N-CSRS 1 fp0083783-3_ncsrs.htm

As filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on July 10, 2023

 

 

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 811-22668

 

ETF Series Solutions
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

Kristina R. Nelson

ETF Series Solutions

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
(Name and address of agent for service)

 

414-516-1645

Registrant's telephone number, including area code

 

Date of fiscal year end: October 31

 

Date of reporting period: April 30, 2023

 

 

 

Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

 

(a)

 

 

 

Semi-Annual Report
April 30, 2023

AAM S&P 500 High Dividend Value ETF

Ticker: SPDV

 

AAM S&P Emerging Markets High Dividend Value ETF

Ticker: EEMD

 

AAM S&P Developed Markets High Dividend Value ETF

Ticker: DMDV

 

AAM Low Duration Preferred and Income Securities ETF

Ticker: PFLD

 

AAM Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF

Ticker: SMIG

 

AAM Transformers ETF

Ticker: TRFM

 

 

AAM ETFs

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

Page

Management Discussion of Fund Performance

1

Portfolio Allocations

8

Schedules of Investments

11

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

44

Statements of Operations

46

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

48

Financial Highlights

54

Notes to Financial Statements

62

Expense Example

79

Review of Liquidity Risk Management Program

82

Approval of Sub-Advisory Agreement & Board Considerations

83

Results of Shareholder Meeting

89

Federal Tax Information

92

Federal Tax Credit Pass Through

93

Information About Portfolio Holdings

93

Information About Proxy Voting

94

Frequency Distribution of Premiums and Discounts

94

Information About the Funds’ Trustees

94

 

 

AAM ETFs

 

Management Discussion of Fund Performance
(Unaudited)

 

 

The AAM S&P 500 High Dividend Value ETF

 

The AAM S&P 500 High Dividend Value ETF (“SPDV” or the “Fund”) seeks to track the total return performance, before fees and expenses, of its underlying index, the S&P 500 Dividend and Free Cash Flow Yield Index (the “Index”). Through the Index, SPDV, is passively managed using a rules-based, equal-weighted strategy that is designed to provide exposure to constituents of the S&P 500® Index that exhibit both high dividend yield and sustainable dividend distribution characteristics, while maintaining a diversified sector exposure.

 

Due to its added focus on cash flows and sector diversification, SPDVs portfolio remained positioned towards attractively valued companies, while maintaining balanced sector exposures. As a result, SPDV generated a total return of 0.03% (NAV) and 0.03% (Market Price), while the underlying index for SPDV generated a total return of 0.17% between November 1, 2022 and April 30th, 2023 (“current fiscal period”). Over the same current fiscal period, the benchmark index, the S&P 500® index, achieved a total return of 8.63%.

 

Top performing sectors attributable to SPDV’s return during the current fiscal period were Consumer Discretionary, Consumer Staples, and Communication Services. The worst performing sectors were Financials, Real Estate, and Energy.

 

Individual stocks attributable to SPDV’s return over the same fiscal period were Ralph Lauren Corporation (+63 bps), Omnicom Group (+50 bps), and Tapestry, Inc. (+50 bps). Stocks dragging down SPDV’s return were Lincoln National Corporation (-75 bps), Truist Financial Corporation (-72 bps), and U.S. Bancorp (-68 bps).

 

The AAM S&P Emerging Markets High Dividend Value ETF

 

The AAM S&P Emerging Markets High Dividend Value ETF (“EEMD” or the “Fund”) seeks to track the total return performance, before fees and expenses, of its underlying index, the S&P Emerging Markets Dividend and Free Cash Flow Yield Index (the “Index”). Through the Index, EEMD, is passively managed using a rules-based, equal-weighted strategy that is designed to provide exposure to constituents of the S&P Emerging Plus LargeMidCap® Index that exhibit both high dividend yield and sustainable dividend distribution characteristics, while maintaining a diversified sector exposure.

 

Through its value-rooted focus, EEMD’s portfolio of quality companies provided strong participation in market gains, without overextending on valuations. Accordingly, EEMD generated a total return of 20.60% (NAV) and 18.98% (Market Price) between November 1, 2022 and April 30th, 2023 (“current fiscal period”). This compares to the 21.20% for the underlying Index, and a 15.28% total return for the benchmark index, the S&P Emerging Plus LargeMidCap® Index, for the same current fiscal period.

 

1

 

 

AAM ETFs

 

Management Discussion of Fund Performance
(Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

Top performing sectors attributable to EEMD’s return over the current fiscal period were Information Technology, Real Estate, and Consumer Discretionary. The worst performing sectors included and Health Care, Energy, and Communication Services.

 

Individual stocks attributable to EEMD’s return over the same fiscal period were Emlak Konut Gayrimenkul Yati (+149 bps), Tofas Turk Otomobil Fabrika (+123 bps), and Country Garden Holdings Company (+121 bps). Stocks dragging down EEMD’s return were SD Biosensor, Inc. (-66 bps), Braskem Sa-Pref – Class A (-53 bps), and Perusahaan Gas Negara Tbk Pt (-48 bps).

 

The AAM S&P Developed Markets High Dividend Value ETF

 

The AAM S&P Developed Markets High Dividend Value ETF (“DMDV” or the “Fund”) seeks to track the total return performance, before fees and expenses, of its underlying index, the S&P Developed Markets ex-US Dividend and Free Cash Flow Yield Index (the “Index”). Through the Index, DMDV, is passively managed using a rules-based, equal-weighted strategy that is designed to provide exposure to constituents of the S&P Developed BMI Ex-US & Korea LargeMidCap® Index that exhibit both high dividend yield and sustainable dividend distribution characteristics, while maintaining a diversified sector exposure.

 

Benefiting from its equal weight approach, DMDV’s sector diversity allowed it to capitalize on broad market gains. As a result, DMDV generated a total return of 24.44% (NAV) and 24.69% (Market Price) between November 1, 2022 and April 30th, 2023 (the “current fiscal period”). This compares to the 24.87% for the underlying Index, and an 21.60% total return for the benchmark index, the S&P Developed BMI Ex-US & Korea LargeMidCap® Index, for the same current fiscal period.

 

Top performing sectors attributable to DMDV’s return over the current fiscal period were Financials, Materials, and Consumer Discretionary. The worst performing sectors included Energy, Information Technology, and Real Estate.

 

Individual stocks attributable to DMDV’s return over the same fiscal period were Fortescue Metals Group, Ltd. (+96 bps), Kawasaki I Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (+90 bps), and BNP Paribas (+83 bps). Stocks dragging down DMDV’s return were Vonovia SE (-49 bps), Aker BP Asa (-40 bps), and South32, Ltd. (-26 bps).

 

The AAM Low Duration Preferred and Income Securities ETF

 

The AAM Low Duration Preferred and Income Securities ETF (“PFLD” or the “Fund”) seeks to track the total return performance, before fees and expenses, of the ICE 0-5 Year Duration Exchange-Listed Preferred & Hybrid Securities Index (the “Index”). Through the Index, PFLD, is passively managed using a rules-based, strategy that is designed to provide exposure to exchange-listed, U.S. dollar-denominated

 

2

 

 

AAM ETFs

 

Management Discussion of Fund Performance
(Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

preferred securities and hybrid securities listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) or NASDAQ Capital Market (“NASDAQ”) with an option-adjusted duration of less than five years.

 

By focusing on low duration preferred securities, PFLD was more protected from the impact of rising interest rates on bond prices. PFLD generated a total return of 4.47% (NAV) and 4.16% (Market Price), while the underlying index for PFLD generated a total return of 4.70% between November 1, 2022 and April 30th, 2023 (“current fiscal period”). Over the same current fiscal period, the benchmark index, the ICE Exchange-Listed Preferred & Hybrid Securities Index, achieved a total return of 6.48%.

 

Top performing industries attributable to PFLD’s return during the current fiscal period were Banking, Insurance, and Energy. The worst performing industries included Financial Services, Telecommunications, and Retail.

 

Individual securities attributable to PFLD’s return over the same fiscal period were NGL Float Perp (+31 bps), WFC 5.85 Perpetuity (+30 bps), and JPM 6 Perpetuity (+20 bps). Securities dragging down PFLD’s return were QRTEA 8 03/15/31 (-33 bps), FRCB 4 ½ Perpetuity (-30 bps), and FRCB 4 Perpetuity (-28 bps).

 

The AAM Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF

 

The AAM Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF (“SMIG” or the “Fund”) generated a total return of +2.43%/+2.27% (NAV/Market Price) versus the Russell 2500 Index return of +0.02% and a 0.73 observed Beta relative to the index between November 1, 2022 and April 30th, 2023 (“current fiscal period”), indicating successful risk management. Additionally, fund dividends per share increased +22.1% over the prior semiannual period, achieving the objective of high current and growing income. Given widespread earnings revisions and continued market uncertainty, investors favored profitable companies that generated a current cash flow stream and returned capital to shareholders during the period, benefitting SMIG’s differentiated focus on companies with lower-risk and high intrinsic quality. Amidst conflicting market signals, we believe our focus on sustainable dividends and stable fundamentals positions us well for the current environment.

 

Largest Portfolio Contributors

 

 

1.

Inter Parfums (IPAR): Despite unfavorable currency rates and higher SG&A costs, IPAR has successfully been able to cater to the elevated demand in the fragrance space. With a solid brand portfolio and robust global distribution network, IPAR continues to expand its business through new licenses, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships. Prospects remain strong with new product launches and pricing actions expected this year.

 

3

 

 

AAM ETFs

 

Management Discussion of Fund Performance
(Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

 

2.

Watsco (WSO): As the leading distributor of residential HVAC equipment, WSO has benefited from robust housing and consumer spending trends, as well as incremental demand due to the shift toward remote work. Despite emerging concerns related to macro pressures, WSO reported better than expected 4Q results along with upbeat forward-looking commentary.

 

 

3.

MDC Holdings (MDC): Despite continued supply chain headwinds, the homebuilders saw improved orders as the busy spring selling season started, with interest rates falling from recent highs. MDC maintains a strong balance sheet with cash flow generation supportive of a growing dividend over time.

 

Largest Portfolio Detractors

 

 

1.

First Interstate (FIBK): FY2023 guidance was reduced on lower-than-expected earnings and net interest margin headwinds, pressuring shares. FIBK operates in markets with steady population inflow and a visible loan outlook, which should translate to dependable earnings growth.

 

 

2.

Advanced Auto Parts (AAP): AAP faced market share losses from competitor pricing actions and margin headwinds, pressuring shares. Management cited improving inventory availability and the completion of a multi-year investment cycle as catalysts for an improving FY2023 outlook.

 

 

3.

CSG Systems (CSGS): Following a period of weak relative performance, CSGS is building momentum as the benefits of an operating efficiency program flow through the income statement, particularly to operating margins. Although not immune to an economic slowdown, the company has demonstrated resilience in the business model through cycle.

 

Positive drivers of performance

 

 

Within Consumer Staples, stock selection in the defensive growth personal products industry along with an overweight to the sector benefited relative performance.

 

 

Under allocation and avoidance of cyclical oil and gas companies within the Energy sector amid a pullback in energy commodity prices contributed to performance.

 

 

An overweight position and selection within highly regulated Utilities companies benefited performance.

 

Negative drivers of performance

 

 

Exposure to household gaming and discount auto retail industries, partly offset by strength of owned homebuilding and automotive dealership/service stocks within the Consumer Discretionary sector detracted from performance.

 

4

 

 

AAM ETFs

 

Management Discussion of Fund Performance
(Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

 

Ownership of diagnostic lab and distributors while not owning unprofitable biotechnology companies that outperformed detracted from performance within the Health Care sector.

 

 

An overweight position within regional banks partly offset by strength of investment banking and asset management companies detracted from performance within the Financials sector.

 

We remain committed to our foundational philosophy and objectives, which focus on the compounding growth of cash flow income, downside protection, and long-term capital appreciation, all through the ownership of companies of high intrinsic quality and growth potential. We thank you for your partnership and look forward to the opportunities in the years ahead.

 

The AAM Transformers ETF

 

The AAM Transformers ETF (“TRFM” or the “Fund”) seeks to track the total return performance, before fees and expenses, of its underlying index, the Pence Transformers Index (the “Index”). The Index follows a rules-based methodology that aims to target companies whose products and services show compelling potential to transform consumer behavior, technological innovation, and the global economy.

 

The Pence Transformers Index mainly focuses on companies with over $2 billion market cap which are estimated to grow their toplines at a double-digit rate and have a minimum of 3.0% projected R&D and/or Capex spending to net sales. 75% of the index is in US-based companies, while 25% is in internationals. These two geographies are split into multiple segments based on market cap and each segment is equally weighted. In terms of sector exposure, about 50% of the index is in Information Technology. As a result, TRFM can be highly sensitive to market volatility in both bull and bear markets.

 

Between November 1, 2022 and April 30, 2023, TRFM generated a total return of 8.76% (NAV) and 8.69% (Market Price), while the Index generated a total return of 9.02% and the benchmark index, the S&P 500® Index (SPXT Index) generated a total return of 8.63% and Nasdaq Composite Index (CCMP Index) generated a total return of 12.26%, according to Bloomberg.

 

Top performing sectors attributable to TRFM’s return were Information Technology, Consumer Discretionary, Communication Services, and Industrials. The worst performing sectors were Materials, Financials, and Utilities.

 

Individual securities attributable to TRFM’s return over the same fiscal period were NVIDIA Corporation (+149 bps), Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (+87 bps), and The Boeing Company (+59 bps). Securities dragging down TRFM’s return were Rivian Automotive (-87 bps), Enphase Energy, Inc. (-62 bps), and Lucid Group, Inc. (-47 bps).

 

5

 

 

AAM ETFs

 

Management Discussion of Fund Performance
(Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

The top contributing countries were United States (3.99%), followed by China (2.51%) and France (0.88%). The bottom contributing countries were United Kingdom (-0.17%) and Australia (-0.15%).

 

We remain committed to our fundamental theme that the world is constantly evolving towards a more efficient future as we develop new technologies, and we aim to target companies whose products and services to take us there.

 

Because of the innovative nature of the underlying companies in the portfolio, there tends to be more frequent merger and acquisition activities.

 

Must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus.

 

The AAM S&P 500 High Dividend Value ETF, AAM S&P Emerging Markets High Dividend Value ETF, AAM S&P Developed Markets High Dividend Value ETF, AAM Low Duration Preferred and Income Securities ETF, AAM Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF, and AAM Transformers ETF are distributed by Quasar Distributors, LLC.

 

Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Shares of any ETF are bought and sold at market price (not NAV) and may trade at a discount or premium to NAV. Shares are not individually redeemable from the Funds and may only be acquired or redeemed from the Funds in creation units. Brokerage commissions will reduce returns. Companies with high yield or payout ratio may underperform other securities in certain market conditions and reduce or discontinue paying dividends entirely while included in the Index. The Funds’ return may not match or achieve a high degree of correlation with the return of the underlying Index. To the extent the Funds utilize a sampling approach, they may experience tracking error to a greater extent than if the Funds had sought to replicate the Index. Investments in foreign securities involve political, economic and currency risks, greater volatility and differences in accounting methods. These risks are greater for emerging markets investments. Investments in mid-cap companies may involve less liquidity and greater volatility than larger companies. Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against a loss in a declining market.

 

S&P 500® Dividend and Free Cash Flow Yield index is a rules-based, equal-weighted index that is designed to provide exposure to the constituents of the S&P 500® Index that exhibit both high dividend yield and sustainable dividend distribution characteristics, while maintaining diversified sector exposure.

 

S&P 500® Index is a widely recognized capitalization-weighted index of 500 common stock prices in U.S. companies.

 

S&P Emerging Markets Dividend and Free Cash Flow Yield Index is rules-based, equal-weighted index that is designed to provide exposure to the constituents of the S&P Emerging Plus LargeMidCap® Index that exhibit both high dividend yield and sustainable dividend distribution characteristics, while maintaining diversified sector exposure.

 

S&P Emerging Plus LargeMidCap® Index is designed to measure the performance of large- and mid-capitalization securities in emerging markets.

 

S&P Developed Ex-U.S. Dividend and Free Cash Flow Index is a rules-based, equal-weighted index that is designed to provide exposure to the constituents of the S&P Developed BMI Ex-U.S. & Korea LargeMidCap® Index that exhibit both high dividend yield and sustainable dividend distribution characteristics, while maintaining diversified sector exposure.

 

6

 

 

AAM ETFs

 

Management Discussion of Fund Performance
(Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

S&P Developed BMI Ex-U.S. & Korea LargeMidCap® Index is a comprehensive benchmark including stocks from developed markets excluding the United States and Korea.

 

ICE 0-5 Year Duration Exchange-Listed Preferred & Hybrid Securities Index is designed to measure the performance of exchange-listed, U.S. dollar-denominated preferred securities and hybrid securities listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) or NASDAQ Capital Market (“NASDAQ”) with an option-adjusted duration of less than 5 years. The Index was developed by ICE Data Indices, LLC (“IDI”), the Fund’s index provider (the “Index Provider”) and an affiliate of the NYSE.

 

ICE Exchange-Listed Preferred & Hybrid Securities Index is designed to measure the performance of a select group of exchange-listed, U.S. dollar denominated preferred securities, hybrid securities and convertible preferred securities listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) or NASDAQ Capital Market (“NASDAQ”).

 

Russell 2500 Index is a market-cap-weighted index that includes the smallest 2,500 companies covered in the broad-based Russell 3000 sphere of United States-based listed equities. All 2,500 of the companies included in the Index cover the small- and mid-cap market capitalizations.

 

Pence Transformers Index is a rules-based index that measures the performance of U.S.-listed common equity securities, including American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) for foreign securities, of companies poised to benefit from a significant disruption and/or transformation of consumer behavior and technological innovation.

 

Basis Point (bps) refers to a unit of measurement for interest rates and other percentages. One basis point is equal to 1/100th of 1%, or 0.01%.

 

Duration is a measure that helps approximate the degree of price sensitivity of a bond to changes in interest rates and is adjusted to account for the change in cash flows of the bond’s embedded option.

 

It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

For a complete list of Fund holdings please see the Schedules of Investments on page 11 of the report. Fund holdings and sector allocations are subject to change and should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security.

 

7

 

 

AAM ETFs

 

Portfolio Allocations
As of April 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

 

AAM S&P 500 High Dividend Value ETF

 

Sector

Percentage of
Net Assets

Consumer Staples

10.5%

Industrials

10.2

Communication Services

10.0

Information Technology

9.8

Health Care

9.6

Energy

9.3

Materials

9.2

Consumer Discretionary

9.0

Real Estate

8.8

Financials

7.4

Utilities

5.9

Short-Term Investments

0.4

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets

(0.1)

Total

100.0%

 

AAM S&P Emerging Markets High Dividend Value ETF

 

Sector

Percentage of
Net Assets

Information Technology

11.4%

Consumer Staples

9.4

Utilities

9.4

Consumer Discretionary

9.3

Industrials

9.0

Real Estate

8.7

Energy

8.6

Health Care

8.6

Financials

8.4

Materials

8.4

Communication Services

8.1

Short-Term Investments

0.4

Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities

0.3

Total

100.0%

 

 

8

 

 

AAM ETFs

 

Portfolio Allocations
As of April 30, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

AAM S&P Developed Markets High Dividend Value ETF

 

Sector

Percentage of
Net Assets

Communication Services

10.4%

Consumer Discretionary

9.7

Health Care

9.7

Consumer Staples

9.6

Utilities

9.6

Financials

9.1

Information Technology

8.7

Industrials

8.7

Real Estate

8.2

Materials

7.6

Energy

7.5

Short-Term Investments

0.6

Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities

0.6

Total

100.0%

 

AAM S&P Low Duration Preferred and Income Securities ETF

 

Sector

Percentage of
Net Assets

Financials (a)

72.6%

Utilities

9.9

Energy

5.4

Consumer Discretionary

4.0

Industrials

2.7

Short-Term Investments

2.5

Consumer Staples

2.2

Real Estate

1.6

Communication Services

1.2

Information Technology

0.2

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets

(2.3)

Total

100.0%

 

 

9

 

 

AAM ETFs

 

Portfolio Allocations
As of April 30, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

AAM Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF

 

Sector

Percentage of
Net Assets

Industrials

24.8%

Financials

16.3

Consumer Staples

10.9

Information Technology

9.1

Health Care

7.7

Materials

7.7

Real Estate

6.8

Utilities

6.6

Consumer Discretionary

5.4

Communication Services

2.6

Energy

1.9

U.S. Treasury Bills

0.3

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets

(0.1)

Total

100.0%

 

AAM Transformers ETF

 

Sector

Percentage of
Net Assets

Information Technology (a)

51.7%

Consumer Discretionary

16.3

Industrials

14.3

Communication Services

10.6

Financials

3.6

Materials

2.5

Utilities

0.9

Short-Term Investments

0.1

Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities (b)

0.0

Total

100.0%

 

(a)

To the extent that the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors of the economy, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. See Note 7 in Notes to Financial Statements.

(b)

Represents less than 0.05% of net assets.

 

The Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS®) was developed by and/or is exclusive property of MSCI, Inc. and Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”). GICS® is a service mark of MSCI, Inc. and S&P and has been licensed for use by the Fund’s Administrator, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC.

 

10

 

 

AAM S&P 500 High Dividend Value ETF

 

Schedule of Investments
April 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
     

COMMON STOCKS — 99.7%

       
       

Communication Services — 10.0%

       
    77,174  

AT&T, Inc.

  $ 1,363,664  
    37,199  

Comcast Corporation - Class A

    1,538,923  
    40,534  

Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc.

    1,448,280  
    17,166  

Omnicom Group, Inc.

    1,554,725  
    36,583  

Verizon Communications, Inc.

    1,420,518  
              7,326,110  
       

Consumer Discretionary — 9.0%

       
    32,656  

Bath & Body Works, Inc.

    1,146,226  
    17,681  

Best Buy Company, Inc.

    1,317,588  
    116,090  

Ford Motor Company

    1,379,149  
    33,946  

Tapestry, Inc.

    1,385,336  
    9,682  

Whirlpool Corporation

    1,351,511  
              6,579,810  
       

Consumer Staples — 10.5%

       
    33,021  

Altria Group, Inc.

    1,568,828  
    37,129  

Kraft Heinz Company

    1,458,056  
    28,729  

Molson Coors Brewing Company - Class B

    1,708,801  
    14,597  

Philip Morris International, Inc.

    1,459,262  
    41,190  

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

    1,451,947  
              7,646,894  
       

Energy — 9.3%

       
    8,178  

Chevron Corporation

    1,378,647  
    12,991  

Exxon Mobil Corporation

    1,537,355  
    79,626  

Kinder Morgan, Inc.

    1,365,586  
    13,818  

Phillips 66

    1,367,982  
    10,196  

Valero Energy Corporation

    1,169,175  
              6,818,745  
       

Financials — 7.4%

       
    35,358  

Citizens Financial Group, Inc.

    1,093,976  
    45,455  

Lincoln National Corporation

    987,737  
    14,658  

Prudential Financial, Inc.

    1,275,246  
    30,589  

Truist Financial Corporation

    996,590  
    31,684  

U.S. Bancorp

    1,086,128  
              5,439,677  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

11

 

 

AAM S&P 500 High Dividend Value ETF

 

Schedule of Investments
April 30, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

COMMON STOCKS — 99.7% (Continued)

       

Health Care — 9.6%

       
    10,012  

AbbVie, Inc.

  $ 1,513,013  
    19,755  

Cardinal Health, Inc.

    1,621,885  
    17,190  

CVS Health Corporation

    1,260,199  
    17,599  

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

    1,446,814  
    127,470  

Viatris, Inc.

    1,189,295  
              7,031,206  
       

Industrials — 10.2%

       
    12,858  

3M Company

    1,365,777  
    14,923  

C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc.

    1,505,283  
    3,292  

Lockheed Martin Corporation

    1,528,969  
    6,137  

Snap-on, Inc.

    1,591,999  
    8,217  

United Parcel Service, Inc. - Class B

    1,477,499  
              7,469,527  
       

Information Technology — 9.8%

       
    2,528  

Broadcom, Inc.

    1,583,792  
    91,444  

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company

    1,309,478  
    52,066  

HP, Inc.

    1,546,881  
    10,451  

International Business Machines Corporation

    1,321,111  
    23,758  

Seagate Technology Holdings plc

    1,396,257  
              7,157,519  
       

Materials — 9.2%

       
    12,088  

Celanese Corporation

    1,284,229  
    25,407  

Dow, Inc.

    1,382,141  
    40,236  

International Paper Company

    1,332,214  
    15,945  

LyondellBasell Industries NV - Class A

    1,508,556  
    40,500  

WestRock Company

    1,212,165  
              6,719,305  
       

Real Estate — 8.8%

       
    20,871  

Boston Properties, Inc.

    1,113,677  
    81,559  

Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    1,318,809  
    67,396  

Kimco Realty Corporation

    1,293,329  
    22,445  

Regency Centers Corporation

    1,378,796  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

12

 

 

AAM S&P 500 High Dividend Value ETF

 

Schedule of Investments
April 30, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

COMMON STOCKS — 99.7% (Continued)

       

Real Estate — 8.8% (Continued)

    11,790  

Simon Property Group, Inc.

  $ 1,336,043  
              6,440,654  
       

Utilities — 5.9%

       
    35,903  

FirstEnergy Corporation

    1,428,939  
    17,624  

NextEra Energy, Inc.

    1,350,527  
    44,944  

NRG Energy, Inc.

    1,535,737  
              4,315,203  
       

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $79,021,816)

    72,944,650  
                 
       

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 0.4%

       
    322,537  

Invesco Government & Agency Portfolio, Institutional Class, 4.79% (a)

    322,537  
       

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $322,537)

    322,537  
       

TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 100.1% (Cost $79,344,353)

    73,267,187  
       

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (0.1)%

    (95,124 )
       

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

  $ 73,172,063  

 

Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

(a)

Rate shown is the annualized seven-day yield as of April 30, 2023.

 

The Global Industry Classifications Standard (GICS®) was developed by and/or is exclusive property of MSCI, Inc. (“MSCI”) and Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”). GICS® is a service mark of MSCI, Inc. and S&P and has been licensed for use by the Fund’s Administrator, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

13

 

 

AAM S&P Emerging Markets High Dividend Value ETF

 

Schedule of Investments
April 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

COMMON STOCKS — 93.4%

       
       

Brazil — 5.0%

       
    35,068  

Cia Paranaense de Energia

  $ 272,604  
    29,968  

Hypera SA

    223,614  
    60,269  

JBS SA

    214,435  
              710,653  
       

China — 21.9%

       
    1,035,000  

CGN Power Company, Ltd. - H Shares (a)

    272,927  
    1,708,000  

China Cinda Asset Management Company, Ltd. - H Shares

    202,352  
    801,000  

China Everbright Bank Company, Ltd. - H Shares

    256,119  
    636,000  

China Evergrande Group (b)(c)(d)

     
    462,000  

China Galaxy Securities Company, Ltd. - H Shares

    250,130  
    226,000  

China Hongqiao Group, Ltd.

    221,396  
    712,000  

Chongqing Rural Commercial Bank Company, Ltd. - H Shares

    274,827  
    248,500  

COSCO SHIPPING Holdings Company, Ltd. - H Shares

    287,440  
    428,000  

Dongfeng Motor Group Company, Ltd. - H Shares

    203,916  
    129,500  

Inner Mongolia ERDOS Resources Company, Ltd. - Class B

    233,230  
    171,000  

Inner Mongolia Yitai Coal Company, Ltd. - Class B (c)

    253,080  
    320,000  

Lenovo Group, Ltd.

    326,934  
    492,000  

PetroChina Company, Ltd. - H Shares

    340,330  
              3,122,681  
       

Egypt — 2.1%

       
    180,058  

Abou Kir Fertilizers & Chemical Industries

    293,629  
                 
       

Greece — 3.9%

       
    17,648  

OPAP SA

    301,212  
    11,951  

Star Bulk Carriers Corporation

    252,286  
              553,498  
       

Hong Kong — 1.7%

       
    78,000  

C&D International Investment Group, Ltd.

    238,971  
    184,500  

Shimao Group Holdings, Ltd. (b)(c)(d)

     
              238,971  
       

Hungary — 1.9%

       
    10,932  

Richter Gedeon Nyrt

    264,263  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

14

 

 

AAM S&P Emerging Markets High Dividend Value ETF

 

Schedule of Investments
April 30, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

COMMON STOCKS — 93.4% (Continued)

       

India — 3.6%

    95,358  

Power Grid Corporation of India, Ltd.

  $ 276,450  
    231,578  

Steel Authority of India, Ltd.

    234,305  
              510,755  
       

Indonesia — 6.1%

       
    202,900  

Gudang Garam Tbk PT

    393,490  
    554,600  

Indofood Sukses Makmur Tbk PT

    243,843  
    2,409,100  

Perusahaan Gas Negara Persero Tbk PT

    234,834  
              872,167  
       

Mexico — 1.8%

       
    191,198  

Fibra Uno Administracion SA de CV (d)

    262,965  
                 
       

Netherlands — 1.8%

       
    41,479  

NEPI Rockcastle NV

    250,774  
                 
       

Poland — 1.7%

       
    57,761  

Cyfrowy Polsat SA

    242,764  
                 
       

Republic of Korea — 8.0%

       
    43,597  

BNK Financial Group, Inc.

    216,291  
    4,879  

Kia Corporation

    308,036  
    3,370  

KT&G Corporation

    216,039  
    27,277  

LG Uplus Corporation

    224,591  
    10,977  

SD Biosensor, Inc.

    170,593  
              1,135,550  
       

Russian Federation — 0.0% (e)

       
    5,978  

X5 Retail Group NV - GDR (b)(c)(d)

     
                 
       

South Africa — 9.5%

       
    30,187  

Aspen Pharmacare Holdings, Ltd.

    301,807  
    20,284  

Exxaro Resources, Ltd.

    212,805  
    314,339  

Growthpoint Properties, Ltd.

    218,858  
    8,725  

Kumba Iron Ore, Ltd.

    211,743  
    37,145  

MultiChoice Group

    232,596  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

15

 

 

AAM S&P Emerging Markets High Dividend Value ETF

 

Schedule of Investments
April 30, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

COMMON STOCKS — 93.4% (Continued)

       

South Africa — 9.5% (Continued)

       
    18,591  

Thungela Resources, Ltd.

  $ 174,118  
              1,351,927  
       

Taiwan — 18.2%

       
    50,400  

Evergreen Marine Corporation Taiwan, Ltd.

    264,767  
    136,000  

Farglory Land Development Company, Ltd.

    271,624  
    16,000  

International Games System Company, Ltd.

    278,442  
    210,000  

King Yuan Electronics Company, Ltd.

    321,054  
    22,000  

Novatek Microelectronics Corporation

    299,488  
    77,000  

Radiant Opto-Electronics Corporation

    283,028  
    106,000  

Wan Hai Lines, Ltd.

    224,120  
    258,000  

Wistron Corporation

    390,242  
    124,000  

Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation

    254,514  
              2,587,279  
       

Thailand — 1.8%

       
    401,900  

Bangkok Chain Hospital pcl - NVDR

    255,399  
                 
       

Turkey — 4.4%

       
    84,521  

Anadolu Efes Biracilik Ve Malt Sanayii AS

    273,577  
    29,380  

Dogus Otomotiv Servis ve Ticaret AS

    184,907  
    209,113  

Turk Telekomunikasyon AS

    174,940  
              633,424  
       

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $13,912,535)

    13,286,699  
                 
       

PREFERRED STOCKS — 5.9%

       
       

Brazil — 3.6%

       
    115,654  

Cia Energetica de Minas Gerais

    284,578  
    49,646  

Petroleo Brasileiro SA

    234,692  
              519,270  
       

Republic of Korea — 2.3%

       
    3,917  

Hyundai Motor Company

    323,978  
                 
       

TOTAL PREFERRED STOCKS (Cost $752,122)

    843,248  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

16

 

 

AAM S&P Emerging Markets High Dividend Value ETF

 

Schedule of Investments
April 30, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 0.4%

       
    50,522  

Invesco Government & Agency Portfolio, Institutional Class, 4.79% (f)

  $ 50,522  
       

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $50,522)

    50,522  
       

TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 99.7% (Cost $14,715,179)

    14,180,469  
       

Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 0.3%

    47,722  
       

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

  $ 14,228,191  

 

Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

GDR

Global Depositary Receipt.

NVDR

Non-Voting Depositary Receipt.

(a)

Restricted security as defined in Rule 144(a) under the Securities Act of 1933. Resale to the public may require registration or may extend only to qualified institutional buyers. At April 30, 2023, the market value of this security is $272,927, which represents 1.92% of total net assets.

(b)

Value determined using significant unobservable inputs. Classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

(c)

Non-income producing security.

(d)

This security has been deemed illiquid according to the Fund’s liquidity guidelines. The value of these securities is $0 which represents 0.00% of net assets.

(e)

Represents less than 0.05% of net assets.

(f)

Rate shown is the annualized seven-day yield as of April 30, 2023.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

17

 

 

AAM S&P Developed Markets High Dividend Value ETF

 

Schedule of Investments
April 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

COMMON STOCKS — 95.0%

       
       

Australia — 13.1%

       
    7,319  

AGL Energy, Ltd.

  $ 40,145  
    24,367  

Mirvac Group

    38,808  
    439  

Rio Tinto, Ltd.

    32,565  
    1,754  

Sonic Healthcare, Ltd.

    41,080  
    11,653  

South32, Ltd.

    32,652  
    14,268  

Stockland

    41,959  
    1,482  

Woodside Energy Group, Ltd.

    32,986  
    8,339  

Yancoal Australia, Ltd.

    30,640  
              290,835  
       

Belgium — 1.7%

       
    539  

KBC Group NV

    38,548  
                 
       

Canada — 2.0%

       
    1,193  

Open Text Corporation

    45,132  
                 
       

Denmark — 1.5%

       
    18  

AP Moller - Maersk A/S - Class A

    32,127  
                 
       

France — 5.9%

       
    601  

BNP Paribas SA

    38,875  
    3,423  

Credit Agricole SA

    41,885  
    3,787  

Orange SA

    49,401  
              130,161  
       

Germany — 7.8%

       
    3,608  

E.ON SE

    47,819  
    1,093  

Fresenius Medical Care AG & Company KGaA

    53,141  
    539  

Mercedes-Benz Group AG

    41,999  
    1,367  

Vonovia SE

    29,617  
              172,576  
       

Hong Kong — 5.1%

       
    6,500  

CK Asset Holdings, Ltd.

    38,339  
    7,000  

CK Infrastructure Holdings, Ltd.

    39,771  
    4,500  

Swire Pacific, Ltd. - Class A

    35,599  
              113,709  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

18

 

 

AAM S&P Developed Markets High Dividend Value ETF

 

Schedule of Investments
April 30, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

COMMON STOCKS — 95.0% (Continued)

       
       

Israel — 1.6%

       
    2,119  

ZIM Integrated Shipping Services, Ltd.

  $ 36,171  
                 
       

Italy — 3.7%

       
    2,036  

Assicurazioni Generali SpA

    42,437  
    2,572  

Eni SpA

    39,032  
              81,469  
       

Japan — 18.1%

       
    1,500  

BIPROGY, Inc.

    36,022  
    1,700  

Honda Motor Company, Ltd.

    44,796  
    2,000  

Japan Tobacco, Inc.

    42,940  
    1,900  

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd.

    45,001  
    1,600  

Mitsui OSK Lines, Ltd.

    39,482  
    1,700  

Nippon Yusen KK

    39,989  
    500  

SCREEN Holdings Company, Ltd.

    40,393  
    2,600  

SUMCO Corporation

    35,611  
    5,700  

Sumitomo Pharma Company, Ltd.

    35,624  
    1,300  

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, Ltd.

    43,077  
              402,935  
       

Netherlands — 1.9%

       
    2,602  

Stellantis NV

    43,089  
                 
       

Norway — 5.0%

       
    1,305  

Aker BP ASA

    31,065  
    3,768  

Telenor ASA

    46,857  
    12,812  

Var Energi ASA

    33,435  
              111,357  
       

Spain — 7.8%

       
    5,670  

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA

    41,627  
    1,983  

Endesa SA

    44,595  
    2,204  

Red Electrica Corporation SA

    40,160  
    10,295  

Telefonica SA

    46,883  
              173,265  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

19

 

 

AAM S&P Developed Markets High Dividend Value ETF

 

Schedule of Investments
April 30, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

COMMON STOCKS — 95.0% (Continued)

       

Sweden — 5.7%

       
    6,319  

SSAB AB - Class B

    42,582  
    4,338  

Tele2 AB - Class B

    46,077  
    6,788  

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson - Class B

    37,304  
              125,963  
       

United Kingdom — 14.1%

       
    900  

Anglo American plc

    27,658  
    1,041  

British American Tobacco plc

    38,298  
    2,322  

GSK plc

    42,052  
    1,568  

Imperial Brands plc

    38,776  
    13,304  

J. Sainsbury plc

    46,219  
    513  

Rio Tinto plc

    32,555  
    13,206  

Tesco plc

    46,659  
    34,957  

Vodafone Group plc

    42,136  
              314,353  
       

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $2,157,633)

    2,111,690  
                 
       

PREFERRED STOCKS — 3.8%

       
       

Germany — 3.8%

       
    423  

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG

    44,948  
    294  

Volkswagen AG

    40,143  
              85,091  
       

TOTAL PREFERRED STOCKS (Cost $73,024)

    85,091  
                 
       

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 0.6%

       
    13,672  

Invesco Government & Agency Portfolio, Institutional Class, 4.79% (a)

  $ 13,672  
       

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $13,672)

    13,672  
       

TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 99.4% (Cost $2,244,329)

    2,210,453  
       

Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 0.6%

    14,105  
       

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

  $ 2,224,558  

 

Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

(a)

Rate shown is the annualized seven-day yield as of April 30, 2023.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

20

 

 

AAM Low Duration Preferred and Income Securities ETF

 

Schedule of Investments
April 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

PREFERRED STOCKS — 99.8%

       
       

Communication Services — 1.2%

       
       

AT&T, Inc.

       
    95,861  

5.625%, 08/01/2067

  $ 2,402,277  
              2,402,277  
       

Consumer Discretionary — 4.0%

       
       

Brunswick Corporation

       
    21,495  

6.500%, 10/15/2048

    558,010  
    15,629  

6.625%, 01/15/2049

    412,918  
    26,724  

6.375%, 04/15/2049

    687,342  
              1,658,270  
       

Dillard’s Capital Trust I

       
    23,238  

7.500%, 08/01/2038

    597,217  
       

Ford Motor Company

       
    87,146  

6.200%, 06/01/2059

    2,187,365  
       

Fossil Group, Inc.

       
    18,782  

7.000%, 11/30/2026

    359,863  
       

Qurate Retail, Inc.

       
    36,887  

8.000%, 03/15/2031

    1,130,586  
       

QVC, Inc.

       
    28,183  

6.375%, 09/13/2067

    253,647  
    62,641  

6.250%, 11/26/2068

    556,878  
              810,525  
       

TravelCenters of America, Inc.

       
    13,771  

8.250%, 01/15/2028

    347,029  
    15,019  

8.000%, 12/15/2029

    382,684  
    12,522  

8.000%, 10/15/2030

    314,929  
              1,044,642  
              7,788,468  
       

Consumer Staples — 2.2%

       
       

CHS, Inc.

       
    48,801  

Series 2, 7.100%, Perpetual (a)

    1,210,265  
    57,226  

Series 3, 6.750%, Perpetual (a)

    1,435,228  
    60,130  

Series 4, 7.500%, Perpetual

    1,588,033  
              4,233,526  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

21

 

 

AAM Low Duration Preferred and Income Securities ETF

 

Schedule of Investments
April 30, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

PREFERRED STOCKS — 99.8% (Continued)

       
       

Energy — 5.4%

       
       

DCP Midstream LP

       
    20,191  

Series B, 7.875%, Perpetual (a)

  $ 509,621  
    13,771  

Series C, 7.950%, Perpetual (a)

    347,029  
              856,650  
       

Energy Transfer LP

       
    52,287  

Series C, 7.375%, Perpetual (a)

    1,250,705  
    51,708  

Series D, 7.625%, Perpetual (a)

    1,214,621  
    92,957  

Series E, 7.600%, Perpetual (a)

    2,149,166  
              4,614,492  
       

NGL Energy Partners LP

       
    36,559  

Series B, 12.473%, (3 mo. LIBOR US + 7.213%), Perpetual (b)

    866,083  
       

NuStar Energy LP

       
    26,319  

Series A, 12.039%, (3 mo. LIBOR US + 6.766%), Perpetual

    651,922  
    44,755  

Series B, 10.916%, (3 mo. LIBOR US + 5.643%), Perpetual

    1,032,498  
    21,577  

Series C, 11.746%, (3 mo. LIBOR US + 6.880%), Perpetual

    551,076  
              2,235,496  
       

NuStar Logistics LP

       
    46,787  

11.994%, (3 mo. LIBOR US + 6.734%), 01/15/2043

    1,194,940  
       

Seapeak LLC

       
    21,279  

Series B, 8.500%, Perpetual (a)

    507,717  
    15,629  

9.000%, Perpetual

    378,690  
              886,407  
              10,654,068  
       

Financials — 72.6% (c)

       
       

ACRES Commercial Realty Corporation

       
    15,019  

Series C, 8.625%, Perpetual (a)

    304,285  
       

Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.

       
    34,857  

5.875%, 03/30/2059

    883,276  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

22

 

 

AAM Low Duration Preferred and Income Securities ETF

 

Schedule of Investments
April 30, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

PREFERRED STOCKS — 99.8% (Continued)

       

Financials — 72.6% (c) (Continued)

       

AGNC Investment Corporation

       
    37,764  

Series C, 10.384%, (3 mo. LIBOR US + 5.111%), Perpetual

  $ 936,170  
    27,306  

Series D, 6.875%, Perpetual (a)

    571,788  
    46,768  

Series E, 6.500%, Perpetual (a)

    1,007,850  
    66,812  

Series F, 6.125%, Perpetual (a)

    1,364,969  
    18,782  

Series G, 7.750%, Perpetual (a)(b)

    412,640  
              4,293,417  
       

Allstate Corporation

       
    58,097  

8.438%, (3 mo. LIBOR US + 3.165%), 01/15/2053

    1,478,569  
       

American Equity Investment Life Holding Company

       
    46,479  

Series A, 5.950%, Perpetual (a)

    1,071,806  
    34,860  

Series B, 6.625%, Perpetual (a)

    832,457  
              1,904,263  
       

American Financial Group, Inc.

       
    14,526  

5.875%, 03/30/2059

    375,061  
       

American International Group, Inc.

       
    58,097  

Series A, 5.850%, Perpetual

    1,463,463  
       

Annaly Capital Management, Inc.

       
    83,660  

Series F, 10.156%, (3 mo. LIBOR US + 4.993%), Perpetual

    2,086,480  
    49,383  

Series G, 9.331%, (3 mo. LIBOR US + 4.172%), Perpetual

    1,184,698  
    51,415  

Series I, 6.750%, Perpetual (a)

    1,229,847  
              4,501,025  
       

Apollo Asset Management, Inc.

       
    31,953  

Series A, 6.375%, Perpetual

    789,559  
    34,860  

Series B, 6.375%, Perpetual

    882,655  
              1,672,214  
       

Arbor Realty Trust, Inc.

       
    32,949  

Series F, 6.250%, Perpetual (a)

    600,331  
       

Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd.

       
    18,782  

7.000%, Perpetual (a)

    450,205  
       

Aspen Insurance Holdings, Ltd.

       
    31,953  

5.950%, Perpetual (a)

    770,706  
       

Associated Banc-Corporation

       
    34,860  

6.625%, 03/01/2033 (a)(b)

    863,134  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

23

 

 

AAM Low Duration Preferred and Income Securities ETF

 

Schedule of Investments
April 30, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

PREFERRED STOCKS — 99.8% (Continued)

       

Financials — 72.6% (c) (Continued)

       

Athene Holding, Ltd.

       
    100,218  

Series A, 6.350%, Perpetual (a)

  $ 2,173,728  
    69,716  

Series C, 6.375%, Perpetual (a)

    1,572,096  
    58,097  

Series E, 7.750%, Perpetual (a)

    1,436,158  
              5,181,982  
       

Atlanticus Holdings Corporation

       
    18,782  

6.125%, 11/30/2026

    427,290  
       

B. Riley Financial, Inc.

       
    23,150  

6.750%, 05/31/2024

    571,805  
    17,843  

6.375%, 02/28/2025

    415,028  
    25,981  

5.500%, 03/31/2026

    527,154  
    20,936  

6.500%, 09/30/2026

    424,582  
    37,731  

5.000%, 12/31/2026

    718,776  
    30,916  

6.000%, 01/31/2028

    596,679  
    47,116  

5.250%, 08/31/2028

    871,175  
              4,125,199  
       

Bank of America Corporation

       
    25,733  

Series 02, 5.603%, (3 mo. LIBOR US + 0.650%), Perpetual

    539,364  
    18,116  

Series 4, 5.703%, (3 mo. LIBOR US + 0.750%), Perpetual

    389,675  
    35,978  

Series 5, 5.415%, (3 mo. LIBOR US + 0.500%), Perpetual

    737,549  
    26,961  

Series E, 5.214%, (3 mo. LIBOR US + 0.350%), Perpetual

    547,308  
    90,394  

Series K, 6.450%, 12/15/2066 (a)

    2,296,912  
    116,212  

Series GG, 6.000%, Perpetual

    2,893,679  
    73,172  

Series HH, 5.875%, Perpetual

    1,820,519  
              9,225,006  
       

Charles Schwab Corporation

       
    87,146  

Series D, 5.950%, Perpetual

    2,193,465  
       

Chimera Investment Corporation

       
    37,764  

Series B, 8.000%, Perpetual (a)

    765,854  
    30,210  

Series C, 7.750%, Perpetual (a)

    579,126  
    25,040  

Series D, 8.000%, Perpetual (a)

    504,556  
              1,849,536  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

24

 

 

AAM Low Duration Preferred and Income Securities ETF

 

Schedule of Investments
April 30, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

PREFERRED STOCKS — 99.8% (Continued)

       

Financials — 72.6% (c) (Continued)

       

Citigroup, Inc.

       
    110,384  

Series J, 7.125%, Perpetual (a)

  $ 2,804,858  
    173,709  

Series K, 6.875%, Perpetual (a)

    4,406,997  
              7,211,855  
       

Citizens Financial Group, Inc.

       
    34,860  

Series D, 6.350%, Perpetual (a)

    799,688  
       

Compass Diversified Holdings

       
    12,522  

Series B, 7.875%, Perpetual (a)

    297,773  
       

ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc.

       
    14,403  

Series A, 5.250%, Perpetual (a)

    234,049  
       

Cowen, Inc.

       
    11,583  

7.750%, 06/15/2033 (d)(e)

    292,123  
       

Crescent Capital BDC, Inc.

       
    13,982  

5.000%, 05/25/2026

    327,179  
       

Dynex Capital, Inc.

       
    13,971  

Series C, 6.900%, Perpetual (a)

    306,524  
       

Ellington Financial, Inc.

       
    15,083  

Series B, 6.250%, Perpetual (a)

    281,600  
    12,533  

Series C, 8.625%, Perpetual (a)

    275,099  
    14,403  

6.750%, Perpetual (a)

    285,900  
              842,599  
       

Enstar Group, Ltd.

       
    46,479  

Series D, 7.000%, Perpetual (a)

    1,064,369  
       

Fifth Third Bancorp

       
    52,287  

Series I, 6.625%, Perpetual (a)

    1,281,032  
       

First Horizon Corporation

       
    12,522  

Series D, 6.100%, Perpetual (a)

    277,863  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

25

 

 

AAM Low Duration Preferred and Income Securities ETF

 

Schedule of Investments
April 30, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

PREFERRED STOCKS — 99.8% (Continued)

       

Financials — 72.6% (c) (Continued)

       

First Republic Bank

       
    25,029  

Series H, 5.125%, Perpetual (f)

  $ 49,557  
    37,583  

Series I, 5.500%, Perpetual (f)

    73,663  
    49,467  

Series J, 4.700%, Perpetual (f)

    80,631  
    62,637  

Series K, 4.125%, Perpetual (f)

    102,725  
    93,633  

Series L, 4.250%, Perpetual (f)

    159,176  
    93,945  

Series M, 4.000%, Perpetual (f)

    162,525  
    92,684  

Series N, 4.500%, Perpetual (f)

    163,124  
              791,401  
       

FNB Corporation

       
    13,867  

7.250%, Perpetual (a)

    330,728  
       

Gladstone Investment Corporation

       
    16,019  

5.000%, 05/01/2026

    380,451  
    16,852  

4.875%, 11/01/2028

    400,572  
              781,023  
       

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

       
    76,856  

Series A, 5.609%, (3 mo. LIBOR US + 0.750%), Perpetual

    1,595,530  
    138,311  

Series D, 5.529%, (3 mo. LIBOR US + 0.670%), Perpetual

    2,849,206  
    20,502  

Series C, 6.023%, (3 mo. LIBOR US + 0.750%), Perpetual

    440,793  
    102,476  

Series J, 5.500%, Perpetual (a)

    2,572,148  
    71,720  

Series K, 6.375%, Perpetual (a)

    1,809,496  
              9,267,173  
       

Granite Point Mortgage Trust, Inc.

       
    25,752  

Series A, 7.000%, Perpetual (a)

    451,948  
       

Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.

       
    40,089  

Series G, 6.000%, Perpetual

    992,604  
       

Heartland Financial USA, Inc.

       
    14,403  

Series E, 7.000%, Perpetual (a)

    347,112  
       

Huntington Bancshares, Inc.

       
    37,764  

Series J, 6.875%, Perpetual (a)(b)

    936,547  
       

Invesco Mortgage Capital, Inc.

       
    14,191  

Series B, 7.750%, Perpetual (a)

    292,334  
    24,485  

Series C, 7.500%, Perpetual (a)

    482,110  
              774,444  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

26

 

 

AAM Low Duration Preferred and Income Securities ETF

 

Schedule of Investments
April 30, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

PREFERRED STOCKS — 99.8% (Continued)

       

Financials — 72.6% (c) (Continued)

       

Jackson Financial, Inc.

       
    63,908  

8.000%, Perpetual (a)(b)

  $ 1,593,226  
       

JPMorgan Chase & Company

       
    172,653  

Series DD, 5.750%, Perpetual

    4,352,582  
    188,304  

Series EE, 6.000%, Perpetual

    4,816,816  
              9,169,398  
       

Kemper Corporation

       
    18,782  

5.875%, 03/15/2062 (a)

    362,493  
       

KeyCorp

       
    58,097  

Series E, 6.125%, Perpetual (a)

    1,306,602  
    69,716  

6.200%, Perpetual (a)

    1,547,695  
              2,854,297  
       

M&T Bank Corporation

       
    29,049  

Series H, 5.625%, Perpetual (a)

    669,289  
       

Merchants Bancorp

       
    15,629  

Series B, 6.000%, Perpetual (a)

    322,426  
    17,826  

8.250%, Perpetual (a)

    450,998  
              773,424  
       

MetLife, Inc.

       
    69,716  

Series A, 5.866%, (3 mo. LIBOR US + 1.000%), Perpetual

    1,642,509  
    93,536  

Series E, 5.625%, Perpetual

    2,338,400  
              3,980,909  
       

MFA Financial, Inc.

       
    31,953  

Series C, 6.500%, Perpetual (a)

    586,018  
       

Midland States Bancorp, Inc.

       
    14,393  

7.750%, Perpetual (a)(b)

    331,039  
       

Morgan Stanley

       
    87,278  

Series A, 5.960%, (3 mo. LIBOR US + 0.700%), Perpetual

    1,796,181  
    68,438  

Series E, 7.125%, Perpetual (a)

    1,743,800  
    67,441  

Series F, 6.875%, Perpetual (a)

    1,711,653  
    79,335  

Series I, 6.375%, Perpetual (a)

    1,993,689  
    79,335  

Series K, 5.850%, Perpetual (a)

    1,984,168  
              9,229,491  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

27

 

 

AAM Low Duration Preferred and Income Securities ETF

 

Schedule of Investments
April 30, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

PREFERRED STOCKS — 99.8% (Continued)

       

Financials — 72.6% (c) (Continued)

       

National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation

       
    29,049  

Series US, 5.500%, 05/15/2064

  $ 726,806  
       

New York Community Bancorp, Inc.

       
    59,840  

Series A, 6.375%, Perpetual (a)

    1,400,854  
       

New York Mortgage Trust, Inc.

       
    19,162  

Series D, 8.000%, Perpetual (a)

    384,964  
    23,191  

Series E, 7.875%, Perpetual (a)

    477,735  
    18,003  

Series F, 6.875%, Perpetual (a)

    331,615  
              1,194,314  
       

NewtekOne, Inc.

       
    12,522  

5.500%, 02/01/2026

    314,302  
       

PacWest Bancorp

       
    59,636  

Series A, 7.750%, Perpetual (a)

    936,882  
       

PennyMac Mortgage Investment Trust

       
    14,403  

Series A, 8.125%, Perpetual (a)

    339,046  
    22,659  

Series B, 8.000%, Perpetual (a)

    524,556  
              863,602  
       

Popular Capital Trust II

       
    12,638  

6.125%, 12/01/2034

    325,808  
       

Prudential Financial, Inc.

       
    65,651  

5.625%, 08/15/2058

    1,624,206  
       

Ready Capital Corporation

       
    25,203  

5.750%, 02/15/2026

    579,669  
    13,043  

6.200%, 07/30/2026

    303,250  
              882,919  
       

Regions Financial Corporation

       
    58,097  

Series B, 6.375%, Perpetual (a)

    1,392,004  
    58,097  

Series C, 5.700%, Perpetual (a)

    1,344,365  
              2,736,369  
       

Reinsurance Group of America, Inc.

       
    81,335  

7.125%, 10/15/2052 (a)

    2,135,044  
    46,479  

5.750%, 06/15/2056 (a)

    1,177,313  
              3,312,357  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

28

 

 

AAM Low Duration Preferred and Income Securities ETF

 

Schedule of Investments
April 30, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

PREFERRED STOCKS — 99.8% (Continued)

       

Financials — 72.6% (c) (Continued)

       

Rithm Capital Corporation

       
    19,433  

Series A, 7.500%, Perpetual (a)

  $ 426,943  
    32,711  

Series B, 7.125%, Perpetual (a)

    674,501  
    46,197  

Series C, 6.375%, Perpetual (a)

    856,492  
    54,030  

Series D, 7.000%, Perpetual (a)

    1,078,979  
              3,036,915  
       

Saratoga Investment Corporation

       
    12,259  

Series 2027, 6.000%, 04/30/2027

    286,861  
       

SiriusPoint, Ltd.

       
    23,238  

Series B, 8.000%, Perpetual (a)

    520,996  
       

SLM Corporation

       
    11,619  

Series B, 6.566%, (3 mo. LIBOR US + 1.700%), Perpetual

    715,149  
       

State Street Corporation

       
    87,146  

Series D, 5.900%, Perpetual (a)

    2,117,648  
    58,097  

Series G, 5.350%, Perpetual (a)

    1,476,826  
              3,594,474  
       

Synovus Financial Corporation

       
    23,238  

Series D, 6.300%, Perpetual (a)

    522,158  
    40,668  

Series E, 5.875%, Perpetual (a)

    860,535  
              1,382,693  
       

Trinity Capital, Inc.

       
    21,893  

7.000%, 01/16/2025

    554,988  
       

Truist Financial Corporation

       
    21,598  

Series I, 5.396%, (3 mo. LIBOR US + 0.530%), Perpetual

    437,791  
       

Two Harbors Investment Corporation

       
    15,458  

Series A, 8.125%, Perpetual (a)

    312,870  
    31,120  

Series B, 7.625%, Perpetual (a)

    591,280  
    29,217  

Series C, 7.250%, Perpetual (a)

    555,123  
              1,459,273  
       

U.S. Bancorp

       
    116,194  

Series B, 5.860%, (3 mo. LIBOR US + 0.600%), Perpetual

    2,165,856  
    66,812  

Series K, 5.500%, Perpetual

    1,592,130  
              3,757,986  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

29

 

 

AAM Low Duration Preferred and Income Securities ETF

 

Schedule of Investments
April 30, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

PREFERRED STOCKS — 99.8% (Continued)

       

Financials — 72.6% (c) (Continued)

       

Unum Group

       
    34,860  

6.250%, 06/15/2028

  $ 866,271  
       

Valley National Bancorp

       
    14,403  

Series A, 6.250%, Perpetual (a)

    265,735  
    12,522  

Series B, 8.851%, (3 mo. LIBOR US + 3.578%), Perpetual

    241,925  
              507,660  
       

Voya Financial, Inc.

       
    34,860  

Series B, 5.350%, Perpetual (a)

    850,584  
       

Wells Fargo & Company

       
    200,436  

Series Q, 5.850%, Perpetual (a)

    4,866,586  
    97,604  

Series R, 6.625%, Perpetual (a)

    2,421,555  
              7,288,141  
       

WesBanco, Inc.

       
    18,782  

Series A, 6.750%, Perpetual (a)

    439,123  
       

Western Alliance Bancorp

       
    34,860  

Series A, 4.250%, Perpetual (a)

    550,788  
       

Wintrust Financial Corporation

       
    15,629  

Series D, 6.500%, Perpetual (a)

    377,440  
    33,406  

Series E, 6.875%, Perpetual (a)

    790,720  
              1,168,160  
       

W.R. Berkley Corporation

       
    21,495  

5.700%, 03/30/2058

    532,861  
       

Zions Bancorporation, N.A.

       
    17,322  

Series G, 9.106%, (3 mo. LIBOR US + 4.240%), Perpetual

    413,996  
              142,403,174  
       

Industrials — 2.7%

       
       

Air Lease Corporation

       
    29,049  

Series A, 6.150%, Perpetual (a)

    635,883  
       

Atlas Corporation

       
    14,796  

Series D, 7.950%, Perpetual

    370,640  
    18,782  

Series I, 8.000%, Perpetual (a)

    454,336  
              824,976  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

30

 

 

AAM Low Duration Preferred and Income Securities ETF

 

Schedule of Investments
April 30, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

PREFERRED STOCKS — 99.8% (Continued)

       

Industrials — 2.7% (Continued)

       

Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises, Inc.

       
    22,430  

8.125%, 02/28/2026

  $ 546,171  
    18,951  

6.500%, 12/31/2026

    407,067  
              953,238  
       

Charah Solutions, Inc.

       
    12,700  

8.500%, 08/31/2026

    118,110  
       

FTAI Aviation, Ltd.

       
    13,085  

Series A, 8.250%, Perpetual (a)

    301,086  
    15,477  

Series B, 8.000%, Perpetual (a)

    338,946  
    13,141  

Series C, 8.250%, Perpetual (a)

    302,375  
              942,407  
       

Global Ship Lease, Inc.

       
    13,658  

8.750%, Perpetual

    345,547  
       

Steel Partners Holdings LP

       
    20,101  

Series A, 6.000%, 02/07/2026

    468,554  
       

Textainer Group Holdings, Ltd.

       
    18,782  

7.000%, Perpetual (a)

    454,149  
       

Triton International, Ltd.

       
    18,003  

8.000%, Perpetual

    449,535  
              5,192,399  
       

Information Technology — 0.2%

       
       

Synchronoss Technologies, Inc.

       
       

8.375%, 06/30/2026

    288,980  
              288,980  
       

Real Estate — 1.6%

       
       

American Homes 4 Rent

       
    14,403  

Series H, 6.250%, Perpetual

    364,396  
       

CorEnergy Infrastructure Trust, Inc.

       
    16,224  

Series A, 7.375%, Perpetual

    98,480  
       

Digital Realty Trust, Inc.

       
    24,402  

Series K, 5.850%, Perpetual

    609,318  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

31

 

 

AAM Low Duration Preferred and Income Securities ETF

 

Schedule of Investments
April 30, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

PREFERRED STOCKS — 99.8% (Continued)

       

Real Estate — 1.6% (Continued)

       
       

Public Storage

       
    32,535  

Series F, 5.150%, Perpetual

  $ 801,337  
    33,117  

Series H, 5.600%, Perpetual

    848,458  
              1,649,795  
       

SITE Centers Corporation

       
    20,334  

Series A, 6.375%, Perpetual

    494,929  
              3,216,918  
       

Utilities — 9.9%

       
       

Algonquin Power & Utilities Corporation

       
    40,668  

Series 19-A, 6.200%, 07/01/2079 (a)

    930,484  
    33,406  

6.875%, 10/17/2078 (a)

    773,683  
              1,704,167  
       

CMS Energy Corporation

       
    23,238  

5.625%, 03/15/2078

    582,112  
    32,535  

5.875%, 10/15/2078

    809,145  
    73,202  

5.875%, 03/01/2079

    1,817,606  
              3,208,863  
       

Duke Energy Corporation

       
    116,194  

Series A, 5.750%, Perpetual

    2,991,995  
    58,097  

5.625%, 09/15/2078

    1,455,330  
              4,447,325  
       

Entergy New Orleans, LLC

       
    12,783  

5.500%, 04/01/2066

    315,868  
       

Georgia Power Company

       
    31,374  

Series 2017, 5.000%, 10/01/2077

    784,350  
       

NextEra Energy Capital Holdings, Inc.

       
    79,885  

Series N, 5.650%, 03/01/2079

    2,051,447  
       

NiSource, Inc.

       
    58,097  

Series B, 6.500%, Perpetual (a)

    1,449,520  
       

SCE Trust III

       
    31,953  

Series H, 5.750%, Perpetual (a)

    683,794  
       

SCE Trust IV

       
    37,764  

Series J, 5.375%, Perpetual (a)

    768,497  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

32

 

 

AAM Low Duration Preferred and Income Securities ETF

 

Schedule of Investments
April 30, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

PREFERRED STOCKS — 99.8% (Continued)

       

Utilities — 9.9% (Continued)

       
       

SCE Trust V

       
    34,860  

Series K, 5.450%, Perpetual (a)

  $ 776,681  
       

Southern Company

       
    52,287  

5.250%, 12/01/2077

    1,305,083  
       

Spire, Inc.

       
    29,049  

Series A, 5.900%, Perpetual

    741,040  
       

Tennessee Valley Authority

       
    24,211  

Series A, 4.600%, (30 Year U.S. Treasury + 0.840%), 05/01/2029

    526,589  
    29,802  

Series D, 2.134%, (30 Year U.S. Treasury + 0.940%), 06/01/2028

    661,605  
              1,188,194  
              19,424,829  
       

TOTAL PREFERRED STOCKS (Cost $202,702,929)

    195,604,639  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

33

 

 

AAM Low Duration Preferred and Income Securities ETF

 

Schedule of Investments
April 30, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

Shares   Security Description  Value 
     SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 2.5%     
 4,939,055   Invesco Government & Agency Portfolio, Institutional Class — 4.79% (g)  $4,939,055 
     TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $4,939,055)   4,939,055 
     TOTAL INVESTMENTS (Cost $207,641,984) — 102.3%   200,543,694 
     Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (2.3)%   (4,514,081)
     NET ASSETS — 100.0%  $196,029,613 

 

Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

(a)

Variable or floating rate security based on a reference index and spread. Certain securities are fixed to variable and currently in the fixed phase. Rate disclosed is the rate in effect as of April 30, 2023.

(b)

Non-income producing security.

(c)

To the extent that the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors of the economy, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. See Note 7 in the Notes to Financial Statements.

(d)

Value determined using significant unobservable inputs. Classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

(e)

This security has been deemed illiquid according to the Fund’s liquidity guidelines. The value of this security is $292,123 which represents 0.15% of net assets.

(f)

Security is in default or has failed to make a scheduled dividend payment.

(g)

Rate shown is the annualized seven-day yield as of April 30, 2023.

 

The Global Industry Classifications Standard (GICS®) was developed by and/or is exclusive property of MSCI, Inc. (“MSCI”) and Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”). GICS® is a service mark of MSCI, Inc. and S&P and has been licensed for use by the Fund’s Administrator, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

34

 

 

AAM Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF

 

Schedule of Investments
April 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

COMMON STOCKS — 99.8%

       
       

Communication Services — 2.6%

       
    33,821  

Nexstar Media Group, Inc.

  $ 5,866,252  
                 
       

Consumer Discretionary — 5.4%

       
    18,397  

Advance Auto Parts, Inc.

    2,309,376  
    27,338  

Brunswick Corporation

    2,317,989  
    116,211  

MDC Holdings, Inc.

    4,761,165  
    19,780  

Penske Automotive Group, Inc.

    2,741,112  
              12,129,642  
       

Consumer Staples — 10.9%

       
    62,877  

Conagra Brands, Inc.

    2,386,811  
    80,009  

Inter Parfums, Inc.

    12,144,566  
    26,570  

Lancaster Colony Corporation

    5,556,319  
    161,909  

Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc.

    4,538,309  
              24,626,005  
       

Energy — 1.9%

       
    34,166  

Targa Resources Corporation

    2,580,558  
    71,132  

World Fuel Services Corporation

    1,681,560  
              4,262,118  
       

Financials — 16.3%

       
    62,043  

Evercore, Inc. - Class A

    7,077,245  
    158,561  

First Financial Bancorp

    3,282,213  
    130,488  

First Interstate BancSystem, Inc. - Class A

    3,339,188  
    64,541  

Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.

    4,581,766  
    259,720  

Home BancShares, Inc.

    5,654,104  
    83,961  

Horace Mann Educators Corporation

    2,626,300  
    247,412  

Huntington Bancshares, Inc.

    2,771,014  
    200,320  

Regions Financial Corporation

    3,657,843  
    120,670  

Victory Capital Holdings, Inc. - Class A

    3,685,262  
              36,674,935  
       

Health Care — 7.7%

       
    67,610  

Patterson Companies, Inc.

    1,832,907  
    193,184  

Perrigo Company plc

    7,184,513  
    59,458  

Quest Diagnostics, Inc.

    8,253,365  
              17,270,785  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

35

 

 

AAM Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF

 

Schedule of Investments
April 30, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

COMMON STOCKS — 99.8% (Continued)

       

Industrials — 24.8%

       
    91,211  

Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation

  $ 8,730,717  
    51,978  

Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.

    7,558,121  
    123,414  

CSG Systems International, Inc.

    6,501,449  
    31,221  

Hubbell, Inc.

    8,408,440  
    59,748  

Insperity, Inc.

    7,316,740  
    33,309  

Snap-on, Inc.

    8,640,688  
    24,818  

Watsco, Inc.

    8,596,459  
              55,752,614  
       

Information Technology — 9.1%

       
    104,328  

Amdocs, Ltd.

    9,519,930  
    83,344  

Avnet, Inc.

    3,438,774  
    79,487  

NetApp, Inc.

    4,998,937  
    39,635  

Silicon Motion Technology Corporation - ADR

    2,522,371  
              20,480,012  
       

Materials — 7.7%

       
    25,162  

Avery Dennison Corporation

    4,390,266  
    124,109  

Avient Corporation

    4,779,438  
    17,394  

Packaging Corporation of America

    2,352,712  
    39,297  

RPM International, Inc.

    3,223,533  
    40,765  

Sonoco Products Company

    2,471,174  
              17,217,123  
       

Real Estate — 6.8%

       
    101,346  

Agree Realty Corporation

    6,890,514  
    46,443  

Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.

    3,199,923  
    86,229  

Terreno Realty Corporation

    5,310,844  
              15,401,281  
       

Utilities — 6.6%

       
    95,849  

Alliant Energy Corporation

    5,285,114  
    42,026  

Atmos Energy Corporation

    4,796,848  
    171,357  

NiSource, Inc.

    4,876,820  
              14,958,782  
       

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $219,392,017)

    224,639,549  
                 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

36

 

 

AAM Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF

 

Schedule of Investments
April 30, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

 

Shares

     

Effective
Yield

   

Maturity

   

Value

 
       

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 0.3%

               
       

U.S. Treasury Bills — 0.3%

                       
    204,000  

United States Treasury Bill (a)

    4.94%       7/20/2023     $ 201,768  
    329,000  

United States Treasury Bill (a)

    4.95%       7/25/2023       325,205  
    141,000  

United States Treasury Bill (a)

    5.04%       7/27/2023       139,315  
       

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $666,338)

                    666,289  
       

TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 100.1% (Cost $220,058,355)

                    225,305,838  
       

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (0.1)%

                    (132,115 )
       

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

                  $ 225,173,723  

 

Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

ADR

American Depositary Receipt.

(a)

Zero coupon bond.

 

The Global Industry Classifications Standard (GICS®) was developed by and/or is exclusive property of MSCI, Inc. (“MSCI”) and Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”). GICS® is a service mark of MSCI, Inc. and S&P and has been licensed for use by the Fund’s Administrator, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

37

 

 

AAM Transformers ETF

 

Schedule of Investments
April 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

COMMON STOCKS — 99.9%

       
       

Communication Services — 10.6%

       
    2,111  

Alphabet, Inc. - Class A (a)

  $ 226,595  
    661  

Baidu, Inc. - ADR (a)

    79,723  
    2,095  

Bilibili, Inc. - ADR (a)

    42,654  
    1,785  

Bumble, Inc. - Class A (a)

    32,505  
    959  

Match Group, Inc. (a)

    35,387  
    1,067  

Meta Platforms, Inc. - Class A (a)

    256,422  
    1,180  

NetEase, Inc. - ADR

    105,173  
    1,513  

Pinterest, Inc. - Class A (a)

    34,799  
    3,587  

ROBLOX Corporation - Class A (a)

    127,697  
    1,544  

Sea, Ltd. - ADR (a)

    117,607  
    3,751  

Snap, Inc. - Class A (a)

    32,671  
    342  

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (a)

    42,507  
    2,152  

Tencent Holdings, Ltd. - ADR

    95,463  
    1,870  

TripAdvisor, Inc. (a)

    33,155  
    1,545  

ZoomInfo Technologies, Inc. (a)

    33,851  
              1,296,209  
       

Consumer Discretionary — 16.3%

       
    1,177  

Airbnb, Inc. - Class A (a)

    140,852  
    1,130  

Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd. - ADR (a)

    95,700  
    2,082  

Amazon.com, Inc. (a)

    219,547  
    57  

Booking Holdings, Inc. (a)

    153,120  
    1,749  

BYD Company, Ltd. - ADR

    106,077  
    3,248  

Coupang, Inc. (a)

    54,436  
    2,583  

DoorDash, Inc. - Class A (a)

    158,054  
    328  

Etsy, Inc. (a)

    33,138  
    5,229  

Fisker, Inc. (a)

    33,675  
    1,637  

Global-e Online, Ltd. (a)

    45,639  
    2,136  

JD.com, Inc. - ADR

    76,298  
    1,887  

Li Auto, Inc. - ADR (a)

    44,345  
    4,468  

Lucid Group, Inc. (a)

    35,476  
    2,798  

Meituan - ADR (a)

    95,859  
    83  

MercadoLibre, Inc. (a)

    106,032  
    2,805  

Naspers, Ltd. - ADR

    99,437  
    4,973  

NIO, Inc. - ADR (a)

    39,137  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

38

 

 

AAM Transformers ETF

 

Schedule of Investments
April 30, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

COMMON STOCKS — 99.9% (Continued)

       

Consumer Discretionary — 16.3% (Continued)

    1,060  

PDD Holdings, Inc. - ADR (a)

  $ 72,239  
    6,767  

Prosus NV - ADR

    101,234  
    2,362  

Rivian Automotive, Inc. - Class A (a)

    30,281  
    999  

Tesla, Inc. (a)

    164,146  
    1,223  

Trip.com Group, Ltd. - ADR (a)

    43,429  
    4,922  

XPeng, Inc. - ADR (a)

    46,759  
              1,994,910  
       

Financials — 3.6%

       
    2,931  

Affirm Holdings, Inc. (a)

    28,900  
    1,829  

Block, Inc. (a)

    111,185  
    3,122  

Dlocal, Ltd. (a)

    43,708  
    1,446  

Flywire Corporation (a)

    42,180  
    8,054  

Marqeta, Inc. - Class A (a)

    32,619  
    5,840  

Payoneer Global, Inc. (a)

    31,886  
    2,616  

Remitly Global, Inc. (a)

    43,949  
    5,596  

StoneCo, Ltd. - Class A (a)

    68,943  
    2,125  

Toast, Inc. - Class A (a)

    38,675  
              442,045  
       

Industrials — 14.3%

       
    2,968  

ABB, Ltd. - ADR

    107,115  
    447  

AeroVironment, Inc. (a)

    45,008  
    3,065  

Airbus SE - ADR

    107,398  
    181  

Axon Enterprise, Inc. (a)

    38,139  
    1,761  

Bloom Energy Corporation - Class A (a)

    29,321  
    919  

Boeing Company (a)

    190,031  
    3,609  

ChargePoint Holdings, Inc. (a)

    31,290  
    279  

Chart Industries, Inc. (a)

    37,135  
    3,443  

Embraer SA - ADR (a)

    53,194  
    1,941  

Fluence Energy, Inc. (a)

    35,054  
    5,760  

Full Truck Alliance Company, Ltd. - ADR (a)

    36,864  
    316  

Generac Holdings, Inc. (a)

    32,302  
    14,437  

Grab Holdings, Ltd. - Class A (a)

    42,012  
    849  

HEICO Corporation

    143,175  
    537  

Hexcel Corporation

    38,707  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

39

 

 

AAM Transformers ETF

 

Schedule of Investments
April 30, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

COMMON STOCKS — 99.9% (Continued)

       

Industrials — 14.3% (Continued)

    380  

MTU Aero Engines AG - ADR

  $ 49,829  
    2,885  

Plug Power, Inc. (a)

    26,052  
    162  

RBC Bearings, Inc. (a)

    36,776  
    489  

Rockwell Automation, Inc.

    138,587  
    2,817  

Safran SA - ADR

    109,497  
    3,071  

Schneider Electric SE - ADR

    107,055  
    1,165  

Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. - Class A

    34,670  
    1,608  

Sunrun, Inc. (a)

    33,832  
    2,437  

Symbotic, Inc. (a)

    64,727  
    4,286  

Uber Technologies, Inc. (a)

    133,080  
    4,892  

Vestas Wind Systems AS - ADR

    44,835  
              1,745,685  
       

Information Technology — 51.7% (b)

       
    574  

Adobe, Inc. (a)

    216,719  
    2,423  

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (a)

    216,544  
    881  

Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. (a)

    31,513  
    483  

Ambarella, Inc. (a)

    29,936  
    1,309  

Apple, Inc.

    222,111  
    1,053  

Arista Networks, Inc. (a)

    168,648  
    2,400  

Asana, Inc. - Class A (a)

    38,832  
    571  

Atlassian Corporation - Class A (a)

    84,314  
    714  

Autodesk, Inc. (a)

    139,080  
    308  

Axcelis Technologies, Inc. (a)

    36,436  
    441  

BILL Holdings, Inc. (a)

    33,873  
    1,194  

Braze, Inc. - Class A (a)

    35,104  
    783  

Calix, Inc. (a)

    35,783  
    1,135  

Canadian Solar, Inc. (a)

    42,472  
    6,382  

Chindata Group Holdings, Ltd. - ADR (a)

    40,270  
    813  

Ciena Corporation (a)

    37,431  
    2,407  

Cloudflare, Inc. - Class A (a)

    113,249  
    811  

Cognex Corporation

    38,677  
    907  

Coherent Corporation (a)

    30,965  
    1,544  

Confluent, Inc. - Class A (a)

    33,968  
    1,176  

Crowdstrike Holdings, Inc. - Class A (a)

    141,179  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

40

 

 

AAM Transformers ETF

 

Schedule of Investments
April 30, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

COMMON STOCKS — 99.9% (Continued)

       

Information Technology — 51.7% (b) (Continued)

    313  

CyberArk Software, Ltd. (a)

  $ 39,000  
    1,927  

Datadog, Inc. - Class A (a)

    129,841  
    1,132  

DigitalOcean Holdings, Inc. (a)

    35,703  
    921  

Dynatrace, Inc. (a)

    38,940  
    624  

Elastic NV (a)

    35,724  
    682  

Enphase Energy, Inc. (a)

    111,984  
    460  

Entegris, Inc.

    34,463  
    2,203  

Extreme Networks, Inc. (a)

    39,169  
    389  

Fabrinet (a)

    36,935  
    705  

First Solar, Inc. (a)

    128,719  
    594  

Five9, Inc. (a)

    38,515  
    2,436  

Fortinet, Inc. (a)

    153,590  
    765  

Gitlab, Inc. - Class A (a)

    23,225  
    2,222  

GLOBALFOUNDRIES, Inc. (a)

    130,654  
    277  

Globant SA (a)

    43,453  
    1,262  

HashiCorp, Inc. - Class A (a)

    33,834  
    363  

HubSpot, Inc. (a)

    152,805  
    287  

Impinj, Inc. (a)

    25,374  
    2,769  

Infineon Technologies AG - ADR

    100,792  
    483  

Intuit, Inc.

    214,428  
    314  

IPG Photonics Corporation (a)

    36,104  
    703  

Itron, Inc. (a)

    37,540  
    843  

JinkoSolar Holding Company, Ltd. - ADR (a)

    41,821  
    1,445  

Lasertec Corporation - ADR

    39,810  
    3,365  

Marvell Technology, Inc.

    132,850  
    1,142  

MaxLinear, Inc. (a)

    27,556  
    774  

Microsoft Corporation

    237,819  
    303  

Monday.com, Ltd. (a)

    36,942  
    183  

MongoDB, Inc. (a)

    43,913  
    292  

Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.

    134,895  
    1,463  

nCino, Inc. (a)

    36,180  
    512  

Nova, Ltd. (a)

    46,822  
    827  

NVIDIA Corporation

    229,484  
    468  

Okta, Inc. (a)

    32,072  
    2,214  

Oracle Corporation

    209,710  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

41

 

 

AAM Transformers ETF

 

Schedule of Investments
April 30, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

COMMON STOCKS — 99.9% (Continued)

       

Information Technology — 51.7% (b) (Continued)

    1,299  

PagerDuty, Inc. (a)

  $ 39,048  
    773  

Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (a)

    141,042  
    138  

Paycom Software, Inc. (a)

    40,071  
    209  

Paylocity Holding Corporation (a)

    40,398  
    470  

Power Integrations, Inc.

    34,207  
    594  

Procore Technologies, Inc. (a)

    31,726  
    893  

Rambus, Inc. (a)

    39,596  
    1,059  

Salesforce, Inc. (a)

    210,074  
    2,051  

Samsara, Inc. - Class A (a)

    37,021  
    2,428  

SentinelOne, Inc. - Class A (a)

    39,018  
    333  

ServiceNow, Inc. (a)

    152,987  
    221  

Silicon Laboratories, Inc. (a)

    30,785  
    299  

SiTime Corporation (a)

    32,433  
    883  

Smartsheet, Inc. - Class A (a)

    36,088  
    1,043  

Snowflake, Inc. - Class A (a)

    154,447  
    145  

SolarEdge Technologies, Inc. (a)

    41,416  
    601  

Sprout Social, Inc. - Class A (a)

    29,605  
    408  

Super Micro Computer, Inc. (a)

    43,015  
    1,129  

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd. - ADR

    95,175  
    389  

Teradyne, Inc.

    35,547  
    541  

Twilio, Inc. - Class A (a)

    28,462  
    5,610  

United Microelectronics Corporation - ADR

    45,048  
    1,294  

Unity Software, Inc. (a)

    34,899  
    283  

Universal Display Corporation

    37,769  
    546  

Wolfspeed, Inc. (a)

    25,416  
    772  

Workday, Inc. - Class A (a)

    143,700  
    431  

Workiva, Inc. (a)

    40,264  
    335  

Zscaler, Inc. (a)

    30,184  
              6,327,211  
       

Materials — 2.5%

       
    572  

Albemarle Corporation

    106,083  
    3,385  

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.

    128,326  
    28,742  

Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings, Inc. (a)

    35,065  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

42

 

 

AAM Transformers ETF

 

Schedule of Investments
April 30, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

 

Shares

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

COMMON STOCKS — 99.9% (Continued)

       

Materials — 2.5% (Continued)

    1,646  

Livent Corporation (a)

  $ 35,965  
              305,439  
       

Utilities — 0.9%

       
    1,591  

AES Corporation

    37,643  
    1,652  

Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure plc

    43,976  
    600  

NextEra Energy Partners LP

    34,506  
              116,125  
       

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $11,919,190)

    12,227,624  
                 
       

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 0.1%

       
    13,214  

Invesco Government & Agency Portfolio, Institutional Class — 4.79% (c)

    13,214  
       

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $13,214)

    13,214  
       

TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 100.0% (Cost $11,932,404)

    12,240,838  
       

Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 0.0% (d)

    668  
       

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

  $ 12,241,506  

 

Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

ADR

American Depositary Receipt.

(a)

Non-income producing security.

(b)

To the extent that the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors of the economy, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. See Note 7 in the Notes to Financial Statements.

(c)

Rate shown is the annualized seven-day yield as of April 30, 2023.

(d)

Represents less than 0.05% of net assets.

 

The Global Industry Classifications Standard (GICS®) was developed by and/or is exclusive property of MSCI, Inc. (“MSCI”) and Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”). GICS® is a service mark of MSCI, Inc. and S&P and has been licensed for use by the Fund’s Administrator, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

43

 

 

AAM ETFs

 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities
April 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

 

   

AAM S&P 500
High Dividend
Value ETF

   

AAM S&P
Emerging
Markets High
Dividend
Value ETF

   

AAM S&P
Developed
Markets High
Dividend
Value ETF

 

ASSETS

                       

Investments in securities, at value*

  $ 73,267,187     $ 14,180,469     $ 2,210,453  

Foreign currency, at value*

          48,951        

Dividends and interest receivable

    158,985       53,086       23,817  

Receivable for capital shares sold

                 

Receivable for securities sold

          23,722        

Cash

                 

Total assets

    73,426,172       14,306,228       2,234,270  
                         

LIABILITIES

                       

Payable for securities purchased

                 

Payable for capital shares redeemed

                 

Distribution payable

    236,250       72,000       9,000  

Management fees payable

    17,859       6,037       712  

Total liabilities

    254,109       78,037       9,712  

NET ASSETS

  $ 73,172,063     $ 14,228,191     $ 2,224,558  
                         

Net Assets Consist of:

                       

Paid-in capital

  $ 81,446,494     $ 16,644,625     $ 2,645,471  

Total distributable earnings (accumulated deficit)

    (8,274,431 )     (2,416,434 )     (420,913 )

Net assets

  $ 73,172,063     $ 14,228,191     $ 2,224,558  
                         

Net Asset Value:

                       

Net assets

  $ 73,172,063     $ 14,228,191     $ 2,224,558  

Shares outstanding ^

    2,625,000       800,000       100,000  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

  $ 27.88     $ 17.79     $ 22.25  

* Identified Cost:

                       

Investments in Securities

  $ 79,344,353     $ 14,715,179     $ 2,244,329  

Foreign Currency

          48,951        

 

^

No par value, unlimited number of shares authorized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

44

 

 

AAM ETFs

 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities
April 30, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

   

AAM Low
Duration
Preferred
and Income
Securities ETF

   

AAM Bahl &
Gaynor
Small/Mid
Cap Income
Growth ETF

   

AAM
Transformers
ETF

 

ASSETS

                       

Investments in securities, at value*

  $ 200,543,694     $ 225,305,838     $ 12,240,838  

Foreign currency, at value*

                 

Dividends and interest receivable

    736,710       162,633       5,751  

Receivable for capital shares sold

    1,566,015       4,666,820        

Receivable for securities sold

    24,646,021              

Cash

          71,823        

Total assets

    227,492,440       230,207,114       12,246,589  
                         

LIABILITIES

                       

Payable for securities purchased

    18,375,922       4,620,015        

Payable for capital shares redeemed

    12,006,115              

Distribution payable

    1,004,700       309,090        

Management fees payable

    76,090       104,286       5,083  

Total liabilities

    31,462,827       5,033,391       5,083  

NET ASSETS

  $ 196,029,613     $ 225,173,723     $ 12,241,506  
                         

Net Assets Consist of:

                       

Paid-in capital

  $ 225,586,488     $ 228,352,358     $ 12,311,090  

Total distributable earnings (accumulated deficit)

    (29,556,875 )     (3,178,635 )     (69,584 )

Net assets

  $ 196,029,613     $ 225,173,723     $ 12,241,506  
                         

Net Asset Value:

                       

Net assets

  $ 196,029,613     $ 225,173,723     $ 12,241,506  

Shares outstanding ^

    9,350,000       9,650,000       500,000  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

  $ 20.97     $ 23.33     $ 24.48  

* Identified Cost:

                       

Investments in Securities

  $ 207,641,984     $ 220,058,355     $ 11,932,404  

Foreign Currency

                 

 

^

No par value, unlimited number of shares authorized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

45

 

 

AAM ETFs

 

Statements of Operations
For the Six-Months Ended April 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

 

   

AAM S&P 500
High Dividend
Value ETF

   

AAM S&P
Emerging
Markets High
Dividend
Value ETF

   

AAM S&P
Developed
Markets High
Dividend
Value ETF

 

INCOME

                       

Dividends^

  $ 1,579,948     $ 211,973     $ 76,290  

Interest

    4,494       1,597       129  

Total investment income

    1,584,442       213,570       76,419  
                         

EXPENSES

                       

Management fees

    108,012       25,924       4,101  

Tax expense

                 

Total expenses

    108,012       25,924       4,101  

Net investment income (loss)

    1,476,430       187,646       72,318  
                         

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS

                       

Net realized gain (loss) on:

                       

Investments

    (705,676 )     (429,601 )     (29,057 )

In-kind redemptions

    635,126       61,499        

Foreign currency

          (13,875 )     (914 )

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

                       

Investments

    (1,940,400 )     1,479,112       402,702  

Foreign currency

          84       117  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

    (2,010,950 )     1,097,219       372,848  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (534,520 )   $ 1,284,865     $ 445,166  

 

^

Net of foreign withholding taxes

$ 749

$ 31,035

$ 11,850

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

46

 

 

AAM ETFs

 

Statements of Operations
For the Six-Months Ended April 30, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

   

AAM Low
Duration
Preferred
and Income
Securities ETF

   

AAM Bahl
& Gaynor
Small/Mid
Cap Income
Growth ETF

   

AAM
Transformers
ETF

 

INCOME

                       

Dividends^

  $ 6,235,210     $ 2,432,118     $ 14,435  

Interest

    37,504       10,658       135  

Total investment income

    6,272,714       2,442,776       14,570  
                         

EXPENSES

                       

Management fees

    416,503       531,909       22,866  

Tax expense

    16,469              

Total expenses

    432,972       531,909       22,866  

Net investment income (loss)

    5,839,742       1,910,867       (8,296 )
                         

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS

                       

Net realized gain (loss) on:

                       

Investments

    (7,579,115 )     (4,079,203 )     (606,967 )

In-kind redemptions

    724,379       1,161,676       356,450  

Foreign currency

                 

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

                       

Investments

    8,001,759       5,012,969       871,246  

Foreign currency

                 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

    1,147,023       2,095,442       620,729  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 6,986,765     $ 4,006,309     $ 612,433  

 

^

Net of foreign withholding taxes

$ 1,044

$ —

$ 844

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

47

 

 

AAM S&P 500 High Dividend Value ETF

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

   

Six-Months
Ended
April 30, 2023
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
October 31,
2022

 

OPERATIONS

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 1,476,430     $ 2,158,441  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (70,550 )     2,622,119  

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    (1,940,400 )     (7,543,894 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (534,520 )     (2,763,334 )
                 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS

               

Net distributions to shareholders

    (1,550,070 )     (2,174,972 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (1,550,070 )     (2,174,972 )
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    14,186,660       31,157,055  

Payments for shares redeemed

    (6,498,312 )     (4,250,803 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets derived from capital share transactions (a)

    7,688,348       26,906,252  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

  $ 5,603,758     $ 21,967,946  
                 

NET ASSETS

               

Beginning of period/year

  $ 67,568,305     $ 45,600,359  

End of period/year

  $ 73,172,063     $ 67,568,305  

 

(a)

A summary of capital share transactions is as follows:

 

   

Shares

   

Shares

 

Shares sold

    475,000       1,000,000  

Shares redeemed

    (225,000 )     (150,000 )

Net increase (decrease)

    250,000       850,000  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

48

 

 

AAM S&P Emerging Markets High Dividend Value ETF

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

   

Six-Months
Ended
April 30, 2023
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
October 31,
2022

 

OPERATIONS

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 187,646     $ 512,443  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

    (381,977 )     (652,555 )

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and foreign currency

    1,479,196       (1,705,884 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    1,284,865       (1,845,996 )
                 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS

               

Net distributions to shareholders

    (358,982 )     (526,722 )

Tax return of capital to shareholders

          (17,084 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (358,982 )     (543,806 )
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    10,177,013       806,693  

Transaction fees (Note 7)

    15,874       72  

Payments for shares redeemed

    (2,603,925 )     (428,448 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets derived from capital share transactions (a)

    7,588,962       378,317  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

  $ 8,514,845     $ (2,011,485 )
                 

NET ASSETS

               

Beginning of period/year

  $ 5,713,346     $ 7,724,831  

End of period/year

  $ 14,228,191     $ 5,713,346  

 

(a)

A summary of capital share transactions is as follows:

 

   

Shares

   

Shares

 

Shares sold

    575,000       50,000  

Shares redeemed

    (150,000 )     (25,000 )

Net increase (decrease)

    425,000       25,000  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

49

 

 

AAM S&P Developed Markets High Dividend Value ETF

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

   

Six-Months
Ended
April 30, 2023
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
October 31,
2022

 

OPERATIONS

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 72,318     $ 114,461  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

    (29,971 )     (75,512 )

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and foreign currency

    402,819       (487,976 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    445,166       (449,027 )
                 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS

               

Net distributions to shareholders

    (54,544 )     (116,160 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (54,544 )     (116,160 )
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

               

Proceeds from shares sold

           

Payments for shares redeemed

           

Net increase (decrease) in net assets derived from capital share transactions (a)

           

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

  $ 390,622     $ (565,187 )
                 

NET ASSETS

               

Beginning of period/year

  $ 1,833,936     $ 2,399,123  

End of period/year

  $ 2,224,558     $ 1,833,936  

 

(a)

A summary of capital share transactions is as follows:

 

   

Shares

   

Shares

 

Shares sold

           

Shares redeemed

           

Net increase (decrease)

           

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

50

 

 

AAM Low Duration Preferred and Income Securities ETF

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

   

Six-Months
Ended
April 30, 2023
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
October 31,
2022

 

OPERATIONS

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 5,839,742     $ 7,479,608  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (6,854,736 )     (14,610,582 )

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    8,001,759       (15,422,799 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    6,986,765       (22,553,773 )
                 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS

               

Net distributions to shareholders

    (5,946,162 )     (7,310,796 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (5,946,162 )     (7,310,796 )
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    53,356,950       101,584,732  

Payments for shares redeemed

    (15,731,998 )     (9,588,535 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets derived from capital share transactions (a)

    37,624,952       91,996,197  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

  $ 38,665,555     $ 62,131,628  
                 

NET ASSETS

               

Beginning of period/year

  $ 157,364,058     $ 95,232,430  

End of period/year

  $ 196,029,613     $ 157,364,058  

 

(a)

A summary of capital share transactions is as follows:

 

   

Shares

   

Shares

 

Shares sold

    2,500,000       4,225,000  

Shares redeemed

    (750,000 )     (400,000 )

Net increase (decrease)

    1,750,000       3,825,000  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

51

 

 

AAM Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

   

Six-Months
Ended
April 30, 2023
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
October 31,
2022

 

OPERATIONS

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 1,910,867     $ 1,414,981  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (2,917,527 )     (4,100,513 )

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    5,012,969       270,223  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    4,006,309       (2,415,309 )
                 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS

               

Net distributions to shareholders

    (1,778,536 )     (1,410,389 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (1,778,536 )     (1,410,389 )
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    87,515,356       159,020,886  

Payments for shares redeemed

    (6,059,634 )     (20,444,657 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets derived from capital share transactions (a)

    81,455,722       138,576,229  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

  $ 83,683,495     $ 134,750,531  
                 

NET ASSETS

               

Beginning of period/year

  $ 141,490,228     $ 6,739,697  

End of period/year

  $ 225,173,723     $ 141,490,228  

 

(a)

A summary of capital share transactions is as follows:

 

   

Shares

   

Shares

 

Shares sold

    3,760,000       6,730,000  

Shares redeemed

    (260,000 )     (850,000 )

Net increase (decrease)

    3,500,000       5,880,000  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

52

 

 

AAM Transformers ETF

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

   

Six-Months
Ended
April 30, 2023
(Unaudited)

   

Period Ended
October 31,
2022*

 

OPERATIONS

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ (8,296 )   $ (4,898 )

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (250,517 )     (25,004 )

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    871,246       (562,812 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    612,433       (592,714 )
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    10,631,020       6,380,855  

Transaction fees (Note 7)

    2        

Payments for shares redeemed

    (2,378,700 )     (2,411,390 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets derived from capital share transactions (a)

    8,252,322       3,969,465  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

  $ 8,864,755     $ 3,376,751  
                 

NET ASSETS

               

Beginning of period

  $ 3,376,751     $  

End of period

  $ 12,241,506     $ 3,376,751  

 

(a)

A summary of capital share transactions is as follows:

 

   

Shares

   

Shares

 

Shares sold

    450,000       250,000  

Shares redeemed

    (100,000 )     (100,000 )

Net increase (decrease)

    350,000       150,000  

 

*

Fund commenced operations on July 11, 2022. The information presented is for the period from July 11, 2022 to October 31, 2022.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

53

 

 

AAM S&P 500 High Dividend Value ETF

 

Financial Highlights
For a capital share outstanding throughout the period/year

 

 

   

Six-Months
Ended
April 30,

2023

   

Year Ended October 31,

   

Period
Ended
October 31,

 
   

(Unaudited)

   

2022

   

2021

   

2020

   

2019

   

2018(1)

 

Net asset value, beginning of period/year

  $ 28.45     $ 29.90     $ 21.14     $ 26.54     $ 25.83     $ 25.00  
                                                 

INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

                                               

Net investment income (loss) (2)

    0.57       1.07       0.91       0.95       0.97       0.75  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments (3)

    (0.54 )     (1.44 )     8.79       (5.28 )     0.64       0.76  

Total from investment operations

    0.03       (0.37 )     9.70       (4.33 )     1.61       1.51  
                                                 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

                                               

Distributions from:

                                               

Net investment income

    (0.60 )     (1.08 )     (0.94 )     (1.07 )     (0.90 )     (0.68 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (0.60 )     (1.08 )     (0.94 )     (1.07 )     (0.90 )     (0.68 )
                                                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

                                               

Transaction fees (Note 6)

                                  0.00 (4) 

Net asset value, end of period/year

  $ 27.88     $ 28.45     $ 29.90     $ 21.14     $ 26.54     $ 25.83  
                                                 

Total return

    0.03 %(5)     -1.37 %     46.23 %     -16.47 %     6.44 %     5.98 %(5)
                                                 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

54

 

 

AAM S&P 500 High Dividend Value ETF

 

Financial Highlights
For a capital share outstanding throughout the period/year (Continued)

 

 

   

Six-Months
Ended
April 30,

2023

   

Year Ended October 31,

   

Period
Ended
October 31,

 
   

(Unaudited)

   

2022

   

2021

   

2020

   

2019

   

2018(1)

 

SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:

                                               

Net assets at end of period/year (000’s)

  $ 73,172     $ 67,568     $ 45,600     $ 23,788     $ 37,150     $ 19,370  
                                                 

RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:

                                               

Expenses to average net assets

    0.29 %(6)     0.29 %     0.29 %     0.29 %     0.29 %     0.29 %(6)

Net investment income (loss) to average net assets

    3.96 %(6)     3.57 %     3.19 %     4.06 %     3.78 %     3.05 %(6)

Portfolio turnover rate (7)

    31 %(5)     68 %     69 %     84 %     42 %     38 %(5)

 

(1)

Commencement of operations on November 28, 2017.

(2)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period.

(3)

Realized and unrealized gains and losses per share in this caption are balancing amounts necessary to reconcile the change in net asset value per share for the period, and may not reconcile with the aggregate gains and losses in the Statement of Operations due to share transactions for the period.

(4)

Less than $0.005.

(5)

Not annualized.

(6)

Annualized

(7)

Excludes the impact of in-kind transactions.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

55

 

 

AAM S&P Emerging Markets High Dividend Value ETF

 

Financial Highlights
For a capital share outstanding throughout the period/year

 

 

   

Six-Months
Ended
April 30,

2023

   

Year Ended October 31,

   

Period
Ended
October 31,

 
   

(Unaudited)

   

2022

   

2021

   

2020

   

2019

   

2018(1)

 

Net asset value, beginning of period/year

  $ 15.24     $ 22.07     $ 17.49     $ 21.39     $ 21.75     $ 25.00  
                                                 

INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

                                               

Net investment income (loss) (2)

    0.31       1.47       1.32       0.93       1.01       1.13  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments (3)

    2.78       (6.74 )(4)     4.36       (3.57 )     (0.51 )     (3.55 )

Total from investment operations

    3.09       (5.27 )     5.68       (2.64 )     0.50       (2.42 )
                                                 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

                                               

Distributions from:

                                               

Net investment income

    (0.57 )     (1.51 )     (1.13 )     (1.26 )     (0.87 )     (0.93 )

Tax return of capital to shareholders

          (0.05 )                        

Total distributions to shareholders

    (0.57 )     (1.56 )     (1.13 )     (1.26 )     (0.87 )     (0.93 )
                                                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

                                               

Transaction fees (Note 6)

    0.03       0.00 (5)      0.03             0.01       0.10  

Net asset value, end of period/year

  $ 17.79     $ 15.24     $ 22.07     $ 17.49     $ 21.39     $ 21.75  
                                                 

Total return

    20.60 %(7)     -25.14 %(6)     32.74 %     -12.83 %     2.40 %     -9.65 %(7)
                                                 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

56

 

 

AAM S&P Emerging Markets High Dividend Value ETF

 

Financial Highlights
For a capital share outstanding throughout the period/year (Continued)

 

 

   

Six-Months
Ended
April 30,

2023

   

Year Ended October 31,

   

Period
Ended
October 31,

 
   

(Unaudited)

   

2022

   

2021

   

2020

   

2019

   

2018(1)

 

SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:

                                               

Net assets at end of period/year (000’s)

  $ 14,228     $ 5,713     $ 7,725     $ 5,686     $ 3,209     $ 2,175  
                                                 

RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:

                                               

Expenses to average net assets

    0.49 %(8)     0.49 %     0.49 %     0.49 %     0.49 %     0.49 %(8)

Net investment income (loss) to average net assets

    3.55 %(8)     7.46 %     5.89 %     4.99 %     4.61 %     4.95 %(8)

Portfolio turnover rate (9)

    77 %(7)     123 %     139 %     121 %     124 %     104 %(7)

 

(1)

Commencement of operations on November 28, 2017.

(2)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period.

(3)

Realized and unrealized gains and losses per share in this caption are balancing amounts necessary to reconcile the change in net asset value per share for the period, and may not reconcile with the aggregate gains and losses in the Statement of Operations due to share transactions for the period.

(4)

Includes $0.14 gain per share derived from payment from Sub-Adviser.

(5)

Less than $0.005.

(6)

The Fund had a trade error during the year resulting in a loss to the Fund of $47,299, which was subsequently reimbursed to the Fund by the Sub-Adviser. The total return for the year would have been -25.80% before the reimbursement.

(7)

Not annualized.

(8)

Annualized.

(9)

Excludes the impact of in-kind transactions.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

57

 

 

AAM S&P Developed Markets High Dividend Value ETF

 

Financial Highlights
For a capital share outstanding throughout the period/year

 

 

   

Six-Months
Ended
April 30,

   

Year Ended October 31,

   

Period
Ended
October 31,

 
   

(Unaudited)

   

2022

   

2021

   

2020

   

2019(1)

 

Net asset value, beginning of period/year

  $ 18.34     $ 23.99     $ 18.49     $ 25.35     $ 24.83  
                                         

INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

                                       

Net investment income (loss) (2)

    0.72       1.14       0.99       0.64       1.07  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments (3)

    3.74       (5.63 )     5.53       (6.18 )     0.29  

Total from investment operations

    4.46       (4.49 )     6.52       (5.54 )     1.36  
                                         

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

                                       

Distributions from:

                                       

Net investment income

    (0.55 )     (1.16 )     (1.02 )     (1.32 )     (0.84 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (0.55 )     (1.16 )     (1.02 )     (1.32 )     (0.84 )
                                         

Net asset value, end of period/year

  $ 22.25     $ 18.34     $ 23.99     $ 18.49     $ 25.35  
                                         

Total return

    24.44 %(4)     -19.34 %     35.49 %     -22.83 %     5.64 %(4)
                                         

SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:

                                       

Net assets at end of period/year (000’s)

  $ 2,225     $ 1,834     $ 2,399     $ 1,849     $ 2,535  
                                         

RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:

                                       

Expenses to average net assets

    0.39 %(5)     0.39 %     0.39 %     0.39 %     0.39 %(5)

Net investment income (loss) to average net assets

    6.88 %(5)     5.22 %     4.14 %     3.03 %     4.65 %(5)

Portfolio turnover rate (6)

    48 %(4)     100 %     96 %     106 %     87 %(4)

 

(1)

Commencement of operations on November 27, 2018.

(2)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period.

(3)

Realized and unrealized gains and losses per share in this caption are balancing amounts necessary to reconcile the change in net asset value per share for the period, and may not reconcile with the aggregate gains and losses in the Statement of Operations due to share transactions for the period.

(4)

Not annualized.

(5)

Annualized.

(6)

Excludes the impact of in-kind transactions.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

58

 

 

AAM Low Duration Preferred and Income Securities ETF

 

Financial Highlights
For a capital share outstanding throughout the period/year

 

 

   

Six-Months
Ended
April 30,

2023

   

Year Ended October 31,

   

Period
Ended
October 31,

 
   

(Unaudited)

   

2022

   

2021

   

2020(1)

 

Net asset value, beginning of period/year

  $ 20.71     $ 25.23     $ 24.07     $ 24.97  
                                 

INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

                               

Net investment income (loss) (2)

    0.67       1.18       1.05       1.17  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments (3)

    0.26       (4.56 )     1.35       (0.98 )

Total from investment operations

    0.93       (3.38 )     2.40       0.19  
                                 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

                               

Distributions from:

                               

Net investment income

    (0.67 )     (1.14 )     (1.24 )     (1.10 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (0.67 )     (1.14 )     (1.24 )     (1.10 )
                                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

                               

Transaction fees (Note 6)

                0.00 (4)      0.01  

Net asset value, end of period/year

  $ 20.97     $ 20.71     $ 25.23     $ 24.07  
                                 

Total return

    4.47 %(5)     -13.72 %     10.08 %     0.98 %(5)
                                 

SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:

                               

Net assets at end of period/year (000’s)

  $ 196,030     $ 157,364     $ 95,232     $ 3,611  
                                 

RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:

                               

Expenses to average net assets

    0.47 %(6)     0.45 %     0.45 %     0.45 %(6)

Net investment income (loss) to average net assets

    6.31 %(6)     5.74 %     4.33 %     5.15 %(6)

Portfolio turnover rate (7)

    60 %(5)     154 %     199 %     202 %(5)

 

(1)

Commencement of operations on November 19, 2019.

(2)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period.

(3)

Realized and unrealized gains and losses per share in this caption are balancing amounts necessary to reconcile the change in net asset value per share for the period, and may not reconcile with the aggregate gains and losses in the Statement of Operations due to share transactions for the period.

(4)

Less than $0.005.

(5)

Not annualized.

(6)

Annualized.

(7)

Excludes the impact of in-kind transactions.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

59

 

 

AAM Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF

 

Financial Highlights
For a capital share outstanding throughout the period/year

 

 

   

Six-Months
Ended
April 30,
2023
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
October 31,
2022

   

Period
Ended
October 31,
2021
(1)

 

Net asset value, beginning of period/year

  $ 23.01     $ 24.96     $ 25.10  
                         

INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

                       

Net investment income (loss) (2)

    0.25       0.48       0.08  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments (3)

    0.30       (2.01 )     (0.15 )

Total from investment operations

    0.55       (1.53 )     (0.07 )
                         

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

                       

Distributions from:

                       

Net investment income

    (0.23 )     (0.42 )     (0.07 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (0.23 )     (0.42 )     (0.07 )
                         

Net asset value, end of period/year

  $ 23.33     $ 23.01     $ 24.96  
                         

Total return

    2.43 %(4)     -6.16 %     -0.27 %(4)
                         

SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:

                       

Net assets at end of period/year (000’s)

  $ 225,174     $ 141,490     $ 6,740  
                         

RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:

                       

Expenses to average net assets

    0.60 %(5)     0.60 %     0.60 %(5)

Net investment income (loss) to average net assets

    2.16 %(5)     2.08 %     1.70 %(5)

Portfolio turnover rate (6)

    9 %(4)     31 %     5 %(4)

 

(1)

Commencement of operations on August 25, 2021.

(2)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period.

(3)

Realized and unrealized gains and losses per share in this caption are balancing amounts necessary to reconcile the change in net asset value per share for the period, and may not reconcile with the aggregate gains and losses in the Statement of Operations due to share transactions for the period.

(4)

Not annualized.

(5)

Annualized.

(6)

Excludes the impact of in-kind transactions.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

60

 

 

AAM Transformers ETF

 

Financial Highlights
For a capital share outstanding throughout the period

 

 

   

Six-Months
Ended
April 30,
2023
(Unaudited)

   

Period
Ended
October 31,
2022
(1)

 

Net asset value, beginning of period/year

  $ 22.51     $ 24.00  
                 

INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income (loss) (2)

    (0.02 )     (0.03 )

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments (3)

    1.99       (1.46 )

Total from investment operations

    1.97       (1.49 )
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

               

Transaction fees (Note 6)

    0.00 (6)       

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 24.48     $ 22.51  
                 

Total return

    8.76 %(4)     -6.20 %(4)
                 

SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:

               

Net assets at end of period/year (000’s)

  $ 12,242     $ 3,377  
                 

RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:

               

Expenses to average net assets

    0.49 %(5)     0.49 %(5)

Net investment income (loss) to average net assets

    -0.18 %(5)     -0.34 %(5)

Portfolio turnover rate (7)

    45 %(4)     27 %(4)

 

(1)

Commencement of operations on July 11, 2022.

(2)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period.

(3)

Realized and unrealized gains and losses per share in this caption are balancing amounts necessary to reconcile the change in net asset value per share for the period, and may not reconcile with the aggregate gains and losses in the Statement of Operations due to share transactions for the period.

(4)

Not annualized.

(5)

Annualized.

(6)

Less than $0.005.

(7)

Excludes the impact of in-kind transactions.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

61

 

 

AAM ETFs

 

Notes to Financial Statements
April 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

 

NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION

 

AAM S&P 500 High Dividend Value ETF, AAM S&P Emerging Markets High Dividend Value ETF, AAM S&P Developed Markets High Dividend Value ETF, AAM Low Duration Preferred and Income Securities ETF, AAM Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF and AAM Transformers ETF (individually each a “Fund” or collectively the “Funds”) are each a diversified series of ETF Series Solutions (“ESS” or the “Trust”), an open-end management investment company consisting of multiple investment series, organized as a Delaware statutory trust on February 9, 2012. The Trust is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company and the offering of the Funds’ shares is registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The investment objective of the AAM S&P 500 High Dividend Value ETF is to track the performance, before fees and expenses, of the S&P 500 Dividend and Free Cash Flow Yield Index. The investment objective of the AAM S&P Emerging Markets High Dividend Value ETF is to track the performance, before fees and expenses, of the S&P Emerging Markets Dividend and Free Cash Flow Yield Index. The investment objective of the AAM S&P Developed Markets High Dividend Value ETF is to track the performance, before fees and expenses, of the S&P Developed Ex-US Dividend and Free Cash Flow Yield Index. The investment objective of the AAM Low Duration Preferred and Income Securities ETF is to track the total return performance, before fees and expenses, of the ICE 0-5 Year Duration Exchange-Listed Preferred and Hybrid Securities Index. The investment objective of the AAM Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF is to seek current and growing dividend income, downside protection, and long-term capital appreciation. The investment objective of the AAM Transformers ETF is to track the total return performance, before fees and expenses, of the Pence Transformers Index. The Funds commenced operations on the following dates:

 

AAM S&P 500 High Dividend Value ETF

    November 28, 2017  

AAM S&P Emerging Markets High Dividend Value ETF

    November 28, 2017  

AAM S&P Developed Markets High Dividend Value ETF

    November 27, 2018  

AAM Low Duration Preferred and Income Securities ETF

    November 19, 2019  

AAM Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF

    August 25, 2021  

AAM Transformers ETF

    July 11, 2022  

 

The end of the reporting period for the Funds is April 30, 2023. The period covered by these Notes to Financial Statements is the fiscal period from November 1, 2022 to April 30, 2023 (the “current fiscal period”).

 

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AAM ETFs

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
April 30, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

NOTE 2 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The Funds are investment companies and accordingly follow the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 946 Financial Services-Investment Companies.

 

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Funds. These policies are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).

 

 

A.

Security Valuation. All equity securities, including domestic and foreign common stocks, preferred stocks, and exchange traded funds that are traded on a national securities exchange, except those listed on The Nasdaq Stock Market®, Nasdaq Global Select Markets® and Nasdaq Capital Market Exchange® (collectively, “Nasdaq”) are valued at the last reported sale price on the exchange on which the security is principally traded. Securities traded on Nasdaq will be valued at the Nasdaq Official Closing Price (“NOCP”). If, on a particular day, an exchange-traded or Nasdaq security does not trade, then the mean between the most recent quoted bid and asked prices will be used. All equity securities that are not traded on a listed exchange are valued at the last sale price in the over-the-counter market. If a non-exchange traded security does not trade on a particular day, then the mean between the last quoted closing bid and asked price will be used. Prices denominated in foreign currencies are converted to U.S. dollar equivalents at the current exchange rate, which approximates fair value.

 

Investments in mutual funds, including money market funds, are valued at their net asset value (“NAV”) per share.

 

Debt securities, including short-term debt instruments, are valued in accordance with prices provided by a pricing service. Pricing services may use various valuation methodologies such as the mean between the bid and asked prices, matrix pricing and other analytical pricing models as well as market transactions and dealer quotations.

 

Securities for which quotations are not readily available are valued at their respective fair values in accordance with pricing procedures adopted by the Funds’ Board of Trustees (the “Board”). When a security is “fair valued,” consideration is given to the facts and circumstances relevant to the particular situation, including a review of various factors set forth in the pricing procedures adopted by the Board. The use of fair value pricing by the Funds may cause the NAV of their shares to differ significantly from the NAV that would be calculated without regard to such considerations.

 

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AAM ETFs

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
April 30, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

As described above, the Funds utilize various methods to measure the fair value of their investments on a recurring basis. U.S. GAAP establishes a hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuations methods. The three levels of inputs are:

 

 

Level 1

– Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Funds have the ability to access.

 

 

Level 2

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

 

 

Level 3

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

 

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

 

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

 

64

 

 

AAM ETFs

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
April 30, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Funds’ investments as of the end of the current fiscal period:

 

AAM S&P 500 High Dividend Value ETF

 

Assets^

 

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

   

Total

 

Common Stocks

  $ 72,944,650     $     $     $ 72,944,650  

Short-Term Investments

    322,537                   322,537  

Total Investments in Securities

  $ 73,267,187     $     $     $ 73,267,187  

 

^

See Schedule of Investments for breakout of investments by sector classification.

 

AAM S&P Emerging Markets High Dividend Value ETF

 

Assets^

 

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

   

Total

 

Common Stocks

  $ 13,286,699     $     $ 0     $ 13,286,699  

Preferred Stocks

    843,248                   843,248  

Short-Term Investments

    50,522                   50,522  

Total Investments in Securities

  $ 14,180,469     $     $ 0     $ 14,180,469  

 

^

See Schedule of Investments for breakout of investments by country.

 

AAM S&P Developed Markets High Dividend Value ETF

 

Assets^

 

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

   

Total

 

Common Stocks

  $ 2,111,690     $     $     $ 2,111,690  

Preferred Stocks

    85,091                   85,091  

Short-Term Investments

    13,672                   13,672  

Total Investments in Securities

  $ 2,210,453     $     $     $ 2,210,453  

 

^

See Schedule of Investments for breakout of investments by country.

 

AAM Low Duration Preferred and Income Securities ETF

 

Assets^

 

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

   

Total

 

Preferred Stocks

  $ 195,312,516     $     $ 292,123     $ 195,604,639  

Short-Term Investments

    4,939,055                   4,939,055  

Total Investments in Securities

  $ 200,251,571     $     $ 292,123     $ 200,543,694  

 

^

See Schedule of Investments for breakout of investments by sector classification.

 

65

 

 

AAM ETFs

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
April 30, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

AAM Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF

 

Assets^

 

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

   

Total

 

Common Stocks

  $ 224,639,549     $     $     $ 224,639,549  

Short-Term Investments

          666,289             666,289  

Total Investments in Securities

  $ 224,639,549     $ 666,289     $     $ 225,305,838  

 

^

See Schedule of Investments for breakout of investments by sector classification.

 

AAM Transformers ETF

 

Assets^

 

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

   

Total

 

Common Stocks

  $ 12,227,624     $     $     $ 12,227,624  

Short-Term Investments

    13,214                   13,214  

Total Investments in Securities

  $ 12,240,838     $     $     $ 12,240,838  

 

^

See Schedule of Investments for breakout of investments by sector classification.

 

During the current fiscal period AAM S&P 500 High Dividend Value ETF, AAM S&P Developed Markets High Dividend Value ETF, AAM Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF and AAM Transformers ETF did not recognize any transfers to or from Level 3. Transfers are recognized at the end of the current fiscal period.

 

The following is a reconciliation of investments in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value in AAM S&P Emerging Markets High Dividend Value ETF:

 

   

Common
Stocks

 

Balance as of 10/31/2022

  $ 0  

Net Realized Gain (Loss)

    (274,953 )

Change in Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)

    304,888  

Purchases

     

Sales

    (29,935 )

Transfers Into Level 3

     

Transfers Out of Level 3

     

Balance as of 4/30/2023

  $ 0  

 

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AAM ETFs

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
April 30, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

The following is a summary of quantitative information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements in AAM Emerging Markets High Dividend Value ETF:

 

   Common
Stocks
Fair Value as of 4/30/2023  $0
Valuation Techniques  Market comparable companies
Unobservable Input  Discount for lack of marketability
Impact to valuation from an increase to input*  Decrease

 

*

The table presents information for three securities. China Evergrande Group, Shimao Group Holdings, Ltd., and X5 Retail Group NV have been valued at $0 throughout the current fiscal period.

 

The following is a reconciliation of investments in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value in AAM Low Duration Preferred and Income Securities ETF:

 

   

Preferred
Stocks

 

Balance as of 10/31/2022

  $ 0  

Net Realized Gain (Loss)

    (174,466 )

Change in Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)

    174,466  

Purchases

     

Sales

    0  

Transfers Into Level 3

    292,123  

Transfers Out of Level 3

     

Balance as of 4/30/2023

  $ 292,123  

 

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AAM ETFs

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
April 30, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

The following is a summary of quantitative information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements in AAM Low Duration Preferred and Income Securities ETF:

 

   Preferred
Stocks
Fair Value as of 4/30/2023  $292,123
Valuation Techniques  Market comparable companies
Unobservable Input  Discount for lack of marketability
Impact to valuation from an increase to input*  Decrease

 

*

Cowen, Inc. has been valued between $24.98 and $25.65 per share throughout the current fiscal period.

 

 

B.

Federal Income Taxes. The Funds’ policy is to comply with the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all of their net investment income and net capital gains to shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required. Each Fund plans to file U.S. Federal and applicable state and local tax returns.

 

Each Fund recognizes the tax benefits of uncertain tax positions only when the position is more likely than not to be sustained. Management has analyzed each Fund’s uncertain tax positions and concluded that no liability for unrecognized tax benefits should be recorded related to uncertain tax positions. Management is not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will change materially in the next 12 months. Income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP. The Funds recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits on uncertain tax positions as income tax expenses in the Statements of Operations. During the current fiscal period, the Funds did not incur any interest or penalties.

 

 

C.

Foreign Taxes. The Funds may be subject to foreign taxes (a portion of which may be reclaimable) on income, stock dividends, realized and unrealized capital gains on investments or certain foreign currency transactions. Foreign taxes are recorded in accordance with Management’s understanding of the applicable foreign tax regulations and rates that exist in the foreign jurisdictions in which the Funds invest. These foreign taxes, if any, are paid

 

68

 

 

AAM ETFs

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
April 30, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

by the Funds and are reflected in the Statements of Operations, if applicable. Foreign taxes payable or deferred as of April 30, 2023, if any, are disclosed in the Funds’ Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

 

D.

Security Transactions and Investment Income. Investment securities transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Gains and losses realized on sales of securities are determined on a specific identification basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Non-cash dividends included in dividend income or separately disclosed, if any, are recorded at the fair value of the security received. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends and foreign capital gain taxes, if any, have been provided for in accordance with the Funds’ understanding of the applicable tax rules and regulations. Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis. Discounts and premiums on securities purchased are accreted and amortized using the effective yield method.

 

Distributions received from investments in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) may be characterized as ordinary income, net capital gain, or a return of capital. The proper characterization of REIT distributions is generally not known until after the end of each calendar year. As such, the Funds must use estimates in reporting the character of income and distributions received during the current calendar year for financial statement purposes. The actual character of distributions to a Fund’s shareholders will be reflected on the Form 1099 received by shareholders after the end of the calendar year. Due to the nature of REIT investments, a portion of the distributions received by a Fund’s shareholders may represent a return of capital.

 

 

E.

Foreign Currency. Investment securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts at the date of valuation. Purchases and sales of investment securities and income and expense items denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts on the respective dates of such transactions. The Funds do not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments and currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions from the fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss from investments.

 

The Funds report net realized foreign exchange gains or losses that arise from sales of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on foreign currency transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Funds’ books and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts

 

69

 

 

AAM ETFs

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
April 30, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

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 fiscal period end, resulting from changes in exchange rates.

 

 

F.

Distributions to Shareholders. Distributions to shareholders from net investment income on securities are declared and paid by the Funds on a monthly basis. Distributions to shareholders from net realized gains on securities are declared and paid by the Funds on an annual basis. Distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date.

 

 

G.

Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. 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, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the current fiscal period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

 

H.

Share Valuation. The NAV per share of each Fund is calculated by dividing the sum of the value of the securities held by each Fund, plus cash and other assets, minus all liabilities (including estimated accrued expenses) by the total number of outstanding shares for each Fund, rounded to the nearest cent. The Funds’ shares will not be priced on the days on which the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is closed for trading. The offering and redemption price per share of each Fund is equal to each Fund’s NAV per share.

 

 

I.

Guarantees and Indemnifications. In the normal course of business, the Funds enter into contracts with service providers that contain general indemnification clauses. The Funds’ maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be against the Funds that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Funds expect the risk of loss to be remote.

 

 

J.

Reclassification of Capital Accounts. U.S. GAAP requires that certain components of net assets relating to permanent differences be reclassified between financial and tax reporting. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or NAV per share.

 

70

 

 

AAM ETFs

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
April 30, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

The permanent differences primarily relate to redemptions in-kind, distribution in-excess, net operating losses, and trust preferred adjustments. For the year/period ended October 31, 2022, the following table shows the reclassifications made:

 

   

Distributable
Earnings
(Accumulated
Deficit)

   

Paid-In
Capital

 

AAM S&P 500 High Dividend Value ETF

  $ (320,661 )   $ 320,661  

AAM S&P Emerging Markets High Dividend Value ETF

    22,644       (22,644 )

AAM S&P Developed Markets High Dividend Value ETF

           

AAM Low Duration Preferred and Income Securities ETF

    (423,049 )     423,049  

AAM Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF

    (1,511,187 )     1,511,187  

AAM Transformers ETF

    (89,303 )     89,303  

 

During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022, the Funds realized the following net capital gains (losses) resulting from in-kind redemptions, in which shareholders exchanged Fund shares for securities held by the Funds rather than for cash. Because such gains (losses) are not taxable to the Funds, and gains are not distributed to shareholders, they have been reclassified from distributable earnings (accumulated deficit) to paid in capital.

 

AAM S&P 500 High Dividend Value ETF

  $ 333,684  

AAM S&P Emerging Markets High Dividend Value ETF

    (22,674 )

AAM S&P Developed Markets High Dividend Value ETF

     

AAM Low Duration Preferred and Income Securities ETF

    (171,615 )

AAM Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF

    1,511,187  

AAM Transformers ETF

    94,201  

 

 

K.

Subsequent Events. In preparing these financial statements, management has evaluated events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure through the date the financial statements were issued. There were no events or transactions that occurred during the period subsequent to the end of the current fiscal period that materially impacted the amounts or disclosures in each Fund’s financial statements.

 

71

 

 

AAM ETFs

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
April 30, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

NOTE 3 – COMMITMENTS AND OTHER RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

Advisors Asset Management, Inc. (the “Adviser”), serves as the investment adviser to the Funds. Pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement (“Advisory Agreement”) between the Trust, on behalf of the Funds, and the Adviser, the Adviser provides investment advice to the Funds and oversees the day-to-day operations of the Funds, subject to the direction and control of the Board and the officers of the Trust. Under the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser is also responsible for arranging, in consultation with each Fund’s respective sub-adviser: transfer agency, custody, fund administration and accounting, and other non-distribution related services necessary for the Funds to operate. Vident Investment Advisory, LLC serves as the sub-adviser for AAM S&P 500 High Dividend Value ETF, AAM S&P Emerging Markets High Dividend Value ETF, AAM S&P Developed Markets High Dividend Value ETF, AAM Low Duration Preferred and Income Securities ETF and AAM Transformers ETF. Bahl & Gaynor, Inc. serves as the sub-adviser for AAM Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF (each, respectively, the “Sub-Adviser”). Under the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser has agreed to pay all expenses of each Fund, except for: the fee paid to the Adviser pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, interest charges on any borrowings, dividends and other expenses on securities sold short, taxes, brokerage commissions and other expenses incurred in placing orders for the purchase and sale of securities and other investment instruments, acquired fund fees and expenses, accrued deferred tax liability, extraordinary expenses, and distribution (12b-1) fees and expenses. For the services it provides to the Funds, the Funds pay the Adviser a unified management fee, which is calculated daily and paid monthly, at the annual rates of each Fund’s average daily net assets listed below. The Adviser is responsible for paying the Sub-Advisers.

 

AAM S&P 500 High Dividend Value ETF

    0.29 %

AAM S&P Emerging Markets High Dividend Value ETF

    0.49 %

AAM S&P Developed Markets High Dividend Value ETF

    0.39 %

AAM Low Duration Preferred and Income Securities ETF

    0.45 %

AAM Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF

    0.60 %

AAM Transformers ETF

    0.49 %

 

Pursuant to a membership interest purchase agreement signed on March 24, 2023, Vident Capital Holdings, LLC, a subsidiary of MM VAM, LLC, is expected to acquire Vident Advisory, LLC (the “Transaction”). Prior to the close of the Transaction, Vident Investment Advisory, LLC will be wound up and all assets and liabilities will be transferred to Vident Advisory, LLC. MM VAM, LLC is an entity controlled by Casey Crawford. As of the closing date, Mr. Crawford will effectively control Vident Advisory, LLC. The Transaction is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2023. Upon the close of the Transaction, pursuant to the 1940 Act, the current Sub-Advisory Agreement

 

72

 

 

AAM ETFs

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
April 30, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

among Vident Investment Advisory, LLC, the Trust and the Adviser will automatically terminate. At a meeting of the Board, held on April 20, 2023, the Board approved a new Sub-Advisory Agreement among the Trust, the Adviser, and Vident Advisory, LLC that is identical in all material respects to the current Sub-Advisory Agreement except for the effective and termination dates.

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (“Fund Services” or “Administrator”), acts as the Funds’ Administrator and, in that capacity, performs various administrative and accounting services for the Funds. The Administrator prepares various federal and state regulatory filings, reports and returns for the Funds, including regulatory compliance monitoring and financial reporting; prepares reports and materials to be supplied to the Board; monitors the activities of the Funds’ Custodian, transfer agent and fund accountants. Fund Services also serves as the transfer agent and fund accountants to the Funds. U.S. Bank N.A. (the “Custodian”), an affiliate of Fund Services, serves as the Funds’ Custodian.

 

A trustee and all officers of the Trust are affiliated with the Administrator and Custodian.

 

NOTE 4 – PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES

 

During the current fiscal period, purchases and sales of securities by the Funds, excluding short-term securities and in-kind transactions, were as follows:

 

   

Purchases

   

Sales

 

AAM S&P 500 High Dividend Value ETF

  $ 23,113,408     $ 23,091,254  

AAM S&P Emerging Markets High Dividend Value ETF

    13,019,606       7,906,488  

AAM S&P Developed Markets High Dividend Value ETF

    994,814       993,077  

AAM Low Duration Preferred and Income Securities ETF

    112,484,039       111,220,489  

AAM Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF

    15,678,918       16,067,277  

AAM Transformers ETF

    4,211,968       4,210,012  

 

During the current fiscal period, there were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. Government securities by the Funds. The Funds held U.S. Treasury Bills during the current fiscal period which are considered short-term securities.

 

73

 

 

AAM ETFs

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
April 30, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

During the current fiscal period, in-kind transactions associated with creations and redemptions for the Funds were as follows:

 

   

In-kind
Purchases

   

In-kind
Sales

 

AAM S&P 500 High Dividend Value ETF

  $ 14,121,756     $ 6,463,775  

AAM S&P Emerging Markets High Dividend Value ETF

    3,631,385       1,399,917  

AAM S&P Developed Markets High Dividend Value ETF

           

AAM Low Duration Preferred and Income Securities ETF

    51,753,511       15,440,762  

AAM Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF

    86,491,213       4,613,605  

AAM Transformers ETF

    10,614,683       2,384,418  

 

NOTE 5 – INCOME TAX INFORMATION

 

The amount and character of tax basis distributions and composition of net assets, including distributable earnings (accumulated deficit) are finalized at fiscal year-end; accordingly, tax basis balances have not been determined for the current fiscal period.

 

The components of distributable earnings (accumulated deficit) and cost basis of investments and net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) for federal income tax purposes at October 31, 2022 were as follows:

 

   

AAM S&P
500 High
Dividend
Value ETF

   

AAM S&P
Emerging
Markets
High
Dividend
Value ETF

   

AAM S&P
Developed
Markets
High
Dividend
Value ETF

 

Tax cost of investments

  $ 72,258,882     $ 7,787,838     $ 2,283,944  

Gross tax unrealized appreciation

  $ 4,535,734     $ 264,157     $ 42,159  

Gross tax unrealized depreciation

    (9,122,092 )     (2,328,542 )     (492,381 )

Net tax unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (4,586,358 )     (2,064,385 )     (450,222 )

Undistributed ordinary income

                473  

Undistributed long-term capital gains

                 

Other accumulated gain (loss)

    (1,603,483 )     (1,277,932 )     (361,786 )

Distributable earnings (accumulated deficit)

  $ (6,189,841 )   $ (3,342,317 )   $ (811,535 )

 

74

 

 

AAM ETFs

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
April 30, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

   

AAM Low
Duration
Preferred
and Income
Securities
ETF

   

AAM Bahl
& Gaynor
Small/Mid
Cap Income
Growth ETF

   

AAM
Transformers
ETF

 

Tax cost of investments

  $ 178,372,350     $ 143,279,270     $ 3,957,112  

Gross tax unrealized appreciation

  $ 255,847     $ 7,378,512     $ 77,895  

Gross tax unrealized depreciation

    (20,491,957 )     (9,353,711 )     (655,231 )

Net tax unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (20,236,110 )     (1,975,199 )     (577,336 )

Undistributed ordinary income

    260,614       4,639        

Undistributed long-term capital gains

                 

Other accumulated gain (loss)

    (10,621,982 )     (3,435,848 )     (104,681 )

Distributable earnings (accumulated deficit)

  $ (30,597,478 )   $ (5,406,408 )   $ (682,017 )

 

The differences between the cost basis for financial statement and federal income tax purposes are primarily due to timing differences in recognizing wash sales and partnerships.

 

A regulated investment company may elect for any taxable year to treat any portion of any qualified late year loss as arising on the first day of the next taxable year. Qualified late year losses are certain capital and ordinary losses which occur during the portion of the Funds’ taxable year subsequent to October 31 and December 31, respectively. For the taxable year ended October 31, 2022, the Funds did not elect to defer any post-October capital losses or late-year ordinary losses.

 

As of October 31, 2022, the Funds had the following capital loss carryforwards with an indefinite expiration:

 

   

Short-Term

   

Long-Term

 

AAM S&P 500 High Dividend Value ETF

  $ 162,640     $ 1,440,843  

AAM S&P Emerging Markets High Dividend Value ETF

    721,833       556,099  

AAM S&P Developed Markets High Dividend Value ETF

    255,089       106,697  

AAM Low Duration Preferred and Income Securities ETF

    10,352,067       269,915  

AAM Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF

    3,134,509       301,339  

AAM Transformers ETF

    104,681        

 

75

 

 

AAM ETFs

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
April 30, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

During the year/period ended October 31, 2022, the Funds utilized the following capital loss carryforward that was available as of October 31, 2021:

 

   

Short-Term

   

Long- Term

 

AAM S&P 500 High Dividend Value ETF

  $ 66,202       1,953,795  

AAM S&P Emerging Markets High Dividend Value ETF

           

AAM S&P Developed Markets High Dividend Value ETF

          48,972  

AAM Low Duration Preferred and Income Securities ETF

           

AAM Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF

           

AAM Transformers ETF

    N/A       N/A  

 

The tax character of distributions declared by the Funds during the year/period ended October 31, 2022 and October 31, 2021, were as follows:

 

   

Year/Period Ended October 31, 2022

 

Fund

 

Ordinary
Income

   

Long Term
Capital Gain

   

Return of
Capital

 

AAM S&P 500 High Dividend Value ETF

  $ 2,174,972     $     $  

AAM S&P Emerging Markets High Dividend Value ETF

    526,722             17,084  

AAM S&P Developed Markets High Dividend Value ETF

    116,160              

AAM Low Duration Preferred and Income Securities ETF

    7,310,796              

AAM Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF

    1,410,389              

AAM Transformers ETF

                 

 

   

Year/Period Ended
October 31, 2021

 

Fund

 

Ordinary
Income

   

Long Term
Capital Gain

 

AAM S&P 500 High Dividend Value ETF

  $ 1,144,279     $  

AAM S&P Emerging Markets High Dividend Value ETF

    340,332        

AAM S&P Developed Markets High Dividend Value ETF

    102,252        

AAM Low Duration Preferred and Income Securities ETF

    1,403,869        

AAM Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF

    16,600        

AAM Transformers ETF

    N/A       N/A  

 

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AAM ETFs

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
April 30, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

NOTE 6 – SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

Shares of each Fund are listed and trade on the New York Stock Exchange Arca, Inc. (“NYSE Arca”). Market prices for the shares may be different from their NAV. The AAM S&P 500 High Dividend Value ETF, AAM S&P Emerging Markets High Dividend Value ETF, AAM S&P Developed Markets High Dividend Value ETF, AAM Low Duration Preferred and Income Securities ETF and AAM Transformers ETF issue and redeem shares on a continuous basis at NAV generally in blocks of 25,000 shares and AAM Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF issues and redeems shares on a continuous basis at NAV generally in blocks of 10,000 shares, called “Creation Units.” Creation Units are issued and redeemed principally in-kind for securities included in a specified universe. Once created, shares generally trade in the secondary market at market prices that change throughout the day. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, shares are not redeemable securities of the Funds. Creation Units may only be purchased or redeemed by certain financial institutions (“Authorized Participants”). An Authorized Participant is either (i) a broker-dealer or other participant in the clearing process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the National Securities Clearing Corporation or (ii) a Depository Trust Company participant and, in each case, must have executed a Participant Agreement with the Distributor. Most retail investors do not qualify as Authorized Participants nor have the resources to buy and sell whole Creation Units. Therefore, they are unable to purchase or redeem shares directly from the Funds. Rather, most retail investors may purchase shares in the secondary market with the assistance of a broker and are subject to customary brokerage commissions or fees.

 

The Funds each currently offer one class of shares, which has no front-end sales load, no deferred sales charge, and no redemption fee. A fixed transaction fee is imposed for the transfer and other transaction costs associated with the purchase or sale of Creation Units. The following is the standard fixed transaction fee for each Fund:

 

AAM S&P 500 High Dividend Value ETF

  $ 300  

AAM S&P Emerging Markets High Dividend Value ETF

    1,000  

AAM S&P Developed Markets High Dividend Value ETF

    500  

AAM Low Duration Preferred and Income Securities ETF

    500  

AAM Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF

    300  

AAM Transformers ETF

    300  

 

The transaction fee is payable to the Custodian. The fixed transaction fee may be waived on certain orders if the Funds’ Custodian has determined to waive some or all of the creation order costs associated with the order, or another party, such as the Adviser, has agreed to pay such fee. In addition, a variable fee, payable to the Fund, may be charged on all cash transactions or substitutes for Creation Units of up

 

77

 

 

AAM ETFs

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
April 30, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

to a maximum of 2% as a percentage of the value of the Creation Units subject to the transaction. Variable fees received by the Funds, if any, are displayed in the Capital Shares Transactions section of the Statements of Changes in Net Assets. The Funds may issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest, with no par value. All shares of the Funds have equal rights and privileges.

 

NOTE 7 – RISKS

 

Concentration Risk. To the extent that a Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors of the economy, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors.

 

Russia/Ukraine Conflict. On February 24, 2022, Russia commenced a military attack on Ukraine. The outbreak of hostilities between the two countries could result in more widespread conflict and could have a severe adverse effect on the region and the markets. In addition, sanctions imposed on Russia by the United States and other countries, and any sanctions imposed in the future could have a significant adverse impact on the Russian economy and related markets. The price and liquidity of investments may fluctuate widely as a result of the conflict and related events. How long such conflict and related events will last and whether it will escalate further cannot be predicted, nor its effect on the Funds.

 

78

 

 

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Expense Example
For the Six-Months Ended April 30, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

 

As a shareholder of the Funds, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including brokerage commissions on purchases and sales of Fund shares, and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other funds. The examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period as indicated in the Expense Example Tables.

 

Actual Expenses

 

The first line of the table provides information about actual account values based on actual returns 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 provides information about hypothetical account values based on a hypothetical return and hypothetical expenses based on the Funds’ actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year 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. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds. Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as brokerage commissions paid on purchases and sales of Fund shares. Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. If these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

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AAM ETFs

 

Expense Example
For the Six-Months Ended April 30, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

AAM S&P 500 High Dividend Value ETF

 

 

Beginning
Account Value
November 1, 2022

Ending
Account Value
April 30, 2023

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
(1)

Actual

$1,000.00

$ 1,000.30

$1.44

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

$1,000.00

$ 1,023.36

$1.45

 

(1)

The dollar amounts shown as expenses paid during the period are equal to the annualized six-month net expense ratio, 0.29%, multiplied by the average account value during the period, multiplied by 181/365, to reflect the one-half year period.

 

AAM S&P Emerging Markets High Dividend Value ETF

 

 

Beginning
Account Value
November 1, 2022

Ending
Account Value
April 30, 2023

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
(2)

Actual

$1,000.00

$ 1,206.00

$2.68

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

$1,000.00

$ 1,022.36

$2.46

 

(2)

The dollar amounts shown as expenses paid during the period are equal to the annualized six-month net expense ratio, 0.49%, multiplied by the average account value during the period, multiplied by 181/365, to reflect the one-half year period.

 

AAM S&P Developed Markets High Dividend Value ETF

 

 

Beginning
Account Value
November 1, 2022

Ending
Account Value
April 30, 2023

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
(3)

Actual

$1,000.00

$ 1,244.40

$2.17

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

$1,000.00

$ 1,022.86

$1.96

 

(3)

The dollar amounts shown as expenses paid during the period are equal to the annualized six-month net expense ratio, 0.39%, multiplied by the average account value during the period, multiplied by 181/365, to reflect the one-half year period.

 

 

80

 

 

AAM ETFs

 

Expense Example
For the Six-Months Ended April 30, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

AAM Low Duration Preferred and Income Securities ETF

 

 

Beginning
Account Value
November 1, 2022

Ending
Account Value
April 30, 2023

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
(4)

Actual

$1,000.00

$ 1,044.70

$2.38

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

$1,000.00

$ 1,022.46

$2.36

 

(4)

The dollar amounts shown as expenses paid during the period are equal to the annualized six-month net expense ratio, 0.47%, multiplied by the average account value during the period, multiplied by 181/365, to reflect the one-half year period.

 

AAM Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF

 

 

Beginning
Account Value
November 1, 2022

Ending
Account Value
April 30, 2023

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
(5)

Actual

$1,000.00

$ 1,024.30

$3.01

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

$1,000.00

$ 1,021.82

$3.01

 

(5)

The dollar amounts shown as expenses paid during the period are equal to the annualized six-month net expense ratio, 0.60%, multiplied by the average account value during the period, multiplied by 181/365, to reflect the one-half year period.

 

AAM Transformers ETF

 

 

Beginning
Account Value
November 1, 2022

Ending
Account Value
April 30, 2023

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
(6)

Actual

$1,000.00

$ 1,087.60

$2.54

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

$1,000.00

$ 1,022.36

$2.46

 

(6)

The dollar amounts shown as expenses paid during the period are equal to the annualized six-month net expense ratio, 0.49%, multiplied by the average account value during the period, multiplied by 181/365, to reflect the one-half year period.

 

81

 

 

AAM ETFs

 

Review of Liquidity Risk Management Program
(Unaudited)

 

 

Pursuant to Rule 22e-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Trust, on behalf of the series of the Trust covered by this shareholder report (the “Series”), has adopted a liquidity risk management program to govern the Trust’s approach to managing liquidity risk. Rule 22e-4 seeks to promote effective liquidity risk management, thereby reducing the risk that a fund will be unable to meet its redemption obligations and mitigating dilution of the interests of fund shareholders. The Trust’s liquidity risk management program is tailored to reflect the Series’ particular risks, but not to eliminate all adverse impacts of liquidity risk, which would be incompatible with the nature of such Series.

 

The investment adviser to the Series has adopted and implemented its own written liquidity risk management program (the “Program”) tailored specifically to assess and manage the liquidity risk of the Series.

 

At a recent meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Trust, the Trustees received a report pertaining to the operation, adequacy, and effectiveness of implementation of the Program for the period ended December 31, 2022. The report concluded that the Program is reasonably designed to assess and manage the Series’ liquidity risk and has operated adequately and effectively to manage such risk. The report reflected that there were no liquidity events that impacted the Series’ ability to timely meet redemptions without dilution to existing shareholders. The report further noted that no material changes have been made to the Program since its implementation.

 

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

 

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AAM ETFs

 

Approval of Sub-Advisory Agreement & Board Considerations
(Unaudited)

 

 

Pursuant to Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), at a meeting held on April 5-6, 2023 (the “Meeting”), the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of ETF Series Solutions (the “Trust”) approved a new investment sub-advisory agreement (the “Sub-Advisory Agreement”) among Advisors Asset Management, Inc. (“AAM” or the “Adviser”), the Trust, on behalf of AAM Low Duration Preferred and Income Securities ETF, AAM S&P 500 High Dividend Value ETF, AAM S&P Developed Markets High Dividend Value ETF, AAM S&P Emerging Markets High Dividend Value ETF, and AAM Transformers ETF (each, a “Fund” and, collectively, the “Funds”), and Vident Advisory, LLC (“VA” or the “Sub-Adviser”), that is identical in all material respects, except for its effective date, termination date and the named entity performing sub-advisory services, to the current investment sub-advisory agreement among the Adviser, the Trust, on behalf of the Funds, and Vident Investment Advisory, LLC, and affiliate of VA (“VIA”) (the “Current Sub-Advisory Agreement”).

 

The Board noted that, pursuant to a purchase agreement signed on March 24, 2023, Vident Capital Holdings, LLC, a subsidiary of MM VAM, LLC (“VA Holdings”), was expected to acquire a majority interest in VA (the “Transaction”), which in turn may be considered to result in a change in control of VIA, constitute an “assignment” under the 1940 Act, and result in the automatic termination of the Current Sub-Advisory Agreement. The Board further noted that, on the proposed Closing Date of June 30, 2023, VIA will seek to move all of its current personnel and clients to VA and wind down VIA’s operations. As a result, VIA would no longer serve as sub-adviser to the Funds, and VA would serve as the successor entity to VIA. The Board then considered the qualifications of VA, as it would be reconstituted following the Transaction, to sub-advise the Funds as of the Closing Date, noting that the Board had previously reviewed due diligence questionnaires, oral presentations, and other relevant information about the Funds provided by AAM and VIA at the quarterly Board meeting held on October 7, 2022, and by AAM at a special meeting of the Board held on January 24, 2023.

 

Prior to the Meeting, the Board, including the Trustees who are not parties to the Sub-Advisory Agreement or “interested persons” of any party thereto, as defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Trustees”), reviewed written materials (the “Materials”), including information from VA and VIA regarding, among other things: (i) the nature, extent, and quality of the services provided by VIA and services to be provided by VA; (ii) the historical performance of each Fund; (iii) the cost of the services provided and the profits realized by VIA or its affiliates from services rendered to the Funds as well as the estimated costs of the services to be provided by VA and the profits expected to be realized by VA from providing such services under the Sub-Advisory Agreement; (iv) comparative fee and expense data for the Funds and other investment companies with similar investment objectives, including a report prepared by Barrington Partners, an independent third party, that compares each Fund’s investment performance, fees and expenses to relevant market benchmarks and peer groups (the “Barrington Report”);

 

83

 

 

AAM ETFs

 

APPROVAL OF SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT & BOARD CONSIDERATIONs
(Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

(v) the extent to which any economies of scale realized by VA in connection with its services to the Funds will be shared with Fund shareholders; (vi) any other financial benefits to VA and its affiliates resulting from services to be rendered to the Funds; and (vii) other factors the Board deemed to be relevant.

 

The Board also considered that VIA, along with other service providers of the Funds, had provided written and oral updates on the firm over the course of the year with respect to its role as sub-adviser to the Funds, and the Board considered that information alongside the Materials in its consideration of whether the Sub-Advisory Agreement between AAM and VA, the successor entity to VIA, should be approved. The Board also noted that VA provides investment advisory services to other series of the Trust and, over the course of the year, VA provided written and oral updates to the Board with respect to its advisory services to those Funds. In addition, the Board took into consideration performance and due diligence information related to VIA, including the Barrington Report, that was provided to the Board in advance of its annual review of the Funds’ Current Sub-Advisory Agreement at its October 7, 2022, quarterly meeting. Additionally, representatives from VA provided an oral overview of the Funds’ strategies, the services to be provided to each Fund by VA, and additional information about VA’s personnel and business operations. Among other things, representatives from VA provided an overview of the Transaction and the effect it would have on the management of the Funds. In particular, VA confirmed that the Transaction would not result in changes to the Funds’ fees and expenses, the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Funds, including their day-to-day management, or the personnel providing these services, noting the firm’s intention to move all VIA personnel to VA upon the Closing Date.

 

The Board then discussed the Materials and VA’s oral presentation, as well as any other relevant information received by the Board at the Meeting and at prior meetings, including AAM’s and VIA’s 15(c) presentation at the October 7, 2022, quarterly Board meeting, and deliberated on the approval of the Sub-Advisory Agreement in light of this information.

 

Nature, Extent, and Quality of Services Provided. The Trustees considered the scope of services to be provided under the Sub-Advisory Agreement, noting that VA’s affiliate, VIA, currently provides investment management services to the Funds and VA would provide these same services upon the closing of the Transaction. The Trustees also considered that the services to be provided under the Sub-Advisory Agreement were identical in all material respects to those services provided under the Current Sub-Advisory Agreement. In considering the nature, extent, and quality of the services to be provided by VA, the Board considered the quality of VA’s compliance program and past reports from the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) regarding the CCO’s review of the compliance programs of VIA, with respect to the Funds, and VA, with

 

84

 

 

AAM ETFs

 

APPROVAL OF SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT & BOARD CONSIDERATIONs
(Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

respect to other series of the Trust. The Board also considered its previous experience with VIA providing investment management services to the Funds and VA providing investment management services to other series of the Trust. The Board noted that it had received a copy of VA’s registration form and financial statements, as well as VA’s response to a detailed series of questions that included, among other things, information about VA’s decision-making process, the background and experience of the firm’s key personnel, and the firm’s compliance policies, marketing practices, and brokerage information. The Board also considered VA’s statements that the scope and quality of services provided to the Funds by VA would not diminish from the scope and quality of services provided by VIA.

 

The Board noted the responsibilities that VA will have as the Funds’ investment sub-adviser, including: responsibility for the general management of the day-to-day investment and reinvestment of the assets of the Funds; determining the daily basket of deposit securities and cash components; executing portfolio security trades for purchases and redemptions of the Funds’ shares conducted on a cash-in-lieu basis; oversight of general portfolio compliance with applicable securities laws, regulations, and investment restrictions; responsibility for quarterly reporting to the Board; and implementation of Board directives as they relate to the Funds. The Board also considered VA’s resources and capacity with respect to portfolio management, compliance, and operations given the number of funds and/or accounts for which it provides sub-advisory services. The Board also took into consideration the business, litigation, and regulatory risks to which VA will be subject as sub-adviser to the Funds.

 

Historical Performance. The Trustees next considered each Fund’s performance, noting that each Fund is passively managed and the portfolio managers attempt to track the total return performance, before fees and expenses, of a Fund’s underlying index. The Board noted that it had recently undertaken a comprehensive review of such matters at the quarterly Board meeting held on October 7, 2022. The Board observed that information regarding each Fund’s past investment performance, for periods ended June 30, 2022, had been included in the written materials previously provided to the Board, including the Barrington Report, which compared the performance results of each Fund with the returns of a group of ETFs selected by Barrington Partners as most comparable (each, a “Peer Group”) as well as with funds in each Fund’s Morningstar category (each, a “Category Peer Group”). Additionally, at the Board’s request, the Adviser identified the funds the Adviser considered to be each Fund’s most direct competitors (each, a “Selected Peer Group”) and provided the Selected Peer Group’s performance results.

 

85

 

 

AAM ETFs

 

APPROVAL OF SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT & BOARD CONSIDERATIONs
(Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

In addition, the Board noted that, for each applicable period ended December 31, 2022, each Fund’s performance on a gross of fees basis (i.e., excluding the effect of fees and expenses on Fund performance) was generally consistent with the performance of its underlying index, indicating that each Fund tracked its underlying index closely and in an appropriate manner.

 

AAM S&P 500 High Dividend Value ETF: The Board noted that the Fund outperformed its broad-based benchmark, the S&P 500 Index, for the one-year period ended June 30, 2022, but the Fund underperformed the same benchmark for the three-year and since inception periods. The benchmark index provides an indication of the performance of U.S. large-cap companies. The Board also noted that, for the one-year and since inception periods ended June 30, 2022, the Fund outperformed the median return of its Category Peer Group (US Fund Large Value) but underperformed its Peer Group, and, for the three-year period, the Fund underperformed both its Category Peer Group and Peer Group. The Board also considered that the Fund performed within the range of returns for the Selected Peer Group for the three-year period but underperformed each of the funds from the Selected Peer Group over the one-year period. The funds included by the Adviser in the Selected Peer Group include domestic, large market capitalization dividend funds.

 

AAM S&P Emerging Markets High Dividend Value ETF: The Board noted that the Fund outperformed its broad-based benchmark, the S&P Emerging Plus LargeMidCap Index, for the one-year period ended June 30, 2022, but the Fund underperformed the same benchmark for the three-year and since inception periods. The benchmark index is designed to measure the performance of large- and mid-cap securities in emerging markets, including South Korea. The Board also noted that, for the one-year period ended June 30, 2022, the Fund outperformed the median return of its Peer Group and Category Peer Group (US Fund Diversified Emerging Markets), and, for the three-year and since inception periods, the Fund performed in line with the median return of its Peer Group and Category Peer Group. The Board also considered that the Fund generally performed within the range of the Selected Peer Group for the one- and three-year periods ended June 30, 2022. The funds included by the Adviser in the Selected Peer Group include emerging market dividend funds with management fees under 65 basis points.

 

AAM S&P Developed Markets High Dividend Value ETF: The Board noted that the Fund outperformed its broad-based benchmark, the S&P Developed BMI Ex-U.S. & Korea LargeMidCap Index, for the one-year period ended June 30, 2022, but the Fund underperformed the same benchmark for the three-year and since inception periods. The benchmark index is designed to measure the performance of large- and mid-cap securities in developed markets, excluding the U.S. and Korea. The Board also noted that, for the one-year period ended June 30, 2022, the Fund performed in line

 

86

 

 

AAM ETFs

 

APPROVAL OF SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT & BOARD CONSIDERATIONs
(Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

with the median return of its Peer Group and Category Peer Group (US Fund Foreign Large Value), but the Fund underperformed its Peer Group and Category Peer Group for the three-year and since inception periods. The Board also considered that the Fund generally performed within the range of the Selected Peer Group for the one-year period but underperformed each of the funds from the Selected Peer Group over the three-year period ended June 30, 2022. The funds included by the Adviser in the Selected Peer Group include passively managed, international dividend funds.

 

AAM Low Duration Preferred and Income Securities ETF: The Board noted that the Fund outperformed its broad-based benchmark, the ICE Exchange-Listed Preferred & Hybrid Securities Index, for the one-year period ended June 30, 2022, but the Fund underperformed the same benchmark for the since inception period. The benchmark index measures the performance of a select group of exchange-listed, U.S. dollar denominated preferred securities, hybrid securities and convertible preferred securities. The Board also noted that, for the one-year and since inception periods ended June 30, 2022, the Fund outperformed the median return of its Peer Group and Category Peer Group (US Fund Preferred Stock). The Board also considered that the Fund outperformed each of the funds in the Selected Peer Group for the one-year period ended June 30, 2022. The funds included by the Adviser in the Selected Peer Group include ETFs that invest in preferred securities. The Board further considered that the Fund commenced operations on November 19, 2019, and thus had been operating for less than three years as of June 30, 2022, which was a relatively short period of time over which to evaluate the Fund’s performance and draw meaningful conclusions.

 

AAM Transformers ETF: The Board noted that the Fund commenced operations on July 11, 2022, and thus had not commenced operations prior to June 30, 2022. In addition, because the Fund did not have performance returns as of June 30, 2022, the Board did not evaluate the Fund’s returns relative to those of the Fund’s Peer Group, Category Peer Group or Selected Peer Group, but the Board did consider the overall performance of the Selected Peer Group over the last five years. The funds included by the Adviser in the Selected Peer Group include passively managed ETFs that provide exposure to companies driving innovation and transforming the global economy through the use of emerging technologies, automation and artificial intelligence.

 

Cost of Services Provided and Economies of Scale. The Board reviewed the sub-advisory fees to be paid by the Adviser to VA for its services to the Funds. The Board considered that the fees to be paid to VA are paid by the Adviser and noted that the fee reflected an arm’s-length negotiation between the Adviser and VA. The Board further determined that the fees reflected an appropriate allocation of the advisory fee paid to

 

87

 

 

AAM ETFs

 

APPROVAL OF SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT & BOARD CONSIDERATIONs
(Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

each firm given the work performed, and the responsibilities and obligations assumed, by each firm and noted that the fees were generally lower than or in line with those charged by VA in connection with other ETFs managed by VA.

 

The Board then considered VA’s financial resources and information regarding VA’s ability to support its management of the Funds, noting that VA had provided its financial statements for the Board’s review. The Board also evaluated the compensation and benefits received, and expected to be received, by VA from its relationship with the Funds, taking into account an analysis of VA’s expected profitability with respect to each Fund at various actual and projected Fund asset levels.

 

The Board expressed the view that it currently appeared that VA might realize economies of scale in managing the Funds as assets grow in size, noting that each Fund’s sub-advisory fee rate decreases when Fund assets under management rise above specified levels. As a result, any benefits from the existing sub-advisory fee schedule would accrue to the Adviser due to its unified fee. Consequently, the Board determined that it would monitor advisory and sub-advisory fees as the Funds grow to determine whether economies of scale were being effectively shared with the Funds and their shareholders.

 

Conclusion. No single factor was determinative of the Board’s decision to approve the Sub-Advisory Agreement; rather, the Board based its determination on the total mix of information available to it. Based on a consideration of all the factors in their totality, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, determined that the Sub-Advisory Agreement, including the compensation payable under the agreement, was fair and reasonable to each Fund. The Board, including the Independent Trustees, determined that the approval of the Sub-Advisory Agreement was in the best interests of each Fund and its shareholders.

 

88

 

 

AAM ETFs

 

Results of Shareholder Meeting
(Unaudited)

 

 

A Special Meeting of Shareholders of the Funds was held on January 19, 2023 at the offices of U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, pursuant to notice given to all shareholders of record of the Funds at the close of business on October 21, 2022. At the Special Meeting, shareholders were asked to approve the following proposal, and the tabulation of the shareholder votes rendered the following results:

 

Proposal

 

Votes For

   

Votes Against

   

Abstained

 

AAM Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF

                       

For shareholders of each Fund, separately, to approve a new investment advisory agreement between the Trust, on behalf of such Fund, and Advisors Asset Management, Inc. (“AAM” or the “Adviser”) (the “New Advisory Agreement”). No increase in shareholder fees or expenses is being proposed.

    4,944,606.449       1.000       714.000  

For shareholders of SMIG, to approve a new investment sub advisory agreement among the Adviser, Bahl & Gaynor, Inc. (“Bahl & Gaynor”), and the Trust, on behalf of SMIG. (the “New Bahl & Gaynor Sub-Advisory Agreement”). No increase in shareholder fees or expenses is being proposed.

    4,944,605.429       2.020       714.000  

AAM Transformers ETF

                       

For shareholders of each Fund, separately, to approve a new investment advisory agreement between the Trust, on behalf of such Fund, and Advisors Asset Management, Inc. (“AAM” or the “Adviser”) (the “New Advisory Agreement”). No increase in shareholder fees or expenses is being proposed.

    104,167.000       720.000       741.000  

For shareholders of each of SPDV, EEMD, DMDV, PFLD, and TRFM, separately, to approve a new investment sub-advisory agreement among the Adviser, Vident Investment Advisory, LLC (“VIA”), and the Trust, on behalf of SPDV, EEMD, DMDV, PFLD, and TRFM, respectively (the “New VIA Sub-Advisory Agreement”). No increase in shareholder fees or expenses is being proposed.

    104,133.000       720.000       775.000  

 

89

 

 

AAM ETFs

 

Results of Shareholder Meeting
(Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

A Special Meeting of Shareholders of the Funds was held on April 28, 2023 at the offices of U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, pursuant to notice given to all shareholders of record of the Funds at the close of business on October 21, 2022 (the original record date of the Special Meeting) and March 7, 2023 (the new record date of the Special Meeting). At the Special Meeting, shareholders were asked to approve the following proposal, and the tabulation of the shareholder votes rendered the following results:

 

Proposal

 

Votes For

   

Votes Against

   

Abstained

 

AAM S&P 500 High Dividend Value ETF

                       

For shareholders of each Fund, separately, to approve a new investment advisory agreement between the Trust, on behalf of such Fund, and Advisors Asset Management, Inc. (“AAM” or the “Adviser”) (the “New Advisory Agreement”). No increase in shareholder fees or expenses is being proposed.

    985,574.000       27,939.000       350,946.000  

For shareholders of each Fund, separately, to approve a new investment sub-advisory agreement among the Adviser, Vident Investment Advisory, LLC (“VIA”), and the Trust, on behalf of such Fund (the “New VIA Sub-Advisory Agreement”). No increase in shareholder fees or expenses is being proposed.

    974,386.000       31,524.000       358,549.000  

AAM S&P Emerging Markets High Dividend Value ETF

                       

For shareholders of each Fund, separately, to approve a new investment advisory agreement between the Trust, on behalf of such Fund, and Advisors Asset Management, Inc. (“AAM” or the “Adviser”) (the “New Advisory Agreement”). No increase in shareholder fees or expenses is being proposed.

    590,986.000       2,080.000       21,035.000  

For shareholders of each Fund, separately, to approve a new investment sub-advisory agreement among the Adviser, Vident Investment Advisory, LLC (“VIA”), and the Trust, on behalf of such Fund (the “New VIA Sub-Advisory Agreement”). No increase in shareholder fees or expenses is being proposed.

    591,759.000       1,296.000       21,046.000  

 

90

 

 

AAM ETFs

 

Results of Shareholder Meeting
(Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

Proposal

 

Votes For

   

Votes Against

   

Abstained

 

AAM S&P Developed Markets High Dividend Value ETF

                       

For shareholders of each Fund, separately, to approve a new investment advisory agreement between the Trust, on behalf of such Fund, and Advisors Asset Management, Inc. (“AAM” or the “Adviser”) (the “New Advisory Agreement”). No increase in shareholder fees or expenses is being proposed.

    48,774.000       302.000       8,758.000  

For shareholders of each Fund, separately, to approve a new investment sub-advisory agreement among the Adviser, Vident Investment Advisory, LLC (“VIA”), and the Trust, on behalf of such Fund (the “New VIA Sub-Advisory Agreement”). No increase in shareholder fees or expenses is being proposed.

    48,866.000       210.000       8,758.000  

AAM Low Duration Preferred and Income Securities ETF

                       

For shareholders of each Fund, separately, to approve a new investment advisory agreement between the Trust, on behalf of such Fund, and Advisors Asset Management, Inc. (“AAM” or the “Adviser”) (the “New Advisory Agreement”). No increase in shareholder fees or expenses is being proposed.

    4,360,852.000       49,836.000       561,194.000  

For shareholders of each Fund, separately, to approve a new investment sub-advisory agreement among the Adviser, Vident Investment Advisory, LLC (“VIA”), and the Trust, on behalf of such Fund (the “New VIA Sub-Advisory Agreement”). No increase in shareholder fees or expenses is being proposed.

    4,355,361.000       49,392.000       567,127.000  

 

91

 

 

AAM ETFs

 

Federal Tax Information
(Unaudited)

 

 

For the fiscal period ended October 31, 2022, certain dividends paid by the Funds may be subject to the maximum rate of 23.8%, as provided for by the Jobs and Growth Tax relief Reconciliation Act of 2003.

 

The percentage of dividends declared from ordinary income designated as qualified dividend income was as follows:

 

AAM S&P 500 High Dividend Value ETF

97.80%

AAM S&P Emerging Markets High Dividend Value ETF

55.17%

AAM S&P Developed Markets High Dividend Value ETF

91.10%

AAM Low Duration Preferred and Income Securities ETF

68.44%

AAM Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF

100.00%

AAM Transformers ETF

0.00%

 

For corporate shareholders, the percentage of ordinary income distributions qualified for the corporate dividend received deduction for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022 was as follows:

 

AAM S&P 500 High Dividend Value ETF

90.79%

AAM S&P Emerging Markets High Dividend Value ETF

0.00%

AAM S&P Developed Markets High Dividend Value ETF

0.00%

AAM Low Duration Preferred and Income Securities ETF

66.39%

AAM Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF

100.00%

AAM Transformers ETF

0.00%

 

The percentage of taxable ordinary income distributions that are designated as short-term capital gain distributions under Internal Revenue Section 871(k)(2)(C) for each Fund were as follows:

 

AAM S&P 500 High Dividend Value ETF

0.00%

AAM S&P Emerging Markets High Dividend Value ETF

0.00%

AAM S&P Developed Markets High Dividend Value ETF

0.00%

AAM Low Duration Preferred and Income Securities ETF

0.00%

AAM Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF

0.00%

AAM Transformers ETF

0.00%

 

92

 

 

AAM ETFs

 

Federal Tax Credit Pass Through
(Unaudited)

 

 

Pursuant to Section 853 of the Internal Revenue code, The Funds designate the following amounts as foreign taxes paid for the period ended October 31, 2022. Foreign taxes paid for purposes of Section 853 may be less than actual foreign taxes paid for financial statement purposes.

 

   

Creditable
Foreign Tax
Credit Paid

   

Per Share
Amount

   

Portion of Ordinary
Income Distribution
Derived from Foreign
Sourced Income

 

AAM S&P 500 High Dividend Value ETF

  $     $       0.00 %

AAM S&P Emerging Markets High Dividend Value ETF

    58,175       0.15513       100.00 %

AAM S&P Developed Markets High Dividend Value ETF

    17,078       0.17078       100.00 %

AAM Low Duration Preferred and Income Securities ETF

                0.00 %

AAM Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF

                0.00 %

AAM Transformers ETF

                0.00 %

 

Foreign taxes paid or withheld should be included in taxable income with an offsetting deduction from gross income or as a credit for taxes paid to foreign governments.

 

Above figures may differ from those cited elsewhere in this report due to differences in the calculation of income and gains under U.S. GAAP purposes and Internal Revenue Service purposes.

 

Shareholders are strongly advised to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the tax consequences of their investments in the Funds.

 

Information About Portfolio Holdings
(Unaudited)

 

 

The Funds file their complete schedules of portfolio holdings for their first and third fiscal quarters with the SEC on Part F of Form N-PORT. The Funds’ Part F of Form N-PORT is available without charge, upon request, by calling toll-free at (800) 617-0004. Furthermore, you may obtain the Part F of Form N-PORT on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Each Fund’s portfolio holdings are posted on their website at www.aamlive.com.

 

93

 

 

AAM ETFs

 

Information About Proxy Voting
(Unaudited)

 

 

A description of the policies and procedures the Funds use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is provided in the Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”). The SAI is available without charge, upon request, by calling toll-free at (800) 617-0004, by accessing the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, or by accessing the Funds’ website at www.aamlive.com.

 

Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the period ending June 30 is available by calling toll-free at (800) 617-0004 or by accessing the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

Frequency Distribution of Premiums and Discounts
(Unaudited)

 

 

Information regarding how often shares of the Funds trade on the exchange at a price above (i.e. at a premium) or below (i.e. at a discount) the NAV of the Funds are available, without charge on the Funds’ website at www.aamlive.com.

 

Information About the Funds’ Trustees
(Unaudited)

 

 

The SAI includes additional information about the Funds’ Trustees and is available without charge, upon request, by calling (800) 617-0004 by accessing the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, or by accessing the Funds’ website at www.aamlive.com.

 

94

 

 

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Advisor

Advisors Asset Management, Inc.

18925 Base Camp Road, Suite 203

Monument, Colorado 80132

 

Sub-Adviser

(SPDV, EEMD, DMDV, PFLD, TRFM)

Vident Investment Advisory, LLC

1125 Sanctuary Parkway, Suite 515

Alpharetta, Georgia 30009

 

Sub-Adviser (SMIG)

Bahl & Gaynor, Inc.

255 East Fifth Street, Suite 2700

Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

 

Index Provider (SPDV, EEMD, DMDV)

S&P Opco, LLC c/o S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC

55 Water Street

New York, New York 10041

 

Index Provider (PFLD)

ICE Data Indices, LLC

5660 New Northside Drive NW, 3rd Floor

Atlanta, Georgia 30328

 

Index Provider (TRFM)

Pence Capital Management, LLC

5000 Birch Street

West Tower, Suite 8000-817

Newport Beach, CA 92660

 

Distributor

Quasar Distributors, LLC

111 East Kilbourn Avenue, Suite 2200

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202

 

Custodian

U.S. Bank National Association

1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212

 

Transfer Agent

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Cohen & Company, Ltd.

342 North Water Street, Suite 830

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202

 

Legal Counsel

Morgan, Lewis, & Bockius, LLP

1111 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20004

 

AAM S&P 500 High Dividend Value ETF

Symbol – SPDV

CUSIP – 26922A594

 

AAM S&P Emerging Markets High Dividend Value ETF

Symbol – EEMD

CUSIP – 26922A586

 

AAM S&P Developed Markets High Dividend Value ETF

Symbol – DMDV

CUSIP – 26922A347

 

AAM Low Duration Preferred and Income Securities ETF

Symbol – PFLD

CUSIP – 26922A198

 

AAM Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF

Symbol – SMIG

CUSIP – 26922B832

 

AAM Transformers ETF

Symbol – TRFM

CUSIP – 26922B683

 

 

 

(b)       Not applicable.

 

Item 2. Code of Ethics.

 

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

 

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

 

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

 

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

 

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

 

Item 6. Investments.

 

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

 

(b)Not applicable.

 

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

 

Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

 

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

 

Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

 

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

 

Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

 

 

 

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

 

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

 

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

 

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

 

(b)There were no changes in the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Act) 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 to open-end investment companies.

 

Item 13. Exhibits.

 

(a)(1) Any code of ethics or amendment thereto, that is the subject of the disclosure required by Item 2, to the extent that the registrant intends to satisfy Item 2 requirements through filing an exhibit. Not Applicable

 

(2)A separate certification for each principal executive officer and principal financial officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Filed herewith.

 

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

 

(4)Change in the registrant’s independent public accountant. There was no change in the registrant’s independent public accountant for the period covered by this report.

 

(b)Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Furnished 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) ETF Series Solutions  
       
  By (Signature and Title)* /s/ Kristina R. Nelson  
    Kristina R. Nelson, President (principal executive officer)  

 

  Date July 7, 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/ Kristina R. Nelson  
    Kristina R. Nelson, President (principal executive officer)  

 

  Date July 7, 2023  

 

  By (Signature and Title)* /s/ Kristen M. Weitzel  
    Kristen M. Weitzel, Treasurer (principal financial officer)  

 

  Date July 7, 2023  

 

*Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.