N-CSR 1 fp0065606_ncsr.htm

 

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 811-23220

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust

 

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

375 Park Avenue, 8th Floor

New York, New York 10152

 

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

Corporation Service Company

251 Little Falls Drive

Wilmington, Delaware 19808 

 

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

Copy to:

 

Stephen A. McShea

Fiera Capital Inc.

375 Park Avenue, 8th Floor

New York, New York 10152

 

George M. Silfen, Esq.

Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP

1177 Avenue of the Americas

New York, New York 10036

 

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (212) 300-1600

 

Date of fiscal year end: March 31

 

Date of reporting period: March 31, 2021

 

 

 

Item 1.  Reports to Stockholders

 

(a) The following is a copy of the report transmitted to shareholders pursuant to Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30e-1)

 

 

Fiera Capital Emerging Markets Fund

 

Fiera Capital Small/Mid-Cap Growth Fund

 

Fiera Capital International Equity Fund

 

Fiera Capital Global Equity Fund

 

Fiera Capital U.S. Equity Long-Term Quality Fund

 

Each, a series of Fiera Capital Series Trust

 

Annual Report

 

March 31, 2021

 

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust

 

Table of Contents

 

Management Discussion and Fund Performance

2

Fiera Capital Emerging Markets Fund

2

Fiera Capital Small/Mid-Cap Growth Fund

5

Fiera Capital International Equity Fund

8

Fiera Capital Global Equity Fund

10

Fiera Capital U.S. Equity Long-Term Quality Fund

13

Portfolio Composition

15

Schedules of Investments

18

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

25

Statements of Operations

27

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

29

Financial Highlights

35

Notes to the Financial Statements

41

Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

52

Expense Example

54

Additional Information

56

Approval of Investment Advisory Agreements

60

Statement Regarding Liquidity Risk Management Program

62

Privacy Notice

63

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust – Emerging Markets Fund

 

Management Discussion and Fund Performance

March 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

For the period April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021, the Fiera Capital Emerging Markets Fund (the “Fund”) returned 65.26% for the Institutional Class and 64.82% for the Investor Class (net of fees). The Fund outperformed its category benchmarks, the MSCI EM Net TR Index (“EM”), which returned 58.39% and the MSCI EM Asia Net TR Index (“EM Asia”), which returned 60.13%, for the same period.

 

Investment Philosophy

 

The Fiera Capital Emerging Markets Fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in emerging market companies. The Fund has a distinct bias towards Asian emerging market economies, with relatively large and young populations, rising per capita income, rapid urbanization, and robust savings and investments. The portfolio is presently weighted towards domestic demand themes, such as information technology or consumer companies, or export sectors that has historically enjoyed long-term sustainable comparative advantage. While we actively manage country, sector and company exposure, we aim to keep a relatively low portfolio turnover.

 

Market Review and Positioning

 

The past year was dominated by COVID-19. After a tumultuous and volatile first quarter, global equity markets bottomed in late March 2020 as investor optimism began to flourish. Markets and sectors that were hit particularly hard during Q1 bounced back sharply during Q2 2020. Risky assets maintained their resilience through the second quarter on speculation that global growth would recover rapidly as lockdowns were eased and economies progressively reopened, while the wave of monetary and fiscal stimulus measures and hopes for a COVID vaccine also emboldened the risk-on trade.

 

Throughout the third quarter of 2020, investor optimism remained buoyant with hopes of an expedited COVID-19 vaccine discovery. Emerging market equities outperformed their developed market peers, and growth continued to outperform value. Record fiscal and monetary stimulus in the US boosted demand for riskier assets, while the weaker US dollar and a stronger recovery in China also drove developing nation stocks higher.

 

In the fourth quarter of 2020, the COVID-19 vaccines were a significant positive development in fighting the pandemic. With the US election decided, we believe a Biden presidency is likely to involve more multilateral engagement with China, removing some of the uncertainty associated with President Trump’s diplomatic tactics. We believe President Biden’s positions will be moderately positive for our markets. Asian currencies held up well in 2020, while the US Dollar Index depreciated 5.6%. Commodities rallied sharply in the latter part of 2020, with WTI +30% between the end of October and December 2020, while we closely monitored the various COVID-19 waves that continued to sweep the globe.

 

Moving into 2021, global equity markets powered higher during the first quarter as lingering hopes for a profound post-pandemic revival saw investors upgrade their expectations for both growth and corporate profits, while pledges for ongoing monetary and fiscal support added to investors’ unrelenting appetite for risk. However, concerns about a slower than anticipated vaccine rollout in emerging markets coupled with additional COVID-19 waves weighed on markets into the second half of the quarter.

 

Over the past fiscal year, on both a country and sector basis, security selection was the main driver of value add compared to the benchmark. As fundamental bottom up stock pickers, this is what we would expect to see from the strategy performance.

 

For April 1 to June 30, 2020, relative to EM, stock selection was the major contributor to outperformance. Currency was an additional contributor, while allocation detracted from performance. On a country level China/HK, South Korea, and Indonesia were top contributors to performance. Not owning commodity-linked countries like Brazil and Russia detracted. From a sector perspective, top contributors were Information Technology, Consumer Discretionary and Communication Services. Sector detractors were Health Care and Consumer Staples.

 

For July 1 to September 31, 2020, relative to EM, stock selection was the major contributor to outperformance over the quarter while currency and allocation also slightly contributed. On a country level, our India, China and South Korea exposure drove performance, while not owning index heavyweights in Taiwan detracted. Our overweight allocation to the Philippines and Indonesia continued to

 

2

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust – Emerging Markets Fund

 

Management Discussion and Fund Performance – Continued
March 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

detract from performance. From a sector perspective, Energy (an Indian Conglomerate - a telecom/e-commerce play) and Healthcare & Materials (a Korean conglomerate - an EV Battery play) contributed to performance. Conversely, our Consumer Discretionary, Consumer Staples, and Information Technology exposures detracted from performance this quarter.

 

For October 1 to December 31, 2020, relative to EM, selection was the major contributor to outperformance over the quarter and the calendar year. Currency and allocation were also slight contributors. Top contributors to performance on a country level were China, South Korea, and South Africa. Not owning index heavyweights in Taiwan continued to detract from performance. Our Philippines and Indonesia overweight allocation detracted from performance as smaller markets sold off during the COVID market correction in Feb/March. From a sector perspective, Financials, Materials (a Korean conglomerate – an EV Battery play) and Energy (an Indian Conglomerate – a telco/e-commerce play) contributed to performance. Consumer Discretionary, Consumer Staples, and Industrials detracted from performance.

 

For January 1 to March 31, 2021, on a country basis, our selective exposure in Vietnam, South Korea and India contributed to performance. China, Taiwan and Philippines exposure detracted from performance over the quarter. On a sector basis, Consumer Discretionary, Health Care and Utilities contributed to performance while selective exposure in Information Technology, Materials, and Real Estate detracted.

 

Outlook

 

Emerging markets have terribly underperformed the US markets so far this year. Fiscal stimulus in the US continues to drive market sentiment favoring US equities, while the vaccine-reach inequality has hurt emerging market equities. It is not just YTD: S&P 500 Total Return Index has outperformed the MSCI EM Total Return Index by more than 700 basis points since the Mar 23, 2020 COVID bottom. The optimism, early this year, with a subsiding COVID scare was short-lived, as a renewed wave of infections amid vaccine procurement challenges heightened concerns on the fundamentals of the Emerging Market Economies. China’s Huarong debt debacle, uncertainties over regulatory oversight on China’s big tech companies, and the Archegos blowup further damaged investors’ risk appetite. We expect diplomatic dialogues to resume between the US and China in 2Q2021, and the market is likely to experience volatility as such diplomatic engagement is unlikely to be smooth and predictable. Another near-term concern is the rise in inflation – rise in crude oil prices and commodity prices hurt EM Asia. We have observed that EM typically bounces back from these kinds of circumstances. EM is seeing a resurgence in economic and corporate earnings growth. We stay focused on the fundamentals – we have modestly repositioned our portfolio to position us to capture COVID recovery prospects across Asia.

 

Index Definition Key

 

The U.S. Dollar Index is a measure of the value of the United States dollar relative to other world currencies.

 

3

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust – Emerging Markets Fund

 

Management Discussion and Fund Performance – Continued
March 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Emerging Markets Fund

 

Results of a $10,000 Investment*

 

 

Share Class

Ticker

Cusip

Inception
Date

Expense Ratios

Gross

Net

Investor

RIMIX

31660Q801

12/14/11

1.60%

1.50%

Institutional

CNRYX

31660Q884

06/01/16

1.35%

1.25%

 

Annualized Total Return Information*

 

Share Class

1 Year

3 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception

Investor Class

64.82%

5.37%

11.22%

10.75%

Institutional Class

65.26%

5.65%

11.53%

Fund Benchmark

       

MSCI Emerging Markets Index(1)

58.39%

6.48%

12.07%

6.63%(2)

MSCI Emerging Markets Asia Index

60.13%

9.45%

14.48%

9.63%(2)

 

(1)

Primary benchmark.

 

(2)

Benchmark since inception returns reflect Investor Class inception date.

 

Performance of Institutional Class shares will vary from the performance of the Investor Class shares shown above due to differences in charges and expenses. This graph illustrates the hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Investor Class shares of the Fund from the Fund’s inception date to March 31, 2021.

 

The Morgan Stanley Capital International (“MSCI”) Emerging Markets Net Total Return Index (“MXEF”) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure equity market performance in the global emerging markets.

 

The MSCI Emerging Markets Asia Net Total Return Index is a free-float-adjusted market-capitalization index that is designed to measure equity market performance in the Asian emerging markets.

 

*

The City National Rochdale Emerging Markets Fund (the “CNR Fund”), a series of City National Rochdale Funds with an inception date of 12/14/11, was reorganized into the Fund as of 6/4/18. The Fund has the same investment objective and investment team, and substantially similar fundamental investment policies, principal investment strategies and risks as the CNR Fund. In addition, the Adviser served as sub-adviser to the CNR Fund from December 1, 2017 until the reorganization.

 

Index results assume the re-investment of all dividends and capital gains. The Fund’s holdings may differ significantly from the securities that comprise the index. The index is not a projection, prediction or guarantee of performance. It is not possible to invest directly in the index.

 

The performance quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investment results and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance data quoted. The returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Performance data current to the most recent month end is available by calling 1-855-771-7119.

 

Mutual fund investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. The Fund invests in foreign securities which involve greater volatility and political, economic and currency risks and differences in accounting methods. These risks are greater for investments in emerging markets.

 

4

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust – Small/Mid-Cap Growth Fund

 

Management Discussion and Fund Performance
March 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Philosophy

 

We believe that the best way to provide value-added returns is to identify companies that exhibit certain favorable fundamental advantages and benefit from secular growth trends, allowing us to structure the portfolio in high-conviction areas of longer-term sustainable growth. Embedded in our portfolio construction is the recognition of companies at different stages of their growth cycle, which we designate as “stable” and “emerging” growth stocks. We believe that having a spectrum of growth companies ranging from those that are truly innovative and growing rapidly to those that are more established, can provide relative stability while allowing the opportunity to drive outperformance versus our benchmark and peers over time.

 

Market Environment

 

Over the prior twelve months, the world and financial markets grappled with circumstances brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic that had not been seen in nearly a century. As the bull market reached its close in the early part of 2020, the massive sell-off ensued and markets took a pause to process what the implications of massive closings would indicate about current and future earnings.

 

US markets began to perk back up in Q2 of 2020, with the S&P 500 Index up +20.53% – its best performance since Q4 of 1998, while the Nasdaq Composite Index (+30.95%) and the Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (up +17.8%) had their best quarters since 1999 and Q1 of 1987, respectively. US small cap stocks outpaced large caps in Q2 of 2020, and Value continued to lag Growth across the entire market cap spectrum.

 

Although volatility persisted for the remainder of the calendar year, and despite fears of additional waves of infection and mandated business closures, the rally continued into the latter half of the year aided by the news surrounding the development and deployment of the vaccine. US equity markets ended the year on a strong note, posting their best returns since 2017 in Q4 of 2020 and registering a string of new record closes along the way. Small cap equity indices outperformed in the quarter, far outpacing all other US indices and the Nasdaq Composite.

 

As the calendar turned to 2021, the market began to show hints of being in the early innings of a regime change. The fourth quarter provided some indications, as for the first time in months value securities strongly outpaced growth securities across all market caps (for instance, Russell 2500 Growth Index +25.89% vs. Russell 2500 Value Index +28.51%). The trend continued into Q1 of 2021, as again the Russell 2500 Value Index outperformed the Russell 2500 Growth Index by a whopping 1031 bps – the first time in recent memory that has happened. A core index like S&P 500 returned 6.17% while the tech-heavy Nasdaq returned 2.95%. The market appeared to be factoring in the impact of higher rates and the resultant regime shift on growth rates and valuations. In other words, in a low- to negative-real-rate environment, growth at any price is fine. As rates rise, embedded inflation expectations pick up, yield curve steepens, indicating that we may be in the beginning stages of a valuation driven market.

 

Performance (Year)

 

On a trailing one-year basis, the Fund exhibited strong performance, beating the benchmark by 1256 bps (100.06% vs 87.50%*). Both stock selection and sector allocation were drivers to overall performance. Notably, stock selection and conviction in overweighting the Consumer Discretionary and Financial sectors were additive contributors. The stock selection that contributed most to the Fund’s relative results came from the names within the Health Care sector. Conversely, picks in Information Technology, Industrials and Communication Services detracted from performance over the period.

 

On an individual security basis, two of the top performers that provided excess contribution to overall returns in the Fund were Immunomedics (IMMU) and Etsy (ETSY).

 

Global biopharmaceutical manufacturer, Gilead Sciences, announced in September 2020 that it had agreed to buy Immunomedics, one of the top holdings in the Fund. At the time the acquisition was announced, the market price of $88 a share in cash is 108% more than the prior closing market value for the biotechnology firm. Immunomedics’ drug Trodelvy is an FDA-approved treatment for metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. Trodelvy targets a protein on the surface of many cancer cells even when more common protein targets

 

*

Returns presented net of fees

 

5

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust – Small/Mid-Cap Growth Fund

 

Management Discussion and Fund Performance – Continued
March 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

for cancer therapies are missing. We believe the Immunomedics acquisition continues to support the Fiera Growth Equity Investment Team’s “first in class/best in class” approach to health care and biotechnology. In addition to Immunomedics, three other holdings (Aimmune Therapeutics, Portola Pharmaceuticals and PRA Health) have been acquired within the last year.

 

Buoyed by impact and implications of COVID, Etsy also stood out as a leading performer for the Fund over the year. The e-Commerce platform focused on handmade and vintage items brings buyers and sellers together in a craft-fair style. Etsy has run up more than five-fold price appreciation over the period thanks in part to a global user base that expanded during lockdowns and a revenue base that is derived from a breadth of fees, including percentage of sale value, listing fees and ancillary services.

 

Outlook

 

For most of last year during the pandemic, high-multiple growth stocks had the stripes of quasi-defensive and had been helped by secular forces. As is usual with financial markets, as the environment changes, investors’ focus changes. Since the COVID-19 vaccine announcement and the accelerated roll-out in United States, we seem to be in the throes of a regime shift. Consensus seems to be building for a desired repeat of the roaring twenties, where the economy took off after the last pandemic. As the economy re-opens, areas of the market which were hardest hit have been the strongest performers, such as travel, leisure and energy. The positive economic backdrop appears to be boosting confidence in equity markets, resulting in a steeper yield curve, and providing a tailwind for cyclical stocks as well as for those that have been hardest hit because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

As we look forward, we do expect continued market volatility with investors at a crossroads dealing with higher rates, style shifts and valuation compression in the face of a potentially 6%+ GDP prints in the 2nd half of the year. Our portfolios have held up well and outperformed in absolute and relative terms not only during the Q1 of 2020 sell-off, but also during the bounce-back that followed in Q2 and Q3. We expect that our disciplined investment process, with its focus on secular growth, financial strength and valuation, and our approach to building portfolios that judiciously combine stable growth and emerging growth companies, would continue to help us successfully navigate this volatile environment.

 

Index Definition Key

 

The NASDAQ is a market-capitalization weighted index of the more than 3,000 common equities.

 

Dow Jones Industrial Average Index is a stock market index that measures the stock performance of 30 large companies listed on stock exchanges in the United States.

 

The Russell 2500 Value Index measures the performance of the small to mid-cap value segment of the U.S. equity universe.

 

The Russell 2500 Growth Index measures the performance of the small to mid-cap growth segment of the US equity universe.

 

6

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust – Small/Mid-Cap Growth Fund

 

Management Discussion and Fund Performance – Continued
March 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Small/Mid-Cap Growth Fund

 

Results of a $1,000,000 Investment*

 

 

Share Class

Ticker

Cusip

Inception
Date

Expense Ratios

Gross

Net

Institutional

APSGX

31660Q702

06/29/12

1.11%

1.05%

Investor

APSRX

31660Q603

02/12/18

1.36%

1.30%

 

The table references expense ratios per the prospectus dated July 29, 2020. The net expense ratios reflect contractual expense limitations agreed to by the Fund and Adviser which will continue through October 31, 2021. Returns would be lower without these contractual expense limitations in effect.

 

Annualized Total Return Information*

 

Share Class

1 Year

3 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception

Institutional Class

100.06%

20.39%

20.06%

16.37%

Investor Class

99.38%

29.91%

20.61%

Fund Benchmark

       

Russell 2500 Growth Index(1)

87.50%

19.96%

19.91%

16.77%(2)

 

(1)

Primary benchmark.

 

(2)

Benchmark since inception returns reflect Institutional Class inception date.

 

Performance of Investor Class shares will vary from the performance of the Institutional Class shares shown above due to differences in charges and expenses. This graph illustrates the hypothetical investment of $1,000,000 in the Institutional Class shares of the Fund from inception date to March 31, 2021.

 

The Russell 2500 Growth Index measures the performance of the small to mid-cap growth segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell 2500 companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values.

 

*

The Apex Small/Mid-Cap Growth Fund (the “Apex Fund”), a series of the Ultimus Managers Trust with an inception date of 6/29/12, was reorganized into the Fund as of 2/12/18. The Fund has the same investment objective and investment team, and substantially similar fundamental investment policies, principal investment strategies and risks as the Apex Fund.

 

Index results assume the re-investment of all dividends and capital gains. The Fund’s holdings may differ significantly from the securities that comprise the index. The index is not a projection, prediction or guarantee of performance. It is not possible to invest directly in the index.

 

The performance quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investment results and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance data quoted. The returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Performance data current to the most recent month end is available by calling 1-855-771-7119.

 

Mutual fund investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

 

The Fund invests primarily in small- and mid- capitalization equity securities which, like all equity securities, carry the potential for unpredictable drops in value and periods of lackluster performance. Small- and mid- capitalization companies may involve greater risks than large capitalization companies because these companies may lack the management experience, financial resources, product diversification and competitive strengths of larger companies. Small- and mid- capitalization companies may be subject to greater price fluctuations and be less liquid compared to larger capitalization companies. The Fund’s investments in foreign securities involve risks that may be different from those of U.S. securities. Foreign securities may not be subject to uniform audit and financial reporting and disclosure standards. In addition, the Fund’s foreign investments may be subject to adverse changes in investment or exchange control regulations, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, political or social instability, and nationalization of companies or industries.

 

7

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust – International Equity Fund

 

Management Discussion and Fund Performance
March 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Fiera Capital International Equity Fund: April 1, 2020 – March 31, 2021

 

For the period April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021, the Fiera Capital International Equity Fund (the “Fund”) returned 44.43% institutional class, and 44.38% investor class (net of fees). The Fund slightly underperformed its category benchmark, the MSCI EAFE Index, which returned 44.57% for the same period.

 

Investment Philosophy

 

The Fund seeks to achieve capital appreciation. It is invested in a portfolio of the Global Equity Team’s highest conviction ideas from international developed countries and select emerging markets. This research-focused approach seeks to identify what we believe are best of breed companies in an industry with a sustainable competitive advantage and growth potential, that operate with high barriers to entry and a history of stable profit margins with little dependence on financial leverage, trading at what we believe are attractive valuations.

 

Market Review and Positioning

 

Following an unprecedent slowdown in global economic activity due to COVID-19, markets made an impressive comeback off March lows and continued to rally throughout the period on forward-looking optimism brought forth by the gradual reopening of economies as confinement measures were lifted and encouraging vaccine developments along with extraordinary monetary and fiscal stimulus plans. Investors narrowed their focus toward value-oriented corners of the market over the second half of the period due to rising bond yields and higher inflation expectations which improved the near-term outlook for Resources and Banks.

 

While the Fund was up in absolute performance, it slightly lagged the MSCI EAFE index over the period on a net of fees basis. Our relative underperformance was mainly driven by our security selection in the Materials and Health Care sectors as well as our overweight position in the underperforming Consumer Staples sector. Partially offsetting this underperformance was our overweight in the outperforming Information Technology and Industrials sectors as well as our lack of allocation to the underperforming Utilities and Energy sectors.

 

Among the largest detractors to performance over the period was Roche Holdings. Swiss-based Pharmaceutical and Diagnostic company, Roche Holdings, underperformed due to weaker than expected revenues from its Pharma division mostly attributable to faster than expected cancer drugs’ market share erosion due to biosimilar competition in the US which we believe has peaked in 2020. COVID-19 has led to less interactions between patients and doctors translating into a reduction in market share gains against competitors while also decreasing the pace at which patients are being diagnosed for major chronic diseases. These negatives were slightly offset by the ongoing boom in COVID testing, a segment within which Roche has a leading market share and manufacturing capacity in both PCR and antigenic testing.

 

Among the leading contributors to performance over the period was Taiwan Semiconductor (TSMC). TSMC, the world’s largest semiconductor foundry, continues to post strong revenues and beat expectations due to strong demand coming from new products including data centers, high performance computers, and mobile (5G). The chipmaker also expanded its market share, especially for cutting edge nodes, as the company advances its technological leadership, while further improving profit margins due to tight production capacity and better pricing.

 

During the period we trimmed our positions in Keyence and TSMC at a richer valuation and initiated a position in Alcon, the world’s largest eye care company, which manufactures and distributes surgical devices and equipment, eye drops and vision care products. Their best-in-class product offerings and customer service as well as decades of innovation leadership has earned them an excellent reputation among surgeons, which grants Alcon a unique competitive position in the industry. While benefiting from high barriers to entry, the eye care business is also well-positioned to profit from long-term growth drivers such as aging population.

 

Our investment horizon is best measured in years, conceivably decades, not months or quarters. Our focus continues to be on identifying what we believe to be high quality companies with sustainable competitive advantages, operating in industries with high barriers to entry, contributing to durable pricing power.

 

8

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust – International Equity Fund

 

Management Discussion and Fund Performance – Continued
March 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

International Equity Fund

 

Results of a $1,000,000 Investment

 

 

Share Class

Ticker

Cusip

Inception
Date

Expense Ratios

Gross

Net

Institutional

FCIUX

31660Q306

09/29/17

1.31%

1.00%

Investor

FCIRX

31660Q504

09/29/17

1.56%

1.25%

Z

FCIWX

31660Q405

09/29/17

1.31%

0.80%

 

The table references expense ratios per the prospectus dated July 29, 2020. The net expense ratios reflect contractual expense limitations agreed to by the Fund and Adviser which will continue through October 31, 2021. Returns would be lower without these contractual expense limitations in effect.

 

Annualized Total Return Information

 

Share Class

1 Year

3 Year

Since
Inception

Institutional Class

44.43%

12.79%

11.64%

Investor Class

44.38%

12.60%

11.45%

Z Class

44.65%

13.01%

11.87%

Fund Benchmark

     

MSCI ACWI Index

54.60%

12.07%

11.72%

MSCI EAFE Index(1)

44.57%

6.02%

5.92%

MSCI World Index

54.03%

12.81%

12.18%

 

(1)

Primary benchmark.

 

Performance of Investor Class and Z Class shares will vary from the performance of the Institutional Class shares shown above due to differences in charges and expenses. This graph illustrates the hypothetical investment of $1,000,000 in the Institutional Class shares of the Fund from inception date to March 31, 2021.

 

The Morgan Stanley Capital International (“MSCI”) All Country World Index (“ACWI”) 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 EAFE Index is a stock market index made up of approximately 909 constituents. It is used as a common benchmark for international stock funds. The index comprises the MSCI country indexes capturing large and mid-cap equities across developed markets in Europe, Australasia and the Far East, excluding the U.S. and Canada.

 

The MSCI World Index is a stock market index made up of approximately 1,600 global stocks. It is used as a common benchmark for ‘world’ or ‘global’ stock funds. The index comprises a collection of stocks of all the developed markets in the world, as defined by MSCI and includes stocks from 23 countries but excludes stocks from emerging and frontier economies.

 

Index results assume the re-investment of all dividends and capital gains. The Fund’s holdings may differ significantly from the securities that comprise the index. The index is not a projection, prediction or guarantee of performance. It is not possible to invest directly in the index.

 

The performance quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investment results and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance data quoted. The returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Performance data current to the most recent month end is available by calling 1-855-771-7119.

 

Mutual fund investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. The Fund invests in foreign securities which involve greater volatility and political, economic and currency risks and differences in accounting methods. These risks are greater for investments in emerging markets.

 

9

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust – Global Equity Fund

 

Management Discussion and Fund Performance
March 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Fiera Capital Global Equity Fund: April 1, 2020 – March 31, 2021

 

For the period April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021, the Fiera Capital Global Equity Fund (the “Fund”) returned 47.78% institutional class, and 47.37% investor class (net of fees). The Fund underperformed its category benchmark, the MSCI World Index, which returned 54.03% for the same period.

 

Investment Philosophy

 

The Fund seeks to achieve capital appreciation. It is invested in a concentrated portfolio of the Global Equity Team’s highest conviction ideas from across global, developed, and select emerging markets. We seek to generate returns with lower than market volatility, achieved by investing in companies we believe hold unique competitive advantages, operate with high barriers to entry and are able to consistently generate attractive returns on invested capital (ROIC) with little dependence on financial leverage.

 

Market Review and Positioning

 

Following an unprecedent slowdown in global economic activity due to COVID-19, markets made an impressive comeback off March lows and continued to rally throughout the period on forward-looking optimism brought forth by the gradual reopening of economies as confinement measures were lifted and encouraging vaccine developments along with extraordinary monetary and fiscal stimulus plans. Investors narrowed their focus toward value-oriented corners of the market over the second half of the period due to rising bond yields and higher inflation expectations which improved the near-term outlook for Resources and Banks.

 

While the Fund was up in absolute performance, it lagged the MSCI World index over the period on a net of fees basis. Our relative underperformance was mainly driven by our security selection in the Consumer Discretionary and Financials sectors as well as our overweight position in the underperforming Consumer Staples sector. Partially offsetting this underperformance was our security selection within the Communication Services sector and lack of allocation to the underperforming Utilities and Real Estate sectors.

 

Among the largest detractors to performance over the period was Becton Dickinson. US-based medical technology company, Becton Dickinson’s stock underperformed given the uncertainties brought on by COVID-19 and the resulting impact in demand of their products from their key end-markets such as elective procedures conducted in hospitals and research activity in labs. The company furthermore announced in May an unexpected equity issuance to shore up its balance sheet, negatively impacting the stock price.

 

Among the leading contributors to performance over the period was Taiwan Semiconductor (TSMC). TSMC, the world’s largest semiconductor foundry, continues to post strong revenues and beat expectations due to strong demand coming from new products including data centers, high performance computers, and mobile (5G). The chipmaker also expanded its market share, especially for cutting edge nodes, as the company advances its technological leadership, while further improving profit margins due to tight production capacity and better pricing.

 

During the first half of the period, United Technologies completed the split of Otis and Carrier into separate companies and concurrently completed its merger with Raytheon Corp. to form Raytheon Technologies. Following the split, we decided to exit our position in Raytheon Technologies and to consolidate our position in Otis, given our belief that it has a more attractive thesis and lower short-term COVID-related risks. More specifically, Raytheon is highly exposed to the aerospace industry, which is facing key disruptions related to the pandemic. Furthermore, we decided to exit our position in Middleby, the supplier of commercial food equipment to restaurants, to consolidate our position in Carrier, considered to be the dominant player in HVAC systems. While we still believe in Middleby’s long-term investment thesis, we concluded that Carrier has an equally strong thesis and similar long-term upside, while having a lower COVID risk profile than Middleby who’s directly exposed to the challenged restaurant industry.

 

Later during the period, we exited our positions in Fanuc and Varian Medical Systems, as Siemens Healthineers announced in August their intention to acquire the latter in an all-cash deal, in order to take the opportunity to initiate a position in Microsoft as the company is believed to have a more attractive long-term investment thesis. A position in Microsoft was initiated as we believe the company has been transformed under the leadership of CEO Satya Nadella (since 2014) who has delivered great execution and who has fostered a strong collaborative and innovative culture. In comparison with many of its successful tech peers, the company has not one, but two successful segments; notably, personal computing, including Windows and Office and enterprise computing, including cloud platform Azure. We believe Microsoft is well positioned to benefit from industry tailwinds in cloud, leading to sustainable growth and attractive long-term margins due to its scale and operating leverage.

 

10

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust – Global Equity Fund

 

Management Discussion and Fund Performance – Continued
March 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Furthermore, during the first quarter of 2021, we exited our positions in US Bancorp and Richemont and used the proceeds to initiate a position in UnitedHealth Group as we believe its long-term investment thesis is more attractive. UnitedHealth Group, a leading US-based medical insurer, is considered to have a dominant position on both a local and a national basis and compelling structural growth drivers from demographics trends and increasing demand for managed care plans. The company offers health care and pharmacy benefits to an array of customers and markets as well as data and analytics for care providers and health plans. We believe UnitedHealth’s ability to lever technology across the firm’s extensive scale provides a powerful edge to deliver better health care services and reduce costs. Lastly, the company has demonstrated its ability to adapt to the ever-evolving regulations in the healthcare space.

 

Our investment horizon is best measured in years, conceivably decades, not months or quarters. Our focus continues to be on identifying what we believe to be high quality companies with sustainable competitive advantages, operating in industries with high barriers to entry, contributing to durable pricing power.

 

11

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust – Global Equity Fund

 

Management Discussion and Fund Performance – Continued
March 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Global Equity Fund

 

Results of a $1,000,000 Investment

 

 

Share Class

Ticker

Cusip

Inception
Date

Expense Ratios

Gross

Net

Institutional

FCGIX

31660Q207

04/28/17

2.14%

0.90%

Investor

FCGEX

31660Q108

04/28/17

2.39%

1.15%

 

The table references expense ratios per the prospectus dated July 29, 2020. The net expense ratios reflect contractual expense limitations agreed to by the Fund and Adviser which will continue through October 31, 2021. Returns would be lower without these contractual expense limitations in effect.

 

Annualized Total Return Information

 

Share Class

1 Year

3 Year

Since
Inception

Institutional Class

47.78%

15.97%

16.39%

Investor Class

47.37%

15.64%

16.09%

Fund Benchmark

     

MSCI ACWI Index

54.60%

12.07%

12.58%

MSCI World Index(1)

54.03%

12.81%

12.85%

 

(1)

Primary benchmark.

 

Performance of Investor Class shares will vary from the performance of the Institutional Class shares shown above due to differences in charges and expenses. This graph illustrates the hypothetical investment of $1,000,000 in the Institutional Class shares of the Fund from inception date to March 31, 2021.

 

The Morgan Stanley Capital International (“MSCI”) All Country World Index (“ACWI”) 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 stock market index made up of approximately 1,600 global stocks. It is used as a common benchmark for ‘world’ or ‘global’ stock funds. The index comprises a collection of stocks of all the developed markets in the world, as defined by MSCI and includes stocks from 23 countries but excludes stocks from emerging and frontier economies.

 

Index results assume the re-investment of all dividends and capital gains. The Fund’s holdings may differ significantly from the securities that comprise the index. The index is not a projection, prediction or guarantee of performance. It is not possible to invest directly in the index.

 

The performance quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investment results and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance data quoted. The returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Performance data current to the most recent month end is available by calling 1-855-771-7119.

 

Mutual fund investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. The Fund invests in foreign securities which involve greater volatility and political, economic and currency risks and differences in accounting methods. These risks are greater for investments in emerging markets. The Fund is non-diversified, meaning it may concentrate its assets in fewer individual holdings or geographical areas than a diversified fund. Therefore, the Fund is more exposed to individual stock volatility than a diversified fund.

 

12

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust – U.S. Equity Long-Term Quality Fund

 

Management Discussion and Fund Performance
March 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Fiera Capital U.S. Equity Long-Term Quality Fund: April 1, 2020 – March 31, 2021

 

For the period April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021, the Fiera Capital U.S. Equity Long-Term Quality Fund (the “Fund”) returned 52.48% institutional class, and 52.04% investor class (net of fees). The Fund underperformed its category benchmark, the S&P 500 Index, which returned 56.35% for the same period.

 

Investment Philosophy

 

The Fund seeks to achieve capital appreciation. It seeks to achieve the Fund’s investment objective by investing substantially in a portfolio of US equities. We seek to invest in what we believe are quality companies that we believe have an ability to consistently generate attractive returns on invested capital (ROIC) with little dependence on financial leverage.

 

Market Review and Positioning

 

Following an unprecedent slowdown in global economic activity due to COVID-19, markets made an impressive comeback off March lows and continued to rally throughout the period on forward-looking optimism brought forth by the gradual reopening of economies as confinement measures were lifted and encouraging vaccine developments along with extraordinary monetary and fiscal stimulus plans. Investors narrowed their focus toward value-oriented corners of the market over the second half of the period due to rising bond yields and higher inflation expectations which improved the near-term outlook for Resources and Banks.

 

While the Fund was up in absolute performance, it slightly lagged the S&P 500 index over the period on a net of fees basis. Our relative underperformance was mainly driven by our security selection in the Information Technology and Financials sectors. Partially offsetting this underperformance was our strong security selection in the Industrials, Communication Services and Health Care sectors as well as our lack of allocation to the underperforming Utilities and Real Estate sectors.

 

Among the largest detractors to performance over the period was Becton Dickinson. US-based medical technology company, Becton Dickinson’s stock underperformed given the uncertainties brought on by COVID-19 and the resulting impact in demand of their products from their key end-markets such as elective procedures conducted in hospitals and research activity in labs. The company furthermore announced in May an unexpected equity issuance to shore up its balance sheet, negatively impacting the stock price.

 

Among the leading contributors to performance over the period was Carrier Global Corp. Leading HVAC player, Carrier Global Corp, outperformed as the company saw stronger than anticipated order trends in both residential and commercial, which benefited from increased housing-related expenditures throughout the year as well as new opportunities in Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) systems, brought forward by the pandemic. Biden’s $1.9T stimulus package includes $170B aimed to the education sector, most of which will be spent on better infrastructure and air quality which involves HVAC upgrades. Moreover, previous liquidity concerns have significantly decreased, further positively contributed to the stock’s performance.

 

During the first half of the period, United Technologies completed the split of Otis Worldwide Corp and Carrier Global Corp into separate companies and concurrently completed its merger with Raytheon Corp. to form Raytheon Technologies. Following the split, we decided to exit our position in Raytheon Technologies and to consolidate our position in Otis Worldwide Corp and Carrier Global Corp, given our belief that they each have a more attractive thesis and lower short-term COVID-related risks. More specifically, Raytheon is highly exposed to the aerospace industry, which is facing key disruptions related to the pandemic.

 

Later during the period, we exited our position in radiation oncology devices and software maker Varian Medical Systems as Siemens Healthineers announced in August their intention to acquire the company in an all-cash deal. Following the announcement, the stock price rose materially, reaching a level that is close to that of its acquisition price. As such, the team took advantage of the current attractive opportunity, in the event that the takeover does not go through. We subsequently used the proceeds to add capital to several existing positions in the portfolio.

 

Our investment horizon is best measured in years, conceivably decades, not months or quarters. Our focus continues to be on identifying what we believe to be high quality companies with sustainable competitive advantages, operating in industries with high barriers to entry, contributing to durable pricing power.

 

13

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust – U.S. Equity Long-Term Quality Fund

 

Management Discussion and Fund Performance – Continued
March 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

U.S. Equity Long-Term Quality Fund

 

Results of a $1,000,000 Investment

 

 

Share Class

Ticker

Cusip

Inception
Date

Expense Ratios

Gross

Net

Investor

FCUEX

31660Q868

09/30/19

1.73%

1.00%

Institutional

FCUIX

31660Q850

09/30/19

1.48%

0.75%

 

The table references expense ratios per the prospectus dated July 29, 2020. The net expense ratios reflect contractual expense limitations agreed to by the Fund and Adviser which will continue through October 31, 2021. Returns would be lower without these contractual expense limitations in effect.

 

Annualized Total Return Information

 

Share Class

1 Year

Since
Inception

Investor Class

52.04%

25.99%

Institutional Class

52.48%

26.27%

Fund Benchmark

   

S&P 500 Index(1)

56.35%

23.40%

 

(1)

Primary benchmark.

 

Performance of Investor Class shares will vary from the performance of the Institutional Class shares shown above due to differences in charges and expenses. This graph illustrates the hypothetical investment of $1,000,000 in the Institutional Class shares of the Fund from inception date to March 31, 2021.

 

The S&P 500 Index is a registered trademark of Standard & Poor’s and is an unmanaged broadly-based index of the common stock prices of 500 large U.S. companies that includes the reinvestment of dividends.

 

Index results assume the re-investment of all dividends and capital gains. The Fund’s holdings may differ significantly from the securities that comprise the index. The index is not a projection, prediction or guarantee of performance. It is not possible to invest directly in the index.

 

The performance quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investment results and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance data quoted. The returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Performance data current to the most recent month end is available by calling 1-855-771-7119.

 

Mutual fund investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

 

14

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust

 

Portfolio Composition

March 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Emerging Markets Fund (Consolidated)

 

Sector

 

% of Total
Net Assets

 

Common Stocks*

       

Basic Materials

    3.9 %

Communications

    21.7  

Consumer, Cyclical

    12.1  

Consumer, Non-cyclical

    6.3  

Energy

    3.3  

Financial

    19.3  

Industrial

    13.1  

Technology

    10.9  

Utilities

    4.0  

Total Common Stocks

    94.6  

Short-Term Investments

    2.6  

Other Assets and Liabilities

    2.8  

Total Net Assets

    100.0 %

 

 

Industry

 

Value

   

% of Total
Net Assets

 

Common Stocks

               

Apparel

  $ 2,438,864       0.4 %

Auto Manufacturers

    21,523,732       3.2  

Banks

    49,003,910       7.4  

Beverages

    10,129,977       1.5  

Building Materials

    2,454,309       0.4  

Chemicals

    22,924,807       3.4  

Computers

    14,418,737       2.2  

Cosmetics/Personal Care

    6,249,481       0.9  

Diversified Financial Services

    17,147,140       2.6  

Electric

    8,467,424       1.3  

Electronics

    29,554,072       4.4  

Energy-Alternate Sources

    11,189,667       1.7  

Gas

    18,101,673       2.7  

Home Furnishings

    17,264,221       2.6  

Insurance

    28,039,567       4.2  

Internet

    144,356,193       21.7  

Lodging

    17,065,957       2.6  

Machinery-Construction & Mining

    7,363,782       1.1  

Mining

    3,314,974       0.5  

Miscellaneous Manufacturing

    47,653,966       7.2  

Oil & Gas

    10,900,506       1.6  

Pharmaceuticals

    25,280,535       3.8  

Real Estate

    33,886,201       5.1  

REITS

    78,342       0.0  

Retail

    22,353,554       3.4  

Semiconductors

    39,090,796       5.9  

Software

    18,711,052       2.8  

Total Common Stocks

    628,963,439       94.6  

Short-Term Investments

    17,285,326       2.6  

Total Investments

    646,248,765       97.2  

Other Assets and Liabilities

    18,488,034       2.8  

Total Net Assets

  $ 664,736,799       100.0 %

 

 

15

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust

 

Portfolio Composition – Continued
March 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Small/Mid-Cap Growth Fund

 

Sector

 

% of Total
Net Assets

 

Common Stocks*

       

Basic Materials

    1.9 %

Communications

    10.5  

Consumer, Cyclical

    16.7  

Consumer, Non-cyclical

    31.3  

Energy

    2.7  

Financial

    6.1  

Industrial

    13.8  

Technology

    16.1  

Total Common Stocks

    99.1  

Other Assets and Liabilities

    0.9  

Total Net Assets

    100.0 %

 

Industry

 

Value

   

% of Total
Net Assets

 

Common Stocks

               

Apparel

  $ 4,733,431       3.2 %

Banks

    3,601,006       2.4  

Biotechnology

    22,412,406       15.0  

Chemicals

    2,769,479       1.9  

Commercial Services

    2,488,965       1.7  

Computers

    7,106,565       4.7  

Distribution/Wholesale

    1,463,763       1.0  

Diversified Financial Services

    5,535,999       3.7  

Electrical Components & Equipment

    1,736,234       1.2  

Electronics

    1,450,214       1.0  

Engineering & Construction

    4,056,195       2.7  

Entertainment

    1,709,061       1.1  

Food

    1,408,680       0.9  

Healthcare-Products

    9,822,340       6.5  

Healthcare-Services

    4,753,280       3.2  

Home Furnishings

    2,693,279       1.8  

Internet

    11,347,360       7.6  

Lodging

    2,645,242       1.8  

Machinery-Diversified

    5,882,911       3.9  

Media

    2,313,283       1.5  

Miscellaneous Manufacturing

    2,493,119       1.7  

Oil & Gas

    1,448,480       1.0  

Oil & Gas Services

    2,575,592       1.7  

Packaging & Containers

    2,900,843       1.9  

Pharmaceuticals

    6,007,774       4.0  

Retail

    8,712,633       5.8  

Semiconductors

    7,001,980       4.7  

Software

    9,988,729       6.7  

Telecommunications

    2,096,324       1.4  

Textiles

    3,059,652       2.0  

Transportation

    2,156,014       1.4  

Total Common Stocks

    148,370,833       99.1  

Other Assets and Liabilities

    1,306,692       0.9  

Total Net Assets

  $ 149,677,525       100.0 %

 

International Equity Fund

 

Sector

 

% of Total
Net Assets

 

Common Stocks*

       

Basic Materials

    1.5 %

Consumer, Cyclical

    16.7  

Consumer, Non-cyclical

    38.6  

Financial

    10.1  

Industrial

    21.1  

Technology

    9.6  

Total Common Stocks

    97.6  

Preferred Stocks

       

Basic Materials

    0.8  

Total Preferred Stocks

    0.8  

Other Assets and Liabilities

    1.6  

Total Net Assets

    100.0 %

 

Industry

 

Value

   

% of Total
Net Assets

 

Common Stocks

               

Apparel

  $ 7,940,875       3.9 %

Banks

    14,765,870       7.3  

Beverages

    7,824,709       3.8  

Building Materials

    5,859,426       2.9  

Chemicals

    3,119,028       1.5  

Commercial Services

    14,261,483       7.0  

Cosmetics/Personal Care

    19,565,279       9.6  

Distribution/Wholesale

    3,912,785       1.9  

Diversified Financial Services

    5,817,201       2.9  

Electronics

    4,448,283       2.2  

Food

    11,103,942       5.5  

Hand/Machine Tools

    6,920,029       3.4  

Healthcare-Products

    9,606,565       4.7  

Home Furnishings

    6,756,683       3.3  

Leisure Time

    5,817,149       2.9  

Lodging

    6,222,659       3.1  

Machinery-Diversified

    19,837,769       9.8  

Pharmaceuticals

    16,160,919       7.9  

Retail

    3,250,397       1.6  

Semiconductors

    14,156,223       7.0  

Software

    5,319,946       2.6  

Transportation

    5,739,966       2.8  

Total Common Stocks

    198,407,186       97.6  

Preferred Stocks

               

Chemicals

    1,564,871       0.8  

Total Preferred Stocks

    1,564,871       0.8  

Total Investments

    199,972,057       98.4  

Other Assets and Liabilities

    3,193,614       1.6  

Total Net Assets

  $ 203,165,671       100.0 %

 

 

16

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust

 

Portfolio Composition – Continued
March 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Global Equity Fund

 

Sector

 

% of Total
Net Assets

 

Common Stocks*

       

Basic Materials

    3.4 %

Communications

    5.4  

Consumer, Cyclical

    12.9  

Consumer, Non-cyclical

    31.4  

Financial

    9.9  

Industrial

    19.8  

Technology

    16.3  

Total Common Stocks

    99.1  

Other Assets and Liabilities

    0.9  

Total Net Assets

    100.0 %

 

Industry

 

Value

   

% of Total
Net Assets

 

Common Stocks

               

Apparel

  $ 1,365,951       5.0 %

Banks

    682,817       2.5  

Beverages

    1,455,614       5.3  

Building Materials

    1,352,699       5.0  

Chemicals

    933,583       3.4  

Commercial Services

    2,222,938       8.1  

Cosmetics/Personal Care

    613,847       2.2  

Diversified Financial Services

    2,035,075       7.4  

Electronics

    687,636       2.5  

Food

    993,330       3.6  

Hand/Machine Tools

    615,290       2.3  

Healthcare-Services

    613,171       2.2  

Internet

    1,474,702       5.4  

Lodging

    587,138       2.2  

Machinery-Diversified

    2,751,254       10.1  

Pharmaceuticals

    2,695,795       9.9  

Retail

    1,571,360       5.7  

Semiconductors

    1,473,532       5.4  

Software

    2,993,887       10.9  

Total Common Stocks

    27,119,619       99.1  

Other Assets and Liabilities

    237,384       0.9  

Total Net Assets

  $ 27,357,003       100.0 %

 

 

U.S. Equity Long-Term Quality Fund

 

Sector

 

% of Total
Net Assets

 

Common Stocks*

       

Basic Materials

    9.2 %

Communications

    8.4  

Consumer, Cyclical

    14.0  

Consumer, Non-cyclical

    19.6  

Financial

    16.6  

Industrial

    13.6  

Technology

    18.8  

Total Common Stocks

    100.2  

Other Assets and Liabilities

    (0.2 )

Total Net Assets

    100.0 %

 

Industry

 

Value

   

% of Total
Net Assets

 

Common Stocks

               

Apparel

  $ 2,492,485       3.0 %

Banks

    1,816,768       2.2  

Beverages

    3,375,138       4.1  

Building Materials

    2,433,687       3.0  

Chemicals

    7,499,197       9.2  

Cosmetics/Personal Care

    1,948,599       2.4  

Diversified Financial Services

    11,719,153       14.4  

Electronics

    2,166,919       2.7  

Healthcare-Services

    3,980,033       4.9  

Internet

    5,304,802       6.5  

Machinery-Diversified

    6,467,869       7.9  

Media

    1,592,324       1.9  

Pharmaceuticals

    6,717,880       8.2  

Retail

    8,946,915       11.0  

Semiconductors

    2,497,874       3.1  

Software

    12,863,389       15.7  

Total Common Stocks

    81,823,032       100.2  

Other Assets and Liabilities

    (163,393 )     (0.2 )

Total Net Assets

  $ 81,659,639       100.0 %

 

Portfolio composition will change due to the ongoing management of the Funds. The percentages are based on net assets as of March 31, 2021.

 

*

At times, the Fund may have a significant portion of its assets invested in securities of companies conducting business in a related group of industries within an economic sector. Companies in the same economic sector may be similarly affected by economic, regulatory, political or market events or conditions, which may make the Fund more vulnerable to unfavorable developments in that economic sector than funds that invest more broadly. Generally, the more broadly a Fund invests, the more it spreads risk and potentially reduces the risk of loss and volatility.

 

17

 

 

Emerging Markets Fund

 

Schedule of Investments (Consolidated)
March 31, 2021

 

Description

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Common Stocks — 94.6%

               

Argentina — 1.1%

               

Despegar.com Corp. (1)

    546,590     $ 7,450,022  
                 

China — 33.8%

               

AAC Technologies Holdings, Inc.

    929,200       4,679,407  

Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd. (1)

    660,605       18,694,524  

A-Living Smart City Services Co., Ltd.

    1,461,553       6,486,099  

Baidu, Inc., ADR (1)

    75,113       16,340,833  

Great Wall Motor Co., Ltd., Class H

    7,764,624       21,523,732  

Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd., Class A

    2,110,544       10,039,171  

Kingsoft Cloud Holdings, Ltd., ADR (1)

    141,059       5,546,440  

Lufax Holding, Ltd., ADR (1)

    708,154       10,282,396  

Meituan (1)

    274,925       10,545,611  

Midea Group Co., Ltd., Class A

    575,948       7,225,050  

Ping An Insurance Group Co. of China, Ltd., Class H

    1,419,404       16,897,884  

Sany Heavy Industry Co., Ltd. - Class A

    1,413,458       7,363,782  

Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Class H

    2,198,000       9,372,622  

Sunny Optical Technology Group Co., Ltd.

    783,632       17,861,822  

Tencent Holdings, Ltd.

    398,500       31,268,571  

Tongcheng-Elong Holdings, Ltd. (1)

    2,523,203       5,692,875  

Weibo Corp., ADR (1)

    127,065       6,411,700  

Xtep International Holdings, Ltd.

    12,302,765       7,200,523  

Yum China Holdings, Inc.

    185,700       10,876,086  

 

            224,309,128  

Hong Kong — 11.1%

               

ASM Pacific Technology, Ltd.

    754,082     9,607,777  

China Gas Holdings, Ltd.

    2,328,300       9,538,899  

China Resources Gas Group, Ltd.

    1,544,498       8,562,774  

CSPC Pharmaceutical Group, Ltd.

    7,013,909       8,480,820  

Galaxy Entertainment Group, Ltd. (1)

    960,002       8,644,106  

NagaCorp, Ltd.

    7,132,061       8,421,852  

Shimao Group Holdings, Ltd.

    3,018,351       9,492,891  

Xinyi Solar Holdings, Ltd.

    6,806,697       11,189,667  

 

            73,938,786  

India — 12.1%

               

Amber Enterprises India, Ltd. (2)

    54,117       2,454,309  

Bata India, Ltd. (2)

    126,806       2,438,864  

Embassy Office Parks REIT (2)

    17,600       78,342  

HDFC Bank, Ltd. (1)(2)

    328,436       6,709,656  

ICICI Bank, Ltd., ADR (1)

    492,021       7,887,097  

ICICI Lombard General Insurance Co., Ltd. (2)

    568,386       11,141,683  

Infosys, Ltd. (2)

    359,800       6,732,305  

Infosys, Ltd., ADR

    410,600       7,686,432  

Reliance Industries, Ltd. (2)

    397,872       10,900,506  

State Bank of India (1)

    1,425,200       7,101,263  

Tata Power Co., Ltd. (2)

    5,995,986       8,467,424  

Tech Mahindra, Ltd. (2)

    646,515       8,766,981  

 

            80,364,862  

Indonesia — 3.1%

               

Aneka Tambang

    21,400,000       3,314,974  

Bank Mandiri Persero

    16,379,600       6,935,253  

Ciputra Development

    70,587,259       5,321,380  

Kalbe Farma

    8,789,476       950,050  

Mitra Adiperkasa (1)

    83,949,500       4,276,945  

 

            20,798,602  

Malaysia — 1.0%

               

My EG Services

    13,170,303       6,257,204  

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

18

 

 

Emerging Markets Fund

 

Schedule of Investments (Consolidated) – Continued
March 31, 2021

 

Description

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Philippines — 3.9%

               

Ayala Land, Inc.

    8,206,200     $ 5,807,530  

BDO Unibank, Inc.

    2,876,769       6,045,438  

Megaworld Corp.

    45,523,826       3,357,719  

Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co.

    1,469,800       1,344,509  

Robinsons Land Corp.

    9,285,600       3,420,583  

Security Bank Corp.

    2,333,415       5,817,012  

 

            25,792,791  

Singapore — 1.1%

               

Nanofilm Technologies International, Ltd. (1)

    829,300       3,082,441  

Sea Ltd. ADR (1)

    19,700       4,397,631  

 

            7,480,072  

South Africa — 1.6%

               

Naspers, Ltd. N Shares, ADR

    224,216       10,751,157  
                 

South Korea — 14.5%

               

LG Chem, Ltd.

    32,230       22,924,807  

LG Household & Health Care, Ltd.

    4,505       6,249,481  

NAVER Corp.

    62,025       20,661,299  

Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.

    103,976       17,225,977  

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

    409,919       29,483,019  

 

            96,544,583  

Taiwan — 8.7%

               

Airtac International Group

    343,888       12,112,552  

Chailease Holding Co., Ltd.

    2,483,550       17,147,140  

Elite Material Co., Ltd.

    2,464,500       14,597,151  

Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.

    1,760,000       7,648,687  

Lotus Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (1)

    2,378,500       6,477,042  

 

            57,982,572  

Thailand — 1.5%

               

Osotspa PLC

    4,185,700     4,721,469  

Thai Beverage PLC

    9,831,790       5,408,508  

 

            10,129,977  

Vietnam — 1.1%

               

Military Commercial Joint Stock Bank (1)

    5,872,184       7,163,683  
                 

Total Common Stocks (identified cost $433,241,110)

            628,963,439  
                 

Short-Term Investments — 2.6%

               

Mutual Funds — 2.6%

               

Federated Hermes Treasury Obligations Fund, Institutional Class, 0.010% (3)

    17,285,326       17,285,326  
                 

Total Short-Term Investments (identified cost $17,285,326)

            17,285,326  
                 

Total Investments — 97.2% (identified cost $450,526,436)

            646,248,765  

Other Assets and Liabilities — 2.8%

            18,488,034  

Total Net Assets — 100.0%

          $ 664,736,799  

 

(1)

Non-income producing.

 

(2)

Securities held through a Mauritius Subsidiary.

 

(3)

Represents the 7-day effective yield as of March 31, 2021.

 

ADR — American Depositary Receipt

 

PLC — Public Limited Company

 

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trusts

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

19

 

 

Small/Mid-Cap Growth Fund

 

Schedule of Investments
March 31, 2021

 

Description

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Common Stocks — 99.1%

 

 

Basic Materials — 1.9%

 

 

Chemicals — 1.9%

 

 

The Mosaic Co.

    87,614     $ 2,769,479  

Total Basic Materials

            2,769,479  
                 

Communications — 10.5%

               

Internet — 7.6%

               

Etsy, Inc.(1)

    21,165       4,268,346  

GoDaddy, Inc., Class A(1)

    32,425       2,516,828  

Revolve Group, Inc., Class A(1)

    51,172       2,299,158  

Zendesk, Inc.(1)

    17,064       2,263,028  

 

            11,347,360  

Media — 1.5%

               

The New York Times Co., Class A

    45,699       2,313,283  
                 

Telecommunications — 1.4%

               

Arista Networks, Inc.(1)

    6,944       2,096,324  

Total Communications

            15,756,967  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical — 16.7%

               

Apparel — 3.2%

               

Deckers Outdoor Corp.(1)

    5,648       1,866,212  

PVH Corp.

    27,126       2,867,219  

 

            4,733,431  

Distribution/Wholesale — 1.0%

Avient Corp.

    30,966       1,463,763  

 

               

Entertainment — 1.1%

Churchill Downs, Inc.

    7,515       1,709,061  
                 

Home Furnishings — 1.8%

Dolby Laboratories, Inc., Class A

    27,282       2,693,279  
                 

Lodging — 1.8%

Hyatt Hotels Corp., Class A

    31,986       2,645,242  
                 

Retail — 5.8%

               

CarMax, Inc.(1)

    20,286       2,691,141  

Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc.

    30,729       2,340,014  

Lithia Motors, Inc., Class A

    3,791       1,478,831  

RH(1)

    3,692       2,202,647  

 

            8,712,633  

Textiles — 2.0%

               

Mohawk Industries, Inc.(1)

    15,910     3,059,652  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            25,017,061  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical — 31.3%

               

Biotechnology — 15.0%

               

Acceleron Pharma, Inc.(1)

    17,790       2,412,502  

Amicus Therapeutics, Inc.(1)

    130,338       1,287,739  

Argenx SE, ADR(1)

    4,797       1,321,046  

Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(1)

    49,632       3,291,098  

BeiGene, Ltd., ADR(1)

    6,734       2,343,971  

BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Inc.(1)

    29,736       2,245,365  

Exact Sciences Corp.(1)

    12,540       1,652,521  

Exelixis, Inc.(1)

    100,045       2,260,017  

FibroGen, Inc.(1)

    24,677       856,539  

Guardant Health, Inc.(1)

    12,277       1,874,084  

Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc.(1)

    26,013       1,084,482  

Veracyte, Inc.(1)

    27,870       1,498,012  

Viking Therapeutics, Inc.(1)

    45,064       285,030  
              22,412,406  

Commercial Services — 1.7%

               

Insperity, Inc.

    19,685       1,648,422  

Ritchie Bros Auctioneers, Inc.

    14,356       840,543  
              2,488,965  

Food — 0.9%

               

Performance Food Group Co.(1)

    24,452       1,408,680  
                 

Healthcare-Products — 6.5%

               

AtriCure, Inc.(1)

    32,295       2,115,968  

Inari Medical, Inc.(1)

    16,830       1,800,810  

iRhythm Technologies, Inc.(1)

    14,994       2,082,067  

Novocure, Ltd.(1)

    14,708       1,944,104  

Shockwave Medical, Inc.(1)

    14,428       1,879,391  
              9,822,340  

Healthcare-Services — 3.2%

               

Molina Healthcare, Inc.(1)

    10,785       2,521,102  

PRA Health Sciences, Inc.(1)

    14,558       2,232,178  
              4,753,280  

Pharmaceuticals — 4.0%

               

Bausch Health Cos., Inc.(1)

    132,040       4,190,950  

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.(1)

    18,682       1,816,824  
              6,007,774  

Total Consumer, Non-Cyclical

            46,893,445  
                 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

20

 

 

Small/Mid-Cap Growth Fund

 

Schedule of Investments – Continued
March 31, 2021

 

Description

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Energy — 2.7%

Oil & Gas — 1.0%

Devon Energy Corp.

    66,292     $ 1,448,480  
                 

Oil & Gas Services — 1.7%

ChampionX Corp.(1)

    118,527       2,575,592  

Total Energy

            4,024,072  
                 

Financial — 6.1%

               

Banks — 2.4%

               

Citizens Financial Group, Inc.

    81,563       3,601,006  
                 

Diversified Financial Services — 3.7%

Invesco, Ltd.

    77,927       1,965,319  

Synchrony Financial

    87,818       3,570,680  
              5,535,999  

Total Financial

            9,137,005  
                 

Industrial — 13.8%

Electrical Components & Equipment — 1.2%

Universal Display Corp.

    7,333       1,736,234  
                 

Electronics — 1.0%

Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.

    13,284       1,450,214  
                 

Engineering & Construction — 2.7%

EMCOR Group, Inc.

    22,020       2,469,763  

TopBuild Corp.(1)

    7,575       1,586,432  
              4,056,195  

Machinery-Diversified — 3.9%

Cognex Corp.

    25,293       2,099,066  

Graco, Inc.

    23,205       1,661,942  

Nordson Corp.

    10,680       2,121,903  
              5,882,911  

Miscellaneous Manufacturing — 1.7%

AO Smith Corp.

    36,875       2,493,119  
                 

Packaging & Containers — 1.9%

Berry Global Group, Inc.(1)

    47,245       2,900,843  
                 

Transportation — 1.4%

               

Landstar System, Inc.

    13,062       2,156,014  

Total Industrial

            20,675,530  

Technology — 16.1%

Computers — 4.7%

Fortinet, Inc.(1)

    16,978     3,131,083  

Qualys, Inc.(1)

    18,715       1,960,957  

TTEC Holdings, Inc.

    20,055       2,014,525  
              7,106,565  

Semiconductors — 4.7%

               

Entegris, Inc.

    32,700       3,655,860  

Power Integrations, Inc.

    23,445       1,910,299  

Semtech Corp.(1)

    20,809       1,435,821  
              7,001,980  

Software — 6.7%

               

ACI Worldwide, Inc.(1)

    43,935       1,671,727  

Blackline, Inc.(1)

    17,113       1,855,049  

Jack Henry & Associates, Inc.

    10,167       1,542,537  

MongoDB, Inc.(1)

    4,138       1,106,625  

Paycom Software, Inc.(1)

    4,684       1,733,361  

Zynga, Inc., Class A(1)

    203,666       2,079,430  
              9,988,729  

Total Technology

            24,097,274  
                 

Total Common Stocks (identified cost $95,511,402)

            148,370,833  
                 

Total Investments — 99.1% (identified cost $95,511,402)

            148,370,833  

Other Assets and Liabilities — 0.9%

            1,306,692  

Total Net Assets — 100.0%

          $ 149,677,525  

 

(1)

Non-income producing.

 

ADR – American Depositary Receipt

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

21

 

 

International Equity Fund

 

Schedule of Investments
March 31, 2021

 

Description

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Common Stocks — 97.6%

               

Australia — 2.9%

               

Commonwealth Bank of Australia

    90,656     $ 5,928,514  
                 

Canada — 2.8%

               

Canadian National Railway Co.

    49,491       5,739,966  
                 

Denmark — 5.3%

               

Chr Hansen Holding A/S (1)

    34,325       3,119,028  

Novo Nordisk A/S, Class B

    112,243       7,604,311  
              10,723,339  

France — 11.2%

               

EssilorLuxottica SA

    35,830       5,834,403  

L’Oreal SA

    23,477       8,997,635  

LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE

    11,919       7,940,875  
              22,772,913  

Germany — 3.7%

               

Rational AG

    2,890       2,245,368  

SAP SE

    43,443       5,319,946  
              7,565,314  

India — 2.7%

               

HDFC Bank, Ltd., ADR (1)

    70,778       5,498,743  
                 

Japan — 12.0%

               

FANUC Corp.

    16,501       3,902,269  

Keyence Corp.

    22,920       10,405,856  

Shimano, Inc.

    24,421       5,817,149  

Unicharm Corp.

    103,311       4,333,977  
              24,459,251  

Sweden — 1.7%

               

Svenska Handelsbanken AB, Class A

    307,377       3,338,614  
                 

Switzerland — 19.4%

               

Alcon, Inc. (1)

    53,875       3,772,162  

Cie Financiere Richemont SA

    33,858       3,250,397  

Geberit AG

    9,206       5,859,426  

Nestle SA

    99,634       11,103,941  

Roche Holding AG

    26,478       8,556,607  

Schindler Holding AG

    23,562       6,920,029  
              39,462,562  

Taiwan — 7.0%

               

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd., ADR

    119,684     14,156,224  
                 

United Kingdom — 24.7%

               

Bunzl PLC

    122,184       3,912,785  

Diageo PLC

    189,866       7,824,709  

Howden Joinery Group PLC (1)

    446,454       4,511,315  

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (1)

    90,732       6,222,659  

Intertek Group PLC

    73,441       5,671,581  

London Stock Exchange Group PLC

    60,804       5,817,201  

Rotork PLC

    904,875       4,448,283  

Spirax-Sarco Engineering PLC

    35,186       5,529,644  

Unilever PLC

    111,716       6,233,667  
              50,171,844  

United States — 4.2%

               

IHS Markit, Ltd.

    88,757       8,589,902  
                 

Total Common Stocks (identified cost $145,727,857)

            198,407,186  
                 

Preferred Stocks — 0.8%

               

Germany — 0.8%

               

Fuchs Petrolub SE

    32,673       1,564,871  
                 

Total Preferred Stocks (identified cost $1,688,496)

            1,564,871  
                 

Total Investments — 98.4% (identified cost $147,416,353)

            199,972,057  

Other Assets and Liabilities — 1.6%

            3,193,614  

Total Net Assets — 100.0%

          $ 203,165,671  

 

(1)

Non-income producing.

 

ADR — American Depositary Receipt

 

PLC — Public Limited Company

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

22

 

 

Global Equity Fund

 

Schedule of Investments
March 31, 2021

 

Description

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Common Stocks — 99.1%

               

France — 2.5%

               

LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE

    1,027     $ 684,225  
                 

India — 2.5%

               

HDFC Bank, Ltd., ADR (1)

    8,789       682,817  
                 

Japan — 4.2%

               

Keyence Corp.

    2,542       1,154,088  
                 

Switzerland — 11.1%

               

Geberit AG

    907       577,287  

Nestle SA

    8,913       993,330  

Roche Holding AG

    2,674       864,127  

Schindler Holding AG

    2,095       615,290  
              3,050,034  

Taiwan — 5.4%

               

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd., ADR

    12,458       1,473,532  
                 

United Kingdom — 10.6%

               

Diageo PLC

    17,095       704,515  

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (1)

    8,561       587,138  

Intertek Group PLC

    6,791       524,444  

Spirax-Sarco Engineering PLC

    3,041       477,907  

Unilever PLC

    11,001       613,847  
              2,907,851  

United States — 62.8%

               

Alphabet, Inc., Class A (1)

    715     1,474,702  

AutoZone, Inc. (1)

    596       836,963  

Becton, Dickinson and Co.

    3,291       800,207  

Carrier Global Corp.

    18,366       775,412  

CME Group, Inc.

    3,481       710,925  

Graco, Inc.

    8,216       588,430  

Johnson & Johnson

    6,276       1,031,461  

Mastercard, Inc., Class A

    3,719       1,324,150  

Mettler-Toledo International, Inc. (1)

    595       687,635  

Microsoft Corp.

    5,845       1,378,076  

Moody’s Corp.

    5,688       1,698,494  

MSCI, Inc.

    2,093       877,553  

NIKE, Inc., Class B

    5,130       681,726  

Oracle Corp.

    10,521       738,258  

Otis Worldwide Corp.

    7,755       530,830  

PepsiCo, Inc.

    5,310       751,099  

Sherwin-Williams Co.

    1,265       933,583  

TJX Cos., Inc.

    11,102       734,397  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

    1,648       613,171  

 

            17,167,072  

Total Common Stocks (identified cost $19,262,254)

            27,119,619  
                 

Total Investments — 99.1% (identified cost $19,262,254)

            27,119,619  

Other Assets and Liabilities — 0.9%

            237,384  

Total Net Assets — 100.0%

          $ 27,357,003  

 

(1)

Non-income producing.

 

ADR — American Depositary Receipt

 

PLC — Public Limited Company

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

23

 

 

U.S. Equity Long-Term Quality Fund

 

Schedule of Investments
March 31, 2021

 

Description

 

Shares

   

Value

 

Common Stocks — 100.2%

Basic Materials — 9.2%

Chemicals — 9.2%

Ecolab, Inc.

    6,273     $ 1,342,861  

Linde PLC

    10,092       2,827,173  

Sherwin-Williams Co.

    4,511       3,329,163  

Total Basic Materials

            7,499,197  
                 

Communications — 8.4%

               

Internet — 6.5%

               

Alphabet, Inc., Class A(1)

    2,572       5,304,802  
                 

Media — 1.9%

               

FactSet Research Systems, Inc.

    5,160       1,592,324  

Total Communications

            6,897,126  
                 

Consumer, Cyclical — 14.0%

               

Apparel — 3.0%

               

NIKE, Inc., Class B

    18,756       2,492,485  
                 

Retail — 11.0%

               

AutoZone, Inc.(1)

    2,337       3,281,849  

Lowe’s Cos., Inc.

    16,072       3,056,573  

TJX Cos., Inc.

    39,433       2,608,493  
              8,946,915  

Total Consumer, Cyclical

            11,439,400  
                 

Consumer, Non-cyclical — 19.6%

               

Beverages — 4.1%

               

PepsiCo, Inc.

    23,861       3,375,138  
                 

Cosmetics/Personal Care — 2.4%

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    24,719       1,948,599  
                 

Healthcare-Services — 4.9%

               

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

    10,697       3,980,033  
                 

Pharmaceuticals — 8.2%

               

Becton, Dickinson and Co.

    11,641       2,830,509  

Johnson & Johnson

    23,653       3,887,371  
              6,717,880  

Total Consumer, Non-Cyclical

            16,021,650  
                 

Financial — 16.6%

               

Banks — 2.2%

               

U.S. Bancorp

    32,847       1,816,768  

Diversified Financial Services — 14.4%

CME Group, Inc.

    11,056     2,257,967  

Mastercard, Inc., Class A

    11,765       4,188,928  

Moody’s Corp.

    17,656       5,272,258  
              11,719,153  

Total Financial

            13,535,921  
                 

Industrial — 13.6%

               

Building Materials — 3.0%

               

Carrier Global Corp.

    57,643       2,433,687  
                 

Electronics — 2.7%

               

Mettler-Toledo International, Inc.(1)

    1,875       2,166,919  
                 

Machinery-Diversified — 7.9%

               

Graco, Inc.

    33,354       2,388,813  

Middleby Corp.(1)

    13,865       2,298,124  

Otis Worldwide Corp.

    26,018       1,780,932  
              6,467,869  

Total Industrial

            11,068,475  
                 

Technology — 18.8%

               

Semiconductors — 3.1%

               

Analog Devices, Inc.

    16,107       2,497,874  
                 

Software — 15.7%

               

Microsoft Corp.

    29,691       7,000,247  

MSCI, Inc.

    7,773       3,259,063  

Oracle Corp.

    37,111       2,604,079  
              12,863,389  

Total Technology

            15,361,263  
                 

Total Common Stocks (identified cost $62,893,927)

            81,823,032  
                 

Total Investments — 100.2% (identified cost $62,893,927)

            81,823,032  

Other Assets and Liabilities — (0.2)%

            (163,393 )

Total Net Assets — 100.0%

          $ 81,659,639  

 

(1)

Non-income producing.

 

PLC — Public Limited Company

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

24

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust

 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

March 31, 2021

 

   

Emerging
Markets Fund
(Consolidated)

   

Small/Mid-Cap
Growth Fund

   

International
Equity Fund

   

Global
Equity Fund

   

U.S. Equity
Long-Term
Quality Fund

 

Assets:

                                       

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value

  $ 646,248,765     $ 148,370,833     $ 199,972,057     $ 27,119,619     $ 81,823,032  

Cash

          1,659,412       2,894,126       479,201       338,968  

Cash denominated in foreign currencies(1)

    7,178,811                   37,956        

Dividends and interest receivable

    4,309,424             927,777       49,992       21,965  

Receivable for investments sold

    13,808,862                          

Receivable for capital stock sold

    318,775       14,394       59,670       55,000        

Due from Adviser

                      1,353        

Prepaid expenses

    9,037       18,377       15,224       6,947       13,657  

Total assets

    671,873,674       150,063,016       203,868,854       27,750,068       82,197,622  
                                         

Liabilities:

                                       

Payables:

                                       

Investments purchased

    3,894,915             446,225       318,646        

Capital stock redeemed

    793,920       197,409       40,997             437,520  

Adviser for management fees (Note 3)

    819,510       104,071       93,559             25,670  

Shareholder servicing fees

    118,429             27,150              

Trustee fees

    7,450       7,450       7,450       7,450       7,450  

Transfer agent fees

    47,524       9,326       10,537       6,632       6,589  

Audit and tax fees

    29,468       29,468       29,468       29,468       29,468  

Legal fees

    21,698       18,375       18,375       18,375       18,375  

12b-1 fees

    7,014       15       321       198       1  

Foreign capital gains tax (Note 2)

    1,224,870                          

Other liabilities

    172,077       19,377       29,101       12,296       12,910  

Total liabilities

    7,136,875       385,491       703,183       393,065       537,983  

Total net assets

  $ 664,736,799     $ 149,677,525     $ 203,165,671     $ 27,357,003     $ 81,659,639  
                                         

Net assets consist of:

                                       

Paid-in capital

  $ 201,460,432     $ 89,202,923     $ 150,905,330     $ 19,416,794     $ 55,657,773  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    463,276,367       60,474,602       52,260,341       7,940,209       26,001,866  

Total net assets

  $ 664,736,799     $ 149,677,525     $ 203,165,671     $ 27,357,003     $ 81,659,639  

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

25

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust

 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities – Continued
March 31, 2021

 

   

Emerging
Markets Fund
(Consolidated)

   

Small/Mid-Cap
Growth Fund

   

International
Equity Fund

   

Global
Equity Fund

   

U.S. Equity
Long-Term
Quality Fund

 

Net asset value per share (unlimited shares authorized, $0.001 par value)

                                       

Investor Class

  $ 59.83     $ 20.85     $ 14.06     $ 17.05     $ 13.93  

Institutional Class

    60.00       21.13       14.06       17.11       13.95  

Z class

                14.12              
                                         

Net assets:

                                       

Investor Class

  $ 31,134,922     $ 69,794     $ 1,516,095     $ 996,429     $ 14,143  

Institutional Class

    633,601,877       149,607,731       160,420,568       26,360,574       81,645,496  

Z class

                41,229,008              

Total net assets

  $ 664,736,799     $ 149,677,525     $ 203,165,671     $ 27,357,003     $ 81,659,639  
                                         

Shares outstanding:

                                       

Investor Class

    520,363       3,347       107,847       58,431       1,015  

Institutional Class

    10,560,515       7,081,512       11,411,031       1,540,884       5,854,334  

Z class

                2,919,209              

Total shares outstanding

    11,080,878       7,084,859       14,438,087       1,599,315       5,855,349  
                                         

Investments, at cost:

                                       

Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at cost

  $ 450,526,436     $ 95,511,402     $ 147,416,353     $ 19,262,254     $ 62,893,927  

 

(1)

Identified cost of cash denominated in foreign currencies are $7,178,810 and $37,956, respectively.

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

26

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust

 

Statements of Operations

Year Ended March 31, 2021

 

   

Emerging
Markets Fund
(Consolidated)

   

Small/Mid-Cap
Growth Fund

   

International
Equity Fund

   

Global
Equity Fund

   

U.S. Equity
Long-Term
Quality Fund

 

Investment income:

                                       

Dividend income from:

                                       

Unaffiliated issuers(1)

  $ 23,591,643     $ 704,025     $ 2,459,788     $ 294,159     $ 789,095  

Interest income

    23,026                          

Total income

    23,614,669       704,025       2,459,788       294,159       789,095  
                                         

Expenses:

                                       

Investment advisory (Note 3)

    17,849,531       1,211,411       1,368,589       188,313       350,946  

Legal

    79,597       52,143       51,081       51,629       51,532  

Fund accounting and administration

    529,280       73,642       105,090       42,430       39,990  

Registration

    78,168       40,199       54,526       37,632       30,174  

Transfer agent

    278,143       54,948       64,322       38,057       39,576  

Trustees

    29,800       29,800       29,800       29,800       29,800  

Miscellaneous

    111,042       29,956       38,655       26,678       24,900  

Chief compliance officer

    17,597       17,597       17,597       17,597       17,597  

Audit and tax

    36,057       36,057       36,057       36,057       28,499  

Licensing

    43,332       4,186       2,224       361       1,301  

Custodian

    489,919       17,321       20,004       13,740       8,440  

Offering costs (Note 5)

                            39,922  

12b-1 (Note 2):

                                       

Investor Class

    86,230       61       1,894       1,389       29  

Shareholder servicing (Note 2):

                                       

Investor Class

    86,230             1,894              

Institutional Class

    4,376,153             308,213              

Z class

                117,577              

Total expenses

    24,091,079       1,567,321       2,217,523       483,683       662,706  
                                         

Deduct:

                                       

Contractual service provider fee waiver (Note 4)

    (317,873 )     (50,481 )     (35,958 )     (32,263 )      

Expense waiver of fees and reimbursement of expenses (Note 2 and Note 4)

    (1,787,367 )     (103,466 )     (562,996 )     (238,179 )     (182,817 )

Net expenses

    21,985,839       1,413,374       1,618,569       213,241       479,889  

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 1,628,830     $ (709,349 )   $ 841,219     $ 80,918     $ 309,206  
                                         

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

27

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust

 

Statements of Operations – Continued
Year Ended March 31, 2021

 

   

Emerging
Markets Fund
(Consolidated)

   

Small/Mid-Cap
Growth Fund

   

International
Equity Fund

   

Global
Equity Fund

   

U.S. Equity
Long-Term
Quality Fund

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency:

                                       

Net realized gain (loss) on transactions from:

                                       

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

  $ 605,777,486     $ 34,408,484     $ 2,830,679     $ 448,291     $ 552,243  

Foreign currency transactions

    (1,126,430 )           (7,645 )     2,544        

Foreign capital gains tax

    (2,752,447 )                        

Total net realized gain on transactions

    601,898,609       34,408,484       2,823,034       450,835       552,243  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

                                       

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

    371,585,003       55,087,971       53,983,144       8,098,790       23,789,647  

Foreign capital gains tax

    (1,224,870 )                        

Foreign currency translations

    20,336             8,355       (542 )      

Total net change in unrealized appreciation

    370,380,469       55,087,971       53,991,499       8,098,248       23,789,647  

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments and foreign currency

    972,279,078       89,496,455       56,814,533       8,549,083       24,341,890  

Change in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 973,907,908     $ 88,787,106     $ 57,655,752     $ 8,630,001     $ 24,651,096  

 

(1)

Net of foreign taxes withheld of $2,503,305, $1,000, $305,398, $18,598, and $0, respectively.

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

28

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

Emerging Markets Fund
(Consolidated)

   

Small/Mid-Cap Growth Fund

 
   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Change in net assets resulting from:

                               

Operations:

                               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 1,628,830     $ 14,101,177     $ (709,349 )   $ (788,806 )

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    601,898,609       (31,262,719 )     34,408,484       22,416,211  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    370,380,469       (422,151,178 )     55,087,971       (42,689,806 )

Change in net assets resulting from operations

    973,907,908       (439,312,720 )     88,787,106       (21,062,401 )
                                 

Distributions to Shareholders:

                               

Investor Class

                (3,509 )     (1,430 )

Institutional Class

    (4,353,056 )     (8,485,753 )     (26,271,588 )     (18,295,748 )

Change in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (4,353,056 )     (8,485,753 )     (26,275,097 )     (18,297,178 )
                                 

Capital stock transactions:

                               

Proceeds from sale of shares:

                               

Investor Class

    6,272,274       5,912,724       47,651       1,893  

Institutional Class

    413,243,008       944,738,863       11,664,081       19,222,546  

Net proceeds from sale of shares

    419,515,282       950,651,587       11,711,732       19,224,439  

Net asset value of shares issued to shareholders in payment of distributions declared:

                               

Investor Class

                3,509       1,430  

Institutional Class

    2,988,312       5,867,692       24,296,101       17,277,175  

Net proceeds from shares issued

    2,988,312       5,867,692       24,299,610       17,278,605  

Cost of shares redeemed:

                               

Investor Class

    (21,672,039 )     (58,020,649 )            

Institutional Class

    (2,128,675,015 )     (715,561,045 )     (57,212,496 )     (79,135,182 )

Net cost of shares redeemed

    (2,150,347,054 )     (773,581,694 )     (57,212,496 )     (79,135,182 )

Change in net assets resulting from capital stock transactions

    (1,727,843,460 )     182,937,585       (21,201,154 )     (42,632,138 )

Change in net assets

    (758,288,608 )     (264,860,888 )     41,310,855       (81,991,717 )
                                 

Net Assets:

                               

Beginning of period

    1,423,025,407       1,687,886,295       108,366,670       190,358,387  

End of period

  $ 664,736,799     $ 1,423,025,407     $ 149,677,525     $ 108,366,670  
                                 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

29

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets – Continued

 

   

Emerging Markets Fund
(Consolidated)

   

Small/Mid-Cap Growth Fund

 
   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Capital Stock Transactions in Shares:

                               

Sale of shares:

                               

Investor Class

    129,729       130,178       2,336       111  

Institutional Class

    8,598,037       21,412,978       601,470       1,145,691  

Net sale of shares

    8,727,766       21,543,156       603,806       1,145,802  

Shares issued to shareholder in payment of distributions declared:

                               

Investor Class

                177       86  

Institutional Class

    51,755       120,685       1,213,591       1,035,802  

Net shares issued

    51,755       120,685       1,213,768       1,035,888  

Shares redeemed:

                               

Investor Class

    (420,915 )     (1,338,090 )            

Institutional Class

    (36,396,018 )     (18,015,403 )     (3,211,645 )     (5,039,871 )

Net shares redeemed

    (36,816,933 )     (19,353,493 )     (3,211,645 )     (5,039,871 )

Net change resulting from fund share transactions in shares

    (28,037,412 )     2,310,348       (1,394,071 )     (2,858,181 )

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

30

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

International Equity Fund

   

Global Equity Fund

 
   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Change in net assets resulting from:

                               

Operations:

                               

Net investment income

  $ 841,219     $ 862,200     $ 80,918     $ 97,391  

Net realized gain on investments

    2,823,034       684,755       450,835       487,288  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    53,991,499       (7,530,179 )     8,098,248       (2,283,081 )

Change in net assets resulting from operations

    57,655,752       (5,983,224 )     8,630,001       (1,698,402 )
                                 

Distributions to Shareholders:

                               

Investor Class

    (21,956 )     (967 )     (3,004 )     (13,355 )

Institutional Class

    (2,720,987 )     (765,829 )     (174,210 )     (628,109 )

Z class

    (805,376 )     (714,022 )            

Change in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (3,548,319 )     (1,480,818 )     (177,214 )     (641,464 )
                                 

Capital stock transactions:

                               

Proceeds from sale of shares:

                               

Investor Class

    2,792,876       291,868       555,895       229,050  

Institutional Class

    54,789,507       42,426,696       4,701,275       8,463,003  

Net proceeds from sale of shares

    57,582,383       42,718,564       5,257,170       8,692,053  

Net asset value of shares issued to shareholders in payment of distributions declared:

                               

Investor Class

    21,956       967       3,004       13,355  

Institutional Class

    2,481,412       755,203       140,181       399,105  

Z class

    805,376       714,022              

Net proceeds from shares issued

    3,308,744       1,470,192       143,185       412,460  

Cost of shares redeemed:

                               

Investor Class

    (1,797,363 )     (15,923 )     (79,507 )     (6,035 )

Institutional Class

    (13,307,402 )     (3,749,693 )     (2,369,438 )     (3,427,749 )

Z class

    (22,000,000 )     (10,000,000 )            

Net cost of shares redeemed

    (37,104,765 )     (13,765,616 )     (2,448,945 )     (3,433,784 )

Change in net assets resulting from capital stock transactions

    23,786,362       30,423,140       2,951,410       5,670,729  

Change in net assets

    77,893,795       22,959,098       11,404,197       3,330,863  
                                 

Net Assets:

                               

Beginning of period

    125,271,876       102,312,778       15,952,806       12,621,943  

End of period

  $ 203,165,671     $ 125,271,876     $ 27,357,003     $ 15,952,806  
                                 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

31

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets – Continued

 

   

International Equity Fund

   

Global Equity Fund

 
   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Year Ended
March 31,
2020

 

Capital Stock Transactions in Shares:

                               

Sale of shares:

                               

Investor Class

    209,945       25,026       34,512       17,372  

Institutional Class

    4,232,728       3,978,842       361,209       619,173  

Net sale of shares

    4,442,673       4,003,868       395,721       636,545  

Shares issued to shareholder in payment of distributions declared:

                               

Investor Class

    1,591       81       184       947  

Institutional Class

    179,943       62,986       8,579       28,245  

Z class

    58,192       59,353              

Net shares issued

    239,726       122,420       8,763       29,192  

Shares redeemed:

                               

Investor Class

    (136,372 )     (1,419 )     (5,494 )     (434 )

Institutional Class

    (1,018,859 )     (335,507 )     (168,389 )     (287,408 )

Z class

    (1,697,533 )     (922,512 )            

Net shares redeemed

    (2,852,764 )     (1,259,438 )     (173,883 )     (287,842 )

Net change resulting from fund share transactions in shares

    1,829,635       2,866,850       230,601       377,895  

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

32

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

U.S. Equity Long-Term
Quality Fund

 
   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Period Ended
March 31,
2020(1)

 

Change in net assets resulting from:

               

Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 309,206     $ 110,206  

Net realized gain on investments

    552,243       188,571  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    23,789,647       (4,860,542 )

Change in net assets resulting from operations

    24,651,096       (4,561,765 )
                 

Distributions to Shareholders:

               

Investor Class

    (160 )     (28 )

Institutional Class

    (1,016,535 )     (93,424 )

Change in net assets resulting from distributions to shareholders

    (1,016,695 )     (93,452 )
                 

Capital stock transactions:

               

Proceeds from sale of shares:

               

Investor Class

          10,000  

Institutional Class

    18,937,388       50,483,015 (2)(3) 

Net proceeds from sale of shares

    18,937,388       50,493,015  

Net asset value of shares issued to shareholders in payment of distributions declared:

               

Investor Class

    160       29  

Institutional Class

    601,287       87,003  

Net proceeds from shares issued

    601,447       87,032  

Cost of shares redeemed:

               

Institutional Class

    (4,821,497 )     (2,616,930 )

Net cost of shares redeemed

    (4,821,497 )     (2,616,930 )

Change in net assets resulting from capital stock transactions

    14,717,338       47,963,117  

Change in net assets

    38,351,739       43,307,900  
                 

Net Assets:

               

Beginning of period

    43,307,900        

End of period

  $ 81,659,639     $ 43,307,900  

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

33

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets – Continued

 

   

U.S. Equity Long-Term
Quality Fund

 
   

Year Ended
March 31,
2021

   

Period Ended
March 31,
2020(1)

 

Capital Stock Transactions in Shares:

               

Sale of shares:

               

Investor Class

          1,000  

Institutional Class

    1,546,205       4,929,833  

Net sale of shares

    1,546,205       4,930,833  

Shares issued to shareholder in payment of distributions declared:

               

Investor Class

    12       3  

Institutional Class

    45,900       7,946  

Net shares issued

    45,912       7,949  

Shares redeemed:

               

Institutional Class

    (402,472 )     (273,078 )

Net shares redeemed

    (402,472 )     (273,078 )

Net change resulting from fund share transactions in shares

    1,189,645       4,665,704  

 

(1)

Reflects operations for the period from September 30, 2019 (inception date) to March 31, 2020.

 

(2)

Includes $16,010,128 of paid-in-capital received from an in-kind subscription of an equity fund as of the close of business on September 30, 2019. The total value received of $16,010,128 from this non-taxable event represented $15,983,684 in securities cost, $0 in net unrealized appreciation, and $26,444 in cash in exchange for 1,601,013 shares of the Institutional Class.

 

(3)

Includes $6,900,957 of paid-in-capital received from an in-kind subscription of an equity fund as of the close of business on November 1, 2019. The total value received of $6,900,957 from this non-taxable event represented $6,893,756 in securities cost, $0 in net unrealized appreciation, and $7,201 in cash in exchange for 664,832 shares of the Institutional Class.

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

34

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust

 

Financial Highlights – Investor Class

 

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Period

 

Period Ended
March 31,

 

Net asset
value,
beginning
of period

   

Net
investment
income (loss)

   

Net realized
and
unrealized
gain (loss)

   

Total from
investment
operations

   

Distributions
to
shareholders
from net
investment
income

   

Distributions
to
shareholders
from net
realized gain

   

Total
distributions

   

Net asset
value, end
of period

 

Emerging Markets Fund (Consolidated)

20215

  $ 36.30     $ (0.08 )   $ 23.61     $ 23.53     $     $     $     $ 59.83  

20205

  $ 45.70     $ 0.21     $ (9.61 )   $ (9.40 )   $     $     $     $ 36.30  

20196

  $ 43.02     $ (0.30 )   $ 3.01     $ 2.71     $     $ (0.03 )   $ (0.03 )   $ 45.70  

20187

  $ 52.68     $ (0.05 )   $ (6.09 )8   $ (6.14 )   $ (0.09 )   $ (3.43 )   $ (3.52 )   $ 43.02  

20175,7

  $ 41.67     $ (0.05 )   $ 11.13     $ 11.08     $ (0.07 )   $     $ (0.07 )   $ 52.68  

20165,7

  $ 35.38     $ 0.04     $ 6.26     $ 6.30     $ (0.01 )   $     $ (0.01 )   $ 41.67  

Small/Mid-Cap Growth Fund

20215

  $ 12.68     $ (0.15 )   $ 12.52     $ 12.37     $     $ (4.20 )   $ (4.20 )   $ 20.85  

20205

  $ 16.71     $ (0.12 )   $ (2.00 )   $ (2.12 )   $     $ (1.91 )   $ (1.91 )   $ 12.68  

2019

  $ 21.20     $ (0.11 )   $ (0.38 )   $ (0.49 )   $     $ (4.00 )   $ (4.00 )   $ 16.71  

20189

  $ 20.39     $ (0.01 )   $ 0.82     $ 0.81     $     $     $     $ 21.20  

International Equity Fund

20215

  $ 9.92     $ 0.03     $ 4.37     $ 4.40     $ (0.04 )   $ (0.22 )   $ (0.26 )   $ 14.06  

20205

  $ 10.48     $ 0.05     $ (0.50 )   $ (0.45 )   $ (0.08 )   $ (0.03 )   $ (0.11 )   $ 9.92  

20195

  $ 10.24     $ 0.08     $ 0.26     $ 0.34     $ (0.08 )   $ (0.02 )   $ (0.10 )   $ 10.48  

201810

  $ 10.00     $ 0.02     $ 0.22     $ 0.24     $     $     $     $ 10.24  

Global Equity Fund

20215

  $ 11.63     $ 0.02     $ 5.49     $ 5.51     $ (0.03 )   $ (0.06 )   $ (0.09 )   $ 17.05  

20205

  $ 12.73     $ 0.05     $ (0.63 )   $ (0.58 )   $ (0.11 )   $ (0.41 )   $ (0.52 )   $ 11.63  

2019

  $ 11.60     $ 0.04     $ 1.19     $ 1.23     $ (0.07 )   $ (0.03 )   $ (0.10 )   $ 12.73  

201811

  $ 10.00     $ 0.09     $ 1.52     $ 1.61     $ (0.01 )   $     $ (0.01 )   $ 11.60  

U.S. Equity Long-Term Quality Fund

20215

  $ 9.28     $ 0.03     $ 4.78     $ 4.81     $ (0.03 )   $ (0.13 )   $ (0.16 )   $ 13.93  

20205,12

  $ 10.00     $ 0.03     $ (0.72 )   $ (0.69 )   $ (0.03 )   $ (0.00 )13   $ (0.03 )   $ 9.28  

 

1

Based on net asset value as of end of period date.

2

Not annualized for periods less than one year.

3

Annualized, with the exception of non-recurring organizational costs.

4

The contractual and voluntary expense waivers pursuant to Note 2 and Note 4 of the financial statements are reflected in both the net expense and net investment income (loss) ratios.

5

Per share calculations are based on average shares outstanding throughout the period.

6

Reflects operations for the period from October 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019. On November 28, 2018 the Board of Trustees approved the change of the Fund’s fiscal year end from September 30th to March 31st.

7

Reflects operations for the fiscal year from October 1st through September 30th.

8

Ratio includes redemptions fees, which represents less than $0.01 per share.

9

Reflects operations for the period from February 12, 2018 (inception date) to March 31, 2018.

10

Reflects operations for the period from September 29, 2017 (inception date) to March 31, 2018.

11

Reflects operations for the period from April 28, 2017 (inception date) to March 31, 2018.

12

Reflects operations for the period from September 30, 2019 (inception date) to March 31, 2020.

13

Less than $0.01 per share.

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

35

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust

 

Financial Highlights – Investor Class – Continued

 

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Period

 

Period Ended
March 31,

 

Total
return
1, 2

   

Gross
Expenses
3

   

Net
Expenses
3, 4

   

Net
investment
income
(loss)
3, 4

   

Net assets,
end of period
(000 omitted)

   

Portfolio
turnover rate
2

 

Emerging Markets Fund (Consolidated)

                                               

20215

    64.82 %     1.59 %     1.48 %     (0.15 )%   $ 31,135       60 %

20205

    (20.57 )%     1.58 %     1.58 %     0.45 %   $ 29,457       47 %

20196

    6.32 %     1.60 %     1.60 %     (1.04 )%   $ 92,289       17 %

20187

    (12.71 )%     1.61 %     1.61 %     (0.02 )%   $ 127,525       48 %

20175,7

    26.66 %     1.61 %     1.61 %     (0.12 )%   $ 175,875       24 %

20165,7

    17.81 %     1.62 %     1.61 %     0.11 %   $ 112,388       15 %

Small/Mid-Cap Growth Fund

                                               

20215

    99.38 %     1.41 %     1.30 %     (0.78 )%   $ 70       53 %

20205

    (15.36 )%     1.36 %     1.30 %     (0.70 )%   $ 11       38 %

2019

    2.44 %     1.36 %     1.30 %     (0.73 )%   $ 11       50 %

20189

    3.97 %     1.45 %     1.30 %     (0.53 )%   $ 10       34 %

International Equity Fund

20215

    44.38 %     1.55 %     1.25 %     0.19 %   $ 1,516       12 %

20205

    (4.48 )%     1.56 %     1.25 %     0.44 %   $ 324       8 %

20195

    3.51 %     1.73 %     1.25 %     0.83 %   $ 94       38 %

201810

    2.40 %     1.88 %     1.25 %     0.39 %   $ 57       38 %

Global Equity Fund

20215

    47.37 %     2.30 %     1.15 %     0.10 %   $ 996       16 %

20205

    (5.26 )%     2.39 %     1.15 %     0.35 %   $ 340       45 %

2019

    10.75 %     3.59 %     1.15 %     0.72 %   $ 144       28 %

201811

    16.12 %     8.42 %     1.15 %     0.86 %   $ 58       51 %

U.S. Equity Long-Term Quality Fund

20215

    52.04 %     1.29 %     1.00 %     0.24 %   $ 14       8 %

20205,12

    (6.96 )%     1.73 %     1.00 %     0.48 %   $ 9       6 %

 

1

Based on net asset value as of end of period date.

2

Not annualized for periods less than one year.

3

Annualized, with the exception of non-recurring organizational costs.

4

The contractual and voluntary expense waivers pursuant to Note 2 and Note 4 of the financial statements are reflected in both the net expense and net investment income (loss) ratios.

5

Per share calculations are based on average shares outstanding throughout the period.

6

Reflects operations for the period from October 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019. On November 28, 2018 the Board of Trustees approved the change of the Fund’s fiscal year end from September 30th to March 31st.

7

Reflects operations for the fiscal year from October 1st through September 30th.

8

Ratio includes redemptions fees, which represents less than $0.01 per share.

9

Reflects operations for the period from February 12, 2018 (inception date) to March 31, 2018.

10

Reflects operations for the period from September 29, 2017 (inception date) to March 31, 2018.

11

Reflects operations for the period from April 28, 2017 (inception date) to March 31, 2018.

12

Reflects operations for the period from September 30, 2019 (inception date) to March 31, 2020.

13

Less than $0.01 per share.

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

36

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust

 

Financial Highlights Institutional Class

 

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Period

 

Period Ended
March 31,

 

Net asset
value,
beginning
of period

   

Net
investment
income (loss)

   

Net realized
and
unrealized
gain (loss)

   

Total from
investment
operations

   

Distributions
to
shareholders
from net
investment
income

   

Distributions
to
shareholders
from net
realized gain

   

Total
distributions

   

Net asset
value, end
of period

 

Emerging Markets Fund (Consolidated)

20215

  $ 36.38     $ 0.05     $ 23.69     $ 23.74     $ (0.12 )   $     $ (0.12 )   $ 60.00  

20205

  $ 45.87     $ 0.32     $ (9.62 )   $ (9.30 )   $ (0.19 )   $     $ (0.19 )   $ 36.38  

20196

  $ 43.22     $ (0.15 )   $ 2.92     $ 2.77     $ (0.09 )   $ (0.03 )   $ (0.12 )   $ 45.87  

20185,7

  $ 52.81     $ 0.20     $ (6.22 )   $ (6.02 )   $ (0.14 )   $ (3.43 )   $ (3.57 )   $ 43.22  

20175,7

  $ 41.71     $ 0.06     $ 11.14     $ 11.20     $ (0.10 )   $     $ (0.10 )   $ 52.81  

20165,8

  $ 38.33     $ 0.10     $ 3.28     $ 3.38     $     $     $     $ 41.71  

Small/Mid-Cap Growth Fund

20215

  $ 12.78     $ (0.10 )   $ 12.65     $ 12.55     $     $ (4.20 )   $ (4.20 )   $ 21.13  

20205

  $ 16.79     $ (0.08 )   $ (2.02 )   $ (2.10 )   $     $ (1.91 )   $ (1.91 )   $ 12.78  

2019

  $ 21.21     $ (0.10 )   $ (0.32 )   $ (0.42 )   $     $ (4.00 )   $ (4.00 )   $ 16.79  

20189

  $ 17.75     $ (0.10 )   $ 3.56     $ 3.46     $     $     $     $ 21.21  

201710

  $ 15.37     $ (0.08 )   $ 2.50     $ 2.42     $     $ (0.04 )   $ (0.04 )   $ 17.75  

201610

  $ 17.43     $ (0.06 )   $ (1.92 )   $ (1.98 )   $     $ (0.08 )   $ (0.08 )   $ 15.37  

International Equity Fund

20215

  $ 9.92     $ 0.06     $ 4.34     $ 4.40     $ (0.04 )   $ (0.22 )   $ (0.26 )   $ 14.06  

20205

  $ 10.48     $ 0.08     $ (0.50 )   $ (0.42 )   $ (0.11 )   $ (0.03 )   $ (0.14 )   $ 9.92  

20195

  $ 10.25     $ 0.12     $ 0.24     $ 0.36     $ (0.10 )   $ (0.03 )   $ (0.13 )   $ 10.48  

201811

  $ 10.00     $ 0.05     $ 0.20     $ 0.25     $     $     $     $ 10.25  

Global Equity Fund

20215

  $ 11.66     $ 0.05     $ 5.52     $ 5.57     $ (0.06 )   $ (0.06 )   $ (0.12 )   $ 17.11  

20205

  $ 12.74     $ 0.08     $ (0.62 )   $ (0.54 )   $ (0.13 )   $ (0.41 )   $ (0.54 )   $ 11.66  

2019

  $ 11.60     $ 0.11     $ 1.15     $ 1.26     $ (0.09 )   $ (0.03 )   $ (0.12 )   $ 12.74  

201812

  $ 10.00     $ 0.08     $ 1.55     $ 1.63     $ (0.03 )   $     $ (0.03 )   $ 11.60  

U.S. Equity Long-Term Quality Fund

20215

  $ 9.28     $ 0.06     $ 4.79     $ 4.85     $ (0.05 )   $ (0.13 )   $ (0.18 )   $ 13.95  

20205,13

  $ 10.00     $ 0.04     $ (0.73 )   $ (0.69 )   $ (0.03 )   $ (0.00 )14   $ (0.03 )   $ 9.28  

 

1

Based on net asset value as of end of period date.

2

Not annualized for periods less than one year.

3

Annualized, with the exception of non-recurring organizational costs.

4

The contractual and voluntary expense waivers pursuant to Note 2 and Note 4 of the financial statements are reflected in both the net expense and net investment income (loss) ratios.

5

Per share calculations are based on average shares outstanding throughout the period.

6

Reflects operations for the period from October 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019. On November 28, 2018 the Board of Trustees approved the change of the Fund’s fiscal year end from September 30th to March 31st.

7

Reflects operations for the fiscal year from October 1st through September 30th.

8

Reflects the period from June 1, 2016 (inception date) to September 30, 2016.

9

Reflects operations for the period from June 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018. Effective as of the close of business on February 27, 2018 the fiscal year end was changed from May 31st to March 31st.

10

Reflects operations for the fiscal year from June 1st through May 31st.

11

Reflects operations for the period from September 29, 2017 (inception date) to March 31, 2018.

12

Reflects operations for the period from April 28, 2017 (inception date) to March 31, 2018.

13

Reflects operations for the period from September 30, 2019 (inception date) to March 31, 2020.

14

Less than $0.01 per share.

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

37

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust

 

Financial Highlights Institutional Class – Continued

 

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Period

 

Period Ended
March 31,

 

Total
return
1, 2

   

Gross
Expenses
3

   

Net
Expenses
3, 4

   

Net
investment
income
(loss)
3, 4

   

Net assets,
end of period
(000 omitted)

   

Portfolio
turnover rate
2

 

Emerging Markets Fund (Consolidated)

                                               

20215

    65.26 %     1.34 %     1.23 %     0.10 %   $ 633,602       60 %

20205

    (20.38 )%     1.33 %     1.33 %     0.70 %   $ 1,393,568       47 %

20196

    6.46 %     1.35 %     1.35 %     (0.75 )%   $ 1,595,597       17 %

20185,7

    (12.46 )%     1.31 %     1.31 %     0.36 %   $ 1,494,087       48 %

20175,7

    26.95 %     1.36 %     1.36 %     0.14 %   $ 1,386,857       24 %

20165,8

    8.82 %     1.37 %     1.37 %     0.74 %   $ 880,876       15 %

Small/Mid-Cap Growth Fund

                                               

20215

    100.06 %     1.16 %     1.05 %     (0.53 )%   $ 149,608       53 %

20205

    (15.16 )%     1.11 %     1.05 %     (0.45 )%   $ 108,356       38 %

2019

    2.81 %     1.11 %     1.05 %     (0.49 )%   $ 190,348       50 %

20189

    19.49 %     1.20 %     1.05 %     (0.49 )%   $ 276,627       34 %

201710

    15.80 %     1.19 %     1.05 %     (0.48 )%   $ 292,697       55 %

201610

    (11.34 )%     1.21 %     1.05 %     (0.42 )%   $ 258,951       35 %

International Equity Fund

                                               

20215

    44.43 %     1.30 %     1.00 %     0.44 %   $ 160,421       12 %

20205

    (4.23 )%     1.31 %     1.00 %     0.69 %   $ 79,543       8 %

20195

    3.72 %     1.48 %     1.00 %     1.21 %   $ 45,193       38 %

201811

    2.50 %     1.63 %     1.00 %     2.67 %   $ 4,424       38 %

Global Equity Fund

                                               

20215

    47.78 %     2.05 %     0.90 %     0.35 %   $ 26,361       16 %

20205

    (4.97 )%     2.14 %     0.90 %     0.60 %   $ 15,613       45 %

2019

    11.07 %     3.34 %     0.90 %     0.96 %   $ 12,478       28 %

201812

    16.30 %     8.17 %     0.90 %     1.04 %   $ 11,461       51 %

U.S. Equity Long-Term Quality Fund

                                               

20215

    52.48 %     1.04 %     0.75 %     0.48 %   $ 81,645       8 %

20205,13

    (6.91 )%     1.48 %     0.75 %     0.73 %   $ 43,299       6 %

 

1

Based on net asset value as of end of period date.

2

Not annualized for periods less than one year.

3

Annualized, with the exception of non-recurring organizational costs.

4

The contractual and voluntary expense waivers pursuant to Note 2 and Note 4 of the financial statements are reflected in both the net expense and net investment income (loss) ratios.

5

Per share calculations are based on average shares outstanding throughout the period.

6

Reflects operations for the period from October 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019. On November 28, 2018 the Board of Trustees approved the change of the Fund’s fiscal year end from September 30th to March 31st.

7

Reflects operations for the fiscal year from October 1st through September 30th.

8

Reflects the period from June 1, 2016 (inception date) to September 30, 2016.

9

Reflects operations for the period from June 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018. Effective as of the close of business on February 27, 2018 the fiscal year end was changed from May 31st to March 31st.

10

Reflects operations for the fiscal year from June 1st through May 31st.

11

Reflects operations for the period from September 29, 2017 (inception date) to March 31, 2018.

12

Reflects operations for the period from April 28, 2017 (inception date) to March 31, 2018.

13

Reflects operations for the period from September 30, 2019 (inception date) to March 31, 2020.

14

Less than $0.01 per share.

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

38

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust

 

Financial Highlights Z Class

 

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Period

 

Period Ended
March 31,

 

Net asset
value,
beginning
of period

   

Net
investment
income (loss)

   

Net realized
and
unrealized
gain (loss)

   

Total from
investment
operations

   

Distributions
to
shareholders
from net
investment
income

   

Distributions
to
shareholders
from net
realized gain

   

Total
distributions

   

Net asset
value, end
of period

 

International Equity Fund

20215

  $ 9.96     $ 0.08     $ 4.36     $ 4.44     $ (0.06 )   $ (0.22 )   $ (0.28 )   $ 14.12  

20205

  $ 10.52     $ 0.10     $ (0.51 )   $ (0.41 )   $ (0.12 )   $ (0.03 )   $ (0.15 )   $ 9.96  

20195

  $ 10.26     $ 0.13     $ 0.26     $ 0.39     $ (0.10 )   $ (0.03 )   $ (0.13 )   $ 10.52  

20186

  $ 10.00     $ 0.04     $ 0.22     $ 0.26     $     $     $     $ 10.26  

 

1

Based on net asset value as of end of period date.

2

Not annualized for periods less than one year.

3

Annualized, with the exception of non-recurring organizational costs.

4

The contractual and voluntary expense waivers pursuant to Note 2 and Note 4 of the financial statements are reflected in both the net expense and net investment income (loss) ratios.

5

Per share calculations are based on average shares outstanding throughout the period.

6

Reflects operations for the period from September 29, 2017 (inception date) to March 31, 2018.

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

39

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust

 

Financial Highlights Z Class – Continued

 

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Period

 

Period Ended
March 31,

 

Total
return
1, 2

   

Gross
Expenses
3

   

Net
Expenses
3, 4

   

Net
investment
income (loss)

percent3,4

   

Net assets,
end of period
(000 omitted)

   

Portfolio
turnover rate
2

 

International Equity Fund

                                               

20215

    44.65 %     1.30 %     0.80 %     0.64 %   $ 41,229       12 %

20205

    (4.07 )%     1.31 %     0.80 %     0.89 %   $ 45,405       8 %

20195

    4.02 %     1.48 %     0.80 %     1.23 %   $ 57,026       38 %

20186

    2.60 %     1.63 %     0.80 %     0.88 %   $ 74,465       38 %

 

1

Based on net asset value as of end of period date.

2

Not annualized for periods less than one year.

3

Annualized, with the exception of non-recurring organizational costs.

4

The contractual and voluntary expense waivers pursuant to Note 2 and Note 4 of the financial statements are reflected in both the net expense and net investment income (loss) ratios.

5

Per share calculations are based on average shares outstanding throughout the period.

6

Reflects operations for the period from September 29, 2017 (inception date) to March 31, 2018.

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

40

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust

 

Notes to the Financial Statements

March 31, 2021

 

1. Organization

 

The Fiera Capital Series Trust (the “Trust”) was organized on December 8, 2016, as a statutory trust under the laws of the State of Delaware and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”) as an open-end management investment company. As of the close of business on March 31, 2021, the Trust consisted of five series: Fiera Capital Emerging Markets Fund (the “Emerging Markets Fund”), Fiera Capital Small/Mid-Cap Growth Fund (the “Small/Mid-Cap Growth Fund”), Fiera Capital International Equity Fund (the “International Equity Fund”), Fiera Capital Global Equity Fund (the “Global Equity Fund”), and Fiera Capital U.S. Equity Long-Term Quality Fund (the “U.S. Equity Long-Term Quality Fund”) (each a “Fund” and collectively the “Funds”). Inception dates displayed throughout this report represent the beginning performance measurement date by which the original NAV (“Net Asset Value”) was used for subscription placement. The funds’/class’ commencement of investment operations date began on the business day following the inception date.

 

Emerging Markets Fund – The investment objective of the Emerging Markets Fund is to achieve long-term capital appreciation. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in a portfolio of emerging market equities. Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (including the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities (including, but not limited to, common stocks, participatory notes, preferred stocks and warrants) of companies operating principally in emerging market countries. The Fund considers a company to be operating principally in an emerging market if: (i) its securities are primarily listed on the trading market of an emerging market country; (ii) the company is incorporated or has its principal business activities in an emerging market country; (iii) the company derives 50% or more of its revenues from, or has 50% or more of its assets in, an emerging market country; or (iv) its securities are included in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. The Fund considers a country to be an emerging market country if: (x) it has been determined by an international organization, such as the World Bank, to have a low to middle income economy; (y) it is not included in the MSCI World Index, which measures the equity market performance of developed markets; or (z) it is represented in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. The Fund may invest in issuers with market capitalizations of any size. The Fund’s inception date was December 14, 2011.

 

Small/Mid-Cap Growth Fund – The investment objective of the Small/Mid-Cap Growth Fund is to achieve long-term capital growth. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in a diversified portfolio of common stocks of companies believed to be small- and mid-cap growth-oriented companies that are selected for their long-term capital appreciation potential and which the Adviser expects to grow faster than the U.S. economy. The Fund considers an issuer to be a small- or mid-capitalization issuer if it has a market capitalization, at the time of purchase, within the range of the largest and smallest capitalized issuers included in the Russell 2500 Growth Index during the most recent 11-month period (based on month-end data) plus the most recent data during the current month. The Fund’s inception date was June 29, 2012.

 

International Equity Fund – The investment objective of the International Equity Fund is to achieve capital appreciation. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in a portfolio of international equities. Under normal market conditions, the International Equity Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (including the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities of companies located in at least three countries other than the U.S, including emerging market countries. For these purposes, a company is considered located in a country outside the United States if: (i) the company’s securities are principally traded on such country’s exchange or (ii) the company’s securities are included in the MSCI World Ex-US Index. In addition, the Fund considers countries represented in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index to be emerging market countries. The Fund may invest in issuers with market capitalizations of any size, though it generally expects to focus on issues with market capitalization in excess of $1 billion. The Fund’s inception date was September 29, 2017.

 

Global Equity Fund – The investment objective of the Global Equity Fund is to achieve capital appreciation. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in a portfolio of global equities. Under normal market conditions, the Global Equity Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (including the amount of any borrowings for investment purpose) in equity securities. Equity securities include common stock, preferred stock, convertible securities and depositary receipts. Under normal market conditions, the Fund generally invests at least 40% of its net assets in companies that maintain their principal place of business or conduct their principal business activities outside the U.S., companies that have their securities traded on non-U.S. exchanges or that have securities that trade in the form of depositary receipts, or companies that have formed under the laws of non-U.S. countries. The Fund may invest in issuers with market capitalizations of any size, though it generally expects to focus on issues with market capitalization in excess of $1 billion. The Fund’s inception date was April 28, 2017.

 

41

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust

 

Notes to the Financial Statements
March 31, 2021

 

U.S. Equity Long-Term Quality Fund – The investment objective of the U.S. Equity Long-Term Quality Fund is to achieve long-term capital appreciation. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing substantially in a portfolio of U.S. equities. The Fund seeks to invest in what the Fund believes are quality companies, i.e., companies that the Fund considers to have, among other things, an ability to generate an elevated level of return on invested capital significantly above the cost of capital. Under normal market conditions, the U.S. Equity Long-Term Quality Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (including the amount of any borrowings for investment purpose) in equity securities located in the United States. For these purposes, a company is considered located in the United States if: (i) the company’s securities are principally traded on a U.S. securities exchange or (ii) the company is organized in the United States. Equity securities include common stock, preferred stock, convertible debt securities and depositary receipts. The Fund may invest in issuers with market capitalizations of any size, though it generally expects to focus on issues with market capitalization in excess of $1 billion. The Fund’s inception date was September 30, 2019.

 

Fiera Capital Inc. (the “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser of the Funds. The Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”) has the overall responsibility for monitoring the operations of the Trust and the Funds, including the Adviser.

 

Basis for Consolidation

 

The Consolidated Portfolio of Investments, Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities, Consolidated Statement of Operations, Consolidated Statement of Changes in Net Assets, and the Consolidated Financial Highlights of the Emerging Markets Fund include the accounts of a wholly owned subsidiary, Rochdale Emerging Markets (Mauritius), located in the Republic of Mauritius. All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidations.

 

2. Significant Accounting Policies

 

The Funds are investment companies; as such, these financial statements have applied the guidance set forth in the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 946, Financial Services-Investment Companies. The policies are in conformity with the United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”), which 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, as well as reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

 

Expenses – Expenses are accrued daily. Non-class specific expenses are allocated daily to each class of Shares based on the total Shares outstanding without distinction between Share classes. Expenses attributable to a particular class of Shares are allocated directly to that class. Expenses are subject to the Funds’ respective Expense Limitation Agreements (See Note 4).

 

Investment Valuation – Each Fund’s securities are valued at current market prices. Domestic exchange traded equity securities (other than those that trade on NASDAQ) are valued at their last reported composite sale prices as reported on such exchanges or, in the absence of any reported sale on a particular day, at their composite bid prices (for securities held long) or their composite ask prices (for securities held short), as reported by such exchanges. Securities traded on NASDAQ are valued: (i) at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price (“NOCP”) (which is the last trade price at or before 4:00 p.m. New York time adjusted up to NASDAQ’s best offer price if the last trade is below such bid and down to NASDAQ’s best offer price if the last trade is above such offer price); (ii) if no NOCP is available, at the last sale price on NASDAQ prior to the calculation of each Fund’s net asset value; (iii) if no sale is shown on NASDAQ, at the bid price; or (iv) if no sale is shown and no bid price is available for a period of seven business days, the price will be deemed “stale” and the value will be determined at fair value as determined in good faith by the Adviser, pursuant to policies adopted by the Board and under the supervision of the Board. Securities traded on a foreign securities exchange are valued at their last sale prices on the exchange where the securities are primarily traded, or in the absence of a reported sale on a particular day, at their bid prices (in the case of securities held long) or ask prices (in the case of securities held short) as reported by that exchange. The Funds do not separately isolate the foreign currency translation for investments, and as such, any impact of foreign exchange is recorded through net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency.

 

Other securities for which market quotations are readily available are valued at their bid prices (or ask prices in the case of securities held short) as obtained from one or more dealers making markets for those securities. If market quotations are not readily available, the security must be valued at fair value (the amount which a Fund might reasonably expect to receive for the security upon its current

 

42

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust

 

Notes to the Financial Statements
March 31, 2021

 

sale) as determined in good faith by the Board (“Fair Value Pricing”). The Board has delegated to its Valuation Committee all Fair Value Pricing determinations, subject to Board approval or ratification of appropriate fair value pricing methodologies, and has delegated to the Funds’ Adviser the responsibility for reviewing market prices and recommending to the Valuation Committee proposed Fair Value Pricing determinations.

 

Any debt securities (other than convertible securities) are valued in accordance with the procedures described above which, with respect to these securities, may include the use of valuations furnished by a pricing service which employs a matrix to determine valuations for normal institutional size trading units. The Adviser monitors the reasonableness of valuations provided by the pricing service. Such debt securities with remaining maturities of 60 days or less may, absent unusual circumstances, be valued at amortized cost.

 

If, in the view of the Adviser, the bid price of a debt security (or ask price in the case of any such security held short), or the bid, ask, or price of any other type of security, does not fairly reflect the market value of the security, the Adviser may value the security at fair value.

 

All assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are converted into U.S. dollars using foreign exchange rates provided by a pricing service compiled as of 4:00 p.m. New York time (or 4:00 p.m. London time for the Emerging Markets Fund). Trading in foreign securities generally is completed, and the values of foreign securities are determined prior to the close of securities markets in the U.S. Foreign exchange rates are also determined, prior to such close. On occasion, the values of foreign securities and exchange rates may be materially affected by events occurring before each Fund calculates its net asset value per share but after the close of the primary markets or exchanges on which foreign securities are traded. These intervening events might be country-specific (e.g., natural disaster, economic or political developments, interest-rate change), issuer-specific (e.g., earnings report, merger announcement), or U.S. market- specific (e.g., a significant movement in the U.S. markets that is deemed to affect the value of foreign securities). When such an event materially affects the values of securities held by the Funds or their liabilities (including foreign securities for which there is a readily available market price), such securities and liabilities may be valued at fair value as determined in good faith pursuant to procedures adopted by the Board. The Funds have retained an independent fair value pricing service to assist in fair valuing foreign securities. The service utilizes statistical data based on historical performance of securities, markets, and other data in developing factors used to estimate fair value.

 

GAAP defines fair value by establishing a three-tier framework for measuring fair value based on a hierarchy of inputs, and expands disclosure about fair value measurements. It also provides guidance on determining when there has been a significant decrease in the volume and level of activity for an asset or liability, when a transaction is not orderly and how that information must be incorporated into a fair value measurement. The hierarchy distinguishes between market data obtained from independent sources (observable inputs) and each Fund’s own market assumptions (unobservable inputs). These inputs are used in determining the fair value of the Funds’ investments. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:

 

 

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

 

 

Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc. and quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active).

 

 

Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including each Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

 

The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The following is a summary of the valuation inputs, representing 100% of the Funds’ investments, used to value the Funds’ assets and liabilities as of March 31, 2021:

 

   

Emerging Markets Fund (Consolidated)

         

 

 

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

   

Total

 

Common Stocks*

  $ 628,963,439     $     $     $ 628,963,439  

Short-Term Investments

    17,285,326                   17,285,326  

Total

  $ 646,248,765     $     $     $ 646,248,765  

 

43

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust

 

Notes to the Financial Statements
March 31, 2021

 

   

Small/Mid-Cap Growth Fund

         

 

 

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

   

Total

 

Common Stocks*

  $ 148,370,833     $     $     $ 148,370,833  

Total

  $ 148,370,833     $     $     $ 148,370,833  

 

   

International Equity Fund

         

 

 

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

   

Total

 

Common Stocks*

  $ 198,407,186     $     $     $ 198,407,186  

Preferred Stocks*

    1,564,871                   1,564,871  

Total

  $ 199,972,057     $     $     $ 199,972,057  

 

   

Global Equity Fund

         

 

 

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

   

Total

 

Common Stocks*

  $ 27,119,619     $     $     $ 27,119,619  

Total

  $ 27,119,619     $     $     $ 27,119,619  

 

   

U.S Equity Long-Term Quality Fund

         

 

 

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

   

Total

 

Common Stocks*

  $ 81,823,032     $     $     $ 81,823,032  

Total

  $ 81,823,032     $     $     $ 81,823,032  

 

*

All sub-categories represent an entire Level 1 evaluation status.

 

As of March 31, 2021, the Funds did not hold any Level 3 securities.

 

Investment Transactions and Investment Income – Investment transactions are recorded on a trade-date basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income is allocated daily to each class of Shares based on the value of total Shares outstanding of each class.

 

Distributions to shareholders – The Funds distribute net investment income, if any, and net realized gains (net of any capital loss carryovers) annually. The timing and character of income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP. These differences are due in part to differing treatment of net operating loss, wash sales, foreign currency gains and losses, non-deductible offering costs and capital loss carryforwards. To the extent that differences arise that are permanent in nature, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on their federal tax basis treatment; temporary differences do not require reclassification.

 

All shareholders bear the common expenses of the Funds. Dividends are declared separately for each class. No class has preferential dividend rights; differences in per share dividend rates are generally due to differences in class-specific expenses. Income, non-class specific expenses, and realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated daily to each class of Shares based on the value of total Shares outstanding of each class without distinction between Share classes. Expenses attributable to a particular class of Shares, such as distribution fees, are allocated directly to that class.

 

Federal and Other Taxes – Each Fund intends to qualify as a regulated investment company by complying with the provisions available to certain investment companies as defined in Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and to make distributions from net investment income and from net realized capital gains sufficient to relieve it from all, or substantially all, federal income taxes. The Funds have no uncertain tax positions. Certain Funds may utilize earnings and profits on redemption of shares as part of the dividends paid deduction.

 

44

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust

 

Notes to the Financial Statements
March 31, 2021

 

Management has evaluated all tax positions taken or expected to be taken by the Funds to determine whether each tax position is more likely than not (i.e. greater than 50%) to be sustained upon examination by the applicable taxing authority, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. Tax positions that do not meet the more likely than not threshold will result in the Fund recording an unrecognized tax benefit. If the Funds were to incur an income tax liability in the future, interest on any income tax liability would be reported as interest expense and penalties on any income tax liability would be reported as income taxes. No interest expense or penalties have been recognized for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021. Management of the Funds are also not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months. Management has determined that the Funds have not taken any tax positions which do not meet the more likely than not threshold and as such, no liabilities related to uncertain tax positions have been reflected in the Funds’ financial statements.

 

The Funds’ U.S. Federal and state income tax returns for tax years for which the applicable statutes of limitations have not expired are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state departments of revenue. For Small/Mid-Cap Growth, International Equity and Global Equity Funds, 2018 – 2021 fiscal years are open to examination as of March 31, 2021. For Emerging Markets Fund, fiscal years September 30, 2017 – September 30, 2018, as well as fiscal years 2019 - 2021 are open to examination as of March 31, 2021. For U.S. Equity Long-Term Quality Fund, fiscal years 2020 - 2021 are open to examination as of March 31, 2021.

 

The Emerging Markets Fund may be subject to foreign taxation related to income received, capital gains on the sale of securities and certain foreign currency transactions in the foreign jurisdictions in which it invests. Foreign taxes, if any, are recorded based on the tax regulations and rates that exist in the foreign markets in which the Fund invests. When a capital gain tax is determined to apply, the Emerging Markets Fund records an estimated deferred tax liability in an amount that would be payable if the securities were disposed of on the valuation date.

 

Distribution Plan – Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Board of Trustees of the Trust has approved, and each Fund has adopted a distribution plan which allows the Funds to pay distribution fees for the sale and distribution of Investor Class shares of each Fund. Shareholders holding Investor Class shares will pay distribution fees at an annual rate not to exceed 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund attributable to Investor Class Shares. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021, distribution fees amounted to $86,230, $61, $1,894, $1,389, and $29 for the Investor Class Shares of the Emerging Markets Fund, Small/Mid-Cap Growth Fund, International Equity Fund, Global Equity Fund, and U.S. Equity Long-Term Quality Fund respectively. Institutional and Z Class shares do not pay distribution fees.

 

Shareholder Servicing Fees – The Emerging Markets Fund, Small/Mid-Cap Growth Fund, International Equity Fund, Global Equity Fund, and U.S. Equity Long-Term Quality Fund have certain arrangements in place to compensate financial intermediaries, including the Adviser or its affiliates, that hold Fund shares through networked and omnibus accounts, for services that they provide to Fund shareholders (Shareholder Services). Shareholder Services and related fees vary by financial intermediary and according to distribution channel, and may include sub-accounting, sub-transfer agency, participant recordkeeping, shareholder or participant reporting, shareholder or participant transaction processing, maintenance of shareholder records, preparation of account statements and provision of customer service, and are not intended to include services that are primarily intended to result in the sale of Fund shares. Payments for Shareholder Services generally are not expected to exceed 0.25% of the average aggregate value of the respective Fund’s shares. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021, shareholder servicing fees amounted to $86,230 and $1,894 for the Investor Class Shares of the Emerging Markets Fund and International Equity Fund, respectively, $4,376,153 and $308,213 for the Institutional Class Shares of the Emerging Markets Fund and International Equity Fund, respectively, and $117,577 for the Z Class Shares of the International Equity Fund. The Small/Mid-Cap Growth Fund, Global Equity Fund, and U.S. Equity Long-Term Quality Fund do not currently pay shareholder servicing fees.

 

Effective on July 29, 2019, the Adviser voluntarily agreed to waive a portion of the Shareholder Servicing Fee for each class of the International Equity Fund so that the Shareholder Servicing Fee does not exceed 0.20% of each class. This voluntary waiver is implemented as part of (and not in addition to) the Adviser’s application of the Expense Limitation and is not subject to recoupment. The amount of the voluntary waivers as of March 31, 2021 of Shareholder Servicing Fees were $379, $61,643, and $117,577 in the Investor, Institutional, and Z classes of shares, respectively.

 

45

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust

 

Notes to the Financial Statements
March 31, 2021

 

Effective on April 1, 2020, the Adviser contractually agreed to waive 0.10% of the Shareholder Servicing Fee for each class of the Emerging Markets Fund. This contractual waiver is implemented as part of (and not in addition to) the Adviser’s application of the Expense Limitation. The amounts of the voluntary waivers as of March 31, 2021 of Shareholder Servicing Fees were $34,495 and $1,752,872 in the Investor and Institutional classes of shares, respectively.

 

Foreign Securities Risk – Investing in foreign securities may include certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in U.S. securities, such as fluctuating currency values and changing local and regional economic, political and social conditions, which may result in greater market volatility. In addition, certain foreign securities may not be as liquid as U.S. securities. To the extent that each Fund concentrates its investment exposure to any one or a few specific countries, the Funds will be particularly susceptible to the various conditions, events or other factors impacting those countries and may, therefore, have a greater risk than that of a fund which is more geographically diversified.

 

Foreign Currency Translation – The Funds’ records are maintained in U.S. dollars. The value of securities, currencies and other assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars are translated into U.S. dollars based upon foreign exchange rates prevailing at the end of the reporting period. The currencies are translated into U.S. dollars by using the exchange rates quoted by WM/Reuters FX benchmark prior to when the Funds’ NAV is next determined. Purchases and sales of investment securities, income and expenses are translated on the respective dates of such transactions.

 

Net realized foreign currency transaction gains and losses arise from sales of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the differences between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Funds’ books and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign currency translation gains and losses arise from changes in the value of assets and liabilities, other than investments in securities, resulting from changes in the exchange rates.

 

COVID-19 Risk – Certain impacts to public health conditions particular to the coronavirus (COVID-19) may have a significant negative impact on the operations and profitability of the Funds’ investments. The extent of the impact to the financial performance of the Funds will depend on future developments, including (i) the duration and spread of the outbreak, (ii) the restrictions and advisories, (iii) the effects on the financial markets, and (iv) the effects on the economy overall, all of which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted.

 

Emerging Market Securities Risk – Securities issued by foreign governments or companies in emerging market countries, such as China, Russia and certain countries in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America or Africa, are more likely to have greater exposure to the risks of investing in foreign securities that are described in Foreign Securities Risk. In addition, emerging market countries are more likely to experience instability resulting, for example, from rapid changes or developments in social, political, economic or other conditions. Their economies are usually less mature and their securities markets are typically less developed with more limited trading activity (i.e., lower trading volumes and less liquidity) than more developed countries. Emerging market securities tend to be more volatile than securities in more developed markets. Many emerging market countries are heavily dependent on international trade and have fewer trading partners, which makes them more sensitive to world commodity prices and economic downturns in other countries, and some have a higher risk of currency devaluations.

 

Investments in Mauritius Subsidiary – To the extent that the Emerging Markets Fund seeks to invest in the securities of Indian companies, it currently intends to do so by investing in shares of a wholly-owned collective investment vehicle (the “Mauritius Subsidiary”) registered with and regulated by the Mauritius Financial Services Commission that is managed by Fiera Capital Inc. The Mauritius Subsidiary was formed to allow the Fund’s investments in Indian companies to benefit from a favorable tax treaty between Mauritius and India. In order to do so, the Mauritius Subsidiary will seek to maintain residency in Mauritius.

 

3. Investment Advisory Agreement

 

The Trust, on behalf of each Fund, has entered into Investment Advisory Agreements (the “Advisory Agreements”) with the Adviser, pursuant to which the Adviser is responsible for developing, implementing and supervising the Funds’ investment programs and providing day-to-day management services to the Funds. The Emerging Markets Fund, Small/Mid-Cap Growth Fund, International Equity Fund, Global Equity Fund, and U.S. Equity Long-Term Quality Fund pay the Adviser a monthly fee in arrears that accrues daily at an annual rate of 1.00%, 0.90%, 0.80%, 0.80%, and 0.55% of the average daily net assets of each Fund, respectively. For the

 

46

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust

 

Notes to the Financial Statements
March 31, 2021

 

fiscal period ended March 31, 2021, the Emerging Markets Fund, Small/Mid-Cap Growth Fund, International Equity Fund, Global Equity Fund, and U.S. Equity Long-Term Quality incurred $17,849,531, $1,211,411, $1,368,589, $188,313, and $350,946 in investment advisory fees, respectively.

 

The Adviser is under common control with Fiera Capital Corporation, which also manages other vehicles and accounts in accordance with an investment strategy that may be substantially similar to that of the Funds. From time to time the Adviser may engage its investment advisory affiliates around the world, including Fiera Capital Corporation (“Participating Affiliates”) to provide a variety of services such as, investment research, investment monitoring, trading and discretionary investment management (including portfolio management) to certain accounts managed by the Adviser, including the Funds. This Participating Affiliate provides services to the Adviser pursuant to personnel-sharing or similar inter-company arrangements.

 

Certain Officers and Trustees of the Trust are also Officers of the Adviser.

 

The Emerging Markets Fund’s Indian investments are currently made by the Mauritius Subsidiary that is managed by the Adviser. The Adviser has entered into an Investment Management Agreement with the Mauritius Subsidiary (the “Mauritius IMA”), whereby the Adviser acts as the investment manager to the Mauritius Subsidiary and supervises investments of the Mauritius Subsidiary on behalf of the Mauritius Subsidiary in accordance with the investment objectives, programs, and restrictions of the Emerging Markets Fund. The Adviser does not receive compensation from the Mauritius Subsidiary for investment management or advisory services under the Mauritius IMA.

 

4. Expense Limitation and Other Reimbursement Agreements

 

The Adviser and the Funds have entered into expense limitation and reimbursement agreements (each an “Expense Limitation Agreement”) under which the Adviser (or its affiliate) has agreed to pay or absorb the ordinary operating expenses of the Funds (including organization and offering expenses, but excluding taxes, interest, brokerage commissions and extraordinary expenses of each Fund and any other expenses, the exclusion of which is specifically set forth in each Fund’s prospectus and which may from time to time, be deemed appropriate as an excludable expense and specifically approved by the Board), to the extent necessary to limit the ordinary operating expenses of the Funds from exceeding the amounts for the periods set forth below.

 

In consideration of the Adviser’s agreement to limit each Fund’s expenses, the Adviser may recoup amounts waived or reimbursed for a period not to exceed three years from the time in which they were waived or reimbursed. Recoupment will be made only to the extent it does not cause a Fund’s ordinary operating expenses to exceed: (1) the expense limitation in effect at the time the expense was paid or absorbed; and (2) the expense limitation in effect at the time of recapture. The Expense Limitation Agreement will remain in effect for each Fund through the date specified below, unless sooner terminated at the sole discretion of the Board, but in no case will the Expense Limitation Agreement be terminated prior to one year from the date of the Prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

 

 

Expense Limitation Agreement

Fund

Investor
Class

Institutional
Class

Z Class

Expense Limitation
Agreement Expiration Date

Emerging Markets Fund

1.62%

1.37%

October 31, 2021

Small/Mid-Cap Growth Fund

1.30%

1.05%

October 31, 2021

International Equity Fund

1.25%

1.00%

0.80%

October 31, 2021

Global Equity Fund

1.15%

0.90%

October 31, 2021

U.S. Equity Long-Term Quality Fund

1.00%

0.75%

October 31, 2021

 

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021, expenses in the amounts of $103,466, $383,397, $238,179, and $182,817 were contractually reimbursed to the Small/Mid-Cap Growth Fund, International Equity Fund, Global Equity Fund, and U.S. Equity Long-Term Quality Fund, respectively. The Emerging Markets Fund’s expenses did not exceed the contractual expense limit. There are no expenses subject to recoupment within the limitations noted above.

 

47

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust

 

Notes to the Financial Statements
March 31, 2021

 

As of March 31, 2021, the Adviser may seek recoupment for previously waived or reimbursed investment advisory fee reductions, subject to the limitations noted above, no later than the dates and amounts as outlined below:

 

Fund

 

Date of
Expiration
March 31, 2022

   

Date of
Expiration
March 31, 2023

   

Date of
Expiration
March 31, 2024

 

Small/Mid-Cap Growth Fund

  $ 128,193     $ 110,249     $ 103,466  

International Equity Fund

    563,815       302,303       383,397  

Global Equity Fund

    288,092       203,559       238,179  

U.S. Equity Long-Term Quality Fund

          109,222       182,817  

 

The terms of the Custody Agreement between the Trust and UMB Bank, N.A. (“UMB Bank”) and the Administration and Fund Accounting Agreement and the Transfer Agency Agreement between the Trust and UMB Fund Services, Inc. (“UMBFS”) stipulate a contractual waiver of fees for certain funds within the Trust. The funds contractually defined to be eligible for the fee waivers are the Emerging Markets Fund, Small/Mid-Cap Growth Fund, International Equity Fund, and Global Equity Fund. Neither UMB Bank nor UMBFS may seek recoupment from the Trust for contractually waived fees. For the year ended March 31, 2021, fees were waived for each fund as outlined below:

 

Fund

 

Fund Accounting
and Fund
Administration
Fees

   

Custody
Fees

   

Transfer
Agency Fees

 

Emerging Markets Fund

  $ 194,481     $ 21,103     $ 102,289  

Small/Mid-Cap Growth Fund

    28,982       825       20,674  

International Equity Fund

    11,760       1,087       23,111  

Global Equity Fund

    8,142       1,344       22,777  

 

5. Offering Costs

 

The Funds bear all expenses incurred in their respective business and operations. Costs incurred in connection with the initial offering of the U.S. Equity Long-Term Quality Fund were deferred and are being amortized on a straight-line basis over the first twelve months of the Fund’s operations, which began on the inception date of September 30, 2019. $39,922 in offering costs were expensed during the year ended March 31, 2021.

 

6. Investment Transactions

 

Purchases and sales of securities by each Fund, excluding short-term investments, for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021 were as follows:

 

Fund

 

Purchases

   

Sales

 

Emerging Markets Fund

  $ 954,095,983     $ 2,600,384,677  

Small/Mid-Cap Growth Fund

    69,158,402       115,815,886  

International Equity Fund

    46,611,084       19,578,003  

Global Equity Fund

    6,605,153       3,760,218  

U.S. Equity Long-Term Quality Fund

    20,322,872       4,753,540  

 

 

48

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust

 

Notes to the Financial Statements
March 31, 2021

 

7. Federal Income Tax Information

 

The Emerging Markets Fund utilized $68,321,913 of its capital loss carryforwards during the year ended March 31, 2021.

 

As of March 31, 2021 the Emerging Markets Fund, Small/Mid-Cap Growth Fund, International Equity Fund, Global Equity Fund and U.S. Equity Long-Term Quality Fund had $310,538, $248,119, $0, $0 and $0, respectively, of qualified late-year ordinary losses, which are deferred until fiscal year 2022 for tax purposes. Net late-year ordinary losses incurred after December 31, and within the taxable year, are deemed to arise on the first day of each Fund’s next taxable year.

 

At March 31, 2021, the cost of securities on a tax basis and gross unrealized appreciation and (depreciation) on investments for federal income tax purposes were as follows:

 

 

 

Emerging
Markets Fund

   

Small/Mid-Cap
Growth Fund

   

International
Equity Fund

   

Global
Equity Fund

   

U.S. Equity
Long-Term
Quality Fund

 

Cost of investments

  $ 454,473,596     $ 97,673,767     $ 148,342,692     $ 19,505,534     $ 56,580,578  

Gross unrealized appreciation

  $ 207,245,793     $ 55,061,012     $ 53,274,599     $ 7,758,629     $ 25,514,014  

Gross unrealized depreciation

    (15,470,624 )     (4,363,946 )     (1,645,234 )     (144,544 )     (271,560 )

Net unrealized appreciation on investments

  $ 191,775,169     $ 50,697,066     $ 51,629,365     $ 7,614,085     $ 25,242,454  

 

The difference between cost amounts for financial statement and federal income tax purposes is due primarily to timing differences in recognizing certain gains and losses in security transactions.

 

The tax basis of the components of distributable net earnings (deficit) at March 31, 2021 were as follows:

 

 

 

Emerging
Markets Fund

   

Small/Mid-Cap
Growth Fund

   

International
Equity Fund

   

Global
Equity Fund

   

U.S. Equity
Long-Term
Quality Fund

 

Undistributed Ordinary Income

  $ 26,341,157     $ 2,444,713     $ 484,389     $ 31,570     $ 74,918  

Undistributed Long-Term Capital Gains

    245,572,066       7,580,942       145,315       294,607       303,610  

Tax accumulated earnings

    271,913,223       10,025,655       629,704       326,177       378,528  

Accumulated Capital and Other Losses

    (310,538 )     (248,119 )                  

Unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation)

    191,775,169       50,697,066       51,629,365       7,614,085       25,242,454  

Foreign currency translations

    (101,487 )           1,272       (53 )      
                                         

Distributable net earnings

  $ 463,276,367     $ 60,474,602     $ 52,260,341     $ 7,940,209     $ 25,620,982  

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020 for Emerging Markets Fund, Small/Mid-Cap Growth Fund, International Equity Fund, Global Equity Fund and for U.S. Equity Long-Term Quality Fund were as follows:

 

   

Emerging
Markets Fund

     

Small/Mid-Cap
Growth Fund

     

International
Equity Fund

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31, 2021

   

Year Ended
March 31, 2020

     

Year Ended
March 31, 2021

   

Year Ended
March 31, 2020

     

Year Ended
March 31, 2021

   

Year Ended
March 31, 2020

 

Ordinary Income

  $ 4,353,056     $ 8,485,753       $ 3,067,772     $       $ 615,763     $ 1,135,594  

Long-Term Capital Gain

  $     $       $ 23,207,325     $ 18,297,178       $ 2,932,556     $ 345,224  

 

49

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust

 

Notes to the Financial Statements
March 31, 2021

 

   

Global
Equity Fund

 

 

 

U.S. Equity
Long-Term
Quality Fund

   

U.S. Equity
Long-Term
Quality Fund
(1)

 

 

 

Year Ended
March 31, 2021

   

Year Ended
March 31, 2020

     

Year Ended
March 31, 2021

   

Period Ended
March 31, 2020

 

Ordinary Income

  $ 86,915     $ 153,758       $ 543,850     $ 89,353  

Long-Term Capital Gain

  $ 90,299     $ 487,706       $ 472,845     $ 4,099  

 

(1)

Reflects operations for the period from September 30, 2019 (inception date) to March 31, 2020.

 

U.S. GAAP requires that certain components of net assets be reclassified between financial and tax reporting. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or net asset value per share. For the year ended March 31, 2021, permanent differences in book and tax accounting have been reclassified to paid-in capital and total distributable earnings/(losses) as follows:

 

   

Increase (Decrease)

 

 

 

Paid in Capital

   

Total Distributable
Earnings (Loss)

 

Emerging Markets Fund

  $ 254,564,608     $ (254,564,608 )

Small/Mid-Cap Growth Fund

  $ 4,653,237     $ (4,653,237 )

International Equity Fund

  $     $  

Global Equity Fund

  $     $  

U.S. Equity Long-Term Quality Fund

  $     $  

 

8. Commitments and Contingencies

 

In the normal course of business, the Funds enter into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties which provide general indemnifications. The Funds’ maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that might be made against the Funds that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience of the Adviser, the Funds expect the risk of loss to be remote.

 

9. Officers and Trustees

 

Each Independent Trustee receives an annual retainer of $48,000 by the Trust (They are also reimbursed for travel-related expenses). In addition, the Audit Committee Chair is also paid an annual retainer of $5,000 by the Trust. No “interested persons” who serves as Trustee of the Funds received any compensation for their services as Trustee.

 

50

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust

 

Notes to the Financial Statements
March 31, 2021

 

10. Subsequent Events

 

On April 15, 2021 the Adviser and Sunbridge Capital Partners LLC (“Sunbridge”) executed a Purchase Agreement under which Sunbridge agreed to acquire the Adviser’s investment advisory business relating (the “Transaction”) to the Emerging Markets Fund (the “Fund”). As a condition to the Transaction and subject to approval by the Board and Fund shareholders, the Fund would reorganize into Sunbridge Capital Emerging Markets Fund, a newly-created series of Investment Managers Series Trust II (the “IMST Trust”), registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and advised by Sunbridge with substantially identical investment objectives, strategies and restrictions as the Fund (the “Reorganization”). In this regard, the Board has approved the initial filing by the IMST Trust of a preliminary Proxy Statement/Prospectus on Form N-14 concerning the Reorganization, including a form of agreement and plan of reorganization (the “Reorganization Agreement”). At a meeting held on May 19, 2021, the Board, including all the Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Fund as defined under the investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, approved the Reorganization Agreement, recommending the solicitation of the Fund’s shareholders to approve the Reorganization and the Reorganization Agreement. A meeting of Fund shareholders is currently scheduled to be held in July 2021 to consider the Reorganization. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be consummated and that the Reorganization will be approved and effected.

 

Management of the Funds has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Funds through the date the financial statements were issued and has determined that there were no other subsequent events requiring recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.

 

51

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust

 

Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders and the Board of Trustees of Fiera Capital Series Trust and Shareholders of Fiera Capital Emerging Markets Fund, Fiera Capital Small/Mid-Cap Growth Fund, Fiera Capital International Equity Fund, Fiera Capital Global Equity Fund, and Fiera Capital U.S. Equity Long-Term Quality Fund:

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements and Financial Highlights

 

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of Fiera Capital Series Trust, comprising Fiera Capital Emerging Markets Fund, Fiera Capital Small/Mid-Cap Growth Fund, Fiera Capital International Equity Fund, Fiera Capital Global Equity Fund, and Fiera Capital U.S. Equity Long-Term Quality Fund (collectively, the “Funds”), including the schedules of investments, as of March 31, 2021, the related statements of operations, changes in net assets, and the financial highlights for the periods indicated in the table below, and the related notes. In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Funds listed above constituting Fiera Capital Series Trust as of March 31, 2021, and the results of their operations, the changes in their net assets, and the financial highlights for the periods indicated in the table below, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Individual Funds
Comprising the Fiera
Capital Series Trust

Statements of Operations

Statements of Changes in
Net Assets

Financial Highlights

Fiera Capital Emerging Markets Fund*

For the year ended March 31, 2021

For the two years in the period ended March 31, 2021

For the two years in the period ended March 31, 2021 and for the period from October 1, 2018 through March 31, 2019 and for the year ended September 30, 2018

Fiera Capital Small/Mid-Cap Growth Fund

For the year ended March 31, 2021

For the two years in the period ended March 31, 2021

For the three years in the period ended March 31, 2021 and the period from February 12, 2018 (inception date) through March 31, 2018

Fiera Capital International Equity Fund

For the year ended March 31, 2021

For the two years in the period ended March 31, 2021

For the three years in the period ended March 31, 2021 and period from September 29, 2017 (inception date) through March 31, 2018

Fiera Capital Global Equity Fund

For the year ended March 31, 2021

For the two years in the period ended March 31, 2021

For the three years in the period ended March 31, 2021 and period from April 28, 2017 (inception date) through March 31, 2018

Fiera Capital U.S. Equity Long-Term Quality Fund

For the year ended March 31, 2021

For the year ended March 31, 2021 and for the period from September 30, 2019 (inception date) to March 31, 2020.

For the year ended March 31, 2021 and for the period from September 30, 2019 (inception date) to March 31, 2020

 

*

The financial statements and financial highlights identified in the first paragraph, including the table above, have been consolidated.

 

The financial highlights for the two years in the period ended September 30, 2017 for the Fiera Capital Emerging Markets Fund and for the two years in the period ended May 31, 2017 for the Fiera Capital Small/Mid-Cap Fund were audited by other auditors whose reports, dated November 28, 2017 and July 27, 2017, respectively, expressed an unqualified opinion on those statements.

 

52

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust

 

Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Funds’ financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Funds in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Funds are not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of their internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Funds’ internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements and financial highlights, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and financial highlights. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements and financial highlights. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of March 31, 2021, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

 

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
May 27, 2021

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Fiera Capital affiliated investment companies since 2015.

 

53

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust

 

Expense Example

March 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

For the six months ended March 31, 2021

 

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur ongoing costs which typically consist of management fees and other Fund expenses. This Example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Funds and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

 

The Example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period ended March 31, 2021 (10/1/20 – 3/31/21).

 

Actual Expenses

 

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

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

 

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

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads), redemption fees, or exchange fees. Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

Fund

Beginning
Account
Value
10/1/20

Ending
Account
Value
3/31/21

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
(1)

Expenses
Paid
During
Period
10/1/20 -
3/31/21
(1)

Emerging Markets Fund

Institutional Class

Actual

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,228.70

1.23%

$ 6.83

 

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

1,000.00

1,018.83

1.23

6.19

Investor Class

Actual

1,000.00

1,227.00

1.48

8.22

 

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

1,000.00

1,017.53

1.48

7.44

Small/Mid-Cap Growth Fund

Institutional Class

Actual

1,000.00

1,309.10

1.05

6.04

 

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

1,000.00

1,019.73

1.05

5.29

Investor Class

Actual

1,000.00

1,306.60

1.30

7.48

 

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

1,000.00

1,018.43

1.30

6.54

 

54

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust

 

Expense Example – Continued
March 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Fund

Beginning
Account
Value
10/1/20

Ending
Account
Value
3/31/21

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
(1)

Expenses
Paid
During
Period
10/1/20 -
3/31/21
(1)

International Equity Fund

Institutional Class

Actual

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,110.60

1.00%

$ 5.26

 

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

1,000.00

1,019.93

1.00

5.04

Investor Class

Actual

1,000.00

1,112.00

1.25

6.58

 

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

1,000.00

1,018.73

1.25

6.29

Z Class

Actual

1,000.00

1,111.70

0.80

4.21

 

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

1,000.00

1,020.93

0.80

4.03

Global Equity Fund

Institutional Class

Actual

1,000.00

1,142.60

0.90

4.81

 

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

1,000.00

1,020.43

0.90

4.53

Investor Class

Actual

1,000.00

1,141.10

1.15

6.14

 

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

1,000.00

1,019.23

1.15

5.79

U.S. Equity Long-Term Quality Fund

Institutional Class

Actual

1,000.00

1,161.70

0.75

4.04

 

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

1,000.00

1,021.13

0.75

3.78

Investor Class

Actual

1,000.00

1,160.30

0.99

5.33

 

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

1,000.00

1,020.03

0.99

4.99

 

 

(1)

Expenses are equal to the Funds’ annualized expense ratios for the period October 1, 2020 through March 31, 2021, multiplied by the average account value over the period and multiplied by 182/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

55

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust

 

Additional Information
March 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Trustees and Officers Information

 

Information regarding each of the Trustees and officers of the Trust, including their principal occupations during the past five years, is set forth below. The business address of each Trustee and officer is c/o Fiera Capital Inc., 375 Park Avenue, 8th Floor, New York, New York 10152. Additional information about the Trustees is available in each Fund’s Statement of Additional Information which is available, without charge, upon request (toll-free) at 1-855-771-7119. The Statement of Additional Information is also available on the website of the Securities and Exchange Commission at https://ww.sec.gov.

 

Name, Age, and Position with the Trust

Term of Office and Length of Time Served**

Principal Occupation
During Past 5 Years

Number of Funds in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustees

Present or Past (Within 5 Years) Other Directorships Held by Trustees

Disinterested Trustees

Gerald Hellerman, 83 Trustee

Indefinite/ Since Inception

Mr. Hellerman owned and served as Managing Director of Hellerman Associates, a financial and corporate consulting firm, from the firm’s inception in 1993 until it ceased operations in 2013. Mr. Hellerman currently serves as a director and member of the audit committee of The Swiss Helvetia Fund, Inc., a trustee and chair of the audit committee of High Income Securities Fund, as a director for The Mexico Equity and Income Fund, Inc. and for the Special Opportunities Fund, Inc. Mr. Hellerman was previously chair of the audit committee of MVC Capital, Inc., a Trustee of Crossroads Liquidating Trust (formerly BDCA Venture, Inc.), director of Ironsides Partners Opportunity Offshore Fund Ltd. and director and chairman of the audit committee of Emergent Capital, Inc. (formerly known as Imperial Holdings, Inc.).

5

See Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years column.

Kevin Mirabile, 59 Trustee

Indefinite/ Since Inception

Mr. Mirabile is currently a Clinical Associate Professor of Finance and Business Economics at Fordham University (2007-Present). He previously served as a Principal at Morgan Stanley (1986-1995), a senior Executive Director at Daiwa Securities (1995-1998), a Managing Director at Barclays Capital (1998-2004) and as Chief Operating Officer at Larch Lane Advisors (2008-2011). He graduated from S.U.N.Y. Albany in 1983, is a CPA, and has a doctorate in finance and economics from PACE University (2013).

5

None

 

56

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust

 

Additional Information – Continued
March 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Name, Age, and Position with the Trust

Term of Office and Length of Time Served**

Principal Occupation
During Past 5 Years

Number of Funds in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustees

Present or Past (Within 5 Years) Other Directorships Held by Trustees

Disinterested Trustees - Continued

Corey Dillon, 51 Trustee

Indefinite/ Since August 15, 2018

Mr. Dillon is currently CEO of Benefitness Partners, a Denver-based provider of corporate wellness programs, since co-founding the firm in 2015. He was previously Senior Vice President and Director of Advisory Services for ALPS, a DST Company (2007-2015), and served as Vice President and Director at Janus Capital Group (1993-2006).

5

None

Interested Trustee*

Michael Kalbfleisch, 62 Interested Trustee, Chairman

Indefinite/ Since Inception

Mr. Kalbfleisch currently serves as Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager, Fiera Capital Inc. (June 2016 to present). He previously served as Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer of Apex Capital Management, Inc. (2001 to May 2016).

5

None

Officers Who are Not Trustees

Michael Quigley, 59 Chief Executive Officer

Indefinite/ Since
July 24, 2020

Mr. Quigley currently serves as Executive Vice President and Global Head of Institutional Markets, and Managing Partner – Boston of Fiera Capital Corporation (2020 to present). He previously served as Executive Vice President, Head of Institutional Markets – Canada at Fiera Capital Corporation (2019-2020), and National Lead Business Development at RBC Global Asset Management (2013-2019).

N/A

N/A

Dominic Grimard, 41 Chief Financial Officer

Indefinite/ Since
August 19, 2020

Mr. Grimard currently serves as Senior Vice President and Head of Finance, Public Markets & Private Wealth (2020 to present). He previously served as Head of Finance, Canadian Division (2016-2020) and Senior Director, Finance (2016-2020).

N/A

N/A

 

57

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust

 

Additional Information – Continued
March 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Name, Age, and Position with the Trust

Term of Office and Length of Time Served**

Principal Occupation
During Past 5 Years

Number of Funds in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustees

Present or Past (Within 5 Years) Other Directorships Held by Trustees

Officers Who are Not Trustees - Continued

Jack Huntington, 50 Chief Compliance Officer

Indefinite/ Since May 20, 2020

Mr. Huntington currently serves as Director and Fund Chief Compliance Officer at Foreside Fund Officer Services, LLC (October 2015 to present). He previously served as Senior Vice President and Head of Regulatory Administration – Regulatory Administration Group at Citi Fund Services, Inc. (September 2008 to September 2015).

N/A

N/A

 

*

Trustee who is an “interested person” (as defined by the 1940 Act) of the Funds because of his affiliation with the Adviser and its affiliates.

 

**

The Trustees serve on the Board of Trustees for terms of indefinite duration.

 

 

58

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust

 

Additional Information – Continued
March 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

Proxy Voting – For a description of the policies and procedures that each Fund use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities, please call (toll-free) 1-855-771-7119 and request a Statement of Additional Information which contains this description. One will be mailed to you free of charge. The Statement of Additional Information is also available on the website of the Securities and Exchange Commission at https://www.sec.gov. A report on “Form N-PX” of how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling (toll-free) 1-855-771-7119 or by accessing the website of the Securities and Exchange Commission at https://www.sec.gov.

 

Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings – Each Fund files complete schedules of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-PORT. Each Fund’s Form N-PORT is available on the website of the Securities and Exchange Commission at https://www.sec.gov.

 

Tax Information

 

Corporate Dividends Received Deduction

 

For the year ended March 31, 2021, the Emerging Markets Fund, Small/Mid-Cap Growth Fund, International Equity Fund, Global Equity Fund and U.S. Equity Long-Term Quality Fund respectively, had 0%, 12.48%, 0%, 100% and 100% of dividends paid from net investment income qualified for the 70% dividends received deduction available to corporate shareholders.

 

Qualified Dividend Income

 

For the year ended March 31, 2021, the Emerging Markets Fund, Small/Mid-Cap Growth Fund, International Equity Fund, Global Equity Fund and U.S. Equity Long-Term Quality Fund, respectively, had 48.88%, 12.59%, 100%, 100% and 100% of dividends paid from net investment income, designated as qualified dividend income.

 

Foreign Taxes Paid

 

Pursuant to Section 853 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, the Emerging Markets Fund and International Equity Fund designates $5,236,447 and $1,107,706 of income derived from foreign sources and $2,503,305 and $274,547 of foreign taxes paid for the period ended March 31, 2021.

 

Of the ordinary income (including short-term capital gain) distributions made (or to be made) for the year ended March 31, 2021, the proportionate share of income derived from foreign sources and foreign taxes paid attributable to one share of stock are:

 

 

 

Foreign
Source Income

   

Foreign
Taxes Paid

 

Emerging Markets Fund

  $ 0.4722     $ 0.2258  

International Equity Fund

  $ 0.0767     $ 0.0190  

 

Long-Term Capital Gains Designation

 

Pursuant to IRC 852 (b)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code Emerging Markets Fund, Small/Mid-Cap Growth Fund, International Equity Fund, Global Equity Fund and U.S. Equity Long-Term Quality Fund hereby designates $0, $23,207,325, $2,932,556, $90,299 and $472,845, respectively, as long-term capital gains distributed during the year ended March 31, 2021. Certain dividends paid by the Fund may be subject to a maximum tax rate of 23.8%.

 

59

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust

 

Approval of Investment Advisory Agreements

March 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

At a meeting held in person on February 10, 2021, the Board of Fiera Capital Emerging Markets Fund (the “Emerging Markets Fund”), Fiera Capital Global Equity Fund (the “Global Fund”), Fiera Capital International Equity Fund (the “International Fund”), Fiera Capital U.S. Equity Long-Term Quality Fund (the “U.S. Equity Fund”) and Fiera Capital Small/Mid-Cap Growth Fund (the “SMID Fund”), each a series of the Trust, approved the renewal of each of the investment advisory agreements (each, an “Advisory Agreement,” and collectively the “Advisory Agreements”) between the Trust, on behalf of each of the Emerging Markets Fund and its wholly owned subsidiary, Rochdale Emerging Markets (Mauritius) (the “Mauritius Subsidiary”), the Global Fund, the International Fund, the U.S. Equity Fund and the SMID Fund (the “Funds”), respectively, and the Adviser, for an additional one-year period. Also, by a unanimous vote, the Independent Trustees separately voted to approve the renewal of each Advisory Agreement.

 

In considering whether to approve the renewal of the Advisory Agreements the Board reviewed various materials from the Adviser, which included: (i) information concerning the services provided or proposed to be provided to each of the Funds by the Adviser; (ii) the investment performance of each of the Funds and the Adviser, including comparative performance information; (iii) the fees and expenses of each of the Funds, including comparative expense information; (iv) information on the profitability of the Adviser and its affiliates, taking into account their cost of providing services; (v) economies of scale (as applicable) and (vi) other benefits to the Adviser from its relationship with the Funds. In particular, the Board considered the following:

 

(a) The Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by the Adviser

 

The Trustees reviewed various presentations the Adviser provided to the Board regarding services provided to the Funds. The Trustees noted the importance of the Adviser having adequate resources and, in this regard, noted the Adviser’s significant assets under management. The Trustees also noted the financial strength of Fiera Capital Corporation, the Adviser’s parent company and the resources, including personnel (subject to the oversight and supervision of the Adviser) it provides the Adviser as a “participating affiliate.” The Trustees also took into account the Adviser’s representation that its current financial condition should enable it to continue to provide quality services to the Funds. The Board also discussed the acceptability of the terms of each Advisory Agreement, including the relatively broad scope of services required to be performed by the Adviser under each agreement. The Trustees noted that no changes were proposed to any of the terms of the Advisory Agreements. They also noted the wide array of legal and compliance services provided to the Funds. The Trustees noted further the Adviser’s representation that the COVID-19 pandemic had not had a material adverse impact on the Adviser’s operations. The Board also observed that the Adviser provides, at its own expense, facilities necessary for the operation of the Funds and it makes personnel available to serve as the senior officers of the Funds, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer.

 

In connection with the investment advisory services provided to the Funds, the Board discussed, in detail, with representatives of the Adviser, the management of the Funds’ investments in accordance with each Fund’s stated investment objective and policies. With respect to each Fund, the Board reviewed each portfolio management team’s experience and resources in employing each Fund’s strategy. In addition, the Trustees observed (a) with respect to Emerging Markets Fund, that the Emerging Markets Fund is the successor to the City National Rochdale Emerging Markets Fund (the “CNR Fund”) and that the CNR Fund was sub-advised by the Adviser prior to a reorganization with the Emerging Markets Fund that closed on June 4, 2018 and that prior to providing such sub-advisory services, the portfolio manager had been employed by CNR, which managed the Fund (since its inception in 2011) using substantially identical strategies as those currently being employed; and (b) with respect to the SMID Fund, that the SMID Fund is the successor to the APEXcm Small/Mid-Cap Growth Fund (the “Predecessor Fund”) and that the Adviser managed the Predecessor Fund prior to a reorganization with the SMID Fund that closed on February 12, 2018. The Board found it was reasonable to expect that each Fund would continue to receive the services required from the Adviser under their respective Advisory Agreements and that these services should be of high quality.

 

(b) Investment Performance of the Funds and Adviser

 

In connection with the evaluation of the services provided by the Adviser, the Trustees reviewed the performance of the Adviser for each Fund. In particular, the Trustees observed: (i) with respect to the Emerging Markets Fund, the Global Fund, the International Fund and the U.S. Equity Fund, each Fund’s outperformance of its benchmark for the one-year period, as well as for the period since its inception; and (ii) with respect to the SMID Fund, the Fund’s outperformance of its benchmark for the one-year period and solid absolute returns for the one-, three- and five-year periods.

 

60

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust

 

Approval of Investment Advisory Agreements
March 31, 2021 (Unaudited)

 

(c) Cost of the Services Provided and Profits Realized by the Adviser from its Relationship with the Funds

 

The Trustees reviewed the cost of services provided by the Adviser and the fees paid under the Advisory Agreements. (It was observed that no fees are paid under the Advisory Agreement between the Mauritius Subsidiary and the Adviser.) The Trustees also considered information showing a comparison of the advisory fees and expense ratios of each of the Funds compared with fees and expenses of other similarly managed open-end registered products, as well as fees of other accounts advised by the Adviser which employ investment strategies similar to that of the Funds. The Trustees noted: (i) with respect to the Emerging Markets Fund, the International Fund and the Global Fund, that each Fund’s management fee was slightly higher than its peer group median, but each Fund’s net expense ratio for Investor Class Shares ranked in the top half of its respective peer group; (ii) with respect to the U.S. Equity Fund, that the Fund’s management fee and net expense ratio for Investor Class Shares each ranked in the top half of its peer group and (iii) with respect to the SMID Fund, that although the Fund’s management fee was higher than the peer group median, its expense ratio for Investor Class Shares ranked in the top half of its peer group. The Trustees recalled the amendment to the SMID Fund’s Advisory Agreement adopted in February 2020, which reduced the Fund’s management fee by 5 basis points. In addition, the Trustees observed the effect of the expense limitations agreed to by the Adviser on each Fund’s expense ratio. Based on its review, the Board concluded that the level of the management fees for each Fund was fair and reasonable in light of the extent and quality of services that each Fund receives.

 

In reaching this conclusion, the Trustees also considered the profitability realized by the Adviser and its affiliates from the relationships with the Funds. The Trustees observed that the Adviser’s profitability from the Funds overall appeared non-excessive.

 

(d) Other Benefits

 

The Trustees then considered the direct and indirect benefits to the Adviser and its affiliates from its relationship with the Funds, including the fees paid pursuant to the Advisory Agreements, the Funds’ Shareholder Service Agreement with the Adviser, as well as soft dollars. The Board concluded that the Funds would benefit from those services and that the benefits to the Adviser derived from these relationships seemed fair and reasonable.

 

(e) Economies of Scale

 

The Trustees then considered the economies of scale that might be realized by the Adviser as a Fund grows and took note of the extent to which Fund shareholders might also benefit from such growth. The Trustees observed that although each Fund’s advisory fee rate is currently not subject to a breakpoint, none of the Funds, except the Emerging Markets Fund, has achieved meaningful scale. With respect to the Emerging Markets Fund, the Trustees noted that the Fund’s fee structure mirrors the structure that was in effect for the CNR Fund immediately prior to its reorganization into the Emerging Markets Fund and, since the reorganization, the Fund’s scale had been diminished materially as net assets have declined significantly. However, the Trustees agreed to reconsider the matter should the Emerging Markets Fund’s assets increase materially from their level at the time of reorganization.

 

Conclusion

 

Based on all of the foregoing, and such other matters as were deemed relevant, the Board found the fees under each Advisory Agreement to be fair and reasonable in light of the services provided by the Adviser. No single factor was determinative to the decision of the Board. Based on this determination, all of the Trustees, including all of the Independent Trustees, approved the renewal of the Advisory Agreement for each Fund for an additional one-year period.

 

61

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust

 

Statement Regarding Liquidity Risk Management Program

 

Rule 22e-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) requires open-end registered investment companies, including exchange traded funds (“ETFs”), to establish written liquidity risk management programs. Rule 22e-4 (the “Liquidity Rule”) seeks to promote effective liquidity risk management, thereby reducing the risk that open-end funds will be unable to meet their redemption obligations and mitigating dilution of the interests of fund shareholders.

 

Consistent with the Liquidity Rule, the Fiera Capital Series Trust (the “Trust”) adopted a Liquidity Risk Management Program (“the Program”) on behalf of each series of the Trust. Fiera Capital, Inc. (the “Adviser”), acting through its Liquidity Risk Committee (the “Committee”), serves as the Program Administrator. The Committee is responsible for, among other things, adopting and administering the Program on behalf of the Adviser pursuant to Rule 22e-4. The Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) approved the Adviser acting through the Committee as the Program Administrator for the Program with the responsibilities set forth in the Program.

 

At a meeting of the Board held on November 11, 2020, the Adviser provided an annual written report to the Board to address the operation of the Program and assess its adequacy and the effectiveness of its implementation. The Adviser noted that, over the past year, the Adviser did not: 1) alter the classification of the liquidity of any Fund’s portfolio investments, 2) breach the 15% limitation on illiquid investments for any Fund, or 3) exceed the minimum threshold of any Fund causing the designation of such Fund as a Primarily Highly Liquid Fund (as defined in the Program) to be changed. The Adviser reported that the Adviser believes that the Program has been implemented effectively and continues to function adequately. The Adviser further reported that there have been no material changes to the Program since its most recent annual report.

 

There can be no assurance that the Program will achieve its objectives in the future. Please refer to each Fund’s prospectus for more information regarding the Fund’s exposure to liquidity risk and other principal risks to which an investment in the Fund may be subject.

 

62

 

 

Fiera Capital Series Trust

 

Privacy Notice

 

An important part of our commitment to you is our respect to your right to privacy. Protecting all of the information we are either required to gather or which accumulates in the course of doing business with you is a cornerstone of our relationship with you. This Privacy Notice sets forth the policies of Fiera Capital Series Trust (the “Trust”) with respect to the collection, sharing and protection of non-public personal information of the Trust’s investors, prospective investors and former investors. These policies may be changed at any time, provided that a notice of such change is given to you. Please read this Privacy Notice carefully to understand what we do.

 

We collect personal information about you (such as your name, address, social security or tax identification number, assets and income) in the course of doing business with you or from documents that you may deliver to us or to an agent of the Trust. We may use this information to effectively administer our customer relationship with you. It also permits us to provide efficient, accurate and responsive service, to help protect you from unauthorized use of your information and to comply with regulatory and other legal requirements. These include those related to institutional risk control and the resolution of disputes or inquiries.

 

We do not disclose any nonpublic, personal information about the Trust’s investors, prospective investors or former investors to third parties, except as permitted or required by law. We maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards to protect such information, and limit access to such information to those employees who require it in order to provide services to you.

 

To service your account and effect transactions, we may provide your personal information to our affiliates and to non-affiliate firms (i.e., companies not related by common ownership or control) that assist us in servicing your account and have a need for such information, such as a broker or administrator. We may also disclose such information to service providers and financial institutions with whom we have marketing arrangements. We require third party service providers and financial institutions with which we have marketing arrangements to protect the confidentiality of your information and to use the information only for the purposes for which we disclose the information to them. We do not otherwise provide information about you to outside firms, organizations or individuals except to our attorneys, accountants and auditors and as permitted by law.

 

It may be necessary, under anti-money laundering or other laws, to disclose information about you in order to accept your purchase order. Information about you may also be released if you so direct, or if we, or an affiliate, are compelled to do so by law, or in connection with any government or self-regulatory organization request or investigation.

 

We are committed to upholding these privacy policies. We will notify you on an annual basis of our policies and practices in this regard and at any time that there is a material change thereto.

 

63

 

 

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Board of Trustees

 

Corey Dillon
Gerald Hellerman
Michael Kalbfleisch
Kevin Mirabile

 

Investment Adviser

 

Fiera Capital, Inc.
375 Park Avenue, 8th Floor
New York, New York 10152

 

Dividend Paying Agent, Custodian, Transfer Agent

 

UMB Fund Services
235 West Galena Street
Milwaukee, WI 53212

 

Distributor

 

Foreside Fund Services, LLC
3 Canal Plaza #100
Portland, ME 04101

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Deloitte & Touche LLP
555 East Wells Street, Suite 1400
Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

This report has been prepared for the general information of the shareholders. It is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors unless preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus. Each Fund’s prospectus contains more complete information about the objectives, policies, expenses and risks of the Fund. The Funds are not bank deposits, not FDIC insured and may lose value. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing or sending money.

 

This report contains certain forward looking statements which are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Forward looking statements generally include words such as ‘‘believes,’’ ‘‘expects,’’ ‘‘anticipates’’ and other words of similar import. Such risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the Risk Factors noted in each Fund’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Each Fund undertakes no obligation to update any forward looking statement.

 

 

 

 

(b) There were no notices transmitted to stockholders in reliance on Rule 30e-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, that contained disclosures specified by paragraph (c)(3) of that rule.

 

Item 2.  Code of Ethics

 

The Registrant has a code of ethics (the “Code”) that applies to the Registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer.  During the period covered by this report, there were no amendments to the provisions of the Code, nor were there any implicit or explicit waivers to the provisions of the Code. The Code is filed herewith.

 

Item 3.  Audit Committee Financial Expert

 

The Registrant’s Board of Trustees has determined that the Registrant has an audit committee financial expert serving on its audit committee who is “independent” within the meaning set forth in Item 3(a)(2) of Form N-CSR: Gerald Hellerman.  Under applicable securities laws, a person who is determined to be an audit committee financial expert will not be deemed an “expert” for any purpose, including without limitation for purposes of Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as a result of being designated or identified as an audit committee financial expert. The designation or identification of a person as an audit committee financial expert does not impose on such person any duties, obligations, or liabilities that are greater than the duties, obligations, and liabilities imposed on such person as a member of the audit committee and Board of Trustees in the absence of such designation or identification.

 

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

The aggregate fees billed for professional services by the principal accountant during the Registrant’s last two fiscal years were as follows:

 

(a) Audit Fees for Registrant.

 

  Fiscal year ended March 31, 2021  $118,500 
  Fiscal year ended March 31, 2020  $115,000 
        

(b) Audit-Related Fees for Registrant. These are fees by the Registrant’s independent auditors for assurance and related services that were reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the Registrant’s financial statements that are not reported under “Audit Fees”.

 

  Fiscal year ended March 31, 2021  $0 
  Fiscal year ended March 31, 2020  $0 
        

(c) Tax Fees for Registrant. These are fees for professional services rendered by the Registrant’s independent auditors for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning. These fees include federal, excise and state tax reviews, and tax agent services.

 

  Fiscal year ended March 31, 2021  $31,520 
  Fiscal year ended March 31, 2020  $38,670 
        

(d) All Other Fees.

 

  Fiscal year ended March 31, 2021   None 
  Fiscal year ended March 31, 2020   None 
        

(e) Audit Committee’s pre-approval policies and procedures.

 

 

 

(1) The Audit Committee has adopted pre-approval policies and procedures that require the Audit Committee to pre-approve all audit and non-audit services of the Registrant, including services provided to the Registrant’s investment adviser or any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Registrant’s investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the Registrant with respect to any engagement that directly relates to the operations and financial reporting of the Registrant.

 

(2) None of the services described in paragraphs (b) through (d) of this Item 4 were approved by the audit committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.

 

(f) None.

 

(g) During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021, there were no other non-audit services rendered by the Registrant’s principal accountant to the Registrant, its investment adviser or any entity controlling, controlled by or under the common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the Registrant.

 

(h) Not applicable.

 

Item 5.  Audit Committee of Listed Registrants

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 6.  Schedule of Investments

 

Included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this Form N-CSR.

 

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

 

Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

 

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

 

Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

 

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

 

Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

 

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

 

No material changes to report.

 

Item 11.  Controls and Procedures

 

(a)The Registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have reviewed the Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Act”)) as of a date within 90 days of the filing of this report, as required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the Act and Rule 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  Based on their review, such officers have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in this report is appropriately recorded, processed, summarized and reported and made known to them by others within the registrant and by the Registrant’s service provider.

 

 

 

(b)There were no changes in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(d)) that occurred during the period covered by this report that materially affected, or were 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) Code of Ethics. Filed herewith.

 

(2)Certifications of the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the registrant as required by Rule 30a-2(a) of the 1940 Act and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Filed herewith.

 

(3)Any written solicitation to purchase securities under Rule 23c-1 under the Act sent or given during the period covered by the report by or on behalf of the registrant to 10 or more persons. Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

 

(4)Change in the registrant’s independent public accountant. Not applicable

 

(b)Certification of the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the registrant as required by Rule 30a-2(b) of 1940 Act and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 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 Fiera Capital Series Trust  
     
By /s/ Michael Quigley  
Title Michael Quigley, Principal Executive Officer  
     
Date 06-07-2021  

 

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

 

By /s/ Michael Quigley  
Title Michael Quigley, Principal Executive Officer  
     
Date 06-07-2021  
     
By /s/ Dominic Grimard  
Title Dominic Grimard, Principal Financial Officer
     
Date 06-07-2021