97.58%          
(Cost $142,400,332)        165,992,500 
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 2.42%        4,119,247 
NET ASSETS — 100.00%       $170,111,747 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.


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

21

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund
Schedule of Investments
March 31, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

   Shares   Fair Value 
COMMON STOCKS — 98.39%          
Aerospace & Defense — 1.62%          
Howmet Aerospace, Inc.   159,580   $6,761,405 
           
Banking — 14.61%          
Citizens Financial Group, Inc.   132,900    4,036,173 
East West Bancorp, Inc.   127,875    7,097,063 
First Citizens BancShares, Inc., Class A   11,622    11,309,368 
First Horizon National Corp.   170,610    3,033,446 
First Republic Bank   63,600    889,764 
Huntington Bancshares, Inc.   661,784    7,411,981 
KeyCorp   665,650    8,333,938 
M&T Bank Corp.   61,310    7,330,837 
Wells Fargo & Co.   309,935    11,585,370 
         61,027,940 
Chemicals — 5.88%          
Celanese Corp.   103,470    11,266,848 
Olin Corp.   178,290    9,895,095 
Sherwin-Williams Co. (The)   15,014    3,374,697 
         24,536,640 
Commercial Support Services — 4.89%          
Aramark   266,275    9,532,644 
Brink’s Co. (The)   99,660    6,657,288 
Republic Services, Inc.   31,395    4,245,232 
         20,435,164 
Containers & Packaging — 9.39%          
Berry Plastics Group,          
Inc.   179,610    10,579,029 
Crown Holdings, Inc.   108,080    8,939,297 
Graphic Packaging Holding Co.   537,660    13,704,954 
WestRock Co.   196,335    5,982,327 
         39,205,607 
Electric Utilities — 4.45%          
Alliant Energy Corp.   49,685    2,653,179 
CenterPoint Energy, Inc.   284,945    8,394,479 
CMS Energy Corp.   34,425    2,113,007 
   Shares   Fair Value 
         
Electric Utilities — (continued)          
Edison International   36,850   $2,601,242 
Pinnacle West Capital Corp.   35,315    2,798,360 
         18,560,267 
Electrical Equipment — 2.20%          
AMETEK, Inc.   22,940    3,333,870 
Johnson Controls International PLC   54,835    3,302,164 
Roper Technologies, Inc.   5,740    2,529,561 
         9,165,595 
Food — 1.60%          
Ingredion, Inc.   60,780    6,183,149 
J.M. Smucker Co. (The)   3,270    514,600 
         6,697,749 
Gas & Water Utilities — 1.90%          
Atmos Energy Corp.   70,650    7,938,234 
           
Health Care Facilities & Services — 3.27%          
Centene Corp.(a)   35,875    2,267,659 
Henry Schein, Inc.(a)   41,080    3,349,663 
Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings   34,870    7,999,875 
         13,617,197 
Home & Office Products — 0.65%          
Newell Brands, Inc.   219,111    2,725,741 
           
Home Construction — 0.96%          
Mohawk Industries, Inc.(a)   40,105    4,019,323 
           
Industrial Support Services — 2.48%          
AMERCO   199,250    10,331,112 
           
Insurance — 4.29%          
Everest Re Group Ltd.   15,710    5,624,494 
Globe Life, Inc.   28,175    3,099,814 
Markel Corp.(a)   7,195    9,190,965 
         17,915,273 
Leisure Facilities & Services — 0.53%          
Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.(a)   31,595    2,211,650 


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

22

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund
Schedule of Investments (continued)
March 31, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

   Shares   Fair Value 
COMMON STOCKS — (continued)          
Machinery — 2.37%          
Donaldson Co., Inc.   116,970   $7,642,820 
Snap-on, Inc.   9,145    2,257,809 
         9,900,629 
Medical Equipment & Devices — 2.22%          
DENTSPLY SIRONA, Inc.   236,250    9,279,900 
           
Metals & Mining — 0.06%          
Arconic Corp.(a)   9,357    245,434 
           
Oil & Gas Producers — 4.57%          
Cheniere Energy, Inc.   50,305    7,928,068 
Devon Energy Corp.   142,475    7,210,660 
Pioneer Natural Resources Co.   19,310    3,943,874 
         19,082,602 
Real Estate — 6.27%          
American Tower Corp.   41,685    8,517,913 
Brixmor Property Group, Inc.   313,625    6,749,210 
Public Storage   12,855    3,884,010 
Simon Property Group, Inc.   30,580    3,424,043 
WP Carey, Inc.   46,205    3,578,577 
         26,153,753 
Retail - Consumer Staples — 2.77%          
Dollar General Corp.   26,845    5,649,799 
Dollar Tree, Inc.(a)   40,955    5,879,090 
         11,528,889 
Retail - Discretionary — 4.31%          
Advance Auto Parts, Inc.   46,335    5,634,799 
CarMax, Inc.(a)   118,090    7,590,825 
O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.(a)   5,601    4,755,137 
         17,980,761 
Specialty Finance — 2.61%          
Synchrony Financial   374,115    10,879,264 
           
Technology Hardware — 1.06%          
CommScope Holding Co., Inc.(a)   250,715    1,597,055 
   Shares   Fair Value 
         
Technology Hardware — (continued)          
NCR Corp.(a)   120,440   $2,841,179 
         4,438,234 
Technology Services — 13.43%          
Amdocs Ltd.   39,930    3,834,478 
Dun & Bradstreet Holdings, Inc.   709,925    8,334,520 
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.   323,825    17,593,412 
Global Payments, Inc.   123,150    12,960,306 
TransUnion   141,600    8,799,024 
Verisk Analytics, Inc.   23,495    4,507,751 
         56,029,491 
Total Common Stocks/ Investments — 98.39%          
(Cost $438,216,158)        410,667,854 
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 1.61%        6,729,478 
NET ASSETS — 100.00%       $417,397,332 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.


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

23

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund
Schedule of Investments
March 31, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

   Shares   Fair Value 
COMMON STOCKS — 94.31%          
Automotive — 3.40%          
Gentex Corp.   46,560   $1,305,077 
           
Biotech & Pharma — 4.48%          
Amgen, Inc.   1,905    460,534 
Exelixis, Inc.(a)   64,715    1,256,118 
         1,716,652 
Chemicals — 3.93%          
Ecolab, Inc.   9,101    1,506,489 
           
Commercial Support Services — 5.90%          
Cintas Corp.   4,898    2,266,206 
           
E-Commerce Discretionary — 5.95%          
eBay, Inc.   51,390    2,280,174 
           
Electrical Equipment — 5.59%          
Acuity Brands, Inc.   6,335    1,157,595 
Generac Holdings, Inc.(a)   9,105    983,431 
         2,141,026 
Leisure Facilities & Services — 4.39%          
Starbucks Corp.   16,170    1,683,782 
           
Machinery — 5.46%          
Parker-Hannifin Corp.   6,223    2,091,613 
           
Medical Equipment & Devices — 3.90%          
Waters Corp.(a)   4,827    1,494,584 
           
Publishing & Broadcasting — 2.42%          
Liberty Media Corp.- Liberty Sirius XM, Class C(a)   33,131    927,337 
           
Retail - Consumer Staples — 4.39%          
Dollar General Corp.   7,995    1,682,628 
           
Retail - Discretionary — 9.08%          
O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.(a)   1,867    1,585,046 
Ross Stores, Inc.   17,840    1,893,359 
         3,478,405 
Semiconductors — 14.18%          
Lam Research Corp.   4,515    2,393,490 
NVIDIA Corp.   8,030    2,230,493 
Teradyne, Inc.   7,582    815,141 
         5,439,124 
   Shares   Fair Value 
         
Software — 4.17%          
Fortinet, Inc.(a)   24,030   $1,597,034 
           
Specialty Finance — 7.78%          
Capital One Financial Corp.   15,695    1,509,231 
Synchrony Financial   50,640    1,472,611 
         2,981,842 
Technology Hardware — 5.07%          
Zebra Technologies Corp., Class A(a)   6,110    1,942,980 
           
Transportation & Logistics — 1.82%          
Union Pacific Corp.   3,472    698,775 
           
Transportation Equipment — 2.40%          
Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.   20,305    918,598 
Total Common Stocks/ Investments — 94.31%          
(Cost $36,378,951)        36,152,326 
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 5.69%        2,182,196 
NET ASSETS — 100.00%       $38,334,522 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.


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

24

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund
Schedule of Investments
March 31, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

   Shares   Fair Value 
COMMON STOCKS — 96.42%          
Asset Management — 1.55%          
Hamilton Lane, Inc., Class A   7,990   $591,100 
           
Automotive — 2.33%          
Gentex Corp.   31,815    891,774 
           
Banking — 5.54%          
First Citizens BancShares, Inc., Class A   690    671,440 
First Commonwealth Financial Corp.   21,040    261,527 
First Financial Bankshares, Inc.   8,270    263,813 
Live Oak Bancshares, Inc.   22,717    553,613 
Western Alliance Bancorp   10,322    366,844 
         2,117,237 
Biotech & Pharma — 2.07%          
Exelixis, Inc.(a)   40,765    791,249 
           
Chemicals — 4.55%          
Huntsman Corp.   29,665    811,634 
Orion Engineered Carbons SA   35,505    926,326 
         1,737,960 
Commercial Support Services — 0.99%          
Cintas Corp.   820    379,398 
           
Construction Materials — 1.62%          
Owens Corning   6,460    618,868 
           
E-Commerce Discretionary — 2.14%          
eBay, Inc.   18,400    816,408 
           
Electrical Equipment — 5.22%          
Acuity Brands, Inc.   4,940    902,686 
Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.   7,495    734,510 
Generac Holdings, Inc.(a)   3,302    356,649 
         1,993,845 
Food — 4.80%          
John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc.   2,090    202,563 
   Shares   Fair Value 
         
Food — (continued)          
Lancaster Colony Corp.   8,040   $1,631,155 
         1,833,718 
Gas & Water Utilities — 1.46%          
UGI Corp.   16,030    557,203 
           
Health Care Facilities & Services — 3.32%          
Medpace Holdings, Inc.(a)   3,340    628,087 
Quest Diagnostics, Inc.   4,520    639,490 
         1,267,577 
Home & Office Products — 2.46%          
Tempur Sealy International, Inc.   23,805    940,059 
           
Home Construction — 4.94%          
Masco Corp.   16,425    816,651 
PulteGroup, Inc.   18,425    1,073,810 
         1,890,461 
Insurance — 4.45%          
Brown & Brown, Inc.   13,273    762,136 
Old Republic International Corp.   37,545    937,498 
         1,699,634 
Machinery — 0.51%          
Parker-Hannifin Corp.   580    194,944 
           
Medical Equipment & Devices — 5.00%          
Align Technology, Inc.(a)   1,980    661,597 
DENTSPLY SIRONA, Inc.   14,430    566,810 
Waters Corp.(a)   2,205    682,734 
         1,911,141 
Oil & Gas Producers — 4.35%          
Coterra Energy, Inc.   40,285    988,594 
Devon Energy Corp.   13,294    672,809 
         1,661,403 
Real Estate — 5.12%          
American Assets Trust, Inc.   15,770    293,164 
Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc.   38,020    590,070 


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

25

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund
Schedule of Investments (continued)
March 31, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

   Shares   Fair Value 
COMMON STOCKS — (continued)          
Real Estate — (continued)          
Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc.   20,584   $1,071,604 
         1,954,838 
Retail - Discretionary — 2.18%          
Advance Auto Parts, Inc.   5,360    651,829 
Ross Stores, Inc.   1,690    179,360 
         831,189 
Semiconductors — 9.36%          
Cirrus Logic, Inc.(a)   6,675    730,112 
IPG Photonics Corp.(a)   6,640    818,777 
Lattice Semiconductor Corp.(a)   5,845    558,198 
Power Integrations, Inc.   7,870    666,117 
Teradyne, Inc.   7,515    807,937 
         3,581,141 
Software — 4.49%          
Akamai Technologies, Inc.(a)   2,630    205,929 
Concentrix Corp.   6,075    738,416 
SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc.   13,740    775,898 
         1,720,243 
Specialty Finance — 1.66%          
Synchrony Financial   21,840    635,107 
           
Steel — 2.85%          
Steel Dynamics, Inc.   9,630    1,088,768 
           
Technology Hardware — 2.33%          
Zebra Technologies Corp., Class A(a)   2,795    888,810 
           
Technology Services — 4.44%          
Leidos Holdings, Inc.   7,740    712,544 
Science Applications International Corp.   9,140    982,185 
         1,694,729 
Transportation & Logistics — 2.10%          
Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.   7,300    803,876 
   Shares   Fair Value 
         
Transportation Equipment — 2.80%          
Allison Transmission          
Holdings, Inc.   23,610   $1,068,116 
           
Wholesale - Discretionary — 1.79%          
Pool Corp.   2,000    684,880 
Total Common Stocks/ Investments — 96.42%          
(Cost $36,608,022)        36,845,676 
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 3.58%        1,366,780 
NET ASSETS — 100.00%       $38,212,456 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.


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

26

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund
Schedule of Investments
March 31, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

   Shares   Fair Value 
COMMON STOCKS — 96.55%          
Advertising & Marketing — 1.87%          
Magnite, Inc.(a)   17,385   $160,985 
Quotient Technology, Inc.(a)   50,785    166,575 
         327,560 
Aerospace & Defense — 1.45%          
Byrna Technologies, Inc.(a)   33,450    253,886 
           
Asset Management — 3.58%          
B. Riley Financial, Inc.   11,171    317,144 
Vitesse Energy, Inc.   16,250    309,238 
         626,382 
Beverages — 1.08%          
Farmer Bros. Co.(a)   49,130    189,642 
           
Biotech & Pharma — 1.09%          
PetIQ, Inc., Class A(a)   16,600    189,904 
           
Commercial Support Services — 1.39%          
Acacia Research Corp.(a)   63,035    243,315 
           
Consumer Services — 1.23%          
2U, Inc.(a)   31,300    214,405 
           
E-Commerce Discretionary — 3.03%          
BARK, Inc.(a)   207,975    301,564 
Solo Brands, Inc., Class A(a)   31,850    228,683 
         530,247 
Entertainment Content — 1.46%          
PLAYSTUDIOS, Inc., Class A(a)   69,046    254,780 
           
Food — 1.86%          
Limoneira Co.(a)   19,475    324,453 
           
Health Care Facilities & Services — 1.57%          
Enzo Biochem, Inc.(a)   112,650    273,740 
           
Institutional Financial Services — 1.24%          
Greenhill & Co., Inc.(a)   24,450    216,872 
           
Internet Media & Services — 3.87%          
LiveOne, Inc.(a)   122,455    139,599 
Nerdy, Inc., Class A(a)   78,075    326,353 
TrueCar, Inc.(a)   91,897    211,363 
         677,315 
Leisure Facilities & Services — 7.20%          
Century Casinos, Inc.(a)   32,150    235,660 
Chuy’s Holdings, Inc.(a)   7,700    276,045 
Full House Resorts, Inc.(a)   42,920    310,312 
   Shares   Fair Value 
         
Leisure Facilities & Services — (continued)          
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc.(a)   30,535   $437,261 
         1,259,278 
Leisure Products — 3.03%          
American Outdoor Brands, Inc.(a)   26,897    264,666 
MasterCraft Boat Holdings, Inc.(a)   8,700    264,741 
         529,407 
Machinery — 5.14%          
Manitowoc Co., Inc.  (The)(a)   14,792    252,795 
NN, Inc.(a)   99,825    106,813 
Ranpak Holdings Corp., Class A(a)   51,315    267,864 
Titan International, Inc.(a)   25,855    270,960 
         898,432 
Medical Equipment & Devices — 3.11%          
Quanterix Corp.(a)   19,335    217,905 
ViewRay, Inc.(a)   94,885    328,302 
         546,207 
Oil & Gas Producers — 4.99%          
Matador Resources Co.   12,135    578,232 
SandRidge Energy, Inc.(a)   20,310    292,667 
         870,899 
Oil & Gas Services & Equipment — 4.94%          
Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc.(a)   73,263    567,056 
Newpark Resources, Inc.(a)   77,300    297,605 
         864,661 
Publishing & Broadcasting — 1.32%          
Townsquare Media, Inc., Class A(a)   28,815    230,520 
           
Real Estate Services — 0.86%          
Douglas Elliman, Inc.(a)   48,561    151,025 
           
REIT — 1.31%          
Farmland Partners, Inc.   21,425    229,247 
           
Renewable Energy — 1.96%          
Eneti, Inc.(a)   36,740    343,519 
           
Retail - Discretionary — 5.68%          
Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.(a)   9,880    229,611 


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

27

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund
Schedule of Investments (continued)
March 31, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

   Shares   Fair Value 
COMMON STOCKS — (continued)          
Retail - Discretionary — (continued)          
Lazydays Holdings, Inc.(a)   12,693   $148,127 
Sportsman’s Warehouse Holdings, Inc.(a)   29,950    253,976 
Vera Bradley, Inc.(a)   60,330    361,377 
         993,091 
Semiconductors — 1.74%          
ACM Research, Inc., Class A(a)   25,950    303,615 
           
Software — 6.06%          
Brightcove, Inc.(a)   36,750    163,538 
Cantaloupe, Inc.(a)   56,037    319,411 
Donnelley Financial Solutions, Inc.(a)   8,588    350,905 
Tabula Rasa HealthCare, Inc.(a)   40,360    225,612 
         1,059,466 
Specialty Finance — 0.82%          
Applied Blockchain, Inc.(a)   64,125    143,640 
           
Technology Hardware — 8.56%          
CalAmp Corp.(a)   56,935    204,397 
Comtech Telecommunications Corp.   25,060    312,749 
PlayAGS, Inc.(a)   42,330    302,660 
Terran Orbital Corp.(a)   91,525    168,406 
Turtle Beach Corp.(a)   24,555    246,041 
Xperi, Inc.(a)   24,000    262,320 
         1,496,573 
Telecommunications — 3.15%          
8x8, Inc.(a)   61,500    256,455 
Spok Holdings, Inc.(a)   29,070    294,479 
         550,934 
Transportation & Logistics — 5.09%          
Nordic American Tankers Ltd.(a)   85,935    340,303 
Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc., Class A(a)   140,975    549,802 
         890,105 
Wholesale - Consumer Staples — 1.66%          
Andersons, Inc. (The)   570    23,552 
Calavo Growers, Inc.   9,275    266,842 
         290,394 
   Shares   Fair Value 
         
Wholesale - Discretionary — 5.21%          
G-III Apparel Group Ltd.(a)   18,690   $290,630 
ThredUp, Inc., Class A(a)   96,000    242,880 
Veritiv Corp.   2,795    377,716 
         911,226 
Total Common Stocks          
(Cost $16,652,165)        16,884,740 
           
CLOSED END FUNDS — 0.96%          
NexPoint Diversified Real Estate Trust   16,125    167,378 
           
Total Closed End Funds          
(Cost $231,581)        167,378 
           
Total Investments — 97.51%          
(Cost $16,883,746)        17,052,118 
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 2.49%        436,287 
NET ASSETS — 100.00%       $17,488,405 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.

 

REIT Real Estate Investment Trust



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

28

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
March 31, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

   Fuller & Thaler   Fuller & Thaler   Fuller & Thaler 
   Behavioral Small-   Behavioral Small-   Behavioral Mid- 
   Cap Equity Fund   Cap Growth Fund   Cap Value Fund 
Assets               
Investments in securities at fair value (cost $5,178,656,156, $142,400,332 and $438,216,158)  $6,321,326,016   $165,992,500   $410,667,854 
Cash and cash equivalents   50,285,990    3,633,651    4,982,955 
Receivable for fund shares sold   13,308,867    698,120    1,674,897 
Receivable for investments sold   16,744,294         
Dividends and interest receivable   4,797,770    18,407    476,598 
Securities lending income receivable            
Prepaid expenses   140,000    48,705    37,818 
Total Assets   6,406,602,937    170,391,383    417,840,122 
Liabilities               
Payable for investments purchased   12,641,202         
Payable for fund shares redeemed   16,915,560    139,219    138,582 
Payable to Adviser   3,180,666    98,263    244,985 
Accrued 12b-1 fees   174,770    4,194    7,251 
Accrued administrative service fees   586,012    24,085    31,591 
Payable to affiliates   103,985    2,191    7,414 
Payable to auditors   9,307    9,307    9,178 
Other accrued expenses   68,186    2,377    3,789 
Total Liabilities   33,679,688    279,636    442,790 
Net Assets  $6,372,923,249   $170,111,747   $417,397,332 
Net Assets consist of:               
Paid-in capital  $5,307,858,960   $178,750,850   $444,674,489 
Accumulated earnings (deficit)   1,065,064,289    (8,639,103)   (27,277,157)
Net Assets  $6,372,923,249   $170,111,747   $417,397,332 

 

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

29

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Statements of Assets and Liabilities (continued)
March 31, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

   Fuller & Thaler   Fuller & Thaler   Fuller & Thaler 
   Behavioral Small-   Behavioral Small-   Behavioral Mid- 
   Cap Equity Fund   Cap Growth Fund   Cap Value Fund 
R6 Shares:               
Net Assets  $1,689,491,333   $6,372,896   $204,745,187 
Shares outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized, no par value)   46,637,163    201,459    7,423,491 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share  $36.23   $31.63   $27.58 
Institutional Shares:               
Net Assets  $4,323,593,299   $156,033,747   $198,026,708 
Shares outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized, no par value)   120,391,439    4,957,571    7,189,639 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share  $35.91   $31.47   $27.54 
Investor Shares:               
Net Assets  $337,150,842   $5,704,827   $12,924,272 
Shares outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized, no par value)   9,450,381    184,084    471,232 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share  $35.68   $30.99   $27.43 
A Shares:               
Net Assets  $10,111,586   $657,432   $1,390,981 
Shares outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized, no par value)   284,099    21,265    50,587 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share  $35.59   $30.92   $27.50 
Maximum offering price per share (Note 1)  $37.76   $32.81   $29.18 
C Shares:               
Net Assets  $12,576,189   $1,342,845   $310,184 
Shares outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized, no par value)   358,758    44,464    11,329 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share  $35.05   $30.20   $27.38 

 

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

30

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Statements of Assets and Liabilities (continued)
March 31, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

   Fuller & Thaler   Fuller & Thaler     
   Behavioral   Behavioral Small   Fuller & Thaler 
   Unconstrained   Mid Core Equity   Behavioral Micro- 
   Equity Fund   Fund   Cap Equity Fund 
Assets               
Investments in securities at fair value (cost $36,378,951, $36,608,022 and $16,883,746)  $36,152,326   $36,845,676   $17,052,118 
Cash and cash equivalents   2,131,422    1,344,468    453,563 
Receivable for fund shares sold   10,858        250 
Receivable for investments sold           237,656 
Dividends and interest receivable   18,612    25,503    23,398 
Securities lending income receivable           334 
Prepaid expenses   49,214    22,389    7,308 
Total Assets   38,362,432    38,238,036    17,774,627 
Liabilities               
Payable for investments purchased           261,793 
Payable to Adviser   15,426    12,928    11,086 
Accrued 12b-1 fees   93    50     
Accrued administrative service fees   1,642    1,650    1,615 
Payable to affiliates   980    983    983 
Payable to auditors   8,326    7,936    8,196 
Other accrued expenses   1,443    2,033    2,549 
Total Liabilities   27,910    25,580    286,222 
Net Assets  $38,334,522   $38,212,456   $17,488,405 
Net Assets consist of:               
Paid-in capital  $54,497,571   $39,086,360   $21,349,303 
Accumulated deficit   (16,163,049)   (873,904)   (3,860,898)
Net Assets  $38,334,522   $38,212,456   $17,488,405 

 

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

31

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Statements of Assets and Liabilities (continued)
March 31, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

   Fuller & Thaler   Fuller & Thaler     
   Behavioral   Behavioral Small   Fuller & Thaler 
   Unconstrained   Mid Core Equity   Behavioral Micro- 
   Equity Fund   Fund   Cap Equity Fund 
R6 Shares:               
Net Assets  $26,570,653         
Shares outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized, no par value)   762,414         
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share  $34.85         
Institutional Shares:               
Net Assets  $11,688,488   $38,006,382   $17,488,405 
Shares outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized, no par value)   336,358    1,211,048    753,258 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share  $34.75   $31.38   $23.22 
A Shares:               
Net Assets  $46,942   $206,074     
Shares outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized, no par value)   1,357    6,583     
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share  $34.59   $31.31 (a)    
Maximum offering price per share (Note 1)  $36.70   $33.22     
C Shares:               
Net Assets  $28,439         
Shares outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized, no par value)   830         
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share  $34.27 (a)        

 

(a)Per share amounts may not recalculate due to rounding of net assets and/or shares outstanding.

 

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

32

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Statements of Operations
For the six months ended March 31, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

   Fuller & Thaler   Fuller & Thaler   Fuller & Thaler 
   Behavioral Small-   Behavioral Small-   Behavioral Mid- 
   Cap Equity Fund   Cap Growth Fund   Cap Value Fund 
Investment Income:               
Dividend income  $50,812,425   $84,318   $4,002,560 
Interest income   3,496,248    34,132    309,334 
Total investment income   54,308,673    118,450    4,311,894 
Expenses:               
Adviser   17,683,655    578,512    1,512,741 
Administrative Services - Institutional Shares   1,898,187    60,291    103,472 
Administrative Services - Investor Shares   210,838    3,087    6,922 
Administrative Services - A Shares   6,425    291    308 
12b-1 fees - Investor Shares   378,328    5,228    11,767 
12b-1 fees - A Shares   12,119    553    859 
12b-1 fees - C Shares   61,938    4,600    967 
Administration   423,246    9,390    28,993 
ReFlow fees (Note 9)   212,711    24,560    18,647 
Report printing   142,146    5,677    7,562 
Fund accounting   135,241    3,000    9,261 
Registration   124,711    38,886    29,009 
Custodian   73,988    4,372    8,596 
Transfer agent   61,694    1,369    4,227 
Legal   22,379    5,924    5,924 
Audit and tax preparation   8,883    8,883    8,754 
Trustee   7,636    7,636    7,636 
Compliance services   2,992    2,992    2,992 
Miscellaneous   50,962    13,391    18,302 
Total expenses   21,518,079    778,642    1,786,939 
Fees contractually waived by Adviser       (106,511)   (99,130)
Net operating expenses   21,518,079    672,131    1,687,809 
Net investment income (loss)   32,790,594    (553,681)   2,624,085 
Net Realized and Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments and In-Kind Redemptions               
Net realized gain (loss) on investment securities transactions   (13,179,139)   (11,862,938)   1,015,287 
Net realized gain from in-kind redemptions (Note 2)   59,975,447    2,941,753    11,290,933 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investment securities   734,661,707    32,630,601    (3,711,970)
Net realized and change in unrealized gain on investments and in-kind redemptions   781,458,015    23,709,416    8,594,250 
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations  $814,248,609   $23,155,735   $11,218,335 

 

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

33

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Statements of Operations (continued)
For the six months ended March 31, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

   Fuller & Thaler   Fuller & Thaler     
   Behavioral   Behavioral Small   Fuller & Thaler 
   Unconstrained   Mid Core Equity   Behavioral Micro- 
   Equity Fund   Fund   Cap Equity Fund 
Investment Income:               
Dividend income (net of foreign taxes withheld of $–, $118 and $–)  $200,141   $158,570   $119,841 
Interest income   12,862    9,827    3,161 
Securities lending income           334 
Total investment income   213,003    168,397    123,336 
Expenses:               
Adviser   161,028    60,803    121,421 
Administrative Services - Institutional Shares   5,863    3,505    6,427 
Administrative Services - A Shares   28    15     
12b-1 fees - A Shares   54    52     
12b-1 fees - C Shares   135         
Registration   30,157    17,916    6,416 
ReFlow fees (Note 9)   10,467        236 
Audit and tax preparation   7,901    7,511    7,772 
Trustee   7,636    7,636    7,636 
Legal   5,924    5,924    5,924 
Administration   4,082    4,083    4,083 
Compliance services   2,992    2,992    2,992 
Custodian   1,382    453    580 
Fund accounting   1,304    1,305    1,305 
Report printing   897    636    647 
Transfer agent   595    595    595 
Miscellaneous   11,325    11,098    10,758 
Total expenses   251,770    124,524    176,792 
Fees contractually waived and expenses reimbursed by Adviser   (77,660)   (53,251)   (56,979)
Net operating expenses   174,110    71,273    119,813 
Net investment income   38,893    97,124    3,523 
Net Realized and Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments and In-Kind Redemptions               
Net realized loss on investment securities transactions   (2,188,824)   (185,569)   (2,153,900)
Net realized gain from in-kind redemptions (Note 2)   1,840,150        23,032 
Net change in unrealized appreciation of investment securities   6,948,083    1,117,641    3,054,501 
Net realized and change in unrealized gain on investments and in-kind redemptions   6,599,409    932,072    923,633 
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations  $6,638,302   $1,029,196   $927,156 

 

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

34

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap 
   Equity Fund 
   For the Six Months     
   Ended March 31,   For the Year Ended 
   2023   September 30, 2022 
   (Unaudited)     
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets due to:          
Operations          
Net investment income  $32,790,594   $48,101,354 
Net realized gain (loss) on investment securities transactions   (13,179,139)   72,684,930 
Net realized gain from in-kind redemptions (Note 2)   59,975,447    88,174,791 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investment securities   734,661,707    (903,702,292)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   814,248,609    (694,741,217)
Distributions to Shareholders from Earnings:          
R6 Shares   (19,327,335)   (57,984,642)
Institutional Shares   (46,680,956)   (157,276,899)
Investor Shares   (2,755,570)   (10,466,800)
A Shares   (89,102)   (301,760)
C Shares   (61,770)   (389,269)
Total distributions   (68,914,733)   (226,419,370)
Capital Transactions:          
R6 Shares:          
Proceeds from shares sold   409,837,711    719,198,123 
Reinvestment of distributions   5,571,572    18,510,488 
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (259,691,958)   (568,916,210)
Total R6 Shares   155,717,325    168,792,401 
Institutional Shares:          
Proceeds from shares sold   889,396,009    1,715,612,643 
Reinvestment of distributions   35,308,013    103,296,469 
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (546,584,965)   (1,334,348,730)
Total Institutional Shares   378,119,057    484,560,382 
Investor Shares:          
Proceeds from shares sold   76,775,487    121,905,548 
Reinvestment of distributions   2,521,438    9,654,003 
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (42,835,340)   (98,498,012)
Total Investor Shares   36,461,585    33,061,539 
A Shares:          
Proceeds from shares sold   623,770    3,572,956 
Reinvestment of distributions   85,691    301,511 
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (1,213,804)   (443,030)
Total A Shares   (504,343)   3,431,437 
C Shares:          
Proceeds from shares sold   1,159,816    4,389,081 
Reinvestment of distributions   54,047    354,610 
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (1,187,267)   (2,016,553)
Total C Shares   26,596    2,727,138 
Net increase in net assets resulting from capital transactions   569,820,220    692,572,897 

 

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

35

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

   Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap 
   Equity Fund 
   For the Six Months     
   Ended March 31,   For the Year Ended 
   2023   September 30, 2022 
   (Unaudited)     
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets   1,315,154,096    (228,587,690)
Net Assets          
Beginning of period   5,057,769,153    5,286,356,843 
End of period  $6,372,923,249   $5,057,769,153 
Share Transactions:          
R6 Shares:          
Shares sold   11,449,343    20,275,591 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions   157,767    493,591 
Shares redeemed   (7,229,966)   (16,405,133)
Total R6 Shares   4,377,144    4,364,049 
Institutional Shares:          
Shares sold   24,979,728    47,919,537 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions   1,010,184    2,778,865 
Shares redeemed   (15,414,047)   (39,478,485)
Total Institutional Shares   10,575,865    11,219,917 
Investor Shares:          
Shares sold   2,161,980    3,472,850 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions   72,381    261,509 
Shares redeemed   (1,207,552)   (2,849,011)
Total Investor Shares   1,026,809    885,348 
A Shares:          
Shares sold   17,870    101,419 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions   2,465    8,185 
Shares redeemed   (37,663)   (12,923)
Total A Shares   (17,328)   96,681 
C Shares:          
Shares sold   33,320    125,875 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions   1,560    9,751 
Shares redeemed   (34,322)   (59,794)
Total C Shares   558    75,832 

 

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

36

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

   Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap 
   Growth Fund 
   For the Six Months     
   Ended March 31,   For the Year Ended 
   2023   September 30, 2022 
   (Unaudited)     
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets due to:          
Operations          
Net investment loss  $(553,681)  $(804,265)
Net realized loss on investment securities transactions   (11,862,938)   (7,160,380)
Net realized gain from in-kind redemptions (Note 2)   2,941,753    10,912,170 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investment securities   32,630,601    (36,844,976)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   23,155,735    (33,897,451)
Distributions to Shareholders from Earnings:          
R6 Shares       (883,665)
Institutional Shares       (15,967,150)
Investor Shares       (589,494)
A Shares       (77,567)
C Shares       (115,257)
Total distributions       (17,633,133)
Capital Transactions:          
R6 Shares:          
Proceeds from shares sold   9,555,997    66,732,025 
Reinvestment of distributions       883,665 
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (21,718,735)   (55,919,059)
Total R6 Shares   (12,162,738)   11,696,631 
Institutional Shares:          
Proceeds from shares sold   60,659,071    80,260,542 
Reinvestment of distributions       15,871,036 
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (20,370,600)   (56,594,840)
Total Institutional Shares   40,288,471    39,536,738 
Investor Shares:          
Proceeds from shares sold   2,308,332    2,617,757 
Reinvestment of distributions       583,606 
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (364,256)   (1,790,652)
Total Investor Shares   1,944,076    1,410,711 
A Shares:          
Proceeds from shares sold   401,715    673,761 
Reinvestment of distributions       77,567 
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (153,755)   (544,876)
Total A Shares   247,960    206,452 
C Shares:          
Proceeds from shares sold   584,474    357,014 
Reinvestment of distributions       115,257 
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (98,003)   (152,426)
Total C Shares   486,471    319,845 
Net increase in net assets resulting from capital transactions   30,804,240    53,170,377 

 

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

37

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

   Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap 
   Growth Fund 
   For the Six Months     
   Ended March 31,   For the Year Ended 
   2023   September 30, 2022 
   (Unaudited)     
Total Increase in Net Assets   53,959,975    1,639,793 
Net Assets          
Beginning of period   116,151,772    114,511,979 
End of period  $170,111,747   $116,151,772 
Share Transactions:          
R6 Shares:          
Shares sold   324,895    2,181,042 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions       22,687 
Shares redeemed   (746,528)   (1,715,869)
Total R6 Shares   (421,633)   487,860 
Institutional Shares:          
Shares sold   2,091,891    2,541,201 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions       409,047 
Shares redeemed   (691,773)   (1,773,230)
Total Institutional Shares   1,400,118    1,177,018 
Investor Shares:          
Shares sold   79,623    79,938 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions       15,222 
Shares redeemed   (12,785)   (52,752)
Total Investor Shares   66,838    42,408 
A Shares:          
Shares sold   13,584    20,078 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions       2,027 
Shares redeemed   (5,241)   (17,612)
Total A Shares   8,343    4,493 
C Shares:          
Shares sold   20,582    12,017 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions       3,063 
Shares redeemed   (3,584)   (4,600)
Total C Shares   16,998    10,480 

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

 

38

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

   Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap 
   Value Fund 
   For the Six Months     
   Ended March 31,   For the Year Ended 
   2023   September 30, 2022 
   (Unaudited)     
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets due to:          
Operations          
Net investment income  $2,624,085   $2,476,694 
Net realized gain on investment securities transactions   1,015,287    4,936,781 
Net realized gain from in-kind redemptions (Note 2)   11,290,933     
Net change in unrealized depreciation of investment securities   (3,711,970)   (40,291,763)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   11,218,335    (32,878,288)
Distributions to Shareholders from Earnings:          
R6 Shares   (4,882,882)   (2,988,455)
Institutional Shares   (4,069,248)   (557,522)
Investor Shares   (139,944)   (49,458)
A Shares   (4,018)    
C Shares   (3,375)    
Total distributions   (9,099,467)   (3,595,435)
Capital Transactions:          
R6 Shares:          
Proceeds from shares sold   49,917,968    34,440,355 
Reinvestment of distributions   4,882,882    2,517,596 
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (33,145,611)   (605,744)
Total R6 Shares   21,655,239    36,352,207 
Institutional Shares:          
Proceeds from shares sold   138,176,947    157,420,342 
Reinvestment of distributions   3,477,680    547,104 
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (75,430,595)   (30,549,168)
Total Institutional Shares   66,224,032    127,418,278 
Investor Shares:          
Proceeds from shares sold   8,771,192    5,174,628 
Reinvestment of distributions   138,870    48,585 
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (1,764,899)   (1,127,597)
Total Investor Shares   7,145,163    4,095,616 
A Shares:          
Proceeds from shares sold   1,448,866    86,625 (a)
Reinvestment of distributions   4,018     
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (67,189)    
Total A Shares   1,385,695    86,625 
C Shares:          
Proceeds from shares sold   271,356    53,702 (a)
Reinvestment of distributions   3,375     
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (1,025)    
Total C Shares   273,706    53,702 
Net increase in net assets resulting from capital transactions   96,683,835    168,006,428 
Total Increase in Net Assets   98,802,703    131,532,705 

 

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

39

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

   Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap 
   Value Fund 
   For the Six Months     
   Ended March 31,   For the Year Ended 
   2023   September 30, 2022 
   (Unaudited)     
Net Assets          
Beginning of period   318,594,629    187,061,924 
End of period  $417,397,332   $318,594,629 
Share Transactions:          
R6 Shares:          
Shares sold   1,807,764    1,148,183 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions   170,441    81,801 
Shares redeemed   (1,242,105)   (19,390)
Total R6 Shares   736,100    1,210,594 
Institutional Shares:          
Shares sold   4,754,107    5,244,805 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions   121,608    17,787 
Shares redeemed   (2,791,168)   (1,052,162)
Total Institutional Shares   2,084,547    4,210,430 
Investor Shares:          
Shares sold   307,314    169,207 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions   4,867    1,585 
Shares redeemed   (61,318)   (37,498)
Total Investor Shares   250,863    133,294 
A Shares:          
Shares sold   50,148    2,855 (a)
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions   141     
Shares redeemed   (2,557)    
Total A Shares   47,732    2,855 
C Shares:          
Shares sold   9,422    1,824 (a)
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions   119     
Shares redeemed   (36)    
Total C Shares   9,505    1,824 

 

(a)For the period March 10, 2022 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2022.

 

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

40

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

   Fuller & Thaler Behavioral 
   Unconstrained Equity Fund 
   For the Six Months     
   Ended March 31,   For the Year Ended 
   2023   September 30, 2022 
   (Unaudited)     
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets due to:          
Operations          
Net investment income  $38,893   $2,267 
Net realized gain (loss) on investment securities transactions   (2,188,824)   368,585 
Net realized gain from in-kind redemptions (Note 2)   1,840,150    12,597,793 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investment securities   6,948,083    (26,068,637)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   6,638,302    (13,099,992)
Capital Transactions:          
R6 Shares:          
Proceeds from shares sold   10,717,405    44,560,789 
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (20,892,578)   (71,396,011)
Total R6 Shares   (10,175,173)   (26,835,222)
Institutional Shares:          
Proceeds from shares sold   870,069    5,604,275 
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (1,289,462)   (2,296,189)
Total Institutional Shares   (419,393)   3,308,086 
A Shares:          
Proceeds from shares sold   3,451    63,000 
Amount paid for shares redeemed       (53,435)
Total A Shares   3,451    9,565 
C Shares:          
Proceeds from shares sold       40,096 
Amount paid for shares redeemed       (28,842)
Total C Shares       11,254 
Net decrease in net assets resulting from capital transactions   (10,591,115)   (23,506,317)
Total Decrease in Net Assets   (3,952,813)   (36,606,309)

 

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

41

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

   Fuller & Thaler Behavioral 
   Unconstrained Equity Fund 
   For the Six Months     
   Ended March 31,   For the Year Ended 
   2023   September 30, 2022 
   (Unaudited)     
Net Assets          
Beginning of period   42,287,335    78,893,644 
End of period  $38,334,522   $42,287,335 
Share Transactions:          
R6 Shares:          
Shares sold   328,352    1,219,575 
Shares redeemed   (645,746)   (1,941,964)
Total R6 Shares   (317,394)   (722,389)
Institutional Shares:          
Shares sold   25,926    145,986 
Shares redeemed   (39,538)   (65,427)
Total Institutional Shares   (13,612)   80,559 
A Shares:          
Shares sold   113    1,569 
Shares redeemed       (1,569)
Total A Shares   113     
C Shares:          
Shares sold       1,093 
Shares redeemed       (922)
Total C Shares       171 

 

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

42

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

   Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small–Mid 
   Core Equity Fund 
   For the Six Months     
   Ended March 31,   For the Year Ended 
   2023   September 30, 2022 
   (Unaudited)     
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets due to:          
Operations          
Net investment income  $97,124   $59,023 
Net realized loss on investment securities transactions   (185,569)   (46,839)
Net realized gain from in-kind redemptions (Note 2)       943,474 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investment securities   1,117,641    (2,502,577)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   1,029,196    (1,546,919)
Distributions to Shareholders from Earnings:          
Institutional Shares   (71,804)   (268,615)
A Shares   (39)    
Total distributions   (71,843)   (268,615)
Capital Transactions:          
Institutional Shares:          
Proceeds from shares sold   30,314,375    8,388,927 
Reinvestment of distributions   71,804    260,844 
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (98,206)   (5,226,804)
Total Institutional Shares   30,287,973    3,422,967 
A Shares:          
Proceeds from shares sold   206,603    4,054 (a)
Reinvestment of distributions   39     
Total A Shares   206,642    4,054 
Net increase in net assets resulting from capital transactions   30,494,615    3,427,021 
Total Increase in Net Assets   31,451,968    1,611,487 
Net Assets          
Beginning of period   6,760,488    5,149,001 
End of period  $38,212,456   $6,760,488 
Share Transactions:          
Institutional Shares:          
Shares sold   957,215    259,259 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions   2,467    7,371 
Shares redeemed   (3,269)   (155,080)
Total Institutional Shares   956,413    111,550 
A Shares:          
Shares sold   6,457    125 (a)
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions   1     
Total A Shares   6,458    125 

 

(a)For the period March 10, 2022 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2022.

 

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

43

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

   Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap 
   Equity Fund 
   For the Six Months     
   Ended March 31,   For the Year Ended 
   2023   September 30, 2022 
   (Unaudited)     
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets due to:          
Operations          
Net investment income (loss)  $3,523   $(86,485)
Net realized gain (loss) on investment securities transactions   (2,153,900)   308,027 
Net realized gain from in-kind redemptions (Note 2)   23,032    1,456,789 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investment securities   3,054,501    (7,110,954)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   927,156    (5,432,623)
Distributions to Shareholders from Earnings:          
Institutional Shares       (1,152,556)
Total distributions       (1,152,556)
Capital Transactions:          
Institutional Shares:          
Proceeds from shares sold   3,268,712    11,606,649 
Reinvestment of distributions       1,141,910 
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (381,353)   (6,184,172)
Total Institutional Shares   2,887,359    6,564,387 
Net increase in net assets resulting from capital transactions   2,887,359    6,564,387 
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets   3,814,515    (20,792)
Net Assets          
Beginning of period   13,673,890    13,694,682 
End of period  $17,488,405   $13,673,890 
Share Transactions:          
Institutional Shares:          
Shares sold   138,255    432,350 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions       34,561 
Shares redeemed   (15,964)   (233,412)
Total Institutional Shares   122,291    233,499 

 

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

44

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund - R6 Shares
Financial Highlights

 

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the Six             
   Months                     
   Ended                     
   March                     
   31, 2023   For the Years Ended September 30, 
   (Unaudited)   2022   2021   2020   2019   2018 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $31.61   $36.83   $24.76   $25.39   $26.76   $24.25 
Income from investment operations:                              
Net investment income(a)   0.21    0.33    0.49    0.11    0.17    0.18 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   4.87    (4.09)   11.71    (0.61(b)   (1.40)   2.40 
Total from investment operations   5.08    (3.76)   12.20    (0.50)   (1.23)   2.58 
Less distributions to shareholders from:                              
Net investment income   (0.29)   (0.18)   (0.13)   (0.13)   (0.14)   (0.07)
Net realized gains   (0.17)   (1.28)                
Total from distributions   (0.46)   (1.46)   (0.13)   (0.13)   (0.14)   (0.07)
Net asset value, end of period  $36.23   $31.61    36.83   $24.76   $25.39   $26.76 
Total Return (c)   16.12(d)   (10.81)%   49.38%   (2.02)%   (4.54)%   10.68%
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                              
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $1,689,491   $1,335,836   $1,395,653   $610,476   $184,779   $55,160 
Before waiver or recoupment:                              
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   0.64(e)   0.65%   0.64%   0.69%   0.72%   0.74%
After waiver or recoupment:                              
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.64(e)   0.65%   0.64%   0.69%   0.72%   0.76%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   1.20(e)   0.94%   1.42%   0.47%   0.69%   0.71%
Portfolio turnover(f)(g)   14(d)   35%   31%   54%   38%   35%

 

(a) Per share net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method.
   
(b) The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period does not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses in the portfolio of securities during the period due to the timing of sales and purchases of fund shares in relation to fluctuating market values during the period.
   
(c) Total return in the above table represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Small-Cap Equity Fund, assuming reinvestment of distributions.
   
(d) Not annualized.
   
(e) Annualized.
   
(f) Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis on the Small-Cap Equity Fund as a whole without distinguishing among the classes of shares.
   
(g) Portfolio turnover excludes securities delivered as a result of a redemption in-kind.

 

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

45

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund – Institutional Shares
Financial Highlights

 

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the Six             
   Months                     
   Ended                     
   March                     
   31, 2023   For the Years Ended September 30, 
   (Unaudited)   2022   2021   2020   2019   2018 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $31.32   $36.51   $24.55   $25.18   $26.55   $24.07 
Income from investment operations:                              
Net investment income(a)   0.20    0.29    0.44    0.09    0.15    0.15 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   4.81    (4.05)   11.62    (0.61(b)   (1.40)   2.39 
Total from investment operations   5.01    (3.76)   12.06    (0.52)   (1.25)   2.54 
Less distributions to shareholders from:                              
Net investment income   (0.25)   (0.15)   (0.10)   (0.11)   (0.12)   (0.06)
Net realized gains   (0.17)   (1.28)                
Total from distributions   (0.42)   (1.43)   (0.10)   (0.11)   (0.12)   (0.06)
Net asset value, end of period  $35.91   $31.32   $36.51   $24.55   $25.18   $26.55 
Total Return (c)   16.06(d)   (10.90)%   49.24%   (2.11)%   (4.65)%   10.59%
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                              
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $4,323,593   $3,439,879   $3,599,929   $2,089,639   $1,620,327   $915,898 
Before waiver or recoupment:                              
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   0.74(e)   0.74%   0.75%   0.79%   0.82%   0.84%
After waiver or recoupment:                              
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.74(e)   0.74%   0.75%   0.79%   0.82%   0.86%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   1.10(e)   0.83%   1.28%   0.36%   0.60%   0.59%
Portfolio turnover(f)(g)   14(d)   35%   31%   54%   38%   35%

 

(a) Per share net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method.
   
(b) The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period does not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses in the portfolio of securities during the period due to the timing of sales and purchases of fund shares in relation to fluctuating market values during the period.
   
(c) Total return in the above table represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Small-Cap Equity Fund, assuming reinvestment of distributions.
   
(d) Not annualized.
   
(e) Annualized.
   
(f) Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis on the Small-Cap Equity Fund as a whole without distinguishing among the classes of shares.
   
(g) Portfolio turnover excludes securities delivered as a result of a redemption in-kind.

 

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

46

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund – Investor Shares
Financial Highlights

 

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the Six             
   Months                     
   Ended                     
   March                     
   31, 2023   For the Years Ended September 30, 
   (Unaudited)   2022   2021   2020   2019   2018 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $31.08   $36.25   $24.39   $25.02   $26.36   $23.91 
Income from investment operations:                              
Net investment income(a)   0.14    0.19    0.34    0.02    0.09    0.08 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   4.78    (4.02)   11.55    (0.62(b)   (1.38)   2.39 
Total from investment operations   4.92    (3.83)   11.89    (0.60)   (1.29)   2.47 
Less distributions to shareholders from:                              
Net investment income   (0.15)   (0.06)   (0.03)   (0.03)   (0.05)   (0.02)
Net realized gains   (0.17)   (1.28)                
Total from distributions   (0.32)   (1.34)   (0.03)   (0.03)   (0.05)   (0.02)
Net asset value, end of period  $35.68   $31.08   $36.25   $24.39   $25.02   $26.36 
Total Return (c)   15.88(d)   (11.15)%   48.79%   (2.40)%   (4.89)%   10.35%
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                              
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $337,151   $261,786   $273,271   $139,789   $124,550   $144,856 
Before waiver or recoupment:                              
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   1.03(e)   1.03%   1.03%   1.08%   1.10%   1.13%
After waiver or recoupment:                              
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   1.03(e)   1.03%   1.03%   1.08%   1.10%   1.10%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   0.80(e)   0.55%   1.01%   0.07%   0.38%   0.32%
Portfolio turnover(f)(g)   14(d)   35%   31%   54%   38%   35%

 

(a) Per share net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method.
   
(b) The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period does not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses in the portfolio of securities during the period due to the timing of sales and purchases of fund shares in relation to fluctuating market values during the period.
   
(c) Total return in the above table represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Small-Cap Equity Fund, assuming reinvestment of distributions.
   
(d) Not annualized.
   
(e) Annualized.
   
(f) Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis on the Small-Cap Equity Fund as a whole without distinguishing among the classes of shares.
   
(g) Portfolio turnover excludes securities delivered as a result of a redemption in-kind.

 

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

47

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund – A Shares
Financial Highlights

 

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the Six         
   Months               For the 
   Ended               Period 
   March               Ended 
   31, 2023   For the Years Ended September 30,   September 
   (Unaudited)   2022   2021   2020   30, 2019(a) 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $31.00   $36.18   $24.38   $25.04   $20.99 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income(b)   0.14    0.21    0.40    0.01    0.07 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   4.77    (4.04)   11.48    (0.58(c)   3.98 
Total from investment operations   4.91    (3.83)   11.88    (0.57)   4.05 
Less distributions to shareholders from:                         
Net investment income   (0.15)   (0.07)   (0.08)   (0.09)    
Net realized gains   (0.17)   (1.28)            
Total from distributions   (0.32)   (1.35)   (0.08)   (0.09)    
Net asset value, end of period  $35.59   $31.00   $36.18   $24.38   $25.04 
Total Return (excludes sales charge)(d)   15.89(e)   (11.15)%   48.80%   (2.31)%   19.29(e)
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                         
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $10,112   $9,345   $7,408   $941   $575 
Before waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   1.02(f)   1.02%   1.02%   1.13%   1.01(f)
After waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   1.02(f)   1.02%   1.02%   1.13%   1.01(f)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   0.80(f)   0.60%   1.15%   0.05%   0.37(f)
Portfolio turnover(g)(h)   14(e)   35%   31%   54%   38(e)

 

(a) For the period December 19, 2018 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2019.
   
(b) Per share net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method.
   
(c) The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period does not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses in the portfolio of securities during the period due to the timing of sales and purchases of fund shares in relation to fluctuating market values during the period.
   
(d) Total return in the above table represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Small-Cap Equity Fund, assuming reinvestment of distributions.
   
(e) Not annualized.
   
(f) Annualized.
   
(g) Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis on the Small-Cap Equity Fund as a whole without distinguishing among the classes of shares.
   
(h) Portfolio turnover excludes securities delivered as a result of a redemption in-kind.

 

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

48

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund – C Shares
Financial Highlights

 

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the Six         
   Months               For the 
   Ended               Period 
   March               Ended 
   31, 2023   For the Years Ended September 30,   September 
   (Unaudited)   2022   2021   2020   30, 2019(a) 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $30.49   $35.75   $24.16   $24.92   $20.99 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income (loss)(b)   0.03    (0.02)   0.17    (0.12)   (0.09)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   4.70    (3.96)   11.42    (0.61(c)   4.02 
Total from investment operations   4.73    (3.98)   11.59    (0.73)   3.93 
Less distributions to shareholders from:                         
Net investment income               (0.03)    
Net realized gains   (0.17)   (1.28)            
Total from distributions   (0.17)   (1.28)       (0.03)    
Net asset value, end of period  $35.05   $30.49   $35.75   $24.16   $24.92 
Total Return (excludes sales charge)(d)   15.53(e)   (11.70)%   47.97%   (2.95)%   18.72(e)
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                         
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $12,576   $10,923   $10,096   $2,987   $472 
Before waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   1.64(f)   1.65%   1.64%   1.69%   1.72(f)
After waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   1.64(f)   1.65%   1.64%   1.69%   1.72(f)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets   0.19(f)   (0.05)%   0.50%   (0.52)%   0.46(f)
Portfolio turnover(g)(h)   14(e)   35%   31%   54%   38(e)

 

(a) For the period December 19, 2018 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2019.
   
(b) Per share net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method.
   
(c) The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period does not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses in the portfolio of securities during the period due to the timing of sales and purchases of fund shares in relation to fluctuating market values during the period.
   
(d) Total return in the above table represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Small-Cap Equity Fund, assuming reinvestment of distributions.
   
(e) Not annualized.
   
(f) Annualized.
   
(g) Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis on the Small-Cap Equity Fund as a whole without distinguishing among the classes of shares.
   
(h) Portfolio turnover excludes securities delivered as a result of a redemption in-kind.

 

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

49

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund - R6 Shares
Financial Highlights

 

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the Six         
   Months                   For the 
   Ended                   Period 
   March                   Ended 
   31, 2023   For the Years Ended September 30,   September 
   (Unaudited)   2022   2021   2020   2019   30, 2018(a) 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $26.90   $43.92   $28.12   $21.73   $26.95   $20.00 
Income from investment operations:                              
Net investment loss(b)   (0.11)   (0.15)   (0.27)   (0.14)   (0.10)   (0.11)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   4.84    (10.34)   16.07    6.53    (5.12)   7.06 
Total from investment operations   4.73    (10.49)   15.80    6.39    (5.22)   6.95 
Less distributions to shareholders from:                              
Net realized gains       (6.53)                
Total from distributions       (6.53)                
Net asset value, end of period  $31.63   $26.90   $43.92   $28.12   $21.73   $26.95 
Total Return (c)   17.58(d)   (28.48)%   56.19%   29.41%   (19.37)%   34.75(d)
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                              
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $6,373   $16,759   $5,940   $13,083   $2,191   $2,993 
Before waiver or recoupment:                              
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   1.05(e)   1.09%   1.06%   1.63%   2.19%   4.42(e)
After waiver or recoupment:                              
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.89(e)   0.90%   0.90%   0.90%   0.92%(f)   0.90(e)
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets   (0.72)% (e)   (0.46)%   (0.73)%   (0.57)%   (0.45)%   (0.60)% (e)
Portfolio turnover(g)(h)   61(d)   102%   114%   128%   127%   71% (d)

 

(a) For the period December 21, 2017 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2018.
   
(b) Per share net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method.
   
(c) Total return in the above table represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Small-Cap Growth Fund, assuming reinvestment of distributions.
   
(d) Not annualized.
   
(e) Annualized.
   
(f) Includes interest expense of 0.02% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019.
   
(g) Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis on the Small-Cap Growth Fund as a whole without distinguishing among the classes of shares.
   
(h) Portfolio turnover excludes securities delivered as a result of a redemption in-kind.

 

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

50

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund - Institutional Shares
Financial Highlights

 

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the Six         
   Months                   For the 
   Ended                   Period 
   March                   Ended 
   31, 2023   For the Years Ended September 30,   September 
   (Unaudited)   2022   2021   2020   2019   30, 2018(a) 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $26.77   $43.79   $28.06   $21.69   $26.93   $20.00 
Income from investment operations:                              
Net investment loss(b)   (0.12)   (0.24)   (0.31)   (0.16)   (0.11)   (0.14)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   4.82    (10.25)   16.04    6.53    (5.13)   7.07 
Total from investment operations   4.70    (10.49)   15.73    6.37    (5.24)   6.93 
Less distributions to shareholders from:                              
Net realized gains       (6.53)                
Total from distributions       (6.53)                
Net asset value, end of period  $31.47   $26.77   $43.79   $28.06   $21.69   $26.93 
Total Return (c)   17.56(d)   (28.57)%   56.06%   29.37%   (19.46)%   34.65(d)
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                              
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $156,034   $95,249   $104,236   $44,808   $13,359   $9,257 
Before waiver or recoupment:                              
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   1.13(e)   1.18%   1.12%   1.71%   2.25%   4.55(e)
After waiver or recoupment:                              
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.98(e)   0.99%   0.99%   0.99%   1.00(f)   0.99(e)
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets   (0.80)% (e)   (0.72)%   (0.79)%   (0.65)%   (0.48)%   (0.70)% (e)
Portfolio turnover(g)(h)   61(d)   102%   114%   128%   127%   71(d)

 

(a) For the period December 21, 2017 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2018.
   
(b) Per share net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method.
   
(c) Total return in the above table represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Small-Cap Growth Fund, assuming reinvestment of distributions.
   
(d) Not annualized.
   
(e) Annualized.
   
(f) Includes interest expense of 0.01% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019.
   
(g) Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis on the Small-Cap Growth Fund as a whole without distinguishing among the classes of shares.
   
(h) Portfolio turnover excludes securities delivered as a result of a redemption in-kind.

 

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

51

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund - Investor Shares
Financial Highlights

 

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the Six         
   Months                   For the 
   Ended                   Period 
   March                   Ended 
   31, 2023   For the Years Ended September 30,   September 
   (Unaudited)   2022   2021   2020   2019   30, 2018(a) 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $26.40   $43.36   $27.86   $21.60   $26.88   $20.00 
Income from investment operations:                              
Net investment loss(b)   (0.16)   (0.33)   (0.41)   (0.22)   (0.19)   (0.18)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   4.75    (10.10)   15.91    6.48    (5.09)   7.06 
Total from investment operations   4.59    (10.43)   15.50    6.26    (5.28)   6.88 
Less distributions to shareholders from:                              
Net realized gains       (6.53)                
Total from distributions       (6.53)                
Net asset value, end of period  $30.99   $26.40   $43.36   $27.86   $21.60   $26.88 
Total Return (c)   17.39(d)   (28.74)%   55.64%   28.98%   (19.64)%   34.40(d)
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                              
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $5,705   $3,095   $3,245   $781   $153   $481 
Before waiver or recoupment:                              
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   1.43(e)   1.48%   1.44%   1.98%   2.57%   4.77(e)
After waiver or recoupment:                              
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   1.25(e)   1.25%   1.25%   1.25%   1.27%(f)   1.24(e)
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets   (1.07)% (e)   (0.99)%   (1.04)%   (0.87)%   (0.85)%   (0.92)% (e)
Portfolio turnover(g)(h)   61(d)   102%   114%   128%   127%   71(d)

 

(a) For the period December 21, 2017 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2018.
   
(b) Per share net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method.
   
(c) Total return in the above table represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Small-Cap Growth Fund, assuming reinvestment of distributions.
   
(d) Not annualized.
   
(e) Annualized.
   
(f) Includes interest expense of 0.02% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019.
   
(g) Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis on the Small-Cap Growth Fund as a whole without distinguishing among the classes of shares.
   
(h) Portfolio turnover excludes securities delivered as a result of a redemption in-kind.

 

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

52

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund - A Shares
Financial Highlights

 

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the Six         
   Months               For the 
   Ended               Period 
   March               Ended 
   31, 2023   For the Years Ended September 30,   September 
   (Unaudited)   2022   2021   2020   30, 2019(a) 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $26.34   $43.30   $27.83   $21.59   $19.59 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment loss(b)   (0.16)   (0.34)   (0.43)   (0.24)   (0.13)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   4.74    (10.09)   15.90    6.48    2.13 
Total from investment operations   4.58    (10.43)   15.47    6.24    2.00 
Less distributions to shareholders from:                         
Net realized gains       (6.53)            
Total from distributions       (6.53)            
Net asset value, end of period  $30.92   $26.34   $43.30   $27.83   $21.59 
Total Return (excludes sales charge)(c)   17.39(d)   (28.78)%   55.59%   28.90%   10.21(d)
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                         
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $657   $340   $365   $60   $4 
Before waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   1.41(e)   1.41%   1.35%   1.91%   2.15(e)
After waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   1.30(e)   1.30%   1.30%   1.30%   1.30(e)
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets   (1.12)% (e)   (1.04)%   (1.08)%   (0.95)%   (0.75)% (e)
Portfolio turnover(f)(g)   61(d)   102%   114%   128%   127(d)

 

(a) For the period December 19, 2018 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2019.
   
(b) Per share net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method.
   
(c) Total return in the above table represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Small-Cap Growth Fund, assuming reinvestment of distributions.
   
(d) Not annualized.
   
(e) Annualized.
   
(f) Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis on the Small-Cap Growth Fund as a whole without distinguishing among the classes of shares.
   
(g) Portfolio turnover excludes securities delivered as a result of a redemption in-kind.

 

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

53

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund - C Shares
Financial Highlights

 

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the Six         
   Months               For the 
   Ended               Period 
   March               Ended 
   31, 2023   For the Years Ended September 30,   September 
   (Unaudited)   2022   2021   2020   30, 2019(a) 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $25.80   $42.72   $27.60   $21.51   $19.59 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment loss(b)   (0.23)   (0.49)   (0.64)   (0.36)   (0.22)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   4.63    (9.90)   15.76    6.45    2.14 
Total from investment operations   4.40    (10.39)   15.12    6.09    1.92 
Less distributions to shareholders from:                         
Net realized gains       (6.53)            
Total from distributions       (6.53)            
Net asset value, end of period  $30.20   $25.80   $42.72   $27.60   $21.51 
Total Return (excludes sales charge)(c)   17.05(d)   (29.12)%   54.78%   28.31%   9.80(d)
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                         
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $1,343   $709   $726   $28   $2 
Before waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   2.03(e)   2.09%   2.03%   2.62%   2.87(e)
After waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   1.80(e)   1.80%   1.80%   1.80%   1.80(e)
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets   (1.63)% (e)   (1.52)%   (1.59)%   (1.45)%   (1.27)% (e)
Portfolio turnover(f)(g)   61(d)   102%   114%   128%   127(d)

 

(a) For the period December 19, 2018 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2019.
   
(b) Per share net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method.
   
(c) Total return in the above table represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Small-Cap Growth Fund, assuming reinvestment of distributions.
   
(d) Not annualized.
   
(e) Annualized.
   
(f) Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis on the Small-Cap Growth Fund as a whole without distinguishing among the classes of shares.
   
(g) Portfolio turnover excludes securities delivered as a result of a redemption in-kind.

 

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

54

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund - R6 Shares
Financial Highlights

 

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the Six         
   Months                   For the 
   Ended                   Period 
   March                   Ended 
   31, 2023   For the Years Ended September 30,   September 
   (Unaudited)   2022   2021   2020   2019   30, 2018(a) 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $26.53   $28.97   $19.00   $21.49   $20.56   $20.00 
Income from investment operations:                              
Net investment income(b)   0.19    0.28    0.24    0.27    0.20    0.13 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   1.54    (2.21)   9.85    (2.47)   0.85    0.43 
Total from investment operations   1.73    (1.93)   10.09    (2.20)   1.05    0.56 
Less distributions to shareholders from:                              
Net investment income   (0.23)   (0.18)   (0.12)   (0.15)   (0.11)    
Net realized gains   (0.45)   (0.33)       (0.14)   (0.01)    
Total from distributions   (0.68)   (0.51)   (0.12)   (0.29)   (0.12)    
Net asset value, end of period  $27.58   $26.53   $28.97   $19.00   $21.49   $20.56 
Total Return (c)   6.44(d)   (6.90)%   53.28%   (10.42)%   5.23%   2.80(d)
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                              
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $204,745   $177,423   $158,664   $24,324   $2,403   $2,361 
Before waiver or recoupment:                              
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   0.83(e)   0.83%   0.90%   1.39%   1.72%   4.29(e)
After waiver or recoupment:                              
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.78(e)   0.80%   0.80%   0.80%   0.80%   0.80(e)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   1.33(e)   0.92%   0.88%   1.36%   0.98%   0.82(e)
Portfolio turnover(f)   2(d)   12%   14%   30%   12%   44(d)

 

(a) For the period December 21, 2017 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2018.
   
(b) Per share net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method.
   
(c) Total return in the above table represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Mid-Cap Value Fund, assuming reinvestment of distributions.
   
(d) Not annualized.
   
(e) Annualized.
   
(f) Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis on the Mid-Cap Value Fund as a whole without distinguishing among the classes of shares.
   

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

55

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund - Institutional Shares
Financial Highlights

 

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the Six         
   Months                   For the 
   Ended                   Period 
   March                   Ended 
   31, 2023   For the Years Ended September 30,   September 
   (Unaudited)   2022   2021   2020   2019   30, 2018(a) 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $26.49   $28.94   $18.98   $21.47   $20.56   $20.00 
Income from investment operations:                              
Net investment income(b)   0.18    0.28    0.20    0.21    0.18    0.14 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   1.53    (2.24)   9.86    (2.43)   0.85    0.42 
Total from investment operations   1.71    (1.96)   10.06    (2.22)   1.03    0.56 
Less distributions to shareholders from:                              
Net investment income   (0.21)   (0.16)   (0.10)   (0.13)   (0.11)    
Net realized gains   (0.45)   (0.33)       (0.14)   (0.01)    
Total from distributions   (0.66)   (0.49)   (0.10)   (0.27)   (0.12)    
Net asset value, end of period  $27.54   $26.49   $28.94   $18.98   $21.47   $20.56 
Total Return (c)   6.37(d)   (7.00)%   53.13%   (10.51)%   5.09%   2.80(d)
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                              
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $198,027   $135,239   $25,889   $9,826   $12,511   $10,621 
Before waiver or recoupment:                              
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   0.93(e)   0.95%   1.02%   1.49%   1.81%   4.41(e)
After waiver or recoupment:                              
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.88(e)   0.90%   0.90%   0.90%   0.90%   0.89(e)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   1.29(e)   0.94%   0.76%   1.05%   0.90%   0.89(e)
Portfolio turnover(f)   2(d)   12%   14%   30%   12%   44(d)

 

(a) For the period December 21, 2017 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2018.
   
(b) Per share net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method.
   
(c) Total return in the above table represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Mid-Cap Value Fund, assuming reinvestment of distributions.
   
(d) Not annualized.
   
(e) Annualized.
   
(f) Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis on the Mid-Cap Value Fund as a whole without distinguishing among the classes of shares.
   

 

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

56

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund - Investor Shares
Financial Highlights

 

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the Six         
   Months                   For the 
   Ended                   Period 
   March                   Ended 
   31, 2023   For the Years Ended September 30,   September 
   (Unaudited)   2022   2021   2020   2019   30, 2018(a) 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $26.36   $28.82   $18.90   $21.39   $20.50   $20.00 
Income from investment operations:                              
Net investment income(b)   0.14    0.19    0.13    0.15    0.14    0.10 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   1.53    (2.22)   9.82    (2.41)   0.84    0.40 
Total from investment operations   1.67    (2.03)   9.95    (2.26)   0.98    0.50 
Less distributions to shareholders from:                              
Net investment income   (0.15)   (0.10)   (0.03)   (0.09)   (0.08)    
Net realized gains   (0.45)   (0.33)       (0.14)   (0.01)    
Total from distributions   (0.60)   (0.43)   (0.03)   (0.23)   (0.09)    
Net asset value, end of period  $27.43   $26.36   $28.82   $18.90   $21.39   $20.50 
Total Return (c)   6.26(d)   (7.23)%   52.70%   (10.72)%   4.84%   2.50(d)
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                              
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $12,924   $5,809   $2,509   $1,043   $1,676   $344 
Before waiver or recoupment:                              
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   1.22(e)   1.23%   1.31%   1.76%   2.10%   4.65(e)
After waiver or recoupment:                              
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   1.15(e)   1.15%   1.15%   1.15%   1.15%   1.14(e)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   1.01(e)   0.63%   0.50%   0.78%   0.70%   0.65(e)
Portfolio turnover(f)   2(d)   12%   14%   30%   12%   44(d)

 

(a) For the period December 21, 2017 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2018.
   
(b) Per share net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method.
   
(c) Total return in the above table represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Mid-Cap Value Fund, assuming reinvestment of distributions.
   
(d) Not annualized.
   
(e) Annualized.
   
(f) Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis on the Mid-Cap Value Fund as a whole without distinguishing among the classes of shares.
   

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

57

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund - A Shares
Financial Highlights

 

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the Six     
   Months   For the 
   Ended   Period 
   March   Ended 
   31, 2023   September 
   (Unaudited)   30, 2022(a) 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $26.48   $29.98 
Income from investment operations:          
Net investment income(b)   0.16    0.14 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   1.52    (3.64)
Total from investment operations   1.68    (3.50)
Less distributions to shareholders from:          
Net investment income   (0.21)    
Net realized gains   (0.45)    
Total from distributions   (0.66)    
Net asset value, end of period  $27.50   $26.48 
Total Return (excludes sales charge)(c)   6.26(d)   (11.67)% (d)
Ratios and Supplemental Data:          
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $1,391   $76 
Before waiver or recoupment:          
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   1.15(e)   1.14(e)
After waiver or recoupment:          
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   1.15(e)   1.14(e)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   1.10(e)   0.83(e)
Portfolio turnover(f)   2(d)   12(d)

 

(a) For the period March 10, 2022 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2022.
   
(b) Per share net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method.
   
(c) Total return in the above table represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Mid-Cap Value Fund, assuming reinvestment of distributions.
   
(d) Not annualized.
   
(e) Annualized.
   
(f) Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis on the Mid-Cap Value Fund as a whole without distinguishing among the classes of shares.

 

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

58

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund - C Shares
Financial Highlights

 

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the Six     
   Months   For the 
   Ended   Period 
   March   Ended 
   31, 2023   September 
   (Unaudited)   30, 2022(a) 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $26.40   $29.98 
Income from investment operations:          
Net investment income(b)   0.08    0.02 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   1.51    (3.60)
Total from investment operations   1.59    (3.58)
Less distributions to shareholders from:          
Net investment income   (0.16)    
Net realized gains   (0.45)    
Total from distributions   (0.61)    
Net asset value, end of period  $27.38   $26.40 
Total Return (excludes sales charge)(c)   5.94(d)   (11.94)% (d)
Ratios and Supplemental Data:          
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $310   $48 
Before waiver or recoupment:          
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   1.82(e)   1.84(e)
After waiver or recoupment:          
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   1.70(e)   1.70(e)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   0.57(e)   0.14(e)
Portfolio turnover(f)   2(d)   12(d)

 

(a) For the period March 10, 2022 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2022.
   
(b) Per share net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method.
   
(c) Total return in the above table represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Mid-Cap Value Fund, assuming reinvestment of distributions.
   
(d) Not annualized.
   
(e) Annualized.
   
(f) Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis on the Mid-Cap Value Fund as a whole without distinguishing among the classes of shares.

 

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

59

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund - R6 Shares
Financial Highlights

 

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the Six         
   Months               For the 
   Ended               Period 
   March               Ended 
   31, 2023   For the Years Ended September 30,   September 
   (Unaudited)   2022   2021   2020   30, 2019(a) 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $29.55   $38.06   $27.47   $25.83   $20.00 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income (loss)(b)   0.04    0.01    (0.03)   0.04    0.07 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   5.26    (8.52)   10.73    1.82    5.76 
Total from investment operations   5.30    (8.51)   10.70    1.86    5.83 
Less distributions to shareholders from:                         
Net investment income           (0.03)   (0.10)    
Net realized gains           (0.08)   (0.12)    
Total from distributions           (0.11)   (0.22)    
Net asset value, end of period  $34.85   $29.55   $38.06   $27.47   $25.83 
Total Return (c)   17.94(d)   (22.36)%   39.01%   7.22%   29.15(d)
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                         
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $26,571   $31,913   $68,584   $43,131   $1,368 
Before waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   1.25(e)   1.19%   1.02%   1.67%   4.33(e)
After waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.89(e)   0.90%   0.90%   0.90%   0.90(e)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets   0.23(e)   0.02%   (0.07)%   0.15%   0.41(e)
Portfolio turnover(f)(g)   11(d)   25%   38%   32%   10(d)

 

(a) For the period December 26, 2018 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2019.
   
(b) Per share net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method.
   
(c) Total return in the above table represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Unconstrained Equity Fund, assuming reinvestment of distributions.
   
(d) Not annualized.
   
(e) Annualized.
   
(f) Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis on the Unconstrained Equity Fund as a whole without distinguishing among the classes of shares.
   
(g) Portfolio turnover excludes securities delivered as a result of a redemption in-kind.

 

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

60

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund - Institutional Shares
Financial Highlights

 

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the Six         
   Months               For the 
   Ended               Period 
   March               Ended 
   31, 2023   For the Years Ended September 30,   September 
   (Unaudited)   2022   2021   2020   30, 2019(a) 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $29.47   $38.00   $27.43   $25.81   $20.00 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income (loss)(b)   0.03    (0.02)   (0.06)   0.01    0.08 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   5.25    (8.51)   10.72    1.81    5.73 
Total from investment operations   5.28    (8.53)   10.66    1.82    5.81 
Less distributions to shareholders from:                         
Net investment income           (0.01)   (0.08)    
Net realized gains           (0.08)   (0.12)    
Total from distributions           (0.09)   (0.20)    
Net asset value, end of period  $34.75   $29.47   $38.00   $27.43   $25.81 
Total Return (c)   17.92(d)   (22.45)%   38.90%   7.09%   29.05(d)
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                         
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $11,688   $10,313   $10,238   $8,004   $3,265 
Before waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   1.50(e)   1.31%   1.12%   1.77%   4.39% (e)
After waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.98% (e)   0.99%   0.99%   0.99%   0.99% (e)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets   0.16% (e)   (0.04)%   (0.17)%   0.03%   0.42% (e)
Portfolio turnover(f)(g)   11% (d)   25%   38%   32%   10% (d)

 

(a) For the period December 26, 2018 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2019.
   
(b) Per share net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method.
   
(c) Total return in the above table represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Unconstrained Equity Fund, assuming reinvestment of distributions.
   
(d) Not annualized.
   
(e) Annualized.
   
(f) Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis on the Unconstrained Equity Fund as a whole without distinguishing among the classes of shares.
   
(g) Portfolio turnover excludes securities delivered as a result of a redemption in-kind.

 

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

61

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund - A Shares
Financial Highlights

 

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the Six         
   Months       For the 
   Ended   For the   Period 
   March   Year Ended   Ended 
   31, 2023   September   September 
   (Unaudited)   30, 2022   30, 2021(a) 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $29.36   $37.99   $37.77 
Income from investment operations:               
Net investment loss(b)   (0.03)   (0.14)   (0.08)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   5.26    (8.49)   0.30 
Total from investment operations   5.23    (8.63)   0.22 
Net asset value, end of period  $34.59   $29.36   $37.99 
Total Return (excludes sales charge)(c)   17.81(d)   (22.72)%   0.58(d)
Ratios and Supplemental Data:               
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $47   $37   $47 
Before waiver or recoupment:               
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   1.78(e)   1.56%   1.31(e)
After waiver or recoupment:               
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   1.30(e)   1.30%   1.30(e)
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets   (0.15)% (e)   (0.38)%   (0.61)% (e)
Portfolio turnover(f)(g)   11(d)   25%   38(d)

 

(a) For the period May 27, 2021 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2021.
   
(b) Per share net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method.
   
(c) Total return in the above table represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Unconstrained Equity Fund, assuming reinvestment of distributions.
   
(d) Not annualized.
   
(e) Annualized.
   
(f) Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis on the Unconstrained Equity Fund as a whole without distinguishing among the classes of shares.
   
(g) Portfolio turnover excludes securities delivered as a result of a redemption in-kind.

 

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

62

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund - C Shares
Financial Highlights

 

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the Six         
   Months       For the 
   Ended   For the   Period 
   March   Year Ended   Ended 
   31, 2023   September   September 
   (Unaudited)   30, 2022   30, 2021(a) 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $29.12   $37.93   $37.77 
Income from investment operations:               
Net investment loss(b)   (0.11)   (0.28)   (0.14)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   5.26    (8.53)   0.30 
Total from investment operations   5.15    (8.81)   0.16 
Net asset value, end of period  $34.27   $29.12   $37.93 
Total Return (excludes sales charge)(c)   17.69(d)   (23.23)%   0.42(d)
Ratios and Supplemental Data:               
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $28   $24   $25 
Before waiver or recoupment:               
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   2.41(e)   2.21%   2.05(e)
After waiver or recoupment:               
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   1.80(e)   1.80%   1.80(e)
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets   (0.65)% (e)   (0.80)%   (1.06)% (e)
Portfolio turnover(f)(g)   11(d)   25%   38(d)

 

(a) For the period May 27, 2021 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2021.
   
(b) Per share net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method.
   
(c) Total return in the above table represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Unconstrained Equity Fund, assuming reinvestment of distributions.
   
(d) Not annualized.
   
(e) Annualized.
   
(f) Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis on the Unconstrained Equity Fund as a whole without distinguishing among the classes of shares.
   
(g) Portfolio turnover excludes securities delivered as a result of a redemption in-kind.

 

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

63

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund - Institutional Shares
Financial Highlights

 

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the Six         
   Months               For the 
   Ended               Period 
   March               Ended 
   31, 2023   For the Years Ended September 30,   September 
   (Unaudited)   2022   2021   2020   30, 2019(a) 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $26.54   $35.99   $23.59   $23.96   $20.00 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income(b)   0.20    0.32    0.10    0.13    0.13 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   4.92    (7.80)   12.41    0.04 (c)   3.83 
Total from investment operations   5.12    (7.48)   12.51    0.17    3.96 
Less distributions to shareholders from:                         
Net investment income   (0.28)   (0.13)   (0.11)   (0.15)    
Net realized gains       (1.84)       (0.39)    
Total from distributions   (0.28)   (1.97)   (0.11)   (0.54)    
Net asset value, end of period  $31.38   $26.54   $35.99   $23.59   $23.96 
Total Return (d)   19.37% (e)   (22.13)%   53.10%   0.63%   19.80% (e)
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                         
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $38,006   $6,757   $5,149   $3,102   $2,494 
Before waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   1.64% (f)   2.56%   2.69%   4.09%   6.27(f)
After waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.94% (f)   0.95%   0.95%   0.95%   0.95(f)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   1.28(f)   0.99%   0.30%   0.59%   0.73(f)
Portfolio turnover(g)(h)   28(e)   37%   35%   35%   25(e)

 

(a) For the period December 26, 2018 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2019.
   
(b) Per share net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method.
   
(c) The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period does not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses in the portfolio of securities during the period due to the timing of sales and purchases of fund shares in relation to fluctuating market values during the period.
   
(d) Total return in the above table represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Small-Mid Core Equity Fund, assuming reinvestment of distributions.
   
(e) Not annualized.
   
(f) Annualized.
   
(g) Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis on the Small-Mid Core Equity Fund as a whole without distinguishing among the classes of shares.
   
(h) Portfolio turnover excludes securities delivered as a result of a redemption in-kind.

 

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

64

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund - A Shares
Financial Highlights
 
(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the Six     
   Months   For the 
   Ended   Period 
   March   Ended 
   31, 2023   September 
   (Unaudited)   30, 2022(a) 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $26.49   $32.58 
Income from investment operations:          
Net investment income(b)   0.29    0.17 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   4.78    (6.26)
Total from investment operations   5.07    (6.09)
Less distributions to shareholders from:          
Net investment income   (0.25)    
Total from distributions   (0.25)    
Net asset value, end of period  $31.31   $26.49 
Total Return (excludes sales charge)(c)   19.19(d)   (18.69)% (d)
Ratios and Supplemental Data:          
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $206   $3 
Before waiver or recoupment:          
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   1.61(e)   2.72(e)
After waiver or recoupment:          
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   1.26(e)   1.26(e)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   1.87(e)   1.00(e)
Portfolio turnover(f)(g)   28(d)   37(d)

 

(a) For the period March 10, 2022 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2022.
   
(b) Per share net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method.
   
(c) Total return in the above table represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Small-Mid Core Equity Fund, assuming reinvestment of distributions.
   
(d) Not annualized.
   
(e) Annualized.
   
(f) Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis on the Small-Mid Core Equity Fund as a whole without distinguishing among the classes of shares.
   
(g) Portfolio turnover excludes securities delivered as a result of a redemption in-kind.

 

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

65

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund - Institutional Shares
Financial Highlights

 

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the Six         
   Months               For the 
   Ended               Period 
   March               Ended 
   31, 2023   For the Years Ended September 30,   September 
   (Unaudited)   2022   2021   2020   30, 2019(a) 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $21.67   $34.45   $17.79   $21.70   $20.00 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income (loss)(b)   0.01    (0.17)   (0.02)   0.16    (0.20)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   1.54    (9.86)   16.78    (2.95)   1.90 
Total from investment operations   1.55    (10.03)   16.76    (2.79)   1.70 
Less distributions to shareholders from:                         
Net investment income           (0.10)        
Net realized gains       (2.75)       (1.12)    
Total from distributions       (2.75)   (0.10)   (1.12)    
Net asset value, end of period  $23.22   $21.67   $34.45   $17.79   $21.70 
Total Return (c)   7.15(d)   (31.87)%   94.37%   (13.88)%   8.50(d)
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                         
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $17,488   $13,674   $13,695   $5,770   $2,819 
Before waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   2.11(e)   2.19%   2.30%   4.33%   5.28(e)
After waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   1.43(e)   1.45%   1.52%   1.75%   1.75(e)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets   0.04(e)   (0.58)%   (0.05)%   0.90%   (1.16)% (e)
Portfolio turnover(f)   43(d)   74%   78%   82%   42(d)

 

(a) For the period December 28, 2018 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2019.
   
(b) Per share net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method.
   
(c) Total return in the above table represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Micro-Cap Equity Fund, assuming reinvestment of distributions.
   
(d) Not annualized.
   
(e) Annualized.
   
(f) Portfolio turnover excludes securities delivered as a result of a redemption in-kind.

 

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

66

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements
March 31, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION

 

The Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund (the “Small-Cap Equity Fund”), the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund (the “Small-Cap Growth Fund”), the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund (the “Mid-Cap Value Fund”), the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund (the “Unconstrained Equity Fund”), the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund (the “Small-Mid Core Equity Fund”) and the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund (the “Micro-Cap Equity Fund”) (each a “Fund” and, collectively the “Funds”) were each registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), as a diversified (Unconstrained Equity Fund is non-diversified) series of Capitol Series Trust (the “Trust”). The Trust is an open-end investment company established under the laws of Ohio by an Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated September 18, 2013 as amended and restated November 18, 2021 (the “Trust Agreement”). The Trust Agreement permits the Board of Trustees of the Trust (“the Board”) to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest of separate series without par value. The Funds’ investment adviser is Fuller & Thaler Asset Management, Inc. (the “Adviser” or “Fuller & Thaler”). The investment objective of each Fund is to seek long-term capital appreciation.

 

The Small-Cap Equity Fund, Small-Cap Growth Fund and Mid-Cap Value Fund each currently offer five share classes: R6 Shares, Institutional Shares, Investor Shares, A Shares and C Shares. The Unconstrained Equity Fund currently offers four share classes: R6 Shares, Institutional Shares, A Shares and C Shares. The Unconstrained Equity Fund’s Investor Shares have been approved by the Board, but are not yet available for purchase. The Small-Mid Core Equity Fund currently offers two share classes: Institutional Shares and A Shares. The Micro-Cap Equity Fund currently offers one share class: Institutional Shares. A Shares have a maximum sales charge on purchases of up to 5.75% and a Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (“CDSC”) on redemptions made within 12 months from the date of purchase and a CDSC of 0.50% on redemptions made more than 12 months but less than 18 months from the date of purchase. C Shares impose a 1.00% CDSC on redemptions made within 12 months from the date of purchase. A Shares and C Shares may be purchased without a sales charge under certain circumstances. Each share represents an equal proportionate interest in the assets and liabilities belonging to each Fund and is entitled to such dividends and distributions out of income belonging to each Fund as are declared by the Board.

 

The Small-Cap Equity Fund is the accounting successor to a series of Allianz Funds Multi-Strategy Trust, which commenced operations on September 8, 2011, and for which the Adviser served as the sole sub-adviser (the “Predecessor Fund”). In a transaction that was consummated on October 23, 2015 (the “Reorganization”), the Small-Cap Equity Fund

67

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
March 31, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

acquired the assets and liabilities of: the A, C, and D Classes of the Predecessor Fund, which became the Investor Shares of the Small-Cap Equity Fund; the Class P Shares of the Predecessor Fund, which became the Institutional Shares of the Small-Cap Equity Fund; and the Institutional Shares of the Predecessor Fund, which became the R6 Shares of the Small-Cap Equity Fund.

 

NOTE 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

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

 

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

 

Foreign Currency Translation – The accounting records of the Funds are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currency amounts are translated into U.S. dollars at the current rate of exchange each business day to determine the value of investments, and other assets and liabilities. Purchases and sales of foreign securities, and income and expenses, are translated at the prevailing rate of exchange on the respective date of these transactions. The Funds do not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from fluctuation arising from changes in market prices of securities held. These fluctuations are included with the unrealized gain or loss from investments.

 

In-Kind Redemptions – The Funds intend to redeem shares in cash. However, if the amount an investor is redeeming is over the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of a Fund’s NAV, the Funds have the right to redeem such shares by giving the investor the amount that exceeds the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of a Fund’s NAV in securities instead of cash, which is referred to as a “redemption in-kind.” In the event that a redemption in kind is made, a shareholder may incur additional expenses, such as the payment of brokerage commissions, on the sale or other disposition of the securities received from the Funds.

68

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
March 31, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

During the six months ended March 31, 2023, the following Funds had shares redeemed that included in-kind redemption transactions:

 

   Redemptions In-Kind 
       Value of             
Fund / Class  Shares   Securities   Cash   Total Amount   Realized Gains 
Small-Cap Equity Fund - R6 Shares   2,810,986   $102,288,169   $3,860,531   $106,148,700   $59,975,447 
Small-Cap Growth Fund - R6 Shares   338,486    9,573,761    253,037    9,826,798    2,941,753 
Mid-Cap Value Fund - R6 Shares   1,200,069    31,085,530    913,683    31,999,213    11,290,933 
Unconstrained Equity Fund - R6 Shares   297,673    8,533,074    945,720    9,478,794    1,840,150 
Small-Mid Core Equity Fund - Institutional Shares                    
Micro-Cap Equity Fund - Institutional Shares   2,513    60,729    2,202    62,931    23,032 

 

The Funds recognize a gain on in-kind redemptions to the extent that the value of the distributed securities on the date of redemption exceeds the cost of those securities and recognizes a loss to the extent that the cost of those securities exceeds the value of the distributed securities on the date of redemption. Such net gains are not taxable to the Funds and are not required to be distributed to shareholders. The Funds have reclassified these amounts against paid-in capital on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Such reclassification, the result of permanent differences between the financial statement and income tax reporting requirements, has no effect on the Funds’ net assets or NAV per share.

 

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

 

The Funds may be subject to taxes imposed by countries in which they invest. Such taxes are generally based on income and/or capital gains earned or repatriated. Taxes are accrued and applied to net investment income, net realized gains and unrealized appreciation as such income and/or gains are earned.

69

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
March 31, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

The Funds recognize tax benefits or expenses of uncertain tax positions only when the position is “more likely than not” to be sustained assuming examination by tax authorities. Management of the Funds has reviewed tax positions taken in tax years that remain subject to examination by all major tax jurisdictions, including federal (i.e., the previous three tax year ends and the interim tax period since then, as applicable) and has concluded that no provision for unrecognized tax benefits or expenses is required in these financial statements and does not expect this to change over the next twelve months. The Funds recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense in the Statements of Operations. During the period, the Funds did not incur any interest or penalties.

 

Expenses – Expenses incurred by the Trust that do not relate to a specific fund of the Trust are allocated to the individual funds based on each fund’s relative net assets or another appropriate basis (as determined by the Board). Expenses specifically attributable to any class are borne by that class. Income, realized gains and losses, unrealized appreciation and depreciation, and fund-wide expenses not allocated to a particular class shall be allocated to each class based on the net assets of that class in relation to the net assets of the entire fund.

 

Security Transactions and Related Income – Throughout the reporting period, security transactions are accounted for no later than one business day following the trade date. For financial reporting purposes, security transactions are accounted for on trade date on the last business day of the reporting period. The specific identification method is used for determining gains or losses for financial statements and income tax purposes. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date and interest income is recorded on an accrual basis. Dividend income from real estate investment trusts (REITs) and distributions from limited partnerships are recognized on the ex-date and are included in dividend income. The calendar year-end classification of distributions received from REITs, which may include return of capital, during the fiscal year are reported subsequent to year end; accordingly, the Fund estimates the character of REIT distributions based on the most recent information available. Income or loss from limited partnerships is reclassified among the components of net assets upon receipt of K-1’s. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends, if any, have been recorded for in accordance with the Fund’s understanding of the applicable country’s tax rules and rates.

 

Securities Lending - The Trust has entered into a Securities Lending Agreement (“SLA”) with Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corp. (“Mitsubishi”). Under the terms of the SLA, each Fund may make secured loans of its portfolio securities in an amount not exceeding 33 1/3% of the value of the Fund’s total assets (as permitted by the 1940 Act) to certain broker-dealers and banks in exchange for collateral in the amount of at least 102% of the value of U.S. securities loaned or at least 105% of the value of non-U.S. securities loaned,

70

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
March 31, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

marked to market daily. The collateral can be received in the form of cash collateral and/ or non-cash collateral. Non-cash collateral can include U.S. Government Securities and letters of credit. The cash collateral is invested in the Securities Lending Fund II, LLC, as noted in each lending Fund’s respective Schedule of Investments. Securities Lending Fund II, LLC seeks to maximize current income to the extent consistent with the preservation of capital and liquidity; and to maintain a stable NAV of $1.00. The market value of the loaned securities is determined daily at the close of business of the Funds and any additional required collateral is delivered to each Fund on the next business day. The Funds continue to benefit from interest or dividends on the securities loaned and may also earn a return from the collateral. The Funds pay various fees in connection with the investment of cash collateral. The Funds pay Mitsubishi fees based on the investment income received from securities lending activities. Although risk is mitigated by the collateral, the Funds could experience a delay in recovering its securities and possible loss of income or value if the borrower fails to return them. A Fund does not have the right to vote securities on loan, but could terminate the loan and regain the right to vote if that were considered important with respect to the investment. At March 31, 2023, the Funds did not have any securities on loan.

 

Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities - The Funds are required to disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements to enable users of its financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on its financial position. As there are no master netting arrangements relating to the Funds’ participation in securities lending, and all amounts related to securities lending are presented gross on the Funds’ Statements of Assets and Liabilities, no additional disclosures have been made on behalf of the Funds. Please refer to the Securities Lending Note for additional disclosures related to securities lending, including collateral related to securities on loan.

 

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

71

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
March 31, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 3. SECURITIES VALUATION AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

72

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
March 31, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

In computing the NAV of the Funds, fair value is based on market valuations with respect to portfolio securities for which market quotations are readily available. Pursuant to Board approved policies, the Funds rely on independent third-party pricing services to provide the current market value of securities. Those pricing services value equity securities, including exchange-traded funds, exchange-traded notes, closed-end funds and preferred stocks, traded on a securities exchange at the last reported sales price on the principal exchange. Equity securities quoted by NASDAQ are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price. If there is no reported sale on the principal exchange, equity securities are valued at the mean between the most recent quoted bid and asked price. When using market quotations or close prices provided by the pricing service and when the market is considered active, the security will be classified as a Level 1 security. Investments in open-end mutual funds, including money market mutual funds, are generally priced at the ending NAV provided by the pricing service of the funds and are generally categorized as Level 1 securities.

 

In the event that market quotations are not readily available or are considered unreliable due to market or other events, securities are valued in good faith by the Adviser as “valuation designee” under the oversight of the Board. The Adviser has adopted written policies and procedures for valuing securities and other assets in circumstances where market quotes are not readily available. In the event that market quotes are not readily available, and the security or asset cannot be valued pursuant to one of the valuation methods, the value of the security or asset will be determined in good faith by the Adviser pursuant to its policies and procedures. On a quarterly basis, the Adviser’s fair valuation determinations will be reviewed by the Board. Under these policies, the securities will be classified as Level 2 or 3 within the fair value hierarchy, depending on the inputs used.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Funds’ investments as of March 31, 2023:

 

   Valuation Inputs     
Small-Cap Equity Fund  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Common Stocks(a)  $6,224,898,511   $   $   $6,224,898,511 
Money Market Funds   96,427,505            96,427,505 
Total  $6,321,326,016   $   $   $6,321,326,016 
                     
Small-Cap Growth Fund                    
Common Stocks(a)  $165,992,500   $   $   $165,992,500 
                     
Mid-Cap Value Fund                    
Common Stocks(a)  $410,667,854   $   $   $410,667,854 
                     
Unconstrained Equity Fund                    
Common Stocks(a)  $36,152,326   $   $   $36,152,326 
                     
Small-Mid Core Equity Fund                    
Common Stocks(a)  $36,845,676   $   $   $36,845,676 
                     
Micro-Cap Equity Fund                    
Common Stocks(a)  $16,884,740   $   $   $16,884,740 
Closed End Funds   167,378            167,378 
Total  $17,052,118   $   $   $17,052,118 

 

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

73

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
March 31, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

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

 

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

 

Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement (the “Agreement”), the Adviser manages each Fund’s investments subject to approval of the Board. As compensation for its management services, the Funds are obligated to pay the Adviser a fee computed and accrued daily and paid monthly as follows:

 

                   Small-Mid     
   Small-Cap   Small-Cap   Mid-Cap   Unconstrained   Core Equity   Micro-Cap 
   Equity Fund   Growth Fund   Value Fund   Equity Fund   Fund   Equity Fund 
Investment Adviser fee rate   0.60%   0.85%   0.75%   0.85%   0.80%   1.45%
Investment Adviser fee earned  $17,683,655   $578,512   $1,512,741   $161,028   $60,803   $121,421 
Fees waived and/or expenses reimbursed by Adviser  $   $(106,511)  $(99,130)  $(77,660)  $(53,251)  $(56,979)
Payable to / (Receivable from) Adviser  $3,180,666   $98,263   $244,985   $15,426   $12,928   $11,086 

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse expenses so that total annual operating expenses (excluding (i) interest (other than custodial overdraft fees and expenses associated with the Fund’s participation in an alternative liquidity program), (ii) taxes, (iii) brokerage fees and commissions, (iv) other

74

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
March 31, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business, (v) dividend expense on short sales and (vi) indirect expenses such as acquired fund fees and expenses incurred by the Fund in any fiscal year) do not exceed the following percentages of each Fund’s average daily net assets through January 31, 2024 (“Expense Limitation”):

 

      Institutional  Investor      
   R6 Shares  Shares  Shares  A Shares  C Shares
Small-Cap Equity Fund  0.80%  0.92%  1.25%  1.30%  1.80%
Small-Cap Growth Fund  0.86%  0.96%  1.25%  1.30%  1.80%
Mid-Cap Value Fund  0.75%  0.85%  1.15%  1.20%  1.70%
Unconstrained Equity Fund  0.87%  0.97%  1.30%  1.80%   
Small-Mid Core Equity Fund     0.93%     1.26%   
Micro-Cap Equity Fund     1.40%         

 

Prior to January 27, 2023, the Adviser contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse expenses so that total annual operating expenses (excluding (i) interest (other than custodial overdraft fees and expenses associated with the Fund’s participation in an alternative liquidity program), (ii) taxes, (iii) brokerage fees and commissions, (iv) other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business, (v) dividend expense on short sales and (vi) indirect expenses such as acquired fund fees and expenses incurred by the Fund in any fiscal year) did not exceed 0.99% for the Institutional Shares of the Small-Cap Equity Fund; 0.90% and 0.99% for the R6 Shares and Institutional Shares, respectively of the Small-Cap Growth Fund; 0.80% and 0.90% for the R6 Shares and Institutional Shares, respectively of the Mid-Cap Value Fund; 0.90% and 0.99% for the R6 Shares and Institutional Shares, respectively of the Mid-Cap Value Fund; 0.95% for the Institutional Shares of the Small-Mid Core Equity Fund and 1.45% for the Institutional Shares of the Mid-Cap Equity Fund.

 

During any fiscal year that the Agreement between the Adviser and the Trust is in effect, the Adviser may recoup the sum of all fees previously waived or expenses reimbursed, less any reimbursement previously paid, provided that the Adviser is only permitted to recoup fees or expenses within 36 months from the date the fee waiver or expense reimbursement took effect and provided further that such recoupment can be achieved within the Expense Limitation currently in effect and the Expense Limitation in place when the waiver/ reimbursement occurred. This expense cap agreement may be terminated by the Board at any time.

75

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
March 31, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

As of March 31, 2023, the Adviser may seek repayment of investment advisory fee waivers and expense reimbursements as follows:

 

                   Small-Mid     
Recoverable  Small-Cap   Small-Cap   Mid-Cap   Unconstrained   Core Equity   Micro-Cap 
Through  Equity Fund   Growth Fund   Value Fund   Equity Fund   Fund   Equity Fund 
September 30, 2023  $   $79,822   $54,678   $44,295   $40,790   $43,686 
September 30, 2024       124,546    98,471    86,039    79,695    90,794 
September 30, 2025       217,496    110,343    178,975    96,132    110,062 
March 31, 2026       106,511    99,130    77,660    53,251    56,979 
   $   $528,375   $362,622   $386,969   $269,868   $301,521 

 

The Trust retains Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (the “Administrator”) to provide the Funds with administration, fund accounting and transfer agent services, including all regulatory reporting. Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (“NLCS”), an affiliate of the Administrator, provides a Chief Compliance Officer to the Trust, as well as related compliance services, pursuant to a consulting agreement between NLCS and the Trust.

 

The Board supervises the business activities of the Trust. Each Trustee serves as a Trustee for the lifetime of the Trust or until the earlier of his or her required retirement as a Trustee at age 78 (which may be extended for up to two years in an emeritus non-voting capacity at the pleasure and request of the Board), or until he/she dies, resigns, or is removed, whichever is sooner. “Independent Trustees”, meaning those Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust, as defined in the 1940 Act, as amended, have each received an annual retainer of $1,500 per Fund and $500 per Fund for each quarterly Board meeting. In addition, each Independent Trustee may be compensated for preparation related to and participation in any special meetings of the Board and/or any Committee of the Board, with such compensation determined on a case-by-case basis based on the length and complexity of the meeting. The Trust also reimburses Trustees for out-of-pocket expense incurred in conjunction with attendance at Board meetings.

 

The officers and one trustee of the Trust are employees of the Administrator. Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”) acts as the principal distributor of each Fund’s shares. The Distributor is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Administrator. The Distributor is compensated by the Adviser (not the Funds) for acting as principal underwriter.

 

The Funds have adopted a Distribution Plan (the “12b-1 Plan”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act. The 12b-1 Plan provides that the Funds will pay the Distributor and/or any registered securities dealer, financial institution or any other person (the “Recipient”) a fee of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of each Fund’s Investor Shares and A Shares and 1.00% of the average daily net assets of each Fund’s C Shares in connection with the promotion and distribution of each Fund’s Investor Shares, A Shares and C Shares or the

76

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
March 31, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

provision of personal services to shareholders, including, but not necessarily limited to, advertising, compensation to underwriters, dealers and selling personnel, the printing and mailing of prospectuses to other than current shareholders, the printing and mailing of sales literature and servicing shareholder accounts (“12b-1 Expenses”). Under the 12b-1 Plan, the 1.00% C Share 12b-1 fee includes a 0.25% service fee. Over time, 12b-1 fees will increase the cost of your investment in a Fund’s Investor, A, and C Shares and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges because these fees are paid out of the Fund’s Investor, A, and C Shares on an on-going basis. For the six months ended March 31, 2023, 12b-1 expenses incurred by the Funds were as follows:

 

                   Small-Mid 
   Small-Cap   Small-Cap   Mid-Cap   Unconstrained   Core Equity 
Distribution Fees  Equity Fund   Growth Fund   Value Fund   Equity Fund   Fund 
Investor Shares  $378,328   $5,228   $11,767   $   $ 
A Shares   12,119    553    859    54    52 
C Shares   61,938    4,600    967    135     
Payable for 12b-1 fees   174,770    4,194    7,251    93    50 

 

During the six months ended March 31, 2023, the Distributor retained the following amounts in sales commissions from the sales of A Shares of the Funds:

 

Small-Cap Equity Fund  $3,114 
Small-Cap Growth Fund   458 
Mid-Cap Value Fund   1,121 
Unconstrained Equity Fund   19 

 

During the six months ended March 31, 2023, the Distributor received the following amounts in contingent deferred sales charges related to redemptions of C Shares of the Funds:

 

Small-Cap Equity Fund  $11,535 
Small-Cap Growth Fund   5,845 
Mid-Cap Value Fund   2,625 

 

The Funds have adopted an Administrative Services Plan (the “Plan”) for Institutional Shares, Investor Shares, and A Shares of the Funds. The Plan allows the Funds to pay financial intermediaries that provide services relating to Institutional Shares, Investor Shares, and A Shares. The Plan permits payments for the provision of certain administrative, recordkeeping and other non-distribution related services to Institutional Share, Investor Share and A Share shareholders. The Plan permits the Funds to make service fee payments at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of each Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to its A Shares and up to 0.20% of each Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to its

77

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
March 31, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

Institutional Shares or Investor Shares. Because these fees are paid respectively out of the assets of each Fund’s Institutional Shares, Investor Shares and A Shares on an ongoing basis, over time they will increase the cost of an investment in Institutional Shares, Investor Shares and A Shares.

 

NOTE 5. PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES

 

For the six months ended March 31, 2023, purchases and sales of investment securities, other than short-term investments and in-kind transactions, were as follows:

 

   Purchases   Sales 
Small-Cap Equity Fund  $1,800,974,214   $794,266,754 
Small-Cap Growth Fund   118,307,027    81,897,041 
Mid-Cap Value Fund   140,942,682    6,291,203 
Unconstrained Equity Fund   3,944,674    6,278,267 
Small-Mid Core Equity Fund   33,995,731    4,598,171 
Micro-Cap Equity Fund   10,016,481    7,076,182 

 

There were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. government obligations during the six months ended March 31, 2023.

 

For the six months ended March 31, 2023, in-kind purchases and sales transactions were as follows:

 

   In-Kind Purchases   In-Kind Sales 
Small-Cap Equity Fund  $   $102,288,169 
Small-Cap Growth Fund       9,573,761 
Mid Cap Value Fund       31,085,530 
Unconstrained Equity Fund       8,533,074 
Micro-Cap Equity Fund       54,171 

78

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
March 31, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 6. FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION

 

At March 31, 2023, the net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) and tax cost of investments for tax purposes was as follows:

 

                   Small-Mid     
   Small-Cap   Small-Cap   Mid-Cap Value   Unconstrained   Core Equity   Micro-Cap 
   Equity Fund   Growth Fund   Fund   Equity Fund   Fund   Equity Fund 
Gross unrealized appreciation  $1,330,974,855   $25,818,004   $18,992,296   $3,595,383   $1,856,946   $2,322,842 
Gross unrealized depreciation   (197,327,656)   (2,232,267)   (48,404,570)   (4,103,271)   (1,658,990)   (2,189,160)
Net unrealized appreciation/ (depreciation) on investments  $1,133,647,199   $23,585,737   $(29,412,274)  $(507,888)  $197,956   $133,682 
Tax cost of investments  $5,187,678,817   $142,406,763   $440,080,128   $36,660,214   $36,647,720   $16,918,436 

 

The tax character of distributions paid for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, the Funds’ most recent fiscal year end, were as follows:

 

               Small-Mid     
   Small-Cap   Small-Cap   Mid-Cap Value   Core Equity   Micro-Cap 
   Equity Fund   Growth Fund   Fund   Fund   Equity Fund 
Distributions paid from:                         
Ordinary income(a)  $24,267,177   $13,136,255   $1,758,857   $116,375   $513,046 
Long-term capital gains   202,152,193    4,496,878    1,836,577    152,240    639,510 
Total distributions paid  $226,419,370   $17,633,133   $3,595,434   $268,615   $1,152,556 

 

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

 

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

 

   Small-Cap   Small-Cap   Mid-Cap Value   Unconstrained   Small-Mid Core   Micro-Cap 
   Equity Fund   Growth Fund   Fund   Equity Fund   Equity Fund   Equity Fund 
Undistributed Ordinary Income  $41,035,423   $   $5,797,736   $   $53,125   $ 
Undistributed Long-Term Capital Gains   27,859,740        1,797,476             
Accumulated Capital and Other Losses       (8,896,051)       (907,437)   (21,224)   (387,414)

79

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
March 31, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

   Small-Cap   Small-Cap   Mid-Cap Value   Unconstrained   Small-Mid Core   Micro-Cap 
   Equity Fund   Growth Fund   Fund   Equity Fund   Equity Fund   Equity Fund 
Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Investments(a)   398,985,488    (9,044,864)   (25,700,304)   (7,455,971)   (919,684)   (2,920,819)
Total Accumulated Earnings (Deficits)  $467,880,651   $(17,940,915)  $(18,105,092)  $(8,363,408)  $(887,783)  $(3,308,233)

 

 

(a)The difference between book basis and tax basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is primarily attributable to the tax deferral of wash losses and return of capital adjustments.

 

As of September 30, 2022, the Small-Mid Core Equity Fund had short-term net capital loss carryforwards which are available to offset future net capital gains of $21,224.

 

Certain qualified losses incurred after October 31, and within the current taxable year, are deemed to arise on the first business day of the Funds following taxable year. For the tax year ended September 30, 2022, the Small-Cap Growth Fund, Unconstrained Equity Fund and the Micro-Cap Equity Fund deferred post October qualified losses in the amount of $8,361,642, $907,437, and $301,136, respectively.

 

Under current tax law, net investment losses after December 31 and capital losses realized after October 31 of the Funds fiscal year may be deferred and treated as occurring on the first business day of the following fiscal year for tax purposes. The Small-Cap Growth Fund and the Micro-Cap Equity Fund had a Qualified Late Year Ordinary Loss in the amount of $534,409 and $86,278, respectively.

 

NOTE 7. SECTOR RISK

 

If a Fund has significant investments in the securities of issuers within a particular sector, any development affecting that sector will have a greater impact on the value of the net assets of the Fund than would be the case if the Fund did not have significant investments in that sector. In addition, this may increase the risk of loss in the Fund and increase the volatility of the Fund’s NAV per share. For instance, economic or market factors, regulatory changes or other developments may negatively impact all companies in a particular sector, and therefore the value of the Fund’s portfolio will be adversely affected. As of March 31, 2023, Small-Cap Growth Fund had 35.29% of the value of its net assets invested in securities within the Technology sector and Micro-Cap Equity Fund had 25.38% invested in the Consumer Discretionary sector.

80

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
March 31, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its Officers and Trustees are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Funds. In addition, in the normal course of business, the Funds entered into contracts with its service providers, on behalf of the Funds, and others that provide for general indemnifications. The Funds’ maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Funds. The Funds expect the risk of loss to be remote, however, there can be no assurance that such obligations will not result in material liabilities that adversely affect the Funds.

 

NOTE 9. REFLOW LIQUIDITY PROGRAM

 

The Funds may participate in the ReFlow Fund, LLC (“ReFlow”) liquidity program, which is designed to provide an alternative liquidity source for mutual funds experiencing redemptions of their shares. In order to pay cash to shareholders who redeem their shares on a given day, a mutual fund typically must hold cash in its portfolio, liquidate portfolio securities, or borrow money, all of which impose certain costs on a fund. ReFlow provides participating mutual funds with another source of cash by standing ready to purchase shares from a fund equal to the amount of each fund’s net redemptions on a given day. ReFlow will purchase shares of a Fund at net asset value and will not be subject to any investment minimum applicable to such shares. ReFlow is prohibited from acquiring more than 3% of the outstanding voting securities of each Fund. ReFlow will periodically redeem its entire share position in a Fund. For use of the ReFlow service, each Fund will pay a fee to ReFlow at a rate determined by a daily auction with other participating mutual funds.

 

During the six months ended March 31, 2023, the following Funds utilized ReFlow:

 

   ReFlow Purchased Shares   ReFlow Service Fees 
Small-Cap Equity Fund   2,950,007   $212,711 
Small-Cap Growth Fund   302,857    24,560 
Mid-Cap Value Fund   1,233,409    18,647 
Unconstrained Equity Fund   176,040    10,467 
Small-Mid Core Equity Fund        
Micro-Cap Equity Fund   2,754    236 

 

NOTE 10. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

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

81

 

Liquidity Risk Management Program (Unaudited)

 

The Trust has adopted and implemented a written liquidity risk management program (the “Program”) as required by Rule 22e-4 (the “Liquidity Rule”) under the 1940 Act. The Program applies to each individual series of the Trust. 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. The Board approved the appointment of the Liquidity Administrator Committee, comprising certain Trust officers and employees of the Adviser. The Liquidity Administrator Committee maintains Program oversight and reports to the Board on at least an annual basis regarding the Program’s operational effectiveness through a written report (the “Report”). The Report outlined the operation of the Program and the adequacy and effectiveness of the Program’s implementation and was presented to the Board for consideration at its meeting held on December 7 and 8, 2022. During the review period, the Funds did not experience unusual stress or disruption to its operations related to purchase and redemption activity. Also, during the review period the Funds held adequate levels of cash and highly liquid investments to meet shareholder redemption activities in accordance with applicable requirements. The Report concluded that the Program is reasonably designed to prevent violation of the Liquidity Rule and has been effectively implemented.

82

 

Summary of Fund Expenses (Unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of a Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in each Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other funds. Each Fund’s example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from October 1, 2022 through March 31, 2023.

 

Actual Expenses

 

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

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

 

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

 

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

 

      Beginning  Ending      
      Account  Account  Expenses   
      Value  Value  Paid  Annualized
      October 1,  March 31,  During  Expense
      2022  2023  Period(a)  Ratio
Small-Cap Equity Fund            
R6 Shares  Actual  $1,000.00  $1,161.20  $     3.46  0.64%
   Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00  $1,021.73  $     3.24  0.64%
Institutional Shares  Actual  $1,000.00  $1,160.60  $     3.97  0.74%
   Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00  $1,021.26  $     3.71  0.74%
Investor Shares  Actual  $1,000.00  $1,158.80  $     5.55  1.03%
   Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00  $1,019.79  $     5.19  1.03%
A Shares  Actual  $1,000.00  $1,158.90  $     5.52  1.02%
   Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00  $1,019.82  $     5.16  1.02%
C Shares  Actual  $1,000.00  $1,155.30  $     8.82  1.64%
   Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00  $1,016.74  $     8.26  1.64%

83

 

Summary of Fund Expenses (Unaudited) (continued)

 

      Beginning  Ending      
      Account  Account  Expenses   
      Value  Value  Paid  Annualized
      October 1,  March 31,  During  Expense
      2022  2023  Period(a)  Ratio
Small-Cap Growth Fund            
R6 Shares  Actual  $1,000.00  $1,175.80  $     4.83  0.89%
   Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00  $1,020.50  $     4.48  0.89%
Institutional Shares  Actual  $1,000.00  $1,175.60  $     5.30  0.98%
   Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00  $1,020.06  $     4.92  0.98%
Investor Shares  Actual  $1,000.00  $1,173.90  $     6.77  1.25%
   Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00  $1,018.70  $     6.29  1.25%
A Shares  Actual  $1,000.00  $1,173.90  $     7.04  1.30%
   Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00  $1,018.45  $     6.54  1.30%
C Shares  Actual  $1,000.00  $1,170.50  $     9.74  1.80%
   Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00  $1,015.96  $     9.05  1.80%
Mid-Cap Value Fund               
R6 Shares  Actual  $1,000.00  $1,064.40  $     4.02  0.78%
   Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00  $1,021.03  $     3.94  0.78%
Institutional Shares  Actual  $1,000.00  $1,063.70  $     4.52  0.88%
   Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00  $1,020.55  $     4.43  0.88%
Investor Shares  Actual  $1,000.00  $1,062.60  $     5.91  1.15%
   Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00  $1,019.20  $     5.79  1.15%
A Shares  Actual  $1,000.00  $1,062.60  $     5.94  1.15%
   Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00  $1,019.17  $     5.81  1.15%
C Shares  Actual  $1,000.00  $1,059.40  $     8.73  1.70%
   Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00  $1,016.46  $     8.55  1.70%
Unconstrained Equity Fund            
R6 Shares  Actual  $1,000.00  $1,179.40  $     4.83  0.89%
   Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00  $1,020.50  $     4.48  0.89%
Institutional Shares  Actual  $1,000.00  $1,179.20  $     5.34  0.98%
   Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00  $1,020.03  $     4.95  0.98%
A Shares  Actual  $1,000.00  $1,178.10  $     7.06  1.30%
   Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00  $1,018.45  $     6.54  1.30%
C Shares  Actual  $1,000.00  $1,176.90  $     9.77  1.80%
   Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00  $1,015.96  $     9.05  1.80%
Small-Mid Core Equity Fund            
Institutional Shares  Actual  $1,000.00  $1,193.70  $     5.12  0.94%
   Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00  $1,020.26  $     4.72  0.94%
A Shares  Actual  $1,000.00  $1,191.90  $     6.88  1.26%
   Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00  $1,018.65  $     6.34  1.26%

84

 

Summary of Fund Expenses (Unaudited) (continued)

 

      Beginning  Ending      
      Account  Account  Expenses   
      Value  Value  Paid  Annualized
      October 1,  March 31,  During  Expense
      2022  2023  Period(a)  Ratio
Micro-Cap Equity Fund            
Institutional Shares  Actual  $1,000.00  $1,071.50  $     7.39  1.43%
   Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00  $1,017.80  $     7.20  1.43%

 

(a)Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

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

85

 

Investment Advisory Agreement Approval (Unaudited)

 

At a quarterly meeting of the Board of Trustees of Capitol Series Trust (“Trust”) conducted on December 7 and 8, 2022 (the “Meeting”), the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”), including all of the Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”), as that term is defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), considered and approved the continuation of the Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Current Investment Advisory Agreement”) between the Trust and Fuller & Thaler Asset Management, Inc. (“Fuller & Thaler” or the “Adviser”) as it relates to the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund (the “Small-Cap Equity Fund”), the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund (the “Small-Cap Growth Fund”), the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund (the “Mid-Cap Value Fund”), the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund (the “Unconstrained Equity Fund”), the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund (the “Small-Mid Core Equity Fund”), and the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund (the “Micro-Cap Fund”). In addition, at the Meeting the Trust’s Board considered and approved a new Investment Advisory Agreement (the “New Investment Advisory Agreement”, and together with the Current Investment Advisory Agreement, the “Investment Advisory Agreement”) between the Trust and Fuller & Thaler with regard to its new series, the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Equity Fund (the “Mid-Cap Equity Fund” and collectively, the Funds are referred to herein as, the “Fuller & Thaler Funds”).

 

Prior to the Meeting, the Trustees received and considered information from Fuller & Thaler and the Trust’s administrator designed to provide the Trustees with the information necessary to evaluate the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Fuller & Thaler as it relates to each Fuller & Thaler Fund. The Trustees also received and considered information including, but not limited to, Fuller & Thaler’s combined responses to counsel’s due diligence letter and Fuller & Thaler’s supplemental responses to counsel’s supplemental requests. Counsel’s due diligence letter and supplemental requests each requested information relevant to the renewal or approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement as it relates to each of the Fuller & Thaler Funds. The Trustees also received and considered information concerning an Expense Limitation Agreement to become effective January 27, 2023, whereby Fuller & Thaler has contractually committed to reduce its management fees and, if necessary, reimburse each Fuller & Thaler Fund’s operating expenses through January 31, 2024, as specified in the Expense Limitation Agreement. The Trustees also received and considered benchmark performance comparison data and Morningstar peer group category and custom peer group expense and performance data previously compiled by Broadridge for comparative purposes relative to each Fuller & Thaler Fund (the “Support Materials”).

 

The Trustees reviewed the Support Materials at various times with Fuller & Thaler, Trust management, and counsel to the Independent Trustees. Representatives of Fuller & Thaler met with the Trustees and provided additional relevant information, including but not limited to information relating to: the services Fuller & Thaler currently provides to the Fuller & Thaler Funds; Fuller & Thaler’s investment philosophy; Fuller & Thaler’s distribution and marketing efforts on behalf of the Fuller & Thaler Funds; the Adviser’s ownership structure and future plans with regard to its ownership structure; the Adviser’s financial statements, including information related to its profitability and balance sheets; historical and projected profitability of the Fuller & Thaler Funds, including Fuller & Thaler’s overhead allocation methodology; resources available to service the Fuller & Thaler Funds, including compliance resources; other benefits that Fuller & Thaler derives from its relationship with the Fuller & Thaler Funds; and Fuller & Thaler’s disaster recovery plan. In its considerations, the Board noted the completeness of the Support Materials that Fuller & Thaler had provided, as well as

86

 

Investment Advisory Agreement Approval (Unaudited) (continued)

 

the discussions that had occurred with representatives of Fuller & Thaler at various times, including during the Meeting. This information, together with the information provided to and reviewed by the Board throughout the course of the year and since the inception of each of the Fuller & Thaler Funds, formed the primary, but not exclusive, basis for the Board’s determinations.

 

Before voting to renew the Current Investment Advisory Agreement and approve the New Investment Advisory Agreement, the Trustees reviewed the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement as it relates to each Fuller & Thaler Fund and the Support Materials with Trust management and with counsel to the Independent Trustees. The Trustees received and discussed a memorandum from such counsel delineating the legal standards governing their consideration of the approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement and describing each Trustee’s duty of care and duty of loyalty obligations to shareholders application and the section application of fiduciary duty standards imposed by Section 36(b) of the 1940 Act, which memorandum described the various factors that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and U.S. Courts over the years have suggested would be appropriate for trustee consideration, including the factors outlined in Gartenberg v. Merrill Lynch Asset Management Inc., 694 F.2d 923, 928 (2d Cir. 1982); cert. denied sub. nom. and Andre v. Merrill Lynch Ready Assets Trust, Inc., 461 U.S. 906 (1983).

 

In determining whether to renew or approve the Investment Advisory Agreement with respect to each of the Fuller & Thaler Funds, the Trustees considered all factors they believed relevant, including the following: (1) the nature, extent, and quality of the services provided by Fuller & Thaler with respect to the Fuller & Thaler Funds; (2) the cost of the services provided and the profits realized by Fuller & Thaler from services rendered to the Trust with respect to the Fuller & Thaler Funds, both individually and collectively; (3) comparative fee and expense data for each of the Fuller & Thaler Funds and other investment companies with similar investment objectives; (4) the extent to which economies of scale may be realized as each Fund grows, and whether the advisory fees for each Fund reflects such economies of scale for each Fund’s benefit; and (5) other financial benefits to Fuller & Thaler resulting from services that it renders to the Fuller & Thaler Funds. In their deliberations, the Trustees did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling.

 

After having received and reviewed the Support Materials, as well as quarterly investment performance, compliance, operating, and distribution reports from Fuller & Thaler for the Fuller & Thaler Funds since each Fund’s inception, the Trustees determined that they had all of the information they deemed reasonably necessary to make an informed decision about the renewal of the Current Investment Advisory Agreement and the approval of the New Investment Advisory Agreement. The Trustees discussed the facts and factors relevant to their consideration and approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement as it relates to each Fuller & Thaler Fund, which incorporated and reflected their knowledge of Fuller & Thaler’s ongoing services to the Fuller & Thaler Funds. The Trustees noted the inclusion of fee and performance comparisons of each Fuller & Thaler Fund to such Fund’s respective Morningstar peer group category, as well as a custom peer group comparison created by Broadridge. Taking such information into account, including the Trustees’ discussions with representatives of Fuller & Thaler at the Meeting as well as the Board’s review of the Support Materials provided in connection with the approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Board concluded that the overall arrangements between the Trust and Fuller & Thaler with respect to each Fuller & Thaler Fund, as set forth in the Investment Advisory Agreement, are fair and reasonable in light of the services Fuller & Thaler performs, the investment advisory fees that each Fuller & Thaler

87

 

Investment Advisory Agreement Approval (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Fund pays, the proposed advisory fee to be paid by the Mid-Cap Equity Fund, and such other matters as the Trustees considered relevant in the exercise of their reasonable judgment. The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis of the Trustees’ determination to approve the continuation of the Current Investment Advisory Agreement for an additional one-year term and approve the New Investment Advisory Agreement with regard to the Mid-Cap Equity Fund for an initial two-year period are summarized below.

 

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided. The Trustees considered the scope of services that Fuller & Thaler provides under the Investment Advisory Agreement, noting that such services include but are not limited to the following: (1) investing each Fund’s assets consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and investment policies; (2) determining the portfolio securities to be purchased, sold or otherwise disposed of and the timing of such transactions; (3) voting all proxies with respect to each Fund’s portfolio securities; (4) maintaining the required books and records for transactions that Fuller & Thaler affects on behalf of each Fund; and (5) selecting broker-dealers to execute orders on behalf of each Fund. The Trustees noted no changes to the services that Fuller & Thaler currently provides to the Fuller & Thaler Funds under the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement. The Trustees considered Fuller & Thaler’s capitalization and its assets under management. The Trustees further considered the investment philosophy and experience of each Fund’s portfolio management team, including the firm’s expertise in behavioral finance and proprietary behavioral finance model which is a key component of each Fund’s investment strategy. In addition, the Trustees noted the compliance services, marketing, distribution and client relationship services that Fuller & Thaler provides on behalf of the Funds. The Trustees compared the Fuller & Thaler Funds’ performance to each Fund’s benchmark index, Morningstar peer group category and custom peer group created by Broadridge. It was noted that while the Board reviewed Morningstar peer group and benchmark performance data compared to all of the applicable share classes offered by each respective Fund, the comparison of each Fund’s Institutional Shares to the Fund’s respective benchmark index, Morningstar peer group category and custom peer group is discussed herein for consistency of presentation and because the Institutional Share Class represents the largest share class and has the longest performance history for each Fund. The Trustees considered that, for the periods indicated:

 

The Small-Cap Equity Fund outperformed its benchmark index, the Russell 2000, for the one-, three-, five-, and ten-year and since inception (9/8/2011) periods ended September 30, 2022. The Small-Cap Equity Fund also outperformed the median performance of its Morningstar category, Small Blend, as well as the median performance of its custom Broadridge peer group, for the one-, three- and five-year and since inception periods ended September 30, 2022.

 

The Small-Cap Growth Fund outperformed its benchmark index, the Russell 2000 Growth, for the one- and three-year and since-inception (12/21/2017) periods ended September 30, 2022. The Small-Cap Growth Fund outperformed the Morningstar category median, Small Growth, but slightly trailed the Peer Group median for the one-year period ended September 30, 2022. The Small-Cap Growth Fund outperformed the category median and the custom peer group median for the three-year and since inception periods ended August 31, 2022.

 

The Mid-Cap Value Fund outperformed its benchmark index, the Russell Mid-Cap Value, for the one- and three-year, and since inception (12/21/2017) periods ended September 30, 2022. The Mid-Cap Value Fund also outperformed the median performance of both its Morningstar

88

 

Investment Advisory Agreement Approval (Unaudited) (continued)

 

category, Mid-Cap Value, and its custom Broadridge peer group for the same time periods.

 

The Unconstrained Equity Fund underperformed its benchmark index, the Russell 3000, for the one- and three-year and since inception (12/26/2018) periods ended September 30, 2022. The Unconstrained Equity Fund trailed its Morningstar Category median, the Mid-Cap Blend, and the custom peer group median for the one- and three-year periods ended September 30, 2022. However, the Fund outperformed the medians of both the Morningstar category and custom peer group for the since inception period.

 

The Micro-Cap Fund underperformed its benchmark index, the Russell Microcap, for the one- and three-year and since inception (12/28/2018) periods ended September 30, 2022. The Micro-Cap Fund also underperformed relative to the medians of its Morningstar category, Small Blend, and to its custom peer group for the one- and three-year and since inception periods ended September 30, 2022.

 

The Small-Mid Core Equity Fund underperformed its benchmark index, the Russell 2500, for the one-year period, but outperformed the benchmark index for the three-year and since inception (12/26/2018) periods ended September 30, 2022. The Small-Mid Core Equity Fund underperformed the median of both its Morningstar category, Mid-Cap Blend, and custom peer group for the one-year period, but outperformed the Morningstar category median and the custom peer group median for the three-year and since-inception periods ended September 30, 2022.

 

With respect to the Mid-Cap Equity Fund, the Trustees noted that a performance composite for the strategy was not available due to the newness of the strategy. The Board noted that Fuller & Thaler uses the same behavioral finance investment strategy irrespective of the capitalization of the securities being purchased.

 

Finally, the Trustees took notice of the growth of assets in the Fuller & Thaler Funds and the growth of the firm overall. Taking these factors into account, the Trustees concluded that they are satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services that Fuller & Thaler currently provides to the Fuller & Thaler Funds, and the services contemplated for the Mid-Cap Equity Fund, under the Investment Advisory Agreement.

 

Cost of Advisory Services and Profitability. The Trustees considered the annual management fee that each Fuller & Thaler Fund pays to Fuller & Thaler under the Current Investment Advisory Agreement. The Trustees also considered the proposed annual management fee to be paid to Fuller & Thaler by the Mid-Cap Equity Fund. The Trustees considered Fuller & Thaler’s profitability from the services rendered to each of the Fuller & Thaler Funds. The Trustees further considered Fuller & Thaler’s commitment to contractually reduce its management fees and, if necessary, reimburse each Fuller & Thaler Fund’s operating expenses through January 31, 2024, as specified in the Expense Limitation Agreement presented in the Board Materials. Lastly, the Trustees noted that Fuller & Thaler subsidizes the costs of distribution services rendered to the Fuller & Thaler Funds in excess of amounts accrued and payable pursuant to the Funds’ Rule 12b-1 Distribution Plan.

 

Comparative Fee and Expense Data. The Trustees noted that:

 

The Small-Cap Equity Fund’s contractual management fee of 0.60% was lower than the

89

 

Investment Advisory Agreement Approval (Unaudited) (continued)

 

averages and medians of its Morningstar category and custom peer group. Further, the Small-Cap Equity Fund’s net and gross total expense ratios of 0.74% for its Institutional Class Shares (which are the same because this Fund’s annualized operating expense ratio is lower than the expense ratio cap in its operating expense limitation agreement) was lower than the average and median of the net and gross total expense ratios for its Morningstar category and custom peer group.

 

The Small-Cap Growth Fund’s contractual management fee of 0.85% was higher than the Morningstar category median and average and equal to the custom peer group median and average. Further, the Small-Cap Growth Fund’s net total expense ratio of 0.99% for its Institutional Class Shares was slightly higher than median and average of its Morningstar category, and lower than the custom peer group median and average. The Small-Cap Growth Fund’s gross total expense ratio of 1.14% for its Institutional Class was lower than both average and median of the custom peer group, and was lower than the Morningstar category average but higher than the category median. The Board noted a substantial reduction in the Fund’s gross operating expenses. The Board noted that shareholders were currently only impacted by the net expense ratio due to the Adviser’s commitment to its expense limitation agreement. The Board also noted that the Small-Cap Growth Fund’s net assets were, in general, lower than many of the funds to which it was compared in its Morningstar category and higher than the average and median net assets of the custom peer group.

 

The Mid-Cap Value Fund’s contractual management fee of 0.75% was equal to the custom peer group median, higher than the peer group average, and higher than both the Morningstar category median and average. Further, the Mid-Cap Value Fund’s net total expense ratio 0.90% for its Institutional Class Shares was equal to custom peer group median, slightly higher than the peer group average, and also higher than both the Morningstar category median and average. The Mid-Cap Value Fund’s gross total expense ratio of its Institutional Class Shares was equal to the custom peer group median and lower than the peer group average, and was higher than the Morningstar category median and lower than the category average. The Board noted that the Mid-Cap Value Fund’s shareholders were currently only impacted by the net expense ratio due to the Adviser’s commitment to its expense limitation agreement. The Board also noted that the Mid-Cap Value Fund’s net assets were, in general, lower than many of the funds to which it was compared in its Morningstar category and consistent with the median and average net assets of its custom peer group.

 

The Unconstrained Equity Fund’s contractual management fee of 0.85% was equal to the custom peer group median and average, and higher than the Morningstar category average and median contractual management fee. Further, the Unconstrained Fund’s net total expense ratio of 0.99% for its Institutional Class Shares was lower than the custom peer group average and higher than the peer group median, and was higher than both the average and median of the Morningstar category. The Unconstrained Fund’s gross total expense ratio of its Institutional Class Shares of 1.31% was lower than the custom peer group average and higher than the median peer group average, and was lower than the Morningstar category average and higher than the category median. The Board noted that the Unconstrained Equity Fund’s shareholders were currently only impacted by the net expense ratio due to the Adviser’s commitment to its expense limitation agreement. The Board also noted that the Fuller & Thaler Unconstrained

90

 

Investment Advisory Agreement Approval (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Equity Fund’s net assets were, in general, lower than many of the funds to which it was compared in both the Morningstar category and the custom peer group.

 

The Micro-Cap Fund’s contractual management fee of 1.45% was higher than the Morningstar category median and average, and equal to the custom peer group median and average. Further, the Micro-Cap Fund’s net total expense ratio of 1.45% for its Institutional Class Shares was higher than the Morningstar category median and average and the custom peer group median and average. The Micro-Cap Fund’s gross total expense ratio of 2.17% for its Institutional Class Shares was higher than the Morningstar category median and lower than the category average and was higher than both the average and median of the custom peer group. The Board noted that the Micro-Cap Fund’s shareholders were currently only impacted by the net expense ratio due to the Adviser’s commitment to its expense limitation agreement. However, the Board noted the distinct differences in the Micro-Cap Fund’s strategy compared to other funds in its Morningstar category of Small Blend and its custom peer group. The Board also considered the comparatively small net assets of the Micro-Cap Fund in comparison to its Morningstar category and custom peer group.

 

The Small-Mid Core Equity Fund’s contractual management fee of 0.80% was equal to the custom peer group median and average, and higher than the Morningstar category median and average. Further, the Small-Mid Core Equity Fund’s net total expense ratio of 0.95% of its Institutional Class Shares was lower than the custom peer group average and higher than the peer group median, and higher than the Morningstar category median and average. The Small-Mid Core Equity Fund’s gross total expense ratio of its Institutional Class Shares was higher than the custom peer group median and average and the Morningstar category median and average. The Board noted that the Small-Mid Core Equity Fund’s shareholders were currently only impacted by the net expense ratio due to the Adviser’s commitment to its expense limitation agreement. The Board also noted that the Small-Mid Core Equity Fund’s net assets were, in general, lower than many of the funds to which it was compared in both the Morningstar category and custom peer group.

 

The Mid-Cap Equity Fund’s proposed contractual management fee of 0.75% was equal to both the Morningstar category, Mid-Cap Blend, median and the custom peer group median and higher than both the category average and custom peer group average. The Mid-Cap Equity Fund’s net total expense ratio for Institutional Class Shares of 0.88%, as stated in the expense limitation agreement, is lower than the custom peer group average and median net total expense ratio, higher than the Morningstar category and lower than the category average.

 

In assessing the reasonableness of fees and expenses for each of the Funds, the Trustees further considered the fees paid by Fuller & Thaler’s separately managed accounts and sub-advisory relationships to other accounts with similar investment objectives and strategies to that of each Fuller & Thaler Fund, noting the differences in the services provided to those accounts compared to the services provided to each Fuller & Thaler Fund. In particular, they also noted that Fuller & Thaler has additional responsibilities with respect to each the Fuller & Thaler Funds, including compliance, reporting and operational responsibilities. While recognizing that it is difficult to compare advisory fees because the scope of advisory services provided may vary from one investment adviser to another, or from one investment product to the other, the Trustees concluded that the advisory fee charged to each of respective Fuller & Thaler Fund is reasonable.

91

 

Investment Advisory Agreement Approval (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Morningstar Ranking. The Trustees noted the overall Morningstar ranking for each of the Fuller & Thaler Funds as presented in the Supporting Materials. Morningstar fund ratings are a purely quantitative, backward-looking measure of a fund’s past performance, measured from one to five stars. Star ratings are calculated at the end of every month. The overall star rating for each fund is based on a weighted average (rounded to the nearest integer) of the number of stars assigned to it in the three-, five-, and 10-year rating periods. The Trustees observed that for the period ended September 30, 2022 the Funds had the following overall Morningstar rating: the Small-Cap Equity Fund was rated five stars, the Small-Cap Growth Fund was rated five stars, the Mid-Cap Value Fund was rated four stars, the Unconstrained Equity Fund was rated three stars, the Small-Mid Core Equity Fund was rated three stars, and the Micro-Cap Equity Fund was rated one star.

 

Economies of Scale. The Trustees considered whether the Fuller & Thaler Funds may benefit from any economies of scale. The Trustees noted that given the very low management fee of the Fuller & Thaler Small-Cap Equity Fund, fee breakpoints would not be necessary or appropriate at the current time. They additionally noted while the Fund has realized some economies of scale with regard to certain fees and expenses that it bears, the Trustees did not find that any material economies currently exist with respect to the advisory services that Fuller & Thaler provides that would warrant the imposition of breakpoints. The Trustees also noted that it was not necessary or appropriate to implement fee breakpoints with regard to the management fees of the other Fuller & Thaler Funds. With respect to the other Fuller & Thaler Funds, the Trustees considered that an increase in assets would most likely not decrease the level of advisory services that Fuller & Thaler would need to provide to the Funds at the present time. The Trustees concluded that the other Fuller & Thaler Funds are not likely to benefit from any economies of scale at this time.

 

Other Benefits. The Trustees considered the extent to which Fuller & Thaler utilizes soft dollar arrangements with respect to portfolio transactions, and noted that Fuller & Thaler does utilize soft dollar arrangements consistent with the Section 28(e) safe harbor in connection with the execution of client transactions. They also noted however, that affiliated brokers will not be utilized to execute the portfolio transactions of the Fuller & Thaler Funds. The Trustees concluded that, all things considered, Fuller & Thaler will not receive material additional financial benefits from services rendered to the Fuller & Thaler Funds.

92

 

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

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

 

■     Social Security number

 

■     account balances and account transactions

 

■     transaction or loss history and purchase history

 

■     checking account information and wire transfer instructions

 

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

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

  

Reasons we can share your personal information Do the Funds share?
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
For our marketing purposes—
to offer our products and services to you
No
For joint marketing with other financial companies No
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes—
information about your transactions and experiences
No
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes—
information about your creditworthiness
No
For nonaffiliates to market to you No

 

Questions? Call (888) 912-4562

93

 

Who we are
Who is providing this notice? Fuller & Thaler Funds
Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC (Distributor)
Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (Administrator)
What we do
How do the Funds protect my personal information? To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings. Our service providers are held accountable for adhering to strict policies and procedures to prevent any misuse of your nonpublic personal information.
How do the Funds collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

 

■     open an account or deposit money

 

■     buy securities from us or sell securities to us

 

■     make deposits or withdrawals from your account

 

■     give us your account information

 

■     make a wire transfer

 

■     tell us who receives the money

 

■     tell us where to send the money

 

■     show your government-issued ID

 

■     show your driver’s license

 

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.

 

■     Fuller & Thaler Asset Management, Inc., the investment adviser to the Fund, could be deemed to be an affiliate.

Nonaffiliates

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

 

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

Joint marketing

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

 

■     The Fuller & Thaler Funds do not jointly market.

94

 

PROXY VOTING

 

A description of the policies and procedures that each Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities and information regarding how each Fund voted those proxies during the most recent twelve month period ended June 30, are available (1) without charge upon request by calling the Funds at (888) 912-4562 and (2) in Fund documents filed with the SEC on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

TRUSTEES INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC
Walter B. Grimm, Chairman ACCOUNTING FIRM
David James Ernst & Young LLP
Lori Kaiser 221 East 4th Street, Suite 2900
Janet Smith Meeks Cincinnati, OH 45202
Mary Madick  
   
OFFICERS LEGAL COUNSEL
Matthew J. Miller, Chief Executive Officer and President Practus, LLP
Zachary P. Richmond, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer 11300 Tomahawk Creek Parkway, Suite 310
Martin R. Dean, Chief Compliance Officer Leawood, KS 66211
Paul F. Leone, Secretary  
   
INVESTMENT ADVISER CUSTODIAN
Fuller & Thaler Asset Management, Inc. Huntington National Bank
411 Borel Avenue, Suite 300 41 South High Street
San Mateo, CA 94402 Columbus, OH 43215
   
DISTRIBUTOR ADMINISTRATOR, TRANSFER AGENT
Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC AND FUND ACCOUNTANT
225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450 Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC
Cincinnati, OH 45246 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450
  Cincinnati, OH 45246

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Distributed by Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fuller-SAR-23

 

 
 
 
 
 
(GUARDIAN CAPITAL LOGO)
 
 
 
 
 
Guardian Capital Dividend Growth Fund
 
Institutional Shares – DIVGX
 
 
 
 
 
Guardian Capital Fundamental Global Equity Fund
 
Institutional Shares – GFGEX
 
 
 
 
 
Alta Quality Growth Fund
 
Institutional Shares – AQLGX
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Semi-Annual Report
 
March 31, 2023
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

Investment Results (Unaudited)

 

Average Annual Total Returns(a) as of March 31, 2023

 

        Since
  Six One   Inception
  Months Year Three Year 5/1/2019
Guardian Capital Dividend Growth Fund        
Institutional Shares 15.38% -6.04% 13.90% 8.39%
MSCI World Index(b) 18.25% -7.02% 16.40% 8.37%
         
        Expense
        Ratios(c)
        Institutional
        Shares
Gross       1.67%
With Applicable Waivers       0.95%

 

The performance quoted represents past performance, which does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The returns shown do not reflect deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Guardian Capital Dividend Growth Fund (the “Guardian Dividend Fund”) distributions or the redemption of Guardian Dividend Fund shares. Current performance of the Guardian Dividend Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. The Guardian Dividend Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. Performance data current to the most recent month end may be obtained by calling (800) 957-0681.

 

(a)Return figures reflect any change in price per share and assume the reinvestment of all distributions. The Fund’s returns reflect any fee reductions during the applicable periods. If such fee reductions had not occurred, the quoted performance would have been lower. Total returns for less than one year are not annualized.

 

(b)The MSCI World Index is an unmanaged free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure global developed market equity performance. Currently the MSCI World Index consists of the following 23 developed market country indices: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. The performance of the index is expressed in terms of U.S. dollars, and does not reflect the deduction of fees or taxes with a mutual fund, such as investment management and fund accounting fees. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index; however, an individual can invest in exchange traded funds or other investment vehicles that attempt to track the performance of a benchmark index.

 

(c)The expense ratio is from the Guardian Dividend Fund’s prospectus dated January 27, 2023. Guardian Capital LP, the Guardian Dividend Fund’s adviser (the “Adviser”), has contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse expenses so that total annual operating expenses for the Guardian Dividend Fund (excluding (i) interest; (ii) taxes; (iii) brokerage fees and commissions; (iv) other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Guardian Dividend Fund’s business; (v) dividend expense on short sales; and (vi) indirect expenses such as acquired fund fees and expenses) do not exceed 0.95% of the Guardian Dividend Fund’s average daily net assets through January 31, 2024 (the “Expense Limitation”). During any fiscal year that the

1

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Investment Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and the Capitol Series Trust (the “Trust”) is in effect, the Adviser may recoup the sum of all fees previously waived or expenses reimbursed, less any reimbursement previously paid, provided that the Adviser is only permitted to recoup fees or expenses within 36 months from the date the fee waiver or expense reimbursement first occurred and provided further that such recoupment can be achieved within the Expense Limitation Agreement currently in effect and the Expense Limitation Agreement in place when the waiver/reimbursement occurred. This Expense Limitation Agreement may be terminated by the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) at any time. The Expense Limitation Agreement terminates automatically upon the termination of the Investment Advisory Agreement with the Adviser. Additional information pertaining to the Guardian Dividend Fund’s expense ratios as of March 31, 2023, can be found in the financial highlights.

 

The Guardian Dividend Fund’s investment objectives, strategies, risks, charges and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other important information about the Guardian Dividend Fund and may be obtained by calling (800) 957-0681. Please read it carefully before investing.

 

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

2

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Average Annual Total Returns(a) as of March 31, 2023

 

        Since
  Six One Three Inception
  Months Year Year (12/19/2019)
Guardian Capital Fundamental Global Equity Fund        
Institutional Shares 26.61% -0.56% 14.80% 7.99%
MSCI World Index(b) 18.25% -7.02% 16.40% 7.17%
         
        Expense
        Ratios(c)
        Institutional
        Shares
Gross       1.51%
With Applicable Waivers       0.99%

 

The performance quoted represents past performance, which does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The returns shown do not reflect deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Guardian Capital Fundamental Global Equity Fund (“Guardian Equity Fund”) distributions or the redemption of Guardian Equity Fund shares. Current performance of the Guardian Equity Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. The Guardian Equity Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. Performance data current to the most recent month end may be obtained by calling (800) 957-0681.

 

(a)Return figures reflect any change in price per share and assume the reinvestment of all distributions. The Guardian Equity Fund’s returns reflect any fee reductions during the applicable period. If such fee reductions had not occurred, the quoted performance would have been lower. Total returns for less than one year are not annualized.

 

(b)The MSCI World Index is an unmanaged free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure global developed market equity performance. Currently the MSCI World Index consists of the following 23 developed market country indices: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. The performance of the index is expressed in terms of U.S. dollars, and does not reflect the deduction of fees or taxes with a mutual fund, such as investment management and fund accounting fees. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index; however, an individual can invest in exchange-traded funds or other investment vehicles that attempt to track the performance of a benchmark index.

 

(c)The expense ratios are from the Guardian Equity Fund’s prospectus dated January 27, 2023. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse expenses so that total annual operating expenses for the Guardian Equity Fund (excluding (i) interest; (ii) taxes; (iii) brokerage fees and commissions; (iv) other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Guardian Equity Fund’s business; (v) dividend expense on short sales; and (vi) indirect expenses such as acquired fund fees and expenses) do not exceed 0.99% of the average daily net assets of the Guardian Equity Fund through January 31, 2024 (the “Expense Limitation”). During any fiscal year that the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and Trust is in effect,

3

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

the Adviser may recoup the sum of all fees previously waived or expenses reimbursed, less any reimbursement previously paid, provided that the Adviser is only permitted to recoup fees or expenses within 36 months from the date the fee waiver or expense reimbursement first occurred and provided further that such recoupment can be achieved within the Expense Limitation Agreement currently in effect and the Expense Limitation Agreement in place when the waiver/reimbursement occurred. This Expense Limitation Agreement may be terminated by the Board at any time. The Expense Limitation Agreement terminates automatically upon the termination of the Investment Advisory Agreement with the Adviser. Additional information pertaining to the Guardian Equity Fund’s expense ratios as of March 31, 2023 can be found in the financial highlights.

 

The Guardian Equity Fund’s investment objectives, strategies, risks, charges and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other important information about the Guardian Equity Fund and may be obtained by calling (800) 957-0681. Please read it carefully before investing

 

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

4

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Average Annual Total Returns(a) as of March 31, 2023

 

        Since
      Three Inception
  Six Months One Year Year (12/19/2018)
Alta Quality Growth Fund – Institutional Shares 15.95% -10.76% 13.46% 10.41%
S&P 500® Index (b) 15.62% -7.73 % 18.60% 14.19%
Russell 1000® Growth Index (c) 16.88% -10.90% 18.58% 17.02%
         
        Expense
        Ratios(d)
Gross       1.18%
With Applicable Waivers       0.79%

 

The performance quoted represents past performance, which does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The returns shown do not reflect deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Alta Quality Growth Fund (“Alta Growth Fund”) distributions or the redemption of Alta Growth Fund shares. Current performance of the Alta Growth Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. The Alta Growth Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. Performance data current to the most recent month end may be obtained by calling (800) 957-0681.

 

(a)Return figures reflect any change in price per share and assume the reinvestment of all distributions. The Alta Growth Fund’s returns reflect any fee reductions during the applicable period. If such fee reductions had not occurred, the quoted performance would have been lower. Total returns for less than one year are not annualized.

 

(b)The S&P 500® Index is a widely recognized unmanaged index of equity securities and is representative of a broader domestic equity market and range of securities than is found in the Alta Growth Fund’s portfolio. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index; however, an individual can invest in exchange-traded funds or other investment vehicles that attempt to track the performance of a benchmark index.

 

(c)The Russell 1000® Growth Index is a widely recognized unmanaged index of equity securities and is representative of a broader domestic equity market and range of securities than is found in the Alta Growth Fund’s portfolio. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index; however, an individual can invest in exchange traded funds or other investment vehicles that attempt to track the performance of a benchmark index.

 

(d)The expense ratios are from the Alta Growth Fund’s prospectus dated January 27, 2023. Alta Capital Management, LLC, the Alta Growth Fund’s adviser has contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse expenses so that total annual operating expenses for the Alta Growth Fund (excluding (i) interest; (ii) taxes; (iii) brokerage fees and commissions; (iv) other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Alta Growth Fund’s business; (v) dividend expense on short sales; and (vi) indirect expenses such as acquired fund fees and expenses) do not exceed 0.79% of the average daily net assets of the Alta Growth Fund through January 31, 2024 (the “Expense Limitation”). During any fiscal year that the Investment Advisory

5

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Agreement between Alta Capital Management, LLC and Capitol Series Trust (the “Trust”) is in effect, Alta Capital Management, LLC may recoup the sum of all fees previously waived or expenses reimbursed, less any reimbursement previously paid, provided that the Alta Capital Management, LLC is only permitted to recoup fees or expenses within 36 months from the date the fee waiver or expense reimbursement first occurred and provided further that such recoupment can be achieved within the Expense Limitation Agreement currently in effect and the Expense Limitation Agreement in place when the waiver/reimbursement occurred. This Expense Limitation Agreement may be terminated by the Board at any time. The Expense Limitation Agreement terminates automatically upon the termination of the Advisory Agreement with Alta Capital Management, LLC. Additional information pertaining to the Alta Growth Fund’s expense ratios as of March 31, 2023, can be found in the financial highlights.

 

The Alta Growth Fund’s investment objectives, strategies, risks, charges and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other important information about the Alta Growth Fund and may be obtained by calling (800) 957-0681. Please read it carefully before investing.

 

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

6

 

Fund Holdings (Unaudited)

 

Guardian Capital Dividend Growth Fund Holdings as of March 31, 2023.*

 

(BAR GRAPH)

 

*As a percentage of net assets.

 

Guardian Capital Fundamental Global Equity Fund Holdings as of March 31, 2023.*

 

(BAR GRAPH)

 

*As a percentage of net assets.

7

 

Fund Holdings (Unaudited)

 

Alta Quality Growth Fund Holdings as of March 31, 2023.*

 

(BAR GRAPH)

 

*As a percentage of net assets.

 

Availability of Portfolio Schedules (Unaudited)

 

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

8

 

Guardian Capital Dividend Growth Fund
Schedule of Investments
March 31, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

Common Stocks — 97.43%  Shares   Fair Value 
Australia — 0.72%          
Energy — 0.72%          
Woodside Energy Group Ltd. - ADR   6,450   $144,674 
           
Total Australia        144,674 
           
Canada — 7.22%          
Communications — 3.90%          
BCE, Inc.   8,864    397,054 
TELUS Corp.   19,751    392,091 
         789,145 
Financials — 3.32%          
Royal Bank of Canada   7,022    671,535 
           
Total Canada        1,460,680 
           
Denmark — 2.76%          
Health Care — 2.76%          
Novo Nordisk A/S - ADR   3,510    558,581 
           
Total Denmark        558,581 
           
France — 9.51%          
Consumer Discretionary — 0.53%          
LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton S.A. - ADR   580    106,563 
           
Energy — 3.64%          
TotalEnergies S.E. - ADR   12,452    735,290 
           
Financials — 2.07%          
AXA S.A.   13,700    418,549 
           
Health Care — 1.03%          
Sanofi - ADR   3,830    208,429 
           
Industrials — 2.24%          
Schneider Electric S.E. - ADR   13,574    452,421 
           
Total France        1,921,252 
           
Germany — 2.06%          
Financials — 2.06%          
Allianz S.E.   1,800    415,490 
           
Total Germany        415,490 
           
Ireland — 3.09%          
Technology — 3.09%          
Accenture PLC, Class A   2,194    627,066 
           
Total Ireland        627,066 
           
Netherlands — 2.73%          
Technology — 2.73%          
Wolters Kluwer N.V. - ADR   4,375    551,644 
           
Total Netherlands        551,644 

 

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

9

 

Guardian Capital Dividend Growth Fund
Schedule of Investments (continued)
March 31, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

Common Stocks — 97.43% - (continued)  Shares   Fair Value 
Switzerland — 4.05%          
Consumer Staples — 4.05%          
Nestle S.A. - ADR   6,742   $820,435 
           
Total Switzerland        820,435 
           
United Kingdom — 4.29%          
Consumer Staples — 1.23%          
Unilever PLC - ADR   4,784    248,433 
           
Health Care — 3.06%          
AstraZeneca PLC - ADR   8,878    616,222 
           
Total United Kingdom        864,655 
           
United States — 61.00%          
Communications — 2.01%          
Verizon Communications, Inc.   10,429    405,584 
           
Consumer Discretionary — 4.58%          
Home Depot, Inc. (The)   1,502    443,270 
McDonald's Corp.   1,727    482,887 
         926,157 
Consumer Staples — 5.58%          
Costco Wholesale Corp.   1,581    785,551 
Procter & Gamble Co. (The)   2,292    340,797 
         1,126,348 
Energy — 7.40%          
EOG Resources, Inc.   1,734    198,768 
Shell PLC - ADR   10,651    612,859 
Williams Cos., Inc. (The)   22,943    685,078 
         1,496,705 
Financials — 1.72%          
Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (The)   4,993    347,962 
           
Health Care — 8.57%          
AbbVie, Inc.   2,491    396,991 
Amgen, Inc.   773    186,873 
Johnson & Johnson   4,031    624,805 
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.   1,114    526,465 
         1,735,134 
Industrials — 6.16%          
Illinois Tool Works, Inc.   778    189,404 
Republic Services, Inc.   4,113    556,161 
Waste Management, Inc.   3,061    499,463 
         1,245,028 
Materials — 2.25%          
Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.   1,586    455,515 
           
Real Estate — 1.91%          
Crown Castle, Inc.   1,425    190,722 
WP Carey, Inc.   2,511    194,477 
         385,199 

 

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

10

 

Guardian Capital Dividend Growth Fund
Schedule of Investments (continued)
March 31, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

Common Stocks — 97.43% - (continued)  Shares   Fair Value 
United States — 61.00% - (continued)          
Technology — 19.34%          
Apple, Inc.   7,575   $1,249,118 
Broadcom, Inc.   1,698    1,089,335 
MasterCard, Inc., Class A   1,326    481,882 
Microsoft Corp.   3,779    1,089,486 
         3,909,821 
Utilities — 1.48%          
WEC Energy Group, Inc.   3,166    300,105 
           
Total United States        12,333,558 
           
Total Common Stocks          
(Cost $14,973,137)        19,698,035 
           
Money Market Funds - 2.50%          
Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Funds Treasury Securities Portfolio, Institutional Class, 4.40%(a)   505,436    505,436 
           
Total Money Market Funds          
(Cost $505,436)        505,436 
           
Total Investments — 99.93%          
(Cost $15,478,573)        20,203,471 
           
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 0.07%        14,169 
           
Net Assets — 100.00%       $20,217,640 

 

(a)Rate disclosed is the seven day effective yield as of March 31, 2023.

 

ADR- American Depositary Receipt

 

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

11

 

Guardian Capital Fundamental Global Equity Fund
Schedule of Investments
March 31, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

Common Stocks — 98.95%  Shares   Fair Value 
China — 5.09%          
Consumer Discretionary — 5.09%          
Yum China Holdings, Inc.   64,347   $4,078,956 
           
Total China        4,078,956 
           
Denmark — 14.18%          
Health Care — 9.95%          
Coloplast A/S, Class B   6,580    863,847 
Novo Nordisk A/S, Class B   45,052    7,121,389 
         7,985,236 
Materials — 4.23%          
Chr. Hansen Holdings A/S   28,928    2,194,103 
Novozymes A/S, Class B   23,481    1,199,501 
         3,393,604 
Total Denmark        11,378,840 
           
France — 10.05%          
Consumer Staples — 3.40%          
L'Oreal S.A.   6,126    2,732,745 
           
Health Care — 6.65%          
EssilorLuxottica S.A.   29,698    5,347,509 
           
Total France        8,080,254 
           
Ireland — 3.64%          
Technology — 3.64%          
Accenture PLC, Class A   10,217    2,920,121 
           
Total Ireland        2,920,121 
           
Japan — 4.65%          
Industrials — 4.65%          
FANUC Corp.   54,000    1,936,023 
Keyence Corp.   3,700    1,796,117 
         3,732,140 
Total Japan        3,732,140 
           
Switzerland — 3.76%          
Consumer Staples — 3.76%          
Nestle S.A.   24,775    3,018,673 
           
Total Switzerland        3,018,673 
           
United Kingdom — 4.76%          
Consumer Staples — 2.65%          
Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC   28,022    2,128,813 
           
Industrials — 2.11%          
Intertek Group PLC(a)   33,917    1,695,871 
           
Total United Kingdom        3,824,684 

 

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

12

 

Guardian Capital Fundamental Global Equity Fund
Schedule of Investments (continued)
March 31, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

Common Stocks — 98.95% - (continued)  Shares   Fair Value 
United States — 52.82%          
Communications — 11.71%          
Alphabet, Inc., Class A(a)   37,110   $3,849,420 
Booking Holdings, Inc.(a)   2,093    5,551,494 
         9,400,914 
Consumer Discretionary — 4.07%          
Nike, Inc., Class B   26,672    3,271,054 
           
Consumer Staples — 3.98%          
Colgate-Palmolive Co.   42,463    3,191,094 
           
Financials — 6.72%          
CME Group, Inc.   28,174    5,395,884 
           
Health Care — 6.85%          
Illumina, Inc.(a)   9,175    2,133,647 
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.   7,115    3,362,478 
         5,496,125 
Technology — 19.49%          
Automatic Data Processing, Inc.   12,188    2,713,414 
MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.   12,992    5,083,640 
MasterCard, Inc., Class A   11,295    4,104,716 
Microsoft Corp.   8,434    2,431,522 
Verisk Analytics, Inc.   6,838    1,311,939 
         15,645,231 
Total United States        42,400,302 
           
Total Common Stocks          
(Cost $69,657,950)        79,433,970 
           
Money Market Funds - 1.01%          
Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Funds Treasury Portfolio, Institutional Class, 4.66%(b)   807,769    807,769 
           
Total Money Market Funds          
(Cost $807,769)        807,769 
           
Total Investments — 99.96%          
(Cost $70,465,719)        80,241,739 
           
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 0.04%        32,857 
           
Net Assets — 100.00%       $80,274,596 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.

 

(b)Rate disclosed is the seven day effective yield as of March 31, 2023

 

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

13

 

Alta Quality Growth Fund
Schedule of Investments
March 31, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

Common Stocks — 96.07%  Shares   Fair Value 
Ireland — 7.03%          
Health Care — 2.80%          
ICON PLC(a)   6,550   $1,399,014 
Technology — 4.23%          
Accenture PLC, Class A   7,410    2,117,851 
           
Total Ireland        3,516,865 
           
United States — 89.04%          
Communications — 17.22%          
Alphabet, Inc., Class A(a)   32,400    3,360,852 
Booking Holdings, Inc.(a)   570    1,511,874 
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.(a)   14,400    1,717,920 
Walt Disney Co. (The)(a)   20,000    2,002,600 
         8,593,246 
Consumer Discretionary — 10.73%          
Home Depot, Inc. (The)   7,350    2,169,132 
Restaurant Brands International, Inc.   23,500    1,577,790 
TJX Companies, Inc. (The)   20,500    1,606,380 
         5,353,302 
Consumer Staples — 1.03%          
Dollar General Corp.   2,450    515,627 
           
Financials — 3.33%          
Markel Corp.(a)   1,300    1,660,633 
           
Health Care — 8.02%          
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.   2,950    1,700,292 
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.   1,650    779,774 
Zoetis, Inc., Class A   9,150    1,522,926 
         4,002,992 
Industrials — 5.19%          
Amphenol Corp., Class A   18,500    1,511,820 
Raytheon Technologies Corp.   11,000    1,077,230 
         2,589,050 
Materials — 2.03%          
Sherwin-Williams Co. (The)   4,500    1,011,465 
           
Technology — 41.49%          
Adobe Systems, Inc.(a)   5,612    2,162,696 
Apple, Inc.   18,000    2,968,200 
Autodesk, Inc.(a)   7,050    1,467,528 
Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.   8,800    1,289,816 
Fiserv, Inc.(a)   15,000    1,695,450 
Intuit, Inc.   1,900    847,077 
MasterCard, Inc., Class A   4,350    1,580,834 
Microsoft Corp.   10,600    3,055,980 
PayPal Holdings, Inc.(a)   16,800    1,275,792 
S&P Global, Inc.   3,700    1,275,649 

 

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

14

 

Alta Quality Growth Fund
Schedule of Investments (continued)
March 31, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

Common Stocks — 96.07% - (continued)  Shares   Fair Value 
United States — 89.04% - (continued)          
Technology — 41.49% - (continued)          
Visa, Inc., Class A   6,900   $1,555,674 
Zebra Technologies Corp., Class A(a)   4,800    1,526,400 
         20,701,096 
Total United States        44,427,411 
           
Total Investments — 96.07%          
(Cost $38,273,772)       $47,944,276 
           
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 3.93%        1,961,541 
           
Net Assets — 100.00%       $49,905,817 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.

 

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

15

 

Guardian Capital Funds
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
March 31, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

       Guardian     
   Guardian   Capital     
   Capital   Fundamental     
   Dividend   Global Equity   Alta Quality 
   Growth Fund   Fund   Growth Fund 
Assets               
Investments in securities at fair value (cost $15,478,573, $70,465,719 and $38,273,772)  $20,203,471   $80,241,739   $47,944,276 
Cash and cash equivalents           1,963,459 
Receivable for fund shares sold           3,333 
Dividends and interest receivable   46,011    47,346    27,592 
Tax reclaims receivable   16,680    54,449     
Prepaid expenses   8,413    5,518    7,529 
Total Assets   20,274,575    80,349,052    49,946,189 
Liabilities               
Payable for fund shares redeemed           2,062 
Payable for distributions to shareholders   36,604         
Payable to Adviser   104    44,184    14,031 
Payable to affiliates   6,091    7,537    7,065 
Payable to auditors   8,696    8,677    8,677 
Other accrued expenses   5,440    14,058    8,537 
Total Liabilities   56,935    74,456    40,372 
Net Assets  $20,217,640   $80,274,596   $49,905,817 
Net Assets consist of:               
Paid-in capital  $16,091,127   $70,513,812   $41,464,919 
Accumulated earnings   4,126,513    9,760,784    8,440,898 
Net Assets  $20,217,640   $80,274,596   $49,905,817 
Institutional Shares:               
Net Assets  $20,217,640   $80,274,596   $49,905,817 
Shares outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized, no par value)   1,591,746    6,502,586    3,650,905 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share  $12.70   $12.35   $13.67 

 

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

16

 

Guardian Capital Funds
Statements of Operations
For the six months ended March 31, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

       Guardian     
   Guardian   Capital     
   Capital   Fundamental     
   Dividend   Global Equity   Alta Quality 
   Growth Fund   Fund   Growth Fund 
Investment Income               
Dividend income (net of foreign taxes withheld of $14,654, $18,798 and $3,675)  $265,619   $488,190   $158,800 
Interest income           20,923 
Total investment income   265,619    488,190    179,723 
                
Expenses               
Adviser   72,742    245,496    160,926 
Administration   30,395    34,537    32,732 
Legal   9,653    11,148    9,653 
Audit and tax preparation   8,271    8,252    8,252 
Trustee   7,442    7,442    7,442 
Compliance services   6,865    6,865    6,865 
Transfer agent   6,189    9,295    9,284 
Registration   4,944    4,637    6,014 
Report printing   3,317    3,072    2,938 
Custodian   3,083    20,029    2,772 
Pricing   608    1,074    274 
Miscellaneous   12,125    14,053    13,904 
Total expenses   165,634    365,900    261,056 
Fees contractually waived and expenses reimbursed by Adviser   (73,434)   (61,805)   (91,481)
Net operating expenses   92,200    304,095    169,575 
Net investment income   173,419    184,095    10,148 
                
Net Realized and Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments               
Net realized gain (loss) on investment securities transactions   (589,424)   109,642    (981,370)
Net realized loss on foreign currency transactions   (349)   (108,192)    
Net change in unrealized appreciation of investment securities   3,115,803    11,948,201    7,423,010 
Net change in unrealized appreciation on foreign currency translations   1,571    3,965     
Net realized and change in unrealized gain on investments   2,527,601    11,953,616    6,441,640 
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations  $2,701,020   $12,137,711   $6,451,788 

 

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

17

 

Guardian Capital Funds
Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   Guardian Capital Dividend Growth 
   Fund 
       For the 
   For the Six   Year Ended 
   Months Ended   September 30, 
   March 31, 2023   2022 
   (Unaudited)     
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets due to:          
Operations          
Net investment income  $173,419   $353,810 
Net realized gain (loss) on investment securities transactions   (589,773)   476,664 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investment securities   3,117,374    (3,030,488)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   2,701,020    (2,200,014)
           
Distributions to Shareholders from:          
Earnings   (412,481)   (346,059)
Total distributions   (412,481)   (346,059)
           
Capital Transactions - Institutional Shares          
Reinvestment of distributions   355,858    255,402 
Amount paid for shares redeemed       (14)
Net increase in net assets resulting from capital transactions   355,858    255,388 
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets   2,644,397    (2,290,685)
           
Net Assets          
Beginning of period   17,573,243    19,863,928 
End of period  $20,217,640   $17,573,243 
           
Share Transactions - Institutional Shares          
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions   28,588    20,173 
Shares redeemed       (1)
Net increase in shares   28,588    20,172 

 

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

18

 

Guardian Capital Funds
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

   Guardian Capital Fundamental 
   Global Equity Fund 
       For the 
   For the Six   Year Ended 
   Months Ended   September 30, 
   March 31, 2023   2022 
   (Unaudited)     
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets due to:          
Operations          
Net investment income  $184,095   $84,610 
Net realized gain on investment securities transactions   1,450    353,136 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investment securities   11,952,166    (7,578,605)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   12,137,711    (7,140,859)
           
Distributions to Shareholders from:          
Earnings   (554,734)   (929,320)
Total distributions   (554,734)   (929,320)
           
Capital Transactions - Institutional Shares          
Proceeds from shares sold   40,206,271    6,600,837 
Reinvestment of distributions   539,061    889,230 
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (301,059)   (928,553)
Net increase in net assets resulting from capital transactions   40,444,273    6,561,514 
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets   52,027,250    (1,508,665)
           
Net Assets          
Beginning of period   28,247,346    29,756,011 
End of period  $80,274,596   $28,247,346 
           
Share Transactions - Institutional Shares          
Shares sold   3,605,283    574,288 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions   48,433    67,321 
Shares redeemed   (25,822)   (84,142)
Net increase in shares   3,627,894    557,467 

 

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

19

 

Guardian Capital Funds
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

   Alta Quality Growth Fund 
       For the 
   For the Six   Year Ended 
   Months Ended   September 30, 
   March 31, 2023   2022 
   (Unaudited)     
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets due to:          
Operations          
Net investment income (loss)  $10,148   $(117,696)
Net realized gain (loss) on investment securities transactions   (981,370)   2,545,812 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investment securities   7,423,010    (17,301,496)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   6,451,788    (14,873,380)
           
Distributions to Shareholders from:          
Earnings   (2,565,420)   (1,061,299)
Total distributions   (2,565,420)   (1,061,299)
           
Capital Transactions - Institutional Shares          
Proceeds from shares sold   6,173,315    7,123,253 
Reinvestment of distributions   2,349,233    1,040,688 
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (1,630,887)   (4,906,688)
Net increase in net assets resulting from capital transactions   6,891,661    3,257,253 
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets   10,778,029    (12,677,426)
           
Net Assets          
Beginning of period   39,127,788    51,805,214 
End of period  $49,905,817   $39,127,788 
           
Share Transactions - Institutional Shares          
Shares sold   473,322    465,116 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions   189,454    57,087 
Shares redeemed   (126,202)   (343,679)
Net increase in shares   536,574    178,524 

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

 

20

 

Guardian Capital Dividend Growth Fund – Institutional Class
Financial Highlights

 

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the Six                 
   Months       For the Five         
   Ended   For the   Months       For the 
   March   Year Ended   Ended   For the Year   Period 
   31, 2023   September   September   Ended April   Ended April 
   (Unaudited)   30, 2022   30, 2021 (a)   30, 2021   30, 2020(b) 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $11.24   $12.87   $12.68   $9.85   $10.00 
Investment operations:                         
Net investment income   0.11    0.22    0.11    0.16    0.17 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   1.61    (1.63)   0.20    2.82    (0.16)
Total from investment operations   1.72    (1.41)   0.31    2.98    0.01 
Distributions from:                         
Net investment income   (0.12)   (0.22)   (0.12)   (0.15)   (0.16)
Net realized gains   (0.14)                
Total from distributions   (0.26)   (0.22)   (0.12)   (0.15)   (0.16)
Net asset value, end of period  $12.70   $11.24   $12.87   $12.68   $9.85 
Total Return(c)   15.38(d)   (11.11)%   2.42(d)   30.41%   0.10(d)
Ratios/Supplemental Data:                         
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $20,218   $17,573   $19,864   $19,449   $14,953 
Before waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   1.71(e)   1.67%   1.78(e)   1.73%   1.94(e)
After waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   0.95(e)   0.95%   0.95(e)   0.95%   0.95(e)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   1.79(e)   1.71%   1.94(e)   1.40%   1.64(e)
Portfolio turnover rate   4(d)   25%   6(d)   47%   29(d)

 

(a) The Fund changed its fiscal year end to September 30.
   
(b) For the period May 1, 2019 (commencement of operations) to April 30, 2020.
   
(c) Total return represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Fund, assuming reinvestment of distributions.
   
(d) Not annualized.
   
(e) Annualized.
   

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

21

 

Guardian Capital Fundamental Global Equity Fund- Institutional Shares
Financial Highlights

 

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the Six         
   Months       For the 
   Ended           Period 
   March   For the Years Ended   Ended 
   31, 2023   September 30,   September 
   (Unaudited)   2022   2021   30, 2020(a) 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $9.83   $12.84   $10.62   $10.00 
Investment operations:                    
Net investment income   0.03    0.03    0.03    0.02 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   2.57    (2.65)   2.22    0.62 
Total from investment operations   2.60    (2.62)   2.25    0.64 
Distributions from:                    
Net investment income   (0.02)   (0.02)   (0.03)   (0.02)
Net realized gains   (0.06)   (0.37)        
Total from distributions   (0.08)   (0.39)   (0.03)   (0.02)
Net asset value, end of period  $12.35   $9.83   $12.84   $10.62 
Total Return(b)   26.61(c)   (21.15)%   21.19%   6.39(c)
Ratios/Supplemental Data:                    
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $80,275   $28,247   $29,756   $22,862 
Before waiver or recoupment:                    
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   1.19(d)   1.51%   1.53%   1.82(d)
After waiver or recoupment:                    
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   0.99(d)   0.99%   0.99%   0.99(d)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   0.60(d)   0.28%   0.22%   0.26(d)
Portfolio turnover rate   % (c)(e)   4%   14%   10(c)

 

(a)For the period December 19, 2019 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2020.

 

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

 

(c)Not annualized.

 

(d)Annualized.

 

(e)Less than 0.50%.

 

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

22

 

Alta Quality Growth Fund - Institutional Shares
Financial Highlights

 

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the Six         
   Months               For the 
   Ended               Period 
   March               Ended 
   31, 2023   For the Years Ended September 30,   September 
   (Unaudited)   2022   2021   2020   30, 2019(a) 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $12.56   $17.65   $13.80   $12.57   $10.00 
Investment operations:                         
Net investment income (loss)   0.01    (0.04)   (0.05)   0.02    0.04 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   1.91    (4.70)   3.91    1.59    2.53 
Total from investment operations   1.92    (4.74)   3.86    1.61    2.57 
Distributions from:                         
Net investment income           (0.01)   (0.05)    
Net realized gains   (0.81)   (0.35)       (0.33)    
Total from distributions   (0.81)   (0.35)   (0.01)   (0.38)    
Net asset value, end of period  $13.67   $12.56   $17.65   $13.80   $12.57 
Total Return(b)   15.95(c)   (27.45)%   27.96%   12.92%   25.70(c)
Ratios/Supplemental Data:                         
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $49,906   $39,128   $51,805   $38,490   $27,446 
Before waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   1.22(d)   1.18%   1.18%   1.30%   1.54(d)
After waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   0.79(d)   0.79%   0.79%   0.79%   0.79(d)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets   0.05(d)   (0.24)%   (0.32)%   0.14%   0.45(d)
Portfolio turnover rate   11(c)   19%   16%   26%   16(c)

 

(a)For the period December 19, 2018 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2019.

 

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

 

(c)Not annualized.

 

(d)Annualized.

 

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

23

 

Guardian Capital Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements
March 31, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION

 

The Guardian Capital Dividend Growth Fund ("Guardian Dividend Fund"), Guardian Capital Fundamental Global Equity Fund (“Guardian Equity Fund”) and Alta Quality Growth Fund (“Alta Growth Fund”) (each a “Fund” and, collectively the “Funds”) were organized as diversified (Guardian Dividend Fund and Alta Growth Fund) and non-diversified (Guardian Equity Fund) series of the Capitol Series Trust (the “Trust”). The Funds are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”). The Trust is an open-end investment company established under the laws of Ohio by an Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated September 18, 2013 as amended and restated November 18, 2021 (the “Trust Agreement”). The Trust Agreement permits the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”) to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest of separate series without par value. The Guardian Dividend Fund's and Guardian Equity Fund's investment adviser is Guardian Capital LP and the Alta Growth Fund's investment adviser is Alta Capital Management, LLC (each an “Adviser”). Alta Capital Management, LLC is a majority-owned U.S. domiciled subsidiary of Guardian Capital LP. The Guardian Equity Fund's sub-adviser is GuardCap Asset Management Limited, a non-U.S. wholly-owned subsidiary of Guardian Capital LP domiciled in the United Kingdom. The investment objective of the Guardian Dividend Fund is to provide long-term capital appreciation and current income. The investment objective of the Guardian Equity Fund is to provide long-term capital appreciation. The investment objective of the Alta Growth Fund is to seek long-term growth of capital with lower than market volatility.

 

Each Fund currently offers one class of shares, Institutional Shares. Each share represents an equal proportionate interest in the assets and liabilities belonging to the Funds and is entitled to such dividends and distributions out of income belonging to the Funds as are declared by the Board.

 

NOTE 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

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

 

Estimates – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the

24

 

Guardian Capital Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
March 31, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Foreign Currency Translation – The accounting records of the Funds are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currency amounts are translated into U.S. dollars at the current rate of exchange each business day to determine the value of investments, and other assets and liabilities. Purchases and sales of foreign securities, and income and expenses, are translated at the prevailing rate of exchange on the respective date of these transactions. The Funds do not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from fluctuation arising from changes in market prices of securities held. These fluctuations are included with the unrealized gain or loss from investments.

 

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

 

The Funds may be subject to taxes imposed by countries in which they invest. Such taxes are generally based on income and/or capital gains earned or repatriated. Taxes are accrued and applied to net investment income, net realized gains and unrealized appreciation as such income and/or gains are earned.

 

The Funds recognize tax benefits or expenses of uncertain tax positions only when the position is “more likely than not” to be sustained assuming examination by tax authorities. Management of the Funds has reviewed tax positions taken in tax years that remain subject to examination by all major tax jurisdictions, including federal (i.e., the previous three tax year ends and the interim tax period since then, as applicable) and has concluded that no provision for unrecognized tax benefits or expenses is required in these financial statements and does not expect this to change over the next twelve months. The Funds recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense in the Statements of Operations. During the period, the Funds did not incur any interest or penalties.

 

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

25

 

Guardian Capital Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
March 31, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

Security Transactions and Related Income – Throughout the reporting period, security transactions are accounted for no later than one business day following the trade date. For financial reporting purposes, security transactions are accounted for on trade date on the last business day of the reporting period. The specific identification method is used for determining gains or losses for financial statements and income tax purposes. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis and includes, where applicable, the amortization of premium or accretion of discount. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends have been recorded for in accordance with the Funds' understanding of the applicable country’s tax rules and rates.

 

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

 

NOTE 3. SECURITIES VALUATION AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

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

 

Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk (the risk inherent in a particular valuation

26

 

Guardian Capital Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
March 31, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

In computing the NAV of the Funds, fair value is based on market valuations with respect to portfolio securities for which market quotations are readily available. Pursuant to Board approved policies, the Funds rely on independent third-party pricing services to provide the current market value of securities. Those pricing services value equity securities, including exchange-traded funds, exchange-traded notes, closed-end funds and preferred stocks, traded on a securities exchange at the last reported sales price on the principal exchange. Equity securities quoted by NASDAQ are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price. If there is no reported sale on the principal exchange, equity securities are valued at the mean between the most recent quoted bid and asked price. When using market quotations or close prices provided by the pricing service and when the market is considered active, the security will be classified as a Level 1 security. Investments in open-end mutual funds,

27

 

Guardian Capital Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
March 31, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

including money market mutual funds, are generally priced at the ending NAV provided by the pricing service of the funds and are generally categorized as Level 1 securities.

 

In the event that market quotations are not readily available or are considered unreliable due to market or other events, securities are valued in good faith by the Adviser as “valuation designee” under the oversight of the Board. The Adviser has adopted written policies and procedures for valuing securities and other assets in circumstances where market quotes are not readily available. In the event that market quotes are not readily available, and the security or asset cannot be valued pursuant to one of the valuation methods, the value of the security or asset will be determined in good faith by the Adviser pursuant to its policies and procedures. On a quarterly basis, the Adviser’s fair valuation determinations will be reviewed by the Board. Under these policies, the securities will be classified as Level 2 or 3 within the fair value hierarchy, depending on the inputs used.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Funds’ investments as of March 31, 2023:

 

Valuation Inputs 
Assets  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Guardian Dividend Fund                    
Common Stocks (a)  $19,698,035   $   $   $19,698,035 
Money Market Funds   505,436            505,436 
Total  $20,203,471   $   $   $20,203,471 
Guardian Equity Fund                    
Common Stocks (a)  $79,433,970   $   $   $79,433,970 
Money Market Funds   807,769            807,769 
Total  $80,241,739   $   $   $80,241,739 
Alta Growth Fund                    
Common Stocks (a)  $47,944,276   $   $   $47,944,276 
Total  $47,944,276   $   $   $47,944,276 

 

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

 

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

28

 

Guardian Capital Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
March 31, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

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

 

Each Adviser manages its Funds' investments under the terms of the investment advisory agreement with the Trust with respect to each Fund (each an “Agreement”). As compensation for its management services, each Fund pays its Adviser a fee based on the Fund's average daily net assets as follows:

 

   Guardian Dividend  Guardian Equity   
   Fund  Fund  Alta Growth Fund
Management fee rate  0.75%  0.80%  0.75%
Management fees earned  $72,742  $245,496  $160,926
Fees waived/expenses reimbursed  $(73,434)  $(61,805)  $(91,481)

 

Each Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse expenses so that total annual operating expenses (excluding (i) interest; (ii) taxes; (iii) brokerage fees and commissions; (iv) other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of each Fund’s business; (v) dividend expenses on short sales; and (vi) indirect expenses such as acquired fund fees and expenses) do not exceed 0.95% of the Guardian Dividend Fund's, 0.99% of the Guardian Equity Fund's and 0.79% of the Alta Growth Fund’s average daily net assets through January 31, 2024 (“Expense Limitation”). During any fiscal year that the Agreements between each Adviser and the Trust is in effect, the Adviser may recoup the sum of all fees previously waived or expenses reimbursed with respect to each Fund it advises, less any reimbursement previously paid, provided that the Adviser is only permitted to recoup fees or expenses within 36 months from the date the fee waiver or expense reimbursement took effect and provided further that such recoupment can be achieved within the Expense Limitation currently in effect and the Expense Limitation in place when the waiver/reimbursement occurred. This Expense Limitation agreement may not be terminated by the Adviser prior to its expiration date, but the Board may terminate such agreement at any time.

 

As of March 31, 2023, each respective Adviser may seek repayment of investment advisory fee waivers and expense reimbursements in the amount as follows:

 

   Guardian 
   Dividend 
Recoverable Through  Fund 
April 30, 2023  $9,624 
April 30, 2024   135,107 
September 30, 2024   70,281 
September 30, 2025   147,961 
March 31, 2026   73,434 

 

   Guardian   Alta Growth 
Recoverable Through  Equity Fund   Fund 
September 30, 2023  $   $68,864 
September 30, 2024       186,178 
September 30, 2025   109,000    192,184 
March 31, 2026   61,805    91,481 

29

 

Guardian Capital Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
March 31, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

Guardian Capital LP was engaged as investment adviser of the Guardian Equity Fund effective January 28, 2022. Prior to January 28, 2022, Alta Capital Management, LLC served as investment adviser to the Guardian Equity Fund. Effective January 28, 2022, Guardian Capital LP delegated responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Guardian Equity Fund to GuardCap Asset Management Limited (U.K.) (“GuardCap”), the Guardian Equity Fund’s sub-adviser. GuardCap also provides compliance related services to the Guardian Equity Fund. GuardCap is non-U.S. wholly-owned subsidiary of Guardian Capital LP domiciled in the United Kingdom and registered as an adviser with the SEC. Prior to January 28, 2022, GuardCap provided portfolio management, research and related services to the Guardian Equity Fund under the terms of a Participating Affiliate Memorandum of Understanding between Alta Capital Management, LLC and GuardCap.

 

The Trust retains Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (the “Administrator”) to provide the Funds with administration, fund accounting and transfer agent services, including all regulatory reporting. Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC ("NLCS"), an affiliate of the Administrator, provides a Chief Compliance Officer to the Trust, as well as related compliance services, pursuant to a consulting agreement between NLCS and the Trust.

 

The Board supervises the business activities of the Trust. Each Trustee serves as a Trustee for the lifetime of the Trust or until the earlier of his or her required retirement as a Trustee at age 78 (which may be extended for up to two years in an emeritus non-voting capacity at the pleasure and request of the Board), or until he/she dies, resigns, or is removed, whichever is sooner. “Independent Trustees,” meaning those Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust, as defined in the 1940 Act, as amended, have each received an annual retainer of $1,500 per Fund and $500 per Fund for each quarterly Board meeting. In addition, each Independent Trustee may be compensated for preparation related to and participation in any special meetings of the Board and/or any Committee of the Board, with such compensation determined on a case-by-case basis based on the length and complexity of the meeting. The Trust also reimburses Trustees for out-of-pocket expense incurred in conjunction with attendance at Board meetings.

 

The officers and one trustee of the Trust are employees of the Administrator. Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”) acts as the principal distributor of each Fund's shares. The Distributor is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Administrator. The Distributor is compensated by the Adviser (not the Funds) for acting as principal underwriter.

30

 

Guardian Capital Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
March 31, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 5. PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES

 

For the six months ended March 31, 2023, purchases and sales of investment securities, other than short-term investments, were as follows:

 

   Guardian   Guardian   Alta Growth 
   Dividend Fund   Equity Fund   Fund 
Purchases  $1,008,617   $39,843,791   $8,826,214 
Sales  $831,529   $221,151   $4,830,352 

 

There were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. government obligations during the six months ended March 31, 2023.

 

NOTE 6. FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION

 

At March 31, 2023, the net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) and tax cost of investments for tax purposes was as follows:

 

   Guardian   Guardian   Alta Growth 
   Dividend Fund   Equity Fund   Fund 
Gross unrealized appreciation  $5,050,122   $10,297,109   $11,627,825 
Gross unrealized depreciation   (325,224)   (571,924)   (1,959,937)
Net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments  $4,724,898   $9,725,185   $9,667,888 
Tax cost of investments  $15,478,573   $70,516,554   $38,276,388 

 

The tax character of distributions paid for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, the Funds' most recent fiscal year end, were as follows:

 

   Guardian   Guardian   Alta Growth 
   Dividend Fund   Equity Fund   Fund 
Distributions paid from:               
Ordinary income(a)  $469,281   $63,671   $ 
Long-term capital gains       867,596    1,061,299 
Total distributions paid  $469,281   $931,267   $1,061,299 

 

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

 

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

 

   Guardian         
   Dividend   Guardian   Alta Growth 
   Fund   Equity Fund   Fund 
Undistributed ordinary income  $(16,402)  $3,134   $ 
Undistributed long-term capital gains   223,636    400,218    2,378,883 

31

 

Guardian Capital Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
March 31, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

   Guardian         
   Dividend   Guardian   Alta Growth 
   Fund   Equity Fund   Fund 
Distributions payable   23,741    1,947     
Accumulated capital and other losses           (69,231)
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments(a)   1,606,999    (2,227,492)   2,244,878 
Total accumulated earnings (deficit)  $1,837,974   $(1,822,193)  $4,554,530 

 

(a)The difference between book basis and tax basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is primarily attributable to the tax deferral of wash losses.

 

Under current tax law, net investment losses after December 31 and capital losses realized after October 31 of the Funds fiscal year may be deferred and treated as occurring on the first business day of the following fiscal year for tax purposes. The Alta Growth Fund had a Qualified Late Year Ordinary Loss in the amount of $69,231.

 

NOTE 7. SECTOR RISK

 

If a Fund has significant investments in the securities of issuers within a particular sector, any development affecting that sector will have a greater impact on the value of the net assets of the Fund than would be the case if the Fund did not have significant investments in that sector. In addition, this may increase the risk of loss in a Fund and increase the volatility of a Fund’s NAV per share. For instance, economic or market factors, regulatory changes or other developments may negatively impact all companies in a particular sector, and therefore the value of a Fund’s portfolio will be adversely affected. As of March 31, 2023, the Guardian Dividend Fund and Alta Growth Fund had 25.17% and 45.72% of the value of their net assets invested in stocks within the Technology sector, respectively.

 

NOTE 8. BENEFICAL OWNERSHIP

 

The beneficial ownership, either directly or indirectly, of more than 25% of the voting securities of a fund creates a presumption of control of the fund, under Section 2(a) (9) of the 1940 Act. As of March 31, 2023, Alexandria Bancorp Limited owned 100%, 32% and 61% of the Guardian Dividend Fund, Guardian Equity Fund and Alta Growth Fund, respectively. National Financial Services LLC owned 37% of the Guardian Equity Fund. As a result, Alexandria Bancorp Limited may be deemed to control the Funds.

 

NOTE 9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its Officers and Trustees are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Funds. In addition, in the normal course of business, the Funds entered into contracts with its service providers, on behalf of the Funds, and others that provide for general indemnifications. The

32

 

Guardian Capital Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
March 31, 2023 - (Unaudited)

 

Funds’ maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Funds. The Funds expect the risk of loss to be remote, however, there can be no assurance that such obligations will not result in material liabilities that adversely affect the Funds.

 

NOTE 10. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

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

33

 

Liquidity Risk Management Program (Unaudited)

 

The Trust has adopted and implemented a written liquidity risk management program (the “Program”) as required by Rule 22e-4 (the “Liquidity Rule”) under the 1940 Act. The Program applies to each individual series of the Trust. 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. The Board approved the appointment of the Liquidity Administrator Committee, comprising certain Trust officers and employees of the Adviser. The Liquidity Administrator Committee maintains Program oversight and reports to the Board on at least an annual basis regarding the Program’s operational effectiveness through a written report (the “Report”). The Report outlined the operation of the Program and the adequacy and effectiveness of the Program’s implementation and was presented to the Board for consideration at its meeting held on December 7 and 8, 2022. During the review period, the Funds did not experience unusual stress or disruption to its operations related to purchase and redemption activity. Also, during the review period the Funds held adequate levels of cash and highly liquid investments to meet shareholder redemption activities in accordance with applicable requirements. The Report concluded that the Program is reasonably designed to prevent violation of the Liquidity Rule and has been effectively implemented.

34

 

Summary of Fund Expenses (Unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of a Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in each Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. Each Fund’s example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from October 1, 2022 through March 31, 2023.

 

Actual Expenses

 

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

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

 

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

 

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

 

      Beginning  Ending      
      Account  Account  Expenses   
      Value  Value  Paid  Annualized
      October 1,  March 31,  During  Expense
      2022  2023  Period(a)  Ratio
Guardian Dividend Fund            
Institutional Shares  Actual  $1,000.00  $1,153.80  $     5.10  0.95%
   Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00  $1,020.19  $     4.78  0.95%
Guardian Equity Fund            
Institutional Shares  Actual  $1,000.00  $1,266.10  $     5.59  0.99%
   Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00  $1,020.00  $     4.99  0.99%
Alta Growth Fund            
Institutional Shares  Actual  $1,000.00  $1,159.50  $     4.25  0.79%
   Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00  $1,020.99  $     3.98  0.79%

 

(a)Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

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

35

 

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

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

 

■     Social Security number

 

■     account balances and account transactions

 

■     transaction or loss history and purchase history

 

■     checking account information and wire transfer instructions

 

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

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

  

Reasons we can share your personal information Do the Funds share?
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
For our marketing purposes—
to offer our products and services to you
No
For joint marketing with other financial companies No
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes—
information about your transactions and experiences
No
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes—
information about your creditworthiness
No
For nonaffiliates to market to you No

 

Questions? Call (800) 957-0681

36

 

Who we are
Who is providing this notice? Guardian Capital Funds
Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC (Distributor)
Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (Administrator)
What we do
How do the Funds protect my personal information? To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings. Our service providers are held accountable for adhering to strict policies and procedures to prevent any misuse of your nonpublic personal information.
How do the Funds collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

 

■     open an account or deposit money

 

■     buy securities from us or sell securities to us

 

■     make deposits or withdrawals from your account

 

■     give us your account information

 

■     make a wire transfer

 

■     tell us who receives the money

 

■     tell us where to send the money

 

■     show your government-issued ID

 

■     show your driver’s license

 

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.

 

■     Guardian Capital LP and Alta Capital Management, LLC, the investment advisers to the Funds, could be deemed to be affiliates.

Nonaffiliates

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

 

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

Joint marketing

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

 

■     The Guardian Capital Funds do not jointly market.

37

 

PROXY VOTING

 

A description of the policies and procedures that each Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities and information regarding how each Fund voted those proxies during the most recent twelve month period ended June 30, are available (1) without charge upon request by calling the Funds at (800) 957-0681 and (2) in Fund documents filed with the SEC on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

TRUSTEES INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC
Walter B. Grimm, Chairman ACCOUNTING FIRM
David James Ernst & Young LLP
Lori Kaiser 221 East 4th Street, Suite 2900
Janet Smith Meeks Cincinnati, OH 45202
Mary Madick  
   
OFFICERS LEGAL COUNSEL
Matthew J. Miller, Chief Executive Officer and President Practus, LLP
Zachary P. Richmond, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer 11300 Tomahawk Creek Parkway, Suite 310
Martin R. Dean, Chief Compliance Officer Leawood, KS 66211
Paul F. Leone, Secretary  
   
INVESTMENT ADVISERS CUSTODIAN
Guardian Capital LP Huntington National Bank
199 Bay Street, Suite 3100 41 South High Street
P.O. Box 201 Columbus, OH 43215
Toronto, Ontario M5L 1E8  
   
Alta Capital Management, LLC  
6440 South Wasatch Boulevard, Suite 260  
Salt Lake City, UT 84121  
   
DISTRIBUTOR ADMINISTRATOR, TRANSFER AGENT
Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC AND FUND ACCOUNTANT
225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450 Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC
Cincinnati, OH 45246 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450
  Cincinnati, OH 45246

 

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

 

Distributed by Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GUARDIAN-SAR-23

 

 

(b) Not applicable.

 

Item 2. Code of Ethics.

 

NOT APPLICABLE – disclosed with annual report

 

 
 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

 

NOT APPLICABLE – disclosed with annual report

 

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

NOT APPLICABLE – disclosed with annual report

 

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

 

NOT APPLICABLE – applies to listed companies only

 

Item 6. Schedule of Investments.

 

Schedule filed with Item 1.

 

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

 

NOT APPLICABLE – applies to closed-end funds only

 

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

 

NOT APPLICABLE – applies to closed-end funds only

 

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

 

NOT APPLICABLE – applies to closed-end funds only

 

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

 

The guidelines applicable to shareholders desiring to submit recommendations for nominees to the Registrant's board of trustees are contained in the statement of additional information of the Trust with respect to the Fund(s) for which this Form N-CSR is being filed.

 

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

 

(a) Based on their evaluation of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”)) as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report, the registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that such disclosure controls and procedures are reasonably designed and are operating effectively to ensure that material information relating to the registrant is made known to them by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared, and that the information required in filings on Form N-CSR is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported on a timely basis.

 

(b) There were no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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

 

NOT APPLICABLE – applies to closed-end funds only

 

Item 13. Exhibits.

 

(a)(1) NOT APPLICABLE – disclosed with annual report

 

(a)(2) Certifications by the registrant's principal executive officer and principal financial officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and required by Rule 30a-2under the Investment Company Act of 1940 are filed herewith.

 

(a)(3) Not applicable.

 

(b) Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 is filed herewith.

 
 

 

SIGNATURES

 

 

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

 

 

(Registrant)   Capitol Series Trust

 

 

By (Signature and Title) /s/ Matthew J. Miller  
  Matthew J. Miller, Chief Executive Officer and President

 

 

Date 6/06/2023

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

By (Signature and Title)  /s/ Matthew J. Miller  
  Matthew J. Miller, Chief Executive Officer and President

 

 

Date 6/06/2023

 

 

 

By (Signature and Title) /s/ Zachary P. Richmond  
  Zachary P. Richmond, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

Date 6/06/2023