N-CSRS 1 centerstonencsrs.htm N-CSRS

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

form n-csr

certified shareholder report of registered management
investment companies

Investment Company Act file number 811-23128

 

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)

 

James Ash, Gemini Fund Services, LLC

80 Arkay Drive, Hauppauge, NY 11788

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 631-470-2619

 

Date of fiscal year end: 3/31

 

Date of reporting period: 9/30/18

 

Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

 

(COVER)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(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   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 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
   
10 Centerstone Investors Fund Overview
   
12 Portfolio of Investments
   
  CENTERSTONE INTERNATIONAL FUND
   
20 Centerstone International Fund Overview
   
22 Portfolio of Investments
   
28 STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
   
30 STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
   
31 STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
   
  FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
   
32 Centerstone Investors Fund
   
34 Centerstone International Fund
   
36 NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
   
52 FUNDS’ EXPENSES
   
55 SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
   
56 PRIVACY POLICY
   
58 TRUSTEES & OFFICERS

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(CENTERSTONE INVESTORS LOGO)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   
2 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018

 

 

CENTERSTONE’S DISTINCT INVESTMENT APPROACH

(Unaudited)

 

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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   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 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   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018

 

 

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Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018 5

 

 

(CENTERSTONE LOGO)

 

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(PHOTO)

Abhay Deshpande, CFA
CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER
  DEAR FELLOW CENTERSTONE SHAREHOLDERS,

For the six-month period ended September 30, 2018 financial markets were mixed. Our home country led the pack with global markets behind and emerging markets extending their declines amid interest rate driven dollar strength. The common theme seems to be rising interest rate differentials between the United States and its trading partners, caused by an apparent divergence between growth prospects here and abroad. This divergence is a possibility, though the ground-level evidence we gather from our bottom-up work does not yet provide confirmation. On the contrary, when it comes to bottom-up results we still see strong earnings in most of our companies here and abroad. This may change for some of our multinationals if dollar appreciation persists, but by-and-large the period’s volatility is also blamed on macro themes which may or may not play out.

 

EMERGING OPPORTUNITIES

 

In this uncertain macro-themed environment, the Centerstone Funds continue to remain disciplined and focused on underlying businesses. At Centerstone, we are long-term global value investors. Being global gives us the option to look for opportunities as they arise. During the six-month time period, emerging markets extended their volatility and we reacted by adding to existing names and buying some new emerging market companies as well. In our experience, it is not unheard of for such wild moves, even with better businesses, as many emerging equity markets are often driven as much by foreign investor sentiment as by fundamental factors. Obviously, today’s sentiment towards emerging markets is poor and that could continue to affect the regions’ equity markets, including our businesses, regardless of underlying fundamentals. Over the long-term, however, fundamentals seem to win out in emerging markets, albeit with some drama.

 

   
6 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018

 

 

SHAREHOLDER LETTER

September 30, 2018

 

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I remember the Asian Financial Crisis of the late 1990s where companies were punished just for being in an emerging market; with that memory we are being cautious. As we watch the emerging markets crisis unfold we are focused on a few countries that we believe have a mistaken identity by being labeled “emerging markets.” In these moments the market is so top-down and macro that they punish every single type of company. From the bottom-up, we are finding high quality businesses that are selling below their intrinsic values and buying those companies unhedged as currencies have drastically fallen. We are being cautious in our approach and our preference in the region is for well-managed companies with good business fundamentals and if things get rocky enough we will stick to our playbook—have patience, do not panic and focus on the fundamentals.

 

AMAZON THREAT BASKET REVIEW

 

Outside of the emerging markets, which have depressed international equity market returns during this time period, a source of strength for the Funds, particularly the Centerstone Investors Fund (CENTX), has been the strong recovery of the components of our “Amazon threat basket.” Essentially investors were in a “shoot first ask questions later” mode with companies caught in Amazon’s crosshairs, which allowed us to pick up the shares of many solid companies including grocery stores, auto parts distribution, retail, energy services and health care distribution.

 

The fundamentals have proven to be quite resilient for most of the companies in the “Amazon threat basket” and prices have risen dramatically since purchasing shares of each company. This has proven especially useful in a year where our international portfolio has been retrenching after last year’s gains. We believe it is an early validation of our approach amid our effort to hopefully ensure its continuity. It is also another illustration of why we focus on the facts on the ground rather than opinions over the airwaves.

 

While volatility and macro noise cause uncertainty in the market this reinforces the importance of taking a long-term approach. Looking ahead we are excited by the prospects of our Funds as we have built the portfolios from a company-by-company basis without regard to external noise. You can expect us to continue to have patience, not to panic and focus on the fundamentals of individual companies.

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018 7

 

 

(CENTERSTONE LOGO)

 

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CENTERSTONE INVESTORS FUND

 

For the six-month period ended September 30, 2018, the Centerstone Investors Fund Class I shares (CENTX) returned 2.86% and Class A shares (CETAX) returned 2.69% compared with 4.83% for the MSCI ACWI Index and 6.80% for the MSCI World Index, respectively. The Fund’s reserves1 made up 18.58% of the portfolio as of September 30, 2018.

 

During the period, the Centerstone Investors Fund’s five largest contributors to performance were NOW (United States, US Equity, Industrials), Henry Schein (United States, US Equity, Health Care), O’Reilly Auto (United States, US Equity, Consumer Discretionary), Mosaic (United States, US Equity, Materials) and Grainger (United States, US Equity, Industrials), collectively adding 2.23% to performance. The five largest detractors were SPDR Gold (United States, Gold ETF), Valeo (France, Foreign Equity, Consumer Discretionary), Fresnillo (Mexico, Foreign Equity, Materials), Coast Capital Mercury Fund LP (United Kingdom, Private Fund, Industrials) and Nagaileben (Japan, Foreign Equity, Health Care), collectively subtracting 1.25% from performance.

 

CENTERSTONE INTERNATIONAL FUND

 

For the six-month period ended September 30, 2018, the Centerstone International Fund Class I shares (CINTX) returned –0.85% and Class A shares (CSIAX) returned –0.93% compared with –1.93% for the MSCI ACWI Ex-US Index and 0.10% for the MSCI EAFE Index, respectively. The Fund’s reserves1 made up 13.18% of the portfolio as of September 30, 2018.

 

During the period, the Centerstone International Fund’s five largest contributors to performance were Mosaic (United States, US Equity, Materials), Israel Chemicals (Israel, Foreign Equity, Materials), Air Liquide (France, Foreign Equity, Materials), Kerry Logistics (Hong Kong, Foreign Equity, Industrials) and Merlin Entertainments (United Kingdom, Foreign Equity, Consumer Discretionary), collectively adding 1.92% to performance. The five largest detractors were SPDR

 

1Cash & cash equivalents, treasury securities and short-term high quality bonds.

 

   
8 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018

 

 

SHAREHOLDER LETTER

September 30, 2018

 

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Gold (United States, Gold ETF), Valeo (France, Foreign Equity, Consumer Discretionary), Fresnillo (Mexico, Foreign Equity, Materials), Nagaileben (Japan, Foreign Equity, Health Care) and Genting (Malaysia, Foreign Equity, Consumer Discretionary), collectively subtracting 1.63% from performance.

 

We appreciate our partnership and we look forward to writing you again.

 

Sincerely,

 

-s- Abhay Deshpande

 

Abhay Deshpande, CFA
CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER

 

The commentary represents the opinion of Centerstone Investors as of September 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.

 

7584-NLD-10/18/2018

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018 9

 

 

(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 Invest in global equities and fixed income, with a bottom-up value approach. Weightings will vary depending on opportunities

 

PERFORMANCE  1 Month  3 Month  YTD  1 Year  2 Year  Since
Inception*
Class I (CENTX)  0.51%  3.57%  2.41%  5.79%  7.40%  8.18%
Class A (CETAX)  0.42     3.50    2.25    5.48    7.08    7.88  
Class A (CETAX)
with Sales Charge†
  –4.60      –1.66      –2.88      0.17    4.37    5.59  
Class C (CENNX)  0.43    3.36    1.74    4.78    6.36    7.31  
MSCI ACWI Index  0.44    4.28    3.83    9.77    14.13     14.18   
MSCI World Index  0.56    4.98    5.43    11.24     14.65     14.30   

 

*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 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 1.61%, 2.36% and 1.36%, 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 July 31, 2020, 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 11.

 

TOP 10 HOLDINGS§ % of Portfolio     % of Portfolio
Gold & Gold-Related (US) 3.28%   Vopak (NLD) 1.74%
Coast Capital Mercury     Kerry Logistics (HKG) 1.70
Fund LP (GBR) 2.54   Air Liquide (FRA) 1.61
Henry Schein (US) 2.31   Colgate-Palmolive (US) 1.56
ICA Gruppen (SWE) 1.86   Mekonomen (SWE) 1.53
Merlin Entertainments (GBR) 1.77   TOTAL 19.90%

 

§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.

 

   
10 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018

 

 

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

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

GROWTH OF A $10,000 INITIAL INVESTMENT

 

 

(LINE GRAPH)

 

Fund commenced operations May 3, 2016.

 

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

 

(PIE CHART) (PIE CHART)

 

An investment in the Fund entails risk including possible loss of principal. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018 11

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)
September 30, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

Shares   Security  Value 
COMMON STOCK — 68.99%     
BRAZIL — 0.52%       
 663,551   Cielo SA  $2,004,512 
           
CANADA — 2.49%     
 140,812   TransCanada Corp.   5,697,236 
 124,268   Metro, Inc.   3,865,667 
         9,562,903 
CHILE — 1.20%       
 130,374   Cia Cervecerias Unidas SA   3,637,435 
 102,546,552   Vina San Pedro Tarapaca SA   958,692 
         4,596,127 
DENMARK — 2.23%    
 161,237   ISS A/S   5,673,381 
 295,388   Matas A/S   2,888,161 
         8,561,542 
FINLAND — 0.89%     
 218,149   Tikkurila Oyj   3,419,307 
           
FRANCE — 6.00%     
 46,839   Air Liquide SA   6,161,531 
 108,357   Valeo SA   4,705,217 
 33,080   Sodexo SA   3,508,146 
 35,979   Schneider Electric SE   2,894,899 
 28,962   Danone SA   2,242,877 
 17,666   Eiffage SA   1,972,349 
 4,402   LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE   1,556,794 
         23,041,813 
GERMANY — 5.10%     
 87,577   Brenntag AG   5,405,379 
 43,082   Bayerische Motoren Werke AG   3,887,083 
 158,054   Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG   3,714,216 
 42,403   Hornbach Holding AG & Co. KGaA   2,973,614 
 30,013   Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide   2,651,827 
 31,679   Hornbach Baumarkt AG*   967,338 
         19,599,457 

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

   
12 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)
September 30, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

Shares   Security  Value 
COMMON STOCK — 68.99% (continued)    
HONG KONG — 3.22%    
 3,905,926   Kerry Logistics Network Ltd.  $6,516,238 
 343,000   Hongkong Land Holdings Ltd.   2,270,660 
 1,021,517   Mandarin Oriental International Ltd.   2,094,110 
 296,900   Hysan Development Co. Ltd.   1,499,983 
         12,380,991 
INDONESIA — 1.22%    
 3,778,562   Indocement Tunggal Prakarsa Tbk PT   4,691,031 
           
IRELAND — 0.74%     
 40,000   Perrigo Co. PLC   2,832,000 
           
ISRAEL — 0.71%     
 448,400   Israel Chemicals Ltd.   2,736,702 
           
JAPAN — 4.66%     
 284,275   Mitsubishi Estate Co. Ltd.   4,833,826 
 371,995   Ichiyoshi Securities Co. Ltd.*   3,866,626 
 135,051   Nagaileben Co. Ltd.*   3,228,292 
 42,573   Aica Kogyo Co. Ltd.*   1,719,856 
 83,917   Sekisui Jushi Corp.*   1,591,631 
 9,752   Shimano, Inc.   1,571,547 
 5,796   FANUC Corp.   1,092,680 
         17,904,458 
MALAYSIA — 0.76%  
 1,545,000   Genting Bhd   2,915,658 
           
MEXICO — 0.50%     
 178,482   Fresnillo PLC   1,910,853 
           
NETHERLANDS — 2.36%     
 135,793   Koninklijke Vopak NV   6,691,198 
 102,927   Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize NV   2,360,193 
         9,051,391 
SINGAPORE — 0.44%    
 203,369   Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp. Ltd.   1,701,870 

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018 13

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)
September 30, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

Shares   Security  Value 
COMMON STOCK — 68.99% (continued)    
SOUTH KOREA — 0.53%    
 21,700   KT&G Corp.  $2,034,528 
           
SPAIN — 1.04%     
 1,825,750   Prosegur Cash SA   4,002,160 
           
SWEDEN — 4.77%    
 225,254   ICA Gruppen AB   7,147,380 
 413,326   Mekonomen AB*   5,878,480 
 164,836   Loomis AB   5,308,196 
       18,334,056 
SWITZERLAND — 4.12%     
 51,173   Novartis AG   4,400,857 
 14,999   Roche Holding AG   3,633,597 
 43,050   Nestle SA   3,589,108 
 5,386   Swatch Group AG   2,141,997 
 25,442   Cie Financiere Richemont SA   2,073,935 
         15,839,494 
THAILAND — 4.13%  
 565,160   Siam City Cement PCL   4,368,893 
 6,318,000   Krung Thai Bank PCL   3,946,308 
 7,742,100   Thai Beverage PCL   3,851,087 
 484,400   Bangkok Bank PCL   3,265,281 
 65,350   Bangkok Bank PCL (NVDR)   424,351 
      15,855,920 
UNITED KINGDOM — 2.47%  
 1,302,388   Merlin Entertainments PLC   6,796,926 
 87,363   Spectris PLC   2,702,112 
         9,499,038 

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

   
14 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)
September 30, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

Shares   Security  Value 
COMMON STOCK — 68.99% (continued)    
UNITED STATES — 18.89%     
 104,294   Henry Schein, Inc.*  $8,868,119 
 89,716   Colgate-Palmolive Co.   6,006,486 
 165,856   Mosaic Co.   5,387,003 
 100,963   Tapestry, Inc.   5,075,410 
 11,208   O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.*   3,892,763 
 27,455   United Technologies Corp.   3,838,484 
 31,400   Carlisle Cos, Inc.   3,824,520 
 48,540   Scotts Miracle-Gro Co.   3,821,554 
 46,900   Emerson Electric Co.   3,591,602 
 40,518   Target Corp.   3,574,093 
 20,000   Mohawk Industries, Inc.*   3,507,000 
 211,794   NOW, Inc.*   3,505,191 
 26,553   TJX Cos; Inc.   2,974,467 
 12,629   3M Co.   2,661,057 
 35,558   CarMax, Inc.*   2,655,116 
 46,826   Sonoco Products Co.   2,598,843 
 7,206   Grainger, Inc.   2,575,496 
 10,536   McDonald’s Corp.   1,762,567 
 7,000   FleetCor Technologies, Inc.*   1,594,880 
 10,000   State Street Corp.   837,800 
         72,552,451 
           
TOTAL COMMON STOCK (Cost — $250,482,665)   265,028,262 

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018 15

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)
September 30, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

Principal   Security  Coupon  Maturity  Value 
BONDS & NOTES — 6.20%           
LUXEMBOURG — 0.40%           
$1,550,000   Allergan Funding SCS  2.45%  6/15/2019   $1,544,878 
                 
NETHERLANDS — 0.18%           
 701,000   LyondellBasell Industries NV  5.00%  4/15/2019   704,512 
                 
SWITZERLAND — 0.19%           
 700,000   UBS Group Funding Switzerland AG,           
     Quarterly US LIBOR +1.7800 — 144A**  4.12%  4/14/2021   721,790 
                 
UNITED STATES — 5.43%           
 2,550,000   PHI, Inc.  5.25%  3/15/2019   2,428,875 
 2,083,000   American Electric Power Co., Inc.  2.15%  11/13/2020   2,038,592 
 2,000,000   Apple, Inc.,           
     Quarterly US LIBOR +0.5000**  2.84%  2/9/2022   2,026,054 
 1,700,000   Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.,           
     Quarterly US LIBOR +1.6000**  3.92%  11/29/2023   1,770,365 
 1,500,000   CVS Health Corp.,           
     Quarterly US LIBOR +0.6300**  2.96%  3/9/2020   1,507,723 
 1,500,000   Xilinx, Inc.  2.13%  3/15/2019   1,497,369 
 1,500,000   JM Smucker Co.  2.50%  3/15/2020   1,485,657 
 1,500,000   Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC  2.68%  1/9/2020   1,484,391 
 1,146,000   Wells Fargo & Co.,           
     Quarterly US LIBOR +1.3400**  3.66%  3/4/2021   1,172,054 
 1,000,000   Synchrony Financial  2.60%  1/15/2019   999,178 
 1,000,000   Newell Brands, Inc.  2.88%  12/1/2019   998,212 
 1,000,000   United Technologies Corp.  1.90%  5/4/2020   979,671 
 812,000   Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC  2.55%  10/5/2018   812,000 
 800,000   Mondelez International, Inc.,           
     Quarterly US LIBOR +0.5200**  2.86%  2/1/2019   801,074 
 500,000   Wells Fargo & Co.,           
     Quarterly US LIBOR +0.6800**  3.02%  1/30/2020   503,266 
 350,000   Clear Channel Worldwide Holdings, Inc.  7.63%  3/15/2020   350,875 
               20,855,356 
                 
TOTAL BONDS & NOTES (Cost — $23,923,120)      23,826,536 

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

   
16 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)
September 30, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

Shares   Security  Value 
EXCHANGE TRADED FUND — COMMODITY — 3.28%
 111,656   SPDR Gold Shares*  $12,590,330 
TOTAL COMMODITY (Cost — $13,142,378)

 

Principal   Security  Coupon  Maturity  Value 
PREFERRED STOCK — 2.93%          
 182,657   Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.,           
     Quarterly US LIBOR +0.7500%**  4.00%  11/13/2018   4,201,111 
 161,780   Bank of America Corp.,           
     Quarterly US LIBOR +0.5000%**  4.00%  11/13/2018   3,955,521 
 78,939   Pacific Gas & Electric Co.  5.50%  Perpetual   1,922,165 
 53,448   Pacific Gas & Electric Co.  5.00%  Perpetual   1,159,474 
TOTAL PREFERRED STOCK (Cost — $10,914,696)        11,238,271 

 

Shares   Security  Value 
PRIVATE INVESTMENT FUND — 2.53%    
 8,389,676   Coast Capital Mercury Fund LP*#   9,732,024 
TOTAL PRIVATE INVESTMENT FUND (Cost — $11,100,000)    
     
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS — 2.48%    
 18,350   Unibail-Rodamco SE   3,690,500 
 65,590   Ventas, Inc.   3,566,784 
 136,952   Monmouth Real Estate Investment Corp.   2,289,837 
TOTAL REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (Cost — $9,756,824)   9,547,121 
      
RIGHTS — 0.33%     
 1,653,304   Mekonomen AB*#   1,259,408 
TOTAL RIGHTS (Cost — $1,171,967)    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018 17

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)
September 30, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

Principal   Security  Coupon  Maturity  Value 
US GOVERNMENT & AGENCY OBLIGATIONS — 8.09%        
US TREASURY NOTES/BONDS — 8.09%          
 25,700,000   United States Treasury Note  1.38%  7/31/2019   25,446,012 
 3,000,000   United States Treasury Note  1.25%  8/31/2019   2,962,383 
 2,700,000   United States Treasury Note  1.38%  9/30/2019   2,665,934 
TOTAL US GOVERNMENT & AGENCY OBLIGATIONS (Cost $31,403,158)      31,074,329 

 

Shares   Security  Value 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 4.90%    
MONEY MARKET FUND — 3.99%     
 15,325,052   State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund, Trust Class, 1.91%^  $15,325,052 

 

Principal   Security  Coupon  Maturity  Value 
US TREASURY OBLIGATIONS — 0.91%        
$3,500,000   United States Treasury Bill  0.00%  10/18/2018   3,496,583 
                 
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost — $18,821,821)        18,821,635 
           
TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 99.73% (Cost — $370,716,629)     $383,117,916 
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES — 0.27%      1,028,544 
NET ASSETS — 100.00%       $384,146,460 

 

NVDR:  Non-Voting Depositary Receipt

 

PCL:  Public Company Limited

 

PLC:  Public Limited Company

 

* Non-income producing security

 

** Floating rate security

 

# Security fair valued as of September 30, 2018 in accordance with procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. Total value of all such securities as of September 30, 2018 amounted to $10,991,432, which represents approximately 2.86% of the net assets of the Fund. FirstGroup PLC (a security traded on the London Stock Exchange) is the main underlying holding of Coast Capital Mercury Fund LP.

 

^ Interest rate reflects seven-day effective yield on September 30, 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 $721,790 or 0.19% of net assets.

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

   
18 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)
September 30, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

As of September 30, 2018 the following Forward Foreign Currency Contracts were open:

 

FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY CONTRACTS

 

         Local            
         Currency      US $     
         Amount      Value at     Unrealized 
Foreign  Settlement     Purchased/  US $   September     Appreciation/ 
Currency  Date  Counterparty  Sold  Equivalent   30, 2018     (Depreciation)* 
                      
To Buy:                        
Chilean Peso  12/13/2018  State Street Bank   1,000,000,000  $1,532,600   $1,521,574   $(11,026)
Danish Krone  1/9/2019  State Street Bank  6,000,000   954,270    943,121    (11,149)
Swiss Franc  10/19/2018  State Street Bank  1,200,000   1,225,212    1,224,883    (329)
            $3,712,082   $3,689,578   $(22,504)
                         
To Sell:                        
Canadian Dollar  10/19/2018  State Street Bank  2,300,000  $1,823,486   $1,781,433   $42,053 
Chilean Peso  12/13/2018  State Street Bank   1,000,000,000   1,581,200    1,521,574    59,626 
Danish Krone  1/9/2019  State Street Bank  6,000,000   954,768    943,121    11,647 
Euro  1/9/2019  State Street Bank  7,275,000   8,623,421    8,522,742    100,679 
Japanese Yen  1/24/2019  State Street Bank  236,500,000   2,150,471    2,102,354    48,117 
Swiss Franc  10/19/2018  State Street Bank  1,200,000   1,260,743    1,224,883    35,860 
            $16,394,089   $16,096,107   $297,982 

 

*The amount represents fair value derivative instruments subject to foreign currency risk exposure as of September 30, 2018.

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 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  YTD  1 Year  2 Year  Since
Inception
*
Class I (CINTX)  0.60%  2.36%  –2.33%  0.40%  6.78%  7.92%
Class A (CSIAX)  0.60     2.27     –2.50     0.15     6.54     7.72   
Class A (CSIAX)                  
Class A (CSIAX)
with Sales Charge†
  –4.41     –2.82     –7.36     –4.83     3.86     5.43   
with Sales Charge†                  
Class C (CSINX)  0.52     2.03     –3.10     –0.63     5.79     7.09   
MSCI ACWI ex-US Index  0.46     0.71     –3.09     1.76     10.33     10.83   
MSCI EAFE Index  0.87     1.35     –1.43     2.74     10.62     10.24   

 

*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 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 1.77%, 2.52% and 1.52%, 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 July 31, 2020, 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) 3.31%   Merlin Entertainments (GBR) 2.50%
Air Liquide (FRA) 2.78      TransCanada (CAN) 2.40   
ICA Gruppen (SWE) 2.76      Vopak (NLD) 2.29   
Coast Capital Mercury     Brenntag (DEU) 2.25   
Fund LP (GBR) 2.57      Loomis (SWE) 2.11   
Kerry Logistics (HKG) 2.55      TOTAL 25.52% 

 

§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   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018

 

 

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

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

GROWTH OF A $10,000 INITIAL INVESTMENT

 

(LINE GRAPH)

 

Fund commenced operations May 3, 2016.

 

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) (PIE CHART)

 

An investment in the Fund entails risk including possible loss of principal. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018 21

 

 

CENTERSTONE INTERNATIONAL FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)
September 30, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

Shares   Security  Value 
COMMON STOCK — 78.46%     
BRAZIL — 0.78%     
 521,449   Cielo SA  $1,575,238 
           
CANADA — 4.00%     
 117,707   TransCanada Corp.   4,762,411 
 105,757   Metro, Inc.   3,289,836 
         8,052,247 
CHILE — 1.90%     
 108,423   Cia Cervecerias Unidas SA   3,025,002 
 84,677,397   Vina San Pedro Tarapaca SA   791,636 
         3,816,638 
DENMARK — 3.14%     
 116,742   ISS A/S   4,107,754 
 225,755   Matas A/S   2,207,323 
         6,315,077 
FINLAND — 1.33%     
 170,168   Tikkurila Oyj   2,667,244 
           
FRANCE — 10.22%     
 42,308   Air Liquide SA   5,565,491 
 82,730   Valeo SA   3,592,409 
 35,997   Schneider Electric SE   2,896,347 
 26,728   Sodexo SA   2,834,514 
 19,759   Eiffage SA   2,206,025 
 25,864   Danone SA   2,002,962 
 4,147   LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE   1,466,611 
         20,564,359 
GERMANY — 7.71%     
 73,076   Brenntag AG   4,510,356 
 38,856   Bayerische Motoren Werke AG   3,505,792 
 113,082   Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG   2,657,389 
 32,118   Hornbach Holding AG & Co. KGaA   2,252,353 
 21,382   Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide   1,889,227 
 22,938   Hornbach Baumarkt AG*   700,426 
         15,515,543 
HONG KONG — 5.26%     
 3,056,377   Kerry Logistics Network Ltd.   5,098,940 
 303,350   Hongkong Land Holdings Ltd.   2,008,177 
 353,900   Hysan Development Co. Ltd.   1,787,956 
 817,083   Mandarin Oriental International Ltd.   1,675,020 
         10,570,093 

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

   
22 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018

 

 

CENTERSTONE INTERNATIONAL FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)
September 30, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

Shares   Security  Value 
COMMON STOCK — 78.46% (continued)     
INDONESIA — 1.75%     
 2,837,613   Indocement Tunggal Prakarsa Tbk PT  $3,522,856 
           
ISRAEL — 1.17%     
 384,127   Israel Chemicals Ltd.   2,344,427 
           
JAPAN — 7.69%     
 225,025   Mitsubishi Estate Co. Ltd.   3,826,336 
 127,024   Nagaileben Co. Ltd.*   3,036,412 
 284,605   Ichiyoshi Securities Co. Ltd.*   2,958,269 
 52,442   Aica Kogyo Co. Ltd.*   2,118,542 
 8,438   Shimano, Inc.   1,359,794 
 65,333   Sekisui Jushi Corp.*   1,239,153 
 4,914   FANUC Corp.   926,403 
         15,464,909 
MALAYSIA — 1.27%     
 1,358,000   Genting Bhd   2,562,759 
           
MEXICO — 0.77%     
 144,240   Fresnillo PLC   1,544,253 
           
NETHERLANDS — 3.28%     
 92,857   Koninklijke Vopak NV   4,575,527 
 87,784   Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize NV   2,012,953 
         6,588,480 
SINGAPORE — 1.07%     
 255,901   Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp. Ltd.   2,141,478 
           
SOUTH KOREA — 0.89%     
 19,100   KT&G Corp.   1,790,760 
           
SPAIN — 1.54%     
 1,411,571   Prosegur Cash SA   3,094,253 
           
SWEDEN — 6.67%     
 174,126   ICA Gruppen AB   5,525,073 
 131,349   Loomis AB   4,229,818 
 257,348   Mekonomen AB*   3,660,102 
         13,414,993 

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018 23

 

 

CENTERSTONE INTERNATIONAL FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)
September 30, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

Shares   Security  Value 
COMMON STOCK — 78.46% (continued)     
SWITZERLAND — 6.42%     
 37,579   Novartis AG  $3,231,779 
 35,605   Nestle SA   2,968,414 
 12,245   Roche Holding AG   2,966,424 
 24,753   Cie Financiere Richemont SA   2,017,770 
 4,336   Swatch Group AG   1,724,415 
         12,908,802 
THAILAND — 6.15%     
 422,204   Siam City Cement PCL   3,263,791 
 4,941,000   Krung Thai Bank PCL   3,086,215 
 6,171,200   Thai Beverage PCL   3,069,687 
 390,300   Bangkok Bank PCL   2,630,965 
 49,450   Bangkok Bank PCL (NVDR)   321,104 
         12,371,762 
UNITED KINGDOM — 3.47%     
 958,051   Merlin Entertainments PLC   4,999,894 
 64,055   Spectris PLC   1,981,202 
         6,981,096 
UNITED STATES — 1.98%     
 122,870   Mosaic, Co.   3,990,818 
           
TOTAL COMMON STOCK (Cost — $156,270,578)   157,798,085 
           
EXCHANGE TRADED FUND — COMMODITY — 3.29%     
 58,780   SPDR Gold Shares*   6,628,033 
TOTAL COMMODITY (Cost — $6,942,162)     
           
PRIVATE INVESTMENT FUND — 2.56%     
 4,435,630   Coast Capital Mercury Fund LP*#   5,145,331 
TOTAL PRIVATE INVESTMENT FUND (Cost — $5,900,000)     
           
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS — 1.60%     
 16,017   Unibail-Rodamco SE   3,221,294 
TOTAL REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (Cost — $3,820,489)     
           
RIGHTS — 0.39%     
 1,029,392   Mekonomen AB*#   784,142 
TOTAL RIGHTS (Cost — $759,387)     

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

   
24 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018

 

 

CENTERSTONE INTERNATIONAL FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)
September 30, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

Principal   Security  Coupon  Maturity  Value 
US GOVERNMENT & AGENCY OBLIGATIONS — 9.25%     
US TREASURY NOTES/BONDS — 9.25%           
$12,000,000   United States Treasury Note  1.38%  7/31/2019  $11,881,406 
 4,500,000   United States Treasury Note  1.25%  8/31/2019   4,443,574 
 2,300,000   United States Treasury Note  1.38%  9/30/2019   2,270,980 
TOTAL US GOVERNMENT & AGENCY OBLIGATIONS (Cost $18,797,826)   18,595,960 
                 
Shares   Security         Value 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 3.58%           
MONEY MARKET FUND — 2.84%           
 5,706,259   State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund, Trust Class, 1.91%^   5,706,259 
                 
Principal   Security  Coupon  Maturity  Value 
US TREASURY OBLIGATIONS — 0.74%           
$1,500,000   United States Treasury Bill  0.00%  10/18/2018   1,498,535 
                 
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost — $7,204,875)         7,204,794 
                 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 99.13% (Cost — $199,695,317)        $199,377,639 
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES — 0.87%         1,750,795 
NET ASSETS — 100.00%        $201,128,434 

 

NVDR:Non-Voting Depositary Receipt

 

LP:Limited Partnership

 

PCL:Public Company Limited

 

PLC:Public Limited Company

 

*Non-income producing security

 

#Security fair valued as of September 30, 2018 in accordance with procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. Total value of all such securities as of September 30, 2018 amounted to $5,929,473, which represents approximately 2.95% of the net assets of the Fund. FirstGroup PLC (a security traded on the London Stock Exchange) is the main underlying holding of Coast Capital Mercury Fund LP.

 

^Interest rate reflects seven-day effective yield on September 30, 2018.

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018 25

 

 

CENTERSTONE INTERNATIONAL FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)
September 30, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

As of September 30, 2018 the following Forward Foreign Currency Contracts were open:

 

FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY CONTRACTS

 

         Local            
         Currency      US $     
         Amount      Value at     Unrealized 
Foreign  Settlement     Purchased/  US $   September     Appreciation/ 
Currency  Date  Counterparty  Sold  Equivalent   30, 2018     (Depreciation)* 
To Buy:                        
Chilean Peso  12/13/2018  State Street Bank  800,000,000  $1,226,080   $1,217,259   $(8,821)
Danish Krone  1/9/2019  State Street Bank  4,500,000   715,703    707,342    (8,361)
Swiss Franc  10/19/2018  State Street Bank  1,050,000   1,072,061    1,071,774    (287)
            $3,013,844   $2,996,375   $(17,469)
                         
To Sell:                        
Canadian Dollar  10/19/2018  State Street Bank  2,000,000  $1,585,640   $1,549,072   $36,568 
Chilean Peso  12/13/2018  State Street Bank  800,000,000   1,264,960    1,217,259    47,701 
Danish Krone  1/9/2019  State Street Bank  4,500,000   716,076    707,341    8,735 
Euro  1/9/2019  State Street Bank  5,900,000   6,993,565    6,911,915    81,650 
Japanese Yen  1/24/2019  State Street Bank  220,000,000   2,000,438    1,955,678    44,760 
Swiss Franc  10/19/2018  State Street Bank  1,050,000   1,103,150    1,071,773    31,377 
            $13,663,829   $13,413,038   $250,791 

 

*The amount represents fair value derivative instruments subject to foreign currency risk exposure as of September 30, 2018.

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

   
26 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(CENTERSTONE INVESTORS LOGO)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018 27

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)
September 30, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

   Centerstone   Centerstone 
   Investors   International 
   Fund   Fund 
Assets:          
Investments in securities, at cost  $370,716,629   $199,695,317 
Investments in securities, at value  $383,117,916   $199,377,639 
Foreign currency, at value (Cost $89,052 and $70,681, respectively)   89,048    70,678 
Cash   18,563    15,812 
Cash collateral for forward foreign currency contracts   140,000    520,000 
Interest and dividends receivable   692,321    392,395 
Foreign tax reclaim receivable   328,553    271,315 
Receivable for securities sold   723,889    396,509 
Receivable for fund shares sold   964,254    125,350 
Unrealized appreciation on open forward foreign currency contracts   297,982    250,791 
Prepaid expenses and other assets   12,441    13,769 
Total Assets   386,384,967    201,434,258 
           
Liabilities:          
Payable for securities purchased   1,557,672    — 
Payable for fund shares redeemed   272,059    69,759 
Unrealized depreciation on open forward foreign currency contracts   22,504    17,469 
Payable to advisor   255,554    114,424 
Payable for distribution fees   18,561    11,861 
Payable for trustee fees   26,111    18,627 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities   86,046    73,684 
Total Liabilities   2,238,507    305,824 
           
Net Assets  $384,146,460   $201,128,434 
           
Net Assets consist of:          
Paid in capital (par value $0.001 per share)  $359,839,460   $194,978,242 
Accumulated undistributed net investment income   2,198,665    1,478,340 
Accumulated undistributed net realized gain on investments and foreign currency transactions   9,435,700    4,759,167 
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and foreign currency translations   12,672,635    (87,315)
Net Assets  $384,146,460   $201,128,434 

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

   
28 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)
September 30, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

   Centerstone   Centerstone 
   Investors   International 
   Fund   Fund 
Net Asset Value Per Share          
Class I Shares:          
Net Assets  $332,035,559   $166,286,789 
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (no par value; unlimited shares authorized)   27,953,230    14,179,423 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share*  $11.88   $11.73 
           
Class A Shares:**          
Net Assets  $38,253,818   $26,994,442 
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (no par value; unlimited shares authorized)   3,235,661    2,306,887 
Net asset value, and redemption price per share*  $11.82   $11.70 
Offering price per share (NAV per share plus maximum sales charge of 5%)  $12.44   $12.32 
           
Class C Shares:          
Net Assets  $13,857,083   $7,847,203 
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (no par value; unlimited shares authorized)   1,184,599    679,231 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share*  $11.70   $11.55 
Redemption proceeds per share (NAV per share less maximum contigent deferred sales charge)^  $11.58   $11.44 

 

*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.

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018 29

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
Six-Months ended September 30, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

   Centerstone   Centerstone 
   Investors   International 
   Fund   Fund 
Investment Income:          
Interest income  $745,532   $202,022 
Dividend income   4,850,887    3,346,220 
Less: Foreign withholding taxes   (479,795)   (411,375)
Total Investment Income   5,116,624    3,136,867 
           
Operating Expenses:          
Investment advisory fees   1,559,646    812,735 
Distribution fees — Class A Shares   53,820    35,251 
Distribution fees — Class C Shares   42,508    31,040 
Shareholder servicing fees   160,577    120,222 
Administration fees   80,898    46,553 
Trustees’ fees   55,946    41,212 
Custodian fees   48,679    46,294 
Registration & filing fees   30,082    30,082 
Legal fees   24,428    18,373 
Chief Compliance Officer fees   20,222    13,527 
Others expenses   40,897    25,240 
Total Operating Expenses   2,117,703    1,220,529 
Less: Fees waived by the advisor   (112,420)   (159,677)
Net Operating Expenses   2,005,283    1,060,852 
Net Investment Income   3,111,341    2,076,015 
           
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments and Foreign Currency:          
Net realized gain from:          
Investments   5,059,590    1,814,262 
Forward foreign currency contracts   862,421    706,941 
    5,922,01 1    2,521,203 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from:          
Investments   500,932    (6,348,786)
Foreign currency translations   (10,646)   (10,921)
Forward foreign currency contracts   371,688    327,425 
    861,974    (6,032,282)
           
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)   6,783,985    (3,511,079)
           
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting From Operations  $9,895,326   $(1,435,064)

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

   
30 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

   Centerstone   Centerstone 
   Investors Fund   International Fund 
   Six-Months Ended   Year   Six-Months Ended   Year 
   September 30, 2018   Ended   September 30, 2018   Ended 
   (Unaudited)   March 31, 2018   (Unaudited)   March 31, 2018 
Operations:                    
Net investment income  $3,111,341   $1,639,525   $2,076,015   $718,575 
Net realized gain from investments and forward foreign currency contracts   5,922,011    3,576,182    2,521,203    2,860,841 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments foreign currency translations and forward foreign currency contacts   861,974    9,228,922    (6,032,282)   3,787,613 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting From Operations   9,895,326    14,444,629    (1,435,064)   7,367,029 
Distributions to Shareholders From:                    
Net Investment Income:                    
Class I   —    (955,240)   —    (260,620)
Class A   —    (63,381)   —    (12,021)
Class C   —    (3,689)   —    — 
Net Realized Gains:                    
Class I   —    (1,352,968)   —    (1,482,989)
Class A   —    (128,262)   —    (201,144)
Class C   —    (39,914)   —    (59,922)
Total Distributions to Shareholders   —    (2,543,454)   —    (2,016,696)
Fund Share Transactions of Beneficial Interest:                    
Net proceeds from shares sold                    
Class I   73,872,689    177,705,651    51,302,652    101,883,963 
Class A   22,279,452    28,089,225    19,367,899    17,770,109 
Class C   5,737,202    7,473,001    2,579,311    4,685,357 
Reinvestment of distributions                    
Class I   —    2,063,884    —    1,463,175 
Class A   —    190,928    —    205,503 
Class C   —    42,398    —    58,393 
Redemption fee proceeds                    
Class I   5,107    2,765    4,655    2,601 
Class A   574    255    893    357 
Class C   186    74    214    88 
Cost of shares redeemed                    
Class I   (15,085,224)   (16,756,170)   (19,291,063)   (13,149,876)
Class A   (13,732,973)   (9,426,539)   (14,841,690)   (2,254,413)
Class C   (303,169)   (142,630)   (444,487)   (243,509)
Net Increase in Net Assets From Share Transactions of Beneficial Interest   72,773,844    189,242,842    38,678,384    110,421,748 
Total Increase in Net Assets   82,669,170    201,144,017    37,243,320    115,772,081 
Net Assets:                    
Beginning of Period   301,477,290    100,333,273    163,885,114    48,113,033 
End of Period*  $384,146,460   $301,477,290   $201,128,434   $163,885,114 
* Includes accumulated undistributed net investment income at end of period  $2,198,665   $30,237   $1,478,340   $12,969 

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018 31

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

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

 

       Income from
investment operations:
   Less
distributions:
 
   Net
asset
value,
beginning
of period
   Net
investment
income
(loss)**
   Net
realized
and un-
realized
gain
   Total
income
from
investment
operations
   From
net
investment
income
   From
net
realized
gains
   Total
distribu-
tions
 
Class I                                   
Six-Months Ended September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)  $11.55    0.11    0.22    0.33    —    —    — 
Year Ended March 31, 2018  $10.64    0.10    0.94    1.04    (0.05)   (0.08)   (0.13)
Period Ended March 31, 2017*  $10.00    0.07    0.63    0.70    (0.05)   (0.01)   (0.06)
Class A                                   
Six-Months Ended September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)  $11.51    0.09    0.22    0.31    —    —    — 
Year Ended March 31, 2018  $10.62    0.07    0.94    1.01    (0.04)   (0.08)   (0.12)
Period Ended March 31, 2017*  $10.00    0.04    0.64    0.68    (0.05)   (0.01)   (0.06)
Class C                                   
Six-Months Ended September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)  $11.43    0.04    0.23    0.27    —    —    — 
Year Ended March 31, 2018  $10.59    (0.03)   0.96    0.93    (0.01)   (0.08)   (0.09)
Period Ended March 31, 2017*  $10.00    0.01    0.64    0.65    (0.05)   (0.01)   (0.06)

 

*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.

 

   
32 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018

 

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

        Ratios/           Ratios of net     
        Supple-           investment income     
        mental   Ratios of expenses   (loss) to average     
        Data:   to average net assets   net assets     
Net       Net                     
asset       assets,                     
value,       end of   Before   After   Before   After   Portfolio 
end of   Total   period   fee   fee   fee   fee   turnover 
period   return‡   (in 000s)   waivers   waivers   waivers   waivers   rate 
                                      
                                      
$11.88    2.86% (1)  $332,036    1.17% ^   1.10% ^   1.78% ^   1.85% ^   14.79% (1)
                                      
$11.55    9.82%  $264,705    1.34%   1.10%   0.65%   0.88%   20.55%
                                      
$10.64    7.02% (1)  $90,803    2.42% ^   1.10% ^   (0.57)% ^   0.75% ^   33.34% (1)
                                      
                                      
$11.82    2.69% (1)  $38,254    1.42% ^   1.35% ^   1.51% ^   1.58% ^   14.79% (1)
                                      
$11.51    9.49%  $28,609    1.59%   1.35%   0.41%   0.65%   20.55%
                                      
$10.62    6.77% (1)  $8,910    2.55% ^   1.35% ^   (0.77)% ^   0.44% ^   33.34% (1)
                                      
                                      
$11.70    2.36% (1)  $13,857    2.17% ^   2.10% ^   0.70% ^   0.77% ^   14.79% (1)
                                      
$11.43    8.74%  $8,164    2.34%   2.10%   (0.57)%   (0.30)%   20.55%
                                      
$10.59    6.50% (1)  $621    3.86% ^   2.10% ^   (1.68)% ^   0.08% ^   33.34% (1)

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018 33

 

 

CENTERSTONE INTERNATIONAL FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

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

 

       Income from   Less 
       investment operations:   distributions: 
           Net   Total                 
           realized   income                 
   Net   Net   and   from   From           Paid in 
   asset   invest-   unreal-   invest-   net   From       capital 
   value,   ment   ized   ment   invest-   net   Total   from 
   beginning   income   gain   opera-   ment   realized   distribu-   redemp- 
   of period   (loss)**   (loss)   tions   income   gains   tions   tion fees 
Class I                                        
Six-Months Ended September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)  $11.82    0.14    (0.23)   (0.09)   —    —    —    — 
Year Ended March 31, 2018  $10.75    0.09    1.18    1.27    (0.03)   (0.17)   (0.20)   — 
Period Ended March 31, 2017*  $10.00    0.03    0.79    0.82    (0.06)   (0.01)   (0.07)   — 
Class A                                        
Six-Months Ended September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)  $11.81    0.14    (0.25)   (0.11)   —    —    —    0.00 (2)
Year Ended March 31, 2018  $10.75    0.06    1.18    1.24    (0.01)   (0.17)   (0.18)   0.00 (2)
Period Ended March 31, 2017*  $10.00    0.06    0.75    0.81    (0.06)   (0.01)   (0.07)   0.01 
Class C                                        
Six-Months Ended September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)  $11.71    0.07    (0.23)   (0.16)   —    —    —    — 
Year Ended March 31, 2018  $10.73    (0.04)   1.19    1.15    —    (0.17)   (0.17)   — 
Period Ended March 31, 2017*  $10.00    0.00 (2)   0.79    0.79    (0.05)   (0.01)   (0.06)   — 

 

*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.

 

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

 

‡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.

 

   
34 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018

 

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

        Ratios/           Ratios of net     
        Supple-           investment income     
        mental   Ratios of expenses   (loss) to average     
        Data:   to average net assets   net assets     
                              
Net       Net                     
asset       assets,                     
value,       end of   Before   After   Before   After   Portfolio 
end of   Total   period   fee   fee   fee   fee   turnover 
period   return‡   (in 000s)   waivers   waivers   waivers   waivers   rate 
                                      
                                      
$11.73    (0.85)% (1)  $166,287    1.28% ^   1.10% ^   2.16% ^   2.34% ^   10.95% (1)
$11.82    11.90%  $135,303    1.50%   1.10%   0.33%   0.73%   20.86%
$10.75    8.32% (1)  $40,395    2.91% ^   1.10% ^   (1.46)% ^   0.35% ^   19.46% (1)
                                      
                                      
$11.70    (0.93)% (1)  $26,994    1.53% ^   1.35% ^   2.14% ^   2.32% ^   10.95% (1)
$11.81    11.53%  $22,772    1.75%   1.35%   0.13%   0.54%   20.86%
$10.75    8.27% (1)  $6,510    3.17% ^   1.35% ^   (1.18)% ^   0.65% ^   19.46% (1)
                                      
                                      
$11.55    (1.37)% (1)  $7,847    2.28% ^   2.10% ^   1.11% ^   1.29% ^   10.95% (1)
$11.71    10.70%  $5,810    2.50%   2.10%   (0.74)%   (0.34)%   20.86%
$10.73    8.02% (1)  $1,208    3.90% ^   2.10% ^   (1.78)% ^   0.02% ^   19.46% (1)

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018 35

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
September 30, 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.

 

   
36 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
September 30, 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 at a Valuation Time, the Board has approved the use of a fair valuation pricing committee (the “Fair Value 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.

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018 37

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
September 30, 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 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 Fair Value Committee is composed of (a) the following standing members: (i) the Trust’s Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer, and (ii) a representative of the Administrator, and (b) on an ad hoc basis, a representative of the Advisor. The Fair Value Committee, at its discretion, may also include the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer. 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 Fair Value 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

 

   
38 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
September 30, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

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.

 

As noted on the prior page, the Fair Value Committee is generally composed of representatives of the Trust, Administrator, and Advisor. The Trust’s CCO may also be included at the Fair Value Committee’s discretion. 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 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; 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 subsequent to the determination of the closing prices 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 Fair Value 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 as well as any estimation of the cost of registration or otherwise qualifying the security for public sale, including commissions; (g) how the yield of the security compares to similar securities of companies of similar or equal creditworthiness; (h) the level of recent

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018 39

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
September 30, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

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.

 

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.

 

   
40 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
September 30, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The following tables summarize the inputs used for the six months ended as of September 30, 2018, for the Funds’ assets and liabilities measured at fair value:

 

Centerstone Investors Fund                
                 
Assets*  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3†   Total 
Common Stock  $265,028,262   $—   $—   $265,028,262 
Bonds & Notes   —    23,826,536    —    23,826,536 
Exchange Traded Fund — Commodity   12,590,330    —    —    12,590,330 
Preferred Stock   11,238,271    —    —    11,238,271 
Private Investment Fund   —    9,732,024    —    9,732,024 
Real Estate Investment Trusts   9,547,121    —    —    9,547,121 
Rights   —    1,259,408    —    1,259,408 
Short-Term Investments   15,325,052    3,496,583    —    18,821,635 
US Government & Agency Obligations   —    31,074,329    —    31,074,329 
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts**   —    297,982    —    297,982 
Total Assets   $313,729,036   $69,686,862   $—   $383,415,898 
                     
Liabilities — Derivatives                    
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts**  $—   $22,504   $—   $22,504 
                     
Centerstone International Fund                    
                     
Assets*  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3†   Total 
Common Stock  $157,798,085   $—   $—   $157,798,085 
Exchange Traded Fund — Commodity   6,628,033    —    —    6,628,033 
Private Investment Fund   —    5,145,331    —    5,145,331 
Real Estate Investment Trusts   3,221,294    —    —    3,221,294 
Rights   —    784,142    —    784,142 
Short-Term Investments   5,706,259    1,498,535    —    7,204,794 
US Government & Agency Obligations   —    18,595,960    —    18,595,960 
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts**   —    250,791    —    250,791 
Total Assets  $173,353,671   $26,274,759   $—   $199,628,430 
                     
Liabilities — Derivatives                    
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts**  $—   $17,469   $—   $17,469 

 

*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.

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018 41

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
September 30, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

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 1 investments presented above, equity investments amounting to $160,566,107 and $133,439,318 for the Centerstone Investors Fund and Centerstone International Fund, respectively, were considered level 2 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. The Fund’s foreign equity securities may often be valued at fair value.

 

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.

 

   
42 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
September 30, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

Forward foreign currency contracts outstanding, as of September 30, 2018, are listed after each Fund’s Portfolio of Investments. For the six months ended September 30, 2018, the average monthly outstanding currency purchased or sold in US dollars for forward foreign currency contracts totaled $21,459,541 and $17,834,030 for the Centerstone Investors Fund and Centerstone International Fund, respectively.

 

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 September 30, 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 September 30, 2018:

 

Asset Derivatives Investment Value
   Currency Contracts
Centerstone Investors Fund
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts
  $     297,982
    
Centerstone International Fund
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts
  $     250,791
    
Liability Derivatives Investment Value
   Currency Contracts
Centerstone Investors Fund
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts
  $     22,504
    
Centerstone International Fund
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts
  $     17,469

 

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 six months ended September 30, 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

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018 43

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
September 30, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

Realized gain/(loss) on derivatives recognized in the Statements of Operations
Derivative Investment Type  Currency Contracts
Centerstone Investors Fund
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts
  $     862,421
Centerstone International Fund
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts
  $     706,941

 

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
  $  371,688
Centerstone International Fund
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts
  $  327,425

 

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 September 30, 2018.

 

Centerstone Investors Fund

 

Assets:              Gross Amounts Not     
       Gross   Net Amounts   Offset in the Statement of     
       Amounts   of Assets   Assets & Liabilities     
   Gross   Offset in the   Presented in             
   Amounts of   Statement   the Statement       Cash     
   Recognized   of Assets &   of Assets &   Financial   Collateral   Net 
Description  Assets   Liabilities   Liabilities   Instruments   Pledged   Amount 
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts  $297,982   $—   $297,982   $(22,504)  $140,000   $135,478 
Total  $297,982   $—   $297,982   $(22,504)  $140,000   $135,478 
                               
Liabilities:              Gross Amounts Not     
       Gross   Net Amounts   Offset in the Statement of     
       Amounts   of Liabilities   Assets & Liabilities     
   Gross   Offset in the   Presented in             
   Amounts of   Statement   the Statement       Cash     
   Recognized   of Assets &   of Assets &   Financial   Collateral   Net 
Description  Liabilities   Liabilities   Liabilities   Instruments   Pledged*   Amount 
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts  $(22,504)  $—   $(22,504)  $22,504   $—   $— 
Total  $(22,504)  $—   $(22,504)  $22,504   $—   $— 

 

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

 

   
44 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
September 30, 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   Net 
Description  Assets   Liabilities   Liabilities   Instruments   Pledged   Amount 
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts  $250,791   $—   $250,791   $(17,469)  $233,322   $— 
Total  $250,791   $—   $250,791   $(17,469)  $233,322   $— 
                               
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   Net 
Description  Liabilities   Liabilities   Liabilities   Instruments   Pledged   Amount 
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts  $(17,469)  $—   $(17,469)  $(17,469)  $—   $— 
Total  $(17,469)  $—   $(17,469)  $(17,469)  $—   $— 

 

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 soon after 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.

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018 45

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
September 30, 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 tax years ended March 31, 2016 and 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.

 

   
46 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
September 30, 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 Trust’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 six months ended September 30, 2018, the Advisor earned advisory fees of $1,559,646 and $812,735 for the Centerstone Investors Fund and Centerstone International Fund, respectively. Certain trustees and/or officers are also officers of the Advisor.

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018 47

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
September 30, 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 July 31, 2020, 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 six months ended September 30, 2018, the Advisor waived fees totaling $112,420 and $159,677 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 six months ended September 30, 2018, the Funds incurred distribution Fees of $96,328 and $66,291 for the Centerstone Investors Fund and Centerstone International Fund, respectively.

 

   
48 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
September 30, 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 six months ended September 30, 2018:

 

   Underwriting   Amount Retained 
Fund  Commissions   by Underwriter 
Centerstone Investors Fund          
Class A  $88,053   $5,692 
Class C   56,735    258 
Centerstone International Fund          
Class A   11,058    758 
Class C   28,189    2,396 

 

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”), 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.

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018 49

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
September 30, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

4.INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS

 

The cost of purchases and the proceeds from sales of investments, other than short-term investments, for the six months ended September 30, 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  $111,063,648   $47,113,036   $8,458,453   $4,983,880 
Centerstone International Fund   58,497,682    18,875,657    1,492,587    — 

 

5.SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST

 

At September 30, 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 six months ended September 30, 2018:

 

      Distributions     Net Increase
Fund  Issued  Reinvested  Redeemed  in Shares
             
   Class I Shares
Centerstone Investors Fund  6,324,026  —  (1,287,553)  5,036,473
Centerstone International Fund  4,385,891  —  (1,648,904)  2,736,987
             
   Class A Shares
Centerstone Investors Fund  1,923,982  —  (1,173,648)  750,334
Centerstone International Fund  1,657,737  —  (1,278,347)  379,390
             
   Class C Shares
Centerstone Investors Fund  496,682  —  (26,224)  470,458
Centerstone International Fund  221,465  —  (38,541)  182,924
             

 

   
50 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018

 

 

CENTERSTONE INVESTORS
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
September 30, 2018

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

6.AGGREGATE UNREALIZED APPRECIATION AND DEPRECIATION — TAX BASIS

 

Represents cost for financial reporting purposes and is substantially identical for both book and federal income tax purposes. Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) consisted of:

 

   Centerstone   Centerstone 
   Investors Fund   International Fund 
Gross unrealized appreciation:  $24,033,380   $8,421,794 
Gross unrealized depreciation:   (11,632,093)   (8,739,472)
Net unrealized appreciation:  $12,401,287   $(317,678)

 

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 six months ended September 30, 2018, the Centerstone Investors Fund and the Centerstone International Fund assessed $5,867 and $5,762 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)(a) of the 1940 Act. As of September 30, 2018, Charles Schwab & Co. Inc. held in omnibus accounts for the benefit of others approximately 26% 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.

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018 51

 

 

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.

 

   
52 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 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 4/1/18-   Value 4/1/18-
  Ratio 4/1/18 9/30/18 9/30/18   9/30/18 9/30/18
Class I:              
Investors Fund 1.10% $1,000.00 $1,028.60 $   5.59   $1,019.55 $   5.57
International Fund 1.10% $1,000.00    $991.50 $   5.49   $1,019.55 $   5.57
               
Class A:              
Investors Fund 1.35% $1,000.00 $1,026.90 $   6.86   $1,018.30 $   6.83
International Fund 1.35% $1,000.00    $990.70 $   6.74   $1,018.30 $   6.83
               
Class C:              
Investors Fund 2.10% $1,000.00 $1,023.60 $ 10.65   $1,014.54 $ 10.61
International Fund 2.10% $1,000.00    $986.30 $ 10.46   $1,014.54 $ 10.61

 

(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 183 days and divided by 365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018 53

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(CENTERSTONE INVESTORS LOGO)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   
54 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018

 

 

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 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 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.

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018 55

 

 

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 Can you limit
personal information share 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

 

   
56 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018

 

 

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.

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018 57

 

 

TRUSTEES & OFFICERS

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

Independent Trustees

 

Name,
Year of Birth
Position/
Term of Office*
Principal Occupation
During the Past Five Years
Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen
by Trustee
Other
Directorships
held by Trustee
During the
Past
Five Years
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).
   
58 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018

 

 

TRUSTEES & OFFICERS

 

(GRAPHIC)

 

Interested Trustees and Officers

 

Name,

Year of Birth

Position/

Term of Office*

Principal Occupation

During the Past Five Years

Number of

Portfolios

in Fund

Complex

Overseen

by Trustee

Other

Directorships

held by Trustee

During the Past

Five Years

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 (2013–present). N/A N/A
Jennifer Farrell
1969
Assistant Secretary since Mar. 2016. Senior Paralegal, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (2013–present). N/A N/A
Michael Wagner
1950
CCO since Nov. 2016. President, Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (2006–present). 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.

 

   
Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018 59

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(CENTERSTONE INVESTORS LOGO)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   
60 Centerstone Investors   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 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   ♦   Semi-Annual Report   ♦   September 30, 2018 61

 

 

(BACK COVER)

 

 

Item 2. Code of Ethics. Not applicable.

 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert. Not applicable.

 

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services. Not applicable.

 

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Companies. Not applicable to the registrant.

 

Item 6. Schedule of Investments.

(a)Schedule of investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers is included under Item 1.
(b)Not applicable.

 

Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Funds. Not applicable to the registrant.

 

Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies. Not applicable to the registrant.

 

Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Funds. Not applicable to the registrant.

 

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

 

 

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

 

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

 

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

 

Item 12. Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies. Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

 

Item 13. Exhibits.

 

(a)(1) Not applicable.

 

(a)(2) Certifications required by Rule 30a-2(a) of the 1940 Act and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are filed herewith.

 

(a)(3) Not applicable.

 

(b)       Certifications required by Rule 30a-2(b) of the 1940 Act and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 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 12/6/18

 

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 12/6/18

 

 

By (Signature and Title)

/s/ Philip Santopadre

Philip Santopadre, Treasurer/Principal Financial Officer

 

Date 12/6/18