N-CSRS 1 vela_ncsrs.htm N-CSRS

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM N-CSR

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED

MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

 

 

 

Investment Company Act file number:   811-23585

 

 

VELA FUNDS

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

220 Market Street, Suite 208

New Albany, OH 43054

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

The Corporation Trust Company

Corporation Trust Center

1209 Orange Street

New Castle County

Wilmington, DE 19801

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

With copy to: Peter Schwartz, Esq.

Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP

1550 17th Street, Suite 500

Denver, CO 80202

 

and

 

Jesse D. Hallee

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC

225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450

Cincinnati, OH 45246

 

 

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 614-653-8352               

 

 

Date of fiscal year end:     September 30                      

 

Date of reporting period: March 31, 2023                   

 

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

 

A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-CSR, and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-CSR unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget ("OMB") control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth

 
 

Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549-0609. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. § 3507.

 

Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

 

(a)

 

 

 

 

 

(VELA FUNDS)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Semi-Annual Report

 

March 31, 2023

 

 

 

 

 

VELA Small Cap Fund

 

Class A (VESAX)

Class I (VESMX)

 

VELA Large Cap Plus Fund

 

Class A (VELAX)

Class I (VELIX)

 

VELA International Fund

 

Class A (VEILX)

Class I (VEITX)

 

VELA Income Opportunities Fund

 

Class A (VIOAX)

Class I (VIOIX)

 

 

Management Discussion of Fund Performance – (Unaudited)

 

Market Commentary

 

For the six months ended March 31, 2023, financial markets experienced above average volatility as the world continued to grapple with three intertwined problems: de-globalization, inflation, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In the US, the Russell 1000 Index had a total return of 15.24%, while the Russell 2000 Index provided a 9.14% total return and the Russell 3000 Index returned 14.88%. The MSCI World ex USA Index was 25.50%.

 

Through the first calendar quarter of 2023, inflation remained the primary concern for monetary authorities, with the Federal Reserve continuing to raise the Federal Fund rates. While additional rate raises for the remainder of the year are uncertain as the Financials sector, in particular, shows signs of stress in adapting to the rapid rate of increase experienced over the past year, the elevated rates experienced in Q1 are likely to be sticky.

 

Across all Funds during the period, we adjusted the Funds’ bank exposure to reflect our view that bank profits will remain under pressure as they adjust their respective balance sheets to reflect higher funding costs and, possibly, higher credit losses in a slowing economy. Looking ahead, we intend to maintain our focus on our bottom-up investment approach underpinned by our experience valuing businesses. To borrow a truism from Warren Buffett, “predicting rain doesn’t count, building arks does”.

 

VELA Small Cap Fund

 

Returns Discussion

 

For the six months ended March 31, 2023, the VELA Small Cap Fund Class I Shares returned 10.08% compared to 9.14% for the Fund’s primary benchmark, the Russell 2000 Index, and 12.00% for the S&P SmallCap 600 Index. On an annualized basis, total returns since Fund inception (September 30, 2020) were 20.32% vs. 8.74% for the Russell 2000 Index and 15.49% for the S&P SmallCap 600 Index.

 

For the six month period, we continued to see particularly favorable performance from energy and manufacturing industries, with top portfolio contributors including Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. (AIT), Texas Pacific Land Trust Corp. (TPL), Greenbrier Companies, Inc. (GBX), Civitas Resources, Inc. (CIVI), and BWX Technologies, Inc. (BWXT). The largest detractors to returns for the period were Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. (CFR) and UMB Financial Corporation (UMBF) as Financials underperformed in the first calendar quarter of 2023. Lazydays Holdings, Inc. (LAZY), National HealthCare Corporation (NHC), and a Put Option on the Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE), a hedge for our Energy sector holdings, rounded out the top detractors for the Fund.

 

Portfolio Changes

 

Turnover in the Fund was elevated over the last six months due primarily to a combination of acting on opportunities presented by a volatile market and maintaining our sell discipline,

1

 

Management Discussion of Fund Performance – (Unaudited) (continued)

 

as well as efforts to maximize tax efficiency. During the period, the Fund bought eight companies on our watch list at meaningful discounts to what we think they are worth. Of note, these additions were across four different industries, reflecting our fundamental research approach. We also increased our use of options in the Fund with the goal of mitigating the impact of market volatility on the Fund. The Fund exited positions in eleven companies over the period, including many of the Fund’s regional bank holdings, which we re-evaluated in light of recent instability and uncertainty about potential regulatory actions and our updated outlook for the sector. In contrast to other points in the last two and a half years, we aren’t seeing clear dislocations across industries or sectors, outside of possibly the bank industry, which could remain tenuous for some time. In the volatile and low return environment that lies ahead, we believe an ability to adhere to a time-tested investment framework is increasingly important.

 

VELA Large Cap Plus Fund

 

Returns Discussion

 

For the six months ended March 31, 2023, the VELA Large Cap Plus Fund Class I Shares returned 8.98% compared to 15.24% for the Russell 1000 Index, the Fund’s primary benchmark, and 15.62% for the S&P 500 Index. On an annualized basis, total returns since fund inception (September 30, 2020) were 14.29% vs. index returns of 9.32% and 10.06% respectively

 

Top contributors within the Fund during the period included Baker Hughes Company (BKR), Arch Capital Group Limited (ACGL), Microsoft Corporation (MSFT), FedEx Corporation (FDX), and NVR, Inc. (NVR). Bottom performers during the six month period included Financials sector holdings SVB Financial Group (SIVBQ) and First Republic Bank (FRC), along with EQT Corporation (EQT). Options on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) and Chevron Corporation (CVX) rounded out the bottom contributors for the period.

 

VELA International Fund

 

Returns Discussion

 

For the six months ended March 31, 2023, the VELA International Fund Class I Shares returned 28.32% compared to 25.50% for the MSCI World ex US Index. On an annualized basis, total returns since Fund inception (September 30, 2020) were 9.54% vs. index returns of 7.85%.

 

Top contributors during the six month period included FLSmidth & Co. (526357), Associated British Foods (067312), Infineon Technologies (588950), Australian based gold mining company OceanaGold Corporation (OCANF), and ING Groep (BZ5739). The five largest detractors within the Fund were Roche Holding Limited (711038), PT United

2

 

Management Discussion of Fund Performance – (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Tractors (623084), WH Group Limited (BLLHKZ), Bayer AG (506921), and Australian wine-distributor Treasury Wine Estates Limited (B61JC6).

 

Portfolio Changes

 

During the period, the Fund added five new equity positions, including Alamos Gold, Inc. (AGI), B&M European Value Retail (BMTRW1), Bayer AG (506921), Parkland Corp (70137W959), and Criteo SA (CRTO), while the Fund sold Okuma Corp (6103) and Treasury Wine Estates (B61JC6). The latter two were both trading near our estimate of intrinsic value; we took the proceeds and redeployed funds toward higher conviction ideas. The Fund also took advantage of the higher interest rate environment and purchased a 6-month Treasury bill with a near 50% pick-up in annualized yield to the rate earned on our remaining cash. The Treasury bill is included in the Fund’s ending cash position for the period (8.6%), representing about 35% of total cash. Given the higher-rate environment and current volatility, we are comfortable with the Fund’s cash position, but remain vigilant in looking for an opportunity to deploy capital should the market begin to discount a recession.

 

VELA Income Opportunities Fund

 

Returns Discussion

 

For the six months ended March 31, 2023, the VELA Income Opportunities Fund Class I Shares returned 10.68% compared to 14.88% for the Russell 3000 Index and 9.95% for the Fund’s secondary benchmark, a 50/50 blend of the Russell 3000 Index and the Bloomberg US Aggregate Index. On an annualized basis, total returns since Fund inception (March 31, 2022) were -9.15% vs. returns of -8.58% for the Russell 3000 Index and -6.37% for the secondary benchmark.

 

Top contributors within the Fund during the six month period, from a variety of sectors, included Scotts Miracle-Gro (SMG), Greenbrier Companies, Inc. (GBX), Omnicom Group, Inc. (OMC), Baker Hughes Company (BKR), and Simon Property Group, Inc. (SPG). Bottom performers were concentrated in the Financials sector and included equity holdings First Republic Bank (FRC), Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (FIS), Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. (WASH), and Comerica, Inc. (CMA), and Series J preferred shares with First Republic Bank.

 

Portfolio Changes

 

Over the last six months, the Fund initiated six equity and nine corporate bond positions as fixed income securities have become more attractive than at the outset of the Fund given the higher interest rate environment. As interest rates have increased, the Fund also initiated positions in three short term US treasuries with the goal of generating additional

3

 

Management Discussion of Fund Performance – (Unaudited) (continued)

 

return on cash. Furthermore, we have continued to increase the number of call options written against various underlying holdings to produce additional income for the Fund.

 

During the period, the Fund exited nine equity positions, concentrated primarily in the Financials sector, as we re-evaluated our industry outlook in view of recent banking instability and acted to align the Fund’s portfolio accordingly. While our preference is for a multi-year hold period with our investments, we decided to exit these positions as the range of possible outcomes became too wide and unpredictable. As such, the Fund ended the period with more cash on hand than in recent quarters. We aim to opportunistically redeploy capital as potential ideas become more attractively priced. Exiting the period, we believe we have utilized recent market volatility to improve the quality of the businesses in the Fund’s portfolio and are pleased with the business quality and valuations of dividend-paying businesses we own.

 

Important Information:

 

Performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. Investors may obtain performance data current to the most recent month-end by calling 833-399-1001.

 

A complete list of portfolio holdings can be found at www.velafunds.com.

 

You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

The S&P 500 Index is a composite of 500 of the largest companies in the United States. The S&P 500 Index is unmanaged and does not represent the performance of any particular investment.

 

The Russell 3000 Index is a market-capitalization-weighted equity index maintained by FTSE Russell that tracks the performance of the 3,000 largest U.S. traded stocks across all market sectors, inclusive of dividends, capital gains, distributions, and interest.

 

The Russell 2000 Index is a small-cap stock market index of the smallest 2,000 stocks in the Russell 3000 Index.

 

The MSCI World ex USA Index captures large and mid-cap representation across 22 of 23 Developed Markets (DM) countries excluding the United States.

 

The Russell 1000 Index is an unmanaged market capitalization-weighted index comprised of the largest 1,000 companies by market capitalization in the Russell 3000 Index, which is comprised of the 3,000 largest U.S. companies by total market capitalization.

 

The S&P SmallCap 600 Index is a stock market index established by Standard & Poor’s. It covers

4

 

Management Discussion of Fund Performance – (Unaudited) (continued)

 

roughly the small-cap range of American stocks, using a capitalization-weighted index.

 

The secondary index for the Income Opportunities Fund is a blend of the Russell 3000 TR (50%) and The Bloomberg Aggregate Bond Index (50%). The Bloomberg Aggregate Bond Index broadly tracks the performance of the U.S. investment-grade bond market. The index is composed of investment-grade government and corporate bonds.

5

 

Investment Results (Unaudited)

 

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

 

      Since
      Inception
  Six Months One Year (9/30/20)
VELA Small Cap Fund      
Class A Shares      
Without Load 10.01% (5.66)% 20.04%
With Load 4.50% (10.36)% 17.58%
Class I Shares 10.08% (5.43)% 20.32%
Russell 2000 Index(b) 9.14% (11.61)% 8.74%
S&P SmallCap 600 Index(c) 12.00% (8.82)% 15.49%
       
  Expense Ratios(d)  
  Class A Class I  
  Shares Shares  
  1.44% 1.19%  

 

The performance quoted represents past performance, which does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on the VELA Small Cap Fund’s (the “Fund”) distributions or the redemption of shares. Current performance of the Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month end may be obtained by calling 1-833-399-1001.

 

(a)Return figures reflect any change in price per share and assume the reinvestment of all distributions. Total returns for less than one year are not annualized.

 

(b)The Russell 2000 Index is an unmanaged market capitalization weighted index measuring performance of the smallest 2,000 companies by market capitalization in the Russell 3000 Index. The Russell 3000 Index is an unmanaged market capitalization weighted index measuring the performance of the 3,000 largest U.S. companies based on total market capitalization.

 

(c)The S&P SmallCap 600 Index is an unmanaged capitalization weighted index that measures the performance of selected U.S. stocks with small market capitalization. Index returns do not reflect the deduction of expenses, which have been deducted from the Fund’s returns. Index returns assume reinvestment of all distributions and do not reflect the deduction of taxes and fees. 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.

 

(d)The expense ratios shown, which include acquired fund fees and other expenses of 0.02%, reflect information from the Fund’s prospectus dated January 30, 2023. Additional information pertaining to the expense ratios as of March 31, 2023 can be found in the financial highlights.

 

The Fund’s investment objectives, strategies, risks, charges and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other important information about the Fund, and it should be read carefully before investing. Investors may obtain a copy of the prospectus by calling 1-833-399-1001.

 

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

6

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

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

 

      Since
      Inception
  Six Months One Year (9/30/20)
VELA Large Cap Plus Fund      
Class A Shares      
Without Load 8.78% (7.73)% 14.02%
With Load 3.33% (12.56)% 11.68%
Class I Shares 8.98% (7.73)% 14.29%
Russell 1000 Index(b) 15.24% (8.39)% 9.32%
S&P 500 Index(c) 15.62% (7.73)% 10.06%
       
  Expense Ratios(d)  
  Class A Class I  
  Shares Shares  
  2.07% 1.82%  

 

The performance quoted represents past performance, which does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on the VELA Large Cap Plus Fund’s (the “Fund”) distributions or the redemption of shares. Current performance of the Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month end may be obtained by calling 1-833-399-1001.

 

(a)Return figures reflect any change in price per share and assume the reinvestment of all distributions. Total returns for less than one year are not annualized.

 

(b)The Russell 1000 Index is an unmanaged market capitalization weighted index measuring the performance of the largest 1,000 companies by market capitalization in the Russell 3000 Index. The Russell 3000 Index is an unmanaged market capitalization weighted index measuring the performance of the 3,000 largest U.S. companies based on total market capitalization.

 

(c)The S&P 500 Index is a widely recognized unmanaged index of equity securities and is representative of a broader domestic equity market and range of securities than are found in the Fund’s portfolio. Index returns do not reflect the deduction of expenses, which have been deducted from the Fund’s returns. Index returns assume reinvestment of all distributions and do not reflect the deduction of taxes and fees. 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.

 

(d)The expense ratios shown, which include acquired fund fees and expenses of 0.01%, reflect information from the Fund’s prospectus dated January 30, 2023. Additional information pertaining to the expense ratios as of March 31, 2023 can be found in the financial highlights.

 

The Fund’s investment objectives, strategies, risks, charges and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. The Fund’s prospectus contains this and other important information about the Fund, and it should be read carefully before investing. Investors may obtain a copy of the prospectus by calling 1-833-399-1001. The Fund is distributed by Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.

7

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

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

 

      Since
      Inceptions
  Six Months One Year (9/30/20)
VELA International Fund      
Class A Shares      
Without Load 28.28% 4.79% 9.20%
With Load 21.86% (0.42)% 6.97%
Class I Shares 28.32% 5.08% 9.54%
MSCI World ex USA Index(b) 25.50% (2.74)% 7.85%
       
  Expense Ratios(c)  
  Class A Class I  
  Shares Shares  
  1.44% 1.19%  

 

The performance quoted represents past performance, which does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on the VELA International Fund’s (the “Fund”) distributions or the redemption of shares. Current performance of the Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month end may be obtained by calling 1-833-399-1001.

 

(a)Return figures reflect any change in price per share and assume the reinvestment of all distributions. Total returns for less than one year are not annualized.

 

(b)The MSCI World ex USA Index is an unmanaged free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure global developed market equity performance. Index returns do not reflect the deduction of expenses, which have been deducted from the Fund’s returns. Index returns assume reinvestment of all distributions and do not reflect the deduction of taxes and fees. 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.

 

(c)The expense ratios shown, which include acquired fund fees and other expenses of 0.02%, reflect information from the Fund’s prospectus dated January 30, 2023. Additional information pertaining to the expense ratios as of March 31, 2023 can be found in the financial highlights.

 

The Fund’s investment objectives, strategies, risks, charges and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other important information about the Fund, and it should be read carefully before investing. Investors may obtain a copy of the prospectus by calling 1-833-399-1001.

 

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

8

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

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

 

      Since
      Inception
  Six Months One Year (3/31/22)
VELA Income Opportunities Fund      
Class A Shares      
Without Load 10.55% (9.51)% (9.51)%
With Load 4.99% (14.06)% (14.06)%
Class I Shares 10.68% (9.15)% (9.15)%
Russell 3000 Total Return Index(b) 14.88% (8.58)% (8.58)%
50% Russell 3000 Total Return Index(b)      
/ 50% Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index(c) 9.95% (6.37)% (6.37)%
       
  Expense Ratios(d)  
  Class A Class I  
  Shares Shares  
  1.18% 0.93%  

 

The performance quoted represents past performance, which does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on the VELA Income Opportunities Fund’s (the “Fund”) distributions or the redemption of shares. Current performance of the Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month end may be obtained by calling 1-833-399-1001.

 

(a)Return figures reflect any change in price per share and assume the reinvestment of all distributions. Total returns for less than one year are not annualized.

 

(b)The Russell 3000 Total Return Index is a capitalization-weighted stock market index, maintained by FTSE Russell, that seeks to be a benchmark of the entire U.S stock market. It measures the performance of the 3,000 largest publicly held companies incorporated in America as measured by total market capitalization, and represents approximately 98% of the American public equity market.

 

(c)The Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based benchmark that measures the investment grade, U.S. dollar denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market. This includes Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities and collateralized mortgage-backed securities.

 

(d)The expense ratios shown, which include acquired fund fees and other expenses of 0.01%, reflect information from the Fund’s prospectus dated January 30, 2023. Additional information pertaining to the expense ratios as of March 31, 2023 can be found in the financial highlights.

 

The Fund’s investment objectives, strategies, risks, charges and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other important information about the Fund, and it should be read carefully before investing. Investors may obtain a copy of the prospectus by calling 1-833-399-1001.

 

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

9

 

Sector Holdings (Unaudited)

 

VELA Small Cap Fund

 

Sector Allocation(a)  
Communications 1.27%
Consumer Discretionary 14.93%
Consumer Staples 10.07%
Energy 9.82%
Financials 13.58%
Health Care 8.95%
Industrials 22.39%
Materials 5.92%
Technology 4.23%
Utilities 1.72%
Money Market Funds 8.04%
Written Options -0.73%
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets -0.19%
  100.00%

 

(a)As a percentage of net assets.

 

The investment objective of the VELA Small Cap Fund is to provide long-term capital appreciation.

 

VELA Large Cap Plus Fund

 

Sector Allocation(a) Long   Short   Gross   Net
Communications 6.91%   0.00%   6.91%   6.91%
Consumer Discretionary 9.57%   -1.39%   10.96%   8.18%
Consumer Staples 4.92%   -0.81%   5.73%   4.11%
Energy 8.53%   -0.41%   8.94%   8.12%
Financials 13.36%   -1.66%   15.02%   11.70%
Health Care 18.77%   -1.30%   20.07%   17.47%
Industrials 9.55%   -1.37%   10.92%   8.18%
Materials 2.20%   -0.96%   3.16%   1.24%
Real Estate 0.00%   -0.30%   0.30%   -0.30%
Technology 24.58%   -0.98%   25.56%   23.60%
Utilities 3.13%   -0.29%   3.42%   2.84%
Exchange-Traded Funds 0.94%   -0.51%   1.45%   0.43%
Purchased Options 0.96%   0.00%   0.96%   0.96%
Money Market Funds 1.64%   0.00%   1.64%   1.64%
Written Options 0.00%   -1.59%   1.59%   -1.59%
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities 6.51%   0.00%   6.51%   6.51%
  111.57%   -11.57%   123.14%   100.00%

 

(a)As a percentage of net assets.

 

The investment objective of the VELA Large Cap Plus Fund is to provide long-term capital appreciation.

10

 

Sector Holdings (Unaudited)

 

VELA International Fund

 

Sector Allocation(a)  
Communications 7.61%
Consumer Discretionary 9.44%
Consumer Staples 17.45%
Energy 6.27%
Financials 6.91%
Health Care 5.93%
Industrials 13.06%
Materials 15.35%
Technology 9.40%
U.S. Government & Agencies 2.55%
Money Market Funds 6.01%
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets 0.02%
  100.00%

 

(a)As a percentage of net assets.

 

The investment objective of the VELA International Fund is to provide long-term capital appreciation.

 

VELA Income Opportunities Fund

 

Sector Allocation(a)  
Communications 4.30%
Consumer Discretionary 18.57%
Consumer Staples 11.82%
Energy 6.61%
Financials 7.08%
Health Care 11.69%
Industrials 16.25%
Materials 3.17%
Real Estate 3.60%
Technology 5.20%
Utilities 3.97%
U.S. Government & Agencies 2.77%
Money Market Funds 6.09%
Written Options -0.53%
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets -0.59%
  100.00%

 

(a)As a percentage of net assets.

 

The investment objective of the VELA Income Opportunities Fund is to provide current income and the secondary investment objective is to provide long-term capital appreciation.

11

 

Sector Holdings (Unaudited)

 

Availability of Portfolio Schedule (Unaudited)

 

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

12

 

VELA Small Cap Fund
Schedule of Investments
March 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Common Stocks — 92.88%  Shares   Fair Value 
Communications — 1.27%          
Criteo S.A. - ADR(a)   27,649   $871,082 
Consumer Discretionary — 14.93%          
Gildan Activewear, Inc.   49,824    1,653,659 
Graham Holdings Co., Class B   2,960    1,763,686 
Lazydays Holdings, Inc.(a)   102,955    1,201,485 
Liberty Media Corp. - Liberty Braves - Series C(a)   49,705    1,674,561 
Papa John’s International, Inc.   15,408    1,154,521 
Vail Resorts, Inc.   6,147    1,436,431 
Wendy’s Co. (The)   63,884    1,391,394 
         10,275,737 
Consumer Staples — 10.07%          
Casey’s General Stores, Inc.   6,444    1,394,868 
Duckhorn Portfolio Inc. (The)(a)   60,205    957,260 
Flowers Foods, Inc.   27,204    745,662 
MGP Ingredients, Inc.   8,988    869,319 
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Holdings, Inc.(a)(b)   23,196    1,343,976 
Performance Food Group Co.(a)(b)   26,821    1,618,379 
         6,929,464 
Energy — 9.82%          
Civitas Resources, Inc.(b)   30,330    2,072,752 
Devon Energy Corp.   9,545    483,072 
PDC Energy, Inc.(b)   30,613    1,964,742 
Range Resources Corp.(b)   84,603    2,239,442 
         6,760,008 
Financials — 13.58%          
1st Source Corp.   20,904    902,008 
Assured Guaranty Ltd.   22,437    1,127,908 
Axis Capital Holdings Ltd.   33,447    1,823,531 
BOK Financial Corp.   19,743    1,666,507 
Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.   15,985    1,683,859 
Hingham Institution for Savings   2,281    532,477 
Houlihan Lokey, Inc.   11,521    1,007,972 
MBIA, Inc.(a)   64,748    599,566 
         9,343,828 
Health Care — 8.95%          
Denali Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   10,575    243,648 
Encompass Health Corp.   19,168    1,036,989 
Envista Holdings Corp.(a)(b)   41,392    1,692,104 
Lantheus Holdings, Inc.(a)(b)   8,314    686,404 
LivaNova PLC(a)   10,944    476,940 
National Healthcare Corp.   22,984    1,334,681 
SI-BONE, Inc.(a)(b)   35,164    691,676 
         6,162,442 
Industrials — 22.39%          
Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc.(b)   17,942    2,550,096 
BWX Technologies, Inc.(b)   35,702    2,250,654 

 

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

13

 

VELA Small Cap Fund
Schedule of Investments (continued)
March 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Common Stocks — 92.88%— (continued)  Shares   Fair Value 
Industrials — 22.39%— (continued)          
ChargePoint Holdings, Inc.(a)   22,098   $231,366 
Copa Holdings, S.A., Class A(a)   10,589    977,894 
Greenbrier Companies, Inc. (The)   69,235    2,227,290 
Hub Group, Inc., Class A(a)   22,928    1,924,576 
Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.   5,074    1,050,419 
Kirby Corp.(a)   50,150    3,495,456 
XPO, Inc.(a)   22,092    704,735 
         15,412,486 
Materials — 5.92%          
Ashland Global Holdings, Inc.(b)   21,058    2,162,867 
RPM International, Inc.(b)   7,994    697,397 
Valvoline, Inc.   34,816    1,216,471 
         4,076,735 
Technology — 4.23%          
JFrog Ltd.(a)(b)   45,105    888,569 
Nutanix, Inc., Class A(a)(b)   19,421    504,752 
Verint Systems, Inc.(a)   40,730    1,516,784 
         2,910,105 
Utilities — 1.72%          
Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.   18,930    1,182,179 
           
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS          
(Cost $57,753,376)        63,924,066 
           
Money Market Funds - 8.04%          
Federated Hermes Treasury Obligations Fund, Institutional Shares, 4.66%(c)   5,533,394    5,533,394 
           
TOTAL MONEY MARKET FUNDS          
(Cost $5,533,394)        5,533,394 
           
Total Investments — 100.92%          
(Cost $63,286,770)        69,457,460 
           
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (0.92)%        (632,103)
           
Net Assets — 100.00%       $68,825,357 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.

 

(b)All or a portion of the security is held as collateral for written options.

 

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

 

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

14

 

VELA Small Cap Fund
Schedule of Open Written Option Contracts
March 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

   Number of   Notional   Exercise   Expiration    
Description  Contracts   Amount   Price   Date  Fair Value 
Written Call Options (0.73)%                       
Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc.   (94)  $(1,336,022)  $130.00   August 2023  $(176,719)
Ashland Global Holdings, Inc.   (75)   (770,325)   120.00   April 2023   (150)
BWX Technologies, Inc.   (120)   (756,480)   65.00   August 2023   (39,000)
Civitas Resources, Inc.   (90)   (615,060)   80.00   July 2023   (25,425)
Envista Holdings Corp.   (150)   (613,200)   50.00   September 2023   (16,125)
JFrog Ltd.   (100)   (197,000)   35.00   January 2024   (6,500)
Lantheus Holdings, Inc.   (30)   (247,680)   95.00   January 2024   (34,350)
Nutanix, Inc.   (97)   (252,103)   32.50   January 2024   (17,218)
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Holdings, Inc.   (115)   (666,310)   70.00   October 2023   (44,850)
PDC Energy, Inc.   (100)   (641,800)   89.35   December 2023   (33,500)
Performance Food Group Co.   (110)   (663,740)   65.00   June 2023   (18,700)
Range Resources Corp.   (325)   (860,275)   35.00   October 2023   (43,063)
RPM International, Inc.   (40)   (348,960)   110.00   May 2023   (200)
SI-BONE, Inc.   (250)   (491,750)   25.00   October 2023   (48,750)
Total Written Options (Premiums Received $657,271)       $(504,550)

 

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

15

 

VELA Large Cap Plus Fund
Schedule of Investments
March 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Common Stocks — 101.52%  Shares   Fair Value 
Communications — 6.91%          
Activision Blizzard, Inc.(a)(b)   6,152   $526,550 
Alphabet, Inc., Class A(a)(c)   12,741    1,321,624 
Meta Platforms, Inc., Class A(a)(b)(c)   3,375    715,297 
T-Mobile US, Inc.(a)(c)   4,706    681,617 
         3,245,088 
Consumer Discretionary — 9.57%          
Aptiv PLC(c)   3,379    379,090 
Booking Holdings, Inc.(c)   126    334,204 
Home Depot, Inc. (The)   2,498    737,210 
NVR, Inc.(c)   184    1,025,283 
O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.(c)   653    554,384 
Starbucks Corp.   5,578    580,837 
TJX Companies, Inc. (The)   11,224    879,512 
         4,490,520 
Consumer Staples — 4.92%          
Dollar General Corp.   3,470    730,296 
Kraft Heinz Co. (The)   18,017    696,717 
PepsiCo, Inc.   4,839    882,150 
         2,309,163 
Energy — 8.53%          
Baker Hughes Co.(a)(b)   26,751    772,034 
Energy Transfer, L.P.(a)(b)   72,785    907,629 
EQT Corp.(a)(b)   24,730    789,134 
Pioneer Natural Resources Co.(a)(b)   3,321    678,281 
Suncor Energy, Inc.(a)(b)   27,660    858,843 
         4,005,921 
Financials — 13.36%          
Arch Capital Group Ltd.(c)   14,352    974,070 
Bank of America Corp.   13,137    375,718 
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., Class B(c)   5,105    1,576,271 
Charles Schwab Corp. (The)(a)(b)   7,918    414,745 
Citigroup, Inc.   13,723    643,471 
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)(a)(b)   1,968    643,753 
MetLife, Inc.   16,001    927,098 
Wells Fargo & Co.(a)(b)   19,088    713,510 
         6,268,636 
Health Care — 18.77%          
AbbVie, Inc.(a)(b)   5,283    841,952 
Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)(b)(c)   3,417    684,493 
AstraZeneca PLC - ADR   11,296    784,055 
BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Inc.(a)(b)(c)   4,542    441,664 
Boston Scientific Corp.(c)   19,899    995,547 
Denali Therapeutics, Inc.(c)   8,896    204,964 
Encompass Health Corp.   11,200    605,920 
Humana, Inc.   1,634    793,242 
Jazz Pharmaceuticals PLC(c)   2,369    346,656 

 

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

16

 

VELA Large Cap Plus Fund
Schedule of Investments (continued)
March 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Common Stocks — 101.52%— (continued)  Shares   Fair Value 
Health Care — 18.77%— (continued)          
Johnson & Johnson   4,675   $724,625 
Lantheus Holdings, Inc.(a)(c)   6,542    540,108 
Medtronic PLC   8,196    660,761 
Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc.(c)   2,094    288,616 
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)(b)(c)   2,841    895,114 
         8,807,717 
Industrials — 9.55%          
CSX Corp.   30,299    907,152 
Deere & Co.   1,278    527,661 
FedEx Corp.(a)(b)   3,662    836,730 
JB Hunt Transport Services, Inc.   3,882    681,136 
Johnson Controls International PLC   12,157    732,095 
Northrop Grumman Corp.   1,725    796,467 
         4,481,241 
Materials — 2.20%          
Avery Dennison Corp.   2,365    423,169 
Linde PLC   1,722    612,068 
         1,035,237 
Technology — 24.58%          
Accenture PLC, Class A   3,041    869,148 
Adobe, Inc.(a)(b)(c)   2,466    950,322 
Apple, Inc.(a)   11,019    1,817,033 
Microchip Technology, Inc.(a)(b)   10,644    891,755 
Microsoft Corp.   6,612    1,906,240 
Nutanix, Inc., Class A(a)(b)(c)   25,478    662,173 
PayPal Holdings, Inc.(a)(b)(c)   8,534    648,072 
Salesforce.com, Inc.(a)(b)(c)   5,040    1,006,891 
ServiceNow, Inc.(b)(c)   1,586    737,046 
Teradyne, Inc.(a)(b)   4,712    506,587 
Visa, Inc., Class A   4,096    923,484 
VMware, Inc., Class A(a)(c)   4,936    616,260 
         11,535,011 
Utilities — 3.13%          
CenterPoint Energy, Inc.   24,347    717,263 
Exelon Corp.(a)   17,895    749,621 
         1,466,884 
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS          
(Cost $40,601,001)        47,645,418 
           
Exchange-Traded Funds — 0.94%          
SPDR® S&P® Regional Banking ETF   10,013    439,170 
           
TOTAL EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS          
(Cost $463,699)        439,170 

 

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

17

 

VELA Large Cap Plus Fund
Schedule of Investments (continued)
March 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

   Number of   Notional   Exercise   Expiration    
Description  Contracts   Amount   Price   Date  Fair Value 
CALL OPTIONS PURCHASED — 0.90%                       
Invesco QQQ ETF   190   $6,097,670   $320.00   July 2023  $363,565 
SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF   175    767,550    50.00   January 2024   58,625 
                        
TOTAL CALL OPTIONS PURCHASED                       
(Cost $362,441)                     422,190 
                        
PUT OPTIONS PURCHASED — 0.06%                       
Baker Hughes Co.   150    432,900    25.00   January 2024   29,250 
Energy Transfer, L.P.   476    593,572    11.00   April 2023   1,190 
                        
TOTAL PUT OPTIONS PURCHASED                       
(Cost $65,379)                     30,440 
                        
Money Market Funds - 1.64%    Shares  Fair Value 
Federated Hermes Treasury Obligations Fund, Institutional Shares, 4.66%(d)    770,602   770,602 
                        
TOTAL MONEY MARKET FUNDS                       
(Cost $770,602)                     770,602 
                        
Total Investments — 105.06%                       
(Cost $42,263,122)                     49,307,820 
                        
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (5.06)%            (2,373,168)
                        
Net Assets — 100.00%                    $46,934,652 

 

(a)All or a portion of the security is held as collateral for securities sold short. The fair value of this collateral on March 31, 2023 was $19,651,778.

 

(b)All or a portion of the security is held as collateral for written options.

 

(c)Non-income producing security.

 

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

 

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

18

 

VELA Large Cap Plus Fund
Schedule of Open Written Options Contracts
March 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

   Number of   Notional   Exercise   Expiration    
Description  Contracts   Amount   Price   Date  Fair Value 
Written Call Options (1.59)%                       
AbbVie, Inc.   (42)  $(669,354)  $165.00   January 2024  $(41,580)
Activision Blizzard, Inc.   (31)   (265,329)   85.00   August 2023   (19,685)
Adobe Systems, Inc.   (20)   (770,740)   420.00   January 2024   (71,749)
Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc.   (25)   (500,800)   270.00   January 2024   (29,375)
Baker Hughes Co.   (241)   (695,526)   35.00   October 2023   (27,715)
BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Inc.   (31)   (301,444)   125.00   January 2024   (10,153)
Charles Schwab Corp. (The)   (60)   (314,280)   65.00   January 2024   (23,700)
Energy Transfer, L.P.   (509)   (634,723)   15.00   January 2024   (15,779)
EQT Corp.   (196)   (625,436)   40.00   January 2024   (61,740)
FedEx Corp.   (30)   (685,470)   280.00   June 2024   (42,750)
Meta Platforms, Inc.   (20)   (423,880)   260.00   January 2024   (35,050)
Microchip Technology, Inc.   (85)   (712,130)   100.00   January 2024   (43,775)
Nutanix, Inc.   (217)   (563,983)   32.50   January 2024   (38,518)
PayPal Holdings, Inc.   (37)   (280,978)   90.00   July 2023   (7,604)
Pioneer Natural Resources Co.   (30)   (612,720)   230.00   January 2024   (38,700)
Salesforce.com, Inc.   (41)   (819,098)   220.00   January 2024   (76,567)
ServiceNow, Inc.   (12)   (557,664)   530.00   January 2024   (52,440)
Suncor Energy, Inc.   (138)   (428,490)   40.00   October 2023   (9,177)
Teradyne, Inc.   (30)   (322,530)   120.00   January 2024   (31,200)
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.   (10)   (327,110)   340.00   January 2024   (29,150)
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.   (20)   (630,140)   360.00   January 2024   (34,000)
Wells Fargo & Co.   (105)   (392,490)   47.50   October 2023   (7,455)
Total Written Options (Premiums Received $754,035)    $(747,862)

 

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

19

 

VELA Large Cap Plus Fund
Schedule of Securities Sold Short
March 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Common Stocks - Short - (9.47%)  Shares   Fair Value 
Consumer Discretionary - (1.39%)          
Burlington Stores, Inc.(a)   (600)  $(121,260)
Etsy, Inc.(a)   (1,149)   (127,918)
General Motors Co.   (3,011)   (110,443)
Skechers U.S.A., Inc., Class A(a)   (3,028)   (143,891)
Texas Roadhouse, Inc.   (1,368)   (147,826)
         (651,338)
Consumer Staples - (0.81%)          
Clorox Co. (The)   (935)   (147,954)
Dollar Tree, Inc.(a)   (796)   (114,266)
Hormel Foods Corp.   (2,991)   (119,281)
         (381,501)
Energy - (0.41%)          
Schlumberger Ltd.   (3,880)   (190,508)
           
Financials - (1.66%)          
BlackRock, Inc.   (216)   (144,530)
Capital One Financial Corp.   (1,351)   (129,912)
Cincinnati Financial Corp.   (1,730)   (193,898)
Coinbase Global, Inc., Class A(a)   (2,788)   (188,385)
KeyCorp   (9,787)   (122,533)
         (779,258)
Health Care - (1.30%)          
Cardinal Health, Inc.   (3,009)   (227,180)
Insulet Corp.(a)   (610)   (194,566)
Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corp.(a)   (3,255)   (186,870)
         (608,616)
Industrials - (1.37%)          
GFL Environmental, Inc.   (6,027)   (207,570)
Illinois Tool Works, Inc.   (790)   (192,326)
Watsco, Inc.   (757)   (240,847)
         (640,743)
Materials - (0.96%)          
Albemarle Corp.   (418)   (92,395)
Nucor Corp.   (921)   (142,267)
Steel Dynamics, Inc.   (1,902)   (215,040)
         (449,702)
Real Estate - (0.30%)          
Welltower, Inc.   (1,990)   (142,663)
           
Technology - (0.98%)          
Equifax, Inc.   (629)   (127,586)
International Business Machines Corp.   (1,467)   (192,309)
Logitech International S.A.   (2,436)   (141,434)
         (461,329)
Utilities - (0.29%)          
Atmos Energy Corp.   (1,207)   (135,619)

 

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

20

 

VELA Large Cap Plus Fund
Schedule of Securities Sold Short (continued)
March 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Common Stocks - Short - (9.47%) — (continued)  Shares   Fair Value 
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS - SHORT          
(Proceeds Received $4,338,724)       $(4,441,277)
           
Exchange-Traded Funds - Short - (0.51%)  Shares   Fair Value 
Energy Select Sector SPDR® Fund   (2,892)  $(239,544)
           
TOTAL EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS - SHORT          
(Proceeds Received $227,563)       $(239,544)
           
TOTAL SECURITIES SOLD SHORT - (9.98)%          
(Proceeds Received $4,566,287)       $(4,680,821)

 

(a)Non-income producing security.

 

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

21

 

VELA International Fund
Schedule of Investments
March 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Common Stocks — 91.42%  Shares   Fair Value 
Australia — 1.92%          
Health Care — 1.92%          
Ansell Ltd.   43,400   $773,350 
           
Total Australia        773,350 
           
Austria — 3.61%          
Communications — 2.70%          
Telekom Austria AG(a)   144,000    1,087,736 
           
Materials — 0.91%          
Wienerberger AG   12,600    364,856 
           
Total Austria        1,452,592 
           
Belgium — 2.17%          
Financials — 2.17%          
KBC Group NV   12,700    872,801 
           
Total Belgium        872,801 
           
Canada — 11.87%          
Consumer Staples — 2.02%          
Empire Co., Ltd., Class A   30,400    814,928 
           
Energy — 4.25%          
Parkland Corp   31,900    764,739 
Suncor Energy, Inc.   30,500    947,026 
         1,711,765 
Industrials — 1.36%          
Finning International, Inc.   22,000    548,405 
           
Materials — 4.24%          
Alamos Gold, Inc., Class A   39,500    483,085 
OceanaGold Corp.(a)   495,000    1,226,952 
         1,710,037 
Total Canada        4,785,135 
           
Denmark — 2.70%          
Industrials — 2.70%          
FLSmidth & Co. A/S   28,400    1,088,029 
           
Total Denmark        1,088,029 
           
France — 5.88%          
Communications — 0.76%          
Criteo S.A. - ADR(a)   9,700    305,599 
           
Consumer Discretionary — 2.05%          
Cia Generale de Establissements Michelin SCA   27,000    825,507 
           
Energy — 2.02%          
TotalEnergies SE   13,800    813,862 

 

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

22

 

VELA International Fund
Schedule of Investments (continued)
March 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Common Stocks — 91.42% — (continued)  Shares   Fair Value 
France — 5.88% — (continued)          
Industrials — 1.05%          
Rexel SA   17,800   $423,275 
           
Total France        2,368,243 
           
Germany — 11.58%          
Consumer Discretionary — 1.81%          
Fielmann AG   17,500    730,059 
           
Consumer Staples — 1.36%          
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA   7,000    547,747 
           
Health Care — 1.81%          
Bayer AG   11,400    728,396 
           
Industrials — 0.95%          
Duerr AG   10,600    380,958 
           
Materials — 3.26%          
Covestro AG   12,300    509,486 
Fuchs Petrolub SE   23,600    807,913 
         1,317,399 
Technology — 2.39%          
Infineon Technologies AG   23,400    961,118 
           
Total Germany        4,665,677 
           
Hong Kong — 7.35%          
Consumer Staples — 2.44%          
WH Group Ltd.   1,650,000    983,635 
           
Industrials — 2.32%          
Johnson Electric Holdings Ltd.   824,611    936,202 
           
Technology — 2.59%          
VTech Holdings Ltd.   174,200    1,042,520 
           
Total Hong Kong        2,962,357 
           
Iceland — 1.58%          
Industrials — 1.58%          
Marel HF   156,000    638,014 
           
Total Iceland        638,014 
           
Indonesia — 2.85%          
Materials — 2.85%          
United Tractors Tbk PT   590,000    1,147,711 
           
Total Indonesia        1,147,711 
           
Japan — 10.81%          
Consumer Discretionary — 2.27%          
Honda Motor Co. Ltd.   34,600    915,265 

 

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

23

 

VELA International Fund
Schedule of Investments (continued)
March 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Common Stocks — 91.42% — (continued)  Shares   Fair Value 
Japan — 10.81% — (continued)          
Consumer Staples — 2.18%          
Suntory Beverage & Food Ltd.   23,600   $879,117 
           
Industrials — 1.01%          
OSG Corp.   26,900    405,703 
           
Materials — 2.99%          
Fuji Seal International, Inc.   33,500    382,972 
Toray Industries, Inc.   144,000    823,835 
         1,206,807 
Technology — 2.36%          
Nintendo Co. Ltd.   24,400    947,792 
           
Total Japan        4,354,684 
           
Luxembourg — 1.75%          
Consumer Staples — 1.75%          
B&M European Value Retail SA   118,300    704,845 
           
Total Luxembourg        704,845 
           
Mexico — 4.19%          
Consumer Staples — 4.19%          
Gruma SAB de CV   60,000    888,728 
Kimberly-Clark de Mexico SAB de CV   380,000    801,014 
         1,689,742 
Total Mexico        1,689,742 
           
Netherlands — 3.74%          
Communications — 0.99%          
Koninklijke KPN NV   113,400    400,787 
           
Financials — 2.75%          
ING Groep NV   93,200    1,107,003 
           
Total Netherlands        1,507,790 
           
Sweden — 4.09%          
Financials — 2.00%          
Svenska Handelsbanken AB, Class A   93,000    805,413 
           
Industrials — 2.09%          
Loomis AB   24,600    842,764 
           
Total Sweden        1,648,177 
           
Switzerland — 5.51%          
Consumer Discretionary — 3.31%          
Cie Financiere Richemont SA   3,800    609,467 
Swatch Group AG (The)   2,100    723,354 
         1,332,821 

 

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

24

 

VELA International Fund
Schedule of Investments (continued)
March 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Common Stocks — 91.42% — (continued)  Shares   Fair Value 
Switzerland — 5.51% — (continued)          
Health Care — 2.20%          
Roche Holding AG   3,100   $885,967 
           
Total Switzerland        2,218,788 
           
United Kingdom — 9.82%          
Communications — 3.16%          
Informa PLC   49,600    425,169 
WPP PLC   71,200    845,968 
         1,271,137 
Consumer Staples — 3.50%          
Associated British Foods PLC   32,800    787,176 
British American Tobacco PLC   17,800    624,004 
         1,411,180 
Materials — 1.09%          
DS Smith PLC   113,000    439,970 
           
Technology — 2.07%          
Serco Group PLC   440,000    833,850 
           
Total United Kingdom        3,956,137 
           
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS          
(Cost $33,056,741)        36,834,072 
           
   Principal      
U.S. Government & Agencies(b)2.55%  Amount   Fair Value 
United States Treasury Bill, 4.61%, 6/1/2023  $1,035,000    1,027,303 
           
TOTAL U.S. GOVERNMENT & AGENCIES          
(Cost $1,027,099)        1,027,303 
           
Money Market Funds - 6.01%  Shares   Fair Value 
Federated Hermes Treasury Obligations Fund, Institutional Shares, 4.66%(c)   2,419,959    2,419,959 
           
TOTAL MONEY MARKET FUNDS          
(Cost $2,419,959)        2,419,959 
           
Total Investments — 99.98%          
(Cost $36,503,799)        40,281,334 
           
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 0.02%        6,306 
           
Net Assets — 100.00%       $40,287,640 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.

 

(b)The rate shown represents effective yield at time of purchase.

 

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

 

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

25

 

VELA Income Opportunities Fund
Schedule of Investments
March 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Common Stocks — 82.08%  Shares   Fair Value 
Communications — 4.30%          
Comcast Corp., Class A   11,176   $423,682 
Omnicom Group, Inc.(a)   5,147    485,568 
Verizon Communications, Inc.   6,338    246,485 
         1,155,735 
Consumer Discretionary — 15.39%          
Genuine Parts Co.(a)   2,461    411,750 
Home Depot, Inc. (The)(a)   1,894    558,957 
Polaris Industries, Inc.(a)   4,635    512,770 
Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. (The)   7,085    494,108 
Starbucks Corp.(a)   5,383    560,532 
TJX Companies, Inc. (The)   3,399    266,346 
Vail Resorts, Inc.(a)   1,772    414,081 
VF Corp.(a)   16,963    388,622 
Wendy’s Co. (The)   24,195    526,967 
         4,134,133 
Consumer Staples — 11.06%          
Coca-Cola Co.(a)   4,546    281,988 
Flowers Foods, Inc.(a)   23,563    645,862 
Kraft Heinz Co. (The)(a)   19,303    746,447 
Mondelez International, Inc., Class A   4,027    280,763 
PepsiCo, Inc.(a)   1,673    304,988 
Sysco Corp.(a)   9,197    710,284 
         2,970,332 
Energy — 6.06%          
Baker Hughes Co.(a)   16,040    462,914 
Civitas Resources, Inc.(a)   9,313    636,451 
Suncor Energy, Inc.(a)   17,023    528,564 
         1,627,929 
Financials — 5.84%          
Axis Capital Holdings Ltd.   7,216    393,417 
Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.   3,642    383,648 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.   4,055    528,407 
Mercury General Corp.   8,265    262,331 
         1,567,803 
Health Care — 10.88%          
Abbott Laboratories   5,317    538,399 
AbbVie, Inc.(a)   3,312    527,834 
Bayer AG   2,350    149,682 
Johnson & Johnson   3,614    560,170 
Medtronic PLC   8,371    674,870 
National Healthcare Corp.   8,106    470,715 
         2,921,670 
Industrials — 13.61%          
BWX Technologies, Inc.   6,622    417,451 
Fastenal Co.(a)   5,003    269,862 
FedEx Corp.   1,479    337,937 

 

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

26

 

VELA Income Opportunities Fund
Schedule of Investments (continued)
March 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Common Stocks — 82.08%— (continued)  Shares   Fair Value 
Industrials — 13.61%— (continued)          
Greenbrier Companies, Inc. (The)(a)   23,131   $744,124 
Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.   1,929    399,341 
Johnson Controls International PLC   6,074    365,776 
Norfolk Southern Corp.   2,515    533,180 
Northrop Grumman Corp.(a)   844    389,692 
Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.(a)   2,434    196,132 
         3,653,495 
Materials — 2.17%          
Linde PLC(a)   843    299,636 
RPM International, Inc.(a)   3,231    281,872 
         581,508 
Real Estate — 3.60%          
Realty Income Corp.   6,331    400,879 
Simon Property Group, Inc.(a)   5,056    566,120 
         966,999 
Technology — 5.20%          
Cisco Systems, Inc.(a)   3,621    189,288 
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.   9,782    531,456 
Nintendo Co. Ltd.   3,700    142,992 
Texas Instruments, Inc.(a)   2,866    533,105 
         1,396,841 
Utilities — 3.97%          
Exelon Corp.(a)   12,945    542,266 
NorthWestern Corp.(a)   9,036    522,823 
         1,065,089 
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS          
(Cost $22,175,242)        22,041,534 
           
Preferred Stocks — 1.24%          
Financials — 1.24%          
Arch Capital Group Ltd., Series G, 4.55%   17,351    334,007 
           
TOTAL PREFERRED STOCKS          
(Cost $329,907)        334,007 
           
   Principal     
U.S. Government & Agencies(b)2.77%  Amount     
United States Treasury Bill, 4.64%, 6/1/2023  $256,000    254,096 
United States Treasury Bill, 4.97%, 8/17/2023   250,000    245,572 
United States Treasury Bill, 4.69%, 9/21/2023   250,000    244,443 
TOTAL U.S. GOVERNMENT & AGENCIES          
(Cost $743,989)        744,111 
           
Corporate Bonds — 8.94%          
Consumer Discretionary — 3.18%          
Graham Holdings Co., 5.75%, 6/1/2026   125,000    122,633 
Nordstrom Inc., 4.25%, 8/1/2031   300,000    214,770 

 

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

27

 

VELA Income Opportunities Fund
Schedule of Investments (continued)
March 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

   Principal     
Corporate Bonds — 8.94%— (continued)  Amount   Fair Value 
Consumer Discretionary — 3.18% - continued          
Papa John’s International Inc., 3.88%, 9/15/2029  $300,000   $260,682 
Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. (The), 4.50%, 10/15/2029   150,000    129,139 
Vail Resorts, Inc., 6.25%, 5/15/2025   125,000    125,388 
         852,612 
Consumer Staples — 0.76%          
Simmons Foods, Inc., 4.63%, 3/1/2029   250,000    203,478 
           
Energy — 0.54%          
PDC Energy Inc., 5.75%, 5/15/2026   150,000    146,224 
           
Health Care — 0.81%          
Encompass Health Corp., 4.63%, 4/1/2031   250,000    218,625 
           
Industrials — 2.65%          
Allegiant Travel Co., 7.25%, 8/15/2027   150,000    149,481 
Con-way, Inc., 6.70%, 5/1/2034   365,000    330,827 
Installed Building Products, Inc., 5.75%, 2/1/2028   250,000    230,530 
         710,838 
Materials — 1.00%          
Ashland LLC, 6.88%, 5/15/2043   140,000    141,038 
Valvoline, Inc., 3.63%, 6/15/2031   150,000    127,815 
         268,853 
TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS          
(Cost $2,405,679)        2,400,630 
           
Money Market Funds - 6.09%  Shares      
Federated Hermes Treasury Obligations Fund, Institutional Shares, 4.66%(c)   1,636,288    1,636,288 
           
TOTAL MONEY MARKET FUNDS          
(Cost $1,636,288)        1,636,288 
           
Total Investments — 101.12%          
(Cost $27,291,105)        27,156,570 
           
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (1.12)%        (301,514)
           
Net Assets — 100.00%       $26,855,056 

 

(a)All or a portion of the security is held as collateral for written options.

 

(b)The rate shown represents effective yield at time of purchase.

 

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

 

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

28

 

VELA Income Opportunities Fund
Schedule of Open Written Options Contracts
March 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

   Number of   Notional   Exercise   Expiration    
Description  Contracts   Amount   Price   Date  Fair Value 
Written Call Options (0.53)%                       
AbbVie, Inc.   (25)  $(398,425)  $160.00   August 2023  $(20,500)
Baker Hughes Co.   (40)   (115,440)   30.00   April 2023   (2,200)
Baker Hughes Co.   (40)   (115,440)   37.00   June 2023   (500)
Baker Hughes Co.   (40)   (115,440)   35.00   October 2023   (4,600)
Cisco Systems, Inc.   (23)   (120,233)   55.00   June 2023   (2,415)
Civitas Resources, Inc.   (20)   (136,680)   90.00   April 2023   (20)
Coca-Cola Co. (The)   (20)   (124,060)   65.00   July 2023   (1,900)
Exelon Corp.   (60)   (251,340)   45.00   April 2023   (600)
Fastenal Co.   (25)   (134,850)   55.00   August 2023   (7,500)
Flowers Foods, Inc.   (125)   (342,625)   30.00   April 2023   (875)
Genuine Parts Co.   (8)   (133,848)   185.00   August 2023   (2,780)
Greenbrier Companies, Inc. (The)   (74)   (238,058)   50.00   June 2023   (3,700)
Home Depot, Inc. (The)   (8)   (236,096)   375.00   May 2023   (48)
Kraft Heinz Co. (The)   (63)   (243,621)   42.50   October 2023   (5,638)
Linde PLC   (6)   (213,264)   360.00   July 2023   (11,220)
Northrop Grumman Corp.   (2)   (92,344)   600.00   May 2023   (50)
Northrop Grumman Corp.   (2)   (92,344)   530.00   August 2023   (745)
NorthWestern Corp.   (30)   (173,580)   60.00   September 2023   (6,600)
Omnicom Group, Inc.   (17)   (160,378)   80.00   April 2023   (24,904)
PepsiCo, Inc.   (8)   (145,840)   180.00   April 2023   (3,380)
Polaris Industries, Inc.   (20)   (221,260)   130.00   June 2023   (2,000)
Polaris Industries, Inc.   (20)   (221,260)   135.00   June 2023   (1,050)
RPM International, Inc.   (10)   (87,240)   110.00   August 2023   (1,550)
Simon Property Group, Inc.   (17)   (190,349)   130.00   April 2023   (43)
Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.   (13)   (104,754)   100.00   May 2023   (403)
Starbucks Corp.   (17)   (177,021)   110.00   September 2023   (8,798)
Suncor Energy, Inc.   (40)   (124,200)   38.00   September 2023   (2,900)
Suncor Energy, Inc.   (45)   (347,535)   37.00   October 2023   (5,468)
Sysco Corp.   (25)   (193,075)   100.00   May 2023   (25)
Texas Instruments, Inc.   (8)   (148,808)   185.00   April 2023   (3,960)
Texas Instruments, Inc.   (8)   (148,808)   185.00   July 2023   (9,680)
Vail Resorts, Inc.   (7)   (163,576)   290.00   April 2023   (7)
VF Corp.   (56)   (128,296)   30.00   November 2023   (5,880)
Total Written Options (Premiums Received $176,830)  $(141,939)

 

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

29

 

VELA Funds
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
March 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

           VELA   VELA Income 
   VELA Small   VELA Large   International   Opportunities 
   Cap Fund   Cap Plus Fund   Fund   Fund 
Assets                    
Investments in securities at fair value (cost $63,286,770, $42,263,122, $36,503,799 and $27,291,105)  $69,457,460   $49,307,820   $40,281,334   $27,156,570 
Cash held at broker for securities sold short       3,248,386         
Cash       218,317    48,774    4,982 
Receivable for investments sold   507,111            2,390 
Dividends and interest receivable   78,358    23,587    98,485    71,979 
Tax reclaims receivable           109,782     
Total Assets   70,042,929    52,798,110    40,538,375    27,235,921 
Liabilities                    
Investments in securities sold short, at fair value(proceeds received $-, $4,566,287, $- and $-)       4,680,821         
Options written, at value (premium received $657,271, $754,035, $- and $176,830)   504,550    747,862        141,939 
Bank overdraft           72     
Payable for investments purchased   632,054    370,667    211,413    217,812 
Payable to Adviser   43,826    29,221    25,022    11,374 
12b-1 fees accrued - Class A   12,599    228    216    186 
Administrative fees payable   24,543    16,363    14,012    9,554 
Dividend expenses payable on short positions       18,296         
Total Liabilities   1,217,572    5,863,458    250,735    380,865 
Net Assets  $68,825,357   $46,934,652   $40,287,640   $26,855,056 
Net Assets consist of:                    
Paid-in capital  $61,949,718   $41,822,625   $36,661,457   $28,455,533 
Accumulated earnings (deficit)   6,875,639    5,112,027    3,626,183    (1,600,477)
Net Assets  $68,825,357   $46,934,652   $40,287,640   $26,855,056 
Class A:                    
Net Assets  $14,003,720   $249,163   $149,584   $116,520 
Shares outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized, no par value)   900,249    18,356    12,223    13,144 
Net asset value and redemption price per share  $15.56   $13.57   $12.24   $8.86 
Maximum offering price per share (a)  $16.38   $14.28   $12.88   $9.33 
Class I:                    
Net Assets  $54,821,637   $46,685,489   $40,138,056   $26,738,536 
Shares outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized, no par value)   3,513,932    3,419,802    3,271,463    3,015,205 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share  $15.60   $13.65   $12.27   $8.87 

 

(a)Based on maximum initial sales charge of 5.00%.

 

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

30

 

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

 

           VELA   VELA Income 
   VELA Small   VELA Large   International   Opportunities 
   Cap Fund   Cap Plus Fund   Fund   Fund 
Investment Income                    
Dividend income  $714,811   $366,012   $502,739   $447,849 
Foreign taxes withheld   (1,965)   (3,243)   (52,998)   (2,492)
Interest income           15,233    50,861 
Total investment income   712,846    362,769    464,974    496,218 
Expenses                    
Investment Management fees   253,466    147,328    129,025    64,158 
Administrative fees   141,940    82,504    72,253    53,892 
12b-1 fees - Class A   17,563    287    138    139 
Dividend expense on securities sold short       156,683         
Net operating expenses   412,969    386,802    201,416    118,189 
Net investment income (loss)   299,877    (24,033)   263,558    378,029 
Net Realized and Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments       
Net realized gain on:                    
Investment securities   588,277    (1,212,849)   137,602    (1,426,678)
Securities sold short       (384,826)        
Purchased options   (124,404)   (108,172)        
Written options   127,893    46,366        140,930 
Foreign currency translations       (309)   (79,483)   (3,424)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:                    
Investment securities   4,791,434    5,290,851    7,557,638    3,196,515 
Securities sold short       (627,924)        
Purchased options   60,217    608         
Written options   49,482    (94,976)       (18,490)
Foreign currency translations           8,149    (3)
Net realized and change in unrealized gain on investment securities, securities sold short, options and foreign currency translations   5,492,899    2,908,769    7,623,906    1,888,850 
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations  $5,792,776   $2,884,736   $7,887,464   $2,266,879 

 

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

31

 

VELA Funds
Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   VELA Small Cap Fund   VELA Large Cap Plus Fund 
   For the Six   For the Year   For the Six   For the Year 
   Months Ended   Ended   Months Ended   Ended 
   March 31,   September 30,   March 31,   September 30, 
   2023   2022   2023   2022 
   (Unaudited)       (Unaudited)     
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets due to:                    
Operations                    
Net investment income (loss)  $299,877   $321,773   $(24,033)  $(75,557)
Net realized gain (loss) on investment securities, sold short, options and foreign currency translations   591,766    298,902    (1,659,790)   622,135 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investment securities, securities sold short, options and foreign currency translations   4,901,133    (5,525,783)   4,568,559    (2,828,282)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   5,792,776    (4,905,108)   2,884,736    (2,281,704)
Distributions to Shareholders from Earnings                    
Class A   (63,995)   (91,397)   (4,031)   (403)
Class I   (356,585)   (498,403)   (604,192)   (100,642)
Total distributions   (420,580)   (589,800)   (608,223)   (101,045)
Capital Transactions – Class A                    
Proceeds from shares sold   740,229    5,487,579    53,945    178,293 
Reinvestment of distributions   63,995    91,397    4,032    403 
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (281,927)   (433,464)   (31,778)   (50,841)
Total – Class A   522,297    5,145,512    26,199    127,855 
Capital Transactions – Class I                    
Proceeds from shares sold   9,524,854    12,160,178    15,765,158    8,312,443 
Reinvestment of distributions   354,190    497,141    604,192    100,642 
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (4,104,363)   (7,029,758)   (2,222,493)   (977,565)
Total – Class I   5,774,681    5,627,561    14,146,857    7,435,520 
Net increase in net assets resulting from capital transactions   6,296,978    10,773,073    14,173,056    7,563,375 
Total Increase in Net Assets   11,669,174    5,278,165    16,449,569    5,180,626 
Net Assets                    
Beginning of period   57,156,183    51,878,018    30,485,083    25,304,457 
End of period  $68,825,357   $57,156,183   $46,934,652   $30,485,083 

 

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

32

 

VELA Funds
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

   VELA Small Cap Fund   VELA Large Cap Plus Fund 
   For the Six   For the Year   For the Six   For the Year 
   Months Ended   Ended   Months Ended   Ended 
   March 31,   September 30,   March 31,   September 30, 
   2023   2022   2023   2022 
   (Unaudited)       (Unaudited)     
Share Transactions - Class A                    
Shares sold   46,826    338,965    4,000    12,793 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions   4,105    5,604    304    28 
Shares redeemed   (17,758)   (27,436)   (2,389)   (3,586)
Total – Class A   33,173    317,133    1,915    9,235 
Share Transactions - Class I                    
Shares sold   602,222    764,402    1,162,670    600,159 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions   22,675    30,406    45,360    6,927 
Shares redeemed   (253,419)   (445,072)   (161,979)   (69,664)
Total – Class I   371,478    349,736    1,046,051    537,422 
Net Increase in Shares Outstanding   404,651    666,869    1,047,966    546,657 

 

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

33

 

VELA Funds
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

           VELA Income Opportunities 
   VELA International Fund   Fund 
   For the Six   For the Year   For the Six   For the Period 
   Months Ended   Ended   Months Ended   Ended 
   March 31,   September 30,   March 31,   September 30, 
   2023   2022   2023   2022(a) 
   (Unaudited)       (Unaudited)     
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets due to:                    
Operations                    
Net investment income  $263,558   $648,653   $378,029   $204,927 
Net realized gain (loss) on investment securities, sold short, options and foreign currency translations   58,119    (487,909)   (1,289,172)   (229,625)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investment securities, securities sold short, options and foreign currency translations   7,565,787    (6,930,393)   3,178,022    (3,277,669)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   7,887,464    (6,769,649)   2,266,879    (3,302,367)
Distributions to Shareholders from Earnings                    
Class A   (1,504)   (298)   (1,450)   (1,067)
Class I   (523,353)   (189,527)   (370,599)   (191,873)
Total distributions   (524,857)   (189,825)   (372,049)   (192,940)
Capital Transactions – Class A                    
Proceeds from shares sold   79,140    494,812    31,480    687,900 
Reinvestment of distributions   1,504    298    1,450    1,067 
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (22,882)   (526,521)   (12,407)   (589,517)
Total – Class A   57,762    (31,411)   20,523    99,450 
Capital Transactions – Class I                    
Proceeds from shares sold   7,095,184    8,451,355    7,556,867    25,414,747 
Reinvestment of distributions   517,890    188,733    370,599    191,873 
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (1,696,699)   (2,067,105)   (5,127,828)   (70,698)
Total – Class I   5,916,375    6,572,983    2,799,638    25,535,922 
Net increase in net assets resulting from capital transactions   5,974,137    6,541,572    2,820,161    25,635,372 
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets   13,336,744    (417,902)   4,714,991    22,140,065 
Net Assets                    
Beginning of period   26,950,896    27,368,798    22,140,065     
End of period  $40,287,640   $26,950,896   $26,855,056   $22,140,065 

 

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

34

 

VELA Funds
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

           VELA Income Opportunities 
   VELA International Fund   Fund 
   For the Six   For the Year   For the Six   For the Period 
   Months Ended   Ended   Months Ended   Ended 
   March 31,   September 30,   March 31,   September 30, 
   2023   2022   2023   2022(a) 
   (Unaudited)       (Unaudited)     
Share Transactions - Class A                    
Shares sold   6,792    39,140    3,434    72,584 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions   133    25    162    122 
Shares redeemed   (1,909)   (41,617)   (1,307)   (61,851)
Total – Class A   5,016    (2,452)   2,289    10,855 
Share Transactions - Class I                    
Shares sold   600,425    735,787    811,067    2,699,578 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions   45,831    15,470    41,514    22,650 
Shares redeemed   (141,362)   (188,837)   (551,323)   (8,281)
Total – Class I   504,894    562,420    301,258    2,713,947 
Net Increase in Shares Outstanding   509,910    559,968    303,547    2,724,802 

 

(a)For the period March 31, 2022 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2022.

 

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

35

 

VELA Small Cap Fund – Class A
Financial Highlights
(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the Six Months         
   Ended March 31,   For the Years Ended September 30, 
   2023   2022   2021 
   (Unaudited)         
Selected Per Share Data            
Net asset value, beginning of period  $14.21   $15.49   $10.00 
Investment operations:               
Net investment income (loss)   0.05    0.05    (0.02)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   1.37    (1.17)   5.51 
Total from investment operations   1.42    (1.12)   5.49 
Less distributions to shareholders from:               
Net investment income   (0.07)   (0.02)    (a)
Net realized gains       (0.14)    
Total distributions   (0.07)   (0.16)    (a)
Net asset value, end of period  $15.56   $14.21   $15.49 
Total Return(b)   10.01(c)   (7.41)%   54.95%
Ratios and Supplemental Data:               
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $14,004   $12,322   $8,520 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   1.42(d)   1.45%   1.45%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets   0.69(d)   0.36%   (0.34)%
Portfolio turnover rate(e)   22(c)   43%   18%

 

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

 

(b)Total return in the above table represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Fund, assuming reinvestment of distributions. Total returns shown exclude the effect of applicable sales charges.

 

(c)Not annualized.

 

(d)Annualized.

 

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

 

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

36

 

VELA Large Cap Plus Fund – Class A
Financial Highlights
(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the Six Months     
   Ended March 31,   For the Years Ended September 30, 
   2023   2022   2021 
   (Unaudited)         
Selected Per Share Data               
Net asset value, beginning of period  $12.70   $13.70   $10.00 
Investment operations:               
Net investment loss   (0.03)   (0.03)   (0.05)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   1.14    (0.92)   3.76 
Total from investment operations   1.11    (0.95)   3.71 
Less distributions to shareholders from:               
Net investment income           (0.01)
Net realized gains   (0.24)   (0.05)    
Total distributions   (0.24)   (0.05)   (0.01)
Net asset value, end of period  $13.57   $12.70   $13.70 
Total Return(a)   8.78(b)   (6.97)%   37.13%
Ratios and Supplemental Data:               
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $249   $209   $99 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   2.24(c)(d)   2.15(e)   2.11(f)
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets   (0.42)% (c)   (0.48)%   (0.53)%
Portfolio turnover rate(g)   54(b)   66%   115%

 

(a)Total return in the above table represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Fund, assuming reinvestment of distributions. Total returns shown exclude the effect of applicable sales charges.

 

(b)Not annualized.

 

(c)Annualized.

 

(d)Includes dividend and interest expense of 0.80% for the period ended March 31, 2023.

 

(e)Includes dividend and interest expense of 0.70% for the period ended September 30, 2022.

 

(f)Includes dividend and interest expense of 0.66% for the period ended September 30, 2021.

 

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

 

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

37

 

VELA Large Cap Plus Fund – Class I
Financial Highlights
(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the Six Months     
   Ended March 31,   For the Years Ended September 30, 
   2023   2022   2021 
   (Unaudited)         
Selected Per Share Data               
Net asset value, beginning of period  $12.75   $13.73   $10.00 
Investment operations:               
Net investment loss   (0.01)   (0.03)   (0.02)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   1.15    (0.90)   3.76 
Total from investment operations   1.14    (0.93)   3.74 
Less distributions to shareholders from:               
Net investment income           (0.01)
Net realized gains   (0.24)   (0.05)    
Total distributions   (0.24)   (0.05)   (0.01)
Net asset value, end of period  $13.65   $12.75   $13.73 
Total Return(a)   8.98(b)   (6.80)%   37.46%
Ratios and Supplemental Data:               
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $46,685   $30,276   $25,206 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   1.97(c)(d)   1.84(e)   1.86(f)
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets   (0.12)% (c)   (0.26)%   (0.15)%
Portfolio turnover rate(g)   54(b)   66%   115%

 

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

 

(b)Not annualized.

 

(c)Annualized.

 

(d)Includes dividend and interest expense of 0.80% for the period ended March 31, 2023.

 

(e)Includes dividend and interest expense of 0.64% for the period ended September 30, 2022.

 

(f)Includes dividend and interest expense of 0.66% for the period ended September 30, 2021.

 

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

 

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

38

 

VELA International Fund – Class A
Financial Highlights
(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

   For the Six Months     
   Ended March 31,   For the Years Ended September 30, 
   2023   2022   2021 
   (Unaudited)         
Selected Per Share Data               
Net asset value, beginning of period  $9.68   $12.31   $10.00 
Investment operations:               
Net investment income   0.04    0.22    0.17 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   2.68    (2.81)   2.14 
Total from investment operations   2.72    (2.59)   2.31 
Less distributions to shareholders from:               
Net investment income   (0.16)   (0.04)    
Total distributions   (0.16)   (0.04)    
Net asset value, end of period  $12.24   $9.68   $12.31 
Total Return(a)   28.28(b)   (21.10)%   23.10%
Ratios and Supplemental Data:               
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $150   $70   $119 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   1.42(c)   1.45%   1.45%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   1.37(c)   1.65%   2.01%
Portfolio turnover rate(d)   8(b)   23%   9%

 

(a)Total return in the above table represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Fund, assuming reinvestment of distributions. Total returns shown exclude the effect of applicable sales charges.

 

(b)Not annualized.

 

(c)Annualized.

 

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

 

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

39

 

VELA Small Cap Fund – Class I
Financial Highlights
(For a share outsanding during each period)

 

   For the Six Months     
   Ended March 31,   For the Years Ended September 30, 
   2023   2022   2021 
   (Unaudited)         
Selected Per Share Data               
Net asset value, beginning of period  $14.27   $15.53   $10.00 
Investment operations:               
Net investment income   0.07    0.09    0.03 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   1.37    (1.18)   5.51 
Total from investment operations   1.44    (1.09)   5.54 
Less distributions to shareholders from:               
Net investment income   (0.11)   (0.03)   (0.01)
Net realized gains       (0.14)    
Total distributions   (0.11)   (0.17)   (0.01)
Net asset value, end of period  $15.60   $14.27   $15.53 
Total Return(a)   10.08(b)   (7.20)%   55.39%
Ratios and Supplemental Data:               
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $54,822   $44,834   $43,358 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   1.17(c)   1.20%   1.20%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   0.94(c)   0.57%   0.21%
Portfolio turnover rate(d)   22(b)   43%   18%

 

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

 

(b)Not annualized.

 

(c)Annualized.

 

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

 

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

40

 

VELA International Fund – Class I
Financial Highlights
(For a share outsanding during each period)

 

   For the Six Months     
   Ended March 31,   For the Years Ended September 30, 
   2023   2022   2021 
   (Unaudited)         
Selected Per Share Data               
Net asset value, beginning of period  $9.72   $12.36   $10.00 
Investment operations:               
Net investment income   0.09    0.24    0.12 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   2.65    (2.80)   2.24 
Total from investment operations   2.74    (2.56)   2.36 
Less distributions to shareholders from:               
Net investment income   (0.19)   (0.08)    
Total distributions   (0.19)   (0.08)    
Net asset value, end of period  $12.27   $9.72   $12.36 
Total Return(a)   28.32(b)   (20.84)%   23.60%
Ratios and Supplemental Data:               
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $40,138   $26,881   $27,250 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   1.17(c)   1.20%   1.20%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   1.53(c)   2.23%   1.14%
Portfolio turnover rate(d)   8(b)   23%   9%

 

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

 

(b)Not annualized.

 

(c)Annualized.

 

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

 

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

41

 

VELA Income Opportunities Fund – Class A
Financial Highlights
(For a share outsanding during each period)

 

   For the Six Months   For the Period 
   Ended March 31,   Ended September 30, 
   2023   2022(a) 
   (Unaudited)     
Selected Per Share Data          
Net asset value, beginning of period  $8.12   $10.00 
Investment operations:          
Net investment income   0.12    0.05 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   0.74    (1.86)
Total from investment operations   0.86    (1.81)
Less distributions to shareholders from:          
Net investment income   (0.12)   (0.07)
Total distributions   (0.12)   (0.07)
Net asset value, end of period  $8.86   $8.12 
Total Return(b)   10.55(c)   (18.15)% (c)
Ratios and Supplemental Data:          
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $117   $88 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   1.17(d)   1.20(d)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   2.68(d)   0.87(d)
Portfolio turnover rate(e)   20(c)   7(c)

 

(a)For the period March 31, 2022 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2022.

 

(b)Total return in the above table represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Fund, assuming reinvestment of distributions. Total returns shown exclude the effect of applicable sales charges.

 

(c)Not annualized.

 

(d)Annualized.

 

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

 

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

42

 

VELA Income Opportunities Fund – Class I
Financial Highlights
(For a share outsanding during each period)

 

   For the Six Months   For the Period 
   Ended March 31,   Ended September 30, 
   2023   2022(a) 
   (Unaudited)     
Selected Per Share Data          
Net asset value, beginning of period  $8.13   $10.00 
Investment operations:          
Net investment income   0.13    0.08 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   0.74    (1.87)
Total from investment operations   0.87    (1.79)
Less distributions to shareholders from:          
Net investment income   (0.13)   (0.08)
Total distributions   (0.13)   (0.08)
Net asset value, end of period  $8.87   $8.13 
Total Return(b)   10.68(c)   (17.91)% (c)
Ratios and Supplemental Data:          
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $26,739   $22,052 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   0.92(d)   0.95(d)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   2.95(d)   2.54(d)
Portfolio turnover rate(e)   20(c)   7(c)

 

(a)For the period March 31, 2022 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2022.

 

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

 

(c)Not annualized.

 

(d)Annualized.

 

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

 

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

43

 

VELA Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements
March 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

1. ORGANIZATION

 

VELA Funds (the “Trust”) currently offers four series of funds, VELA Small Cap Fund (the “Small Cap Fund”), VELA Large Cap Plus Fund (the “Large Cap Plus Fund”), VELA International Fund (the “International Fund”) and VELA Income Opportunities Fund (the “Income Opportunities Fund”) (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”). The Trust is an open-end investment company of the management type registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), and was established under the laws of Delaware pursuant to an Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated May 25, 2020 (the “Trust Agreement”). The Trust Agreement permits the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest of separate series without par value. Each of the Funds is diversified, as defined in the 1940 Act. The Funds’ investment adviser is VELA Investment Management, LLC (the “Adviser”). On September 14, 2020, 10,000 shares of the Small Cap Fund - Class I were issued for cash, at $10.00 per share, to the Adviser. The investment objective of the Small Cap Fund, Large Cap Plus Fund and International Fund is long-term capital appreciation. The investment objective of the Income Opportunities Fund is to provide current income and the secondary investment objective is to provide long-term capital appreciation.

 

The Funds offer two classes of shares: Class A and Class I. Each class of shares for each Fund has identical rights and privileges except with respect to distribution (12b-1) fees, voting rights on matters affecting a single class of shares, exchange privileges of each class of shares and sales charges. Class A has a maximum sales charge on purchases of 5.00% as a percentage of the original purchase price.

 

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

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

 

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

44

 

VELA Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
March 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Foreign Currency Translation – The accounting records of the Funds are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currency amounts are translated into U.S. dollars at the current rate of exchange each business day to determine the value of investments, and other assets and liabilities. Purchases and sales of foreign securities, and income and expenses, are translated at the prevailing rate of exchange on the respective date of these transactions. The Funds do not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from fluctuation arising from changes in market prices of securities held. These fluctuations are included with the realized and unrealized gain or loss from investments. Reported net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the fair values of assets and liabilities, other than investments in securities at period end, resulting from changes in exchange rates.

 

Short Sales — The Large Cap Plus Fund may make short sales as part of its overall portfolio management strategies or to offset a potential decline in value of a security. The Fund may engage in short sales with respect to various types of securities, including exchange-traded funds (ETFs). A short sale involves the sale of a security that is borrowed from a broker or other institution to complete the sale. The Fund may engage in short sales with respect to securities it owns, as well as securities that it does not own. Short sales expose the Fund to the risk that it will be required to acquire, convert or exchange securities to replace the borrowed securities (also known as “covering” the short position) at a time when the securities sold short have appreciated in value, thus resulting in a loss to the Fund.

 

The amount of loss may exceed the proceeds received in a short sale. Although the Fund’s gain is limited to the amount at which it sold a security short, its potential loss is not limited. The Fund’s investment performance may also suffer if the Fund is required to close out a short position earlier than it had intended. The Fund must segregate assets determined to be liquid in accordance with procedures established by the Board, or otherwise cover its position in a permissible manner. The Fund will be required to pledge liquid assets to the broker in order to secure its performance on short sales. As a result, the assets pledged may not be available to meet the Fund’s needs for immediate cash or other liquidity. In addition, the Fund may be subject to expenses related to short sales that are not typically associated with investing in securities directly, such as costs of borrowing and margin account maintenance costs associated with the Fund’s open short positions. These types of short sales expenses are sometimes referred to as the “negative cost of carry,” and

45

 

VELA Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
March 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

will reduce the Fund’s potential return on a short sale. As of March 31, 2023 there was $3,248,386 cash held at the broker and $19,651,778 of securities held as collateral for securities sold short.

 

Federal Income Taxes — Each Fund has qualified and intends to qualify each year as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, by complying with the requirements applicable to RICs and by distributing substantially all of its taxable income. Each Fund also intends to distribute sufficient net investment income and net capital gains, if any, so that it will not be subject to excise tax on undistributed income and gains. If the required amount of net investment income or gains is not distributed, the Fund could incur a tax expense.

 

As of and during the six months ended March 31, 2023, the Funds did not have any liabilities for any unrecognized tax benefits. The Funds recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense in the Statements of Operations when incurred. During the period, the Funds did not incur any interest or penalties. Management of the Funds has reviewed tax positions taken in tax years that remain subject to examination by all major tax jurisdictions, including federal (i.e., the interim tax period since commencement of operations, as applicable) and has concluded that no provision for unrecognized tax benefits or expenses is required in these financial statements and does not expect this to change over the next twelve months.

 

Expenses — Expenses incurred by the Trust that are not readily identifiable as belonging to a particular fund are allocated to the individual funds by or under the direction of the Board in such manner as the Board determines to be fair and equitable.

 

Security Transactions, Dividend and Interest Income — The Funds follow industry practice and record security transactions on trade date for financial reporting purposes. Costs used in determining realized gains and losses on the sales of investment securities are based on the specific identification method. Dividend income, less foreign taxes withheld, is recognized on the ex-dividend date; interest income is recognized on an accrual basis and includes the amortization of premiums and the accretion of discount. Amortization and accretion is calculated using the effective interest method over the holding period of the investment. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends and foreign capital gain taxes have been provided for in accordance with the Funds’ understanding of the applicable country’s tax codes and regulations. Income recognized, if any, for foreign tax reclaims is reflected as dividend income in the Statements of Operations and related receivables, if any, are reflected as tax reclaims receivable in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

Dividends and Distributions — The Small Cap Fund, Large Cap Plus Fund and International Fund intend to distribute their net investment income and net realized capital

46

 

VELA Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
March 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

gains, if any, at least annually. The Income Opportunity Fund expects to declare and distribute its net investment income, if any, quarterly; capital gains, if any, may be distributed at least annually. Distributions to shareholders, which are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The treatment for financial reporting purposes of distributions made to shareholders during the year from net investment income or net realized capital gains may differ from their ultimate treatment for federal income tax purposes. Where such differences are permanent in nature; they are reclassified in the components of net assets based on their ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. Any such reclassifications will have no effect on net assets, results of operations, or net asset values (“NAV”) per share of the Funds.

 

3. SECURITIES VALUATION AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

Fair value is defined as the price that a Fund would receive upon selling an investment in an orderly transaction to an independent buyer in the principal or most advantageous market for the investment. GAAP establishes a three-tier hierarchy to maximize the use of observable market data and minimize the use of unobservable inputs and to establish classification of fair value measurements for disclosure purposes.

 

Equity securities traded in the over-the-counter market or on a primary exchange shall be valued at the closing price as determined by the primary exchange, typically at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. If no sale occurred on the valuation date, the securities will be valued at the latest bid quotations for a long position or at the last quoted ask price for a short position as of the closing of the primary exchange, typically at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Securities for which quotations are either not readily available or determined by the Adviser as the “Valuation Designee” to not accurately reflect their value are valued at their fair value using procedures maintained by the Valuation Designee. Significant bid-ask spreads, or infrequent trading may indicate a lack of readily available market quotations. Securities traded on more than one exchange will first be valued at the last sale price on the principal exchange, and then the secondary exchange. The NASDAQ National Market System is considered an exchange.

 

With respect to foreign equity securities that are principally traded on a market outside the United States, the Valuation Designee utilizes an independent fair value pricing service to evaluate the effect of market fluctuations on these securities after the close of trading in that foreign market. To the extent that securities are valued using this service, they will be classified as Level 2 securities.

 

Fixed income securities shall be valued at an evaluated bid price, generally as of 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, provided by an independent pricing service utilized by the Valuation Designee. To value debt securities, pricing services may use various pricing techniques

47

 

VELA Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
March 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

which take into account appropriate factors such as trading activity, readily available market quotations (including broker quotes), yield, quality, coupon rate, maturity, type of issue, trading characteristics, call features, credit ratings and other data. These securities are generally considered to be fair valued; however, because the prices are provided by an independent approved pricing service, the fair value procedures utilized by the Valuation Designee need not be applied. Securities with less than 61 days to maturity may be valued at amortized cost. Amortized cost shall not be used if the use of amortized cost would be inappropriate due to credit or other impairments of the issuer.

 

Securities for which quotations are either (1) not readily available, (2) not provided by an approved pricing service or broker, (3) determined by the Valuation Designee to not accurately reflect their value, are valued at their fair value using procedures utilized by the Valuation Designee.

 

Mutual fund investments will be valued at the most recently calculated (current day) NAV. These securities are categorized as Level 1 securities.

 

Options contracts are typically traded on a securities exchange or board of trade and are valued at the mean between current bid and asked prices, therefore, are categorized as Level 2 securities.

 

In accordance with the authoritative guidance on fair value measurements and disclosure under U.S. GAAP, the Funds disclose fair value of its investments in a hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure the fair value. The objective of a fair value measurement is to determine the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price). Accordingly, the fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

 

Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments, unrestricted assets or liabilities that the Funds have the ability to access at the measurement date

 

Level 2 – Other significant observable inputs (includes quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, referenced indices, quoted prices in inactive markets, adjusted quoted prices in active markets, adjusted quoted prices on foreign equity securities that were adjusted in accordance with pricing procedures utilized by the Valuation Designee, etc.); and

48

 

VELA Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
March 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

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

 

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

 

Assets  Valuation Inputs     
Small Cap Fund  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Common Stocks(a)  $63,924,066   $   $   $63,924,066 
Money Market Funds   5,533,394            5,533,394 
Total  $69,457,460   $   $   $69,457,460 
Liabilities                    
Small Cap Fund                    
Written Call Options  $(504,550)  $   $   $(504,550)
Total  $(504,550)  $   $   $(504,550)

 

Assets  Valuation Inputs     
Large Cap Plus Fund  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Common Stocks (a)  $47,645,418   $   $   $47,645,418 
Exchange-Traded Funds   439,170            439,170 
Call Options Purchased   422,190            422,190 
Put Options Purchased   30,440            30,440 
Money Market Funds   770,602            770,602 
Total  $49,307,820   $   $   $49,307,820 
Liabilities                    
Large Cap Plus Fund                    
Common Stocks(a)  $(4,441,277)  $   $   $(4,441,277)
Exchange-Traded Funds   (239,544)           (239,544)
Written Call Options   (747,862)           (747,862)
Total  $(5,428,683)  $   $   $(5,428,683)

 

Assets  Valuation Inputs     
International Fund  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Common Stocks (a)  $6,780,476   $30,053,596   $   $36,834,072 
U.S. Government & Agencies       1,027,303        1,027,303 
Money Market Funds   2,419,959            2,419,959 
Total  $9,200,435   $31,080,899   $   $40,281,334 

 

Assets  Valuation Inputs     
Income Opportunities Fund  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Common Stocks (a)  $22,041,535   $141,038   $   $22,182,573 
Preferred Stocks   334,007    218,625        552,632 
Corporate Bonds       2,040,966        2,040,966 
U.S. Government & Agencies       744,111        744,111 
Money Market Funds   1,636,288            1,636,288 
Total  $24,011,830   $3,144,740   $   $27,156,570 
Liabilities                    
Income Opportunities Fund                    
Written Call Options  $(141,939)  $   $   $(141,939)
Total  $(141,939)  $   $   $(141,939)

 

(a)Refer to Schedule of Investments and Schedule of Securities Sold Short for sector classifications.

49

 

VELA Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
March 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

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

 

4. DERIVATIVE TRANSACTIONS

 

The Funds may invest in various types of derivative instruments (such as options, futures contracts, and forward contracts) to gain or hedge exposure to certain types of securities as an alternative to investing directly in or selling such securities. The Funds may use derivatives for hedging purposes, including to attempt to protect against possible changes in the market value of securities held or to be purchased for a Fund’s portfolio resulting from securities markets, currency exchange rate or interest rate fluctuations (i.e., to hedge); protect a Fund’s unrealized gains reflected in the value of its portfolio securities; facilitate the sale of such securities for investment purposes; and as a substitute for buying or selling securities, securities indices or currencies. The Funds may also use derivatives for nonhedging (speculative) purposes including to enhance a Fund’s returns. The Funds may use any or all of these investment techniques and different types of derivative securities may be purchased at any time and in any combination. There is no particular strategy that dictates the use of one technique rather than another, as use of derivatives is a function of numerous variables, including market conditions.

 

Options and Futures Transactions — A Fund may purchase and sell exchange traded and OTC put and call options on securities, on indexes of securities and other types of instruments. A Fund may also purchase and sell futures contracts on securities and indexes of securities and other instruments such as interest rate futures and global interest rate futures. Each of these instruments is a derivative instrument as its value derives from the underlying asset or index.

 

The following tables identify the location and fair value of derivative instruments on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of March 31, 2023, and the effect of derivative instruments on the Statements of Operations for the six months ended March 31, 2023.

50

 

VELA Funds

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

March 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Location of Derivatives on Statement of Assets and Liabilities
    Asset Liability  
  Derivatives Derivatives Derivatives Fair Value
  Equity Price
Risk:
     
Small Cap Fund Written Options   Written options,
at fair value
(504,550)
Large Cap Plus Fund Purchased
Options
Investments
in securities
at fair value
  452,630
  Written Options   Written options,
at fair value
(747,862)
Income Opportunities Fund Written Options   Written options,
at fair value
(141,939)

 

For the six months ended March 31, 2023:

 

      Location of      Change in 
      Gain (Loss) on      Unrealized 
      Derivatives on  Realized Gain   Appreciation 
      Statements of  (Loss) on   (Depreciation) 
   Derivatives  Operations  Derivatives   on Derivative 
   Equity Risk
Exposure:
  Net realized
gain and change
in unrealized
appreciation
(depreciation) on
investments
          
Small Cap Fund  Purchased Options     $(124,404)  $60,217 
   Written Options      127,893    49,482 
Large Cap Plus Fund  Purchased Options      (108,172)   608 
   Written Options      46,366    (94,976)
Income Opportunities Fund  Written Options      140,930    (18,490)

51

 

VELA Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
March 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

The following table summarizes the average ending monthly fair value of derivatives outstanding during the six months ended March 31, 2023:

 

      Average Ending Monthly 
   Derivatives  Fair Value(a) 
Small Cap Fund  Purchased Options(a)  $2,275 
   Written Options(b)   (462,886)
         
Large Cap Plus Fund  Purchased Options(b)   282,035 
   Written Options(b)   (550,907)
         
Income Opportunities Fund  Written Options(b)   (172,161)

 

(a)Average based on the two months during the period that had activity.

 

(b)Average based on the six months during the period that had activity.

 

5. FEES AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

 

Under the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”), amended January 12, 2022, the Adviser manages each Fund’s investments subject to the supervision of the Board and in conformity with the stated objective and policies of each Fund. The Adviser charges a management fee and an administrative fee, which is designed to pay substantially all of the Funds’ expenses and to compensate the Adviser for providing services to the Funds of 0.75% and 0.42%, respectively, of each Fund’s average daily net assets computed and accrued daily and paid monthly for the Small Cap Fund, Large Cap Plus Fund and International Fund. The management fee and administrative fee for the Income Opportunities Fund is 0.50% and 0.42%, respectively. For the six months ended March 31, 2023, the fees charged to the Funds were as follows:

 

   Adviser Fee   Payable to   Administrative   Administrative 
   Earned   Adviser   Fee Earned   Fee Payable 
Small Cap Fund  $253,466   $43,826   $141,940   $24,543 
Large Cap Plus Fund   147,328    29,221    82,504    16,363 
International Fund   129,025    25,022    72,253    14,012 
Income Opportunities Fund   64,158    11,374    53,892    9,554 

 

Out of the administrative fee, the Adviser pays substantially all of the Funds’ expenses, except for brokerage and other expenses of executing Fund transactions; taxes or governmental fees; costs of borrowing (such as interest charges and dividend expenses on securities sold short); litigation and indemnification expenses and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Funds’ business. Each Fund will pay all expenses, if any, which may be incurred pursuant to the Funds’ Rule 12b-1 Distribution Plan.

52

 

VELA Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
March 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Prior to January 12, 2022, the adviser charged a unitary management fee which was designed to pay substantially all of the Funds’ expenses and to compensate the Adviser for providing services to the Funds of 1.20% of the Small Cap Fund, Large Cap Plus Fund and International Fund’s average daily net assets computed and accrued daily and paid monthly.

 

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (the “Administrator”) provides administrative, fund accounting, transfer agent and other services to the Funds under a Master Services Agreement with the Trust and the Adviser (the “Master Services Agreement”). Under the Master Services Agreement, the Administrator is paid fees for its services and is reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses.

 

Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (“NLCS”), an affiliate of the Administrator, provides an individual to serve as the Trusts’ Chief Compliance Officer in accordance with the Compliance Services Consulting Agreement. For the performance of these services, the Adviser pays NLCS an annual fee. Additionally, the Adviser reimburses NLCS for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred for compliance services.

 

Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”) acts as the principal distributor of each Fund’s shares. The Distributor is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Administrator.

 

Certain officers and trustees of the Trust are also officers of the Adviser and/or the Administrator. Such officers are paid no fees by the Trust for serving as officers or trustees to the Trust.

 

The Funds have adopted a Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act applicable to Class A shares. The Plan provides that the Funds will pay the Distributor and/or any registered securities dealer, financial institution or any other person a fee of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of each Fund’s Class A shares in connection with the promotion and distribution of each Fund’s Class A shares or the provision of personal services to shareholders, including but not limited to, advertising, compensation to underwriters, dealers and selling personnel, the printing and mailing of prospectuses to parties other than current shareholders, the printing and mailing of sales literature and servicing shareholder accounts (“12b-1 Expenses”). For the six months ended March 31, 2023, 12b-1 Expenses incurred by the Funds were as follows:

 

       Payable for 
   $12b-1 fees   $12b-1 fees 
Small Cap Fund   17,563    12,599 
Large Cap Plus Fund   287    228 
International Fund   138    216 
Income Opportunities Fund   139    186 

53

 

VELA Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
March 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

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

 

Small Cap Fund  $702 
Large Cap Plus Fund    
International Fund    
Income Opportunities Fund    

 

The Independent Trustees are compensated for their services to the Funds by the Adviser as part of the administrative fee. Each Independent Trustee was paid $30,000 in fees during the six months ended March 31, 2023. In addition, the Adviser reimburses Independent Trustees for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in conjunction with attendance of meetings. Certain trustees and/or officers are officers of the Adviser.

 

6. INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS

 

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

 

               Covers on 
           Securities Sold   Securities Sold 
   Purchases   Sales   Short   Short 
Small Cap Fund  $18,874,824   $13,470,613   $   $ 
Large Cap Plus Fund   18,664,996    4,586,227    9,506,456    8,431,167 
International Fund   7,464,305    2,528,201         
Income Opportunities Fund   6,021,603    4,961,499         

 

7. BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP

 

The beneficial ownership, either directly or indirectly, of more than 25% of the voting securities of a Fund creates a presumption of control of that Fund, under Section 2(a)(9) of the 1940 Act. As of March 31, 2023, Roderick Dillion owned 41.90% of the Small Cap Fund - Class I and 42.36% of the Large Cap Plus Fund - Class I. As a result, Roderick Dillion may be deemed to control these Funds.

54

 

VELA Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
March 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

8. FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION

 

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

 

               Net unrealized 
   Tax cost of   Unrealized   Unrealized   appreciation/ 
   investments   Appreciation   Depreciation   (depreciation) 
Small Cap Fund  $62,629,499   $8,631,139   $(2,307,728)  $6,323,411 
Large Cap Plus Fund   37,083,255    7,435,980    (640,098)   6,795,882 
International Fund   36,518,053    5,286,647    (1,523,366)   3,763,281 
Income Opportunities Fund   27,170,640    1,284,513    (1,440,522)   (156,009)

 

The tax character of distributions paid for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022 were as follows:

 

               Income 
   Small Cap   Large Cap   International   Opportunities 
   Fund   Plus Fund   Fund   Fund 
Distributions paid from:                    
Ordinary income  $117,273   $98,336   $189,825   $192,940 
Long-term capital gains  $472,527   $2,709   $   $ 
Total distributions paid  $589,800   $101,045   $189,825   $192,940 

 

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

 

               Income 
   Small Cap   Large Cap   International   Opportunities 
   Fund   Plus Fund   Fund   Fund 
Undistributed ordinary income  $265,051   $21,800   $421,064   $11,718 
Undistributed long-term capital gains       586,391         
Accumulated capital and other losses   (183,886)       (363,131)   (172,991)
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments   1,422,278    2,227,323    (3,794,357)   (3,334,034)
Total accumulated earnings (deficit)  $1,503,443   $2,835,514   $(3,736,424)  $(3,495,307)

 

The differences between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) are attributable primarily to: tax deferral of losses on wash sales, differences related to partnership investments and the return of capital adjustments from underlying investments.

 

Capital losses and specified gains realized after October 31, and net investment losses realized after December 31 of the Funds’ fiscal year may be deferred and treated as

55

 

VELA Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
March 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

occurring on the first business day of the following fiscal year for tax purposes. For the tax year ended September 30, 2022 the Small Cap Fund deferred Post-October losses in the amount of $183,886.

 

As of September 30, 2022, the International Fund had short-term capital loss carryforwards of $353,441. The Income Opportunities Fund had short-term capital loss carryforwards of $172,991. These capital loss carryforwards, which do not expire, may be utilized in future years to offset net realized capital gains, if any, prior to distributing such gains to shareholders.

 

9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

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

 

10. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

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

56

 

Liquidity Risk Management Program (Unaudited)

 

VELA Funds, on behalf of the VELA Small Cap Fund, the VELA Large Cap Plus Fund, the VELA International Fund and the VELA Income Opportunities Fund (the “Funds”) have adopted and implemented a written liquidity risk management program as required by Rule 22e-4 (the “Program”) (the “Liquidity Rule”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Program is reasonably designed to assess and manage the Funds’ liquidity risk, taking into consideration, among other factors, each Fund’s investment strategy and the liquidity of its portfolio investments during normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions; its short and long-term cash flow projections; and its cash holdings and access to other funding sources. The Funds’ Board of Trustees (the “Board”) approved the appointment of a committee to serve as the Program Administrator (the “Committee”), which includes representatives from the Funds’ investment adviser. The Committee is responsible for the Program’s administration and oversight and for reporting to the Board on at least an annual basis regarding the Program’s operation and effectiveness. The written Liquidity Assessment Report that was presented to the Board at the November 18, 2022 Board meeting covered the period from September 30, 2021 to September 30, 2022 (the “Review Period”).

 

The Committee reviewed each Fund’s investments during the Review Period and determined that each Fund held adequate levels of cash and highly liquid investments to meet shareholder redemption activities in accordance with applicable requirements. Accordingly, the Committee concluded that: (i) the Funds’ Program is reasonably designed to prevent violations of the Liquidity Rule; and (ii) the Funds’ Program was effectively implemented.

57

 

Summary of Fund Expenses (Unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of the Funds, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; administrative fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Funds and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period as indicated below.

 

Actual Expenses

 

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

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

 

The second line of the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Funds’ actual expense ratio and an assumed annual rate of return of 5% before expenses, which is not the Funds’ actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Funds and other funds by comparing this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds. Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any direct costs, such as wire fees or low balance fees. Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these direct costs were included, your costs would be higher.

58

 

Summary of Fund Expenses (Unaudited) (continued)

 

      Beginning   Ending        
      Account Value   Account   Expenses    
      October 1,   Value March   Paid During   Annualized
      2022   31, 2023   Period(a)   Expense Ratio
Small Cap Fund                     
Class A  Actual  $1,000.00   $1,100.10   $7.43   1.42%
   Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00   $1,017.86   $7.14   1.42%
Class I  Actual  $1,000.00   $1,100.80   $6.12   1.17%
   Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00   $1,019.10   $5.89   1.17%
Large Cap Plus Fund                     
Class A  Actual  $1,000.00   $1,087.80   $11.68   2.24%
   Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00   $1,013.74   $11.26   2.24%
Class I  Actual  $1,000.00   $1,089.80   $10.25   1.97%
   Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00   $1,015.13   $9.88   1.97%
International Fund                     
Class A  Actual  $1,000.00   $1,282.80   $8.07   1.42%
   Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00   $1,017.86   $7.13   1.42%
Class I  Actual  $1,000.00   $1,283.20   $6.65   1.17%
   Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00   $1,019.11   $5.88   1.17%
Income Opportunities Fund                     
Class A  Actual  $1,000.00   $1,105.50   $6.13   1.17%
   Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00   $1,019.11   $5.88   1.17%
Class I  Actual  $1,000.00   $1,106.80   $4.83   0.92%
   Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00   $1,020.35   $4.63   0.92%

 

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

 

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

59

 

Privacy Notice (Unaudited)

 

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

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

 

■   Social Security Number

 

■   Assets

 

■   Retirement Assets

 

■   Checking Account Information

 

■   Purchase History

 

■   Account Balances

 

■   Account Transactions

 

■   Wire Transfer Instructions

 

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

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

For our everyday business purposes—

such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus

Yes No

For our marketing purposes—

to offer our products and services to you

No We don’t share
For joint marketing with other financial companies No We don’t share

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes—

information about your transactions and experiences

No We don’t share

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes—

information about your creditworthiness

No We don’t share
For non-affiliates to market to you No We don’t share
       
Questions? Call 1-833-399-1001

60

 

Who we are
Who is providing this notice?

VELA Funds

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (Administrator)

Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC (Distributor)

What we do
How do the Funds protect my personal information?

To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings.

 

Our service providers are held accountable for adhering to strict policies and procedures to prevent any misuse of your nonpublic personal information.

How do the Funds collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

 

■   Open an account

 

■   Provide account information

 

■   Give us your account information

 

■   Make deposits or withdrawals from your account

 

■   Make a wire transfer

 

■   Tell us where to send the money

 

■   Tell us who receives the money

 

■   Show your government-issued ID

 

■   Show your driver’s license

 

We also collect your personal information from other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

 

■     Sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes – information about your creditworthiness

 

■     Affiliates from using your information to market to you

 

■     Sharing for non-affiliates to market to you

 

State laws and individual companies may give you additional rights to limit sharing.

Definitions
Affiliates

Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.

 

■    VELA Investment Management, LLC, the investment adviser to the Funds, could be deemed to be an affiliate.

Non-affiliates

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

 

■    The Funds do not share your personal information with non-affiliates so they can market to you.

Joint marketing

A formal agreement between non-affiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.

 

■   The Funds do not jointly market.

61

 

Proxy Voting

 

A description of the policies and procedures that the Trust uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities and information regarding how the Funds voted those proxies during the most recent twelve month period ended June 30, are available (1) without charge upon request by calling the Funds at 1-833-399 -1001 and (2) in Fund documents filed with the SEC on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

TRUSTEES INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
Lawrence Funderburke PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Jim Haring Cohen & Company, Ltd.
Danielle Ross 1350 Euclid Avenue, Suite 800
Jason Job Cleveland, OH 44115
Lisa Wesolek  
   
OFFICERS LEGAL COUNSEL
Jason Job, President Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP
Lisa Wesolek, Vice President 1550 17th Street, Suite 800
Zachary Richmond, Treasurer Denver, CO 80202
N. Lynn Bowley, Chief Compliance Officer  
Jesse Hallee, Secretary  
   
INVESTMENT ADVISER CUSTODIAN
VELA Investment Management, LLC Fifth Third Bank N.A.
220 Market Street, Suite 208 Fifth Third Center
New Albany, OH 43054 38 Fountain Square Plaza
  Cincinnati, OH 45263
   
DISTRIBUTOR ADMINISTRATOR, TRANSFER
Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC AGENT AND FUND ACCOUNTANT
225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450 Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC
Cincinnati, OH 45246 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450
  Cincinnati, OH 45246

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VELA-SAR-23

 

 

(b) Not applicable.

 

Item 2. Code of Ethics.

 

NOT APPLICABLE – disclosed with annual report

 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

 

NOT APPLICABLE – disclosed with annual report

 

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

NOT APPLICABLE – disclosed with annual report

 

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

 

NOT APPLICABLE – applies to listed companies only

 

Item 6. Schedule of Investments.

 

Schedule filed with Item 1.

 

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

 

NOT APPLICABLE – applies to closed-end funds only

 

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

 

NOT APPLICABLE – applies to closed-end funds only

 

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

 

NOT APPLICABLE – applies to closed-end funds only

 

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

 

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

 

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

NOT APPLICABLE – applies to closed-end funds only

 
 

 

Item 13. Exhibits.

 

(a)(1) Not applicable – disclosed with annual report.

 

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

 

(a)(3) Not applicable.

 

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

 
 

 

SIGNATURES

 

 

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

 

 

(Registrant)   VELA FUNDS

 

 

By (Signature and Title) /s/ Jason Job  
  Jason Job, President and Principal Executive Officer

 

 

Date June 06, 2023

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

By (Signature and Title) /s/ Jason Job  
  Jason Job, President and Principal Executive Officer

 

 

Date June 06, 2023

 

 

 

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

 

 

Date June 06, 2023