N-CSR 1 centerstonencsr.htm N-CSR

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

form n-csr

certified shareholder report of registered management
investment companies

Investment Company Act file number 811-23128

 

Centerstone Investors Trust

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

135 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10010

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

Philip Santopadre, Gemini Fund Services, LLC

80 Arkay Drive, Hauppauge, NY 11788

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 212-503-5789

 

Date of fiscal year end: 3/31

 

Date of reporting period: 3/31/18

 

Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

 

(COVER PAGE)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(CENTERSTONE INVESTORS LOGO)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments in a Fund are not bank deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed or endorsed by, any bank and are not insured or guaranteed by the FDIC, the Federal Reserve Board or any other government agency. You could lose money if you sell when the Fund’s share price is lower than when you invested.

 

Past performance is no guarantee of future performance. The general market views expressed in this report are opinions based on market and other conditions through the end of the reporting period and are subject to change without notice. These views are not intended to predict the future performance of a Fund or the securities markets. References to specific securities and their issuers, if any, are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be, and should not be interpreted as, recommendations to purchase or sell such securities. Such views are not meant as investment advice and may not be relied on as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any Fund.

 

Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Centerstone Funds. This and other important information about the Funds are contained in the prospectus, which can be obtained by calling 877.314.9006. The prospectus should be read carefully before investing.

 

The Centerstone Funds are distributed by Northern Lights Distributors, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC. Centerstone Investors, LLC is not affiliated with Northern Lights Distributors, LLC.

 

 
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

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3 CENTERSTONE’S DISTINCT INVESTMENT APPROACH
   
4 CENTERSTONE’S OPERATING PRINCIPLES
   
5 CENTERSTONE’S GUIDELINES TO INTELLIGENT INVESTING
   
6 SHAREHOLDER LETTER
   
  CENTERSTONE INVESTORS FUND
   
12 Centerstone Investors Fund Overview
   
14 Portfolio of Investments
   
  CENTERSTONE INTERNATIONAL FUND
   
20 Centerstone International Fund Overview
   
22 Portfolio of Investments
   
27 STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
   
29 STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
   
30 STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
   
  FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
   
31 Centerstone Investors Fund
   
32 Centerstone International Fund
   
33 NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
   
52 AUDIT OPINION
   
54 FUNDS’ EXPENSES
   
56 SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
   
61 PRIVACY NOTICE
   
63 TRUSTEES & OFFICERS

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(CENTERSTONE INVESTORS LOGO)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   
2 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018

 

 

CENTERSTONE’S DISTINCT INVESTMENT APPROACH

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Successful investing requires a strong dose of common sense. As a result, we approach security analysis from a different perspective. We are business analysts, not “equity” analysts. Business analysis is a more holistic approach which includes the entirety of a firm’s capital structure and allows us, in our opinion, to more accurately gauge the prospects for impairment in business value.

 

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“Successful investing requires a strong dose of common sense. As a result, we approach security analysis from a different perspective. We are business analysts, not ‘equity’ analysts.”
 
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As the name of the firm states, we are investors, which implies a long-term time horizon. Since most peers operate on an annual cycle, they attempt to maximize short-term gains. Being privately owned with an employee ownership culture allows us, in our opinion, to more effectively align our interests with our investors.

 

We define risk simply as the chance for permanent loss of capital. Our distinct investment approach seeks to minimize losses at a portfolio level by trying to have adequate diversification of risks. We will default to cash and high quality bonds in the absence of qualifying investments. It is our belief that our risk management techniques on a security-level and portfolio-level attempt to address the risk most commonly defined by shareholders: volatility.

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018 3

 

 

CENTERSTONE’S OPERATING PRINCIPLES

(Unaudited)

 

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TIME HORIZON

 

♦Long-term investment horizon

 

♦Emphasis on long-term earnings power, rather than current earnings

 

MARGIN OF SAFETY AND INTRINSIC VALUE

 

♦Invest in a security after we have determined that the market price is lower than its intrinsic value, the difference being our margin of safety

 

♦Margin of safety affords us a cushion to potentially avoid paying more than its intrinsic value

 

SEEK TO MANAGE RISK THROUGH BOTTOM-UP RESEARCH

 

♦In our opinion, it is important to avoid highly leveraged businesses, specifically because they are more exposed to an impairment of value during periods of industry or economic distress

 

♦Focus our efforts on understanding the likelihood of a change in the earnings power of a business due to changing competitive dynamics, technological challenges and regulations, among other factors

 

♦In most cases, we will avoid shareholder-unfriendly businesses as it relates to management’s capital allocation decisions

 

GENERAL MARKET RISK WITHIN A BOTTOM-UP APPROACH

 

♦In environments with an insufficient margin of safety, fully invested portfolio mandates can become too exposed to the risk of loss by owning potentially overvalued securities, while a more flexible policy may help to reduce that risk by holding a reserve in cash and high quality debt instruments

 

   
4 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018

 

 

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Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018 5

 

 

(CENTERSTONE LOGO)

 

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(PHOTO)

Abhay Deshpande, CFA
chief investment officer
  DEAR FELLOW CENTERSTONE SHAREHOLDERS,

The snapshot of the one-year period ended March 31, 2018 has shown us a tale of two markets. Most of 2017 sailed by with little to no room for error as the S&P 500 was at or above its intrinsic value1. 2018 thus far has introduced a bit of volatility and has erased some gains earned in 2017. While the global financial crisis may seem like a distant memory, we are starting to unwind that perception as investors are wondering what is on the horizon.

 

Against this backdrop the Centerstone Funds posted equity-like returns and did so with limited downside as compared with their respective equity-only benchmarks, meeting our fundamental goals for both Funds. Regardless of the backdrop, we at Centerstone Investors remain disciplined and focused on our underlying businesses and their intrinsic values. As absolute value investors with a long-term investment horizon we do this by placing an emphasis on business quality, balance sheet quality and company management quality, within a context of avoiding permanent loss of capital. We focus on risk management first and foremost and hold sufficient reserves in the event of any volatility.

 

THREE PART OPPORTUNITY SET

 

The Centerstone Funds continue to favor non-US markets as US stocks remain modestly overvalued. However, the recent market volatility has provided us with more opportunities to research in the US and some early entry points. Since the epicenter of the volatility is interest rate-related in nature, stocks of many interest rate sensitive companies have seen their prices drop substantially. We are taking a deeper look into utilities and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), while being cautious as such companies in these industries typically

 

1Intrinsic value refers to the price a knowledgeable investor would pay in cash to control an asset.

 

   
6 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018

 

 

SHAREHOLDER LETTER

MARCH 31, 2018

 

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support quite a bit of debt. In such cases of beaten down industries we do not typically favor, we tend to choose the higher quality companies, even if they are not the absolute cheapest. We put a premium on staying power because we know that it is possible we may be wrong or too early.

 

Our evolving “Amazon threat basket” includes grocery stores, auto parts distribution, retail, energy services and now health care distribution. We look for price dislocations and fundamental misunderstandings to find stocks that we believe are undervalued by the wider market and apply our above-mentioned principles to take advantage of the market’s emotional state. The key for us is to sort out the cyclical from the structural. We view Amazon as just another competitor in already competitive markets who is not pre-ordained to win the battle when it comes to the companies that we have chosen to invest in. Our aggregate exposure remains limited to less than 8% across six holdings in the Centerstone Investors Fund (CENTX) and less than 2% in one holding in the Centerstone International Fund (CINTX).

 

The third (and largest) opportunity set falls under our non-US allocations, specifically within Europe and to a lesser degree Asia. There has been an active bifurcation between US and non-US markets for a decade now, with the latter not having the same recovery as we have witnessed on the ground in our home-country. We believe the winds are turning into tailwinds, as earnings per share overseas have started to recover–2017 being proof of that. The path to interest rate increases overseas does not appear to be clear and perhaps foreign companies are not as interest rate sensitive as US businesses. For instance, 2-year notes in Europe and Japan are flat to slightly negative, while 2-year Treasury notes in the US are yielding more than the S&P 500 dividend yield. This to us suggests more potential safety overseas and we believe we are appropriately positioned to be rewarded with approximately 50% allocated to foreign equity in the Centerstone Investors Fund (CENTX) and approximately 80% allocated to foreign equity in the Centerstone International Fund (CINTX).

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018 7

 

 

(CENTERSTONE LOGO)

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

As we continue through 2018, it is a good time to remember the greatest lesson ever taught by “Mr. Market” is that no one can have all the answers in this business as there is no crystal ball. With interest rates and inflation increasing, upcoming US elections and all of the unknowns to come, there certainly will be a vibrant debate over the future direction of stocks and bonds globally. While we will be aware of the debate around us, you can expect us to continue to focus on fundamentals of businesses and favor strong balance sheets, business model durability and management teams with good track records of capital allocation. With our Funds positioned differently than our peers, whether from an allocation perspective or a tilt toward less-loved securities, I am excited about our long-term prospects.

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS FUND

 

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018, the Centerstone Investors Fund Class I shares (CENTX) returned 9.82%, Class A shares (CETAX) returned 9.49% and Class A shares with a sales charge (CETAX) returned 4.00% compared with 14.85% for the MSCI ACWI Index and 13.59% for the MSCI World Index, respectively. The Fund’s reserves2 made up 23.31% of the portfolio as of March 31, 2018.

 

During the period, the Centerstone Investors Fund’s five largest contributors to performance were Ichiyoshi Securities (Japan, Foreign Equity, Financials), Grainger (United States, US Equity, Industrials), Topdanmark (Denmark, Foreign Equity, Financials), Target (United States, US Equity, Consumer Discretionary) and Berendsen (United Kingdom, Foreign Equity, Industrials), collectively adding 3.35% to performance. The five largest detractors were NOW (United States, US Equity, Industrials), Grupo Televisa (Mexico, Foreign Equity, Consumer Discretionary), Fossil Group (United States, US Equity, Consumer Discretionary), Mosaic (United States, US Equity, Materials) and Omnicom Group (United States, US Equity, Consumer Discretionary), collectively subtracting 1.62% from performance.

 

2Cash & cash equivalents, treasury securities, short-term high quality bonds and preferred stocks.

 

   
8 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018

 

 

SHAREHOLDER LETTER

 MARCH 31, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

CENTERSTONE INTERNATIONAL FUND

 

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018, the Centerstone International Fund Class I shares (CINTX) returned 11.90%, Class A shares (CSIAX) returned 11.53% and Class A shares with a sales charge (CSIAX) returned 5.91% compared with 16.53% for the MSCI ACWI Ex-US Index and 14.80% for the MSCI EAFE Index, respectively. The Fund’s reserves2 made up 16.19% of the portfolio as of March 31, 2018.

 

During the period, the Centerstone International Fund’s five largest contributors to performance were Ichiyoshi Securities (Japan, Foreign Equity, Financials), Mandarin Oriental International (Hong Kong, Foreign Equity, Consumer Discretionary), Topdanmark (Denmark, Foreign Equity, Financials), Berendsen (United Kingdom, Foreign Equity, Industrials) and Air Liquide (France, Foreign Equity, Materials), collectively adding 4.71% to performance. The five largest detractors were Grupo Televisa (Mexico, Foreign Equity, Consumer Discretionary), Mosaic (United States, US Equity, Materials), Sodexo (France, Foreign Equity, Consumer Discretionary), ComfortDelGro (Singapore, Foreign Equity, Industrials) and Hongkong Land (Hong Kong, Foreign Equity, Real Estate), collectively subtracting 1.24% from performance.

 

Thank you for being a Centerstone shareholder and for your support in our growing Fund family. We look forward to writing you again.

 

Sincerely,

 

(-s-Abhay Deshpande)

 

Abhay Deshpande, CFA
CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER

 

2Cash & cash equivalents, treasury securities, short-term high quality bonds and preferred stocks.

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018 9

 

 

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The commentary represents the opinion of Centerstone Investors as of March 2018 and is subject to change based on market and other conditions. These opinions are not intended to be a forecast of future events, a guarantee of future results or investment advice. Any statistics contained here have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but the accuracy of this information cannot be guaranteed. The views expressed herein may change at any time subsequent to the date of issue hereof. The information provided is not to be construed as a recommendation or an offer to buy or sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any fund or security.

 

The MSCI ACWI Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed and emerging markets.

 

The MSCI World Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets.

 

The MSCI ACWI ex-US Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed and emerging markets, excluding the US.

 

The MSCI EAFE Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure the market performance of developed markets, excluding the US & Canada.

 

All indices provide total returns in US dollars with net dividends reinvested.

 

Investors are not able to invest directly in the indices referenced and unmanaged index returns do not reflect any fees, expenses or sales charges. The referenced indices are shown for general market comparisons.

 

6321-NLD-4/12/2018

 

   
10 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(CENTERSTONE INVESTORS LOGO)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018 11

 

 

(CENTERSTONE LOGO)  CENTERSTONE INVESTORS
FUND OVERVIEW
(Unaudited)

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

(GRAPHIC) (GRAPHIC) (GRAPHIC)
     
Seeks to generate long-term growth of capital by investing across the globe Global investments across industries, market capitalizations and capital structure vary depending on opportunities Invest in global equities and fixed income, with a bottom-up value approach. Weightings will

 

PERFORMANCE 1 Month 3 Month 1 Year Since Inception*
Class I (CENTX) –0.09%   –0.43%   9.82%   8.83%
Class A (CETAX) –0.09    –0.43 9.49 8.52
Class A (CETAX)
with Sales Charge†
–5.11    –5.42 4.00 5.63
Class C (CENNX) –0.17    –0.61 8.74 7.99
MSCI ACWI Index –2.14    –0.96 14.85 15.34
MSCI World Index –2.18    –1.28 13.59 14.38
         
*Inception date is May 3, 2016

 

†Class A Maximum Sales Charge is 5.00%

 

The performance data quoted here represents past performance. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted above. Past performance is no guarantee of 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 Fund’s total annual operating expenses, including acquired fund fees of 0.03%, gross of any fee waivers or expense reimbursements, is 2.58%, 3.89% and 2.45%, for Class A, Class C and Class I shares, respectively. The Fund’s investment advisor has contractually agreed to reduce its fees and/or absorb expenses of the Fund, at least until March 31, 2019, to ensure that the net annual Fund operating expenses will not exceed 1.35%, 2.10% and 1.10% of the Investors Fund’s average net assets, for Class A, Class C and Class I shares, respectively, subject to possible recoupment from the Fund in future years. Please review the Fund’s prospectus for more information regarding the Fund’s fees and expenses. For performance information current to the most recent month-end, please call toll-free 877.314.9006. Investors are not able to invest directly in the indices referenced in the illustration above and unmanaged index returns do not reflect any fees, expenses or sales charges. Definitions for the indices can be found on page 13.

 

TOP 10 HOLDINGS** % of Portfolio    % of Portfolio
Gold & Gold-Related (US) 4.31%  TransCanada (CAN) 1.68%
Grainger (US) 1.93     Kerry Logistics (HKG) 1.63   
Vopak (NLD) 1.79     Henry Schein (US) 1.48   
Colgate-Palmolive (US) 1.77     ICA Gruppen (SWE) 1.45   
Air Liquide (FRA) 1.76     Loomis (SWE) 1.45   
     TOTAL 19.24% 
**Holdings in cash, cash equivalents and short term instruments have been excluded.

 

The security holdings are presented to illustrate examples of the securities that the Fund has bought and the diversity of areas in which the Fund may invest, and may not be representative of the Fund’s current or future investments. Portfolio holdings are subject to change and should not be considered investment advice.

 

   
12 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018

 

 

  CLASS I   CLASS A   CLASS C
  CENTX ♦ CETAX ♦ CENNX
  (Unaudited)

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

(LINE GRAPH)

 

Fund commenced operations May 3, 2016.

 

Returns for Class A shares include a maximum sales charge of 5.00%.

 

The MSCI ACWI Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed and emerging markets.

 

The MSCI World Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets.

 

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) represents the change in price of goods and services purchased for consumption by households.

 

(PIE CHAT)

 

§Percentage of portfolio including income.

 

Portfolio allocations are subject to change and should not be considered investment advice.

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018 13

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
MARCH 31, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

Shares   Security  Value 
COMMON STOCK – 68.59%    
CANADA – 2.89%    
 122,012   TransCanada Corp.  $5,045,833 
 115,242   Metro, Inc.   3,676,366 
         8,722,199 
CHILE – 1.35%    
 94,957   Cia Cervecerias Unidas SA   2,792,685 
 102,546,552   Vina San Pedro Tarapaca SA   1,273,384 
         4,066,069 
DENMARK – 2.06%    
 75,046   ISS A/S*   2,787,168 
 190,576   Matas A/S   2,066,263 
 29,117   Topdanmark A/S*   1,374,839 
         6,228,270 
FINLAND – 0.93%    
 145,387   Tikkurila Oyj   2,794,287 
           
FRANCE – 5.64%    
 43,209   Air Liquide SA   5,302,512 
 39,947   Schneider Electric SE   3,517,792 
 23,430   Danone SA   1,899,760 
 26,503   Valeo SA   1,753,178 
 14,466   Eiffage SA*   1,647,553 
 15,165   Sodexo SA   1,526,329 
 4,402   LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE   1,356,580 
         17,003,704 
GERMANY – 5.22%    
 170,451   Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG   3,835,203 
 34,162   Bayerische Motoren Werke AG   3,715,796 
 58,909   Brenntag AG   3,506,982 
 20,709   Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide   2,043,819 
 23,454   Hornbach Holding AG & Co. KGaA   1,975,894 
 19,576   Hornbach Baumarkt AG   674,445 
         15,752,139 
HONG KONG – 3.35%    
 3,320,926   Kerry Logistics Network Ltd.   4,913,261 
 291,000   Hongkong Land Holdings Ltd.   2,004,990 
 671,517   Mandarin Oriental International Ltd.   1,604,926 
 296,900   Hysan Development Co. Ltd.   1,575,601 
         10,098,778 
           

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

   
14 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
MARCH 31, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

Shares   Security  Value 
COMMON STOCK – 68.59% (continued)    
INDONESIA – 0.80%    
 2,053,562   Indocement Tunggal Prakarsa Tbk PT  $2,401,986 
           
ISRAEL – 0.56%    
 402,400   Israel Chemicals Ltd.   1,708,309 
           
JAPAN – 5.10%    
 214,275   Mitsubishi Estate Co. Ltd.   3,589,415 
 112,551   Nagaileben Co. Ltd.*   3,128,181 
 229,995   Ichiyoshi Securities Co. Ltd.*   2,660,708 
 42,573   Aica Kogyo Co. Ltd.*   1,567,463 
 97,000   Astellas Pharma, Inc.   1,483,711 
 7,752   Shimano, Inc.   1,118,662 
 50,330   Sekisui Jushi Corp.*   1,095,984 
 2,896   FANUC Corp.   745,295 
         15,389,419 
MALAYSIA – 0.96%    
 1,280,000   Genting Bhd.   2,886,328 
           
MEXICO – 1.54%    
 915,016   Grupo Televisa SAB   2,921,206 
 96,090   Fresnillo PLC   1,715,772 
         4,636,978 
NETHERLANDS – 2.75%    
 109,793   Koninklijke Vopak NV   5,390,844 
 122,031   Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize NV   2,891,640 
         8,282,484 
PERU – 0.48%    
 26,684   Southern Copper Corp.   1,445,739 
           
SINGAPORE – 1.09%    
 167,369   Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp. Ltd.   1,648,752 
 1,040,366   ComfortDelGro Corp. Ltd.   1,633,172 
         3,281,924 
SOUTH KOREA – 0.54%    
 17,200   KT&G Corp.   1,617,915 
           
SWEDEN – 4.21%    
 122,909   ICA Gruppen AB   4,357,550 
 120,637   Loomis AB   4,355,114 
 232,562   Mekonomen AB*   3,978,521 
         12,691,185 
           

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018 15

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
MARCH 31, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

Shares   Security  Value 
COMMON STOCK – 68.59% (continued)    
SWITZERLAND – 4.51%    
 40,719   Novartis AG  $3,293,388 
 36,043   Nestle SA   2,848,894 
 12,152   Roche Holding AG   2,787,634 
 5,868   Swatch Group AG   2,589,227 
 23,117   Cie Financiere Richemont SA   2,077,337 
         13,596,480 
THAILAND – 2.77%    
 354,260   Siam City Cement PCL   2,938,296 
 4,278,000   Krung Thai Bank PCL   2,607,971 
 264,400   Bangkok Bank PCL   1,817,102 
 962,100   Thai Beverage PCL   573,794 
 65,350   Bangkok Bank PCL (NVDR)   415,177 
         8,352,340 
UNITED KINGDOM – 1.97%    
 585,000   Merlin Entertainments PLC   2,844,604 
 45,330   Spectris PLC   1,715,648 
 344,242   Rotork PLC   1,375,880 
         5,936,132 
UNITED STATES – 19.87%    
 20,569   Grainger, Inc.   5,806,012 
 74,237   Colgate-Palmolive Co.   5,321,308 
 66,169   Henry Schein, Inc.*   4,447,218 
 59,419   Target Corp.   4,125,461 
 74,540   Tapestry, Inc.   3,921,549 
 149,322   Mosaic Co.   3,625,538 
 47,734   EnerSys   3,311,308 
 11,715   O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.*   2,898,057 
 41,300   Emerson Electric Co.   2,820,790 
 274,855   NOW, Inc.*   2,809,018 
 37,503   Omnicom Group, Inc.   2,725,343 
 33,053   TJX Cos., Inc.   2,695,803 
 55,295   Sonoco Products Co.   2,681,808 
 35,558   CarMax, Inc.*   2,202,463 
 23,040   Scotts Miracle-Gro Co.   1,975,680 
 8,990   3M Co.   1,973,485 
 14,852   United Technologies Corp.   1,868,679 
 10,536   McDonald’s Corp.   1,647,620 
 26,215   CVS Health Corp.   1,630,835 
 7,000   FleetCor Technologies, Inc.*   1,417,500 
         59,905,475 
TOTAL COMMON STOCK (Cost – $195,072,314)  206,798,140 
           

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

   
16 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
MARCH 31, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

Principal   Security  Coupon  Maturity  Value 
BONDS & NOTES – 7.34%          
LUXEMBOURG – 0.51%          
$1,550,000   Allergan Funding SCS  2.45%  6/15/2019  $1,538,186 
                 
NETHERLANDS – 0.24%          
 701,000   LyondellBasell Industries NV  5.00%  4/15/2019   711,618 
                 
SWITZERLAND – 0.24%          
 700,000   UBS Group Funding Switzerland AG,           
     Quarterly US LIBOR +1.78% – 144A**  3.50%  4/14/2021   725,321 
                 
UNITED KINGDOM – 0.09%          
 276,000   Vodafone Group PLC  4.63%  7/15/2018   277,749 
                 
UNITED STATES – 6.26%          
 2,083,000   American Electric Power Co., Inc.  2.15%  11/13/2020   2,037,799 
 2,000,000   Apple, Inc., Quarterly US LIBOR +0.50%**  2.30%  2/9/2022   2,023,106 
 1,500,000   CVS Health Corp.,           
     Quarterly US LIBOR +0.63%**  2.69%  3/9/2020   1,505,625 
 1,500,000   Xilinx, Inc.  2.13%  3/15/2019   1,489,625 
 1,500,000   Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC  2.68%  1/9/2020   1,487,383 
 1,000,000   Synchrony Financial  2.60%  1/15/2019   997,774 
 1,000,000   Newell Brands, Inc.  2.88%  12/1/2019   994,520 
 1,000,000   SUPERVALU, Inc.  6.75%  6/1/2021   985,000 
 961,000   Kraft Heinz Foods Co.  2.00%  7/2/2018   960,040 
 939,000   Bank of America Corp.  5.65%  5/1/2018   941,366 
 812,000   Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC  2.55%  10/5/2018   811,294 
 800,000   Mondelez International, Inc.,           
     Quarterly US LIBOR +0.52%**  2.29%  2/1/2019   802,129 
 750,000   United Technologies Corp.  1.78%  5/4/2018   749,358 
 700,000   Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.,           
     Quarterly US LIBOR +1.60%**  3.58%  11/29/2023   721,874 
 550,000   PHI, Inc.  5.25%  3/15/2019   539,038 
 500,000   Wells Fargo & Co.,           
     Quarterly US LIBOR +0.68%**  2.45%  1/30/2020   502,523 
 500,000   Talen Energy Supply LLC  6.50%  5/1/2018   497,500 
 350,000   Clear Channel Worldwide Holdings, Inc.  7.63%  3/15/2020   349,563 
 245,000   Verizon Communications, Inc.,           
     Quarterly US LIBOR +1.75%**  3.86%  9/14/2018   246,475 
 146,000   Wells Fargo & Co.,           
     Quarterly US LIBOR +1.34%**  3.36%  3/4/2021   149,549 
 80,000   Spectra Energy Partners LP  2.95%  9/25/2018   80,080 
               18,871,621 
TOTAL BONDS & NOTES (Cost – $22,163,356)        22,124,495 
                 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018 17

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
MARCH 31, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

Shares   Security  Value 
EXCHANGE TRADED FUND – COMMODITY – 4.31%    
 103,341   SPDR Gold Shares*  $12,999,264 
TOTAL EXCHANGE TRADED FUND – COMMODITY (Cost – $12,482,845)    

 

Principal   Security  Coupon  Maturity  Value 
PREFERRED STOCK – 3.34%          
$120,000   Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.,           
     Quarterly US LIBOR +0.75%**  4.00%  5/16/2018   2,835,600 
 120,000   Bank of America Corp.,           
     Quarterly US LIBOR +0.50%**  4.00%  5/16/2018   2,818,800 
 100,000   Citigroup Capital XIII,           
     Quarterly US LIBOR +6.37%**  8.14%  10/30/2040   2,719,000 
 42,284   Pacific Gas & Electric Co.  5.50%  Perpetual   1,027,497 
 29,583   Pacific Gas & Electric Co.  5.00%  Perpetual   657,038 
                 
TOTAL PREFERRED STOCK (Cost – $9,829,901)        10,057,935 
                 
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS – 2.99%          
 15,159   Unibail-Rodamco SE         3,462,677 
 56,290   Ventas, Inc.         2,788,044 
 183,952   Monmouth Real Estate Investment Corp.         2,766,638 
                 
TOTAL REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (Cost – $9,187,598)   9,017,359 
                 
Principal   Security  Coupon  Maturity  Value 
US GOVERNMENT & AGENCY OBLIGATIONS – 10.30%       
US TREASURY NOTES/BONDS – 10.30%       
$25,700,000   United States Treasury Note  1.38%  7/31/2019   25,419,910 
 3,000,000   United States Treasury Note  1.25%  8/31/2019   2,959,453 
 2,700,000   United States Treasury Note  1.38%  9/30/2019   2,665,301 
                 
TOTAL US GOVERNMENT & AGENCY OBLIGATIONS (Cost $31,405,488)     31,044,664 

 

Shares   Security  Value 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS – 2.70% 
MONEY MARKET FUND – 2.70% 
 8,146,564   State Street Institutional Treasury     
     Plus Money Market Fund, Trust Class, 1.50%^  $8,146,564 
           
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost – $8,146,564) 
           

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

   
18 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
MARCH 31, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS – 99.57% (Cost – $288,288,066)  $300,188,421 
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES – 0.43%   1,288,869 
NET ASSETS – 100.00%  $301,477,290 
      

NVDR: Non-Voting Depositary Receipt

 

PCL: Public Company Limited

 

PLC: Public Limited Company

 

*Non-income producing security

 

**Floating rate security

 

^Interest rate reflects seven-day effective yield on March 31, 2018

 

144A - Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be sold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. The aggregate value of such securities is $725,321 or 0.24% of net assets

 

As of March 31, 2018 the following Forward Foreign Currency Contracts were open:

 

FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY AND SPOT CONTRACTS

 

         Local            
         Currency      US $     
         Amount      Value at   Unrealized 
Foreign  Settlement     Purchased/  US $   March 31,   Appreciation/ 
Currency  Date  Counterparty  Sold  Equivalent   2018   (Depreciation)* 
                      
To Buy:                        
Euro  4/4/2018  State Street Bank  434,009  $534,877   $534,156   $(721)
            $534,877   $534,156   $(721)
To Sell:                        
Canadian Dollar  4/20/2018  State Street Bank  1,900,000  $1,524,709   $1,475,331   $49,378 
Chilean Peso  6/14/2018  State Street Bank  800,000,000   1,219,680    1,324,459    (104,779)
Danish Krone  7/9/2018  State Street Bank  7,700,000   1,278,069    1,280,905    (2,836)
Euro  7/9/2018  State Street Bank  7,275,000   8,990,748    9,020,816    (30,068)
Japanese Yen  7/24/2018  State Street Bank  236,500,000   2,165,612    2,240,443    (74,831)
Singapore Dollar  7/24/2018  State Street Bank  965,000   733,540    738,038    (4,498)
Swedish Krona  7/9/2018  State Street Bank  20,200,000   2,528,782    2,438,079    90,703 
Swiss Franc  4/20/2018  State Street Bank  1,200,000   1,238,734    1,257,292    (18,558)
            $19,679,874   $19,775,363   $(95,489)
                         
*The amount represents fair value derivative instruments subject to foreign currency risk exposure as of March 31, 2018.

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018 19

 

 

(CENTERSTONE LOGO)  CENTERSTONE INTERNATIONAL
FUND OVERVIEW
(Unaudited)

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

(GRAPHIC) (GRAPHIC) (GRAPHIC)
Seeks to generate long-term growth of capital by investing across international markets, including developed and emerging Non-US investments across industries, market capitalizations and capital structure Invest majority of assets in foreign equities with flexibility to invest in fixed income, with a bottom-up value approach

 

PERFORMANCE 1 Month 3 Month 1 Year Since Inception*
Class I (CINTX) –0.42% –1.50%    11.90%    10.60%
Class A (CSIAX) –0.51   –1.58   11.53 10.38
Class A (CSIAX)
with Sales Charge†
–5.44   –6.49     5.91   7.43
Class C (CSINX) –0.51   –1.76   10.70   9.82
MSCI ACWI ex-US Index –1.76   –1.18   16.53 15.03
MSCI EAFE Index –1.80   –1.53   14.80 13.04
         
*Inception date is May 3, 2016

 

†Class A Maximum Sales Charge is 5.00%

 

The performance data quoted here represents past performance. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted above. Past performance is no guarantee of 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 Fund’s total annual operating expenses, including acquired fund fees of 0.02%, gross of any fee waivers or expense reimbursements, is 3.19%, 3.92% and 2.93%, for Class A, Class C and Class I shares, respectively. The Fund’s investment advisor has contractually agreed to reduce its fees and/or absorb expenses of the Fund, at least until March 31, 2019, to ensure that the net annual Fund operating expenses will not exceed 1.35%, 2.10% and 1.10% of the International Fund’s average net assets, for Class A, Class C and Class I shares, respectively, subject to possible recoupment from the Fund in future years. Please review the Fund’s prospectus for more information regarding the Fund’s fees and expenses. For performance information current to the most recent month-end, please call toll-free 877.314.9006. Investors are not able to invest directly in the indices referenced in the illustration above and unmanaged index returns do not reflect any fees, expenses or sales charges. Definitions for the indices can be found on page 21.

 

TOP 10 HOLDINGS** % of Portfolio    % of Portfolio
Gold & Gold-Related (US)    4.34%  Loomis (SWE)    2.17%
Kerry Logistics (HKG) 2.65  ICA Gruppen (SWE) 2.11
Air Liquide (FRA) 2.62  BMW (DEU) 1.89
Vopak (NLD) 2.61  Mitsubishi Estate (JPN) 1.81
TransCanada (CAN) 2.43  Hamburger Hafen (DEU) 1.79
     TOTAL   24.42%
        
**Holdings in cash, cash equivalents and short term instruments have been excluded.

 

The security holdings are presented to illustrate examples of the securities that the Fund has bought and the diversity of areas in which the Fund may invest, and may not be representative of the Fund’s current or future investments. Portfolio holdings are subject to change and should not be considered investment advice.

 

   
20 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018

 

 

  CLASS I   CLASS A   CLASS C
  CINTX ♦ CSIAX ♦ CSINX
  (Unaudited)

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

(LINE GRAPH)

 

Fund commenced operations May 3, 2016.

 

Returns for Class A shares include a maximum sales charge of 5.00%.

 

The MSCI ACWI ex-US Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed and emerging markets, excluding the US.

 

The MSCI EAFE Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure the market performance of developed markets, excluding the US & Canada.

 

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) represents the change in price of goods and services purchased for consumption by households.

 

(PIE CHART)

 

§Percentage of portfolio including income.

 

Portfolio allocations are subject to change and should not be considered investment advice.

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018 21

 

 

CENTERSTONE INTERNATIONAL FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
MARCH 31, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

Shares   Security  Value 
COMMON STOCK – 77.56% 
CANADA – 4.14% 
 96,234   TransCanada Corp.  $3,979,778 
 87,751   Metro, Inc.   2,799,368 
         6,779,146 
CHILE – 2.16% 
 84,463   Cia Cervecerias Unidas SA   2,484,057 
 84,677,397   Vina San Pedro Tarapaca SA   1,051,492 
         3,535,549 
DENMARK – 3.24% 
 61,111   ISS A/S*   2,269,630 
 168,593   Matas A/S   1,827,919 
 25,604   Topdanmark A/S*   1,208,963 
         5,306,512 
FINLAND – 1.40% 
 119,409   Tikkurila Oyj   2,294,999 
           
FRANCE – 9.00% 
 34,952   Air Liquide SA   4,289,232 
 33,011   Schneider Electric SE   2,906,997 
 16,026   Eiffage SA*   1,825,223 
 19,440   Danone SA   1,576,241 
 14,520   Sodexo SA   1,461,411 
 21,296   Valeo SA   1,408,734 
 4,147   LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE   1,277,996 
         14,745,834 
GERMANY – 7.52% 
 28,513   Bayerische Motoren Werke AG   3,101,355 
 130,147   Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG   2,928,350 
 47,101   Brenntag AG   2,804,026 
 14,535   Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide   1,434,492 
 16,411   Hornbach Holding AG & Co. KGaA   1,382,553 
 19,526   Hornbach Baumarkt AG   672,722 
         12,323,498 
HONG KONG – 5.54% 
 2,931,377   Kerry Logistics Network Ltd.   4,336,929 
 253,350   Hongkong Land Holdings Ltd.   1,745,582 
 632,083   Mandarin Oriental International Ltd.   1,510,678 
 280,900   Hysan Development Co. Ltd.   1,490,691 
         9,083,880 
           

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

   
22 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018

 

 

CENTERSTONE INTERNATIONAL FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
MARCH 31, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

Shares   Security  Value 
COMMON STOCK – 77.56% (continued) 
INDONESIA – 1.20% 
 1,677,613   Indocement Tunggal Prakarsa Tbk PT  $1,962,250 
           
ISRAEL – 0.95% 
 367,127   Israel Chemicals Ltd.   1,558,565 
  
JAPAN – 8.72% 
 177,025   Mitsubishi Estate Co. Ltd.   2,965,424 
 98,024   Nagaileben Co. Ltd.*   2,724,425 
 209,605   Ichiyoshi Securities Co. Ltd.*   2,424,826 
 45,442   Aica Kogyo Co. Ltd.*   1,673,095 
 84,000   Astellas Pharma, Inc.   1,284,863 
 8,438   Shimano, Inc.   1,217,656 
 54,020   Sekisui Jushi Corp.*   1,176,337 
 3,214   FANUC Corp.   827,133 
         14,293,759 
MALAYSIA – 1.47% 
 1,068,000   Genting Bhd   2,408,280 
           
MEXICO – 2.34% 
 728,939   Grupo Televisa SAB   2,327,152 
 84,464   Fresnillo PLC   1,508,179 
         3,835,331 
NETHERLANDS – 4.13% 
 87,113   Koninklijke Vopak NV   4,277,255 
 104,880   Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize NV   2,485,231 
         6,762,486 
PERU – 0.75% 
 22,806   Southern Copper Corp.   1,235,629 
           
SINGAPORE – 1.87% 
 163,901   Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp. Ltd.   1,614,589 
 921,634   ComfortDelGro Corp. Ltd.   1,446,786 
         3,061,375 
SOUTH KOREA – 0.90% 
 15,700   KT&G Corp.   1,476,818 
           
SWEDEN – 6.06% 
 98,668   Loomis AB   3,562,011 
 97,372   ICA Gruppen AB   3,452,175 
 171,093   Mekonomen AB*   2,926,949 
         9,941,135 
           

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018 23

 

 

CENTERSTONE INTERNATIONAL FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
MARCH 31, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

Shares   Security  Value 
COMMON STOCK – 77.56% (continued) 
SWITZERLAND – 6.71% 
 31,492   Novartis AG  $2,547,101 
 10,010   Roche Holding AG   2,296,265 
 28,955   Nestle SA   2,288,647 
 4,702   Swatch Group AG   2,074,735 
 19,853   Cie Financiere Richemont SA   1,784,028 
         10,990,776 
THAILAND – 4.64% 
 283,204   Siam City Cement PCL   2,348,945 
 3,796,000   Krung Thai Bank PCL   2,314,132 
 281,300   Bangkok Bank PCL   1,933,248 
 1,171,200   Thai Beverage PCL   698,501 
 49,450   Bangkok Bank PCL (NVDR)   314,163 
         7,608,989 
UNITED KINGDOM – 3.09% 
 480,317   Merlin Entertainments PLC   2,335,576 
 38,675   Spectris PLC   1,463,770 
 318,346   Rotork PLC   1,272,378 
         5,071,724 
UNITED STATES – 1.73% 
 116,509   Mosaic, Co.   2,828,839 
           
TOTAL COMMON STOCK (Cost – $120,957,344) 127,105,374 

 

Principal   Security  Coupon  Maturity  Value 
BONDS & NOTES – 0.08%       
UNITED KINGDOM – 0.08%       
$124,000   Vodafone Group PLC  4.63%  7/15/2018   124,786 
                 
TOTAL BONDS & NOTES (Cost – $125,137)       
        
 Shares   Security         Value 
EXCHANGE TRADED FUND – COMMODITY – 4.34%       
 56,595   SPDR Gold Shares*         7,119,085 
                 
TOTAL EXCHANGE TRADED FUND – COMMODITY (Cost – $6,821,484)       
        
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS – 1.72%       
 12,338   Unibail-Rodamco SE         2,818,293 
                 
TOTAL REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (Cost – $3,013,503)       
                 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

   
24 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018

 

 

CENTERSTONE INTERNATIONAL FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
MARCH 31, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

Principal   Security  Coupon  Maturity  Value 
US GOVERNMENT & AGENCY OBLIGATIONS – 12.15%       
US TREASURY NOTES/BONDS – 12.15%       
$12,000,000   United States Treasury Note  1.38%  7/31/2019  $11,869,219 
 4,500,000   United States Treasury Note  1.25%  8/31/2019   4,439,180 
 2,300,000   United States Treasury Note  1.38%  9/30/2019   2,270,441 
 1,340,000   United States Treasury Note  0.75%  4/30/2018   1,339,125 
                 
TOTAL US GOVERNMENT & AGENCY OBLIGATIONS (Cost $20,136,927)     19,917,965 
                 
 Shares   Security         Value 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS – 3.92%       
MONEY MARKET FUND – 3.92%       
 6,433,285   State Street Institutional Treasury           
     Plus Money Market Fund, Trust Class, 1.50%^     6,433,285 
             
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost – $6,433,285)       
        
TOTAL INVESTMENTS – 99.77% (Cost – $157,487,680)    $163,518,788 
        
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES – 0.23%     366,326 
        
NET ASSETS – 100.00%    $163,885,114 

 

NVDR: Non-Voting Depositary Receipt

 

PCL: Public Company Limited

 

PLC: Public Limited Company

 

*Non-income producing security

 

^Interest rate reflects seven-day effective yield on March 31, 2018

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018 25

 

 

CENTERSTONE INTERNATIONAL FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
MARCH 31, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

As of March 31, 2018 the following Forward Foreign Currency Contracts were open:

 

FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY AND SPOT CONTRACTS
         
         Local            
         Currency      US $     
         Amount      Value at   Unrealized 
Foreign  Settlement     Purchased/  US $   March 31,     Appreciation/ 
Currency  Date  Counterparty  Sold  Equivalent   2018   (Depreciation)* 
                         
To Buy:                        
Euro  4/3/2018  State Street Bank  229,782  $283,693   $282,796   $(897)
            $283,693   $282,796   $(897)
To Sell:                        
Canadian Dollar  4/20/2018  State Street Bank  1,500,000  $1,203,677   $1,164,735   $38,942 
Chilean Peso  6/14/2018  State Street Bank  700,000,000   1,067,220    1,158,902    (91,682)
Danish Krone  7/9/2018  State Street Bank  6,500,000   1,078,767    1,081,284    (2,517)
Euro  7/9/2018  State Street Bank  5,900,000   7,295,347    7,315,850    (20,503)
Japanese Yen  7/24/2018  State Street Bank  220,000,000   2,015,140    2,084,133    (68,993)
Singapore Dollar  7/24/2018  State Street Bank  900,000   684,103    688,325    (4,222)
Swedish Krona  7/9/2018  State Street Bank  16,000,000   2,003,159    1,931,151    72,008 
Swiss Franc  4/20/2018  State Street Bank  1,050,000   1,083,892    1,100,131    (16,239)
            $16,431,305   $16,524,511   $(93,206)

 

*The amount represents fair value derivative instruments subject to foreign currency risk exposure as of March 31, 2018.

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

   
26 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
MARCH 31, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

   Centerstone   Centerstone 
   Investors   International 
   Fund   Fund 
Assets:          
Investments in securities, at cost  $288,288,066   $157,487,680 
Investments in securities, at value  $300,188,421   $163,518,788 
Foreign currency, at value (Cost $243,234 and $106,377, respectively)   243,256    106,398 
Cash   26,391    15,812 
Cash collateral for forward foreign currency contracts   520,000    — 
Interest and dividends receivable   592,611    304,391 
Foreign tax reclaim receivable   179,530    151,967 
Receivable for fund shares sold   975,703    1,067,668 
Unrealized appreciation on open forward foreign currency contracts   140,081    110,950 
Prepaid expenses and other assets   10,831    17,542 
Total Assets   302,876,824    165,293,516 
           
Liabilities:          
Payable for securities purchased   745,793    282,735 
Payable for fund shares redeemed   139,221    766,509 
Unrealized depreciation on open forward foreign currency contracts   236,291    205,053 
Payable to advisor   205,935    91,351 
Payable for distribution fees   12,338    9,516 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities   59,956    53,238 
Total Liabilities   1,399,534    1,408,402 
           
Net Assets  $301,477,290   $163,885,114 
           
Net Assets consist of:          
Paid in capital  $287,065,616   $156,299,858 
Accumulated undistributed net investment income   30,237    12,969 
Accumulated undistributed net realized gain on investments and foreign currency transactions   2,570,776    1,627,320 
Net unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency translations   11,810,661    5,944,967 
Net Assets  $301,477,290   $163,885,114 

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018 27

 

 


CENTERSTONE INVESTORS
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
MARCH 31, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

   Centerstone   Centerstone 
   Investors   International 
   Fund   Fund 
Net Asset Value Per Share          
Class I Shares:          
Net Assets  $264,704,529   $135,303,002 
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (no par value; unlimited shares authorized)   22,916,757    11,442,436 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share*  $11.55   $11.82 
           
Class A Shares:**          
Net Assets  $28,608,701   $22,771,650 
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (no par value; unlimited shares authorized)   2,485,327    1,927,497 
Net asset value, and redemption price per share*  $11.51   $11.81 
Offering price per share (NAV per share plus maximum sales charge of 5%)  $12.12   $12.43 
           
Class C Shares:          
Net Assets  $8,164,060   $5,810,462 
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (no par value; unlimited shares authorized)   714,141    496,307 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share*  $11.43   $11.71 
Redemption proceeds per share (NAV per share less maximum contingent deferred sales charge)^  $11.32   $11.59 

 

*Each Fund will deduct a 2.00% redemption fee on the redemption amount if you sell your shares less than 30 days after purchase.

 

**A maximum contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) of 1.00% may apply to certain redemptions of Class A shares made within the first 18 months of their purchase when an initial sales charge was not paid on the purchase.

 

^If you redeem Class C shares within 12 months after purchase, you will be charged a CDSC of up to 1.00%. The charge will apply to the lesser of the original cost of the Class C shares being redeemed or the proceeds of your redemption.

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

   
28 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

   Centerstone   Centerstone 
   Investors   International 
   Fund   Fund 
Investment Income:          
Interest income  $877,420   $252,066 
Dividend income   3,254,657    1,908,803 
Less: Foreign withholding taxes   (269,728)   (210,605)
Total Investment Income   3,862,349    1,950,264 
           
Operating Expenses:          
Investment advisory fees   1,748,770    951,927 
Distribution fees — Class A Shares   36,799    33,322 
Distribution fees — Class C Shares   41,867    32,472 
Shareholder servicing fees   193,173    141,043 
Legal fees   156,396    116,574 
Administration fees   154,438    97,714 
Trustees’ fees   114,778    81,707 
Custodian fees   90,034    84,218 
Registration & filing fees   49,999    49,999 
Chief Compliance Officer fees   34,518    23,732 
Others expenses   69,499    49,448 
Total Operating Expenses   2,690,271    1,662,156 
Less: Fees waived by the advisor   (467,447)   (430,467)
Net Operating Expenses   2,222,824    1,231,689 
Net Investment Income   1,639,525    718,575 
           
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments and Foreign Currency:          
Net realized gain (loss) from:          
Investments   4,342,705    3,488,444 
Forward foreign currency contracts   (766,523)   (627,603)
    3,576,182    2,860,841 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from:          
Investments   9,322,059    3,858,963 
Foreign currency translations   6,761    8,090 
Forward foreign currency contracts   (99,898)   (79,440)
    9,228,922    3,787,613 
           
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain   12,805,104    6,648,454 
           
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting From Operations  $14,444,629   $7,367,029 

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018 29

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

   Centerstone   Centerstone 
   Investors Fund   International Fund 
   Year   Period   Year   Period 
   Ended   Ended   Ended   Ended 
   March 31,   March 31,   March 31,   March 31, 
   2018   2017^   2018   2017^ 
Operations:                    
Net investment income  $1,639,525   $260,144   $718,575   $70,335 
Net realized gain (loss) from investments and forward foreign currency contracts   3,576,182    (69,059)   2,860,841    153,549 
Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments foreign currency translations and forward foreign currency contacts   9,228,922    2,581,739    3,787,613    2,157,354 
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting From Operations   14,444,629    2,772,824    7,367,029    2,381,238 
                     
Distributions to Shareholders From:                    
Net Investment Income:                    
Class I   (955,240)   (206,415)   (260,620)   (114,179)
Class A   (63,381)   (27,800)   (12,021)   (5,140)
Class C   (3,689)   (244)   —    (477)
Net Realized Gains:                    
Class I   (1,352,968)   (24,262)   (1,482,989)   (25,173)
Class A   (128,262)   (3,574)   (201,144)   (1,222)
Class C   (39,914)   (30)   (59,922)   (124)
Total Distributions to Shareholders   (2,543,454)   (262,325)   (2,016,696)   (146,315)
                     
Fund Share Transactions of Beneficial Interest:                    
Net proceeds from shares sold                    
Class I   177,705,651    96,451,618    101,883,963    39,681,319 
Class A   28,089,225    8,819,115    17,770,109    6,665,870 
Class C   7,473,001    611,394    4,685,357    1,175,615 
Reinvestment of distributions                    
Class I   2,063,884    221,936    1,463,175    139,352 
Class A   190,928    29,574    205,503    6,362 
Class C   42,398    274    58,393    601 
Redemption fee proceeds                    
Class I   2,765    15,178    2,601    6,527 
Class A   255    —    357    640 
Class C   74    —    88    — 
Cost of shares redeemed                    
Class I   (16,756,170)   (8,156,932)   (13,149,876)   (1,464,945)
Class A   (9,426,539)   (169,372)   (2,254,413)   (333,220)
Class C   (142,630)   (11)   (243,509)   (11)
Net Increase in Net Assets From Share Transactions of Beneficial Interest   189,242,842    97,822,774    110,421,748    45,878,110 
Total Increase in Net Assets   201,144,017    100,333,273    115,772,081    48,113,033 
                     
Net Assets:                    
Beginning of Period   100,333,273    —    48,113,033    — 
End of Period*  $301,477,290   $100,333,273   $163,885,114   $48,113,033 
                     
* Includes undistributed net investment income at end of period.  $30,237   $355,935   $12,969   $177,679 

 

^The Fund’s inception date is May 3, 2016.

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

   
30 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

The table sets forth financial data for one share of beneficial interest outstanding in each period:

 

   Year Ended   Period Ended 
   March 31, 2018   March 31, 2017* 
   Class I   Class A   Class C   Class I   Class A   Class C 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $10.64   $10.62   $10.59   $10.00   $10.00   $10.00 
Income from investment operations:                              
Net investment income**   0.10    0.07    (0.03)   0.07    0.04    0.01 
Net realized and unrealized gain   0.94    0.94    0.96    0.63    0.64    0.64 
Total income from investment operations   1.04    1.01    0.93    0.70    0.68    0.65 
Less distributions:                              
From net investment income   (0.05)   (0.04)   (0.01)   (0.05)   (0.05)   (0.05)
From net realized gains   (0.08)   (0.08)   (0.08)   (0.01)   (0.01)   (0.01)
Total distributions   (0.13)   (0.12)   (0.09)   (0.06)   (0.06)   (0.06)
                               
Net asset value, end of period  $11.55   $11.51   $11.43   $10.64   $10.62   $10.59 
Total return†   9.82%   9.49%   8.74%   7.02% (1)   6.77% (1)   6.50% (1)
                               
Ratios/Supplemental Data:                              
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)  $264,705   $28,609   $8,164   $90,803   $8,910   $621 
Ratios of expenses to average net assets                              
Before fee waivers   1.34%   1.59%   2.34%   2.42% ^   2.55% ^   3.86% ^
After fee waivers   1.10%   1.35%   2.10%   1.10% ^   1.35% ^   2.10% ^
Ratios of net investment income (loss) to average net assets                              
Before fee waivers   0.65%   0.41%   (0.57)%   (0.57)% ^   (0.77)% ^   (1.68)% ^
After fee waivers   0.88%   0.65%   (0.30)%   0.75% ^   0.44% ^   0.08% ^
Portfolio turnover rate   20.55%   20.55%   20.55%   33.34% (1)   33.34% (1)   33.34% (1)

 

*The Fund’s inception date is May 3, 2016.

 

**The net investment income per share data was determined using the average shares outstanding throughout the period.

 

(1)Not annualized.

 

†Assumes reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any. Total return does not reflect any sales charges, if any, or the deductions of taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or on the redemption of shares.

 

^Annualized for periods less than one year.

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018 31

 

 

CENTERSTONE INTERNATIONAL FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

The table sets forth financial data for one share of beneficial interest outstanding in each period:

 

   Year Ended   Period Ended 
   March 31, 2018   March 31, 2017* 
   Class I   Class A   Class C   Class I   Class A   Class C 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $10.75   $10.75   $10.73   $10.00   $10.00   $10.00 
Income from investment operations:                              
Net investment income**   0.09    0.06    (0.04)   0.03    0.06    — (1)
Net realized and unrealized gain   1.18    1.18    1.19    0.79    0.75    0.79 
Total income from investment operations   1.27    1.24    1.15    0.82    0.81    0.79 
Less distributions:                              
From net investment income   (0.03)   (0.01)   —    (0.06)   (0.06)   (0.05)
From net realized gains   (0.17)   (0.17)   (0.17)   (0.01)   (0.01)   (0.01)
Total distributions   (0.20)   (0.18)   (0.17)   (0.07)   (0.07)   (0.06)
                               
Net asset value, end of period  $11.82   $11.81   $11.71   $10.75   $10.75   $10.73 
Total return†   11.90%   11.53%   10.70%   8.32% (2)   8.27% (2)   8.02% (2)
                               
Ratios/Supplemental Data:                              
Net assets, end of period (in 000s)  $135,303   $22,772   $5,810   $40,395   $6,510   $1,208 
Ratios of expenses to average net assets                              
Before fee waivers   1.50%   1.75%   2.50%   2.91% ^    3.17% ^    3.90% ^ 
After fee waivers   1.10%   1.35%   2.10%   1.10% ^    1.35% ^    2.10% ^ 
Ratios of net investment income (loss) to average net assets                              
Before fee waivers   0.33%   0.13%   (0.74)%   (1.46)% ^    (1.18)% ^    (1.78)% ^ 
After fee waivers   0.73%   0.54%   (0.34)%   0.35% ^    0.65% ^    0.02% ^ 
Portfolio turnover rate   20.86%   20.86%   20.86%   19.46% (2)   19.46% (2)   19.46% (2)

 

*The Fund’s inception date is May 3, 2016.

 

**The net investment income per share data was determined using the average shares outstanding throughout the period.

 

(1)Amount is less than $0.005 per share.

 

(2)Not annualized.

 

†Assumes reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any. Total return does not reflect any sales charges, if any, or the deductions of taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or on the redemption of shares.

 

^Annualized for periods less than one year.

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

   
32 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

1.ORGANIZATION

 

The Centerstone Investors Fund and the Centerstone International Fund (each a “Fund” and collectively the “Funds”) are each a series of Centerstone Investors Trust, (the “Trust”) a Delaware statutory trust. The Trust is an open-ended management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”). The Trust is governed by its Board of Trustees (the “Board” or “Trustees”). Each Fund is a diversified series of the Trust. The Centerstone Investors Fund seeks long-term growth of capital by investing in a range of securities and asset classes from markets around the world, including the US market. The Centerstone International Fund seeks long-term growth of capital by investing in a range of securities and asset classes primarily from foreign (non-US) markets. Centerstone Investors, LLC (the “Advisor”), manages the Funds. The Funds’ inception date was May 3, 2016.

 

All classes of shares for each of the Funds have identical rights to earnings, assets and voting privileges, except for class-specific expenses and exclusive rights to vote on matters affecting only individual classes

 

2.SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts 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. The Funds are investment companies and accordingly follow the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standard Codification Topic 946 “Financial Services – Investment Companies” including FASB Accounting Standard Update ASU 2013-08.

 

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Funds in preparation of their financial statements.

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018 33

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

a.Investment Valuation – In determining each Fund’s Net Asset Value (“NAV”) per share, securities traded on one or more securities exchanges for which market quotations are readily available are valued at current market value using the last reported sales price. NASDAQ traded securities are valued using the NASDAQ Official Closing Price (“NOCP”). If no sale price is reported, the mean between the current bid and ask is used. If market quotations are not readily available, then securities will be valued at fair value as determined by the Board (or its delegate). In this case, the Board has approved the use of a fair valuation pricing committee (the “Fair Value Committee” or the “Committee”), to which it has delegated certain responsibilities. Securities not traded or dealt in on any securities exchange and for which over-the-counter market (whether domestic or foreign) quotations are readily available generally shall be valued at the last sale price or, in the absence of a sale, at the current mean price on such over-the-counter market, (and if there is only a bid or only an ask price on such date, valuation will be at such bid or ask price for long or short positions, respectively). Debt securities, whether listed on an exchange or traded in the over the counter market for which market quotations are readily available, are generally priced at the current bid price. Debt securities may be valued at prices supplied by the relevant pricing agent(s) based on broker or dealer supplied valuations or matrix pricing, a method of valuing securities by reference to the value of other securities with similar characteristics, such as rating, interest rate and maturity. Absent special circumstances, valuations for a specific type of instrument will all be made through the same pricing agent.

 

The value of foreign currencies and of foreign securities whose value is quoted or calculated in a foreign currency shall be converted into US dollars based on foreign exchange rates provided by a major banking institution(s) or currency dealer(s) selected by the pricing agent providing such price, or by the Fair Value Committee in the case of securities for which the Fair Value Committee provides a fair value determination, at 4:00 pm Eastern Time (“ET”) or the nearest time prior to the close of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), currently 4:00 pm ET, at which such foreign currency quotations are available.

 

Money market-type instruments that have a remaining maturity of 60 days or less are valued at bid prices from a pricing vendor, unless the Fair Value Committee believes another valuation is more appropriate.

 

   
34 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

Forward currency contracts shall be valued at the forward currency contract rates, determined at 4:00 pm ET or the nearest time prior to the close of the NYSE, provided by a bank or dealer that the pricing agent or, if applicable, the Fair Value Committee believes to be reliable.

 

Securities in which the Funds invest may be traded in markets that close before 4:00 pm ET. Normally, developments that occur between the close of the foreign markets and 4:00 pm ET will not be reflected in a Fund’s NAV. However, the Funds may determine that such developments are so significant that they will affect the value of a Fund’s securities, and the Fund may adjust the previous local closing prices to reflect fair value for these securities as of 4:00 pm ET. The Trustees have authorized the use of an independent fair valuation service. If the movement in a designated US market index, after foreign markets close, is greater than predetermined levels, the Funds may use a systematic valuation model to fair value its foreign securities. The values assigned to a Fund’s foreign securities therefore may differ on occasion from reported market values. The Trustees and the Advisor believe relying on the procedures as just described will result in prices that are more reflective of the actual market value of portfolio securities held by the Funds as of 4:00 pm ET.

 

Fair Valuation Process – If market quotations are not readily available, or if, in the opinion of the Advisor, the prices or values available do not represent fair value, securities will be valued at their fair market value as determined in good faith by the Trust’s Fair Value Committee in accordance with procedures approved by the Board and evaluated by the Board as to the reliability of the fair value method used. The Committee is composed of one or more representatives from each of the (i) Trust, (ii) Administrator, and (iii) Advisor. The procedures consider, among others, the following factors to determine a security’s fair value: the nature and pricing history (if any) of the security; whether any dealer quotations for the security are available; and possible valuation methodologies that could be used to determine the fair value of the security. The Committee may also enlist third party consultants such as a valuation specialist at a public accounting firm, valuation consultant, or financial officer of a security issuer on an as-needed basis to assist in determining a security-specific fair value. The Board reviews and ratifies the execution of this process and the resultant fair value prices at least quarterly to assure the process produces reliable results.

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018 35

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

As noted, the Committee is composed of one or more representatives from each of the (i) Trust, (ii) Administrator, and (iii) Advisor. The applicable investments are valued collectively via inputs from each of these groups. For example, fair value determinations are required for the following securities: (i) securities for which market quotations are insufficient or not readily available on a particular business day (including securities for which there is a short and temporary lapse in the provision of a price by the regular pricing source); (ii) securities for which, in the opinion of the Advisor, the prices or values available do not represent the fair value of the instrument based upon factors that may include, but are not limited to, the following: only a bid price or an ask price is available; the spread between bid and ask prices is substantial; the frequency of sales; the thinness of the market; the size of reported trades; and actions of the securities markets or regulators, such as the suspension or limitation of trading; (iii) securities determined to be illiquid; (iv) securities with respect to which an event that will affect the value thereof has occurred since the closing prices were established on the principal exchange on which they are traded, but prior to the Funds’ calculation of its net asset value; (v) stale prices — securities whose prices have been stale for 20 or more consecutive business days; (vi) mutual funds that do not provide timely NAV information; (vii) interests in a commodity pool or a managed futures pool; and (viii) restricted securities, such as private investments or non-traded securities. The Committee may determine the fair value of such restricted security using the following factors: (a) the type of security; (b) the cost at date of purchase; (c) the size and nature of the Funds’ holdings; (d) the discount from market value of unrestricted securities of the same class at the time of purchase and subsequent thereto; (e) information as to any transactions or offers with respect to the security; (f) the nature and duration of restrictions on disposition of the security and the existence of any registration rights; (g) how the yield of the security compares to similar securities of companies of similar or equal creditworthiness; (h) the level of recent trades of similar or comparable securities; (i) the liquidity characteristics of the security; (j) current market conditions; (k) the market value of any securities into which the security is convertible or exchangeable; (l) the security’s embedded option values; and (m) information about the financial condition of the issuer and it’s prospects.

 

   
36 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

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

 

Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

The inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls in its entirety, is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018 37

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

The following tables summarize the inputs used for the year ended March 31, 2018, for the Funds’ assets and liabilities measured at fair value:

 

Centerstone Investors Fund                
                 
Assets*  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Common Stock  $84,139,336   $122,658,804   $—   $206,798,140 
Bonds & Notes   —    22,124,495    —    22,124,495 
Exchange Traded Fund — Commodity   12,999,264    —    —    12,999,264 
Preferred Stock   10,057,935    —    —    10,057,935 
Real Estate Investment Trusts   5,554,682    3,462,677    —    9,017,359 
US Government & Agency Obligations   —    31,044,664    —    31,044,664 
Short-Term Investments   8,146,564    —    —    8,146,564 
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts**   —    140,081    —    140,081 
Total Assets  $120,897,781   $179,430,721   $—   $300,328,502 
                     
Liabilities — Derivatives                    
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts**  $—   $236,291   $—   $236,291 

 

Centerstone International Fund                
                 
Assets*  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Common Stock  $22,930,296   $104,175,078   $—   $127,105,374 
Bond & Notes   —    124,786    —    124,786 
Exchange Traded Fund — Commodity   7,119,085    —    —    7,119,085 
Real Estate Investment Trusts   —    2,818,293    —    2,818,293 
US Government & Agency Obligations   —    19,917,965    —    19,917,965 
Short-Term Investments   6,433,285    —    —    6,433,285 
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts**   —    110,950    —    110,950 
Total Assets  $36,482,666   $127,147,072   $—   $163,629,738 
                     
Liabilities — Derivatives                    
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts**  $—   $205,053   $—   $205,053 

 

*Refer to the Portfolio of Investments for country classification.

 

**Forward Foreign Currency Contracts are valued at gross unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the investment.

 

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

 

Transfers in and out of levels 1, 2 and 3 of the fair value hierarchy are recognized as of the beginning of the reporting period. Of the level 2 investments presented above, equity investments amounting to $95,488,884 and $83,121,676 for the Centerstone Investors Fund and Centerstone International Fund, respectively, were considered level 1 investments at the beginning of the period. The primary reason for changes in the classifications between levels 1 and 2 occurs when foreign equity securities are fair valued using other observable market-based inputs in place of the closing exchange price due to events occurring after the close of the exchange or market on which the investment is principally traded.

 

   
38 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

b.Foreign Currency Translations – The books and records of the Funds are maintained in US dollars. The market values of securities which are not traded in US currency are recorded in the financial statements after translation to US dollars based on the applicable exchange rates at the end of the period. The costs of such securities are translated at exchange rates prevailing when acquired. Related interest, dividends and withholding taxes are accrued at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions.

 

Net realized gains and losses on foreign currency transactions represent net gains and losses from currency realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions and the difference between income accrued versus income received. The effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on investments in securities are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investment securities.

 

c.Forward Foreign Currency Contracts – As foreign securities are purchased and sold, the Funds may enter into forward currency exchange contracts in order to hedge against foreign currency exchange rate risks. The market value of the contracts fluctuate with changes in currency exchange rates. The contract is marked-to-market daily and the change in market value is recorded by the Funds as an unrealized gain or loss. As foreign securities are sold, a portion of the contract is generally closed and the Funds record a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed. The Funds may also enter into forward currency contracts as an investment strategy consistent with the Fund’s investment objective.

 

Funds investing in foreign exchange contracts are exposed to risk if the value of the currency changes unfavorably, if the counterparties to the contracts are unable to meet the terms of their contracts or if the Fund is unable to enter into a closing position.

 

Forward foreign currency contracts outstanding, as of March 31, 2018, are listed after each Fund’s Portfolio of Investments. For the year ended March 31, 2018, the average monthly outstanding currency purchased or sold in US dollars for forward foreign currency contracts totaled $13,944,063 and $12,028,076 for the Centerstone Investors Fund and Centerstone International Fund, respectively.

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018 39

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

d.Impact of Derivatives on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities and Statements of Operations – The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments of each Fund in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of March 31, 2018:

 

Location on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities
Derivative Investment Type Asset Derivatives Liability Derivatives
Currency contracts Unrealized appreciation on open forward foreign currency contracts Unrealized depreciation on open forward foreign currency contracts

 

The following table sets forth the fair value of each Fund’s derivative contracts by primary risk exposure as of March 31, 2018:

 

Asset Derivatives Investment Value
  Currency Contracts
Centerstone Investors Fund  
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts $     140,081
   
Centerstone International Fund  
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts $     110,950
   
Liability Derivatives Investment Value
  Currency Contracts
Centerstone Investors Fund  
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts $     236,291
   
Centerstone International Fund  
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts $     205,053

 

The following is a summary of each Fund’s realized gain (loss) and change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on derivative investments recognized in the Statements of Operations categorized by primary risk exposure for the year ended March 31, 2018:

 

Derivative Investment Type Location of Gain (Loss) on Derivatives
Currency Contracts Net Realized gain (loss) from:
  Forward foreign currency contracts
   
  Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:
  Forward foreign currency contracts

 

Realized gain/(loss) on derivatives recognized in the Statements of Operations
Derivative Investment Type Currency Contracts
Centerstone Investors Fund  
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts $     (766,523)
   
Centerstone International Fund  
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts $     (627,603)

 

   
40 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

Changes in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)
on derivatives recognized in the Statements of Operations
Derivative Investment Type Currency Contracts
Centerstone Investors Fund  
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts $     (99,898)
   
Centerstone International Fund  
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts $     (79,440)

 

e.Offsetting of Financial Assets and Derivative Assets – The Funds’ policies are to recognize a net asset or liability equal to the unrealized amount on forward foreign currency contracts. The following table shows additional information regarding the offsetting of assets and liabilities at March 31, 2018.

 

Centerstone Investors Fund

 

Assets:          Net Amounts   Gross Amounts Not     
       Gross   of Assets   Offset in the Statement of     
       Amounts   Presented   Assets & Liabilities     
   Gross   Offset in the   in the             
   Amounts of   Statement   Statement       Cash     
   Recognized   of Assets &   of Assets &   Financial   Collateral   Net 
Description  Assets   Liabilities   Liabilities   Instruments   Pledged   Amount 
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts  $140,081   $—   $140,081   $(140,081)  $—   $— 
Total  $140,081   $—   $140,081   $(140,081)  $—   $— 

 

Liabilities:          Net Amounts   Gross Amounts Not     
       Gross   of Liabilities   Offset in the Statement of     
       Amounts   Presented   Assets & Liabilities     
   Gross   Offset in the   in the             
   Amounts of   Statement   Statement       Cash      
   Recognized   of Assets &   of Assets &   Financial   Collateral   Net 
Description  Liabilities   Liabilities   Liabilities   Instruments   Pledged*   Amount 
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts  $(236,291)  $—   $(236,291)  $140,081   $96,210   $— 
Total  $(236,291)  $—   $(236,291)  $140,081   $96,210   $— 

 

*The amount is limited to the derivative liability balance and accordingly does not include excess collateral pledged.

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018 41

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

Centerstone International Fund

 

Assets:      Gross   Net Amounts   Gross Amounts Not     
       Amounts   of Assets   Offset in the Statement     
   Gross   Offset in the   Presented in   of Assets & Liabilities     
   Amounts of   Statement   the Statement       Cash     
   Recognized   of Assets &   of Assets &   Financial   Collateral     
Description  Assets   Liabilities   Liabilities   Instruments   Pledged   Net Amount 
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts  $110,950   $—   $110,950   $(110,950)  $—   $— 
Total  $110,950   $—   $110,950   $(110,950)  $—   $— 

 

Liabilities:      Gross   Net Amounts   Gross Amounts Not     
       Amounts   of Liabilities   Offset in the Statement     
   Gross   Offset in the   Presented in   of Assets & Liabilities     
   Amounts of   Statement   the Statement       Cash     
   Recognized   of Assets &   of Assets &   Financial   Collateral     
Description  Liabilities   Liabilities   Liabilities   Instruments   Pledged   Net Amount 
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts  $(205,053)  $—   $(205,053)  $110,950   $—   $(94,103)
Total  $(205,053)  $—   $(205,053)  $110,950   $—   $(94,103)

 

f.Investment Transactions, Investment Income and Expenses – Investment transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains and losses from investment transactions and foreign exchange transactions are calculated using the identified cost method. Dividend income and expense is recorded on ex-dividend date (“ex-date”) except in the case of certain dividends from foreign securities, which are recorded as soon as the Fund, using reasonable diligence, becomes aware of such dividends. Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis. Discounts are accreted and premiums are amortized as adjustments to interest income and the identified cost of investments using the effective yield method. Expenses of the Trust that are directly identifiable to a specific Fund are charged to that Fund. Expenses, which are not readily identifiable to a specific Fund, are allocated in such a manner as deemed equitable, taking into consideration the nature and type of expense and the relative sizes of the Funds. In general, each Fund’s income, expenses (other than the class specific distribution fees) and realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated proportionally each day between the classes based upon the relative net assets of each class.

 

   
42 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

g.Concentration of Risk – Investing in securities of foreign issuers and currency transactions may involve certain considerations and risks not typically associated with investments in the United States. These risks include revaluation of currencies, adverse fluctuations in foreign currency values and possible adverse political, social and economic developments, including those particular to a specific industry, country or region. These conditions could cause the securities and their markets to be less liquid and prices more volatile than those of comparable US companies and US government securities.

  

 The ability of issuers of debt securities held by the Funds to meet their obligations may be affected by economic and political developments particular to a specific industry, country, state or region. Investments in lower grade debt securities are subject to special risks, including greater price volatility and a greater risk of loss of principal and interest.

 

h.Federal Income Taxes – It is each Fund’s policy to continue to comply with all sections of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all of its taxable income and gains, if any, to its shareholders and therefore, no provision for federal income tax has been made. Each Fund is treated as a separate taxpayer for federal income tax purposes. The Funds recognize the tax benefits of uncertain tax positions only when the position is “more likely than not” to be sustained assuming examination by tax authorities. Management has analyzed the Funds’ tax positions and has concluded that no liability for unrecognized tax benefits should be recorded related to uncertain tax positions taken on returns filed for open tax year ended March 31, 2017, or expected to be taken in the Funds’ March 31, 2018 year-end tax return. The Funds identify their major tax jurisdictions as US Federal. The Funds recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense in the Statements of Operations. During the year, the Funds did not incur any interest or penalties.

 

i.Distributions to Shareholders – It is each Fund’s policy to distribute its respective net investment income and net capital gains, if any, annually. Distributions of net investment income and net capital gains are determined in accordance with income tax regulations which may differ from GAAP. Differences in dividends from net investment income per share between the classes are due to service and distribution related expenses. Dividends and distributions to shareholders are recorded on ex-date.

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018 43

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

j.Class Accounting – Each class represents an interest in the same assets of the Fund and classes are identical except for differences in their sales charge structures, ongoing service fees and distribution charges. All classes of shares have equal voting privileges except that each class has exclusive voting rights with respect to its service and/or distribution plans. The Fund’s income, expenses (other than class specific distribution and service fees) and realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated proportionately each day based upon the relative net assets of each class.

 

k.Foreign Taxes – Withholding taxes on foreign dividends have been provided for in accordance with the Fund’s understanding of the applicable country’s tax rules and rates.

 

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

 

3.

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT AND TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES

 

a.Management Fees – Centerstone Investors, LLC (the “Advisor”) serves as each Fund’s investment advisor. Pursuant to an investment advisory agreement with the Trust, on behalf of the Funds, the Advisor, subject to the supervision of the Board and in conformity with the stated policies of the Funds, manages all business activities of the Funds. As compensation for its services, each Fund pays the Advisor an annualized rate of 0.90% of each Fund’s respective average daily net assets, accrued daily and paid monthly. For the year ended March 31, 2018, the Advisor earned advisory fees of $1,748,770 and $951,927 for the Centerstone Investors Fund and Centerstone International Fund, respectively. Certain trustees and/or officers of the Funds are also officers of the Advisor.

 

   
44 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

The Advisor has contractually agreed to waive all or part of its advisory fees and/or make payments to limit Fund expenses (exclusive of any front-end or contingent deferred loads, taxes, leverage interest, brokerage commissions, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization, dividend expense on securities sold short, expenses of investing in underlying funds, or extraordinary expenses such as litigation) at least until March 31, 2019, so that the total annual operating expenses of the Funds do not exceed 1.35%, 2.10% and 1.10% of the average daily net assets of the Class A, Class C and Class I shares, respectively. During the year ended March 31, 2018, the Advisor waived fees totaling $467,447 and $430,467 for the Centerstone Investors Fund and Centerstone International Fund, respectively. Waivers and expense payments may be recouped by the Advisor from the Funds, to the extent that overall expenses fall below the expense limitation, within three years of when the amounts were waived or reimbursed.

 

The following amount is subject to recapture by the Funds until the following dates:

 

   3/31/2020   3/31/2021 
Centerstone Investors Fund  $470,022   $467,447 
Centerstone International Fund   346,342    430,467 

 

b.Distributor – The Distributor of the Funds is Northern Lights Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”). The Funds have adopted a Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan (the “Plan”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, for Class A and Class C shares. The Plan provides for the monthly payment of a combined shareholder servicing and distribution fee (“Rule 12b-1 Fee”) to the Distributor at an annualized rate of 0.25% and 1.00% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Class A and Class C shares, respectively. Class I shares do not pay Rule 12b-1 Fees. For the year ended March 31, 2018, the Funds incurred distribution Fees of $78,666 and $65,794 for the Centerstone Investors Fund and Centerstone International Fund, respectively.

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018 45

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

The Distributor acts as the Funds’ principal underwriter in a continuous public offering of the Funds’ shares. The table below shows the amount the Distributor received in underwriting commissions and the amount that was retained by the principal underwriter during the year ended March 31, 2018:

 

   Underwriting   Amount Retained 
Fund  Commissions   by Underwriter 
Centerstone Investors Fund          
Class A  $131,965   $8,273 
Centerstone International Fund          
Class A   127,813    10,057 

 

c.Administration, Fund Accounting and Transfer Agency Fees – Gemini Fund Services, LLC (“GFS” or the “Administrator”), an affiliate of the Distributor serves as the administrator, fund accountant and transfer agent for the Funds. Certain officers of the Funds are also officers or employees of GFS and are not paid any fees directly for servicing in such capacities.

 

Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (“NLCS”) – NLCS, an affiliate of GFS and the Distributor, provides a Chief Compliance Officer to the Trust, as well as related compliance services, pursuant to a consulting agreement between NLCS and the Trust. Under the terms of such agreement, NLCS receives customary fees from the Funds. The Chief

Compliance Officer is an officer of NLCS.

 

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

 

d.Trustees’ Fees – The Board has approved the following Trustee compensation schedule: Each Trustee who is not an interested person of the Trust will receive a quarterly fee of $15,000. The Funds also reimburse each such Trustee for travel and other expenses incurred in attending meetings of the Board.

 

   
46 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

4.INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS

 

The cost of purchases and the proceeds from sales of investments, other than short-term investments, for the year ended March 31, 2018 were as follows:

 

   Purchases   Sale Proceeds         
   (excluding   (excluding   Purchases of   Proceeds of 
   US Government   US Government   US Government   US Government 
Fund  Securities)   Securities)   Securities   Securities 
Centerstone                    
Investors Fund  $229,802,025   $35,789,032   $27,466,982   $38,157,409 
                     
Centerstone                    
International Fund   131,096,713    20,437,206    13,497,281    18,994,787 

 

5.SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST

 

At March 31, 2018, each Fund had an unlimited number of shares authorized with no par value.

 

Following is a summary of shareholder transactions for each Fund for the year ended March 31, 2018:

 

       Distributions       Net Increase 
Fund  Issued   Reinvested   Redeemed   in Shares 
             
   Class I Shares 
Centerstone Investors Fund   15,679,792    180,725    (1,478,227)   14,382,290 
Centerstone International Fund   8,677,822    123,788    (1,116,008)   7,685,602 
                     
   Class A Shares 
Centerstone Investors Fund   2,472,793    16,763    (843,326)   1,646,230 
Centerstone International Fund   1,496,132    17,386    (191,437)   1,322,081 
                     
   Class C Shares 
Centerstone Investors Fund   664,275    3,739    (12,472)   655,542 
Centerstone International Fund   399,286    4,974    (20,567)   383,693 

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018 47

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

6.

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS AND TAX COMPONENTS OF CAPITAL

 

The Statement of Assets and Liabilities represents cost for financial reporting purposes. Aggregate cost for federal tax purposes is $288,439,696 and $157,586,864 for the Centerstone Investors Fund and Centerstone International Fund, respectively, and differs from market value by net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) which consisted of:

 

   Centerstone   Centerstone 
   Investors Fund   International Fund 
Gross unrealized appreciation:  $18,550,208   $10,121,554 
Gross unrealized depreciation:   (6,801,483)   (4,189,630)
Net unrealized appreciation:  $11,748,725   $5,931,924 

 

The tax character of Fund distributions paid for the year ended March 31, 2018 and for the period ended March 31, 2017 were as follows:

 

For fiscal year  Ordinary   Long-Term   Return of     
ended 3/31/2018  Income   Capital Gains   Capital   Total 
Centerstone Investors Fund  $2,600,858   $140,594   $—   $2,741,452 
Centerstone International Fund   2,006,902    176,470    —    2,183,372 
                     
For fiscal year  Ordinary   Long-Term   Return of     
ended 3/31/2017  Income   Capital Gains   Capital   Total 
Centerstone Investors Fund  $287,900   $—   $—   $287,900 
Centerstone International Fund   169,848    —    —    169,848 

 

The difference between ordinary distributions paid from book and ordinary distributions paid from tax relates to allowable foreign tax credits of $197,998 and $166,676 for year ended March 31, 2018 for the Centerstone Investors Fund and Centerstone International Fund, respectively, which have been passed through to the Funds’ underlying shareholders and are deemed dividends for tax purposes. Additionally, short term distributions made by the Funds are treated as ordinary for tax purposes.

 

   
48 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

As of March 31, 2018, the components of accumulated earnings/ (deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Centerstone Investors Fund   
                        Total 
Undistributed   Undistributed   Post October   Capital       Unrealized   Accumulated 
Ordinary   Long-Term   Loss and   Loss Carry   Other Book/   Appreciation/   Earnings/ 
Income   Capital Gains   Late Year Loss   Forwards   Tax Differences   (Depreciation)   (Deficits) 
$1,584,289   $1,168,354   $—   $—   $—   $11,659,031   $14,411,674 
                                 
Centerstone International Fund 
                        Total 
Undistributed   Undistributed   Post October   Capital       Unrealized   Accumulated 
Ordinary   Long-Term   Loss and   Loss Carry   Other Book/   Appreciation/   Earnings/ 
Income   Capital Gains   Late Year Loss   Forwards   Tax Differences   (Depreciation)   (Deficits) 
$596,132   $1,143,341   $—   $—   $—   $5,845,783   $7,585,256 

 

The difference between book basis and tax basis undistributed net investment income/(loss), accumulated net realized gain/(loss), and unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) from investments is primarily attributable to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales, mark-to-market on 1256 contracts, open forward foreign currency contracts, and passive foreign investment companies, and adjustments for real estate investment trusts, preferred securities and grantor trusts.

 

The unrealized appreciation (depreciation) in the table above includes net unrealized foreign currency losses of $89,694 for the Centerstone Investors Fund and $86,141 for the Centerstone International Fund.

 

At March 31, 2018, the Centerstone Investors Fund utilized capital losses in the amount of $43,883. Permanent book and tax differences, primarily attributable to the book/tax basis treatment of net operating losses and short-term capital gains, foreign currency gains/(losses), the reclass of Fund distributions, and adjustments for real estate investment trusts, and grantor trusts, resulted in reclassifications for the Funds for the year ended March 31, 2018 as follows:

 

       Undistributed   Accumulated 
   Paid in   Ordinary   Net Realized 
   Capital   Income (Loss)   Gains (Loss) 
Centerstone Investors Fund  $—   $(942,913)  $942,913 
Centerstone International Fund   —    (610,644)   610,644 

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018 49

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

7.REDEMPTION FEES

 

The Funds may assess a short-term redemption fee of 2.00% of the total redemption amount if a shareholder sells their shares after holding them for less than 30 days. The redemption fee is paid directly to the Fund in which the short-term redemption occurs. For the year ended March 31, 2018, the Centerstone Investors Fund and the Centerstone International Fund assessed $3,094 and $3,046 in redemption fees, respectively.

 

8.CONTROL OWNERSHIP

 

The beneficial ownership, either directly or indirectly, of more than 25% of the outstanding voting securities of a Fund creates the presumption of control of the Fund, under Section 2(a)9 of the 1940 Act. As of March 31, 2018, Charles Schwab & Co. Inc. held in omnibus accounts for the benefit of others approximately 28% and 39% of the outstanding voting securities of the Centerstone Investors Fund and Centerstone International Fund, respectively.

 

9.SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Subsequent events after the date of the Statements of Assets and Liabilities have been evaluated through the date the financial statements were issued. Management has concluded that there is no impact requiring adjustment or disclosure in the financial statements relating to the Funds presented in this report.

 

   
50 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(CENTERSTONE INVESTER LOGO)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018 51

 

 

(COHEN & COMPANY, LTD. LOGO)

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF CENTERSTONE INVESTORS FUND

AND CENTERSTONE INTERNATIONAL FUND

AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF CENTERSTONE INVESTORS TRUST

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

 

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the portfolios of investments, of Centerstone Investors Trust, comprising Centerstone Investors Fund and Centerstone International Fund (the “Funds”) as of March 31, 2018, and the related statements of operations for the year then ended, and the statements of changes in net assets and financial highlights for each of the two periods in the period then ended, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Funds as of March 31, 2018, the results of their operations for the year then ended, and the changes in their net assets and financial highlights for each of the two periods in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

 

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

 

Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

 

   
52 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED

PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

Our audits include performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures include examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and confirmation of securities owned as of March 31, 2018, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from brokers or counterparties were not received. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

We have served as the Funds’ auditor since 2016.

 

COHEN & COMPANY, LTD.

Cleveland, Ohio

May 25, 2018

 

C O H E N & C O M P A N Y , L T D .

800.229.1099 | 866.818.4538 fax | cohencpa.com

 

Registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018 53

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS

FUNDS’ EXPENSES (Unaudited) 

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

Example

 

 

Shareholders of mutual funds will pay (1) transactional costs, such as sales load, and (2) ongoing expenses, such as advisory fees, distribution and service fees (12b-1), and other fund expenses. The following examples are intended to help you understand the ongoing cost (in dollars) of investing in a fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. Please note, the expenses shown in the tables are meant to highlight ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads), or contingent deferred sales charges on redemptions which may be assessed by mutual funds. This Example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period as indicated below.

 

Actual Expenses

 

 

The columns under the heading entitled “Actual” help you estimate the actual expenses you paid over the period. The “Actual-Ending Account Value” shown is derived from the Fund’s actual return, and the “Actual-Expenses Paid During Period” shows the dollar amount that would have been paid by an investor who started with $1,000 in the Fund. To estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this 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 column under the heading entitled “Actual-Expenses Paid During Period.”

 

Hypothetical Examples for Comparison Purposes

 

 

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

 

   
54 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS

FUNDS’ EXPENSES (Unaudited)

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

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

 

               Hypothetical
         Actual(1)  (5% return before expenses)
            Expenses     Expenses
   Fund’s  Beginning  Ending  Paid During  Ending  Paid During
   Annualized  Account  Account  Period*  Account  Period*
   Expense  Value*  Value  10/1/17-  Value  10/1/17-
   Ratio  10/1/17  3/31/18  3/31/18  3/31/18  3/31/18
                   
Class I:                  
Investors Fund  1.10%  $1,000.00  $1,028.60  $5.56  $1,019.45  $5.54
International Fund  1.10%  $1,000.00  $1,012.50  $5.52  $1,019.45  $5.54
                   
Class A:                  
Investors Fund  1.35%  $1,000.00  $1,027.20  $6.82  $1,018.20  $6.79
International Fund  1.35%  $1,000.00  $1,010.90  $6.77  $1,018.20  $6.79
                   
Class C:                  
Investors Fund  2.10%  $1,000.00  $1,023.60  $10.59  $1,014.46  $10.55
International Fund  2.10%  $1,000.00  $1,007.50  $10.52  $1,014.46  $10.55

 

(1)Past performance does not guarantee future results. Assumes reinvestment of all dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, at net asset value and does not reflect the deduction of the applicable sales charge, exchange fees or redemption fees. Had the effect of sales charges been reflected, expenses would have been higher and returns lower. Total return is not annualized, as it may not be representative of the total return for the year.

 

*Expenses Paid During Period are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182 days and divided by 365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018 55

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION (Unaudited)

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

Renewal of Investment Advisory Agreement –

Centerstone Investors Fund and Centerstone International Fund

 

At a quarterly meeting held on March 2, 2018, the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of Centerstone Investors Trust (the “Trust”) (including a majority of those trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust (as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) (the “Independent Trustees”)) considered the renewal of the investment advisory agreement (the “Agreement”) between Centerstone Investors, LLC (“Centerstone” or the “Advisor”) and the Trust, on behalf of each of its series, the Centerstone Investors Fund (the “Investors Fund”) and the Centerstone International Fund (the “International Fund”) (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”), respectively.

 

In connection with the Board’s consideration of the renewal of the Agreement with respect to each of the Funds, the Board received written materials in advance of the meeting, which included information regarding: (i) the nature, extent, and quality of services provided to the Funds by Centerstone; (ii) a description of Centerstone’s investment management and other personnel and their background and experience; (iii) an overview of Centerstone’s operations and financial condition; (iv) a comparison of each Fund’s advisory fee and overall expenses with those of comparable mutual funds selected by an independent third party provider of mutual fund data; (v) performance information for comparable mutual funds and for comparatively managed accounts, if any; (vi) the level of profitability from Centerstone’s relationship with the Funds; (vii) a description of Centerstone’s brokerage practices (including any soft dollar arrangements); and (viii) Centerstone’s compliance policies and procedures, including policies and procedures for personal securities transactions and with respect to cybersecurity and business continuity.

 

Throughout the process, the Board had the opportunity to ask questions of and request additional information from Centerstone. The Board was assisted by legal counsel for the Trust and the Independent Trustees were also separately assisted by independent legal counsel throughout the process. During the meeting at which the Board considered the Agreement, the Independent Trustees were advised by and met in executive sessions with their independent legal counsel at which no representatives of management were present. The Independent Trustees also received memoranda from their independent legal counsel and from counsel to the Trust discussing the legal standards for their consideration of the Agreement. In approving the Agreement with respect to each of the Funds, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, considered a variety of factors, including

 

   
56 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION (Unaudited) 

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

those discussed below. The Board also considered other factors (including conditions and trends prevailing generally in the economy, the securities markets and the industry) and did not treat any single factor as determinative, and each Trustee may have attributed different weights to different factors.

 

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services. Prior to the Meeting, the Board had reviewed information and materials provided by Centerstone related to the Agreement with the Trust, including the Agreement, Centerstone’s Form ADV, a description of the firm and its organizational and management structure, Centerstone’s operational and regulatory history, the manner in which investment decisions are made and executed, Centerstone’s financial condition and ability to provide the services required under the Agreement, an overview of the personnel that perform services for the Funds, and Centerstone’s compliance policies and procedures, which had been reasonably designed to prevent violations of the federal securities laws. The Board also considered Centerstone’s risk management processes and its policies and procedures with respect to cybersecurity and business continuity. The Board also noted that, on a regular basis, it receives information from the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) regarding the Funds’ compliance policies and procedures established pursuant to Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act, including a Code of Ethics. The Board considered that Centerstone is responsible for the management of the day-to-day operations of the Funds, including but not limited to, monitoring and reviewing the activities of the Trust’s third-party service providers. The Board considered that the Trust’s CCO noted no material compliance issues since the Trust’s inception. The Board considered Centerstone’s level of staffing and its overall resources and received information regarding Centerstone’s compensation program.

 

The Board considered Centerstone’s investment processes and philosophies. The Board took into account that Centerstone’s responsibilities include the development and maintenance of an investment program for each of the Funds that is consistent with each Fund’s investment objectives, the selection of investment securities and the placement of orders for the purchase and sale of such securities, and the implementation of compliance controls related to performance of these services. The Board also reviewed information with respect to Centerstone’s brokerage policies and practices, including with respect to best execution and soft dollars.

 

The Board concluded that Centerstone had sufficient quality and depth of personnel, resources, investment methods and compliance policies and procedures to perform its duties under the Agreement and that the Advisor was able to provide a high quality of services under the Agreement with respect to each Fund.

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018 57

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION (Unaudited)

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

Performance. Among other data, the Board considered a report prepared by an independent third party provider of mutual fund data (the “Independent Fund Data Provider”) that included each Fund’s performance, as compared to a group of funds selected by that provider that employ similar investment strategies as that Fund (the “performance peer group”), as well as to a larger group of funds (the “performance peer universe”) and to its respective benchmark index.

 

The Board noted that the Investor Fund’s performance for the one-year period and since inception ended December 31, 2017 was below the median of its performance peer group and benchmark but higher than its peer universe for the same periods. The Board noted that the International Fund’s performance for the one-year period and since inception ended December 31, 2017 was below the median of its performance peer group, peer universe and benchmark. The Board noted the qualifications and experience of the portfolio manager for the Funds, including his positive long-term performance returns with respect to registered investment companies that he had previously managed. The Board took into account Centerstone’s discussion of the performance of each of the Funds relative to the performance of the funds in its performance peer group and the performance of the benchmark, including the differences between each Fund’s investment strategy and the strategy of the category in which the Independent Fund Data Provider had placed it and the impact of the Advisor’s investment style and the current market environment on each Fund’s performance relative to its peers and benchmark. The Board also took into account that the Funds had only recently commenced operations and noted the relatively short performance record with respect to each of the Funds.

 

The Board concluded that the overall performance of each of the Funds was satisfactory.

 

Fees and Expenses. The Board reviewed comparative information prepared by the Independent Fund Data Provider, including, among other data, each Fund’s advisory fees and total expenses as compared to the fees and expenses of similarly situated investment companies deemed by the Independent Fund Data Provider to be comparable to the Funds. Among other information, the Board considered each Fund’s ranking within a smaller group of peer funds chosen by the Independent Fund Data Provider (the “expense peer group”), as well as each Fund’s ranking within a broader group of funds (the “expense universe”). The Board noted that each Fund’s actual advisory fee (net of any fee waiver) was below the expense peer group median, and that each Fund’s total net expenses for the 12 month period ended December 31, 2017, were

 

   
58 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION (Unaudited)

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

slightly above the expense peer group median. The Board took into account Centerstone’s discussion of the Funds’ expenses, including differences between the amount of those expenses and the expenses borne by the funds in the respective expense peer groups, as well as the impact of the Funds’ current asset size on expenses. The Board noted that Centerstone has agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses with respect to the Funds. The Board noted that Centerstone did not manage any comparable accounts. The Board concluded that the advisory fee for each of the Funds was reasonable.

 

Profitability. The Board considered Centerstone’s profitability based on current asset levels and whether such profits were reasonable in light of the services Centerstone provided to the Funds. The Board reviewed a profitability analysis prepared by Centerstone, and noted the costs of managing the Funds. The Board considered that Centerstone was waiving and/or reimbursing Fund operating expenses, The Board concluded that Centerstone’s level of profitability, if any, from its relationship with the Funds was not excessive.

 

Economies of Scale. The Board considered the extent to which economies of scale would be realized as the Funds grow and whether the Funds’ advisory fee levels reflected economies of scale for the benefit of shareholders. The Board considered that while expenses of managing each of the Funds as a percentage of assets under management are expected to decrease as the Funds’ assets grow, at current asset levels, economies of scale are not a relevant consideration. The Board noted that it would revisit whether economies of scale exist in the future after the Funds had achieved sufficient size. The Board also noted that if the Funds’ assets increase over time, the Funds may realize other economies of scale.

 

Other Benefits. The Board also considered the character and amount of other direct and indirect benefits received by Centerstone from its relationship with the Funds. The Board concluded that potential “fall-out” benefits that Centerstone might receive, such as reputational benefits or increased ability to obtain research services, were reasonable and might, in some cases, benefit the Funds.

 

Conclusion. Based on the Board’s evaluation of all factors that it deemed to be material, including those factors described above, and assisted by the advice of independent legal counsel, the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, concluded that approval of the Agreement with respect to each Fund would be in the best interest of each Fund and its respective shareholders. Accordingly, the Board, and the Independent Trustees voting separately, approved the renewal of the Agreement with respect to each Fund.

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018 59

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION (Unaudited)

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

How to Obtain Proxy Voting Information

 

Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 as well as a description of the policies and procedures that the Funds use to determine how to vote proxies is available without charge, upon request, by calling 877.314.9006 or by referring to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

How to Obtain 1st and 3rd Fiscal Quarter Portfolio Holdings

 

Each Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. Form N-Q is available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC 800.SEC.0330. The information on Form N-Q is available without charge, upon request, by calling 877.314.9006.

 

   
60 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS TRUST

PRIVACY NOTICE

 

February 2016

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

FACTS WHAT DOES CENTERSTONE INVESTORS TRUST
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.
  The types of personal information we collect and share depends on the product or service that you have with us. This information can include:
   
  w Social Security number and wire transfer instructions
     
What? w account transactions and transaction history
     
  w investment experience and purchase history
     
  When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in this notice.
How? All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday business.  In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information; the reasons CENTERSTONE INVESTORS TRUST chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing.

 

  Does Centerstone  
Reasons we can share your Investors Trust share Can you limit
personal information information? this sharing?
For our everyday business purposes – such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus. YES NO
For our marketing purposes – to offer our products and services to you. NO We don’t share
For joint marketing with other financial companies. NO We don’t share
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes – information about your transactions and records. NO We don’t share
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes – information about your credit worthiness. NO We don’t share
For nonaffiliates to market to you NO We don’t share

 

Questions?     Call 402.493.4603

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018 61

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS TRUST

PRIVACY NOTICE

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

What we do
   
How does
Centerstone Investors
Trust protect my
personal information?
To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings.
 
Our service providers are held accountable for adhering to strict policies and procedures to prevent any misuse of your nonpublic personal information.
How does
Centerstone Investors
Trust collect my
personal information?
We collect your personal information, for example, when you
 
w open an account or deposit money
   
w direct us to buy securities or direct us to sell your securities
   
w seek advice about your investments
 
We also collect your personal information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.
  Federal law gives you the right to limit only:
   


Why can’t I
limit all sharing?
w sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes – information about your creditworthiness.
   
w affiliates from using your information to market to you.
   
w 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.
   
  w CENTERSTONE INVESTORS TRUST has no affiliates.
     
Nonaffiliates Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.
   
  w CENTERSTONE INVESTORS TRUST does not share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you.
   
Joint marketing A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.
   
  w CENTERSTONE INVESTORS TRUST does not jointly market.

 

   
62 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018

 

 

TRUSTEES & OFFICERS 

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

Independent Trustees

 

      Number of  
      Portfolios Other
      in Fund Directorships
      Complex held by Trustee
Name, Position/ Principal Occupation Overseen During the Past
Year of Birth Term of Office* During the Past Five Years by Trustee Five Years
Paul Coghlan
1945
Independent Trustee since Mar. 2016. CFO, Linear Technology Corp. (Dec. 1986–Jun. 2015). 2 None
Felix Rivera
1963
Independent Trustee since Mar. 2016. Managing Partner, Independent Channel Advisors, LLC (investment advisory consultancy) (Jan. 2011–present). 2 BlueArc Multi-Strategy Fund (2014– 2017); Advisors Preferred Trust (since 2012).
Anita K. Krug
1969
Independent Trustee since Mar. 2016. Professor, University of Washington School of Law (since 2016); Associate Professor, University of Washington School of Law (2014–2016); Assistant Professor, University of Washington School of Law (2010–2014). 2 Altegris KKR Commitments Master Fund and Altegris KKR Commitments Fund (since 2014); Two Roads Shared Trust (since 2012).

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018 63

 

 

TRUSTEES & OFFICERS 

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

Interested Trustees and Officers

 

      Number of  
      Portfolios Other
      in Fund Directorships
      Complex held by Trustee
Name, Position/ Principal Occupation Overseen During the Past
Year of Birth Term of Office* During the Past Five Years by Trustee Five Years
Abhay Deshpande**
1970
Trustee, President and CEO since Jan. 2016. Founder & CIO of the Advisor (2015–present); Portfolio Manager, First Eagle Investment Management, LLC (2007–2014). 2 None
Philip Santopadre
1977
Treasurer, Secretary and CFO since Mar. 2016. COO, CFO and CCO of the Advisor (Mar. 2016–present); Treasurer, First Eagle Funds and First Eagle Variable Funds (Sept. 2005–Mar. 2016); Vice President, First Eagle Investment Management, LLC (Jul. 2006–Mar. 2016). N/A N/A
Brian Curley
1976
Assistant Treasurer since Mar. 2017. Vice President, Gemini Fund Services, LLC. N/A N/A
Jennifer Farrell
1969
Assistant Secretary since Mar. 2016. Senior Paralegal, Gemini Fund Services, LLC. N/A N/A
Michael Wagner
1950
CCO since Nov. 2016. President, Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC. N/A N/A

 

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

 

**Abhay Deshpande is an “interested person” of the Trust as that term is defined under the 1940 Act because of his affiliation with Centerstone Investors LLC, the Funds’ Advisor.

 

   
64 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

Investment Advisor
Centerstone Investors, LLC
135 Fifth Avenue
Suite 3
New York, NY 10010
 
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Cohen & Company, Ltd.
1350 Euclid Avenue
Suite 800
Cleveland, OH 44115
 
Legal Counsel
Alston & Bird, LLP
950 F Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20004
 
Custodian
State Street Bank and Trust Company
One Lincoln Street
Boston, MA 02111
 
Transfer Agent, Fund Accountant and Fund Administrator
Gemini Fund Services, LLC
17605 Wright Street
Suite 2
Omaha, NE 68130
 
Distributor
Northern Lights Distributors, LLC
17605 Wright Street
Omaha, NE 68130

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Annual Report   ♦   March 31, 2018 65

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

 

Item 2. Code of Ethics.

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

(5)        Accountability for adherence to the code.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

 

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

 

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

(a)Audit Fees

2018 - $27,000

2017 - $24,000

 

(b)Audit-Related Fees

2018 - None

2017 - None

 

(c)Tax Fees

2018 - $6,400

2017 - $5,000

 

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

 

(d)All Other Fees

2018 - None

2017 - None

 

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

 

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

 

(2)Percentages of Services Approved by the Audit Committee

2018 2017

Audit-Related Fees:      0.00% 0.00%

Tax Fees:      0.00% 0.00%

All Other Fees:      0.00% 0.00%

 

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

 

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

 

2018 – $6,400

2017 – $5,000

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

 

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

 

(b)       There were no significant changes in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s last fiscal half-year that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 12. Exhibits.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(b)       Certifications required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (and Item 11(b) of Form N-CSR) are filed herewith.

 

SIGNATURES

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

 

(Registrant) Centerstone Investors Trust

 

By (Signature and Title)

/s/ Abhay Deshpande

Abhay Deshpande, Principal Executive Officer/President

 

Date 6/6/18

 

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/ Abhay Deshpande

Abhay Deshpande, Principal Executive Officer/President

 

Date 6/6/18

 

 

By (Signature and Title)

/s/ Philip Santopadre

Philip Santopadre, Treasurer/Principal Financial Officer

 

Date 6/6/18