N-CSRS 1 northsquare_ncsrs.htm NCSRS

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- 23373

 

 

NORTH SQUARE INVESTMENTS TRUST
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
 

 

200 West Madison Street, Suite 2610
Chicago, Illinois 60606
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

Alan E. Molotsky, Esq.

North Square Investments Trust

200 West Madison Street, Suite 2610

Chicago, Illinois 60606

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (312) 857-2160  

 

 

Date of fiscal year end:   May 31

 

Date of reporting period:   November 30, 2023

 

 

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

 

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

 

 

Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

 

(a)

 

(LOGO)

 

  

 

 

 

 
 
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
 
 
NORTH SQUARE SPECTRUM ALPHA FUND
NORTH SQUARE DYNAMIC SMALL CAP FUND
NORTH SQUARE ADVISORY RESEARCH SMALL CAP GROWTH FUND
NORTH SQUARE MULTI STRATEGY FUND
NORTH SQUARE PREFERRED AND INCOME SECURITIES FUND
NORTH SQUARE TACTICAL GROWTH FUND
NORTH SQUARE TACTICAL DEFENSIVE FUND
NORTH SQUARE TRILOGY ALTERNATIVE RETURN FUND
 
 
NOVEMBER 30, 2023
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(LOGO) North Square Investments | www.northsquareinvest.com

 

 

North Square Funds

 

Table of Contents

 

Fund Performance 1
Schedules of Investments 9
Statements of Assets and Liabilities 42
Statements of Operations 45
Statements of Changes in Net Assets 47
Financial Highlights 53
Notes to Financial Statements 70
Supplemental Information 84
Expense Examples 96

 

This report and the financial statements contained herein are provided for the general information of the shareholders of the North Square Funds. This report is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors in the Funds unless preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus.

 

www.northsquareinvest.com

 

 

North Square Spectrum Alpha Fund
FUND PERFORMANCE at November 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Average Annual Total Returns

(for the periods ended November 30, 2023)

 

  6 Month 1 Year 5 Year 10 Year
North Square Spectrum Alpha Fund - Class A        
Without Load 9.52% 5.88% 4.63% 5.05%
With Load(a) 3.21% -0.16% 3.40% 4.43%
North Square Spectrum Alpha Fund - Class I 9.77% 6.14% 4.89% 5.35%
Russell 2000 Index 3.39% -4.11% 3.36% 4.70%
Russell 2000 Total Return Index 4.24% -2.56% 4.78% 6.13%

 

(a)Maximum sales charge for Class A shares is 5.75%. No initial sales charge applies on investments of $500,000 or more, but a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% will be imposed on certain redemptions of such shares within 12 months of the date of purchase.

 

Returns reflect the reinvestment of distributions made by the Fund, if any. The graph and the performance table shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Total returns for less than one year are not annualized.

 

The Russell 2000 Index and the Russell 2000 Total Return Index are representative of a broader market and range of securities than is found in the Fund’s portfolio. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index; however, an individual may invest in exchange traded funds or other investment vehicles that attempt to track the performance of a benchmark index.

 

The Fund acquired all assets and assumed the liabilities of the Oak Ridge Small Cap Growth Fund (the “Predecessor Fund”) effective the close of business on May 10, 2019. As a result of the reorganization, the Fund is the accounting successor of the Predecessor Fund. Performance results shown in the table above for periods prior to the close of business on May 10, 2019 reflect the performance of the Predecessor Fund. Effective January 11, 2022, the Fund changed names to the North Square Spectrum Alpha Fund (formerly, North Square Oak Ridge Small Cap Growth Fund), changed investment strategy (Note 1), and changed Sub-Advisors to NSI Retail Advisors, LLC (formerly, Oak Ridge Investments, LLC).

 

Gross and net expense ratios for Class A shares were 1.88% and 2.26%, for Class I shares were 1.68% and 2.01%, which were the amounts stated in the current prospectus dated September 28, 2023. The net expense ratio is higher than the gross as a result of fee recoupment. For the Fund’s current one year expense ratios, please refer to the Financial Highlights section of this report. The Fund’s advisor has contractually agreed to waive its fees and/or pay for operating expenses of the Fund to ensure that total annual fund operating expenses do not exceed 1.30% and 1.05% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s Class A and Class I shares, respectively. This agreement is in effect until September 30, 2025, and it may be terminated before that date only by the Trust’s Board of Trustees. In the absence of such waivers, the Fund’s returns would have been lower.

 

The performance data quoted here represents past performance and past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance information quoted. The most recent month end performance may be obtained by calling 1-855-551-5521.

1

 

North Square Dynamic Small Cap Fund
FUND PERFORMANCE at November 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Average Annual Total Returns

(for the periods ended November 30, 2023)

 

  6 Month 1 Year 5 Year 10 Year Since Inception
(5/1/23)
North Square Dynamic Small Cap Fund - Class A          
Without Load 10.67% 9.59%
With Load(a) 4.31% 3.26%
North Square Dynamic Small Cap Fund - Class I 10.76% 8.57% 9.26% 9.72% N/A
Russell 2000 Total Return Index 4.24% -2.56% 4.78% 6.13% 3.26%

 

(a)Maximum sales charge for Class A shares is 5.75%. No initial sales charge applies on investments of $500,000 or more, but a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% will be imposed on certain redemptions of such shares within 12 months of the date of purchase.

 

Returns reflect the reinvestment of distributions made by the Fund, if any. The graph and the performance table shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Total returns for less than one year are not annualized.

 

The Russell 2000 Total Return Index is representative of a broader market and range of securities than is found in the Fund’s portfolio. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index; however, an individual may invest in exchange traded funds or other investment vehicles that attempt to track the performance of a benchmark index.

 

The Fund acquired all assets and assumed the liabilities of the Oak Ridge Dynamic Small Cap Fund (the “Predecessor Fund”) effective the close of business on May 10, 2019. The Predecessor Fund commenced operations on September 30, 2015 after the conversion of the Algert Global U.S. Small Cap account (the “Predecessor Account”). As a result of each reorganization, the Fund is the accounting successor of each the Predecessor Fund and Predecessor Account. Performance results shown in the performance table above between May 10, 2019 and September 30, 2015 represent the performance of the Predecessor Fund, and performance results shown prior to September 30, 2015 represent the performance of the Predecessor Account. The Predecessor Account was not registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), and therefore was not subject to certain restrictions imposed by the 1940 Act on registered investment companies and by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 on regulated investment companies. If the Predecessor Account had been registered under the 1940 Act, the Predecessor Account’s performance may have been adversely affected.

 

Gross and net expense ratios for Class A shares were 1.54% and 1.24%, for Class I shares were 1.33% and 0.99%, which were the amounts stated in the current prospectus dated September 28, 2023. For the Fund’s current one year expense ratios, please refer to the Financial Highlights section of this report. The Fund’s advisor has contractually agreed to waive its fees and/or pay for operating expenses of the Fund to ensure that total annual fund operating expenses do not exceed 1.24% and 0.99% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s Class A and Class I shares, respectively. This agreement is in effect until September 30, 2029, and it may be terminated before that date only by the Trust’s Board of Trustees. In the absence of such waivers, the Fund’s returns would have been lower.

 

The performance data quoted here represents past performance and past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance information quoted. The most recent month end performance may be obtained by calling 1-855-551-5521.

2

 

North Square Advisory Research Small Cap Growth Fund
FUND PERFORMANCE at November 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Average Annual Total Returns

(for the periods ended November 30, 2023)

 

  6 Month 1 Year 5 Year Since Inception
(7/29/16)
North Square Advisory Research Small Cap Growth Fund - Class I 0.28% 1.42% 7.26% 9.25%
Russell 2000 Growth Total Return Index 1.06% -0.83% 4.16% 6.91%

 

Returns reflect the reinvestment of distributions made by the Fund, if any. The graph and the performance table shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Total returns for less than one year are not annualized.

 

The Russell 2000 Growth Total Return Index is representative of a broader market and range of securities than is found in the Fund’s portfolio. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index; however, an individual may invest in exchange traded funds or other investment vehicles that attempt to track the performance of a benchmark index.

 

The Fund acquired all assets and assumed the liabilities of the Oak Ridge Disciplined Growth Fund (the “Predecessor Fund”) effective the close of business on May 10, 2019. As a result of the reorganization, the Fund is the accounting successor of the Predecessor Fund. Performance results shown in the table above for periods prior to the close of business on May 10, 2019 reflect the performance of the Predecessor Fund. Effective January 11, 2022, the Fund changed names to the North Square Advisory Research Small Cap Growth Fund (formerly, North Square Oak Ridge All Cap Growth Fund), changed investment strategy (Note 1), and changed Sub-Advisors to Advisory Research, Inc. (formerly, Oak Ridge Investments, LLC).

 

Gross and net expense ratios for Class A shares were 1.61% and 1.19%, for Class I shares were 1.36% and 0.94%, which were the amounts stated in the current prospectus dated September 28, 2023. For the Fund’s current one year expense ratios, please refer to the Financial Highlights section of this report. The Fund’s advisor has contractually agreed to waive its fees and/or pay for operating expenses of the Fund to ensure that total annual fund operating expenses do not exceed 1.19% and 0.94% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s Class A and Class I shares, respectively. This agreement is in effect until September 30, 2029, and it may be terminated before that date only by the Trust’s Board of Trustees. In the absence of such waivers, the Fund’s returns would have been lower.

 

The performance data quoted here represents past performance and past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance information quoted. The most recent month end performance may be obtained by calling 1-855-551-5521.

3

 

North Square Multi Strategy Fund
FUND PERFORMANCE at November 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Average Annual Total Returns

(for the periods ended November 30, 2023)

 

  6 Month 1 Year 5 Year 10 Year
North Square Multi Strategy Fund - Class A        
Without Load 7.62% 7.06% 8.48% 8.32%
With Load(a) 1.46% 0.89% 7.20% 7.68%
North Square Multi Strategy Fund - Class I 7.78% 7.27% 8.97% 8.62%
Russell 3000 Total Return Index 9.99% 12.61% 11.77% 11.19%

 

(a)Maximum sales charge for Class A shares is 5.75%. No initial sales charge applies on investments of $500,000 or more, but a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% will be imposed on certain redemptions of such shares within 12 months of the date of purchase.

 

Returns reflect the reinvestment of distributions made by the Fund, if any. The graph and the performance table shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Total returns for less than one year are not annualized.

 

The Russell 3000 Total Return Index is representative of a broader market and range of securities than is found in the Fund’s portfolio. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index; however, an individual may invest in exchange traded funds or other investment vehicles that attempt to track the performance of a benchmark index.

 

The Fund acquired all assets and assumed the liabilities of the Oak Ridge Multi Strategy Fund (the “Predecessor Fund”) effective the close of business on May 10, 2019. As a result of the reorganization, the Fund is the accounting successor of the Predecessor Fund. Performance results shown in the table above for periods prior to the close of business on May 10, 2019 reflect the performance of the Predecessor Fund. Effective September 30, 2021, the Fund changed Sub-Advisors to NSI Retail Advisors, LLC (formerly, Oak Ridge Investments, LLC).

 

Gross expense ratio for Class A shares was 1.52% and for Class I shares was 1.28%, which were the amounts stated in the current prospectus dated September 28, 2023. For the Fund’s current one year expense ratios, please refer to the Financial Highlights section of this report. The Fund’s advisor has contractually agreed to waive its fees and/or pay for operating expenses of the Fund to ensure that total annual fund operating expenses do not exceed 1.20% and 1.17% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s Class A and Class I shares, respectively. This agreement is in effect until September 30, 2029, and it may be terminated before that date only by the Trust’s Board of Trustees. In the absence of such waivers, the Fund’s returns would have been lower.

 

The performance data quoted here represents past performance and past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance information quoted. The most recent month end performance may be obtained by calling 1-855-551-5521.

4

 

North Square Preferred and Income Securities Fund
FUND PERFORMANCE at November 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Average Annual Total Returns

(for the periods ended November 30, 2023)

 

  6 Month 1 Year 5 Year 10 Year
North Square Preferred and Income Securities Fund - Class I 7.25% 10.29% 10.31% 10.15%
ICE BofAML Fixed Rate Preferred Securities Index 3.55% 5.18% 3.15% 4.53%

 

Returns reflect the reinvestment of distributions made by the Fund, if any. The graph and the performance table shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Total returns for less than one year are not annualized.

 

The ICE BofAML Fixed Rate Preferred Securities Index is representative of a broader market and range of securities than is found in the Fund’s portfolio. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index; however, an individual may invest in exchange traded funds or other investment vehicles that attempt to track the performance of a benchmark index.

 

The Fund acquired all assets and assumed the liabilities of the Oak Ridge Dividend Growth Fund (the “Predecessor Fund”) effective the close of business on May 10, 2019. As a result of the reorganization, the Fund is the accounting successor of the Predecessor Fund. Performance results shown in the table above for periods prior to the close of business on May 10, 2019 reflect the performance of the Predecessor Fund. Effective January 11, 2022, the Fund changed names to the North Square Preferred and Income Securities Fund (formerly, North Square Oak Ridge Dividend Growth Fund), changed investment strategy (Note 1), and changed Sub-Advisors to Red Cedar Investment Management, LLC (formerly, Oak Ridge Investments, LLC).

 

Gross and net expense ratios for Class I shares were 1.20% and 0.97%, respectively, which were the amounts stated in the current prospectus dated September 28, 2023. For the Fund’s current one year expense ratios, please refer to the Financial Highlights section of this report. The Fund’s advisor has contractually agreed to waive its fees and/or pay for operating expenses of the Fund to ensure that total annual fund operating expenses do not exceed 0.97% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s Class I shares. This agreement is in effect until September 30, 2029, and it may be terminated before that date only by the Trust’s Board of Trustees. In the absence of such waivers, the Fund’s returns would have been lower.

 

The performance data quoted here represents past performance and past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance information quoted. The most recent month end performance may be obtained by calling 1-855-551-5521.

5

 

North Square Tactical Growth Fund
FUND PERFORMANCE at November 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Average Annual Total Returns

(for the periods ended November 30, 2023)

 

  6 Month 1 Year 5 Year 10 Year
North Square Tactical Growth Fund - Class A        
Without Load 4.16% 6.02% 5.87% 5.90%
With Load(a) -1.85% -0.05% 4.63% 5.27%
North Square Tactical Growth Fund - Class C        
Without Load 3.73% 5.21% 5.07% 5.10%
With Load(b) 2.73% 4.24% 5.07% 5.10%
North Square Tactical Growth Fund - Class I 4.29% 6.29% 6.13% 6.16%
Morningstar Moderate Aggressive Target Risk 6.03% 7.08% 6.97% 6.52%

 

(a)Maximum sales charge for Class A shares is 5.75%. No initial sales charge applies on investments of $500,000 or more, but a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) of 1.00% will be imposed on certain redemptions of such shares within 12 months of the date of purchase.

 

(b)A CDSC of 1.00% will be charged on Class C Shares purchases that are redeemed in whole or in part within 12 months of the date of purchase.

 

Returns reflect the reinvestment of distributions made by the Fund, if any. The graph and the performance table shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Total returns for less than one year are not annualized.

 

The Morningstar Moderate Aggressive Target Risk Index is representative of a broader market and range of securities than is found in the Fund’s portfolio. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index; however, an individual may invest in exchange traded funds or other investment vehicles that attempt to track the performance of a benchmark index.

 

The Fund acquired all assets and assumed the liabilities of the Stadion Tactical Growth Fund (the “Predecessor Fund”) effective the close of business on June 11, 2021. The Predecessor Fund commenced operations on March 23, 2013 after the conversion of the ETF Market Opportunity Fund (the “Acquired Fund”), a series of Aviemore Trust. As a result of each reorganization, the Fund is the accounting successor of each the Predecessor Fund and Acquired Fund. Performance results shown in the performance table above between June 11, 2021 and March 23, 2013 reflect the performance of the Predecessor Fund, and performance results shown prior to March 23, 2013 represent the performance of the Acquired Fund.

 

Gross expense ratios for Class A, Class C and Class I shares were 1.87%, 2.63% and 1.63%, respectively, and net expense ratios for Class A, Class C, and Class I shares were 1.68%, 2.43% and 1.43%, respectively, which were the amounts stated in the current prospectus dated September 28, 2023. Expense ratios reported for other periods in the Financial Highlights section of this report may differ. The Fund’s advisor has contractually agreed to waive its fees and/or pay for operating expenses of the Fund to ensure that total annual fund operating expenses (exclusive of any taxes, leverage interest, brokerage commissions, dividend and interest expenses on short sales, any acquired fund fees and expenses, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization, extraordinary expenses such as litigation expenses, and payments, if any, under Rule 12b-1 Distribution Plan) do not exceed 1.30% of the average daily net assets of each class of the Fund. This agreement is in effect until September 30, 2025, and it may be terminated before that date only by the Trust’s Board of Trustees. In the absence of such waivers, the Fund’s returns would have been lower.

 

The performance data quoted here represents past performance and past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance information quoted. The most recent month end performance may be obtained by calling 1-855-551-5521.

6

 

North Square Tactical Defensive Fund
FUND PERFORMANCE at November 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Average Annual Total Returns

(for the periods ended November 30, 2023)

 

  6 Month 1 Year 5 Year 10 Year
North Square Tactical Defensive Fund - Class A        
Without Load 3.63% -0.50% 3.98% 3.86%
With Load(a) -2.32% -6.22% 2.75% 3.25%
North Square Tactical Defensive Fund - Class C        
Without Load 3.32% -1.17% 3.20% 3.08%
With Load(b) 2.32% -2.16% 3.20% 3.08%
North Square Tactical Defensive Fund - Class I 3.78% -0.24% 4.19% 4.08%
Morningstar Moderate Target Risk Index 4.28% 5.56% 5.58% 5.31%

 

(a)Maximum sales charge for Class A shares is 5.75%. No initial sales charge applies on investments of $500,000 or more, but a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) of 1.00% will be imposed on certain redemptions of such shares within 12 months of the date of purchase.

 

(b)A CDSC of 1.00% will be charged on Class C Shares purchases that are redeemed in whole or in part within 12 months of the date of purchase.

 

Returns reflect the reinvestment of distributions made by the Fund, if any. The graph and the performance table shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Total returns for less than one year are not annualized.

 

The Morningstar Moderate Target Risk Index is representative of a broader market and range of securities than is found in the Fund’s portfolio. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index; however, an individual may invest in exchange traded funds or other investment vehicles that attempt to track the performance of a benchmark index.

 

The Fund acquired all assets and assumed the liabilities of the Stadion Tactical Defensive Fund (the “Predecessor Fund”) effective the close of business on June 11, 2021. As a result of the reorganization, the Fund is the accounting successor of the Predecessor Fund. Performance results shown in the table above for periods prior to the close of business on June 11, 2021 reflect the performance of the Predecessor Fund.

 

Gross expense ratios for Class A, Class C and Class I shares were 2.09%, 2.86% and 1.89%, and net expense ratios for Class A, Class C, and Class I shares were 2.07%, 2.82% and 1.82%, respectively, which were the amounts stated in the current prospectus dated September 28, 2023. Expense ratios reported for other periods in the Financial Highlights section of this report may differ. The Fund’s advisor has contractually agreed to waive its fees and/or pay for operating expenses of the Fund to ensure that total annual fund operating expenses (exclusive of any taxes, leverage interest, brokerage commissions, dividend and interest expenses on short sales, any acquired fund fees and expenses, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization, extraordinary expenses such as litigation expenses, and payments, if any, under Rule 12b-1 Distribution Plan) do not exceed 1.70% of the average daily net assets of each class of the Fund. This agreement is in effect until September 30, 2025, and it may be terminated before that date only by the Trust’s Board of Trustees. In the absence of such waivers, the Fund’s returns would have been lower.

 

The performance data quoted here represents past performance and past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance information quoted. The most recent month end performance may be obtained by calling 1-855-551-5521.

7

 

North Square Trilogy Alternative Return Fund
FUND PERFORMANCE at November 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Average Annual Total Returns

(for the periods ended November 30, 2023)

 

  6 Month 1 Year 5 Year 10 Year
North Square Trilogy Alternative Return Fund - Class A        
Without Load -1.95% -3.97% -0.64% 0.36%
With Load(a) -7.61% -9.53% -1.81% -0.24%
North Square Trilogy Alternative Return Fund - Class C        
Without Load -2.32% -4.72% -1.38% -0.40%
With Load(b) -3.30% -5.67% -1.38% -0.40%
North Square Trilogy Alternative Return Fund - Class I -1.84% -3.73% -0.40% 0.59%
HFRX Absolute Return Index 2.88% 2.80% 2.26% 1.94%
Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index -0.80% 1.18% 0.71% 1.37%

 

(a)Maximum sales charge for Class A shares is 5.75%. No initial sales charge applies on investments of $500,000 or more, but a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) of 1.00% will be imposed on certain redemptions of such shares within 12 months of the date of purchase.

 

(b)A CDSC of 1.00% will be charged on Class C Shares purchases that are redeemed in whole or in part within 12 months of the date of purchase.

 

Returns reflect the reinvestment of distributions made by the Fund, if any. The graph and the performance table shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Total returns for less than one year are not annualized.

 

The HFRX Absolute Return Index and Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index are representative of a broader market and range of securities than is found in the Fund’s portfolio. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index; however, an individual may invest in exchange traded funds or other investment vehicles that attempt to track the performance of a benchmark index.

 

The Fund acquired all assets and assumed the liabilities of the Stadion Tactical Trilogy Alternative Return Fund (the “Predecessor Fund”) effective the close of business on June 11, 2021. As a result of the reorganization, the Fund is the accounting successor of the Predecessor Fund. Performance results shown in the table above for periods prior to the close of business on June 11, 2021 reflect the performance of the Predecessor Fund.

 

Gross expense ratios for Class A, Class C and Class I shares were 2.13%, 2.91% and 1.93%, respectively, and net expense ratios for Class A, Class C, and Class I shares were 1.67%, 2.42% and 1.42%, respectively, which were the amounts stated in the current prospectus dated September 28, 2023. Expense ratios reported for other periods in the Financial Highlights section of this report may differ. The Fund’s advisor has contractually agreed to waive its fees and/or pay for operating expenses of the Fund to ensure that total annual fund operating expenses (exclusive of any taxes, leverage interest, brokerage commissions, dividend and interest expenses on short sales, any acquired fund fees and expenses, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization, extraordinary expenses such as litigation expenses, and payments, if any, under Rule 12b-1 Distribution Plan) do not exceed 1.38% of the average daily net assets of the each class of the Fund. This agreement is in effect until September 30, 2025, and it may be terminated before that date only by the Trust’s Board of Trustees. In the absence of such waivers, the Fund’s returns would have been lower.

 

The performance data quoted here represents past performance and past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance information quoted. The most recent month end performance may be obtained by calling 1-855-551-5521.

8

 

North Square Spectrum Alpha Fund
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)
November 30, 2023

 

Shares      Fair Value 
     EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS — 2.5%     
 11,000   iShares® Russell 2000 ETF  $1,976,260 
     TOTAL EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS (Cost $2,003,015)   1,976,260 
           
     MUTUAL FUNDS — 96.9%     
 707,808   North Square Advisory Research Small Cap Growth Fund, Class I(a)(b)   7,573,541 
 1,375,846   North Square Advisory Research Small Value Fund, Class I(a)(b)   14,350,078 
 4,340,788   North Square Dynamic Small Cap Fund, Class I(a)(b)   53,608,728 
     TOTAL MUTUAL FUNDS (Cost $82,563,124)   75,532,347 
           
     SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 0.7%     
 517,729   First American Treasury Obligations Fund, Class X, 5.28%(c)   517,729 
     TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $517,729)   517,729 
     TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 100.1% (Cost $85,083,868)  $78,026,336 
     Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (0.1)%   (49,386)
     NET ASSETS — 100.0%  $77,976,950 

 

(a)Represents an investment greater than 25% of the Fund’s net assets. Performance of the Fund may be adversely impacted by concentrated investments in securities. The financial statements and portfolio holdings for these securities can be found at www.sec.gov. As of November 30, 2023, the percentage of net assets invested in Fidelity Investments Money Market Government Portfolio was 68.8% of the Fund.

 

(b)Affiliated Company. See Note 11.

 

(c)Rate disclosed is the seven day effective yield as of November 30, 2023.

 

ETF - Exchange-Traded Fund

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

9

 

North Square Spectrum Alpha Fund
SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)
As of November 30, 2023

 

   Percent of Total 
Security Type/Sector  Net Assets 
Exchange-Traded Funds   2.5%
Mutual Funds   96.9%
Short-Term Investments   0.7%
Total Investments   100.1%
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets   -0.1%
Total Net Assets   100.0%
      

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

10

 

North Square Dynamic Small Cap Fund
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)
November 30, 2023

 

Shares      Fair Value 
     COMMON STOCKS — 98.8%     
     COMMUNICATIONS — 2.3%     
     ENTERTAINMENT CONTENT — 0.6%     
 39,520   AMC Networks, Inc., Class A(a)  $602,285 
 21,160   IMAX Corp.(a)   337,502 
         939,787 
     INTERNET MEDIA & SERVICES — 1.2%     
 37,240   Upwork, Inc.(a)   524,712 
 31,430   Yelp, Inc.(a)   1,373,805 
         1,898,517 
     TELECOMMUNICATIONS — 0.5%     
 8,410   DigitalBridge Group, Inc.   145,157 
 23,050   GOGO, Inc.(a)   231,192 
 11,820   IDT Corp., Class B(a)   346,916 
         723,265 
     TOTAL COMMUNICATIONS   3,561,569 
           
     CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY — 16.2%     
     AUTOMOTIVE — 3.5%     
 46,370   Garret Motion, Inc.(a)   343,138 
 64,170   Harley-Davidson, Inc.   1,924,458 
 40,790   Modine Manufacturing Co.(a)   2,006,869 
 9,590   Visteon Corp.(a)   1,138,045 
         5,412,510 
     CONSUMER SERVICES — 1.0%     
 9,040   Grand Canyon Education, Inc.(a)   1,235,949 
 7,660   Rent-A-Center, Inc.   222,906 
         1,458,855 
     E-COMMERCE DISCRETIONARY — 0.3%     
 35,570   Rover Group, Inc.(a)   389,136 
           
     HOME & OFFICE PRODUCTS — 0.8%     
 46,440   Arhaus, Inc.(a)   432,821 
 20,610   Herman Miller, Inc.   531,737 
 16,360   Steelcase, Inc., Class A   201,392 
         1,165,950 
     HOME CONSTRUCTION — 3.7%     
 21,260   Armstrong World Industries, Inc.   1,803,060 
 27,100   Green Brick Partners, Inc.(a)   1,285,895 
 15,880   M/I Homes, Inc.(a)   1,675,499 
 6,070   Meritage Homes Corp.   857,691 
         5,622,145 
     LEISURE FACILITIES & SERVICES — 1.3%     
 27,300   Rush Street Interactive, Inc.(a)   114,933 
 25,000   St. Joe Co. (The)   1,285,749 

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

11

 

North Square Dynamic Small Cap Fund
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) – Continued
November 30, 2023

 

Shares      Fair Value 
     COMMON STOCKS (Continued)     
     CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY (Continued)     
     LEISURE FACILITIES & SERVICES (Continued)     
 5,720   Travel + Leisure Co.(a)  $203,861 
 33,360   Xponential Fitness, Inc., Class A(a)   455,698 
         2,060,241 
     RETAIL - DISCRETIONARY — 5.3%     
 42,600   Aspen Aerogels, Inc.(a)   446,448 
 25,850   Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc. (a)   2,077,306 
 139,120   Driven Brands Holdings, Inc. (a)   1,829,428 
 9,280   Genesco, Inc.(a)   346,794 
 7,930   Group 1 Automotive, Inc.   2,237,053 
 23,570   Rush Enterprises, Inc., Class A   935,022 
 810   Winmark Corp.   348,300 
         8,220,351 
     WHOLESALE - DISCRETIONARY — 0.3%     
 8,180   Eplus, Inc.(a)   519,266 
     TOTAL CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY   24,848,454 
           
     CONSUMER STAPLES — 8.3%     
     BEVERAGES — 1.1%     
 2,650   Boston Beer Co., Inc. (The), Class A(a)   940,114 
 9,800   National Beverage Corp.(a)   465,892 
 12,030   Vita Coco Co., Inc. (The)(a)   337,562 
         1,743,568 
     FOOD — 2.8%     
 47,180   BellRing Brands, Inc.(a)   2,495,822 
 26,880   Simply Good Foods Co. (The)(a)   1,041,331 
 40,990   Vital Farms, Inc.(a)   545,987 
         4,083,140 
     HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS — 1.7%     
 3,090   Central Garden & Pet Co., Class A(a)   112,105 
 10,360   e.l.f. Beauty, Inc.(a)   1,223,412 
 10,690   Inter Parfums, Inc.   1,337,961 
         2,673,478 
     RETAIL - CONSUMER STAPLES — 2.0%     
 184,390   Hims & Hers Health, Inc.(a)   1,639,227 
 21,880   PriceSmart, Inc.   1,474,493 
         3,113,720 
     TOBACCO & CANNABIS — 0.3%     
 9,780   Turning Point Brands, Inc.   223,277 
 28,820   Vector Group Ltd.   308,663 
         531,940 
           

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

12

 

North Square Dynamic Small Cap Fund
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) – Continued
November 30, 2023

 

Shares      Fair Value 
     COMMON STOCKS (Continued)     
     CONSUMER STAPLES (Continued)     
     WHOLESALE - CONSUMER STAPLES — 0.4%     
 38,520   United Natural Foods, Inc.(a)  $560,466 
     TOTAL CONSUMER STAPLES   12,706,312 
           
     ENERGY — 7.0%     
     OIL & GAS PRODUCERS — 4.9%     
 6,410   CVR Energy, Inc.   203,646 
 140,110   Equitrans Midstream Corp.   1,314,232 
 5,360   Magnolia Oil & Gas Corp., Class A   115,240 
 38,950   Par Pacific Holdings, Inc.(a)   1,334,817 
 32,740   PBF Energy, Inc., Class A   1,453,655 
 22,210   SandRidge Energy, Inc.   306,720 
 44,590   SM Energy Co.   1,669,895 
 35,920   Viper Energy Inc   1,107,054 
         7,505,259 
     OIL & GAS SERVICES & EQUIP — 0.7%     
 30,784   MRC Global, Inc.(a)   318,307 
 173,550   TETRA Technologies, Inc.(a)   819,156 
         1,137,463 
     OIL & GAS SERVICES & EQUIPMENT — 1.4%     
 43,940   Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc.(a)   565,508 
 16,820   Newpark Resources, Inc. (a)   116,899 
 49,670   Oceaneering International, Inc.(a)   1,026,182 
 8,610   Seadrill Ltd.(a)   382,112 
         2,090,701 
     TOTAL ENERGY   10,733,423 
           
     FINANCIALS — 10.5%     
     ASSET MANAGEMENT — 1.1%     
 54,190   Federated Hermes, Inc., Class B   1,724,326 
           
     BANKING — 6.1%     
 11,510   Axos Financial, Inc.(a)   440,488 
 29,504   Bancorp, Inc. (The)(a)   1,150,951 
 24,350   Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son Ltd. (The)(a)   675,226 
 50,570   BankUnited, Inc.   1,395,226 
 6,030   Central Pacific Financial Corp.   105,947 
 28,245   Customers Bancorp, Inc. (a)   1,273,002 
 61,530   First BanCorp.   922,950 
 66,540   First Foundation, Inc.(a)   391,255 
 15,358   Hanmi Financial Corp.   255,557 
 20,450   Heritage Commerce Corp.   173,621 
 7,790   Live Oak Bancshares, Inc.   261,744 
 11,670   OFG Bancorp   391,645 
           

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

13

 

North Square Dynamic Small Cap Fund
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) – Continued
November 30, 2023

 

Shares      Fair Value 
     COMMON STOCKS (Continued)     
     FINANCIALS (Continued)     
     BANKING (Continued)     
 3,150   Preferred Bank  $194,135 
 29,680   Veritex Holdings, Inc.   568,075 
 20,150   Western Alliance Bancorp   1,032,083 
         9,231,905 
     COMMERCIAL SUPPORT SERVICES — 0.5%     
 3,847   CorVel Corp.(a)   803,484 
           
     INSURANCE — 2.3%     
 29,200   Brighthouse Financial, Inc.(a)   1,519,277 
 20,700   James River Group Holdings Ltd.   185,886 
 27,190   Lincoln National Corp.   646,578 
 20,810   NMI Holdings, Inc., Class A(a)   572,275 
 5,840   Palomar Holdings, Inc.(a)   341,698 
 27,830   SiriusPoint Ltd.(a)   297,224 
         3,562,938 
     SPECIALTY FINANCE — 0.5%     
 27,072   Enact Holdings, Inc.   750,165 
     TOTAL FINANCIALS   16,072,818 
           
     HEALTH CARE — 12.9%     
     BIOTECH & PHARMA — 9.5%     
 71,580   ACADIA Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   1,594,801 
 57,890   Alkermes PLC(a)   1,397,465 
 120,780   Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   520,562 
 40,530   Amylyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   573,905 
 25,670   Corcept Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   653,815 
 49,860   Deciphera Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   628,735 
 38,620   Dyne Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   427,910 
 37,960   Harmony Biosciences Holdings, Inc.(a)   1,103,118 
 52,330   ImmunoGen, Inc.(a)   1,535,885 
 53,590   Kura Oncology, Inc.(a)   518,215 
 27,920   Kymera Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   579,619 
 7,460   Merus NV(a)   184,560 
 4,400   Protagonist Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   80,124 
 121,860   Syndax Pharmaceuticals(a)   2,028,359 
 96,010   uniQure NV(a)   650,948 
 65,050   Vir Biotechnology, Inc.(a)   617,325 
 38,920   Xenon Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   1,423,694 
         14,519,040 
     COMMERCIAL SUPPORT SERVICES — 0.6%     
 13,700   AMN Healthcare Services, Inc.(a)   928,860 

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

14

 

North Square Dynamic Small Cap Fund
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) – Continued
November 30, 2023

 

Shares      Fair Value 
     COMMON STOCKS (Continued)     
     HEALTH CARE (Continued)     
     HEALTH CARE FACILITIES & SERVICES — 1.6%     
 1,652   Medpace Holdings, Inc.(a)  $447,229 
 11,180   Pennant Group, Inc. (The)(a)   153,390 
 54,730   Progyny, Inc.(a)   1,880,523 
         2,481,142 
     MEDICAL EQUIPMENT & DEVICES — 1.2%     
 4,180   Castle Biosciences, Inc.(a)   83,558 
 11,060   Lantheus Holdings, Inc.(a)   792,117 
 47,330   Orthofix Medical Inc.(a)   522,997 
 25,780   Tactile Systems Technology, Inc.(a)   343,647 
 4,330   Veracyte, Inc.(a)   110,848 
         1,853,167 
     TOTAL HEALTH CARE   19,782,209 
           
     INDUSTRIALS — 12.7%     
     AEROSPACE & DEFENSE — 0.3%     
 5,690   AAR Corp.(a)   394,317 
           
     COMMERCIAL SUPPORT SERVICES — 2.9%     
 32,160   Brady Corp., Class A   1,809,642 
 11,910   Cimpress PLC(a)   839,536 
 87,440   LegalZoom.com, Inc.(a)   1,008,183 
 67,700   ZipRecruiter, Inc., Class A(a)   907,857 
         4,565,218 
     ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT — 1.6%     
 21,270   Itron, Inc.(a)   1,433,173 
 31,940   Napco Security Technologies, Inc.(a)   977,364 
         2,410,537 
     ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION — 2.9%     
 10,980   Encore Wire Corp.   2,023,614 
 60,560   Frontdoor, Inc.(a)   2,079,024 
 11,540   Primoris Services Corp.   350,354 
         4,452,992 
     INDUSTRIAL INTERMEDIATE PRODUCTS — 0.3%     
 42,710   Janus International Group, Inc., Class A(a)   450,591 
           
     INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT SERVICES — 0.8%     
 4,500   Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc.   720,315 
 22,400   Titan Machinery, Inc.(a)   512,064 
         1,232,379 
     MACHINERY — 0.5%     
 2,810   Albany International Corp., Class A   241,154 
 24,210   CECO Environmental Corp.(a)   466,043 

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

15

 

North Square Dynamic Small Cap Fund
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) – Continued
November 30, 2023

 

Shares      Fair Value 
     COMMON STOCKS (Continued)     
     INDUSTRIALS (Continued)     
     MACHINERY (Continued)     
 8,700   Luxfer Holdings PLC(a)  $71,775 
         778,972 
     RETAIL - DISCRETIONARY — 1.7%     
 9,225   BlueLinx Holdings, Inc.(a)   810,416 
 26,610   GMS, Inc.(a)   1,799,901 
         2,610,317 
     TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS — 1.7%     
 21,250   Hub Group, Inc., Class A(a)   1,605,438 
 18,020   SkyWest, Inc.(a)   851,986 
 6,020   Spirit Airlines, Inc.(a)   89,216 
         2,546,640 
     TOTAL INDUSTRIALS   19,441,963 
           
     MATERIALS — 5.8%     
     CHEMICALS — 0.9%     
 8,780   Innospec, Inc.   922,515 
 2,570   Koppers Holdings, Inc.   116,087 
 17,510   Orion Engineered Carbons SA   417,263 
         1,455,865 
     CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS — 0.8%     
 33,186   Summit Materials, Inc., Class A(a)   1,151,222 
           
     CONTAINERS & PACKAGING — 0.6%     
 63,360   O-I Glass, Inc.(a)   935,194 
           
     FORESTRY, PAPER & WOOD PRODUCTS — 3.0%     
 21,750   Boise Cascade Co.   2,377,275 
 33,790   Louisiana-Pacific Corp.   2,060,852 
 1,260   UFP Industries, Inc.   138,134 
         4,576,261 
     METALS & MINING — 0.5%     
 260,160   Coeur Mining, Inc.(a)   793,488 
     TOTAL MATERIALS   8,912,030 
           
     REAL ESTATE — 5.0%     
     HOME CONSTRUCTION — 0.5%     
 24,007   Forestar Group, Inc.(a)   732,934 
           
     REAL ESTATE SERVICES — 0.7%     
 115,000   Anywhere Real Estate, Inc.(a)   618,700 
 9,900   Assetmark Financial Holdings, Inc.(a)   253,836 
 57,540   Compass, Inc., Class A(a)   127,739 
         1,000,275 

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

16

 

North Square Dynamic Small Cap Fund
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) – Continued
November 30, 2023

 

Shares      Fair Value 
     COMMON STOCKS (Continued)     
     REAL ESTATE (Continued)     
     REIT — 3.8%     
 34,148   American Assets Trust, Inc.  $687,741 
 55,690   Brandywine Realty Trust   248,377 
 19,644   Chatham Lodging Trust   194,672 
 94,450   Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc.   554,422 
 19,351   National Storage Affiliates Trust   642,260 
 152,300   OUTFRONT Media, Inc.   1,862,628 
 17,730   Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc.   1,779,205 
         5,969,305 
     TOTAL REAL ESTATE   7,702,514 
           
     TECHNOLOGY — 16.8%     
     COMMERCIAL SUPPORT SERVICES — 1.4%     
 24,010   ASGN, Inc.(a)   2,142,652 
           
     SEMICONDUCTORS — 1.8%     
 10,350   Alpha & Omega SemiConductor Ltd.(a)   221,387 
 7,560   Axcelis Technologies, Inc.(a)   939,556 
 4,610   Cirrus Logic, Inc.(a)   349,945 
 47,525   MaxLinear, Inc.(a)   890,143 
 19,389   Photronics, Inc.(a)   409,690 
         2,810,721 
     SOFTWARE — 8.5%     
 11,980   Agilysys, Inc.(a)   1,031,358 
 20,540   Alarm.com Holdings, Inc.(a)   1,119,019 
 900   Appfolio, Inc., Class A(a)   170,325 
 8,530   Bandwidth, Inc., Class A(a)   93,659 
 5,420   Blackbaud, Inc.(a)   407,801 
 96,680   Clear Secure, Inc.   2,062,185 
 23,380   CommVault Systems, Inc.(a)   1,720,300 
 10,740   Donnelley Financial Solutions, Inc.(a)   633,875 
 10,932   Duolingo, Inc.(a)   2,320,755 
 2,430   PDF Solutions, Inc.(a)   72,876 
 9,680   Sapiens International Corp. NV   249,066 
 10,810   Smartsheet, Inc., Class A(a)   458,128 
 104,790   Sprinklr, Inc., Class A(a)   1,643,107 
 12,530   Teradata Corp.(a)   592,043 
 32,030   Weave Communications, Inc.(a)   302,363 
         12,876,860 
     TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE — 2.4%     
 60,290   A10 Networks, Inc.   753,022 
 35,910   Arlo Technologies, Inc.(a)   326,422 
 34,860   Avnet, Inc.   1,630,054 
           

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

17

 

North Square Dynamic Small Cap Fund
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) – Continued
November 30, 2023

 

Shares      Fair Value 
     COMMON STOCKS (Continued)     
     TECHNOLOGY (Continued)     
     TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE (Continued)     
 62,630   Goosehead Insurance, Inc., Class A(a)  $419,621 
 7,030   Sanmina Corp.(a)   352,273 
 730   Super Micro Computer, Inc.(a)   199,633 
         3,681,025 
     TECHNOLOGY SERVICES — 2.7%     
 21,000   Euronet Worldwide, Inc.(a)   1,831,620 
 11,910   ExlService Holdings, Inc.(a)   337,887 
 66,870   Integral Ad Science Holding Corp.(a)   975,633 
 27,440   Open Lending Corp.(a)   175,342 
 56,000   StoneCo Ltd.(a)   873,600 
         4,194,082 
     TOTAL TECHNOLOGY   25,705,340 
           
     UTILITIES — 1.3%     
     ELECTRIC UTILITIES — 1.3%     
 82,840   Clearway Energy, Inc., Class C   2,068,515 
     TOTAL UTILITIES   2,068,515 
           
     TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $140,744,862)   151,535,147 
           
     EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS — 0.3%     
 2,560   iShares® Russell 2000 ETF   459,930 
     TOTAL EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS (Cost $460,102)   459,930 
           

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

18

 

North Square Dynamic Small Cap Fund
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) – Continued
November 30, 2023

 

Shares      Fair Value 
     RIGHTS — 0.0%(b)     
     BIOTECH & PHARMA — 0.0% (b)     
 29,400   Novartis A.G. CVR  $ 
     TOTAL RIGHTS (Cost $–)    
           
     SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 1.1%     
 1,662,328   First American Treasury Obligations Fund, Class X, 5.28%(c)   1,662,328 
     TOTAL SHORT—TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $1,662,328)   1,662,328 
     TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 100.2% (Cost $142,867,292)  $153,657,405 
     Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (0.2)%   (286,864)
     NET ASSETS — 100.0%  $153,370,541 
           
(a)Non-income producing security.

 

(b)Percentage rounds to less than 0.1%.

 

(c)Rate disclosed is the seven day effective yield as of November 30, 2023.

 

ETF - Exchange-Traded Fund

 

LTD - Limited Company

 

NV - Naamioze Vennootschap

 

PLC - Public Limited Company

 

REIT - Real Estate Investment Trust

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

19

 

North Square Dynamic Small Cap Fund
SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)
As of November 30, 2023

 

   Percent of Total 
Security Type/Sector  Net Assets 
Common Stocks     
Communications   2.3%
Consumer Discretionary   16.2%
Consumer Staples   8.3%
Energy   7.0%
Financials   10.5%
Health Care   12.9%
Industrials   12.7%
Materials   5.8%
Real Estate   5.0%
Technology   16.8%
Utilities   1.3%
Total Common Stocks   98.8%
Exchange-Traded Funds   0.3%
Short-Term Investments   1.1%
Total Investments   100.2%
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets   -0.2%
Total Net Assets   100.0%
      

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

20

 

North Square Advisory Research Small Cap Growth Fund
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)
November 30, 2023

 

Shares      Fair Value 
     COMMON STOCKS — 99.7%     
     COMMUNICATIONS — 0.9%     
     INTERNET MEDIA & SERVICES — 0.9%     
 4,277   Upwork, Inc.(a)  $60,263 
 478   Yelp, Inc.(a)   20,893 
         81,156 
     TOTAL COMMUNICATIONS   81,156 
           
     CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY — 12.1%     
     AUTOMOTIVE — 3.0%     
 5,620   Modine Manufacturing Co.(a)   276,505 
           
     CONSUMER SERVICES — 2.9%     
 7,734   Coursera, Inc.(a)   152,746 
 1,825   Stride, Inc.(a)   110,559 
         263,305 
     HOME & OFFICE PRODUCTS — 0.7%     
 2,323   Herman Miller, Inc.   59,933 
           
     HOME CONSTRUCTION — 1.2%     
 212   Armstrong World Industries, Inc.   17,980 
 1,895   Green Brick Partners, Inc.(a)   89,917 
         107,897 
     LEISURE FACILITIES & SERVICES — 1.8%     
 7,070   Arcos Dorados Holdings, Inc., Class A   81,941 
 8,133   Sweetgreen, Inc.(a)   76,532 
         158,473 
     RETAIL — DISCRETIONARY — 2.3%     
 697   Abercrombie & Fitch Co., Class A(a)   52,895 
 577   Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc.(a)   46,368 
 1,543   Carvana Co.(a)   48,327 
 1,752   Urban Outfitters, Inc.(a)   62,546 
         210,136 
     WHOLESALE — DISCRETIONARY — 0.2%     
 761   G-III Apparel Group Ltd.(a)   21,894 
     TOTAL CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY   1,098,143 
           
     CONSUMER STAPLES — 1.7%     
     HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS — 0.7%     
 559   e.l.f. Beauty, Inc.(a)   66,012 
           
     RETAIL — CONSUMER STAPLES — 1.0%     
 2,104   Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc.(a)   90,641 
     TOTAL CONSUMER STAPLES   156,653 
           

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

21

 

North Square Advisory Research Small Cap Growth Fund
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) – Continued
November 30, 2023

 

Shares      Fair Value 
     COMMON STOCKS (Continued)     
     ENERGY — 4.9%     
     OIL & GAS PRODUCERS — 2.6%     
 604   Gulport Energy Corp.(a)  $82,772 
 1,490   Matador Resources Co.   86,241 
 5,177   Permian Resources Corp.   68,026 
         237,039 
     OIL & GAS SERVICES & EQUIPMENT — 2.3%     
 792   Noble Corp. PLC, Class A   36,543 
 1,946   Thermon Group Holdings, Inc.(a)   58,672 
 1,258   Weatherford International PLC(a)   114,088 
         209,303 
     TOTAL ENERGY   446,342 
           
     FINANCIALS — 9.4%     
     ASSET MANAGEMENT — 3.3%     
 3,870   Donnelley Financial Solutions, Inc.(a)   228,407 
 2,093   Victory Capital Holdings, Inc., Class A   67,290 
         295,697 
     BANKING — 3.7%     
 2,688   Bancorp, Inc. (The)(a)   104,859 
 2,765   Customers Bancorp, Inc.(a)   124,619 
 1,483   UMB Financial Corp.   106,272 
         335,750 
     INSTITUTIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES — 0.6%     
 613   PJT Partners, Inc., Class A   55,207 
           
     INSURANCE — 1.1%     
 1,316   Goosehead Insurance, Inc., Class A(a)   96,436 
           
     SPECIALTY FINANCE — 0.7%     
 849   PennyMac Financial Services, Inc.   66,044 
     TOTAL FINANCIALS   849,134 
           
     HEALTH CARE — 20.7%     
     BIOTECH & PHARMA — 9.8%     
 1,599   Arcellx, Inc.(a)   83,995 
 6,859   Avadel Pharmaceuticals Public Limited Co. — ADR(a)   79,153 
 1,447   Blueprint Medicines Corp.(a)   100,769 
 5,940   CymaBay Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   113,632 
 4,653   ImmunoGen, Inc.(a)   136,567 
 3,366   Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals Ltd.(a)   54,428 
 742   Krystal Biotech, Inc.(a)   77,339 
 1,515   Nuvalent, Inc.(a)   99,036 
 2,161   Twist Bioscience Corp.(a)   51,972 
           

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

22

 

North Square Advisory Research Small Cap Growth Fund
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) – Continued
November 30, 2023

 

Shares      Fair Value 
     COMMON STOCKS (Continued)     
     HEALTH CARE (Continued)     
     BIOTECH & PHARMA (Continued)     
 1,786   Vaxcyte, Inc.(a)  $92,461 
         889,352 
     HEALTH CARE FACILITIES & SERVICES — 5.0%     
 952   HealthEquity, Inc.(a)   63,803 
 490   Medpace Holdings, Inc.(a)   132,653 
 29,987   Oscar Health, Inc., Class A(a)   254,889 
         451,345 
     MEDICAL EQUIPMENT & DEVICES — 5.9%     
 1,137   Axonics, Inc.(a)   63,661 
 7,504   RxSight, Inc.(a)   226,321 
 3,262   TransMedics Group, Inc.(a)   246,867 
         536,849 
     TOTAL HEALTH CARE   1,877,546 
           
     INDUSTRIALS — 21.9%     
     AEROSPACE & DEFENSE — 1.4%     
 568   Aerovironment, Inc.(a)   78,163 
 1,641   Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc., Class A(a)   45,111 
         123,274 
     COMMERCIAL SUPPORT SERVICES — 3.4%     
 37,645   Denison Mines Corp.(a)   68,890 
 2,265   Huron Consulting Group, Inc.(a)   235,945 
         304,835 
     CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS — 1.3%     
 3,428   Tecnoglass, Inc.   119,466 
           
     ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT — 6.3%     
 2,838   BWX Technologies, Inc.   221,449 
 2,204   Camtek Ltd.(a)   139,910 
 508   Encore Wire Corp.   93,624 
 1,524   Mirion Technologies Inc.(a)   13,609 
 1,217   Powell Industries, Inc.(a)   101,206 
         569,798 
     ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION — 3.0%     
 1,616   Construction Partners Inc., Class A(a)   67,807 
 3,531   Fluor Corp.(a)   134,285 
 986   IES Holdings, Inc.(a)   68,990 
         271,082 
     MACHINERY — 3.0%     
 761   Standex International, Inc.   101,837 
 3,213   Symbotic, Inc., Class A(a)   169,903 
         271,740 
           

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

23

 

North Square Advisory Research Small Cap Growth Fund
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) – Continued
November 30, 2023

 

Shares      Fair Value 
     COMMON STOCKS (Continued)     
     INDUSTRIALS (Continued)     
     STEEL — 2.5%     
 5,077   Allegheny Technologies, Inc.(a)  $223,134 
           
     TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS — 1.0%     
 1,893   SkyWest, Inc.(a)   89,501 
     TOTAL INDUSTRIALS   1,972,830 
           
     MATERIALS — 3.8%     
     CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS — 0.6%     
 316   Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.   52,763 
           
     METALS & MINING — 1.3%     
 17,554   Uranium Energy Corp.(a)   114,452 
           
     STEEL — 1.9%     
 2,457   Carpenter Technology Corp.   173,980 
     TOTAL MATERIALS   341,195 
           
     TECHNOLOGY — 24.3%     
     SEMICONDUCTORS — 2.2%     
 937   Aehr Test Systems(a)   21,514 
 674   Axcelis Technologies, Inc.(a)   83,764 
 532   Impinj, Inc.(a)   44,470 
 1,630   Veeco Instruments, Inc.(a)   46,504 
         196,252 
     SOFTWARE — 18.4%     
 7,537   Alkami Technology, Inc.(a)   171,617 
 3,531   C3.ai, Inc., Class A(a)   102,823 
 14,274   Cellebrite DI Ltd.(a)   120,615 
 2,980   Docebo, Inc.(a)   132,968 
 1,626   Duolingo, Inc.(a)   345,183 
 1,026   Intapp, Inc.(a)   38,475 
 721   Monday.com Ltd.(a)   129,665 
 8,208   Samsara, Inc., Class A(a)   226,047 
 1,750   Varonis Systems, Inc.(a)   73,308 
 6,144   Vertex, Inc., Class A(a)   172,401 
 1,510   Workiva, Inc., Class A(a)   145,217 
         1,658,319 
     TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE — 3.2%     
 1,169   Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd.(a)   20,937 
 806   ESCO Technologies, Inc.   84,614 
 5,678   Harmonic, Inc.(a)   62,799 
 455   Super Micro Computer, Inc.(a)   124,428 
         292,778 

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

24

 

North Square Advisory Research Small Cap Growth Fund
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) – Continued
November 30, 2023

 

Shares      Fair Value 
     COMMON STOCKS (Continued)     
     TECHNOLOGY (Continued)     
     TECHNOLOGY SERVICES — 0.5%     
 2,656   Paymentus Holdings, Inc.(a)  $45,869 
     TOTAL TECHNOLOGY   2,193,218 
           
     TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $7,503,790)   9,016,217 
           
     SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 0.2%     
 19,503   First American Treasury Obligations Fund, Class X, 5.28%(b)   19,503 
     TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $19,503)   19,503 
     TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 99.9% (Cost $7,523,293)  $9,035,720 
     Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 0.1%   12,714 
     NET ASSETS — 100.0%  $9,048,434 
           
(a)Non-income producing security.

 

(b)Rate disclosed is the seven day effective yield as of November 30, 2023.

 

ADR - American Depositary Receipt

 

LTD - Limited Company

 

PLC - Public Limited Company

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

25

 

North Square Advisory Research Small Cap Growth Fund
SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)
As of November 30, 2023

 

   Percent of Total 
Security Type/Sector  Net Assets 
Common Stocks     
Communications   0.9%
Consumer Discretionary   12.1%
Consumer Staples   1.7%
Energy   4.9%
Financials   9.4%
Health Care   20.7%
Industrials   21.9%
Materials   3.8%
Technology   24.3%
Total Common Stocks   99.7%
Short-Term Investments   0.2%
Total Investments   99.9%
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities   0.1%
Total Net Assets   100.0%
      

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

26

 

North Square Multi Strategy Fund
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)
November 30, 2023

 

Shares      Fair Value 
     EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS — 31.6%     
 16,000   Invesco® S&P 500® GARP ETF  $1,494,720 
 10,060   iShares® Core S&P 500® ETF   4,611,705 
 19,000   Vanguard® Dividend Appreciation ETF   3,126,070 
 4,800   Vanguard® Growth ETF   1,433,136 
 15,785   Vanguard® Value ETF   2,261,359 
     TOTAL EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS (Cost $12,474,456)   12,926,990 
           
     MUTUAL FUNDS — 66.9%     
 128,057   North Square Advisory Research Small Cap Growth Fund, Class I(a)   1,370,210 
 215,696   North Square Advisory Research Small Value Fund, Class I(a)   2,249,712 
 524,220   North Square Altrinsic International Equity Fund, Class I(a)   5,556,733 
 651,441   North Square Dynamic Small Cap Fund, Class I(a)   8,045,297 
 475,965   North Square McKee Bond Fund, Class I(a)   4,088,536 
 322,448   North Square Preferred And Income Securities Fund, Class I(a)   6,013,661 
     TOTAL MUTUAL FUNDS (Cost $25,700,556)   27,324,149 
           
     SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 1.9%     
 781,928   First American Treasury Obligations Fund, Class X, 5.28%(b)   781,928 
     TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $781,928)   781,928 
     TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 100.4% (Cost $38,957,030)  $41,033,067 
     Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (0.4)%   (176,940)
     NET ASSETS — 100.0%  $40,856,127 

 

(a)Affiliated Company. See Note 11.

 

(b)Rate disclosed is the seven day effective yield as of November 30, 2023.

 

ETF - Exchange-Traded Fund

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

27

 

North Square Multi Strategy Fund
SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)
As of November 30, 2023

 

   Percent of Total 
Security Type/Sector  Net Assets 
Exchange-Traded Funds   31.6%
Mutual Funds   66.9%
Short-Term Investments   1.9%
Total Investments   100.4%
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets   -0.4%
Total Net Assets   100.0%

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

28

 

North Square Preferred and Income Securities Fund
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)
November 30, 2023
 
Principal        
Amount ($)      Fair Value 
     CORPORATE BONDS — 98.4%     
     CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY — 1.7%     
     AUTOMOTIVE — 1.7%     
 1,557,000   General Motors Financial Co., Inc., 5.750%, Perpetual  $1,307,880 
     TOTAL CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY   1,307,880 
           
     ENERGY — 7.3%     
     OIL & GAS PRODUCERS — 7.3%     
 1,700,000   Enbridge, Inc., 8.500%, 01/15/84   1,709,649 
 1,500,000   Energy Transfer LP, 9.669%, 02/15/67   1,426,740 
 700,000   Energy Transfer LP, 7.125%, 05/15/70(a)   621,579 
 2,000,000   Plains All American Pipeline LP, 9.751%, 12/31/49(a)   1,913,508 
     TOTAL ENERGY   5,671,476 
           
     FINANCIALS — 80.2%     
     ASSET MANAGEMENT — 2.9%     
 3,000,000   UBS Group AG, 4.375%, Perpetual   2,246,866 
           
     BANKING — 64.8%     
 2,000,000   Banco Santander SA, 4.750%, Perpetual   1,563,283 
 3,398,000   Bank of America Corp., 4.300%, 07/28/72   3,142,260 
 1,000,000   Barclays PLC, 5.992%, Perpetual   928,724 
 500,000   Barclays PLC, 9.625%, Perpetual   502,250 
 3,000,000   BNP Paribas SA, 4.625%, Perpetual   2,532,251 
 3,750,000   Citigroup, Inc., 3.875%, Perpetual   3,272,547 
 1,295,000   Citizens Financial Group, Inc., 6.375%, Perpetual   1,114,331 
 1,001,000   Citizens Financial Group, Inc., 8.687%, Perpetual   860,404 
 2,662,000   Comerica, Inc., 5.625%, Perpetual   2,430,457 
 2,500,000   Credit Agricole SA, 4.750%, Perpetual   2,007,468 
 2,000,000   Fifth Third Bancorp, 8.689%, 12/31/49   1,862,595 
 2,000,000   HSBC Holdings PLC, 4.700%, Perpetual   1,514,614 
 1,000,000   Huntington Bancshares, Inc., 4.045%, 03/15/68   852,226 
 1,686,000   Huntington Bancshares, Inc., 8.535%, Perpetual   1,515,855 
 3,000,000   ING Groep NV, 3.875%, Perpetual   2,272,317 
 443,000   JPMorgan Chase & Co., 4.600%, (United States SOFR Secured Overnight Financing Rate + 3.125%), Perpetual(a)   426,319 
 3,583,000   KeyCorp, 4.891%, (ICE LIBOR USD 3 Month + 3.606%), Perpetual   2,781,889 
 2,000,000   Lloyds Banking Group PLC, 8.000%, Perpetual   1,899,157 
 2,700,000   M&T Bank Corp., 5.125%, Perpetual   2,186,595 
 2,500,000   NatWest Group PLC, 4.600%, Perpetual   1,760,069 
 2,963,000   PNC Financial Services, 5.000%, Perpetual   2,602,599 
 2,000,000   Societe Generale SA, 4.750%, Perpetual   1,698,281 
 2,500,000   Standard Chartered PLC, 4.300%, Perpetual   1,906,119 
 1,800,000   Svenska Handelsbanken AB, 4.750%, Perpetual   1,420,009 
 2,873,000   Truist Financial Corp., 4.800%, Perpetual   2,545,345 
           

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

29

 

North Square Preferred and Income Securities Fund
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) – Continued
November 30, 2023
 
Principal        
Amount ($)      Fair Value 
     CORPORATE BONDS (Continued)     
     BANKING (Continued)     
 2,379,000   US Bancorp, 5.300%, Perpetual  $2,016,773 
 3,000,000   Wells Fargo & Co. Series BB, 3.900%, (Yield of U.S. Treasury Note with a Constant Maturity of 5 Years + 3.453%), Perpetual(a)   2,708,392 
         50,323,129 
     INSTITUTIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES — 3.1%     
 2,860,000   Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The), 3.650%, Perpetual   2,392,594 
           
     SPECIALTY FINANCE — 9.4%     
 3,940,000   Ally Financial, Inc., 4.700%, Perpetual(a)   2,785,415 
 3,050,000   Capital One Financial Corp., 3.950%, Perpetual   2,313,678 
 3,153,000   Discover Financial Services, 5.500%, Perpetual   2,205,712 
     TOTAL FINANCIALS   7,304,805 
           
     UTILITIES — 9.2%     
     ELECTRIC UTILITIES — 9.2%     
 2,000,000   American Electric Power Co., Inc., 3.875%, Perpetual   1,654,692 
 1,491,000   Duke Energy Corp., 3.250%, 01/15/82, Perpetual   1,124,029 
 1,000,000   Edison International, 5.000%, 03/15/72, Perpetual   917,062 
 1,858,000   Emera, Inc., 6.700%, 06/15/76, Perpetual   1,803,697 
 7,000   Southern Co. (The), 4.000%, Perpetual   6,566 
 620,000   Vistra Corp., 7.000%, (H15T5Y + 5.740%), Perpetual(a),(b)   589,471 
 1,040,000   Vistra Corp., 8.000%, Perpetual(a),(b)   1,018,233 
     TOTAL UTILITIES   7,113,750 
     TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS (Cost $74,854,821)   76,360,500 
           
Shares        
     SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 1.4%     
 1,102,014   First American Treasury Obligations Fund, Class X, 5.28%(c)   1,102,014 
     TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $1,102,014)   1,102,014 
     TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 99.8% (Cost $75,956,835)  $77,462,514 
     Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 0.2%   127,640 
     NET ASSETS — 100.0%  $77,590,154 
           
(a)Variable rate security; the rate shown represents the rate on November 30, 2023.

 

(b)Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A or Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933. The security may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. As of November 30, 2023 the total market value of 144A securities is 1,607,704 or 2.1% of net assets.

 

(c)Rate disclosed is the seven day effective yield as of November 30, 2023.

 

LP - Limited Partnership

 

NV - Naamioze Vennootschap

 

PLC - Public Limited Company

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

30

 

North Square Preferred and Income Securities Fund
SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)
As of November 30, 2023
 
   Percent of Total
Security Type/Sector  Net Assets
Corporate Bonds     
Consumer Discretionary   1.7%
Energy   7.3%
Financials   80.2%
Utilities   9.2%
Total Corporate Bonds   98.4%
Short-Term Investments   1.4%
Total Investments   99.8%
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities   0.2%
Total Net Assets   100.0%
      

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

31

 

North Square Tactical Growth Fund
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)
November 30, 2023
 
Shares      Fair Value 
     EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS — 79.2%     
 688,900   Financial Select Sector SPDR® Fund  $24,731,510 
 168,575   Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1   65,547,017 
 531,500   iShares MSCI Eurozone ETF   24,262,975 
 229,500   iShares National Muni Bond ETF   24,446,340 
 93,400   iShares Russell 3000 ETF   24,370,862 
 249,000   iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF   24,212,760 
 129,440   SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust   59,076,416 
 206,787   Vanguard Growth ETF   61,740,395 
 518,598   Vanguard Value ETF   74,294,349 
     TOTAL EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS (Cost $265,195,185)   382,682,624 
           
     SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 25.8%     
 124,352,473   First American Treasury Obligations Fund, Class X, 5.28%(a)   124,352,473 
     TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $124,352,473)   124,352,473 
     TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 105.0% (Cost $389,547,658)  $507,035,097 
     Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (5.0)%   (24,182,901)
     NET ASSETS — 100.0%  $482,852,196 
           
(a)Rate disclosed is the seven day effective yield as of November 30, 2023.

 

ETF - Exchange-Traded Fund

 

MSCI - Morgan Stanley Capital International

 

SPDR - Standard & Poor’s Depositary Receipt

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

32

 

North Square Tactical Growth Fund
SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)
As of November 30, 2023
 
   Percent of Total
Security Type/Sector  Net Assets
ETFs   79.2%
Short Term Investments   25.8%
Total Investments   105.0%
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets   -5.0%
Total Net Assets   100.0%
      

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

33

 

North Square Tactical Defensive Fund
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)
November 30, 2023
 
Shares      Fair Value 
     EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS — 51.5%     
 37,500   Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1(a)  $14,581,125 
 32,700   SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust(a)   14,924,280 
     TOTAL EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS (Cost $28,463,004)   29,505,405 
           
     SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 48.4%     
 27,720,900   First American Treasury Obligations Fund, Class X, 5.28%(b)   27,720,900 
     TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $27,720,900)   27,720,900 
     TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 99.9% (Cost $56,183,905)  $57,226,305 
     Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 0.1%   28,758 
     NET ASSETS — 100.0%  $57,255,063 
           
(a)Represents an investment greater than 25% of the Fund’s net assets. Performance of the Fund may be adversely impacted by concentrated investments in securities. As of November 30 2023, the percentage of net assets invested in Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1, SPDR S&P 500 ETF and First American Treasury Obligations Fund, Class X were 25.4%, 26.1%, and 48.4%, respectively, of the Fund. The financial statements and portfolio holdings for these securities can be found at www.sec.gov.

 

(b)Rate disclosed is the seven day effective yield as of November 30, 2023.

 

ETF - Exchange-Traded Fund

 

SPDR - Standard & Poor’s Depositary Receipt

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

34

 

North Square Tactical Defensive Fund
SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)
As of November 30, 2023
 
   Percent of Total
Security Type/Sector  Net Assets
ETFs   51.5%
Short Term Investments   48.4%
Total Investments   99.9%
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities   0.1%
Total Net Assets   100.0%
      

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

35

 

North Square Trilogy Alternative Return Fund
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)
November 30, 2023
 
Shares      Fair Value 
     COMMON STOCKS — 34.2%     
     CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY — 3.1%     
     HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE — 1.9%     
 1,453   McDonald’s Corp.  $409,514 
           
     SPECIALTY RETAIL — 1.2%     
 825   Home Depot, Inc. (The)   258,629 
     TOTAL CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY   668,143 
           
     CONSUMER STAPLES — 5.2%     
     BANKS — 1.5%     
 2,098   Procter & Gamble Co. (The)   322,085 
           
     FOOD — 0.9%     
 3,044   General Mills, Inc.   193,781 
           
     RETAIL — CONSUMER STAPLES — 1.8%     
 2,613   Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.   406,818 
           
     WHOLESALE — CONSUMER STAPLES — 1.0%     
 2,923   Sysco Corp.   210,953 
     TOTAL CONSUMER STAPLES   1,133,637 
           
     FINANCIALS — 3.1%     
     BANKS — 1.0%     
 6,491   Truist Financial Corp.   208,621 
           
     INSURANCE — 2.1%     
 5,647   Aflac, Inc.   467,063 
     TOTAL FINANCIALS   675,684 
           
     HEALTH CARE — 6.4%     
     BIOTECH & PHARMA — 3.6%     
 757   Eli Lilly & Co.   447,418 
 3,388   Merck & Co., Inc.   347,202 
         794,620 
     HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES — 1.0%     
 1,981   Abbott Laboratories   206,598 
           
     PHARMACEUTICALS — 1.8%     
 1,297   Johnson & Johnson   200,594 
 5,869   Pfizer, Inc.   178,828 
         379,422 
     TOTAL HEALTH CARE   1,380,640 
           

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

36

 

North Square Trilogy Alternative Return Fund
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) – Continued
November 30, 2023
 
Shares      Fair Value 
     COMMON STOCKS (Continued)     
     INDUSTRIALS — 5.7%     
     AEROSPACE & DEFENSE — 1.0%     
 1,110   L3Harris Technologies, Inc.  $211,799 
           
     COMMERCIAL SUPPORT SERVICES — 2.1%     
 2,719   Waste Management, Inc.   464,921 
           
     DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIALS — 0.9%     
 833   Illinois Tool Works, Inc.   201,761 
           
     INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT SERVICES — 1.7%     
 456   W.W. Grainger, Inc.   358,503 
     TOTAL INDUSTRIALS   1,236,984 
           
     TECHNOLOGY — 7.4%     
     SOFTWARE — 3.5%     
 2,002   Microsoft Corp.   758,578 
           
     TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE — 3.9%     
 4,366   Apple, Inc.   829,322 
     TOTAL TECHNOLOGY   1,587,900 
           
     UTILITIES — 3.3%     
     ELECTRIC UTILITIES — 3.3%     
 2,211   Dominion Energy, Inc.   100,247 
 3,195   Eversource Energy   189,815 
 5,926   Southern Co. (The)   420,627 
     TOTAL UTILITIES   710,689 
           
     TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $2,709,473)   7,393,677 
           
     EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS — 60.3%     
 14,250   iShares® Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF   507,158 
 19,120   iShares® Core Dividend Growth ETF   987,739 
 22,300   iShares® MBS ETF   2,025,955 
 12,982   Schwab® U.S. Dividend Equity ETF   939,248 
 110,200   SPDR® Portfolio Intermediate Term Corporate Bond ETF   3,545,134 
 45,800   SPDR® Portfolio Long-Term Corporate Bond ETF   1,026,378 
 68,100   SPDR® Portfolio Short-Term Corporate Bond ETF   2,017,803 
 36,200   VanEck® Vectors Fallen Angel High Yield Bond ETF   1,020,297 
 6,034   Vanguard® Dividend Appreciation ETF   992,774 
     TOTAL EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS (Cost $13,190,107)   13,062,486 
           

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

37

 

North Square Trilogy Alternative Return Fund
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) – Continued
November 30, 2023
 
       Expiration  Exercise   Notional     
Contracts      Date  Price   Value   Fair Value 
     PURCHASED OPTIONS — 9.0%                  
     CALL OPTIONS PURCHASED — 7.5%                  
 10   S&P 500® Index  12/04/2023  $4,450   $4,567,800   $116,400 
 10   S&P 500® Index  12/11/2023   4,550    4,567,800    40,800 
 10   S&P 500® Index  12/15/2023   3,700    4,567,800    871,950 
 10   S&P 500® Index  12/15/2023   4,000    4,567,800    573,450 
 10   S&P 500® Index  12/18/2023   4,650    4,567,800    11,950 
 10   S&P 500® Index  12/18/2023   4,700    4,567,800    8,400 
                      1,622,950 
     PUT OPTIONS PURCHASED — 1.5%                  
 10   S&P 500® Index  12/04/2023  $4,100   $4,567,800   $25 
 10   S&P 500® Index  12/04/2023   4,325    4,567,800    75 
 10   S&P 500® Index  12/11/2023   4,200    4,567,800    500 
 10   S&P 500® Index  12/11/2023   4,475    4,567,800    5,250 
 5   S&P 500® Index  12/15/2023   3,300    2,283,900    100 
 5   S&P 500® Index  12/15/2023   3,450    2,283,900    125 
 5   S&P 500® Index  12/15/2023   3,525    2,283,900    150 
 5   S&P 500® Index  12/15/2023   3,825    2,283,900    325 
 10   S&P 500® Index  12/18/2023   4,300    4,567,800    2,925 
 10   S&P 500® Index  12/18/2023   4,525    4,567,800    23,100 
 10   S&P 500® Index  12/26/2023   4,350    4,567,800    7,150 
 5   S&P 500® Index  06/21/2024   3,450    2,283,900    9,625 
 5   S&P 500® Index  06/21/2024   3,525    2,283,900    10,775 
 5   S&P 500® Index  06/21/2024   3,550    2,283,900    11,175 
 5   S&P 500® Index  06/21/2024   3,650    2,283,900    13,075 
 5   S&P 500® Index  06/21/2024   3,725    2,283,900    14,800 
 5   S&P 500® Index  06/24/2024   3,775    2,283,900    16,100 
 5   S&P 500® Index  06/24/2024   3,975    2,283,900    22,950 
 5   S&P 500® Index  12/21/2024   4,050    2,283,900    53,800 
 5   S&P 500® Index  12/23/2024   3,950    2,283,900    46,800 
 5   S&P 500® Index  12/23/2024   4,100    2,283,900    57,675 
 100   SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust  12/15/2023   405    4,564,000    1,350 
 50   SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust  12/21/2024   360    2,282,000    29,675 
                      327,525 
                        
     TOTAL PURCHASED OPTIONS (Cost - $2,870,844)            1,950,475 
                        

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

38

 

North Square Trilogy Alternative Return Fund
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) – Continued
November 30, 2023
 
Shares      Fair Value 
     SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 1.6%     
 344,946   First American Treasury Obligations Fund, Class X, 5.28%(a)  $344,946 
     TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $344,946)   344,946 
     TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 105.1% (Cost $19,115,370)  $22,751,584 
     Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (5.1)%   (1,101,043)
     NET ASSETS — 100.0%  $21,650,541 
           
(a)Rate disclosed is the seven day effective yield as of November 30, 2023.

 

ETF - Exchange-Traded Fund

 

SPDR - Standard & Poor’s Depositary Receipt

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

39

 

North Square Trilogy Alternative Return Fund
SCHEDULE OF OPTIONS WRITTEN (Unaudited)
November 30, 2023
 
       Expiration  Exercise   Notional     
Contracts   Description  Date  Price   Value   Fair Value 
     WRITTEN OPTIONS — (7.00)%                  
     CALL OPTIONS WRITTEN — (6.1)%                  
 (10)  S&P 500® Index  12/04/2023  $4,225   $(4,567,800)  $(341,250)
 (10)  S&P 500® Index  12/04/2023   4,300    (4,567,800)   (266,250)
 (10)  S&P 500® Index  12/11/2023   4,375    (4,567,800)   (196,150)
 (10)  S&P 500® Index  12/11/2023   4,400    (4,567,800)   (171,550)
 (10)  S&P 500® Index  12/18/2023   4,500    (4,567,800)   (91,100)
 (10)  S&P 500® Index  12/18/2023   4,550    (4,567,800)   (66,050)
 (5)  S&P 500® Index  12/20/2024   4,600    (2,283,900)   (188,900)
                      (1,321,250)
     PUT OPTIONS WRITTEN — (0.9)%                  
 (10)  S&P 500® Index  12/04/2023  $4,125   $(4,567,800)  $(75)
 (10)  S&P 500® Index  12/04/2023   4,300    (4,567,800)   (75)
 (10)  S&P 500® Index  12/11/2023   4,275    (4,567,800)   (650)
 (10)  S&P 500® Index  12/11/2023   4,400    (4,567,800)   (1,700)
 (5)  S&P 500® Index  12/15/2023   2,925    (2,283,900)   (50)
 (5)  S&P 500® Index  12/15/2023   3,050    (2,283,900)   (50)
 (5)  S&P 500® Index  12/15/2023   3,125    (2,283,900)   (75)
 (5)  S&P 500® Index  12/15/2023   3,400    (2,283,900)   (125)
 (10)  S&P 500® Index  12/18/2023   4,375    (4,567,800)   (4,900)
 (10)  S&P 500® Index  12/18/2023   4,500    (4,567,800)   (17,300)
 (10)  S&P 500® Index  12/26/2023   4,550    (4,567,800)   (37,500)
 (5)  S&P 500® Index  06/21/2024   3,075    (2,283,900)   (5,750)
 (5)  S&P 500® Index  06/21/2024   3,125    (2,283,900)   (6,150)
 (5)  S&P 500® Index  06/21/2024   3,150    (2,283,900)   (6,350)
 (5)  S&P 500® Index  06/21/2024   3,250    (2,283,900)   (7,250)
 (5)  S&P 500® Index  06/21/2024   3,300    (2,283,900)   (7,750)
 (5)  S&P 500® Index  06/24/2024   3,375    (2,283,900)   (8,625)
 (5)  S&P 500® Index  06/24/2024   3,500    (2,283,900)   (10,350)
 (5)  S&P 500® Index  12/21/2024   3,600    (2,283,900)   (28,750)
 (5)  S&P 500® Index  12/23/2024   3,500    (2,283,900)   (25,150)
 (5)  S&P 500® Index  12/23/2024   3,650    (2,283,900)   (30,800)
                      (199,425)
                        
     TOTAL WRITTEN OPTIONS (Premiums Received- $1,552,157)       $(1,520,675)
                        

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

40

 

North Square Trilogy Alternative Return Fund
SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)
As of November 30, 2023
 
   Percent of Total
Security Type/Sector  Net Assets
Common Stocks     
Consumer Discretionary   3.1%
Consumer Staples   5.2%
Financials   3.1%
Health Care   6.4%
Industrials   5.7%
Technology   7.4%
Utilities   3.3%
Total Common Stocks   34.2%
Exchange-Traded Funds   60.3%
Purchased Options     
Call Options   1.4%
Put Options   0.6%
Total Purchased Options   2.0%
Short Term Investments   1.6%
Total Investments   98.1%
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities   1.9%
Total Net Assets   100.0%
      

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

41

 

STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
As of November 30, 2023 (Unaudited)
 
           North Square     
   North Square   North Square   Advisory Research   North Square 
   Spectrum   Dynamic Small   Small Cap   Multi Strategy 
   Alpha Fund   Cap Fund   Growth Fund   Fund 
Assets                    
Investments, at cost  $2,520,744   $142,867,292   $7,523,293   $13,256,474 
Investments in affiliated issuers, at cost   82,563,124            25,700,556 
Investments, at value  $2,493,989   $153,657,405   $9,035,720   $13,708,918 
Investments in affiliated issuers, at value   75,532,347            27,324,148 
Receivable for fund shares sold   6,406    383,825        4,183 
Receivable for investments sold       1,970,307    51,016     
Dividends and interest receivable   2,591    266,218    3,080    2,905 
Receivable for interest sold                
Prepaid expenses   25,344    24,243    12,039    24,956 
Total Assets   78,060,677    156,301,998    9,101,855    41,065,110 
                     
Liabilities                    
Payable for fund shares redeemed   17,516    30,875        17,320 
Payable for investments purchased       2,792,358    58,647     
Due to Advisor (Note 4)   13,128    72,226    826    178,876 
Distribution fees (Note 8)   9,191    5,485        6,232 
Shareholder servicing fees (Note 7)       12,932        308 
Fund administration fees   19,683    5,348    1,284    2,360 
Due to Trustees   6,464    6,648    844    3,266 
Other accrued expenses   3,339    5,585    (8,180)   621 
Total Liabilities   83,727    2,931,457    53,421    208,983 
                     
Net Assets  $77,976,950   $153,370,541   $9,048,434   $40,856,127 
                     
Net Assets consist of:                    
Paid-in capital (par value of $0.01 per share with an unlimited number of shares authorized)   88,516,997    152,436,925    10,906,386    38,285,069 
Accumulated earnings (deficits)   (10,540,047)   933,616    (1,857,952)   2,571,058 
Net Assets  $77,976,950   $153,370,541   $9,048,434   $40,856,127 
                     
Class A Shares:                    
Net assets applicable to shares outstanding  $46,324,546   $38,333,028        $31,143,344 
Shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding   7,195,083    3,105,723         2,042,267 
Net asset value, redemption and offering price per share  $6.44   $12.34        $15.25 
Maximum sales charge (5.75% of offering price)*  $0.39   $0.75        $0.93 
Maximum offering price to public  $6.83   $13.10        $16.18 
                     
Class I Shares:                    
Net assets applicable to shares outstanding  $31,652,404   $115,037,513   $9,048,434   $9,712,783 
Shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding   3,754,943    9,313,210    845,994    584,041 
Net asset value, redemption and offering price per share  $8.43   $12.35   $10.70   $16.63 
                     
*No sales charge applies on investments of $500,000 or more, but a contingent deferred sales charge of 1% will be imposed on certain redemptions of such shares within 12 months of the date of purchase.

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

42

 

STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES – Continued
As of November 30, 2023 (Unaudited)
 
   North Square           North Square 
   Preferred   North Square   North Square   Trilogy 
   and Income   Tactical Growth   Tactical   Alternative 
   Securities Fund   Fund   Defensive Fund   Return Fund 
Assets                    
Investments, at cost  $75,956,835   $389,547,658   $56,183,904   $19,115,370 
Investments in affiliated issuers, at cost                
Investments, at value  $77,462,514   $507,035,097   $57,226,305   $22,751,584 
Cash   71,007            9,353 
Receivable for fund shares sold   49,189    286,168    2,393     
Receivable for investments sold               426,443 
Dividends and interest receivable   873,052    848,609    162,938    27,939 
Tax reclaims receivable   14,106             
Receivable for interest sold                
Deferred offering costs       1,706    225    136 
Prepaid expenses   26,647    48,960    44,924    34,552 
Total Assets   78,496,515    508,220,540    57,436,785    23,249,807 
                     
Liabilities                    
Options written, at value (premium received $0, $0, $0 and $1,552,157)               1,520,675 
Payable for fund shares redeemed   19,308    460,018    103,774    58,969 
Payable for investments purchased   836,200    24,173,269         
Due to Advisor (Note 4)   40,855    388,161    55,937    11,054 
Distribution fees (Note 8)       67,647    6,871    1,784 
Shareholder servicing fees (Note 7)       80,108    1,287    2,293 
Fund administration fees   4,882    73,749    6,014    2,544 
Due to Trustees   5,109    43,624    6,257    1,947 
Other accrued expenses   7    81,768    1,582     
Total Liabilities   906,361    25,368,344    181,722    1,599,266 
                     
Net Assets  $77,590,154   $482,852,196   $57,255,063   $21,650,541 
                     
Net Assets consist of:                    
Paid-in capital (par value of $0.01 per share with an unlimited number of shares authorized)   78,285,897    365,606,968    66,777,510    19,957,494 
Accumulated earnings (deficits)   (695,743)   117,245,228    (9,522,447)   1,693,047 
Net Assets  $77,590,154   $482,852,196   $57,255,063   $21,650,541 
                     

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

43

 

STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES – Continued
As of November 30, 2023 (Unaudited)
 
   North Square           North Square 
   Preferred   North Square   North Square   Trilogy 
   and Income   Tactical Growth   Tactical   Alternative 
   Securities Fund   Fund   Defensive Fund   Return Fund 
Class A Shares:                    
Net assets applicable to shares outstanding       $87,670,244   $20,007,190   $1,511,968 
Shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding        6,607,785    1,251,689    150,183 
Net asset value, redemption and offering price per share       $13.27   $15.98   $10.07 
Maximum sales charge (5.75% of offering price)*        0.27    0.98    0.61 
Maximum offering price to public       $14.08   $16.96   $10.68 
                     
Class C Shares:                    
Net assets applicable to shares outstanding       $60,768,993   $3,331,068   $1,721,313 
Shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding        4,963,004    233,023    177,611 
Net asset value, redemption and offering price per share       $12.24   $14.30   $9.69 
                     
Class I Shares:                    
Net assets applicable to shares outstanding  $77,590,154   $334,412,959   $33,916,805   $18,417,260 
Shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding   4,161,062    24,588,343    2,060,645    1,815,796 
Net asset value, redemption and offering price per share  $18.65   $13.60   $16.46   $10.14 
                     
*No sales charge applies on investments of $500,000 or more, but a contingent deferred sales charge of 1% will be imposed on certain redemptions of such shares within 12 months of the date of purchase.

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

44

 

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the Six Months Ended November 30, 2023 (Unaudited)
 
           North Square     
   North Square   North Square   Advisory Research   North Square 
   Spectrum   Dynamic Small   Small Cap   Multi Strategy 
   Alpha Fund   Cap Fund   Growth Fund   Fund 
Investment Income                    
Dividend income  $11,356   $911,792   $16,814   $111,852 
Dividend income from affiliated regulated investment companies               243,071 
Interest income   24,648    40,565    2,102    12,632 
Foreign dividend taxes withheld       (1,371)   (224)    
Total investment income   36,004    950,986    18,692    367,555 
                     
Expenses                    
Advisor fees (Note 4)   77,514    524,758    33,375    100,620 
Distribution fees - Class A (Note 8)   58,196    23,659        38,795 
Transfer agent fees and expenses   47,528    2,498    1,389    18,712 
Fund administration fees   22,078    29,685    2,776    12,649 
Shareholder servicing fees - Class I (Note 7)   19,662    35,335    2,079    3,909 
Shareholder servicing fees - Class A (Note 7)   18,948    14,195    500    9,563 
Registration fees   17,261    14,360    8,967    18,239 
Legal fees   9,186    12,408    1,353    5,014 
Shareholder reporting fees   7,833    8,173    1,326    3,266 
Trustees’ fees and expenses   6,792    9,826    762    3,774 
Audit fees   5,928    7,978    725    3,166 
Custody fees   3,997    16,849    6,482    3,617 
Fund accounting fees   3,690    3,846    4,096    3,908 
Chief compliance officer fees (Note 4)   2,863    4,024    408    1,690 
Insurance   1,625    1,748    293    970 
Pricing   9    1,733    760    45 
Other expenses   8,120    8,425    2,216    4,793 
Total expenses   311,230    719,500    67,507    232,730 
Fees contractually recouped (waived) by Advisor   153,902    (119,956)   (22,813)    
Affiliated fund fees waived (Note 3)               (67,381)
Net operating expenses   465,132    599,544    44,694    165,349 
Net investment income (loss)   (429,128)   351,442    (26,002)   202,206 
                     
Net Realized and Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments                    
Net realized gain (loss) on:                    
Investments   90,308    2,803,916    39,853    (60,914)
Affiliated issuers   (517,029)           (93,064)
Net realized gain (loss)   (426,721)   2,803,916    39,853    (153,978)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:                    
Investments   (37,505)   8,382,686    25,810    1,136,027 
Affiliated issuers   7,810,171            1,729,559 
Net change in unrealized appreciation   7,772,666    8,382,686    25,810    2,865,586 
Net realized and change in unrealized gain on investments and foreign currency   7,345,945    11,186,602    65,663    2,711,608 
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations  $6,916,817   $11,538,044   $39,661   $2,913,814 
                     

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

45

 

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS – Continued
For the Six Months Ended November 30, 2023 (Unaudited)
 
   North Square           North Square 
   Preferred   North Square   North Square   Trilogy 
   and Income   Tactical Growth   Tactical   Alternative 
   Securities Fund   Fund   Defensive Fund   Return Fund 
Investment Income                    
Dividend income  $   $3,599,389   $433,475   $393,136 
Interest income   2,108,129    2,392,224    633,106    8,978 
Total investment income   2,108,129    5,991,613    1,066,581    402,114 
                     
Expenses                    
Advisor fees (Note 4)   232,546    2,619,685    378,804    153,574 
Distribution fees - Class A (Note 8)       111,686    26,043    1,881 
Distribution fees - Class C (Note 8)       325,188    17,803    10,731 
Shareholder servicing fees - Class A (Note 7)       37,792    8,020    671 
Shareholder servicing fees - Class C (Note 7)       29,070    1,845    1,332 
Shareholder servicing fees - Class I (Note 7)   6,201    144,743    25,757    14,870 
Fund administration fees   17,387    144,606    18,433    8,393 
Registration fees   12,930    34,401    30,992    32,353 
Fund accounting fees   8,963    1,568    3,802    8,443 
Custody fees   7,920    7,312    2,550    2,925 
Legal fees   6,790    56,165    7,215    3,455 
Trustees’ fees and expenses   4,959    40,688    5,010    2,497 
Audit fees   4,544    37,891    4,950    1,982 
Shareholder reporting fees   2,600    32,377    4,356    1,679 
Chief compliance officer fees (Note 4)   2,265    19,679    2,657    978 
Pricing   2,072    72    38    363 
Transfer agent fees and expenses   1,981    89,349    15,877    4,993 
Insurance   1,144    9,757    1,476    528 
Interest expense   1,025             
Other expenses   5,894    34,532    5,994    3,295 
Total expenses   319,221    3,776,561    561,622    254,943 
Fees contractually waived by Advisor   (18,208)   (187,222)   (2,869)   (73,303)
Net operating expenses   301,013    3,589,339    558,753    181,640 
Net investment income   1,807,116    2,402,274    507,828    220,474 
                     
Net Realized and Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments                    
Net realized gain (loss) on:                    
Investments   563,283    1,943,839    599,938    1,791,283 
Written Options               199,405 
Purchased Options               (1,870,375)
Net realized gain (loss)   563,283    1,943,839    599,938    120,313 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:                    
Investments   1,543,906    15,172,416    1,121,091    (1,134,618)
Written Options               (1,524,753)
Purchased Options               1,844,983 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation   1,543,906    15,172,416    1,121,091    (814,388)
Net realized and change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency   2,107,189    17,116,255    1,721,029    (694,075)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations  $3,914,305   $19,518,529   $2,228,857   $(473,601)
                     

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

46

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
 
       North Square Dynamic 
   North Square Spectrum Alpha Fund   Small Cap Fund 
   For the       For the     
   Six Months       Six Months     
   Ended   For the   Ended   For the 
   November 30,   Year Ended   November 30,   Year Ended 
   2023   May 31,   2023   May 31, 
   (Unaudited)   2023   (Unaudited)   2023 
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets due to:                    
Operations                    
Net investment income (loss)  $(429,128)  $(812,532)  $351,442   $88,257 
Net realized gain (loss) on investments   (426,721)   (2,151,362)   2,803,916    (8,373,513)
Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments   7,772,666    942,281    8,382,686    8,604,728 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   6,916,817    (2,021,613)   11,538,044    319,472 
                     
Distributions to Shareholders                    
Class A       (22,897,546)        
Class I       (14,332,424)       (144,105)
Total distributions       (37,229,970)       (144,105)
                     
Capital Transactions - Class A                    
Proceeds from shares sold   937,461    7,053,370    34,986,444    2,171,921 
Reinvestment of distributions       22,246,331         
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (3,349,798)   (16,827,207)   (730,127)   (897)
Total Class A   (2,412,337)   12,472,494    34,256,317    2,171,024 
                     
Capital Transactions - Class I                    
Proceeds from shares sold   2,946,176    7,353,382    34,764,761    16,279,335 
Reinvestment of distributions       14,142,809        144,105 
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (2,795,801)   (17,022,072)   (5,911,194)   (19,030,524)
Total Class I   150,375    4,474,119    28,853,567    (2,607,084)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from capital transactions   (2,261,962)   16,946,613    63,109,884    (436,060)
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets   4,654,855    (22,304,970)   74,647,928    (260,693)
                     
Net Assets                    
Beginning of period   73,322,095    95,627,065    78,722,613    78,983,306 
End of period  $77,976,950   $73,322,095   $153,370,541   $78,722,613 
                     
Share Transactions - Class A                    
Shares sold   150,792    829,001    2,974,615    192,278 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions       3,888,879         
Shares redeemed   (535,034)   (2,363,447)   (61,089)   (81)
Total Class A   (384,242)   2,354,433    2,913,526    192,197 
                     
Share Transactions - Class I                    
Shares sold   349,090    645,904    2,935,873    1,459,087 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions       1,892,698        13,486 
Shares redeemed   (341,372)   (1,910,295)   (493,396)   (1,725,420)
Total Class I   7,718    628,307    2,442,477    (252,847)
                     
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding   (376,524)   2,982,740    5,356,003    (60,650)
                     

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

47

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS – Continued
 
   North Square Advisory Research     
   Small Cap Growth Fund   North Square Multi Strategy Fund 
   For the       For the     
   Six Months       Six Months     
   Ended   For the   Ended   For the 
   November 30,   Year Ended   November 30,   Year Ended 
   2023   May 31,   2023   May 31, 
   (Unaudited)   2023   (Unaudited)   2023 
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets due to:                    
Operations                    
Net investment income (loss)  $(26,002)  $(82,205)  $202,206   $498,762 
Net realized gain (loss) on investments   39,853    (2,744,623)   (153,978)   411,528 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments   25,810    2,602,464    2,865,586    (1,313,522)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   39,661    (224,364)   2,913,814    (403,231)
                     
Distributions to Shareholders                    
Class A               (11,145,526)
Class I       (1,422,533)       (2,942,494)
Total distributions       (1,422,533)       (14,088,020)
                     
Capital Transactions - Class A                    
Proceeds from shares sold           308,649    738,888 
Reinvestment of distributions               10,547,243 
Amount paid for shares redeemed           (1,871,506)   (7,158,912)
Total Class A           (1,562,857)   4,127,219 
                     
Capital Transactions - Class I                    
Proceeds from shares sold   4,597    127,723    1,505,777    1,494,455 
Reinvestment of distributions       1,422,533        2,795,515 
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (619,647)   (2,948,517)   (853,823)   (2,971,391)
Total Class I   (615,050)   (1,398,261)   651,954    1,318,579 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from capital transactions   (615,050)   (1,398,261)   (910,903)   5,445,798 
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets   (575,389)   (3,045,158)   2,002,911    (9,045,453)
                     
Net Assets                    
Beginning of period   9,623,823    12,668,981    38,853,216    47,898,669 
End of period  $9,048,434   $9,623,823   $40,856,127   $38,853,216 
                     
Share Transactions - Class A                    
Shares sold           20,849    43,885 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions               768,923 
Shares redeemed           (126,792)   (453,934)
Total Class A           (105,943)   358,874 
                     
Share Transactions - Class I                    
Shares sold   389    10,855    91,490    85,628 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions       143,328        187,270 
Shares redeemed   (56,406)   (251,914)   (53,042)   (181,184)
Total Class I   (56,017)   (97,731)   38,448    91,714 
                     
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding   (56,017)   (97,731)   (67,495)   450,588 
                     

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

48

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS – Continued
 
   North Square Preferred and     
   Income Securities Fund   North Square Tactical Growth Fund 
   For the       For the     
   Six Months       Six Months     
   Ended   For the   Ended   For the 
   November 30,   Year Ended   November 30,   Year Ended 
   2023   May 31,   2023   May 31, 
   (Unaudited)   2023   (Unaudited)   2023 
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets due to:                    
Operations                    
Net investment income  $1,807,116   $2,237,391   $2,402,274   $2,304,237 
Net realized gain (loss) on investments   563,283    (3,641,960)   1,943,839    (4,588,324)
Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments   1,543,906    2,068,603    15,172,416    5,652,165 
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations   3,914,305    664,034    19,518,529    3,368,078 
                     
Distributions to Shareholders                    
From Earnings                    
Class A               (6,201,137)
Class C               (5,450,763)
Class I   (1,754,701)   (6,332,839)       (21,970,764)
From Return of Capital                    
Class A                
Class C                
Class I       (702,036)        
Total distributions   (1,754,701)   (7,034,875)       (33,622,664)
                     
Capital Transactions - Class A                    
Proceeds from shares sold           13,020,403    13,490,738 
Reinvestment of distributions               5,538,750 
Amount paid for shares redeemed           (14,206,835)   (21,040,080)
Total Class A           (1,186,432)   (2,010,592)
                     
Capital Transactions - Class C                    
Proceeds from shares sold           1,598,719    3,482,649 
Reinvestment of distributions               5,253,219 
Amount paid for shares redeemed           (14,690,781)   (16,655,724)
Total Class C           (13,092,062)   (7,919,856)
                     
Capital Transactions - Class I                    
Proceeds from shares sold   38,359,307    24,571,282    36,996,221    48,246,899 
Reinvestment of distributions   1,754,701    7,034,777        19,612,695 
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (11,260,282)   (4,451,656)   (30,826,588)   (78,595,128)
Total Class I   28,853,726    27,154,403    6,169,633    (10,735,534)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from capital transactions   28,853,726    27,154,403    (8,108,861)   (20,665,982)
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets   31,013,330    20,783,562    11,409,668    (50,920,568)
                     
Net Assets                    
Beginning of period   46,576,824    25,793,262    471,442,528    522,363,096 
End of period  $77,590,154   $46,576,824   $482,852,196   $471,442,528 
                     

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

49

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS – Continued
 
   North Square Preferred and     
   Income Securities Fund   North Square Tactical Growth Fund 
   For the       For the     
   Six Months       Six Months     
   Ended   For the   Ended   For the 
   November 30,   Year Ended   November 30,   Year Ended 
   2023   May 31,   2023   May 31, 
   (Unaudited)   2023   (Unaudited)   2023 
Share Transactions - Class A                    
Shares sold           999,967    1,049,522 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions               463,009 
Shares redeemed           (1,084,098)   (1,654,486)
Total Class A           (84,131)   (141,955)
                     
Share Transactions - Class C                    
Shares sold           131,215    290,329 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions               472,518 
Shares redeemed           (1,216,523)   (1,401,591)
Total Class C           (1,085,308)   (638,744)
                     
Share Transactions - Class I                    
Shares sold   2,071,402    1,228,402    2,744,953    3,677,139 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions   95,764    383,811        1,603,170 
Shares redeemed   (613,766)   (235,254)   (2,297,098)   (5,981,704)
Total Class I   1,553,400    1,376,959    447,855    (701,395)
                     
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding   1,553,400    1,376,959    (721,584)   (1,482,094)
                     

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

50

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS – Continued
 
   North Square Tactical   North Square Trilogy 
   Defensive Fund   Alternative Return Fund 
   For the       For the     
   Six Months       Six Months     
   Ended   For the   Ended   For the 
   November 30,   Year Ended   November 30,   Year Ended 
   2023   May 31,   2023   May 31, 
   (Unaudited)   2023   (Unaudited)   2023 
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets due to:                    
Operations                    
Net investment income  $507,828   $244,754   $220,474   $352,372 
Net realized gain (loss) on investments   599,938    (2,890,834)   120,313    3,912,188 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments   1,121,091    (78,690)   (814,388)   (6,345,061)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   2,228,857    (2,724,770)   (473,601)   (2,080,501)
                     
Distributions to Shareholders                    
Class A               (14,948)
Class C               (11,435)
Class I               (251,864)
Total distributions               (278,247)
                     
Capital Transactions - Class A                    
Proceeds from shares sold   727,104    1,747,369    543,771    246,217 
Reinvestment of distributions               14,041 
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (1,761,807)   (3,945,479)   (355,732)   (1,000,904)
Total Class A   (1,034,703)   (2,198,110)   188,039    (740,646)
                     
Capital Transactions - Class C                    
Proceeds from shares sold   73,402    126,977        123,500 
Reinvestment of distributions               11,435 
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (871,022)   (3,072,893)   (906,455)   (963,079)
Total Class C   (797,620)   (2,945,916)   (906,455)   (828,144)
                     
Capital Transactions - Class I                    
Proceeds from shares sold   1,909,400    6,910,086    369,806    1,549,213 
Reinvestment of distributions               251,841 
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (5,605,988)   (11,497,233)   (4,323,712)   (12,829,104)
Total Class I   (3,696,588)   (4,587,147)   (3,953,906)   (11,028,050)
Net decrease in net assets resulting from capital transactions   (5,528,911)   (9,731,173)   (4,672,322)   (12,596,840)
Total Decrease in Net Assets   (3,300,054)   (12,455,943)   (5,145,923)   (14,955,588)
                     
Net Assets                    
Beginning of period   60,555,117    73,011,060    26,796,464    41,752,052 
End of period  $57,255,063   $60,555,117   $21,650,541   $26,796,464 
                     

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

51

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS – Continued
 
   North Square Tactical   North Square Trilogy 
   Defensive Fund   Alternative Return Fund 
   For the       For the     
   Six Months       Six Months     
   Ended   For the   Ended   For the 
   November 30,   Year Ended   November 30,   Year Ended 
   2023   May 31,   2023   May 31, 
   (Unaudited)   2023   (Unaudited)   2023 
Share Transactions - Class A                    
Shares sold   45,900    111,610    53,566    23,265 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions               1,342 
Shares redeemed   (110,740)   (252,715)   (34,975)   (95,387)
Total Class A   (64,840)   (141,105)   18,591    (70,780)
                     
Share Transactions - Class C                    
Shares sold   5,108    8,785        12,068 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions               1,128 
Shares redeemed   (61,396)   (219,884)   (92,257)   (94,484)
Total Class C   (56,288)   (211,099)   (92,257)   (81,288)
                     
Share Transactions - Class I                    
Shares sold   115,543    425,109    36,513    148,125 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions               23,956 
Shares redeemed   (340,661)   (711,637)   (424,310)   (1,208,523)
Total Class I   (225,118)   (286,528)   (387,797)   (1,036,442)
                     
Net decrease in shares outstanding   (346,246)   (638,732)   (461,463)   (1,188,510)
                     

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

52

 

North Square Spectrum Alpha Fund
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Class A
 

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the                     
   Six Months                     
   Ended                     
   November 30,                     
   2023   For the Years Ended May 31, 
   (Unaudited)   2023   2022   2021   2020   2019 
Selected Per Share Data:                              
Net asset value, beginning of period  $5.88   $10.78   $15.36   $12.07   $13.89   $16.85 
                               
Investment operations:                              
Net investment loss(a)   (0.04)   (0.09(b)   (0.19(b)   (0.17)   (0.15)   (0.16(b)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)   0.60    (0.28)   (2.26)   5.34    0.44    (0.34)
Total from investment operations   0.56    (0.37)   (2.45)   5.17    0.29    (0.50)
                               
Less distributions:                              
From net realized gains       (4.53)   (2.13)   (1.88)   (2.11)   (2.46)
Total distributions       (4.53)   (2.13)   (1.88)   (2.11)   (2.46)
                               
Net asset value, end of period  $6.44   $5.88   $10.78   $15.36   $12.07   $13.89 
                               
Total Return(c)   9.52(d)   (2.25)%   (19.05)%   43.47%   1.16%   (1.96)%
                               
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                              
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)  $46,325   $44,532   $56,319   $87,291   $73,973   $109,749 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:                              
Before fee waived and expenses absorbed(e)   0.89(f)   0.92%   1.34%   1.75%   2.06%   1.46%
After fees waived and expenses absorbed(e)   1.30(f)   1.30%   1.36(g)   1.39%   1.39%   1.38%
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets:                              
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed(e)   (0.79)% (f)   (0.70)%   (1.29)%   (1.54)%   (1.78)%   (1.08)%
After fees waived and expenses absorbed(e)   (1.21)% (f)   (1.07)%   (1.31)%   (1.18)%   (1.11)%   (1.00)%
Portfolio turnover rate(h)   2(d)   7%   104%   33%   38%   31%
                               
(a)Based on average shares outstanding for the period.

 

(b)Recognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests. The ratio does not include net investment income of the investment companies in which the Fund invests.

 

(c)Total returns would have been lower had expenses not been waived by the Advisor. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Returns shown do not reflect sales load.

 

(d)Not annualized.

 

(e)Does not include expenses of the investment companies in which the Fund invests.

 

(f)Annualized.

 

(g)Effective January 11, 2022, the expense cap decreased from 1.39% to 1.30%.

 

(h)Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis on the Fund as a whole without distinguishing among the classes of shares.

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

53

 

North Square Spectrum Alpha Fund
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Class I
 

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the                     
   Six Months                     
   Ended                     
   November 30,                     
   2023   For the Years Ended May 31, 
   (Unaudited)   2023   2022   2021   2020   2019 
Selected Per Share Data:                              
Net asset value, beginning of period  $7.68   $12.60   $17.59   $13.58   $15.35   $18.29 
                               
Investment operations:                              
Net investment loss(a)   (0.04)   (0.08(b)   (0.17(b)   (0.15)   (0.13)   (0.13(b)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)   0.79    (0.31)   (2.69)   6.04    0.47    (0.35)
Total from investment operations   0.75    (0.39)   (2.86)   5.89    0.34    (0.48)
                               
Less distributions:                              
From net realized gains       (4.53)   (2.13)   (1.88)   (2.11)   (2.46)
Total distributions       (4.53)   (2.13)   (1.88)   (2.11)   (2.46)
                               
Net asset value, end of period  $8.43   $7.68   $12.60   $17.59   $13.58   $15.35 
                               
Total Return(c)   9.77(d)   (2.08)%   (18.90)%   43.92%   1.41%   (1.67)%
                               
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                              
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)  $31,652   $28,790   $39,308   $61,121   $40,165   $64,501 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:                              
Before fee waived and expenses absorbed(e)   0.68(f)   0.72%   1.12%   1.51(g)   1.78%   1.22%
After fees waived and expenses absorbed(e)   1.05(f)   1.05%   1.11(h)   1.08%   1.14%   1.14%
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets:                              
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed(e)   (0.59)% (f)   (0.48)%   (1.07)%   (1.31)% (g)   (1.50)%   (0.84)%
After fees waived and expenses absorbed(e)   (0.96)% (f)   (0.81)%   (1.06)%   (0.87)%   (0.86)%   (0.75)%
Portfolio turnover rate(i)   2(d)   7%   104%   33%   38%   31%
                               
(a)Based on average shares outstanding for the period.

 

(b)Recognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests. The ratio does not include net investment income of the investment companies in which the Fund invests.

 

(c)Total returns would have been lower had expenses not been waived by the Advisor. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

 

(d)Not annualized.

 

(e)Does not include expenses of the investment companies in which the Fund invests.

 

(f)Annualized.

 

(g)Ratios exclude the 12b-1 refund.

 

(h)Effective January 11, 2022, the expense cap decreased from 1.14% to 1.05%.

 

(i)Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis on the Fund as a whole without distinguishing among the classes of shares.

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

54

 

North Square Dynamic Small Cap Fund
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Class A
 

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the     
   Six Months     
   Ended   For the 
   November 30,   Period Ended 
   2023   May 31, 
   (Unaudited)   2023(a) 
Selected Per Share Data:          
Net asset value, beginning of period  $11.15   $11.26 
           
Investment operations:          
Net investment income(b)   0.04    0.03 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)   1.15    (0.14(c)
Total from investment operations   1.19    (0.11)
           
Less distributions:          
Total distributions        
           
Net asset value, end of period  $12.34   $11.15 
           
Total Return(d)   10.67(e)   (0.98)% (e)
           
Ratios and Supplemental Data:          
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)  $38,333   $2,143 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:          
Before fee waived and expenses absorbed   1.51(f)   1.54(f)
After fees waived and expenses absorbed   1.24(f)   1.24(f)
Ratio of net investment gain to average net assets:          
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed   0.33(f)   2.99(f)
After fees waived and expenses absorbed   0.60(f)   3.29(f)
Portfolio turnover rate(g)   99(e)   188(e)
           
(a)For the period May 1, 2023 (commencement of operations) to May 31, 2023.

 

(b)Based on average shares outstanding for the period.

 

(c)The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the year may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the year due to the timing of sales and redemptions of Fund shares in relation to income earned, class specific expense structure, and/or fluctuating market value of the investments of the Fund.

 

(d)Total returns would have been lower had expenses not been waived by the Advisor. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Returns shown do not reflect sales load.

 

(e)Not annualized.

 

(f)Annualized.

 

(g)Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis on the Fund as a whole without distinguishing among the classes of shares.

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

55

 

North Square Dynamic Small Cap Fund
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Class I
 

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the                     
   Six Months                     
   Ended                     
   November 30,                     
   2023   For the Years Ended May 31, 
   (Unaudited)   2023   2022   2021   2020   2019 
Selected Per Share Data:                              
Net asset value, beginning of period  $11.15   $11.09   $18.27   $11.46   $11.54   $15.14 
                               
Investment operations:                              
Net investment income (loss)(a)   0.04    0.01    0.01    (0.04)   0.02    (0.01)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)   1.16    0.07    (1.00)   7.14    (0.07)   (1.31)
Total from investment operations   1.20    0.08    (0.99)   7.10    (0.05)   (1.32)
                               
Less distributions:                              
Net investment income       (0.02)       (0.01)   (0.03)    
From net realized gains           (6.19)   (0.28)       (2.28)
Total distributions       (0.02)   (6.19)   (0.29)   (0.03)   (2.28)
                               
Net asset value, end of period  $12.35   $11.15   $11.09   $18.27   $11.46   $11.54 
                               
Total Return(b)   10.76(c)   0.76%   (10.43)%   62.34%   (0.44)%   (8.42)%
                               
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                              
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)  $115,038   $76,580   $78,983   $20,369   $15,500   $20,389 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:                              
Before fee waived and expenses absorbed   1.18(d)   1.33%   1.36%   1.67%   2.23%   2.02%
After fees waived and expenses absorbed   0.99(d)   0.99%   1.00(e)   1.15%   1.15%   1.15%
Ratio of net investment gain (loss) to average net assets:                              
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed   0.41(d)   (0.21)%   (0.30)%   (0.82)%   (0.91)%   (0.91)%
After fees waived and expenses absorbed   0.60(d)   0.12%   0.06%   (0.30)%   0.17%   (0.04)%
Portfolio turnover rate(f)   99(c)   188%   177%   179%   170%   133%
                               
(a)Based on average shares outstanding for the period.

 

(b)Total returns would have been lower had expenses not been waived by the Advisor. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

 

(c)Not annualized.

 

(d)Annualized.

 

(e)Effective July 1, 2021, the expense cap decreased from 1.15% to 0.99%.

 

(f)Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis on the Fund as a whole without distinguishing among the classes of shares.

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

56

 

North Square Advisory Research Small Cap Growth Fund
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Class I
 

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the                     
   Six Months                     
   Ended                     
   November 30,                     
   2023   For the Years Ended May 31, 
   (Unaudited)   2023   2022   2021   2020   2019 
Selected Per Share Data:                              
Net asset value, beginning of period  $10.67   $12.67   $20.91   $16.24   $13.94   $13.16 
                               
Investment operations:                              
Net investment income (loss)(a)   (0.03)   (0.09)   (0.10)   (0.06)   0.03     (b)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)   0.06    (0.25)   (1.54)   5.82    3.00    0.88 
Total from investment operations   0.03    (0.34)   (1.64)   5.76    3.03    0.88 
                               
Less distributions:                              
Net investment income               (0.03)   (0.01)    
From net realized gains       (1.66)   (6.60)   (1.06)   (0.72)   (0.10)
Total distributions       (1.66)   (6.60)   (1.09)   (0.73)   (0.10)
                               
Net asset value, end of period  $10.70   $10.67   $12.67   $20.91   $16.24   $13.94 
                               
Total Return(c)   0.28(d)   (1.74)%   (16.88)%   35.93%   22.05%   6.80%
                               
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                              
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)  $9,048   $9,624   $12,669   $12,463   $12,191   $13,823 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:                              
Before fee waived and expenses absorbed   1.42(e)   1.36%   1.37%   1.45%   1.88%   2.04%
After fees waived and expenses absorbed   0.94(e)   0.94%   0.95(f)   0.95%   0.95%   0.95%
Ratio of net investment gain (loss) to average net assets:                              
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed   (1.03)% (e)   (1.15)%   (1.00)%   (0.79)%   (0.74)%   (1.10)%
After fees waived and expenses absorbed   (0.55)% (e)   (0.73)%   (0.58)%   (0.29)%   0.19%   (0.01)%
Portfolio turnover rate(g)   108(d)   182%   230%   9%   18%   18%
                               
(a)Based on average shares outstanding for the period.

 

(b)Rounds to less than $0.005 per share.

 

(c)Total returns would have been lower had expenses not been waived by the Advisor. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Returns shown do not reflect sales load.

 

(d)Not annualized.

 

(e)Annualized.

 

(f)Effective January 11, 2022, the expense cap decreased from 0.95% to 0.94%.

 

(g)Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis on the Fund as a whole without distinguishing among the classes of shares.

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

57

 

North Square Multi Strategy Fund
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Class A
 

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the                     
   Six Months                     
   Ended                     
   November 30,                     
   2023   For the Years Ended May 31, 
   (Unaudited)   2023   2022   2021   2020   2019 
Selected Per Share Data:                              
Net asset value, beginning of period  $14.17   $21.10   $23.57   $16.93   $16.92   $26.95 
                               
Investment operations:                              
Net investment income (loss)(a)(b)   0.07    0.19    1.98    (0.09)   (0.05)   (0.06)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)   1.01    (0.53)   (2.97)   6.73    1.25    (1.60)
Total from investment operations   1.08    (0.34)   (0.99)   6.64    1.20    (1.66)
                               
Less distributions:                              
Net investment income       (2.11)           (1.19)    
From net realized gains       (4.48)   (1.48)           (8.37)
Total distributions       (6.59)   (1.48)       (1.19)   (8.37)
                               
Net asset value, end of period  $15.25   $14.17   $21.10   $23.57   $16.93   $16.92 
                               
Total Return(c)   7.62(d)   (0.57)%   (4.94)%   39.20%   6.63%   (4.88)%
                               
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                              
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)  $31,143   $30,433   $37,762   $45,140   $35,278   $33,287 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:                              
Before fee waived and expenses absorbed(e)(f)   1.21(g)   1.23%   0.79%   0.92%   1.34%   0.82%
After fees waived and expenses absorbed(e)(f)   0.88(g)   0.92%   0.79%   1.13%   1.20%   1.00%
Ratio of net investment gain (loss) to average net assets:                              
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed(e)   0.62(g)   0.79%   8.41%   (0.23)%   (0.40)%   (0.09)%
After fees waived and expenses absorbed(e)   0.95(g)   1.10%   8.41%   (0.44)%   (0.26)%   (0.27)%
Portfolio turnover rate(h)   8(d)   13%   65%   15%   7%   17%
                               
(a)Based on average shares outstanding for the period.

 

(b)Recognition of net investment income (loss) by the Fund is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests.

 

(c)Total returns would have been lower had expenses not been waived by the Advisor. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Returns shown do not reflect sales load.

 

(d)Not annualized.

 

(e)Does not include expenses of the investment companies in which the Fund invests.

 

(f)The Advisor does not receive management fees for Fund assets invested in other series of the Trust advised by the Advisor (affiliated investments).

 

(g)Annualized.

 

(h)Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis on the Fund as a whole without distinguishing among the classes of shares.

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

58

 

North Square Multi Strategy Fund
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Class I
 

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the                     
   Six Months                     
   Ended                     
   November 30,                     
   2023   For the Years Ended May 31, 
   (Unaudited)   2023   2022   2021   2020   2019 
Selected Per Share Data:                              
Net asset value, beginning of period  $15.43   $22.33   $24.83   $17.73   $17.59   $27.53 
                               
Investment operations:                              
Net investment income (loss)(a)(b)   0.10    0.25    2.22    0.06    (0.01)   0.02 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)   1.10    (0.56)   (3.24)   7.04    1.36    (1.59)
Total from investment operations   1.20    (0.31)   (1.02)   7.10    1.35    (1.57)
                               
Less distributions:                              
Net investment income       (2.11)           (1.21)    
From net realized gains       (4.48)   (1.48)           (8.37)
Total distributions       (6.59)   (1.48)       (1.21)   (8.37)
                               
Net asset value, end of period  $16.63   $15.43   $22.33   $24.83   $17.73   $17.59 
                               
Total Return(c)   7.78(d)   (0.38)%   (4.79)%   40.07%   7.17%   (4.23)%
                               
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                              
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)  $9,713   $8,420   $10,136   $10,592   $5,851   $12,919 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:                              
Before fee waived and expenses absorbed(e)(f)   0.98(g)   0.99%   0.54%   0.67(h)   0.92%   0.44%
After fees waived and expenses absorbed(e)(f)   0.65(g)   0.68%   0.54%   0.43%   0.90%   0.62%
Ratio of net investment gain (loss) to average net assets:                              
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed(e)   0.85(g)   1.03%   8.92%   0.05(h)   (0.10)%   0.29%
After fees waived and expenses absorbed(e)   1.19(g)   1.34%   8.92%   0.29%   (0.08)%   0.10%
Portfolio turnover rate(i)   8(d)   13%   65%   15%   7%   17%
                               
(a)Based on average shares outstanding for the period.

 

(b)Recognition of net investment income (loss) by the Fund is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests.

 

(c)Total returns would have been lower had expenses not been waived by the Advisor. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

 

(d)Not annualized.

 

(e)Does not include expenses of the investment companies in which the Fund invests.

 

(f)The Advisor does not receive management fees for Fund assets invested in other series of the Trust advised by the Advisor (affiliated investments).

 

(g)Annualized.

 

(h)Ratios exclude the 12b-1 refund.

 

(i)Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis on the Fund as a whole without distinguishing among the classes of shares.

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

59

 

North Square Preferred and Income Securities Fund
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Class I
 

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the                     
   Six Months                     
   Ended                     
   November 30,                     
   2023   For the Years Ended May 31, 
   (Unaudited)   2023   2022   2021   2020   2019 
Selected Per Share Data:                              
Net asset value, beginning of period  $17.86   $20.96   $23.32   $17.47   $16.25   $15.65 
                               
Investment operations:                              
Net investment income(a)   0.54    1.09    0.41    0.21    0.24    0.24 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)   0.75    (0.89)   (0.55)   6.18    1.28    0.82 
Total from investment operations   1.29    0.20    (0.14)   6.39    1.52    1.06 
                               
Less distributions:                              
Net investment income   (0.50)   (0.65)   (0.38)   (0.18)   (0.25)   (0.24)
From net realized gains       (2.31)   (1.84)   (0.36)   (0.05)   (0.22)
From return of capital       (0.34)                
Total distributions   (0.50)   (3.30)   (2.22)   (0.54)   (0.30)   (0.46)
                               
Net asset value, end of period  $18.65   $17.86   $20.96   $23.32   $17.47   $16.25 
                               
Total Return(b)   7.25(c)   1.25%   (1.49)%   37.06%   9.35%   6.94%
                               
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                              
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)  $77,590   $46,577   $25,793   $16,186   $11,146   $12,014 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:                              
Before fee waived and expenses absorbed   1.03(d)   1.20%   1.27%   1.44(e)   1.89%   2.38%
After fees waived and expenses absorbed   0.97(d)   0.97%   0.99(f)   1.00%   1.00%   1.00%
Ratio of net investment gain to average net assets:                              
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed   5.77(d)   5.41%   1.50%   0.59(e)   0.47%   0.18%
After fees waived and expenses absorbed   5.83(d)   5.64%   1.78%   1.03%   1.36%   1.56%
Portfolio turnover rate   42(c)   260%   179%   28%   18%   15%
                               
(a)Based on average shares outstanding for the period.

 

(b)Total returns would have been lower had expenses not been waived by the Advisor. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

 

(c)Not annualized.

 

(d)Annualized.

 

(e)Ratios exclude the 12b-1 refund.

 

(f)Effective January 11, 2022, the expense cap decreased from 1.00% to 0.97%.

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

60

 

North Square Tactical Growth Fund
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Class A
 

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the                     
   Six Months                     
   Ended                     
   November 30,                     
   2023   For the Years Ended May 31, 
   (Unaudited)   2023   2022(a)   2021   2020   2019 
Selected Per Share Data:                              
Net asset value, beginning of period  $12.74   $13.59   $15.15   $11.81   $11.62   $12.33 
                               
Investment operations:                              
Net investment income (loss)(b)(c)   0.06    0.06    (0.03)   (0.09)   0.05    (0.01)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)   0.47    0.02    (0.80)   3.43    0.72    (0.40)
Total from investment operations   0.53    0.08    (0.83)   3.34    0.77    (0.41)
                               
Less distributions:                              
Net investment income       (0.06)           (0.06)    
From net realized gains       (0.87)   (0.73)       (0.52)   (0.30)
Total distributions       (0.93)   (0.73)       (0.58)   (0.30)
                               
Net asset value, end of period  $13.27   $12.74   $13.59   $15.15   $11.81   $11.62 
                               
Total Return(d)   4.16(e)   1.04%   (5.93)%   28.28%   6.53%   (3.22)%
                               
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                              
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)  $87,670   $85,244   $92,843   $97,180   $81,511   $85,250 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:                              
Before fee waived and expenses absorbed(f)   1.62(g)   1.74%   1.61%   1.55%   1.56%   1.57%
After fees waived and expenses absorbed(f)   1.55(g)   1.55%   1.55%   1.55%   1.55%   1.55%
Ratio of net investment gain (loss) to average net assets:                              
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed(f)   0.85(g)   0.24%   (0.27)%   (0.70)%   0.39%   (0.07)%
After fees waived and expenses absorbed(f)   0.93(g)   0.43%   (0.21)%   (0.70)%   0.40%   (0.05)%
Portfolio turnover rate(h)   47(e)   96%   67%   79%   128%   120%
                               
(a)Effective June 11, 2021 the Stadion Tactical Growth Fund Class A converted to the North Square Tactical Growth Fund Class A. See Note 1.

 

(b)Based on average shares outstanding for the period.

 

(c)Recognition of net investment income (loss) by the Fund is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests.

 

(d)Total returns would have been lower had expenses not been waived by the Advisor. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Returns shown do not reflect sales load.

 

(e)Not annualized.

 

(f)Does not include expenses of the investment companies in which the Fund invests.

 

(g)Annualized.

 

(h)Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis on the Fund as a whole without distinguishing among the classes of shares.

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

61

 

North Square Tactical Growth Fund
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Class C
 

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the                     
   Six Months                     
   Ended                     
   November 30,                     
   2023   For the Years Ended May 31, 
   (Unaudited)   2023   2022(a)   2021   2020   2019 
Selected Per Share Data:                              
Net asset value, beginning of period  $11.80   $12.69   $14.30   $11.24   $11.14   $11.92 
                               
Investment operations:                              
Net investment income (loss)(b)(c)   0.01    (0.04(d)   (0.13)   (0.19)   (0.04(d)   (0.10(d)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)   0.43    0.03    (0.75)   3.25    0.69    (0.38)
Total from investment operations   0.44    (0.01)   (0.88)   3.06    0.65    (0.48)
                               
Less distributions:                              
Net investment income       (0.01)           (0.03)    
From net realized gains       (0.87)   (0.73)       (0.52)   (0.30)
Total distributions       (0.88)   (0.73)       (0.55)   (0.30)
                               
Net asset value, end of period  $12.24   $11.80   $12.69   $14.30   $11.24   $11.14 
                               
Total Return(e)   3.73(f)   0.31%   (6.61)%   27.22%   5.73%   (3.92)%
                               
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                              
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)  $60,769   $71,369   $84,867   $106,291   $95,291   $104,812 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:                              
Before fee waived and expenses absorbed(g)   2.38(h)   2.50%   2.37%   2.31%   2.33%   2.32%
After fees waived and expenses absorbed(g)   2.30(h)   2.30%   2.30%   2.30%   2.30%   2.30%
Ratio of net investment gain (loss) to average net assets:                              
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed(g)   0.10(h)   (0.51)%   (1.02)%   (1.46)%   (0.36)%   (0.85)%
After fees waived and expenses absorbed(g)   0.18(h)   (0.31)%   (0.95)%   (1.45)%   (0.33)%   (0.83)%
Portfolio turnover rate(i)   47(f)   96%   67%   79%   128%   120%
                               
(a)Effective June 11, 2021 the Stadion Tactical Growth Fund Class C converted to the North Square Tactical Growth Fund Class C. See Note 1.

 

(b)Based on average shares outstanding for the period.

 

(c)Recognition of net investment income (loss) by the Fund is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests.

 

(d)The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the year may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the year due to the timing of sales and redemptions of Fund shares in relation to income earned, class specific expense structure, and/or fluctuating market value of the investments of the Fund.

 

(e)Total returns would have been lower had expenses not been waived by the Advisor. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Returns shown do not reflect sales load.

 

(f)Not annualized.

 

(g)Does not include expenses of the investment companies in which the Fund invests.

 

(h)Annualized.

 

(i)Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis on the Fund as a whole without distinguishing among the classes of shares.

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

62

 

North Square Tactical Growth Fund
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Class I
 

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the                     
   Six Months                     
   Ended                     
   November 30,                     
   2023   For the Years Ended May 31, 
   (Unaudited)   2023   2022(a)   2021   2020   2019 
Selected Per Share Data:                              
Net asset value, beginning of period  $13.04   $13.87   $15.42   $12.00   $11.77   $12.46 
                               
Investment operations:                              
Net investment income (loss)(b)(c)   0.08    0.09    0.01    (0.06)   0.08    0.02 (d)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)   0.48    0.03    (0.83)   3.48    0.74    (0.41)
Total from investment operations   0.56    0.12    (0.82)   3.42    0.82    (0.39)
                               
Less distributions:                              
Net investment income       (0.08)        (e)   (0.07)    
From net realized gains       (0.87)   (0.73)       (0.52)   (0.30)
Total distributions       (0.95)   (0.73)       (0.59)   (0.30)
                               
Net asset value, end of period  $13.60   $13.04   $13.87   $15.42   $12.00   $11.77 
                               
Total Return(f)   4.29(g)   1.33%   (5.71)%   28.53%   6.88%   (3.02)%
                               
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                              
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)  $334,413   $314,829   $344,653   $391,964   $314,646   $337,265 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:                              
Before fee waived and expenses absorbed(h)   1.38(i)   1.50%   1.38%   1.33%   1.34%   1.33%
After fees waived and expenses absorbed(h)   1.30(i)   1.30%   1.30%   1.30%   1.30%   1.30%
Ratio of net investment gain (loss) to average net assets:                              
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed(h)   1.09(i)   0.48%   (0.03)%   (0.48)%   0.62%   0.13%
After fees waived and expenses absorbed(h)   1.17(i)   0.68%   0.05%   (0.45)%   0.66%   0.16%
Portfolio turnover rate(j)   47(g)   96%   67%   79%   128%   120%
                               
(a)Effective June 11, 2021 the Stadion Tactical Growth Fund Class I converted to the North Square Tactical Growth Fund Class I. See Note 1.

 

(b)Based on average shares outstanding for the period.

 

(c)Recognition of net investment income (loss) by the Fund is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests.

 

(d)The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the year may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the year due to the timing of sales and redemptions of Fund shares in relation to income earned, class specific expense structure, and/or fluctuating market value of the investments of the Fund.

 

(e)Rounds to less than $0.005 per share.

 

(f)Total returns would have been lower had expenses not been waived by the Advisor. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

 

(g)Not annualized.

 

(h)Does not include expenses of the investment companies in which the Fund invests.

 

(i)Annualized.

 

(j)Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis on the Fund as a whole without distinguishing among the classes of shares.

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

63

 

North Square Tactical Defensive Fund
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Class A
 

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the                     
   Six Months                     
   Ended                     
   November 30,                     
   2023   For the Years Ended May 31, 
   (Unaudited)   2023   2022(a)   2021   2020   2019 
Selected Per Share Data:                              
Net asset value, beginning of period  $15.42   $16.05   $16.00   $12.41   $13.52   $13.26 
                               
Investment operations:                              
Net investment income (loss)(b)(c)   0.13    0.05    (0.11)   (0.10)   0.07    0.03 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)   0.43    (0.68)   0.16    3.69    (1.12)   0.23 
Total from investment operations   0.56    (0.63)   0.05    3.59    (1.05)   0.26 
                               
Less distributions:                              
Net investment income                   (0.06)    
Total distributions                   (0.06)    
                               
Net asset value, end of period  $15.98   $15.42   $16.05   $16.00   $12.41   $13.52 
                               
Total Return(d)   3.63(e)   (3.93)%   0.30%   28.93%   (7.85)%   1.96%
                               
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                              
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)  $20,007   $20,302   $23,392   $21,542   $18,526   $24,231 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:                              
Before fee waived and expenses absorbed(f)   1.99(g)   1.97%   1.86%   1.87%   1.85%   1.84%
After fees waived and expenses absorbed(f)   1.95(g)   1.95%   1.86%   1.87%   1.85%   1.84%
Ratio of net investment gain (loss) to average net assets:                              
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed(f)   1.54(g)   0.25%   (0.65)%   (0.71)%   0.47%   0.26%
After fees waived and expenses absorbed(f)   1.58(g)   0.29%   (0.65)%   (0.71)%   0.47%   0.26%
Portfolio turnover rate(h)   215(e)   677%   289%   350%   522%   396%
                               
(a)Effective June 11, 2021 the Stadion Tactical Defensive Fund Class A converted to the North Square Tactical Defensive Fund Class A. See Note 1.

 

(b)Based on average shares outstanding for the period.

 

(c)Recognition of net investment income (loss) by the Fund is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests.

 

(d)Total returns would have been lower had expenses not been waived by the Advisor. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Returns shown do not reflect sales load.

 

(e)Not annualized.

 

(f)Does not include expenses of the investment companies in which the Fund invests.

 

(g)Annualized.

 

(h)Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis on the Fund as a whole without distinguishing among the classes of shares.

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

64

 

North Square Tactical Defensive Fund
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Class C
 

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the                     
   Six Months                     
   Ended                     
   November 30,                     
   2023   For the Years Ended May 31, 
   (Unaudited)   2023   2022(a)   2021   2020   2019 
Selected Per Share Data:                              
Net asset value, beginning of period  $13.84   $14.52   $14.59   $11.40   $12.51   $12.36 
                               
Investment operations:                              
Net investment income (loss)(b)(c)   0.06    (0.07(d)   (0.21)   (0.19)   (0.03(d)   (0.08(d)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)   0.40    (0.61)   0.14    3.38    (1.03)   0.23 
Total from investment operations   0.46    (0.68)   (0.07)   3.19    (1.06)   0.15 
                               
Less distributions:                              
Net investment income                   (0.05)    
Total distributions                   (0.05)    
                               
Net asset value, end of period  $14.30   $13.84   $14.52   $14.59   $11.40   $12.51 
                               
Total Return(e)   3.32(f)   (4.68)%   (0.49)%   27.98%   (8.54)%   1.21%
                               
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                              
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)  $3,331   $4,005   $7,265   $11,711   $13,586   $19,151 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:                              
Before fee waived and expenses absorbed(g)   2.73(h)   2.74%   2.62%   2.62%   2.61%   2.59%
After fees waived and expenses absorbed(g)   2.70(h)   2.70%   2.62%   2.62%   2.61%   2.59%
Ratio of net investment gain (loss) to average net assets:                              
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed(g)   0.81(h)   (0.52)%   (1.37)%   (1.42)%   (0.24)%   (0.64)%
After fees waived and expenses absorbed(g)   0.82(h)   (0.48)%   (1.37)%   (1.42)%   (0.24)%   (0.64)%
Portfolio turnover rate(i)   215(f)   677%   289%   350%   522%   396%
                               
(a)Effective June 11, 2021 the Stadion Tactical Defensive Fund Class C converted to the North Square Tactical Defensive Fund Class C. See Note 1.

 

(b)Based on average shares outstanding for the period.

 

(c)Recognition of net investment income (loss) by the Fund is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests.

 

(d)The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the year may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the year due to the timing of sales and redemptions of Fund shares in relation to income earned, class specific expense structure, and/or fluctuating market value of the investments of the Fund.

 

(e)Total returns would have been lower had expenses not been waived by the Advisor. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Returns shown do not reflect sales load.

 

(f)Not annualized.

 

(g)Does not include expenses of the investment companies in which the Fund invests.

 

(h)Annualized.

 

(i)Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis on the Fund as a whole without distinguishing among the classes of shares.

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

65

 

North Square Tactical Defensive Fund
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Class I
 

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the                     
   Six Months                     
   Ended                     
   November 30,                     
   2023   For the Years Ended May 31, 
   (Unaudited)   2023   2022(a)   2021   2020   2019 
Selected Per Share Data:                              
Net asset value, beginning of period  $15.86   $16.47   $16.39   $12.69   $13.79   $13.50 
                               
Investment operations:                              
Net investment income (loss)(b)(c)   0.15    0.09    (0.07)   (0.07)   0.09    0.03 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)   0.45    (0.70)   0.15    3.77    (1.13)   0.26 
Total from investment operations   0.60    (0.61)   0.08    3.70    (1.04)   0.29 
                               
Less distributions:                              
Net investment income                   (0.06)    
Total distributions                   (0.06)    
                               
Net asset value, end of period  $16.46   $15.86   $16.47   $16.39   $12.69   $13.79 
                               
Total Return(d)   3.78(e)   (3.70)%   0.46%   29.16%   (7.61)%   2.15%
                               
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                              
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)  $33,917   $36,249   $42,354   $44,999   $46,311   $54,684 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:                              
Before fee waived and expenses absorbed(f)   1.66(g)   1.77%   1.66%   1.68%   1.66%   1.64%
After fees waived and expenses absorbed(f)   1.70(g)   1.70%   1.66%   1.68%   1.66%   1.64%
Ratio of net investment gain (loss) to average net assets:                              
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed(f)   1.86(g)   0.47%   (0.44)%   (0.50)%   0.65%   0.21%
After fees waived and expenses absorbed(f)   1.82(g)   0.53%   (0.44)%   (0.50)%   0.65%   0.21%
Portfolio turnover rate(h)   215(e)   677%   289%   350%   522%   396%
                               
(a)Effective June 11, 2021 the Stadion Tactical Defensive Fund Class I converted to the North Square Tactical Defensive Fund Class I. See Note 1.

 

(b)Based on average shares outstanding for the period.

 

(c)Recognition of net investment income (loss) by the Fund is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests.

 

(d)Total returns would have been lower had expenses not been waived by the Advisor. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

 

(e)Not annualized.

 

(f)Does not include expenses of the investment companies in which the Fund invests.

 

(g)Annualized.

 

(h)Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis on the Fund as a whole without distinguishing among the classes of shares.

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

66

 

North Square Trilogy Alternative Return Fund
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Class A
 

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the                     
   Six Months                     
   Ended                     
   November 30,                     
   2023   For the Years Ended May 31, 
   (Unaudited)   2023   2022(a)   2021   2020   2019 
Selected Per Share Data:                              
Net asset value, beginning of period  $10.27   $10.99   $11.67   $10.72   $10.37   $10.94 
                               
Investment operations:                              
Net investment income(b)(c)   0.08    0.11    0.02    0.06    0.13    0.17 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)   (0.28)   (0.74)   (0.68)   0.98    0.39    (0.62)
Total from investment operations   (0.20)   (0.63)   (0.66)   1.04    0.52    (0.45)
                               
Less distributions:                              
Net investment income       (0.09)   (0.02)   (0.08)   (0.17)   (0.12)
From net realized gains               (0.01)        
Total distributions       (0.09)   (0.02)   (0.09)   (0.17)   (0.12)
                               
Net asset value, end of period  $10.07   $10.27   $10.99   $11.67   $10.72   $10.37 
                               
Total Return(d)   (1.95)% (e)   (5.72)%   (5.69)%   9.74%   5.04%   (4.13)%
                               
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                              
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)  $1,512   $1,351   $2,224   $2,708   $2,659   $4,733 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:                              
Before fee waived and expenses absorbed(f)   2.18(g)   2.09%   1.87%   1.97%   1.89%   1.94%
After fees waived and expenses absorbed(f)   1.63(g)   1.63%   1.63%   1.63%   1.63%   1.63%
Ratio of net investment gain (loss) to average net assets:                              
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed(f)   1.03(g)   0.57%   (0.06)%   0.22%   0.95%   1.27%
After fees waived and expenses absorbed(f)   1.58(g)   1.02%   0.18%   0.56%   1.21%   1.58%
Portfolio turnover rate(h)   1(e)   8%   16%   11%   21%   5%
                               
(a)Effective June 11, 2021 the Stadion Trilogy Alternative Return Fund Class A converted to the North Square Trilogy Alternative Return Fund Class A. See Note 1.

 

(b)Based on average shares outstanding for the period.

 

(c)Recognition of net investment income (loss) by the Fund is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests.

 

(d)Total returns would have been lower had expenses not been waived by the Advisor. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Returns shown do not reflect sales load.

 

(e)Not annualized.

 

(f)Does not include expenses of the investment companies in which the Fund invests.

 

(g)Annualized.

 

(h)Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis on the Fund as a whole without distinguishing among the classes of shares.

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

67

 

North Square Trilogy Alternative Return Fund
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Class C
 

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the                     
   Six Months                     
   Ended                     
   November 30,                     
   2023   For the Years Ended May 31, 
   (Unaudited)   2023   2022(a)   2021   2020   2019 
Selected Per Share Data:                              
Net asset value, beginning of period  $9.92   $10.65   $11.38   $10.47   $10.14   $10.73 
                               
Investment operations:                              
Net investment income (loss)(b)(c)   0.05    0.03    (0.06)   (0.02)   0.04    0.07 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)   (0.28)   (0.72)   (0.67)   0.96    0.40    (0.59)
Total from investment operations   (0.23)   (0.69)   (0.73)   0.94    0.44    (0.52)
                               
Less distributions:                              
Net investment income       (0.04)       (0.03)   (0.11)   (0.07)
From net realized gains                (d)        
Total distributions       (0.04)       (0.03)   (0.11)   (0.07)
                               
Net asset value, end of period  $9.69   $9.92   $10.65   $11.38   $10.47   $10.14 
                               
Total Return(e)   (2.32)% (f)   (6.49)%   (6.41)%   8.97%   4.34%   (4.84)%
                               
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                              
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)  $1,721   $2,678   $3,739   $4,789   $5,384   $7,460 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:                              
Before fee waived and expenses absorbed(g)   2.97(h)   2.87%   2.65%   2.73%   2.68%   2.63%
After fees waived and expenses absorbed(g)   2.38(h)   2.38%   2.38%   2.38%   2.38%   2.38%
Ratio of net investment gain (loss) to average net assets:                              
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed(g)   0.37(h)   (0.23)%   (0.84)%   (0.52)%   0.13%   0.43%
After fees waived and expenses absorbed(g)   0.96(h)   0.27%   (0.57)%   (0.17)%   0.43%   0.68%
Portfolio turnover rate(i)   1(f)   8%   16%   11%   21%   5%
                               
(a)Effective June 11, 2021 the Stadion Trilogy Alternative Return Fund Class C converted to the North Square Trilogy Alternative Return Fund Class C. See Note 1.

 

(b)Based on average shares outstanding for the period.

 

(c)Recognition of net investment income (loss) by the Fund is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests.

 

(d)Rounds to less than $0.005 per share.

 

(e)Total returns would have been lower had expenses not been waived by the Advisor. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Returns shown do not reflect sales load.

 

(f)Not annualized.

 

(g)Does not include expenses of the investment companies in which the Fund invests.

 

(h)Annualized.

 

(i)Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis on the Fund as a whole without distinguishing among the classes of shares.

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

68

 

North Square Trilogy Alternative Return Fund
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Class I
 

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the                     
   Six Months                     
   Ended                     
   November 30,                     
   2023   For the Years Ended May 31, 
   (Unaudited)   2023   2022(a)   2021   2020   2019 
Selected Per Share Data:                              
Net asset value, beginning of period  $10.33   $11.05   $11.71   $10.76   $10.40   $10.97 
                               
Investment operations:                              
Net investment income(b)(c)   0.10    0.13    0.05    0.09    0.15    0.18 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)   (0.29)   (0.74)   (0.68)   0.98    0.41    (0.60)
Total from investment operations   (0.19)   (0.61)   (0.63)   1.07    0.56    (0.42)
                               
Less distributions:                              
Net investment income       (0.11)   (0.03)   (0.11)   (0.20)   (0.15)
From net realized gains               (0.01)        
Total distributions       (0.11)   (0.03)   (0.12)   (0.20)   (0.15)
                               
Net asset value, end of period  $10.14   $10.33   $11.05   $11.71   $10.76   $10.40 
                               
Total Return(d)   (1.84)% (e)   (5.56)%   (5.45)%   9.98%   5.39%   (3.90)%
                               
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                              
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)  $18,417   $22,767   $35,788   $39,552   $42,622   $52,330 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:                              
Before fee waived and expenses absorbed(f)   1.98(g)   1.89%   1.68%   1.79%   1.72%   1.65%
After fees waived and expenses absorbed(f)   1.38(g)   1.38%   1.38%   1.38%   1.38%   1.38%
Ratio of net investment gain to average net assets:                              
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed(f)   1.30(g)   0.73%   0.13%   0.43%   1.09%   1.39%
After fees waived and expenses absorbed(f)   1.90(g)   1.24%   0.43%   0.84%   1.43%   1.66%
Portfolio turnover rate(h)   1(e)   8%   16%   11%   21%   5%
                               
(a)Effective June 11, 2021 the Stadion Trilogy Alternative Return Fund Class I converted to the North Square Trilogy Alternative Return Fund Class I. See Note 1.

 

(b)Based on average shares outstanding for the period.

 

(c)Recognition of net investment income (loss) by the Fund is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests.

 

(d)Total returns would have been lower had expenses not been waived by the Advisor. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

 

(e)Not annualized.

 

(f)Does not include expenses of the investment companies in which the Fund invests.

 

(g)Annualized.

 

(h)Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis on the Fund as a whole without distinguishing among the classes of shares.

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

69

 

North Square Funds
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
November 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Note 1 – Organization

 

North Square Spectrum Alpha Fund (formerly, North Square Oak Ridge Small Cap Growth Fund) (“Spectrum Alpha” or “Spectrum Alpha Fund”), North Square Dynamic Small Cap Fund (“Dynamic Small Cap” or “Dynamic Small Cap Fund”), North Square Advisory Research Small Cap Growth Fund (formerly, North Square Oak Ridge All Cap Growth Fund) (“Advisory Research Small Cap Growth” or “Advisory Research Small Cap Growth Fund”), North Square Multi Strategy Fund (“Multi Strategy” or “Multi Strategy Fund”), North Square Preferred and Income Securities Fund (formerly, North Square Oak Ridge Dividend Growth Fund) (“Preferred and Income Securities” or “Preferred and Income Securities Fund”), North Square Tactical Growth Fund (“Tactical Growth” or “Tactical Growth Fund”), North Square Tactical Defensive Fund (“Tactical Defensive” or “Tactical Defensive Fund”) and North Square Trilogy Alternative Return Fund (“Trilogy Alternative Return” or “Trilogy Alternative Return Fund”) are organized as a series of North Square Investments Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Trust”) which is registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Spectrum Alpha Fund, Dynamic Small Cap Fund, Advisory Research Small Cap Growth Fund, Multi Strategy Fund, Preferred and Income Securities Fund, Tactical Growth Fund, Tactical Defensive Fund, and Trilogy Alternative Return Fund are diversified Funds.

 

The Spectrum Alpha Fund’s primary investment objective is to provide capital appreciation. Effective January 11, 2022, the Fund made certain changes to its principal investment strategies, including the modification of the strategies to become a “fund of funds” that invests primarily in affiliated mutual funds. Prior to January 11, 2022, the Fund invested primarily in equity securities of small capitalization companies. Effective January 11, 2022, the Fund’s sub-advisor also changed. Please see the Fund’s Prospectus for additional information on Predecessor Funds.

 

The Dynamic Small Cap Fund’s primary investment objective is long-term capital appreciation. The Fund has adopted the historical performance of the Oak Ridge Dynamic Small Cap Fund (the “Predecessor Fund”) as a result of a reorganization consummated after the close of business on May 10, 2019, in which the Fund acquired all of the assets, subject to the liabilities, of the Predecessor Fund. Please see the Fund’s Prospectus for additional information on Predecessor Funds.

 

The Advisory Research Small Cap Growth Fund’s primary investment objective is long-term growth of capital. Effective January 11, 2022, the Fund made certain changes to its principal investment strategies, including the modification of the strategies to invest, under normal circumstances, primarily in equity securities of small capitalization companies. Prior to January 11, 2022, the Fund invested primarily in equity securities that had a record of paying dividends over at least a trailing one year period. Effective January 11, 2022, the Fund’s sub-advisor also changed. Please see the Fund’s Prospectus for additional information on Predecessor Funds.

 

The Multi Strategy Fund’s primary investment objective is to provide capital appreciation. The Fund has adopted the historical performance of the Oak Ridge Multi Strategy Fund (the “Predecessor Fund”) as a result of a reorganization consummated after the close of business on May 10, 2019, in which the Fund acquired all of the assets, subject to the liabilities, of the Predecessor Fund. Please see the Fund’s Prospectus for additional information on Predecessor Funds.

 

The Preferred and Income Securities Fund’s primary investment objective is to seek total return through current income and capital appreciation. Effective January 11, 2022, the Fund made certain changes to its investment objective and principal investment strategies, including the modification of the strategies to invest in a portfolio of preferred and debt securities issued by U.S. and non? U.S. companies. Prior to January 11, 2022, the Fund invested primarily in equity securities that had a record of paying dividends over at least a trailing one year period. Effective January 11, 2022, the Fund’s sub-advisor also changed. Please see the Fund’s Prospectus for additional information on Predecessor Funds.

 

The Tactical Growth Fund’s primary investment objective is to seek long-term capital appreciation. The Fund has adopted the historical performance of the Stadion Tactical Growth Fund (the “Predecessor Fund”), a former series of Stadion Investment Trust, as a result of a reorganization consummated after the close of business on June 11, 2021 (“Reorganization”), in which the Fund acquired all of the assets, subject to the liabilities, of the Predecessor Fund. Please see the Fund’s Prospectus for additional information on Predecessor Funds.

 

The Tactical Defensive Fund’s primary investment objective is to seek capital appreciation. The Fund has adopted the historical performance of the Stadion Tactical Defensive Fund (the “Predecessor Fund”), a former series of Stadion Investment Trust, as a result of a reorganization consummated after the close of business on June 11, 2021 (“Reorganization”), in which the Fund acquired all of the assets, subject to the liabilities, of the Predecessor Fund. Please see the Fund’s Prospectus for additional information on Predecessor Funds.

 

The Trilogy Alternative Return Fund’s primary investment objective is total return, with an emphasis on lower risk and volatility than the

70

 

North Square Funds
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – Continued
November 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

U.S. equity markets. The Fund has adopted the historical performance of the Stadion Trilogy Alternative Return Fund (the “Predecessor Fund”), a former series of Stadion Investment Trust, as a result of a reorganization consummated after the close of business on June 11, 2021 (“Reorganization”), in which the Fund acquired all of the assets, subject to the liabilities, of the Predecessor Fund. Please see the Fund’s Prospectus for additional information on Predecessor Funds.

 

The shares of each class represent an interest in the same portfolio of investments of their respective Fund and have equal rights as to voting, redemptions, dividends and liquidation, subject to the approval of the Trustees. Income, expenses (other than expenses attributable to a specific class) and realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments are allocated to each class of shares in proportion to their relative shares outstanding. Shareholders of a class that bears distribution and service expenses under the terms of a distribution plan have exclusive voting rights to that distribution plan.

 

Each Fund is an investment company and accordingly follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standard Codification Topic 946 “Financial Services—Investment Companies”.

 

Note 2 – Accounting Policies

 

The following is a summary of the significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Funds in the preparation of their financial statements. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

 

(a) Valuation of Investments

 

Each Fund values equity securities at the last reported sale price on the principal exchange or in the principal over the counter (“OTC”) market in which such securities are traded, as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE on the day the securities are being valued or, if the last-quoted sales price is not readily available, the securities will be valued at the last bid or the mean between the last available bid and ask price. Securities traded on the Nasdaq are valued at the Nasdaq Official Closing Price (“NOCP”). Investments in open-end investment companies are valued at the daily closing net asset value of the respective investment company. Debt securities are valued by utilizing a price supplied by independent pricing service providers. The independent pricing service providers may use various valuation methodologies including matrix pricing and other analytical pricing models as well as market transactions and dealer quotations. These models generally consider such factors as yields or prices of bonds of comparable quality, type of issue, coupon, maturity, ratings and general market conditions. Exchange-traded options on securities and indices purchased or sold by the Funds generally will be valued at the mean of the last bid and ask prices. If a price is not readily available for a portfolio security, the security will be valued at fair value (the amount which the Fund might reasonably expect to receive for the security upon its current sale) as determined in good faith by the Fund’s advisor, as Valuation Designee, subject to review and approval by the Valuation Committee, pursuant to procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees (the “Board”). The actions of the Valuation Committee are subsequently reviewed by the Board at its next regularly scheduled board meeting. The Valuation Committee meets as needed.

 

Fair value pricing may be applied to foreign securities held by the Funds upon the occurrence of an event after the close of trading on non-U.S. markets but before the close of trading on the NYSE when each Fund’s NAV is determined. If the event may result in a material adjustment to the price of the Fund’s foreign securities once non-U.S. markets open on the following business day (such as, for example, a significant surge or decline in the U.S. market), the Fund may value such foreign securities at fair value, taking into account the effect of such event, in order to calculate the Fund’s NAV. Other types of portfolio securities that the Fund may fair value include, but are not limited to: (1) investments that are illiquid or traded infrequently, including “restricted” securities and private placements for which there is no public market; (2) investments for which, in the judgment of the advisor, the market price is stale; (3) securities of an issuer that has entered into a restructuring; (4) securities for which trading has been halted or suspended; and (5) fixed income securities for which there is not a current market value quotation.

 

The pricing service will use a statistical analyses and quantitative models to adjust local prices using factors such as subsequent movement and changes in the prices of indexes, securities and exchange rates in other markets in determining fair value as of the time the Fund calculates the NAVs. The Board receives a report on all securities that were fair valued by the Advisor during the quarter.

71

 

North Square Funds
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – Continued
November 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

In December 2020, the SEC adopted a new rule providing a framework for fund valuation practices (“Rule 2a-5”). Rule 2a-5 establishes requirements for determining fair value in good faith for purposes of the 1940 Act. Rule 2a-5 permits fund boards to designate certain parties to perform fair value determinations, subject to board oversight and certain other conditions. Rule 2a-5 also defines when market quotations are “readily available” for purposes of the 1940 Act and the threshold for determining whether a fund must fair value a security. In connection with Rule 2a-5, the SEC also adopted related recordkeeping requirements and rescinded previously issued guidance, including with respect to the role of a board in determining fair value and the accounting and auditing of fund investments. The Funds are in compliance with Rule 2a-5, which had a compliance date of September 8, 2022.

 

(b) Purchased/Written Option Contracts

 

The Fund may write or purchase option contracts to adjust risk and return of its overall investment positions. When the Fund writes or purchases an option, an amount equal to the premium received or paid by the Fund is recorded as a liability or an asset and is subsequently adjusted to the current market value of the option written or purchased. Premiums received or paid from writing or purchasing options that expire unexercised are treated by the Fund on the expiration date as realized gains or losses. The difference between the premium and the amount paid or received on affecting a closing purchase or sale transaction, including brokerage commissions, is also treated as a realized gain or loss. If an option is exercised, the premium paid or received is added to or subtracted from the cost of the purchase or proceeds from the sale in determining whether the Fund has realized a gain or loss on investment transactions. Investing in purchased and written options contracts exposes the Fund to equity price risk. At November 30, 2023, the Trilogy Alternative Return Fund had an amount of $44,117 due to Interactive Brokers, LLC for option contracts which are presented on the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

(c) Investment Transactions, Investment Income and Expenses

 

Investment transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Realized gains and losses on investments are determined on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is recorded net of applicable withholding taxes on the ex-dividend date and interest income is recorded on an accrual basis. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends, if applicable, are paid (a portion of which may be reclaimable) or provided for in accordance with the applicable country’s tax rules and rates and are disclosed in the Statements of Operations. Withholding tax reclaims are filed in certain countries to recover a portion of the amounts previously withheld. The Funds record a reclaim receivable based on a number of factors, including a jurisdiction’s legal obligation to pay reclaims as well as payment history and market convention. Discounts or premiums on debt securities are accreted or amortized to interest income over the lives of the respective securities using the effective interest method. Income and expenses of the Funds are allocated on a pro rata basis to each class of shares. Expenses incurred by the Trust with respect to more than one fund are allocated in proportion to the net assets of each fund except where allocation of direct expenses to each fund or an alternative allocation method can be more appropriately made. Expenses such as distribution and service fees pursuant to Rule 12b-1, transfer agent fees and expenses with respect to the Funds, that are specific to individual share classes, are accrued directly to the respective share class.

 

(d) Federal Income Taxes

 

Each Fund intends to comply with the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all of its net investment income and any net realized gains to its shareholders. Therefore, no provision is made for federal income or excise taxes. Due to the timing of dividend distributions and the differences in accounting for income and realized gains and losses for financial statement and federal income tax purposes, the fiscal year in which amounts are distributed may differ from the year in which the income and realized gains and losses are recorded by the Funds.

 

Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (the “Income Tax Statement”) requires an evaluation of tax positions taken (or expected to be taken) in the course of preparing a Fund’s tax returns to determine whether these positions meet a “more-likely-than-not” standard that, based on the technical merits, have a more than fifty percent likelihood of being sustained by a taxing authority upon examination. A tax position that meets the “more-likely-than-not” recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements. Each Fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense in the Statement of Operations.

 

The Income Tax Statement requires management of the Funds to analyze tax positions taken in the prior three open tax years, if any, and tax positions expected to be taken in the Funds’ current tax year, as defined by the IRS statute of limitations for all major jurisdictions, including federal tax authorities and certain state tax authorities. As of and during the previous three tax year ends and the interim tax

72

 

North Square Funds
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – Continued
November 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

period since then, the Funds did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits. The Funds have no examination in progress and are 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.

 

(e) Distributions to Shareholders

 

The Preferred and Income Securities Fund will make distributions of net investment income monthly. The Spectrum Alpha Fund, Dynamic Small Cap Fund, Advisory Research Small Cap Growth Fund, Multi Strategy Fund, Tactical Growth Fund, Tactical Defensive Fund, and Trilogy Alternative Return Fund will make distributions of net investment income, if any, at least annually. Each Fund makes distributions of its net capital gains, if any, at least annually. Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The amount and timing of distributions are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP.

 

The character of distributions made during the year from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from the characterization for federal income tax purposes due to differences in the recognition of income, expense and gain (loss) items for financial statement and tax purposes.

 

(f) Line of Credit

 

U.S. Bank, N.A. has made available to the Funds an unsecured line of credit pursuant to a Loan Agreement for the Trust, expiring on June 12, 2024. The line of credit is intended to provide short-term financing, if necessary, subject to certain restrictions, in connection with shareholder redemptions. The Trust may borrow up to the lesser of $50,000,000 or certain percentage amounts based on the net assets of the Funds, or 33.33% of unencumbered assets.

 

The interest rate paid by the Funds on outstanding borrowings is equal to the Prime Rate. As of November 30, 2023, the Prime Rate was 8.25%. During the six months ended November 30, 2023, none of the Funds had any borrowings outstanding under the line of credit.

 

Note 3 – Investment Advisory and Other Agreements

 

The Trust, on behalf of the Funds, entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Agreement”) with North Square Investments, LLC (the “Advisor” or “NSI”). Under the terms of the Agreement, the Funds pay a monthly investment advisory fee to the Advisor based on each Fund’s average daily net assets. Fees paid to the Advisor for the six months ended November 30, 2023 are reported on the Statements of Operations. The annual and tiered rates are listed by Fund in the below table:

 

  Investment
  Advisory Fees
Spectrum Alpha Fund 0.20%
Dynamic Small Cap Fund 0.90%
Advisory Research Small Cap Growth Fund 0.70%
Multi Strategy Fund 0.00%-0.50%(a)
Preferred and Income Securities Fund 0.75%
Tactical Growth Fund  
First $150 million 1.25%
$150 million up to $500 million 1.00%
Thereafter 0.85%
Tactical Defensive Fund  
First $150 million 1.25%
$150 million up to $500 million 1.00%
Thereafter 0.85%
Trilogy Alternative Return Fund  
First $150 million 1.25%
$150 million up to $500 million 1.00%
Thereafter 0.85%

 

(a)The annual advisory fee is calculated as follows: (i) 0.00% for Fund assets invested in other series of the Trust advised by the Advisor (“affiliated investments”) and (ii) 0.50% for Fund assets invested in non-affiliated investments. For the six months ended November 30, 2023, the amount of advisory fees waived due to affiliated investments is reported under “Affiliated fund fee waived” on the Statements of Operations.

73

 

North Square Funds
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – Continued
November 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

The Advisor engages NSI Retail Advisors, LLC (“NSI Retail”) to manage the Spectrum Alpha Fund, Multi Strategy Fund, Tactical Growth Fund, Tactical Defensive Fund, and Trilogy Alternative Return Fund as sub-advisor, Algert Global LLC (“Algert Global”) to manage the Dynamic Small Cap Fund as sub-advisor, Advisory Research, Inc. (“ARI”) to manage the Advisory Research Small Cap Growth Fund, and Red Cedar Investment Management, LLC (“Red Cedar”) to manage the Preferred and Income Securities Fund.

 

The Advisor has contractually agreed to waive its fee and, if necessary, to absorb other operating expenses to ensure that total annual operating expenses (excluding taxes, leverage interest, brokerage commissions, dividend and interest expenses on short sales, acquired fund fees and expenses as determined in accordance with Form N-1A, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization, or extraordinary expenses such as litigation expenses) are limited. The agreements are effective until the dates listed below and may be terminated before those dates only by the Trust’s Board. The table below contains the agreement expiration and expense cap by Fund and by Class:

 

      Total Limit on Annual Operating Expenses
      Class A Class C Class I
    Agreement Expires Shares(a) Shares(a) Shares(a)
Spectrum Alpha Fund   September 30, 2025 1.30% 1.05%
Dynamic Small Cap Fund   September 30, 2029 1.24% 0.99%
Advisory Research Small Cap Growth Fund   September 30, 2029 1.19%(b) 0.96%
Multi Strategy Fund   September 30, 2029 1.20% 1.17%
Preferred and Income Securities Fund   September 30, 2029 0.97%
Tactical Growth Fund   September 30, 2025 1.30%(c) 1.30%(c) 1.30%(c)
Tactical Defensive Fund   September 30, 2025 1.70%(c) 1.70%(c) 1.70%(c)
Trilogy Alternative Return Fund   September 30, 2025 1.38%(c) 1.38%(c) 1.38%(c)

 

(a)The total limit on annual operating expenses is calculated based on each Fund’s average daily net assets.

 

(b)This class is currently not available for purchase.

 

(c)Exclusive of payments under a Rule 12b-1 Distribution Plan.

 

The Advisor is permitted to seek reimbursement from the Funds, subject to certain limitations, of fees waived or payments made to the Fund for a period ending thirty-six months after the date of the waiver or payment. This reimbursement may be requested from the Fund if the reimbursement will not cause the Fund’s annual expense ratio to exceed the lesser of (a) the expense limitation amount in effect at the time such fees were waived or payments made, or (b) the expense limitation amount in effect at the time of the reimbursement. For the six months ended November 30, 2023, the Spectrum Alpha Fund recouped $187,813 and $112,814 in Class A and Class I, respectively.

 

The Advisor may recapture all or a portion of this amount no later than the dates stated below:

 

   Spectrum Alpha Fund 
   Class A   Class I   Total 
May 31, 2024  $312,918   $166,395   $479,313 
May 31, 2025   128,144    93,377    221,521 
   $441,062   $259,772   $700,834 
                
   Dynamic Small Cap Fund 
   Class A   Class I   Total 
May 31, 2024  $   $98,584   $98,584 
May 31, 2025       162,452    162,452 
May 31, 2026   127    238,685    238,812 
November 30, 2026   25,681    94,275    119,956 
   $25,808   $593,996   $619,804 

74

 

North Square Funds
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – Continued
November 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

   Advisory     
   Research Small   Preferred 
   Cap Growth   and Income 
   Fund   Securities Fund 
May 31, 2024  $68,724   $68,724 
May 31, 2025   57,980    56,691 
May 31, 2026   46,842    94,057 
November 30, 2026   22,813    18,208 
   $196,359   $237,680 
                           
   Tactical Growth Fund 
   Class A   Class C   Class I   Total 
May 31, 2025  $64,123   $70,169   $300,815   $435,107 
May 31, 2026   171,866    153,546    626,943    952,355 
November 30, 2026   33,257    26,336    142,791    202,384 
   $269,246   $250,051   $1,070,549   $1,589,846 
                     
   Tactical Defensive Fund 
   Class A   Class C   Class I   Total 
May 31, 2026  $7,574   $2,679   $25,875   $36,128 
November 30, 2026   634    340    6,776    7,750 
   $8,208   $3,019   $32,651   $43,878 
                     
   Trilogy Alternative Return Fund 
   Class A   Class C   Class I   Total 
May 31, 2025  $5,635   $10,923   $108,017   $124,575 
May 31, 2025   7,816    15,224    133,633    156,673 
November 30, 2026   4,134    6,279    62,890    73,303 
   $17,585   $32,426   $304,540   $354,551 

 

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (the “Administrator”) serves as the Funds’ fund accountant, transfer agent and administrator. Prior to May 8, 2023 U.S. Bank Global Fund Services provided administrative, transfer agent and fund accounting services to the Funds. The Funds’ allocated fees incurred for fund accounting, transfer agency and fund administration for the six months ended November 30, 2023 are reported on the Statements of Operations.

 

Foreside Fund Services, LLC serves as the Funds’ distributor (the “Distributor”). The Distributor does not receive compensation from the Funds for its distribution services; the Advisor pays the Distributor a fee for its distribution-related services.

 

Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (“NLCS”), an affiliate of the Administrator, provides a Chief Compliance Officer to the Trust, as well as related compliance services pursuant to a consulting agreement between NLCS and the Trust. The Funds’ allocated fees incurred for compliance services for the six months ended November 30, 2023, are reported on the Statements of Operations.

 

Each Independent Trustee receives from the Trust an annual retainer of $50,000, plus $5,000 for each regularly scheduled Board meeting attended, $2,000 for each special in-person meeting attended and $2,000 for each special telephonic meeting attended, plus reimbursement of related expenses. The Chairman of the Board receives an additional annual retainer of $6,250 the Chair of the Audit Committee receives an additional $2,500, and the Chair of the Governance Committee receives an additional annual retainer of $1,250.

 

Certain officers and a Trustee of the Trust are also employees of the Administrator or NLCS and such persons are not paid by the Funds for serving in such capacities.

75

 

North Square Funds
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – Continued
November 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Note 4 – Federal Income Taxes

 

At November 30, 2023, gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments, based on cost for federal income tax purposes were as follows:

 

           Advisory         
           Research Small       Preferred and 
   Spectrum Alpha   Dynamic Small   Cap Growth   Multi Strategy   Income Securities 
   Fund   Cap Fund   Fund   Fund   Fund 
Tax cost of investments  $85,476,761   $143,946,141   $7,641,778   $39,008,247   $75,971,542 
Gross unrealized appreciation       14,448,402    1,600,324    2,331,050    1,826,759 
Gross unrealized depreciation   (7,450,425)   (4,737,138)   (206,382)   (306,230)   (335,787)
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments  $(7,450,425)  $9,711,264   $1,393,942   $2,024,820   $1,490,972 
                                   
           Trilogy 
   Tactical Growth   Tactical Defensive   Alternative 
   Fund   Fund   Return Fund 
Tax cost of investments  $389,547,658   $56,675,623   $17,563,213 
Gross unrealized appreciation   117,487,439    1,042,400    7,035,646 
Gross unrealized depreciation       (491,718)   (3,367,950)
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments  $117,487,439   $550,682   $3,667,696 

 

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.

 

As of May 31, 2023, the Funds’ most recent fiscal year end, the components of accumulated earnings (deficit) on a tax basis for the Funds were as follows:

 

           Advisory         
           Research Small       Preferred and 
   Spectrum Alpha   Dynamic Small   Cap Growth   Multi Strategy   Income Securities 
   Fund   Cap Fund   Fund   Fund   Fund 
Undistributed ordinary income  $   $   $   $498,762   $ 
Accumulated capital and other losses   (2,233,773)   (11,933,006)   (3,265,745)       (3,412,296)
Other temporary difference                   609,883 
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments   (15,223,091)   1,328,578    1,368,132    (841,518)   (52,934)
Total accumulated deficit  $(17,456,864)  $(10,604,428)  $(1,897,613)  $(342,756)  $(2,855,347)
                                   
           Trilogy 
   Tactical Growth   Tactical Defensive   Alternative 
   Fund   Fund   Return Fund 
Undistributed ordinary income  $   $   $112,275 
Accumulated capital and other losses   (4,588,324)   (11,684,096)   (3,350,252)
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments   102,315,023    (570,408)   5,404,625 
Total accumulated earnings (deficit)  $97,726,699   $(12,254,504)  $2,166,648 

76

 

North Square Funds
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – Continued
November 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

The tax character of distributions paid for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2023 were as follows:

 

           Advisory 
           Research Small 
   Spectrum Alpha   Dynamic   Cap Growth 
   Fund   Small Cap Fund   Fund 
Distributions paid from:               
Ordinary income  $   $144,105   $ 
Long-term capital gains   37,229,970        1,422,533 
Total distributions paid  $37,229,970   $144,105   $1,422,533 

 

       Preferred and     
   Multi Strategy   Income Securities   Tactical Growth 
   Fund   Fund   Fund 
Distributions paid from:               
Ordinary income  $4,507,952   $1,411,731   $2,380,891 
Long-term capital gains   9,580,068    4,921,108    31,241,773 
Return of Capital       702,036     
Total distributions paid  $14,088,020   $7,034,875   $33,622,664 
                     
       Trilogy 
   Tactical Defensive   Alternative 
   Fund   Return Fund 
Distributions paid from:          
Ordinary income  $   $278,247 
Total distributions paid  $   $278,247 

 

As of May 31, 2023, the Funds’ most recent fiscal year end, the following Funds have nonexpiring capital loss carryforwards:

 

   Short-Term   Long-Term 
Spectrum Alpha Fund  $1,497,212   $367,937 
Dynamic Small Cap Fund   11,933,006     
Advisory Research Small Cap Growth Fund   3,236,067     
Preferred and Income Securities Fund   3,029,689    382,607 
Tactical Growth Fund   2,893,738    1,694,586 
Tactical Defensive Fund   11,684,096     
Trilogy Alternative Return Fund   3,350,252     

 

To the extent that a Fund may realize future net capital gains, those gains will be offset by any of its unused capital loss carryforward. Future capital loss carryover utilization in any given year may be subject to Internal Revenue Code limitations.

 

As of May 31, 2023, the Funds had the following qualified late-year ordinary losses and post-October losses which are deferred until fiscal year 2024 for tax purposes. Net late-year losses incurred after December 31, and within the taxable year are deemed to arise on the first day of the Fund’s next taxable year. Capital losses incurred after October 31 within that taxable year are deemed to arise on the first day of the Fund’s next taxable year.

 

   Late Year Losses   Post October Losses 
Spectrum Alpha Fund  $368,624   $ 
Advisory Research Small Cap Growth Fund   29,678     

77

 

North Square Funds
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – Continued
November 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Note 5 – Investment Transactions

 

For the six months ended November 30, 2023, purchases and sales of investments were as follows:

 

   Purchases   Sales 
Spectrum Alpha Fund  $1,249,178   $4,050,000 
Dynamic Small Cap Fund   177,926,660    113,437,417 
Advisory Research Small Cap Growth Fund   10,071,354    10,287,361 
Multi Strategy Fund   3,013,498    4,286,808 
Preferred and Income Securities Fund   9,364,852    6,172,617 
Tactical Growth Fund   186,815,193    216,044,000 
Tactical Defensive Fund   72,281,013    76,164,009 
Trilogy Alternative Return Fund   196,693    5,967,928 

 

Note 6 – Shareholder Servicing Plan

 

The Trust, on behalf of the Funds, has adopted a Shareholder Servicing Plan to pay a fee at an annual rate of up to 0.15% of each Fund’s average daily net assets of shares serviced by shareholder servicing agents who provide administrative and support services to their customers.

 

For the six months ended November 30, 2023, shareholder servicing fees incurred are disclosed on the Statements of Operations.

 

Note 7 – Distribution Plan

 

The Trust, on behalf of each Fund, has adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act that allows each Fund to pay distribution fees for the sale and distribution of its Class A and Class C shares. The Plan provides for the payment of distribution fees at the annual rate of up to 0.25% of each Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A shares and 1.00% of average daily net assets attributable to Class C shares.

 

For the six months ended November 30, 2023, distribution fees incurred with respect to Class A and Class C shares are disclosed on the Statements of Operations.

 

Note 8 – Indemnifications

 

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

 

Note 9 – Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure

 

Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with GAAP, 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 a liability, when a transaction is not orderly, and how that information must be incorporated into a fair value measurement.

 

Under Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, various inputs are used in determining the value of the Funds’ investments. These inputs are summarized into three broad Levels as described below:

 

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

 

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

78

 

North Square Funds
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – Continued
November 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The following is a summary of the inputs used, as of November 30, 2023, in valuing the Funds’ assets carried at fair value:

 

Spectrum Alpha Fund      Valuation Inputs         
Investments  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Exchange-Traded Funds  $1,976,260   $   $   $1,976,260 
Mutual Funds   75,532,347            75,532,347 
Short-Term Investment   517,729            517,729 
Total  $78,026,336   $   $   $78,026,336 
                     
Dynamic Small Cap Fund      Valuation Inputs         
Investments  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Common Stocks  $151,535,147   $   $   $151,535,147 
Exchange-Traded Funds   459,930            459,930 
Rights                
Short-Term Investment   1,662,328            1,662,328 
Total  $153,657,405   $   $   $153,657,405 
                     
Advisory Research Small Cap Growth Fund      Valuation Inputs         
Investments  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Common Stocks  $9,016,217   $   $   $9,016,217 
Short-Term Investment   19,503            19,503 
Total  $9,035,720   $   $   $9,035,720 
                     
Multi Strategy Fund      Valuation Inputs         
Investments  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Exchange-Traded Funds  $12,926,990   $   $   $12,926,990 
Mutual Funds   27,324,149            27,324,149 
Short-Term Investments   781,928            781,928 
Total  $41,033,067   $   $   $41,033,067 

79

 

North Square Funds
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – Continued
November 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Preferred and Income Securities Fund      Valuation Inputs         
Investments  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Corporate Bonds  $   $76,360,500   $   $76,360,500 
Short-Term Investment   1,102,014            1,102,014 
Total  $1,102,014   $76,360,500   $   $77,462,514 
                     
Tactical Growth Fund      Valuation Inputs         
Investments  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Exchange-Traded Funds  $382,682,624   $   $   $382,682,624 
Short-Term Investment   124,352,473            124,352,473 
Total  $507,035,097   $   $   $507,035,097 
                     
Tactical Defensive Fund      Valuation Inputs         
Investments  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Exchange-Traded Funds  $29,505,405   $   $   $29,505,405 
Short-Term Investment   27,720,900            27,720,900 
Total  $57,226,305   $   $   $57,226,305 
                     
Trilogy Alternative Return Fund      Valuation Inputs         
Investments  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Common Stocks  $7,393,677   $   $   $7,393,677 
Exchange-Traded Funds   13,062,486            13,062,486 
Options       1,950,475        1,950,475 
Short-Term Investment   344,946            344,946 
Total  $20,801,109   $1,950,475   $   $22,751,584 
                     
Liabilities                    
Written Options  $   $(1,520,675)  $   $(1,520,675)
Total  $   $(1,520,675)  $   $(1,520,675)

 

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

 

Note 10 – Investments in Affiliated Issuers

 

An affiliated issuer is an entity in which the Fund has ownership of at least 5% of the voting securities or any investment in a North Square Fund. Issuers that are affiliates of the Fund at period-end are noted in the Fund’s Schedule of Investments. Additional security purchases and the reduction of certain securities shares outstanding of existing portfolio holdings that were not considered affiliated in

80

 

North Square Funds
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – Continued
November 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

prior years may result in the Fund owning in excess of 5% of the outstanding shares at period-end. The table below reflects transactions during the period with entities that are affiliates as of May 31, 2023 and may include acquisitions of new investments, prior year holdings that became affiliated during the period and prior period affiliated holdings that are no longer affiliated as of period-end.

 

Spectrum Alpha Fund 
  
                   Change in             
   Value               Unrealized             
   Beginning of       Sales   Net Realized   Appreciation /   Value End   Dividend   Capital Gain 
   Period   Purchases   Proceeds   Gain (Loss)   (Depreciation)   of Period   Income   Distributions 
Advisory Research Small Cap Growth Fund - Class I  $7,939,603   $   $(400,000)  $(226,766)  $260,704   $7,573,541   $   $ 
Advisory Research Small Cap Value Fund - Class I   13,341,571        (800,001)   (140,613)   1,949,121    14,350,078         
Dynamic Small Cap Fund - Class I   51,008,031        (2,849,999)   (149,650)   5,600,346    53,608,728         
                                         

 

   Shares             
   Beginning of           Shares End of 
   Period   Purchases   Sales   Period 
Advisory Research Small Cap Growth Fund - Class I   744,105        (36,297)   707,808 
Advisory Research Small Cap Value Fund - Class I   1,456,503        (80,657)   1,375,846 
Dynamic Small Cap Fund - Class I   4,574,711        (233,923)   4,340,788 

 

Multi Strategy Fund
 
                   Change in             
   Value               Unrealized             
   Beginning of       Sales   Net Realized   Appreciation /   Value End   Dividend   Capital Gain 
   Period   Purchases   Proceeds   Gain (Loss)   (Depreciation)   of Period   Income   Distributions 
Advisory Research Small Cap Growth Fund - Class I  $1,560,016   $   $(200,000)  $(3,267)  $13,461   $1,370,210   $   $ 
Advisory Research Small Cap Value Fund - Class I   2,158,248        (200,000)   (26,831)   318,295    2,249,712         
Altrinsic International Equity Fund - Class I   4,817,009    429,999            309,724    5,556,732         
Dynamic Small Cap Fund - Class I   7,940,687        (700,000)   (57,889)   862,498    8,045,296         
McKee Bond Fund - Class R6   1,964,001    2,156,962            (32,427)   4,088,536    61,961     
Preferred and Income Securities Fund - Class I   6,881,865    172,184    (1,300,000)   27,293    232,319    6,013,661         
Strategic Income Fund - Class I   782,035    8,925    (784,279)   (32,370)   25,689             

81

 

North Square Funds
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – Continued
November 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

   Shares             
   Beginning of           Shares End of 
   Period   Purchases   Sales   Period 
Advisory Research Small Cap Growth Fund - Class I   146,206        (18,149)   128,057 
Advisory Research Small Cap Value Fund - Class I   235,617        (19,921)   215,696 
Altrinsic International Equity Fund - Class I   483,150    41,070        524,220 
Dynamic Small Cap Fund - Class I   712,169        (60,728)   651,441 
McKee Bond Fund - Class R6   223,690    252,275        475,965 
Preferred and Income Securities Fund - Class I   385,323    9,401    (72,276)   322,448 
Strategic Income Fund - Class I   90,934    1,032    (91,966)    

 

Note 11 – Derivative and Other Financial Instruments

 

At November 30, 2023, the Trilogy Alternative Return Fund held derivative and other financial instruments which are not subject to a master netting arrangement.

 

The following table presents the fair value of derivative instruments for the Trilogy Alternative Return Fund as of November 30, 2023 as presented on the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities:

  

Location of Derivatives on Statements of Assets and Liabilities
Derivatives  Asset Derivatives  Liability Derivatives  Fair Value 
Equity Price Risk:          
Purchased Options  Investments, at value     $1,950,475 
Written Options     Options written, at value   (1,520,675)

 

The following table presents the results of the derivative trading and information related to volume for the six months ended November 30, 2023 for the Trilogy Alternative Return Fund. The below captions of “Net Realized” and “Net Change in Unrealized” correspond to the captions in the Fund’s Statement of Operations.

 

          Change in Unrealized 
          Appreciation 
   Location of Gain (Loss) on Derivatives  Realized Gain (Loss) on   (Depreciation) on 
Derivatives  on Statements of Operations  Derivatives   Derivatives 
Equity Price Risk:           
Purchased Options  Net realized gain (loss) and change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on purchased options  $(1,870,375)  $1,844,983 
Written Options  Net realized gain and change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on written options   199,405    (1,524,753)

 

The average monthly notional amount is shown as an indicator of volume. The average monthly notional amounts held in the Trilogy Alternative Return Fund during the six months ended November 30, 2023 were:

 

   Average Ending 
Derivatives  Monthly Fair Value 
Purchased Options  $2,280,541 
Written Options   (1,003,625)

82

 

North Square Funds
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – Continued
November 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Note 12 – Underlying Investment in Other Investment Companies

 

Each Fund may invest a significant portion of its assets in shares of one or more investment companies, including ETFs, open-end and closed-end mutual funds and money market mutual funds. Each Fund will incur additional indirect expenses (acquired fund fees and expenses) to the extent it invests in shares of other investment companies. As of November 30, 2023, the Spectrum Alpha Fund had 98.6% of the value of its net assets invested in open-end mutual funds. As of November 30, 2023, the Multi Strategy Fund had 32.7% and 67.1% of the value of its net assets invested in ETFs and open-end mutual funds, respectively. As of November 30, 2023, the Tactical Growth Fund had 83.7% of the value of its net assets invested in ETFs. As of November 30, 2023, the Tactical Defensive Fund had 52.3% and 49.6% of the value of its net assets invested in ETFs and money market mutual funds, respectively. As of November 30, 2023, the Trilogy Alternatives Return Fund had 57.8% of the value of its net assets invested in ETFs. The financial statements of these ETFs and money market mutual funds can be found at www.sec.gov and should be read in conjunction with the Funds’ financial statements.

 

Note 13 – Sector Risk

 

If a Fund has significant investments in the securities of issuers within a particular sector or industry, any development affecting that sector or industry will have a greater impact on the value of the net assets of the Fund than would be the case if the Fund did not have significant investments in that sector or industry. In addition, this may increase the risk of loss in the Fund and increase the volatility of the Fund’s NAV per share. For instance, economic or market factors, regulatory changes or other developments may negatively impact all companies in a particular sector or industry, and therefore the value of the Fund’s portfolio will be adversely affected. As of May 31, 2023, the Preferred and Income Securities Fund had 64.8% of the value of its net assets invested in securities within the Banking industry.

 

Note 14 – Regulatory Updates

 

In March 2020, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform: Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting (“ASU 2020-04”), in January 2021, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2021-01, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Scope (“ASU 2021-01”), and in December 2022, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ASU 2022-06, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848 (“ASU 2022-06”), which provides optional, temporary relief with respect to the financial reporting of contracts subject to certain types of modifications due to the planned discontinuation of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) and other interbank offered rates as of the end of 2021. The temporary relief provided by ASU 2020-04, ASU 2021-01, and ASU 2022-06 are effective for certain reference rate-related contract modifications that occur during the period from March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2024. Management is evaluating the impact of ASU 2020-04, ASU 2021-01, and ASU 2022-06 on the Funds’ investments, derivatives, debt, and other contracts that will undergo reference rate elated modifications as a result of the reference rate reform. Management is also currently actively working with other financial institutions and counterparties to modify contracts as required by applicable regulation and within the regulatory deadlines.

 

Tailored Shareholder Reports for Mutual Funds and Exchange-Traded Funds (“ETFs”) Effective January 24, 2023, the Securities and Exchange Commission adopted rule and form amendments to require mutual funds and ETFs to transmit concise and visually engaging streamlined annual and semiannual reports to shareholders that highlight key information. Other information, including financial statements, will no longer appear in a streamlined shareholder report but must be available online, delivered free of charge upon request, and filed on a semiannual basis on Form N-CSR. The rule and form amendments have a compliance date of July 24, 2024. At this time, management is evaluating the impact of these amendments on the shareholder reports for the Funds.

 

Note 15 – Events Subsequent to the Fiscal Period End

 

Based upon a recommendation by the Advisor, the Board has determined to close and liquidate the Advisory Research Small Cap Growth Fund effective February 12, 2024.

 

The Funds have adopted financial reporting rules regarding subsequent events which require an entity to recognize in the financial statements the effects of all subsequent events that provide additional evidence about conditions that existed at the date of the balance sheet. Management has evaluated the Funds’ related events and transactions that occurred through the date of issuance of the Funds’ financial statements.

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SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION (Unaudited)

 

Board Consideration of the Continuation of the Investment Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreements and Related Agreements (North Square Altrinsic International Equity Fund and North Square McKee Bond Fund)

 

Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), requires that each mutual fund’s board of trustees, including a majority of those trustees who are not “interested persons” of the fund, as defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Trustees”), initially approve, and annually review and consider the continuation of, the fund’s investment advisory and sub-advisory agreements. At a meeting held on June 21-22, 2023 (the “Meeting”), the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of North Square Investments Trust (the “Trust”), including each of the Independent Trustees, unanimously voted to approve the continuation of: (i) the investment advisory agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) between North Square Investments, LLC (the “Advisor”) and the Trust, on behalf of the North Square Spectrum Alpha Fund, the North Square Advisory Research Small Cap Growth Fund, the North Square Preferred and Income Securities Fund, the North Square Multi Strategy Fund, the North Square Dynamic Small Cap Fund, the North Square Altrinsic International Equity Fund, and the North Square McKee Bond Fund (each, a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”); (ii) the investment sub-advisory agreement between the Advisor and Algert Global, LLC (“Algert”) with respect to the North Square Dynamic Small Cap Fund; (iii) the investment sub-advisory agreement between the Advisor and Altrinsic Global Advisors, LLC (“Altrinsic”) with respect to the North Square Altrinsic International Equity Fund; and (iv) the investment sub-advisory agreement between the Advisor and CSM Advisors, LLC (“CSM” and with both Algert and Altrinsic, the “Sub-Advisors”) with respect to the North Square McKee Bond Fund. The Advisor and the Sub-Advisors are collectively referred to as the “Advisors.” The investment sub-advisory agreements with the Sub-Advisors are collectively referred to as the “Sub-Advisory Agreements,” and the Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreements are collectively referred to as the “Agreements.”

 

In connection with its consideration of the Agreements proposed for continuation, the Board requested and reviewed responses from the Advisors to the Section 15(c) requests posed to the Advisors on behalf of the Independent Trustees and supporting materials relating to those questions and responses, as well as other information and data provided. In this connection, the Board reviewed and discussed various information that had been provided prior to the Meeting, including the Advisory Agreement, the Sub-Advisory Agreements, memoranda provided by both Fund Counsel and Independent Trustee Counsel summarizing the requirements and guidelines relevant to the Board’s consideration of the approvals of such Agreements, to each Advisors’ Forms ADV Part 1A, brochures and brochure supplements, profitability information, comparative information about the Funds’ performance for periods ended March 31 2023, advisory fees and expense ratios, and other pertinent information. In addition, the Board considered such additional information as it deemed reasonably necessary, including information and data provided by the Advisors during the course of the year, to evaluate the Agreements, as applicable, with respect to each Fund. The Board discussed the Advisors’ 15(c) responses and discussed various questions and information with representatives of the Advisors at the Meeting. The Board also considered the materials and presentations by Trust officers and representatives of the Advisors and Sub-Advisors provided at the Meeting concerning the Agreements. Throughout the process, including at the Meeting, the Board had numerous opportunities to ask questions of and request additional materials from the Advisors. The Board met in executive sessions at which no representatives of management were present to consider the renewal of the Agreements and the Independent Trustees were also advised by, and met separately, in executive sessions with Independent Trustee Counsel. The Board also noted that the evaluation process with respect to the Advisor and the Sub-Advisors is an ongoing one. The Board, as noted above, also took into account information reviewed periodically throughout the year and in prior years that was relevant to its consideration of the Agreements, including performance, advisory fee and other expense information and discussions with the Funds’ portfolio managers, as well as such additional information it deemed relevant and appropriate in its judgement. The Board noted that the information received and considered by the Board in connection with the Meeting and throughout the year was both written and oral. Based on its evaluation of this information, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, unanimously approved the continuation of the Agreements for the Funds for an additional one-year period.

 

In determining whether to approve the continuation of the Agreements, the members of the Board reviewed and evaluated information and factors they believed to be relevant and appropriate in the exercise of their reasonable business judgment. While individual members of the Board may have weighed certain factors differently, the Board’s determination to approve the Agreements was based on a comprehensive consideration of all information provided to the Board with respect to the approval of the Agreements. As noted, the Board was also furnished with an analysis of its fiduciary obligations in connection with its evaluation of the Agreements and, throughout the evaluation process, the Board was assisted by Fund Counsel and Independent Trustee Counsel who, as noted above, each provided and reviewed a legal memorandum to the Board detailing the duties and responsibilities of the Board in connection with the various actions and approvals required in connection with the renewal of the Agreements. A more detailed summary of important, but not necessarily all, factors the Board considered with respect to its renewal of the Agreements is provided below. The Board also considered

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SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION (Unaudited) – Continued

 

other factors (including conditions and trends prevailing generally in the economy, the securities markets, and the industry). The Board’s conclusions may be based in part on its consideration of the advisory arrangements in prior years and on the Board’s ongoing regular review of Fund performance and operations throughout the year.

 

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services

 

The Board considered information regarding the nature, extent and quality of services being provided to the Funds by the Advisors. The Board considered, among other things, the terms of the Agreements and the range of services being provided by the Advisors. The Board noted the non-investment advisory services being provided by the Advisor, including the supervision and coordination of the Funds’ service providers and the provision of related administrative and other services. The Board also considered each Advisor’s reputation, organizational structure, resources and overall financial strength (including economic and other support provided by affiliates of the Advisor), its willingness and commitment to consider and implement organizational and operational changes designed to enhance services to the Funds.

 

In addition, the Board considered the Advisors’ professional personnel who provide or will provide services to the Funds, including each Advisor’s ability and experience in attracting and retaining qualified personnel to service the Funds. In addition, the Board considered the compliance programs and compliance records and regulatory history of the Advisors. The Board noted the Advisors’ support of the Funds’ compliance control structure, including the resources that are devoted by the Advisors in support of the Funds’ obligations pursuant to Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act and the efforts of the Advisors to address cybersecurity risks and invest in business continuity planning. The Board also noted that on a regular basis it received and reviewed information from the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) regarding the Funds’ compliance policies and procedures established pursuant to Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act, which included evaluating the regulatory compliance systems of the Advisors and procedures reasonably designed to ensure compliance with the federal securities laws.

 

With respect to the Advisor, the Board considered the Funds’ ongoing and proposed operation in a “manager-of-managers” structure and reviewed the responsibilities that the Advisor has under this structure, including, but not limited to, monitoring and evaluating the performance of the Sub-Advisors, monitoring the Sub-Advisors for adherence to the stated investment objectives, strategies, policies and restrictions of the Funds, and supervising the Sub-Advisors with respect to the services that the Sub-Advisors currently provide under the Sub-Advisory Agreements. In this regard, the Board evaluated information about the nature and extent of responsibilities retained and significant risks assumed by the Advisor and not delegated to or assumed by the Sub-Advisors in connection with the services provided to the Funds, including entrepreneurial risk and ongoing risks, including investment, operational, enterprise, litigation, regulatory and compliance risks. The Board also noted increased regulatory risk. The Board also considered the process used by the Advisor, consistent with this structure, to identify and recommend sub-advisors, and its ability to monitor and oversee sub-advisors and recommend replacement sub-advisors, when necessary, and provide other services under the Advisory Agreement. In addition, the Board considered its familiarity with the Advisor’s personnel obtained from the Board’s oversight of the Funds and of other funds in the Trust advised by the Advisor, as well as the affiliation between the Advisor and CSM and any potential conflicts of interest.

 

With respect to the Sub-Advisors, which provide day-to-day portfolio management services for the Funds, subject to oversight by the Advisor, the Board considered, among other things, the quality of each Sub-Advisor’s investment personnel, its investment philosophies and processes, its investment research capabilities and resources, its financial condition, its performance record, its experience, its trade execution capabilities and its approach to managing risk. The Board also considered the experience of each Fund’s portfolio managers the number of accounts managed by the portfolio managers, and each Sub-Advisor’s approach for compensating the portfolio managers. Moreover, the Board considered that the Advisor has the oversight responsibility for conflicts of interest relating to the Funds. In considering the nature, extent, and quality of the services provided by each of the Sub-Advisors, the Board also took into account its knowledge of each Sub-Advisors management and the quality of the performance of its duties as a sub-advisor, acquired through discussions and reports during the preceding year and in past years.

 

After consideration of the foregoing factors, among others, the Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services being provided or to be provided by the Advisor and the Sub-Advisors, taken as a whole, remain appropriate and consistent with the terms of the Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreements, as applicable. In addition, the Board concluded that each Fund was likely to continue to benefit from services being provided, or to be provided, under each of the Agreements.

85

 

North Square Funds
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION (Unaudited) – Continued

 

Fund Performance

 

The Board reviewed the performance of each Fund for the different time periods presented in the materials. The Board considered various data and materials provided to the Board by the Advisors concerning Fund performance, including a comparison of the investment performance of each Fund to its respective benchmark index, as well as comparative fee information provided by the Administrator based on data produced by Morningstar Inc., an independent provider of investment company data (“Morningstar”), comparing the investment performance of each Fund to a universe of peer funds.

 

The Board received information at the Meeting, and throughout the year, concerning, and discussed factors contributing to, the performance of the Funds relative to their respective benchmarks and universes for the relevant periods. The Board evaluated the explanations for any relative underperformance of a Fund during these periods, including with respect to investment decisions and global economic and other factors that affected the Fund’s investment performance and whether each Fund had performed as expected over time, as well as any plans to address underperformance, if applicable. The Board also noted the Advisor’s discussion of any differences in the investment strategies of the Funds relative to their respective peer universe. The Board generally considered longer-term performance to be more important than short-term performance and also took into account factors including general market conditions; the “style” in which the Funds are managed, as applicable, and whether that style is in or out of favor in the market; issuer-specific information; and fund cash flows. In this regard, the Board also noted how selecting different time periods for performance calculations can produce significantly different results in terms of a Fund’s returns and peer ranking on a relative basis. The Board further acknowledged that longer-term performance could be impacted by even one period of significant outperformance or underperformance. The Board also considered that variations in performance among a Fund’s operating classes reflect variations in class expenses, which result in lower performance for higher expense classes.

 

Based on these considerations, the Board concluded that it was satisfied that the Advisor and the Sub-Advisors continue to have the capability of providing satisfactory investment performance for the Funds, as applicable.

 

Advisory Fees and Expenses

 

The Board reviewed and considered the advisory fee rate of each Fund that is being paid to the Advisor under the Advisory Agreement and each Fund’s total net expense ratio. The Board also reviewed and considered the sub-advisory fee rates being paid by the Advisor to each Sub-Advisor for sub-advisory services.

 

The Board reviewed information from Morningstar comparing each Fund’s advisory fee rate and total expense ratio relative to a group of its peer funds. While the Board recognized that comparisons between a Fund and its peer funds may be imprecise, the comparative information provided by Morningstar was helpful to the Board in evaluating the reasonableness of each Fund’s advisory fees and total expense ratio.

 

The Board also took into account management’s discussion of each Fund’s expenses and also noted certain cost savings initiatives implemented by the Advisor across the Trust. The Board also noted that the Advisor had entered into fee waiver and expense reimbursement arrangements with respect to each of the Funds.

 

The Board also received and considered information about the portion of the advisory fee that is being retained by the Advisor after payment of the fee to each Sub-Advisor for sub-advisory services. In assessing the reasonableness of this amount, the Board received and evaluated information about the nature and extent of responsibilities that are retained and risks that are assumed by Advisor and not delegated to or assumed by the Sub-Advisors, and about the Advisor’s on-going oversight services. The Board also considered that the sub-advisory fees being paid to each Sub-Advisor had been negotiated by the Advisor on an arm’s length basis and were paid by the Advisor and not the respective Fund. The Board considered the Advisor’s explanation that the sub-advisory fees are priced at a competitive level. In the case of the McKee Bond Fund, the Board considered and evaluated the fact that CSM was an affiliated Sub-Advisor.

 

The Board also received and considered information about the nature and extent of services offered and fee rates charged by the Advisor and the Sub-Advisors to other types of clients with investment strategies similar to those of the Funds, if any. In this regard, the Board received information about the significantly greater scope of services, and compliance, reporting and other legal burdens and risks of managing proprietary mutual funds compared with those associated with managing assets of other types of clients, including non-mutual fund clients, such as institutional separate accounts. Based on its consideration of the factors and information it deemed relevant, including those described here, the Board concluded that the compensation payable to the Advisor under the Advisory Agreement and to the Sub-Advisors under the Sub-Advisory Agreements were reasonable.

86

 

North Square Funds
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION (Unaudited) – Continued

 

Profitability

 

The Board received and considered information concerning the Advisor’s costs of sponsoring the Funds and the profitability to the Advisor and its respective affiliates from providing services to the Funds. The Board noted that the levels of profitability may be affected by numerous factors. The Board also received information relating to the operations and profitability to each Sub-Advisor from providing services to the Funds. The Board considered representations from the Advisor and each Sub-Advisor that the Sub-Advisor’s fees were negotiated at arm’s length on a Fund-by-Fund basis and that the sub-advisory fees are paid by the Advisor and not the Funds. Accordingly, the Board concluded that the profitability of each Sub-Advisor was a less relevant factor with respect to the Board’s consideration of the Sub-Advisory Agreements.

 

Based on its review, the Board determined that the profits reported by the Advisors from services being provided to the Funds, if any, were not excessive.

 

Economies of Scale

 

The Board considered the potential for the Advisor to experience economies of scale in the provision of advisory services to each Fund as the Funds grew. The Board considered that the Advisor may share potential economies of scale from its advisory business in a variety of ways, including through fee waiver and expense reimbursement arrangements, services that benefit shareholders, competitive advisory fee rates set at the outset without regard to breakpoints, and investments in the business intended to enhance services available to shareholders. The Board observed that each of the Funds continues to remain in a relatively early stage of development that was exacerbated by the intervention of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Board also took into account management’s discussion of the Funds’ fee structures. The Board also considered the effect of each Fund’s growth in size on its performance and fees and that if the Fund’s assets increase over time, the Fund may realize other economies of scale. The Independent Trustees recognized that, because each Fund’s sub-advisory fees are paid by the Advisor, and not the Fund, an analysis of economies of scale was more appropriate in the context of the Board’s consideration of the Advisory Agreement.

 

The Board concluded that, especially in light of the current stage of development of the Funds, the Advisor’s arrangements with respect to the Funds constituted a reasonable approach to sharing potential economies of scale with the Funds and their shareholders.

 

“Fall-Out” Benefits

 

The Board received and considered information regarding potential “fall-out” or ancillary benefits that the Advisor and its affiliates may receive as a result of their relationships with the Funds. Ancillary benefits could include, among others, benefits directly attributable to other relationships with the Fund and benefits potentially derived from an increase in the Advisor’s business as a result of their relationships with the Fund. In addition, the Board considered the potential benefits, other than sub-advisory fees, that the Sub-Advisors and their affiliates may receive because of their relationships with the Funds, including the benefits of research services that may be available to the Sub-Advisor as a result of securities transactions effected for the Funds and other investment advisory clients, as well as other benefits from increases in assets under management.

 

Based on its consideration of the factors and information it deemed relevant, including those described above, the Board did not find that any ancillary benefits that may be received by the Advisors and their affiliates are unreasonable.

 

Conclusion

 

At the Meeting, after considering the above-described material factors and based on its deliberations and its evaluation of the information described above, and assisted by the advice of both Fund Counsel and Independent Trustee Counsel, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, concluded that the approval of the renewal and continuation of the Agreements with respect to each Fund was in the best interest of each respective Fund and its shareholders.

87

 

North Square Funds
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION (Unaudited) – Continued

 

Board Consideration of the Continuation of the Investment Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreements and Related Agreements (North Square Advisory Research Small Cap Value Fund and North Square Strategic Income Fund)

 

Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), requires that each mutual fund’s board of trustees, including a majority of those trustees who are not “interested persons” of the fund, as defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Trustees”), initially approve, and annually review and consider the continuation of, the fund’s investment advisory and sub-advisory agreements. At a meeting held on September 12-13, 2023 and continued on September 20, 2023 (the “Meeting”), the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of North Square Investments Trust (the “Trust”), including each of the Independent Trustees, unanimously voted to approve the continuation of: (i) the investment advisory agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) between North Square Investments, LLC (the “Advisor”) and the Trust, on behalf of the North Square Strategic Income Fund and the North Square Advisory Research Small Cap Value Fund; (ii) the investment sub-advisory agreement between the Advisor and Red Cedar Investment Management, LLC (“Red Cedar”) with respect to the North Square Strategic Income Fund and the North Square Preferred and Income Securities Fund; (iii) the investment sub-advisory agreement between the Advisor and Advisory Research, Inc. (“Advisory Research”) with respect to the North Square Advisory Research Small Cap Value Fund and the North Square Advisory Research Small Cap Growth Fund; and (iv) the investment sub-advisory agreement between the Advisor and NSI Real Advisors, LLC (“NSI Retail Advisors” and with both Red Cedar and Advisory Research, the “Sub-Advisors”) with respect to the North Square Multi Strategy Fund and the North Square Spectrum Alpha Fund. The North Square Strategic Income Fund, the North Square Preferred and Income Securities Fund, the North Square Advisory Research Small Cap Value Fund, the North Square Advisory Research Small Cap Growth Fund, the North Square Spectrum Alpha Fund, and the North Square Multi Strategy Fund are collectively referred to as the “Funds.” The Advisor and the Sub-Advisors are collectively referred to as the “Advisors.” The investment sub-advisory agreements with the Sub-Advisors are collectively referred to as the “Sub-Advisory Agreements,” and the Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreements are collectively referred to as the “Agreements.”

 

In connection with its consideration of the Agreements proposed for continuation at the Meeting, the Board requested and reviewed initial and supplemental responses from the Advisors to the Section 15(c) requests posed to the Advisors on behalf of the Independent Trustees by Independent Trustee Counsel and supporting materials relating to those questions and responses, as well as other information and data provided. In this connection, the Board reviewed and discussed various information and data that had been provided prior to the Meeting, including the Advisory Agreement, the Sub-Advisory Agreements, memoranda provided by both Fund Counsel and Independent Trustee Counsel summarizing the requirements and guidelines relevant to the Board’s consideration of the approvals of such Agreements, each Advisor’s Form ADV Part 1A, brochures and brochure supplements, profitability information, comparative information about the Funds’ performance for periods ended June 30, 2023, advisory fees and expense ratios, and other pertinent information. In addition, the Board considered such additional information as it deemed reasonably necessary, including information and data provided by the Advisors during the course of the year, to evaluate the Agreements, as applicable, with respect to each Fund. The Board reviewed and discussed the Advisors’ Section 15(c) initial and supplemental responses and discussed various questions and information with representatives of the Advisors at the Meeting. The Board also considered the materials and presentations by Trust officers and representatives of the Advisors and Sub-Advisors provided at the Meeting concerning the Agreements. Throughout the process, including at the Meeting, the Board had numerous opportunities to ask questions of, and request additional materials from, the Advisors. The Board met in executive sessions at which no representatives of management were present to consider the renewal of the Agreements and the Independent Trustees were also advised by, and met separately, in executive sessions with Independent Trustee Counsel. The Board further noted that the evaluation process with respect to the Advisor and the Sub-Advisors is an ongoing one. The Board, as noted above, also took into account information reviewed periodically throughout the year and in prior years that was relevant to its consideration of the Agreements, including performance, advisory fee and other expense information and discussions with the Funds’ portfolio managers, as well as such additional information it deemed relevant and appropriate in its judgment. The Board noted that the information received and considered by the Board in connection with the Meeting and throughout the year was both written and oral. Based on its evaluation of this information, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, unanimously approved the continuation of the Agreements for the Funds for an additional one-year period.

 

In determining whether to approve the continuation of the Agreements, the members of the Board reviewed and evaluated information and factors they believed to be relevant and appropriate in the exercise of their reasonable business judgment. While individual members of the Board may have weighed certain factors differently, the Board’s determination to approve the Agreements at the Meeting was based on a comprehensive consideration of all information provided to the Board with respect to the approval of the Agreements. As noted, the Board was also furnished with an analysis of its fiduciary obligations in connection with its evaluation of the Agreements and, throughout the evaluation process, the Board was assisted by Fund Counsel and Independent Trustee Counsel who, as noted above, each provided and reviewed a legal memorandum to the Board detailing the Board’s duties and responsibilities in connection with the various actions and approvals required in connection with the renewal of the Agreements. A more detailed summary of important, but not necessarily

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all, factors the Board considered with respect to its renewal of the Agreements is provided below. The Board also considered other factors, including conditions and trends prevailing generally in the economy, the securities markets, and the industry. The Board’s conclusions may be based in part on its consideration of the advisory arrangements in prior years and on the Board’s ongoing regular review of Fund performance and operations throughout the year.

 

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services

 

The Board considered information regarding the nature, extent and quality of services being provided to the Funds by the Advisors. The Board considered, among other things, the terms of the Agreements and the range of services being provided by the Advisors. The Board noted the non-investment advisory services being provided by the Advisor, including the oversight and coordination of the Funds’ service providers and the provision of related administrative and other services. The Board also considered each Advisor’s reputation, organizational structure, resources and overall financial strength (including economic and other support provided by affiliates of the Advisor), and its willingness and commitment to consider and implement organizational and operational changes designed to enhance services to the Funds.

 

In addition, the Board considered the Advisors’ professional personnel who provide or will provide services to the Funds, including each Advisor’s ability and experience in attracting and retaining qualified personnel to service the Funds. The Board also considered the compliance programs and compliance records and regulatory history of the Advisors. The Board noted the Advisors’ support of the Funds’ compliance control structure, including the resources that are devoted by the Advisors in support of the Funds’ obligations pursuant to Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act and the efforts of the Advisors to address matters such as cybersecurity risks to invest in business continuity planning. The Board also noted that on a regular basis it received and reviewed information from the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) regarding the Funds’ compliance policies and procedures established pursuant to Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act, which included evaluating the regulatory compliance systems of the Advisors and procedures reasonably designed to ensure compliance with the federal securities laws. The Board also noted that it met separately, in executive session, with the CCO on a regular basis.

 

With respect to the Advisor, the Board considered the Funds’ ongoing and proposed operation in a “manager-of-managers” structure and reviewed the responsibilities that the Advisor has under this structure, including, but not limited to, monitoring and evaluating the performance of the Sub-Advisors, monitoring the Sub-Advisors for adherence to the stated investment objectives, strategies, policies and restrictions of the Funds, and supervising the Sub-Advisors with respect to the services that the Sub-Advisors currently provide under the Sub-Advisory Agreements. In this regard, the Board evaluated information about the nature and extent of responsibilities retained and significant risks assumed by the Advisor and not delegated to or assumed by the Sub-Advisors in connection with the services provided to the Funds, including entrepreneurial risk and ongoing risks, including investment, operational, enterprise, litigation, regulatory and compliance risks. The Board also noted increased regulatory risk which, among other things, can increase cost of operations and introduce legal and administrative challenges. The Board also considered the process used by the Advisor, consistent with this structure, to identify and recommend sub-advisors, and its ability to monitor and oversee sub-advisors and recommend replacement sub-advisors, when necessary, and provide other services under the Advisory Agreement. In addition, the Board considered its familiarity with the Advisor’s personnel obtained from the Board’s oversight of the Funds and of other funds in the Trust advised by the Advisor, as well as the affiliation between the Advisor and NSI Retail Advisors and any potential conflicts of interest.

 

With respect to the Sub-Advisors, which provide day-to-day portfolio management services for the Funds, subject to oversight by the Advisor, the Board considered, among other things, the quality of each Sub-Advisor’s investment personnel, its investment philosophies and processes, its investment research capabilities and resources, its financial condition, its performance record, its experience, its trade execution capabilities and its approach to managing risk. The Board also considered the experience of each Fund’s portfolio managers, the number of accounts managed by the portfolio managers, and each Sub-Advisor’s approach for compensating the portfolio managers. Moreover, the Board considered that the Advisor has the oversight responsibility for conflicts of interest relating to the Funds. In considering the nature, extent, and quality of the services provided by each of the Sub-Advisors, the Board also took into account its knowledge of each Sub-Advisor’s management and the quality of the performance of its duties as a sub-advisor, acquired through discussions and reports during the preceding year and in past years.

 

After consideration of the foregoing factors, among others, the Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services being provided or to be provided by the Advisor and the Sub-Advisors, taken as a whole, remain appropriate and consistent with the terms of the Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreements, as applicable. In addition, the Board concluded that each Fund was likely to continue to benefit from services being provided, or to be provided, under each of the Agreements.

89

 

North Square Funds
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION (Unaudited) – Continued

 

Fund Performance

 

The Board reviewed the performance of each Fund for the different time periods presented in the Board meeting materials and throughout the year. The Board considered various data and materials provided to the Board by the Advisors concerning Fund performance, including a comparison of the investment performance of each Fund to its respective benchmark index, as well as comparative fee information provided by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc., based on data produced by Morningstar Inc., an independent provider of investment company data (“Morningstar”), comparing the investment performance of each Fund to a universe of peer funds.

 

The Board received information at the Meeting, and throughout the year, concerning, and discussed factors contributing to, the performance of the Funds relative to their respective benchmarks and universes for the relevant periods. The Board evaluated the explanations for any relative underperformance of a Fund during these periods, as well as with respect to investment decisions and global economic and other factors that affected the Fund’s investment performance and whether each Fund had performed as expected over time, as well as any plans to address underperformance, if applicable. The Board also noted the Advisor’s discussion of any differences in the investment strategies of the Funds relative to their respective peer universe. The Board generally considered longer-term performance to be more important than short-term performance and also took into account factors including general market conditions; the “style” in which the Funds are managed, as applicable, and whether that style is in or out of favor in the market; issuer-specific information; and fund cash flows. In this connection, the Board also noted how selecting different time periods for performance calculations can produce significantly different results in terms of a Fund’s returns and peer ranking on a relative basis. The Board further acknowledged that longer-term performance could be impacted by even one period of significant outperformance or underperformance. In addition, the Board considered that variations in performance among a Fund’s operating classes reflect variations in class expenses, which result in lower performance for higher expense classes.

 

Based on these considerations, the Board concluded that the Advisor and the Sub-Advisors continue to have the capability of providing satisfactory investment performance for the Funds, as applicable.

 

Advisory Fees and Expenses

 

The Board reviewed and considered the advisory fee rate of each Fund that is being paid to the Advisor under the Advisory Agreement and each Fund’s total net expense ratio. The Board also reviewed and considered the sub-advisory fee rates being paid by the Advisor to each Sub-Advisor for sub-advisory services.

 

The Board reviewed information from Morningstar comparing each Fund’s advisory fee rate and total expense ratio relative to a group of its peer funds. While the Board recognized that comparisons between a Fund and its peer funds may be imprecise, the comparative information provided by Morningstar was helpful to the Board in evaluating the reasonableness of each Fund’s advisory fees and total expense ratio.

 

The Board also took into account management’s discussion of each Fund’s expenses and also noted certain cost savings initiatives implemented by the Advisor across all of the Funds. The Board also noted that the Advisor had entered into fee waiver and expense reimbursement arrangements with respect to each Fund.

 

The Board also received and considered information about the portion of the advisory fee that is retained by the Advisor after payment of the fee to each Sub-Advisor for sub-advisory services. In assessing the reasonableness of this amount, the Board received and evaluated information about the nature and extent of responsibilities that are retained and risks that are assumed by Advisor and not delegated to or assumed by the Sub-Advisors, and about the Advisor’s on-going oversight services. The Board also considered that the sub-advisory fees being paid to each Sub-Advisor had been negotiated by the Advisor on an arm’s length basis and were paid by the Advisor and not the respective Fund. The Board considered the Advisor’s explanation that the sub-advisory fees are priced at a competitive level. In the case of each of the North Square Multi Strategy Fund and the North Square Spectrum Alpha Fund, the Board considered and evaluated the fact that NSI Retail Advisors was an affiliated Sub-Advisor.

 

The Board also received and considered information about the nature and extent of services offered and fee rates charged by the Advisor and the Sub-Advisors to other types of clients with investment strategies similar to those of the Funds, if any. In this regard, the Board received information about the significantly greater scope of services, and compliance, reporting and other legal burdens and risks of managing registered mutual funds compared with those associated with managing assets of other types of clients, including non-mutual fund clients, such as institutional separate accounts.

 

Based on its consideration of the factors and information it deemed relevant, including those described here, the Board concluded that the compensation payable to the Advisor under the Advisory Agreement and to the Sub-Advisors under the Sub-Advisory Agreements were reasonable.

90

 

North Square Funds
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION (Unaudited) – Continued

 

Profitability

 

The Board received and considered information concerning the Advisor’s costs of sponsoring the Funds and the profitability to the Advisor and its respective affiliates from providing services to the Funds. The Board noted that the levels of profitability may be affected by numerous factors. In addition, the Board received information relating to the operations and profitability to each Sub-Advisor from providing services to the Funds. The Board considered representations from the Advisor and each Sub-Advisor that the Sub-Advisor’s fees were negotiated at arm’s length on a Fund-by-Fund basis and that the sub-advisory fees are paid by the Advisor and not the Funds. Accordingly, the Board concluded that the profitability of each Sub-Advisor was a less relevant factor with respect to the Board’s consideration of the Sub-Advisory Agreements.

 

Based on its review, the Board determined that the profits reported by the Advisors from services being provided to the Funds, if any, were not excessive.

 

Economies of Scale

 

The Board considered the potential for the Advisor to experience economies of scale in the provision of advisory services to each Fund as the Funds grew. The Board also considered that the Advisor may share potential economies of scale from its advisory business in a variety of ways, including through fee waiver and expense reimbursement arrangements, services that benefit shareholders, competitive advisory fee rates set at the outset without regard to breakpoints, and investments in the business intended to enhance services available to shareholders. The Board observed that each of the Funds continues to remain in a relatively early stage of development that was exacerbated by the intervention of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the Board took into account management’s discussion of the Funds’ fee structures. The Board also considered the effect of each Fund’s growth in size on its performance and fees and that, if the Fund’s assets increase over time, the Fund may realize other economies of scale. The Independent Trustees recognized that, because each Fund’s sub-advisory fees are paid by the Advisor, and not the Fund, an analysis of economies of scale was more appropriate in the context of the Board’s consideration of the Advisory Agreement.

 

The Board concluded that, especially in light of the current stage of development of the Funds, the Advisor’s arrangements with respect to the Funds constituted a reasonable approach to sharing potential economies of scale with the Funds and their shareholders.

 

“Fall-Out” Benefits

 

The Board received and considered information regarding potential “fall-out” or ancillary benefits that the Advisor and its affiliates may receive as a result of their relationships with the Funds. The Board noted that ancillary benefits could include, among others, benefits directly attributable to other relationships with the Fund and benefits potentially derived from an increase in the Advisor’s business as a result of their relationships with the Fund. In addition, the Board considered the potential benefits, other than sub-advisory fees, that the Sub-Advisors and their affiliates may receive because of their relationships with the Funds, including the benefits of research services that may be available to the Sub-Advisor as a result of securities transactions effected for the Funds and other investment advisory clients, as well as other benefits from increases in assets under management.

 

Based on its consideration of the factors and information it deemed relevant, including those described above, the Board did not find that any ancillary benefits that may be received by the Advisors and their affiliates is unreasonable.

 

Conclusion

 

At the Meeting, after considering the above-described material factors and based on its deliberations and its evaluation of the information described above, and assisted by the advice of both Fund Counsel and Independent Trustee Counsel, the Board, including the Independent Trustees acting separately, concluded that the approval of the renewal and continuation of the Agreements with respect to each Fund was in the best interest of each respective Fund and its shareholders.

91

 

North Square Funds
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION (Unaudited) – Continued

 

Board Consideration of the Continuation of the Investment Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreements and Related Agreements (North Square Spectrum Alpha Fund, North Square Dynamic Small Cap Fund, North Square Advisory Research Small Cap Growth Fund, North Square Multi Strategy Fund and North Square Preferred and Income Securities Fund)

 

Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), requires that each mutual fund’s board of trustees, including a majority of those trustees who are not “interested persons” of the fund, as defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Trustees”), initially approve, and annually review and consider the continuation of, the fund’s investment advisory and sub-advisory agreements. At a meeting held on December 7-8, 2022 (the “Meeting”), the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of North Square Investments Trust (the “Trust”), including each of the Independent Trustees, unanimously voted to approve the continuation of: (i) the investment advisory agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) between North Square Investments, LLC (the “Advisor”) and the Trust, on behalf of the North Square Tactical Defensive Fund, the North Square Tactical Growth Fund, and the North Square Trilogy Alternative Return Fund (each, a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”); and (ii) the investment sub-advisory agreement between the Advisor and NSI Retail Advisors, LLC (“NSI Retail”) with respect to the Funds (the “Sub-Advisor”). The Advisor and the Sub-Advisor are collectively referred to as the “Advisors.” The investment sub-advisory agreement with the Sub-Advisor is referred to as the “Sub-Advisory Agreement,” and the Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement are collectively referred to as the “Agreements.”

 

In connection with its consideration of the Agreements proposed for continuation, the Board requested and reviewed responses from the Advisors to the Section 15(c) requests posed to the Advisors on behalf of the Independent Trustees by Independent Trustee Counsel and supporting materials related to those questions and responses, as well as other information and data provided. In this regard, the Board reviewed and discussed various data and information that had been provided prior to the Meeting, including the Advisory Agreement, the Sub-Advisory Agreement, memoranda provided by both Fund Counsel and Independent Trustee Counsel summarizing the requirements and guidelines relevant to the Board’s consideration of the approvals of such Agreements, each Advisor’s Form ADV Part 1A, brochures and brochure supplements, profitability information, comparative information about each Fund’s performance for periods ended September 30, 2022 or October 31, 2022, as applicable, advisory fees and expense ratios, and other pertinent information. In addition, the Board considered such additional information as it deemed reasonably necessary, including information and data provided by the Advisors during the course of the year, to evaluate the Agreements, as applicable, with respect to each Fund. The Board reviewed the Advisors’ 15(c) responses and discussed various questions and information with representatives of the Advisors at the Meeting. The Board also considered the materials and presentations by Trust officers and representatives of the Advisor and Sub-Advisor provided at the Meeting concerning the Agreements. The Board, as noted above, also took into account information reviewed periodically throughout the year that was relevant to its consideration of the Agreements, including performance, advisory fee and other expense information and discussions with the Funds’ portfolio managers, as well as such additional information it deemed relevant and appropriate in its judgement. Based on its evaluation of this information, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, unanimously approved the continuation of the Agreements for the Funds for an additional one-year period.

 

In determining whether to approve the continuation of the Agreements, the members of the Board reviewed and evaluated information and factors they believed to be relevant and appropriate in the exercise of their reasonable business judgment. While individual members of the Board may have weighed certain factors differently, the Board’s determination to approve the Agreements was based on a comprehensive consideration of all information provided to the Board with respect to the approval of the Agreements. As noted, the Board was also furnished with an analysis of its fiduciary obligations in connection with its evaluation of the Agreements and, throughout the evaluation process, the Board was assisted by Fund Counsel and Independent Trustee Counsel who, as noted above, each provided a legal memorandum to the Board detailing the duties and responsibilities of the Board in connection with the various actions and approvals required in connection with the renewal of the Agreements. A more detailed summary of the important, but not necessarily all, factors the Board considered with respect to its renewal of the Agreements is provided below.

 

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services

 

The Board considered information regarding the nature, extent and quality of services being provided to the Funds by the Advisors. The Board considered, among other things, the terms of the Agreements and the range of services being provided by the Advisors. The Board noted the non-investment advisory services provided by the Advisors, including the supervision and coordination of the Funds’ service providers and the provision of related administrative and other services provided by the Advisors, in particular. The Board also considered each Advisor’s reputation, organizational structure, resources and overall financial strength (including economic and other support provided by affiliates of the Advisor), its willingness and commitment to consider and implement organizational, personnel, and operational changes designed to enhance services to the Funds, as necessary.

92

 

North Square Funds
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION (Unaudited) – Continued

 

In addition, the Board considered the Advisors’ professional personnel who provide or will provide services to the Funds, including each Advisor’s ability and experience in attracting and retaining qualified personnel to service the Funds. In addition, the Board considered the compliance programs and compliance records of the Advisors. In this regard, the Board was provided with and reviewed the Advisors’ compliance policies and procedures, as well as received presentations regarding such policies and procedures throughout the year. The Board noted the Advisor’s support of the Funds’ compliance control structure, including the resources that are devoted by the Advisors in support of the Funds’ obligations pursuant to Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act and the efforts of the Advisors to address cybersecurity risks and invest in business continuity planning, including the steps taken by the Advisor to address the continuing challenges created by the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

With respect to the Advisor, the Board considered the Funds’ ongoing and proposed operation in a “manager-of-managers” structure and reviewed the responsibilities of the Advisor under this structure, including, but not limited to, monitoring and evaluating the performance of the Sub-Advisor, overseeing the Sub-Advisor for adherence to the stated investment objectives, strategies, policies and restrictions of the Funds, and supervising the Sub-Advisor with respect to the services that the Sub-Advisor currently provides under the Sub-Advisory Agreement. In this regard, the Board evaluated information about the nature and extent of responsibilities retained and risks assumed by the Advisor and not delegated to or assumed by the Sub-Advisor. The Board also considered the process used by the Advisor, consistent with this structure, to identify and recommend sub-advisors, and its ability to monitor and oversee sub-advisors and recommend replacement of sub-advisors, when necessary, and provide other services under the Advisory Agreement. The Board also considered the financial support provided by affiliates of the Advisor that enabled the Advisor to expand the NSI Funds Complex, including through the acquisition/adoption of the Stadion Funds, which has provided benefits to the NSI Funds Complex as a whole.

 

With respect to the Sub-Advisor, which provides day-to-day portfolio advisory services for the Funds, subject to oversight by the Advisor, the Board considered, among other things, the quality of the Sub-Advisor’s investment personnel, its investment philosophies and processes, its investment research capabilities and resources, its performance record, its experience, its trade execution capabilities and its approach to managing risk. The Board also considered the experience of each Fund’s portfolio managers, the number of accounts managed by the portfolio managers, and the Sub-Advisor’s approach for compensating the portfolio managers. Moreover, the Board considered that the Advisor has the oversight responsibility for conflicts of interest related to the Funds.

 

After consideration of the foregoing factors, among others, the Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services being provided or to be provided by the Advisor and the Sub-Advisor, taken as a whole, remain appropriate and consistent with the terms of the Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement, as applicable. In addition, the Board concluded that each Fund was likely to continue to benefit from services being provided or to be provided under each of the Agreements.

 

Fund Performance

 

The Board reviewed the performance of each Fund for the different time periods presented in the Board meeting materials and throughout the year. The Board considered various data and materials provided to the Board by the Advisors concerning Fund performance, as well as comparative fee information provided by the Administrator based on data produced by Morningstar Inc., an independent provider of investment company data (“Morningstar”), comparing the investment performance of each Fund to its respective benchmark index, and to a universe of peer funds.

 

The Board received information at the Meeting, and throughout the year, concerning the performance of the Funds relative to their respective benchmarks and universes for the relevant periods. The Board discussed factors contributing to, or detracting from, the Fund’s performance. The Board evaluated the explanations for any relative underperformance of a Fund during these periods, including with respect to investment decisions and market and other factors that affected the Fund’s investment performance.

 

Based on these considerations, the Board concluded that it was satisfied that the Advisor and the Sub-Advisor continue to have the capability of providing satisfactory investment performance for the Funds, as applicable.

 

Advisory Fees and Expenses

 

The Board reviewed and considered the advisory fee rate of each Fund that is being paid to the Advisor under the Advisory Agreement and each Fund’s total net expense ratio. The Board also reviewed and considered the sub-advisory fee rates being paid by the Advisor to the Sub-Advisor for sub-advisory services.

93

 

North Square Funds
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION (Unaudited) – Continued

 

The Board reviewed information from Morningstar comparing each Fund’s advisory fee rate and total expense ratio relative to a group of its peer funds. While the Board recognized that comparisons between a Fund and its peer funds may be imprecise, the comparative information provided by Morningstar was helpful to the Board in evaluating the reasonableness of each Fund’s fees and total expense ratio.

 

The Board also received and considered information about the portion of the advisory fee that is being retained by the Advisor after payment of the fee to the Sub-Advisor for sub-advisory services. In assessing the reasonableness of this amount, the Board received and evaluated information about the nature and extent of responsibilities that are retained and risks that are assumed by Advisor and not delegated to or assumed by the Sub-Advisor, and about the Advisor’s on-going oversight services. The Board also considered that the sub-advisory fees being paid to the Sub-Advisor had been negotiated by the Advisor, noting that NSI Retail was an affiliated Sub-Advisor.

 

The Board also received and considered information about the nature and extent of services offered and fee rates charged by the Advisor and the Sub-Advisor to other types of clients with investment strategies similar to those of the Funds. In this regard, the Board received information about the significantly greater scope of services, and compliance, reporting and other legal burdens and risks of managing proprietary mutual funds compared with those associated with managing assets of other types of clients, including non-mutual fund clients, such as institutional separate accounts.

 

Based on its consideration of the factors and information it deemed relevant, including those described here, the Board concluded that the compensation payable to the Advisor under the Advisory Agreement and to the Sub-Advisor under the Sub-Advisory Agreement were reasonable.

 

Profitability

 

The Board received and considered information concerning the Advisor’s costs of sponsoring the Funds and the profitability to the Advisor from providing services to the Funds. The Board noted that the levels of profitability may be affected by various factors. The Board also received information related to the operations and profitability to the Sub-Advisor from providing services to the Funds. The Board considered representations from the Advisor and the Sub-Advisor that the Sub-Advisor’s fees were negotiated at arm’s length on a Fund-by-Fund basis and that the sub-advisory fees are paid by the Advisor and not the Funds. Accordingly, the Board concluded that the profitability of the Sub-Advisor is a less relevant factor with respect to the Board’s consideration of the Sub-Advisory Agreement. In addition, the Board took note that each of the Funds remains in a developing state that has been, and continues to be, impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and current market conditions, and accordingly, NSI continues to have limited profitability from the Funds at this time.

 

Based on its review, the Board did not deem the profits received by the Advisors from services being provided to the Funds to be at a level that would prevent it from approving the Agreements.

 

Economies of Scale

 

The Board considered the potential for the Advisor to experience economies of scale in the provision of advisory services to each Fund as the Funds grew. The Board considered that the Advisor may share potential economies of scale from its advisory business in a variety of ways, including through fee waiver and expense reimbursement arrangements, services that benefit shareholders, competitive advisory fee rates set at the outset without regard to breakpoints, and investments in the business intended to enhance services available to shareholders. The Board observed that each of the Funds continues in a developmental state.

 

The Board concluded that, especially in light of the current stage of development of the Funds, the Advisor’s arrangements with respect to the Funds constituted a reasonable approach to sharing potential economies of scale with the Funds and their shareholders.

 

“Fall-Out” Benefits

 

The Board received and considered information regarding potential “fall-out” or ancillary benefits that the Advisor and its affiliates may receive as a result of their relationships with the Funds. Ancillary benefits could include, among others, benefits directly attributable to other relationships with the Fund and benefits potentially derived from an increase in the Advisor’s business as a result of their relationships with the Fund. In addition, the Board considered the potential benefits, other than sub-advisory fees, that the Sub-Advisor and its affiliates may receive because of their relationships with the Funds, including the benefits of research services that may be available to the Sub-Advisor as a result of securities transactions effected for the Funds and other investment advisory clients, as well as other benefits from increases in assets under management.

 

Based on its consideration of the factors and information it deemed relevant, including those described above, the Board did not find that any ancillary benefits that may be received by the Advisors and their affiliates are unreasonable.

94

 

North Square Funds
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION (Unaudited) – Continued

 

Conclusion

 

At the Meeting, after considering the above-described material factors and based on its deliberations and its evaluation of the information described above and assisted by the advice of both Fund Counsel and Independent Trustee Counsel, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, concluded that the approval of the renewal and continuation of the Agreements was in the best interest of each Fund and its shareholders

95

 

North Square Funds
EXPENSE EXAMPLES
For the Six Months Ended November 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Expense Examples

 

As a shareholder of the Funds, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments (Class A only); and redemption fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees (Class A and C only); and other Fund expenses. The examples below are 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.

 

These examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire six month period from June 1, 2023 to November 30, 2023.

 

Actual Expenses

 

The information in the row titled “Actual Performance” of the table below provides actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in these columns, 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 appropriate row for your share class, in the column titled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

 

The information in the row titled “Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)” of the table below provides hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on each Fund’s actual expense ratios and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare these 5% hypothetical examples 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 transaction costs, such as sales charges (loads) or redemption fees. Therefore, the information in the row titled “Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)” 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.

 

    Ending    
  Beginning Account Value,    
  Account Value, November 30, Expenses Paid Annualized
  June 1, 2023 2023 During Period(a) Expense Ratio
Spectrum Alpha Fund - Class A        
Actual $ 1,000.00 $ 1,095.20 $ 6.83 1.30%
Hypothetical(b) $ 1,000.00 $ 1,018.55 $ 6.58 1.30%
Spectrum Alpha Fund - Class I        
Actual $ 1,000.00 $ 1,097.70 $ 5.52 1.05%
Hypothetical(b) $ 1,000.00 $ 1,019.81 $ 5.31 1.05%
Dynamic Small Cap Fund - Class A        
Actual $ 1,000.00 $ 1,106.70 $ 1.11 1.24%
Hypothetical(b) $ 1,000.00 $ 1,018.87 $ 6.26 1.24%
Dynamic Small Cap Fund - Class I        
Actual $ 1,000.00 $ 1,107.60 $ 5.22 0.99%
Hypothetical(b) $ 1,000.00 $ 1,020.12 $ 5.00 0.99%
Advisory Research Small Cap Growth Fund - Class A        
Actual $ 1,000.00 $ 1,002.80 $ 4.71 0.94%
Hypothetical(b) $ 1,000.00 $ 1,020.37 $ 4.75 0.94%

96

 

North Square Funds
EXPENSE EXAMPLES – Continued
For the Six Months Ended November 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

    Ending    
  Beginning Account Value,    
  Account Value, November 30, Expenses Paid Annualized
  June 1, 2023 2023 During Period(a) Expense Ratio
Multi Strategy Fund - Class A        
Actual $1,000.00 $1,076.20 $4.54 0.87%
Hypothetical(b) $1,000.00 $1,020.69 $4.42 0.87%
Multi Strategy Fund - Class I        
Actual $1,000.00 $1,077.80 $3.37 0.65%
Hypothetical(b) $1,000.00 $1,021.82 $3.28 0.65%
Preferred and Income Securities Fund - Class I        
Actual $1,000.00 $1,072.50 $5.04 0.97%
Hypothetical(b) $1,000.00 $1,020.20 $4.91 0.97%
Tactical Growth Fund - Class A        
Actual $1,000.00 $1,041.60 $7.91 1.55%
Hypothetical(b) $1,000.00 $1,017.32 $7.82 1.55%
Tactical Growth Fund - Class C        
Actual $1,000.00 $1,037.30 $11.71 2.29%
Hypothetical(b) $1,000.00 $1,013.57 $11.58 2.29%
Tactical Growth Fund - Class I        
Actual $1,000.00 $1,060.30 $6.70 1.30%
Hypothetical(b) $1,000.00 $1,018.57 $6.56 1.30%
Tactical Defensive Fund - Class A        
Actual $1,000.00 $1,036.30 $9.97 1.95%
Hypothetical(b) $1,000.00 $1,015.28 $9.87 1.95%
Tactical Defensive Fund - Class C        
Actual $1,000.00 $1,033.20 $13.80 2.71%
Hypothetical(b) $1,000.00 $1,011.50 $13.65 2.71%
Tactical Defensive Fund - Class I        
Actual $1,000.00 $1,037.80 $8.66 1.70%
Hypothetical(b) $1,000.00 $1,016.57 $8.57 1.70%
Trilogy Alternative Return Fund - Class A        
Actual $1,000.00 $980.50 $8.07 1.63%
Hypothetical(b) $1,000.00 $1,016.92 $8.22 1.63%
Trilogy Alternative Return Fund - Class C        
Actual $1,000.00 $976.80 $11.76 2.37%
Hypothetical(b) $1,000.00 $1,013.17 $11.98 2.37%
Trilogy Alternative Return Fund - Class I        
Actual $1,000.00 $981.60 $6.84 1.38%
Hypothetical(b) $1,000.00 $1,018.17 $6.96 1.38%

 

(a)Expenses are equal to each Fund’s annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

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

97

 

North Square Funds

 

 

Advisor
North Square Investments, LLC
200 West Madison Street, Suite 2610
Chicago, Illinois 60606
 
 
Sub-Advisor Sub-Advisor
Algert Global LLC NSI Retail Advisors, LLC
101 California Street, Suite 3240 2000 Ericsson Drive, Suite 100
San Francisco, California 94111 Warrendale, Pennsylvania 15086
   
   
Sub-Advisor Sub-Advisor
Red Cedar Investment Management, LLC Advisory Research Inc.
333 Bridge Street NW, Suite 601 180 North Stetson Avenue, Suite 5500
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504 Chicago, Illinois 60601
   
   
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Cohen & Company, Ltd.
1350 Euclid Avenue, Suite 800
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
 
 
Custodian
U.S. Bank, N.A.
1555 North RiverCenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212
 
 
Fund Administrator, Transfer Agent and Fund Accountant
Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC
225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450
Cincinnati, Ohio 45246
 
 
Distributor
Foreside Fund Services, LLC
Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100
Portland, Maine 04101
www.foreside.com
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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FUND INFORMATION

 

Fund Name   Ticker CUSIP
North Square Spectrum Alpha Fund Class A ORIGX 66263L304
North Square Spectrum Alpha Fund Class I ORIYX 66263L858
North Square Dynamic Small Cap Fund Class A ORSAX 66263L502
North Square Dynamic Small Cap Fund Class I ORSIX 66263L825
North Square Advisory Research Small Cap Growth Fund Class I ODGIX 66263L601
North Square Multi Strategy Fund Class A ORILX 66263L700
North Square Multi Strategy Fund Class I PORYX 66263L833
North Square Preferred and Income Securities Fund Class I ORDNX 66263L882
North Square Tactical Growth Fund Class A ETFAX 66263L734
North Square Tactical Growth Fund Class C ETFCX 66263L742
North Square Tactical Growth Fund Class I ETFOX 66263L726
North Square Tactical Defensive Fund Class A ETFRX 66263L718
North Square Tactical Defensive Fund Class C ETFZX 66263L692
North Square Tactical Defensive Fund Class I ETFWX 66263L684
North Square Trilogy Alternative Return Fund Class A STTGX 66263L650
North Square Trilogy Alternative Return Fund Class C STTCX 66263L668
North Square Trilogy Alternative Return Fund Class I STTIX 66263L676

 

Privacy Principles of the North Square Funds for Shareholders

 

The Funds are committed to maintaining the privacy of their shareholders and to safeguarding their non-public personal information. The following information is provided to help you understand what personal information the Funds collect, how we protect that information and why, in certain cases, we may share information with select other parties.

 

Generally, the Funds do not receive any non-public personal information relating to their shareholders, although certain non-public personal information of their shareholders may become available to the Funds. The Funds do not disclose any non-public personal information about their shareholders or former shareholders to anyone, except as permitted by law or as is necessary in order to service shareholder accounts (for example, to a transfer agent or third party administrator).

 

 

This report is sent to shareholders of the North Square Funds for their information. It is not a Prospectus, circular or representation intended for use in the purchase or sale of shares of the Funds or of any securities mentioned in this report.

 

Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

 

A description of the Funds’ proxy voting policies and procedures related to portfolio securities is available without charge, upon request, by calling the Funds at (855) 551-5521 or on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) website at www.sec.gov.

 

Proxy Voting Record

 

Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies for portfolio securities, if applicable, during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, is also available, without charge and upon request by calling (855) 551-5521 or by accessing the Funds’ Form N-PX on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

Portfolio Holdings Disclosure

 

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

 

Householding

 

The Funds will mail only one copy of shareholder documents, including prospectuses, annual and semi-annual reports and proxy statements, to shareholders with multiple accounts at the same address. This practice is commonly called “householding” and is intended to reduce expenses and eliminate duplicate mailings of shareholder documents. Mailings of your shareholder documents may be householded indefinitely unless you instruct us otherwise. If you do not want the mailing of these documents to be combined with those for other members of your household, please call the Funds at (855) 551-5521.

 

North Square Funds
c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC
Cincinnati, Ohio 45246
1-855-551-5521

 

North Square - SAR — 11/23

 

 

(b)Not applicable.
 
 

 

Item 2. Code of Ethics.

 

NOT APPLICABLE – disclosed with annual report

 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

 

NOT APPLICABLE – disclosed with annual report

 

Item 4. Principle Accountant Fees and Services.

 

NOT APPLICABLE – disclosed with annual report

 

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Companies.

 

Not applicable to Registrants who are not listed issuers (as defined in Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934).

 

Item 6. Schedule of Investments.

 

(a) Schedule of Investments is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this Form.

 

(b) Not Applicable.

 

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

 

Not Applicable – applies to closed-end funds only

 

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

 

Not Applicable – applies to closed-end funds only

 

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

 

Not Applicable – applies to closed-end funds only

 

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

 

There have been no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the Registrant’s board of trustees.

 

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

 

(a)

The registrant’s President and Treasurer reviewed the Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Act) are effective in design and operation and are sufficient to form the basis of the certifications required by Rule 30a-2 under the Act, based on their evaluation of these disclosure controls and procedures within 90 days of the filing of this report on Form N-CSR.

 

(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 have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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

 

Not Applicable – applies to closed-end funds only

 

 
 

Item 13. Exhibits.

 

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

 

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

 

  (a)(3) Not applicable.
     
  (a)(4) Not applicable.

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

SIGNATURES

 

 

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

 

(Registrant) North Square Investments Trust

 

 

 

By (Signature and Title)  /s/ Ian Martin   

        Ian Martin, President

 

 

Date 2/05/2024

 

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

 

 

By (Signature and Title) /s/ Ian Martin   

       Ian Martin, President

 

 

Date 2/05/2024

 

 

By (Signature and Title) /s/ Zachary P. Richmond   

    Zachary P. Richmond, Treasurer

 

 

Date  2/05/2024