N-CSR 1 fp0084554-12_ncsr.htm

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on 11/08/2023

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM N-CSR

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

 

811-05518

Investment Company Act file number

 

The RBB FUND, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

615 East Michigan Street

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

 

Steven Plump, President

c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services

615 East Michigan Street

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

 

(609) 731-6256

Registrant's telephone number, including area code

 

Date of fiscal year end: August 31

 

Date of reporting period: August 31, 2023

 

 

 

Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

  

 

 

 

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

of

 

THE RBB FUND, INC.

 

 

Annual Report

 

 

 

 

August 31, 2023

 

 


 

 

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report

August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund Annual Report, August 31, 2023

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

The Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund (the “Fund”) Class I Shares returned -2.83% net of fees for the 12-month fiscal year ended August 31, 2023.

 

Negative performance was driven by trading in metals, energy and major currencies. Emerging market currencies was the main positive contributor to Fund performance during the 12-month period. The Fund’s core allocation to Diversified Trendfollowing (“Trendfollowing”) strategies generated most of the negative performance, while the performance of the Fund’s non- Trendfollowing allocation was modestly positive in aggregate during the period. The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in Abbey Capital Master Offshore Fund Limited (“ACMOF”), a wholly- owned subsidiary of the Fund that invests substantially all of its assets in Abbey Capital Offshore Fund SPC (“ACOF”), which is a wholly-owned and controlled segregated portfolio company and a multi- adviser fund that invests in managed futures and foreign exchange contracts. The Fund may also invest a portion of its assets into Abbey Capital Onshore Series LLC (“ACOS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Fund which is a multi-adviser fund that invests in managed futures and foreign exchange contracts.

 

Average Total Returns for the Periods Ended August 31, 2023 (unless otherwise noted)

 

 

2023
YTD

1 Year

Sep. 1, 2021 to
Aug. 31, 2022

5 Years
Annualized

ANNUALIZED
SINCE
INCEPTION ON
JULY 1, 2014

Class I Shares

-1.36%

-2.83%

17.72%

6.12%

4.99%

Class A Shares*

-1.55%

-3.05%

17.40%

5.84%

4.73%

Class A Shares (max load)*

-7.24%

-8.64%

10.64%

4.59%

4.06%

Class C Shares**

-2.06%

-3.77%

16.48%

5.05%

3.96%

ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index***

3.13%

4.25%

0.37%

1.65%

1.16%

Barclay CTA Index***

0.28%

-0.38%

8.34%

4.19%

2.64%

S&P 500® Total Return Index***

18.73%

15.94%

-11.23%

11.12%

11.59%

 

Barclay CTA numbers are based on the estimates available on the BarclayHedge website as of September 13, 2023

Source: Abbey Capital, Bloomberg and BarclayHedge.

 

Performance quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the returns quoted. Visit www.abbeycapital.com for returns updated daily. Call (US Toll Free) 1-844-261-6484 or (international callers) + 1-508-871-3276 for returns current to the most recent month-end.

 

Please note the above is shown for illustrative purposes only.

 

*

Class A Shares performance prior to its inception on August 29, 2014 is the performance of Class I Shares, adjusted for the Class A Shares expense ratio. There is a maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) of 5.75% in Class A Shares.

 

**

Class C Shares performance prior to its inception on October 6, 2015 is the performance of Class I Shares, adjusted for the Class C Shares expense ratio.

 

***

The Barclay CTA Index is derived from data that is self-reported by investment managers based on the performance of privately managed funds. In contrast, the S&P 500® Total Return Index and the ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index are comprised of publicly traded securities. As a result of these differences, these indices may not be directly comparable, and the table above is shown for illustrative purposes only.

 

1

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)

August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Abbey Capital Limited (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual fund operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) to 1.79%, 2.04% and 2.79% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares, Class A Shares, and Class C Shares, respectively. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2023, and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. In addition, the Adviser may recoup any waived or reimbursed amounts from the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made by the Adviser, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement. Without the expense limitation agreement, the expense ratios are 1.85%, 2.10% and 2.85% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares, Class A Shares, and Class C Shares, respectively, as stated in the Fund’s current prospectus dated December 31, 2022 (and which may differ from the actual expense ratios for the period covered by this report). The quoted performance would have been lower without the expense limitation.

 

Please refer to the prospectus for further information on expenses and fees.

 

Performance Analysis

 

The 12-month period ended August 31, 2023 was negative overall for Fund performance. The Fund’s Trendfollowing sub-advisers drove losses for the period, while the non-Trendfollowing trading styles were modestly positive in aggregate.

 

Central bank monetary policy was an important driver of market moves throughout the 12- month period. Most central banks began aggressive interest rate hiking policies during the first half of 2022, and this hawkish shift in policy continued in the second half of the year and into 2023.

 

Inflation slowed from multi-decade highs during the period, with US inflation falling significantly from its peak in June 2022. The pace at which inflation slowed became a key focus for investors as markets tried to anticipate central bank policy responses to falling, albeit elevated, inflation. As we moved into 2023, central banks continued to raise rates, but in smaller increments. Investor focus shifted away from forecasting how high interest rates could go, and instead moved towards assessing when the peak in global central bank rates may occur and when central banks may begin to start cutting rates.

 

This slowdown in inflation supported equity returns. Stock markets steadied over the second half of 2022, though this period did see some notable negative and positive months as investors digested both hawkish and dovish central bank guidance. Equities then rallied strongly over the first eight months of 2023 alongside slowing inflation, generally strong corporate earnings, solid US economic data and hopes that we were approaching the end of the global rate hiking cycle.

 

Commodity markets were challenging for much of the period. Demand uncertainty amid a mixed global growth backdrop was a feature of several markets, with the outlook for the Chinese economy a factor within growth-sensitive markets like energy and base metals. Economic data from China was subdued for much of the period, while the reopening of the Chinese economy post-lockdowns in early 2023 ultimately stuttered and the anticipated rebound in economic activity proved weaker than expected. Offsetting this uncertain demand backdrop were supply concerns in some markets, for example in crude oil where OPEC+ production cuts were a feature, as well as in several agricultural markets like cocoa and sugar. This combination of supply and demand considerations contributed to a lack of clear trends and frequent price reversals across many commodity markets.

 

Fund performance from September to December 2022 was negative, with choppy price moves in commodity markets, most notably energy, proving particularly challenging for the Fund’s Trendfollowing sub-advisers. Notable losses in financial contracts occurred in November 2022, when the release of weaker-than-expected US inflation data prompted a dovish revision to market expectations for Federal Reserve monetary policy going forward. This contributed to a notable deviation from year-to-date uptrends in yields and the US Dollar, and supported equity prices.

 

2

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)

August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Fund performance was also negative in Q1 2023. Concerns for the global banking sector in March 2023 following the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank caused a sharp move lower in yields and interest rate expectations. This was, in part, due to concerns about the impact of higher interest rates on the broader economy, and as uncertainty about whether the Federal Reserve could maintain a hawkish monetary policy stance intensified. This sharp reversal in yields was negative for many of the Fund’s sub-advisers which held short positions across several fixed income contracts.

 

The performance backdrop for the Fund improved from April to August 2023 with longer-term price trends re-emerging in currencies and fixed income as expectations for central bank monetary policy turned more hawkish and concerns about the health of the banking sector eased. This proved profitable for the Fund. While Trendfollowing sub-advisers were the primary source of negative Fund performance from September 2022 to March 2023, this trading style led gains through the last five months of the 12-month period.

 

For the 12-month period overall, the Fund’s allocation to Trendfollowing sub-advisers saw the largest losses at the trading style level. The non-Trendfollowing trading styles were modestly positive in aggregate, with gains for the Short-term and Global Macro sub-advisers outweighing losses for the Value sub-adviser.

 

The Fund’s largest losses over the 12-month period occurred in metals. Trendfollowing sub-advisers led losses in the sector as price moves were often range-bound and resulted in sharp price reversals at times. In precious metals, positioning in silver and gold transitioned between long and short as sustained price trends failed to emerge, leading to steady losses throughout the period. Prices of both metals responded to the fluctuating value of the US Dollar and choppiness in global yields. Negative performance in copper was more concentrated in March and April 2023 when long positions incurred losses as prices fell in response to weak Chinese economic data, risk-off sentiment in markets amid banking sector concerns and US-China tensions.

 

Negative performance in energy was concentrated in crude oil futures contracts. Prices proved choppy over the period owing to a lack of clear trends and frequent price reversals occurring. Demand-side factors behind these price moves included global demand uncertainty and the subdued economic performance in China following the reopening of the nation’s economy, while OPEC+ policy changes impacted global supplies at different times.

 

The Fund’s losses in major currencies were driven by the Short-term trading advisers, with Value and Trendfollowing also negative. The clear and steady trends in major currency pair contracts evident for most of 2022 unwound in the latter part of 2022 and trends were choppy for much of 2023. Trendfollowing and Short-term sub-advisers led losses in EUR/ USD contracts while negative performance from the Value sub-adviser was concentrated in USD/ CHF contracts. The US Dollar weakened against peers in the final quarter of 2022, marking a reversal to the uptrends seen during the first nine months of 2022. 2023 has so far seen the US Dollar strengthen and weaken against peers at different times as shifts in expectations for US monetary policy occurred, with prices trends lacking persistency.

 

Equities was another negative sector for the Fund during the year ended August 31, 2023, as losses from Trendfollowing and Value sub-advisers more than offset gains from the Fund’s Short-term sub-adviser. Losses were concentrated in the last four months of 2022, with choppy prices moves amid shifting expectations around the outlook for central bank policy proving challenging for Trendfollowing sub-advisers. In contrast, above-average volatility in the equities sector provided opportunities for the Fund’s Short-term sub-adviser which reported notable gains from trading in S&P 500 futures contracts.

 

Agricultural commodities was also a negative sector for the Fund. Losses in soybean, corn and coffee futures contracts were partially offset by gains in sugar and cocoa. Soybean losses stemmed from long positions held by Trendfollowing sub-advisers while mixed positioning in response to range-bound price moves in corn and coffee also incurred losses for the Fund. Long positions in sugar and cocoa generated positive performance as prices in both commodities rose to multi-year highs in 2023 owing to weather-related supply concerns.

 

Positively, the Fund’s largest gains over the 12-month period occurred in emerging market currencies. Gains were concentrated in long positions in the Mexican Peso and Polish Zloty against the US Dollar. The Mexican Peso rallied over the period owing to strong Mexican economic data and rate increases by the Bank of Mexico which led to an

 

3

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Concluded)

August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

attractive carry relative to US yields. In addition, robust US economic data was a further tailwind given the close links between the Mexican and US economies. Meanwhile, gains in long Polish Zloty positions relative to the US Dollar were led by the Fund’s Value sub-adviser.

 

Fixed income was also a modestly positive sector for the Fund during the 12-month period. Gains were concentrated in short-term interest rates and more than offset losses in bonds. Despite several shifts for expectations around central bank policy, expectations for US rates turned more hawkish over the 12-month period. Meanwhile, United Kingdom (“UK”) rate expectations also rose as inflation proved higher and more entrenched in the UK than in some other developed economies.

 

Key to Currency Abbreviations

USD

US Dollar

CHF

Swiss Franc

EUR

Euro

 

An investment in the Fund is speculative and involves substantial risk. It is possible that an investor may lose some or all of their investment. The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in ACMOF, which invests substantially all of its assets in ACOF, which is a multi-adviser fund that invests in managed futures and foreign exchange. The Fund may also invest a portion of its assets into ACOS, which is a multi-adviser fund that invests in managed futures and foreign exchange. All investments in securities involve risk of the loss of capital. An investment in the Fund includes the risks inherent in an investment in securities, as well as specific risks associated with this open-ended investment product. Among the risks associated with investing in this Fund are Commodity Sector Risk, Counter-Party Risk, Credit Risk, Currency Risk, Manager and Management Risks, Subsidiary Risk, Tax Risk, Emerging Markets Risk, Leveraging Risk, Foreign Investment Risk, Fixed Income Securities Risks, Short Sale Risk and Portfolio Turnover Risks. The Fund may invest in or utilize derivative investments, futures contracts, and hedging strategies. One or more Trading Advisers, from time to time, may invest a substantial portion of the assets managed in a specific industry sector. As a result, the Fund’s investment portfolio may be subject to greater risk and volatility than if investments had been made in the securities of a broader range of issuers. There can be no assurance that the Fund’s strategy (hedging or otherwise) will be successful or that it will employ such strategies with respect to all or any portion of its portfolio. The value of the Fund’s portfolio investments should be expected to fluctuate. Investing in managed futures is not suitable for all investors given its speculative nature and the high level of risk involved. The Fund is appropriate only for investors who can bear the risks associated with the product. This brief statement cannot disclose all of the risks and other factors necessary to evaluate an investment in the Fund. Investors are urged to take appropriate investment advice and to carefully consider their investment objectives, personal situation, and factors such as net worth, income, age, risk tolerance and liquidity needs before investing in the Fund. Before investing, investors should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, tax considerations, sales charges and expenses.

 

Fund holdings and sector allocations are subject to change and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security. Please refer to the Consolidated Portfolio of Investments in this report for a complete list of Fund holdings.

 

The Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund is distributed by Quasar Distributions, LLC.

 

This report is submitted for general information to the shareholders of the Fund. It is not authorized for distribution unless preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus for the Fund. Opinions expressed are subject to change at any time, are not guaranteed, and should not be considered investment advice.

 

4

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Performance Data

August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund - Class A Shares
vs. ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index, S&P 500® Total Return Index and Barclay CTA Index

 

 

The chart illustrates the performance of a hypothetical $10,000 initial investment in the Fund made on July 1, 2014 and reflects Fund expenses and reinvestment of dividends and distributions (performance shown prior to August 29, 2014 is Class I Shares performance adjusted for Class A shares expense ratio). Class A Shares growth of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 is adjusted for the maximum sales charge of 5.75%. This results in a net initial investment of $9,425. Performance does not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder may pay on dividends, distributions or redemptions.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended August 31, 2023

 
 

One
Year

Three
Years

Five
Years

Since
Inception††

 

Class A Shares (without sales charge) (Pro forma July 1, 2014 to August 29, 2014)

-3.05%

6.95%

5.84%

4.73%*

 

Class A Shares (with sales charge) (Pro forma July 1, 2014 to August 29, 2014)

-8.64%

4.86%

4.59%

4.06%*

 

S&P 500® Total Return Index

15.94%

10.52%

11.12%

11.59%**

 

ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index***

4.25%

1.55%

1.65%

1.16%**

 

Barclay CTA Index***

-0.38%

5.01%

4.19%

2.64%**

 

 

††

Inception date of Class A Shares of the Fund was August 29, 2014.

 

*

Class A Shares performance prior to its inception on August 29, 2014 is the performance of Class I Shares, adjusted for the Class A Shares expense ratio.

 

**

Performance is from the inception date of the Fund and is not the inception date of the index itself. The above is shown for illustrative purposes only.

 

***

This is not a primary benchmark of the Fund. Results of the index performance are presented for general comparative purposes.

 

The Fund charges a 5.75% maximum sales charge on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) of Class A Shares. The performance data quoted reflects fee waivers in effect and would have been less in their absence. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes)

 

5

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Performance Data (Continued)

August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

to 2.04% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A Shares. Without the limitation arrangement, the gross expense ratio is 2.10% for Class A Shares as stated in the current prospectus, as supplemented (and which may differ from the actual expense ratio for the period covered by this report). This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2023 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. Please see the Consolidated Financial Highlights for current figures.

 

6

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Performance Data (Continued)

August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $1,000,000 Investment in Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund – Class I Shares
vs. ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index, S&P 500® Total Return Index and Barclay CTA Index

 

 

The chart illustrates the performance of a hypothetical $1,000,000 minimum initial investment in the Fund made on July 1, 2014 and reflects Fund expenses and reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Performance does not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder may pay on dividends, distributions or redemptions.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended August 31, 2023

 
 

One
Year

Three
Years

Five
Years

Since
Inception††

 

Class I Shares

-2.83%

7.24%

6.12%

4.99%

 

S&P 500® Total Return Index

15.94%

10.52%

11.12%

11.59%*

 

ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index**

4.25%

1.55%

1.65%

1.16%*

 

Barclay CTA Index**

-0.38%

5.01%

4.19%

2.64%*

 

 

††

Inception date of Class I Shares of the Fund was July 1, 2014.

 

*

Performance is from the inception date of the Fund and is not the inception date of the index itself. The above is shown for illustrative purposes only.

 

**

This is not a primary benchmark of the Fund. Results of the index performance are presented for general comparative purposes.

 

The performance data quoted reflects fee waivers in effect and would have been less in their absence. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) to 1.79% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares. Without the limitation arrangement, the gross expense ratio is 1.85% for Class I Shares, as stated in the current prospectus, as supplemented (and which may differ from the actual expense ratios for the period covered by this report). This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2023 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. Please see the Consolidated Financial Highlights for current figures.

 

7

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Performance Data (Continued)

August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund – Class C Shares
vs. ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index, S&P 500® Total Return Index and Barclay CTA Index

 

 

The chart illustrates the performance of a hypothetical $10,000 minimum initial investment in the Fund made on July 1, 2014 and reflects Fund expenses and reinvestment of dividends and distributions (performance shown prior to October 6, 2015 is Class I Shares performance adjusted for Class C Shares expense ratio). Performance does not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder may pay on dividends, distributions or redemptions.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended August 31, 2023

 
 

One
Year

Three
Years

Five
Years

Since
Inception††

 

Class C Shares (without sales charge) (Pro forma July 1, 2014 to October 6, 2015)

-3.77%

6.18%

5.05%

3.96%*

 

Class C Shares (with sales charge) (Pro forma July 1, 2014 to August 29, 2014)

-4.60%

6.18%

5.05%

3.96%*

 

S&P 500® Total Return Index

15.94%

10.52%

11.12%

11.59%**

 

ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index***

4.25%

1.55%

1.65%

1.16%**

 

Barclay CTA Index***

-0.38%

5.01%

4.19%

2.64%**

 

 

††

Inception date of Class C Shares of the Fund was October 6, 2015.

 

*

Class C Shares performance prior to its inception on October 6, 2015 is the performance of Class I Shares, adjusted for the Class C Shares expense ratio.

 

**

Performance is from the inception date of the Fund and is not the inception date of the index itself. The above is shown for illustrative purposes only.

 

***

This is not a primary benchmark of the Fund. Results of the index performance are presented for general comparative purposes.

 

The Fund charges a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) of 1.00% on certain redemptions of Class C Shares made within 12 months of purchase. The CDSC is assessed on an amount equal to the lesser of the offering price at the time of purchase of the Class C Shares redeemed and the net asset value of the Class C Shares redeemed at the time of redemption.

 

8

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Performance Data (Concluded)

August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

The performance data quoted reflects fee waivers in effect and would have been less in their absence. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) to 2.79% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class C Shares. Without the limitation arrangement, the gross expense ratio is 2.85% for Class C Shares, as stated in the current prospectus, as supplemented (and which may differ from the actual expense ratios for the period covered by this report). This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2023 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. Please see the Consolidated Financial Highlights for current figures.

 

Performance quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the returns quoted. Visit www.abbeycapital.com for returns updated daily. Call (US Toll Free) 1-844-261-6484 or (international callers) + 1-508-871-3276 for returns current to the most recent month-end.

 

The Barclay CTA Index is derived from data which is self-reported by investment managers based on the performance of privately managed funds. In contrast, the S&P 500® Total Return Index and the ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index are comprised of publicly traded securities. As a result of these differences, these indices may not be directly comparable. Additionally, these indices are not available for direct investment and the above is shown for illustrative purposes only.

 

Barclay CTA Index

 

The Barclay CTA Index is a leading industry benchmark of representative performance of commodity trading advisors. There are currently 412 programs included in the calculation of the Barclay CTA Index for 2023. The Barclay CTA Index is equally weighted and rebalanced at the beginning of each year.

 

ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index

 

The ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index is an unmanaged market index of U.S. Treasury securities maturing in 90 days that assumes reinvestment of all income.

 

The S&P 500® Total Return Index

 

The S&P 500® Total Return Index is the total return version of the S&P 500® Index. Dividends are reinvested on a daily basis and all regular cash dividends are assumed reinvested in the index on the ex-dividend date.

 

A basis point is one hundredth of one percent.

 

Portfolio composition is subject to change. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

9

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Fund Expense Examples

August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, (if any) and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees and other Fund expenses. These examples are 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 mutual funds.

 

These examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period from March 1, 2023 through August 31, 2023, and held for the entire period.

 

ACTUAL EXPENSES

 

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

 

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

 

 

Beginning
Account Value
March 1, 2023

Ending
Account Value
August 31, 2023

Expenses Paid
During
Period
(1)

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
(2)

Actual Six-
Month Total
Investment
Returns for the
Fund

Actual

         

Class A Shares

$ 1,000.00

$ 973.50

$ 10.15

2.04%

-2.65%

Class I Shares

1,000.00

974.70

8.91

1.79%

-2.53%

Class C Shares

1,000.00

969.90

13.85

2.79%

-3.01%

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

Class A Shares

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,014.92

$ 10.36

2.04%

N/A

Class I Shares

1,000.00

1,016.18

9.10

1.79%

N/A

Class C Shares

1,000.00

1,011.14

14.14

2.79%

N/A

 

 

(1)

Expenses are equal to the Funds’ Class A Shares, Class I Shares, and Class C Shares annualized six-month expense ratios for the period March 1, 2023 through August 31, 2023, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184) in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by 365 to reflect the one half year period. The Fund’s ending account values in the first section in the table are based on the actual six-month total investment return for the Fund’s respective share classes.

 

(2)

Ratios reflect expenses waived by the Fund’s investment adviser. Without these waivers, the Fund’s expenses would have been higher and the ending account values would have been lower.

 

10

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio Holdings Summary Table

August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

The following table presents a consolidated summary of the portfolio holdings of the Fund:

 

 

% of Net
Assets

   

Value

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS:

               

U.S. Treasury Obligations

    81.9 %   $ 2,247,513,674  

Money Market Deposit Account

    2.3       62,235,219  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES

               

(including futures and forward foreign currency contracts)

    15.8       433,852,042  

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 2,743,600,935  

 

 

The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by allocating its assets between a “Managed Futures” strategy and a “Fixed Income” strategy.

 

As a result of the Fund’s use of derivatives, the Fund may hold significant amounts of U.S. Treasuries or short-term investments.

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

Refer to the Consolidated Portfolio of Investments for a detailed listing of the Fund’s holdings.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

11

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments

August 31, 2023

 

   

Coupon*

   

Maturity
Date

   

Par
(000’s)

   

Value

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 84.2%

                               

U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS - 81.9%

                               

U.S. Treasury Bills

    5.315 %     09/07/23     $ 52,937     $ 52,890,530  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    4.849 %     09/14/23       47,271       47,181,439  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    4.813 %     09/21/23       97,780       97,493,517  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    4.947 %     09/28/23       96,725       96,341,605  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    4.827 %     10/05/23       105,598       105,071,002  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    4.955 %     10/12/23       129,608       128,826,780  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    5.050 %     10/19/23       136,853       135,889,556  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    5.056 %     10/26/23       99,532       98,727,779  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    5.057 %     11/02/23       117,558       116,490,524  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    5.120 %     11/09/23       49,321       48,821,728  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    5.339 %     11/16/23       39,985       39,539,301  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    5.440 %     11/24/23       125,199       123,647,737  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    5.510 %     11/30/23       89,913       88,719,405  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    5.398 %     12/07/23       127,969       126,139,895  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    5.372 %     12/14/23       43,532       42,872,708  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    5.449 %     12/21/23       37,712       37,098,050  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    5.512 %     12/28/23       75,030       73,731,481  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    5.528 %     01/04/24       51,645       50,698,175  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    5.514 %     01/11/24       77,955       76,445,791  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    5.522 %     01/18/24       27,831       27,263,798  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    5.526 %     01/25/24       27,385       26,798,595  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    5.510 %     02/01/24       50,537       49,405,314  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    5.523 %     02/08/24       126,016       123,061,624  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    5.531 %     02/15/24       72,851       71,066,635  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    5.566 %     02/22/24       260,544       253,887,362  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    5.554 %     02/29/24       112,385       109,403,343  

TOTAL U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS ($2,248,356,446)

                            2,247,513,674  
                               
                   

Number
of Shares
(000’s)

         

MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT ACCOUNT - 2.3%

                               

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 5.20% (United States)(a)

                    62,235       62,235,219  

TOTAL MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT ACCOUNT

                               

(Cost $62,235,219)

                            62,235,219  
                                 

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

                               

(Cost $2,310,591,665)

                            2,309,748,893  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 84.2%

                               

(Cost $2,310,591,665)

                            2,309,748,893  
                                 

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES - 15.8%

                            433,852,042  

NET ASSETS - 100.0%

                          $ 2,743,600,935  

 

 

*

Short-term investments’ coupon reflect the annualized effective yield on the date of purchase for discounted investments.

(a)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2023.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

12

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

Futures contracts outstanding as of August 31, 2023 were as follows:

 

Long Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

10-Year Mini Japanese Government Bond Futures

    Sep-23       1     $ 100,959     $ 82  

3-Month SOFR Futures

    Mar-26       88       21,214,600       2,091  

AUD/USD Currency Futures

    Sep-23       79       5,117,620       (4,737 )

Bank Acceptance Futures

    Mar-24       30       5,243,117       6,106  

Bank Acceptance Futures

    Jun-24       35       6,125,065       7,318  

BIST 30 Index Futures

    Oct-23       379       1,247,021       (18,150 )

Brent Crude Futures

    Nov-23       314       27,264,620       760,932  

Brent Crude Futures

    Dec-23       94       8,105,620       372,460  

Brent Crude Futures

    Jan-24       69       5,909,160       136,680  

Brent Crude Oil Last Day

    Nov-23       17       1,476,110       62,730  

CAC40 10 Euro Futures

    Sep-23       637       50,620,298       215,126  

CAD Currency Futures

    Sep-23       111       8,212,335       31,620  

Canola Futures (Winnipeg Commodity Exchange)

    Nov-23       170       2,034,917       9,500  

Canola Futures (Winnipeg Commodity Exchange)

    Jan-24       28       337,318       (1,118 )

Cattle Feeder Futures

    Oct-23       90       11,521,125       235,525  

Cattle Feeder Futures

    Nov-23       23       2,962,975       48,188  

Cattle Feeder Futures

    Jan-24       1       128,350       413  

CHF Currency Futures

    Sep-23       88       12,473,450       (301,875 )

Cocoa Futures

    Dec-23       611       22,228,180       1,116,926  

Cocoa Futures

    Mar-24       211       7,697,280       387,440  

Cocoa Futures ICE

    Dec-23       270       10,090,070       1,105,094  

Cocoa Futures ICE

    Mar-24       105       3,861,399       358,948  

Cocoa Futures ICE

    May-24       1       36,028       2,863  

Coffee Robusta Futures

    Nov-23       117       2,912,130       (50,590 )

Coffee Robusta Futures

    Jan-24       39       930,540       (38,310 )

Copper Futures

    Dec-23       307       29,333,850       152,138  

Corn Futures

    Dec-23       561       13,414,913       (470,376 )

Cotton No.2 Futures

    Dec-23       673       29,551,430       924,100  

Cotton No.2 Futures

    Mar-24       13       570,245       8,620  

DAX Index Futures

    Sep-23       149       64,623,322       (390,261 )

DJIA Mini E-CBOT

    Sep-23       503       87,499,364       (1,004,523 )

Dollar Index

    Sep-23       412       42,677,844       124,812  

Dutch TTF Gas Futures

    Oct-23       5       141,489       (13,293 )

E-Mini Crude Oil

    Oct-23       16       669,040       23,615  

E-Mini Energy Select Futures

    Sep-23       3       279,420       (1,550 )

E-Mini Industrial Select Futures

    Sep-23       1       108,990       4,950  

E-Mini S&P 500 ESG Futures

    Sep-23       28       5,615,400       96,735  

E-Mini Technology Select Futures

    Sep-23       1       177,090       7,860  

EUR Foreign Exchange Currency Futures

    Sep-23       492       66,742,874       (750,331 )

Euro BUXL 30-Year Bond Futures

    Sep-23       19       2,756,639       22,526  

Euro E-Mini Futures

    Sep-23       1       67,831       231  

Euro STOXX 50

    Sep-23       1,117       52,239,956       (503,220 )

Euro Stoxx 50 Index Futures

    Sep-23       4       172,455       (2,234 )

Euro Stoxx Futures

    Sep-23       70       425,066       (835 )

Euro/JPY Futures

    Sep-23       212       28,681,089       591,481  

Euro-Bobl Futures

    Sep-23       135       16,997,051       28,969  

Euro-BTP Futures

    Sep-23       161       20,237,386       126,995  

Euro-BTP Futures

    Dec-23       8       923,933       3,253  

Euro-Bund Futures

    Sep-23       1,357       195,984,461       185,063  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

13

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

Long Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

Euro-Oat Futures

    Sep-23       176     $ 24,411,099     $ 140,951  

Euro-Schatz Futures

    Sep-23       34       3,875,560       1,958  

FTSE 100 Index Futures

    Sep-23       66       6,239,311       (16,272 )

FTSE KLCI Futures

    Sep-23       2       30,851       (199 )

FTSE Taiwan Index

    Sep-23       337       19,310,100       101,490  

FTSE/JSE TOP 40

    Sep-23       13       475,125       (13,115 )

FTSE/MIB Index Futures

    Sep-23       190       29,752,334       794,748  

Gasoline RBOB Futures

    Oct-23       480       51,728,544       (292,921 )

Gasoline RBOB Futures

    Nov-23       118       12,292,367       101,858  

Gasoline RBOB Futures

    Dec-23       46       4,643,176       90,237  

Gasoline RBOB Futures

    Jan-24       25       2,484,090       134  

GBP Currency Futures

    Sep-23       1,042       82,480,812       (458,789 )

Gold 100 Oz Futures

    Dec-23       162       31,847,580       82,681  

IBEX 35 Index Futures

    Sep-23       15       1,551,008       20,413  

IBEX Mini Index Futures

    Sep-23       2       20,680       349  

Ice Three Miont SONIA Index Futures

    Mar-24       345       103,017,281       341,149  

Ice Three Miont SONIA Index Futures

    Jun-24       333       99,550,079       353,089  

IFSC Nifty 50 Futures

    Sep-23       408       15,870,384       6,932  

JPN 10-Year Bond (Osaka Securities Exchange)

    Sep-23       45       45,409,808       (69,487 )

JPX Nikkei Index 400 Futures

    Sep-23       1       14,482       477  

JPY Currency Futures

    Sep-23       91       7,839,650       23,513  

Lean Hogs Futures

    Oct-23       85       2,806,700       (5,020 )

Lean Hogs Futures

    Dec-23       18       535,140       2,780  

Live Cattle Futures

    Oct-23       373       26,979,090       (22,690 )

Live Cattle Futures

    Dec-23       244       18,036,480       225,080  

Live Cattle Futures

    Feb-24       161       12,161,940       94,850  

Live Cattle Futures

    Apr-24       22       1,695,540       5,180  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Sep-23       3       162,210       (7,940 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Sep-23       1       54,163       (404 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Sep-23       1       54,274       (1,801 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Sep-23       128       6,956,000       28,953  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Sep-23       2,227       121,023,530       (1,609,586 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Sep-23       3       163,369       (1,019 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Sep-23       1       54,481       (605 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Sep-23       16       871,900       (6,604 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-23       17       927,031       20,931  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-23       1       54,567       1,154  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-23       1       54,620       (387 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-23       5       273,151       (5,824 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-23       9       491,767       (19,783 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-23       1       54,683       940  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-23       147       8,039,981       10,835  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-23       2       109,432       644  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-23       1       54,739       957  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-23       1       54,850       1,369  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-23       1       54,875       977  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-23       4       219,700       (8,913 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Nov-23       1       54,938       (1,625 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Nov-23       4       220,225       3,185  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Nov-23       8       440,300       7,700  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Nov-23       1       55,188       1,225  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

14

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

Long Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

LME Aluminum Forward

    Dec-23       321     $ 17,793,431     $ 175,153  

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-23       2       422,278       12,015  

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-23       1       210,461       523  

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-23       11       2,315,558       (9,805 )

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-23       1       210,550       (4,325 )

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-23       69       14,524,500       (34,392 )

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-23       520       109,459,999       411,285  

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-23       1       210,285       (5,028 )

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-23       5       1,051,338       (25,319 )

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-23       6       1,261,500       (37,274 )

LME Copper Forward

    Oct-23       5       1,051,364       (31,072 )

LME Copper Forward

    Oct-23       7       1,472,100       (35,038 )

LME Copper Forward

    Oct-23       55       11,565,813       (281,013 )

LME Copper Forward

    Oct-23       4       841,050       988  

LME Copper Forward

    Oct-23       2       420,550       (4,925 )

LME Copper Forward

    Oct-23       1       210,400       (4,950 )

LME Copper Forward

    Nov-23       5       1,052,213       (44,163 )

LME Copper Forward

    Nov-23       1       210,493       (3,082 )

LME Copper Forward

    Nov-23       1       210,502       (1,336 )

LME Copper Forward

    Nov-23       2       421,021       (1,892 )

LME Copper Forward

    Nov-23       6       1,262,925       (7,658 )

LME Copper Forward

    Nov-23       17       3,577,650       2,208  

LME Copper Forward

    Nov-23       1       210,428       3,078  

LME Copper Forward

    Dec-23       81       17,066,700       145,775  

LME Lead Forward

    Sep-23       3       164,700       12,615  

LME Lead Forward

    Sep-23       1       56,180       3,780  

LME Lead Forward

    Sep-23       6       338,010       18,223  

LME Lead Forward

    Sep-23       31       1,745,998       124,925  

LME Lead Forward

    Sep-23       931       52,436,247       2,794,824  

LME Lead Forward

    Sep-23       4       224,790       10,165  

LME Lead Forward

    Sep-23       5       279,488       12,068  

LME Lead Forward

    Sep-23       1       55,873       2,130  

LME Lead Forward

    Oct-23       1       55,781       731  

LME Lead Forward

    Oct-23       2       111,529       4,885  

LME Lead Forward

    Oct-23       4       222,857       7,193  

LME Lead Forward

    Oct-23       5       278,488       13,875  

LME Lead Forward

    Oct-23       30       1,669,425       52,319  

LME Lead Forward

    Oct-23       2       111,270       6,733  

LME Lead Forward

    Oct-23       1       55,623       3,223  

LME Lead Forward

    Oct-23       2       111,120       3,095  

LME Lead Forward

    Nov-23       1       55,550       1,962  

LME Lead Forward

    Nov-23       2       111,083       4,833  

LME Lead Forward

    Nov-23       1       55,539       2,127  

LME Lead Forward

    Nov-23       26       1,443,585       38,824  

LME Lead Forward

    Nov-23       4       221,750       2,538  

LME Lead Forward

    Nov-23       5       277,250       7,083  

LME Lead Forward

    Nov-23       2       110,900       675  

LME Lead Forward

    Dec-23       223       12,375,943       554,868  

LME Nickel Forward

    Sep-23       2       245,007       (14,133 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Sep-23       1       120,572       (6,437 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Sep-23       1       120,607       (5,123 )

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

15

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

Long Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

LME Nickel Forward

    Sep-23       4     $ 482,464     $ (43,376 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Sep-23       1       120,625       (14,105 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Sep-23       2       241,267       (29,356 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Sep-23       22       2,654,916       (94,434 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Sep-23       44       5,309,832       (241,443 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Sep-23       1       120,786       (12,851 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Sep-23       1       120,807       (12,846 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Sep-23       3       362,486       (32,017 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Sep-23       4       483,400       (39,189 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Oct-23       1       120,935       (12,816 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Oct-23       2       241,956       (25,612 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Oct-23       1       120,990       (2,610 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Oct-23       2       242,100       (6,448 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Oct-23       2       242,148       (13,932 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Oct-23       27       3,270,618       (16,236 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Oct-23       1       121,157       (4,483 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Oct-23       2       242,359       (12,581 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Oct-23       1       121,270       (3,830 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Oct-23       1       121,293       (8,517 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Oct-23       2       242,631       (12,447 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Oct-23       5       606,692       (21,736 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Oct-23       1       121,429       (9,971 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Nov-23       1       121,626       (2,067 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Nov-23       5       608,670       (3,240 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Dec-23       1       122,106       (1,588 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Sep-23       2       120,815       2,605  

LME Zinc Forward

    Sep-23       1       60,479       842  

LME Zinc Forward

    Sep-23       2       120,975       (3,275 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Sep-23       5       302,646       (5,612 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Sep-23       60       3,632,250       31,760  

LME Zinc Forward

    Sep-23       504       30,510,900       83,331  

LME Zinc Forward

    Sep-23       2       121,150       3,025  

LME Zinc Forward

    Oct-23       1       60,590       1,290  

LME Zinc Forward

    Oct-23       1       60,594       (1,496 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Oct-23       1       60,604       1,566  

LME Zinc Forward

    Oct-23       4       242,700       (6,013 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Oct-23       58       3,520,600       1,715  

LME Zinc Forward

    Oct-23       80       4,856,000       (138,000 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Oct-23       1       60,713       1,147  

LME Zinc Forward

    Oct-23       4       242,875       (5,225 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Oct-23       5       303,719       (14,694 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Nov-23       1       60,800       (1,563 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Nov-23       1       60,788       (265 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Nov-23       3       182,138       7,763  

LME Zinc Forward

    Nov-23       2       121,450       2,100  

LME Zinc Forward

    Nov-23       1       60,750       (238 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Nov-23       5       303,813       (1,600 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Dec-23       9       547,538       6,349  

Long Gilt Futures

    Dec-23       123       14,891,384       122,234  

Low Sulphur Gasoil G Futures

    Sep-23       180       16,119,000       423,000  

Low Sulphur Gasoil G Futures

    Oct-23       238       21,021,350       36,375  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

16

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

Long Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

Low Sulphur Gasoil G Futures

    Nov-23       60     $ 5,140,500     $ 25,475  

Low Sulphur Gasoil G Futures

    Dec-23       28       2,321,900       (8,600 )

Low Sulphur Gasoil G Futures

    Jan-24       7       571,025       (1,450 )

Micro E-mini Dow Jones Industrial Index Futures

    Sep-23       6       104,373       (956 )

Micro E-mini Nasdaq 100 Index Futures

    Sep-23       1       31,077       (95 )

Micro E-mini S&P 500 Index Futures

    Sep-23       2       45,160       1,661  

Micro EUR/USD Futures

    Sep-23       2       27,131       (640 )

Milk Futures

    Sep-23       2       75,560       (80 )

Mini FTSE/MIB Pound Futures

    Sep-23       7       219,228       7,888  

Mini TOPIX Index Futures

    Sep-23       20       320,355       13,033  

MSCI EAFE Index Futures

    Sep-23       14       1,476,510       (40,335 )

MXN Currency Futures

    Sep-23       1,203       35,338,125       101,001  

Nasdaq 100 E-Mini

    Sep-23       388       120,578,759       1,677,376  

Natural Gas Futures

    Oct-23       5       138,400       (4,400 )

Nikkei 225 (Chicago Mercantile Exchange)

    Sep-23       12       1,950,000       8,950  

Nikkei 225 (Osaka Securities Exchange)

    Sep-23       144       32,274,923       122,872  

Nikkei 225 (Osaka Securities Exchange)

    Dec-23       2       64,670,618       619  

Nikkei 225 (Singapore Exchange)

    Sep-23       829       92,873,981       1,182,784  

Nikkei 225 Mini

    Sep-23       201       4,505,041       54,425  

Nikkei/Yen Futures

    Sep-23       55       6,142,823       23,571  

NY Harbor Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel Futures

    Oct-23       268       35,041,054       1,058,045  

NY Harbor Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel Futures

    Nov-23       64       8,161,037       120,704  

NY Harbor Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel Futures

    Dec-23       43       5,301,694       59,594  

NY Harbor Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel Futures

    Jan-24       16       1,936,637       (7,518 )

OAT Futures

    Dec-23       6       147,975       8,988  

OMX Stockholm 30 ESG Responsible Index

    Sep-23       4       76,575       295  

OMX Stockholm 30 Index Futures

    Sep-23       319       6,377,961       4,832  

Orange Juice Futures

    Nov-23       17       812,303       16,358  

Palm Oil Futures

    Nov-23       17       367,295       7,689  

Palm Oil Futures

    Dec-23       6       130,409       4,418  

Palm Oil Futures

    Jan-24       1       21,880       1,024  

Platinum Futures

    Oct-23       2       97,440       (1,040 )

Rough Rice Futures

    Nov-23       6       200,280       7,920  

Russell 2000 E-Mini

    Sep-23       174       16,543,920       (354,151 )

S&P 500 E-Mini Futures

    Sep-23       933       210,671,399       1,143,520  

S&P Mid 400 E-Mini

    Sep-23       24       6,356,880       (110,970 )

S&P/TSX 60 IX Futures

    Sep-23       81       14,580,240       134,251  

SGX Iron Ore 62% Futures

    Oct-23       189       2,157,624       59,194  

SGX Iron Ore 62% Futures

    Nov-23       20       224,940       4,890  

SGX Iron Ore 62% Futures

    Dec-23       10       111,180       2,295  

Silver Futures

    Dec-23       243       30,146,580       127,327  

Silver Futures

    Mar-24       3       377,640       (2,285 )

Soybean Futures

    Nov-23       816       55,844,999       (450,309 )

Soybean Futures

    Jan-24       46       3,178,600       (23,975 )

Soybean Futures

    Mar-24       259       17,938,988       233,663  

Soybean Meal Futures

    Dec-23       617       24,926,800       (130,256 )

Soybean Meal Futures

    Jan-24       16       642,240       (8,890 )

Soybean Oil Futures

    Dec-23       444       16,644,672       156,498  

Soybean Oil Futures

    Jan-24       32       1,187,328       42,774  

Soybean Oil Futures

    Mar-24       1       36,726       5,046  

SPI 200 Futures

    Sep-23       535       63,047,517       412,825  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

17

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

Long Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

STOXX Dividend Futures

    Dec-24       5     $ 79,375     $ 7,981  

STOXX Europe 600 Banks Index

    Sep-23       1       8,561       (179 )

STOXX Europe 600 ESG-X Index

    Sep-23       40       741,263       (7,243 )

STOXX Europe 600 Index

    Sep-23       61       1,519,030       6,211  

STOXX Europe 600 Institutional Index

    Sep-23       1       16,349       (141 )

Sugar No. 11 (World)

    Oct-23       497       13,949,398       106,837  

Sugar No. 11 (World)

    Mar-24       1,076       30,646,202       73,864  

Sugar No. 11 (World)

    May-24       153       4,116,067       42,000  

Sugar No. 11 (World)

    Jul-24       5       127,960       1,758  

Topix Index Futures

    Sep-23       366       58,624,901       2,054,033  

Topix Index Futures

    Dec-23       2       46,175,241       241  

U.S. Treasury 2-Year Notes (Chicago Board of Trade)

    Dec-23       93       18,953,836       (4,739 )

U.S. Treasury 5-Year Notes (Chicago Board of Trade)

    Dec-23       17       1,817,672       222  

UK Natural Gas Futures

    Nov-23       5       214,210       (11,819 )

USD/BRL Futures

    Oct-23       4       80,420       (1,230 )

USD/CNH Futures

    Sep-23       4       400,783       5,070  

USD/NOK Futures

    Sep-23       9       899,695       1,744  

USD/SEK Futures

    Sep-23       4       399,461       10,533  

USD/TRY Futures

    Oct-23       79       82,368       264  

White Sugar ICE

    Oct-23       3       107,280       3,990  

White Sugar ICE

    Dec-23       75       2,636,625       72,460  

White Sugar ICE

    Mar-24       23       798,445       30,500  

WTI Crude Futures

    Oct-23       500       41,815,000       1,519,231  

WTI Crude Futures

    Nov-23       50       4,148,000       161,410  

WTI Crude Futures

    Dec-23       45       3,701,700       161,360  

WTI Crude Futures

    Jan-24       23       1,876,340       50,760  

WTI Crude Futures IPE

    Oct-23       13       1,087,190       36,480  

WTI Crude Futures IPE

    Nov-23       13       1,078,480       36,860  

WTI Crude Futures IPE

    Dec-23       13       1,069,380       32,230  

WTI Crude Futures IPE

    Jan-24       15       1,223,700       28,800  

WTI Crude Futures IPE

    Feb-24       15       1,213,950       17,270  
                            $ 17,403,499  

 

Short Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

1-Month SOFR Future

    Jan-24       7     $ (2,759,242 )   $ (146 )

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Dec-23       61       (15,898,060 )     (2,413 )

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Mar-24       92       (23,999,848 )     20,833  

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Jun-24       1,457       (380,815,256 )     (641,557 )

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Sep-24       107       (28,031,793 )     (30,484 )

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Dec-24       1,410       (370,155,386 )     (692,609 )

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Mar-25       100       (26,290,107 )     (46,776 )

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Jun-25       181       (47,634,161 )     (84,688 )

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Sep-25       92       (24,230,544 )     (44,309 )

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Dec-25       81       (21,346,589 )     (37,234 )

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Mar-26       213       (52,776,778 )     (31,541 )

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Jun-26       283       (74,638,830 )     (153,517 )

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

18

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

Short Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Sep-26       26     $ (6,858,335 )   $ (9,949 )

3-Month SARON Futures

    Dec-23       1       (277,877 )     (14 )

3-Month SARON Futures

    Mar-24       1       (277,891 )     (85 )

3-Month SOFR Futures

    Mar-24       1,328       (314,735,999 )     198,150  

3-Month SOFR Futures

    Jun-24       343       (81,561,113 )     217,400  

3-Month SOFR Futures

    Sep-24       229       (54,665,163 )     248,963  

3-Month SOFR Futures

    Mar-25       464       (111,476,000 )     273,988  

3-Month SOFR Futures

    Jun-25       238       (57,283,625 )     118,113  

3-Month SOFR Futures

    Sep-25       222       (53,482,575 )     82,313  

3-Month SOFR Futures

    Dec-25       197       (47,479,463 )     76,488  

3-Month SOFR Futures

    Mar-26       526       (126,805,450 )     153,088  

3-Month SOFR Futures

    Jun-26       167       (40,267,875 )     39,200  

3-Month SOFR Futures

    Sep-26       126       (30,384,900 )     (3,025 )

3-Month SOFR Futures

    Dec-26       55       (13,263,938 )     2,825  

3-Month SOFR Futures

    Mar-27       53       (12,780,950 )     550  

3-Month SOFR Futures

    Jun-27       54       (13,020,750 )     7,413  

3-Month SOFR Futures

    Sep-27       55       (13,259,125 )     1,000  

3-Month SOFR Futures

    Dec-24       1,331       (318,874,324 )     835,200  

90-DAY Bank Bill

    Sep-23       14       (8,979,409 )     (4,255 )

90-DAY Bank Bill

    Dec-23       92       (58,993,144 )     (49,975 )

90-DAY Bank Bill

    Mar-24       280       (179,535,589 )     (75,170 )

90-DAY Bank Bill

    Jun-24       151       (96,823,341 )     (78,441 )

90-DAY Bank Bill

    Sep-24       51       (32,709,905 )     (17,303 )

90-DAY Bank Bill

    Dec-24       14       (8,981,820 )     (5,916 )

90-DAY Bank Bill

    Mar-25       9       (5,775,578 )     (3,649 )

AUD/USD Currency Futures

    Sep-23       2,405       (155,795,900 )     5,344,239  

Australian 10-Year Bond Futures

    Sep-23       1,519       (114,340,899 )     (154,753 )

Australian 3-Year Bond Futures

    Sep-23       3,218       (221,827,069 )     (844,881 )

Bank Acceptance Futures

    Dec-23       25       (4,366,489 )     4,394  

Bank Acceptance Futures

    Mar-24       239       (41,770,167 )     15,264  

Bank Acceptance Futures

    Jun-24       72       (12,600,133 )     43,073  

Bank Acceptance Futures

    Sep-24       47       (8,250,740 )     27,809  

Bank Acceptance Futures

    Dec-24       35       (6,161,005 )     16,522  

Bank Acceptance Futures

    Mar-25       22       (3,881,994 )     10,731  

Bank Acceptance Futures

    Jun-25       15       (3,583,784 )     (259 )

Brent Crude Futures

    Nov-23       154       (13,371,820 )     (534,370 )

CAD Currency Futures

    Sep-23       1,204       (89,077,940 )     (19,872 )

Canadian 10-Year Bond Futures

    Dec-23       1,863       (164,501,576 )     (1,292,385 )

Canadian 5-Year Bond Futures

    Dec-23       3       (243,983 )     (1,443 )

CHF Currency Futures

    Sep-23       369       (52,303,444 )     9,640  

Coffee ‘C’ Futures

    Dec-23       492       (28,505,250 )     728,657  

Coffee ‘C’ Futures

    Mar-24       67       (3,910,706 )     49,238  

Coffee ‘C’ Futures

    May-24       19       (1,115,775 )     18,000  

Copper Futures

    Dec-23       143       (13,663,650 )     (191,055 )

Copper Futures

    Mar-24       6       (576,600 )     (5,138 )

Corn Futures

    Dec-23       1,608       (38,451,300 )     839,042  

Corn Futures

    Mar-24       615       (15,190,500 )     498,775  

Corn Futures

    May-24       32       (804,000 )     22,525  

DAX Index Futures

    Sep-23       39       (16,914,830 )     (281,498 )

DAX-Mini Futures

    Sep-23       2       (173,485 )     (4,402 )

Dollar Index

    Sep-23       3       (310,761 )     1,894  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

19

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

Short Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

Dutch TTF Gas Futures

    Oct-23       45     $ (1,273,405 )   $ 206,133  

Dutch TTF Gas Futures

    Nov-23       5       (177,714 )     (1,874 )

Emerging Market ESG Leaders NTR Index Futures

    Sep-23       2       (28,970 )     (410 )

E-Mini Consumer Staples Select Futures

    Sep-23       2       (146,340 )     (800 )

E-Mini Financial Select Futures

    Sep-23       2       (211,850 )     (3,063 )

E-Mini Natural Gas

    Oct-23       3       (20,760 )     (673 )

E-Mini Utilities Select Futures

    Sep-23       3       (190,170 )     5,130  

EUR Foreign Exchange Currency Futures

    Sep-23       1,117       (151,528,031 )     236,022  

Euro BUXL 30-Year Bond Futures

    Sep-23       129       (18,716,128 )     (174,754 )

Euro BUXL 30-Year Bond Futures

    Dec-23       33       (4,417,309 )     (41,509 )

Euro STOXX 50

    Sep-23       2       (93,536 )     (4 )

Euro/GBP Futures

    Sep-23       1       (135,690 )     1,979  

Euro-Bobl Futures

    Sep-23       982       (123,637,805 )     (666,052 )

Euro-Bobl Futures

    Dec-23       970       (122,422,075 )     (521,823 )

Euro-BTP Futures

    Sep-23       120       (15,083,766 )     (100,346 )

Euro-Bund Futures

    Sep-23       533       (76,978,423 )     (576,539 )

Euro-Bund Futures

    Dec-23       423       (59,931,631 )     (278,646 )

Euro-Oat Futures

    Sep-23       427       (59,224,656 )     (634,693 )

European Climate Exchange Futures

    Dec-23       13       (1,201,616 )     12,600  

European Climate Exchange Futures

    Dec-24       1       (89,921 )     1,139  

Euro-Schatz Futures

    Sep-23       2,215       (252,481,320 )     (131,722 )

Euro-Schatz Futures

    Dec-23       238       (25,105,620 )     (17,745 )

FTSE 100 Index Futures

    Sep-23       1,230       (107,765,581 )     (874,371 )

FTSE China A50 Index

    Sep-23       1,247       (15,734,646 )     23,872  

FTSE KLCI Futures

    Sep-23       6       (92,554 )     (323 )

FTSE/JSE TOP 40

    Sep-23       385       (14,070,999 )     (95,528 )

Gasoline RBOB Futures

    Oct-23       10       (1,077,678 )     (3,283 )

GBP Currency Futures

    Sep-23       277       (21,926,281 )     (59,031 )

Gold 100 Oz Futures

    Dec-23       1,315       (258,515,849 )     242,089  

Gold 100 Oz Futures

    Feb-24       1       (198,630 )     (3,970 )

Hang Seng China Enterprises Index Futures

    Sep-23       229       (9,211,276 )     (62,367 )

Hang Seng Index Futures

    Sep-23       452       (52,748,270 )     (296,058 )

Ice Three Miont SONIA Index Futures

    Dec-23       80       (23,889,332 )     (51,701 )

Ice Three Miont SONIA Index Futures

    Mar-24       1,779       (531,210,855 )     (728,173 )

Ice Three Miont SONIA Index Futures

    Jun-24       244       (72,943,602 )     (48,328 )

Ice Three Miont SONIA Index Futures

    Sep-24       95       (28,460,346 )     58,320  

Ice Three Miont SONIA Index Futures

    Dec-24       200       (60,065,366 )     (21,995 )

Ice Three Miont SONIA Index Futures

    Mar-25       224       (67,415,093 )     (101,233 )

Ice Three Miont SONIA Index Futures

    Jun-25       90       (27,132,026 )     23,087  

Ice Three Miont SONIA Index Futures

    Sep-25       82       (24,756,648 )     713  

Ice Three Miont SONIA Index Futures

    Dec-25       65       (19,647,845 )     15,534  

Ice Three Miont SONIA Index Futures

    Mar-26       294       (82,650,222 )     (104,780 )

Ice Three Miont SONIA Index Futures

    Jun-26       26       (7,873,548 )     6,081  

Ice Three Miont SONIA Index Futures

    Sep-26       16       (4,848,301 )     (4,165 )

INR/USD Futures

    Sep-23       4       (96,592 )     248  

INR/USD Standard Futures

    Sep-23       2       (120,830 )     70  

JPN 10-Year Bond (Osaka Securities Exchange)

    Sep-23       26       (26,236,778 )     (50,586 )

JPY Currency Futures

    Sep-23       2,849       (245,441,350 )     8,583,638  

Kansas City Hard Red Winter Wheat Futures

    Dec-23       337       (12,254,163 )     481,125  

Kansas City Hard Red Winter Wheat Futures

    Mar-24       24       (880,500 )     32,438  

Lean Hogs Futures

    Oct-23       22       (726,440 )     (31,480 )

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

20

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

Short Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

Lean Hogs Futures

    Dec-23       245     $ (7,283,850 )   $ (149,530 )

Lean Hogs Futures

    Feb-24       56       (1,762,880 )     (40,120 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Sep-23       3       (162,210 )     (710 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Sep-23       1       (54,163 )     1,300  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Sep-23       1       (54,274 )     (393 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Sep-23       2,227       (121,023,531 )     2,235,188  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Sep-23       128       (6,956,000 )     272,525  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Sep-23       3       (163,369 )     (1,619 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Sep-23       1       (54,481 )     (56 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Sep-23       16       (871,900 )     (2,500 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-23       17       (927,031 )     5,498  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-23       1       (54,567 )     (967 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-23       1       (54,620 )     (245 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-23       5       (273,151 )     1,886  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-23       9       (491,767 )     (3,965 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-23       1       (54,683 )     1,367  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-23       147       (8,039,981 )     (31,461 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-23       2       (109,432 )     (170 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-23       1       (54,739 )     99  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-23       1       (54,850 )     938  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-23       1       (54,875 )     463  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-23       4       (219,700 )     (4,321 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Nov-23       1       (54,938 )     (981 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Nov-23       1       (54,963 )     1  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Nov-23       3       (165,169 )     (2,194 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Nov-23       138       (7,597,763 )     (36,104 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Nov-23       8       (440,300 )     (12,700 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Nov-23       18       (993,375 )     (24,480 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Dec-23       881       (48,834,931 )     (674,861 )

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-23       2       (422,278 )     (8,265 )

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-23       1       (210,461 )     (2,451 )

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-23       11       (2,315,558 )     53,647  

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-23       1       (210,550 )     (2,575 )

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-23       520       (109,460,000 )     (1,770,682 )

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-23       69       (14,524,500 )     (183,951 )

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-23       1       (210,285 )     (1,410 )

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-23       5       (1,051,338 )     (19,338 )

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-23       6       (1,261,500 )     (38,625 )

LME Copper Forward

    Oct-23       5       (1,051,364 )     (8,001 )

LME Copper Forward

    Oct-23       7       (1,472,100 )     13,895  

LME Copper Forward

    Oct-23       55       (11,565,813 )     (15,797 )

LME Copper Forward

    Oct-23       4       (841,050 )     25,125  

LME Copper Forward

    Oct-23       2       (420,550 )     7,529  

LME Copper Forward

    Oct-23       1       (210,400 )     5,045  

LME Copper Forward

    Nov-23       5       (1,052,213 )     6,330  

LME Copper Forward

    Nov-23       5       (1,052,509 )     (13,146 )

LME Copper Forward

    Nov-23       4       (842,041 )     (229 )

LME Copper Forward

    Nov-23       7       (1,473,413 )     (28,275 )

LME Copper Forward

    Nov-23       35       (7,365,750 )     (140,173 )

LME Copper Forward

    Nov-23       1       (210,428 )     1,254  

LME Copper Forward

    Dec-23       170       (35,819,000 )     (381,486 )

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

21

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

Short Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

LME Lead Forward

    Sep-23       3     $ (164,700 )   $ (15,963 )

LME Lead Forward

    Sep-23       1       (56,180 )     (5,392 )

LME Lead Forward

    Sep-23       6       (338,010 )     (17,548 )

LME Lead Forward

    Sep-23       931       (52,436,248 )     (4,402,300 )

LME Lead Forward

    Sep-23       31       (1,745,998 )     (143,473 )

LME Lead Forward

    Sep-23       4       (224,790 )     (15,290 )

LME Lead Forward

    Sep-23       5       (279,488 )     (17,988 )

LME Lead Forward

    Sep-23       1       (55,873 )     (3,810 )

LME Lead Forward

    Oct-23       1       (55,781 )     (3,793 )

LME Lead Forward

    Oct-23       2       (111,529 )     (9,316 )

LME Lead Forward

    Oct-23       4       (222,857 )     (16,045 )

LME Lead Forward

    Oct-23       5       (278,488 )     (8,183 )

LME Lead Forward

    Oct-23       30       (1,669,425 )     (111,197 )

LME Lead Forward

    Oct-23       2       (111,270 )     (3,714 )

LME Lead Forward

    Oct-23       1       (55,623 )     (1,854 )

LME Lead Forward

    Oct-23       2       (111,120 )     (3,616 )

LME Lead Forward

    Nov-23       2       (111,083 )     (1,395 )

LME Lead Forward

    Nov-23       4       (222,090 )     (11,103 )

LME Lead Forward

    Nov-23       4       (221,750 )     (2,700 )

LME Lead Forward

    Dec-23       10       (554,975 )     (18,533 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Sep-23       2       (245,007 )     6,261  

LME Nickel Forward

    Sep-23       1       (120,572 )     8,789  

LME Nickel Forward

    Sep-23       1       (120,607 )     6,447  

LME Nickel Forward

    Sep-23       4       (482,464 )     25,151  

LME Nickel Forward

    Sep-23       1       (120,625 )     6,452  

LME Nickel Forward

    Sep-23       2       (241,267 )     25,311  

LME Nickel Forward

    Sep-23       44       (5,309,832 )     294,234  

LME Nickel Forward

    Sep-23       22       (2,654,916 )     123,932  

LME Nickel Forward

    Sep-23       1       (120,786 )     4,134  

LME Nickel Forward

    Sep-23       1       (120,807 )     2,193  

LME Nickel Forward

    Sep-23       3       (362,486 )     (1,286 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Sep-23       4       (483,400 )     (880 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Oct-23       1       (120,935 )     1,975  

LME Nickel Forward

    Oct-23       2       (241,956 )     3,354  

LME Nickel Forward

    Oct-23       1       (120,990 )     12,810  

LME Nickel Forward

    Oct-23       2       (242,100 )     16,372  

LME Nickel Forward

    Oct-23       2       (242,148 )     14,885  

LME Nickel Forward

    Oct-23       27       (3,270,618 )     100,044  

LME Nickel Forward

    Oct-23       1       (121,157 )     12,835  

LME Nickel Forward

    Oct-23       2       (242,359 )     25,625  

LME Nickel Forward

    Oct-23       1       (121,270 )     12,779  

LME Nickel Forward

    Oct-23       1       (121,293 )     12,651  

LME Nickel Forward

    Oct-23       2       (242,631 )     22,485  

LME Nickel Forward

    Oct-23       5       (606,692 )     46,096  

LME Nickel Forward

    Oct-23       1       (121,429 )     12,719  

LME Nickel Forward

    Nov-23       1       (121,486 )     7,214  

LME Nickel Forward

    Nov-23       3       (364,698 )     9,522  

LME Nickel Forward

    Nov-23       1       (121,578 )     1,992  

LME Nickel Forward

    Nov-23       1       (121,590 )     1,350  

LME Nickel Forward

    Nov-23       1       (121,626 )     (1,116 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Nov-23       25       (3,040,650 )     2,325  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

22

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

Short Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

LME Nickel Forward

    Nov-23       2     $ (243,219 )   $ (2,529 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Nov-23       1       (121,593 )     (813 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Nov-23       7       (852,057 )     20,569  

LME Nickel Forward

    Dec-23       37       (4,517,922 )     44,593  

LME Zinc Forward

    Sep-23       2       (120,815 )     (5,990 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Sep-23       1       (60,479 )     (1,367 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Sep-23       2       (120,975 )     (2,750 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Sep-23       5       (302,646 )     (5,384 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Sep-23       504       (30,510,900 )     848,584  

LME Zinc Forward

    Sep-23       60       (3,632,250 )     (56,435 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Sep-23       2       (121,150 )     (3,725 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Oct-23       2       (121,180 )     (2,841 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Oct-23       1       (60,594 )     (1,119 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Oct-23       1       (60,604 )     (1,520 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Oct-23       80       (4,856,000 )     147,038  

LME Zinc Forward

    Oct-23       58       (3,520,600 )     (40,393 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Oct-23       1       (60,713 )     925  

LME Zinc Forward

    Oct-23       8       (485,750 )     8,790  

LME Zinc Forward

    Oct-23       5       (303,719 )     6,219  

LME Zinc Forward

    Nov-23       1       (60,781 )     681  

LME Zinc Forward

    Nov-23       1       (60,800 )     313  

LME Zinc Forward

    Nov-23       3       (182,400 )     (7,038 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Nov-23       85       (5,166,938 )     132,900  

LME Zinc Forward

    Nov-23       60       (3,647,250 )     (23,518 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Nov-23       1       (60,750 )     (3,888 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Nov-23       5       (303,563 )     (18,588 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Nov-23       1       (60,718 )     (3,368 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Nov-23       1       (60,750 )     (1,164 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Dec-23       337       (20,502,238 )     (558,463 )

Long Gilt Futures

    Dec-23       1,052       (127,363,711 )     (1,270,183 )

Low Sulphur Gasoil G Futures

    Oct-23       22       (1,943,150 )     18,363  

Lumber Futures

    Nov-23       4       (55,880 )     44  

MAIZE Futures

    Nov-23       12       (137,930 )     2,928  

Micro E-mini Russell 200 Index Futures

    Sep-23       1       (9,508 )     (252 )

Micro Gold Futures

    Dec-23       32       (629,088 )     (13,981 )

Mill Wheat Euro

    Sep-23       11       (133,741 )     4,121  

Mill Wheat Euro

    Dec-23       177       (2,269,575 )     122,112  

Mill Wheat Euro

    Mar-24       40       (526,995 )     5,734  

Mill Wheat Euro

    May-24       3       (40,094 )     407  

Mini H-Shares Index Futures

    Sep-23       4       (32,179 )     15  

Mini HSI Index Futures

    Sep-23       51       (1,190,337 )     (4,658 )

MSCI China A 50 Connect Index

    Sep-23       2       (101,880 )     1,235  

MSCI EAFE Index Futures

    Sep-23       1       (105,465 )     140  

MSCI Emerging Markets Index Futures

    Sep-23       146       (7,148,890 )     (60,395 )

MSCI Singapore Exchange ETS

    Sep-23       244       (5,130,238 )     (37,268 )

MXN Currency Futures

    Sep-23       2       (58,750 )     220  

Natural Gas Futures

    Oct-23       774       (21,424,320 )     (621,535 )

Natural Gas Futures

    Nov-23       401       (12,619,470 )     116,380  

Natural Gas Futures

    Dec-23       125       (4,513,750 )     31,970  

Natural Gas Futures

    Jan-24       33       (1,265,550 )     8,870  

New Zealand 3-Month Bank Bill Futures

    Dec-23       2       (112 )     1  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

23

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

Short Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

New Zealand 3-Month Bank Bill Futures

    Mar-24       11     $ (618 )   $ (1 )

NY Harbor Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel Futures

    Oct-23       11       (1,438,252 )     (14,057 )

NYSE FANG+ Index Futures

    Sep-23       1       (39,312 )     (109 )

NZD Currency Futures

    Sep-23       433       (25,795,975 )     435,137  

OMX Stockholm 30 ESG Responsible Index

    Sep-23       2       (38,287 )     (504 )

OMX Stockholm 30 Index Futures

    Sep-23       1,550       (30,990,091 )     (460,426 )

Palladium Futures

    Dec-23       39       (4,752,930 )     140,790  

Phelix DE Baseload Futures

    Oct-23       1       (275,607 )     64,171  

Phelix DE Baseload Futures

    Jan-24       1       (1,278,248 )     140,969  

Platinum Futures

    Oct-23       188       (9,159,360 )     (424,190 )

Rapeseed Euro

    Nov-23       23       (584,533 )     (29,942 )

Rapeseed Euro

    Feb-24       4       (104,640 )     (2,887 )

Red Wheat Futures (Minneapolis Grain Exchange)

    Dec-23       45       (1,725,188 )     87,363  

Red Wheat Futures (Minneapolis Grain Exchange)

    Mar-24       9       (353,025 )     11,750  

Russell 2000 E-Mini

    Sep-23       26       (2,472,080 )     (46,020 )

S&P 500 E-Mini Futures

    Sep-23       243       (54,869,400 )     778,925  

S&P/TSX 60 IX Futures

    Sep-23       93       (16,740,275 )     (374,038 )

SA Rand Currency Futures

    Sep-23       2       (52,900 )     1,963  

Short BTP Future

    Sep-23       346       (39,503,302 )     (87,214 )

Short BTP Future

    Dec-23       197       (20,692,665 )     (22,555 )

Silver Futures

    Dec-23       185       (22,951,100 )     (211,903 )

Soybean Meal Futures

    Dec-23       73       (2,949,200 )     (94,740 )

Soybean Oil Futures

    Dec-23       563       (21,105,744 )     (993,302 )

SPI 200 Futures

    Sep-23       87       (10,252,587 )     (266,777 )

Sugar No. 11 (World)

    Oct-23       573       (16,082,506 )     (477,104 )

U.S. Treasury 10-Year Notes (Chicago Board of Trade)

    Dec-23       2,540       (282,019,374 )     (1,912,824 )

U.S. Treasury 2-Year Notes (Chicago Board of Trade)

    Dec-23       1,497       (305,095,617 )     (729,055 )

U.S. Treasury 3-Year Notes (Chicago Board of Trade)

    Dec-23       3       (624,492 )     (3,336 )

U.S. Treasury 5-Year Notes (Chicago Board of Trade)

    Dec-23       2,698       (288,475,218 )     (1,434,312 )

U.S. Treasury Long Bond (Chicago Board of Trade)

    Dec-23       1,030       (125,338,125 )     (1,300,215 )

U.S. Treasury Ultra 10-Year Notes

    Dec-23       338       (39,244,969 )     (423,975 )

U.S. Treasury Ultra Long Bond (Chicago Board of Trade)

    Dec-23       302       (39,099,563 )     (580,982 )

UK Natural Gas Futures

    Oct-23       20       (673,338 )     125,254  

UK Natural Gas Futures

    Nov-23       5       (214,210 )     4,313  

Wheat (Chicago Board of Trade)

    Dec-23       1,106       (33,290,600 )     1,969,127  

Wheat (Chicago Board of Trade)

    Mar-24       93       (2,923,688 )     194,163  

Wheat (Chicago Board of Trade)

    May-24       4       (129,100 )     5,550  

WTI Crude Futures

    Oct-23       122       (10,202,860 )     (191,630 )

WTI Crude Futures

    Dec-23       4       (329,040 )     (15,870 )
                            $ (3,526,347 )

Total Futures Contracts

                          $ 13,877,152  

 

Forward foreign currency contracts outstanding as of August 31, 2023 were as follows:

 

Currency Purchased

 

 

Currency Sold

 

   

Expiration
Date

   

Counterparty

   

Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

AUD

    112,492,936          

USD

    73,030,281               Sep 01 2023       BOA     $ (137,867 )

AUD

    400,000          

USD

    258,993               Sep 05 2023       BOA       234  

AUD

    4,100,000          

USD

    2,637,723               Sep 20 2023       BOA       20,831  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

24

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

Currency Purchased

 

 

Currency Sold

 

   

Expiration
Date

   

Counterparty

   

Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

AUD

    1,049,842          

EUR

    625,000               Sep 22 2023       BOA     $ 2,364  

AUD

    13,400,000          

JPY

    1,253,583,132               Sep 22 2023       BOA       43,279  

AUD

    28,206,000          

USD

    19,166,632               Sep 22 2023       BOA       (875,721 )

AUD

    63,451,000          

USD

    41,093,885               Oct 18 2023       BOA       92,659  

BRL

    39,812,867          

USD

    8,202,101               Sep 05 2023       BOA       (167,178 )

BRL

    116,024,241          

USD

    23,550,000               Sep 20 2023       BOA       (193,252 )

BRL

    14,785,018          

USD

    3,000,000               Oct 03 2023       BOA       (30,038 )

CAD

    2,979,568          

USD

    2,202,059               Sep 01 2023       BOA       3,099  

CAD

    60,100,999          

USD

    44,719,753               Sep 20 2023       BOA       (226,544 )

CAD

    19,184,482          

AUD

    22,000,000               Sep 22 2023       BOA       (63,611 )

CAD

    11,800,000          

JPY

    1,266,011,380               Sep 22 2023       BOA       3,882  

CAD

    57,923,000          

USD

    43,782,105               Sep 22 2023       BOA       (899,935 )

CHF

    14,708,858          

USD

    16,735,531               Sep 01 2023       BOA       (82,571 )

CHF

    14,708,858          

USD

    16,721,661               Sep 05 2023       BOA       (61,749 )

CHF

    28,721,364          

EUR

    30,000,000               Sep 20 2023       BOA       22,634  

CHF

    14,591,908          

USD

    16,700,000               Sep 20 2023       BOA       (145,547 )

CHF

    18,058,364          

EUR

    18,875,000               Sep 22 2023       BOA       2,935  

CHF

    2,796,314          

GBP

    2,500,000               Sep 22 2023       BOA       5,769  

CHF

    10,250,000          

JPY

    1,700,899,965               Sep 22 2023       BOA       (100,434 )

CHF

    59,618,000          

USD

    68,028,127               Sep 22 2023       BOA       (376,946 )

CLP

    1,032,912,000          

USD

    1,200,000               Sep 08 2023       BOA       10,593  

CLP

    4,946,700,796          

USD

    5,750,000               Sep 20 2023       BOA       39,240  

CLP

    87,186,870          

USD

    100,000               Sep 29 2023       BOA       1,926  

CNH

    500,000          

USD

    68,510               Sep 01 2023       BOA       198  

CNH

    500,000          

USD

    68,534               Sep 05 2023       BOA       189  

CNH

    53,411,139          

USD

    7,392,323               Sep 20 2023       BOA       (45,382 )

COP

    393,431,000          

USD

    100,000               Sep 05 2023       BOA       (3,986 )

COP

    1,239,076,200          

USD

    300,000               Sep 11 2023       BOA       1,759  

COP

    1,205,935,070          

USD

    300,000               Sep 15 2023       BOA       (6,720 )

COP

    413,974,000          

USD

    100,000               Sep 18 2023       BOA       573  

COP

    16,351,329,990          

USD

    3,950,000               Sep 20 2023       BOA       19,708  

COP

    411,761,000          

USD

    100,000               Sep 22 2023       BOA       (104 )

COP

    416,440,000          

USD

    100,000               Sep 28 2023       BOA       822  

CZK

    124,966,428          

EUR

    5,150,000               Sep 20 2023       BOA       35,957  

EUR

    173,237          

NOK

    2,000,000               Sep 01 2023       BOA       (266 )

EUR

    133,615,631          

USD

    145,906,835               Sep 01 2023       BOA       (1,013,874 )

EUR

    258,961          

NOK

    3,000,000               Sep 05 2023       BOA       (1,359 )

EUR

    500,000          

PLN

    2,233,444               Sep 05 2023       BOA       1,079  

EUR

    84,331          

SEK

    1,000,000               Sep 05 2023       BOA       106  

EUR

    29          

USD

    32               Sep 05 2023       BOA       1  

EUR

    1,300,000          

CHF

    1,248,148               Sep 20 2023       BOA       (5,015 )

EUR

    1,600,000          

CZK

    38,924,083               Sep 20 2023       BOA       (15,653 )

EUR

    2,650,000          

GBP

    2,289,913               Sep 20 2023       BOA       (24,863 )

EUR

    34,500,000          

JPY

    5,410,495,444               Sep 20 2023       BOA       140,281  

EUR

    36,676,993          

NOK

    420,644,631               Sep 20 2023       BOA       217,886  

EUR

    4,291,967          

PLN

    19,198,665               Sep 20 2023       BOA       10,076  

EUR

    57,852,474          

SEK

    677,831,795               Sep 20 2023       BOA       820,510  

EUR

    43,500,000          

USD

    47,808,451               Sep 20 2023       BOA       (594,098 )

EUR

    12,875,000          

AUD

    21,847,842               Sep 22 2023       BOA       (192,071 )

EUR

    13,625,000          

CAD

    20,159,223               Sep 22 2023       BOA       (134,641 )

EUR

    900,000          

GBP

    770,920               Sep 22 2023       BOA       240  

EUR

    600,000          

HUF

    231,143,014               Sep 22 2023       BOA       (3,026 )

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

25

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

Currency Purchased

 

 

Currency Sold

 

   

Expiration
Date

   

Counterparty

   

Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

EUR

    11,800,000          

JPY

    1,873,729,080               Sep 22 2023       BOA     $ (114,788 )

EUR

    7,250,000          

NOK

    83,748,121               Sep 22 2023       BOA       (12,973 )

EUR

    14,250,000          

SEK

    169,828,690               Sep 22 2023       BOA       (60,113 )

EUR

    49,714,000          

USD

    54,758,569               Sep 22 2023       BOA       (794,346 )

EUR

    24,028,000          

USD

    26,306,221               Oct 18 2023       BOA       (189,795 )

GBP

    134,357,403          

USD

    169,842,889               Sep 01 2023       BOA       362,121  

GBP

    171,172          

EUR

    200,000               Sep 05 2023       BOA       (73 )

GBP

    132,457,403          

USD

    168,355,646               Sep 05 2023       BOA       (553,927 )

GBP

    38,219,704          

EUR

    44,400,000               Sep 20 2023       BOA       230,170  

GBP

    50,000,000          

USD

    63,725,572               Sep 20 2023       BOA       (379,489 )

GBP

    9,500,000          

AUD

    18,852,542               Sep 22 2023       BOA       (189,557 )

GBP

    22,682,488          

EUR

    26,500,000               Sep 22 2023       BOA       (28,388 )

GBP

    9,125,000          

JPY

    1,693,985,349               Sep 22 2023       BOA       (123,108 )

GBP

    45,561,500          

USD

    58,040,529               Sep 22 2023       BOA       (317,169 )

GBP

    1,028,000          

USD

    1,310,511               Oct 18 2023       BOA       (8,038 )

HUF

    3,613,312,838          

EUR

    9,300,000               Sep 20 2023       BOA       138,622  

HUF

    191,585,050          

EUR

    500,000               Sep 22 2023       BOA       (406 )

HUF

    528,109,260          

USD

    1,500,000               Sep 22 2023       BOA       (5,022 )

HUF

    2,781,500,000          

USD

    7,767,680               Oct 18 2023       BOA       65,929  

IDR

    27,577,256,000          

USD

    1,800,000               Sep 27 2023       BOA       10,396  

ILS

    2,262,694          

USD

    600,000               Sep 20 2023       BOA       (4,563 )

INR

    2,227,040,736          

USD

    26,800,000               Sep 05 2023       BOA       96,453  

INR

    115,796,248          

USD

    1,400,000               Sep 20 2023       BOA       (2,244 )

INR

    465,378,930          

USD

    5,600,000               Sep 27 2023       BOA       16,113  

JPY

    11,523,371,255          

USD

    78,991,159               Sep 01 2023       BOA       222,345  

JPY

    267,146,315          

USD

    1,831,453               Sep 05 2023       BOA       6,100  

JPY

    882,965,185          

EUR

    5,600,000               Sep 20 2023       BOA       9,911  

JPY

    2,165,791,833          

USD

    14,917,925               Sep 20 2023       BOA       15,298  

JPY

    2,100,035,000          

USD

    14,855,660               Sep 22 2023       BOA       (371,158 )

JPY

    36,600,000          

USD

    253,209               Oct 18 2023       BOA       327  

KRW

    1,168,262,500          

USD

    900,000               Sep 01 2023       BOA       (16,081 )

KRW

    1,184,848,106          

USD

    900,000               Sep 05 2023       BOA       (3,358 )

KRW

    1,183,894,097          

USD

    900,000               Sep 07 2023       BOA       (3,993 )

KRW

    1,206,418,307          

USD

    900,000               Sep 11 2023       BOA       13,258  

KRW

    17,235,945,235          

USD

    12,900,000               Sep 18 2023       BOA       152,719  

KRW

    330,285,950          

USD

    250,000               Sep 20 2023       BOA       152  

KRW

    17,417,210,037          

USD

    13,200,000               Sep 27 2023       BOA       (3,362 )

MXN

    370,669,799          

USD

    21,600,000               Sep 20 2023       BOA       63,487  

MXN

    627,257,000          

USD

    36,313,862               Sep 22 2023       BOA       332,520  

MXN

    460,000          

USD

    26,641               Oct 18 2023       BOA       102  

NOK

    2,000,000          

EUR

    173,267               Sep 01 2023       BOA       233  

NOK

    7,425,799          

USD

    700,667               Sep 01 2023       BOA       (2,182 )

NOK

    3,000,000          

EUR

    259,387               Sep 05 2023       BOA       897  

NOK

    5,727,819          

USD

    538,284               Sep 05 2023       BOA       566  

NOK

    103,311,688          

EUR

    9,121,335               Sep 20 2023       BOA       (176,538 )

NOK

    112,630,979          

USD

    11,051,020               Sep 20 2023       BOA       (450,249 )

NOK

    13,526,679          

SEK

    13,951,858               Sep 22 2023       BOA       (2,497 )

NOK

    4,237,573          

USD

    400,000               Sep 22 2023       BOA       (1,138 )

NZD

    1,100,000          

USD

    658,535               Sep 01 2023       BOA       (2,605 )

NZD

    700,000          

USD

    415,996               Sep 05 2023       BOA       1,417  

NZD

    3,300,000          

USD

    1,954,415               Sep 20 2023       BOA       13,463  

NZD

    4,327,217          

AUD

    4,000,000               Sep 22 2023       BOA       (13,456 )

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

26

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

Currency Purchased

 

 

Currency Sold

 

   

Expiration
Date

   

Counterparty

   

Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

NZD

    20,400,000          

JPY

    1,763,763,600               Sep 22 2023       BOA     $ (24 )

NZD

    23,135,000          

USD

    14,375,787               Sep 22 2023       BOA       (579,700 )

NZD

    37,541,000          

USD

    22,374,686               Oct 18 2023       BOA       12,991  

PEN

    1,481,990          

USD

    400,000               Sep 20 2023       BOA       433  

PHP

    14,066,685          

USD

    250,000               Sep 20 2023       BOA       (1,660 )

PLN

    1,787,590          

EUR

    400,000               Sep 05 2023       BOA       (661 )

PLN

    34,619,481          

EUR

    154,387,340               Sep 20 2023       BOA       (195,363 )

PLN

    8,508,373          

EUR

    1,900,000               Sep 22 2023       BOA       (2,634 )

PLN

    55,275,480          

USD

    13,500,000               Sep 22 2023       BOA       (118,285 )

PLN

    113,180,000          

USD

    27,645,295               Oct 18 2023       BOA       (280,784 )

SEK

    21,512,394          

USD

    1,988,083               Sep 01 2023       BOA       (23,117 )

SEK

    1,000,000          

EUR

    84,375               Sep 05 2023       BOA       (155 )

SEK

    2,756,976          

USD

    252,941               Sep 05 2023       BOA       (1,067 )

SEK

    88,186,132          

EUR

    7,503,775               Sep 20 2023       BOA       (81,948 )

SEK

    21,605,628          

USD

    1,990,722               Sep 20 2023       BOA       (15,394 )

SEK

    19,582,087          

NOK

    19,026,679               Sep 22 2023       BOA       (387 )

SEK

    89,130,000          

USD

    8,121,437               Oct 18 2023       BOA       38,250  

SGD

    337,467          

USD

    250,000               Sep 20 2023       BOA       (69 )

SGD

    33,579,217          

USD

    24,800,000               Sep 22 2023       BOA       71,335  

THB

    12,205,364          

USD

    350,000               Sep 20 2023       BOA       (755 )

TRY

    3,000,000          

USD

    109,578               Sep 20 2023       BOA       1,097  

TWD

    193,666,698          

USD

    6,100,000               Sep 05 2023       BOA       (15,019 )

TWD

    193,407,490          

USD

    6,100,000               Sep 11 2023       BOA       (18,659 )

TWD

    111,422,635          

USD

    3,500,000               Sep 20 2023       BOA       7,393  

TWD

    194,123,942          

USD

    6,100,000               Sep 21 2023       BOA       11,447  

TWD

    3,181,657          

USD

    100,000               Sep 28 2023       BOA       253  

USD

    72,708,098          

AUD

    112,492,936               Sep 01 2023       BOA       (184,316 )

USD

    73,687,701          

AUD

    113,492,936               Sep 05 2023       BOA       136,556  

USD

    47,840,029          

AUD

    73,500,000               Sep 20 2023       BOA       180,585  

USD

    36,769,747          

AUD

    55,449,000               Sep 22 2023       BOA       812,407  

USD

    8,093,615          

BRL

    39,833,998               Sep 05 2023       BOA       54,429  

USD

    6,050,000          

BRL

    30,214,750               Sep 20 2023       BOA       (32,507 )

USD

    135,701,224          

CAD

    183,737,677               Sep 01 2023       BOA       (281,806 )

USD

    95,837,172          

CAD

    128,893,779               Sep 20 2023       BOA       416,165  

USD

    70,249,269          

CAD

    94,359,000               Sep 22 2023       BOA       392,415  

USD

    31,466,743          

CAD

    42,397,000               Oct 18 2023       BOA       67,731  

USD

    16,714,611          

CHF

    14,708,858               Sep 01 2023       BOA       61,651  

USD

    9,400,000          

CHF

    8,226,564               Sep 20 2023       BOA       67,000  

USD

    18,568,370          

CHF

    16,438,000               Sep 22 2023       BOA       (84,556 )

USD

    157,502,571          

CHF

    137,640,000               Oct 18 2023       BOA       862,257  

USD

    1,200,000          

CLP

    1,026,084,829               Sep 08 2023       BOA       (2,592 )

USD

    5,900,000          

CLP

    5,103,390,688               Sep 20 2023       BOA       (72,618 )

USD

    500,000          

CLP

    438,052,505               Sep 25 2023       BOA       (12,354 )

USD

    600,000          

CLP

    515,976,000               Oct 02 2023       BOA       (3,020 )

USD

    68,500          

CNH

    500,000               Sep 01 2023       BOA       (207 )

USD

    68,521          

CNH

    500,000               Sep 05 2023       BOA       (202 )

USD

    38,809,245          

CNH

    277,749,558               Sep 20 2023       BOA       603,548  

USD

    12,100,000          

CNH

    88,165,340               Sep 22 2023       BOA       (28,796 )

USD

    100,000          

COP

    412,027,644               Sep 05 2023       BOA       (553 )

USD

    300,000          

COP

    1,237,265,931               Sep 11 2023       BOA       (1,318 )

USD

    300,000          

COP

    1,208,732,967               Sep 15 2023       BOA       6,040  

USD

    100,000          

COP

    415,147,644               Sep 18 2023       BOA       (858 )

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

27

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

Currency Purchased

 

 

Currency Sold

 

   

Expiration
Date

   

Counterparty

   

Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

USD

    1,500,000          

COP

    6,184,021,375               Sep 20 2023       BOA     $ (1,331 )

USD

    100,000          

COP

    415,057,644               Sep 22 2023       BOA       (696 )

USD

    100,000          

COP

    412,653,644               Sep 28 2023       BOA       95  

USD

    145,251,747          

EUR

    133,615,624               Sep 01 2023       BOA       358,794  

USD

    147,321,684          

EUR

    134,891,405               Sep 05 2023       BOA       1,018,527  

USD

    49,942,373          

EUR

    45,800,000               Sep 20 2023       BOA       231,628  

USD

    37,639,867          

EUR

    34,565,000               Sep 22 2023       BOA       119,786  

USD

    12,735,011          

EUR

    11,709,000               Oct 18 2023       BOA       8,307  

USD

    170,754,694          

GBP

    134,357,403               Sep 01 2023       BOA       549,684  

USD

    4,575,483          

GBP

    3,596,572               Sep 05 2023       BOA       19,219  

USD

    28,937,945          

GBP

    22,800,000               Sep 20 2023       BOA       52,131  

USD

    9,515,043          

GBP

    7,483,000               Sep 22 2023       BOA       34,585  

USD

    950,000          

IDR

    14,475,989,618               Sep 20 2023       BOA       (363 )

USD

    13,300,000          

ILS

    49,157,959               Sep 20 2023       BOA       363,876  

USD

    6,700,000          

ILS

    25,289,280               Sep 22 2023       BOA       44,449  

USD

    26,800,000          

INR

    2,206,529,760               Sep 05 2023       BOA       151,262  

USD

    17,000,000          

INR

    1,411,858,330               Sep 18 2023       BOA       (43,498 )

USD

    3,650,000          

INR

    302,910,645               Sep 20 2023       BOA       (6,380 )

USD

    26,600,000          

INR

    2,212,194,320               Sep 25 2023       BOA       (98,274 )

USD

    78,813,304          

JPY

    11,523,371,255               Sep 01 2023       BOA       (400,200 )

USD

    77,807,029          

JPY

    11,342,889,086               Sep 05 2023       BOA       (214,496 )

USD

    77,114,112          

JPY

    11,005,018,941               Sep 20 2023       BOA       1,234,060  

USD

    45,847,711          

JPY

    6,431,937,000               Sep 22 2023       BOA       1,484,921  

USD

    912,661          

KRW

    1,168,262,500               Sep 01 2023       BOA       28,743  

USD

    900,000          

KRW

    1,168,008,417               Sep 05 2023       BOA       16,102  

USD

    900,000          

KRW

    1,184,773,176               Sep 07 2023       BOA       3,328  

USD

    900,000          

KRW

    1,183,698,000               Sep 11 2023       BOA       3,941  

USD

    12,900,000          

KRW

    17,048,576,067               Sep 18 2023       BOA       (10,825 )

USD

    4,400,000          

KRW

    5,831,041,699               Sep 20 2023       BOA       (16,321 )

USD

    12,900,000          

KRW

    17,230,222,980               Sep 25 2023       BOA       (153,500 )

USD

    15,100,000          

KRW

    20,005,702,618               Sep 27 2023       BOA       (57,882 )

USD

    18,287,911          

MXN

    310,000,000               Sep 05 2023       BOA       121,847  

USD

    4,250,000          

MXN

    73,185,137               Sep 20 2023       BOA       (27,244 )

USD

    1,607,852          

MXN

    27,618,000               Sep 22 2023       BOA       (5,681 )

USD

    700,000          

NOK

    7,425,801               Sep 01 2023       BOA       1,515  

USD

    1,100,000          

NOK

    11,724,903               Sep 05 2023       BOA       (3,032 )

USD

    26,348,416          

NOK

    279,107,738               Sep 20 2023       BOA       78,936  

USD

    9,400,000          

NOK

    99,259,932               Sep 22 2023       BOA       57,149  

USD

    654,482          

NZD

    1,100,000               Sep 01 2023       BOA       (1,449 )

USD

    1,847,488          

NZD

    3,100,000               Sep 05 2023       BOA       (1,055 )

USD

    40,055,492          

NZD

    66,700,000               Sep 20 2023       BOA       280,509  

USD

    33,637,441          

NZD

    55,446,000               Sep 22 2023       BOA       573,346  

USD

    150,000          

PEN

    557,180               Sep 20 2023       BOA       (550 )

USD

    350,000          

PHP

    19,810,974               Sep 20 2023       BOA       247  

USD

    200,000          

PHP

    11,353,340               Sep 29 2023       BOA       (415 )

USD

    1,980,143          

SEK

    21,512,392               Sep 01 2023       BOA       15,177  

USD

    1,809          

SEK

    19,694               Sep 05 2023       BOA       10  

USD

    28,973,590          

SEK

    313,191,538               Sep 20 2023       BOA       339,561  

USD

    8,600,000          

SEK

    93,709,197               Sep 22 2023       BOA       31,639  

USD

    4,250,000          

SGD

    5,737,452               Sep 20 2023       BOA       792  

USD

    3,800,000          

THB

    132,863,442               Sep 20 2023       BOA       (1,763 )

USD

    493,772          

TRY

    13,000,000               Sep 20 2023       BOA       14,178  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

28

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Concluded)

August 31, 2023

 

Currency Purchased

 

 

Currency Sold

 

   

Expiration
Date

   

Counterparty

   

Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

USD

    6,300,000          

TRY

    173,365,474               Sep 22 2023       BOA     $ (86,267 )

USD

    6,100,000          

TWD

    192,958,403               Sep 05 2023       BOA       37,273  

USD

    6,100,000          

TWD

    193,605,789               Sep 11 2023       BOA       12,424  

USD

    14,650,000          

TWD

    464,179,734               Sep 20 2023       BOA       38,420  

USD

    6,100,000          

TWD

    193,252,819               Sep 21 2023       BOA       15,978  

USD

    1,600,000          

TWD

    50,967,700               Sep 28 2023       BOA       (5,970 )

USD

    6,100,000          

TWD

    193,980,787               Oct 02 2023       BOA       (15,403 )

USD

    9,327,992          

ZAR

    176,715,678               Sep 20 2023       BOA       (13,045 )

USD

    6,200,000          

ZAR

    117,051,796               Sep 22 2023       BOA       13,830  

USD

    102,657,967          

JPY

    14,826,500,000               Oct 18 2023       BOA       (48,200 )

ZAR

    103,971,738          

USD

    5,621,376               Sep 20 2023       BOA       (125,520 )

ZAR

    20,000          

USD

    1,039               Oct 18 2023       BOA       15  

Total Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

                                  $ 1,797,885  

 

AUD

Australian Dollar

 

JSE

Johannesburg Stock Exchange

BOA

Bank of America

 

KRW

Korean Won

BRL

Brazilian Real

 

LME

London Mercantile Exchange

BUXL

German Bond

 

MIB

Milano Indice di Borsa

CAD

Canadian Dollar

 

MXN

Mexican Peso

CHF

Swiss Franc

 

NOK

Norwegian Krone

CLP

Chilean Peso

 

NZD

New Zealand Dollar

CNH

Chinese Yuan Renminbi

 

OMX

Stockholm Stock Exchange

COP

Colombian Peso

 

PHP

Philippine Peso

CZK

Czech Koruna

 

PLN

Polish Zloty

DAX

German Stock Exchange

 

RBOB

Reformulated Blendstock for Oxygenate Blending

DJIA

Dow Jones Industrial Average

 

SEK

Swedish Krona

EUR

Euro

 

SGD

Singapore Dollar

FTSE

Financial Times Stock Exchange

 

THB

Thai Baht

GBP

British Pound

 

TRY

Turkish Lira

HUF

Hungarian Forint

 

TSX

Toronto Stock Exchange

IBEX

Index of the Bolsa de Madrid

 

TWD

Taiwan Dollar

ICE

Intercontinental Exchange

 

USD

United States Dollar

ILS

Israeli New Shekel

 

WTI

West Texas Intermediate

INR

Indian Rupee

 

ZAR

South African Rand

JPY

Japanese Yen

     

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

29

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Statement of Assets And Liabilities

August 31, 2023

 

ASSETS

       

Investments, at value (cost $2,310,591,665)

  $ 2,309,748,893  

Foreign currency deposits with broker for futures contracts (cost $28,176,372)

    28,079,241  

Deposits with broker for forward foreign currency contracts

    106,232,176  

Deposits with broker for futures contracts

    281,819,306  

Receivables for:

       

Capital shares sold

    8,131,957  

Interest receivable

    285,885  

Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency contracts

    11,518,754  

Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts

    54,852,063  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

    127,991  

Total assets

    2,800,796,266  
         

LIABILITIES

       

Payables for:

       

Advisory fees

    3,944,417  

Capital shares redeemed

    2,090,781  

Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency contracts

    9,720,869  

Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts

    40,974,911  

Other accrued expenses and liabilities

    464,353  

Total liabilities

    57,195,331  

Net assets

  $ 2,743,600,935  
         

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

       

Par value

  $ 237,220  

Paid-in capital

    3,182,141,110  

Total distributable earnings/(losses)

    (438,777,395 )

Net assets

  $ 2,743,600,935  
         

CLASS A SHARES:

       

Net assets

  $ 83,783,490  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    7,348,885  

Net asset value and redemption price per share

  $ 11.40  

Maximum offering price per share (100/94.25 of $11.40)

  $ 12.10  
         

CLASS I SHARES:

       

Net assets

  $ 2,650,348,856  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized)

    229,006,561  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

  $ 11.57  
         

CLASS C SHARES:

       

Net assets

  $ 9,468,589  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    864,386  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

  $ 10.95  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

30

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Statement of Operations

For the Year Ended August 31, 2023

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

       

Interest

  $ 105,658,298  

Total investment income

    105,658,298  

EXPENSES

       

Advisory fees (Note 2)

    48,673,170  

Administration and accounting services fees (Note 2)

    713,355  

Transfer agent fees (Note 2)

    389,034  

Distribution fees (Class A Shares) (Note 2)

    318,830  

Distribution fees (Class C Shares) (Note 2)

    74,065  

Directors fees

    304,606  

Legal fees

    199,316  

Officers fees

    198,944  

Registration and filing fees

    180,832  

Printing and shareholder reporting fees

    165,398  

Custodian fees (Note 2)

    121,722  

Audit and tax service fees

    71,201  

Other expenses

    224,439  

Total expenses before waivers and/or reimbursements

    51,634,912  

Less: waivers and/or reimbursements (Note 2)

    (1,932,271 )

Net expenses after waivers and/or reimbursements

    49,702,641  

Net investment income/(loss)

    55,955,657  

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS

       

Net realized gain/(loss) from:

       

Investments

    (1,910,900 )

Futures contracts

    (130,630,689 )

Foreign currency transactions

    (2,426,301 )

Forward foreign currency contracts

    28,851,008  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:

       

Investments

    2,262,645  

Futures contracts

    (24,904,435 )

Foreign currency translations

    (44,582 )

Forward foreign currency contracts

    (12,077,132 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    (140,880,386 )

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ (84,924,729 )

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

31

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2023

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2022

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 55,955,657     $ (22,895,427 )

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments, futures contracts, foreign currency transactions, forward foreign currency contracts and written options

    (106,116,882 )     297,758,259  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments, futures contracts, foreign currency translations, forward foreign currency contracts and written options

    (34,763,504 )     37,796,783  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (84,924,729 )     312,659,615  

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

               

Class A

    (17,240,224 )     (699,439 )

Class I

    (350,326,206 )     (53,407,685 )

Class C

    (1,390,657 )     (168,600 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (368,957,087 )     (54,275,724 )

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Class A Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    72,909,552       96,389,889  

Proceeds from reinvestment of distributions

    15,458,188       594,933  

Shares redeemed

    (96,518,703 )     (11,764,526 )

Total from Class A Shares

    (8,150,963 )     85,220,296  

Class I Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    1,519,244,144       1,705,791,826  

Proceeds from reinvestment of distributions

    220,037,703       35,649,949  

Shares redeemed

    (1,223,121,986 )     (560,126,349 )

Total from Class I Shares

    516,159,861       1,181,315,426  

Class C Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    3,837,664       4,075,349  

Proceeds from reinvestment of distributions

    882,158       147,425  

Shares redeemed

    (2,504,539 )     (1,516,356 )

Total from Class C Shares

    2,215,283       2,706,418  

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

    510,224,181       1,269,242,140  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    56,342,365       1,527,626,031  

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    2,687,258,570       1,159,632,539  

End of period

  $ 2,743,600,935     $ 2,687,258,570  

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

32

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets (Concluded)

 

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2023

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2022

 

SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Class A Shares

               

Shares sold

    5,947,542       7,470,600  

Shares reinvested

    1,333,752       51,509  

Shares redeemed

    (8,301,217 )     (943,646 )

Total Class A Shares

    (1,019,923 )     6,578,463  

Class I Shares

               

Shares sold

    123,436,456       134,098,707  

Shares reinvested

    18,742,564       3,054,837  

Shares redeemed

    (100,137,539 )     (44,029,159 )

Total Class I Shares

    42,041,481       93,124,385  

Class C Shares

               

Shares sold

    305,269       326,237  

Shares reinvested

    78,764       13,117  

Shares redeemed

    (211,397 )     (123,867 )

Total Class C Shares

    172,636       215,487  

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    41,194,194       99,918,335  

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

33

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for Class A Shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the consolidated financial statements.

 

 

   

Class A Shares

 
   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2023

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2022

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2021

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2020

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2019

 

Per Share Operating Performance

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 13.56     $ 11.95     $ 11.28     $ 12.45     $ 11.28  

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    0.22       (0.19 )     (0.24 )     (0.11 )     (0.01 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    (0.60 )     2.20       1.07       (0.14 )     1.18  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (0.38 )     2.01       0.83       (0.25 )     1.17  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

    (1.11 )     (0.27 )     (0.16 )     (0.64 )      

Net realized capital gains

    (0.67 )     (0.13 )           (0.28 )      

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (1.78 )     (0.40 )     (0.16 )     (0.92 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 11.40     $ 13.56     $ 11.95     $ 11.28     $ 12.45  

Total investment return/(loss)(2)

    (3.05 )%     17.40 %     7.42 %     (1.64 )%     10.37 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 83,783     $ 113,480     $ 21,395     $ 14,469     $ 12,434  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and/or reimbursements (including interest expense)(3)

    2.04 %     2.04 %     2.04 %     2.04 %     2.04 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and/or reimbursements (excluding interest expense)(3)

    2.04 %     2.04 %     2.04 %     2.04 %     2.04 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and/or reimbursements (including interest expense)(3)

    2.11 %     2.10 %     2.14 %     2.15 %     2.14 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    1.80 %     (1.47 )%     (2.03 )%     (0.98 )%     (0.05 )%

Portfolio turnover rate(4)

    0 %     0 %     0 %     0 %     0 %

 

 

(1)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.

(2)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any. Total return does not reflect any applicable sales charge.

(3)

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired Fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) to 2.04% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A Shares.

(4)

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

34

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Financial Highlights (Continued)

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for Class I Shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the consolidated financial statements.

 

 

   

Class I Shares

 
   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2023

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2022

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2021

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2020

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2019

 

Per Share Operating Performance

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 13.72     $ 12.07     $ 11.38     $ 12.55     $ 11.36  

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    0.25       (0.15 )     (0.21 )     (0.09 )     0.02  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    (0.61 )     2.22       1.08       (0.14 )     1.19  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (0.36 )     2.07       0.87       (0.23 )     1.21  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

    (1.12 )     (0.29 )     (0.18 )     (0.66 )     (0.02 )

Net realized capital gains

    (0.67 )     (0.13 )           (0.28 )      

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (1.79 )     (0.42 )     (0.18 )     (0.94 )     (0.02 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 11.57     $ 13.72     $ 12.07     $ 11.38     $ 12.55  

Total investment return/(loss)(2)

    (2.83 )%     17.72 %     7.74 %     (1.39 )%     10.63 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 2,650,349     $ 2,564,701     $ 1,132,714     $ 883,997     $ 707,564  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and/or reimbursements (including interest expense)(3)

    1.79 %     1.79 %     1.79 %     1.79 %     1.79 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and/or reimbursements (excluding interest expense)(3)

    1.79 %     1.79 %     1.79 %     1.79 %     1.79 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and/or reimbursements (including interest expense)(3)

    1.86 %     1.85 %     1.89 %     1.90 %     1.89 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    2.05 %     (1.22 )%     (1.78 )%     (0.73 )%     0.20 %

Portfolio turnover rate(4)

    0 %     0 %     0 %     0 %     0 %

 

 

(1)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.

(2)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(3)

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired Fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) to 1.79% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares.

(4)

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

35

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Financial Highlights (Concluded)

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for Class C Shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the consolidated financial statements.

 

 

   

Class C Shares

 
   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2023

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2022

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2021

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2020

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2019

 

Per Share Operating Performance

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 13.12     $ 11.60     $ 10.98     $ 12.11     $ 11.06  

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    0.12       (0.27 )     (0.32 )     (0.19 )     (0.08 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    (0.57 )     2.13       1.05       (0.14 )     1.13  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (0.45 )     1.86       0.73       (0.33 )     1.05  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

    (1.05 )     (0.21 )     (0.11 )     (0.52 )      

Net realized capital gains

    (0.67 )     (0.13 )           (0.28 )      

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (1.72 )     (0.34 )     (0.11 )     (0.80 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.95     $ 13.12     $ 11.60     $ 10.98     $ 12.11  

Total investment return/(loss)(2)

    (3.77 )%     16.48 %     6.72 %     (2.40 )%     9.49 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 9,469     $ 9,078     $ 5,524     $ 5,151     $ 4,487  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and/or reimbursements (including interest expense)(3)

    2.79 %     2.79 %     2.79 %     2.79 %     2.79 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and/or reimbursements (excluding interest expense)(3)

    2.79 %     2.79 %     2.79 %     2.79 %     2.79 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and/or reimbursements (including interest expense)(3)

    2.86 %     2.85 %     2.89 %     2.90 %     2.89 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    1.05 %     (2.22 )%     (2.78 )%     (1.73 )%     (0.80 )%

Portfolio turnover rate(4)

    0 %     0 %     0 %     0 %     0 %

 

 

(1)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.

(2)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(3)

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired Fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) to 2.79% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class C Shares.

(4)

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

36

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements

August 31, 2023

 

1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

 

The RBB Fund, Inc. (“RBB” or the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland on February 29, 1988 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. RBB is a “series fund,” which is a mutual fund divided into separate portfolios. Each portfolio is treated as a separate entity for certain matters under the 1940 Act, and for other purposes, and a shareholder of one portfolio is not deemed to be a shareholder of any other portfolio. Currently, RBB has fifty-three separate investment portfolios, including the Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund (the “Fund”), which commenced investment operations on July 1, 2014. The Fund is authorized to offer four classes of shares, Class A Shares, Class I Shares, Class C Shares and Class T Shares. Class A Shares are sold subject to a front-end maximum sales charge of 5.75%. Front-end sales charges may be reduced or waived under certain circumstances. Class T Shares are not currently available for sale.

 

RBB has authorized capital of one hundred billion shares of common stock of which 91.523 billion shares are currently classified into two hundred and twenty-two classes of common stock. Each class represents an interest in an active or inactive RBB investment portfolio.

 

The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by allocating its assets between a “Managed Futures” strategy and a “Fixed Income” strategy.

 

The Fund is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 “Financial Services – Investment Companies.”

 

The end of the reporting period for the Fund is August 31, 2023, and the period covered by these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements is the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023 (the “current fiscal period”).

 

CONSOLIDATION OF SUBSIDIARIES – The Managed Futures strategy is achieved by the Fund investing up to 25% of its total assets in Abbey Capital Master Offshore Fund Limited (the “Cayman Subsidiary”), a wholly-owned and controlled subsidiary of the Fund organized under the acts of the Cayman Islands. The Cayman Subsidiary invests all or substantially all of its assets in segregated portfolios of the Abbey Capital Offshore Fund SPC (the “SPC”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Cayman Subsidiary organized under the acts of the Cayman Islands. The Cayman Subsidiary serves solely as an intermediate entity through which the Fund invests in the SPC and makes no independent investment decisions and has no investment or other discretion over the Fund’s investable assets.

 

The Fund may also invest a portion of its assets in segregated series of another wholly-owned subsidiary of the Fund, the Abbey Capital Onshore Series LLC (the “Onshore Subsidiary”), a Delaware series limited liability company.

 

The consolidated financial statements of the Fund include the financial statements of the Cayman Subsidiary, the Onshore Subsidiary and SPC. The Fund consolidates the results of subsidiaries in which the Fund holds a controlling financial interest. All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated. As of the end of the reporting period, the net assets of the Cayman Subsidiary and SPC were $613,222,542, which represented 22.35% of the Fund’s net assets. As of the end of the reporting period, the net assets of the Onshore Subsidiary were $609,245,254, which represented 22.21% of the Fund’s net assets.

 

PORTFOLIO VALUATION — The Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. Securities held by the Fund are valued using the closing price or the last sale price on a national securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System (“NASDAQ”) market system where they are primarily traded. Fixed income securities are valued using an independent pricing service, which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings, and are deemed representative of market values at the close of the market. Forward exchange contracts are valued by interpolating between spot and forward currency rates as quoted

 

37

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

by an independent pricing service. Futures contracts are generally valued using the settlement price determined by the relevant exchange. Options for which the primary market is a national securities exchange are valued at the last sale price on the exchange on which they are traded, or, in the absence of any sale, will be valued at the mean of the last

 

bid and ask prices prior to the market close. Options not traded on a national securities exchange are valued at the last quoted bid price for long option positions and the closing ask price for short option positions. If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable, securities will be valued by the Valuation Designee (as defined below) in accordance with procedures adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). Relying on prices supplied by pricing services or dealers or using fair valuation may result in values that are higher or lower than the values used by other investment companies and investors to price the same investments.

 

The Board has adopted a pricing and valuation policy for use by the Fund and its Valuation Designee (as defined below) in calculating the Fund’s NAV. Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Fund has designated Abbey Capital Limited (the “Adviser” or “Abbey Capital”) as its “Valuation Designee” to perform all of the fair value determinations as well as to perform all of the responsibilities that may be performed by the Valuation Designee in accordance with Rule 2a-5. The Valuation Designee is authorized to make all necessary determinations of the fair values of portfolio securities and other assets for which market quotations are not readily available or if it is deemed that the prices obtained from brokers and dealers or independent pricing services are unreliable.

 

Fair Value Measurements — The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the Fund’s investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:

 

 

● Level 1 –

Prices are determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.

 

 

● Level 2 –

Prices are determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

 

● Level 3 –

Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

 

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used, as of the end of the reporting period, in valuing the Fund’s investments carried at fair value:

 

 

Total

   

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

 

Short-Term Investments

  $ 2,309,748,893     $ 2,309,748,893     $     $  

Commodity Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

    26,591,920       26,591,920              

Equity Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

    8,915,765       8,915,765              

Foreign Currency Contracts

                               

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

    11,518,754             11,518,754        

Futures Contracts

    15,505,319       15,505,319              

Interest Rate Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

    3,839,059       3,839,059              

Total Assets

  $ 2,376,119,710     $ 2,364,600,956     $ 11,518,754     $  

 

38

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

 

Total

   

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

 

Commodity Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

  $ (17,644,260 )   $ (17,644,260 )   $     $  

Equity Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

    (5,333,701 )     (5,333,701 )            

Foreign Currency Contracts

                               

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

    (9,720,869 )           (9,720,869 )      

Futures Contracts

    (1,596,505 )     (1,596,505 )            

Interest Rate Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

    (16,400,445 )     (16,400,445 )            

Total Liabilities

  $ (50,695,780 )   $ (40,974,911 )   $ (9,720,869 )   $  

 

At the end of each quarter, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities. Various factors are considered, such as changes in liquidity from the prior reporting period; whether or not a broker is willing to execute at the quoted price; the depth and consistency of prices from third party pricing services; and the existence of contemporaneous, observable trades in the market. Additionally, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities on a quarterly basis for changes in listings or delistings on national exchanges.

 

Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Fund’s investments may fluctuate from period to period. Additionally, the fair value of investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for such investments and may differ materially from the values the Fund may ultimately realize. Further, such investments may be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities.

 

For fair valuations using significant unobservable inputs, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires the Fund to present a reconciliation of the beginning to ending balances for reported market values that presents changes attributable to total realized and unrealized gains or losses, purchase and sales, and transfers in and out of Level 3 during the period. Transfers in and out between levels are based on values at the end of the period. A reconciliation of Level 3 investments is presented only when the Fund had an amount of Level 3 investments at the end of the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets. The amounts and reasons for all Level 3 transfers are disclosed if the Fund had an amount of total Level 3 transfers during the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets as of the end of the reporting period.

 

During the current fiscal period, the Fund had no Level 3 transfers.

 

Disclosures about Derivative instruments and Hedging Activities — Derivative instruments are defined as financial instruments whose value and performance are based on the value and performance of another security or financial instrument. Derivative instruments that the Fund used during the period include forward foreign currency contracts and futures contracts.

 

During the current fiscal period, the Fund used long and short contracts on U.S. and foreign equity market indices, U.S. and foreign government bonds, foreign currencies, interest rates and commodities (through investment in the Cayman Subsidiary, the SPC and the Onshore Subsidiary), to gain investment exposure in accordance with its investment objective.

 

The following tables provide quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of, and gains and losses on, the Fund’s derivative instruments as of and for the current fiscal period.

 

39

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

The following tables list the fair values and location on the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities of the Fund’s derivative holdings as of the end of the reporting period, grouped by derivative type and primary risk exposure category by contract type.

 

Derivative Type

 

Consolidated
Statement
of Assets and
Liabilities
Location

   

Equity
Contracts

   

Interest
Rate
Contracts

   

Foreign
Currency
Contracts

   

Commodity
Contracts

   

Total

 

Asset Derivatives

Forward Contracts (a)

    Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency contracts     $     $     $ 11,518,754     $     $ 11,518,754  

Futures Contracts (a)

    Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts       8,915,765       3,839,058       15,505,319       26,591,919       54,852,061  

Total Value- Assets

          $ 8,915,765     $ 3,839,058     $ 27,024,073     $ 26,591,919     $ 66,370,815  

Liability Derivatives

Forward Contracts (a)

    Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency contracts     $     $     $ (9,720,869 )   $     $ (9,720,869 )

Futures Contracts (a)

    Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts       (5,333,700 )     (16,400,444 )     (1,596,505 )     (17,644,260 )     (40,974,909 )

Total Value- Liabilities

  $ (5,333,700 )   $ (16,400,444 )   $ (11,317,374 )   $ (17,644,260 )   $ (50,695,778 )

 

(a)

This amount represents the cumulative appreciation/(depreciation) of forwards and futures contracts as reported on the Consolidated Portfolio of Investments.

 

The following table lists the amounts of realized gains/(losses) included in net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations during the current fiscal period, grouped by derivative type and primary risk exposure category by contract type.

 

Derivative Type

 

Consolidated
Statement of
Operations
Location

   

Equity
Contracts

   

Interest
Rate
Contracts

   

Foreign
Currency
Contracts

   

Commodity
Contracts

   

Total

 

Realized Gain/(Loss)

Futures Contracts

    Net realized gain/(loss) from futures contracts     $ (36,175,149 )   $ 38,080,700     $ 2,092,153     $ (134,628,393 )   $ (130,630,689 )

Forward Contracts

    Net realized gain/(loss) from forward foreign currency contracts                   28,851,008             28,851,008  

Total Realized Gain/(Loss)

  $ (36,175,149 )   $ 38,080,700     $ 30,943,161     $ (134,628,393 )   $ (101,779,681 )

 

40

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

The following table lists the amounts of change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) included in net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations during the current fiscal period, grouped by derivative type and primary risk exposure category by contract type.

 

Derivative Type

 

Consolidated
Statement of
Operations
Location

   

Equity
Contracts

   

Interest
Rate
Contracts

   

Foreign
Currency
Contracts

   

Commodity
Contracts

   

Total

 

Change in Unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation)

Futures Contracts

    Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on futures contracts     $ 13,272,253     $ (31,100,722 )   $ (10,947,084 )   $ 3,871,118     $ (24,904,435 )

Forward Contracts

    Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on forward foreign currency contracts                   (12,077,132 )           (12,077,132 )

Total Change in Unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation)

  $ 13,272,253     $ (31,100,722 )   $ (23,024,216 )   $ 3,871,118     $ (36,981,567 )

 

During the current fiscal period, the Fund’s quarterly average volume of derivatives was as follows:

 

Long Futures
Notional
Amount

Short Futures
Notional
Amount

Forward Foreign
Currency
Contracts — Payable
(Value at Trade Date)

Forward Foreign
Currency
Contracts —
Receivable
(Value at Trade Date)

$2,946,299,254

$(7,069,243,345)

$(3,873,888,276)

$3,878,307,322

 

For financial reporting purposes, the Fund does not offset fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments and fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral (receivables) or the obligation to return cash collateral (payables) arising from derivative instruments recognized at fair value executed with the same counterparty under a master netting arrangement.

 

41

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

The following is a summary of financial and derivative instruments that are subject to enforceable master netting agreements (or similar arrangements) and collateral received and pledged in connection with the master netting agreements (or similar arrangements).

 

           

Gross Amount Not
Offset in Consolidated
Statement of
Assets and Liabilities

                           

Gross Amount Not
Offset in Consolidated
Statement of
Assets and Liabilities

         

Description

 

Gross Amount
Presented
in the
Consolidated
Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Collateral
Received

   

Net
Amount
(1)

           

Gross Amount
Presented
in the
Consolidated
Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Collateral
Pledged
(2)

   

Net
Amount
(3)

 
   

Assets

           

Liabilities

 

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

  $ 11,518,754     $ (9,720,869 )   $     $ 1,797,885             $ 9,720,869     $ (9,720,869 )   $     $  

 

 
 

(1)

Net amount represents the net amount receivable from the counterparty in the event of default.

 

 

(2)

Actual collateral pledged may be more than the amount shown.

 

 

(3)

Net amount represents the net amount payable to the counterparty in the event of default.

 

Use of Estimates — The preparation of consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences could be significant.

 

Investment Transactions, Investment Income and Expenses — The Fund records security transactions based on trade date for financial reporting purposes. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method for both financial reporting and income tax purposes in determining realized gains and losses on investments. Interest income (including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts) is accrued when earned. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. The Fund’s investment income, expenses (other than class specific expenses) and unrealized and realized gains and losses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class at the beginning of the day. Certain expenses are shared with The RBB Fund Trust (the “Trust”), a series trust of affiliated funds. Expenses incurred on behalf of a specific class, fund or fund family of the Company or Trust are charged directly to the class, fund or fund family (in proportion to net assets). Expenses incurred for all funds (such as director or professional fees) are charged to all funds in proportion to their average net assets of RBB and the Trust, or in such other manner as the Board deems fair or equitable. Expenses and fees, including investment advisory and administration fees, are accrued daily and taken into account for the purpose of determining the NAV of the Fund.

 

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders — Dividends from net investment income and distributions from net realized capital gains, if any, are declared and paid at least annually to shareholders and recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income dividends and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

 

U.S. Tax Status — No provision is made for U.S. income taxes as it is the Fund’s intention to continue to qualify for and elect the tax treatment applicable to regulated investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and make the requisite distributions to its shareholders which will be sufficient to relieve it from U.S. income and excise taxes.

 

42

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

The Cayman Subsidiary is registered as an “exempted company” and the SPC as an “exempted segregated portfolio company” pursuant to the Companies Act (Revised) of the Cayman Islands (as amended). Each of the Cayman Subsidiary and the SPC has received an undertaking from the Governor in Cabinet of the Cayman Islands to the effect that, for a period of twenty years from the date of the undertaking, no act that thereafter is enacted in the Cayman Islands imposing any tax or duty to be levied on profits, income or on gains or appreciation, or any tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax, will apply to any property comprised in or any income arising under the Cayman Subsidiary or the SPC, or to the shareholders thereof, in respect of any such property or income. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Cayman Subsidiary is treated as a “controlled foreign corporation.” The SPC is treated as an entity disregarded from its owner, the Cayman Subsidiary, for U.S. income tax purposes. The Onshore Subsidiary is treated as an entity disregarded from its owner, the Fund, for U.S. income tax purposes.

 

SEC RULE 18f-4 — Effective August 19, 2022, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) implemented Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act (“Rule 18f-4”), providing for the regulation of a registered investment company’s use of derivatives and certain related instruments. Among other things, Rule 18f-4 limits a fund’s derivatives exposure through a value-at-risk test and requires the adoption and implementation of a derivatives risk management program for certain derivatives users. The Fund, as a full derivatives user (as defined in Rule 18f-4), is subject to the full requirements of Rule 18f-4. The Fund is required to comply with Rule18f-4 and has adopted procedures for investing in derivatives and other transactions in compliance with Rule 18f-4.

 

Foreign Currency Translation — Assets and liabilities initially expressed in non-U.S. currencies are translated into U.S. dollars based on the applicable exchange rates at the date of the last business day of the financial statement period. Purchases and sales of securities, interest income, dividends, variation margin received and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect on the transaction date.

 

The Fund does not separately report the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates from changes in market prices of securities held. Such changes are included with the net realized gain or loss and change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Other foreign currency transactions resulting in realized and unrealized gain or loss are reported separately as net realized gain or loss and change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on foreign currencies in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

 

Currency Risk —Investment in foreign securities involves currency risk associated with securities that trade or are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and which may be affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates. An increase in the strength of the U.S. dollar relative to a foreign currency may cause the U.S. dollar value of an investment in that country to decline. Foreign currencies also are subject to risks caused by inflation, interest rates, budget deficits and low savings rates, political factors and government controls. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts may limit potential gains from a favorable change in value between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. Unanticipated changes in currency pricing may result in poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not engaged in these contracts.

 

Commodity Sector Risk — Exposure to the commodities markets may subject the Fund to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. The value of commodity-linked derivative instruments may be affected by changes in overall market movements, commodity index volatility, changes in interest rates or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs and international economic, political and regulatory developments. The prices of energy, industrial metals, precious metals, agriculture and livestock sector commodities may fluctuate widely due to factors such as changes in value, supply and demand and governmental regulatory policies. The commodity-linked securities in which the Fund invests may be issued by companies in the financial services sector, and events affecting the financial services sector may cause the Fund’s share value to fluctuate.

 

Foreign Securities Market Risk — A substantial portion of the trades of the Fund are expected to take place on markets or exchanges outside the United States. There is no limit to the amount of assets of the Fund that may be committed to trading on foreign markets. The risk of loss in trading foreign futures and options on futures contracts

 

43

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

can be substantial. Participation in foreign futures and options on futures contracts involves the execution and clearing of trades on, or subject to the rules of, a foreign board of trade or exchange. Some of these foreign markets, in contrast to U.S. exchanges, are so-called principals’ markets in which performance is the responsibility only of the individual counterparty with whom the trader has entered into a commodity interest transaction and not of the exchange or clearing corporation. In these kinds of markets, there is risk of bankruptcy or other failure or refusal to perform by the counterparty.

 

Counterparty Risk — The derivative contracts entered into by the Fund, the SPC or Onshore Subsidiary may be privately negotiated in the over-the-counter market. These contracts also involve exposure to credit risk, since contract performance depends in part on the financial condition of the counterparty. Relying on a counterparty exposes the Fund to the risk that a counterparty will not settle a transaction in accordance with its terms and conditions because of a dispute over the terms of the contract (whether or not bona fide) or because of a credit or liquidity problem, thus causing the Fund to suffer a loss. If a counterparty defaults on its payment obligations to the Fund, this default will cause the value of an investment in the Fund to decrease.

 

Credit Risk — Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer of the security or a counterparty in respect of a derivative instrument will not be able to satisfy its payment obligations to the Fund when due. Changes in an issuer’s credit rating or the market’s perception of an issuer’s creditworthiness may also affect the value of the Fund’s investment in that issuer. Securities rated in the four highest categories by the rating agencies are considered investment grade, but they may also have some speculative characteristics. Investment grade ratings do not guarantee that bonds will not lose value or default. In addition, the credit quality of securities may be lowered if an issuer’s financial condition changes.

 

Options — An option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right, in exchange for a premium, to assume a position in a futures contract at a specified exercise price during the term of the option. The Fund may use futures contracts and related options for: bona fide hedging; attempting to offset changes in the value of securities held or expected to be acquired or be disposed of; attempting to minimize fluctuations in foreign currencies; attempting to gain exposure to a particular market, index or instrument; or other risk management purposes. The risk associated with purchasing an option is that the Fund pays a premium whether or not the option is exercised. Additionally, the Fund bears the risk of loss of premium and change in market value should the counterparty not perform under the contract. Put and call options are accounted for in the same manner as other securities owned. The cost of securities acquired through the exercise of call options is increased by the premiums paid. The proceeds from securities sold through the exercise of put options are decreased by the premiums paid.

 

Options Written — The Fund may enter into options written for: bona fide hedging; attempting to offset changes in the value of securities held or expected to be acquired or be disposed of; attempting to minimize fluctuations in foreign currencies; attempting to gain exposure to a particular market, index or instrument; or other risk management purposes. Such options may relate to particular securities or domestic stock indices, and may or may not be listed on exchanges regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission or on other non-U.S. exchanges. An option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a position in the contract (a long position if the option is a call and a short position if the option is a put) at a specified exercise price at any time during the option exercise period. The writer of the option is required upon exercise to assume a short futures position (if the option is a call) or a long futures position (if the option is a put). Upon exercise of the option, the accumulated cash balance in the writer’s futures margin account is delivered to the holder of the option. That balance represents the amount by which the market price of the futures contract at exercise exceeds, in the case of a call, or is less than, in the case of a put, the exercise price of the option. The maximum risk of loss associated with writing put options is limited to the exercised fair value of the option contract. The maximum risk of loss associated with writing call options is potentially unlimited. The Fund also has the additional risk of being unable to enter into a closing transaction at an acceptable price if a liquid secondary market does not exist. The Fund also may write over-the-counter options where completing the obligation depends upon the credit standing of the other party. Option contracts also involve the risk that they may result in loss due to unanticipated developments in market conditions or other causes. Written options are initially recorded as liabilities to the extent of premiums received and subsequently marked to market to reflect the

 

44

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

current value of the option written. Gains or losses are realized when the option transaction expires or closes. When an option is exercised, the proceeds on sales for a written call option or the purchase cost for a written put option is adjusted by the amount of the premium received. Listed option contracts present minimal counterparty credit risk since they are exchange traded and the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange-traded options, guarantees the options against default. As of the end of the reporting period, the Fund has no written options.

 

Futures Contracts — The Fund uses futures contracts in the normal course of pursuing its investment objective. Upon entering into a futures contract, the Fund must deposit initial margin in addition to segregating cash or liquid assets sufficient to meet its obligation to purchase or provide securities, or to pay the amount owed at the expiration of an index-based futures contract. Such liquid assets may consist of cash, cash equivalents, liquid debt or equity securities or other acceptable assets. Pursuant to the futures contract, the Fund agrees to receive from, or pay to the broker, an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in value of the contract. Such a receipt of payment is known as “variation margin” and is recorded by the Fund as an unrealized gain or loss. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the proceeds from (or cost of) the closing transactions and the Fund’s basis in the contract. Futures contracts have market risks, including the risk that the change in the value of the contract may not correlate with changes in the value of the underlying securities. Use of long futures contracts subjects the Fund to risk of loss in excess of the amount shown on the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities, up to the notional value of the futures contract. Use of short futures contracts subjects the Fund to potentially unlimited risk of loss.

 

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts — In the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives, the Fund is subject to foreign investment and currency risk. The Fund uses forward foreign currency contracts (“forward contracts”) for purposes of hedging, duration management, as a substitute for securities, to increase returns, for currency hedging or risk management, or to otherwise help achieve the Fund’s investment objective. These contracts are marked-to-market daily at the applicable translation rates. The Fund records realized gains or losses at the time the forward contract is closed. A forward contract is extinguished through a closing transaction or upon delivery of the currency or entering an offsetting contract. Risks may arise upon entering these contracts from the potential inability of a counterparty to meet the terms of their contracts and from unanticipated movements in the value of a foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar or other currencies. The Fund’s maximum risk of loss from counterparty credit risk related to forward foreign currency contracts is the fair value of the contract. The risk may be mitigated to some extent if a master netting arrangement between the Fund and the counterparty is in place and to the extent the Fund obtains collateral to cover the Fund’s exposure to the counterparty.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents — Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates market value.

 

Other — In the normal course of business, the Fund may enter into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on claims that may be made against the Fund in the future, and, therefore, cannot be estimated; however, the Fund expects the risk of material loss from such claims to be remote.

 

2. Investment Adviser and Other Services

 

Abbey Capital Limited serves as the investment adviser to the Fund and the Cayman Subsidiary, Onshore Subsidiary and SPC. The Adviser allocates the assets of the Onshore Subsidiary and SPC (via the Cayman Subsidiary) to one or more Trading Advisers unaffiliated with the Adviser to manage. The Adviser also has the ultimate responsibility to oversee the Trading Advisers, and to recommend their hiring, termination and replacement, subject to approval by the Board. The Fund compensates the Adviser for its services at an annual rate based on the Fund’s average daily net assets (the “Advisory Fee”), payable on a monthly basis in arrears, as shown in the following table. The Adviser compensates the Trading Advisers out of the Advisory Fee.

 

45

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) to the rates (“Expense Caps”) shown in the following table of the Fund’s average daily net assets. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed the Expense Caps as applicable: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary expenses, interest and taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2023 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board. The Adviser may discontinue these arrangements at any time after December 31, 2023.

 

Advisory
Fee

Expense Caps

 

Class A

Class I

Class C

Class T

1.77%

2.04%

1.79%

2.79%

2.04%

 

During the current fiscal period, investment advisory fees accrued, waived and/or reimbursed were as follows:

 

Gross
Advisory
Fees

Waivers and/or
Reimbursements

Net
Advisory
Fees

$48,673,170

$(1,932,271)

$46,740,899

 

If at any time the Fund’s total annual fund operating expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than the relevant share class’s Expense Cap, the Adviser may recoup any waived or reimbursed amounts from the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

As of the end of the reporting period, the Fund had amounts available for recoupment as follows:

 

Expiration

August 31,
2024

August 31,
2025

August 31,
2026

Total

$1,020,929

$1,164,300

$1,932,271

$4,117,500

 

Aspect Capital Limited, Crabel Capital Management, LLC, Eclipse Capital Management, Inc., Episteme Capital Partners (UK), LLP, Graham Capital Management, LP, P/E Global, LLC, R.G. Niederhoffer Capital Management, Inc., Revolution Capital Management, LLC, Systematica Investments Limited (acting as the general partner of Systematica Investments LP), Tudor Investment Corporation, Welton Investment Partners, LLC and Winton Capital Management Limited each served as a Trading Adviser to the Fund during the current fiscal period.

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (“Fund Services”), serves as administrator for the Fund. For providing administrative and accounting services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Fund Services serves as the Fund’s transfer and dividend disbursing agent. For providing transfer agent services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

U.S. Bank, N.A. (the “Custodian”) provides certain custodial services to the Fund. The Custodian is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

46

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

Quasar Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of Foreside Financial Group, LLC, serves as the principal underwriter and distributor of the Fund’s shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with RBB.

 

The Board has adopted a Plan of Distribution for the Class A Shares, Class C Shares and Class T Shares (the “Plan”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Plan, the Fund’s distributor is entitled to receive from the Fund a distribution fee with respect to the Shares, which is accrued daily and paid monthly, of up to 0.25% on an annualized basis of the average daily net assets of the Class A Shares and Class T Shares and up to 1.00% of the Class C Shares. The actual amount of such compensation under the Plan is agreed upon by the Board and by the Distributor. Because these fees are paid out of the Fund’s assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges. Amounts paid to the Distributor under the Plan may be used by the Distributor to cover expenses that are related to (i) the sale of the Shares, (ii) ongoing servicing and/or maintenance of the accounts of shareholders, and (iii) sub-transfer agency services, subaccounting services or administrative services related to the sale of the Shares, all as set forth in the Fund’s 12b-1 Plan.

 

For compensation amounts paid to Fund Services and the Custodian, please refer to the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

 

3. Director And Officer Compensation

 

The Directors of the Company receive an annual retainer and meeting fees for meetings attended. An employee of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serves as Chief Compliance Officer of the Company. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company. Employees of RBB serve as President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Secretary and Director of Marketing & Business Development of the Company. They are compensated by the Company for services provided. Certain employees of Fund Services serve as officers of the Company. They are not compensated by the Fund or the Company. For Director and Officer compensation amounts, please refer to the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

 

4. Purchases and Sales of Investment Securities

 

During the current fiscal period, there were no purchases or sales of investment securities or long-term U.S. Government securities (excluding short-term investments and derivative transactions) by the Fund.

 

5. Federal Income Tax Information

 

The Fund has followed the authoritative guidance on accounting for and disclosure of uncertainty in tax positions, which requires the Fund to determine whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The Fund has determined that there was no effect on the consolidated financial statements from following this authoritative guidance. In the normal course of business, the Fund is subject to examination by federal, state and local jurisdictions, where applicable, for tax years for which applicable statutes of limitations have not expired.

 

As of August 31, 2023, the federal tax cost and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments held by the Fund were as follows(a):

 

Federal Tax
Cost

Unrealized
Appreciation

Unrealized
(Depreciation)

Net
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

$2,946,372,094

$46,791,957

$(426,952,967)

$(380,161,010)

 

 

(a)

The difference between the book basis and tax basis cost and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments is attributable primarily to timing differences related to taxable income from a wholly-owned controlled foreign corporation.

 

47

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

Distributions to shareholders, if any, from net investment income and realized gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from net investment income and realized gains recognized for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the character of distributions and composition of net assets for tax purposes may differ from those reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on the tax treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.

 

Permanent differences as of August 31, 2023, primarily attributable to disallowed book income from the Cayman Subsidiary, were reclassified to the following accounts:

 

Distributable
Earnings/(Loss)

Paid-In
Capital

$61,531,137

$(61,531,137)

 

As of August 31, 2023, the components of distributable earnings/(deficits) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gains

Net Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

Capital Loss
Carryforwards

Qualified
Late-Year
Losses

Other
Temporary
Differences

$31,161,514

$—

$(388,866,834)

$—

$81,072,075

$—

 

The differences between the book and tax basis components of distributable earnings/(deficits) relate principally to the timing of recognition of income and gains of the Cayman Subsidiary for federal income tax purposes.

 

The tax character of dividends and distributions paid during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2022 and August 31, 2023 was as follows:

 

 

Ordinary
Income

Long-Term
Gains

Total

2023

$301,432,418

$67,524,669

$368,957,087

2022

$44,586,281

$9,689,443

$54,275,724

 

Pursuant to federal income tax rules applicable to regulated investment companies, the Fund may elect to treat certain capital losses between November 1 and August 31 and late year ordinary losses ((i) ordinary losses between January 1 and August 31, and (ii) specified ordinary and currency losses between November 1 and August 31) as occurring on the first day of the following tax year. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, any amount of losses elected within the tax return will not be recognized for federal income tax purposes until September 1, 2023. The Fund deferred qualified late-year losses of $81,072,075 which will be treated as arising on the first business day of the following fiscal year.

 

The Fund is permitted to carry forward capital losses for an unlimited period. Capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of August 31, 2023, the Fund had no unlimited short-term or long-term capital loss carryovers to offset future capital gains.

 

6. New Accounting Pronouncements and Regulatory Updates

 

In June 2022, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2022-03, which amends Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions (“ASU 2022-03”). ASU 2022-03 clarifies guidance for fair value measurement of an equity security subject to a contractual sale restriction and establishes new disclosure requirements for such equity securities. ASU 2022-03 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of these amendments on the financial statements.

 

48

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Concluded)

August 31, 2023

 

In October 2022, the SEC adopted a final rule relating to tailored shareholder reports for mutual funds and exchange-traded funds and fee information in investment company advertisements. The rule and form amendments will, among other things, require the Fund to transmit concise and visually engaging shareholder reports that highlight key information. The amendments will require that funds tag information in a structured data format and that certain more in-depth information be made available online and available for delivery free of charge to investors on request. The amendments became effective January 24, 2023. There is an 18-month transition period after the effective date of the amendments until the Fund is required to comply.

 

In December 2022, the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2022-06, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) – Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848 (“ASU 2022-06”). ASU 2022-06 is an amendment to ASU 2020-04, which provided optional guidance to ease the potential accounting burden due to the discontinuation of the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate and other interbank-offered based reference rates and which was effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. ASU 2022-06 extends the effective period through December 31, 2024. Management is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of applying ASU 2022-06.

 

7. Subsequent Events

 

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Fund through the date the financial statements were issued and has determined that there was the following subsequent event:

 

Israel-Hamas Conflict Risk — The U.S.-designated terrorist group Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in an ensuing war in the region. Current hostilities and the potential for future hostilities may diminish the value, or cause significant volatility in the share price, of companies based in or having significant operations in Israel. The Israeli securities market may be closed for extended periods of time or trading on the Israeli securities market may be suspended altogether. How long the armed conflict and related events will last cannot be predicted.

 

49

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders of Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund
and Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of assets and liabilities of Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund (the “Fund”) (one of the portfolios constituting The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”)), including the consolidated portfolio of investments, as of August 31, 2023, and the related consolidated statement of operations for the year then ended, the consolidated statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the consolidated financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Fund (one of the portfolios constituting The RBB Fund, Inc.) at August 31, 2023, the consolidated results of its operations for the year then ended, the consolidated changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its consolidated financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 2023, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Abbey Capital investment companies since 2014.

 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
October 30, 2023

 

50

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Shareholder Tax Information

(Unaudited)

 

Certain tax information regarding the Fund is required to be provided to shareholders based upon the Fund’s income and distributions for the taxable year ended August 31, 2023. The information and distribution reported herein may differ from information and distributions taxable to the shareholders for the calendar year ended December 31, 2023. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, the Fund paid no ordinary income dividends that are designated as “qualified dividend income” to its shareholders. Dividends from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income dividends for federal income tax purposes.

 

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 the Fund is 23.34%.

 

Because the Fund’s fiscal year is not the calendar year, another notification will be sent with respect to calendar year 2023. The second notification, which will reflect the amount, if any, to be used by calendar year taxpayers on their U.S. federal income tax returns, will be made in conjunction with Form 1099-DIV and will be mailed in January 2024.

 

Foreign shareholders will generally be subject to U.S. withholding tax on the amount of their ordinary income dividends. They will generally not be entitled to a foreign tax credit or deduction for the withholding taxes paid by the Fund, if any.

 

In general, dividends received by tax exempt recipients (e.g., IRAs and Keoghs) need not be reported as taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, some retirement trusts (e.g., corporate, Keogh and 403(b)(7) plans) may need this information for their annual information reporting.

 

Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the tax consequences of their investment in the Fund.

 

51

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Other Information

(Unaudited)

 

Proxy Voting

 

Policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities as well as information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 are available without charge, upon request, by calling (844) 261-6484 and on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Quarterly Portfolio Schedules

 

The Company files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third fiscal quarters of each fiscal year (quarters ended November 30 and May 31) as an exhibit to its report on Form N-PORT. The Company’s Forms N-PORT are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Approval of Investment Advisory Agreements and Trading Advisory Agreements

 

As required by the 1940 Act, the Board, including all of the Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Directors”), considered the renewal of (1) the investment advisory agreement between Abbey Capital and the Company on behalf of the Fund (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”), (2) each of the separate advisory agreements between the Cayman Subsidiary, the Onshore Subsidiary and SPC (the “Subsidiaries”) and Abbey Capital (collectively, the “Subsidiary Investment Advisory Agreements”), and (3) the trading advisory agreements between Abbey Capital and each of Aspect Capital Limited, Crabel Capital Management, LLP, Eclipse Capital Management, Inc., Episteme Capital Partners (UK), LLP, Graham Capital Management, LP, P/E Global, LLC, Revolution Capital Management, LLC, R.G. Niederhoffer Capital Management, Inc., Systematica Investments Limited (acting as the general partner of Systematica Investments LP), Tudor Investment Corporation, Welton Investment Partners LLC, and Winton Capital Management Limited (each, a “Trading Adviser”) (the “Trading Advisory Agreements”), at a meeting of the Board held on May 16-17, 2023 (the “Meeting”). At the Meeting, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, approved the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Subsidiary Investment Advisory Agreements, and the Trading Advisory Agreements for an additional one-year term ending August 16, 2024. The Board’s decision to approve Investment the Advisory Agreement, the Subsidiary Investment Advisory Agreements, and the Trading Advisory Agreements reflects the exercise of its business judgment to continue the existing arrangement. In approving the Investment Advisory Agreement, Subsidiary Investment Advisory Agreements, and the Trading Advisory Agreements, the Board considered information provided by Abbey Capital and each of the Trading Advisers with the assistance and advice of counsel to the Independent Directors and the Company.

 

In considering the renewal and approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Subsidiary Investment Advisory Agreements, and the Trading Advisory Agreements, the Directors took into account all materials provided prior to and during the Meeting and at other meetings throughout the past year, the presentations made during the Meeting, and the discussions held during the Meeting. The Directors reviewed these materials with management of Abbey Capital, and discussed the aforementioned Agreements with counsel in executive sessions, at which no representatives of Abbey Capital, the Subsidiaries, or Trading Advisers were present. Among other things, the Directors considered (i) the nature, extent, and quality of services provided to the Fund by Abbey Capital and each Trading Adviser; (ii) descriptions of the experience and qualifications of the personnel providing those services; (iii) Abbey Capital’s and the Trading Advisers’ investment philosophies and processes; (iv) Abbey Capital’s and the Trading Advisers’ assets under management and client descriptions; (v) Abbey Capital’s and the Trading Advisers’ soft dollar commission and trade allocation policies, including information on the types of research and services obtained in connection with soft dollar commissions; (vi) Abbey Capital’s and the Trading Advisers’ advisory fee arrangements with the Company and other similarly managed clients, as applicable; (vii) Abbey Capital’s and the Trading Advisers’ compliance procedures; (viii) Abbey Capital’s and the Trading Advisers’ financial information and insurance coverage, as applicable, and Abbey Capital’s profitability analysis; (ix) the extent to which economies of scale are relevant to the Fund; (x) a report prepared by Fuse Research Network, LLC comparing the Fund’s management fees and total expense ratios to a group of mutual

 

52

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Other Information (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

funds deemed comparable to the Fund based primarily on investment strategy similarity (“Peer Group”) and comparing the performance of the Fund to the performance of its Peer Group; and (xi) a report comparing the performance of the Fund to the performance of its benchmark.

 

As part of their review, the Directors considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by Abbey Capital and each Trading Adviser. The Directors concluded that Abbey Capital and each Trading Adviser had substantial resources to provide services to the Fund and the Subsidiaries, as applicable.

 

The Directors also considered the investment performance of the Fund, noting that the Fund had outperformed its benchmark, the S&P 500 Total Return Index, for the one-year period ended March 31, 2023, and underperformed its benchmark for the three-month, five-year, and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2023. The Directors considered the Fund’s investment performance in light of its investment objective and investment strategies. The Board noted that the Fund’s total return for the since-inception period ended December 31, 2022, outperformed the median of its Peer Group, and for the three-month, one-year, three-year, and five-year periods ended December 31, 2022, underperformed the median of its Peer Group.

 

The Board also considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreement. In this regard, information on the fees paid by the Fund and the Fund’s total operating expense ratios (before and after fee waivers and expense reimbursements) were compared to similar information for mutual funds advised by other, unaffiliated investment advisory firms. The Directors noted that both the Fund’s net advisory fee and Fund’s total net expenses were above the median and in the 5th quintile (most expensive) of its Peer Group. The Directors also considered the fees payable to each Trading Adviser under the Trading Advisory Agreements and the information provided by Abbey Capital on the services provided by the different Trading Advisers. In this regard, the Directors noted that the fees for each Trading Adviser were paid directly by Abbey Capital and not by the Fund. The Directors noted that Abbey Capital had contractually agreed to waive management fees and reimburse expenses through at least December 31, 2023, to limit total annual operating expenses to agreed upon levels for the Fund.

 

After reviewing the information regarding Abbey Capital’s and the Trading Advisers’ costs, profitability and economies of scale, and after considering the services to be provided by Abbey Capital and each Trading Adviser, the Directors concluded that the investment advisory fees to be paid by the Fund to Abbey Capital and the trading advisory fees to be paid by Abbey Capital to each Trading Adviser were fair and reasonable and that the Investment Advisory Agreement, Subsidiary Investment Advisory Agreements, and Trading Advisory Agreements should be approved and continued for an additional one-year period ending August 16, 2024.

 

LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

 

The Company has adopted and implemented a Liquidity Risk Management Program (the “Company Program”) as required by rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act. In accordance with the Company Program, the Adviser has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the “Adviser Program” and together with the Company Program, the “Programs”) on behalf of the Fund. The Programs seek to assess, manage and review the Fund’s Liquidity Risk. “Liquidity Risk” is defined as the risk that the Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of remaining investors’ interest in the Fund.

 

The Board has appointed Vigilant Compliance, LLC (“Vigilant”) as the program administrator for the Company Program and the Chief Risk Officer of the Adviser as the program administrator for the Adviser Program. The process of monitoring and determining the liquidity of the Fund’s investments is supported by one or more third-party vendors.

 

At meetings held during the current fiscal period, the Board and its Regulatory Oversight Committee received and reviewed a written report (the “Report”) of Vigilant and the Adviser concerning the operation of the Programs for the period from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022 (the “Period”). The Report summarized the operation of the Programs and the information and factors considered by Vigilant and the Adviser in reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of the implementation of the Programs with respect to the Fund. Such information and factors included,

 

53

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Other Information (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

among other things: (i) the methodology used to classify the liquidity of the Fund’s portfolio investments and the Adviser’s assessment that the Fund’s strategy remained appropriate for an open-end mutual fund; (ii) analyses of the Fund’s trading environment and reasonably anticipated trading size; (iii) that the Fund held primarily highly liquid assets (investments that the Fund anticipates can be converted to cash within 3 business days or less in current market conditions without significantly changing their market value); (iv) that the Fund held a percentage of highly liquid assets above its highly liquid investment minimum at all times during the Period; (v) confirmation that the Fund did not breach the 15% maximum illiquid security threshold (investments that cannot be sold or disposed of in seven days or less in current market conditions without the sale of the investment significantly changing the market value of the investment) during the Period and the procedures for monitoring compliance with the limit; (vi) that the processes, technologies and third-party vendors used to assess, manage, and/or periodically review the Fund’s Liquidity Risk functioned appropriately during the Period; and (vii) that the Programs operated adequately during the Period. The Report also described material changes made to the Adviser Program during the Period and indicated that there were no material changes made to the Company Program during the Period.

 

Based on the review, the Report concluded that the Programs were being implemented effectively and reasonably designed to assess and manage Liquidity Risk in the Fund’s portfolio.

 

There can be no assurance that the Company Program or the Adviser Program will achieve its objectives under all circumstances in the future. Please refer to the Fund’s prospectus for more information regarding the Fund’s exposure to liquidity risk and other risks to which it may be subject.

 

54

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Company Management

(Unaudited)

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company is organized under and managed pursuant to Maryland law. The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below. The statement of additional information (“SAI”) includes additional information about the Directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling (844) 261-6484.

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
During the Past
5 Years

Independent Directors

Julian A. Brodsky

615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 90

Director

1988 to present

Retired.

63

AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).

Gregory P. Chandler

615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 56

Director

2012 to present

Since 2020, Chief Financial Officer, HC Parent Corp. d/b/a Herspiegel Consulting LLC (life sciences consulting services); 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Avocado Systems Inc. (cyber security software provider); 2009-2020, Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services).

63

FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Emtec, Inc. (until December 2019); FS Investment Corporation (business development company) (until December 2018).

Lisa A. Dolly
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI, 53202
Age: 57

Director

October 2021 to present

From July 2019-December 2019, Chairman, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm); January 2016-June 2019, Chief Executive Officer, Pershing, LLC.

63

Allfunds Group PLC (United Kingdom wealthtech and fund distribution provider); Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (trade association for broker dealers, investment banks and asset managers); Hightower Advisors (wealth management firm).

Nicholas A. Giordano

615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 80

Director

2006 to present

Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations.

63

IntriCon Corporation (biomedical device manufacturer); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance) (until March 2021).

 

55

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Company Management (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
During the Past
5 Years

Arnold M. Reichman

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 75

Chair

 

Director

2005 to present

 

1991 to present

Retired.

63

EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until August 2022).

Brian T. Shea

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 63

Director

2018 to present

From 2014-2017, Chief Executive Officer, BNY Mellon Investment Services (fund services, global custodian and securities clearing firm); from 1983-2014, Chief Executive Officer and various positions, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm).

63

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (financial services technology company); Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (financial services company); WisdomTree Investments, Inc. (asset management company) (until March 2019).

Robert A. Straniere

615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 82

Director

2006 to present

Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm).

63

None.

Interested Director2

Robert Sablowsky

615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 85

Vice Chair

 

Director

2016 to present

 

1991 to present

Since 2002, Senior Director – Investments and, prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer).

63

None.

Officers

Steven Plump
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 64

President

August 2022 to present

From 2011 to 2021, Executive Vice President, PIMCO LLC.

N/A

N/A

Salvatore Faia, JD, CPA, CFE

Vigilant Compliance, LLC

Gateway Corporate Center, Suite 216

223 Wilmington West Chester Pike

Chadds Ford, PA 19317

Age: 60

Chief Compliance Officer

2004 to present

 

Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company); since 2021, Chief Compliance Officer of The RBB Fund Trust; President of The RBB Fund Trust from 2021 to 2022; President of The RBB Fund, Inc. from 2009 to 2022.

N/A

N/A

 

 

56

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Company Management (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
During the Past
5 Years

James G. Shaw
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 63

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

 

Chief Operating Officer

2016 to present

 

 

 

 

 

2022 to present

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (since 2016) and Chief Operating Officer (since 2022) of The RBB Fund, Inc.; Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (since 2021) and Chief Operating Officer (since 2022) of The RBB Fund Trust.

N/A

N/A

Craig A. Urciuoli
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 49

Director of Marketing & Business Development

2019 to present

Director of Marketing & Business Development of The RBB Fund, Inc. (since 2019) and The RBB Fund Trust (since 2021); from 2000-2019, Managing Director, Third Avenue Management LLC (an investment advisory firm).

N/A

N/A

Jennifer Witt
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 40

Assistant Treasurer

2018 to present

Since 2020, Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (fund administrative services firm); from 2016 to 2020, Assistant Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services.

N/A

N/A

Edward Paz
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 52

Assistant Secretary

2016 to present

Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm).

N/A

N/A

Michael P. Malloy
One Logan Square
Ste. 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 64

Assistant Secretary

1999 to present

Since 1993, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

Jillian L. Bosmann
One Logan Square
Ste. 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 44

Assistant Secretary

2017 to present

Since 2017, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

 

*

Each Director oversees 63 portfolios of the fund complex, consisting of the series in the Company (53 portfolios) and The RBB Fund Trust (10 portfolios).

 

1.

Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his or her successor is elected and qualified or his or her death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Giordano, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.

 

2.

Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

57

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Company Management (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his or her qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive-level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Ms. Dolly has over three decades of experience in the financial services industry, and she has demonstrated her leadership and management abilities by serving in numerous senior executive-level positions. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Shea has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the brokerage, clearing, banking and investment services industry, including service on the boards of public companies, industry regulatory organizations and a university. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company.

 

58

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Privacy Notice

(Unaudited)

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

FACTS

WHAT DOES THE ABBEY CAPITAL FUTURES STRATEGY FUND DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?

Why?

Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.

What?

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

 

● Social Security number

● account balances

● account transactions

● transaction history

● wire transfer instructions

● checking account information

 

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

How?

All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information; the reasons the Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing.

       

Reasons we can share your information

Does the Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund share?

Can you limit this sharing?

For our everyday business purpose —
such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal
investigations, or report to credit bureaus

Yes

No

For our marketing purposes —
to offer our products and services to you

Yes

No

For joint marketing with other financial companies

No

We don’t share.

For affiliates’ everyday business purposes —
information about your transactions and experiences

Yes

No

For affiliates’ everyday business purposes —
information about your creditworthiness

No

We don’t share

For our affiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share

For nonaffiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share

 

Questions?

Call 1-844-261-6484 or go to www.abbeycapital.com

 

59

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Privacy Notice (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

What we do

How does the Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund protect my personal information?

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

How does the Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

 

● open an account

● provide account information

● give us your contact information

● make a wire transfer

● tell us where to send the money

 

We also collect your information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

 

● sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes — information about your creditworthiness

● affiliates from using your information to market to you

● sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

 

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

European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation

In addition to the above information, where applicable, you have the following rights under the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) and U.S. Privacy Laws, as applicable and to the extent permitted by law, to

 

● Check whether we hold personal information about you and to access such data (in accordance with our policy)

 

● Request the correction of personal information about you that is inaccurate

 

● Have a copy of the personal information we hold about you provided to you or another “controller” where technically feasible

 

● Request the erasure of your personal information

 

● Request the restriction of processing concerning you

 

The legal grounds for processing of your personal information is for contractual necessity and compliance with law.

 

If you wish to exercise any of your rights above, please call: 1-844-261-6484. You are required to ensure the personal information we hold about you is up-to-date and accurate and you must notify us of any changes to the personal data you provided to us.

 

 

60

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Privacy Notice (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

 

The Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund shall retain your personal data for as long as you are an investor in the Fund and thereafter as long as necessary to comply with applicable laws that require the Fund to retain your personal data, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission’s data retention rules. Your personal data will be transferred to the United States so that the Fund may provide the agreed upon services for you. No adequacy decision has been rendered by the European Commission as to the data protection of your personal data when transferring it to the United States. However, the Fund does take the security of your personal data seriously.

 

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the appropriate regulatory authority with respect to issues you may have.

Definitions

Affiliates

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

 

Our affiliates include Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund’s investment adviser, Abbey Capital Limited, and each sub-adviser.

Nonaffiliates

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

 

The Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund doesn’t share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you.

Joint marketing

A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.

 

The Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund does not jointly market.

Controller

“Controller” means the natural or legal person, public authority, agency or other body which, alone or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of the processing of personal data; where the purposes and means of such processing are determined by European Union or European Member State law, the controller or the specific criteria for its nomination may be provided for by European Union or European Member State law.

 

 

61

 

 

Investment Adviser
Abbey Capital Limited
1-2 Cavendish Row
Dublin 1, Ireland

 

Administrator and Transfer Agent
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201

 

Principal Underwriter
Quasar Distributors, LLC
111 E Kilbourn Ave, Suite 2200
Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Custodian
U.S. Bank, N.A.
1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, WI 53212

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Ernst & Young LLP
One Commerce Square
2005 Market Street, Suite 700
Philadelphia, PA 19103

 

Legal Counsel
Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
One Logan Square, Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103-6996

 

AFS-AR23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

of

 

THE RBB FUND, INC.

 

 

Annual Report

 

 

 

 

August 31, 2023

 

 

 

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Unaudited)

August 31, 2023

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

The Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund (the “Fund”) Class I Shares returned +0.38% net of fees for the 12-month fiscal year ended August 31, 2023.

 

Positive performance was driven by the long US equity component of the Fund’s investment strategy. The Fund’s managed futures component had negative returns over the 12-month period, with losses concentrated in energy, metals and bonds. The Fund targets approximately 100% exposure of its net assets to its managed futures strategy and approximately 50% exposure to its long US equity strategy. The Fund’s remaining net assets are allocated to its fixed income strategy. The managed futures strategy is achieved by the Fund investing up to 25% of its total assets in ACMAF Master Offshore Limited (the “ACMAF Master”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Fund that invests substantially all of its assets in ACMAF Offshore SPC, which is a wholly-owned and controlled segregated portfolio company and is a multi-adviser fund that invests in managed futures and foreign exchange contracts. As part of its managed futures strategy, the Fund may also invest a portion of its assets in ACMAF Onshore Series LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Fund which is a multi-adviser fund that invests in managed futures and foreign exchange contracts.

 

Average Total Returns for the Periods Ended August 31, 2023 (unless otherwise noted)

 

 

2023 YTD

1 Year

Sep. 1, 2021 to
Aug. 31, 2022

5 Years
Annualized

Annualized
since inception
on April 11,
2018

Class I Shares

4.15%

0.38%

10.40%

11.15%

11.60%

Class A Shares*

4.07%

0.24%

9.99%

10.87%

11.32%

Class A Shares (max load)*

-1.88%

-5.54%

3.67%

9.57%

10.10%

Class C Shares**

3.47%

-0.63%

9.18%

10.04%

10.48%

ICE BofA 3- Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index***

3.13%

4.25%

0.37%

1.65%

1.67%

Barclay CTA Index***

0.28%

-0.38%

8.34%

4.19%

3.95%

S&P 500® Total Return Index***

18.73%

15.94%

-11.23%

11.12%

12.19%

 

Barclay CTA numbers are based on the estimates available on the BarclayHedge website as of September 13, 2023

 

Source: Abbey Capital, Bloomberg and BarclayHedge

 

Performance quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. The Fund commenced operations as a series of The RBB Fund, Inc. on April 11, 2018, when all of the assets of Abbey Global LP transferred to Class I Shares of the Fund. For clarity, on February 28, 2023, reference to Abbey Global LP performance was removed from the Fund’s Prospectus.

 

Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the returns quoted. Visit www.abbeycapital.com for returns updated daily. Call (US Toll Free) 1-844-261-6484 or (international callers) + 1-508-871-3276 for returns current to the most recent month-end.

 

Please note the above is shown for illustrative purposes only.

 

1

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Unaudited) (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

*

Class A Shares performance prior to its inception on February 16, 2022 is the performance of Class I Shares, adjusted for the Class A Shares expense ratio. There is a maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) of 5.75% on Class A Shares.

 

**

Class C Shares performance prior to its inception on November 8, 2021 is the performance of Class I Shares, adjusted for the Class C Shares expense ratio. The Fund charges a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) of 1.00% on certain redemptions of Class C Shares made within 12 months of purchase. The CDSC is assessed on an amount equal to the lesser of the offering price at the time of purchase of the Class C Shares redeemed or the net asset value of the Class C Shares redeemed at the time of redemption.

 

***

The Barclay CTA Index is derived from data that is self-reported by investment managers based on the performance of privately managed funds. In contrast, the S&P 500® Total Return Index and the ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index are comprised of publicly traded securities. As a result of these differences, these indices may not be directly comparable and the table above is shown for illustrative purposes only.

 

Abbey Capital Limited (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual fund operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) to 1.79%, 2.04% and 2.79% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares, Class A Shares and Class C Shares, respectively. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2023, and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. In addition, the Adviser may recoup any waived or reimbursed amounts from the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made by the Adviser, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement. Without the expense limitation agreement, the expense ratios are 1.98%, 2.23% and 2.98% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares, Class A Shares and Class C Shares, respectively, as stated in the Fund’s current prospectus dated December 31, 2022, as supplemented (and which may differ from the actual expense ratios for the period covered by this report). The quoted performance would have been lower without the expense limitation.

 

Please refer to the prospectus for further information on expenses and fees.

 

Performance Analysis

 

The 12-month period ended August 31, 2023 was positive overall for Fund performance. The Fund’s Long US Equity strategy drove gains for the period, while the Managed Futures strategy saw losses.

 

Central bank monetary policy was an important driver of market moves throughout the 12-month period. Most central banks began aggressive interest rate hiking policies during the first half of 2022, and this hawkish shift in policy continued in the second half of the year and into 2023.

 

Inflation slowed from multi-decade highs during the period, with US inflation falling significantly from its peak in June 2022. The pace at which inflation slowed became a key focus for investors as markets tried to anticipate central bank policy responses to falling, albeit elevated, inflation. As we moved into 2023, central banks continued to raise rates, but in smaller increments. Investor focus shifted away from forecasting how high interest rates could go, and instead moved towards assessing when the peak in global central bank rates may occur and when central banks may begin to start cutting rates.

 

This slowdown in inflation supported equity returns. Stock markets steadied over the second half of 2022, though this period did see some notable negative and positive months as investors digested both hawkish and dovish central bank guidance. Equities then rallied strongly over the first eight months of 2023 alongside slowing inflation, generally strong corporate earnings, solid US economic data and hopes that we were approaching the end of the global rate hiking cycle.

 

Commodity markets were challenging for much of the period. Demand uncertainty amid a mixed global growth backdrop was a feature of several markets, with the outlook for the Chinese economy a factor within growth-sensitive markets like energy and base metals. Economic data from China was subdued for much of the period, while the reopening of the Chinese economy post-lockdowns in early 2023 ultimately stuttered and the much anticipated rebound in economic activity proved weaker than anticipated. Offsetting this uncertain demand backdrop were supply concerns in some markets, for example in crude oil where OPEC+ production cuts were a feature, as well as in several agricultural markets like cocoa and sugar. This combination of supply and demand considerations contributed to a lack of clear trends and frequent price reversals across many commodity markets.

 

Fund performance from September to December 2022 was negative, with choppy price moves in commodity markets, most notably energy, proving particularly challenging for the Fund. Notable losses occurred in fixed income and currencies in November 2022, when the release of weaker- than-expected US inflation data prompted a dovish revision to market expectations for Federal Reserve

 

2

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Unaudited) (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

monetary policy going forward and a notable correction to year-to-date uptrends in yields and the US Dollar. The Long US Equity strategy was slightly negative amid choppy moves in US stocks over the period. US equities fell in September 2022 as higher-than-expected inflation, global growth concerns and a 75 basis point interest rate hike by the Federal Reserve weighed on prices. Stocks then rebounded in October and November 2022 as speculation about a slower pace of monetary policy tightening and solid earnings data boosted prices. The year-to-date sell-off in equities then resumed in December 2022 as central bank rhetoric turned hawkish once again.

 

Fund performance was also negative in Q1 2023 due to losses for the Managed Futures strategy. Concerns for the global banking sector in March 2023 following the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank caused a sharp move lower in yields and interest rate expectations. This was, in part, due to concerns about the impact of higher interest rates on the broader economy, and as uncertainty about whether the Federal Reserve could maintain a hawkish monetary policy stance intensified. This sharp reversal in yields was negative for the Managed Futures strategy which held short positions across several fixed income contracts.

 

The Long US equity strategy was positive in Q1 2023 as US equities rallied for the 2nd straight quarter, despite the volatility in the banking sector, as declining US inflation data and solid US economic data helped to support prices.

 

The performance backdrop for the Fund improved from April to August 2023. Longer-term price trends re-emerged in currencies and fixed income as expectations for central bank monetary policy turned more hawkish and concerns about the health of the banking sector eased which resulted in gains for the Managed Futures strategy. Equities broadly rallied for the period with outperformance of technology stocks and strong US economic data key drivers of markets. This proved profitable for the Fund’s Long US Equity strategy while the Managed Futures strategy was mixed, ultimately seeing losses.

 

For the 12-month period overall, the Fund’s positive performance was driven by the Long US Equity strategy while performance for the Managed Futures strategy was negative.

 

The Long US Equity strategy recorded gains as the S&P 500 Index rose +13.6% over the 12-month period. The sharp uptick in technology stocks from the start of 2023 onwards helped the S&P 500 Index to rally, as the potential for an artificial intelligence technologies boom supported stocks such as NVIDIA. Stronger-than-expected US economic data acted as a further tailwind for prices, as investors speculated on the potential for a “soft landing” for the US economy, despite multiple interest rate hikes by the US Federal Reserve.

 

The Fund’s Managed Futures strategy saw losses over the 12-month period, with the largest losses occurring in metals. Price moves were often range-bound with the Fund’s sub-advisers suffering from sharp price reversals at times. In precious metals, positioning in silver and gold transitioned between long and short as sustained price trends failed to emerge, leading to steady losses throughout the period. Prices of both metals responded to the fluctuating value of the US Dollar and choppiness in global yields. Negative performance in copper was more concentrated in March and April 2023, when long positions incurred losses as prices fell in response to weak Chinese economic data, risk-off sentiment in markets amid banking sector concerns and US-China tensions.

 

Negative performance in energy was concentrated in crude oil and distillate futures contracts. Prices proved choppy over the period owing to a lack of clear trends and frequent price reversals occurring. Demand-side factors behind these price moves included global demand uncertainty and the subdued economic performance in China following the reopening of the nation’s economy, while OPEC+ policy changes impacted global supplies at different times.

 

Fixed income was a negative sector for the Fund during the 12-month period, with losses in bonds outweighing gains in interest rates. Several shifts for expectations around central bank policy proved tricky for the Fund’s sub-advisers, with losses concentrated in German and Australian government bond contracts. The largest losses occurred in March as yields fell following the fall- out from the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank.

 

In contrast to the Long US Equity strategy, trading in equities proved difficult for the Fund’s Managed Futures strategy. Losses were concentrated in March and August 2023 as reversals to uptrends in the sector at those times resulted in losses. The sell-off in March 2023 amid the mounting concerns for the banking sector resulted in losses from long positions. A more hawkish monetary policy outlook in August 2023 saw global indices fall leading to further losses for the Fund’s long exposures.

 

Agricultural commodities was another negative sector for the Fund during the 12-month period. Losses in corn, soybean and coffee futures contracts were partially offset by gains in sugar and cocoa. Soybean losses stemmed from long positions while mixed positioning in response to range- bound price moves in corn and coffee also incurred losses for the Fund. Long positions in sugar and cocoa generated positive performance as prices in both commodities rose to multi-year highs in 2023 owing to weather-related supply concerns.

 

3

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Unaudited) (Concluded)

August 31, 2023

 

Positively, the Manged Futures strategy did see partially offsetting gains in currencies over the 12- month period. Gains were concentrated in long positions in the Mexican Peso and short positions in the Japanese Yen relative to the US Dollar. The Mexican Peso rallied over the period owing to strong Mexican economic data and rate increases by the Bank of Mexico which led to an attractive carry relative to US yields. In addition, robust US economic data was a further tailwind given the close links between the Mexican and US economies. Meanwhile, the Japanese Yen weakened over the period as the Bank of Japan remained an outlier relative to global peers as it persisted with its dovish policies of yield curve control and negative interest rates.

 

An investment in the Fund is speculative and involves substantial risk. It is possible that an investor may lose some or all of their investment. The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in ACMAF Master, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Fund that invests substantially all of its assets in ACMAF Offshore SPC, which is a wholly-owned and controlled segregated portfolio company that invests in managed futures and foreign exchange contracts. The Fund may also invest a portion of its assets into ACMAF Onshore Series LLC, which is a multi-adviser fund that invests in managed futures and foreign exchange contracts. All investments in securities involve risk of the loss of capital. An investment in the Fund includes the risks inherent in an investment in securities, as well as specific risks associated with this open-ended investment product. Among the risks associated with investing in this Fund are Commodity Sector Risk, Counter-Party Risk, Credit Risk, Currency Risk, Manager and Management Risks, Subsidiary Risk, Tax Risk, Emerging Markets Risk, Leveraging Risk, Foreign Investment Risk, Fixed Income Securities Risks, Short Sale Risk and Portfolio Turnover Risks. The Fund may invest in or utilize derivative investments, futures contracts, and hedging strategies. One or more Trading Advisers, from time to time, may invest a substantial portion of the assets managed in a specific industry sector. As a result, the Fund’s investment portfolio may be subject to greater risk and volatility than if investments had been made in the securities of a broader range of issuers. There can be no assurance that the Fund’s strategy (hedging or otherwise) will be successful or that it will employ such strategies with respect to all or any portion of its portfolio. The value of the Fund’s portfolio investments should be expected to fluctuate. Investing in managed futures is not suitable for all investors given its speculative nature and the high level of risk involved. The Fund is appropriate only for investors who can bear the risks associated with the product. This brief statement cannot disclose all of the risks and other factors necessary to evaluate an investment in the Fund. Investors are urged to take appropriate investment advice and to carefully consider their investment objectives, personal situation, and factors such as net worth, income, age, risk tolerance and liquidity needs before investing in the Fund. Before investing, investors should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, tax considerations, sales charges and expenses.

 

Fund holdings and sector allocations are subject to change and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security. Please refer to the Consolidated Portfolio of Investments in this report for a complete list of Fund holdings.

 

The Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund is distributed by Quasar Distributors, LLC.

 

This report is submitted for general information to the shareholders of the Fund. It is not authorized for distribution unless preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus for the Fund. Opinions expressed are subject to change at any time, are not guaranteed, and should not be considered investment advice.

 

4

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Performance Data

August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund - Class A Shares
vs. ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index,
S&P 500® Total Return Index and Barclay CTA Index

 

 

The chart illustrates the performance of a hypothetical $10,000 initial investment in the Fund made on April 11, 2018 and reflects Fund expenses and reinvestment of dividends and distributions (performance shown prior to February 16, 2022 is Class I Shares performance adjusted for Class A shares expense ratio). Class A Shares growth of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 is adjusted for the maximum sales charge of 5.75%. This results in a net initial investment of $9,425. Performance does not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder may pay on dividends, distributions or redemptions.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended August 31, 2023

 
 

One
Year

Three
Years

Five
Years

Since
Inception††

 

Class A Shares (without sales charge) (Pro forma April 11, 2018 to February 16, 2022)

0.24%

9.60%

10.87%*

11.32%*

 

Class A Shares (with sales charge) (Pro forma April 11, 2018 to February 16, 2022)

-5.54%

7.46%

9.57%*

10.10%*

 

S&P 500® Total Return Index

15.94%

10.52%

11.12%

12.19%**

 

ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index***

4.25%

1.55%

1.65%

1.67%**

 

Barclay CTA Index***

-0.38%

5.01%

4.19%

3.95%**

 

 

††

Inception date of Class A Shares of the Fund was February 16, 2022 and the inception date of the Fund was April 11, 2018. Performance information is from the inception date of the Fund.

*

Class A Shares performance prior to its inception on February 16, 2022 is the performance of Class I Shares, adjusted for the Class A Shares expense ratio.

**

Performance is from the inception date of the Fund and is not the inception date of the index itself. The above is shown for illustrative purposes only.

***

This is not a primary benchmark of the Fund. Results of the index performance are presented for general comparative purposes.

 

5

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Performance Data (Continued)

August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

The Fund charges a 5.75% maximum sales charge on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) of Class A Shares. The performance data quoted reflects fee waivers in effect and would have been less in their absence. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) to 2.04% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A Shares. Without the limitation arrangement, the gross expense ratio is 2.23% for Class A Shares as stated in the current prospectus, as supplemented (and which may differ from the actual expense ratio for the period covered by this report). This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2023 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. Please see the Consolidated Financial Highlights for current figures.

 

6

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Performance Data (Continued)

August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $1,000,000 Investment in Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund - Class I Shares
vs. ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index,
S&P 500® Total Return Index and Barclay CTA Index

 

 

The chart illustrates the performance of a hypothetical $1,000,000 minimum initial investment in the Fund made on April 11, 2018 and reflects Fund expenses and reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Performance does not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder may pay on dividends, distributions or redemptions.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended August 31, 2023

 
 

One
Year

Three
Years

Five
Years

Since
Inception††

 

Class I Shares

0.38%

9.88%

11.15%

11.60%

 

S&P 500® Total Return Index

15.94%

10.52%

11.12%

12.19%*

 

ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index**

4.25%

1.55%

1.65%

1.67%*

 

Barclay CTA Index**

-0.38%

5.01%

4.19%

3.95%*

 

 

††

Inception date of Class I Shares of the Fund was April 11, 2018.

*

Performance is from the inception date of the Fund only and is not the inception date of the index itself.

**

This is not a primary benchmark of the Fund. Results of the index performance are presented for general comparative purposes.

 

The performance quoted reflects fee waivers in effect and would have been less in their absence. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) to 1.79% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares. Without the limitation arrangement, the gross expense ratio is 1.98% for Class I Shares, as stated in the current prospectus, as supplemented (and which may differ from the actual expense ratio for the period covered by this report). This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2023 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. Please see the Consolidated Financial Highlights for current figures.

 

7

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Performance Data (Continued)

August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund - Class C Shares
vs. ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index,
S&P 500® Total Return Index and Barclay CTA Index

 

 

The chart illustrates the performance of a hypothetical $10,000 minimum initial investment in the Fund made on April 11, 2018 and reflects Fund expenses and reinvestment of dividends and distributions (performance shown prior to November 8, 2021 is Class I Shares performance adjusted for Class C Shares expense ratio). Performance does not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder may pay on dividends, distributions or redemptions.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended August 31, 2023

 
 

One
Year

Three
Years

Five
Years

Since
Inception††

 

Class C Shares (without contingent deferred sales charge) (Pro forma April 11, 2018 to November 8, 2021)

-0.63%

8.78%

10.04%*

10.48%*

 

Class C Shares (with contingent deferred sales charge) (Pro forma April 11, 2018 to November 8, 2021)

-1.58%

8.78%

10.04%*

10.48%*

 

S&P 500® Total Return Index

15.94%

10.52%

11.12%

12.19%**

 

ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index***

4.25%

1.55%

1.65%

1.67%**

 

Barclay CTA Index***

-0.38%

5.01%

4.19%

3.95%**

 

 

††

Inception date of Class C Shares of the Fund was November 8, 2021 and the inception date of the Fund was April 11, 2018. Performance information is from the inception date of the Fund.

*

Class C Shares performance prior to its inception on November 8, 2021 is the performance of Class I Shares, adjusted for the Class C Shares expense ratio.

**

Performance is from the inception date of the Fund and is not the inception date of the index itself. The above is shown for illustrative purposes only.

***

This is not a primary benchmark of the Fund. Results of the index performance are presented for general comparative purposes.

 

8

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Performance Data (Concluded)

August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

The Fund charges a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) of 1.00% on certain redemptions of Class C Shares made within 12 months of purchase. The CDSC is assessed on an amount equal to the lesser of the offering price at the time of purchase of the Class C Shares redeemed or the net asset value of the Class C Shares redeemed at the time of redemption.

 

The performance data quoted reflects fee waivers in effect and would have been less in their absence. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) to 2.79% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class C Shares. Without the limitation arrangement, the gross expense ratio is 2.98% for Class C Shares, as stated in the current prospectus, as supplemented (and which may differ from the actual expense ratios for the period covered by this report). This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2023 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. Please see the Consolidated Financial Highlights for current figures.

 

Performance quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the returns quoted. Visit www.abbeycapital.com for returns updated daily. Call (US Toll Free) 1-844-261-6484 or (international callers) + 1-508-871-3276 for returns current to the most recent month-end.

 

The Barclay CTA Index is derived from data which is self-reported by investment managers based on the performance of privately managed funds. In contrast, the S&P 500® Total Return Index and the ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index are comprised of publicly traded securities. As a result of these differences, these indices may not be directly comparable. Additionally, these indices are not available for direct investment and the above is shown for illustrative purposes only.

 

Barclay CTA Index

 

The Barclay CTA Index is a leading industry benchmark of representative performance of commodity trading advisors. There are currently 412 programs included in the calculation of the Barclay CTA Index for 2023. The Barclay CTA Index is equally weighted and rebalanced at the beginning of each year.

 

ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index

 

The ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index is an unmanaged market index of U.S. Treasury securities maturing in 90 days that assumes reinvestment of all income.

 

The S&P 500® Total Return Index

 

The S&P 500® Total Return Index is the total return version of the S&P 500® Index. Dividends are reinvested on a daily basis and all regular cash dividends are assumed reinvested in the index on the ex-dividend date.

 

A basis point is one hundredth of one percent.

 

Portfolio composition is subject to change. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

9

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Fund Expense Example

August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, (if any) and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees and other Fund expenses. These examples are 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 mutual funds.

 

These examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period from March 1, 2023 through August 31, 2023, and held for the entire period.

 

ACTUAL EXPENSES

 

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

 

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

 

   

Beginning
Account Value
March 1, 2023

   

Ending
Account Value
August 31, 2023

   

Expenses Paid
During Period
(1)

   

Annualized
Expense Ratio
(2)

   

Actual Six-Month
Total Investment
Returns
for the Funds

 

Actual

                                       

Class A Shares

  $ 1,000.00     $ 1,012.30     $ 10.35       2.04 %     1.23 %

Class I Shares

    1,000.00       1,013.20       9.08       1.79 %     1.32 %

Class C Shares

    1,000.00       1,008.00       14.12       2.79 %     0.80 %

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

               

Class A Shares

  $ 1,000.00     $ 1,014.92     $ 10.36       2.04 %     N/A  

Class I Shares

    1,000.00       1,016.18       9.10       1.79 %     N/A  

Class C Shares

    1,000.00       1,011.14       14.14       2.79 %     N/A  

 

(1)

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s Class A Shares, Class I Shares, and Class C Shares annualized six-month expense ratios for the period March 1, 2023 through August 31, 2023, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184) in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by 365 to reflect the one half year period. The Fund’s ending account values in the first section in the table are based on the actual six-month total investment return for the Fund’s respective share classes.

 

(2)

Ratios reflect expenses waived by the Fund’s investment adviser. Without these waivers, the Fund’s expenses would have been higher and the ending account values would have been lower.

 

10

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio Holdings Summary Table

August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

The following table presents a consolidated summary of the portfolio holdings of the Fund:

 

 

% of Net
Assets

   

Value

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS:

               

U.S. Treasury Obligations

    80.2 %   $ 404,228,398  

Money Market Deposit Account

    2.0       9,953,519  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES

               

(including futures and forward foreign currency contracts)

    17.8       89,832,794  

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 504,014,711  

 

 

The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by allocating its assets between a “Managed Futures” strategy, a “Long U.S. Equity” Strategy and a “Fixed Income” strategy.

 

As a result of the Fund’s use of derivatives, the Fund may hold significant amounts of U.S. Treasuries or short-term investments.

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

Refer to the Consolidated Portfolio of Investments for a detailed listing of the Fund’s holdings.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
11

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments

August 31, 2023

 

   

Coupon*

   

Maturity
Date

   

Par
(000’s)

   

Value

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 80.2%

                               

U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS — 80.2%

                               

U.S. Treasury Bills

    5.125%       09/07/23     $ 13,804     $ 13,791,882  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    4.903%       09/14/23       6,196       6,184,261  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    4.992%       09/21/23       1,579       1,574,374  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    4.878%       09/28/23       7,420       7,390,589  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    4.970%       10/05/23       4,591       4,568,088  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    4.977%       10/12/23       26,873       26,711,021  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    5.055%       10/19/23       17,142       17,021,321  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    5.084%       10/26/23       45,697       45,327,766  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    5.081%       11/02/23       9,485       9,398,872  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    5.125%       11/09/23       18,719       18,529,510  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    5.346%       11/16/23       13,369       13,219,981  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    5.436%       11/24/23       24,658       24,352,477  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    5.471%       11/30/23       14,783       14,586,756  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    5.403%       12/07/23       16,110       15,879,734  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    5.365%       12/14/23       18,934       18,647,244  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    5.453%       12/21/23       9,970       9,807,689  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    5.516%       12/28/23       8,407       8,261,503  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    5.519%       01/04/24       15,954       15,661,509  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    5.495%       01/11/24       11,099       10,884,123  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    5.526%       01/18/24       6,748       6,610,474  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    5.533%       01/25/24       29,324       28,696,077  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    5.510%       02/01/24       7,749       7,575,475  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    5.523%       02/08/24       25,223       24,631,660  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    5.534%       02/15/24       11,498       11,216,375  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    5.573%       02/22/24       37,299       36,346,051  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    5.554%       02/29/24       7,554       7,353,586  

TOTAL U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS ($404,381,600)

                            404,228,398  

 

   

Number of
Shares
(000’s)

         

MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT ACCOUNT — 2.0%

               

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 5.20% (United States)(a)

    9,954       9,953,519  

TOTAL MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT ACCOUNT

               

(Cost $9,953,519)

            9,953,519  
                 

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

               

(Cost $414,335,119)

            414,181,917  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 82.2%

               

(Cost $414,335,119)

            414,181,917  
                 

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES — 17.8%

            89,832,794  

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

          $ 504,014,711  

 

 

*

Short-term investments’ coupon reflect the annualized effective yield on the date of purchase for discounted investments.

 

(a)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2023.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
12

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

Futures contracts outstanding as of August 31, 2023 were as follows:

 

Long Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

10-Year Mini Japanese Government Bond Futures

    Sep-23       91     $ 9,187,251     $ (46,572 )

Brent Crude Futures

    Nov-23       55       4,775,650       131,080  

Brent Crude Futures

    Dec-23       14       1,207,220       80,100  

Brent Crude Futures

    Jan-24       8       685,120       27,560  

Brent Crude Oil Last Day

    Nov-23       5       434,150       18,620  

CAC40 10 Euro Futures

    Sep-23       140       11,125,339       44,694  

CAD Currency Futures

    Sep-23       51       3,773,235       15,500  

Canola Futures (Winnipeg Commodity Exchange)

    Nov-23       2       23,940       391  

Canola Futures (Winnipeg Commodity Exchange)

    Jan-24       8       96,377       (303 )

Cattle Feeder Futures

    Oct-23       15       1,920,188       33,075  

Cattle Feeder Futures

    Nov-23       5       644,125       8,588  

CHF Currency Futures

    Sep-23       2       283,488       (4,263 )

Cocoa Futures

    Dec-23       112       4,074,560       183,580  

Cocoa Futures

    Mar-24       48       1,751,040       63,090  

Cocoa Futures ICE

    Dec-23       43       1,606,937       177,263  

Cocoa Futures ICE

    Mar-24       23       845,830       63,429  

Cocoa Futures ICE

    May-24       1       36,028       2,888  

Coffee Robusta Futures

    Nov-23       10       248,900       (2,230 )

Cotton No.2 Futures

    Dec-23       107       4,698,370       50,325  

Cotton No.2 Futures

    Mar-24       1       43,865       1,490  

DAX Index Futures

    Sep-23       46       19,950,824       (65,007 )

DAX-Mini Futures

    Sep-23       1       86,743       943  

DJIA Mini E-CBOT

    Sep-23       110       19,135,049       (180,126 )

Dollar Index

    Sep-23       116       12,016,091       16,945  

E-Mini Crude Oil

    Oct-23       3       125,445       4,633  

E-Mini Energy Select Futures

    Sep-23       1       93,140       (1,310 )

E-mini S&P 500 ESG Futures

    Sep-23       2       401,100       3,060  

EUR Foreign Exchange Currency Futures

    Sep-23       165       22,383,280       (98,944 )

Euro STOXX 50

    Sep-23       281       13,141,832       (60,398 )

Euro STOXX Banks Futures

    Sep-23       22       133,592       (277 )

Euro/JPY Futures

    Sep-23       72       9,740,747       304,186  

Euro-Bobl Futures

    Sep-23       9       1,133,137       1,193  

Euro-BTP Futures

    Sep-23       17       2,136,867       7,656  

Euro-BTP Futures

    Dec-23       3       346,453       943  

Euro-Bund Futures

    Sep-23       2       288,850       661  

FTSE 100 Index Futures

    Sep-23       27       2,552,446       (7,005 )

FTSE KLCI Futures

    Sep-23       1       15,426       (81 )

FTSE Taiwan Index

    Sep-23       31       1,776,300       7,945  

FTSE/JSE TOP 40

    Sep-23       4       146,192       (3,789 )

FTSE/MIB Index Futures

    Sep-23       38       5,950,467       114,106  

Gasoline RBOB Futures

    Oct-23       101       10,884,548       (55,773 )

Gasoline RBOB Futures

    Nov-23       22       2,291,797       24,305  

Gasoline RBOB Futures

    Dec-23       2       201,877       6,682  

Gasoline RBOB Futures

    Jan-24       2       198,727       2,499  

GBP Currency Futures

    Sep-23       84       6,649,125       (22,409 )

Gold 100 Oz Futures

    Dec-23       28       5,504,520       53,620  

IBEX 35 Index Futures

    Sep-23       5       517,003       6,788  

IFSC Nifty 50 Futures

    Sep-23       31       1,205,838       (544 )

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
13

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

Long Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

JPN 10-Year Bond (Osaka Securities Exchange)

    Sep-23       4     $ 4,036,427     $ (756 )

JPY Currency Futures

    Sep-23       42       3,618,300       13,075  

Live Cattle Futures

    Oct-23       92       6,654,360       (8,860 )

Live Cattle Futures

    Dec-23       43       3,178,560       38,340  

Live Cattle Futures

    Feb-24       29       2,190,660       21,210  

Live Cattle Futures

    Apr-24       8       616,560       1,900  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Sep-23       1       54,070       (2,193 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Sep-23       1       54,163       (404 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Sep-23       843       45,811,780       (703,460 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Sep-23       1       54,363       (333 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Sep-23       5       272,469       (2,064 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-23       6       327,188       7,388  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-23       1       54,567       1,192  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-23       1       54,620       20  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-23       2       109,261       664  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-23       4       218,563       (6,858 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-23       1       54,739       957  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-23       1       54,925       (2,200 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Nov-23       1       55,056       1,281  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Nov-23       3       165,113       2,888  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Dec-23       145       8,037,531       80,228  

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-23       1       211,139       6,714  

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-23       3       631,516       (3,497 )

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-23       2       421,000       (7,063 )

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-23       179       37,679,499       285,829  

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-23       2       420,535       (10,128 )

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-23       4       841,000       (4,612 )

LME Copper Forward

    Oct-23       2       420,546       (12,429 )

LME Copper Forward

    Oct-23       2       420,600       (10,025 )

LME Copper Forward

    Oct-23       1       210,263       138  

LME Copper Forward

    Oct-23       1       210,275       (2,150 )

LME Copper Forward

    Oct-23       1       210,400       (1,264 )

LME Copper Forward

    Nov-23       2       420,885       (17,665 )

LME Copper Forward

    Nov-23       2       420,975       (2,553 )

LME Copper Forward

    Nov-23       1       210,450       (1,283 )

LME Copper Forward

    Dec-23       33       6,953,100       60,313  

LME Lead Forward

    Sep-23       2       112,670       5,970  

LME Lead Forward

    Sep-23       284       15,995,589       868,796  

LME Lead Forward

    Sep-23       2       112,395       5,033  

LME Lead Forward

    Sep-23       2       111,795       4,179  

LME Lead Forward

    Oct-23       2       111,429       3,597  

LME Lead Forward

    Oct-23       1       55,698       2,910  

LME Lead Forward

    Oct-23       1       55,635       3,335  

LME Lead Forward

    Oct-23       1       55,560       1,523  

LME Lead Forward

    Nov-23       2       111,045       1,295  

LME Lead Forward

    Nov-23       2       110,875       1,438  

LME Lead Forward

    Nov-23       1       55,450       1,417  

LME Lead Forward

    Dec-23       55       3,052,363       154,395  

LME Nickel Forward

    Sep-23       2       245,007       (8,209 )

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
14

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

Long Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

LME Nickel Forward

    Sep-23       1     $ 120,607     $ (6,983 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Sep-23       1       120,616       (10,574 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Sep-23       1       120,634       (18,896 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Sep-23       6       724,068       (51,126 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Oct-23       2       241,956       (25,612 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Oct-23       1       121,134       (3,786 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Oct-23       1       121,338       (9,192 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Sep-23       1       60,488       (1,663 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Sep-23       1       60,529       (1,310 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Sep-23       2       121,075       (2,575 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Sep-23       117       7,082,888       (28,028 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Oct-23       1       60,675       (1,550 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Oct-23       2       121,438       (2,613 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Oct-23       2       121,488       (5,938 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Nov-23       1       60,763       (500 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Dec-23       3       182,513       2,983  

Low Sulphur Gasoil G Futures

    Oct-23       42       3,709,650       (7,775 )

Low Sulphur Gasoil G Futures

    Nov-23       8       685,400       5,525  

Low Sulphur Gasoil G Futures

    Dec-23       2       165,850       1,750  

Low Sulphur Gasoil G Futures

    Jan-24       2       163,150       (450 )

Micro E-mini Dow Jones Index Futures

    Sep-23       2       34,791       (596 )

Micro E-mini Nasdaq 100 Index Futures

    Sep-23       1       31,077       (94 )

Micro EUR/USD Futures

    Sep-23       1       13,566       46  

Mini FTSE/MIB Pound Futures

    Sep-23       2       62,637       2,363  

Mini TOPIX Index Futures

    Sep-23       6       96,106       3,796  

MSCI EAFE Index Futures

    Sep-23       5       527,325       (13,870 )

MXN Currency Futures

    Sep-23       258       7,578,750       145,705  

Nasdaq 100 E-Mini

    Sep-23       95       29,523,149       361,975  

Natural Gas Futures

    Oct-23       2       55,360       (1,410 )

Nikkei 225 (Chicago Mercantile Exchange)

    Sep-23       5       812,500       (1,600 )

Nikkei 225 (Osaka Securities Exchange)

    Sep-23       6       1,344,788       14,227  

Nikkei 225 (Singapore Exchange)

    Sep-23       241       26,999,552       164,911  

Nikkei 225 Mini

    Sep-23       67       1,501,680       16,733  

Nikkei/Yen Futures

    Sep-23       4       446,751       7,681  

NY Harbor Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel Futures

    Oct-23       73       9,544,765       230,433  

NY Harbor Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel Futures

    Nov-23       9       1,147,646       13,562  

NY Harbor Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel Futures

    Dec-23       4       493,181       15,229  

NY Harbor Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel Futures

    Jan-24       1       121,040       1,336  

OMX Helsinki All-Share Index Futures

    Sep-23       1       19,144       182  

OMX Stockholm 30 Index Futures

    Sep-23       108       2,159,310       1,688  

Palm Oil Futures

    Nov-23       3       64,817       1,466  

Palm Oil Futures

    Dec-23       1       21,735       1,051  

Platinum Standard Futures

    Aug-24       1       2,248,445       (55 )

Rough Rice Futures

    Nov-23       1       33,380       1,780  

Russell 2000 E-Mini

    Sep-23       24       2,281,920       (36,250 )

S&P 500 E-Mini Futures

    Sep-23       1       22,580       834  

S&P 500 E-Mini Futures

    Sep-23       1,375       310,474,999       5,797,498  

S&P Mid 400 E-Mini

    Sep-23       2       529,740       (4,690 )

S&P/TSX 60 IX Futures

    Sep-23       12       2,223,372       (17,377 )

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
15

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

Long Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

SET50 Index Futures

    Sep-23       43     $ 233,951     $ (1,392 )

SGX Iron Ore 62% Futures

    Oct-23       52       593,632       16,587  

Silver Futures

    Dec-23       18       2,233,080       (13,645 )

Silver Futures

    Mar-24       1       125,880       (1,820 )

Soybean Futures

    Nov-23       136       9,307,500       (166,245 )

Soybean Futures

    Jan-24       7       483,700       (200 )

Soybean Futures

    Mar-24       90       6,233,625       87,388  

Soybean Meal Futures

    Dec-23       15       606,000       (10,290 )

Soybean Meal Futures

    Jan-24       3       120,420       (1,370 )

Soybean Oil Futures

    Dec-23       17       637,296       11,172  

Soybean Oil Futures

    Jan-24       4       148,416       6,516  

Soybean Oil Futures

    Mar-24       2       73,452       10,398  

SPI 200 Futures

    Sep-23       51       6,010,137       21,561  

STOXX 50 Futures

    Sep-23       1       43,114       43  

STOXX Dividend Futures

    Dec-24       1       15,875       1,594  

STOXX Europe 600 ESG-X Index Futures

    Sep-23       5       92,658       (737 )

STOXX Europe 600 Index

    Sep-23       18       448,238       1,363  

STOXX Europe 600 Utilities Index

    Sep-23       1       20,245       (694 )

Sugar No. 11 (World)

    Oct-23       104       2,918,989       549  

Sugar No. 11 (World)

    Mar-24       227       6,465,323       51,766  

Sugar No. 11 (World)

    May-24       24       645,658       (10,506 )

Sugar No. 11 (World)

    Jul-24       1       25,592       (683 )

Topix Index Futures

    Sep-23       36       5,766,384       194,993  

UK Natural Gas Futures

    Oct-23       5       168,334       (22,600 )

USD/BRL Futures

    Oct-23       1       20,105       (280 )

White Sugar ICE

    Oct-23       3       107,280       2,810  

White Sugar ICE

    Dec-23       5       175,775       595  

WTI Crude Futures

    Oct-23       134       11,206,419       386,029  

WTI Crude Futures

    Nov-23       8       663,680       41,380  

WTI Crude Futures

    Dec-23       6       493,560       35,310  

WTI Crude Futures

    Jan-24       3       244,740       6,580  

WTI Crude Futures IPE

    Oct-23       2       167,260       5,740  
                            $ 8,866,979  

 

Short Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

1-Month SOFR Future

    Jan-24       3     $ (1,182,532 )   $ (83 )

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Dec-23       21       (5,473,103 )     (339 )

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Mar-24       30       (7,826,038 )     6,194  

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Jun-24       430       (112,388,853 )     (162,626 )

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Sep-24       16       (4,191,670 )     (4,039 )

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Dec-24       280       (73,506,033 )     (173,173 )

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Mar-25       12       (3,154,813 )     (4,188 )

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Jun-25       39       (10,263,714 )     (15,588 )

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Sep-25       11       (2,897,130 )     (5,991 )

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
16

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

Short Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Dec-25       10     $ (2,635,381 )   $ (5,896 )

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Mar-26       1       (263,660 )     840  

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Jun-26       84       (22,154,282 )     (47,684 )

3-Month SOFR Futures

    Mar-24       573       (135,800,999 )     73,588  

3-Month SOFR Futures

    Jun-24       65       (15,456,188 )     20,775  

3-Month SOFR Futures

    Sep-24       22       (5,251,675 )     23,938  

3-Month SOFR Futures

    Dec-24       224       (53,664,799 )     197,525  

3-Month SOFR Futures

    Mar-25       98       (23,544,500 )     41,163  

3-Month SOFR Futures

    Jun-25       20       (4,813,750 )     2,888  

3-Month SOFR Futures

    Sep-25       19       (4,577,338 )     2,300  

3-Month SOFR Futures

    Dec-25       18       (4,338,225 )     (1,100 )

3-Month SOFR Futures

    Mar-26       115       (27,723,625 )     (24,775 )

3-Month SONIA Index Futures

    Dec-23       27       (8,062,650 )     (18,036 )

3-Month SONIA Index Futures

    Mar-24       784       (234,103,041 )     (280,992 )

3-Month SONIA Index Futures

    Jun-24       69       (20,627,494 )     (40,458 )

3-Month SONIA Index Futures

    Sep-24       19       (5,692,069 )     (5,558 )

3-Month SONIA Index Futures

    Dec-24       14       (4,204,576 )     (887 )

3-Month SONIA Index Futures

    Mar-25       63       (18,960,495 )     (24,148 )

3-Month SONIA Index Futures

    Jun-25       16       (4,823,471 )     (7,680 )

3-Month SONIA Index Futures

    Sep-25       15       (4,528,655 )     (3,769 )

3-Month SONIA Index Futures

    Dec-25       11       (3,325,020 )     (2,708 )

3-Month SONIA Index Futures

    Mar-26       57       (17,246,798 )     (41,646 )

90-DAY Bank Bill

    Sep-23       5       (3,206,932 )     (1,768 )

90-DAY Bank Bill

    Dec-23       9       (5,771,068 )     (4,830 )

90-DAY Bank Bill

    Mar-24       45       (28,853,934 )     (9,430 )

90-DAY Bank Bill

    Jun-24       10       (6,412,142 )     (3,127 )

90-DAY Bank Bill

    Sep-24       7       (4,489,595 )     (2,596 )

90-DAY Bank Bill

    Dec-24       5       (3,207,793 )     (1,456 )

90-DAY Bank Bill

    Mar-25       3       (1,925,193 )     (1,065 )

AUD/USD Currency Futures

    Sep-23       302       (19,563,560 )     279,505  

Australian 10-Year Bond Futures

    Sep-23       156       (11,742,713 )     (115,385 )

Australian 3-Year Bond Futures

    Sep-23       505       (34,811,271 )     (127,355 )

Bank Acceptance Futures

    Mar-24       22       (3,844,953 )     9,223  

Bank Acceptance Futures

    Jun-24       23       (4,025,043 )     12,480  

Bank Acceptance Futures

    Sep-24       16       (2,808,763 )     9,917  

Bank Acceptance Futures

    Dec-24       12       (2,112,345 )     6,679  

Bank Acceptance Futures

    Mar-25       7       (1,235,180 )     3,663  

Bank Acceptance Futures

    Jun-25       5       (1,194,593 )     (93 )

CAD Currency Futures

    Sep-23       326       (24,119,110 )     (36,735 )

Canada 5-Year Bond Futures

    Dec-23       1       (81,328 )     (481 )

Canadian 10-Year Bond Futures

    Dec-23       179       (15,805,573 )     (93,088 )

CHF Currency Futures

    Sep-23       131       (18,568,431 )     (3,231 )

Coffee ‘C’ Futures

    Dec-23       71       (4,113,563 )     79,181  

Coffee ‘C’ Futures

    Mar-24       13       (758,794 )     7,050  

Coffee ‘C’ Futures

    May-24       6       (352,350 )     6,413  

Copper Futures

    Dec-23       22       (2,102,100 )     (12,908 )

Copper Futures

    Mar-24       2       (192,200 )     (1,913 )

Corn Futures

    Dec-23       308       (7,365,050 )     115,365  

Corn Futures

    Mar-24       189       (4,668,300 )     162,138  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
17

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

Short Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

Corn Futures

    May-24       11     $ (276,375 )   $ 7,738  

DAX Index Futures

    Sep-23       3       (1,301,141 )     (28,464 )

Dutch TTF Gas Futures

    Oct-23       10       (282,979 )     67,903  

E-Mini Consumer Staples Select Futures

    Sep-23       2       (146,340 )     310  

E-Mini Financial Select Futures

    Sep-23       1       (105,925 )     (1,038 )

E-Mini Materials Select Futures

    Sep-23       1       (87,850 )     (2,830 )

E-Mini Natural Gas

    Oct-23       1       (6,920 )     (270 )

E-Mini S&P 500 Real Estate Futures

    Sep-23       1       (45,325 )     438  

E-Mini Utilities Select Futures

    Sep-23       2       (126,780 )     4,150  

EUR Foreign Exchange Currency Futures

    Sep-23       4       (542,625 )     1,419  

Euro BUXL 30-Year Bond Futures

    Sep-23       21       (3,046,811 )     (36,868 )

Euro BUXL 30-Year Bond Futures

    Dec-23       11       (1,472,436 )     (13,836 )

Euro-Bobl Futures

    Sep-23       185       (23,292,255 )     (88,678 )

Euro-Bobl Futures

    Dec-23       428       (54,142,967 )     (231,498 )

Euro-BTP Futures

    Sep-23       38       (4,776,526 )     (32,986 )

Euro-Bund Futures

    Sep-23       59       (8,521,064 )     (56,386 )

Euro-Bund Futures

    Dec-23       183       (26,017,550 )     (122,087 )

Euro-Oat Futures

    Sep-23       59       (8,183,266 )     (56,430 )

European Climate Exchange Futures

    Dec-23       3       (278,982 )     3,622  

Euro-Schatz Futures

    Sep-23       345       (39,325,532 )     (1,377 )

FTSE 100 Index Futures

    Sep-23       192       (18,150,724 )     (226,441 )

FTSE China A50 Index

    Sep-23       118       (1,488,924 )     (4,494 )

FTSE KLCI Futures

    Sep-23       2       (30,851 )     (108 )

FTSE/JSE TOP 40

    Sep-23       3       (109,644 )     (326 )

Gold 100 Oz Futures

    Dec-23       186       (36,565,739 )     (443,365 )

Gold 100 Oz Futures

    Feb-24       2       (397,260 )     (8,770 )

Hang Seng China Enterprises Index Futures

    Sep-23       19       (764,254 )     (1,243 )

Hang Seng Index Futures

    Sep-23       81       (9,452,677 )     (52,720 )

Hang Seng TECH Futures

    Sep-23       2       (53,402 )     204  

INR/USD Futures

    Sep-23       1       (24,148 )     62  

JPY Currency Futures

    Sep-23       688       (59,271,199 )     1,761,826  

Kansas City Hard Red Winter Wheat Futures

    Dec-23       14       (509,075 )     17,875  

Kansas City Hard Red Winter Wheat Futures

    Mar-24       2       (73,375 )     2,663  

Lean Hogs Futures

    Oct-23       9       (297,180 )     (13,170 )

Lean Hogs Futures

    Dec-23       85       (2,527,050 )     (47,960 )

Lean Hogs Futures

    Feb-24       2       (62,960 )     740  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Sep-23       1       (54,070 )     (237 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Sep-23       1       (54,163 )     1,288  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Sep-23       843       (45,811,780 )     737,291  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Sep-23       1       (54,363 )     1,163  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Sep-23       5       (272,469 )     (781 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-23       6       (327,188 )     1,139  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-23       1       (54,567 )     415  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-23       1       (54,620 )     387  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-23       2       (109,261 )     422  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-23       4       (218,563 )     (507 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-23       1       (54,739 )     99  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-23       1       (54,925 )     (1,080 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Nov-23       1       (55,056 )     (731 )

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
18

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

Short Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

LME Aluminum Forward

    Nov-23       1     $ (55,056 )   $ (994 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Nov-23       3       (165,113 )     (4,825 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Nov-23       6       (331,125 )     (8,160 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Dec-23       265       (14,689,281 )     (197,606 )

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-23       1       (211,139 )     (3,214 )

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-23       3       (631,516 )     16,883  

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-23       179       (37,679,499 )     (599,842 )

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-23       2       (421,000 )     (5,575 )

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-23       2       (420,535 )     (7,748 )

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-23       4       (841,000 )     (22,769 )

LME Copper Forward

    Oct-23       2       (420,546 )     (3,133 )

LME Copper Forward

    Oct-23       2       (420,600 )     2,540  

LME Copper Forward

    Oct-23       1       (210,263 )     6,281  

LME Copper Forward

    Oct-23       1       (210,275 )     6,271  

LME Copper Forward

    Oct-23       1       (210,400 )     5,045  

LME Copper Forward

    Nov-23       3       (631,328 )     10,690  

LME Copper Forward

    Nov-23       2       (421,004 )     (6,316 )

LME Copper Forward

    Nov-23       1       (210,510 )     (560 )

LME Copper Forward

    Nov-23       2       (420,975 )     (8,150 )

LME Copper Forward

    Nov-23       1       (210,450 )     (5,813 )

LME Copper Forward

    Dec-23       50       (10,535,000 )     (96,122 )

LME Lead Forward

    Sep-23       2       (112,670 )     (4,883 )

LME Lead Forward

    Sep-23       284       (15,995,590 )     (1,370,044 )

LME Lead Forward

    Sep-23       2       (112,395 )     (7,645 )

LME Lead Forward

    Sep-23       2       (111,795 )     (7,295 )

LME Lead Forward

    Oct-23       2       (111,429 )     (8,054 )

LME Lead Forward

    Oct-23       1       (55,698 )     (1,637 )

LME Lead Forward

    Oct-23       1       (55,635 )     (1,857 )

LME Lead Forward

    Oct-23       1       (55,560 )     (1,808 )

LME Lead Forward

    Nov-23       2       (111,045 )     (5,495 )

LME Lead Forward

    Nov-23       2       (110,875 )     (1,350 )

LME Lead Forward

    Dec-23       4       (221,990 )     (6,128 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Sep-23       2       (245,007 )     6,687  

LME Nickel Forward

    Sep-23       1       (120,607 )     6,447  

LME Nickel Forward

    Sep-23       1       (120,616 )     6,288  

LME Nickel Forward

    Sep-23       1       (120,634 )     6,445  

LME Nickel Forward

    Sep-23       6       (724,068 )     34,913  

LME Nickel Forward

    Oct-23       2       (241,956 )     2,844  

LME Nickel Forward

    Oct-23       1       (121,134 )     12,858  

LME Nickel Forward

    Oct-23       1       (121,338 )     12,750  

LME Nickel Forward

    Dec-23       3       (366,318 )     5,420  

LME Zinc Forward

    Sep-23       1       (60,488 )     (1,375 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Sep-23       1       (60,529 )     (1,448 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Sep-23       117       (7,082,888 )     239,857  

LME Zinc Forward

    Sep-23       2       (121,075 )     (2,188 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Oct-23       3       (182,156 )     3,296  

LME Zinc Forward

    Oct-23       2       (121,488 )     2,488  

LME Zinc Forward

    Nov-23       1       (60,800 )     (2,463 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Nov-23       1       (60,713 )     (3,775 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Nov-23       1       (60,718 )     (3,368 )

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
19

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

Short Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

LME Zinc Forward

    Dec-23       79     $ (4,806,163 )   $ (132,571 )

Long Gilt Futures

    Dec-23       270       (32,688,405 )     (367,309 )

Lumber Futures

    Nov-23       1       (13,970 )     25  

MAIZE Futures

    Nov-23       2       (22,988 )     298  

Micro E-mini Russell 2000 Index Futures

    Sep-23       1       (9,508 )     (252 )

Micro Gold Futures

    Dec-23       12       (235,908 )     (5,224 )

Mill Wheat Euro

    Dec-23       50       (641,123 )     37,369  

Mill Wheat Euro

    Mar-24       9       (118,574 )     1,071  

Mill Wheat Euro

    May-24       1       (13,365 )     149  

Mini H-Shares Index Futures

    Sep-23       2       (16,090 )     8  

Mini HSI Index Futures

    Sep-23       19       (443,459 )     (1,607 )

MSCI China A 50 Connect Futures

    Sep-23       1       (50,940 )     600  

MSCI EAFE Index Futures

    Sep-23       1       (105,465 )     (880 )

MSCI Emerging Markets Index Futures

    Sep-23       31       (1,517,915 )     (8,835 )

MSCI Singapore Exchange ETS

    Sep-23       17       (357,435 )     (2,712 )

Natural Gas Futures

    Oct-23       128       (3,543,040 )     (102,837 )

Natural Gas Futures

    Nov-23       83       (2,612,010 )     30,730  

Natural Gas Futures

    Dec-23       4       (144,440 )     (1,330 )

NY Harbor Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel Futures

    Oct-23       1       (130,750 )     (491 )

NZD Currency Futures

    Sep-23       121       (7,208,575 )     126,965  

OAT Futures

    Dec-23       1       (24,663 )     538  

OMX Stockholm 30 Index Futures

    Sep-23       429       (8,577,257 )     (131,265 )

Palladium Futures

    Dec-23       5       (609,350 )     15,530  

Rapeseed Euro

    Nov-23       6       (152,487 )     (9,122 )

Rapeseed Euro

    Feb-24       1       (26,160 )     (1,559 )

Red Wheat Futures (Minneapolis Grain Exchange)

    Dec-23       5       (191,688 )     8,888  

Russell 2000 E-Mini

    Sep-23       9       (855,720 )     (17,075 )

S&P/TSX 60 IX Futures

    Sep-23       5       (900,015 )     192  

Short BTP Future

    Sep-23       42       (4,795,198 )     (87 )

Short BTP Future

    Dec-23       66       (6,932,573 )     (7,623 )

Silver Futures

    Dec-23       61       (7,567,660 )     (63,066 )

SPI 200 Futures

    Sep-23       23       (2,710,454 )     (71,906 )

U.S. Treasury 10-Year Notes (Chicago Board of Trade)

    Dec-23       576       (63,953,999 )     (479,125 )

U.S. Treasury 2-Year Notes (Chicago Board of Trade)

    Dec-23       251       (51,154,976 )     (128,930 )

U.S. Treasury 5-Year Notes (Chicago Board of Trade)

    Dec-23       760       (81,260,624 )     (324,844 )

U.S. Treasury Long Bond (Chicago Board of Trade)

    Dec-23       228       (27,744,750 )     (298,492 )

U.S. Treasury Ultra 10-Year Notes

    Dec-23       50       (5,805,469 )     (73,352 )

U.S. Treasury Ultra Long Bond (Chicago Board of Trade)

    Dec-23       51       (6,602,906 )     (107,391 )

UK Natural Gas Futures

    Oct-23       5       (168,334 )     42,157  

Wheat (Chicago Board of Trade)

    Dec-23       230       (6,923,000 )     329,482  

Wheat (Chicago Board of Trade)

    Mar-24       24       (754,500 )     48,150  

Wheat (Chicago Board of Trade)

    May-24       1       (32,275 )     1,413  

White Maize Futures

    Dec-23       2       (39,259 )     275  

WTI Crude Futures

    Dec-23       2       (164,520 )     (5,030 )

Yellow Maize Futures

    Dec-23       2       (39,449 )     806  
                            $ (2,801,433 )

Total Futures Contracts

                          $ 6,065,546  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
20

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

Forward foreign currency contracts outstanding as of August 31, 2023 were as follows:

 

Currency Purchased           Currency Sold               Expiration Date       Counterparty       Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation)  

AUD

    36,343,522          

USD

    23,594,324               Sep 01 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE     $ (44,693 )

AUD

    200,000          

USD

    128,797               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       889  

AUD

    210,333          

EUR

    125,000               Sep 22 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       709  

AUD

    4,200,000          

JPY

    393,006,726               Sep 22 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       12,926  

BRL

    38,672,928          

USD

    7,850,000               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (64,784 )

CAD

    135,488          

USD

    100,000               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       302  

CAD

    6,110,719          

AUD

    7,000,000               Sep 22 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (15,379 )

CAD

    3,800,000          

JPY

    407,228,786               Sep 22 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       4,490  

CHF

    4,816,268          

USD

    5,479,882               Sep 01 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (27,037 )

CHF

    4,816,268          

USD

    5,475,340               Sep 05 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (20,219 )

CHF

    9,573,944          

EUR

    10,000,000               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       7,721  

CHF

    4,893,239          

USD

    5,600,000               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (48,643 )

CHF

    5,965,200          

EUR

    6,250,000               Sep 22 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (15,358 )

CHF

    838,613          

GBP

    750,000               Sep 22 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       1,411  

CHF

    3,750,000          

JPY

    621,245,100               Sep 22 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (29,603 )

CHF

    3,750,000          

USD

    4,285,814               Sep 22 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (30,523 )

CLP

    345,428,000          

USD

    400,000               Sep 08 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       4,848  

CLP

    1,676,693,647          

USD

    1,950,000               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       12,274  

CNH

    5,469,027          

USD

    750,000               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       2,289  

COP

    392,918,000          

USD

    100,000               Sep 05 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (4,111 )

COP

    817,586,400          

USD

    200,000               Sep 11 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (889 )

COP

    816,253,883          

USD

    200,000               Sep 15 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (1,489 )

COP

    5,380,871,735          

USD

    1,300,000               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       6,346  

COP

    411,466,000          

USD

    100,000               Sep 22 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (175 )

CZK

    42,462,609          

EUR

    1,750,000               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       12,141  

EUR

    43,292,679          

USD

    47,275,605               Sep 01 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (328,968 )

EUR

    100,000          

PLN

    446,961               Sep 05 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       150  

EUR

    400,000          

CHF

    384,117               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (1,623 )

EUR

    550,000          

CZK

    13,377,867               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (5,278 )

EUR

    950,000          

GBP

    820,895               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (8,892 )

EUR

    11,550,000          

JPY

    1,811,339,578               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       46,965  

EUR

    7,800,000          

NOK

    88,837,227               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       104,708  

EUR

    1,000,000          

PLN

    4,473,454               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       2,277  

EUR

    14,200,000          

SEK

    166,604,959               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       180,382  

EUR

    3,300,000          

USD

    3,615,481               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (33,702 )

EUR

    4,250,000          

AUD

    7,181,867               Sep 22 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (43,920 )

EUR

    4,375,000          

CAD

    6,451,821               Sep 22 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (27,447 )

EUR

    400,000          

GBP

    342,639               Sep 22 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       97  

EUR

    200,000          

HUF

    76,867,880               Sep 22 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (500 )

EUR

    3,800,000          

JPY

    600,543,146               Sep 22 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (17,232 )

EUR

    2,250,000          

NOK

    25,925,693               Sep 22 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       2,102  

EUR

    4,625,000          

SEK

    54,923,191               Sep 22 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (1,530 )

EUR

    5,125,000          

USD

    5,591,801               Sep 22 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (28,647 )

GBP

    43,273,614          

USD

    54,698,194               Sep 01 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       121,159  

GBP

    43,273,614          

USD

    55,001,845               Sep 05 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (181,302 )

GBP

    12,869,016          

EUR

    14,950,000               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       77,492  

GBP

    5,400,000          

USD

    6,861,657               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (20,280 )

GBP

    3,125,000          

AUD

    6,185,843               Sep 22 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (52,205 )

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
21

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

Currency Purchased           Currency Sold               Expiration Date       Counterparty       Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation)  

GBP

    7,281,609          

EUR

    8,500,000               Sep 22 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE     $ (1,385 )

GBP

    2,625,000          

JPY

    486,124,301               Sep 22 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (27,231 )

GBP

    4,375,000          

USD

    5,592,088               Sep 22 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (49,257 )

HUF

    1,204,588,892          

EUR

    3,100,000               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       46,636  

HUF

    76,552,466          

EUR

    200,000               Sep 22 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (393 )

HUF

    141,276,600          

USD

    400,000               Sep 22 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (73 )

ILS

    753,312          

USD

    200,000               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (1,763 )

INR

    99,733,466          

USD

    1,200,000               Sep 05 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       4,503  

INR

    41,368,612          

USD

    500,000               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (647 )

JPY

    3,656,642,540          

USD

    25,067,422               Sep 01 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       68,926  

JPY

    291,671,728          

EUR

    1,850,000               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       3,121  

JPY

    130,471,680          

USD

    900,000               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (392 )

KRW

    519,061,778          

USD

    400,000               Sep 01 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (7,273 )

KRW

    658,061,493          

USD

    500,000               Sep 05 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (2,008 )

KRW

    670,309,893          

USD

    500,000               Sep 11 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       7,424  

KRW

    5,746,878,128          

USD

    4,300,000               Sep 18 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       52,090  

KRW

    132,261,950          

USD

    100,000               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       173  

KRW

    5,671,070,841          

USD

    4,300,000               Sep 27 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (3,154 )

MXN

    124,419,229          

USD

    7,250,000               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       21,578  

MXN

    102,500,000          

USD

    6,020,602               Sep 22 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (32,221 )

NOK

    1,157,359          

EUR

    100,000               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       391  

NOK

    5,692,180          

SEK

    5,862,993               Sep 22 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (309 )

NZD

    100,000          

USD

    59,709               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (76 )

NZD

    1,298,435          

AUD

    1,200,000               Sep 22 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (3,876 )

NZD

    6,600,000          

JPY

    570,508,422               Sep 22 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       827  

PEN

    555,515          

USD

    150,000               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       100  

PHP

    5,626,674          

USD

    100,000               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (664 )

PLN

    893,345          

EUR

    200,000               Sep 05 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (440 )

PLN

    41,592,904          

EUR

    9,350,000               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (77,918 )

PLN

    2,240,292          

EUR

    500,000               Sep 22 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (391 )

PLN

    17,257,566          

USD

    4,200,000               Sep 22 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (22,093 )

SEK

    14,271,315          

EUR

    1,200,000               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       2,312  

SEK

    7,403,414          

NOK

    7,192,180               Sep 22 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (29 )

SGD

    67,449          

USD

    50,000               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (47 )

SGD

    11,099,685          

USD

    8,200,000               Sep 22 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       21,275  

THB

    3,485,266          

USD

    100,000               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (272 )

TWD

    60,269,609          

USD

    1,900,000               Sep 05 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (6,337 )

TWD

    38,204,005          

USD

    1,200,000               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       2,596  

TWD

    60,462,934          

USD

    1,900,000               Sep 21 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       3,506  

USD

    23,489,672          

AUD

    36,343,522               Sep 01 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (59,958 )

USD

    23,597,849          

AUD

    36,343,522               Sep 05 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       44,774  

USD

    4,422,016          

AUD

    6,800,000               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       12,707  

USD

    2,388,955          

AUD

    3,700,000               Sep 22 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (10,406 )

USD

    2,000,000          

BRL

    9,990,569               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (11,194 )

USD

    43,713,567          

CAD

    59,187,427               Sep 01 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (90,653 )

USD

    4,800,000          

CAD

    6,471,223               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       9,306  

USD

    5,462,039          

CAD

    7,400,000               Sep 22 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (16,408 )

USD

    5,473,032          

CHF

    4,816,268               Sep 01 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       20,187  

USD

    3,100,000          

CHF

    2,712,944               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       22,178  

USD

    400,000          

CLP

    341,560,576               Sep 08 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (316 )

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
22

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

Currency Purchased           Currency Sold               Expiration Date       Counterparty       Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation)  

USD

    2,000,000          

CLP

    1,729,843,110               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE     $ (24,476 )

USD

    200,000          

CLP

    174,243,991               Sep 25 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (3,799 )

USD

    200,000          

CLP

    171,526,000               Oct 02 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (462 )

USD

    6,950,000          

CNH

    50,036,677               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       67,231  

USD

    4,000,000          

CNH

    29,144,080               Sep 22 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (9,315 )

USD

    100,000          

COP

    412,276,644               Sep 05 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (614 )

USD

    200,000          

COP

    823,496,287               Sep 11 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (550 )

USD

    200,000          

COP

    804,951,287               Sep 15 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       4,238  

USD

    500,000          

COP

    2,062,057,770               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (618 )

USD

    100,000          

COP

    415,036,960               Sep 22 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (691 )

USD

    47,061,805          

EUR

    43,292,679               Sep 01 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       115,169  

USD

    47,740,747          

EUR

    43,710,420               Sep 05 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       332,446  

USD

    2,945,755          

EUR

    2,700,000               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       15,209  

USD

    5,301,630          

EUR

    4,875,000               Sep 22 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       9,850  

USD

    55,000,763          

GBP

    43,273,614               Sep 01 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       181,412  

USD

    1,040,242          

GBP

    817,476               Sep 05 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       4,634  

USD

    2,032,943          

GBP

    1,600,000               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       5,868  

USD

    300,000          

IDR

    4,571,857,873               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (147 )

USD

    4,400,000          

ILS

    16,259,528               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       121,238  

USD

    2,300,000          

ILS

    8,672,526               Sep 22 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       17,593  

USD

    1,200,000          

INR

    98,854,380               Sep 05 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       6,114  

USD

    13,200,000          

INR

    1,096,299,468               Sep 18 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (34,173 )

USD

    1,250,000          

INR

    103,734,018               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (2,155 )

USD

    1,200,000          

INR

    99,802,608               Sep 25 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (4,486 )

USD

    25,008,583          

JPY

    3,656,642,540               Sep 01 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (127,764 )

USD

    25,083,294          

JPY

    3,656,642,540               Sep 05 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (68,749 )

USD

    12,600,000          

JPY

    1,798,598,132               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       198,594  

USD

    2,933,136          

JPY

    425,000,000               Sep 22 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       1,797  

USD

    405,601          

KRW

    519,061,778               Sep 01 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       12,874  

USD

    500,000          

KRW

    647,702,211               Sep 05 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       9,847  

USD

    500,000          

KRW

    657,872,050               Sep 11 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       1,991  

USD

    4,300,000          

KRW

    5,692,498,628               Sep 18 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (10,909 )

USD

    1,500,000          

KRW

    1,987,778,763               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (5,506 )

USD

    4,300,000          

KRW

    5,744,970,280               Sep 25 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (52,351 )

USD

    4,400,000          

KRW

    5,823,544,122               Sep 27 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (12,372 )

USD

    6,043,482          

MXN

    102,500,000               Sep 05 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       36,961  

USD

    1,450,000          

MXN

    24,971,399               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (9,433 )

USD

    3,000,000          

NOK

    31,707,098               Sep 22 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       15,566  

USD

    2,645,818          

NZD

    4,400,000               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       21,981  

USD

    2,745,068          

NZD

    4,600,000               Sep 22 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       1,951  

USD

    50,000          

PEN

    186,886               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (497 )

USD

    150,000          

PHP

    8,474,548               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       386  

USD

    2,800,000          

SEK

    30,491,170               Sep 22 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       12,020  

USD

    1,400,000          

SGD

    1,889,574               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       565  

USD

    1,250,000          

THB

    43,704,695               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (569 )

USD

    2,000,000          

TRY

    55,013,346               Sep 22 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (26,528 )

USD

    1,900,000          

TWD

    60,109,018               Sep 05 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       11,383  

USD

    4,950,000          

TWD

    156,839,591               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       12,959  

USD

    1,900,000          

TWD

    60,186,021               Sep 21 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       5,212  

USD

    1,900,000          

TWD

    60,418,345               Oct 02 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (4,738 )

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
23

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Concluded)

August 31, 2023

 

Currency Purchased           Currency Sold               Expiration Date       Counterparty       Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation)  

USD

    2,200,000          

ZAR

    41,914,120               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE     $ (15,544 )

USD

    1,900,000          

ZAR

    35,816,184               Sep 22 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       7,120  

ZAR

    18,681,779          

USD

    1,000,000               Sep 20 2023       SOCIETE GENERALE       (12,497 )

Total Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

                                    $ 267,941  

 

AUD

Australian Dollar

 

LME

London Mercantile Exchange

BRL

Brazilian Real

 

MIB

Milano Indice di Borsa

CAD

Canadian Dollar

 

MXN

Mexican Peso

CHF

Swiss Franc

 

NOK

Norwegian Krone

CLP

Chilean Peso

 

NZD

New Zealand Dollar

CNH

Chinese Yuan Renminbi

 

OMX

Stockholm Stock Exchange

COP

Colombian Peso

 

PHP

Philippine Peso

CZK

Czech Koruna

 

PLN

Polish Zloty

DAX

Deutscher Aktienindex

 

RBOB

Reformulated Blendstock for Oxygenate Blending

DJIA

Dow Jones Industrial Average

 

SEK

Swedish Krona

EUR

Euro

 

SGD

Singapore Dollar

FTSE

Financial Times Stock Exchange

 

THB

Thai Baht

GBP

British Pound

 

TRY

Turkish Lira

HUF

Hungarian Forint

 

TWD

Taiwan Dollar

ILS

Israeli New Shekel

 

USD

United States Dollar

INR

Indian Rupee

 

WTI

West Texas Intermediate

JPY

Japanese Yen

 

ZAR

South African Rand

KRW

Korean Won

     

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
24

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Statement of Assets And Liabilities

August 31, 2023

 

ASSETS

       

Investments, at value (cost $414,335,119)

  $ 414,181,917  

Foreign currency deposits with broker for futures contracts (cost $1,061,259)

    1,068,206  

Deposits with broker for forward foreign currency contracts

    16,611,784  

Deposits with broker for futures contracts

    64,720,770  

Receivables for:

       

Capital shares sold

    2,465,663  

Interest receivable

    51,653  

Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency contracts

    2,178,497  

Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts

    15,413,619  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

    54,468  

Total assets

  $ 516,746,577  
         

LIABILITIES

       

Payables for:

       

Advisory fees

    697,561  

Capital shares redeemed

    626,085  

Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency contracts

    1,910,556  

Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts

    9,348,073  

Other accrued expenses and liabilities

    149,591  

Total liabilities

  $ 12,731,866  

Net assets

  $ 504,014,711  
         

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

       

Par value

  $ 43,683  

Paid-in capital

    509,048,292  

Total distributable earnings/(losses)

    (5,077,264 )

Net assets

  $ 504,014,711  
         

CLASS A SHARES:

       

Net assets

  $ 1,661,068  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    144,378  

Net asset value and redemption price per share

  $ 11.51  

Maximum offering price per share (100/94.25 of 11.51)

  $ 12.21  
         

CLASS I SHARES:

       

Net assets

  $ 496,775,414  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    43,045,646  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

  $ 11.54  
         

CLASS C SHARES:

       

Net assets

  $ 5,578,229  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    492,665  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

  $ 11.32  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
25

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Statement of Operations

For the Year Ended August 31, 2023

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

       

Interest

  $ 17,692,511  

Total investment income

    17,692,511  

EXPENSES

       

Advisory fees (Note 2)

    7,761,423  

Administration and accounting services fees (Note 2)

    171,466  

Audit and tax service fees

    78,894  

Transfer agent fees (Note 2)

    71,756  

Registration and filing fees

    69,699  

Director fees

    52,947  

Distribution fees (Class C Shares) (Note 2)

    33,163  

Distribution fees (Class A Shares) (Note 2)

    3,617  

Printing and shareholder reporting fees

    30,834  

Legal fees

    29,020  

Custodian fees (Note 2)

    28,653  

Officer fees

    27,507  

Other expenses

    45,572  

Total expenses before waivers and/or reimbursements

    8,404,551  

Less: waivers and/or reimbursements (Note 2)

    (495,671 )

Net expenses after waivers and/or reimbursements

    7,908,880  

Net investment income/(loss)

    9,783,631  

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS

       

Net realized gain/(loss) from:

       

Investments

    (243,329 )

Futures contracts

    (8,640,595 )

Foreign currency transactions

    (1,190,251 )

Forward foreign currency contracts

    4,268,562  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:

       

Investments

    227,536  

Futures contracts

    (1,581,232 )

Foreign currency translations

    7,475  

Forward foreign currency contracts

    (938,244 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    (8,090,078 )

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 1,693,553  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
26

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2023

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2022

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 9,783,631     $ (1,886,699 )

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments, futures contracts, foreign currency transactions and forward foreign currency contracts

    (5,805,613 )     9,827,414  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments, futures contracts, foreign currency translations and forward foreign currency contracts

    (2,284,465 )     5,724,023  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    1,693,553       13,664,738  

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

               

Class A

    (56,337 )      

Class I

    (15,883,994 )     (10,929,221 )

Class C

    (167,553 )     (1,899 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (16,107,884 )     (10,931,120 )

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Class A Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    3,555,040       1,346,515  

Proceeds from reinvestment of distributions

    35,007        

Shares redeemed

    (2,652,964 )     (541,920 )

Total from Class A Shares

    937,083       804,595  

Class I Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    379,787,638       278,631,362  

Proceeds from reinvestment of distributions

    10,506,767       10,666,118  

Shares redeemed

    (221,232,417 )     (44,846,418 )

Total from Class I Shares

    169,061,988       244,451,062  

Class C Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    5,762,438       709,761  

Proceeds from reinvestment of distributions

    108,350        

Shares redeemed

    (688,103 )     (99,936 )

Total from Class C Shares

    5,182,685       609,825  

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

    175,181,756       245,865,482  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    160,767,425       248,599,100  

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    343,247,286       94,648,186  

End of period

  $ 504,014,711     $ 343,247,286  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
27

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets (Concluded)

 

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2023

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2022

 

SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Class A Shares

               

Shares sold

    304,780       112,990  

Shares reinvested

    3,095        

Shares redeemed

    (231,142 )     (45,345 )

Total Class A Shares

    76,733       67,645  

Class I Shares

               

Shares sold

    32,917,512       23,584,424  

Shares reinvested

    927,341       957,461  

Shares redeemed

    (19,386,275 )     (3,858,008 )

Total Class I Shares

    14,458,578       20,683,877  

Class C Shares

               

Shares sold

    491,570       61,350  

Shares reinvested

    9,673        

Shares redeemed

    (61,266 )     (8,662 )

Total Class C Shares

    439,977       52,688  

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    14,975,288       20,804,210  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
28

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for Class A Shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the consolidated financial statements.

 

 

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2023

   

For The
Period
February 16,
2022
to august
31,
2022
(1)

 

Per Share Operating Performance

               

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 11.94     $ 11.21  

Net investment income/(loss)(2)

    0.23       (0.06 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    (0.21 )     0.79  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    0.02       0.73  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

               

Net investment income

    (0.42 )      

Net realized capital gains

    (0.03 )      

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.45 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 11.51     $ 11.94  

Total investment return/(loss)(3)

    0.24 %     6.51 %(4)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

               

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 1,661     $ 808  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and/or reimbursements (including interest expense)(6)

    2.04 %     2.04 %(5)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and/or reimbursements (excluding interest expense)(6)

    2.04 %     2.04 %(5)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and/or reimbursements (including interest expense)(6)

    2.16 %     2.23 %(5)

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    1.99 %     (0.87 )%(5)

Portfolio turnover rate(7)

    0 %     0 %(4)

 

 

(1)

Inception date of Class A Shares of the Fund was February 16, 2022.

(2)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any. Total return does not reflect any applicable sales charge.

(4)

Not Annualized

(5)

Annualized

(6)

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired Fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) to 2.04% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A Shares.

(7)

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
29

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Financial Highlights (Continued)

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for Class I Shares outstanding, total investment return, ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the consolidated financial statements.

 

 

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2023

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2022

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2021

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2020

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2019

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 11.96     $ 11.98     $ 11.07     $ 10.94     $ 10.65  

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    0.26       (0.13 )     (0.21 )     (0.08 )     0.02  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    (0.23 )     1.29       2.21       1.38       1.09  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    0.03       1.16       2.00       1.30       1.11  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

    (0.42 )     (0.34 )     (0.17 )     (0.96 )     (0.36 )

Net realized capital gains

    (0.03 )     (0.84 )     (0.92 )     (0.21 )     (0.46 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.45 )     (1.18 )     (1.09 )     (1.17 )     (0.82 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 11.54     $ 11.96     $ 11.98     $ 11.07     $ 10.94  

Total investment return/(loss)(2)

    0.38 %     10.40 %     19.72 %     13.97 %     12.20 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 496,775     $ 341,815     $ 94,948     $ 37,572     $ 28,242  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and/or reimbursements (including interest expense)(3)

    1.79 %     1.79 %     1.84 %     1.79 %     1.79 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and/or reimbursements (excluding interest expense)(3)

    1.79 %     1.79 %     1.79 %     1.79 %     1.79 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and/or reimbursements (including interest expense)(3)

    1.91 %     1.98 %     2.28 %     2.45 %     2.27 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    2.24 %     (1.12 )%     (1.80 )%     (0.76 )%     0.25 %

Portfolio turnover rate(4)

    0 %     0 %     0 %     0 %     0 %

 

 

(1)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.

(2)

Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of the period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(3)

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired Fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) to 1.79% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A Shares.

(4)

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
30

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Financial Highlights (Concluded)

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for Class C Shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the consolidated financial statements.

 

 

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2023

   

For The
Period
November 8,
2021
To August
31,
2022
(1)

 

Per Share Operating Performance

               

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 11.85     $ 12.51  

Net investment income/(loss)(2)

    0.14       (0.18 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    (0.22 )     0.70  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (0.08 )     0.52  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

               

Net investment income

    (0.42 )     (0.34 )

Net realized capital gains

    (0.03 )     (0.84 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.45 )     (1.18 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 11.32     $ 11.85  

Total investment return/(loss)(3)

    (0.63 )%     4.84 %(4)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

               

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 5,578     $ 624  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and/or reimbursements

(including interest expense)(6)

    2.79 %     2.79 %(5)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and/or reimbursements (excluding interest expense)(6)

    2.79 %     2.79 %(5)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and/or reimbursements (including interest expense)(6)

    2.91 %     2.98 %(5)

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    1.24 %     (1.88 )%(5)

Portfolio turnover rate(7)

    0 %     0 %(4)

 

 

(1)

Inception date of Class C Shares of the Fund was November 8, 2021.

(2)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(4)

Not annualized.

(5)

Annualized.

(6)

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired Fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) to 2.79% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class C Shares.

(7)

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
31

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements

August 31, 2023

 

1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

 

The RBB Fund, Inc. (“RBB” or the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland on February 29, 1988 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. RBB is a “series fund,” which is a mutual fund complex divided into separate portfolios. Each portfolio is treated as a separate entity for certain matters under the 1940 Act, and for other purposes, and a shareholder of one portfolio is not deemed to be a shareholder of any other portfolio. Currently, RBB has fifty-three separate investment portfolios, including the Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund (the “Fund”), which commenced investment operations on April 11, 2018. The Fund is authorized to offer three classes of shares, Class A Shares, Class I Shares and Class C Shares. Class A Shares are sold subject to a front-end maximum sales charge of 5.75%. Front-end sales charges may be reduced or waived under certain circumstances.

 

RBB has authorized capital of one hundred billion shares of common stock of which 91.523 billion shares are currently classified into two hundred and twenty-two classes of common stock. Each class represents an interest in an active or inactive RBB investment portfolio.

 

The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by allocating its assets between a “Managed Futures” strategy, a “Long U.S. Equity” strategy and a “Fixed Income” strategy.

 

The Fund is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 “Financial Services – Investment Companies.”

 

The end of the reporting period for the Fund is August 31, 2023, and the period covered by these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements is the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023 (the “current fiscal period”).

 

Consolidation of Subsidiaries — The Managed Futures strategy is achieved by the Fund investing up to 25% of its total assets in ACMAF Master Offshore Limited (the “Cayman Subsidiary”), a wholly-owned and controlled subsidiary of the Fund organized under the acts of the Cayman Islands. Effective on or about November 12, 2020, the Fund’s previous wholly-owned subsidiary, the Abbey Capital Multi Asset Offshore Fund Limited, became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Cayman Subsidiary through a share exchange between the Fund and the Cayman Subsidiary and registered as a segregated portfolio company under the acts of the Cayman Islands under the name ACMAF Offshore SPC (the “SPC”). The Cayman Subsidiary invests all or substantially all of its assets in segregated portfolios of the SPC. The Cayman Subsidiary serves solely as an intermediate entity through which the Fund invests in the SPC and makes no independent investment decisions and has no investment or other discretion over the Fund’s investable assets.

 

Effective on or about July 8, 2021, the Fund may also invest a portion of its assets in segregated series of another wholly-owned subsidiary of the Fund, the ACMAF Onshore Series LLC (the “Onshore Subsidiary”), a Delaware series limited liability company.

 

The consolidated financial statements of the Fund include the financial statements of the Cayman Subsidiary, the Onshore Subsidiary and SPC. The Fund consolidates the results of subsidiaries in which the Fund holds a controlling financial interest. All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated. As of the end of the reporting period, the net assets of the Cayman Subsidiary and SPC were $ $111,496,251, which represented 22.12% of the Fund’s net assets. As of the end of the reporting period, the net assets of the Onshore Subsidiary were $ $75,562,610, which represented 14.99% of the Fund’s net assets.

 

Portfolio Valuation — The Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. Securities held by the Fund are valued using the closing price or the last sale price on a national securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System (“NASDAQ”) market system where they are primarily traded. Fixed income securities are valued using an independent pricing service, which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings, and are deemed representative of market values at the close

 

32

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

of the market. Forward exchange contracts are valued by interpolating between spot and forward currency rates as quoted by an independent pricing service. Futures contracts are generally valued using the settlement price determined by the relevant exchange. If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable, securities will be valued by the Valuation Designee (as defined below) in accordance with procedures adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). Relying on prices supplied by pricing services or dealers or using fair valuation may result in values that are higher or lower than the values used by other investment companies and investors to price the same investments.

 

The Board has adopted a pricing and valuation policy for use by the Fund and its Valuation Designee (as defined below) in calculating the Fund’s NAV. Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Fund has designated Abbey Capital Limited (the “Adviser” or “Abbey Capital”) as its “Valuation Designee” to perform all of the fair value determinations as well as to perform all of the responsibilities that may be performed by the Valuation Designee in accordance with Rule 2a-5. The Valuation Designee is authorized to make all necessary determinations of the fair values of portfolio securities and other assets for which market quotations are not readily available or if it is deemed that the prices obtained from brokers and dealers or independent pricing services are unreliable.

 

Fair Value Measurements — The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the Fund’s investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:

 

 

● Level 1 –

Prices are determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.

 

 

● Level 2 –

Prices are determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

 

● Level 3 –

Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

 

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used, as of the end of the reporting period, in valuing the Fund’s investments carried at fair value:

 

 

Total

   

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

 

Short-Term Investments

  $ 414,181,917     $ 414,181,917     $     $  

Commodity Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

    5,551,879       5,551,879              

Equity Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

    6,774,880       6,774,880              

Foreign Currency Contracts

                               

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

    2,178,497             2,178,497        

Futures Contracts

    2,665,234       2,665,234              

Interest Rate Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

    421,626       421,626              

Total Assets

  $ 431,774,033     $ 429,595,536     $ 2,178,497     $  

 

33

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

 

Total

   

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

 

Commodity Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

  $ (4,527,513 )   $ (4,527,513 )   $     $  

Equity Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

    (948,033 )     (948,033 )            

Foreign Currency Contracts

                               

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

    (1,910,556 )           (1,910,556 )      

Futures Contracts

    (165,862 )     (165,862 )            

Interest Rate Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

    (3,706,665 )     (3,706,665 )            

Total Liabilities

  $ (11,258,629 )   $ (9,348,073 )   $ (1,910,556 )   $  

 

At the end of each quarter, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities. Various factors are considered, such as changes in liquidity from the prior reporting period; whether or not a broker is willing to execute at the quoted price; the depth and consistency of prices from third party pricing services; and the existence of contemporaneous, observable trades in the market. Additionally, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities on a quarterly basis for changes in listings or delistings on national exchanges.

 

Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Fund’s investments may fluctuate from period to period. Additionally, the fair value of investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for such investments and may differ materially from the values the Fund may ultimately realize. Further, such investments may be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities.

 

For fair valuations using significant unobservable inputs, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires the Fund to present a reconciliation of the beginning to ending balances for reported market values that presents changes attributable to total realized and unrealized gains or losses, purchase and sales, and transfers in and out of Level 3 during the period. Transfers in and out between levels are based on values at the end of the period. A reconciliation of Level 3 investments is presented only when the Fund had an amount of Level 3 investments at the end of the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets. The amounts and reasons for Level 3 transfers are disclosed if the Fund had an amount of total Level 3 transfers during the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets as of the end of the reporting period.

 

During the current fiscal period, the Fund had no Level 3 transfers.

 

Disclosures about Derivative instruments and Hedging Activities — Derivative instruments are defined as financial instruments whose value and performance are based on the value and performance of another security or financial instrument. Derivative instruments that the Fund used during the period include forward foreign currency contracts and futures contracts.

 

During the current fiscal period, the Fund used long and short contracts on U.S. and foreign equity market indices, U.S. and foreign government bonds, foreign currencies, interest rates and commodities (through investment in the Cayman Subsidiary, the SPC and the Onshore Subsidiary), to gain investment exposure in accordance with its investment objective.

 

The following tables provide quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of, and gains and losses on, the Fund’s derivative instruments as of and for the current fiscal period.

 

34

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

The following tables list the fair values of the Fund’s derivative holdings and location on the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of the end of the reporting period, grouped by derivative type and primary risk exposure category by contract type.

 

Derivative Type

 

Consolidated
Statement
of Assets and
Liabilities
Location

   

Equity
Contracts

   

Interest
Rate
Contracts

   

Foreign
Currency
Contracts

   

Commodity
Contracts

   

Total

 

Asset Derivatives

Forward Contracts (a)

    Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency contracts     $     $     $ 2,178,497     $     $ 2,178,497  

Futures Contracts (a)

    Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts       6,774,880       421,626       2,665,234       5,551,879       15,413,619  

Total Value- Assets

          $ 6,774,880     $ 421,626     $ 4,843,731     $ 5,551,879     $ 17,592,116  

Liability Derivatives

Forward Contracts (a)

    Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency contracts     $     $     $ (1,910,556 )   $     $ (1,910,556 )

Futures Contracts (a)

    Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts       (948,033 )     (3,706,665 )     (165,862 )     (4,527,513 )     (9,348,073 )

Total Value- Liabilities

  $ (948,033 )   $ (3,706,665 )   $ (2,076,418 )   $ (4,527,513 )   $ (11,258,629 )

 

(a)

This amount represents the cumulative appreciation/(depreciation) of forwards and futures contracts as reported on the Consolidated Portfolio of Investments.

 

The following table lists the amounts of realized gains/(losses) included in net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations during the current fiscal period, grouped by derivative type and primary risk exposure category by contract type.

 

Derivative Type

 

Consolidated
Statement of
Operations
Location

   

Equity
Contracts

   

Interest
Rate
Contracts

   

Foreign
Currency
Contracts

   

Commodity
Contracts

   

Total

 

Realized Gain/(Loss)

Futures Contracts

    Net realized gain/(loss) from Futures Contracts     $ 19,373,489     $ 504,797     $ (2,745,356 )   $ (25,773,525 )   $ (8,640,595 )

Forward Contracts

    Net realized gain/(loss) from Forward Foreign Currency Contracts                   4,268,562             4,268,562  

Total Realized Gain/(Loss)

  $ 19,373,489     $ 504,797     $ 1,523,206     $ (25,773,525 )   $ (4,372,033 )

 

35

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

The following table lists the amounts of change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) included in net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations during the current fiscal period, grouped by derivative type and primary risk exposure category by contract type.

 

Derivative Type

 

Consolidated
Statement of
Operations
Location

   

Equity
Contracts

   

Interest
Rate
Contracts

   

Foreign
Currency
Contracts

   

Commodity
Contracts

   

Total

 

Change in Unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation)

Futures Contracts

    Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on futures contracts     $ 2,597,517     $ (5,864,691 )   $ 704,864     $ 981,078     $ (1,581,232 )

Forward Contracts

    Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on forward foreign currency contracts                   (938,244 )           (938,244 )

Total Change in Unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation)

  $ 2,597,517     $ (5,864,691 )   $ (233,380 )   $ 981,078     $ (2,519,476 )

 

During the current fiscal period, the Fund’s quarterly average volume of derivatives was as follows:

 

Long Futures
Notional
Amount

Short Futures
Notional
Amount

Forward Foreign
Currency
Contracts — Payable
(Value at Trade Date)

Forward Foreign
Currency
Contracts —
Receivable
(Value at Trade Date)

$689,416,133

$(1,138,620,894)

$(591,416,002)

$591,627,845

 

For financial reporting purposes, the Fund does not offset fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments and fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral (receivables) or the obligation to return cash collateral (payables) arising from derivative instruments recognized at fair value executed with the same counterparty under a master netting arrangement.

 

36

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

The following is a summary of financial and derivative instruments that are subject to enforceable master netting agreements (or similar arrangements) and collateral received and pledged in connection with the master netting agreements (or similar arrangements).

 

           

Gross Amount Not
Offset in Consolidated
Statement of
Assets and Liabilities

                           

Gross Amount Not
Offset in Consolidated
Statement of
Assets and Liabilities

         

Description

 

Gross Amount
Presented
in the
Consolidated
Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Collateral
Received

   

Net
Amount
(1)

           

Gross Amount
Presented
in the
Consolidated
Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Collateral
Pledged
(2)

   

Net
Amount
(3)

 
   

Assets

           

Liabilities

 

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

  $ 2,178,497     $ (1,910,556 )   $     $ 267,941             $ 1,910,556     $ (1,910,556 )   $     $  

 

 
 

(1)

Net amount represents the net amount receivable from the counterparty in the event of default.

 

 

(2)

Actual collateral pledged may be more than the amount shown.

 

 

(3)

Net amount represents the net amount payable to the counterparty in the event of default.

 

Use of Estimates — The preparation of consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences could be significant.

 

Investment Transactions, Investment Income and Expenses — The Fund records security transactions based on trade date for financial reporting purposes. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method for both financial reporting and income tax purposes in determining realized gains and losses on investments. Interest income (including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts) is accrued when earned. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. The Fund’s investment income, expenses (other than class specific expenses) and unrealized and realized gains and losses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class at the beginning of the day. Certain expenses are shared with The RBB Fund Trust (the “Trust”), a series trust of affiliated funds. Expenses incurred on behalf of a specific class, fund or fund family of the Company or Trust are charged directly to the class, fund or fund family (in proportion to net assets). Expenses incurred for all funds (such as director or professional fees) are charged to all funds in proportion to their average net assets of RBB and the Trust, or in such other manner as the Board deems fair or equitable. Expenses and fees, including investment advisory and administration fees, are accrued daily and taken into account for the purpose of determining the NAV of the Fund.

 

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders — Dividends from net investment income and distributions from net realized capital gains, if any, are declared and paid at least annually to shareholders and recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income dividends and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

 

U.S. Tax Status —No provision is made for U.S. income taxes as it is the Fund’s intention to continue to qualify for and elect the tax treatment applicable to regulated investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and make the requisite distributions to its shareholders which will be sufficient to relieve it from U.S. income and excise taxes.

 

37

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

The Cayman Subsidiary is registered as an “exempted company” and the SPC as an “exempted segregated portfolio company” pursuant to the Companies Act (Revised) of the Cayman Islands (as amended). Each of the Cayman Subsidiary and the SPC has received an undertaking from the Governor in Cabinet of the Cayman Islands to the effect that, for a period of twenty years from the date of the undertaking, no act that thereafter is enacted in the Cayman Islands imposing any tax or duty to be levied on profits, income or on gains or appreciation, or any tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax, will apply to any property comprised in or any income arising under the Cayman Subsidiary or the SPC, or to the shareholders thereof, in respect of any such property or income. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Cayman Subsidiary is treated as a “controlled foreign corporation” and the SPC is treated as disregarded from its owner, the Cayman Subsidiary, for U.S. income tax purposes. The Onshore Subsidiary is treated as an entity disregarded from its owner, the Fund, for U.S. income tax purposes.

 

SEC RULE 18f-4 — Effective August 19, 2022, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) implemented Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act (“Rule 18f-4”), providing for the regulation of a registered investment company’s use of derivatives and certain related instruments. Among other things, Rule 18f-4 limits a fund’s derivatives exposure through a value-at-risk test and requires the adoption and implementation of a derivatives risk management program for certain derivatives users. The Fund, as a full derivatives user (as defined in Rule 18f-4), is subject to the full requirements of Rule 18f-4. The Fund is required to comply with Rule18f-4 and has adopted procedures for investing in derivatives and other transactions in compliance with Rule 18f-4.

 

Foreign Currency Translation — Assets and liabilities initially expressed in non-U.S. currencies are translated into U.S. dollars based on the applicable exchange rates at the date of the last business day of the financial statement period. Purchases and sales of securities, interest income, dividends, variation margin received and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect on the transaction date.

 

The Fund does not separately report the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates from changes in market prices of securities held. Such changes are included with the net realized gain or loss and change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Other foreign currency transactions resulting in realized and unrealized gain or loss are reported separately as net realized gain or loss and change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on foreign currencies in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

 

Currency Risk —Investment in foreign securities involves currency risk associated with securities that trade or are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and which may be affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates. An increase in the strength of the U.S. dollar relative to a foreign currency may cause the U.S. dollar value of an investment in that country to decline. Foreign currencies also are subject to risks caused by inflation, interest rates, budget deficits and low savings rates, political factors and government controls. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts may limit potential gains from a favorable change in value between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. Unanticipated changes in currency pricing may result in poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not engaged in these contracts.

 

Commodity Sector Risk — Exposure to the commodities markets may subject the Fund to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. The value of commodity-linked derivative instruments may be affected by changes in overall market movements, commodity index volatility, changes in interest rates or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs and international economic, political and regulatory developments. The prices of energy, industrial metals, precious metals, agriculture and livestock sector commodities may fluctuate widely due to factors such as changes in value, supply and demand and governmental regulatory policies. The commodity-linked securities in which the Fund invests may be issued by companies in the financial services sector, and events affecting the financial services sector may cause the Fund’s share value to fluctuate.

 

Foreign Securities Market Risk — A substantial portion of the trades of the Fund are expected to take place on markets or exchanges outside the United States. There is no limit to the amount of assets of the Fund that may be committed to trading on foreign markets. The risk of loss in trading foreign futures and options on futures contracts can be substantial. Participation in foreign futures and options on futures contracts involves the execution and clearing of trades on, or subject to the rules of, a foreign board of trade or exchange. Some of these foreign markets, in contrast to U.S.

 

38

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

exchanges, are so-called principals’ markets in which performance is the responsibility only of the individual counterparty with whom the trader has entered into a commodity interest transaction and not of the exchange or clearing corporation. In these kinds of markets, there is risk of bankruptcy or other failure or refusal to perform by the counterparty.

 

Counterparty Risk — The derivative contracts entered into by the Fund, the Cayman Subsidiary, Onshore Subsidiary or the SPC may be privately negotiated in the over-the-counter market. These contracts also involve exposure to credit risk, since contract performance depends in part on the financial condition of the counterparty. Relying on a counterparty exposes the Fund to the risk that a counterparty will not settle a transaction in accordance with its terms and conditions because of a dispute over the terms of the contract (whether or not bona fide) or because of a credit or liquidity problem, thus causing the Fund to suffer a loss. If a counterparty defaults on its payment obligations to the Fund, this default will cause the value of an investment in the Fund to decrease.

 

Credit Risk — Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer of the security or a counterparty in respect of a derivative instrument will not be able to satisfy its payment obligations to the Fund when due. Changes in an issuer’s credit rating or the market’s perception of an issuer’s creditworthiness may also affect the value of the Fund’s investment in that issuer. Securities rated in the four highest categories by the rating agencies are considered investment grade, but they may also have some speculative characteristics. Investment grade ratings do not guarantee that bonds will not lose value or default. In addition, the credit quality of securities may be lowered if an issuer’s financial condition changes.

 

Futures Contracts — The Fund uses futures contracts in the normal course of pursuing its investment objective. Upon entering into a futures contract, the Fund must deposit initial margin in addition to segregating cash or liquid assets sufficient to meet its obligation to purchase or provide securities, or to pay the amount owed at the expiration of an index-based futures contract. Such liquid assets may consist of cash, cash equivalents, liquid debt or equity securities or other acceptable assets. Pursuant to the futures contract, the Fund agrees to receive from, or pay to the broker, an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in value of the contract. Such a receipt of payment is known as “variation margin” and is recorded by the Fund as an unrealized gain or loss. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the proceeds from (or cost of) the closing transactions and the Fund’s basis in the contract. Futures contracts have market risks, including the risk that the change in the value of the contract may not correlate with changes in the value of the underlying securities. Use of long futures contracts subjects the Fund to risk of loss in excess of the amount shown on the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities, up to the notional value of the futures contract. Use of short futures contracts subjects the Fund to potentially unlimited risk of loss.

 

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts — In the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives, the Fund is subject to foreign investment and currency risk. The Fund uses forward foreign currency contracts (“forward contracts”) for purposes of hedging, duration management, as a substitute for securities, to increase returns, for currency hedging or risk management, or to otherwise help achieve the Fund’s investment objective. These contracts are marked-to-market daily at the applicable translation rates. The Fund records realized gains or losses at the time the forward contract is closed. A forward contract is extinguished through a closing transaction or upon delivery of the currency or entering an offsetting contract. Risks may arise upon entering these contracts from the potential inability of a counterparty to meet the terms of their contracts and from unanticipated movements in the value of a foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar or other currencies. The Fund’s maximum risk of loss from counterparty credit risk related to forward foreign currency contracts is the fair value of the contract. The risk may be mitigated to some extent if a master netting arrangement between the Fund and the counterparty is in place and to the extent the Fund obtains collateral to cover the Fund’s exposure to the counterparty.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents — Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates market value.

 

Other — In the normal course of business, the Fund may enter into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on claims that may be made against the Fund in the future, and, therefore, cannot be estimated; however, the Fund expects the risk of material loss from such claims to be remote.

 

39

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

2. Investment Adviser and Other Services

 

Abbey Capital Limited serves as the investment adviser to the Fund, the Cayman Subsidiary, Onshore Subsidiary and the SPC. The Adviser allocates the assets of the Onshore Subsidiary and SPC (via the Cayman Subsidiary) to one or more Trading Advisers unaffiliated with the Adviser to manage. The Adviser also has the ultimate responsibility to oversee the Trading Advisers, and to recommend their hiring, termination and replacement, subject to approval by the Board. The Fund compensates the Adviser for its services at an annual rate based on the Fund’s average daily net assets (the “Advisory Fee”), payable on a monthly basis in arrears, as shown in the following table. The Adviser compensates the Trading Advisers out of the Advisory Fee.

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) to the rates (“Expense Caps”) shown in the following table of the Fund’s average daily net assets. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed the Expense Caps as applicable: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary expenses, interest and taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2023 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board. The Adviser may discontinue these arrangements at any time after December 31, 2023.

 

Advisory
Fee

Expense Caps

 

Class A

Class I

Class C

1.77%

2.04%

1.79%

2.79%

 

During the current fiscal period, investment advisory fees accrued, waived and/or reimbursed were as follows:

 

Gross
Advisory
Fees

Waivers and/or
Reimbursements

Net
Advisory
Fees

$7,761,423

$(495,671)

$7,265,752

 

If at any time the Fund’s total annual fund operating expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than the relevant share class’s Expense Cap, the Adviser may recoup any waived or reimbursed amounts from the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

As of the end of the reporting period, the Fund had amounts available for recoupment as follows:

 

Expiration

August 31,
2024

August 31,
2025

August 31,
2026

Total

$254,268

$312,567

$495,671

$1,062,506

 

Aspect Capital Limited, Crabel Capital Management, LLC, Eclipse Capital Management, Inc., Revolution Capital Management, LLC, Tudor Investment Corporation and Welton Investment Partners, LLC each served as a Trading Adviser to the Fund during the period.

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (“Fund Services”), serves as administrator for the Fund. For providing administrative and accounting services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

40

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

Fund Services serves as the Fund’s transfer and dividend disbursing agent. For providing transfer agent services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

U.S. Bank, N.A. (the “Custodian”) provides certain custodial services to the Fund. The Custodian is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Quasar Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of Foreside Financial Group, LLC, serves as the principal underwriter and distributor of the Fund’s shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with RBB.

 

For compensation amounts paid to Fund Services and the Custodian, please refer to the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

 

The Board has adopted a Plan of Distribution for the Class A Shares and Class C Shares (the “Plan”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Plan, the Fund’s distributor is entitled to receive from the Fund a distribution fee with respect to the Shares, which is accrued daily and paid monthly, of up to 0.25% on an annualized basis of the average daily net assets of the Class A Shares and up to 1.00% of the Class C Shares. The actual amount of such compensation under the Plan is agreed upon by the Board and by the Distributor. Because these fees are paid out of the Fund’s assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges. Amounts paid to the Distributor under the Plan may be used by the Distributor to cover expenses that are related to (i) the sale of the Shares, (ii) ongoing servicing and/or maintenance of the accounts of shareholders, and (iii) sub-transfer agency services, subaccounting services or administrative services related to the sale of the Shares, all as set forth in the Fund’s 12b-1 Plan.

 

3. Director And Officer Compensation

 

The Directors of the Company receive an annual retainer and meeting fees for meetings attended. An employee of Vigilant-Compliance, LLC serves as Chief Compliance Officer of the Company. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company. Employees of RBB serve as President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Secretary and Director of Marketing & Business Development of the Company. They are compensated by the Company for services provided. Certain employees of Fund Services serve as officers of the Company. They are not compensated by the Fund or the Company. For Director and Officer compensation amounts, please refer to the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

 

4. Purchases and Sales of Investment Securities

 

During the current fiscal period, there were no purchases or sales of investment securities or long-term U.S. Government securities (excluding short-term investments and derivative transactions) by the Fund.

 

5. Federal Income Tax Information

 

The Fund has followed the authoritative guidance on accounting for and disclosure of uncertainty in tax positions, which requires the Fund to determine whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The Fund has determined that there was no effect on the consolidated financial statements from following this authoritative guidance. In the normal course of business, the Fund is subject to examination by federal, state and local jurisdictions, where applicable, for tax years for which applicable statutes of limitations have not expired.

 

41

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

As of August 31, 2023, the federal tax cost and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments held by the Fund were as follows(a):

 

Federal Tax
Cost

Unrealized
Appreciation

Unrealized
(Depreciation)

Net
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

$507,755,868

$580,444

$(41,621,827)

$(41,041,383)

 

 

(a)

The difference between the book basis and tax basis cost and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments is attributable primarily to timing differences related to taxable income from a wholly-owned controlled foreign corporation.

 

Distributions to shareholders, if any, from net investment income and realized gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from net investment income and realized gains recognized for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the character of distributions and composition of net assets for tax purposes may differ from those reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on the tax treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.

 

Permanent differences as of August 31, 2023, primarily attributable to disallowed book income from the Cayman Subsidiary, were reclassified to the following accounts:

 

Distributable
Earnings/(Loss)

Paid-In
Capital

$21,434,269

$(21,434,269)

 

As of August 31, 2023, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gains

Net Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

Capital Loss
Carryforwards

Qualified
Late-Year
Losses

Other
Temporary
Differences

$13,459,720

$8,291,236

$(26,828,220)

$—

$—

$—

 

The differences between the book and tax basis components of distributable earnings relate principally to the timing of recognition of income and gains of the Cayman Subsidiary for federal income tax purposes.

 

The tax character of dividends and distributions paid during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2022 and August 31, 2023 was as follows:

 

 

Ordinary
Income

Long-Term
Gains

Total

2023

$16,071,575

$36,309

$16,107,884

2022

$7,325,763

$3,605,357

$10,931,120

 

The Fund is permitted to carry forward capital losses for an unlimited period. Capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of August 31, 2023, the Fund had no unlimited short-term or long-term capital loss carryovers to offset future capital gains.

 

42

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Concluded)

August 31, 2023

 

6. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS AND REGULATORY UPDATES

 

In June 2022, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2022-03, which amends Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions (“ASU 2022-03”). ASU 2022-03 clarifies guidance for fair value measurement of an equity security subject to a contractual sale restriction and establishes new disclosure requirements for such equity securities. ASU 2022-03 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of these amendments on the financial statements.

 

In October 2022, the SEC adopted a final rule relating to tailored shareholder reports for mutual funds and exchange-traded funds and fee information in investment company advertisements. The rule and form amendments will, among other things, require the Fund to transmit concise and visually engaging shareholder reports that highlight key information. The amendments will require that funds tag information in a structured data format and that certain more in-depth information be made available online and available for delivery free of charge to investors on request. The amendments became effective January 24, 2023. There is an 18-month transition period after the effective date of the amendments until the Fund is required to comply.

 

In December 2022, the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2022-06, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) – Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848 (“ASU 2022-06”). ASU 2022-06 is an amendment to ASU 2020-04, which provided optional guidance to ease the potential accounting burden due to the discontinuation of the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate and other interbank-offered based reference rates and which was effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. ASU 2022-06 extends the effective period through December 31, 2024. Management is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of applying ASU 2022-06.

 

7. Subsequent Events

 

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Fund through the date the financial statements were issued and has determined that there was the following subsequent event:

 

Israel-Hamas Conflict Risk — The U.S.-designated terrorist group Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in an ensuing war in the region. Current hostilities and the potential for future hostilities may diminish the value, or cause significant volatility in the share price, of companies based in or having significant operations in Israel. The Israeli securities market may be closed for extended periods of time or trading on the Israeli securities market may be suspended altogether. How long the armed conflict and related events will last cannot be predicted.

 

43

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders of Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund
and Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of assets and liabilities of Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund (the “Fund”) (one of the portfolios constituting The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”)), including the consolidated portfolio of investments, as of August 31, 2023, and the related consolidated statement of operations for the year then ended, the consolidated statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the consolidated financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Fund (one of the portfolios constituting The RBB Fund, Inc.) at August 31, 2023, the consolidated results of its operations for the year then ended, the consolidated changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its consolidated financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 2023, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Abbey Capital investment companies since 2014.

 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
October 30, 2023

 

44

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Shareholder Tax Information

(Unaudited)

 

Certain tax information regarding the Fund is required to be provided to shareholders based upon the Fund’s income and distributions for the taxable year ended August 31, 2023. The information and distribution reported herein may differ from information and distributions taxable to the shareholders for the calendar year ended December 31, 2023. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, the Fund paid no ordinary income dividends that are designated as “qualified dividend income” to its shareholders. Dividends from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income dividends for federal income tax purposes.

 

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 the Fund is 6.87%.

 

Because the Fund’s fiscal year is not the calendar year, another notification will be sent with respect to calendar year 2023. The second notification, which will reflect the amount, if any, to be used by calendar year taxpayers on their U.S. federal income tax returns, will be made in conjunction with Form 1099-DIV and will be mailed in January 2024.

 

Foreign shareholders will generally be subject to U.S. withholding tax on the amount of their ordinary income dividends. They will generally not be entitled to a foreign tax credit or deduction for the withholding taxes paid by the Fund, if any.

 

In general, dividends received by tax exempt recipients (e.g., IRAs and Keoghs) need not be reported as taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, some retirement trusts (e.g., corporate, Keogh and 403(b)(7) plans) may need this information for their annual information reporting.

 

Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the tax consequences of their investment in the Fund.

 

45

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Other Information

(Unaudited)

 

Proxy Voting

 

Policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities as well as information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 are available without charge, upon request, by calling (844) 261-6484 and on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Quarterly Portfolio Schedules

 

The Company files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third fiscal quarters of each fiscal year (quarters ended November 30 and May 31) as an exhibit to its report on Form N-PORT. The Company’s Forms N-PORT are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Approval of Investment Advisory Agreements and Trading Advisory Agreements

 

As required by the 1940 Act, the Board, including all of the Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Directors”), considered the renewals of (1) the investment advisory agreement between Abbey Capital and the Company on behalf of the Fund (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”), (2) each of the separate advisory agreements between the Cayman Subsidiary, the Onshore Subsidiary and SPC (the “Subsidiaries”) and Abbey Capital (collectively, the “Subsidiary Investment Advisory Agreements”), and (3) the trading advisory agreements between Abbey Capital and each of Aspect Capital Limited, Crabel Capital Management, LLC, Eclipse Capital Management, Inc., Revolution Capital Management, LLC, Tudor Investment Corporation and Welton Investment Partners LLC (each, a “Trading Adviser”) (the “Trading Advisory Agreements”), at a meeting of the Board held on May 16-17, 2023 (the “Meeting”). At the Meeting, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, approved the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Subsidiary Investment Advisory Agreements, and the Trading Advisory Agreements for an additional one-year term ending August 16, 2024. The Board’s decision to approve the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Subsidiary Investment Advisory Agreements, and the Trading Advisory Agreements reflects the exercise of its business judgment to continue the existing arrangement. In approving the Investment Advisory Agreement, Subsidiary Investment Advisory Agreements, and the Trading Advisory Agreements, the Board considered information provided by Abbey Capital and each of the Trading Advisers with the assistance and advice of counsel to the Independent Directors and the Company.

 

In considering the renewal and approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Subsidiary Investment Advisory Agreements, and the Trading Advisory Agreements, the Directors took into account all materials provided prior to and during the Meeting and at other meetings throughout the past year, the presentations made during the Meeting, and the discussions held during the Meeting. The Directors reviewed these materials with management of Abbey Capital, and discussed the aforementioned Agreements with counsel in executive sessions, at which no representatives of Abbey Capital, the Subsidiaries, or Trading Advisers were present. Among other things, the Directors considered (i) the nature, extent, and quality of services provided to the Fund by Abbey Capital and each Trading Adviser; (ii) descriptions of the experience and qualifications of the personnel providing those services; (iii) Abbey Capital’s and the Trading Advisers’ investment philosophies and processes; (iv) Abbey Capital’s and the Trading Advisers’ assets under management and client descriptions; (v) Abbey Capital’s and the Trading Advisers’ soft dollar commission and trade allocation policies, including information on the types of research and services obtained in connection with soft dollar commissions; (vi) Abbey Capital’s and the Trading Advisers’ advisory fee arrangements with the Company and other similarly managed clients, as applicable; (vii) Abbey Capital’s and the Trading Advisers’ compliance procedures; (viii) Abbey Capital’s and the Trading Advisers’ financial information and insurance coverage, as applicable, and Abbey Capital’s profitability analysis; (ix) the extent to which economies of scale are relevant to the Fund; (x) a report prepared by Fuse Research Network, LLC comparing the Fund’s management fees and total expense ratios to a group of mutual funds deemed comparable to the Fund based primarily on investment strategy similarity (“Peer Group”) and comparing the performance of the Fund to the performance of its Peer Group; and (xi) a report comparing the performance of the Fund to the performance of its benchmark.

 

46

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Other Information (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

As part of their review, the Directors considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by Abbey Capital and each Trading Adviser. The Directors concluded that Abbey Capital and each Trading Adviser had substantial resources to provide services to the Fund and the Subsidiaries, as applicable.

 

The Directors also considered the investment performance of the Fund, noting that the Fund had outperformed its benchmark, the S&P 500 Total Return Index, for the one-year, and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2023, and underperformed the benchmark for the three-month, and three-year periods ended March 31, 2023. The Directors considered the Fund’s investment performance in light of its investment objective and investment strategies. The Board noted that the Fund’s total return outperformed the median of its Peer Group for the one-year, three-year, and since-inception periods ended December 31, 2022, and underperformed the median of its Peer Group for the three-month period ended December 31, 2022.

 

The Board also considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreement. In this regard, information on the fees paid by the Fund and the Fund’s total operating expense ratios (before and after fee waivers and expense reimbursements) were compared to similar information for mutual funds advised by other, unaffiliated investment advisory firms. The Directors noted that both the Fund’s net advisory fee and Fund’s total net expenses were above the median and in the 5th quintile (most expensive) of its Peer Group. The Directors also considered the fees payable to each Trading Adviser under the Trading Advisory Agreements and the information provided by Abbey Capital on the services provided by the different Trading Advisers. In this regard, the Directors noted that the fees for each Trading Adviser were payable by Abbey Capital. The Directors noted that Abbey Capital had contractually agreed to waive management fees and reimburse expenses through at least December 31, 2023 to limit total annual operating expenses to agreed upon levels for the Fund.

 

After reviewing the information regarding Abbey Capital’s and the Trading Advisers’ costs, profitability and economies of scale, and after considering the services to be provided by Abbey Capital and each Trading Adviser, the Directors concluded that the investment advisory fees to be paid by the Fund to Abbey Capital and the trading advisory fees to be paid by Abbey Capital to each Trading Adviser were fair and reasonable and that the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Subsidiary Investment Advisory Agreements, and Trading Advisory Agreements should be approved and continued for an additional one-year period ending August 16, 2024.

 

LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

 

The Company has adopted and implemented a Liquidity Risk Management Program (the “Company Program”) as required by rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act. In accordance with the Company Program, the Adviser has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the “Adviser Program” and together with the Company Program, the “Programs”) on behalf of the Fund. The Programs seek to assess, manage and review the Fund’s Liquidity Risk. “Liquidity Risk” is defined as the risk that the Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of remaining investors’ interest in the Fund.

 

The Board has appointed Vigilant Compliance, LLC (“Vigilant”) as the program administrator for the Company Program and the Chief Risk Officer of the Adviser as the program administrator for the Adviser Program. The process of monitoring and determining the liquidity of the Fund’s investments is supported by one or more third-party vendors.

 

At meetings held during the current fiscal period, the Board and its Regulatory Oversight Committee received and reviewed a written report (the “Report”) of Vigilant and the Adviser concerning the operation of the Programs for the period from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022 (the “Period”). The Report summarized the operation of the Programs and the information and factors considered by Vigilant and the Adviser in reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of the implementation of the Programs with respect to the Fund. Such information and factors included, among other things: (i) the methodology used to classify the liquidity of the Fund’s portfolio investments and the Adviser’s assessment that the Fund’s strategy remained appropriate for an open-end mutual fund; (ii) analyses of the Fund’s trading environment and reasonably anticipated trading size; (iii) that the Fund held primarily highly liquid assets (investments that the Fund anticipates can be converted to cash within 3 business days or less in current market

 

47

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Other Information (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

conditions without significantly changing their market value); (iv) that the Fund held a percentage of highly liquid assets above its highly liquid investment minimum at all times during the Period; (v) confirmation that the Fund did not breach the 15% maximum illiquid security threshold (investments that cannot be sold or disposed of in seven days or less in current market conditions without the sale of the investment significantly changing the market value of the investment) during the Period and the procedures for monitoring compliance with the limit; (vi) that the processes, technologies and third-party vendors used to assess, manage, and/or periodically review the Fund’s Liquidity Risk functioned appropriately during the Period; and (vii) that the Programs operated adequately during the Period. The Report also described material changes made to the Adviser Program during the Period and indicated that there were no material changes made to the Company Program during the Period.

 

Based on the review, the Report concluded that the Programs were being implemented effectively and reasonably designed to assess and manage Liquidity Risk in the Fund’s portfolio.

 

There can be no assurance that the Company Program or the Adviser Program will achieve its objectives under all circumstances in the future. Please refer to the Fund’s prospectus for more information regarding the Fund’s exposure to liquidity risk and other risks to which it may be subject.

 

48

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Company Management

(Unaudited)

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company is organized under and managed pursuant to Maryland law. The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below. The statement of additional information (“SAI”) includes additional information about the Directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling (844) 261-6484.

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
During the Past
5 Years

Independent Directors

Julian A. Brodsky

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 90

Director

1988 to present

Retired.

63

AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).

Gregory P. Chandler

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 56

Director

2012 to present

Since 2020, Chief Financial Officer, HC Parent Corp. d/b/a Herspiegel Consulting LLC (life sciences consulting services); 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Avocado Systems Inc. (cyber security software provider); from 2009-2020, Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services).

63

FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios)(registered investment company); Emtec, Inc. (until December 2019); FS Investment Corporation (business development company) (until December 2018).

Lisa A. Dolly

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI, 53202

Age: 57

Director

October 2021 to present

From July 2019-December 2019, Chairman, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm); January 2016-June 2019, Chief Executive Officer, Pershing, LLC.

63

Allfunds Group PLC (United Kingdom wealthtech and fund distribution provider); Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (trade association for broker dealers, investment banks and asset managers); Hightower Advisors (wealth management firm).

 

49

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Company Management (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
During the Past
5 Years

Nicholas A. Giordano

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 80

Director

2006 to present

Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations.

63

IntriCon Corporation (biomedical device manufacturer); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance) (until March 2021).

Arnold M. Reichman 615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 75

Chair

 

Director

2005 to present

 

1991 to present

Retired.

63

EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until August 2022).

Brian T. Shea

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 63

Director

2018 to present

From 2014-2017, Chief Executive Officer, BNY Mellon Investment Services (fund services, global custodian and securities clearing firm); from 1983-2014, Chief Executive Officer and various positions, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm).

63

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (financial services technology company); Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (financial services company); WisdomTree Investments, Inc. (asset management company) (until March 2019).

Robert A. Straniere

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 82

Director

2006 to present

Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm).

63

None.

Interested Director2

Robert Sablowsky

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 85

Vice Chair

 

Director

2016 to present

 

1991 to present

Since 2002, Senior Director – Investments and, prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer).

63

None.

Officers

Steven Plump

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 64

President

August 2022 to present

From 2011 to 2021, Executive Vice President, PIMCO LLC.

N/A

N/A

 

 

50

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Company Management (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
During the Past
5 Years

Salvatore Faia, JD,

CPA, CFE

Vigilant Compliance, LLC

Gateway Corporate Center

Suite 216

223 Wilmington West

Chester Pike

Chadds Ford, PA 19317

Age: 60

Chief Compliance Officer

2004 to present

Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company); since 2021, Chief Compliance Officer of The RBB Fund Trust; President of The RBB Fund Trust from 2021 to 2022; President of The RBB Fund, Inc. from 2009 to 2022.

N/A

N/A

James G. Shaw

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 63

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

 

Chief Operating Officer

2016 to present

 

 

 

 

2022 to present

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (since 2016) and Chief Operating Officer (since 2022) of The RBB Fund, Inc.; Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (since 2021) and Chief Operating Officer (since 2022) of The RBB Fund Trust.

N/A

N/A

Craig A. Urciuoli

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 49

Director of Marketing & Business Development

2019 to present

Director of Marketing & Business Development of The RBB Fund, Inc. (since 2019) and The RBB Fund Trust (since 2021); from 2000-2019, Managing Director, Third Avenue Management LLC (an investment advisory firm).

N/A

N/A

Jennifer Witt

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 40

Assistant Treasurer

2018 to present

Since 2020, Vice President, U.S.

Bank Global Fund Services (fund

administrative services firm); from

2016 to 2020, Assistant Vice

President, U.S. Bank Global Fund

Services.

N/A

N/A

Edward Paz

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 52

Assistant Secretary

2016 to present

Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm).

N/A

N/A

Michael P. Malloy

One Logan Square

Ste. 2000

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Age: 64

Assistant Secretary

1999 to present

Since 1993, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

Jillian L. Bosmann

One Logan Square

Ste. 2000

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Age: 44

Assistant Secretary

2017 to present

Since 2017, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

 

*

Each Director oversees 63 portfolios of the fund complex, consisting of the series of the Company (53 portfolios) and The RBB Fund Trust (10 portfolios).

 

51

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Company Management (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

1.

Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his or her successor is elected and qualified or his or her death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Giordano, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.

 

2.

Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his or her qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive-level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Ms. Dolly has over three decades of experience in the financial services industry, and she has demonstrated her leadership and management abilities by serving in numerous senior executive-level positions. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Shea has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the brokerage, clearing, banking and investment services industry, including service on the boards of public companies, industry regulatory organizations and a university. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company.

 

52

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Privacy Notice

(Unaudited)

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

FACTS

WHAT DOES THE ABBEY CAPITAL MULTI ASSET FUND DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?

Why?

Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.

What?

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

 

● Social Security number

● account balances

● account transactions

● transaction history

● wire transfer instructions

● checking account information

 

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

How?

All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information; the reasons the Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing.

       

Reasons we can share your information

Does the Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund share?

Can you limit this sharing?

For our everyday business purpose —
such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal
investigations, or report to credit bureaus

Yes

No

For our marketing purposes —
to offer our products and services to you

Yes

No

For joint marketing with other financial companies

No

We don’t share.

For affiliates’ everyday business purposes —
information about your transactions and experiences

Yes

No

For affiliates’ everyday business purposes —
information about your creditworthiness

No

We don’t share

For our affiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share

For nonaffiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share

 

Questions?

Call 1-844-261-6484 or go to www.abbeycapital.com

 

53

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Privacy Notice (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

What we do

How does the Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund protect my personal information?

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

How does the Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

 

● open an account

● provide account information

● give us your contact information

● make a wire transfer

● tell us where to send the money

 

We also collect your information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

 

● sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes — information about your creditworthiness

● affiliates from using your information to market to you

● sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

 

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

European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation

In addition to the above information, where applicable, you have the following rights under the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) and U.S. Privacy Laws, as applicable and to the extent permitted by law, to

 

● Check whether we hold personal information about you and to access such data (in accordance with our policy)

 

● Request the correction of personal information about you that is inaccurate

 

● Have a copy of the personal information we hold about you provided to you or another “controller” where technically feasible

 

● Request the erasure of your personal information

 

● Request the restriction of processing concerning you

 

The legal grounds for processing of your personal information is for contractual necessity and compliance with law.

 

If you wish to exercise any of your rights above, please call: 1-844-261-6484.

 

You are required to ensure the personal information we hold about you is up-to-date and accurate and you must notify us of any changes to the personal data you provided to us.

 

 

54

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Privacy Notice (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

 

The Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund shall retain your personal data for as long as you are an investor in the Fund and thereafter as long as necessary to comply with applicable laws that require the Fund to retain your personal data, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission’s data retention rules. Your personal data will be transferred to the United States so that the Fund may provide the agreed upon services for you. No adequacy decision has been rendered by the European Commission as to the data protection of your personal data when transferring it to the United States. However, the Fund does take the security of your personal data seriously.

 

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the appropriate regulatory authority with respect to issues you may have.

Definitions

Affiliates

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

 

Our affiliates include Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund’s investment adviser, Abbey Capital Limited, and each sub-adviser.

Nonaffiliates

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

 

The Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund doesn’t share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you.

Joint marketing

A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.

 

The Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund does not jointly market.

Controller

“Controller” means the natural or legal person, public authority, agency or other body which, alone or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of the processing of personal data; where the purposes and means of such processing are determined by European Union or European Member State law, the controller or the specific criteria for its nomination may be provided for by European Union or European Member State law.

 

 

55

 

 

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Investment Adviser
Abbey Capital Limited
1-2 Cavendish Row
Dublin 1, Ireland

 

Administrator and Transfer Agent
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201

 

Principal Underwriter
Quasar Distributors, LLC
111 E Kilbourn Ave, Suite 2200
Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Custodian
U.S. Bank, N.A.
1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, WI 53212

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Ernst & Young LLP
One Commerce Square
2005 Market Street, Suite 700
Philadelphia, PA 19103

 

Legal Counsel
Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP.
One Logan Square, Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103-6996

 

AMA-AR23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 

of

 

The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

ANNUAL REPORT

 

August 31, 2023

 

This report is submitted for the general information of the shareholders of the Fund. It is not authorized for distribution unless preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus for the Fund.

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 

ANNUAL Investment AdvisEr’s Report
August 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

The Adara Smaller Companies Fund (the “Fund”) generated a return of 6.40% for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, and outperformed its benchmark, the Russell 2000 Index, which returned 4.01% over the same period.

 

U.S. equity markets managed modest gains for the fiscal year despite persistent concerns about rising interest rates, elevated inflation and a possible recession. Bouts of volatility were offset by a lengthy rally in stocks whose companies were seen as benefiting from an artificial intelligence boom. Substantial gains from that market runup were trimmed substantially in the final two months of the fiscal year due to new worries about the future of interest rates and economic growth.

 

The Fund’s assets were allocated to five underlying sub-advisers during the fiscal year: microcap managers Driehaus Capital Management, LLC (“Driehaus”) and Pacific Ridge Capital Partners, LLC (“Pacific Ridge”); small-cap managers Pier Capital, LLC (“Pier”) and River Road Asset Management, LLC (“River Road”); and tax-loss harvesting manager Aperio Group, LLC (“Aperio”). Performance of the Fund’s sub-advisers for the fiscal year was led by Pier, with a return of 16.17%, followed in order by Aperio with a return of 9.62%, River Road with a return of 9.24%, Pacific Ridge with a return of 3.63% and Driehaus with a return of 3.04%. As of August 31, 2023, the Fund’s assets were allocated 26% to Driehaus, followed by Pacific Ridge with 25%, Aperio with 20%, River Road with 15% and Pier with 12%.

 

Altair Advisers LLC remains firm in our belief that small and microcap stocks offer an attractive opportunity that justifies their higher risk. We believe that the smaller capitalization space of the market remains highly inefficient, with little analyst coverage or institutional ownership. It is our view that these inefficiencies provide the potential for active managers to generate meaningful outperformance over the long term.

 

Sincerely,
Altair Advisers LLC

 

1

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 

ANNUAL report
Performance Data

August 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Invested in
ADARA Smaller Companies Fund vs. Russell 2000
® Index

 

 

This chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 initial investment in the Fund made on October 21, 2014 (commencement of operations) and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the Russell 2000® Index is unmanaged, and does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended August 31, 2023

 

One
Year

Three
Years

Five
Years

Since
Inception

 

Adara Smaller Companies Fund

6.40%

11.87%

6.56%

10.34%*

 

Russell 2000® Index

4.01%

7.74%

3.24%

8.01%**

 

 

*

The Fund commenced operations on October 21, 2014.

 

**

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

Performance quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the returns quoted. Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling (844) 261-6482.

 

The Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses, as stated in the current prospectus dated December 31, 2022, are 0.84% of average daily net assets. This ratio may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report.

 

The Fund invests in common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants to acquire common stocks and securities convertible into common stocks. Portfolio composition is subject to change.

 

The Fund evaluates performance as compared to that of the Russell 2000® Index. The Russell 2000® Index is a widely-recognized, capitalization-weighted index that measures the performance of the smallest 2,000 companies in the Russell 3000® Index and is considered representative of small-cap stocks. It is impossible to invest directly in an index.

 

Investment Considerations

 

Investing in the Fund involves risk and an investor may lose money. The success of the Fund’s strategy depends on the Adviser’s ability to select Sub-Advisers and each Sub-Adviser’s ability to select investments for the Fund. The Fund may invest in riskier types of investments including small and micro-cap stocks, Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), special situations and illiquid securities all of which may be more volatile and less liquid.

 

2

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Fund Expense Example

August 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, 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 mutual funds.

 

This example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period from March 1, 2023 through August 31, 2023 and held for the entire period.

 

Actual Expenses

 

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

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

 

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

 

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

 

   

Beginning
Account Value
March 1, 2023

   

Ending
Account Value
August 31, 2023

   

Expenses Paid
During Period*

   

Annualized
Expense
Ratio

   

Actual Six Month
Total Investment
Return

 

Class I Shares

                                       

Actual

  $ 1,000.00     $ 1,018.70     $ 4.17       0.82 %     1.87 %

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

    1,000.00       1,021.07       4.18       0.82 %     N/A  

 

 

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized six-month expense ratio in the table above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184) in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by 365 to reflect the one-half year period. The Fund’s ending account value on the first line in the table is based on the actual six-month total investment return for the Fund.

 

3

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Portfolio Holdings Summary Table

August 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

The following table presents a summary by security type of the portfolio holdings of the Fund:

 

Security Type/Sector Classification

 

% of Net
Assets

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS:

               

Banks

    7.7 %   $ 37,068,231  

Commercial Services

    7.4       35,739,792  

Retail

    6.8       32,691,673  

Biotechnology

    5.4       26,174,193  

Software

    4.4       21,459,597  

Semiconductors

    4.1       19,655,738  

Healthcare-Products

    3.9       18,813,886  

Electronics

    3.5       16,989,667  

Engineering & Construction

    2.7       13,030,762  

Insurance

    2.5       12,056,896  

Pharmaceuticals

    2.4       11,441,764  

REITS

    2.3       11,036,025  

Building Materials

    2.2       10,841,545  

Oil & Gas

    2.2       10,646,089  

Oil & Gas Services

    2.2       10,469,139  

Internet

    2.1       9,981,002  

Auto Parts & Equipment

    1.9       9,054,203  

Transportation

    1.5       7,150,177  

Diversified Financial Services

    1.5       7,008,798  

Home Builders

    1.4       6,529,787  

Computers

    1.3       6,455,792  

Machinery-Diversified

    1.3       6,287,048  

Miscellaneous Manufacturing

    1.3       6,219,135  

Metal Fabricate/Hardware

    1.3       6,036,729  

Savings & Loans

    1.2       5,917,833  

Cosmetics/Personal Care

    1.2       5,670,245  

Food

    1.1       5,503,003  

Beverages

    1.1       5,396,485  

Leisure Time

    1.0       4,776,757  

Aerospace/Defense

    1.0       4,612,515  

Healthcare-Services

    0.9       4,440,586  

Telecommunications

    0.8       4,071,680  

Distribution/Wholesale

    0.8       4,067,530  

Apparel

    0.8       3,697,804  

Home Furnishings

    0.7       3,429,562  

Real Estate

    0.7   3,291,979  

Iron/Steel

    0.6       3,114,019  

Energy-Alternate Sources

    0.6       3,015,487  

Media

    0.6       2,699,109  

Machinery-Construction & Mining

    0.5       2,650,579  

Agriculture

    0.5       2,467,972  

Environmental Control

    0.5       2,429,097  

Auto Manufacturers

    0.5       2,346,499  

Hand/Machine Tools

    0.5       2,254,362  

Textiles

    0.5       2,183,484  

Entertainment

    0.4       2,151,419  

Chemicals

    0.4       2,148,679  

Airlines

    0.4       1,780,041  

Electric

    0.3       1,612,091  

Investment Companies

    0.3       1,458,332  

Mining

    0.3       1,304,448  

Housewares

    0.3       1,287,519  

Packaging & Containers

    0.2       1,161,271  

Gas

    0.2       1,008,097  

Food Service

    0.2       785,658  

Toys/Games/Hobbies

    0.1       534,101  

Electrical Components & Equipment

    0.1       498,806  

Household Products/Wares

    0.1       444,635  

Coal

    0.0       377,838  

Lodging

    0.1       319,371  

Water

    0.1       297,053  

Office/Business Equipment

    0.0       134,852  

Office Furnishings

    0.0       120,283  

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

    7.1       34,332,416  

LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS

    0.0       (191,065 )

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 482,440,100  

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
4

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments

August 31, 2023

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS — 92.9%

               

Aerospace/Defense — 1.0%

               

AAR Corp. *

    37,297     $ 2,297,495  

AeroVironment, Inc. *

    1,433       139,044  

Curtiss-Wright Corp.

    2,004       416,812  

Hexcel Corp.

    19,353       1,418,575  

Mercury Systems, Inc. *

    2,290       89,882  

Moog, Inc. - Class A

    1,762       204,674  

National Presto Industries, Inc.

    615       46,033  
              4,612,515  

Agriculture — 0.5%

               

Alico, Inc.

    68,790       1,618,629  

Darling Ingredients, Inc. *

    8,943       552,320  

Universal Corp.

    3,026       144,098  

Vector Group Ltd.

    9,371       100,363  

Vital Farms, Inc. *

    4,462       52,562  
              2,467,972  

Airlines — 0.4%

               

Allegiant Travel Co.

    6,074       539,614  

Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. *

    17,974       154,217  

SkyWest, Inc. *

    8,137       366,979  

Sun Country Airlines Holdings, Inc. *

    48,303       719,231  
              1,780,041  

Apparel — 0.8%

               

Capri Holdings Ltd. *

    5,836       306,332  

Crocs, Inc. *

    4,765       463,825  

Kontoor Brands, Inc.

    4,168       190,853  

Lakeland Industries, Inc.

    178,780       2,506,496  

Skechers USA, Inc. - Class A *

    3,666       184,436  

Wolverine World Wide, Inc.

    5,676       45,862  
              3,697,804  

Auto Manufacturers — 0.5%

               

Blue Bird Corp. *

    37,156       811,859  

Wabash National Corp.

    68,055       1,534,640  
              2,346,499  

Auto Parts & Equipment — 1.9%

               

American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. *

    6,190       46,735  

Cooper-Standard Holdings, Inc. *

    125,320       1,872,281  

Dorman Products, Inc. *

    1,947       160,647  

Fox Factory Holding Corp. *

    4,046       448,337  

Gentherm, Inc. *

    11,503       692,596  

Methode Electronics, Inc.

    2,370       76,433  

Miller Industries, Inc.

    53,890       2,155,600  

Motorcar Parts of America, Inc. *

    268,650       2,119,648  

Standard Motor Products, Inc.

    1,348       49,916  

XPEL, Inc. *

    17,191       1,432,010  
              9,054,203  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Banks — 7.7%

               

Ameris Bancorp

    2,245     $ 91,484  

Bank of Marin Bancorp

    2,619       49,290  

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.

    23,520       611,990  

Banner Corp.

    1,733       75,472  

Cadence Bank

    22,282       509,812  

Capital Bancorp, Inc.

    62,030       1,187,874  

Central Pacific Financial Corp.

    3,784       64,214  

City Holding Co.

    4,208       384,443  

Civista Bancshares, Inc.

    106,460       1,808,755  

Colony Bankcorp, Inc.

    164,697       1,714,496  

Community Bank System, Inc.

    1,997       94,957  

ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc.

    7,600       145,312  

Customers Bancorp, Inc. *

    13,377       470,068  

Dime Community Bancshares, Inc.

    1,047       22,312  

Esquire Financial Holdings, Inc.

    35,005       1,636,834  

Farmers National Bancorp

    113,640       1,443,228  

First BanCorp

    41,247       571,683  

First Business Financial Services, Inc.

    53,989       1,702,273  

First Commonwealth Financial Corp.

    18,699       244,396  

First Financial Bancorp

    24,036       499,468  

First Financial Bankshares, Inc.

    13,162       378,013  

First Financial Corp.

    1,416       51,995  

First Hawaiian, Inc.

    13,502       255,323  

First Interstate BancSystem, Inc. - Class A

    2,950       76,434  

First Northwest Bancorp

    96,300       1,242,270  

Five Star Bancorp

    59,290       1,296,079  

Glacier Bancorp, Inc.

    3,879       117,185  

Heritage Commerce Corp.

    13,347       115,718  

Hope Bancorp, Inc.

    27,648       267,356  

Horizon Bancorp, Inc.

    116,366       1,302,136  

Independent Bank Corp.

    1,193       64,446  

Kearny Financial Corp.

    13,343       98,872  

Metropolitan Bank Holding Corp. *

    62,476       2,487,170  

Midland States Bancorp, Inc.

    2,458       54,568  

NBT Bancorp, Inc.

    1,326       45,641  

Northeast Bank

    63,060       2,679,419  

OFG Bancorp

    7,960       240,074  

Old National Bancorp

    10,450       159,467  

Orrstown Financial Services, Inc.

    71,086       1,535,458  

Parke Bancorp, Inc.

    115,981       2,002,992  

Peoples Financial Services Corp.

    19,760       861,536  

Preferred Bank

    1,379       85,650  

S&T Bancorp, Inc.

    8,702       246,528  

Seacoast Banking Corp. of Florida

    17,773       419,621  

Southside Bancshares, Inc.

    4,513       135,841  

Stellar Bancorp, Inc.

    2,051       43,625  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
5

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Banks — (Continued)

               

The Bancorp, Inc. *

    37,552     $ 1,378,534  

Tompkins Financial Corp.

    1,660       86,204  

Triumph Bancorp, Inc. *

    7,667       492,451  

TrustCo Bank Corp.

    1,864       53,068  

UMB Financial Corp.

    3,164       199,996  

United Community Banks, Inc.

    12,730       343,710  

Unity Bancorp, Inc.

    72,830       1,759,937  

Univest Financial Corp.

    2,973       53,484  

USCB Financial Holdings, Inc. *

    135,700       1,488,629  

Veritex Holdings, Inc.

    11,815       222,240  

Walker & Dunlop, Inc.

    1,239       105,736  

Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc.

    673       18,844  

West BanCorp, Inc.

    68,770       1,273,620  
              37,068,231  

Beverages — 1.1%

               

Celsius Holdings, Inc. *

    7,408       1,452,264  

Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc.

    279       194,993  

MGP Ingredients, Inc.

    9,107       1,091,929  

The Duckhorn Portfolio, Inc. *

    23,575       293,273  

The Vita Coco Co., Inc. *

    83,564       2,364,026  
              5,396,485  

Biotechnology — 5.4%

               

89bio, Inc. *

    28,946       496,134  

ADMA Biologics. Inc. *

    167,983       646,734  

Aerovate Therapeutics, Inc. *

    20,341       323,218  

Akero Therapeutics, Inc. *

    16,354       811,649  

Albireo Pharma, Inc. *

    1,908        

Allogene Therapeutics, Inc. *

    12,004       46,696  

ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. *

    5,276       339,722  

Apogee Therapeutics, Inc. *

    25,190       577,859  

Astria Therapeutics, Inc. *

    43,071       383,332  

Avid Bioservices, Inc. *

    3,898       45,996  

Biohaven Ltd. *

    2,687       49,145  

Biomea Fusion, Inc. *

    24,823       418,764  

Certara, Inc. *

    2,941       47,527  

Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. *

    95,026       1,645,850  

Cytokinetics, Inc. *

    4,225       147,621  

Day One Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. *

    32,773       442,108  

Denali Therapeutics, Inc. *

    10,234       236,303  

Dynavax Technologies Corp. *

    108,542       1,558,663  

Editas Medicine, Inc. *

    5,450       48,559  

Emergent BioSolutions, Inc. *

    15,772       73,971  

Erasca, Inc. *

    16,523       42,795  

Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. *

    11,244       478,545  

Ideaya Biosciences, Inc. *

    40,676       1,194,247  

Immunocore Holdings PLC - ADR *

    7,153       402,499  

ImmunoGen, Inc. *

    96,320       1,525,709  

Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Inc. *

    4,573       49,526  

Intra-Cellular Therapies, Inc. *

    13,000       721,760  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Biotechnology — (Continued)

               

iTeos Therapeutics, Inc. *

    3,580     $ 43,193  

Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals Ltd. - Class A *

    33,687       580,427  

Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc. *

    978       64,323  

Maravai LifeSciences Holdings, Inc. - Class A *

    20,569       212,683  

Mineralys Therapeutics, Inc. *

    19,925       255,837  

NeoGenomics, Inc. *

    32,829       493,420  

Nuvalent, Inc. - Class A *

    45,986       2,095,582  

OmniAb Operations, Inc. *

    340        

OmniAb Operations, Inc. *

    340        

Point Biopharma Global, Inc. *

    79,344       631,578  

Prothena Corp. PLC *

    4,659       246,089  

REVOLUTION Medicines, Inc. *

    14,642       497,389  

Roivant Sciences Ltd. *

    27,689       320,362  

Sana Biotechnology, Inc. *

    23,444       125,425  

SpringWorks Therapeutics, Inc. *

    26,672       751,617  

Structure Therapeutics, Inc. - ADR *

    49,968       1,408,598  

Terns Pharmaceuticals, Inc. *

    44,508       234,557  

TG Therapeutics, Inc. *

    32,058       335,647  

Theravance Biopharma, Inc. *

    6,387       60,804  

Ventyx Biosciences, Inc. *

    41,520       1,390,920  

Veracyte, Inc. *

    27,735       732,204  

Vericel Corp. *

    1,632       53,579  

Xenon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. *

    74,013       2,885,027  
              26,174,193  

Building Materials — 2.2%

               

AAON, Inc.

    6,180       389,711  

American Woodmark Corp. *

    1,043       81,010  

Apogee Enterprises, Inc.

    7,722       389,652  

Armstrong World Industries, Inc.

    18,244       1,397,308  

Aspen Aerogels, Inc. *

    8,183       49,835  

Boise Cascade Co.

    3,571       390,560  

Gibraltar Industries, Inc. *

    4,141       310,699  

Knife River Corp. *

    25,544       1,314,494  

Modine Manufacturing Co. *

    50,320       2,394,729  

PGT Innovations, Inc. *

    6,101       171,987  

Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.

    2,069       330,544  

SPX Technologies, Inc. *

    4,521       357,249  

Summit Materials, Inc. - Class A *

    28,797       1,077,296  

Tecnoglass, Inc.

    20,422       795,845  

The AZEK Co., Inc. *

    16,027       545,078  

UFP Industries, Inc.

    8,103       845,548  
              10,841,545  

Chemicals — 0.4%

               

AdvanSix, Inc.

    3,917       129,574  

American Vanguard Corp.

    16,135       222,986  

Balchem Corp.

    1,846       259,363  

Innospec, Inc.

    1,121       120,418  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
6

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Chemicals — (Continued)

Koppers Holdings, Inc.

    7,974     $ 305,324  

Livent Corp. *

    6,800       145,996  

Mativ Holdings, Inc.

    2,833       46,461  

Perimeter Solutions SA *

    16,468       97,326  

Rogers Corp. *

    1,868       269,945  

Stepan Co.

    2,701       235,716  

The Chemours Co.

    9,276       315,570  
              2,148,679  

Coal — 0.0%

               

Warrior Met Coal, Inc.

    9,551       377,838  

Commercial Services — 7.4%

               

Acacia Research Corp. *

    320,940       1,222,781  

Adtalem Global Education, Inc. *

    3,449       151,239  

Alight, Inc. - Class A *

    122,007       932,134  

AMN Healthcare Services, Inc. *

    3,294       291,124  

ARC Document Solutions, Inc.

    446,350       1,508,663  

Arlo Technologies, Inc. *

    148,015       1,446,107  

ASGN, Inc. *

    2,386       196,034  

Barrett Business Services, Inc.

    39,368       3,766,730  

BGSF, Inc.

    165,900       1,589,322  

BrightView Holdings, Inc. *

    6,056       50,144  

Cass Information Systems, Inc.

    815       31,247  

Chegg, Inc. *

    4,753       48,528  

CoreCivic, Inc. *

    175,393       1,887,228  

CorVel Corp. *

    432       93,506  

CRA International, Inc.

    18,580       2,018,345  

Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. *

    6,965       179,418  

Deluxe Corp.

    4,893       98,936  

EVERTEC, Inc.

    41,758       1,652,364  

Flywire Corp. *

    45,806       1,583,971  

Forrester Research, Inc. *

    758       23,218  

FTI Consulting, Inc. *

    4,370       812,033  

Green Dot Corp. - Class A *

    2,231       33,108  

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.

    2,031       53,801  

Herc Holdings, Inc.

    3,660       476,312  

Huron Consulting Group, Inc. *

    12,853       1,284,657  

Insperity, Inc.

    2,292       232,248  

Kelly Services, Inc. - Class A

    46,617       861,948  

Lincoln Educational Services Corp. *

    161,840       1,380,495  

LiveRamp Holdings, Inc. *

    24,327       786,735  

MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.

    1,203       289,839  

Matthews International Corp. - Class A

    5,499       231,948  

Medifast, Inc.

    1,970       166,150  

Paysafe Ltd. *

    7,888       103,333  

Perdoceo Education Corp.

    10,039       166,346  

Performant Financial Corp. *

    94,404       221,849  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Commercial Services — (Continued)

       

Progyny, Inc. *

    8,650     $ 322,991  

Remitly Global, Inc. *

    55,874       1,405,231  

Resources Connection, Inc.

    5,457       84,638  

Sabre Corp. *

    13,513       67,565  

Shift4 Payments, Inc. - Class A *

    5,386       305,871  

SP Plus Corp. *

    49,539       1,940,443  

Strategic Education, Inc.

    1,789       138,648  

Stride, Inc. *

    11,950       507,756  

The Brink’s Co.

    4,054       307,334  

Universal Technical Institute, Inc. *

    200,430       1,597,427  

Upbound Group, Inc.

    3,409       104,384  

Viad Corp. *

    38,643       1,097,075  

WillScot Mobile Mini Holdings Corp. - Class A *

    18,983       778,683  

WW International, Inc. *

    124,604       1,209,905  
              35,739,792  

Computers — 1.3%

               

3D Systems Corp. *

    9,382       59,200  

CACI International, Inc. - Class A *

    1,145       375,571  

Cantaloupe, Inc. *

    9,881       78,257  

DXC Technology Co. *

    26,040       540,070  

ExlService Holdings, Inc. *

    15,420       450,727  

Globant SA *

    1,591       325,312  

Insight Enterprises, Inc. *

    2,176       348,356  

Maximus, Inc.

    12,879       1,040,881  

NCR Corp. *

    47,459       1,459,839  

NetScout Systems, Inc. *

    6,070       173,784  

One Stop Systems, Inc. *

    185,588       369,320  

OneSpan, Inc. *

    4,506       55,198  

Quantum Corp. *

    447,440       277,413  

Science Applications International Corp.

    1,681       197,786  

Thoughtworks Holding, Inc. *

    9,449       46,962  

TTEC Holdings, Inc.

    3,501       104,190  

WNS Holdings Ltd. - ADR *

    8,461       552,926  
              6,455,792  

Cosmetics/Personal Care — 1.2%

               

elf Beauty, Inc. *

    32,953       4,570,911  

Inter Parfums, Inc.

    7,533       1,052,586  

The Beauty Health Co. *

    7,589       46,748  
              5,670,245  

Distribution/Wholesale — 0.8%

               

Core & Main, Inc. - Class A *

    13,377       439,301  

G-III Apparel Group Ltd. *

    19,012       377,388  

Hudson Technologies, Inc. *

    41,671       502,552  

Manitex International, Inc. *

    311,230       1,440,995  

MRC Global, Inc. *

    7,000       65,240  

Pool Corp.

    2,106       769,954  

SiteOne Landscape Supply, Inc. *

    2,407       412,054  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
7

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Distribution/Wholesale — (Continued)

       

WESCO International, Inc.

    371     $ 60,046  
              4,067,530  

Diversified Financial Services — 1.5%

       

Encore Capital Group, Inc. *

    3,458       162,042  

Enova International, Inc. *

    3,612       182,225  

Evercore, Inc. - Class A

    6,353       889,738  

FTAI Aviation Ltd.

    46,641       1,723,851  

Houlihan Lokey, Inc.

    8,263       870,424  

Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. - Class A

    3,063       278,978  

Radian Group, Inc.

    25,687       695,604  

Silvercrest Asset Management Group, Inc. - Class A

    90,726       1,748,290  

Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.

    807       167,130  

World Acceptance Corp. *

    2,155       290,516  
              7,008,798  

Electric — 0.3%

               

NorthWestern Corp.

    25,557       1,288,073  

Unitil Corp.

    6,637       324,018  
              1,612,091  

Electrical Components & Equipment — 0.1%

       

Encore Wire Corp.

    1,278       210,627  

Littelfuse, Inc.

    1,079       288,179  
              498,806  

Electronics — 3.5%

               

Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.

    2,466       291,161  

Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. *

    92,240       1,270,145  

Atkore, Inc. *

    15,480       2,383,456  

Badger Meter, Inc.

    2,217       368,199  

Benchmark Electronics, Inc.

    8,012       206,229  

Brady Corp. - Class A

    2,928       147,688  

Camtek Ltd. *

    27,217       1,641,185  

Coherent Corp. *

    3,416       128,544  

Comtech Telecommunications Corp.

    144,150       1,448,707  

CTS Corp.

    1,090       48,668  

Enovix Corp. *

    88,210       1,215,534  

ESCO Technologies, Inc.

    1,920       205,459  

Evolv Technologies Holdings, Inc. *

    54,662       382,087  

FARO Technologies, Inc. *

    4,038       64,043  

Itron, Inc. *

    4,655       318,448  

Ituran Location and Control Ltd.

    24,790       750,641  

Kimball Electronics, Inc. *

    111,440       3,364,374  

Knowles Corp. *

    7,352       117,853  

Mesa Laboratories, Inc.

    426       61,071  

OSI Systems, Inc. *

    1,136       154,894  

Plexus Corp. *

    2,641       268,194  

Sanmina Corp. *

    6,648       370,294  

Stoneridge, Inc. *

    6,082       124,985  

TD SYNNEX Corp.

    830       84,452  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Electronics — (Continued)

               

TTM Technologies, Inc. *

    8,548     $ 127,365  

Vontier Corp.

    46,036       1,445,991  
              16,989,667  

Energy-Alternate Sources — 0.6%

       

Array Technologies, Inc. *

    25,123       624,809  

Eneti, Inc.

    5,572       60,401  

Fluence Energy, Inc. *

    29,706       782,753  

Green Plains, Inc. *

    20,942       650,040  

REX American Resources Corp. *

    2,520       99,515  

Shoals Technologies Group, Inc. - Class A *

    31,857       626,946  

SolarEdge Technologies, Inc. *

    1,052       171,023  
              3,015,487  

Engineering & Construction — 2.7%

       

Bowman Consulting Group Ltd. *

    97,470       2,878,289  

Comfort Systems USA, Inc.

    6,359       1,173,681  

EMCOR Group, Inc.

    4,741       1,063,169  

Exponent, Inc.

    10,992       987,741  

Mistras Group, Inc. *

    109,200       583,128  

MYR Group, Inc. *

    14,238       2,022,793  

Primoris Services Corp.

    43,045       1,522,502  

Sterling Infrastructure, Inc *

    24,338       2,014,213  

TopBuild Corp. *

    2,707       785,246  
              13,030,762  

Entertainment — 0.4%

               

Atlanta Braves Holdings, Inc. - Class A *

    1,183       49,497  

Cinemark Holdings, Inc. *

    7,468       121,579  

Genius Sports Ltd. *

    98,458       653,761  

IMAX Corp. *

    33,302       637,067  

Light & Wonder, Inc. *

    6,167       472,824  

Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc.

    3,215       216,691  
              2,151,419  

Environmental Control — 0.5%

               

Energy Recovery, Inc. *

    36,582       994,299  

Montrose Environmental Group, Inc. *

    24,235       931,593  

Tetra Tech, Inc.

    3,198       503,205  
              2,429,097  

Food — 1.1%

               

Calavo Growers, Inc.

    3,696       121,820  

Grocery Outlet Holding Corp. *

    8,703       268,488  

Hostess Brands, Inc. *

    23,849       679,220  

Ingles Markets, Inc. - Class A

    14,622       1,142,417  

J&J Snack Foods Corp.

    2,130       345,337  

John B Sanfilippo & Son, Inc.

    1,789       179,526  

Krispy Kreme, Inc.

    20,095       269,072  

SpartanNash Co.

    7,719       167,965  

The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. *

    3,870       40,983  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
8

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Food — (Continued)

               

The Real Good Food Co., Inc. *

    48,654     $ 191,697  

TreeHouse Foods, Inc. *

    2,674       124,394  

United Natural Foods, Inc. *

    8,258       166,234  

Weis Markets, Inc.

    1,995       129,416  

Whole Earth Brands, Inc. *

    440,009       1,676,434  
              5,503,003  

Food Service — 0.2%

               

Sovos Brands, Inc. *

    35,074       785,658  

Gas — 0.2%

               

Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.

    16,278       1,008,097  

Hand/Machine Tools — 0.5%

               

Franklin Electric Co., Inc.

    1,896       183,362  

Hurco Cos., Inc.

    61,880       1,341,559  

MSA Safety, Inc.

    3,993       729,441  
              2,254,362  

Healthcare-Products — 3.9%

               

Abiomed, Inc. *

    1,453        

Adaptive Biotechnologies Corp. *

    51,167       346,401  

Alphatec Holdings, Inc. *

    146,816       2,400,442  

AngioDynamics, Inc. *

    16,883       135,570  

Artivion, Inc. *

    3,328       56,310  

Avita Medical, Inc. *

    19,156       312,243  

Azenta, Inc. *

    2,595       146,436  

BioLife Solutions, Inc. *

    18,620       245,970  

Castle Biosciences, Inc. *

    5,884       117,268  

Cutera, Inc. *

    19,945       226,974  

EDAP TMS SA - ADR *

    53,477       430,490  

Embecta Corp.

    44,007       806,648  

Establishment Labs Holdings, Inc. *

    10,257       619,215  

Glaukos Corp. *

    2,161       162,378  

Haemonetics Corp. *

    3,260       292,520  

ICU Medical, Inc. *

    578       83,827  

Inari Medical, Inc. *

    8,792       585,723  

Inspire Medical Systems, Inc. *

    2,249       510,253  

Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corp. *

    3,088       131,364  

LeMaitre Vascular, Inc.

    10,760       622,036  

Masimo Corp. *

    2,530       289,128  

Merit Medical Systems, Inc. *

    3,088       201,585  

Nevro Corp. *

    6,338       127,014  

Omnicell, Inc. *

    2,230       126,798  

OraSure Technologies, Inc. *

    6,829       44,115  

Patterson Cos., Inc.

    32,899       988,286  

PROCEPT BioRobotics Corp. *

    16,096       549,035  

Pulmonx Corp. *

    5,099       53,336  

Quanterix Corp. *

    4,610       123,548  

Repligen Corp. *

    5,924       1,030,243  

RxSight, Inc. *

    39,741       1,152,886  

SI-BONE, Inc. *

    37,806       865,001  

Silk Road Medical, Inc. *

    17,144       331,222  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Healthcare-Products — (Continued)

       

Surmodics, Inc. *

    2,311     $ 85,091  

Tactile Systems Technology, Inc. *

    38,610       731,659  

Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. *

    2,242       61,341  

TransMedics Group, Inc. *

    29,291       1,922,368  

Treace Medical Concepts, Inc. *

    38,133       592,968  

Varex Imaging Corp. *

    7,739       152,226  

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

    2,836       1,153,968  
              18,813,886  

Healthcare-Services — 0.9%

               

Addus HomeCare Corp. *

    1,574       138,040  

Amedisys, Inc. *

    10,597       993,469  

American Well Corp. - Class A *

    35,115       49,863  

Chemed Corp.

    621       317,604  

Community Health Systems, Inc. *

    14,302       48,341  

HealthEquity, Inc. *

    1,801       121,658  

National HealthCare Corp.

    3,006       198,246  

Pediatrix Medical Group, Inc. *

    21,376       302,043  

RadNet, Inc. *

    26,130       873,003  

Surgery Partners, Inc. *

    22,671       822,050  

The Ensign Group, Inc.

    2,982       298,856  

The Pennant Group, Inc. *

    3,933       47,117  

US Physical Therapy, Inc.

    2,284       230,296  
              4,440,586  

Home Builders — 1.4%

               

Beazer Homes USA, Inc. *

    18,330       537,252  

Cavco Industries, Inc. *

    624       174,421  

Century Communities, Inc.

    19,979       1,483,441  

Installed Building Products, Inc.

    18,181       2,631,336  

LCI Industries

    2,012       252,063  

LGI Homes, Inc. *

    2,657       327,077  

M/I Homes, Inc. *

    5,874       576,709  

MDC Holdings, Inc.

    4,389       208,258  

Winnebago Industries, Inc.

    5,231       339,230  
              6,529,787  

Home Furnishings — 0.7%

               

Arhaus, Inc. *

    84,119       832,778  

Ethan Allen Interiors, Inc.

    3,342       104,872  

Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Co. - Class A

    130,070       1,525,721  

iRobot Corp. *

    747       29,051  

Sleep Number Corp. *

    2,991       76,510  

Universal Electronics, Inc. *

    96,700       860,630  
              3,429,562  

Household Products/Wares — 0.1%

       

Central Garden & Pet Co. *

    1,215       53,630  

Quanex Building Products Corp.

    1,957       52,800  

WD-40 Co.

    1,574       338,205  
              444,635  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
9

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Housewares — 0.3%

               

Lifetime Brands, Inc.

    204,693     $ 1,287,519  

Insurance — 2.5%

               

American Equity Investment Life Holding Co. *

    22,842       1,226,159  

Argo Group International Holdings Ltd.

    2,322       69,080  

Axis Capital Holdings Ltd.

    28,540       1,565,704  

Donegal Group, Inc. - Class A

    2,108       30,798  

Employers Holdings, Inc.

    3,627       142,287  

Genworth Financial, Inc. - Class A *

    281,044       1,627,245  

HCI Group, Inc.

    2,200       117,216  

Heritage Insurance Holdings, Inc. *

    314,200       1,668,402  

NMI Holdings, Inc. - Class A *

    39,935       1,142,940  

RLI Corp.

    1,478       194,387  

Safety Insurance Group, Inc.

    1,668       114,875  

Selective Insurance Group, Inc.

    3,866       383,546  

Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc. *

    20,636       501,867  

Stewart Information Services Corp.

    2,200       101,904  

Trupanion, Inc. *

    4,150       123,379  

White Mountains Insurance Group Ltd.

    1,918       3,047,107  
              12,056,896  

Internet — 2.1%

               

Cogent Communications Holdings, Inc.

    1,297       91,542  

Couchbase, Inc. *

    17,560       300,276  

ePlus, Inc. *

    28,833       1,913,935  

Eventbrite, Inc. - Class A *

    77,791       788,023  

Gambling.com Group Ltd. *

    46,822       663,936  

HealthStream, Inc.

    4,636       97,495  

Magnite, Inc. *

    53,178       438,718  

Overstock.com, Inc. *

    8,923       232,980  

Perion Network Ltd. *

    41,003       1,360,890  

QuinStreet, Inc. *

    5,337       52,836  

Roku, Inc. *

    7,040       571,648  

Sprinklr, Inc. - Class A *

    46,600       705,058  

TechTarget, Inc. *

    1,635       47,006  

TripAdvisor, Inc. *

    62,975       951,552  

Upwork, Inc. *

    49,226       729,037  

Yelp, Inc. *

    24,179       1,036,070  
              9,981,002  

Investment Companies — 0.3%

               

Cannae Holdings, Inc. *

    74,291       1,458,332  

Iron/Steel — 0.6%

               

ATI, Inc. *

    52,244       2,368,221  

Carpenter Technology Corp.

    11,908       745,798  
              3,114,019  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Leisure Time — 1.0%

               

Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. *

    64,496     $ 583,689  

OneSpaWorld Holdings Ltd. *

    193,174       2,209,911  

Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp. *

    4,678       81,584  

Vista Outdoor, Inc. *

    14,337       419,357  

Xponential Fitness, Inc. - Class A *

    68,431       1,482,216  
              4,776,757  

Lodging — 0.1%

               

Boyd Gaming Corp.

    4,776       319,371  

Machinery-Construction & Mining — 0.5%

       

Argan, Inc.

    23,593       1,002,231  

Astec Industries, Inc.

    3,361       184,250  

Bloom Energy Corp. - Class A *

    19,552       293,084  

BWX Technologies, Inc.

    15,876       1,171,014  
              2,650,579  

Machinery-Diversified — 1.3%

               

Albany International Corp. - Class A

    1,126       104,403  

Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc.

    6,142       948,141  

Chart Industries, Inc. *

    3,219       581,287  

Flowserve Corp.

    17,811       704,781  

Lindsay Corp.

    4,205       521,840  

Tennant Co.

    2,414       198,986  

The Toro Co.

    5,348       547,207  

Twin Disc, Inc. *

    185,495       2,680,403  
              6,287,048  

Media — 0.6%

               

AMC Networks, Inc. - Class A *

    16,970       197,531  

Cable One, Inc.

    1,593       1,036,358  

DISH Network Corp. - Class A *

    35,489       212,934  

Gray Television, Inc.

    20,426       164,633  

iHeartMedia, Inc. - Class A *

    8,916       32,187  

Liberty Latin America Ltd. - Class C *

    44,088       395,028  

Scholastic Corp.

    3,196       138,866  

Sinclair, Inc.

    11,299       142,593  

The EW Scripps Co. - Class A *

    7,317       55,902  

WideOpenWest, Inc. *

    39,886       323,077  
              2,699,109  

Metal Fabricate/Hardware — 1.3%

       

Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc.

    2,605       333,857  

AZZ, Inc.

    1,964       96,432  

Mueller Industries, Inc.

    5,975       461,031  

NN, Inc. *

    179,350       380,222  

Northwest Pipe Co. *

    86,990       2,878,499  

Proto Labs, Inc. *

    2,865       84,517  

Standex International Corp.

    1,485       228,141  

Strattec Security Corp. *

    66,980       1,574,030  
              6,036,729  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
10

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Mining — 0.3%

               

Century Aluminum Co. *

    18,637     $ 138,659  

Kaiser Aluminum Corp.

    1,215       92,243  

Uranium Energy Corp. *

    248,506       1,073,546  
              1,304,448  

Miscellaneous Manufacturing — 1.3%

       

Axon Enterprise, Inc. *

    5,340       1,136,939  

EnPro Industries, Inc.

    4,961       676,631  

Fabrinet *

    7,444       1,196,772  

Federal Signal Corp.

    28,443       1,733,601  

John Bean Technologies Corp.

    2,493       274,006  

Materion Corp.

    2,877       312,989  

Myers Industries, Inc.

    2,441       45,915  

Park Aerospace Corp.

    58,133       792,353  

Sturm Ruger & Co., Inc.

    968       49,929  
              6,219,135  

Office Furnishings — 0.0%

               

Interface, Inc.

    11,644       120,283  

Office/Business Equipment — 0.0%

       

Pitney Bowes, Inc.

    13,705       45,089  

Xerox Holdings Corp.

    5,649       89,763  
              134,852  

Oil & Gas — 2.2%

               

Chevron Corp.

    10,039       1,617,283  

Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc. *

    66,470       988,409  

Evolution Petroleum Corp.

    60,009       507,676  

Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

    4,567       182,634  

Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc.

    112,890       1,596,265  

PBF Energy, Inc. - Class A

    5,245       245,938  

Permian Resources Corp.

    128,986       1,829,021  

Range Resources Corp.

    29,237       946,694  

SM Energy Co.

    36,792       1,556,670  

Southwestern Energy Co. *

    112,602       763,442  

Talos Energy, Inc. *

    23,929       412,057  
              10,646,089  

Oil & Gas Services — 2.2%

               

DMC Global, Inc. *

    64,520       1,549,771  

Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. *

    41,891       424,775  

Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. *

    200,570       2,178,190  

NOW, Inc. *

    52,743       589,139  

Oceaneering International, Inc. *

    91,413       2,083,302  

Profire Energy, Inc. *

    570,090       1,527,841  

TechnipFMC PLC

    49,294       938,558  

Tidewater, Inc. *

    18,108       1,177,563  
              10,469,139  

Packaging & Containers — 0.2%

       

Clearwater Paper Corp. *

    2,737       104,800  

O-I Glass, Inc. *

    6,528       129,646  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Packaging & Containers — (Continued)

       

TriMas Corp.

    35,375     $ 926,825  
              1,161,271  

Pharmaceuticals — 2.4%

               

ACELYRIN, Inc. *

    47,896       1,213,206  

AdaptHealth Corp. *

    3,924       46,813  

Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. *

    6,771       360,962  

Arvinas, Inc. *

    2,030       57,266  

Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc. *

    2,619       61,337  

Corcept Therapeutics, Inc. *

    3,332       109,056  

Harrow Health, Inc. *

    38,548       584,773  

Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc. - Class A *

    29,813       262,354  

KalVista Pharmaceuticals Inc. *

    39,035       423,530  

Merus NV *

    46,256       1,034,747  

Morphic Holding, Inc. *

    22,058       1,214,955  

Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc. *

    73,010       1,227,298  

Option Care Health, Inc. *

    19,347       673,856  

Owens & Minor, Inc. *

    3,772       63,747  

PetIQ, Inc. *

    22,704       433,192  

PMV Pharmaceuticals, Inc. *

    6,208       44,822  

Premier, Inc. - Class A

    13,424       289,019  

Prestige Consumer Healthcare, Inc. *

    3,474       202,639  

Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc. *

    16,807       437,150  

USANA Health Sciences, Inc. *

    4,924       316,564  

Vaxcyte, Inc. *

    45,926       2,384,478  
              11,441,764  

Real Estate — 0.7%

               

Anywhere Real Estate, Inc. *

    8,654       56,770  

McGrath RentCorp

    28,383       2,869,521  

Newmark Group, Inc. - Class A

    36,036       255,495  

RE/MAX Holdings, Inc. - Class A

    6,802       110,193  
              3,291,979  

REITS — 2.3%

               

Agree Realty Corp.

    1,641       101,447  

Alexander & Baldwin, Inc.

    8,102       145,917  

Alexander’s, Inc.

    283       54,265  

Alpine Income Property Trust, Inc.

    106,224       1,847,235  

Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc.

    44,054       481,070  

CareTrust REIT, Inc.

    7,113       143,327  

Chatham Lodging Trust

    17,141       167,639  

Community Healthcare Trust, Inc.

    2,769       91,903  

CTO Realty Growth, Inc.

    8,096       142,652  

DiamondRock Hospitality Co.

    13,130       105,828  

EastGroup Properties, Inc.

    2,590       465,242  

Four Corners Property Trust, Inc.

    2,959       74,448  

Getty Realty Corp.

    5,173       155,293  

Gladstone Commercial Corp.

    5,797       76,231  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
11

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

REITS — (Continued)

Global Medical REIT, Inc.

    184,131     $ 1,782,388  

Great Ajax Corp.

    13,680       92,340  

Invesco Mortgage Capital, Inc.

    7,714       86,782  

Kite Realty Group Trust

    7,450       168,147  

LTC Properties, Inc.

    992       32,597  

LXP Industrial Trust

    12,112       118,940  

New York Mortgage Trust, Inc.

    45,897       436,939  

NexPoint Residential Trust, Inc.

    3,538       132,852  

Office Properties Income Trust

    60,668       448,943  

Orion Office REIT, Inc.

    11,353       66,188  

Outfront Media, Inc.

    10,018       113,704  

PennyMac Mortgage Investment Trust

    24,404       327,258  

Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. - Class A

    53,741       369,201  

PotlatchDeltic Corp.

    1,462       69,094  

Ready Capital Corp.

    11,162       121,889  

Redwood Trust, Inc.

    77,920       624,139  

Regency Centers Corp.

    2,758       171,548  

Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.

    28,261       380,393  

Saul Centers, Inc.

    3,903       146,597  

Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc.

    33,410       776,782  

The Necessity Retail REIT, Inc.

    9,297       69,727  

Uniti Group, Inc.

    19,358       103,952  

Universal Health Realty Income Trust

    2,538       118,347  

Veris Residential, Inc. *

    4,496       83,671  

Whitestone REIT

    14,111       141,110  
              11,036,025  

Retail — 6.8%

               

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. - Class A *

    24,001       1,290,054  

Advance Auto Parts, Inc.

    8,394       577,675  

Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. *

    5,331       1,226,130  

BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. *

    7,047       207,252  

BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. *

    38,316       2,582,115  

Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.

    20,453       573,911  

Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. *

    5,509       505,451  

Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.

    136,180       3,591,067  

Casey’s General Stores, Inc.

    1,888       461,446  

Chuy’s Holdings, Inc. *

    3,285       125,158  

Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc. *

    17,306       679,607  

Designer Brands, Inc. - Class A

    5,265       55,335  

Destination XL Group, Inc. *

    493,740       2,251,454  

Dine Brands Global, Inc.

    1,134       62,121  

First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc. *

    42,826       818,833  

FirstCash Holdings, Inc.

    2,930       261,708  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Retail — (Continued)

               

Five Below, Inc. *

    6,624     $ 1,139,063  

Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc. - Class A *

    4,766       475,170  

Foot Locker, Inc.

    2,828       55,485  

Freshpet, Inc. *

    8,643       652,633  

Genesco, Inc. *

    3,278       112,370  

GMS, Inc. *

    16,785       1,163,872  

Group 1 Automotive, Inc.

    2,270       600,233  

Guess?, Inc.

    12,246       294,639  

Hibbett Sports, Inc.

    1,413       65,436  

Kura Sushi USA, Inc. - Class A *

    19,943       1,742,420  

Leslie’s, Inc. *

    92,252       577,497  

Lithia Motors, Inc.

    382       117,664  

MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. - Class A

    8,736       891,596  

Murphy USA, Inc.

    5,145       1,634,258  

Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. - Class A

    2,464       58,865  

Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Holdings, Inc. *

    9,458       729,023  

Papa John’s International, Inc.

    8,292       627,704  

PriceSmart Inc

    1,079       85,759  

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. *

    139,480       1,446,408  

RH *

    2,399       876,091  

Shoe Carnival, Inc.

    6,304       145,811  

Signet Jewelers Ltd.

    5,100       382,500  

Texas Roadhouse, Inc.

    8,864       922,742  

The Buckle, Inc.

    2,951       107,830  

The ODP Corp. *

    1,590       78,419  

Tilly’s, Inc. - Class A *

    204,870       1,841,781  

Wingstop, Inc.

    3,328       534,610  

Zumiez, Inc. *

    3,290       62,477  
              32,691,673  

Savings & Loans — 1.2%

               

Axos Financial, Inc. *

    3,461       149,134  

Banc of California, Inc.

    5,748       72,022  

Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc.

    17,583       367,485  

Brookline Bancorp, Inc.

    4,100       39,237  

Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.

    63,570       803,525  

Flushing Financial Corp.

    4,361       61,577  

FS Bancorp, Inc.

    81,184       2,407,106  

New York Community Bancorp, Inc.

    8,845       108,617  

Northfield Bancorp, Inc.

    4,651       49,022  

Northwest Bancshares, Inc.

    5,826       64,086  

Pacific Premier Bancorp, Inc.

    8,033       184,920  

Provident Financial Services, Inc.

    10,750       177,160  

Riverview Bancorp, Inc.

    242,220       1,433,942  
              5,917,833  

Semiconductors — 4.1%

               

ACM Research, Inc. - Class A *

    62,880       1,104,173  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
12

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Semiconductors — (Continued)

Aehr Test Systems *

    69,377     $ 3,538,921  

Amtech Systems, Inc. *

    251,750       2,160,015  

Axcelis Technologies, Inc. *

    13,846       2,660,509  

AXT, Inc. *

    1,250       3,250  

Cirrus Logic, Inc. *

    3,525       289,191  

FormFactor, Inc. *

    7,775       274,613  

inTEST Corp. *

    72,730       1,274,229  

Kulicke & Soffa Industries, Inc.

    6,419       332,055  

Lattice Semiconductor Corp. *

    8,903       865,906  

MKS Instruments, Inc.

    1,371       137,415  

Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.

    1,952       1,017,402  

Onto Innovation, Inc. *

    6,554       910,875  

Photronics, Inc. *

    53,465       1,270,328  

Power Integrations, Inc.

    13,577       1,140,739  

Semtech Corp. *

    5,218       136,451  

Silicon Laboratories, Inc. *

    2,886       389,206  

SiTime Corp. *

    3,656       485,115  

SkyWater Technology, Inc. *

    53,513       358,537  

SMART Global Holdings, Inc. *

    46,669       1,205,460  

Veeco Instruments, Inc. *

    3,472       101,348  
              19,655,738  

Software — 4.4%

               

ACI Worldwide, Inc. *

    49,949       1,212,762  

ACV Auctions, Inc. - Class A *

    61,171       1,028,284  

Agilysys, Inc. *

    20,992       1,480,881  

Alignment Healthcare, Inc. *

    8,930       52,151  

Apollo Medical Holdings, Inc. *

    1,446       54,745  

Appfolio, Inc. - Class A *

    3,395       654,454  

Asure Software, Inc. *

    156,530       1,962,886  

Bandwidth, Inc. - Class A *

    3,488       50,123  

Blackbaud, Inc. *

    799       60,812  

BlackLine, Inc. *

    11,327       680,300  

Cerence, Inc. *

    2,519       65,746  

Computer Programs and Systems, Inc. *

    37,144       604,333  

Concentrix Corp.

    830       66,259  

Confluent, Inc. - Class A *

    15,363       508,362  

CSG Systems International, Inc.

    2,981       161,898  

Digi International, Inc. *

    39,987       1,334,766  

DoubleVerify Holdings, Inc. *

    15,553       525,847  

Doximity, Inc. - Class A *

    9,358       223,095  

Duolingo, Inc. *

    2,378       349,946  

Fastly, Inc. - Class A *

    89,831       2,137,079  

Five9, Inc. *

    5,522       399,627  

Gitlab, Inc. - Class A*

    18,041       854,602  

Global-e Online Ltd. *

    15,673       621,121  

Health Catalyst, Inc. *

    4,416       51,623  

JFrog Ltd. *

    21,305       611,240  

LivePerson, Inc. *

    11,834       49,703  

PDF Solutions, Inc. *

    15,333       557,201  

Phreesia, Inc. *

    19,604       558,126  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Software — (Continued)

               

Privia Health Group, Inc. *

    28,057     $ 736,496  

Procore Technologies, Inc. *

    7,703       520,338  

Progress Software Corp.

    5,306       322,817  

Rackspace Technology, Inc. *

    19,364       48,410  

Simulations Plus, Inc.

    1,175       52,276  

Smartsheet, Inc. - Class A *

    13,316       555,677  

SPS Commerce, Inc. *

    800       148,904  

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. *

    3,504       498,269  

Verra Mobility Corp. *

    21,157       376,383  

Vertex, Inc. - Class A *

    32,461       726,802  

Yext, Inc. *

    63,385       555,253  
              21,459,597  

Telecommunications — 0.8%

               

Aviat Networks, Inc. *

    6,616       233,148  

Calix, Inc. *

    18,389       855,273  

CommScope Holding Co., Inc. *

    13,444       44,903  

Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd. *

    35,291       580,890  

Extreme Networks, Inc. *

    27,445       753,365  

IDT Corp. - Class B *

    3,111       72,735  

InterDigital, Inc.

    869       75,351  

Iridium Communications, Inc.

    9,628       471,291  

Lumen Technologies, Inc.

    83,765       133,186  

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.

    10,347       222,357  

United States Cellular Corp. *

    8,331       382,143  

Viavi Solutions, Inc. *

    23,640       247,038  
              4,071,680  

Textiles — 0.5%

               

UniFirst Corp.

    12,397       2,183,484  

Toys/Games/Hobbies — 0.1%

               

Funko, Inc. - Class A *

    7,565       52,728  

JAKKS Pacific, Inc. *

    24,460       481,373  
              534,101  

Transportation — 1.5%

               

Air Transport Services Group, Inc. *

    105,895       2,283,096  

ArcBest Corp.

    7,779       821,385  

CryoPort, Inc. *

    3,431       48,377  

Forward Air Corp.

    6,038       427,611  

Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings, Inc. - Class A

    1,873       102,678  

Marten Transport Ltd.

    7,327       153,867  

PAM Transportation Services, Inc. *

    41,286       952,055  

Saia, Inc. *

    4,008       1,708,210  

Scorpio Tankers, Inc.

    4,242       214,263  

World Kinect Corp.

    20,029       438,635  
              7,150,177  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
13

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Concluded)

August 31, 2023

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Water — 0.1%

               

American States Water Co.

    1,758     $ 148,041  

California Water Service Group

    1,969       98,942  

The York Water Co.

    1,229       50,070  
              297,053  

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS

               

(COST $323,023,602)

            448,298,749  

               

 

 
*Non-income producing security.

 

 

Security has been valued at fair market value using significant unobservable inputs as determined in good faith by the Adviser, as valuation designee, under the oversight of The RBB Fund, Inc.’s Board of Directors. As of August 31, 2023, these securities amounted to $0 or 0.0% of net assets.

 

 

(a)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2023.

 

 

ADR

American Depositary Receipt

 

 

PLC

Public Limited Company

 

 

REIT

Real Estate Investment Trust

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
14

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


STATEMENT of Assets and Liabilities

August 31, 2023

 

ASSETS

       

Investments, at value (cost $323,023,602)

  $ 448,298,749  

Short-term investments, at value (cost $34,332,416)

    34,332,416  

Receivables for:

       

Investments sold

    326,889  

Dividends

    354,814  

Capital shares sold

    103,533  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

    36,885  

Total assets

    483,453,286  
         

LIABILITIES

       

Payables for:

       

Investments purchased

    626,940  

Sub-advisory fees

    264,854  

Other accrued expenses and liabilities

    121,392  

Total liabilities

    1,013,186  

Net assets

  $ 482,440,100  
         

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

       

Par value

  $ 31,625  

Paid-in capital

    364,712,187  

Total distributable earnings/(loss)

    117,696,288  

Net assets

  $ 482,440,100  
         

CAPITAL SHARES:

       

Net Assets

    482,440,100  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    31,624,551  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

  $ 15.26  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
15

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Statement of Operations

FOR THE Year ENDED August 31, 2023

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

       

Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $6,425)

  $ 5,947,396  

Total investment income

    5,947,396  
         

EXPENSES

       

Sub-advisory fees (Note 2)

    3,097,525  

Administration and accounting services fees (Note 2)

    159,281  

Officer fees

    51,733  

Legal fees

    47,607  

Transfer agent fees (Note 2)

    46,163  

Director fees

    43,735  

Custodian fees (Note 2)

    41,345  

Registration and filing fees

    39,392  

Audit fees and tax services

    33,919  

Printing and shareholder reporting fees

    5,416  

Other expenses

    108,991  

Total expenses

    3,675,107  

Net investment income/(loss)

    2,272,289  
         

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS

       

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    (1,023,542 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    27,357,651  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    26,334,109  

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 28,606,398  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
16

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2023

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2022

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 2,272,289     $ 462,143  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    (1,023,542 )     7,961,046  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    27,357,651       (94,979,643 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    28,606,398       (86,556,454 )
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (1,462,252 )     (105,103,713 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (1,462,252 )     (105,103,713 )
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    48,697,828       47,018,138  

Reinvestment of distributions

    1,335,449       86,226,516  

Shares redeemed

    (36,215,013 )     (36,283,870 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from capital share transactions

    13,818,264       96,960,784  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    40,962,410       (94,699,383 )
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

  $ 441,477,690       536,177,073  

End of period

  $ 482,440,100     $ 441,477,690  
                 

SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Shares sold

    3,378,762       2,989,240  

Shares reinvested

    93,193       4,890,897  

Shares redeemed

    (2,526,832 )     (2,172,006 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares

    945,123       5,708,131  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
17

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2023

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2022

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2021

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2020

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2019

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 14.39     $ 21.47     $ 13.73     $ 12.89     $ 16.76  

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    0.07       0.02       (0.03 )     (0.01 )     (0.01 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    0.85       (2.88 )     7.99       1.33       (1.99 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    0.92       (2.86 )     7.96       1.32       (2.00 )

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

    (0.05 )                        

Net realized capital gains

          (4.22 )     (0.22 )     (0.48 )     (1.87 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.05 )     (4.22 )     (0.22 )     (0.48 )     (1.87 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 15.26     $ 14.39     $ 21.47     $ 13.73     $ 12.89  

Total investment return/(loss)(2)

    6.40 %     (16.93 )%     58.41 %     10.47 %     (11.16 )%
                                         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 482,440     $ 441,478     $ 536,177     $ 361,442     $ 291,859  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

    0.82 %     0.84 %     0.84 %     0.90 %     0.93 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    0.50 %     0.10 %     (0.18 )%     (0.08 )%     (0.08 )%

Portfolio turnover rate

    56 %     56 %     75 %     101 %     80 %

 

 

(1)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.

 

(2)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
18

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

August 31, 2023

 

1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

 

The RBB Fund, Inc. (“RBB” or the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland on February 29, 1988 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. RBB is a “series fund,” which is a mutual fund complex divided into separate portfolios. Each portfolio is treated as a separate entity for certain matters under the 1940 Act, and for other purposes, and a shareholder of one portfolio is not deemed to be a shareholder of any other portfolio. Currently, RBB has fifty-three separate investment portfolios, including the Adara Smaller Companies Fund (the “Fund”), which commenced investment operations on October 21, 2014.

 

RBB has authorized capital of one hundred billion shares of common stock of which 91.523 billion shares are currently classified into two hundred and twenty-two classes of common stock. Each class represents an interest in an active or inactive RBB investment portfolio.

 

The Fund’s investment objective seeks capital appreciation.

 

The Fund is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 “Financial Services - Investment Companies”.

 

The end of the reporting period for the Fund is August 31, 2023, and the period covered by these Notes to Financial Statements is the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023 (the “current fiscal period”).

 

PORTFOLIO VALUATION – The Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. Securities held by the Fund are valued using the closing price or the last sale price on a national securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System (“NASDAQ”) market system where they are primarily traded. Equity securities traded in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market are valued at their closing prices. If there were no transactions on that day, securities traded principally on an exchange or on NASDAQ will be valued at the mean of the last bid and ask prices prior to the market close. Fixed income securities are valued using an independent pricing service, which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings, and are deemed representative of market values at the close of the market. Investments in Exchange-Traded Funds (“ETFs”) are valued at their last reported sale price. Foreign securities are valued based on prices from the primary market in which they are traded, and are translated from the local currency into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates. Investments in other open-end investment companies, if any, are valued based on the NAV of those investment companies (which may use fair value pricing as disclosed in their prospectuses). If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable, securities will be valued by the Adviser, as Valuation Designee, in accordance with procedures adopted by Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). Relying on prices supplied by pricing services or dealers or using fair valuation may result in values that are higher or lower than the values used by other investment companies and investors to price the same investments.    

 

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS – The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the Fund’s investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:

 

 

● Level 1 —

Prices are determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.

 

 

● Level 2 —

Prices are determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

 

● Level 3 —

Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

 

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

19

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

August 31, 2023

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used, as of the end of the current fiscal period, in valuing the Fund’s investments carried at fair value:

 

   

Total

   

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

 

Common Stocks

  $ 448,298,749     $ 448,298,749     $     $ **

Short-Term Investments

    34,332,416       34,332,416              

Total Investments*

  $ 482,631,165     $ 482,631,165     $     $  

 

*

Please refer to Portfolio of Investments for further details.

 

**

Value equals zero as of the end of the reporting period.

 

At the end of each quarter, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities. Various factors are considered, such as changes in liquidity from the prior reporting period; whether or not a broker is willing to execute at the quoted price; the depth and consistency of prices from third party pricing services; and the existence of contemporaneous, observable trades in the market. Additionally, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities on a quarterly basis for changes in listings or delistings on national exchanges.

 

Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Fund’s investments may fluctuate from period to period. Additionally, the fair value of investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for such investments and may differ materially from the values the Fund may ultimately realize. Further, such investments may be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities.

 

For fair valuations using significant unobservable inputs, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires the Fund to present a reconciliation of the beginning to ending balances for reported market values that presents changes attributable to total realized and unrealized gains or losses, purchase and sales, and transfers in and out of Level 3 during the period. Transfers in and out between levels are based on values at the end of the period. A reconciliation of Level 3 investments is presented only when the Fund had an amount of Level 3 investments at the end of the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets. The amounts and reasons for Level 3 transfers are disclosed if the Fund had an amount of total Level 3 transfers during the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets as of the end of the reporting period.

 

During the current fiscal period, the Fund had no significant Level 3 transfers.

 

REITS — The Fund has made certain investments in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) which pay dividends to their shareholders based upon available funds from operations. It is quite common for these dividends to exceed the REITs’ taxable earnings and profits resulting in the excess portion being designated as a return of capital. The Fund intends to include the gross dividends from such REITs in its annual distributions to shareholders and, accordingly, a portion of the Fund’s distributions may also be designated as a return of capital.

 

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 and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences could be significant.

 

INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS, INVESTMENT INCOME AND EXPENSES — The Fund records security transactions based on trade date for financial reporting purposes. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method for both financial reporting and income tax purposes in determining realized gains and losses on investments. Interest income (including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts) is accrued when earned. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. The Fund’s investment income, expenses (other than class specific expenses) and unrealized and realized gains and losses are

 

20

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

August 31, 2023

 

allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class at the beginning of the day. Certain expenses are shared with The RBB Fund Trust (the “Trust”), a series trust of affiliated funds. Expenses incurred on behalf of a specific class, fund or fund family of the Company or Trust are charged directly to the class, fund or fund family (in proportion to net assets). Expenses incurred for all funds (such as director or professional fees) are charged to all funds in proportion to their average net assets of RBB and the Trust, or in such other manner as the Board deems fair or equitable. Expenses and fees, including investment advisory and administration fees, are accrued daily and taken into account for the purpose of determining the NAV of the Fund.

 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS — Dividends from net investment income and distributions from net realized capital gains (including net short-term capital gains), if any, are declared and paid at least annually to shareholders recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income dividends and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

 

U.S. TAX STATUS — No provision is made for U.S. income taxes as it is the Fund’s intention to continue to qualify for and elect the tax treatment applicable to regulated investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and make the requisite distributions to its shareholders which will be sufficient to relieve it from U.S. income and excise taxes.

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates market value.

 

OTHER — In the normal course of business, the Fund may enter into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on claims that may be made against the Fund in the future, and, therefore, cannot be estimated; however, the Fund expects the risk of material loss from such claims to be remote.

 

2. Investment Adviser and Other Services

 

Altair Advisers, LLC (“Altair” or the “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. Aperio Group, LLC, Driehaus Capital Management, LLC, Pacific Ridge Capital Partners, LLC, Pier Capital, LLC and River Road Asset Management, LLC each serve as an investment sub-adviser (“Sub-Adviser”) to the Fund.

 

The Fund is managed by the Adviser and one or more Sub-Advisers unaffiliated with the Adviser. The Adviser also has the ultimate responsibility to oversee the Sub-Advisers, and to recommend their hiring, termination and replacement, subject to approval by the Board. The Adviser has an investment team that is jointly responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund. The Sub-Advisers provide investment advisory services to the portion of the Fund’s portfolio allocated to them by the Adviser. The Adviser and the Company on behalf of the Fund have entered into sub-advisory agreements with the Sub-Advisers to manage the Fund, subject to supervision of the Adviser and the Board, and in accordance with the investment objective and restrictions of the Fund. The Fund compensates the Sub-Advisers for their services at an annual rate based on the Fund’s sub-advised average daily net assets (the “Sub-Advisory Fee”), not to exceed 1.00%, payable on a monthly basis in arrears.

 

During the current fiscal period, collectively, sub-advisory fees accrued were $3,097,525, or the rate of 0.69%.

 

The Fund is currently only available to clients of the Adviser and to other investors at the Fund’s discretion. The Adviser does not receive a separate management fee from the Fund. However, pursuant to the Fund’s investment advisory agreement with the Adviser, the Adviser is entitled to receive reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses it incurs in connection with its compliance monitoring of Fund trading, up to 0.01% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. During the current fiscal period, the Adviser received $57,785.

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (“Fund Services”), serves as administrator for the Fund. For providing administrative and accounting services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

21

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

August 31, 2023

 

Fund Services serves as the Fund’s transfer and dividend disbursing agent. For providing transfer agent services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

U.S. Bank, N.A. (the “Custodian”) provides certain custodial services to the Fund. The Custodian is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Quasar Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of Foreside Financial Group, LLC, serves as the principal underwriter and distributor of the Fund’s shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with RBB.

 

For compensation amounts paid to Fund Services and the Custodian, please refer to the Statement of Operations.

 

3. Director and Officer Compensation

 

The Directors of the Company receive an annual retainer and meeting fees for meetings attended. An employee of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serves as Chief Compliance Officer of the Company. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company. Employees of RBB serve as President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Secretary and Director of Marketing & Business Development of the Company. They are compensated by the Company for services provided. Certain employees of Fund Services serve as officers of the Company. They are not compensated by the Fund or the Company. For Director and Officer compensation amounts, please refer to the Statement of Operations.

 

4. Purchases and Sales of Investment Securities

 

During the current fiscal period, aggregate purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) of the Fund were as follows:

 

PURCHASES

SALES

$260,649,481

$232,770,819

 

There were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. Government securities during the current fiscal period.

 

5. Federal Income Tax Information

 

The Fund has followed the authoritative guidance on accounting for and disclosure of uncertainty in tax positions, which requires the Fund to determine whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The Fund has determined that there was no effect on the financial statements from following this authoritative guidance. In the normal course of business, the Fund is subject to examination by federal, state and local jurisdictions, where applicable, for tax years for which applicable statutes of limitations have not expired.

 

As of August 31, 2023, the federal tax cost and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments held by the Fund were as follows:

 

FEDERAL
TAX COST

UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION

UNREALIZED
(DEPRECIATION)

Net Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

$360,325,203

$148,618,109

$(26,222,147)

$122,395,962

 

Distributions to shareholders, if any, from net investment income and realized gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from net investment income and realized gains recognized for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the character of distributions and composition of net assets for tax purposes

 

22

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

August 31, 2023

 

may differ from those reflected in the accompanying financial statements. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on the tax treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.

 

As of August 31, 2023, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

UNDISTRIBUTED
ORDINARY
INCOME

UNDISTRIBUTED
LONG-TERM
CAPITAL GAINS

CAPITAL LOSS
CARRYFORWARDS

NET UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION/
(DEPRECIATION)

QUALIFIED
LATE-YEAR
LOSSES

$1,351,664

$—

$(6,051,338)

$122,395,962

$—

 

The differences between the book and tax basis components of distributable earnings relate primarily to the timing of recognition of income and gains for federal income tax purposes. Short-term and foreign currency gains, if applicable, are reported as ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.

 

The tax character of dividends and distributions paid during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2023 and August 31, 2022 was as follows:

 

   

ORDINARY
INCOME

   

LONG-TERM
GAINS

   

TOTAL

 

2023

  $ 1,462,252     $     $ 1,462,252  

2022

  $ 40,918,809     $ 64,184,904     $ 105,103,713  

 

Pursuant to federal income tax rules applicable to regulated investment companies, the Fund may elect to treat certain capital losses between November 1 and August 31 and late year ordinary losses ((i) ordinary losses between January 1 and August 31, and (ii) specified ordinary and currency losses between November 1 and August 31) as occurring on the first day of the following tax year. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, any amount of losses elected within the tax return will not be recognized for federal income tax purposes until September 1, 2023.

 

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010, the Fund is permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 for an unlimited period. Additionally, capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses rather than being considered all short-term as under the previous law. As of August 31, 2023, the Fund had short-term capital loss carryforwards of $6,051,338.

 

6. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS AND REGULATORY UPDATES

 

In June 2022, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2022-03, which amends Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions (“ASU 2022-03”). ASU 2022-03 clarifies guidance for fair value measurement of an equity security subject to a contractual sale restriction and establishes new disclosure requirements for such equity securities. ASU 2022-03 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of these amendments on the financial statements.

 

In October 2022, the SEC adopted a final rule relating to tailored shareholder reports for mutual funds and exchange-traded funds and fee information in investment company advertisements. The rule and form amendments will, among other things, require the Fund to transmit concise and visually engaging shareholder reports that highlight key information. The amendments will require that funds tag information in a structured data format and that certain more in-depth information be made available online and available for delivery free of charge to investors on request. The amendments became effective January 24, 2023. There is an 18-month transition period after the effective date of the amendments until the Fund is required to comply.

 

23

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONCLUDED)

August 31, 2023

 

In December 2022, the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2022-06, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) – Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848 (“ASU 2022-06”). ASU 2022-06 is an amendment to ASU 2020-04, which provided optional guidance to ease the potential accounting burden due to the discontinuation of the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate and other interbank-offered based reference rates and which was effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. ASU 2022-06 extends the effective period through December 31, 2024. Management is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of applying ASU 2022-06.

 

7. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Fund through the date the financial statements were issued, and has determined that there were no subsequent events.

 

24

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. and Shareholders of Adara Smaller Companies Fund

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the portfolio of investments, of Adara Smaller Companies Fund (one of the funds constituting The RBB Fund, Inc., hereafter referred to as the “Fund”) as of August 31, 2023, the related statement of operations for the year ended August 31, 2023, the statement of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 2023, including the related notes, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended August 31, 2023 (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of August 31, 2023, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 2023 and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended August 31, 2023 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 2023 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 


Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
October 24, 2023

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Altair Advisers, LLC investment companies since 2015.

 

25

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


SHAREHOLDER TAX INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

 

Certain tax information regarding the Fund is required to be provided to shareholders based upon the Fund’s income and distributions for the taxable period ended August 31, 2023. The information and distributions reported herein may differ from information and distributions taxable to the shareholders for the calendar year ending December 31, 2023. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, the following dividends and distributions were paid by the Fund:

 

Ordinary
income

long-term
gains

$1,462,252

$

 

Dividends from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income dividends for federal income tax purposes.

 

Under the Jobs and Growth Tax relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 the following percentages of ordinary dividends paid during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023 are designated as “qualified dividend income,” as defined in the Act, and are subject to reduced tax rates:

 

Adara Smaller Companies Fund

100%

 

The percentage of total ordinary income dividends paid qualifying for the corporate dividends received deduction for the Fund is as follows:

 

Adara Smaller Companies Fund

100%

 

The percentage of ordinary income distributions designated as qualified short-term gains pursuant to the American Job Creation Act of 2004 is as follows:

 

Adara Smaller Companies Fund

0%

 

Because the Fund’s fiscal year is not the calendar year, another notification will be sent with respect to calendar year 2023. The second notification, which will reflect the amount, if any, to be used by calendar year taxpayers on their U.S. federal income tax returns, will be made in conjunction with Form 1099-DIV and will be mailed in January 2024.

 

Foreign shareholders will generally be subject to U.S. withholding tax on the amount of their ordinary income dividends. They will generally not be entitled to a foreign tax credit or deduction for the withholding taxes paid by the Fund, if any.

 

In general, dividends received by tax-exempt recipients (e.g., IRAs and Keoghs) need not be reported as taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, some retirement trusts (e.g., corporate, Keogh and 403(b)(7) plans) may need this information for their annual information reporting.

 

Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the tax consequences of their investment in the Fund.

 

26

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Other Information (Unaudited)

 

Proxy Voting

 

Policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities as well as information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 are available without charge, upon request, by calling (844) 261-6482 and on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Quarterly Portfolio Schedules

 

The Company files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third fiscal quarters of each fiscal year (quarters ended November 30 and May 31) as an exhibit to its report on Form N-PORT. The Company’s Form N-PORT filings are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENTS

 

As required by the 1940 Act, the Board, including all of the Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Directors”), considered (1) the renewal of the investment advisory agreement between Altair and the Company (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”) on behalf of the Fund, and (2) the renewal of the sub-advisory agreements among Altair, the Company and each of Aperio Group, LLC, Driehaus Capital Management, LLC, Pacific Ridge Capital Partners, LLC, Pier Capital, LLC, and River Road Asset Management, LLC (collectively, the “Sub-Advisers”) (together, the “Sub-Advisory Agreements”), at a meeting of the Board held on May 16-17, 2023 (the “Meeting”). At the Meeting, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, approved the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreements for an additional one-year term. The Board’s decision to approve the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreements reflects the exercise of its business judgment to continue the existing arrangement. In approving the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreements, the Board considered information provided by Altair and each of the Sub-Advisers with the assistance and advice of counsel to the Independent Directors and the Company.

 

In considering the renewal and approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Company and Altair with respect to the Fund, and the Sub-Advisory Agreements among the Company, Altair and each Sub-Adviser with respect to the Fund, the Directors took into account all materials provided prior to and during the Meeting and at other meetings throughout the past year, the presentations made during the Meeting, and the discussions held during the Meeting. The Directors reviewed these materials with management of Altair, and discussed the aforementioned Agreements with counsel in executive sessions, at which no representatives of Altair or the Sub-Advisers were present. Among other things, the Directors considered (i) the nature, extent, and quality of services provided to the Fund by Altair and each Sub-Adviser; (ii) descriptions of the experience and qualifications of the personnel providing those services; (iii) Altair’s and the Sub-Advisers’ investment philosophies and processes; (iv) Altair’s and the Sub-Advisers’ assets under management and client descriptions; (v) Altair’s and the Sub-Advisers’ soft dollar commission and trade allocation policies, including information on the types of research and services obtained in connection with soft dollar commissions; (vi) Altair’s and the Sub-Advisers’ advisory fee arrangements and other similarly managed clients, as applicable; (vii) Altair’s and the Sub-Advisers’ compliance procedures; (viii) Altair’s and the Sub-Advisers’ financial information and insurance coverage, as applicable; (ix) the extent to which economies of scale are relevant to the Fund; (x) a report prepared by Fuse Research Network, LLC comparing the Fund’s management fees and total expense ratios to a group of mutual funds deemed comparable to the Fund based primarily on investment strategy similarity (“Peer Group”) and comparing the performance of the Fund to the performance of its Peer Group; and (xi) a report comparing the performance of the Fund to the performance of its benchmark.

 

As part of their review, the Directors considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by Altair and each Sub-Adviser. The Directors concluded that Altair and each Sub-Adviser had substantial resources to provide services to the Fund, and that Altair’s and the Sub-Advisers’ services had been acceptable.

 

27

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Other Information (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

The Directors also considered the investment performance of the Fund, noting that the Fund had outperformed its benchmark, the Russell 2000 Index, for the one-year, three-year, five-year, and seven-year periods ended March 31, 2023, and underperformed the benchmark for the three-month period ended March 31, 2023. The Directors considered the Fund’s investment performance in light of its investment objective and investment strategies. The Board noted that the Fund’s total return outperformed the median of its Peer Group for the three-year, five-year, and since-inception periods ended December 31, 2022, and underperformed the median of its Peer Group for the three-month and one-year periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

The Board also considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreements. In this regard, information on the fees paid by the Fund and the Fund’s total operating expense ratios were compared to similar information for mutual funds advised by other, unaffiliated investment advisory firms. The Directors noted that the Fund’s net advisory fee was at the median and in the 3rd quintile of its Peer Group and the Fund’s total net expenses were below the median and in the 1st quintile (least expensive) of its Peer Group. The Directors considered that the Fund does not pay a contractual management fee to Altair, but instead reimburses for out-of-pocket expenses in connection with its compliance monitoring of the Fund’s trading, up to 0.01% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. The Directors also considered the fees payable to each Sub-Adviser under the Sub-Advisory Agreement.

 

After reviewing the information regarding Altair’s and the Sub-Advisers’ costs, profitability and economies of scale, and after considering the services to be provided by Altair and the Sub-Advisers, the Directors concluded that the reimbursement to be made by the Fund to Altair and the sub-advisory fees to be paid to each Sub-Adviser were fair and reasonable and that the Investment Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreements should be approved and continued for an additional one-year period ending August 16, 2024.

 

LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

 

The Company has adopted and implemented a Liquidity Risk Management Program (the “Company Program”) as required by rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act. In accordance with the Company Program, the Adviser has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the “Adviser Program” and together with the Company Program, the “Programs”) on behalf of the Fund. The Programs seek to assess, manage and review the Fund’s Liquidity Risk. “Liquidity Risk” is defined as the risk that the Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of remaining investors’ interest in the Fund.

 

The Board has appointed Vigilant Compliance, LLC (“Vigilant”) as the program administrator for the Company Program and the Adviser as the program administrator for the Adviser Program. The Adviser has delegated oversight of the Adviser Program to its Compliance Committee, whose process of monitoring and determining the liquidity of the Fund’s investments is supported by one or more third-party vendors.

 

At meetings held during the current fiscal period, the Board and its Regulatory Oversight Committee received and reviewed a written report (the “Report”) of Vigilant and the Adviser concerning the operation of the Programs for the period from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022 (the “Period”). The Report summarized the operation of the Programs and the information and factors considered by Vigilant and the Adviser in reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of the implementation of the Programs with respect to the Fund. Such information and factors included, among other things: (i) the methodology used to classify the liquidity of the Fund’s portfolio investments and the Adviser’s assessment that the Fund’s strategy remained appropriate for an open-end mutual fund; (ii) analyses of the Fund’s trading environment and reasonably anticipated trading size; (iii) that the Fund held primarily highly liquid assets (investments that the Fund anticipates can be converted to cash within 3 business days or less in current market conditions without significantly changing their market value); (iv) that the Fund held a percentage of highly liquid assets above its highly liquid investment minimum at all times during the Period; (v) confirmation that the Fund did not breach the 15% maximum illiquid security threshold (investments that cannot be sold or disposed of in seven days or less in current market conditions without the sale of the investment significantly changing the market value of the investment) during the Period and the procedures for monitoring compliance with the limit; (vi) that the processes, technologies and third-party vendors used to assess,

 

28

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Other Information (Unaudited) (Concluded)

 

manage, and/or periodically review the Fund’s Liquidity Risk functioned appropriately during the Period; and (vii) that the Programs operated adequately during the Period. The Report also indicated that there were no material changes made to the Programs during the Period.

 

Based on the review, the Report concluded that the Programs were being implemented effectively and reasonably designed to assess and manage Liquidity Risk in the Fund’s portfolio.

 

There can be no assurance that the Company Program or the Adviser Program will achieve its objectives under all circumstances in the future. Please refer to the Fund’s prospectus for more information regarding the Fund’s exposure to liquidity risk and other risks to which it may be subject.

 

29

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Company Management (Unaudited)

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company is organized under and managed pursuant to Maryland law. The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below. The statement of additional information (“SAI”) includes additional information about the Directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling (844) 261-6482.

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of
Office and
Length
of Time
Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen
by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
During the Past
5 Years

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Julian A. Brodsky
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 90

Director

1988 to present

Retired.

63

AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).

Gregory P. Chandler
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 56

Director

2012 to present

Since 2020, Chief Financial Officer, HC Parent Corp. d/b/a Herspiegel Consulting LLC (life sciences consulting services); 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Avocado Systems Inc. (cyber security software provider); from 2009-2020, Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services).

63

FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios)(registered investment company); Emtec, Inc. (until December 2019); FS Investment Corporation (business development company) (until December 2018).

 

30

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Company Management (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of
Office and
Length
of Time
Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen
by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
During the Past
5 Years

Lisa A. Dolly

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI, 53202

Age: 57

Director

October 2021 to present

From July 2019-December 2019, Chairman, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm); January 2016-June 2019, Chief Executive Officer, Pershing, LLC.

63

Allfunds Group PLC (United Kingdom wealthtech and fund distribution provider); Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (trade association for broker dealers, investment banks and asset managers); Hightower Advisors (wealth management firm).

Nicholas A. Giordano
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 80

Director

2006 to present

Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations.

63

IntriCon Corporation (biomedical device manufacturer); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance) (until March 2021).

Arnold M. Reichman
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 75

Chair

 

Director

2005 to present

1991 to present

Retired.

63

EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until August 2022).

 

 

31

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Company Management (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of
Office and
Length
of Time
Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen
by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
During the Past
5 Years

Brian T. Shea
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 63

Director

2018 to present

From 2014-2017, Chief Executive Officer, BNY Mellon Investment Services (fund services, global custodian and securities clearing firm); from 1983-2014, Chief Executive Officer and various positions, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm).

63

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (financial services technology company); Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (financial services company); WisdomTree Investments, Inc. (asset management company) (until March 2019).

Robert A. Straniere
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 82

Director

2006 to present

Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm).

63

None.

INTERESTED DIRECTOR2

Robert Sablowsky
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 85

Vice Chair

 

 

Director

2016 to present

 

1991 to present

Since 2002, Senior Director - Investments and, prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer).

63

None.

OFFICERS

Steven Plump

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 64

President

August 2022 to present

From 2011 to 2021, Executive Vice President, PIMCO LLC.

N/A

N/A

 

 

32

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Company Management (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of
Office and
Length
of Time
Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen
by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
During the Past
5 Years

Salvatore Faia, JD,
CPA, CFE
Vigilant Compliance, LLC
Gateway Corporate Center Suite 216
223 Wilmington West
Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Age: 60

Chief Compliance Officer

2004 to present

Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company); since 2021, Chief Compliance Officer of The RBB Fund Trust; President of The RBB Fund Trust from 2021 to 2022; President of The RBB Fund, Inc. from 2009 to 2022.

N/A

N/A

James G. Shaw
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 63

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

 

Chief Operating Officer

2016 to present

 

 

 

2022 to present

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (since 2016) and Chief Operating Officer (since 2022) of The RBB Fund, Inc.; Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (since 2021) and Chief Operating Officer (since 2022) of The RBB Fund Trust.

N/A

N/A

Craig A. Urciuoli

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 49

Director of Marketing & Business Development

2019 to present

Since 2019, Director of Marketing & Business Development, The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 2000-2019, Managing Director, Third Avenue Management, LLC (an investment advisory firm).

N/A

N/A

Jennifer Witt
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 40

Assistant Treasurer

2018 to present

Since 2020, Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (fund administrative services firm); from 2016 to 2020, Assistant Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services.

N/A

N/A

Edward Paz
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 52

Assistant Secretary

2016 to present

Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm).

N/A

N/A

 

 

33

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Company Management (Unaudited) (Concluded)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of
Office and
Length
of Time
Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen
by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
During the Past
5 Years

Michael P. Malloy
One Logan Square
Ste. 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 64

Assistant Secretary

1999 to present

Since 1993, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

Jillian L. Bosmann
One Logan Square
Ste. 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Age: 44

Assistant Secretary

2017 to present

Since 2017, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

 

*

Each Director oversees 63 portfolios of the fund complex, consisting of the series of the Company (53 portfolios) and The RBB Fund Trust (10 portfolios).

 

1.

Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his or her successor is elected and qualified or his or her death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Giordano, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.

 

2.

Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his or her qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive-level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Ms. Dolly has over three decades of experience in the financial services industry, and she has demonstrated her leadership and management abilities by serving in numerous senior executive-level positions. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Shea has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the brokerage, clearing, banking and investment services industry, including service on the boards of public companies, industry regulatory organizations and a university. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company.

 

34

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)

 

FACTS

WHAT DOES THE ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?

Why?

Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.

What?

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

 

● Social Security number

● account balances

● account transactions

● transaction history

● wire transfer instructions

● checking account information

 

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

How?

All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information; the reasons the Adara Smaller Companies Fund chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing.

       

Reasons we can share your information

Does the Adara Smaller Companies Fund share?

Can you limit
this sharing?

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

Yes

No

For our marketing purposes
to offer our products and services to you

Yes

No

For joint marketing with other financial companies

Yes

No

For affiliates’ everyday business purposes
information about your transactions and experiences

Yes

No

For affiliates’ everyday business purposes
information about your creditworthiness

No

We don’t share

For our affiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share

For nonaffiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share

 

Questions?

Call 1-844-261-6482

 

 

35

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited) (Concluded)

 

What we do

 

How does the Adara Smaller Companies Fund protect my personal information?

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

How does the Adara Smaller Companies Fund collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

 

● open an account

● provide account information

● give us your contact information

● make a wire transfer

● tell us where to send the money

 

We also collect your information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

 

● sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes — information about your creditworthiness

● affiliates from using your information to market to you

● sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

 

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

Definitions

 

Affiliates

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

 

Our affiliates include Altair Advisers, LLC, the investment adviser to the Adara Smaller Companies Fund.

Nonaffiliates

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

 

Adara Smaller Companies Fund doesn’t share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you.

Joint marketing

A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.

 

Adara Smaller Companies Fund may share your information with other financial institutions with whom they have joint marketing arrangements who may suggest additional fund services or other investments products which may be of interest to you. We do not currently have any joint marketing arrangements with other financial institutions.

 

 

36

 

 

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Investment Adviser
Altair Advisers, LLC
303 West Madison Street, Suite 600
Chicago, IL 60606

 

Administrator and Transfer Agent
U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201

 

Principal Underwriter
Quasar Distributors, LLC
111 E Kilbourn Ave, Suite 2200
Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Custodian
U.S. Bank, N.A.
1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, WI 53212

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Two Commerce Square
2001 Market Street, Suite 1800
Philadelphia, PA 19103

 

Legal Counsel
Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
One Logan Square, Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103-6996

 

ADA-AR23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 

of

 

The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

ANNUAL REPORT

 

August 31, 2023

 

 

This report is submitted for the general information of the shareholders of the Fund. It is not authorized for distribution unless preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus for the Fund.

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 

ANNUAL INVESTMENT ADVISER’S REPORT

August 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

The Aquarius International Fund (the “Fund”) generated a return of 11.89% for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, compared to the 12.14% return of the Fund’s benchmark, the MSCI ACWI ex USA Gross Index, over the same period.

 

Developed international equities, as measured by the MSCI EAFE Index, were up 18.55% for the period. European economies rebounded during fiscal year after fears of a deep recession did not materialize, and Japanese equities benefited from accommodative monetary policy and corporate governance reforms. Emerging markets, as measured by the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, were up 1.69% for the period, detracting from overall Fund performance as macro concerns around China weighed on emerging market stocks. U.S. investors also benefited from a weaker dollar, which fell nearly 5% over the course of the fiscal year and provided a boost to the returns of equities converted back to the U.S. currency.

 

The Fund ended the fiscal year with four underlying sub-advisers: international developed markets managers Mawer Investment Management, Ltd. (“Mawer”) and Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. (“Boston Partners”); emerging markets manager Driehaus Capital Management, LLC (“Driehaus”); and tax-loss harvesting manager Aperio Group, LLC (“Aperio”). On March 31, 2023, Boston Partners was appointed as a sub-adviser to the Fund and Setanta Asset Management Limited (“Setanta”) was terminated as a sub-adviser to the Fund. In conjunction with this sub-adviser change, Boston Partners was allocated the proportion of Fund assets that was previously managed by Setanta. The proportions of Fund assets allocated to the Fund’s sub-advisers at the end of the 2023 fiscal year were as follows: Mawer 32%, Boston Partners 32%, Driehaus 17% and Aperio 14%.

 

Returns for the underlying sub-advisers in the 2023 fiscal year were as follows: Mawer +15.98%, Aperio +13.44%, and Driehaus +1.20%. The return for Setanta during the portion of the 2023 fiscal year when it was a sub-adviser to the Fund (9/1/2022-3/31/2023) was 13.73%. The return for Boston Partners during the portion of the 2023 fiscal year when it was a sub-adviser to the Fund (3/31/2023-8/31/2023) was 1.30%.

 

While international equities have recently underperformed U.S. equities, they historically have alternated in cycles of outperformance. International equities represent approximately 38% of the global stock market, and investing in them can help to mitigate certain risks associated with investing only in U.S. companies and the U.S. dollar. Altair Advisers LLC continues to believe that international equities play an important role in a diversified portfolio. By investing directly in overseas companies, we believe that the potential exists for investors to obtain exposure to economies with higher growth rates than the U.S. economy and/or companies trading at more attractive valuations than similar companies in the U.S.

 

Sincerely,
Altair Advisers LLC

 

1

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 

Annual Report
Performance Data

AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

COMPARISON OF CHANGE IN VALUE OF $10,000 INVESTED IN AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND
VS. MSCI ACWI EX USA GROSS INDEX

 

 

This chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 initial investment in the Fund made on April 17, 2018 (commencement of operations) and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the MSCI ACWI ex USA Gross Index is unmanaged, and does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended August 31, 2023

 
 

One
Year

Three
Year

Five
Year

Since
Inception

 

Aquarius International Fund

11.89%

2.23%

2.58%

1.64%*

 

MSCI ACWI ex USA Gross Index

12.14%

4.28%

3.70%

2.87%**

 

 

*

The Fund commenced operations on April 17, 2018.

 

**

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

Performance quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the returns quoted. Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling (844) 261-6482.

 

The Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses, as stated in the current prospectus dated December 31, 2022, are 0.73% of average daily net assets. This ratio may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report.

 

The Fund invests in common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants to acquire common stocks and securities convertible into common stocks. Portfolio composition is subject to change.

 

The MSCI ACWI ex USA Gross Index captures large and mid cap representation across 22 of 23 Developed Markets (DM) countries (excluding the US) and 24 Emerging Markets (EM) countries. With 2,306 constituents, the index covers approximately 85% of the global equity opportunity set outside the US. It is impossible to invest directly in an index.

 

Investment Considerations

 

Investing in the Fund involves risk and an investor may lose money. The success of the Fund’s strategy depends on the Adviser’s ability to select Sub-Advisers and each manager’s ability to select investments for the Fund. The Fund may invest in riskier type investments including small, micro-cap and large cap stocks, Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), special situations, foreign markets, emerging markets and illiquid securities all of which may be more volatile and less liquid.

 

2

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Fund Expense Example

AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs 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 mutual funds.

 

This example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period from March 1, 2023 through August 31, 2023 and held for the entire period.

 

Actual Expenses

 

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

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

 

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

 

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

 

   

Beginning
Account Value
March 1, 2023

   

Ending
Account Value
August 31, 2023

   

Expenses Paid
During Period*

   

Annualized
Expense
Ratio

   

Actual Six Month
Total Investment
Return

 

Actual

  $ 1,000.00     $ 1,044.70     $ 3.40       0.66 %     4.47 %

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

    1,000.00       1,021.88       3.36       0.66 %     N/A  

 

 

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized six-month expense ratio in the table above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184) in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by 365 to reflect the one-half year period. The Fund’s ending account value on the first line in the table is based on the actual six-month total investment return for the Fund.

 

3

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Portfolio Holdings Summary Table

AUGUST 31, 2023 (unaudited)

 

The following table presents a summary by security type of the portfolio holdings of the Fund:

 

Security Type/Sector Classification

 

% Of Net
Assets

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS:

               

Banks

    11.5 %   $ 51,916,163  

Pharmaceuticals

    7.6       34,420,896  

Semiconductors

    6.9       31,191,582  

Insurance

    5.9       26,835,640  

Oil & Gas

    5.7       25,683,624  

Commercial Services

    3.4       15,539,187  

Aerospace/Defense

    3.2       14,331,077  

Internet

    3.1       13,992,747  

Distribution/Wholesale

    3.1       13,841,365  

Mining

    2.5       11,213,359  

Food

    2.5       11,093,126  

Telecommunications

    2.3       10,205,052  

Retail

    2.3       10,152,685  

Beverages

    2.2       9,920,957  

Computers

    2.0       8,913,290  

Machinery-Construction & Mining

    1.9       8,635,030  

Auto Manufacturers

    1.8       8,165,081  

Media

    1.7       7,766,396  

Apparel

    1.6       7,043,799  

Electric

    1.4       6,356,877  

Diversified Financial Services

    1.4       6,107,089  

Software

    1.3       6,001,586  

Home Furnishings

    1.0       4,679,908  

Food Service

    1.0       4,443,684  

Building Materials

    0.9       4,166,199  

Chemicals

    0.9       4,140,104  

Transportation

    0.9       4,014,975  

Engineering & Construction

    0.8       3,821,566  

Machinery-Diversified

    0.8       3,625,922  

Miscellaneous Manufacturing

    0.8       3,522,274  

Coal

    0.7       3,094,930  

Real Estate

    0.6       2,883,451  

Airlines

    0.6       2,842,502  

Healthcare-Products

    0.6       2,535,235  

Biotechnology

    0.5       2,457,710  

Household Products/Wares

    0.5       2,278,154  

Metal Fabricate/Hardware

    0.5       2,277,386  

Lodging

    0.5       2,196,337  

Iron/Steel

    0.5       2,111,077  

Cosmetics/Personal Care

    0.5   2,027,294  

Healthcare-Services

    0.5       2,026,002  

Electronics

    0.4       1,825,479  

Life Sciences Tools & Services

    0.4       1,795,556  

Electrical Components & Equipment

    0.3       1,571,807  

Entertainment

    0.3       1,360,242  

Agriculture

    0.3       1,145,578  

Auto Parts & Equipment

    0.2       950,986  

Private Equity

    0.2       770,682  

REITS

    0.2       679,052  

Materials

    0.1       507,641  

Textiles

    0.1       472,403  

Pipelines

    0.1       366,519  

Advertising

    0.1       258,760  

Hand/Machine Tools

    0.0       183,994  

Toys/Games/Hobbies

    0.0       147,146  

Forest Products & Paper

    0.0       120,933  

Investment Companies

    0.0       106,305  

Home Builders

    0.0       81,518  

Water

    0.0       76,686  

Oil & Gas Services

    0.0       74,337  

Office/Business Equipment

    0.0       66,458  

Energy-Alternate Sources

    0.0       57,301  

Holding Companies-Diversification

    0.0       41,227  

Environmental Control

    0.0       35,919  

Leisure Time

    0.0       34,619  

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS:

               

Diversified Financial Services

    0.5       2,333,222  

PREFERRED STOCKS:

               

Auto Manufacturers

    0.0       45,645  

Banks

    0.1       170,958  

Cosmetics/Personal Care

    0.0       24,723  

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

    7.7       34,953,773  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES

    0.6       2,866,141  

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 451,596,928  

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

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

 

4

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Portfolio Holdings Summary Table

AUGUST 31, 2023 (unaudited)

 

The following table presents a summary by country of the portfolio holdings of the Fund:

 

Country

 

% Of Net
Assets

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS:

               

Argentina

    0.0 %   $ 166,246  

Australia

    0.6       2,696,916  

Austria

    0.3       1,389,851  

Belgium

    0.7       3,003,112  

Bermuda

    0.7       3,067,444  

Brazil

    1.8       8,009,802  

Britain

    16.4       74,190,492  

Canada

    4.5       20,410,604  

Chile

    0.0       222,359  

China

    4.4       19,882,089  

Colombia

    0.0       8,117  

Cypress

    0.0        

Denmark

    3.1       13,869,021  

Finland

    1.0       4,636,474  

France

    7.0       31,552,692  

Germany

    3.6       16,301,845  

Greece

    0.4       1,716,573  

Hong Kong

    0.9       3,915,138  

India

    4.5       20,269,668  

Indonesia

    0.5       2,388,272  

Ireland

    1.2       5,266,900  

Israel

    0.1       415,943  

Italy

    1.5       6,682,228  

Japan

    9.8       44,250,812  

Jordan

    0.1       623,096  

Kazakhstan

    0.2       944,399  

Luxembourg

    0.9       4,074,787  

Mexico

    1.0       4,732,418  

Netherlands

    5.8       26,165,560  

New Zealand

    0.0       142,363  

Norway

    1.0       4,515,496  

Panama

    0.1       359,001  

Peru

    0.1       504,622  

Philippines

    0.2   793,789  

Poland

    0.0       168,639  

Portugal

    0.0       46,872  

Qatar

    0.1       302,006  

Russia

    0.0       20  

Singapore

    1.5       6,770,373  

South Africa

    0.2       980,743  

South Korea

    3.3       14,900,123  

Spain

    1.1       4,882,482  

Sweden

    0.9       3,886,786  

Switzerland

    4.3       19,316,438  

Taiwan

    3.4       15,232,934  

Thailand

    0.2       1,034,623  

Turkey

    0.2       906,800  

United Arab Emirates

    0.4       1,866,369  

United States

    2.9       12,918,458  

Uruguay

    0.2       820,671  

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS:

               

United States

    0.5       2,333,222  

PREFERRED STOCKS:

               

Brazil

    0.1       133,204  

Colombia

    0.0       37,754  

Germany

    0.0       45,645  

South Korea

    0.0       24,723  

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS:

               

United States

    7.7       34,953,773  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES

    0.6       2,866,141  

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 451,596,928  

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

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

 

5

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS — 91.1%

               

Advertising — 0.1%

               

Dentsu Group, Inc.

    1,800     $ 53,759  

Publicis Groupe SA

    2,188       170,725  

WPP PLC

    3,536       34,276  
              258,760  

Aerospace/Defense — 3.2%

               

Airbus SE

    9,877       1,445,077  

BAE Systems PLC

    446,506       5,683,031  

BAE Systems PLC - SP ADR

    1,742       90,183  

CAE, Inc. *

    1,578       38,046  

Dassault Aviation SA

    263       51,643  

Elbit Systems Ltd.

    423       83,445  

Hanwha Aerospace Co. Ltd.

    4,090       352,350  

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.

    9,889       465,377  

MTU Aero Engines AG - ADR

    562       65,833  

Rheinmetall AG

    9,593       2,605,703  

Safran SA

    580       92,954  

Thales SA

    23,023       3,357,435  
              14,331,077  

Agriculture — 0.3%

               

Imperial Brands PLC – SP ADR

    4,503       103,704  

ITC Ltd.

    145,824       774,086  

Japan Tobacco, Inc.

    6,900       151,084  

RLX Technology, Inc. - ADR *

    23,295       35,641  

Wilmar International Ltd.

    29,000       81,063  
              1,145,578  

Airlines — 0.6%

               

ANA Holdings, Inc. *

    1,400       31,605  

Copa Holdings SA – Class A

    3,530       359,001  

Japan Airlines Co. Ltd.

    1,500       30,891  

Ryanair Holdings PLC – SP ADR *

    24,393       2,421,005  
              2,842,502  

Apparel — 1.6%

               

adidas AG

    381       76,036  

Gildan Activewear, Inc.

    5,757       171,674  

Hermes International SCA

    80       164,535  

Kering SA

    1,971       1,053,954  

LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE

    4,709       3,982,208  

LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE - ADR

    2,000       338,559  

PRADA SpA

    90,400       589,997  

Samsonite International SA *(a)

    199,200       666,836  
              7,043,799  

Auto Manufacturers — 1.8%

               

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG – SP ADR

    3,309       116,278  

Daimler Truck Holding AG

    37,123       1,306,235  

Ferrari NV

    141       44,706  

Ferrari NV

    642       203,989  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Auto Manufacturers — (Continued)

Honda Motor Co. Ltd.

    2,200     $ 71,096  

Honda Motor Co. Ltd. – SP ADR

    1,291       41,738  

Hyundai Motor Co.

    529       75,586  

Iveco Group NV *

    1,324       13,130  

Li Auto, Inc. - ADR *

    1,693       70,514  

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.

    20,747       394,476  

Mercedes-Benz Group AG

    3,623       265,113  

NIO, Inc. - ADR *

    3,261       33,490  

Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. – SP ADR

    4,601       39,247  

Stellantis NV

    169,628       3,144,406  

Stellantis NV

    2,278       42,257  

Subaru Corp.

    1,800       34,602  

Suzuki Motor Corp.

    41,200       1,618,848  

Toyota Motor Corp.

    7,100       122,326  

Toyota Motor Corp.

    1,862       320,506  

Volkswagen AG - ADR

    5,060       72,257  

Volvo AB – Class B

    3,636       73,279  

XPeng, Inc. - ADR *

    3,429       61,002  
              8,165,081  

Auto Parts & Equipment — 0.2%

               

Aisin Corp.

    1,100       36,710  

Cie Generale des Etablissements Michelin SCA

    1,852       57,942  

Continental AG - SP ADR

    9,600       71,520  

Denso Corp.

    1,400       95,554  

Hyundai Mobis Co. Ltd.

    501       87,467  

KPIT Technologies Ltd.

    27,259       386,709  

Magna International, Inc.

    3,010       177,048  

Vitesco Technologies Group AG *

    88       6,946  

Weichai Power Co. Ltd. - Class H

    24,000       31,090  
              950,986  

Banks — 11.5%

               

ANZ Group Holdings Ltd.

    5,980       97,636  

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA

    331,634       2,616,559  

Banco do Brasil SA

    228,300       2,185,700  

Banco do Brasil SA - SP ADR

    11,296       107,877  

Banco Santander SA

    37,238       145,363  

Bank Central Asia Tbk PT

    687,000       413,578  

Bank Mandiri Persero Tbk PT

    3,922,600       1,551,145  

Bank Mandiri Persero Tbk PT - ADR

    5,112       80,514  

Bank Montreal

    1,574       135,506  

Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero Tbk PT - ADR

    1,382       25,035  

Bankinter SA

    181,473       1,163,201  

Barclays PLC

    126,063       234,813  

BDO Unibank. Inc.

    181,150       445,371  

Bendigo & Adelaide Bank Ltd.

    12,614       77,265  

BNP Paribas SA

    2,636       170,464  

 

 

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

 

6

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Banks — (Continued)

BOC Hong Kong Holdings Ltd.

    28,000     $ 77,792  

CaixaBank SA

    65,952       267,122  

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce

    1,906       75,497  

China Merchants Bank Co. Ltd. – Class H

    26,563       105,185  

Commerzbank AG

    210,243       2,310,043  

Commonwealth Bank of Australia

    4,512       297,237  

Computershare Ltd.

    2,023       32,888  

Concordia Financial Group Ltd.

    11,723       51,945  

Credicorp Ltd.

    3,568       504,622  

DBS Group Holdings Ltd. - ADR

    97,427       2,562,445  

Deutsche Bank AG

    8,776       95,571  

DNB Bank ASA

    72,908       1,441,140  

FinecoBank Banca Fineco SpA

    189,437       2,589,121  

FirstRand Ltd.

    13,495       52,434  

Fukuoka Financial Group, Inc.

    3,000       70,846  

Grupo Financiero Banorte SAB de CV

    135,985       1,154,283  

Grupo Financiero Galicia SA - ADR

    9,195       166,246  

Hana Financial Group, Inc.

    32,052       957,798  

Hang Seng Bank Ltd.

    2,400       30,586  

HDFC Bank Ltd.

    223,312       4,228,625  

HDFC Bank Ltd. - ADR

    38,837       2,419,934  

HSBC Holdings PLC – SP ADR

    9,910       369,841  

ICICI Bank Ltd. – SP ADR

    95,790       2,219,454  

Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd. – Class H

    1,356,000       621,695  

ING Groep NV

    218,157       3,091,072  

Intesa Sanpaolo SpA

    14,336       38,283  

Japan Post Bank Co. Ltd.

    3,700       29,689  

Macquarie Group Ltd.

    1,021       116,731  

Mediobanca Banca di Credito Finanziario SpA

    3,974       51,879  

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. – SP ADR

    53,334       422,939  

National Australia Bank Ltd. – SP ADR

    11,208       104,459  

National Australia Bank Ltd. – SP ADR

    7,689       143,296  

National Bank of Greece SA *

    79,104       537,099  

NatWest Group PLC

    452,799       1,316,777  

Nedbank Group Ltd. – SP ADR

    2,666       30,203  

Nordea Bank Abp

    90,508       991,539  

Nordea Bank Abp

    93       1,018  

Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp. Ltd.

    9,000       83,505  

Resona Holdings, Inc.

    324,100       1,716,928  

Royal Bank of Canada

    3,116       280,751  

SCB X PCL - NVDR

    80,300       270,440  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Banks — (Continued)

Shinhan Financial Group Co. Ltd. - ADR

    9,162     $ 246,458  

Shizuoka Financial Group, Inc.

    3,900       31,692  

Societe Generale SA

    2,392       67,768  

Standard Bank Group Ltd.

    43,041       440,346  

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc.

    55,700       2,546,407  

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. – SP ADR

    56,610       515,151  

Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings, Inc.

    800       29,967  

Svenska Handelsbanken AB - Class A

    196,601       1,640,450  

TCS Group Holding PLC - GDR *

    3,732        

The Bank of Nova Scotia

    2,343       111,152  

The Chiba Bank Ltd.

    4,900       34,988  

The Toronto-Dominion Bank

    4,514       275,399  

UBS Group AG

    58,688       1,554,452  

UniCredit SpA

    2,917       71,067  

United Overseas Bank Ltd.

    135,500       2,846,498  

Woori Financial Group, Inc. – SP ADR

    4,696       125,383  
              51,916,163  

Beverages — 2.2%

               

Anheuser-Busch InBev SA NV – SP ADR

    3,128       177,952  

Arca Continental SAB de CV

    51,800       505,833  

Asahi Group Holdings Ltd.

    91,700       3,567,623  

Carlsberg A/S – Class B

    499       72,154  

China Resources Beer Holdings Co. Ltd.

    116,000       681,076  

Cia Cervecerias Unidas SA - ADR

    4,167       61,380  

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PLC

    40,786       2,614,790  

Coca-Cola HBC AG

    1,058       30,478  

Davide Campari-Milano NV

    5,538       72,354  

Diageo PLC – SP ADR

    2,046       338,920  

Endeavour Group Ltd.

    2,137       7,601  

Fomento Economico Mexicano SAB de CV – SP ADR

    7,930       892,284  

Heineken Holding NV

    434       34,730  

Kweichow Moutai Co. Ltd. - Class A

    2,700       685,170  

Pernod Ricard SA

    300       58,876  

Pernod Ricard SA - SP ADR

    1,450       57,391  

Remy Cointreau SA

    188       29,082  

Tsingtao Brewery Co. Ltd. – Class H

    4,000       33,263  
              9,920,957  

Biotechnology — 0.5%

             

Argenx SE - ADR *

    245       123,110  

 

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

 

7

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Biotechnology — (Continued)

CSL Ltd.

    628     $ 110,904  

CSL Ltd. - SP ADR

    1,030       90,836  

Genmab A/S *

    2,330       89,216  

Genmab A/S - SP ADR *

    5,334       2,043,644  
              2,457,710  

Building Materials — 0.9%

               

Cemex SAB de CV – SP ADR *

    69,975       557,701  

Cie de Saint-Gobain SA

    519       33,762  

CRH PLC

    38,049       2,186,737  

CRH PLC – SP ADR

    1,441       82,958  

Daikin Industries Ltd.

    149       25,756  

Geberit AG

    202       104,544  

Holcim AG

    2,013       133,119  

Imerys SA

    19,730       671,744  

James Hardie Industries PLC - CDI *

    2,896       87,046  

Kingspan Group PLC

    554       46,810  

Semen Indonesia Persero Tbk PT - ADR

    2,421       21,728  

Sika AG

    437       123,489  

Svenska Cellulosa AB SCA - Class B

    4,527       60,263  

West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd.

    404       30,542  
              4,166,199  

Chemicals — 0.9%

               

Air Liquide SA

    15,496       2,799,763  

Air Liquide SA - ADR

    1,948       70,479  

Asahi Kasei Corp.

    6,000       38,729  

BASF SE

    1,905       96,426  

Brenntag SE

    387       31,302  

Chr Hansen Holding A/S

    439       28,625  

Covestro AG *(a)

    586       31,119  

Croda International PLC

    584       40,785  

Daqo New Energy Corp. - ADR *

    848       31,351  

DSM BV

    785       77,861  

EMS-Chemie Holding AG

    143       107,317  

FUCHS SE

    941       30,889  

Givaudan SA

    27       89,938  

Givaudan SA - ADR

    600       39,984  

ICL Group Ltd.

    12,592       75,174  

LG Chem Ltd.

    385       169,519  

Nippon Sanso Holdings Corp.

    1,500       36,168  

Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd.

    3,270       104,227  

Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd. - ADR

    6,860       109,144  

Solvay SA – Class A

    373       43,193  

Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd.

    13,000       35,988  

Symrise AG

    500       52,123  
              4,140,104  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Coal — 0.7%

               

China Shenhua Energy Co. Ltd. - Class H

    39,000     $ 113,510  

Teck Resources Ltd. - Class B

    63,884       2,641,976  

Teck Resources Ltd. - Class B

    8,215       339,444  
              3,094,930  

Commercial Services — 3.4%

               

Abu Dhabi Ports Co. PJSC *

    346,659       603,980  

Adyen NV *(a)

    1,206       1,007,037  

Allfunds Group PLC

    141,996       840,147  

Amadeus IT Group SA - ADR

    1,437       98,463  

Ashtead Group PLC

    46,119       3,217,186  

Bureau Veritas SA

    1,739       46,585  

China Merchants Port Holdings Co. Ltd.

    60,000       71,777  

Edenred

    27,998       1,784,127  

Experian PLC

    2,543       88,811  

International Container Terminal Services, Inc.

    65,067       237,816  

Intertek Group PLC

    1,279       66,981  

Localiza Rent a Car SA – SP ADR

    4,006       50,836  

New Oriental Education & Technology Group, Inc. - SP ADR *

    16,992       921,646  

One 97 Communications Ltd. *

    59,106       608,958  

RB Global, Inc.

    1,064       65,670  

Recruit Holdings Co. Ltd.

    3,292       117,270  

RELX PLC

    157,551       5,135,343  

Rentokil Initial PLC

    34,286       261,036  

Secom Co. Ltd.

    800       55,990  

SGS SA

    740       67,209  

TAL Education Group - ADR *

    7,594       53,538  

The Bidvest Group Ltd.

    3,146       47,469  

TravelSky Technology Ltd. - Class H

    51,000       91,312  
              15,539,187  

Computers — 2.0%

               

AutoStore Holdings Ltd. *(a)

    478,274       816,493  

BayCurrent Consulting, Inc.

    900       30,935  

BlackBerry Ltd. *

    10,732       59,670  

Capgemini SE

    7,471       1,394,250  

CGI, Inc. *

    1,307       136,111  

Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. *

    499       67,160  

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. - Class A

    5,605       401,374  

CyberArk Software Ltd. *

    576       95,640  

Infosys Ltd. – SP ADR

    28,588       496,574  

Lenovo Group Ltd.

    682,000       770,883  

Logitech International SA

    444       30,556  

Nomura Research Institute Ltd.

    71,500       2,054,849  

 

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

 

8

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Computers — (Continued)

NTT Data Group Corp.

    3,100     $ 41,682  

Obic Co. Ltd.

    100       17,387  

Persistent Systems Ltd.

    6,651       430,916  

Teleperformance SE

    10,714       1,480,372  

Wipro Ltd. - ADR

    120,335       588,438  
              8,913,290  

Cosmetics/Personal Care — 0.5%

               

Beiersdorf AG

    432       56,564  

Essity AB – Class B

    5,178       120,887  

Haleon PLC - ADR

    9,632       79,175  

Kao Corp.

    700       27,039  

L’Oreal SA

    148       65,006  

L’Oreal SA - ADR

    3,400       298,724  

Proya Cosmetics Co. Ltd. - Class A

    26,828       411,105  

Shiseido Co. Ltd.

    1,200       48,695  

Unicharm Corp.

    3,287       131,131  

Unilever PLC

    6,144       314,329  

Unilever PLC – SP ADR

    9,303       474,639  
              2,027,294  

Distribution/Wholesale — 3.1%

               

Azelis Group NV

    117,741       2,610,642  

Bunzl PLC

    135,787       4,862,412  

Ferguson PLC

    14,627       2,373,130  

IMCD NV

    10,996       1,514,506  

Inchcape PLC

    77,098       744,112  

ITOCHU Corp.

    3,700       138,859  

ITOCHU Corp. - ADR

    426       31,959  

Mitsubishi Corp.

    800       39,460  

Mitsui & Co. Ltd.

    3,159       117,658  

Rexel SA

    58,691       1,376,132  

Sendas Distribuidora S/A - ADR

    2,775       32,495  
              13,841,365  

Diversified Financial Services — 1.4%

       

Deutsche Boerse AG

    20,582       3,653,804  

Deutsche Boerse AG - ADR

    2,810       49,765  

Futu Holdings Ltd. - ADR *

    852       50,779  

Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Ltd.

    1,780       68,990  

Japan Exchange Group, Inc.

    79,600       1,388,841  

Jio Financial Services Ltd. *

    47,068       132,756  

KB Financial Group, Inc. - ADR

    6,431       259,619  

London Stock Exchange Group PLC

    2,464       64,557  

London Stock Exchange Group PLC - ADR

    791       81,832  

Lufax Holding Ltd. - ADR

    131,004       158,515  

Sanlam Ltd. - SP ADR

    5,156       36,917  

SBI Holdings, Inc.

    2,600       53,068  

Singapore Exchange Ltd.

    6,000       42,713  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Diversified Financial Services — (Continued)

St James’s Place PLC

    5,807     $ 64,933  
              6,107,089  

Electric — 1.4%

               

Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.

    4,799       36,280  

China Resources Power Holdings Co. Ltd.

    14,000       27,410  

Dubai Electricity & Water Authority PJSC

    728,813       505,982  

E.ON SE

    4,732       58,249  

Enel SpA

    25,288       169,805  

Engie SA – SP ADR

    8,968       145,013  

Equatorial Energia SA

    56,400       356,255  

Fortis, Inc.

    5,188       203,370  

Fortum Oyj

    27,522       369,470  

Iberdrola SA

    11,694       138,723  

Iberdrola SA - SP ADR

    1,618       76,742  

Mercury NZ Ltd.

    7,755       28,699  

Meridian Energy Ltd.

    15,956       51,041  

National Grid PLC

    5,579       69,640  

National Grid PLC - SP ADR

    2,605       164,661  

NTPC Ltd.

    295,685       786,667  

Origin Energy Ltd.

    5,412       30,435  

Orsted A/S (a)

    320       20,530  

Power Assets Holdings Ltd.

    11,000       54,148  

Power Grid Corp. of India Ltd.

    182,886       539,799  

RWE AG

    1,739       71,607  

SSE PLC

    5,415       110,953  

SSE PLC - SP ADR

    110,793       2,276,705  

Tokyo Electric Power Co. Holdings, Inc. *

    7,500       32,857  

Verbund AG

    389       31,836  
              6,356,877  

Electrical Components & Equipment — 0.3%

       

Delta Electronics, Inc.

    113,000       1,221,180  

Legrand SA

    942       92,805  

Schneider Electric SE

    698       119,644  

Schneider Electric SE - ADR

    4,025       138,178  
              1,571,807  

Electronics — 0.4%

               

AAC Technologies Holdings, Inc.

    32,000       61,986  

ABB Ltd.

    4,533       172,382  

BYD Electronic International Co. Ltd.

    23,500       108,840  

Chroma ATE, Inc.

    25,000       218,696  

Hirose Electric Co. Ltd.

    827       100,128  

Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. Ltd.

    163,353       545,395  

Hoya Corp.

    670       74,337  

Hoya Corp. - SP ADR

    487       53,969  

Kyocera Corp.

    1,100       56,419  

 

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

 

9

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Electronics — (Continued)

Murata Manufacturing Co. Ltd.

    1,619     $ 90,572  

Murata Manufacturing Co. Ltd. - ADR

    5,048       70,521  

Shimadzu Corp.

    1,000       29,387  

Sinbon Electronics Co. Ltd.

    22,000       213,729  

TDK Corp.

    800       29,118  
              1,825,479  

Energy-Alternate Sources — 0.0%

       

Vestas Wind Systems A/S *

    2,480       57,301  
         

Engineering & Construction — 0.8%

       

Airports of Thailand PCL - NVDR *

    194,400       402,321  

Auckland International Airport Ltd. *

    13,450       62,623  

China Railway Group Ltd. - Class H

    415,000       219,548  

Ferrovial SE

    3,085       97,848  

Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico SAB de CV – SP ADR

    392       71,477  

Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste SAB de CV – SP ADR

    471       128,244  

Larsen & Toubro Ltd.

    34,546       1,127,141  

Samsung Engineering Co. Ltd. *

    15,702       403,364  

SPIE SA

    37,124       1,111,387  

Vinci SA

    905       100,806  

Vinci SA - ADR

    3,476       96,807  
              3,821,566  

Entertainment — 0.3%

               

Aristocrat Leisure Ltd.

    1,159       30,596  

Evolution AB - ADR

    336       36,288  

Flutter Entertainment PLC *

    244       44,375  

Genting Singapore Ltd.

    1,230,600       796,197  

Liberty Media Corp.-Liberty Live - Class C *

    1       24  

OPAP SA

    18,551       313,245  

Oriental Land Co. Ltd.

    3,065       110,405  

The Lottery Corp. Ltd.

    8,950       29,112  
              1,360,242  

Environmental Control — 0.0%

               

China Conch Environment Protection Holdings Ltd. *

    21,500       5,431  

GFL Environmental, Inc.

    941       30,488  
              35,919  

Food — 2.5%

               

Aeon Co. Ltd.

    5,200       107,766  

Ajinomoto Co., Inc.

    1,500       63,544  

BIM Birlesik Magazalar AS

    87,697       827,805  

China Mengniu Dairy Co. Ltd.

    24,703       83,063  

Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Spruengli AG

    6       71,717  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Food — (Continued)

Cia Brasileira de Distribuicao - SP ADR *

    2,775     $ 2,733  

Coles Group Ltd.

    4,059       42,707  

Danone SA

    3,030       176,627  

Dino Polska SA *(a)

    1,839       168,639  

Kerry Group PLC - SP ADR

    308       28,786  

Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize NV

    169,871       5,556,488  

Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize NV – SP ADR

    4,031       131,814  

Nestle SA

    1,079       129,738  

Nestle SA – SP ADR

    6,845       822,290  

Nisshin Seifun Group, Inc.

    2,700       35,609  

Nomad Foods Ltd. *

    56,652       1,038,998  

Seven & i Holdings Co. Ltd.

    600       24,619  

Seven & i Holdings Co. Ltd. - ADR

    3,000       61,470  

Tesco PLC

    510,870       1,718,713  
              11,093,126  

Food Service — 1.0%

               

Compass Group PLC

    168,883       4,258,683  

Compass Group PLC – SP ADR

    7,353       185,001  
              4,443,684  

Forest Products & Paper — 0.0%

       

Suzano SA - SP ADR

    6,573       66,519  

UPM-Kymmene Oyj

    1,590       54,414  
              120,933  

Hand/Machine Tools — 0.0%

               

Alleima AB

    657       3,010  

Schindler Holding AG

    651       136,602  

Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd.

    4,500       44,382  
              183,994  

Healthcare-Products — 0.6%

               

Alcon, Inc.

    1,673       138,842  

Asahi Intecc Co. Ltd.

    1,900       38,542  

China Medical System Holdings Ltd.

    21,000       30,246  

Cochlear Ltd.

    376       65,997  

Coloplast A/S - Class B

    327       37,244  

Coloplast A/S – SP ADR

    1,070       12,219  

EssilorLuxottica SA

    608       114,278  

EssilorLuxottica SA - ADR

    144       13,588  

FUJIFILM Holdings Corp.

    1,800       106,374  

Getinge AB - Class B

    1,494       25,902  

Koninklijke Philips NV *

    1,467       32,966  

Olympus Corp.

    1,400       18,909  

Sartorius Stedim Biotech

    6,326       1,794,126  

Shandong Weigao Group Medical Polymer Co. Ltd. – Class H

    24,000       23,896  

Smith & Nephew PLC

    2,921       39,419  

Sonova Holding AG

    143       37,785  

 

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

 

10

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Healthcare-Products — (Continued)

Terumo Corp.

    162     $ 4,902  
              2,535,235  

Healthcare-Services — 0.5%

               

Bangkok Dusit Medical Services PCL - NVDR

    452,700       361,862  

BioMerieux

    307       31,707  

Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA

    959       30,745  

Hapvida Participacoes e Investimentos S/A *(a)

    730,700       631,536  

Lonza Group AG

    182       100,390  

Lonza Group AG - ADR

    370       20,413  

Max Healthcare Institute Ltd. *

    96,387       686,751  

Sonic Healthcare Ltd. - SP ADR

    3,345       69,375  

Wuxi Biologics Cayman, Inc. *(a)

    16,536       93,223  
              2,026,002  

Holding Companies - Diversification — 0.0%

       

Swire Pacific Ltd. – Class A

    5,000       41,227  
                 

Home Builders — 0.0%

               

Sekisui House Ltd.

    4,000       81,518  
                 

Home Furnishings — 1.0%

               

Electrolux AB – Class B

    972       10,690  

Hoshizaki Corp.

    800       30,703  

Panasonic Holdings Corp.

    160,100       1,842,760  

Sony Group Corp.

    28,800       2,395,944  

Sony Group Corp. – SP ADR

    4,806       399,811  
              4,679,908  

Household Products/Wares — 0.5%

       

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

    889       61,437  

Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC

    30,717       2,216,717  
              2,278,154  

Insurance — 5.9%

               

Admiral Group PLC

    56,942       1,793,903  

Aegon NV

    14,288       73,226  

Ageas SA NV

    2,481       98,670  

AIA Group Ltd.

    69,000       624,330  

AIA Group Ltd. - SP ADR

    12,131       438,050  

Allianz SE

    5,841       1,419,828  

Allianz SE - ADR

    6,060       147,197  

Aon PLC – Class A

    21,349       7,117,543  

AXA SA

    71,348       2,143,646  

Baloise Holding AG

    522       81,548  

Beazley PLC

    267,902       1,849,697  

Cathay Financial Holding Co. Ltd.

    24,000       34,316  

China Pacific Insurance Group Co. Ltd. – Class H

    40,400       92,397  

Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc.

    6,692       124,375  

Everest Group Ltd.

    6,486       2,339,370  

Hannover Rueck SE

    421       89,538  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Insurance — (Continued)

Legal & General Group PLC

    36,815     $ 101,716  

M&G PLC

    12,144       29,332  

Manulife Financial Corp.

    6,860       126,773  

MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings, Inc.

    900       32,320  

Muenchener Rueckversicherungs-Gesellschaft AG in Muenchen

    295       114,507  

New China Life Insurance Co. Ltd. – Class H

    45,800       114,578  

NN Group NV

    3,039       116,988  

PICC Property & Casualty Co. Ltd. – Class H

    48,000       55,198  

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

    120,000       718,458  

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.

    3,875       728,074  

Sampo Oyj - Class A

    55,245       2,424,931  

Sompo Holdings, Inc.

    600       26,111  

Sun Life Financial, Inc.

    2,753       134,291  

Suncorp Group Ltd.

    18,597       163,116  

Swiss Re AG

    16,689       1,620,629  

T&D Holdings, Inc.

    5,200       82,417  

Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc.

    4,200       92,688  

Topdanmark AS

    32,948       1,559,278  

Zurich Insurance Group AG

    270       126,601  
              26,835,640  

Internet — 3.1%

               

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. *

    195,600       2,270,162  

Alibaba Group Holdings Ltd. – SP ADR *

    4,769       443,040  

Auto Trader Group PLC (a)

    5,141       39,424  

Autohome, Inc. – ADR

    1,032       29,825  

Bilibili, Inc. - SP ADR *

    4,363       66,012  

Booking Holdings, Inc. *

    341       1,058,815  

Delivery Hero SE *(a)

    740       26,993  

Future PLC

    63,989       628,159  

iQIYI, Inc. - ADR *

    12,194       61,458  

JD.com, Inc. - ADR

    3,289       109,228  

JOYY, Inc. - ADR

    2,046       70,219  

Kuaishou Technology *(a)

    17,200       140,798  

Meituan - Class B *(a)

    45,993       761,145  

MercadoLibre, Inc. *

    598       820,671  

MonotaRO Co. Ltd.

    26,600       314,153  

Naspers Ltd. - Class N - SP ADR

    4,780       161,995  

NAVER Corp.

    1,223       197,970  

PDD Holdings, Inc. - ADR *

    2,583       255,640  

Prosus NV

    2,237       154,296  

SEEK Ltd.

    4,272       63,780  

Shopify, Inc. - Class A *

    1,397       92,887  

Tencent Holdings Ltd.

    99,530       4,124,561  

Tencent Holdings Ltd. - ADR

    6,073       251,483  

Trip.com Group Ltd. - ADR *

    34,611       1,360,557  

 

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

 

11

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Internet — (Continued)

Weibo Corp. - SP ADR

    2,281     $ 29,425  

Wix.com Ltd. *

    389       38,422  

Zomato Ltd. *

    358,314       421,629  
              13,992,747  

Investment Companies — 0.0%

               

L E Lundbergforetagen AB – Class B

    1,867       75,878  

Wendel SE

    333       30,427  
              106,305  

Iron/Steel — 0.5%

               

BlueScope Steel Ltd.

    6,357       85,944  

Cia Siderurgica Nacional SA - SP ADR

    41,580       101,455  

Fortescue Metals Group Ltd.

    5,658       77,896  

Nippon Steel Corp.

    8,000       189,187  

POSCO Holdings, Inc.

    1,222       534,312  

POSCO Holdings, Inc. - SP ADR

    3,580       392,941  

Vale SA - SP ADR

    55,379       729,342  
              2,111,077  

Leisure Time — 0.0%

               

Shimano, Inc.

    236       34,619  
                 

Life Sciences Tools & Services — 0.4%

       

Eurofins Scientific SE *

    29,171       1,795,556  
                 

Lodging — 0.5%

               

Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd. *

    190,000       1,255,843  

H World Group Ltd. - ADR *

    16,346       658,417  

Indian Hotels Co. Ltd.

    33,098       168,126  

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC

    1,515       113,951  
              2,196,337  

Machinery-Construction & Mining — 1.9%

       

EPIROC AB *

    75,161       1,441,993  

Hitachi Ltd.

    901       59,882  

Hitachi Ltd. – ADR

    1,830       243,462  

Komatsu Ltd.

    50,000       1,422,911  

Metso Oyj

    52,115       598,569  

Mitsubishi Electric Corp.

    60,200       784,290  

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.

    37,900       2,146,359  

Siemens Energy AG *

    960       13,663  

The Weir Group PLC

    82,999       1,923,901  
              8,635,030  

Machinery-Diversified — 0.8%

               

Accelleron Industries AG

    226       6,103  

ANDRITZ AG

    21,343       1,133,745  

Atlas Copco AB - Class A

    6,804       89,957  

Atlas Copco AB - Class A - SP ADR

    6,624       87,636  

CNH Industrial NV

    6,623       91,317  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Machinery-Diversified — (Continued)

FANUC Corp.

    1,000     $ 28,441  

Haitian International Holdings Ltd.

    31,000       66,567  

Husqvarna AB - Class B

    4,490       38,657  

IMI PLC

    78,841       1,496,211  

Keyence Corp.

    500       207,586  

KION Group AG

    1,235       49,303  

Kone Oyj – Class B

    658       29,932  

Kubota Corp. - SP ADR

    883       71,347  

Omron Corp.

    500       24,126  

SMC Corp.

    110       53,473  

SMC Corp. - SP ADR

    2,280       55,586  

Spirax-Sarco Engineering PLC

    358       45,876  

Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd.

    2,000       50,059  
              3,625,922  

Materials — 0.1%

               

Allied Gold Corp.

    257,686       507,641  
                 

Media — 1.7%

               

Informa PLC

    155,266       1,434,582  

Liberty Media Corp-Liberty Formula One - Class C *

    4,386       301,713  

Pearson PLC - SP ADR

    15,198       160,643  

Thomson Reuters Corp.

    1,367       176,056  

Vivendi SE

    3,398       30,949  

Wolters Kluwer NV

    46,328       5,582,086  

Wolters Kluwer NV - SP ADR

    667       80,367  
              7,766,396  

Metal Fabricate/Hardware — 0.5%

       

Tenaris SA

    110,913       1,771,264  

Tenaris SA - ADR

    15,851       506,122  
              2,277,386  

Mining — 2.5%

               

Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd.

    1,485       72,037  

Antofagasta PLC

    8,790       160,979  

Barrick Gold Corp.

    6,196       100,437  

BHP Group Ltd. - SP ADR

    4,374       251,461  

Boliden AB

    2,900       77,112  

Cameco Corp.

    28,263       1,045,731  

Endeavour Mining PLC

    39,389       814,774  

Ferroglobe PLC *

    138,422       737,789  

First Quantum Minerals Ltd.

    15,955       428,631  

Franco-Nevada Corp.

    5,834       839,863  

Glencore PLC

    286,784       1,527,183  

Kinross Gold Corp.

    371,022       1,883,667  

MMC Norilsk Nickel PJSC - ADR ‡

    2,034       20  

Norsk Hydro ASA

    15,202       84,111  

Polyus PJSC *

    1,719        

Rio Tinto PLC - SP ADR

    1,210       75,625  

South32 Ltd.

    44,192       96,360  

Southern Copper Corp.

    32,307       2,605,884  

 

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

 

12

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Mining — (Continued)

Sumitomo Metal Mining Co. Ltd.

    2,000     $ 62,067  

United Tractors Tbk PT

    106,300       181,382  

Wheaton Precious Metals Corp.

    2,998       130,653  

Zijin Mining Group Co. Ltd. - Class H

    24,000       37,593  
              11,213,359  

Miscellaneous Manufacturing — 0.8%

       

Aalberts NV

    26,472       1,099,641  

Alstom SA

    1,445       39,848  

Knorr-Bremse AG

    679       46,376  

Orica Ltd.

    5,536       56,084  

Siemens AG

    14,499       2,178,200  

Sunny Optical Technology Group Co. Ltd.

    5,169       42,206  

Toshiba Corp.

    1,896       59,919  
              3,522,274  

Office/Business Equipment — 0.0%

       

Canon, Inc.

    2,700       66,458  
                 

Oil & Gas — 5.7%

               

Aker BP ASA

    841       22,873  

BP PLC

    456,527       2,821,013  

BP PLC - SP ADR

    1       37  

Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.

    4,335       280,431  

Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.

    38,804       2,510,543  

Cenovus Energy, Inc.

    171,883       3,426,974  

DCC PLC

    452       24,732  

Equinor ASA

    66,913       2,054,981  

Equinor ASA - SP ADR

    3,137       95,898  

Galp Energia SGPS SA

    3,396       46,872  

Imperial Oil Ltd.

    2,792       159,032  

Inpex Corp.

    6,228       87,216  

MEG Energy Corp. *

    78,108       1,397,181  

Neste Oyj

    756       27,657  

OMV AG

    4,843       224,270  

PetroChina Co. Ltd. - Class H

    828,000       597,291  

Petroleo Brasileiro - SP ADR

    63,319       889,631  

PRIO SA *

    65,000       612,585  

Reliance Industries Ltd.

    39,260       1,140,544  

Repsol SA

    7,844       121,238  

Santos Ltd.

    19,946       98,692  

Shell PLC

    107,200       3,287,862  

Shell PLC - ADR

    60,443       3,752,906  

Suncor Energy, Inc.

    39,357       1,333,163  

TotalEnergies SE - SP ADR

    7,259       456,663  

Ultrapar Participacoes SA - SP ADR

    10,793       39,287  

Woodside Energy Group Ltd.

    7,291       174,052  
              25,683,624  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Oil & Gas Services — 0.0%

               

Technip Energies NV

    3,208     $ 74,337  
                 

Pharmaceuticals — 7.6%

               

Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Ltd. - ADR

    6,986       63,223  

AstraZeneca PLC

    49,807       6,690,217  

AstraZeneca PLC - SP ADR

    8,296       562,635  

Bayer AG

    1,690       92,464  

Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

    93,100       2,837,866  

Cipla Ltd.

    33,537       509,014  

CVS Group PLC

    25,100       673,103  

Daiichi Sankyo Co. Ltd.

    3,548       104,502  

Daiichi Sankyo Co. Ltd. - SP ADR

    876       25,816  

Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. - ADR

    6,700       455,466  

GSK PLC - SP ADR

    4,431       155,661  

Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC

    22,557       623,096  

Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

    600       29,625  

Merck KGaA

    587       105,382  

Novartis AG

    46,680       4,697,957  

Novartis AG - SP ADR

    5,833       586,100  

Novo-Nordisk A/S

    25,530       4,709,104  

Novo-Nordisk A/S - SP ADR

    6,449       1,197,064  

Orion Oyj - Class B

    672       27,465  

Recordati Industria Chimica e Farmaceutica SpA

    56,613       2,837,897  

Roche Holdings AG

    11,067       3,248,036  

Roche Holdings AG - SP ADR

    12,016       440,146  

Sanofi

    26,460       2,818,100  

Sanofi - ADR

    5,762       306,423  

Sinopharm Group Co. Ltd. - Class H

    36,400       105,630  

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.

    33,292       446,249  

UCB SA

    810       72,655  
              34,420,896  

Pipelines — 0.1%

               

Enbridge, Inc.

    6,937       243,350  

TC Energy Corp.

    3,410       123,169  
              366,519  

Private Equity — 0.2%

               

3i Group PLC

    3,463       87,203  

Antin Infrastructure Partners SA

    14,806       220,044  

Eurazeo SA

    530       31,229  

Macquarie Korea Infrastructure Fund

    35,603       329,805  

Partners Group Holding AG

    95       102,401  
              770,682  

Real Estate — 0.6%

               

China Resources Land Ltd.

    25,714       108,686  

 

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

 

13

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Real Estate — (Continued)

CK Asset Holdings Ltd.

    11,000     $ 60,695  

Corp Inmobiliaria Vesta SAB de CV

    226,000       835,579  

Daito Trust Construction Co. Ltd.

    300       33,085  

Direcional Engenharia SA

    68,338       275,309  

DLF Ltd.

    79,529       483,845  

Emaar Properties PJSC

    238,399       458,146  

Henderson Land Development Co. Ltd.

    23,000       63,161  

Iguatemi SA

    61,400       255,913  

KE Holdings, Inc. - ADR *

    4,582       78,810  

REA Group Ltd.

    633       67,489  

Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd.

    2,500       28,142  

Sunac Services Holdings Ltd. (a)

    619       193  

Swire Properties Ltd.

    22,200       46,393  

The Wharf Holdings Ltd.

    14,000       29,659  

Wharf Real Estate Investment Co. Ltd.

    14,000       58,346  
              2,883,451  

REITS — 0.2%

               

CapitaLand Ascendas REIT

    23,000       47,106  

CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust

    25,000       35,315  

Gecina SA

    296       31,665  

Goodman Group

    6,677       100,604  

Japan Metropolitan Fund Invest

    121       81,250  

Mirvac Group

    19,373       30,205  

Nippon Building Fund, Inc.

    18       76,018  

Nomura Real Estate Master Fund, Inc.

    56       65,834  

Scentre Group

    14,492       25,688  

Segro PLC

    2,361       22,010  

Stockland

    11,630       31,763  

The GPT Group

    9,864       26,708  

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield *

    938       50,065  

United Urban Investment Corp.

    51       54,821  
              679,052  

Retail — 2.3%

               

Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. for Distribution PJSC

    287,536       298,261  

Almacenes Exito SA - ADR *

    1,388       8,117  

ANTA Sports Products Ltd.

    12,561       141,603  

Associated British Foods PLC

    1,593       40,127  

Astra International Tbk PT - ADR

    3,615       30,746  

Cie Financiere Richemont SA - ADR

    12,160       171,942  

Fast Retailing Co. Ltd.

    441       101,170  

H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB - Class B

    6,863       104,784  

Industria de Diseno Textil SA

    3,052       116,926  

Jardine Cycle & Carriage Ltd.

    4,000       98,835  

JD Sports Fashion PLC

    804,177       1,476,068  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Retail — (Continued)

McDonald’s Holdings Co. Japan Ltd.

    2,600     $ 103,467  

Next PLC

    952       84,137  

Pan Pacific International Holdings Corp.

    1,500       29,888  

PriceSmart, Inc.

    3,254       258,628  

Raia Drogasil SA

    79,208       444,821  

Restaurant Brands International, Inc.

    3,260       226,407  

Shanghai Pharmaceuticals Holding Co. Ltd.

    39,800       65,437  

Sundrug Co. Ltd.

    24,100       712,392  

The Swatch Group AG

    4,059       1,139,525  

Tsuruha Holdings, Inc.

    29,200       2,136,326  

USS Co. Ltd.

    1,700       29,686  

Wal-Mart de Mexico SAB de CV - SP ADR

    1,815       71,402  

WH Smith PLC

    92,456       1,714,191  

Yum China Holdings, Inc.

    10,203       547,799  
              10,152,685  

Semiconductors — 6.9%

               

ASE Technology Holding Co. Ltd. - ADR

    6,033       49,591  

ASM International NV

    3,199       1,539,903  

ASML Holding NV

    2,203       1,448,537  

ASML Holding NV - ADR

    1,129       745,738  

BE Semiconductor Industries NV

    4,953       568,531  

Disco Corp.

    2,600       513,875  

eMemory Technology, Inc.

    8,000       453,198  

Globalwafers Co. Ltd.

    3,000       43,083  

Hamamatsu Photonics KK

    800       37,015  

King Yuan Electronics Co. Ltd.

    130,000       312,564  

MediaTek, Inc.

    10,000       220,535  

Renesas Electronics Corp. *

    104,300       1,737,604  

Rohm Co. Ltd.

    40       3,336  

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.

    182,461       9,228,193  

SK Hynix, Inc.

    16,741       1,539,338  

STMicroelectronics NV

    31,229       1,473,846  

SUMCO Corp.

    34       454  

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd.

    289,122       4,967,971  

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. - SP ADR

    61,474       5,752,122  

Tokyo Electron Ltd.

    1,200       178,231  

Tokyo Electron Ltd. - ADR

    1,572       116,800  

United Microelectronics Corp. - SP ADR

    36,418       261,117  
              31,191,582  

Software — 1.3%

               

Dassault Systemes SE

    2,375       94,123  

 

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

 

14

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Software — (Continued)

Dassault Systemes SE - SP ADR

    2,450     $ 97,535  

Descartes Systems Group, Inc. *

    410       30,734  

Kaspi.KZ JSC - GDR

    9,277       944,399  

Kingsoft Corp. Ltd.

    21,000       83,705  

Konami Group Corp.

    500       29,015  

NetEase, Inc. - ADR

    78,700       1,630,464  

NetEase, Inc. - ADR

    2,660       275,257  

Nexon Co. Ltd.

    2,300       46,661  

SAP SE - SP ADR

    3,821       533,756  

SimCorp A/S

    20,641       2,194,671  

TeamViewer SE - ADR *

    4,442       41,266  
              6,001,586  

Telecommunications — 2.3%

               

Accton Technology Corp.

    33,000       492,173  

America Movil SAB de CV - ADR

    26,897       515,615  

BCE, Inc.

    5,954       252,152  

Bharti Airtel Ltd.

    34,639       358,134  

Chunghwa Telecom Co. Ltd.

    81,000       295,314  

Chunghwa Telecom Co. Ltd. - SP ADR

    4,171       151,950  

Deutsche Telekom AG

    1,461       31,271  

Deutsche Telekom AG - SP ADR

    5,690       121,709  

Elisa OYJ

    1,238       60,775  

GDS Holdings Ltd. - ADR *

    5,564       66,545  

Hellenic Telecommunications Organization SA

    57,964       866,229  

Hikari Tsushin, Inc.

    200       33,273  

KDDI Corp.

    189,948       5,646,667  

Millicom International Cellular SA - SDR *

    116       1,845  

MTN Group Ltd.

    23,254       148,156  

Nice Ltd. - SP ADR *

    288       56,102  

Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp.

    75,000       86,598  

Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp. - ADR

    984       28,349  

Nokia OYJ - SP ADR

    12,708       50,705  

Orange SA

    4,154       46,636  

PLDT, Inc. - SP ADR

    5,419       110,602  

Singapore Telecommunications Ltd.

    60,600       106,477  

SK Telecom Co. Ltd. - SP ADR

    1       20  

Swisscom AG

    251       152,831  

Telefonica Brasil SA - ADR

    38,091       321,488  

Telefonica SA

    9,725       40,297  

Telkom Indonesia Persero Tbk PT - ADR

    3,467       84,144  

Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri AS - ADR

    15,018       78,995  
              10,205,052  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Textiles — 0.1%

               

SLC Agricola SA

    57,905     $ 472,403  

Bandai Namco Holdings, Inc.

    2,400       55,673  

Nintendo Co. Ltd.

    700       30,014  

Nintendo Co. Ltd. - ADR

    5,760       61,459  
              619,549  

Transportation — 0.9%

               

Canadian National Railway Co.

    3,433       386,590  

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd.

    2,535       201,228  

Central Japan Railway Co.

    700       89,754  

DHL Group - ADR

    1,603       74,828  

DSV A/S

    9,318       1,769,484  

DSV A/S - ADR

    826       78,487  

East Japan Railway Co.

    1,500       84,809  

Getlink SE

    1,582       26,479  

Keio Corp.

    800       27,681  

Keisei Electric Railway Co. Ltd.

    1,000       38,292  

Kintetsu Group Holdings Co. Ltd.

    800       25,322  

Kuehne + Nagel International AG

    101       30,345  

Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd.

    9,000       249,217  

NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, Inc.

    500       25,965  

Odakyu Electric Railway Co. Ltd.

    2,200       32,713  

Qatar Gas Transport Co. Ltd.

    296,732       302,006  

Rumo SA

    84,500       380,349  

SG Holdings Co. Ltd.

    3,200       46,224  

Tobu Railway Co. Ltd.

    2,100       57,570  

West Japan Railway Co.

    1,300       56,282  

ZTO Express Cayman, Inc. - ADR

    1,247       31,350  
              4,014,975  

Water — 0.0%

               

Cia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo - ADR

    4,592       53,267  

Guangdong Investment Ltd.

    30,000       23,419  
              76,686  

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (COST $367,441,747)

            411,202,466  
                 

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS — 0.5%

       

Diversified Financial Services — 0.5%

       

iShares MSCI Saudi Arabia ETF

    57,047       2,333,222  

TOTAL EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS (COST $2,266,605)

            2,333,222  
                 

PREFERRED STOCKS — 0.1%

               

Auto Manufacturers — 0.0%

               

Porsche Automobil Holding SE, 5.159%

    851     $ 45,645  
                 

 

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

 

15

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Concluded)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Banks — 0.1%

               

Banco Bradesco SA - ADR, 6.406%

    44,550     $ 133,204  

Bancolombia SA - SP ADR, 9.503%

    1,414       37,754  
              170,958  

Cosmetics/Personal Care — 0.0%

       

LG H&H Co. Ltd., 2.096%

    171       24,723  

TOTAL PREFERRED STOCKS (COST $267,127)

            241,326  

 

   

Number of
Shares
(000’s)

         

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 7.7%

       

Money Market Funds — 7.7%

               

First American Treasury Obligations Fund - Class X, 5.26% (b)

    34,954       34,953,773  

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

       

(COST $34,953,773)

            34,953,773  
                 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS

               

(COST $404,929,252) — 99.4%

            448,730,787  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES — 0.6%

            2,866,141  

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

          $ 451,596,928  

 

 

*

Non-income producing security.

 

(a)

Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration to qualified institutional buyers. As of August 31, 2023, total market value of Rule 144A securities is $4,403,966 and represents 0.98% of net assets.

 

(b)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2023.

 

Security has been valued at fair market value using significant unobservable inputs as determined in good faith by the Adviser, as valuation designee, under the oversight of The RBB Fund, Inc.’s Board of Directors. As of August 31, 2023, these securities amounted to $20 or 0.00% of net assets.

 

ADR

American Depositary Receipt

 

CDI

CREST Depository Interest

 

ETF

Exchange Traded Fund

 

GDR

Global Depositary Receipt

 

NVDR

Non-Voting Depositary

 

PLC

Public Limited Company

 

REIT

Real Estate Investment Trust

 

SDR

Swedish Dopository Receipt

 

SP ADR

Sponsored ADR

 

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

 

16

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


STATEMENT of Assets and Liabilities

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

ASSETS

       

Investments, at value (cost $369,975,479)

  $ 413,777,014  

Short-term investments, at value (cost $34,953,773)

    34,953,773  

Foreign currency at value (cost $398,975)

    318,381  

Receivables for:

       

Dividends

    1,875,367  

Investments sold

    1,585,282  

Capital shares sold

    374,614  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

    37,269  

Total assets

  $ 452,921,700  
         

LIABILITIES

       

Payables for:

       

Investments purchased

    954,537  

Capital shares redeemed

    60,060  

Sub-advisory fees

    184,982  

Other accrued expenses and liabilities

    125,193  

Total liabilities

    1,324,772  

Net assets

  $ 451,596,928  
         

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

       

Par value

  $ 43,918  

Paid-in capital

    437,036,364  

Total distributable earnings/(loss)

    14,516,646  

Net assets

  $ 451,596,928  
         

CAPITAL SHARES:

       

Net Assets

  $ 451,596,928  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    43,918,319  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

  $ 10.28  

 

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

 

17

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Statement of Operations

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

       

Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $1,194,506)

  $ 11,433,120  

Total investment income

    11,433,120  
         

EXPENSES

       

Sub-advisory fees (Note 2)

    1,885,147  

Custodian fees (Note 2)

    290,238  

Administration and accounting services fees (Note 2)

    218,335  

Transfer agent fees (Note 2)

    58,605  

Director fees

    46,038  

Audit fees

    41,819  

Officer fees

    39,956  

Legal fees

    35,697  

Registration and filing fees

    19,819  

Printing and shareholder reporting fees

    5,715  

Other expenses

    151,614  

Total expenses

    2,792,983  

Net investment income/(loss)

    8,640,137  
         

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS

       

Net realized Gain (Loss) on:

       

Investments

    (13,769,535 )

Foreign Currency Transactions

    (335,973 )

Net realized Gain (Loss)

    (14,105,508 )

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

       

Investments

    49,694,549  

Foreign Currency Transactions

    (17,774 )

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)

    49,676,775  

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 44,211,404  

 

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

 

18

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2023

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2022

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 8,640,137     $ 5,581,660  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments and foreign currency transactions

    (14,105,508 )     (12,646,664 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments and foreign currency translation

    49,676,775       (83,378,012 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    44,211,404       (90,443,016 )
                 

DIVIDEND AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (4,179,382 )     (5,072,140 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (4,179,382 )     (5,072,140 )
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    88,275,263       89,693,476  

Reinvestment of distributions

    3,505,305       4,234,119  

Shares redeemed

    (35,881,611 )     (25,570,223 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from capital share transactions

    55,898,957       68,357,372  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    95,930,979       (27,157,784 )
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    355,665,949       382,823,733  

End of period

  $ 451,596,928     $ 355,665,949  
                 

SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Shares sold

    8,971,636       8,416,052  

Shares reinvested

    366,281       363,131  

Shares redeemed

    (3,684,160 )     (2,483,280 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares

    5,653,757       6,295,903  

 

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

 

19

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2023

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2022

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2021

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2020

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2019

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 9.29     $ 11.97     $ 9.93     $ 9.27     $ 9.61  

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    0.21       0.16       0.12       0.12       0.14  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    0.89       (2.69 )     2.00       0.67       (0.35 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    1.10       (2.53 )     2.12       0.79       (0.21 )

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

    (0.11 )     (0.15 )     (0.08 )     (0.13 )     (0.13 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.11 )     (0.15 )     (0.08 )     (0.13 )     (0.13 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.28     $ 9.29     $ 11.97     $ 9.93     $ 9.27  

Total investment return/(loss)(2)

    11.89 %     (21.38 )%     21.46 %     8.61 %     (2.12 )%
                                         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

  $ 451,597     $ 355,666     $ 382,824     $ 278,956     $ 163,375  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

    0.70 %     0.73 %     0.75 %     0.75 %     0.94 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    2.16 %     1.48 %     1.08 %     1.24 %     1.56 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    78 %     52 %     48 %     55 %     81 %

 

 

(1)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.

 

(2)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

 

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

 

20

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

 

The RBB Fund, Inc. (“RBB” or the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland on February 29, 1988 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. RBB is a “series fund,” which is a mutual fund complex divided into separate portfolios. Each portfolio is treated as a separate entity for certain matters under the 1940 Act, and for other purposes, and a shareholder of one portfolio is not deemed to be a shareholder of any other portfolio. Currently, RBB has fifty-three separate investment portfolios, including the Aquarius International Fund (the “Fund”), which commenced investment operations on April 17, 2018.

 

RBB has authorized capital of one hundred billion shares of common stock of which 91.523 billion shares are currently classified into two hundred and twenty-two classes of common stock. Each class represents an interest in an active or inactive RBB investment portfolio.

 

The Fund’s investment objective seeks capital appreciation.

 

The Fund is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 “Financial Services - Investment Companies”.

 

The end of the reporting period for the Fund is August 31, 2023, and the period covered by these Notes to Financial Statements is the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023 (the “current fiscal period”).

 

PORTFOLIO VALUATION – The Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. Securities held by the Fund are valued using the closing price or the last sale price on a national securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System (“NASDAQ”) market system where they are primarily traded. Equity securities traded in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market are valued at their closing prices. If there were no transactions on that day, securities traded principally on an exchange or on NASDAQ will be valued at the mean of the last bid and ask prices prior to the market close. Fixed income securities are valued using an independent pricing service, which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings, and are deemed representative of market values at the close of the market. Investments in Exchange-Traded Funds (“ETFs”) are valued at their last reported sale price. Foreign securities are valued based on prices from the primary market in which they are traded, and are translated from the local currency into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates. Investments in other open-end investment companies, if any, are valued based on the NAV of those investment companies (which may use fair value pricing as disclosed in their prospectuses). If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable, securities will be valued by the Adviser, as Valuation Designee, in accordance with procedures adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). Relying on prices supplied by pricing services or dealers or using fair valuation may result in values that are higher or lower than the values used by other investment companies and investors to price the same investments. Such procedures use fundamental valuation methods, which may include, but are not limited to, an analysis of the effect of any restrictions on the resale of the security, industry analysis and trends, significant changes in the issuer’s financial position, and any other event which could have a significant impact on the value of the security. Determination of fair value involves subjective judgment as the actual market value of a particular security can be established only by negotiations between the parties in a sales transaction, and the difference between the recorded fair value and the value that would be received in a sale could be significant. The Valuation Designee may use fair value pricing more frequently for securities traded primarily in non-U.S. markets because, among other things, most foreign markets close well before the Fund values its securities, generally as of 4:00 p.m. Eastern time. The earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, government actions or pronouncements, aftermarket trading, or news events may have occurred in the interim. To account for this, the Valuation Designee may value foreign securities using fair value prices based on third-party vendor modeling tools (international fair value pricing).

 

21

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS – The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the Fund’s investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:

 

 

● Level 1

— Prices are determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.

 

 

● Level 2

— Prices are determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

 

● Level 3

— Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

 

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used, as of the end of the current fiscal period, in valuing the Fund’s investments carried at fair value:

 

   

Total

   

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

 

Common Stocks

  $ 411,202,466     $ 100,667,610     $ 310,534,836     $ 20  

Exchange Traded Funds

    2,333,222       2,333,222              

Preferred Stocks

    241,326       170,958       70,368        

Short-Term Investments

    34,953,773       34,953,773              

Total Investments*

  $ 448,730,787     $ 138,125,563     $ 310,605,204     $ 20  

 

*

Please refer to the Portfolio of Investments for further details.

 

At the end of each quarter, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities. Various factors are considered, such as changes in liquidity from the prior reporting period; whether or not a broker is willing to execute at the quoted price; the depth and consistency of prices from third party pricing services; and the existence of contemporaneous, observable trades in the market. Additionally, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities on a quarterly basis for changes in listings or delistings on national exchanges.

 

Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Fund’s investments may fluctuate from period to period. Additionally, the fair value of investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for such investments and may differ materially from the values the Fund may ultimately realize. Further, such investments may be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities.

 

For fair valuations using significant unobservable inputs, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires the Fund to present a reconciliation of the beginning to ending balances for reported market values that presents changes attributable to total realized and unrealized gains or losses, purchase and sales, and transfers in and out of Level 3 during the period. Transfers in and out between levels are based on values at the end of the period. A reconciliation of Level 3 investments is presented only when the Fund had an amount of Level 3 investments at the end of the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets. The amounts and reasons for Level 3 transfers are disclosed if the Fund had an amount of total Level 3 transfers during the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets as of the end of the reporting period.

 

During the current fiscal period, the Fund had no significant Level 3 transfers.

 

22

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

REITS — The Fund has made certain investments in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) which pay dividends to their shareholders based upon available funds from operations. It is quite common for these dividends to exceed the REITs’ taxable earnings and profits resulting in the excess portion being designated as a return of capital. The Fund intends to include the gross dividends from such REITs in its annual distributions to shareholders and, accordingly, a portion of the Fund’s distributions may also be designated as a return of capital.

 

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 and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences could be significant.

 

INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS, INVESTMENT INCOME AND EXPENSES — The Fund records security transactions based on trade date for financial reporting purposes. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method for both financial reporting and income tax purposes in determining realized gains and losses on investments. Interest income (including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts) is accrued when earned. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. The Fund’s investment income, expenses (other than class specific expenses) and unrealized and realized gains and losses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class at the beginning of the day. Certain expenses are shared with The RBB Fund Trust (the “Trust”), a series trust of affiliated funds. Expenses incurred on behalf of a specific class, fund or fund family of the Company or Trust are charged directly to the class, fund or fund family (in proportion to net assets). Expenses incurred for all funds (such as director or professional fees) are charged to all funds in proportion to their average net assets of RBB and the Trust, or in such other manner as the Board deems fair or equitable. Expenses and fees, including investment advisory and administration fees, are accrued daily and taken into account for the purpose of determining the NAV of the Fund.

 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS — Dividends from net investment income and distributions from net realized capital gains (including net short-term capital gains), if any, are declared and paid at least annually to shareholders recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income dividends and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

 

U.S. TAX STATUS — No provision is made for U.S. income taxes as it is the Fund’s intention to continue to qualify for and elect the tax treatment applicable to regulated investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and make the requisite distributions to its shareholders which will be sufficient to relieve it from U.S. income and excise taxes.

 

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION — Assets and liabilities initially expressed in non-U.S. currencies are translated into U.S. dollars based on the applicable exchange rates at the date of the last business day of the financial statement period. Purchases and sales of securities, interest income, dividends, variation margin received and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect on the transaction date.

 

The Fund does not separately report the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates from changes in market prices of securities held. Such changes are included with the net realized gain or loss and change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments in the Statement of Operations. Other foreign currency transactions resulting in realized and unrealized gain or loss are reported separately as net realized gain or loss and change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on foreign currencies in the Statement of Operations.

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates market value.

 

23

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

OTHER — In the normal course of business, the Fund may enter into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on claims that may be made against the Fund in the future, and, therefore, cannot be estimated; however, the Fund expects the risk of material loss from such claims to be remote.

 

The Fund may be subject to taxes imposed by countries in which it invests, with respect to its investments in issuers existing or operating in such countries. Such taxes are generally based on income earned or repatriated and capital gains realized on the sale of such investments. The Fund accrues such taxes when the related income or capital gains are earned or throughout the holding period. Some countries require governmental approval for the repatriation of investment income, capital or the proceeds of sales earned by foreign investors. Additionally, if there is a deterioration in a country’s balance of payments or for other reasons, a country may impose temporary restrictions on foreign capital remittances abroad.

 

MARKET RISK — Investments in foreign markets may involve certain considerations and risks not typically associated with investments in the United States of America, including the possibility of future political and economic developments and the level of foreign governmental supervision and regulation of foreign securities markets. These markets are generally smaller, less liquid and more volatile than the major securities markets in the United States of America. Consequently, acquisition and disposition of international securities held by the Fund may be inhibited.

 

UKRAINE-RUSSIA CONFLICT RISK — In February 2022, Russia commenced a military attack on Ukraine. The outbreak of hostilities between the two countries and the threat of wider-spread hostilities could have a severe adverse effect on the region and global economies, including significant negative impacts on the markets for certain securities and commodities, such as oil and natural gas. 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 the armed conflict and related events will last cannot be predicted. These tensions and any related events could have a significant impact on Fund performance and the value of Fund investments, even beyond any direct exposure the Fund may have to issuers located in these countries.

 

2. INVESTMENT ADVISER AND OTHER SERVICES

 

Altair Advisers, LLC (“Altair” or the “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. Aperio Group, LLC, Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. (“Boston Partners”), Driehaus Capital Management, LLC, Mawer Investment Management, Ltd. and Setanta Asset Management Limited (“Setanta”) each served as an investment sub-adviser (“Sub-Adviser”) to the Fund during the current fiscal period. Effective as of the close of business on March 31, 2023, Boston Partners was appointed as a Sub-Adviser to the Fund and Setanta was terminated as a Sub-Adviser to the Fund.

 

The Fund is managed by the Adviser and one or more Sub-Advisers unaffiliated with the Adviser. The Adviser also has the ultimate responsibility to oversee the Sub-Advisers, and to recommend their hiring, termination and replacement, subject to approval by the Board. The Adviser has an investment team that is jointly responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund. The Sub-Advisers provide investment advisory services to the portion of the Fund’s portfolio allocated to them by the Adviser. The Adviser and the Company on behalf of the Fund have entered into sub-advisory agreements with the Sub-Advisers to manage the Fund, subject to supervision of the Adviser and the Board, and in accordance with the investment objective and restrictions of the Fund. The Fund compensates the Sub-Advisers for their services at an annual rate based on the Fund’s sub-advised average daily net assets (the “Sub-Advisory Fee”), not to exceed 0.90%, payable on a monthly basis in arrears.

 

During the current fiscal period, collectively, sub-advisory fees accrued were $1,885,147, or the rate of 0.47%.

 

24

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

The Fund is currently only available to clients of the Adviser and to other investors at the Fund’s discretion. The Adviser does not receive a separate management fee from the Fund. However, pursuant to the Fund’s investment advisory agreement with the Adviser, the Adviser is entitled to receive reimbursement for compliance expenses in connection with managing the Fund, up to 0.03% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. During the current fiscal period, the Adviser received $127,517.

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (“Fund Services”), serves as administrator for the Fund. For providing administrative and accounting services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Fund Services serves as the Fund’s transfer and dividend disbursing agent. For providing transfer agent services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

U.S. Bank, N.A. (the “Custodian”) provides certain custodial services to the Fund. The Custodian is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Quasar Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of Foreside Financial Group, LLC, serves as the principal underwriter and distributor of the Fund’s shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with RBB.

 

For compensation amounts paid to Fund Services and the Custodian, please refer to the Statement of Operations.

 

3. DIRECTOR AND OFFICER COMPENSATION

 

The Directors of the Company receive an annual retainer and meeting fees for meetings attended. An employee of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serves as Chief Compliance Officer of the Company. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company. Employees of RBB serve as President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Secretary and Director of Marketing & Business Development of the Company. They are compensated by the Company for services provided. Certain employees of Fund Services serve as officers of the Company. They are not compensated by the Fund or the Company. For Director and Officer compensation amounts, please refer to the Statement of Operations.

 

4. PURCHASES AND SALES OF INVESTMENT SECURITIES

 

During the current fiscal period, aggregate purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) of the Fund were as follows:

 

PURCHASES

SALES

$346,283,194

$279,522,466

 

There were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. Government securities during the current fiscal period.

 

5. FEDERAL INCOME TAX INFORMATION

 

The Fund has followed the authoritative guidance on accounting for and disclosure of uncertainty in tax positions, which requires the Fund to determine whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The Fund has determined that there was no effect on the financial statements from following this authoritative guidance. In the normal course of business, the Fund is subject to examination by federal, state and local jurisdictions, where applicable, for tax years for which applicable statutes of limitations have not expired.

 

25

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

As of August 31, 2023, the federal tax cost, which includes foreign currency, and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments held by the Fund were as follows:

 

FEDERAL
TAX COST

UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION

UNREALIZED
(DEPRECIATION)

Net Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

$411,502,982

$62,316,420

$(24,686,113)

$37,630,307

 

Distributions to shareholders, if any, from net investment income and realized gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from net investment income and realized gains recognized for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the character of distributions and composition of net assets for tax purposes may differ from those reflected in the accompanying financial statements. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on the tax treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.

 

Permanent differences as of August 31, 2023, primarily attributed to foreign currency. There were no permanent differences between distributable earnings/(loss) and paid in capital.

 

As of August 31, 2023, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

UNDISTRIBUTED
ORDINARY
INCOME

UNDISTRIBUTED
LONG-TERM
CAPITAL GAINS

CAPITAL LOSS
CARRYFORWARDS

NET UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION/
(DEPRECIATION)

QUALIFIED
LATE-YEAR
LOSSES

$8,154,256

$—

$(31,267,917)

$37,630,307

$—

 

The differences between the book and tax basis components of distributable earnings relate primarily to the timing of recognition of income and gains for federal income tax purposes. Short-term and foreign currency gains are reported as ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.

 

The tax character of dividends and distributions paid during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2023 and August 31, 2022 was as follows:

 

         

ORDINARY
INCOME

   

LONG-TERM
GAINS

   

TOTAL

 
    2023     $ 4,179,382     $     $ 4,179,382  
    2022     $ 5,072,140     $     $ 5,072,140  

 

Pursuant to federal income tax rules applicable to regulated investment companies, the Fund may elect to treat certain capital losses between November 1 and August 31 and late year ordinary losses ((i) ordinary losses between January 1 and August 31, and (ii) specified ordinary and currency losses between November 1 and August 31) as occurring on the first day of the following tax year. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, any amount of losses elected within the tax return will not be recognized for federal income tax purposes until September 1, 2023.

 

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010, the Fund is permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 for an unlimited period. Additionally, capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses rather than being considered all short-term as under the previous law. As of August 31, 2023, the Fund had short-term capital loss carryforwards of $24,233,237 and long-term carryforwards of $7,034,680.

 

26

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONCLUDED)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

6. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS AND REGULATORY UPDATES

 

In June 2022, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2022-03, which amends Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions (“ASU 2022-03”). ASU 2022-03 clarifies guidance for fair value measurement of an equity security subject to a contractual sale restriction and establishes new disclosure requirements for such equity securities. ASU 2022-03 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of these amendments on the financial statements.

 

In October 2022, the SEC adopted a final rule relating to tailored shareholder reports for mutual funds and exchange-traded funds and fee information in investment company advertisements. The rule and form amendments will, among other things, require the Fund to transmit concise and visually engaging shareholder reports that highlight key information. The amendments will require that funds tag information in a structured data format and that certain more in-depth information be made available online and available for delivery free of charge to investors on request. The amendments became effective January 24, 2023. There is an 18-month transition period after the effective date of the amendments until the Fund is required to comply.

 

In December 2022, the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2022-06, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) – Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848 (“ASU 2022-06”). ASU 2022-06 is an amendment to ASU 2020-04, which provided optional guidance to ease the potential accounting burden due to the discontinuation of the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate and other interbank-offered based reference rates and which was effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. ASU 2022-06 extends the effective period through December 31, 2024. Management is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of applying ASU 2022-06.

 

7. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Fund through the date the financial statements were issued, and has determined that there were no subsequent events.

 

27

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. and Shareholders of Aquarius International Fund

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the portfolio of investments, of Aquarius International Fund (one of the funds constituting The RBB Fund, Inc., hereafter referred to as the “Fund”) as of August 31, 2023, the related statement of operations for the year ended August 31, 2023, the statement of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 2023, including the related notes, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended August 31, 2023 (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of August 31, 2023, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 2023 and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended August 31, 2023 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 2023 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 


Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
October 24, 2023

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Altair Advisers, LLC investment companies since 2015.

 

28

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


SHAREHOLDER TAX INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

 

Certain tax information regarding the Fund is required to be provided to shareholders based upon the Fund’s income and distributions for the taxable period ended August 31, 2023. The information and distributions reported herein may differ from information and distributions taxable to the shareholders for the calendar year ending December 31, 2023. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, the following dividends and distributions were paid by the Fund:

 

Ordinary
Income

Long-Term
Gains

$4,179,382

$—

 

Dividends from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income dividends for federal income tax purposes.

 

Under the Jobs and Growth Tax relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 the following percentages of ordinary dividends paid during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023 are designated as “qualified dividend income,” as defined in the Act, and are subject to reduced tax rates:

 

Aquarius International Fund

95.16%

 

The percentage of total ordinary income dividends paid qualifying for the corporate dividends received deduction for the Fund is as follows:

 

Aquarius International Fund

0%

 

The percentage of ordinary income distributions designated as qualified short-term gains pursuant to the American Job Creation Act of 2004 is as follows:

 

Aquarius International Fund

0%

 

Because the Fund’s fiscal year is not the calendar year, another notification will be sent with respect to calendar year 2023. The second notification, which will reflect the amount, if any, to be used by calendar year taxpayers on their U.S. federal income tax returns, will be made in conjunction with Form 1099-DIV and will be mailed in January 2024.

 

Foreign shareholders will generally be subject to U.S. withholding tax on the amount of their ordinary income dividends. They will generally not be entitled to a foreign tax credit or deduction for the withholding taxes paid by the Fund, if any. The Fund passed through foreign tax credits of $1,160,538 and earned $10,819,706 of gross foreign source income during the fiscal year.

 

In general, dividends received by tax-exempt recipients (e.g., IRAs and Keoghs) need not be reported as taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, some retirement trusts (e.g., corporate, Keogh and 403(b)(7) plans) may need this information for their annual information reporting.

 

Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the tax consequences of their investment in the Fund.

 

29

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Other Information (Unaudited)

 

Proxy Voting

 

Policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities as well as information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 are available without charge, upon request, by calling (844) 261-6482 and on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Quarterly Portfolio Schedules

 

The Company files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third fiscal quarters of each fiscal year (quarters ended November 30 and May 31) as an exhibit to its report on Form N-PORT. The Company’s Form N-PORT filings are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

APPROVAL OF Investment Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements

 

As required by the 1940 Act, the Board, including all of the Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Directors”), considered (1) the renewal of the investment advisory agreement between Altair and the Company (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”) on behalf of the Fund, and (2) the renewal of the sub-advisory agreements among Altair, the Company and each of Aperio Group, LLC, Driehaus Capital Management, LLC, and Mawer Investment Management, Ltd. (collectively, the “Sub-Advisers”) (together, the “Sub-Advisory Agreements”), at a meeting of the Board held on May 16-17, 2023 (the “Meeting”). At the Meeting, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, approved the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreements for an additional one-year term. The Board’s decision to approve the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreements reflects the exercise of its business judgment to continue the existing arrangement. In approving the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreements, the Board considered information provided by Altair and each of the Sub-Advisers with the assistance and advice of counsel to the Independent Directors and the Company.

 

In considering the renewal and approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Company and Altair with respect to the Fund, and the Sub-Advisory Agreements among the Company, Altair and each Sub-Adviser with respect to the Fund, the Directors took into account all materials provided prior to and during the Meeting and at other meetings throughout the past year, the presentations made during the Meeting, and the discussions held during the Meeting. The Directors reviewed these materials with management of Altair, and discussed the aforementioned Agreements with counsel in executive sessions, at which no representatives of Altair or the Sub-Advisers were present. Among other things, the Directors considered (i) the nature, extent, and quality of services provided to the Fund by Altair and each Sub-Adviser; (ii) descriptions of the experience and qualifications of the personnel providing those services; (iii) Altair’s and the Sub-Advisers’ investment philosophies and processes; (iv) Altair’s and the Sub-Advisers’ assets under management and client descriptions; (v) Altair’s and the Sub-Advisers’ soft dollar commission and trade allocation policies, including information on the types of research and services obtained in connection with soft dollar commissions; (vi) Altair’s and the Sub-Advisers’ advisory fee arrangements and other similarly managed clients, as applicable; (vii) Altair’s and the Sub-Advisers’ compliance procedures; (viii) Altair’s and the Sub-Advisers’ financial information and insurance coverage, as applicable; (ix) the extent to which economies of scale are relevant to the Fund; (x) a report prepared by Fuse Research Network, LLC comparing the Fund’s management fees and total expense ratios to a group of mutual funds deemed comparable to the Fund based primarily on investment strategy similarity (“Peer Group”) and comparing the performance of the Fund to the performance of its Peer Group; and (xi) a report comparing the performance of the Fund to the performance of its benchmark.

 

As part of their review, the Directors considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by Altair and each Sub-Adviser. The Directors concluded that Altair and each Sub-Adviser had substantial resources to provide services to the Fund, and that Altair’s and the Sub-Advisers’ services had been acceptable.

 

30

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Other Information (Unaudited) (CONtinued)

 

The Directors also considered the investment performance of the Fund, noting that the Fund had outperformed its benchmark, the MSCI ACWI ex USA Gross Index, for the one-year period ended March 31, 2023, and underperformed its benchmark for the three-month and three-year periods ended March 31, 2023. The Directors considered the Fund’s investment performance in light of its investment objective and investment strategies. The Board noted that the Fund’s total return outperformed the median of its Peer Group for the one-year period ended December 31, 2022, and underperformed the median of its Peer Group for the three-month, three-year and since-inception periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

The Board also considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreements. In this regard, information on the fees paid by the Fund and the Fund’s total operating expense ratios were compared to similar information for mutual funds advised by other, unaffiliated investment advisory firms. The Directors noted that both the Fund’s net advisory fee and total net expenses were below the median and in the 1st quintile (least expensive) of its Peer Group. The Directors considered that the Fund does not pay a contractual management fee to Altair, but instead reimburses for out-of-pocket expenses in connection with its compliance monitoring of the Fund’s trading, up to 0.03% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. The Directors also considered the fees payable to each Sub-Adviser under the Sub-Advisory Agreement.

 

After reviewing the information regarding Altair’s and the Sub-Advisers’ costs, profitability and economies of scale, and after considering the services to be provided by Altair and the Sub-Advisers, the Directors concluded that the reimbursement to be made by the Fund to Altair and the sub-advisory fees to be paid to each Sub-Adviser were fair and reasonable and that the Investment Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreements should be approved and continued for an additional one-year period ending August 16, 2024.

 

APPROVAL OF SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT WITH BOSTON PARTNERS

 

As required by the 1940 Act, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, considered the approval of a new sub-advisory agreement among Altair, the Company, on behalf of the Fund, and Boston Partners (the “Boston Partners Sub-Advisory Agreement”) at a special meeting of the Board held on March 29, 2023 (the “Special Meeting”). At the Special Meeting, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, approved the Sub-Advisory Agreement for an initial period ending August 16, 2024. The Board’s decision to approve the Boston Partners Sub-Advisory Agreement reflects the exercise of its business judgment. In approving the Boston Partners Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Board considered information provided by Altair and Boston Partners, with the assistance and advice of counsel to the Independent Directors and the Company.

 

In considering the Boston Partners Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Board took into account all materials provided prior to and during the Special Meeting and at other meetings throughout the past year, the presentations made during the Special Meeting, and the discussions held during the Special Meeting. Among other things, the Board considered (i) the nature, extent, and quality of services to be provided to the Fund by Boston Partners; (ii) descriptions of the experience and qualifications of the personnel providing those services; (iii) Boston Partners’ investment philosophies and processes; (iv) Boston Partners’ assets under management and client descriptions; (v) Boston Partners’ soft dollar commission and trade allocation policies; (vi) Boston Partners’ sub-advisory fee arrangements with Altair and other similarly managed clients, as applicable; (vii) Boston Partners’ compliance procedures; (viii) Boston Partners’ financial information and insurance coverage; and (ix) information regarding the performance record of other accounts with similar investment strategies managed by Boston Partners.

 

The Board also considered the fees payable to Boston Partners under the proposed Boston Partners Sub-Advisory Agreement and the services to be provided by Boston Partners.

 

The Board, having requested and received such information as it believed reasonably necessary to evaluate the terms of the proposed Boston Partners Sub-Advisory Agreement with respect to the Fund, concluded that the sub-advisory fees to be paid by the Fund to Boston Partners were fair and reasonable and that the Boston Partners Sub-Advisory Agreement should be approved for an initial period ending August 16, 2024.

 

31

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Other Information (Unaudited) (CONCLUDED)

 

LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

 

The Company has adopted and implemented a Liquidity Risk Management Program (the “Company Program”) as required by rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act. In accordance with the Company Program, the Adviser has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the “Adviser Program” and together with the Company Program, the “Programs”) on behalf of the Fund. The Programs seek to assess, manage and review the Fund’s Liquidity Risk. “Liquidity Risk” is defined as the risk that the Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of remaining investors’ interest in the Fund.

 

The Board has appointed Vigilant Compliance, LLC (“Vigilant”) as the program administrator for the Company Program and the Adviser as the program administrator for the Adviser Program. The Adviser has delegated oversight of the Adviser Program to its Compliance Committee, whose process of monitoring and determining the liquidity of the Fund’s investments is supported by one or more third-party vendors.

 

At meetings held during the current fiscal period, the Board and its Regulatory Oversight Committee received and reviewed a written report (the “Report”) of Vigilant and the Adviser concerning the operation of the Programs for the period from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022 (the “Period”). The Report summarized the operation of the Programs and the information and factors considered by Vigilant and the Adviser in reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of the implementation of the Programs with respect to the Fund. Such information and factors included, among other things: (i) the methodology used to classify the liquidity of the Fund’s portfolio investments and the Adviser’s assessment that the Fund’s strategy remained appropriate for an open-end mutual fund; (ii) analyses of the Fund’s trading environment and reasonably anticipated trading size; (iii) that the Fund held primarily highly liquid assets (investments that the Fund anticipates can be converted to cash within 3 business days or less in current market conditions without significantly changing their market value); (iv) that the Fund held a percentage of highly liquid assets above its highly liquid investment minimum at all times during the Period; (v) confirmation that the Fund did not breach the 15% maximum illiquid security threshold (investments that cannot be sold or disposed of in seven days or less in current market conditions without the sale of the investment significantly changing the market value of the investment) during the Period and the procedures for monitoring compliance with the limit; (vi) that the processes, technologies and third-party vendors used to assess, manage, and/or periodically review the Fund’s Liquidity Risk functioned appropriately during the Period; and (vii) that the Programs operated adequately during the Period. The Report also indicated that there were no material changes made to the Programs during the Period.

 

Based on the review, the Report concluded that the Programs were being implemented effectively and reasonably designed to assess and manage Liquidity Risk in the Fund’s portfolio.

 

There can be no assurance that the Company Program or the Adviser Program will achieve its objectives under all circumstances in the future. Please refer to the Fund’s prospectus for more information regarding the Fund’s exposure to liquidity risk and other risks to which it may be subject.

 

32

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


COMPANY MANAGEMENT (Unaudited)

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company is organized under and managed pursuant to Maryland law. The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below. The statement of additional information (“SAI”) includes additional information about the Directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling (844) 261-6482.

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of
Office and
Length
of Time
Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen
by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
During the Past
5 Years

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Julian A. Brodsky
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 90

Director

1988 to present

Retired.

63

AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).

Gregory P. Chandler
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 56

Director

2012 to present

Since 2020, Chief Financial Officer, HC Parent Corp. d/b/a Herspiegel Consulting LLC (life sciences consulting services); 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Avocado Systems Inc. (cyber security software provider); from 2009-2020, Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services).

63

FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios)(registered investment company); Emtec, Inc. (until December 2019); FS Investment Corporation (business development company) (until December 2018).

 

33

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


COMPANY MANAGEMENT (Unaudited) (CONTINUED)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of
Office and
Length
of Time
Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen
by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
During the Past
5 Years

Lisa A. Dolly

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI, 53202

Age: 57

Director

October 2021 to present

From July 2019-December 2019, Chairman, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm); January 2016-June 2019, Chief Executive Officer, Pershing, LLC.

63

Allfunds Group PLC (United Kingdom wealthtech and fund distribution provider); Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (trade association for broker dealers, investment banks and asset managers); Hightower Advisors (wealth management firm).

Nicholas A. Giordano
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 80

Director

2006 to present

Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations.

63

IntriCon Corporation (biomedical device manufacturer); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance) (until March 2021).

Arnold M. Reichman
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 75

Chair

 

Director

2005 to present

1991 to present

Retired.

63

EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until August 2022).

 

 

34

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


COMPANY MANAGEMENT (Unaudited) (CONTINUED)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of
Office and
Length
of Time
Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen
by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
During the Past
5 Years

Brian T. Shea
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 63

Director

2018 to present

From 2014-2017, Chief Executive Officer, BNY Mellon Investment Services (fund services, global custodian and securities clearing firm); from 1983-2014, Chief Executive Officer and various positions, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm).

63

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (financial services technology company); Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (financial services company); WisdomTree Investments, Inc. (asset management company) (until March 2019).

Robert A. Straniere
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 82

Director

2006 to present

Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm).

63

None.

INTERESTED DIRECTOR2

Robert Sablowsky
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 85

Vice Chairman

 

Director

2016 to present

 

1991 to present

Since 2002, Senior Director - Investments and, prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer).

63

None.

OFFICERS

Steven Plump

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 64

President

August 2022 to present

From 2011 to 2021, Executive Vice President, PIMCO LLC.

N/A

N/A

 

 

35

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


COMPANY MANAGEMENT (Unaudited) (CONTINUED)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of
Office and
Length
of Time
Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen
by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
During the Past
5 Years

Salvatore Faia, JD,
CPA, CFE
Vigilant Compliance, LLC
Gateway Corporate Center Suite 216
223 Wilmington West
Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Age: 60

Chief Compliance Officer

2004 to present

Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company); since 2021, Chief Compliance Officer of The RBB Fund Trust; President of The RBB Fund Trust from 2021 to 2022; President of The RBB Fund, Inc. from 2009 to 2022.

N/A

N/A

James G. Shaw
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 63

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

 

Chief Operating Officer

2016 to present

 

 

 

2022 to present

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (since 2016) and Chief Operating Officer (since 2022) of The RBB Fund, Inc.; Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (since 2021) and Chief Operating Officer (since 2022) of The RBB Fund Trust.

N/A

N/A

Craig A. Urciuoli

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 49

Director of Marketing & Business Development

2019 to present

Since 2019, Director of Marketing & Business Development, The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 2000-2019, Managing Director, Third Avenue Management, LLC (an investment advisory firm).

N/A

N/A

Jennifer Witt
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 40

Assistant Treasurer

2018 to present

Since 2020, Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (fund administrative services firm); from 2016 to 2020, Assistant Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services.

N/A

N/A

Edward Paz
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 52

Assistant Secretary

2016 to present

Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm).

N/A

N/A

 

 

36

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


COMPANY MANAGEMENT (Unaudited) (concluded)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of
Office and
Length
of Time
Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen
by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
During the Past
5 Years

Michael P. Malloy
One Logan Square
Ste. 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 64

Assistant Secretary

1999 to present

Since 1993, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

Jillian L. Bosmann
One Logan Square
Ste. 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Age: 44

Assistant Secretary

2017 to present

Since 2017, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

 

*

Each Director oversees 63 portfolios of the fund complex, consisting of the series of the Company (53 portfolios) and The RBB Fund Trust (10 portfolios).

 

1.

Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his or her successor is elected and qualified or his or her death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Giordano, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.

 

2.

Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his or her qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive-level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Ms. Dolly has over three decades of experience in the financial services industry, and she has demonstrated her leadership and management abilities by serving in numerous senior executive-level positions. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Shea has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the brokerage, clearing, banking and investment services industry, including service on the boards of public companies, industry regulatory organizations and a university. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company.

 

37

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


PRIVACY NOTICE (UNAUDITED)

 

FACTS

WHAT DOES THE AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?

Why?

Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.

What?

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

 

● Social Security number

● account balances

● account transactions

● transaction history

● wire transfer instructions

● checking account information

 

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

How?

All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information; the reasons the Aquarius International Fund chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing.

       

Reasons we can share your information

Does the Aquarius International Fund share?

Can you limit
this sharing?

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

Yes

No

For our marketing purposes
to offer our products and services to you

Yes

No

For joint marketing with other financial companies

Yes

No

For affiliates’ everyday business purposes
information about your transactions and experiences

Yes

No

For affiliates’ everyday business purposes
information about your creditworthiness

No

We don’t share

For our affiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share

For nonaffiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share

 

Questions?

Call 1-844-261-6482

 

 

38

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


PRIVACY NOTICE (UNAUDITED) (concluded)

 

What we do

 

How does the Aquarius International Fund protect my personal information?

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

How does the Aquarius International Fund collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

 

● open an account

● provide account information

● give us your contact information

● make a wire transfer

● tell us where to send the money

 

We also collect your information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

 

● sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes — information about your creditworthiness

● affiliates from using your information to market to you

● sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

 

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

Definitions

 

Affiliates

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

 

Our affiliates include Altair Advisers, LLC, the investment adviser to the Aquarius International Fund.

Nonaffiliates

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

 

Aquarius International Fund doesn’t share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you.

Joint marketing

A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.

 

Aquarius International Fund may share your information with other financial institutions with whom they have joint marketing arrangements who may suggest additional fund services or other investments products which may be of interest to you. We do not currently have any joint marketing arrangements with other financial institutions.

 

 

39

 

 

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[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

 

Investment Adviser
Altair Advisers, LLC
303 West Madison Street, Suite 600
Chicago, IL 60606

 

Administrator and Transfer Agent
U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201

 

Principal Underwriter
Quasar Distributors, LLC
111 E Kilbourn Ave, Suite 2200
Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Custodian
U.S. Bank, N.A.
1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, WI 53212

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Two Commerce Square
2001 Market Street, Suite 1800
Philadelphia, PA 19103

 

Legal Counsel
Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
One Logan Square, Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103-6996

 

AQU-AR23

 

 

 

 

 

Boston Partners Investment Funds

 

of The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

Annual Report
August 31, 2023

 

Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund
Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II
WPG Partners Select Small Cap Value Fund

WPG Partners Small Cap Value Diversified Fund
(formerly WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund)

Boston Partners Global Sustainability Fund
Boston Partners Global Equity Fund
Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund
Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund
Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund
Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund
Boston Partners Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

Table of Contents

 

General Market Commentary 1
Fund Expense Examples 32
Portfolio Holdings Summary Tables 34
Portfolio of Investments 37
Statements of Assets and Liabilities 85
Statements of Operations 88
Statements of Changes in Net Assets 91
Financial Highlights 98
Notes to Financial Statements 104
Other Information 122
Privacy Notice 128
 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

GENERAL MARKET COMMENTARY

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

Despite seven additional rate hikes by the Federal Reserve (“Fed”) that raised the targeted Fed Funds rate from 2.25% to 5.25% and a -3.87% year-over-year drop in earnings per share, the S&P 500 rebounded during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023 with a gain of +15.92% on a total return basis. Aiding the return was an expansion of forward price/earnings multiples that started the period at 16.6X and ended at 18.9X the expected index earnings for over the next twelve months.

 

Over the course of the year, initial expectations of an imminent recession gradually gave way to the notion that a “soft-landing” or even “no landing” were the most likely scenarios for the U.S. economy, given the resilience of the U.S. consumer, progress made by the Fed on quelling headline inflation and the belief that the U.S. would remain insulated from overall weak global growth. Given this “Goldilocks” backdrop, the futures market began to price in a policy reversal by the Fed starting as early as Q1 2024, though the Fed has given no indication of that happening.

 

Returns

 

Nine of the eleven sectors that comprise the S&P 500 posted gains for the one-year period ended in August, led by Information Technology (+33.33%) and Communication Services (+25.76%) which together accounted for 64% of the overall return for the S&P 500.

 

Three stocks dominated the performance of the Technology sector: Apple, Microsoft and NVIDIA which collectively accounted for 68% of the sector’s overall performance. Likewise for Communication Services where two stocks Alphabet (Google) and Meta Platforms (Facebook) contributed 86% of the sectors’ return.

 

The two sectors posting losses for the period are considered to be bond surrogates, Utilities at -12.65% and Real Estate at -8.15%, as interest rates rose by an average of 0.98% across Treasury securities with maturities ranging from 2 to 30-years in length. That led to a -1.19% loss for the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index and a -2.07% loss for the Bloomberg Treasury Master Index over the period.

 

Returns for risk characteristics were mixed over the period, as the highest beta quintile of the S&P 500 handedly outperformed the lowest beta quintile, +29.8% to -0.12%, but stocks considered to be high quality (rated “B+” or higher by Standard & Poor’s) beat low quality (“B” or lower) +15.39% to +14.99% and the Russell 2000 Index of small-cap stocks lagged the Russell 1000 Index of large-cap stocks, +4.65% to +15.40%.

 

The dominance of a handful of TMT stocks (telecom, media, technology) which are both high-beta and high-quality, were responsible for the varied performance. For example, NVIDIA is rated “A-” in quality by Standard & Poor’s but carries a beta of 1.66, meaning it is 66% more volatile than the S&P 500.

 

In terms of style, value lagged growth over the period by an average of -8.43% across the Russell 1000, Russell Mid-Cap and Russell 2000 capitalization ranges, though the largest disparity was found in the large-cap space as the Russell 1000 Growth Index returned +21.94% to the +8.59% gain generated by the Russell 1000 Value Index. Most of this return disparity can be linked to the performance of the so-called “Magnificent Seven” (Google, Facebook, Amazon, Tesla, Apple, Microsoft, NVIDIA) which collectively produced a cap-weighted return of +14.95% that contributed to 68% of the overall return generated by the Russell 1000 Growth Index. Without the contribution of those seven stocks, the return for the Russell 1000 Growth Index would have been +7.01%.

 

Returns for developed market international stocks were mixed over the period, as the MSCI EAFE Index lagged the S&P 500 with a return of +14.69% in local currency terms, but outpaced the S&P 500 in U.S. dollar terms at +18.55% as the DXY Index (U.S. Dollar Index) of the dollars appreciation/depreciation versus a basket of foreign currencies (the Euro, Swiss Franc, Japanese yen, Canadian dollar, British pound, and Swedish krona) fell by -4.74% over the period, adding to the EAFE return in $USD.

 

Emerging market stocks lagged the S&P 500 in both local currencies (+2.96%) and in dollar terms (+1.69%) largely due to weakness in Chinese stocks which fell by -12.92% on growing concerns over the country’s Real Estate sector and by countries with large exposure to industrial commodity exports.

 

Looking Ahead

 

Evidence of “good news is bad news” can be found by observing the correlation between stock prices and the yield changes of the 10-year Treasury. With economic releases routinely beating consensus estimates, interest rates have been rising which has been pressuring stock prices as of late. The correlation between the price level of the S&P 500 and the yield of the 10-Year Treasury now stands at -.81, where 1.0 equals perfect positive corelation and -1.0 equals perfect negative correlation. The -.81 is an indication that economic growth is too strong. This has also affected the futures market, where earlier in the year Fed Funds futures had been indicating rate cuts of upwards of 110 basis points in the first half of 2024 by the Fed, but now are pricing only 35 basis points of Fed rate cuts in the first half of 2024.

 

The decline in expected rate cuts was also augmented by comments made by Jerome Powell at the Jackson Hole Summit this past August where he stated: “Good morning. At last year’s Jackson Hole symposium, I delivered a brief, direct message. My remarks this year will be a bit longer, but the message is the same: It is the Fed’s job to bring inflation down to our 2 percent goal, and we will do so. We have tightened policy significantly over the past year. Although inflation has moved down from its peak—a welcome development—it remains too high. We are prepared to raise rates further if appropriate and intend to hold policy at a restrictive level until we are confident that inflation is moving sustainably down toward our objective.,” i.e., higher for longer.

 

Annual Report 2023  |  1

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

GENERAL MARKET COMMENTARY (concluded)

 

Inflation and employment remain the key macro-drivers for markets going forward. The Core Personal Expenditure Price Index (Core PCE) increased by 0.1% to 4.2% in its most recent release due to a combination of low base effects and high wage growth and remains well above the Fed’s 2% target. Employment, or should we say unemployment, at 3.8% as of this writing remains too low to have a meaningful impact on reducing wage pressure. Wages comprise about two-thirds of the Core PCE and are growing well north of 4% when they need to be at 3.5% or lower to be more consistent with inflation running between 2.0% to 2.5%.

 

With members of the Fed’s FOMC meeting in late September 2023, it will be interesting to see if their updates to the “dot plot,” the Summary of Economic Projections and statements reflect an ongoing concern that more hikes will be needed to reach their inflation target, though futures are pricing less than a 10% chance of any action at that meeting.

 

Market breadth, or lack thereof, continues to be a concern for investors as only 33% of the members of the S&P 500 beat the overall index return of +15.92% over the period versus an average beat rate of 55%. Many investors believe that a broader set of gains is necessary for the overall market to continue its advancement.

 

On a positive note, since WWII the S&P 500 has been up 17% (price) or more through August on a year-to-date basis just twelve times. In ten out of those twelve occurrences (83%), the S&P 500 has gone on to gain an average of +4.17% through the end of the calendar year.

 

Past Performance is not a guarantee of future results.

 

Opinions expressed herein are as of August 31, 2023 and are subject to change at any time, are not guaranteed and should not be considered investment advice. This report is for the information of shareholders of the Boston Partners Investment Funds. It may also be used as sales literature when preceded or accompanied by the current applicable prospectus.

 

MSCI EAFE (EAFE) Index is a stock market index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets outside of the U.S. & Canada. It is maintained by MSCI Inc., a provider of investment decision support tools; the EAFE acronym stands for Europe, Australasia and the Far East.

 

2  |  Annual Report 2023

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

BOSTON PARTNERS ALL-CAP VALUE FUND (unaudited)

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

The Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund – Institutional Class (“Fund”) outperformed its benchmark, the Russell 3000® Value Index (“Benchmark”), for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023. The Fund generated a net return of 12.00% for its Institutional Class shares during the fiscal year, versus its Benchmark’s return of 8.21%.

 

During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, stock selection and sector allocation both contributed positively to relative returns. Positive stock selection was led by Consumer Discretionary, Technology, and Industrials. In Consumer Discretionary, high quality travel agency Booking Holdings added value as travel demand continued to rebound with no signs of waning. Mattress manufacturer Tempur Sealy also outperformed as investors focused on the company gaining share and managing margins well. In Technology, electronics manufacturing services company Jabil contributed positively to relative returns as outsourced manufacturing in various end markets continued to accelerate. Our position in Advanced Micro Devices benefited from its AI semiconductor business which is expected to see a significant increase in demand. Within Industrials, defense-related companies including Howmet Aerospace and BWX Technologies outperformed as the Russia-Ukraine conflict resulted in increased defense spending in the US and Europe. From a Sector allocation perspective, our overweight to Technology and Industrials and underweight to Utilities and Real Estate benefited relative returns during the fiscal year.

 

Stock selection within Materials, Health Care and Energy sectors detracted during the fiscal year. In Materials, agricultural chemical companies FMC Corporation and Corteva underperformed as drought and weather conditions impacted revenues. In Health Care, insurers Centene and UnitedHealth declined as investors became more concerned about reimbursement and price competition in Medicare Advantage. In Energy, not owning Exxon Mobil and Marathon Petroleum reduced relative performance during the fiscal year. From a sector allocation perspective, our overweight to Health Care and underweight to Communication Services negatively impacted relative returns.

 

Over the course of the fiscal year, we bought and sold companies when opportunities that fit our three-circle criteria presented themselves or if our sell discipline was triggered. In Communication Services, we initiated a position in Activision, a gaming company. Activision has strong core franchises, attractive operating margins, good free cash flow generation, and favorable capital allocation. In the Technology sector, we added to our Cisco position. Cisco is seeing resilient customer spending and some easing of supply chain issues. We sold our position in Advanced Micro Devices on strength as the valuation exceeded our price target after getting swept up in the AI euphoria. In Financials, we eliminated our position in Huntington Bank. We expect net interest margins to be squeezed as future funding costs increase in the near term and worry that returns on equity for the industry will be depressed as regulators may insist on higher capital levels in the future.

Top Ten Positions (as of 8/31/23)  % of Net Assets
Johnson & Johnson  2.4%
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.  2.3%
Alphabet, Inc., Class A  2.0%
AbbVie, Inc.  1.8%
Booking Holdings, Inc.  1.7%
Sanofi - ADR  1.7%
FleetCor Technologies, Inc.  1.7%
JPMorgan Chase & Co.  1.7%
Allegion PLC  1.6%
Cisco Systems, Inc.  1.5%
       
Portfolio Review (as of 8/31/23)    
P/E: Price/Earnings:  13.6 
P/B: Price/Book:  2.7 
Holdings:  119 
Weighted Average Market Capitalization (millions): $110,373 
ROE: Return on Equity:  41.4%
OROA: Operating Return on Operating Assets:  155.3%

 

Looking ahead, we will continue to invest your Fund on a stock-by-stock basis within our three-circle framework of attractive valuation, sound fundamentals and a catalyst for improvement. We believe that the Fund’s valuation edge and quality advantage over the Benchmark has positioned it favorably for the longer term. We look forward to keeping you informed of the work we are doing on your Fund’s behalf.

 

Duilio Ramallo, CFA – Portfolio Manager
Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund


 

Annual Report 2023  |  3

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

BOSTON PARTNERS ALL-CAP VALUE FUND (unaudited) (continued)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $100,000 Investment in
Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund (Institutional Class) vs. Russell Indices

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $100,000 minimum initial investment in the Fund’s Institutional Class shares made on August 31, 2013 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the Russell indices are unmanaged, do not incur expenses and are not available for investment.

 

For The Periods Ended August 31, 2023

 

   Average Annual Total Return  Gross
Expense
  Net
Expense
   1 Year  5 Year  10 Year  Ratio  Ratio
Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund                          
Institutional Class   12.00%     7.71%     10.27%     0.86%     0.80 %  
Russell 3000® Value Index   8.21%   6.83%   9.02%   n/a    n/a  
Russell 3000® Index(1)   14.76%   10.25%   12.23%   n/a    n/a  
   
1 This is not a primary benchmark of the Fund. Results of the index performance are presented for general comparative purposes.

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares exceeds 0.80% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Institutional Class shares. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed 0.80%: short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2023 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Board of Directors” or the “Board”). If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses (not including short sale dividend expense, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 0.80% or the expense cap then in effect, whichever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement, as well as the expense limitation that is current in effect. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no assumption of fees and expenses in excess of expense limitations. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratios above are as stated in the current prospectus. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-888-261-4073 or visit our web site at www.boston-partners.com.

 

4  |  Annual Report 2023

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

BOSTON PARTNERS ALL-CAP VALUE FUND (unaudited) (concluded)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in
Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund (Investor Class) vs. Russell Indices

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 initial investment in the Fund’s Investor Class shares made on August 31, 2013 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the Russell indices are unmanaged, do not incur expenses and are not available for investment.

 

For The Periods Ended August 31, 2023

 

   Average Annual Total Return  Gross
Expense
  Net
Expense
   1 Year  5 Year  10 Year  Ratio  Ratio
Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund                         
Investor Class   11.68%     7.44%     9.99%     1.11%     1.05%  
Russell 3000® Value Index   8.21%   6.83%   9.02%   n/a    n/a 
Russell 3000® Index(1)   14.76%   10.25%   12.23%   n/a    n/a 
   
1 This is not a primary benchmark of the Fund. Results of the index performance are presented for general comparative purposes.

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) for the Fund’s Investor Class shares exceeds 1.05% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Investor Class shares. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed 1.05%: short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2023 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses (not including short sale dividend expense, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 1.05% or the expense cap then in effect, whichever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement, as well as the expense limitation that is current in effect. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no assumption of fees and expenses in excess of expense limitations. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratios above are as stated in the current prospectus. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-888-261-4073 or visit our web site at www.boston-partners.com.

 

Annual Report 2023  |  5

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

BOSTON PARTNERS SMALL CAP VALUE FUND II (unaudited)

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

The Boston Partners Small Cap Value II Fund’s (“Fund”) Institutional Class shares returned 7.17% (BPSIX) for the one-year period ended August 31, 2023, net of fees, outperforming the Russell 2000 Value Index (“Benchmark”), which returned 2.17%.

 

Sector allocation drove a majority of the relative outperformance in the one-year period, with positive contributions coming from all sectors. Notably, the Fund benefitted from overweight positions in Industrials and Information Technology, and underweight position in Health Care. Sector positioning is a result of our bottom-up stock selection methodology.

 

Stock selection contributed positively to relative performance, led by the Health Care, Information Technology, and Financials sectors. Health Care was the worst performing sector for the Benchmark in the period, and our underweight allocation combined with our strong stock selection contributed to nearly half the Fund’s overall outperformance versus the Benchmark. The Fund’s lack of exposure to the biotech industry and underweight exposure in the health care technology industry benefitted relative performance. In addition, holdings like Change Healthcare, R1 RCM, and PetIQ added value due to positive earnings results. Within Information Technology, electronic equipment holdings of Insight Enterprises and Belden rose on strong demand for software, cloud, and infrastructure solutions and end-market growth. Software companies AppLovin and InterDigital appreciated on better-than-expected operating results, and hardware company Super Micro Computer (“Super Micro”) rose on the Artificial Intelligence (AI) related demand that emerged in the first half of 2023. Super Micro configures unique hardware servers for specific high-demand specialized applications and has benefited from AI demand for computing power to train machine learning models. Within Financials, our position in capital markets company Evercore Inc. added value. It is the largest independent investment banking advisory firm with a capital light business model and, despite near-term weak revenue trends, Evercore Inc. is set up well for the next business cycle and early-stage activity is improving. The Fund’s underweight exposure to banks was another area of relative strength as many regional banks traded lower following the Silicon Valley Bank collapse in March 2023.

 

Conversely, stock selection detracted from the Fund’s relative performance in the Energy, Materials, and Communication Services sectors. In Energy, detractions came from not holding some oil and gas companies in the Benchmark, and from our position in services company National Energy Services Reunited Corp (“NESR”). NESR’s stock price fell after being delisted from the NASDAQ in April 2023 due to failure to file its form 20-F with the Securities and Exchange Commission. NESR’s management is in the process of restating its prior years’ financials and we believe these restatements will not have a material impact on our positive view of the company’s business fundamentals or momentum. We continue to hold the position and expect it to be re-listed by the end of the calendar year 2023. In the Materials sector, chemicals company Ingevity Corporation declined after cutting forward expectations due to continued customer inventory destocking, weakness in China autos and cost headwinds. We continue to hold the name as we believe medium to long term outlook remains robust. In the Communication Services sector, detractions came from media holdings Entravision

Top Ten Positions (as of 8/31/23)  % of Net Assets
Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corp., Class C  1.8%
Belden, Inc.  1.6%
Curtiss-Wright Corp.  1.6%
SLM Corp.  1.6%
Brink’s Co., (The)  1.5%
Science Applications International Corp.  1.3%
Laureate Education, Inc.  1.3%
Haemonetics Corp.  1.2%
Evercore, Inc., Class A  1.2%
TEGNA, Inc.  1.1%
   
Portfolio Review (as of 8/31/23)    
P/E: Price/Earnings:  11.7 
P/B: Price/Book:  1.9 
Holdings:  176 
Weighted Average Market Capitalization (millions):  $2,788 
ROE: Return on Equity:  24.5%
OROA: Operating Return on Operating Assets:  49.0%

 

Communications, which declined as acquisition activity shifted the company’s margin profile in the near term, and Nextsar Media Group, which struggled on weaker revenue as political advertising declined as expected given election timing.

 

While rising interest rates and higher inflation have challenged markets during the fiscal year, we are encouraged that investors have valued corporate profitability, manageable debt levels and more reasonable valuations for stocks, and we found the opportunities to purchase stocks that fit our Three Circles investment thesis. For example, in the Financials sector we purchased FirstCash Holdings in the fourth quarter of 2022. This is the leading pawn shop operator in North America and continues to rebound post-COVID. It is a counter-cyclical business with solid profitability and attractive valuation. We also purchased Consumer Discretionary company Buckle Inc. as this denim focused apparel chain has produced stable margins over time even in difficult economic periods, which has resulted in very good long-term fundamentals, strong free cash flow, and good capital returns in the form of dividends and repurchases. Conversely, we have closed positions that no longer fit our investment thesis. We closed our position in Materials company Cabot Corporation due to lower prices which we believe will drive future earnings lower and struggling end markets as volume is tied to the automotive industry. We also closed our position in Super Micro following its rapid appreciation in the first half of 2023 once it exceeded our target price.

 

Regardless of the market environment, we strive to avoid expensive, unprofitable companies and believe high-quality companies, selling at discounted valuations, that produce positive free cash flow and exhibit solid balance sheets, will outperform. As always, we continue to structure the Fund with better than market valuation, strong fundamentals and positive business momentum.

 

George Gumpert, CFA – Senior Portfolio Manager
Boston Partners Small Cap Value II Fund


 

6  |  Annual Report 2023

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

BOSTON PARTNERS SMALL CAP VALUE FUND II (unaudited) (continued)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $100,000 Investment in
Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II (Institutional Class) vs. Russell Indices

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $100,000 minimum initial investment in the Fund’s Institutional Class shares made on August 31, 2013 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the Russell indices are unmanaged, do not incur expenses and are not available for investment.

 

For The Periods Ended August 31, 2023

 

   Average Annual Total Return  Gross
Expense
  Net
Expense
   1 Year  5 Year  10 Year  Ratio  Ratio
Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II                         
Institutional Class   7.17%     4.58%     7.70%     1.02%     0.99%  
Russell 2000® Value Index   2.17%   3.18%   7.36%   n/a    n/a 
Russell 2000® Index(1)   4.65%   3.14%   7.96%   n/a    n/a 
   
1 This is not a primary benchmark of the Fund. Results of the index performance are presented for general comparative purposes.

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares exceeds 0.99% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Institutional Class shares. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed 0.99%: short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2023 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expense, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 0.99% or the expense cap then in effect, whatever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement, as well as the expense limitation that is current in effect. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no assumption of fees and expenses in excess of expense limitations. Annual operating expense ratios above are as stated in the current prospectus. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-888-261-4073 or visit our web site at www.boston-partners.com.

 

Annual Report 2023  |  7

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

BOSTON PARTNERS SMALL CAP VALUE FUND II (unaudited) (concluded)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in
Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II (Investor Class) vs. Russell Indices

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 initial investment in the Fund’s Investor Class shares made on August 31, 2013 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the Russell indices are unmanaged, do not incur expenses and are not available for investment.

 

For The Periods Ended August 31, 2023

 

   Average Annual Total Return  Gross
Expense
  Net
Expense
   1 Year  5 Year  10 Year  Ratio  Ratio
Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II                         
Investor Class   6.90%     4.32%     7.43%     1.27%     1.24%  
Russell 2000® Value Index   2.17%   3.18%   7.36%   n/a    n/a 
Russell 2000® Index(1)   4.65%   3.14%   7.96%   n/a    n/a 
   
1 This is not a primary benchmark of the Fund. Results of the index performance are presented for general comparative purposes.

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) for the Fund’s Investor Class shares exceeds 1.24% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Investor Class shares. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed 1.24%: short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2023 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses (not including short sale dividend expense, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 1.24% or the expense cap then in effect, whatever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement, as well as the expense limitation that is current in effect. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no assumption of fees and expenses in excess of expense limitations. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratios above are as stated in the current prospectus. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-888-261-4073 or visit our web site at www.boston-partners.com.

 

8  |  Annual Report 2023

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

WPG PARTNERS SELECT SMALL CAP VALUE FUND (unaudited)

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

Despite market and economic choppiness, WPG Partners Select Small Cap Value Fund (the “Fund”) continued to outperform based on our repeatable process. For the Fiscal Year ended August 2023, the Russell 2000 Value Index (the “Benchmark”) achieved a 2.17% return. During this period, the Fund outperformed its Benchmark by approximately 2,377bps, with the outperformance due to security selection and sector allocation. The Fund benefitted from positions in Maxar Technologies, AIMC, LLC and Rambus Inc. while Pacira BioSciences and SM Energy Company detracted from performance.

 

The technology sector buoyed the markets at the end of 2022 and continued into the first quarter of the 2023 calendar year. However, in March 2023, the regional banking sector’s weakness dampened investor sentiment, raising concerns about credit availability and the economic outlook. A study conducted by USC researchers, published on March 13, 2023, showed that the median regional bank is operating at just 0.4% equity to assets compared to 10% equity/assets in 2022 if all loans and securities were marked to market. While we don’t expect broad-based insolvency, it is worth noting just one area where the rapid rise in interest rates is proving difficult to navigate.

 

The next sector on top of investor concerns is commercial real estate. Fundamentally, one of the significant trends that may impact commercial real estate is the continued shift towards remote work, which has led to reduced demand for office space in many areas. As companies adapt to hybrid or fully remote work models, there may be a decline in the need for traditional office space, which could impact vacancy rates and rental rates. As of year-end 2022, delinquency rates on commercial real estate at banks was just 0.68% with capitalization rates ranging from a low of 3.0% on industrial properties to a higher of 4.8% on retail properties according to the National Center for Real Estate Investment Fiduciaries. We note that the average office capitalization rate was 4.3%, in contrast with the US 2 Year Treasury rate of 4.9% as of August 31, 2023.

 

Adding to the list of worries are a slower “re-open” in China and continued Russia/Ukraine conflicts. Nevertheless, these times of uncertainty are when active investors can provide the most value to clients, and we are pleased to report that the Fund outperformed the Benchmark in a down market again. As we look ahead to the next fiscal year, we see tighter financial conditions, a looming commercial real estate maturity wall, and ongoing changes related to the COVID pandemic. We have designed our investment process to avoid secularly challenged sectors while taking advantage of increasingly attractive prices for stocks with vastly improved fundamentals.

 

More recently, uncertainty and “hidden” volatility has marked 2023. As was well reported, six stocks (Apple, Tesla, NVIDIA, Microsoft, Amazon and Facebook) accounted for the majority of the S&P 500 returns in Q2 2023. Calendar year-to-date as of August 31, 2023, stock returns have seen the narrowest breadth on record, with the equal-weighted S&P 500 lagging it’s market-weighted counter-part by 994bps. Over the fiscal year small caps underperformed, reflected by the Benchmark lagging the S&P 500 by 1421 bps. In terms of style, growth has outperformed value as during the fiscal year the Russell 2000 Growth Index outperformed its value counterpart by 617 bps.

 

A lot of the recent performance can be attributed to the Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (“AI/ML”) craze, which took the

Top Ten Positions (as of 8/31/23)  % of Net Assets
TreeHouse Foods, Inc.  5.0%
Tronox Holdings PLC  5.0%
Kemper Corp.  4.7%
Enovis Corp.  4.4%
Arcosa, Inc.  4.0%
Equity Commonwealth  3.4%
Air Lease Corp.  2.8%
Kosmos Energy Ltd.  2.7%
Vimeo, Inc.  2.5%
Getty Realty Corp.  2.5%
     
Portfolio Review (as of 8/31/23)    
P/E: Price/Earnings:  13.5 
P/B: Price/Book:  1.4 
Holdings:  45 
Weighted Average Market Capitalization (millions):  $2,687 
ROE: Return on Equity:  5.4%
OROA: Operating Return on Operating Assets:  16.1%

 

market by storm after NVIDIA reported significantly better earnings than expected. We expect this theme to remain as a sustainable trend for years to come, but for many stocks it is too early to fully understand the long-term implications around unit economics and competitive viability. We believe the market’s rush to assign winners and losers may prove fleeting and erroneous. Excitedly, our work is beginning to unearth potential investments as we track how companies may benefit from AI/ML initiatives.

 

Inflation, interest rates, and the Federal Reserve (“Fed”) remain top-of-mind. Top economists and market pundits have reiterated their resounding drumbeats of a pending recession, but it has not yet emerged. Headline inflation continues to soften with oil and food price deflation, while core CPI remains elevated among a tight labor and housing market. The 2-10 year treasury curve is deeply inverted, yet employment remains resilient. The federal funds rate is 5.50% with potential for further increases – albeit we believe we are nearing the end of the hiking cycle.

 

We think it’s too early to ring the “all-clear,” but are steadfastly focused on finding idiosyncratic, high margin-of-safety small cap stocks with unparalleled risk-adjusted return profiles that will perform across different economic environments. We see multiple potential outcomes from the current economic environment and are open-minded to whichever plays out: (1) core inflation remains sticky, the Fed continues to raise rates, the credit markets break down, and a hard recession plays out; (2) core inflation cools on the back of a deflating housing market and lower commodity prices, employment remains resilient, the yield curve steepens with a higher 10-year and a lower 2-year reflecting “normalized” rates -> this would constitute the elusive “soft-landing;” (3) stagflation: core inflation remains sticky and rates increase, but the fed balance sheet provides buffer to the credit market such that nothing “breaks,” and we experience shallow recessions while market “excesses” continue to slowly unwind. In each of these scenarios, we believe our portfolio can outperform over a multi-year period.

 

We are grateful for your continued trust and confidence in our team, and we remain committed to providing you with the best possible investment advice and performance.

 

Sincerely,

 

Eric Gandhi, CFA – Portfolio Manager
WPG Partners Select Small Cap Value Fund


 

Annual Report 2023  |  9

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

WPG PARTNERS SELECT SMALL CAP VALUE FUND (unaudited) (concluded)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $100,000 Investment in
WPG Partners Select Small Cap Value Fund (Institutional Class) vs. Russell 2000® Value Index

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $100,000 minimum initial investment in the Fund’s Institutional Class shares made on December 29, 2021 (the date on which the Fund commenced investment operations) and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the Russell 2000® Value Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

For The Periods Ended August 31, 2023

 

   Average Annual Total Return  Since  Gross
Expense
  Net
Expense
   1 Year  5 Year  10 Year  Inception  Ratio  Ratio
WPG Partners Select Small Cap Value Fund                              
Institutional Class(1)   25.94%     n/a    n/a    10.62%   2.93%     1.10%  
Russell 2000® Value Index   2.17%   n/a    n/a    -6.34%(2)   n/a    n/a 
   
1 Inception date of the fund was December 29, 2021.
2 Index Performance is from inception date of the Fund’s Institutional Class only and is not the inception date of the index itself.

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares exceeds 1.10% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Institutional Class shares. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed 1.10%: short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2023 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses (not including short sale dividend expense, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 1.10% or the expense cap then in effect, or whatever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees waived and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement, as well as the expense limitation that is current in effect. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no assumption of fees and expenses in excess of expense limitations. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratios above are as stated in the current prospectus. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-888-261-4073 or visit our web site at www.boston-partners.com.

 

10  |  Annual Report 2023

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

WPG PARTNERS SMALL CAP VALUE DIVERSIFIED FUND (unaudited)

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

Despite market and economic choppiness, WPG Partners Small Cap Value Diversified Fund (the “Fund”) continued to outperform based on our repeatable process. For the fiscal year ended August 2023, the Russell 2000 Value Index (the “Benchmark”) achieved a 2.17% return. During this period, the Fund’s Institutional Class shares outperformed its Benchmark by approximately 912 bps, with the outperformance due to security selection and sector allocation. The Fund benefitted from positions in Maxar Technologies, AIMC, LLC and Rambus Inc. while First Foundation Inc. and HomeStreet, Inc. detracted from performance.

 

The technology sector buoyed the markets at the end of 2022 and continued into the first quarter of the 2023 calendar year. However, in March 2023, the regional banking sector’s weakness dampened investor sentiment, raising concerns about credit availability and the economic outlook. A study conducted by USC researchers, published on March 13, 2023, showed that the median regional bank is operating at just 0.4% equity to assets compared to 10% equity/assets in 2022 if all loans and securities were marked to market. While we don’t expect broad-based insolvency, it is worth noting just one area where the rapid rise in interest rates is proving difficult to navigate.

 

The next sector on top of investor concerns is commercial real estate. Fundamentally, one of the significant trends that may impact commercial real estate is the continued shift towards remote work, which has led to reduced demand for office space in many areas. As companies adapt to hybrid or fully remote work models, there may be a decline in the need for traditional office space, which could impact vacancy rates and rental rates. As of year-end 2022, delinquency rates on commercial real estate at banks was just 0.68% with capitalization rates ranging from a low of 3.0% on industrial properties to a higher of 4.8% on retail properties according to the National Center for Real Estate Investment Fiduciaries. We note that the average office capitalization rate was 4.3%, in contrast with the US 2 Year Treasury rate of 4.9% as of August 31, 2023.

 

Adding to the list of worries are a slower “re-open” in China and continued Russia/Ukraine conflicts. Nevertheless, these times of uncertainty are when active investors can provide the most value to clients, and we are pleased to report that the Fund outperformed the Benchmark in a down market again. As we look ahead to the next fiscal year, we see tighter financial conditions, a looming commercial real estate maturity wall, and ongoing changes related to the COVID pandemic. We have designed our investment process to avoid secularly challenged sectors while taking advantage of increasingly attractive prices for stocks with vastly improved fundamentals.

 

More recently, uncertainty and “hidden” volatility has marked 2023. As was well reported, six stocks (Apple, Tesla, NVIDIA, Microsoft, Amazon and Facebook) accounted for the majority of the S&P 500 returns in Q2 2023. Calendar year-to-date as of August 31, 2023, stock returns have seen the narrowest breadth on record, with the equal-weighted S&P 500 lagging it’s market-weighted counter-part by 994bps. Over the fiscal year small caps underper-formed, reflected by the Benchmark lagging the S&P 500 by 1421 bps. In terms of style, growth has outperformed value as during the fiscal year the Russell 2000 Growth index outperformed its value counterpart by 617 bps.

 

A lot of the recent performance can be attributed to the Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (“AI/ML”) craze, which took the market by storm after NVIDIA reported significantly better earnings than expected. We expect this theme to remain as a sustainable

Top Ten Positions (as of 8/31/23)  % of Net Assets
TreeHouse Foods, Inc.  2.5%
Kemper Corp.  2.4%
Tronox Holdings PLC, Class A  2.2%
Enovis Corp.  2.1%
Arcosa, Inc.  2.0%
Essent Group Ltd.  1.7%
Sovos Brands, Inc.  1.7%
LiveRamp Holdings, Inc.  1.7%
KBR, Inc.  1.6%
Scorpio Tankers, Inc.  1.5%
     
Portfolio Review (as of 8/31/23)    
P/E: Price/Earnings:  12.8 
P/B: Price/Book:  1.5 
Holdings:  104 
Weighted Average Market Capitalization (millions):  $3,441 
ROE: Return on Equity:  11.8%
OROA: Operating Return on Operating Assets:  38.1%

 

trend for years to come, but for many stocks it is too early to fully understand the long-term implications around unit economics and competitive viability. We believe the market’s rush to assign winners and losers may prove fleeting and erroneous. Excitedly, our work is beginning to unearth potential investments as we track how companies may benefit from AI/ML initiatives.

 

Inflation, interest rates, and the Federal Reserve (“Fed”) remain top-of-mind. Top economists and market pundits have reiterated their resounding drumbeats of a pending recession, but it has not yet emerged. Headline inflation continues to soften with oil and food price deflation, while core CPI remains elevated among a tight labor and housing market. The 2-10 year treasury curve is deeply inverted, yet employment remains resilient. The federal funds rate is 5.50% with potential for further increases – albeit we believe we are nearing the end of the hiking cycle.

 

We think it’s too early to ring the “all-clear,” but are steadfastly focused on finding idiosyncratic, high margin-of-safety small cap stocks with unparalleled risk-adjusted return profiles that will perform across different economic environments. We see multiple potential outcomes from the current economic environment and are open-minded to whichever plays out: (1) core inflation remains sticky, the Fed continues to raise rates, the credit markets break down, and a hard recession plays out; (2) core inflation cools on the back of a deflating housing market and lower commodity prices, employment remains resilient, the yield curve steepens with a higher 10-year and a lower 2-year reflecting “normalized” rates -> this would constitute the elusive “soft-landing;” (3) stagflation: core inflation remains sticky and rates increase, but the fed balance sheet provides buffer to the credit market such that nothing “breaks,” and we experience shallow recessions while market “excesses” continue to slowly unwind. In each of these scenarios, we believe our portfolio can outperform over a multi-year period.

 

We are grateful for your continued trust and confidence in our team, and we remain committed to providing you with the best possible investment advice and performance.

 

Sincerely,

 

Eric Gandhi, CFA, Gregory Weiss & Richard Shuster, CFA Portfolio Managers for the WPG Partners Small Cap Value Diversified Fund


 

Annual Report 2023  |  11

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

WPG PARTNERS SMALL CAP VALUE DIVERSIFIED FUND (unaudited) (concluded)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $100,000 Investment in
WPG Partners Small Cap Value Diversified Fund (Institutional Class) vs. Russell 2000® Value Index

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $100,000 minimum initial investment in the Fund’s Institutional Class shares made on August 31, 2013 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the Russell 2000® Value Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

For The Periods Ended August 31, 2023

 

   Average Annual Total Return  Gross
Expense
  Net
Expense
   1 Year  5 Year  10 Year  Ratio  Ratio
WPG Partners Small Cap Value Diversified Fund                         
Institutional Class   11.29%     6.95%     5.93%     1.26%     1.10%  
Russell 2000® Value Index   2.17%   3.18%   7.36%   n/a    n/a 

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares exceeds 1.10% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Institutional Class shares. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed 1.10%: short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2023 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses (not including short sale dividend expense, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 1.10% or the expense cap then in effect, whatever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement, as well as the expense limitation that is current in effect. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no assumption of fees and expenses in excess of expense limitations. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratios above are as stated in the current prospectus. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-888-261-4073 or visit our web site at www.boston-partners.com.

 

12  |  Annual Report 2023

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY FUND (unaudited)

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

The Boston Partners Global Sustainability Fund (“Fund”) outperformed its benchmark, the MSCI World Index (“Benchmark”) in the one-year period ended August 31, 2023. The Fund’s Institutional Class shares generated a net return of 17.71% versus the Benchmark return of 11.89%. The Fund’s ESG score ended the period with an aggregate reading of 58 (out of 100), in excess of the Benchmark’s 50 reading.

 

Stock selection was the primary driver of the Fund’s outperformance, notably in the Industrials and Consumer sectors. Within Industrials, the Fund benefited from exposure to the electrification and decarbonization theme through long-time holdings in Rexel and Siemens as well as newer name Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. In addition, European Aerospace & Defense names Rheinmetall and Airbus contributed to strong sector returns. Within Consumer Staples, grocer Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize enjoyed positive estimate revisions as it successfully countered high food and labor inflation with price increases and effective cost management. In Consumer Discretionary, Booking Holdings and Expedia Group contributed to Fund returns as online travel spending rebounded briskly from pandemic era retrenchment. Conversely, stock selection detracted in the Health Care and Materials sectors. Health Care services names had performed well in 2022 but momentum reversed in 2023 as holdings such as CVS Health and Humana faced pressure on their medical loss ratios due to larger than expected rebounds in elective procedures. In Materials, agricultural chemical providers Corteva and FMC Corporation lagged owing to adverse weather patterns and customer destocking.

 

Sector allocation was flat for the period, as positive contributions from our underweight positioning in Utilities and Real Estate were offset by negative contributions from our underweight positioning in Information Technology and overweight positioning in Financials. Real Estate and Utilities were hurt by their rate sensitive attributes while Information Technology led the market as investors flocked to high-growth names such as NVIDIA that do not fit within our investment criteria. Within Information Technology, we managed to find success with less expensive names such as Renesas Electronics, a Japanese chip maker focused on the undersupplied automotive and industrial end markets. We continue to be overweight in Financials as the US regional bank crisis in March 2023 caused names even in unaffected geographies to fall to valuations that price in overly pessimistic interest rate and credit scenarios.

 

Over the course of the period, we were provided ample opportunities to buy stocks possessing the positive momentum, high quality, attractive valuation, and good sustainability characteristics we require for inclusion in the Global Sustainability portfolio. One example in the Industrials sector is SPIE, a French multi-technical services contractor that derives two-thirds of its revenues from energy efficiency/transition activities such as HVAC upgrades, high voltage transmission line construction, and EV charging station installation. SPIE has achieved organic growth acceleration and margin increases over the past 18 months, exhibits strong fundamentals characterized by more than 100% free cash flow conversion, a robust balance sheet, and solid shareholder returns, and trades at an inexpensive valuation of 13x earnings. An example in the Technology sector is Dell Technologies, a provider of PC, server, and storage products. We entered the name at a

Top Ten Positions (as of 8/31/23)  % of Net Assets
JPMorgan Chase & Co.  2.3%
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc.  2.1%
Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize NV  2.1%
Alphabet, Inc., Class A  2.0%
ING Groep NV  2.0%
Airbus Group SE  2.0%
Rexel SA  1.9%
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.  1.8%
Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc.  1.8%
ICON PLC  1.7%
     
Portfolio Review (as of 8/31/23)    
P/E: Price/Earnings:  11.7 
P/B: Price/Book:  1.8 
Holdings:  91 
Weighted Average Market Capitalization (millions):  $81,487 
ROE: Return on Equity:  25.6%
OROA: Operating Return on Operating Assets:  108.4%

 

cyclically advantageous time in the latter stages of the post-pandemic PC downcycle and were attracted by DELL’s very strong cash flow generation, improving capital return to shareholders, high management stock ownership, and 8x forward PE multiple. In other instances, we sold stocks when they no longer lived up to our Three Circles investment requirements. For example, we exited IHI Corp as emerging durability issues with the Geared Turbo Fan engine were denting momentum in its key Aero Engine, Space & Defense segment and exited Dollar General as execution mis-steps and repeated c-suite turnover impaired its formerly strong fundamentals.

 

In the face of macro uncertainty, we plan to stick to our knitting. We will continue to identify stocks with good momentum, quality fundamentals, cheap valuation, and attractive sustainability credentials to construct the sort of Three Circles portfolio that you’ve come to expect of Boston Partners. We look forward to updating you on our further progress going forward.

 

Soyoun Song – Portfolio Manager
Boston Partners Global Sustainability Fund


 

Annual Report 2023  |  13

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY FUND (unaudited) (concluded)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $100,000 Investment in
Boston Partners Global Sustainability Fund (Institutional Class) vs. MSCI World Index

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $100,000 minimum initial investment in the Fund’s Institutional Class shares made on December 29, 2021 (the date on which the Fund commenced investment operations) and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the MSCI World Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

For The Periods Ended August 31, 2023

 

   Average Annual Total Return  Since  Gross
Expense
  Net
Expense
   1 Year  5 Year  10 Year  Inception  Ratio  Ratio
Boston Partners Global Sustainability Fund                              
Institutional Class(1)   17.71%     n/a    n/a    0.88%   1.73%     0.90%  
MSCI World Index - Net Return   11.89%   n/a    n/a    -5.07%(2)   n/a    n/a 
   
1 Inception date of the fund was December 29, 2021.
2 Index Performance is from inception date of the Fund’s Institutional Class only and is not the inception date of the index itself.

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares exceeds 0.90% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Institutional Class shares. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed 0.90%: short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2023 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses (not including short sale dividend expense, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 0.90% or the expense cap then in effect, or whatever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees waived and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement, as well as the expense limitation that is current in effect. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no assumption of fees and expenses in excess of expense limitations. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratios above are as stated in the current prospectus. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-888-261-4073 or visit our web site at www.boston-partners.com.

 

14  |  Annual Report 2023

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL EQUITY FUND (unaudited)

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

The MSCI World Index Net (the “Index”) returned +15.60% during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023. The Index rose as inflation moderated leading to expectations that central banks would slowdown the pace of interest rate increases. The MSCI World Growth Index (the “Growth Index”) outperformed the MSCI World Value Index during the period. US technology and inter-net-related sectors accounted for much of the Growth Index’s outperformance. During the fiscal year, the Boston Partners Global Equity Fund’s (the “Fund”) Institutional Class shares modestly underperformed the Index, returning +15.28%.

 

Sector allocation detracted from Fund performance over the fiscal year. The Fund’s underweight allocation to the Information Technology sector was a leading detractor from performance. Information Technology was the best performing sector in the Index due to the strong outperformance of mega-cap growth stocks led by NVIDIA Corp. Fund allocation to most other sectors aided relative performance, but not enough to overcome the negative performance from the Fund’s underweight allocation to Information Technology.

 

Stock selection aided performance during the period led by positioning in the Industrials and Consumer Staples sectors. In Industrials, the Fund’s overweight position in Rheinmetall AG and Rexel SA were top contributors to outperformance. German defense contractor Rheinmetall is expected to post strong results in coming years as Germany, and Europe, increase defense spending in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Rexel SA is a French based distributor of electrical parts and supplies that include wiring devices, cabling systems, and lighting products among other items. Rexel’s results have exceeded expectations, having benefitted from the European green-deal tailwind. Outperformance in the Consumer Staples sector was led by the Fund’s overweight position in Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PLC (“CCEP”). Management of CCEP confidently reaffirmed 2023 guidance on the back of the strong first quarter earnings beat. The better-than-expected results were driven by both volume and price/mix, with both Europe and Australia, Indonesia & the Pacific coming in well ahead of consensus expectations. CCEP offers an attractive free cash flow yield and is expected to repurchase shares as leverage decreases.

 

Conversely, stock selection detracted from performance in the Health Care and Communication Services sectors. Overweight positions in Health Care Provider & Services stocks traded lower led by Cigna, CVS Health, Centene, Humana, and Elevance despite good results. Health-insurer stocks fell after the US government published a proposal that would increase revenue for companies that manage Medicare plans by 1.03% in 2024, disappointing investors. Health Care stocks overall underperformed as sentiment favored “risk-on” stocks and sectors. In the Communications Services sector, the Fund’s overweight position in Nexstar Media Group (“Nexstar”) was the top performance detractor. While NexStar will likely see continued headwinds from cord-cutting, weaker advertising trends, and slower retransmission growth, operational weakness can be offset with significant capital deployment optionality and a likely material reduction in the share count. Not owning Index constituents Meta Platforms, Netflix, and Alphabet were also among the top performance detractors in the Communication Services sector.

Top Ten Positions (as of 8/31/23)  % of Net Assets
Stellantis NV  2.1%
TotalEnergies SE  2.1%
Shell PLC  2.1%
Siemens AG  1.8%
Cisco Systems, Inc.  1.8%
Cenovus Energy, Inc.  1.8%
CRH PLC  1.7%
Rheinmetall AG  1.6%
Chubb Ltd.  1.6%
Rexel SA  1.5%
     
Portfolio Review (as of 8/31/23)    
P/E: Price/Earnings:  10.0 
P/B: Price/Book:  1.7 
Holdings:  103 
Weighted Average Market Capitalization (millions):  $66,745 
ROE: Return on Equity:  19.0%
OROA: Operating Return on Operating Assets:  55.0%

 

The entire investment team at Boston Partners will continue to maintain a focus on finding investments that have not only attractive valuation characteristics and solid business fundamentals, but also improving business momentum and catalysts to help drive stock prices higher. This disciplined and repeatable process has been in place for nearly three decades, and our team is well suited to navigate this chaotic environment. We believe the emphasis on bottom-up security selection and sound fundamental analysis will have a greater impact on alpha generation1 rather than getting bogged down in a relentless torrent of macro and political news flow. We believe that over time the strategy will benefit from our focus on low valuation, high quality, and improving business momentum, and we look forward to updating you on the investment opportunities we are uncovering.

 

On behalf of our team, thank you for your continued support and investment.

 

Christopher Hart, CFA
Portfolio Manager for the Boston Partners Global Equity Fund


 

Annual Report 2023  |  15

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL EQUITY FUND (unaudited) (concluded)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $100,000 Investment in
Boston Partners Global Equity Fund (Institutional Class) vs. MSCI World Index

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $100,000 minimum initial investment in the Fund’s Institutional Class shares made on August 31, 2013 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the MSCI World Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

For The Periods Ended August 31, 2023

 

   Average Annual Total Return  Gross
Expense
  Net
Expense
   1 Year  5 Year  10 Year  Ratio  Ratio
Boston Partners Global Equity Fund                         
Institutional Class   15.28%     5.61%     7.83%     1.13%     0.95%  
MSCI World Index - Net Return   15.60%   8.33%   9.28%   n/a    n/a 

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares exceeds 0.95% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Institutional Class shares. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed 0.95%: short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2023 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses (not including short sale dividend expense, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 0.95% or the expense cap then in effect, or whatever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees waived and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement, as well as the expense limitation that is current in effect. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no assumption of fees and expenses in excess of expense limitations. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratios above are as stated in the current prospectus. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-888-261-4073 or visit our web site at www.boston-partners.com.

 

16  |  Annual Report 2023

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

BOSTON PARTNERS EMERGING MARKETS FUND (unaudited)

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

The Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund’s (the “Fund”) Institutional Class shares returned +11.16% for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023 versus the MSCI® Emerging Markets Index’s +1.25% return.

 

The Fund’s positioning in most economic sectors aided performance led by positioning in the Consumer Discretionary and Financials sectors. An overweight position in PDD Holdings, Inc. (“PDD”), a China-based multinational e-commerce platform, was among the largest contributors to the portfolio on better-than-expected earnings and revenue results, despite a difficult macro environment. Chinese stocks rose late last year as the easing of COVID-Zero policies buoyed optimism. PDD continued to beat expectations even as China’s economic reopening sputtered. Easing COVID-Zero measures also aided the Fund’s overweight position in Trip.com, a Chinese online travel agency. In Financials, Banco do Brasil was the top contributor to the relative performance. The Brazilian bank has benefitted from increasing net interest income, solid fee trends, and better-than-peer credit charges. Indian holding Bank of Baroda was another top contributor to the relative performance as it rode positive business trends that produced mid-teens returns on equity.

 

The Fund’s positioning in the Consumer Staples and Energy sectors detracted from performance. In Consumer Staples, overweight positions in Chinese stocks Tech-Bank Food and Yixintang Pharmaceutical Group detracted from performance. Tech-Bank Food, a hog processor, traded lower due to soft pork demand and elevated feeding costs. Shares of Yixintang Pharmaceutical Group fell as growth slowed after a bump from COVID, along with broader weakness in Chinese stocks in 2023. The Fund’s underweight allocation to the Energy sector detracted from performance.

 

The entire investment team at Boston Partners relentlessly searches for investments that have not only attractive valuation characteristics and solid business fundamentals, but also improving business momentum and catalysts to help drive stock prices higher. Our focus is on bottom-up, fundamental stock picking with a statistical bent. That said, there is still a wall of worry for the market to climb in 2023 and 2024. Historically these have been very good windows for value investing as more economically sensitive companies outperform growth favorites. When one considers that, the starting point is exceptional; valuation spreads between growth and value stocks are at extreme levels. It is hard not to be optimistic about the future and how our Fund is positioned today.

 

On behalf of our team, thank you for your continued support and investment.

 

Sincerely,

 

Joseph F. Feeney Jr. & David Kim
Portfolio Managers for the Boston Partners
Emerging Markets Fund

Top Ten Positions (as of 8/31/23)  % of Net Assets
Banco do Brasil SA  4.7%
SK Hynix, Inc.  4.1%
BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd., Class A  4.0%
Accton Technology Corp.  3.2%
Bank of Baroda  3.1%
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.  2.9%
Weichai Power Co., Ltd., Class A  2.4%
United Overseas Bank Ltd.  1.8%
Evergreen Marine Corp Taiwan Ltd.  1.8%
Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.  1.7%
     
Portfolio Review (as of 8/31/23)    
P/E: Price/Earnings:  10.4 
P/B: Price/Book:  1.3 
Holdings:  121 
Weighted Average Market Capitalization (millions):  $32,995 
ROE: Return on Equity:  17.3%
OROA: Operating Return on Operating Assets:  37.4%


 

Annual Report 2023  |  17

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

BOSTON PARTNERS EMERGING MARKETS FUND (unaudited) (concluded)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $100,000 Investment in
Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund (Institutional Class) vs. MSCI Emerging Markets World Indices

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $100,000 initial investment in the Fund’s Institutional Class shares made on October 17, 2017 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the MSCI Emerging Markets Index are unmanaged, do not incur expenses and are not available for investment.

 

Total Return for the Periods Ended August 31, 2023

 

   Average Annual Total Return  Since  Gross
Expense
  Net
Expense
   1 Year  5 Year  10 Year  Inception  Ratio  Ratio
Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund                              
Institutional Class(1)   11.16%     3.28%     n/a    1.32%   1.74%     1.00%  
MSCI Emerging Markets Index - Net Return   1.25%   0.98%   n/a    -0.10%(2)   n/a    n/a 
   
1 Inception date of the fund was October 17, 2017.
2 Index Performance is from inception date of the Fund’s Institutional Class only and is not the inception date of the index itself.

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the total annual Fund operating expenses (other than short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares exceeds 1.00% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Institutional Class shares. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2023 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses (not including short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 1.00% or the expense cap then in effect, or whatever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees waived and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement, as well as the expense limitation that is current in effect. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no assumption of fees and expenses in excess of expense limitations. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratios above (including interest and dividend expense on short sales) are as stated in the current prospectus. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-888-261-4073 or visit our web site at www.boston-partners.com.

 

18  |  Annual Report 2023

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT EQUITY FUND (unaudited)

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

The Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund (“Fund”) – Institutional Class shares returned 14.69% net of fees while averaging 74% net long exposure for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023. This compares to the 15.94% return posted by the S&P 500® Index (“S&P 500”) during the same period.

 

The fiscal year began with a negative return environment in 2022 as the U.S. Federal Reserve aggressively hiked interest rates to combat persistently high inflation in the wake of the global pandemic. This moved both short and long duration U.S. Treasury yields to more than decade highs. Nevertheless, U.S. equity markets reversed course and marched higher in 2023, as enthusiasm over artificial intelligence (“AI”) and much better than feared U.S. economic data lifted valuation multiples. The return of the S&P 500 during this period was primarily driven by a small cohort of large capitalization “growth” stocks.

 

The Fund’s long holdings rose in price approximately 14.93% during the fiscal year but trailed the S&P 500 principally due to not owning a few statistically expensive Technology and Communication Services stocks which are large weights within the S&P 500. Industrial holdings were the top contributor, led by building products holdings with much improved business momentum. Technology holdings were another top contributor, as several software holdings reported an improved demand environment and outlook. Travel and leisure holdings within Consumer Discretionary benefitted from a consumption shift away from goods and towards services during the fiscal year. Communication Services holdings detracted from absolute performance as media holdings declined on negative ex-political advertising and continued secular concerns over cord-cutting.

 

The Fund’s short holdings fell in price approximately -5.29% and contributed positively to Fund returns. We aim to short expensive stocks with earnings risk and weak profitability, and stocks with these attributes generally underperformed the S&P 500 due to tightening monetary conditions. Technology shorts were the top absolute contributor as several high valuation growth stocks experienced multiple compression amid rising rates. Energy shorts generated absolute gains as multiple bioenergy companies declined after reporting disappointing earnings. Consumer Discretionary shorts also fell in price and positively contributed to Fund performance. Various short positions in automobile and specialty retailers declined as revenues fell short of expectations.

 

The Fund began the fiscal year with 73% net long exposure and ended unchanged at 73% net long exposure. At the end of the fiscal year, the largest exposures in the long portfolio resided in the Financials, Health Care, Technology, and Industrial sectors, while the largest short exposures were in the Consumer Discretionary, Technology and Industrials sectors.

 

When we look across the investment opportunity set, we continue to see an equities market with a wide dispersion of valuations; many growth indices remain expensive on a P/E basis relative to multi-decade averages, while many value indices remain inexpensive relative to their own history. This gap only widened in 2023 amid enthusiasm for AI. Nevertheless, we continue to believe the economic environment – one marked by persistently high inflation and interest rates – will favor cash generative businesses that trade at relatively lower valuation

Top Ten Positions (as of 8/31/23)  % of Net Assets
Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.      2.4% 
Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd.      2.1% 
BGC Group, Inc., Class A      1.8% 
Marathon Petroleum Corp.      1.7% 
Elevance Health, Inc.      1.7% 
Alphabet, Inc., Class A      1.7% 
Nexstar Media Group, Inc., Class A      1.6% 
Stifel Financial Corp.      1.6% 
Novartis AG - SP ADR      1.5% 
Builders FirstSource, Inc.      1.5% 
   
Portfolio Review (as of 8/31/23)  Long   Short 
P/E: Price/Earnings:  10.7   29.9 
P/B: Price/Book:  2.0   6.3 
Holdings:  109   84 
Weighted Average Market Capitalization (millions):  $58,754    $40,997 
ROE: Return on Equity:  16.1%  –33.8%
OROA: Operating Return on Operating Assets:  104.9%  –197.5%

 

multiples. Ultimately, the economic backdrop appears markedly different from the decade ended in 2020, and we believe this may provide a favorable runway for value investing.

 

The Fund’s portfolio managers continue to focus their efforts on purchasing shares of only those companies they deem most likely to appreciate on the long side, while selling short securities they deem likely to fail due to a combination of valuation risk, earnings risk, and/or balance sheet risk. Our analysis process is bottom-up and rooted in the three circles framework of low valuation, positive momentum and strong business fundamentals that the portfolio managers of Boston Partners and its predecessors have been employing for over a quarter century.

 

Sincerely,

 

Patrick Regan, CFA
Portfolio Manager for the Boston Partners
Long/Short Equity Fund


 

Annual Report 2023  |  19

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT EQUITY FUND (unaudited) (continued)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $100,000 Investment in
Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund (Institutional Class) vs. S&P 500® Index

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $100,000 minimum initial investment in the Fund’s Institutional Class shares made on August 31, 2013 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the S&P 500® Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

For The Periods Ended August 31, 2023

 

   Average Annual Total Return  Gross
Expense
  Net
Expense
   1 Year  5 Year  10 Year  Ratio  Ratio
Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund                         
Institutional Class   14.69%     7.26%     5.88%     3.18%     2.55%  
S&P 500® Index   15.94%   11.12%   12.81%   n/a    n/a 

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the total annual Fund operating expenses (other than short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for the Fund’s Institutional Class exceeds 1.96% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Institutional Class shares. Because dividend expenses on short sales, acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes are excluded from the expense limitation, total annual Fund operating expenses (after fee waivers and expense reimbursements) are expected to exceed 1.96%. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2023 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses (not including short sale dividend expense, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 1.96% or the expense cap then in effect, whichever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement, as well as the expense limitation that is current in effect. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no assumption of fees and expenses in excess of expense limitations. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratios above (including interest and dividend expense on short sales) are as stated in the current prospectus. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-888-261-4073 or visit our web site at www.boston-partners.com.

 

20  |  Annual Report 2023

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT EQUITY FUND (unaudited) (concluded)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in
Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund (Investor Class) vs. S&P 500® Index

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 initial investment in the Fund’s Investor Class shares made on August 31, 2013 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the S&P 500® Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

For The Periods Ended August 31, 2023

 

   Average Annual Total Return  Gross
Expense
  Net
Expense
   1 Year  5 Year  10 Year  Ratio  Ratio
Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund                         
Investor Class   14.44%     7.00%     5.62%     3.43%     2.80%  
S&P 500® Index   15.94%   11.12%   12.81%   n/a    n/a 

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the total annual Fund operating expenses (other than short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for the Fund’s Investor Class shares exceeds 2.21% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Investor Class shares. Because dividend expenses on short sales, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes are excluded from the expense limitation, total annual Fund operating expenses (after fee waivers and expense reimbursements) are expected to exceed 2.21%. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2023 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses (not including short sale dividend expense, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 2.21% or the expense cap then in effect, whichever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement, as well as the expense limitation that is current in effect. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no assumption of fees and expenses in excess of expense limitations. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratios above (including interest and dividend expense on short sales) are as stated in the current prospectus. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-888-261-4073 or visit our web site at www.boston-partners.com.

 

Annual Report 2023  |  21

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT RESEARCH FUND (unaudited)

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

The Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund (“Fund”) – Institutional Class shares returned 7.16% net of fees while averaging 54% net long exposure for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023. This compares to the 15.94% return posted by the S&P 500® Index (“S&P 500”) during the same period.

 

The fiscal year began with a negative return environment in 2022 as the U.S. Federal Reserve aggressively hiked interest rates to combat persistently high inflation in the wake of the global pandemic. This moved both short and long duration U.S. Treasury yields to more than decade highs. Nevertheless, U.S. equity markets reversed course and marched higher in 2023, as enthusiasm over artificial intelligence (“AI”) and much better than feared U.S. economic data lifted valuation multiples. The return of the S&P 500 during this period was primarily driven by a small cohort of large capitalization “growth” stocks.

 

The Fund’s long holdings rose in price approximately 12.26% during the fiscal year but trailed the S&P 500 principally due to not owning a few statistically expensive Technology and Communication Services stocks which are large weights within the S&P 500. Technology was the top absolute contributor, as several semiconductor holdings reported an improved demand environment and outlook. Industrial holdings were another top contributor, led by aerospace and defense holdings with much improved business momentum. Travel and leisure holdings within Consumer Discretionary benefitted from a consumption shift away from goods and towards services during the fiscal year. Utilities holdings modestly detracted from absolute performance, as soaring interest rates have seemingly reduced the appeal of their steady dividend payments and increasing wildfire liability risks have weighed on sentiment.

 

The Fund’s short holdings rose in price approximately 10.25% and trailed the S&P 500 but detracted from Fund absolute returns. We aim to short expensive stocks with earnings risk and weak profitability, and stocks with these attributes generally underperformed the S&P 500. Communications Services shorts were the top absolute contributor, as several media holdings reported earnings misses and weak free cash flow generation. Financials shorts also fell in price and positively contributed to Fund performance, as U.S. regional bank shorts faced funding cost pressures and the likelihood for additional regulatory measures after several banks collapsed during the fiscal year. Real Estate shorts fell in price and positively contributed, as offices continued to experience high vacancy rates and weakening pricing, which weighed on shares during the fiscal year. Industrials shorts were the top absolute detractor, as aerospace and machinery holdings reported improved results and we trimmed exposure. Technology shorts also detracted as AI enthusiasm resulted in rising valuation multiples across the sector during the fiscal year.

 

The Fund began the fiscal year with 46% net long exposure and ended with 60% net long exposure, an increase attributable to covering short positions during the fiscal year. At the end of the fiscal year, the largest exposures in the long portfolio resided in the Industrials, Technology, and Health Care sectors, while the largest short exposures were in the Financials, Consumer Discretionary, and Industrials sectors.

Top Ten Positions (as of 8/31/23)  % of Net Assets
JPMorgan Chase & Co.      1.4% 
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.      1.3% 
Wells Fargo & Co.      1.3% 
Bank of America Corp.      1.1% 
Booking Holdings, Inc.      1.0% 
Ameriprise Financial, Inc.      1.0% 
Science Applications International Corp.      1.0% 
BP PLC - SP ADR      1.0% 
AbbVie, Inc.      1.0% 
Hershey Co., (The)      1.0% 
         
Portfolio Review (as of 8/31/23)  Long   Short 
P/E: Price/Earnings:  13.1   18.7 
P/B: Price/Book:  2.5   2.1 
Holdings:  227   163 
Weighted Average Market Capitalization (millions):  $78,471   $11,330 
ROE: Return on Equity:  35.2%  4.1%
OROA: Operating Return on Operating Assets:  124.5%  –75.5%

 

When we look across the investment opportunity set, we continue to see an equities market with a wide dispersion of valuations; many growth indices remain expensive on a P/E basis relative to multi-decade averages, while many value indices remain inexpensive relative to their own history. This gap only widened in 2023 amid enthusiasm for AI. Nevertheless, we continue to believe the economic environment – one marked by persistently high inflation and interest rates – will favor cash generative businesses that trade at relatively lower valuation multiples. Ultimately, the economic backdrop appears markedly different from the decade ended in 2020, and we believe this may provide a favorable runway for value investing.

 

The Fund’s portfolio managers continue to focus their efforts on purchasing shares of only those companies they deem most likely to appreciate on the long side, while selling short securities they deem likely to fail due to a combination of valuation risk, earnings risk, and/or balance sheet risk. Our analysis process is bottom-up and rooted in the three circles framework of low valuation, positive momentum and strong business fundamentals that the portfolio managers of Boston Partners and its predecessors have been employing for over a quarter century.

 

Sincerely,

 

Joseph F. Feeney Jr., CFA & Scott Burgess, CFA
Portfolio Managers for the Boston Partners
Long/Short Research Fund


 

22  |  Annual Report 2023

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT RESEARCH FUND (unaudited) (continued)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $100,000 Investment in
Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund (Institutional Class) vs. S&P 500® Index

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $100,000 minimum initial investment in the Fund’s Institutional Class shares made on August 31, 2013 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the S&P 500® Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

For The Periods Ended August 31, 2023

 

   Average Annual Total Return  Gross
Expense
  Net
Expense
   1 Year  5 Year  10 Year  Ratio  Ratio
Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund                         
Institutional Class   7.16%     4.59%     5.17%     1.95%     1.95%  
S&P 500 Index   15.94%   11.12%   12.81%   n/a    n/a 

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Adviser has contractually agreed to forgo all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the total annual Fund operating expenses (other than short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) exceeds 1.50% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Institutional Class shares. Because short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes are excluded from the expense limitation, total annual Fund operating expenses (after fee waivers and expense reimbursements) are expected to exceed 1.50%. This contractual limitation is in effect until at least December 31, 2023 and may not be terminated without approval of the Board of Directors. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses (not including short sale dividend expense, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 1.50% or the expense cap then in effect, whatever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement, as well as the expense limitation that is current in effect. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no assumption of fees and expenses in excess of expense limitations. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratios above (including interest and dividend expense on short sales) are as stated in the current prospectus. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-888-261-4073 or visit our web site at www. boston-partners.com.

 

Annual Report 2023  |  23

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT RESEARCH FUND (unaudited) (concluded)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in
Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund (Investor Class) vs. S&P 500® Index

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 initial investment in the Fund’s Investor Class made on August 31, 2013 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the S&P 500® Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

For The Periods Ended August 31, 2023

 

   Average Annual Total Return  Gross
Expense
  Net
Expense
   1 Year  5 Year  10 Year  Ratio  Ratio
Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund                         
Investor Class   6.92%     4.33%     4.90%     2.20%     2.20%  
S&P 500® Index   15.94%   11.12%   12.81%   n/a    n/a 

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Adviser has contractually agreed to forgo all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the total annual Fund operating expenses (other than short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) exceeds 1.75% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Investor Class shares. Because short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes are excluded from the expense limitation, total annual Fund operating expenses (after fee waivers and expense reimbursements) are expected to exceed 1.75%. This contractual limitation is in effect until at least December 31, 2023 and may not be terminated without approval of the Board of Directors. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses (not including short sale dividend expense, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 1.75% or the expense cap then in effect, whatever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement, as well as the expense limitation that is current in effect. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no assumption of fees and expenses in excess of expense limitations. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratios above (including interest and dividend expense on short sales) are as stated in the current prospectus. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-888-261-4073 or visit our web site at www. boston-partners.com.

 

24  |  Annual Report 2023

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL LONG/SHORT FUND (unaudited)

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

The Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund (“Fund”) – Institutional Class shares returned 10.38% net of fees while averaging 43% net long exposure for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023. This compares to the 15.60% return posted by the MSCI World Index – Net during the same period.

 

The fiscal year began with a negative return environment in 2022 as the U.S. Federal Reserve and global central banks aggressively hiked interest rates to combat persistently high inflation in the wake of the global pandemic. This moved both short and long duration global government bond yields to more than decade highs. Nevertheless, global equity markets reversed course and marched higher in 2023, as enthusiasm over artificial intelligence (“AI”) and much better than feared economic data lifted valuation multiples. The return of the MSCI World Index during this period was primarily driven by a small cohort of large capitalization “growth” stocks.

 

The Fund’s long holdings rose in price approximately 20.14% during the fiscal year and outperformed the MSCI World Index. Top contributors included holdings in the Technology and Industrials sectors, while Health Care holdings were the lone absolute detractor. Within Technology, semiconductor holdings rose sharply as pricing improved and enthusiasm surrounding AI drove share prices higher. Machinery holdings within Industrials were among the top contributors due to improved volumes and pricing. Conversely, Health Care holdings detracted, as managed care shares retreated partially due to threats to revenues within their pharmacy benefits segments.

 

The Fund’s short holdings rose in price approximately 14.20% and detracted from Fund returns. Industrials and Technology shorts were the top absolute detractors, while Financials shorts was the top absolute contributor. Within Industrials, aerospace and housing-related short positions rose in price and we trimmed exposure. In Technology, software shorts reversed weakness in the prior fiscal year ended August 31, 2022, and rose along with the sector on hopes for improved demand and benefits from AI. Financials shorts fell in price and generated gains for the Fund, as European and U.S. regional banks fell in price due to funding cost pressures and weakening profitability.

 

The Fund began the period with 38% net long exposure and ended with 45% net long exposure, an increase attributable to covering short positions during the fiscal year. At the end of the period, the largest exposures in the long portfolio resided in the Financials, Consumer Discretionary, and Technology sectors, while largest short exposures were in the Financials, Consumer Discretionary, and Materials sectors. Geographically, we continue to find more attractive long opportunities outside the U.S., where valuations are markedly lower, yet fundamentals and momentum are improving. Our bottom-up value discipline has yielded a long portfolio that we believe is attractive relative to the short portfolio from both a valuation and profitability standpoint.

 

When we look across the investment opportunity set, we continue to see an equities market with a wide dispersion of valuations; many growth indices remain expensive on a P/E basis relative to multi-decade averages, while many value indices remain inexpensive relative to their own history. This gap only widened in 2023 amid enthusiasm for AI. Nevertheless, we continue to believe the economic environment – one marked by persistently high inflation and interest rates – will favor cash

Top Ten Positions (as of 8/31/23)  % of Net Assets
Booking Holdings, Inc.      3.5% 
US Foods Holding Corp.      2.4% 
Oracle Corp.      2.3% 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.      2.1% 
Everest Group Ltd.      1.9% 
Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.      1.8% 
Teck Resources Ltd., Class B      1.8% 
Cenovus Energy, Inc.      1.8% 
Alphabet, Inc., Class C      1.7% 
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.      1.7% 
         
Portfolio Review (as of 8/31/23)  Long   Short 
P/E: Price/Earnings:  11.1   20.3 
P/B: Price/Book:  1.7   2.2 
Holdings:  87   109 
Weighted Average Market Capitalization (millions):  $83,841   $38,905 
ROE: Return on Equity:  22.8%  13.5%
OROA: Operating Return on Operating Assets:  99.6%  –3.9%

 

generative businesses that trade at relatively lower valuation multiples. Ultimately, the economic backdrop appears markedly different from the decade ended in 2020, and we believe this may provide a favorable runway for value investing.

 

The portfolio managers managing the Fund continue to focus their efforts on purchasing shares of only those companies they deem most likely to appreciate on the long side, while selling short securities they deem likely to fail due to a combination of valuation risk, earnings risk, and/or balance sheet risk. Our analysis process is bottom-up and rooted in the three circles framework of low valuation, positive momentum and strong business fundamentals that the portfolio managers of Boston Partners and its predecessors have been employing for over a quarter century.

 

Sincerely,

 

Joshua Jones, CFA & Christopher Hart, CFA
Portfolio Managers for the Boston Partners
Global Long/Short Fund


 

Annual Report 2023  |  25

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL LONG/SHORT FUND (unaudited) (continued)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $100,000 Investment in
Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund (Institutional Class) vs. MSCI World Index

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $100,000 minimum initial investment in the Fund’s Institutional Class shares made on December 31, 2013 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the MSCI World Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

For The Periods Ended August 31, 2023

 

   Average Annual Total Return  Since  Gross
Expense
  Net
Expense
   1 Year  5 Year  10 Year  Inception  Ratio  Ratio
Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund                              
Institutional Class(1)   10.38%     6.21%     n/a    4.75%   2.56%     2.56%  
MSCI World Index - Net Return   15.60%   8.33%   n/a    8.19%(2)   n/a    n/a 
   
1  Inception date of the class was December 31, 2013.
2  Index Performance is from inception date of the Fund’s Institutional Class only and is not the inception date of the index itself.

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the total annual Fund operating expenses (other than short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares exceeds 2.00% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Institutional Class shares. Because dividend expenses on short sales, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes are excluded from the expense limitation, total annual Fund operating expenses (after fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements) are expected to exceed 2.00%. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2023 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses (not including short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 2.00% or the expense cap then in effect, or whatever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees waived and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement, as well as the expense limitation that is current in effect. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no assumption of fees and expenses in excess of expense limitations. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratios above (including interest and dividend expense on short sales) are as stated in the current prospectus. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-888-261-4073 or visit our web site at www.boston-partners.com.

 

26  |  Annual Report 2023

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL LONG/SHORT FUND (unaudited) (concluded)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in
Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund (Investor Class) vs. MSCI World Index

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 initial investment in the Fund’s Investor Class shares made on April 11, 2014 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the MSCI World Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

For The Periods Ended August 31, 2023

 

   Average Annual Total Return  Since  Gross
Expense
  Net
Expense
   1 Year  5 Year  10 Year  Inception  Ratio  Ratio
Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund                              
Investor Class(1)   10.16%     5.96%     n/a    4.80%   2.81%     2.81%  
MSCI World Index - Net Return   15.60%   8.33%   n/a    8.54%(2)   n/a    n/a 
   
1 Inception date of the class was April 11, 2014.
2 Index Performance is from inception date of the Class only and is not the inception date of the index itself.

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the total annual Fund operating expenses (other than short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for the Fund’s Investor Class shares exceeds 2.25% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Investor Class shares. Because dividend expenses on short sales, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes are excluded from the expense limitation, total annual Fund operating expenses (after fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements) are expected to exceed 2.25%. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2023 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses for a year are less than 2.25% or the expense cap then in effect, or whatever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees waived and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement, as well as the expense limitation that is current in effect. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no assumption of fees and expenses in excess of expense limitations. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratios above (including interest and dividend expense on short sales) are as stated in the current prospectus. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-888-261-4073 or visit our web site at www.boston-partners.com.

 

Annual Report 2023  |  27

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

BOSTON PARTNERS EMERGING MARKETS DYNAMIC EQUITY FUND (unaudited)

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

The Boston Partners Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund’s (the “Fund”) Institutional Class shares returned +4.98% for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023 versus the MSCI® Emerging Markets Index’s +1.25% return, while averaging a 39% net-long exposure. The Fund outperformed the blended 50% MSCI® EM/50% Risk-Free benchmark, which returned +3.51% for the period. The Fund’s neutral exposure is 50% net long, with the short exposure varying with the quantity of attractive short opportunities in the investment universe. The blended index with a 50% equity exposure is an appropriate comparison given the Fund’s expected neutral exposure of 50% equities.

 

During the period, the Fund’s long-book returned +13.05%, outperforming the MSCI® Emerging Markets Index. The long book’s positioning in most economic sectors aided performance led by positioning in the Consumer Discretionary and Financials sectors. An overweight position in PDD Holdings Inc. (“PDD”), a China-based multinational e-commerce platform, was among the largest contributors to the portfolio on better-than-expected earnings and revenue results, despite a difficult macro environment. Chinese stocks rose late last year as the easing of COVID-Zero policies buoyed optimism. PDD continued to beat expectations even as China’s economic reopening sputtered. Easing COVID-Zero measures also aided the Fund’s overweight position in Trip.com, a Chinese online travel agency. In Financials, Banco do Brasil was the top contributor to the Fund’s relative performance. The Brazilian bank has benefitted from increasing net interest income, solid fee trends, and better-than-peer credit charges. Indian holding Bank of Baroda was another top contributor to the relative performance as it rode positive business trends that produced mid-teens returns on equity.

 

The long book’s positioning in the Consumer Staples and Energy sectors modestly detracted from performance. In Consumer Staples, overweight positions in Chinese stocks Tech-Bank Food and Yixintang Pharmaceutical Group detracted from performance. Tech-Bank Food, a hog processor, traded lower due to soft pork demand and elevated feeding costs. Shares of Yixintang Pharmaceutical Group fell as growth slowed after a bump from COVID, along with broader weakness in Chinese stocks in 2023. The long-book’s underweight allocation to the Energy sector detracted from performance.

 

The Fund’s short-book rose +4.79% for the reporting period, outperforming the MSCI® Emerging Markets Index, thus detracting from performance. Shorted semiconductor stocks primarily in China and Taiwan accounted were a notable detractor from performance. The semiconductor industry’s downcycle has so far been shorter and less severe than we had anticipated. Short positions in the Materials sector offset some of the losses from shorted technology stocks.

 

The entire investment team at Boston Partners relentlessly searches for investments that have not only attractive valuation characteristics and solid business fundamentals, but also improving business momentum and catalysts to help drive stock prices higher. Our focus is on bottom-up, fundamental stock picking with a statistical bent. That said, there is still a wall of worry for the market to climb in 2023 and 2024. Historically these have been very good windows for value investing as more economically sensitive companies outperform growth favorites. When one

Top Ten Positions (as of 8/31/23)  % of Net Assets
BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd., Class A      3.4% 
Accton Technology Corp.      2.9% 
Hankook Tire & Technology Co., Ltd.      2.7% 
Weichai Power Co., Ltd., Class A      2.6% 
SK Hynix, Inc.      2.5% 
Bank of Baroda      2.5% 
Bank Mandiri Persero Tbk PT      2.2% 
Samsonite International SA      2.0% 
Tsingtao Brewery Co., Ltd., Class H      1.8% 
Grupo Financiero Banorte SAB de CV, Class O        1.7% 
         
Portfolio Review (as of 8/31/23)  Long   Short 
P/E: Price/Earnings:  10.2   13.9 
P/B: Price/Book:  1.3   1.9 
Holdings:  115   106 
Weighted Average Market Capitalization (millions):  $27,557   $31,475 
ROE: Return on Equity:  16.8%  23.8%
OROA: Operating Return on Operating Assets:  37.4%  41.3%

 

considers that, the starting point is exceptional; valuation spreads between growth and value stocks are at extreme levels. It is hard not to be optimistic about the future and how our Fund is positioned today.

 

On behalf of our team, thank you for your continued support and investment.

 

Sincerely,

 

Joseph F. Feeney Jr. & David Kim, CFA
Portfolio Managers for the Boston Partners
Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund


 

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BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

BOSTON PARTNERS EMERGING MARKETS DYNAMIC EQUITY FUND (unaudited) (concluded)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $100,000 Investment in
Boston Partners Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund (Institutional Class) vs. MSCI Emerging Markets Indices

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $100,000 minimum initial investment in the Fund’s Institutional Class shares made on March 1, 2015 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the MSCI Indices are unmanaged, do not incur expenses and are not available for investment.

 

Total Return for the Periods Ended August 31, 2023

 

   Average Annual Total Return  Since  Gross
Expense
  Net
Expense
   1 Year  5 Year  10 Year  Inception  Ratio  Ratio
Boston Partners Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund                              
Institutional Class(1)   4.98%     2.66%     n/a    3.13%   1.73%     1.42%  
MSCI Emerging Markets Index - Net Return   1.25%   0.98%   n/a    2.37%(2)    n/a    n/a 
   
1 Inception date of the fund was March 1, 2015. The Fund commenced operations as a series of The RBB Fund, Inc. on December 15, 2015, when substantially all of the assets of Boston Partners Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity (the “Prior Account”) transferred to the Fund. The Fund is managed in all material respects in a manner equivalent to the management of the Prior Account. Accordingly, the performance information shown above for periods prior to December 15, 2015 is that of the Prior Account.
2 Index Performance is from inception date of the Class only and is not the inception date of the index itself.

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Adviser has agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) to 1.40% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Institutional Class shares. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2023, and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors. Because short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes are excluded from the expense limitation, total annual Fund operating expenses (after fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements) are expected to exceed 1.40%. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses (not including short sale dividend expense, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 1.40% or the expense cap then in effect, whatever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement, as well as the expense limitation that is current in effect. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no assumption of fees and expenses in excess of expense limitations. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratios above (including interest and dividend expense on short sales) are as stated in the current prospectus. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-888-261-4073 or visit our web site at www.boston-partners.com.

 

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BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

DEFINITIONS (unaudited)

 

Past Performance is not a guarantee of future results.

 

Opinions expressed herein are as of August 31, 2023 and are subject to change at any time, are not guaranteed and should not be considered investment advice. This report is for the information of shareholders of the Funds. It may also be used as sales literature when preceded or accompanied by the current prospectus.

 

Basis point refers to a common unit of measure for interest rates and other percentages in finance. One basis point is equal to 1/100th of 1%, or 0.01%, or 0.0001.

 

Beta or beta coefficient is a measure of a stock or portfolio’s level of systematic and unsystematic risk based on in its prior performance. In general, a higher beta indicates a more volatile security in relation to its benchmark and lower beta indicates a less volatile security in relation to its benchmark.

 

Bloomberg Barclays US Aggregate Bond Index (US Aggregate Bond Index) is a broad base bond market index consisting of approximately 10,000 bonds, representing intermediate term investment grade bonds traded in the United States.

 

Consumer Price Index: An index of the variation in prices paid by typical consumers for retail goods and other items.

 

Growth stocks typically are more volatile than value stocks; however, value stocks generally have a lower expected growth rate in earnings and sales.

 

Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) is a general term that refers to the consolidation of companies or assets through various types of financial transactions.

 

Momentum: High Momentum companies are characterized in the literature as companies with high price performance in the recent history, up to 12 months. High Momentum companies tend to continue their high price performance over the near term, typically over a 6 to 12-month period.

 

MSCI China Index is constructed based on the integrated China equity universe included in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, providing a standardized definition of the China equity opportunity set. The index aims to represent the performance of large- and mid-cap segments with H shares, B shares, red chips, P chips and foreign listings (e.g., ADRs) of Chinese stocks.

 

MSCI EAFE Index is a stock market index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets outside of the U.S. & Canada. It is maintained by MSCI Inc., a provider of investment decision support tools; the EAFE acronym stands for Europe, Australasia and Far East.

 

MSCI Emerging Markets Currency Index in USD measures the total return of 25 emerging market currencies relative to the US Dollar where the weight of each currency is equal to its country weight in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index.

 

MSCI Emerging Markets (EM) Index is an index created by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) designed to measure equity market performance in global emerging markets.

 

MSCI World Index is an unmanaged index that measures the equity market performance of developed markets.

 

MSCI World Growth Index captures large and mid-cap securities exhibiting overall growth style characteristics across 23 Developed Markets Countries.

 

MSCI World Value NR Index is an index tracking value stocks, which are stocks with prices lower than their intrinsic values.

 

A net return index includes reinvesting the after tax dividends. A gross return index includes reinvesting the before tax dividends. In general, a net return index should under perform a gross return index.

 

OROA: Operating Return on Operating Assets

 

P/B: Price/Book: A valuation ratio of a company’s current share price compared to its book value.

 

P/E: Price/Earnings: A valuation ratio of a company’s current share price compared to its per-share earnings.

 

Quality has long been established as an investment approach, dating back to Benjamin Graham, but it is less well accepted as a factor, especially when compared with value, size, yield, momentum and low volatility. A “factor” means any characteristic that helps explain the risk and returns of a group of securities.

 

ROE: Return on Equity: measures a company’s profitability by revealing how much profit a company generates with the money invested.

 

Russell 1000® Index measures the performance of the 1,000 largest companies in the Russell 3000® Index, which represents approximately 93% of the total market capitalization of the Russell 3000® Index. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

Russell 2000® Index measures the performance of the 2,000 smallest companies in the Russell 3000® Index, which represents approximately 10% of the total market capitalization of the Russell 3000® Index and is considered representative of small-cap stocks.

 

The Russell 1000® Growth Index measures the performance of the large-cap growth segment of the US equity universe. It includes those Russell 1000 companies with relatively higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values.

 

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BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

DEFINITIONS (concluded) (unaudited)

 

Russell 2000® Growth Index is an unmanaged index that measures the performance of Russell 2000 companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values.

 

Russell 2000® Value Index is an unmanaged index that measures the performance of the small-cap value segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell 2000® Index companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values.

 

Russell 3000® Index measures the performance of the largest 3,000 U.S. companies representing approximately 97% of the investable U.S. equity market.

 

Russell 3000® Growth Index is a market capitalization weighted index based on the Russell 3000® Index. It includes companies that display signs of above average growth.

 

Russell 3000® Value Index is an unmanaged index that measures the performance of the broad value segment of the U.S. equity value universe. It includes those Russell 3000® Index companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values.

 

The Russell Midcap® Index measures performance of the 800 smallest companies in the Russell 1000® Index.

 

The Russell Midcap® Growth Index measures the performance of the mid-cap growth segment of the US equity universe. It includes those Russell Midcap Index companies with relatively higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values.

 

The Russell Midcap® Value Index measures the performance of the mid-cap value segment of the US equity universe. It includes those Russell Midcap Index companies with relatively lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values.

 

The S&P 500® Index is a market–capitalization–weighted index of 500 U.S. stocks chosen for market size, liquidity and industry grouping, among other factors. The S&P 500® Index is designed to be a leading indicator of U.S. equities and is meant to reflect the risk/return characteristics of the large cap universe. The S&P 500® Index was first introduced on January 1, 1923, though expanded to 500 stocks on March 4, 1957.

 

Trade Weighted U.S. Dollar Index: Major Currencies is a weighted average of the foreign exchange value of the U.S. dollar against a subset of the broad index currencies that circulate widely outside the country of issue. Major currencies index includes the Euro Area, Canada, Japan, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Australia, and Sweden.

 

Annual Report 2023  |  31

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

FUND EXPENSE EXAMPLES

AUGUST 31, 2023 (unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund(s), you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, if any, and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees, and other Fund expenses. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund(s) and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

 

These examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period from March 1, 2023 through August 31, 2023, and held for the entire period.

 

ACTUAL EXPENSES

 

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

 

HYPOTHETICAL EXAMPLES FOR COMPARISON PURPOSES

 

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

 

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

 

    BEGINNING ACCOUNT
VALUE
MARCH 1, 2023
  ENDING ACCOUNT
VALUE
AUGUST 31, 2023
  EXPENSES
PAID DURING
PERIOD*
  ANNUALIZED
EXPENSE
RATIO
  ACTUAL
SIX-MONTH
TOTAL INVESTMENT
RETURN FOR THE FUND
                     
Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund                                        
Institutional                                        
Actual     $1,000.00             $1,035.20         $4.10        0.80 %        3.52%       
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)     1,000.00       1,021.17       4.08       0.80 %     N/A  
Investor                                        
Actual     $1,000.00       $1,033.40       $5.38       1.05 %     3.34%  
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)     1,000.00       1,019.91       5.35       1.05 %     N/A  
Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II                                        
Institutional                                        
Actual     $1,000.00       $1,001.10       $4.99       0.99 %     0.11%  
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)     1,000.00       1,020.21       5.04       0.99 %     N/A  
Investor                                        
Actual     $1,000.00       $1,000.00       $6.25       1.24 %     0.00%  
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)     1,000.00       1,018.95       6.31       1.24 %     N/A  
WPG Partners Select Small Cap Value Fund                                        
Institutional                                        
Actual     $1,000.00       $1,079.50       $5.77       1.10 %     7.95%  
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)     1,000.00       1,019.66       5.60       1.10 %     N/A  
WPG Partners Small Cap Value Diversified Fund                                        
Institutional                                        
Actual     $1,000.00       $1,001.60       $5.55       1.10 %     0.16%  
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)     1,000.00       1,019.66       5.60       1.10 %     N/A  
Boston Partners Global Sustainability Fund                                        
Institutional                                        
Actual     $1,000.00       $1,032.00       $4.61       0.90 %     3.20%  
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)     1,000.00       1,020.67       4.58       0.90 %     N/A  

 

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BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

FUND EXPENSE EXAMPLES (concluded)

AUGUST 31, 2023 (unaudited)

 

    BEGINNING ACCOUNT
VALUE
MARCH 1, 2023
  ENDING ACCOUNT
VALUE
AUGUST 31, 2023
  EXPENSES
PAID DURING
PERIOD*
  ANNUALIZED
EXPENSE
RATIO
  ACTUAL
SIX-MONTH
TOTAL INVESTMENT
RETURN FOR THE FUND
                     
Boston Partners Global Equity Fund                                        
Institutional                                        
Actual     $1,000.00          $1,013.40        $ 4.82         0.95 %     1.34%       
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)     1,000.00       1,020.42       4.84       0.95 %     N/A  
Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund                                        
Institutional                                        
Actual     $1,000.00       $1,082.90       $ 5.25       1.00 %     8.29%  
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)     1,000.00       1,020.16       5.09       1.00 %     N/A  
Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund                                        
Institutional                                        
Actual     $1,000.00       $1,030.30       $10.39       2.03 %(1)       3.03%  
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)     1,000.00       1,014.97       10.31       2.03 %(1)     N/A  
Investor                                        
Actual     $1,000.00       $1,028.90       $11.66       2.28 %(1)     2.89%  
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)     1,000.00       1,013.71       11.57       2.28 %(1)     N/A  
Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund                                        
Institutional                                        
Actual     $1,000.00       $1,021.70       $10.04       1.97 %(1)     2.17%  
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)     1,000.00       1,015.27       10.01       1.97 %(1)     N/A  
Investor                                        
Actual     $1,000.00       $1,020.20       $11.30       2.22 %(1)     2.02%  
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)     1,000.00       1,014.01       11.27       2.22 %(1)     N/A  
Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund                                        
Institutional                                        
Actual     $1,000.00       $1,031.50       $12.19       2.38 %(1)     3.15%  
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)     1,000.00       1,013.21       12.08       2.38 %(1)     N/A  
Investor                                        
Actual     $1,000.00       $1,030.60       $13.46       2.63 %(1)     3.06%  
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)     1,000.00       1,011.95       13.34       2.63 %(1)     N/A  
Boston Partners Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund                                        
Institutional                                        
Actual     $1,000.00       $1,069.50       $ 7.30       1.40 %(1)     6.95%  
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)     1,000.00       1,018.15       7.12       1.40 %(1)     N/A  

 

* Expenses are equal to each Fund’s annualized six-month expense ratios in the table above, which include waived fees or reimbursed expenses, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184) in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by 365 to reflect the one-half year period.
(1) These amounts include dividends paid on securities which the Funds have sold short (“short-sale dividends”) and related interest expense. The amount of short-sale dividends and related interest expense was 0.07% of average net assets for the six-month period ended August 31, 2023 for both the Institutional Class and Investor Class of the Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund, 0.57% of average net assets for the Institutional Class and Investor Class of the Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund, 0.58% of average net assets of the Institutional Class and Investor Class of the Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund and 0.00% of average net assets for the Institutional Class of the Boston Partners Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund.

 

Annual Report 2023  |  33

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023 (unaudited)
Portfolio Holdings Summary Tables  

 

The Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund, Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II, WPG Partners Select Small Cap Value Fund, WPG Partners Small Cap Value Diversified Fund, Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund, and Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund use the Global Industry Classification StandardSM (“GICSSM”) as the basis for the classification of securities on the Portfolio of Investments.

 

BOSTON PARTNERS
ALL-CAP VALUE FUND

SECURITY TYPE/SECTOR CLASSIFICATION  % OF NET
ASSETS
  VALUE 
COMMON STOCK          
Health Care   22.3%  $310,316,642 
Financials   20.6    286,785,881 
Industrials   15.2    212,181,756 
Information Technology   15.0    208,519,052 
Energy   7.8    108,540,455 
Consumer Discretionary   7.5    103,810,508 
Communication Services   4.9    68,499,753 
Materials   2.1    29,868,769 
Consumer Staples   1.8    25,412,430 
INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL   5.4    75,334,610 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS   2.9    40,520,818 
OPTIONS WRITTEN   (0.2)   (3,033,954)
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS   (5.3)   (73,727,954)
NET ASSETS   100.0%  $1,393,028,766 

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

BOSTON PARTNERS
SMALL CAP VALUE FUND II

SECURITY TYPE/SECTOR CLASSIFICATION  % OF NET
ASSETS
  VALUE 
COMMON STOCK          
Industrials   26.0%  $154,522,726 
Financials   25.8    153,435,665 
Consumer Discretionary   12.6    75,002,067 
Information Technology   11.1    65,841,187 
Energy   9.7    57,806,931 
Health Care   4.7    27,633,323 
Communication Services   3.3    19,454,301 
Materials   3.1    18,557,294 
Consumer Staples   2.5    14,963,253 
Real Estate   1.5    8,907,596 
Utilities   0.5    2,876,107 
INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL   13.9    82,843,864 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS   0.0    111 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS   (14.7)   (87,170,892)
NET ASSETS   100.0%  $594,673,533 

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

WPG PARTNERS
SELECT SMALL CAP VALUE FUND

SECURITY TYPE/SECTOR CLASSIFICATION  % OF NET
ASSETS
  VALUE 
COMMON STOCK          
Industrials   20.3%  $21,826,512 
Financials   17.2    18,449,174 
Health Care   14.9    15,937,103 
Materials   10.6    11,341,267 
Consumer Staples   7.5    8,079,164 
Energy   5.9    6,370,086 
Real Estate   5.9    6,311,389 
Communication Services   5.2    5,584,216 
Information Technology   4.8    5,173,783 
Consumer Discretionary   1.4    1,524,547 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS   6.3    6,743,713 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS   0.0    (11,588)
NET ASSETS   100.0%  $107,329,366 

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

WPG PARTNERS
SMALL CAP VALUE DIVERSIFIED FUND
(FORMERLY WPG PARTNERS SMALL/MICRO CAP VALUE FUND)

SECURITY TYPE/SECTOR CLASSIFICATION  % OF NET
ASSETS
  VALUE 
COMMON STOCK          
Industrials   21.2%  $6,193,776 
Financials   17.6    5,150,070 
Materials   12.9    3,759,643 
Energy   9.5    2,789,116 
Health Care   7.0    2,055,311 
Real Estate   6.7    1,958,114 
Consumer Staples   6.0    1,760,740 
Utilities   5.8    1,677,497 
Consumer Discretionary   5.4    1,580,394 
Information Technology   4.8    1,410,867 
INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL   23.3    6,819,559 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS   3.6    1,058,513 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS   (23.8)   (6,950,185)
NET ASSETS   100.0%  $29,263,415 

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.


 

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

 

34  |  Annual Report 2023

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023 (unaudited)
Portfolio Holdings Summary Tables (continued)  

 

BOSTON PARTNERS
GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY FUND

SECURITY TYPE/SECTOR CLASSIFICATION  % OF NET
ASSETS
  VALUE 
COMMON STOCK          
Industrials   19.5%  $4,650,574 
Financials   19.3    4,611,871 
Health Care   14.0    3,342,503 
Consumer Staples   11.4    2,720,724 
Consumer Discretionary   9.4    2,250,599 
Information Technology   9.3    2,222,850 
Communication Services   7.0    1,684,778 
Energy   4.9    1,161,280 
Materials   1.4    329,773 
Utilities   0.4    108,028 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS   2.9    695,679 
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES   0.5    118,371 
NET ASSETS   100.0%  $23,897,030 

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

BOSTON PARTNERS
GLOBAL EQUITY FUND

SECURITY TYPE/SECTOR CLASSIFICATION  % OF NET
ASSETS
  VALUE 
COMMON STOCK          
Financials   22.8%  $48,323,512 
Industrials   19.1    40,570,006 
Health Care   11.0    23,374,224 
Energy   10.0    21,278,144 
Consumer Discretionary   9.4    19,878,004 
Consumer Staples   8.7    18,476,239 
Information Technology   7.8    16,470,011 
Materials   3.9    8,276,910 
Communication Services   3.3    7,051,251 
Utilities   1.4    2,985,424 
INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL   6.0    12,674,868 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS   2.4    5,108,517 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS   (5.8)   (12,303,301)
NET ASSETS   100.0%  $212,163,809 

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

BOSTON PARTNERS
EMERGING MARKETS FUND

SECURITY TYPE/SECTOR CLASSIFICATION  % OF NET
ASSETS
  VALUE 
COMMON STOCK          
Financials   23.0%  $5,380,924 
Information Technology   19.9    4,648,733 
Industrials   17.7    4,132,936 
Consumer Discretionary   17.1    3,984,086 
Consumer Staples   5.0    1,178,737 
Health Care   4.4    1,031,144 
Communication Services   2.7    626,470 
Materials   1.4    328,473 
Utilities   1.3    306,799 
Real Estate   0.7    171,426 
Energy   0.3    66,693 
PREFERRED STOCKS   1.8    412,718 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS   5.0    1,170,732 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS   (0.3)   (69,200)
NET ASSETS   100.0%  $23,370,671 

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

BOSTON PARTNERS
LONG/SHORT EQUITY FUND

SECURITY TYPE/SECTOR CLASSIFICATION  % OF NET
ASSETS
  VALUE 
LONG POSITIONS:          
COMMON STOCK          
Financials   17.6%  $11,956,865 
Health Care   17.1    11,614,850 
Information Technology   15.5    10,550,440 
Industrials   12.5    8,511,056 
Consumer Discretionary   9.5    6,443,131 
Communication Services   6.6    4,508,834 
Energy   6.4    4,380,411 
Materials   4.1    2,809,156 
Real Estate   2.5    1,712,015 
Consumer Staples   2.1    1,474,359 
INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL   14.8    10,049,570 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS   5.3    3,609,768 
           
SHORT POSITIONS:          
COMMON STOCK          
Consumer Discretionary   (4.5)   (3,111,074)
Information Technology   (4.2)   (2,840,131)
Industrials   (2.6)   (1,765,385)
Consumer Staples   (1.4)   (940,213)
Communication Services   (1.3)   (867,611)
Health Care   (1.2)   (823,973)
Financials   (1.0)   (698,211)
Energy   (0.4)   (277,079)
Materials   (0.3)   (189,111)
OPTIONS WRITTEN   (0.3)   (204,357)
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES   3.2    2,147,980 
NET ASSETS   100.0%  $68,051,290 

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.


 

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

 

Annual Report 2023  |  35

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023 (unaudited)
Portfolio Holdings Summary Tables (concluded)  

 

BOSTON PARTNERS
LONG/SHORT RESEARCH FUND

SECURITY TYPE/SECTOR CLASSIFICATION  % OF NET
ASSETS
  VALUE 
LONG POSITIONS:          
COMMON STOCK          
Industrials   20.1%  $140,197,651 
Financials   16.2    112,756,868 
Health Care   12.0    83,847,496 
Information Technology   11.8    81,986,234 
Energy   9.7    67,414,286 
Consumer Discretionary   9.6    66,669,845 
Communication Services   6.1    42,246,188 
Consumer Staples   5.5    38,251,068 
Materials   2.0    14,269,287 
Real Estate   1.9    13,332,975 
Utilities   1.6    10,834,456 
CORPORATE BONDS   0.1    759,687 
WARRANTS   0.0    28,696 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS   1.4    9,560,973 
           
SHORT POSITIONS:          
COMMON STOCK          
Industrials   (4.8)   (33,459,841)
Consumer Discretionary   (4.6)   (32,406,912)
Financials   (3.0)   (20,890,795)
Consumer Staples   (2.4)   (17,016,584)
Information Technology   (2.2)   (15,045,303)
Materials   (2.0)   (13,741,972)
Health Care   (1.9)   (12,978,644)
Communication Services   (1.8)   (12,512,719)
Real Estate   (1.7)   (11,755,181)
Energy   (1.5)   (10,623,579)
Utilities   (0.5)   (3,439,926)
OPTIONS WRITTEN   (0.1)   (528,716)
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES   28.5    198,671,174 
NET ASSETS   100.0%  $696,426,712 

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

BOSTON PARTNERS

GLOBAL LONG/SHORT FUND

SECURITY TYPE/SECTOR CLASSIFICATION  % OF NET
ASSETS
  VALUE 
LONG POSITIONS:          
COMMON STOCK          
Financials   13.7%  $21,203,360 
Information Technology   12.0    18,543,619 
Consumer Discretionary   10.8    16,630,435 
Health Care   8.1    12,508,470 
Energy   6.8    10,541,659 
Industrials   6.1    9,377,474 
Materials   5.6    8,598,076 
Consumer Staples   4.7    7,164,652 
Communication Services   3.6    5,488,904 
Utilities   0.2    368,316 
CORPORATE BONDS   0.8    1,193,794 
WARRANTS   0.0    45,093 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS   29.2    45,061,742 
           
SHORT POSITIONS:          
OPTIONS WRITTEN   (1.8)   (2,708,834)
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES   0.2    282,768 
NET ASSETS   100.0%  $154,299,528 

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

BOSTON PARTNERS
EMERGING MARKETS DYNAMIC EQUITY FUND

SECURITY TYPE/SECTOR CLASSIFICATION  % OF NET
ASSETS
  VALUE 
LONG POSITIONS:          
COMMON STOCK          
Consumer Discretionary   14.1%  $8,716,083 
Financials   12.7    7,829,405 
Industrials   12.6    7,802,097 
Information Technology   10.0    6,197,855 
Consumer Staples   3.3    2,031,517 
Health Care   2.7    1,647,984 
Communication Services   1.6    1,016,198 
Real Estate   0.6    402,932 
Utilities   0.6    350,052 
Materials   0.3    216,646 
Energy   0.2    108,451 
PREFERRED STOCKS   1.2    713,982 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS   35.5    21,945,968 
           
SHORT POSITIONS:          
COMMON STOCK          
Industrials   (0.4)   (220,083)
Materials   (0.1)   (76,974)
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES   5.1    3,142,615 
NET ASSETS   100.0%  $61,824,728 

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.


 

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

 

36  |  Annual Report 2023

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023
BOSTON PARTNERS ALL-CAP VALUE FUND Portfolio Of Investments

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
COMMON STOCKS—97.2%          
Communication Services—4.9%          
Activision Blizzard, Inc.   93,304   $8,583,035 
Alphabet, Inc., Class A*   205,072    27,924,654 
Electronic Arts, Inc.   19,250    2,309,615 
Interpublic Group of Cos., Inc., (The)(a)   209,552    6,833,491 
Omnicom Group, Inc.(a)   71,729    5,810,766 
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.*   92,564    13,162,601 
TEGNA, Inc.   234,458    3,875,591 
         68,499,753 
Consumer Discretionary—7.5%          
AutoZone, Inc.*   5,912    14,965,223 
Booking Holdings, Inc.*   7,727    23,992,567 
Harley-Davidson, Inc.   362,051    12,219,221 
LKQ Corp.   113,379    5,955,799 
NVR, Inc.*   2,599    16,574,681 
Tempur Sealy International, Inc.(a)   336,225    15,708,432 
Whirlpool Corp.(a)   43,381    6,071,605 
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.   110,399    8,322,980 
         103,810,508 
Consumer Staples—1.8%          
Coca-Cola European Partners PLC   65,466    4,197,025 
Kenvue, Inc.(a)   228,572    5,268,579 
Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc.   177,250    5,964,463 
Philip Morris International, Inc.   103,918    9,982,363 
         25,412,430 
Energy—7.8%          
BP PLC - SP ADR   128,214    4,766,997 
Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.(a)   122,618    7,932,158 
Chord Energy Corp.   62,558    10,103,117 
ConocoPhillips   63,465    7,554,239 
Devon Energy Corp.   120,226    6,142,346 
Diamondback Energy, Inc.   79,101    12,005,950 
EOG Resources, Inc.   58,401    7,511,537 
Halliburton Co.   260,333    10,054,061 
Marathon Oil Corp.   410,526    10,817,360 
Phillips 66   45,331    5,174,987 
Pioneer Natural Resources Co.   28,566    6,796,708 
Schlumberger Ltd.   237,920    14,027,763 
Shell PLC - ADR   91,049    5,653,232 
         108,540,455 
Financials—20.6%          
Aflac, Inc.(a)   183,835    13,708,576 
Allstate Corp., (The)   54,378    5,862,492 
American International Group, Inc.   344,221    20,143,813 
Aon PLC, Class A   26,076    8,693,478 
Bank of America Corp.   689,435    19,766,101 
Charles Schwab Corp., (The)   111,074    6,570,027 
Chubb Ltd.   73,155    14,694,645 
Citigroup, Inc.   252,030    10,406,319 
Discover Financial Services   68,071    6,131,155 
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.   88,024    4,917,021 
FleetCor Technologies, Inc.*   87,285    23,717,953 
Global Payments, Inc.   118,011    14,950,814 
Globe Life, Inc.   79,331    8,850,960 
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., (The)   43,016    14,096,773 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.   159,290    23,308,906 
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
Financials—(continued)          
Loews Corp.   193,672   $12,025,094 
Markel Group, Inc.*   4,183    6,186,322 
Renaissance Holdings Ltd.   78,131    14,680,034 
Synchrony Financial   150,065    4,844,098 
Travelers Cos., Inc., (The)   49,653    8,005,553 
Visa, Inc., Class A(a)   82,077    20,164,677 
Wells Fargo & Co.   249,353    10,295,785 
White Mountains Insurance Group Ltd.   9,294    14,765,285 
         286,785,881 
Health Care—22.3%          
AbbVie, Inc.   167,549    24,623,001 
Amgen, Inc.   62,540    16,031,503 
Avantor, Inc.*   535,732    11,598,598 
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.   518,776    31,982,540 
Cencora, Inc.(a)   70,435    12,395,151 
Centene Corp.*   187,712    11,572,445 
Cigna Group, (The)   28,010    7,738,042 
Elevance Health, Inc.   42,806    18,920,680 
Humana, Inc.   30,841    14,237,131 
Johnson & Johnson   209,303    33,840,109 
McKesson Corp.   39,940    16,468,061 
Medtronic PLC   212,284    17,301,146 
Merck & Co., Inc.   183,503    19,998,157 
Molina Healthcare, Inc.*   22,290    6,912,575 
Pfizer, Inc.   466,458    16,503,284 
Sanofi - ADR   448,193    23,834,904 
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.   41,336    19,699,911 
Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.   55,905    6,659,404 
         310,316,642 
Industrials—15.2%          
Acuity Brands, Inc.(a)   66,803    10,773,988 
Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc.(a)   33,995    4,356,799 
Allegion PLC   191,792    21,827,848 
Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.   121,218    7,327,628 
AMETEK, Inc.   52,372    8,353,858 
Boeing Co., (The)*   25,510    5,715,005 
BWX Technologies, Inc.   109,582    8,082,768 
Curtiss-Wright Corp.   31,338    6,517,991 
EnerSys   43,045    4,518,864 
Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.(a)   119,224    13,914,633 
Howmet Aerospace, Inc.   286,208    14,158,710 
Huron Consulting Group, Inc.*   89,544    8,949,923 
Landstar System, Inc.   61,409    11,656,042 
Leidos Holdings, Inc.   35,192    3,431,572 
Masco Corp.   99,447    5,868,367 
Middleby Corp., (The)*   66,077    9,620,150 
Resideo Technologies, Inc.*   143,171    2,413,863 
Robert Half, Inc.   126,602    9,363,484 
Science Applications International Corp.   98,748    11,618,690 
Sensata Technologies Holding PLC   95,244    3,583,079 
SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc.   186,468    10,706,993 
Textron, Inc.   119,254    9,267,228 
United Parcel Service, Inc., Class B   44,690    7,570,486 
Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp.   111,836    12,583,787 
         212,181,756 

 

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

 

Annual Report 2023  |  37

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023
BOSTON PARTNERS ALL-CAP VALUE FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
Information Technology—15.0%          
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.*#   139,300   $14,726,796 
Analog Devices, Inc.   80,087    14,558,215 
Applied Materials, Inc.   49,593    7,575,827 
Arrow Electronics, Inc.*   55,695    7,431,384 
Belden, Inc.   46,857    4,399,872 
CDW Corp.   37,613    7,941,985 
Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.*   123,938    16,680,815 
Cisco Systems, Inc.   359,933    20,642,158 
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Class A   212,859    15,242,833 
Flex Ltd.*   356,312    9,830,648 
Gen Digital, Inc.   146,838    2,973,469 
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.   257,470    4,374,415 
Jabil, Inc.   150,561    17,227,190 
KLA Corp.   14,348    7,200,831 
Lam Research Corp.   10,965    7,701,816 
Microchip Technology, Inc.   193,582    15,842,751 
Oracle Corp.   119,258    14,357,471 
QUALCOMM, Inc.   124,577    14,267,804 
TE Connectivity Ltd.   41,867    5,542,772 
         208,519,052 
Materials—2.1%          
Corteva, Inc.   159,203    8,041,344 
CRH PLC - SP ADR   245,890    14,155,887 
FMC Corp.   88,966    7,671,538 
         29,868,769 
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $837,688,308)
        1,353,935,246 
INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL—5.4%      
Mount Vernon Liquid Assets Portfolio, LLC, 5.46%(b)   75,334,610    75,334,610 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL
(Cost $75,334,610)
        75,334,610 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS—2.9%          
Tri-State Deposit, 5.45%(b)   36,800,988    36,800,988 
U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 5.20%(b)   3,719,830    3,719,830 
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(Cost $40,520,818)
        40,520,818 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—105.5%
(Cost $953,543,736)
        1,469,790,674 
   NUMBER OF
CONTRACTS
   NOTIONAL
AMOUNT
   VALUE 
OPTIONS WRITTEN††—(0.2%)               
Call Options Written—(0.2%)               
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.               
Expiration:
01/19/2024,
               

Exercise Price:

90.00

   (1,393)   (14,726,796)  $(3,033,954)
TOTAL CALL OPTIONS WRITTEN
(Premiums received $(3,765,208))
         (3,033,954)
TOTAL OPTIONS WRITTEN
(Premiums received $(3,765,208))
         (3,033,954)
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS—(5.3)%             (73,727,954)
NET ASSETS—100.0%            $1,393,028,766 

 

 

ADR American Depositary Receipt
PLC Public Limited Company
SP ADR Sponsored American Depositary Receipt
LLC Limited Liability Company
* Non-income producing.
(a) All or a portion of the security is on loan. At August 31, 2023, the market value of securities on loan was $73,488,319.
(b) The rate shown is as of August 31, 2023.
# Security segregated as collateral for options written.
†† Primary risk exposure is equity contracts.
   
  The above industry classifications are based upon the The Global Industry Classification Standard (“GICS”®). GICS was developed by and is the exclusive property of MSCI, Inc. (“MSCI”) and Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”). GICS is a service mark of MSCI and S&P and has been licensed for use.
   
  Industry classifications may be different than those used for compliance monitoring purposes.

 

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

 

38  |  Annual Report 2023

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023
BOSTON PARTNERS ALL-CAP VALUE FUND Portfolio Of Investments (concluded)

 

A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments carried at fair value as of August 31, 2023 is as follows (see Notes to Portfolio of Investments):

 

   TOTAL   LEVEL 1   LEVEL 2   LEVEL 3   INVESTMENTS
MEASURED
AT NET
ASSET VALUE*
 
Common Stock                         
Communication Services  $68,499,753   $68,499,753   $   $   $ 
Consumer Discretionary   103,810,508    103,810,508             
Consumer Staples   25,412,430    25,412,430             
Energy   108,540,455    108,540,455             
Financials   286,785,881    286,785,881             
Health Care   310,316,642    310,316,642             
Industrials   212,181,756    212,181,756             
Information Technology   208,519,052    208,519,052             
Materials   29,868,769    29,868,769             
Investments Purchased with Proceeds from Securities Lending Collateral   75,334,610                75,334,610 
Short-Term Investments   40,520,818    3,719,830    36,800,988         
Total Assets  $1,469,790,674   $1,357,655,076   $36,800,988   $   $75,334,610 
                          
   TOTAL   LEVEL 1   LEVEL 2   LEVEL 3   INVESTMENTS
MEASURED
AT NET
ASSET VALUE*
 
Options Written                         
Equity Contracts  $(3,033,954)  $(3,033,954)  $   $   $ 
Total Liabilities  $(3,033,954)  $(3,033,954)  $   $   $ 

 

* Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy included to reconcile to the amounts presented in the Portfolio of Investments.

 

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

 

Annual Report 2023  |  39

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023
BOSTON PARTNERS SMALL CAP VALUE FUND II Portfolio Of Investments

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
COMMON STOCKS—100.8%          
Communication Services—3.3%          
Cars.com, Inc.*   84,908   $1,586,931 
Entravision Communications Corp., Class A   511,276    1,958,187 
Nexstar Media Group, Inc., Class A(a)   38,351    6,243,543 
TEGNA, Inc.   396,755    6,558,360 
Vivid Seats, Inc., Class A*(a)   428,000    3,107,280 
         19,454,301 
Consumer Discretionary—12.6%          
Beazer Homes USA, Inc.*   146,367    4,290,017 
Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.(a)   109,851    3,082,419 
Bowlero Corp.*(a)   368,188    4,050,068 
Buckle, Inc. (The)(a)   83,572    3,053,721 
Caleres, Inc.(a)   146,280    4,193,847 
Carriage Services, Inc.(a)   135,906    4,188,623 
Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc.*(a)   74,862    2,939,831 
Foot Locker, Inc.(a)   61,816    1,212,830 
International Game Technology PLC   136,894    4,383,346 
J Jill, Inc.*   96,697    2,428,061 
Laureate Education, Inc.   534,344    7,443,412 
LCI Industries(a)   45,786    5,736,070 
Standard Motor Products, Inc.   46,599    1,725,561 
Steven Madden Ltd.(a)   171,310    5,910,195 
Stride, Inc.*   94,630    4,020,829 
Tempur Sealy International, Inc.   132,239    6,178,206 
Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp.*(a)   311,157    5,426,578 
Travel + Leisure Co.   67,202    2,701,520 
Universal Technical Institute, Inc.*   255,575    2,036,933 
         75,002,067 
Consumer Staples—2.5%          
Fresh Del Monte Produce, Inc.   127,175    3,249,321 
Herbalife Ltd.*   167,583    2,517,097 
Hostess Brands, Inc.*   125,093    3,562,649 
Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc.*   212,897    3,578,798 
Vector Group Ltd.   191,913    2,055,388 
         14,963,253 
Energy—9.7%          
Cactus, Inc., Class A   45,285    2,415,502 
ChampionX Corp.   94,046    3,394,120 
Delek US Holdings, Inc.   56,749    1,461,287 
DMC Global, Inc.*   99,210    2,383,024 
Enerplus Corp.   175,573    3,004,054 
Expro Group Holdings NV*   149,075    3,504,753 
Kosmos Energy Ltd.*   729,480    5,310,614 
National Energy Services Reunited Corp.*   539,402    2,454,279 
NexTier Oilfield Solutions, Inc.*(a)   202,550    2,149,055 
Noble Corp., PLC(a)   62,947    3,319,825 
Par Pacific Holdings, Inc.*   127,933    4,394,498 
Peabody Energy Corp.(a)   103,883    2,241,795 
ProPetro Holding Corp.*(a)   285,656    2,753,724 
Select Water Solutions, Inc.   293,213    2,360,365 
US Silica Holdings, Inc.*   249,287    3,073,709 
Viper Energy Partners LP   215,517    5,995,683 
Weatherford International PLC*   50,530    4,472,916 
World Kinect Corp.   142,362    3,117,728 
         57,806,931 
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
Financials—25.8%          
AllianceBernstein Holding LP   52,022   $1,611,121 
Ameris Bancorp   50,068    2,040,271 
AMERISAFE, Inc.   41,009    2,124,266 
Assured Guaranty Ltd.   70,645    4,156,752 
Avantax, Inc.*   71,178    1,489,044 
Axis Capital Holdings Ltd.   115,971    6,362,169 
Bar Harbor Bankshares   79,433    1,973,116 
Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc.   74,178    1,550,320 
BGC Group, Inc., Class A   870,647    4,300,996 
Byline Bancorp, Inc.   85,318    1,807,035 
Cass Information Systems, Inc.   60,031    2,301,589 
Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc.   15,724    2,653,582 
Dime Community Bancshares, Inc.   92,220    1,965,208 
Employers Holdings, Inc.   47,797    1,875,076 
Essent Group Ltd.   67,405    3,385,079 
Evercore, Inc., Class A   48,977    6,859,229 
EZCORP, Inc., Class A*(a)   275,643    2,318,158 
Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corp., Class C(a)   63,879    10,752,113 
First Merchants Corp.   86,881    2,592,529 
First Mid Bancshares, Inc.   43,670    1,221,450 
FirstCash Holdings, Inc.   49,385    4,411,068 
Hancock Whitney Corp.   52,155    2,151,394 
Heritage Commerce Corp.(a)   182,713    1,584,122 
Heritage Financial Corp.   55,912    962,805 
Hope Bancorp, Inc.   263,389    2,546,972 
Luther Burbank Corp.   142,072    1,291,434 
Merchants Bancorp(a)   92,094    2,686,382 
Nelnet, Inc., Class A   24,459    2,246,559 
OceanFirst Financial Corp.   246,801    4,163,533 
Old National Bancorp(a)   243,196    3,711,171 
Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corp.   136,013    3,709,074 
PRA Group, Inc.*   74,724    1,455,624 
Preferred Bank   86,981    5,402,390 
Primis Financial Corp.   139,092    1,235,137 
RBB Bancorp   112,655    1,535,488 
Redwood Trust, Inc.(a)   323,199    2,588,824 
S&T Bancorp, Inc.   77,728    2,202,034 
Silvercrest Asset Management Group, Inc., Class A   297,335    5,729,645 
SLM Corp.   659,313    9,388,617 
SouthState Corp.(a)   28,697    2,074,793 
Stewart Information Services Corp.   77,949    3,610,598 
StoneX Group, Inc.*   39,783    3,734,828 
Univest Financial Corp.   87,166    1,568,116 
Voya Financial, Inc.(a)   42,816    2,983,419 
Walker & Dunlop, Inc.   30,172    2,574,878 
Western Alliance Bancorp   75,254    3,763,453 
White Mountains Insurance Group Ltd.   3,611    5,736,760 
Wintrust Financial Corp.   65,036    5,047,444 
         153,435,665 
Health Care—4.7%          
Amedisys, Inc.*   21,095    1,977,656 
AMN Healthcare Services, Inc.*(a)   33,182    2,932,625 
Biote Corp., Class A*   640,740    3,165,256 
Fortrea Holdings, Inc.*(a)   67,145    1,849,845 
Haemonetics Corp.*   82,046    7,361,988 
Inmode Ltd.*   67,105    2,623,134 
Lantheus Holdings, Inc.*   44,457    3,042,637 
PetIQ, Inc.*   153,038    2,919,965 
Quipt Home Medical Corp.*   297,837    1,760,217 
         27,633,323 

 

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

 

40  |  Annual Report 2023

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023
BOSTON PARTNERS SMALL CAP VALUE FUND II Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
Industrials—26.0%          
ABM Industries, Inc.   101,955   $4,630,796 
Acuity Brands, Inc.   15,126    2,439,521 
Alight, Inc., Class A*   294,854    2,252,685 
Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.   78,483    4,744,297 
ASGN, Inc.*   27,231    2,237,299 
Atkore, Inc.*(a)   34,034    5,240,215 
Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc.*   37,470    2,991,979 
Brink’s Co., (The)   118,971    9,019,192 
CBIZ, Inc.*   111,388    6,249,981 
Civeo Corp.*   70,022    1,268,799 
CoreCivic, Inc.*   277,720    2,988,267 
CRA International, Inc.   60,217    6,541,373 
Curtiss-Wright Corp.   45,735    9,512,423 
Daseke, Inc.*   353,769    1,874,976 
DXP Enterprises, Inc.*   78,030    2,775,527 
EnerSys   33,890    3,557,772 
Granite Construction, Inc.(a)   81,642    3,370,998 
Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.   90,619    2,400,497 
Hub Group, Inc., Class A*   56,261    4,390,608 
Huron Consulting Group, Inc.*   43,288    4,326,636 
IBEX Holdings Ltd.*   221,259    4,327,826 
ICF International, Inc.   45,111    6,092,692 
Janus International Group, Inc.*   345,878    3,960,303 
Korn Ferry   57,346    2,923,499 
Legalzoom.com, Inc.*(a)   277,887    3,170,691 
Leonardo DRS, Inc.*(a)   215,288    3,685,731 
Liquidity Services, Inc.*   93,957    1,714,715 
LSI Industries, Inc.   216,205    3,405,229 
Masonite International Corp.*   22,276    2,287,968 
Matrix Service Co.*   354,174    2,943,186 
Maximus, Inc.   20,956    1,693,664 
NOW, Inc.*   163,350    1,824,619 
Primoris Services Corp.   78,988    2,793,806 
Science Applications International Corp.   64,179    7,551,301 
Sterling Check Corp.*(a)   237,023    3,304,101 
Terex Corp.   80,499    4,879,044 
Universal Logistics Holdings, Inc.   63,869    1,732,127 
V2X, Inc.*   75,097    3,778,130 
Valmont Industries, Inc.   6,462    1,638,117 
Viad Corp.*   136,585    3,877,648 
Wabash National Corp.(a)   119,406    2,692,605 
Werner Enterprises, Inc.(a)   34,412    1,431,883 
         154,522,726 
Information Technology—11.1%          
AppLovin Corp., Class A*(a)   76,876    3,322,581 
Avnet, Inc.   104,463    5,301,497 
Bel Fuse, Inc., Class B   94,705    4,953,072 
Belden, Inc.   102,887    9,661,089 
Benchmark Electronics, Inc.   111,610    2,872,841 
Clearfield, Inc.*(a)   52,798    1,855,850 
CompoSecure, Inc.*(a)   365,867    2,297,645 
Extreme Networks, Inc.*   174,094    4,778,880 
Hackett Group, Inc., (The)   112,356    2,648,231 
Insight Enterprises, Inc.*(a)   38,338    6,137,530 
InterDigital, Inc.(a)   71,156    6,169,937 
NCR Corp.*   136,342    4,193,880 
OSI Systems, Inc.*   34,203    4,663,579 
Photronics, Inc.*   98,560    2,341,786 
Richardson Electronics Ltd.(a)   79,769    1,004,292 
Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc.*(a)   103,484    3,638,497 
         65,841,187 
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
Materials—3.1%          
Ashland, Inc.(a)   21,718   $1,881,430 
Ecovyst, Inc.*   336,665    3,447,450 
Ingevity Corp.*   64,824    3,493,365 
Mativ Holdings, Inc.   26,078    427,679 
Methanex Corp.   43,675    1,858,371 
Myers Industries, Inc.   99,959    1,880,229 
Orion SA   164,583    3,722,868 
Piedmont Lithium, Inc.*(a)   41,240    1,845,902 
         18,557,294 
Real Estate—1.5%          
BRT Apartments Corp.   119,624    2,230,988 
Cousins Properties, Inc.   91,714    2,155,279 
Kennedy-Wilson Holdings, Inc.(a)   123,841    1,977,741 
Spirit Realty Capital, Inc.   65,879    2,543,588 
         8,907,596 
Utilities—0.5%          
Portland General Electric Co.(a)   32,289    1,416,195 
Pure Cycle Corp.*   132,840    1,459,912 
         2,876,107 
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $461,474,700)
        599,000,450 
INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL—13.9%          
Mount Vernon Liquid Assets Portfolio, LLC, 5.46%(b)   82,843,864    82,843,864 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL
(Cost $82,843,864)
        82,843,864 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS—0.0%          
U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 5.20%(b)   111    111 
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(Cost $111)
        111 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—114.7%
(Cost $544,318,675)
        681,844,425 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS—(14.7)%     (87,170,892)
NET ASSETS—100.0%       $594,673,533 

 

 

PLC Public Limited Company
LP Limited Partnership
LLC Limited Liability Company
* Non-income producing.
(a) All or a portion of the security is on loan. At August 31, 2023, the market value of securities on loan was $81,151,238.
(b) The rate shown is as of August 31, 2023.
   
  The above industry classifications are based upon the The Global Industry Classification Standard (“GICS”®). GICS was developed by and is the exclusive property of MSCI, Inc. (“MSCI”) and Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”). GICS is a service mark of MSCI and S&P and has been licensed for use.
   
  Industry classifications may be different than those used for compliance monitoring purposes.

 

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

 

Annual Report 2023  |  41

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023
BOSTON PARTNERS SMALL CAP VALUE FUND II Portfolio Of Investments (concluded)

 

A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments carried at fair value as of August 31, 2023 is as follows (see Notes to Portfolio of Investments):

 

 

   TOTAL   LEVEL 1   LEVEL 2   LEVEL 3   INVESTMENTS
MEASURED
AT NET
ASSET VALUE*
 
Common Stock                         
Communication Services  $19,454,301   $19,454,301   $   $   $ 
Consumer Discretionary   75,002,067    75,002,067             
Consumer Staples   14,963,253    14,963,253             
Energy   57,806,931    57,806,931             
Financials   153,435,665    153,435,665             
Health Care   27,633,323    27,633,323             
Industrials   154,522,726    154,522,726             
Information Technology   65,841,187    65,841,187             
Materials   18,557,294    18,557,294             
Real Estate   8,907,596    8,907,596             
Utilities   2,876,107    2,876,107             
Investments Purchased with Proceeds from Securities Lending Collateral   82,843,864                82,843,864 
Short-Term Investments   111    111             
Total Assets  $681,844,425   $599,000,561   $   $   $82,843,864 

 

* Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy included to reconcile to the amounts presented in the Portfolio of Investments.

 

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

 

42  |  Annual Report 2023

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023
WPG PARTNERS SELECT SMALL CAP VALUE FUND Portfolio Of Investments

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
COMMON STOCKS—93.7%          
Communication Services—5.2%          
Cars.com, Inc.*   72,439   $1,353,885 
Ooma, Inc.*   107,279    1,511,561 
Vimeo, Inc.*   683,108    2,718,770 
         5,584,216 
Consumer Discretionary—1.4%          
Gildan Activewear, Inc.   51,125    1,524,547 
Consumer Staples—7.5%          
Adecoagro SA   232,441    2,668,423 
TreeHouse Foods, Inc.*   116,310    5,410,741 
         8,079,164 
Energy—5.9%          
Green Plains, Inc.*   63,670    1,976,317 
Kosmos Energy Ltd.*   398,249    2,899,253 
SM Energy Co.   35,323    1,494,516 
         6,370,086 
Financials—17.2%          
Axis Capital Holdings Ltd.   38,845    2,131,037 
EZCORP, Inc., Class A*   288,695    2,427,925 
Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corp., Class C   9,254    1,557,633 
Fidelis Insurance Holdings Ltd.*   117,310    1,682,225 
Kemper Corp.   106,986    5,025,133 
NMI Holdings, Inc., Class A*   74,806    2,140,948 
Perella Weinberg Partners   220,663    2,323,581 
Popular, Inc.   16,999    1,160,692 
         18,449,174 
Health Care—14.9%          
Enovis Corp.*   83,678    4,689,315 
Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc.*   43,803    1,864,256 
Innoviva, Inc.*   183,160    2,335,290 
Pacira BioSciences, Inc.*   57,330    2,023,749 
Pennant Group, Inc., (The)*   134,752    1,614,329 
Sight Sciences, Inc.*   198,859    1,304,515 
Syneos Health, Inc.*   49,278    2,105,649 
         15,937,103 
Industrials—20.3%          
Air Lease Corp.   74,137    3,021,824 
Arcosa, Inc.   55,384    4,332,136 
Clarivate PLC*   310,524    2,307,193 
Hillman Solutions Corp.*   148,708    1,345,807 
ICF International, Inc.   14,391    1,943,648 
Janus International Group, Inc.*   97,617    1,117,715 
KBR, Inc.   19,453    1,196,749 
Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings, Inc.   23,689    1,298,631 
Leonardo DRS, Inc.*   120,798    2,068,062 
Manitowoc Co., Inc., (The)*   69,727    1,179,781 
V2X, Inc.*   40,051    2,014,966 
         21,826,512 
Information Technology—4.8%          
LiveRamp Holdings, Inc.*   83,730    2,707,828 
NetScout Systems, Inc.*   38,376    1,098,705 
ON24, Inc.   61,842    424,236 
SmartRent, Inc.*   277,357    943,014 
         5,173,783 
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
Materials—10.6%          
Axalta Coating Systems Ltd.*   72,128   $2,041,223 
Ecovyst, Inc.*   229,822    2,353,377 
ERO Copper Corp.*   76,753    1,587,252 
Tronox Holdings PLC   392,919    5,359,415 
         11,341,267 
Real Estate—5.9%          
Equity Commonwealth   189,264    3,601,694 
Getty Realty Corp.   90,263    2,709,695 
         6,311,389 
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $93,737,052)
        100,597,241 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS—6.3%         
Tri-State Deposit, 5.45%(a)   6,341,139    6,341,139 
U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 5.20%(a)   402,574    402,574 
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(Cost $6,743,713)
        6,743,713 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—100.0%
(Cost $100,480,765)
        107,340,954 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS—0.0%        (11,588)
NET ASSETS—100.0%       $107,329,366 

 

 
PLC Public Limited Company
* Non-income producing.
(a) The rate shown is as of August 31, 2023.
   
  The above industry classifications are based upon the The Global Industry Classification Standard (“GICS”®). GICS was developed by and is the exclusive property of MSCI, Inc. (“MSCI”) and Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”). GICS is a service mark of MSCI and S&P and has been licensed for use.
   
  Industry classifications may be different than those used for compliance monitoring purposes.

 

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

 

Annual Report 2023  |  43

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023
WPG PARTNERS SELECT SMALL CAP VALUE FUND Portfolio Of Investments (concluded)

 

A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments carried at fair value as of August 31, 2023 is as follows (see Notes to Portfolio of Investments):

 

   TOTAL   LEVEL 1   LEVEL 2   LEVEL 3 
Common Stock                    
Communication Services  $5,584,216   $5,584,216   $   $ 
Consumer Discretionary   1,524,547    1,524,547         
Consumer Staples   8,079,164    8,079,164         
Energy   6,370,086    6,370,086         
Financials   18,449,174    18,449,174         
Health Care   15,937,103    15,937,103         
Industrials   21,826,512    21,826,512         
Information Technology   5,173,783    5,173,783         
Materials   11,341,267    11,341,267         
Real Estate   6,311,389    6,311,389         
Short-Term Investments   6,743,713    402,574    6,341,139     
Total Assets  $107,340,954   $100,999,815   $6,341,139   $ 

 

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

 

44  |  Annual Report 2023

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023
WPG PARTNERS SMALL CAP VALUE DIVERSIFIED FUND
(FORMERLY WPG PARTNERS SMALL/MICRO CAP VALUE FUND)
Portfolio Of Investments

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
COMMON STOCKS—96.9%          
Consumer Discretionary—5.4%          
ADT, Inc.(a)   13,998   $89,867 
Frontdoor, Inc.*   7,042    231,118 
Gildan Activewear, Inc.(a)   9,903    295,308 
Petco Health & Wellness Co., Inc.*(a)   13,029    66,318 
Stride, Inc.*   8,511    361,632 
Target Hospitality Corp.*   5,523    87,816 
Upbound Group, Inc.(a)   4,419    135,310 
Valvoline, Inc.(a)   9,089    313,025 
         1,580,394 
Consumer Staples—6.0%          
Dole PLC   13,553    161,552 
Nomad Foods Ltd.*   20,775    381,014 
Sovos Brands, Inc.*(a)   22,095    494,928 
TreeHouse Foods, Inc.*   15,547    723,246 
         1,760,740 
Energy—9.5%          
Chord Energy Corp.   995    160,692 
DHT Holdings, Inc.   35,704    330,262 
Earthstone Energy, Inc., Class A*(a)   8,909    181,565 
Green Plains, Inc.*(a)   10,876    337,591 
Kodiak Gas Services, Inc.*   20,238    370,153 
Kosmos Energy Ltd.*   59,590    433,815 
Scorpio Tankers, Inc.(a)   8,976    453,378 
SM Energy Co.(a)   10,357    438,205 
Valaris Ltd.*   1,108    83,455 
         2,789,116 
Financials—17.6%          
AGNC Investment Corp.(a)   14,803    146,698 
Axis Capital Holdings Ltd.   5,284    289,880 
Essent Group Ltd.   10,092    506,820 
Fidelis Insurance Holdings Ltd.*   21,134    303,062 
First American Financial Corp.(a)   4,932    304,206 
First BanCorp   23,896    331,199 
First Commonwealth Financial Corp.   25,679    335,624 
FirstCash Holdings, Inc.   1,860    166,135 
Glacier Bancorp, Inc.(a)   6,554    197,996 
Hanover Insurance Group, Inc., (The)   2,367    252,606 
Kemper Corp.   14,726    691,680 
National Bank Holdings Corp., Class A   10,866    342,714 
Pagseguro Digital Ltd., Class A*   19,117    171,671 
Piper Sandler Cos.   1,100    163,878 
Popular, Inc.   5,264    359,426 
Synovus Financial Corp.(a)   4,409    136,503 
Triumph Financial, Inc.*   2,900    186,267 
Webster Financial Corp.(a)   6,218    263,705 
         5,150,070 
Health Care—7.0%          
Enovis Corp.*   10,781    604,167 
Envista Holdings Corp.*   3,545    113,511 
Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc.*   6,906    293,919 
Innoviva, Inc.*(a)   22,530    287,257 
Pacira BioSciences, Inc.*   8,586    303,086 
Syneos Health, Inc.*   7,401    316,245 
Tenet Healthcare Corp.*   1,768    137,126 
         2,055,311 
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
Industrials—21.2%          
ABM Industries, Inc.   4,838   $219,742 
ACV Auctions, Inc., Class A*   8,146    136,934 
Air Lease Corp.   10,205    415,956 
Alaska Air Group, Inc.*   2,523    105,890 
Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.   2,802    169,381 
Arcosa, Inc.   7,568    591,969 
BrightView Holdings, Inc.*   9,888    81,873 
Clarivate PLC*(a)   42,331    314,519 
Driven Brands Holdings, Inc.*   11,297    170,020 
Frontier Group Holdings, Inc.*(a)   33,837    212,496 
Generac Holdings, Inc.*(a)   1,344    159,681 
Healthcare Services Group, Inc.   11,247    129,903 
Hillman Solutions Corp.*   34,775    314,714 
ICF International, Inc.   2,551    344,538 
Janus International Group, Inc.*   17,710    202,779 
KBR, Inc.(a)   7,613    468,352 
Kirby Corp.*   1,928    159,696 
Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings, Inc., Class A(a)   4,827    264,616 
Leonardo DRS, Inc.*(a)   21,173    362,482 
Matthews International Corp., Class A   1,657    69,892 
Moog, Inc., Class A   1,826    212,108 
RXO, Inc.*   10,776    194,830 
Star Bulk Carriers Corp.(a)   15,342    269,866 
Stericycle, Inc.*   4,174    184,533 
Sun Country Airlines Holdings, Inc.*   18,578    276,626 
XPO, Inc.*(a)   2,149    160,380 
         6,193,776 
Information Technology—4.8%          
Harmonic, Inc.*(a)   13,291    141,948 
LiveRamp Holdings, Inc.*   15,213    491,988 
Lumentum Holdings, Inc.*(a)   2,881    155,948 
Mirion Technologies, Inc.*(a)   35,881    306,424 
NetScout Systems, Inc.*   5,271    150,909 
Rambus, Inc.*(a)   2,898    163,650 
         1,410,867 
Materials—12.9%          
ATI, Inc.*(a)   4,108    186,216 
Axalta Coating Systems Ltd.*   13,818    391,049 
Capstone Copper Corp.*   45,525    211,924 
Chemours Co., (The)   4,376    148,871 
Commercial Metals Co.(a)   4,454    250,716 
Constellium SE*   15,538    279,684 
Ecovyst, Inc.*   37,783    386,898 
ERO Copper Corp.*(a)   12,025    248,677 
Perimeter Solutions SA*(a)   19,880    117,491 
Piedmont Lithium, Inc.*(a)   7,027    314,529 
Stelco Holdings, Inc.   4,752    136,103 
Summit Materials, Inc., Class A*   6,605    247,093 
Tronox Holdings PLC, Class A   46,525    634,601 
Warrior Met Coal, Inc.   5,202    205,791 
         3,759,643 


 

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

 

Annual Report 2023  |  45

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023
WPG PARTNERS SMALL CAP VALUE DIVERSIFIED FUND
(FORMERLY WPG PARTNERS SMALL/MICRO CAP VALUE FUND)
 Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
Real Estate—6.7%          
Brixmor Property Group, Inc.(a)   20,140   $442,677 
DigitalBridge Group, Inc.   14,126    246,075 
Equity Commonwealth   22,638    430,801 
Getty Realty Corp.(a)   13,409    402,538 
Spirit Realty Capital, Inc.   11,293    436,023 
         1,958,114 
Utilities—5.8%          
ALLETE, Inc.(a)   4,488    246,391 
Avista Corp.   7,876    262,192 
Black Hills Corp.(a)   5,041    277,255 
NorthWestern Corp.(a)   5,434    273,874 
Portland General Electric Co.(a)   6,375    279,607 
Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.   2,418    149,747 
Spire, Inc.(a)   3,226    188,431 
         1,677,497 
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $24,703,525)
        28,335,528 
INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL—23.3%         
Mount Vernon Liquid Assets Portfolio, LLC, 5.46%(b)   6,819,559    6,819,559 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL
(Cost $6,819,559)
        6,819,559 
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS—3.6%          
Tri-State Deposit, 5.45%(b)   210,138   $210,138 
U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 5.20%(b)   848,375    848,375 
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(Cost $1,058,513)
        1,058,513 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—123.8%
(Cost $32,581,597)
        36,213,600 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS—(23.8)%        (6,950,185)
NET ASSETS—100.0%       $29,263,415 

 

 
PLC Public Limited Company
REIT   Real Estate Investment Trust
LLC Limited Liability Company
* Non-income producing.
(a) All or a portion of the security is on loan. At August 31, 2023, the market value of securities on loan was $6,618,785.
(b) The rate shown is as of August 31, 2023.
   
 

The above industry classifications are based upon the The Global Industry Classification Standard (“GICS”®). GICS was developed by and is the exclusive property of MSCI, Inc. (“MSCI”) and Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”). GICS is a service mark of MSCI and S&P and has been licensed for use.

 

Industry classifications may be different than those used for compliance monitoring purposes.


 

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

 

46  |  Annual Report 2023

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023
WPG PARTNERS SMALL CAP VALUE DIVERSIFIED FUND
(FORMERLY WPG PARTNERS SMALL/MICRO CAP VALUE FUND)
Portfolio Of Investments (concluded)

 

A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments carried at fair value as of August 31, 2023 is as follows (see Notes to Portfolio of Investments):

 

   TOTAL   LEVEL 1   LEVEL 2   LEVEL 3   INVESTMENTS
MEASURED
AT NET
ASSET VALUE*
 
Common Stock                         
Consumer Discretionary  $1,580,394   $1,580,394   $   $   $ 
Consumer Staples   1,760,740    1,760,740             
Energy   2,789,116    2,789,116             
Financials   5,150,070    5,150,070             
Health Care   2,055,311    2,055,311             
Industrials   6,193,776    6,193,776             
Information Technology   1,410,867    1,410,867             
Materials   3,759,643    3,759,643             
Real Estate   1,958,114    1,958,114             
Utilities   1,677,497    1,677,497             
Investments Purchased with Proceeds from Securities Lending Collateral   6,819,559                6,819,559 
Short-Term Investments   1,058,513    848,375    210,138         
Total Assets  $36,213,600   $29,183,903   $210,138   $   $6,819,559 

 

* Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy included to reconcile to the amounts presented in the Portfolio of Investments.

 

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

 

Annual Report 2023  |  47

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023
BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY FUND Portfolio Of Investments

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
COMMON STOCKS—96.6%          
Austria—1.4%          
ANDRITZ AG   4,234   $224,911 
Verbund AG   1,320    108,028 
         332,939 
Belgium—0.9%          
Azelis Group NV   9,818    217,692 
Bermuda—1.4%          
Everest Group Ltd.   937    337,957 
Canada—1.0%          
Celestica, Inc.*   10,279    239,604 
Finland—2.0%          
Metso Oyj   10,756    123,538 
Nordea Bank Abp   33,221    363,945 
         487,483 
France—11.7%          
Airbus Group SE   3,250    475,499 
Alten SA   692    98,310 
Capgemini SE   1,122    209,389 
Cie de Saint-Gobain SA   6,004    390,574 
Eiffage SA   1,625    160,604 
Kering SA   364    194,642 
Legrand SA   1,145    112,805 
Rexel SA   18,935    443,970 
Sanofi   1,909    203,316 
SPIE SA   10,447    312,753 
TotalEnergies SE   3,031    190,132 
         2,791,994 
Germany—5.8%          
Brenntag SE   1,480    119,709 
Commerzbank AG   32,046    352,105 
Deutsche Telekom AG   11,478    245,670 
Rheinmetall AG   1,523    413,686 
Siemens AG   1,741    261,552 
         1,392,722 
Greece—1.4%          
Hellenic Telecommunications Organization SA   21,750    325,038 
Ireland—2.7%          
ICON PLC*   1,601    416,164 
Ryanair Holdings PLC - SP ADR*   2,295    227,779 
         643,943 
Japan—9.7%          
Asahi Group Holdings Ltd.   10,300    400,725 
Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.   1,300    61,257 
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.   7,600    430,404 
Panasonic Holdings Corp.   17,300    199,124 
Renesas Electronics Corp.*   16,500    274,885 
Sony Group Corp.   2,200    183,024 
Subaru Corp.   3,300    63,437 
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc.   11,000    502,881 
Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.   6,200    191,611 
         2,307,348 
Netherlands—5.0%          
Aalberts NV   2,859    118,762 
ING Groep NV   33,869    479,891 
Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize NV   15,031    491,665 
Stellantis NV   5,053    93,668 
         1,183,986 
Singapore—1.1%          
United Overseas Bank Ltd.   13,000    273,096 
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
Spain—1.1%          
Bankinter SA   41,361   $265,115 
Sweden—0.4%          
Svenska Handelsbanken AB, Class A   10,519    87,771 
Switzerland—1.8%          
STMicroelectronics NV   4,870    229,839 
Swiss Re AG   1,053    102,254 
UBS Group AG   3,411    90,346 
         422,439 
United Kingdom—11.6%          
Coca-Cola European Partners PLC   3,772    241,823 
Informa PLC   41,702    385,306 
JD Sports Fashion PLC   179,175    328,876 
Melrose Industries PLC   44,830    289,939 
NatWest Group PLC   104,038    302,551 
Nomad Foods Ltd.*   18,448    338,336 
Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC   3,186    229,920 
RS GROUP PLC   6,466    62,134 
Shell PLC   6,425    196,446 
Tesco PLC   52,534    176,740 
WH Smith PLC   12,175    225,732 
         2,777,803 
United States—37.6%          
AbbVie, Inc.   1,629    239,398 
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.*   1,718    181,627 
Alphabet, Inc., Class A*   3,579    487,352 
Amgen, Inc.   675    173,030 
Applied Materials, Inc.   401    61,257 
AutoZone, Inc.*   42    106,316 
Axalta Coating Systems Ltd.*   3,026    85,636 
Bank of America Corp.   6,096    174,772 
Booking Holdings, Inc.*   102    316,713 
BorgWarner, Inc.   5,781    235,576 
Cencora, Inc.   1,568    275,937 
Chubb Ltd.   1,578    316,973 
Cigna Group, (The)   883    243,938 
Cisco Systems, Inc.   4,204    241,099 
Corteva, Inc.   3,495    176,532 
Dell Technologies, Inc., Class C   5,123    288,118 
Discover Financial Services   3,160    284,621 
Elevance Health, Inc.   604    266,974 
Expedia Group, Inc.*   2,800    303,492 
FMC Corp.   784    67,604 
Halliburton Co.   10,150    391,993 
Henry Schein, Inc.*   2,328    178,185 
Humana, Inc.   394    181,882 
Huntington Bancshares, Inc.   11,553    128,123 
Interpublic Group of Cos., Inc., (The)   7,403    241,412 
Johnson & Johnson   2,144    346,642 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.   3,755    549,469 
Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc.   12,665    426,177 
Microchip Technology, Inc.   3,463    283,412 
Schlumberger Ltd.   6,491    382,709 
TE Connectivity Ltd.   871    115,312 
United Rentals, Inc.   426    203,006 
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.   461    219,703 
US Foods Holding Corp.*   10,273    415,337 
Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.   3,406    405,723 
         8,996,050 
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $20,999,381)
        23,082,980 


 

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

 

48  |  Annual Report 2023

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023
BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS—2.9%          
Tri-State Deposit, 5.45%(a)   586,238   $586,238 
U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 5.20%(a)   109,441    109,441 
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(Cost $695,679)
        695,679 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—99.5%
(Cost $21,695,060)
        23,778,659 
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES—0.5%        118,371 
NET ASSETS—100.0%       $23,897,030 

 

 
PLC Public Limited Company
SP ADR   Sponsored American Depositary Receipt
* Non-income producing.
(a) The rate shown is as of August 31, 2023.

 


 

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

 

Annual Report 2023  |  49

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023
BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY FUND Portfolio Of Investments (concluded)

 

A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments carried at fair value as of August 31, 2023 is as follows (see Notes to Portfolio of Investments):

 

   TOTAL   LEVEL 1   LEVEL 2   LEVEL 3 
Common Stock                    
Austria  $332,939   $   $332,939   $ 
Belgium   217,692        217,692     
Bermuda   337,957    337,957         
Canada   239,604    239,604         
Finland   487,483        487,483     
France   2,791,994        2,791,994     
Germany   1,392,722        1,392,722     
Greece   325,038        325,038     
Ireland   643,943    643,943         
Japan   2,307,348        2,307,348     
Netherlands   1,183,986        1,183,986     
Singapore   273,096        273,096     
Spain   265,115        265,115     
Sweden   87,771        87,771     
Switzerland   422,439        422,439     
United Kingdom   2,777,803    580,159    2,197,644     
United States   8,996,050    8,996,050         
Short-Term Investments   695,679    109,441    586,238     
Total Assets  $23,778,659   $10,907,154   $12,871,505   $ 

 

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

 

50  |  Annual Report 2023

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023
BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL EQUITY FUND Portfolio Of Investments

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
COMMON STOCKS—97.4%        
Bermuda—2.8%          
Everest Group Ltd.   8,259   $2,978,856 
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.   15,745    2,958,328 
         5,937,184 
Canada—1.7%          
Cenovus Energy, Inc.   186,257    3,713,561 
Denmark—0.4%          
DSV A/S   4,194    796,439 
Finland—1.1%          
Nordea Bank Abp   220,214    2,412,502 
France—10.9%          
Airbus Group SE   20,687    3,026,659 
Capgemini SE   14,468    2,700,041 
Cie de Saint-Gobain SA   41,128    2,675,469 
Eiffage SA   26,103    2,579,843 
Kering SA   2,555    1,366,237 
Rexel SA   136,250    3,194,663 
Sanofi   28,971    3,085,531 
TotalEnergies SE   71,065    4,457,836 
         23,086,279 
Germany—7.3%          
Brenntag SE   26,571    2,149,176 
Commerzbank AG   244,597    2,687,507 
Daimler Truck Holding AG   25,925    912,215 
Deutsche Telekom AG   113,889    2,437,630 
Rheinmetall AG   12,854    3,491,473 
Siemens AG   24,982    3,753,073 
         15,431,074 
Greece—0.4%          
Hellenic Telecommunications Organization SA   59,731    892,636 
Ireland—3.0%          
CRH PLC   64,367    3,699,274 
Ryanair Holdings PLC - SP ADR*   26,006    2,581,096 
         6,280,370 
Italy—0.5%          
Enel SpA   152,707    1,025,402 
Japan—7.6%          
Asahi Group Holdings Ltd.   66,500    2,587,208 
Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.   21,800    1,027,229 
Hitachi Ltd.   14,900    990,287 
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.   46,800    2,650,384 
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.   220,500    1,759,078 
Renesas Electronics Corp.*   91,500    1,524,360 
Sony Group Corp.   31,800    2,645,522 
Subaru Corp.   42,600    818,917 
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc.   45,500    2,080,099 
         16,083,084 
Luxembourg—0.7%          
Tenaris SA   99,123    1,582,980 
Netherlands—5.6%          
Aalberts NV   33,536    1,393,078 
ING Groep NV   219,345    3,107,905 
Koninklijke Ahold NV   90,720    2,967,455 
Stellantis NV   244,428    4,530,984 
         11,999,422 
Singapore—1.1%          
United Overseas Bank Ltd.   116,000    2,436,855 
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
South Korea—0.4%          
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.   14,955   $756,368 
Spain—1.3%          
Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA   178,958    1,411,960 
Bankinter SA   201,475    1,291,410 
         2,703,370 
Sweden—1.4%          
Loomis AB   32,214    853,984 
Svenska Handelsbanken AB, Class A   244,462    2,039,805 
         2,893,789 
Switzerland—2.5%          
Glencore PLC   553,303    2,946,450 
STMicroelectronics NV   48,789    2,302,587 
         5,249,037 
United Kingdom—14.0%          
BP PLC   434,193    2,683,005 
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PLC   41,391    2,653,577 
Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC   33,971    938,387 
IMI PLC   103,618    1,966,418 
Inchcape PLC   212,731    2,053,175 
JD Sports Fashion PLC   1,310,576    2,405,563 
NatWest Group PLC   694,640    2,020,072 
Nomad Foods Ltd.*   88,382    1,620,926 
Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC   39,696    2,864,693 
Shell PLC   143,549    4,389,054 
SSE PLC   95,382    1,960,021 
Tesco PLC   871,839    2,933,116 
WH Smith PLC   67,254    1,246,931 
         29,734,938 
United States—34.7%          
AGCO Corp.   14,092    1,825,337 
Amgen, Inc.   5,597    1,434,735 
AutoZone, Inc.*(a)   233    589,800 
Bank of America Corp.   47,605    1,364,835 
BorgWarner, Inc.(a)   31,361    1,277,961 
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.   30,273    1,866,330 
Centene Corp.*   15,347    946,142 
Chubb Ltd.   16,430    3,300,294 
Cigna Group, (The)   9,218    2,546,565 
Cisco Systems, Inc.   64,790    3,715,706 
Corteva, Inc.   16,327    824,677 
Dell Technologies, Inc., Class C   24,526    1,379,342 
Discover Financial Services   17,232    1,552,086 
Elevance Health, Inc.   3,975    1,756,990 
Expedia Group, Inc.*(a)   17,033    1,846,207 
Fifth Third Bancorp   74,043    1,965,842 
FleetCor Technologies, Inc.*   9,461    2,570,837 
FMC Corp.   9,353    806,509 
Gen Digital, Inc.   77,936    1,578,204 
Global Payments, Inc.   10,907    1,381,808 
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., (The)   6,587    2,158,626 
Halliburton Co.   61,384    2,370,650 
HCA Healthcare, Inc.   3,512    973,878 
Henry Schein, Inc.*   21,970    1,681,584 
Humana, Inc.   3,504    1,617,551 
Huntington Bancshares, Inc.(a)   173,301    1,921,908 
Interpublic Group of Cos., Inc., (The)(a)   61,776    2,014,515 
Johnson & Johnson   10,313    1,667,406 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.   21,699    3,175,215 
LKQ Corp.   18,546    974,221 
McKesson Corp.   5,234    2,158,083 


 

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

 

Annual Report 2023  |  51

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023
BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL EQUITY FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
United States—(continued)          
Micron Technology, Inc.(a)   9,906   $692,826 
Nexstar Media Group, Inc., Class A(a)   10,482    1,706,470 
Oracle Corp.   6,745    812,031 
Phinia, Inc.*   4,406    122,487 
Pioneer Natural Resources Co.   3,304    786,121 
Schlumberger Ltd.   21,963    1,294,938 
Science Applications International Corp.   9,008    1,059,881 
TE Connectivity Ltd.   7,618    1,008,547 
Textron, Inc.(a)   26,843    2,085,969 
United Rentals, Inc.   3,268    1,557,333 
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.   2,341    1,115,674 
US Foods Holding Corp.*(a)   70,474    2,849,264 
Wells Fargo & Co.   42,327    1,747,682 
Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.   13,309    1,585,368 
         73,668,435 
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $175,339,956)
        206,683,725 
INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL—6.0%          
Mount Vernon Liquid Assets Portfolio, LLC, 5.46%(b)   12,674,868    12,674,868 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL
(Cost $12,674,868)
        12,674,868 
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS—2.4%     
Tri-State Deposit, 5.45%(b)   3,840,615   $3,840,615 
U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 5.20%(b)   1,267,902    1,267,902 
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(Cost $5,108,517)
    5,108,517 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—105.8%
(Cost $193,123,341)
    224,467,110 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS—(5.8)%        (12,303,301)
NET ASSETS—100.0%       $212,163,809 

 

 
PLC Public Limited Company
SP ADR   Sponsored American Depositary Receipt
LLC Limited Liability Company
* Non-income producing.
(a) All or a portion of the security is on loan. At August 31, 2023, the market value of securities on loan was $12,370,330.
(b) The rate shown is as of August 31, 2023.


 

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

 

52  |  Annual Report 2023

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023
BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL EQUITY FUND Portfolio Of Investments (concluded)

 

A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments carried at fair value as of August 31, 2023 is as follows (see Notes to Portfolio of Investments):

 

   TOTAL   LEVEL 1   LEVEL 2   LEVEL 3   INVESTMENTS
MEASURED
AT NET
ASSET VALUE*
 
Common Stock                         
Bermuda  $5,937,184   $5,937,184   $   $   $ 
Canada   3,713,561    3,713,561             
Denmark   796,439        796,439         
Finland   2,412,502        2,412,502         
France   23,086,279        23,086,279         
Germany   15,431,074        15,431,074         
Greece   892,636        892,636         
Ireland   6,280,370    2,581,096    3,699,274         
Italy   1,025,402        1,025,402         
Japan   16,083,084        16,083,084         
Luxembourg   1,582,980        1,582,980         
Netherlands   11,999,422        11,999,422         
Singapore   2,436,855        2,436,855         
South Korea   756,368        756,368         
Spain   2,703,370        2,703,370         
Sweden   2,893,789        2,893,789         
Switzerland   5,249,037        5,249,037         
United Kingdom   29,734,938    4,274,503    25,460,435         
United States   73,668,435    73,668,435             
Investments Purchased with Proceeds from Securities Lending Collateral   12,674,868                12,674,868 
Short-Term Investments   5,108,517    1,267,902    3,840,615         
Total Assets  $224,467,110   $91,442,681   $120,349,561   $   $12,674,868 

 

* Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the Portfolio of Investments.

 

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

 

Annual Report 2023  |  53

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023
BOSTON PARTNERS EMERGING MARKETS FUND Portfolio Of Investments

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
COMMON STOCKS—93.5%          
Austria—0.8%          
Erste Group Bank AG   5,180   $184,791 
Brazil—6.8%          
Banco do Brasil SA   113,700    1,088,543 
Cielo SA   58,600    44,257 
Eletromidia SA*   57,276    187,140 
Porto Seguro SA   17,200    90,723 
Sendas Distribuidora S/A   19,200    44,937 
TIM SA - ADR   4,614    67,641 
TIM SA   19,400    56,726 
         1,579,967 
Cayman Islands—1.0%          
StoneCo Ltd., Class A*   19,131    234,546 
Chile—0.1%          
Banco Santander Chile - SP ADR   1,447    27,681 
China—20.9%          
3SBio, Inc.   48,500    40,559 
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.*   5,600    64,995 
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. - SP ADR*   2,320    215,528 
Anhui Heli Co., Ltd., Class A   44,700    122,288 
BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd.,Class A   1,704,690    937,181 
China Feihe Ltd.   106,000    63,729 
China State Construction Engineering Corp., Ltd., Class A   57,400    44,318 
COSCO SHIPPING Holdings Co., Ltd., Class H   263,500    270,215 
JD.com, Inc., Class A   305    5,062 
JD.com, Inc. - ADR   3,901    129,552 
Midea Group Co., Ltd., Class A   45,700    354,311 
Rianlon Corp., Class A   15,700    74,722 
Sany Heavy Industry Co., Ltd., Class A   77,699    165,260 
Tencent Holdings Ltd.   4,200    174,050 
Trip.com Group Ltd. - ADR*   9,238    363,146 
Tsingtao Brewery Co., Ltd., Class H   30,000    249,469 
Vipshop Holdings Ltd. - ADR*   15,132    238,934 
Weichai Power Co., Ltd., Class H   69,000    89,384 
Weichai Power Co., Ltd., Class A   344,500    556,692 
XCMG Construction Machinery Co., Ltd., Class A   259,000    215,044 
Xiamen Xiangyu Co., Ltd., Class A   32,100    30,820 
Yixintang Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Class A   61,000    189,969 
YTO Express Group Co., Ltd., Class A   52,097    107,987 
YTO Express Group Co., Ltd., Class A   19,800    41,042 
Zhuzhou Kibing Group Co., Ltd., Class A   122,400    146,458 
         4,890,715 
Cyprus—0.0%          
Fix Price Group PLC - GDR*†   5,934    0 
Greece—1.1%          
Hellenic Telecommunications Organization SA   4,753    71,030 
JUMBO SA   5,689    175,936 
         246,966 
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
Hong Kong—0.6%          
Orient Overseas International Ltd.   10,000   $134,113 
Hungary—0.1%          
Richter Gedeon Nyrt   1,253    31,446 
India—12.6%          
Apollo Tyres Ltd.   27,658    129,673 
Bajaj Auto Ltd.   3,384    188,433 
Bank of Baroda   325,678    735,409 
Gravita India Ltd.*   7,859    74,182 
IDFC First Bank Ltd.*   288,533    324,941 
Indian Hotels Co., Ltd.   65,502    332,728 
ITC Ltd.   42,906    227,760 
Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.   19,107    363,294 
PB Fintech Ltd.*   16,578    154,955 
Phoenix Mills Ltd., (The)   3,351    72,807 
Power Grid Corp. of India Ltd.   94,219    278,093 
Zydus Lifesciences Ltd.   9,620    72,651 
         2,954,926 
Indonesia—2.8%          
Bank Central Asia Tbk PT   555,000    334,113 
Bank Mandiri Persero Tbk PT   640,100    253,120 
Bank Negara Indonesia Persero Tbk PT   97,200    58,534 
         645,767 
Israel—3.6%          
Inmode Ltd.*   8,550    334,220 
Mizrahi Tefahot Bank Ltd.   4,353    143,128 
Monday.com Ltd.*   1,031    182,941 
Wix.com Ltd.*   1,890    186,675 
         846,964 
Japan—0.8%          
Suzuki Motor Corp.   4,800    188,604 
Mexico—3.1%          
Arca Continental SAB de CV   14,100    137,688 
Cemex SAB de CV - SP ADR*   7,191    57,312 
Coca-Cola Femsa SAB de CV - SP ADR   748    63,386 
Gruma SAB de CV, Class B   4,750    79,012 
Grupo Comercial Chedraui SA de CV   8,400    47,083 
Grupo Financiero Banorte SAB de CV, Class O   39,900    338,684 
         723,165 
Peru—0.2%          
Credicorp Ltd.   336    47,521 
Russia—–%          
HeadHunter Group PLC - ADR*†   3,106    0 
Magnit PJSC†   2,995    0 
Sberbank of Russia PJSC -SP ADR*†   9,522    0 
         0 
Singapore—4.5%          
DBS Group Holdings Ltd.   14,856    365,660 
Singapore Airlines Ltd.   52,300    265,744 
United Overseas Bank Ltd.   20,000    420,147 
         1,051,551 


 

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

 

54  |  Annual Report 2023

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023
BOSTON PARTNERS EMERGING MARKETS FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
South Africa—1.1%          
Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Ltd.   16,456   $150,052 
Life Healthcare Group Holdings Ltd.   28,783    32,723 
Thungela Resources Ltd.   5,047    40,087 
Thungela Resources Ltd.   3,370    26,605 
         249,467 
South Korea—18.2%          
Classys, Inc.   2,851    83,462 
Daewoo Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd.*   23,221    80,704 
Doosan Bobcat, Inc.   5,289    214,922 
Hana Financial Group, Inc.   4,054    121,144 
Hankook Tire & Technology Co., Ltd.   2,708    79,266 
Hanon Systems   16,855    116,050 
Hanwha Systems Co., Ltd.   14,053    142,589 
HD Hyundai Infracore Co., Ltd.   41,387    328,942 
HK inno N Corp.   2,227    62,267 
HL Mando Co., Ltd.   4,439    140,526 
Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd.   10,868    291,501 
Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.   2,298    401,196 
Hyundai Steel Co.   4,471    122,257 
Hyundai Wia Corp.   2,484    108,096 
JYP Entertainment Corp.   824    69,883 
LIG Nex1 Co., Ltd.   1,428    91,453 
Orion Corp.   822    75,704 
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.   13,347    675,041 
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. - GDR   81    102,305 
SK Hynix, Inc.   10,333    950,121 
         4,257,429 
Taiwan—9.0%          
Accton Technology Corp.   50,000    745,717 
AUO Corp.   207,000    115,591 
Evergreen Marine Corp Taiwan Ltd.   125,000    417,441 
Hiwin Technologies Corp.   26,000    166,947 
Innolux Corp.   727,000    329,317 
Nanya Technology Corp.   91,000    189,614 
Yang Ming Marine Transport Corp.   108,000    143,051 
         2,107,678 
Thailand—2.0%          
AP Thailand PCL - NVDR   139,100    50,428 
Bangkok Bank PCL   48,800    236,087 
Bumrungrad Hospital PCL   18,900    139,790 
Kiatnakin Phatra Bank PCL*   1,083    100 
Kiatnakin Phatra Bank PCL*   1,083    35 
Supalai PCL - NVDR   77,800    48,190 
         474,630 
United Arab Emirates—0.8%          
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank PJSC   62,323    176,805 
United Kingdom—0.6%          
Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC   3,040    83,974 
Wizz Air Holdings PLC*   2,318    66,023 
         149,997 
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
United States—1.9%          
AES Corp., (The)   1,601   $28,706 
Micron Technology, Inc.   3,349    234,229 
Samsonite International SA*   54,300    181,773 
         444,708 
Uruguay—0.9%          
Arcos Dorados Holdings, Inc., Class A   20,971    206,984 
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $20,413,561)
        21,856,421 
PREFERRED STOCKS—1.8%          
Brazil—0.2%          
Itau Unibanco Holding SA - SP ADR 4.316%   6,796    37,378 
South Korea—1.6%          
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. 2.661%   9,195    375,340 
TOTAL PREFERRED STOCKS
(Cost $434,989)
        412,718 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS—5.0%          
Tri-State Deposit, 5.45%(a)   976,495    976,495 
U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 5.20%(a)   194,237    194,237 
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(Cost $1,170,732)
        1,170,732 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—100.3%
(Cost $22,019,282)
        23,439,871 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS—(0.3)%        (69,200)
NET ASSETS—100.0%       $23,370,671 

 

 
ADR American Depositary Receipt
GDR Global Depositary Receipt
NVDR   Non-voting Depository Receipt
PLC Public Limited Company
SP ADR   Sponsored American Depositary Receipt
* Non-income producing.
(a) The rate shown is as of August 31, 2023.
Security has been valued at fair market value using significant unobservable inputs as determined in good faith by the Adviser, as valuation designee, under the oversight of The RBB Fund, Inc.’s Board of Directors. As of August 31, 2023, these securities amounted to $0 or 0.0% of net assets.


 

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

 

Annual Report 2023  |  55

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023
BOSTON PARTNERS EMERGING MARKETS FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

Contracts For Difference held by the Fund at August 31, 2023, are as follows:

 

REFERENCE
COMPANY
  COUNTERPARTY  EXPIRATION
DATE
  FINANCING
RATE
  PAYMENT
FREQUENCY
  NUMBER OF
CONTRACTS
LONG/
(SHORT)
   NOTIONAL
AMOUNT
   UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION
(DEPRECIATION)
 
Long                           
China                           
DaShenLin Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  05/29/2026       5.33%    Termination   81,120   $295,874             $(25,428)
Proya Cosmetics Co., Ltd., Class A  Goldman Sachs  05/29/2026   5.33   Termination   13,140    201,420      4,159 
                       497,294      (21,269)
Portugal                               
Jeronimo Martins  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   3.65   Termination   18,619    474,455      61,730 
Russia                               
Detsky Mir PJSC  Goldman Sachs  09/18/2025   5.33   Monthly   117,900          (181,961)
Taiwan                               
Elan Microelectronics Corp.  Goldman Sachs  07/13/2026   5.33   Termination   17,000    64,057      5,640 
Total Long                      1,035,806      (135,860)
Net unrealized gain/(loss) on Contracts For Difference          $(135,860)

 

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

 

56  |  Annual Report 2023

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023
BOSTON PARTNERS EMERGING MARKETS FUND Portfolio Of Investments (concluded)

 

A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments carried at fair value as of August 31, 2023 is as follows (see Notes to Portfolio of Investments):

 

   TOTAL   LEVEL 1   LEVEL 2   LEVEL 3 
Common Stock                    
Austria  $184,791   $   $184,791   $ 
Brazil   1,579,967    1,579,967         
Cayman Islands   234,546    234,546         
Chile   27,681    27,681         
China   4,890,715    947,160    3,943,555     
Cyprus               *
Greece   246,966    175,936    71,030     
Hong Kong   134,113        134,113     
Hungary   31,446    31,446         
India   2,954,926        2,954,926     
Indonesia   645,767        645,767     
Israel   846,964    703,836    143,128     
Japan   188,604        188,604     
Mexico   723,165    723,165         
Peru   47,521    47,521         
Russia               *
Singapore   1,051,551        1,051,551     
South Africa   249,467    249,467         
South Korea   4,257,429        4,257,429     
Taiwan   2,107,678    329,317    1,778,361     
Thailand   474,630    139,925    334,705     
United Arab Emirates   176,805    176,805         
United Kingdom   149,997        149,997     
United States   444,708    262,935    181,773     
Uruguay   206,984    206,984         
Preferred Stock                    
Brazil   37,378    37,378         
South Korea   375,340        375,340     
Short-Term Investments   1,170,732    194,237    976,495     
Contracts For Difference                    
Equity Contracts   71,529    71,529         
Total Assets  $23,511,400   $6,139,835   $17,371,565   $ 
                     
    TOTAL    LEVEL 1    LEVEL 2    LEVEL 3 
Contracts For Difference                    
Equity Contracts  $(207,389)  $(25,428)  $   $(181,961)
Total Liabilities  $(207,389)  $(25,428)  $   $(181,961)

 

* Value equals zero as of the end of the reporting period.

 

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

 

Annual Report 2023  |  57

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023
BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT EQUITY FUND Portfolio Of Investments

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
     VALUE 
LONG POSITIONS—114.0%            
COMMON STOCKS—93.9%            
Communication Services—6.6%            
Alphabet, Inc., Class A*†   8,379     $1,140,968 
Baidu, Inc., Class A*   54,048      965,256 
Entravision Communications Corp., Class A†   165,225      632,812 
Nexstar Media Group, Inc., Class A(a)   6,806      1,108,017 
TEGNA, Inc.(a)   24,039      397,365 
Vivid Seats, Inc., Class A*(a)   36,421      264,416 
           4,508,834 
Consumer Discretionary—9.5%            
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.*   27,504      319,215 
Arcos Dorados Holdings, Inc., Class A   98,294      970,162 
Bowlero Corp.*(a)   22,805      250,855 
Carriage Services, Inc.†   10,124      312,022 
Cavco Industries, Inc.*(a)   1,825      510,124 
GigaCloud Technology, Inc., Class A*   57,221      715,835 
JD.com, Inc., Class A   22,086      366,806 
Las Vegas Sands Corp.(a)   4,937      270,844 
Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc.   4,816      324,598 
Perdoceo Education Corp.†   42,606      705,981 
Phinia, Inc.*(a)   9,682      269,160 
Stellantis NV(a)   36,273      672,864 
Stride, Inc.*†   17,761      754,665 
           6,443,131 
Consumer Staples—2.1%            
British American Tobacco PLC - SP ADR   17,217      571,604 
Kenvue, Inc.(a)   14,141      325,946 
Vector Group Ltd.†   53,857      576,809 
           1,474,359 
Energy—6.4%            
BP PLC - SP ADR   22,534      837,814 
Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.(a)   25,023      1,618,738 
Marathon Petroleum Corp.†   8,325      1,188,560 
Schlumberger Ltd.   7,760      457,530 
VAALCO Energy, Inc.(a)   67,094      277,769 
           4,380,411 
Financials—17.6%            
American International Group, Inc.†   9,924      580,752 
Bank of America Corp.†   14,056      402,985 
BGC Group, Inc., Class A   241,835      1,194,665 
Citigroup, Inc.†   12,182      502,995 
Crawford & Co., Class A†   29,145      312,143 
Evercore, Inc., Class A(a)   2,895      405,445 
Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd.   1,695      1,397,494 
FleetCor Technologies, Inc.*   2,461      668,728 
I3 Verticals, Inc., Class A*   17,733      419,385 
Intercorp Financial Services, Inc.   12,682      295,871 
James River Group Holdings Ltd.   38,450      559,832 
Jefferies Financial Group, Inc.†   26,471      944,750 
KB Financial Group, Inc. - ADR(a)   12,874      519,723 
OP Bancorp†   15,191      143,403 
PayPal Holdings, Inc.*   7,234      452,197 
Reinsurance Group of America, Inc.   3,361      465,902 
Shift4 Payments, Inc., Class A*(a)   9,843      558,984 
Stifel Financial Corp.†   16,347      1,062,882 
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
     VALUE 
Financials—(continued)            
Wells Fargo & Co.†   14,226     $587,392 
Willis Towers Watson PLC   2,328      481,337 
           11,956,865 
Health Care—17.1%            
Amgen, Inc.†   2,936      752,614 
Biote Corp., Class A*(a)   46,795      231,167 
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.   9,075      559,474 
Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*†   54,923      771,119 
Centene Corp.*†   11,641      717,668 
Cigna Group, (The)†   3,241      895,359 
CVS Health Corp.†   12,497      814,429 
Elevance Health, Inc.†   2,600      1,149,226 
HCA Healthcare, Inc.†   1,995      553,213 
Henry Schein, Inc.*   8,125      621,887 
Jazz Pharmaceuticals PLC*   2,210      316,826 
Johnson & Johnson   5,706      922,546 
Lantheus Holdings, Inc.*(a)   10,502      718,757 
Medtronic PLC†   8,535      695,603 
Novartis AG - SP ADR†   10,497      1,054,739 
Quipt Home Medical Corp.*   87,492      517,078 
Universal Health Services, Inc., Class B†   2,399      323,145 
           11,614,850 
Industrials—12.5%            
Barrett Business Services, Inc.†   9,366      896,139 
Brady Corp., Class A   6,801      343,042 
Builders FirstSource, Inc.*(a)#†   7,208      1,045,448 
CACI International, Inc., Class A*   1,709      560,569 
CoreCivic, Inc.*   43,010      462,788 
Euroseas Ltd.   14,723      404,883 
Galliford Try Holdings PLC   149,182      370,408 
Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.†   5,251      139,099 
Korn Ferry   7,135      363,742 
Quanta Services, Inc.†   2,226      467,171 
RCM Technologies, Inc.*   14,262      292,942 
Ryanair Holdings PLC - SP ADR*   5,119      508,061 
Sterling Infrastructure, Inc.*   10,451      864,925 
Textron, Inc.(a)   9,530      740,576 
UFP Industries, Inc.   3,301      344,459 
V2X, Inc.*   6,522      328,122 
Wabash National Corp.(a)   16,793      378,682 
           8,511,056 
Information Technology—15.5%            
Box, Inc., Class A*(a)   10,620      281,218 
Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.*   7,462      1,004,311 
Cisco Systems, Inc.†   17,281      991,065 
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Class A†  11,531      825,735 
DocuSign, Inc.*    6,699      336,960 
Dropbox, Inc., Class A*†   20,115      558,996 
Extreme Networks, Inc.*   27,422      752,734 
Hackett Group, Inc., (The)†   26,936      634,881 
InterDigital, Inc.(a)   5,347      463,638 
Microchip Technology, Inc.   6,032      493,659 
Open Text Corp.†   22,693      913,620 
Oracle Corp.†   3,066      369,116 
Pure Storage, Inc., Class A*   18,653      682,513 
QUALCOMM, Inc.†   6,658      762,541 
Richardson Electronics Ltd.†   23,161      291,597 


 

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

 

58  |  Annual Report 2023

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023
BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT EQUITY FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
     VALUE 
Information Technology—(continued)      
Rimini Street, Inc.*   20,731     $50,169 
Splunk, Inc.*   4,924      597,084 
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson - SP ADR(a)†   104,768      540,603 
           10,550,440 
             
Materials—4.1%            
Berry Global Group, Inc.†   11,161      729,260 
Dundee Precious Metals, Inc.   46,422      299,585 
Ecovyst, Inc.*   81,526      834,826 
Ferroglobe PLC*   56,921      303,389 
Rio Tinto PLC - SP ADR(a)†   3,562      222,625 
Ternium SA - SP ADR†   10,040      419,471 
           2,809,156 
Real Estate—2.5%            
Alexandria Real Estate Equities,Inc.   4,331      503,868 
Newmark Group, Inc., Class A†   103,631      734,744 
Simon Property Group, Inc.   2,414      273,965 
Star Holdings*   14,643      199,438 
           1,712,015 
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $47,025,835)
          63,961,117 
INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL—14.8%            
Mount Vernon Liquid Assets Portfolio, LLC, 5.46%(b)  10,049,570      10,049,570 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL
(Cost $10,049,570)
          10,049,570 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS—5.3%            
BlackRock Liquidity Funds Treasury Trust Fund Portfolio, 5.22%(b)†   1,378      1,378 
Federated Hermes U.S. Treasury Cash Reserves, 5.19%(b)†   1,378      1,378 
Goldman Sachs Financial Square Funds - Treasury Instruments Fund, 5.17%(b)†   1,378      1,378 
MSILF Treasury Securities Portfolio, 5.21%(b)†   1,378      1,378 
U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 5.20%(b)  3,604,256      3,604,256 
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(Cost $3,609,768)
          3,609,768 
TOTAL LONG POSITIONS—114.0%
(Cost $60,685,173)
          77,620,455 
SECURITIES SOLD SHORT—(16.9%)      
COMMON STOCKS—(16.9%)            
Communication Services—(1.3%)      
AST SpaceMobile, Inc.*   (44,242)     (173,429)
Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc.*   (148,803)     (215,764)
CTC Communications Group, Inc.*‡   (98,900)     0 
Roblox Corp., Class A*   (6,524)     (184,564)
Rumble, Inc.*   (35,108)     (293,854)
           (867,611)
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
     VALUE 
Consumer Discretionary—(4.5%)            
Brunswick Corp.   (3,556)    $(281,351)
Dutch Bros, Inc., Class A*   (7,356)     (217,811)
Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc., Class A*   (2,935)     (292,619)
Funko, Inc., Class A*   (15,207)     (105,993)
GrowGeneration Corp.*   (21,460)     (69,745)
Krispy Kreme, Inc.   (19,735)     (264,252)
LGI Homes, Inc.*   (1,684)     (207,300)
Peloton Interactive, Inc., Class A*   (13,200)     (84,216)
Portillo’s, Inc., Class A*   (12,876)     (236,146)
Qsound Labs, Inc.*‡   (4,440)     0 
Tesla, Inc.*   (2,558)     (660,169)
Vizio Holding Corp., Class A*   (24,036)     (137,967)
Warby Parker, Inc., Class A*   (14,641)     (175,838)
Wingstop, Inc.   (920)     (147,789)
Workhorse Group, Inc.*   (81,444)     (64,194)
YETI Holdings, Inc.*   (3,317)     (165,684)
           (3,111,074)
Consumer Staples—(1.4%)            
Amish Naturals, Inc.*‡   (25,959)     0 
Calavo Growers, Inc.   (6,484)     (213,713)
Fevertree Drinks PLC   (12,754)     (212,139)
National Beverage Corp.*   (4,217)     (216,374)
Westrock Coffee Co.*   (29,680)     (297,987)
           (940,213)
Energy—(0.4%)            
Beard Co., (The)*‡   (9,710)     0 
Enviva, Inc.   (6,014)     (55,329)
Green Plains, Inc.*   (7,144)     (221,750)
           (277,079)
Financials—(1.0%)            
Affirm Holdings, Inc.*   (12,866)     (267,741)
P10, Inc., Class A   (14,398)     (173,496)
Upstart Holdings, Inc.*   (7,988)     (256,974)
           (698,211)
Health Care—(1.2%)            
10X Genomics, Inc., Class A*   (2,854)     (147,980)
Beam Therapeutics, Inc.*   (2,517)     (58,344)
BodyTel Scientific, Inc.*‡   (4,840)     0 
CareView Communications, Inc.*   (174,320)     (13,946)
Cassava Sciences, Inc.*   (7,432)     (155,849)
Celldex Therapeutics, Inc.*   (4,001)     (111,628)
PROCEPT BioRobotics Corp.*   (6,910)     (235,700)
Revance Therapeutics, Inc.*   (5,702)     (100,526)
           (823,973)
Industrials—(2.6%)            
Ameresco, Inc., Class A*   (3,220)     (140,038)
Applied Energetics, Inc.*   (57,676)     (135,538)
Corporate Resource Services, Inc.*‡   (218,896)     (219)
Custom Truck One Source, Inc.*   (30,483)     (204,541)
DynaMotive Energy Systems Corp.*‡   (72,185)     (7)
Ener1, Inc.*‡   (102,820)     (10)
Fiverr International Ltd.*   (8,864)     (249,522)
Hayward Holdings, Inc.*   (21,740)     (321,752)
MillerKnoll, Inc.   (20,060)     (383,146)
Omega Flex, Inc.   (2,769)     (231,765)
Sunrun, Inc.*   (6,324)     (98,844)
Valence Technology, Inc.*‡   (27,585)     (3)
           (1,765,385)


 

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

 

Annual Report 2023  |  59

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023
BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT EQUITY FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
     VALUE 
Information Technology—(4.2%)            
ANTs software, Inc.*‡   (10,334)    $(1)
BILL Holdings, Inc.*   (1,701)     (196,125)
C3.ai, Inc., Class A*   (4,243)     (131,618)
Consygen, Inc.*‡   (200)     0 
Crowdstrike Holdings, Inc., Class A*   (1,051)     (171,345)
Envestnet, Inc.*   (4,844)     (264,628)
HashiCorp, Inc., Class A*   (7,738)     (225,640)
Impinj, Inc.*   (4,061)     (270,341)
Interliant, Inc.*‡   (600)     0 
LG Display Co., Ltd. - ADR*   (36,462)     (183,039)
Lightwave Logic, Inc.*   (45,396)     (286,449)
Marathon Digital Holdings, Inc.*   (7,047)     (88,581)
MicroVision, Inc.*   (71,333)     (179,759)
nCino, Inc.*   (12,467)     (409,790)
Nestor, Inc.*‡   (15,200)     (1)
Netlist, Inc.*   (42,125)     (84,250)
Sprout Social, Inc., Class A*   (4,505)     (241,198)
Tiger Telematics, Inc.*‡   (6,510)     0 
Uni-Pixel, Inc.*‡   (19,665)     0 
Wolfspeed, Inc.*   (2,244)     (107,308)
Worldgate Communications, Inc.*‡   (582,655)     (58)
XRiver Corp.*‡   (34,156)     0 
           (2,840,131)
Materials—(0.3%)            
PureCycle Technologies, Inc.*   (21,177)     (189,111)
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Proceeds $(19,154,022))
          (11,512,788)
TOTAL SECURITIES SOLD SHORT—(16.9%)
(Proceeds $(19,154,022))
          (11,512,788)
   NUMBER OF
CONTRACTS
   NOTIONAL
AMOUNT
     VALUE 
OPTIONS WRITTEN††—(0.3%)           
Call Options Written—(0.3%)       
Builders FirstSource, Inc.           
Expiration:
01/19/2024,
Exercise Price:
120.00
   (69)   (1,000,776)    $(203,895)
TOTAL CALL OPTIONS WRITTEN
(Premiums received $(241,979))
        (203,895)
Put Options Written—(0.0%)           
Activision Blizzard, Inc.             
Expiration:
01/19/2024,
Exercise Price:
52.50
   (66)   (607,134)     (462)
TOTAL PUT OPTIONS WRITTEN
(Premiums received $(13,330))
        (462)
TOTAL OPTIONS WRITTEN
(Premiums received $(255,309))
        (204,357)
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES—3.2%      2,147,980 
NET ASSETS—100.0%          $68,051,290 

 

 
ADR American Depositary Receipt
PLC Public Limited Company
SP ADR   Sponsored American Depositary Receipt
LLC Limited Liability Company
* Non-income producing.
(a) All or a portion of the security is on loan. At August 31, 2023, the market value of securities on loan was $9,801,974.
(b) The rate shown is as of August 31, 2023.
Security position is either entirely or partially held in a segregated account as collateral for securities sold short.
# Security segregated as collateral for options written.
†† Primary risk exposure is equity contracts.
Security has been valued at fair market value using significant unobservable inputs as determined in good faith by the Adviser, as valuation designee, under the oversight of The RBB Fund, Inc.’s Board of Directors. As of August 31, 2023, these securities amounted to $(299) or 0.0% of net assets.
   
  The above industry classifications are based upon the The Global Industry Classification Standard (“GICS”®). GICS was developed by and is the exclusive property of MSCI, Inc. (“MSCI”) and Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”). GICS is a service mark of MSCI and S&P and has been licensed for use.
   
  Industry classifications may be different than those used for compliance monitoring purposes.


 

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

 

60  |  Annual Report 2023

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023
BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT EQUITY FUND Portfolio Of Investments (concluded)

 

A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments carried at fair value as of August 31, 2023 is as follows (see Notes to Portfolio of Investments):

 

   TOTAL   LEVEL 1   LEVEL 2   LEVEL 3   INVESTMENTS
MEASURED
AT NET
ASSET VALUE*
 
Common Stock                         
Communication Services  $4,508,834   $3,543,578   $965,256   $   $ 
Consumer Discretionary   6,443,131    5,757,110    686,021         
Consumer Staples   1,474,359    1,474,359             
Energy   4,380,411    4,380,411             
Financials   11,956,865    11,956,865             
Health Care   11,614,850    11,614,850             
Industrials   8,511,056    8,511,056             
Information Technology   10,550,440    10,550,440             
Materials   2,809,156    2,809,156             
Real Estate   1,712,015    1,712,015             
Investments Purchased with Proceeds from Securities Lending Collateral   10,049,570                10,049,570 
Short-Term Investments   3,609,768    3,609,768             
Total Assets  $77,620,455   $65,919,608   $1,651,277   $   $10,049,570 
                          
   TOTAL   LEVEL 1   LEVEL 2   LEVEL 3   INVESTMENTS
MEASURED
AT NET
ASSET VALUE*
 
Securities Sold Short                         
Communication Services  $(867,611)  $(867,611)  $   $**  $ 
Consumer Discretionary   (3,111,074)   (3,111,074)       **    
Consumer Staples   (940,213)   (940,213)       **    
Energy   (277,079)   (277,079)       **    
Financials   (698,211)   (698,211)            
Health Care   (823,973)   (823,973)       **    
Industrials   (1,765,385)   (1,765,146)       (239)    
Information Technology   (2,840,131)   (2,840,071)       (60)    
Materials   (189,111)   (189,111)            
Options Written                         
Equity Contracts   (204,357)   (203,895)   (462)        
Total Liabilities  $(11,717,145)  $(11,716,384)  $(462)  $(299)  $ 

 

* Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy included to reconcile to the amounts presented in the Portfolio of Investments.
** Value equals zero as of the end of the reporting period.

 

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

 

Annual Report 2023  |  61

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023
BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT RESEARCH FUND Portfolio Of Investments

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
     VALUE 
LONG POSITIONS—98.0%            
COMMON STOCKS—96.5%            
Communication Services—6.1%            
Activision Blizzard, Inc.   42,869     $3,943,519 
Alphabet, Inc., Class A*   41,452      5,644,519 
Cars.com, Inc.*   108,217      2,022,576 
Deutsche Telekom AG   154,604      3,309,076 
Informa PLC   233,738      2,159,624 
Interpublic Group of Cos., Inc., (The)†   94,729      3,089,113 
Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.*   27,694      2,340,974 
Nexstar Media Group, Inc., Class A†   40,564      6,603,819 
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.*   27,308      3,883,198 
TEGNA, Inc.   195,356      3,229,235 
T-Mobile US, Inc.*   22,809      3,107,726 
Warner Bros Discovery, Inc.*   221,675      2,912,809 
           42,246,188 
Consumer Discretionary—9.6%            
AutoZone, Inc.*   1,667      4,219,727 
Booking Holdings, Inc.*   2,248      6,980,107 
Boyd Gaming Corp.   52,217      3,491,751 
Capri Holdings Ltd.*   32,801      1,721,724 
eBay, Inc.   51,978      2,327,575 
Flutter Entertainment PLC*   22,114      4,026,843 
Frontdoor, Inc.*   84,572      2,775,653 
Genting Singapore Ltd.   2,532,000      1,638,202 
GVC Holdings PLC   186,926      2,734,116 
LKQ Corp.†   35,730      1,876,897 
MGM Resorts International   72,743      3,199,237 
Mohawk Industries, Inc.*   28,271      2,866,397 
Ralph Lauren Corp.   10,876      1,268,468 
Restaurant Brands International, Inc.   59,846      4,156,305 
Ross Stores, Inc.   39,506      4,812,226 
Tempur Sealy International, Inc.†   88,834      4,150,324 
TJX Cos., Inc., (The)†   45,839      4,239,191 
Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp.*†   91,466      1,595,167 
Whirlpool Corp.   9,857      1,379,586 
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.   46,594      3,512,721 
Wynn Macau Ltd.*   3,794,500      3,697,628 
           66,669,845 
Consumer Staples—5.5%            
Albertsons Cos., Inc.   151,885      3,402,224 
Coca-Cola European Partners PLC†   39,652      2,542,090 
Dollar General Corp.   18,298      2,534,273 
Hershey Co., (The)   30,910      6,641,323 
Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc.†   161,522      5,435,215 
Kroger Co., (The)#   59,342      2,752,875 
Nomad Foods Ltd.*   97,036      1,779,640 
Philip Morris International, Inc.   53,438      5,133,254 
US Foods Holding Corp.*†   105,586      4,268,842 
Walmart, Inc.   23,131      3,761,332 
           38,251,068 
Energy—9.7%            
BP PLC - SP ADR   183,280      6,814,350 
Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.   80,373      5,199,329 
Cenovus Energy, Inc.   194,978      3,885,912 
Cenovus Energy, Inc.   64,992      1,295,800 
EQT Corp.   52,095      2,251,546 
Equinor ASA - SP ADR   144,025      4,402,844 
Halliburton Co.†   43,930      1,696,577 
Kosmos Energy Ltd.*†   288,411      2,099,632 
Marathon Petroleum Corp.†#   41,548      5,931,808 
MEG Energy Corp.*   242,085      4,330,369 
Noble Corp., PLC   69,132      3,646,022 
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
     VALUE 
Energy—(continued)            
Peabody Energy Corp.   64,894     $1,400,412 
Phillips 66   19,508      2,227,033 
Range Resources Corp.   69,133      2,238,527 
Schlumberger Ltd.   48,625      2,866,930 
Shell PLC - ADR   77,201      4,793,410 
Valero Energy Corp.#   49,853      6,475,905 
Vermilion Energy, Inc.   195,564      2,845,456 
Weatherford International PLC*   34,031      3,012,424 
           67,414,286 
Financials—16.2%            
Ameriprise Financial, Inc.†   20,581      6,947,734 
Aon PLC, Class A   12,185      4,062,357 
Arthur J Gallagher & Co.   12,496      2,880,078 
Bank of America Corp.†   274,552      7,871,406 
Bankinter SA   144,140      923,905 
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., Class B*†   8,291      2,986,418 
Charles Schwab Corp., (The)   24,732      1,462,898 
Chubb Ltd.   16,915      3,397,716 
Commerzbank AG   83,586      918,400 
DBS Group Holdings Ltd.   62,300      1,533,430 
Discover Financial Services†   37,921      3,415,545 
East West Bancorp, Inc.†   56,121      3,105,736 
Evercore, Inc., Class A   13,291      1,861,405 
Everest Group Ltd.   8,457      3,050,271 
Fifth Third Bancorp†   116,418      3,090,898 
Fiserv, Inc.*   11,714      1,421,962 
FleetCor Technologies, Inc.*†   13,539      3,678,952 
Global Payments, Inc.   17,515      2,218,975 
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., (The)†   4,682      1,534,338 
Hana Financial Group, Inc.   48,295      1,443,182 
Huntington Bancshares, Inc.†   395,707      4,388,391 
ING Groep NV   220,159      3,119,439 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.†   65,675      9,610,223 
Morgan Stanley   28,905      2,461,261 
NatWest Group PLC   506,235      1,472,174 
Nordea Bank Abp   283,137      3,101,840 
Progressive Corp., (The)   23,066      3,078,619 
Regions Financial Corp.†   68,301      1,252,640 
Renaissance Holdings Ltd.   22,049      4,142,787 
Ryan Specialty Holdings, Inc.*   40,233      1,961,359 
Sampo Oyj   38,318      1,681,935 
SLM Corp.†   95,313      1,357,257 
Synchrony Financial†   16,317      526,713 
UBS Group AG   63,235      1,689,007 
United Overseas Bank Ltd.   112,400      2,361,228 
W R Berkley Corp.†   30,617      1,893,968 
Wells Fargo & Co.   217,432      8,977,767 
White Mountains Insurance Group Ltd.   1,180      1,874,654 
           112,756,868 
Health Care—12.0%            
Abbott Laboratories†   3,524      362,620 
AbbVie, Inc.†   46,176      6,786,025 
Amgen, Inc.   20,991      5,380,833 
AMN Healthcare Services, Inc.*   24,167      2,135,879 
AstraZeneca PLC   12,116      1,627,455 
Avantor, Inc.*†   136,672      2,958,949 
Boston Scientific Corp.*†   33,117      1,786,331 
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.   101,903      6,282,320 
Cencora, Inc.   6,766      1,190,681 
Centene Corp.*†   38,995      2,404,042 
Cigna Group, (The)†   14,122      3,901,344 
CVS Health Corp.†   37,992      2,475,939 


 

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

 

62  |  Annual Report 2023

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023
BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT RESEARCH FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
     VALUE 
Health Care—(continued)            
Elevance Health, Inc.†   8,578     $3,791,562 
Envista Holdings Corp.*†   45,921      1,470,390 
Fortrea Holdings, Inc.*   46,773      1,288,596 
HCA Healthcare, Inc.   6,101      1,691,807 
Henry Schein, Inc.*   13,497      1,033,060 
Humana, Inc.   6,152      2,839,948 
ICON PLC*   9,289      2,414,583 
IQVIA Holdings, Inc.*   8,647      1,925,082 
Johnson & Johnson   30,557      4,940,456 
McKesson Corp.   3,877      1,598,565 
Medtronic PLC   3,821      311,411 
Merck & Co., Inc.   3,245      353,640 
Molina Healthcare, Inc.*   2,413      748,319 
Novo Nordisk A/S, Class B   9,019      1,663,588 
Pfizer, Inc.   12,186      431,141 
R1 RCM, Inc.*   85,892      1,480,778 
Sanofi   25,796      2,747,381 
Sotera Health Co.*†   28,797      464,784 
Stryker Corp.   3,209      909,912 
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.   1,589      885,232 
UCB SA   14,068      1,261,860 
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.   19,380      9,236,120 
Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.†   25,746      3,066,863 
           83,847,496 
Industrials—20.1%            
Acuity Brands, Inc.   14,049      2,265,823 
Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc.   26,199      3,357,664 
AGCO Corp.   14,298      1,852,020 
Airbus Group SE   25,069      3,667,778 
Allegion PLC   29,027      3,303,563 
Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.†   48,598      2,937,749 
AMETEK, Inc.†   27,377      4,366,905 
ANDRITZ AG   39,474      2,096,869 
ASGN, Inc.*†   18,402      1,511,908 
Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc.*   20,855      1,665,272 
Brink’s Co., (The)   35,704      2,706,720 
BWX Technologies, Inc.†   48,816      3,600,668 
Carlisle Cos., Inc.   10,150      2,669,653 
Caterpillar, Inc.   4,398      1,236,410 
Clean Harbors, Inc.*   22,556      3,819,633 
Concentrix Corp.   25,248      2,015,548 
Copart, Inc.*   47,002      2,107,100 
Curtiss-Wright Corp.   16,024      3,332,832 
Daimler Truck Holding AG   78,185      2,751,070 
Deere & Co.   2,877      1,182,274 
Dover Corp.†   23,210      3,442,043 
Eaton Corp., PLC†   17,206      3,963,746 
Eiffage SA   21,588      2,133,611 
Ferguson PLC   16,789      2,712,431 
Fortive Corp.   50,440      3,977,194 
FTI Consulting, Inc.*†   26,468      4,918,284 
General Dynamics Corp.   10,967      2,485,561 
Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico SAB de CV   155,300      2,839,766 
Hexcel Corp.   22,449      1,645,512 
Howmet Aerospace, Inc.†   96,327      4,765,297 
Jacobs Solutions, Inc.   18,637      2,512,640 
Leidos Holdings, Inc.†   29,917      2,917,207 
Masco Corp.   36,784      2,170,624 
nVent Electric PLC   74,148      4,192,328 
Otis Worldwide Corp.   38,244      3,271,774 
Parker-Hannifin Corp.†   10,313      4,299,490 
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
     VALUE 
Industrials—(continued)            
Resideo Technologies, Inc.*†   84,761     $1,429,070 
RTX Corp.   26,868      2,311,723 
Ryanair Holdings PLC - SP ADR*   37,545      3,726,341 
Science Applications International Corp.†   58,393      6,870,520 
Sensata Technologies Holding PLC   27,105      1,019,690 
Siemens AG   18,404      2,764,852 
SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc.†   62,243      3,573,993 
Textron, Inc.   57,824      4,493,503 
Valmont Industries, Inc.   8,046      2,039,661 
WESCO International, Inc.   25,210      4,080,238 
Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp.   28,378      3,193,093 
           140,197,651 
Information Technology—11.8%            
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.*   25,309      2,675,667 
Applied Materials, Inc.   20,462      3,125,775 
Arrow Electronics, Inc.*†   13,886      1,852,809 
Broadcom, Inc.   7,099      6,551,596 
Capgemini SE   20,602      3,844,778 
CDW Corp.   15,158      3,200,612 
Celestica, Inc.*   199,806      4,657,478 
Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.*   36,563      4,921,014 
Cisco Systems, Inc.†   110,585      6,342,050 
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Class A†  41,400      2,964,654 
Dell Technologies, Inc.   75,653      4,254,725 
Flex Ltd.*†   238,781      6,587,968 
Gen Digital, Inc.†   123,919      2,509,360 
Jabil, Inc.†   21,933      2,509,574 
KLA Corp.   3,636      1,824,799 
Lam Research Corp.   4,789      3,363,793 
Microchip Technology, Inc.†   53,405      4,370,665 
Micron Technology, Inc.   33,971      2,375,932 
NetApp, Inc.   25,970      1,991,899 
NXP Semiconductors NV   11,811      2,429,759 
Oracle Corp.†   18,244      2,196,395 
QUALCOMM, Inc.   16,953      1,941,627 
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.   31,859      1,611,309 
Teradyne, Inc.   16,826      1,815,021 
Zebra Technologies Corp., Class A*   7,516      2,066,975 
           81,986,234 
Materials—2.0%            
Avery Dennison Corp.   5,964      1,123,498 
Corteva, Inc.†   49,452      2,497,820 
DuPont de Nemours, Inc.†   22,743      1,748,709 
FMC Corp.   36,895      3,181,456 
Glencore PLC   156,761      834,784 
Olin Corp.   24,477      1,420,156 
Teck Resources Ltd.   83,806      3,462,864 
           14,269,287 
Real Estate—1.9%            
Americold Realty Trust, Inc.†   63,735      2,144,683 
Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.   11,047      739,707 
Essex Property Trust, Inc.   11,918      2,841,132 
Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.†   61,506      971,179 
Lamar Advertising Co., Class A   28,718      2,619,656 
Regency Centers Corp.   29,329      1,824,264 
VICI Properties, Inc.   71,088      2,192,354 
           13,332,975 


 

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

 

Annual Report 2023  |  63

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023
BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT RESEARCH FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
     VALUE 
Utilities—1.6%                
AES Corp., (The)   95,098     $1,705,107 
American Electric Power Co., Inc.   17,976      1,409,318 
CenterPoint Energy, Inc.†   96,832      2,700,645 
Entergy Corp.   29,647      2,823,877 
FirstEnergy Corp.   60,868      2,195,509 
           10,834,456 
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost 523,468,842)
          671,806,354 
   PRINCIPAL        
CORPORATE BONDS—0.1%            
Andrada Mining Ltd., 12.00%,
7/20/2026†
  GBP700,000      759,687 
TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS
(Cost $915,463)
          759,687 
             
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
        
WARRANTS—0.0%            
Andrada Mining Ltd.‡   1,400,000      28,696 
TOTAL WARRANTS
(Cost $18,309)
          28,696 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS—1.4%      
BlackRock Liquidity Funds Treasury Trust Fund Portfolio, 5.22%(a)†   58,100      58,100 
Federated Hermes U.S. Treasury Cash Reserves, 5.19%(a)†  58,100      58,100 
Goldman Sachs Financial Square Funds - Treasury Instruments Fund, 5.17%(a)†58,100      58,100 
MSILF Treasury Securities Portfolio, 5.21%(a)†58,100      58,100 
U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 5.20%(a)9,328,573      9,328,573 
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(Cost $9,560,973)
          9,560,973 
TOTAL LONG POSITIONS—98.0%
(Cost $533,963,587)
          682,155,710 
SECURITIES SOLD SHORT—(26.4%)      
COMMON STOCKS—(26.4%)            
Communication Services—(1.8%)      
Angi, Inc.*   (176,702)     (434,687)
Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc.*   (1,037,250)     (1,504,012)
Dentsu Group, Inc.   (56,000)     (1,672,498)
Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., Class A*   (214,591)     (1,699,561)
Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.*   (16,658)     (534,555)
Paramount Global   (139,175)     (2,100,151)
Proximus SADP   (51,628)     (390,206)
Roblox Corp.*   (39,478)     (1,116,833)
Rumble, Inc.*   (142,151)     (1,189,804)
Telia Co., AB   (926,495)     (1,870,412)
           (12,512,719)
Consumer Discretionary—(4.6%)      
Accor SA   (39,506)     (1,412,867)
Acushnet Holdings Corp.   (37,751)     (2,210,321)
B&M European Value Retail SA  (131,788)     (963,120)
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
     VALUE 
Consumer Discretionary—(continued)      
Cheesecake Factory Inc., (The)   (25,997)    $(828,004)
Choice Hotels International, Inc.   (23,109)     (2,932,532)
Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc.   (10,191)     (1,185,621)
Five Below, Inc.*   (8,408)     (1,445,840)
Golden Entertainment, Inc.   (30,489)     (1,110,105)
Hyatt Hotels Corp.   (14,331)     (1,610,948)
Krispy Kreme, Inc.   (70,973)     (950,328)
LGI Homes, Inc.*   (16,890)     (2,079,159)
Life Time Group Holdings, Inc.*   (62,984)     (1,083,325)
Mattel, Inc.*   (31,839)     (705,552)
Nokian Renkaat Oyj   (369,085)     (3,197,519)
Playa Hotels & Resorts NV*   (122,270)     (912,134)
Portillo’s, Inc.*   (27,785)     (509,577)
QuantumScape Corp.*   (438,770)     (3,132,818)
Rakuten Group, Inc.   (311,400)     (1,211,670)
Revolve Group, Inc.*   (37,701)     (552,320)
RH*   (1,731)     (632,144)
Sabre Corp.*   (279,886)     (1,399,430)
SJM Holdings Ltd.*   (3,103,000)     (1,249,546)
Soho House & Co., Inc.*   (160,593)     (1,092,032)
           (32,406,912)
Consumer Staples—(2.4%)            
B&G Foods, Inc.   (84,028)     (1,074,718)
Central Garden & Pet Co.*   (51,932)     (2,118,826)
Clorox Co., (The)   (10,339)     (1,617,536)
Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan Holdings, Inc.   (160,800)     (2,094,350)
Freshpet, Inc.*   (29,962)     (2,262,431)
Hormel Foods Corp.   (58,643)     (2,263,033)
Kimberly-Clark Corp.   (20,477)     (2,638,052)
McCormick & Co., Inc.   (25,039)     (2,055,201)
Ocado Group PLC*   (81,019)     (892,437)
           (17,016,584)
Energy—(1.5%)            
Callon Petroleum Co.*   (53,376)     (2,093,940)
Hess Corp.   (14,305)     (2,210,123)
Matador Resources Co.   (31,252)     (1,984,502)
Permian Resources Corp.   (165,303)     (2,343,997)
Vital Energy, Inc.*   (33,024)     (1,991,017)
           (10,623,579)
Financials—(3.0%)            
Aozora Bank Ltd.   (124,800)     (2,450,361)
Ashmore Group PLC   (735,024)     (1,802,799)
Avanza Bank Holding AB   (56,660)     (1,093,952)
B Riley Financial, Inc.   (53,401)     (2,734,398)
Brown & Brown, Inc.   (11,029)     (817,249)
Cincinnati Financial Corp.   (12,694)     (1,342,898)
Erie Indemnity Co., Class A   (2,957)     (824,205)
Hang Seng Bank Ltd.   (227,000)     (2,892,915)
Selective Insurance Group, Inc.   (7,769)     (770,762)
SoFi Technologies, Inc.*   (64,641)     (559,791)
T Rowe Price Group, Inc.   (26,170)     (2,937,059)
Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc.*   (20,058)     (1,252,422)
Trupanion, Inc.*   (9,544)     (283,743)
United Bankshares, Inc.   (37,508)     (1,128,241)
           (20,890,795)
Health Care—(1.9%)            
Ambu A/S*   (24,850)     (300,296)
Ascendis Pharma A/S - ADR*   (7,592)     (744,168)
Cassava Sciences, Inc.*   (14,675)     (307,735)
Celldex Therapeutics, Inc.*   (19,363)     (540,228)
Corcept Therapeutics, Inc.*   (39,792)     (1,302,392)


 

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

 

64  |  Annual Report 2023

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023
BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT RESEARCH FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
     VALUE 
Health Care—(continued)            
Doximity, Inc.*   (24,828)    $(591,899)
Glaukos Corp.*   (12,300)     (924,222)
Guardant Health, Inc.*   (23,593)     (922,014)
Idorsia Ltd.*   (41,421)     (225,346)
Intra-Cellular Therapies, Inc.*   (14,836)     (823,695)
Karuna Therapeutics, Inc.*   (3,416)     (641,388)
Mirati Therapeutics, Inc.*   (7,301)     (271,597)
Moderna, Inc.*   (3,327)     (376,184)
Neogen Corp.*   (42,068)     (972,612)
Oxford Nanopore Technologies PLC*   (133,540)     (402,621)
Revance Therapeutics, Inc.*   (26,793)     (472,361)
Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*   (49,469)     (1,286,689)
Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc.*   (30,433)     (832,647)
TG Therapeutics, Inc.*   (42,162)     (441,436)
Ventyx Biosciences, Inc.*   (17,884)     (599,114)
           (12,978,644)
Industrials—(4.8%)            
AZEK Co., Inc., (The)*   (108,236)     (3,681,106)
Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.   (146,800)     (2,521,576)
Generac Holdings, Inc.*   (16,260)     (1,931,850)
Hayward Holdings, Inc.*   (123,330)     (1,825,284)
Husqvarna AB   (388,225)     (3,342,449)
Kornit Digital Ltd.*   (80,626)     (1,794,735)
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.*   (129,365)     (2,081,483)
Montrose Environmental Group, Inc.*   (50,466)     (1,939,913)
Nidec Corp.   (31,500)     (1,639,085)
Oshkosh Corp.   (31,678)     (3,289,127)
Proto Labs, Inc.*   (75,120)     (2,216,040)
Regal Rexnord Corp.   (22,973)     (3,725,991)
Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.   (36,779)     (3,471,202)
           (33,459,841)
Information Technology—(2.2%)            
Appfolio, Inc., Class A*   (6,008)     (1,158,162)
Cognex Corp.   (53,226)     (2,505,880)
Entegris, Inc.   (25,961)     (2,629,070)
Itron, Inc.*   (10,250)     (701,203)
Jamf Holding Corp.*   (127,908)     (2,156,529)
Palantir Technologies, Inc.*   (256,535)     (3,842,894)
Unity Software, Inc.*   (55,343)     (2,051,565)
           (15,045,303)
Materials—(2.0%)            
Albemarle Corp.   (4,801)     (954,007)
DSM-Firmenich AG   (9,707)     (897,908)
Huntsman Corp.   (75,112)     (2,093,371)
Mineral Resources Ltd.   (40,439)     (1,856,230)
Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.*   (48,500)     (1,314,777)
Mosaic Co., (The)   (68,463)     (2,659,788)
Shin-Etsu Chemical Co Ltd.   (58,500)     (1,864,615)
Siam Cement PCL, (The) - NVDR   (94,100)     (840,672)
Umicore SA   (47,573)     (1,260,604)
           (13,741,972)
Real Estate—(1.7%)            
Camden Property Trust   (15,173)     (1,632,918)
Compass, Inc.*   (136,808)     (492,509)
Digital Realty Trust, Inc.   (12,058)     (1,588,280)
Howard Hughes Holdings, Inc.*   (12,786)     (1,005,619)
Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.   (9,183)     (1,333,647)
Nomura Real Estate Master Fund, Inc.   (1,271)     (1,494,185)
Sagax AB   (60,854)     (1,265,598)
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
     VALUE 
Real Estate—(continued)            
Segro PLC   (152,186)    $(1,418,720)
Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield*   (13,531)     (722,214)
Zillow Group, Inc., Class C*   (15,366)     (801,491)
           (11,755,181)
Utilities—(0.5%)            
Avangrid, Inc.   (99,708)     (3,439,926)
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Proceeds $(194,035,897))
          (183,871,456)
TOTAL SECURITIES SOLD SHORT—(26.4%)
(Proceeds $(194,035,897))
      (183,871,456)


 

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

 

Annual Report 2023  |  65

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023
BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT RESEARCH FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

   NUMBER OF
CONTRACTS
   NOTIONAL
AMOUNT
     VALUE 
OPTIONS WRITTEN††—(0.1%)                 
Call Options Written—(0.1%)                 
Kroger Co., (The)                 
Expiration:
09/15/2023,
Exercise Price:
50.00
   (593)   (2,750,927)    $(10,674)
Marathon Petroleum Corp.                 
Expiration:
09/15/2023,
Exercise Price:
135.00
   (311)   (4,440,147)     (251,910)
Valero Energy Corp.                 
Expiration:
09/15/2023,
Exercise Price:
125.00
   (373)   (4,845,270)     (220,816)
TOTAL CALL OPTIONS WRITTEN
(Premiums received $(727,963))
        (483,400)
Put Options Written—(0.0%)                 
Cheesecake Factory Inc., (The)             
Expiration:
10/20/2023,
Exercise Price:
30.00
   (259)   (824,915)     (18,130)
Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc.             
Expiration:
10/20/2023,
Exercise Price:
90.00
   (98)   (977,060)     (15,876)
Revolve Group, Inc.             
Expiration:
10/20/2023,
Exercise Price:
12.50
   (377)   (552,305)     (11,310)
TOTAL PUT OPTIONS WRITTEN
(Premiums received $(59,498))
        (45,316)
TOTAL OPTIONS WRITTEN
(Premiums received $(787,461))
        (528,716)
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES—28.5%      198,671,174 
NET ASSETS—100.0%        $696,426,712 

 

 
ADR American Depositary Receipt
PLC Public Limited Company
SP ADR   Sponsored American Depositary Receipt
NVDR Non-Voting Depository Receipt
* Non-income producing.
(a) The rate shown is as of August 31, 2023.
Security position is either entirely or partially held in a segregated account as collateral for securities sold short.
# Security segregated as collateral for options written.
†† Primary risk exposure is equity contracts.
Security has been valued at fair market value using significant unobservable inputs as determined in good faith by the Adviser, as valuation designee, under the oversight of The RBB Fund, Inc.’s Board of Directors. As of August 31, 2023, these securities amounted to $788,383 or 0.1% of net assets.
   
   
                The above industry classifications are based upon the The Global Industry Classification Standard (“GICS”®). GICS was developed by and is the exclusive property of MSCI, Inc. (“MSCI”) and Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”). GICS is a service mark of MSCI and S&P and has been licensed for use.
   
  Industry classifications may be different than those used for compliance monitoring purposes.


 

66  |  Annual Report 2023

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023
BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT RESEARCH FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

Contracts For Difference held by the Fund at August 31, 2023, are as follows:

 

REFERENCE
COMPANY
  COUNTERPARTY  EXPIRATION
DATE
  FINANCING
RATE
  PAYMENT
FREQUENCY
  NUMBER OF
CONTRACTS
LONG/
(SHORT)
   NOTIONAL
AMOUNT
   UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION
(DEPRECIATION)
 
Long                                        
United States                               
International Game Technology  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   5.33%  Termination   68,219   $2,184,372     $531,462 
Total Long                      2,184,372      531,462 
Short                               
Australia                               
Commonwealth Bank of Australia  Morgan Stanley  12/10/2025   4.07   Termination   (50,944)  $(3,372,875)    $140,619 
China                               
Shenzhen Goodix Technology,                               
Class A  Morgan Stanley  08/05/2026   5.33   Termination   (123,600)   (1,004,879)     (86,146)
Skshu Paint Co., Ltd., Class A  HSBC  07/19/2026   5.30   Termination   (208,000)   (2,149,274)     65,833 
Tongwei Co., Ltd., Class A  Goldman Sachs  01/21/2026   5.33   Termination   (40,000)   (176,017)     56,919 
Tongwei Co., Ltd., Class A  Morgan Stanley  07/01/2026   5.33   Termination   (169,900)   (747,633)     46,341 
Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt Co., Class A  HSBC  08/26/2026   5.30    Termination   (27,400)   (149,963)     31,267 
Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt Co., Class A  Bank of America  08/27/2026   -1.69   Termination   (29,900)   (163,646)     32,501 
                       (4,391,412)     146,715 
Germany                               
Deutsche Bank AG  Morgan Stanley  12/10/2025   3.74   Termination   (112,879)   (1,230,370)     2,448 
Japan                               
Nippon Shinyaku Co., Ltd.  Morgan Stanley  12/08/2025   -0.06   Termination   (12,500)   (549,761)     116,069 
South Korea                               
Kakaobank Corp.  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (26,911)   (536,489)     33,937 
Netmarble Corp.  Goldman Sachs  03/12/2026   5.33   Termination   (24,482)   (793,685)     297,012 
Netmarble Corp.  Morgan Stanley  03/18/2026   5.33   Termination   (26,581)   (861,733)     254,804 
                       (2,191,907)     585,753 
Switzerland                               
Vat Group AG  Morgan Stanley  12/10/2025   1.71   Termination   (5,703)   (2,288,043)     (566,846)
Taiwan                               
Acer, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  12/10/2025   5.33   Termination   (1,043,000)   (1,198,681)     (379,984)
Compal Electronics  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (995,000)   (996,672)     (282,643)
Pan Jit International, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  12/10/2025   5.33   Termination   (772,000)   (1,556,290)     117,120 
SDI Corporation  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (141,000)   (444,963)     64,431 
Taiwan Cement  Goldman Sachs  12/14/2025   5.33   Termination   (729,000)   (800,043)     (13,920)
                       (4,996,649)     (494,996)
United States                               
Affirm Holdings, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  03/04/2026   5.33   Termination   (5,463)   (113,685)     (42,133)
Affirm Holdings, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  12/10/2025   5.33   Termination   (9,144)   (190,287)     (80,879)
AMERCO - Non-Voting  Morgan Stanley  12/10/2025   5.33   Termination   (17,790)   (947,140)     139,829 
Ameresco, Inc., Class A  Goldman Sachs  04/08/2026   5.33   Termination   (42,065)   (1,829,407)     337,759 
Bank of Hawaii Corp.  Goldman Sachs  03/02/2026   5.33   Termination   (8,829)   (474,470)     184,254 
Bank of Hawaii Corp.  Morgan Stanley  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (41,744)   (2,243,323)     996,847 
BlackLine, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  12/10/2025   5.33   Termination   (25,391)   (1,524,983)     59,669 
Ceridian HCM Holding, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  12/10/2025   5.33   Termination   (12,095)   (877,129)     (118,168)
Coinbase Global, Inc., Class A  Morgan Stanley  12/10/2025   5.33   Termination   (4,121)   (328,032)     (153,260)
Coinbase Global, Inc., Class A  Goldman Sachs  03/02/2026   5.33   Termination   (872)   (69,411)     (17,797)
Commerce Bancshares, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (53,765)   (2,639,324)     1,005,406 
Community Bank System, Inc  Morgan Stanley  12/10/2025   5.33   Termination   (59,128)   (2,811,536)     875,094 
Credit Acceptance Corp.  Goldman Sachs  03/04/2026   5.33   Termination   (773)   (387,868)     (44,116)
Credit Acceptance Corp.  Morgan Stanley  12/10/2025   5.33   Termination   (3,653)   (1,832,966)     (160,805)
Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  04/08/2026   5.33   Termination   (4,664)   (440,888)     34,633 
Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (10,428)   (985,759)     456,434 
CVB Financial Corp.  Morgan Stanley  12/10/2025   5.33   Termination   (26,525)   (463,127)     268,168 
Definitive Healthcare Corp.  Morgan Stanley  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (61,023)   (573,616)     137,302 
Figs, Inc., Class A  Morgan Stanley  12/10/2025   5.33   Termination   (95,152)   (588,039)     135,116 
First Financial Bankshares, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (82,962)   (2,382,669)     567,460 

 

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

 

Annual Report 2023  |  67

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023
BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT RESEARCH FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

REFERENCE
COMPANY
  COUNTERPARTY  EXPIRATION
DATE
  FINANCING
RATE
  PAYMENT
FREQUENCY
  NUMBER OF
CONTRACTS
LONG/
(SHORT)
   NOTIONAL
AMOUNT
   UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION
(DEPRECIATION)
 
First Financial Bankshares, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  03/02/2026   5.33     Termination   (36,381)  $(1,044,862)            $185,576 
Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc., Class A  Goldman Sachs  04/15/2026   5.33   Termination   (2,711)   (270,287)     (4,610)
Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc., Class A  Morgan Stanley  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (21,940)   (2,187,418)     (606,860)
Glacier Bancorp, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  03/04/2026   5.33   Termination   (31,307)   (945,784)     259,130 
Glacier Bancorp, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  12/10/2025   5.33   Termination   (61,131)   (1,846,768)     1,505,045 
Guidewire Software, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (25,480)   (2,202,236)     (762,107)
Kinsale Capital Group, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  12/10/2025   5.33   Termination   (6,651)   (2,651,288)     (718,707)
Lowe’s Cos., Inc.  Morgan Stanley  12/10/2025   5.33   Termination   (8,644)   (1,992,269)     (246,959)
Moody’s Corp.  Goldman Sachs  03/04/2026   5.33   Termination   (2,022)   (681,010)     (94,091)
Moody’s Corp.  Morgan Stanley  12/10/2025   5.33   Termination   (650)   (218,920)     (28,730)
Myriad Genetics, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (31,441)   (561,222)     52,192 
National Beverage Corp.  Morgan Stanley  12/10/2025   5.33   Termination   (40,199)   (2,062,611)     (61,906)
National Beverage Corp.  Goldman Sachs  12/17/2025   5.33   Termination   (2,534)   (130,020)     (1,769)
Novanta, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  09/02/2026   5.33   Termination   (5,138)   (857,943)     (64,621)
Novanta, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  12/10/2025   5.33   Termination   (9,129)   (1,524,360)     (163,592)
RLI Corp.  Morgan Stanley  12/10/2025   5.33   Termination   (22,213)   (2,921,454)     (72,637)
WD-40 Co.  Morgan Stanley  12/10/2025   5.33   Termination   (12,335)   (2,650,421)     (586,036)
WD-40 Co.  Goldman Sachs  12/17/2025   5.33   Termination   (667)   (143,318)     (32,053)
Wolfspeed, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  08/31/2026   5.33   Termination   (22,479)   (1,074,946)     (54,962)
Wolfspeed, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  12/10/2025   5.33   Termination   (17,201)   (822,552)     566,773 
                       (48,493,348)     3,649,889 
Total Short                      (67,514,365)     3,579,651 
Net unrealized gain/(loss) on Contracts For Difference                     $4,111,113 

 

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

 

68  |  Annual Report 2023

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023
BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT RESEARCH FUND Portfolio Of Investments (concluded)

 

A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments carried at fair value as of August 31, 2023 is as follows (see Notes to Portfolio of Investments):

 

   TOTAL   LEVEL 1   LEVEL 2   LEVEL 3 
Common Stock                    
Communication Services  $42,246,188   $36,777,488   $5,468,700   $ 
Consumer Discretionary   66,669,845    54,573,056    12,096,789     
Consumer Staples   38,251,068    38,251,068         
Energy   67,414,286    67,414,286         
Financials   112,756,868    96,201,335    16,555,533     
Health Care   83,847,496    76,547,212    7,300,284     
Industrials   140,197,651    126,783,471    13,414,180     
Information Technology   81,986,234    76,530,147    5,456,087     
Materials   14,269,287    13,434,503    834,784     
Real Estate   13,332,975    13,332,975         
Utilities   10,834,456    10,834,456         
Corporate Bonds   759,687            759,687 
Warrants   28,696            28,696 
Short-Term Investments   9,560,973    9,560,973         
Contracts For Difference                    
Equity Contracts   9,557,450    9,557,450         
Total Assets  $691,713,160   $629,798,420   $61,126,357   $788,383 
                     
   TOTAL   LEVEL 1   LEVEL 2   LEVEL 3 
Securities Sold Short                    
Communication Services  $(12,512,719)  $(8,579,603)  $(3,933,116)  $ 
Consumer Discretionary   (32,406,912)   (24,372,190)   (8,034,722)    
Consumer Staples   (17,016,584)   (14,029,797)   (2,986,787)    
Energy   (10,623,579)   (10,623,579)        
Financials   (20,890,795)   (12,650,768)   (8,240,027)    
Health Care   (12,978,644)   (12,453,002)   (525,642)    
Industrials   (33,459,841)   (25,956,731)   (7,503,110)    
Information Technology   (15,045,303)   (15,045,303)        
Materials   (13,741,972)   (5,707,166)   (8,034,806)    
Real Estate   (11,755,181)   (6,854,464)   (4,900,717)    
Utilities   (3,439,926)   (3,439,926)        
Options Written                    
Equity Contracts   (528,716)   (528,716)        
Contracts For Difference                    
Equity Contracts   (5,446,337)   (5,446,337)        
Total Liabilities  $(189,846,509)  $(145,687,582)  $(44,158,927)  $ 

 

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

 

Annual Report 2023  |  69

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023
BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL LONG/SHORT FUND Portfolio Of Investments

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
LONG POSITIONS—101.6%          
COMMON STOCKS—71.6%          
Bermuda—2.5%          
Everest Group Ltd.#†   8,138   $2,935,214 
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.   4,595    863,354 
         3,798,568 
Brazil—1.4%          
Banco do Brasil SA   225,300    2,156,980 
Canada—9.4%          
Allied Gold Corp.*   282,034    555,607 
Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.   20,665    1,336,985 
Cenovus Energy, Inc.   137,473    2,739,837 
Cenovus Energy, Inc.   67,808    1,351,945 
Kinross Gold Corp.   445,822    2,263,424 
MEG Energy Corp.*   86,283    1,543,413 
Suncor Energy, Inc.   57,909    1,961,586 
Teck Resources Ltd., Class B   66,601    2,751,953 
         14,504,750 
China—0.9%          
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.*   121,000    1,404,344 
Meituan, Class B*   2,750    45,510 
         1,449,854 
Finland—0.2%          
Fortum Oyj   27,436    368,316 
France—3.8%          
Capgemini SE   7,579    1,414,405 
Imerys SA   15,524    528,543 
Rexel SA   61,981    1,453,273 
Sanofi   12,341    1,314,368 
SPIE SA   38,925    1,165,303 
         5,875,892 
Germany—0.8%          
Siemens AG   5,616    843,698 
Vitesco Technologies Group AG*   4,989    393,788 
         1,237,486 
India—1.4%          
HDFC Bank Ltd. - ADR†   33,457    2,084,706 
Ireland—3.1%          
ICON PLC*   9,362    2,433,558 
Ryanair Holdings PLC - SP ADR*   23,648    2,347,064 
         4,780,622 
Israel—1.8%          
Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.*   20,873    2,809,297 
Japan—6.8%          
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.   44,200    2,503,141 
Panasonic Holdings Corp.   179,400    2,064,905 
Renesas Electronics Corp.*   96,000    1,599,328 
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc.   28,600    1,307,491 
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. - ADR   125,262    1,139,884 
Suzuki Motor Corp.   48,200    1,893,895 
         10,508,644 
Netherlands—1.1%          
Stellantis NV   87,335    1,618,937 
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
Singapore—1.7%          
Genting Singapore Ltd.   1,203,100   $778,405 
United Overseas Bank Ltd.   87,600    1,840,245 
         2,618,650 
South Korea—1.7%          
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.   50,719    2,565,177 
Switzerland—3.7%          
Novartis AG   25,406    2,556,905 
STMicroelectronics NV - ADR#†   38,380    1,813,839 
Swatch Group AG, (The)   4,732    1,328,463 
         5,699,207 
United Kingdom—3.7%          
Andrada Mining Ltd.*   6,611,988    586,325 
Endeavour Mining PLC   48,089    994,736 
Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC   26,131    721,822 
Nomad Foods Ltd.*   95,068    1,743,547 
Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC   23,306    1,681,896 
         5,728,326 
United States—27.6%          
Activision Blizzard, Inc.   16,607    1,527,678 
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.*   15,149    1,601,552 
AGCO Corp.†   8,222    1,064,996 
Alphabet, Inc., Class C*#†   19,494    2,677,501 
Applied Materials, Inc.#†   6,431    982,400 
Booking Holdings, Inc.*#†   1,763    5,474,168 
Centene Corp.*†   21,494    1,325,105 
Chubb Ltd.   11,280    2,265,814 
Cigna Group, (The)#†   6,179    1,707,010 
Expedia Group, Inc.*†   8,186    887,280 
FMC Corp.†   10,640    917,487 
Global Payments, Inc.   13,416    1,699,673 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.†   22,612    3,308,814 
Lennar Corp., Class A#†   6,220    740,740 
Microchip Technology, Inc.   22,489    1,840,500 
Micron Technology, Inc.†   5,682    397,399 
NexTier Oilfield Solutions, Inc.*   151,545    1,607,892 
Oracle Corp.#†   29,236    3,519,722 
US Foods Holding Corp.*†   92,486    3,739,209 
Warner Bros Discovery, Inc.*   97,696    1,283,725 
Wells Fargo & Co.†   38,779    1,601,185 
Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.   20,565    2,449,703 
         42,619,553 
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $94,634,566)
        110,424,965 
           
    PRINCIPAL      
CORPORATE BONDS—0.8%          
Andrada Mining Ltd., 12.00%,
7/20/2026‡
   GBP1,100,000    1,193,794 
TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS
(Cost $1,438,585)
        1,193,794 
           
    NUMBER OF
SHARES
      
WARRANTS—0.0%          
United Kingdom—0.0%          
Andrada Mining Ltd.‡   2,200,000    45,093 
TOTAL WARRANTS
(Cost $28,771)
        45,093 


 

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

 

70  |  Annual Report 2023

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023
BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL LONG/SHORT FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS—29.2%          
BlackRock Liquidity Funds Treasury
Trust Fund Portfolio, 5.22%(a)†
   933,527   $933,527 
Federated Hermes U.S. Treasury
Cash Reserves, 5.19%(a)†
   933,527    933,527 
Goldman Sachs Financial Square
Funds - Treasury
Instruments Fund, 5.17%(a)†
   933,527    933,527 
MSILF Treasury Securities
Portfolio, 5.21%(a)†
   933,527    933,527 
Tri-State Deposit, 5.45%(a)   40,404,077    40,404,077 
U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit
Account, 5.20%(a)
   923,557    923,557 
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(Cost $45,061,742)
        45,061,742 
TOTAL LONG POSITIONS—101.6%
(Cost $141,163,664)
        156,725,594 
   NUMBER OF
CONTRACTS
   NOTIONAL
AMOUNT
   VALUE 
OPTIONS WRITTEN ††—(1.8%)               
Call Options Written—(1.8%)               
Alphabet, Inc.               
Expiration:
01/19/2024,
Exercise Price:
125.00
   (182)   (2,499,770)  $(343,070)
Applied Materials, Inc.               
Expiration:
01/19/2024,
Exercise Price:
130.00
   (60)    (916,560)    (175,260) 
Booking Holdings, Inc.               
Expiration:
01/19/2024,
Exercise Price:
2,650.00
   (15)    (4,657,545)    (849,525) 
Cigna Group, (The)               
Expiration:
01/17/2025,
Exercise Price:
250.00
   (50)    (1,381,300)    (282,750) 
Everest Group Ltd.               
Expiration:
10/20/2023,
Exercise Price:
370.00
   (54)    (1,947,672)    (38,394) 
Lennar Corp.               
Expiration:
01/19/2024,
Exercise Price:
95.00
   (58)    (690,722)    (160,080) 
Oracle Corp.               
Expiration:
01/19/2024,
Exercise Price:
100.00
   (273)    (3,286,647)    (649,740) 
STMicroelectronics NV               
Expiration:
01/19/2024,
Exercise Price:
45.00
   (359)    (1,696,634)    (210,015) 
TOTAL CALL OPTIONS WRITTEN
(Premiums received $(2,197,773))
            (2,708,834) 
TOTAL OPTIONS WRITTEN (Premiums received $(2,197,773))            (2,708,834) 
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF
LIABILITIES—0.2%
         282,768 
NET ASSETS—100.0%            $154,299,528 

 

 
ADR American Depositary Receipt
PLC Public Limited Company
SP ADR Sponsored American Depositary Receipt
* Non-income producing.
(a) The rate shown is as of August 31, 2023.
Security position is either entirely or partially held in a segregated account as collateral for securities sold short.
# Security segregated as collateral for options written.
†† Primary risk exposure is equity contracts.
Security has been valued at fair market value using significant unobservable inputs as determined in good faith by the Adviser, as valuation designee, under the oversight of The RBB Fund, Inc.’s Board of Directors. As of August 31, 2023, these securities amounted to $1,238,887 or 0.8% of net assets.


 

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

 

Annual Report 2023  |  71

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023
BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL LONG/SHORT FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

Contracts For Difference held by the Fund at August 31, 2023, are as follows:

 

REFERENCE
COMPANY
  COUNTERPARTY  EXPIRATION
DATE
  FINANCING
RATE
  PAYMENT
FREQUENCY
  NUMBER OF
CONTRACTS
LONG/
(SHORT)
  NOTIONAL
AMOUNT
  UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION
(DEPRECIATION)
 
Long                                     
Austria                                     
Andritz AG  Morgan Stanley  07/10/2026  3.74 %  Termination    21,557      $1,147,263              $24,182   
Finland                                     
Metso Corp.  Morgan Stanley  07/10/2026  3.74    Termination    60,897       701,609      (13,508)  
France                                     
AXA SA  Morgan Stanley  07/10/2026  3.74    Termination    74,139       2,232,909      177,448   
Kering  Morgan Stanley  07/10/2026  3.74    Termination    884       473,724      16,334   
                           2,706,633      193,782   
Germany                                     
Commerzbank AG  Morgan Stanley  07/10/2026  3.74    Termination    152,267       1,675,876      16,266   
Daimler Truck Holding AG  Morgan Stanley  07/10/2026  3.74    Termination    42,647       1,502,479      11,351   
                           3,178,355      27,617   
Ireland                                     
CRH PLC  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025  5.19    Termination    28,581       1,644,858      216,869   
Japan                                     
Asahi Group Holdings Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  08/07/2026  -0.06    Termination    88,500       3,452,532      124,091   
Resona Holdings, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  08/17/2026  -0.06    Termination    361,700       1,919,935      124,589   
Sony Group Corp.  Goldman Sachs  08/07/2026  -0.06    Termination    26,600       2,220,399      (133,782)  
                           7,592,866      114,898   
Netherlands                                     
Aalberts NV  Morgan Stanley  07/10/2026  3.74    Termination    20,592       857,656      34,769   
ING Groep NV  Morgan Stanley  07/10/2026  3.74    Termination    177,984       2,528,265      158,849   
                           3,385,921      193,618   
Spain                                     
Bankinter SA  Morgan Stanley  07/10/2026  3.74    Termination    41,340       265,197      4,320   
United Kingdom                                     
Adriatic Metals PLC  Goldman Sachs  04/17/2026  5.19    Termination    280,581       664,673      (30,846)  
Andrada Mining Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  06/23/2026  5.19    Termination    91,446       8,109      (584)  
AstraZeneca PLC  Morgan Stanley  01/19/2026  5.19    Termination    11,959       1,615,258      (108,476)  
Beazley PLC  Goldman Sachs  06/08/2026  5.19    Termination    267,671       1,851,409      (106,684)  
BP PLC  Goldman Sachs  06/22/2026  5.19    Termination    402,147       2,483,521      98,517   
CVS Group PLC  Morgan Stanley  01/19/2026  5.19    Termination    50,000       1,342,809      124,813   
Future PLC  Morgan Stanley  01/19/2026  5.19    Termination    51,761       509,158      (414,985)  
Natwest Group PLC  Goldman Sachs  06/12/2026  5.19    Termination    339,184       989,979      (120,785)  
SSE PLC  Goldman Sachs  04/06/2026  5.19    Termination    133,501       2,750,725      (280,315)  
WH Smith PLC  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025  5.19    Termination    132,568       2,463,640      (23,724)  
                           14,679,281      (863,069)  
Total Long                          35,301,983      (101,291)  
Short                                     
Australia                                     
Commonwealth Bank of Australia  Morgan Stanley  06/29/2026  4.07    Termination    (23,906)      $(1,582,756)    $(57,376)  
Fortescue Metals Group Ltd.  Morgan Stanley  06/29/2026  4.07    Termination    (53,975)       (749,473)     (5,455)  
IGO Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  07/21/2026  4.07    Termination    (99,377)       (896,327)     26,586   
Mineral Resources Ltd.  Morgan Stanley  08/21/2026  4.07    Termination    (15,314)       (709,771)     (89,292)  
Mineral Resources Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  08/25/2026  4.07    Termination    (1,710)       (79,255)     (7,739)  
Wesfarmers Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  07/13/2026  4.07    Termination    (14,691)       (512,790)     (60,993)  
Wisetech Global Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  08/28/2026  4.07    Termination    (15,793)       (711,198)     (2,539)  
                           (5,241,570)     (196,808)  
Belgium                                     
Melexis NV  Goldman Sachs  06/29/2026  3.65    Termination    (8,102)       (766,088)     (10,939)  
Brazil                                     
Klabin SA - Unit  Morgan Stanley  01/19/2026  5.33    Termination    (142,300)       (654,596)     (110,516)  

 

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

 

72  |  Annual Report 2023

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023
BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL LONG/SHORT FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

REFERENCE
COMPANY
  COUNTERPARTY  EXPIRATION
DATE
  FINANCING
RATE
  PAYMENT
FREQUENCY
  NUMBER OF
CONTRACTS
LONG/
(SHORT)
  NOTIONAL
AMOUNT
   UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION
(DEPRECIATION)
 
Canada                           
Patriot Battery Metals, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  07/20/2026  5.00  Termination  (38,700)  $(322,214)               $76,895   
Royal Bank of Canada  Goldman Sachs  07/10/2026  5.01  Termination  (8,459)   (762,136)     24,431   
                   (1,084,350)     101,326   
Denmark                             
Ambu A/S, Class B  Goldman Sachs  06/29/2026  3.46  Termination  (14,628)   (177,713)     50,928   
Finland                             
Nokian Renkaat Oyj  Goldman Sachs  06/29/2026  3.65  Termination  (87,932)   (763,366)     19,957   
Valmet Oyj  Goldman Sachs  06/29/2026  3.65  Termination  (24,890)   (634,254)     18,638   
                   (1,397,620)     38,595   
France                             
Sartorius Stedim Biotech  Goldman Sachs  06/29/2026  3.65  Termination  (2,677)   (760,826)     (97,632)  
Germany                             
Symrise AG  Goldman Sachs  06/29/2026  3.65  Termination  (4,504)   (469,638)     (13,158)  
Hong Kong                             
Techtronic Industries Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  06/29/2026  1.69  Termination  (60,500)   (597,876)     61,949   
Japan                             
Aeon Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  06/29/2026  -0.06  Termination  (25,900)   (537,421)   (12,879)  
Aozora Bank Ltd.  Morgan Stanley  06/29/2026  -0.06  Termination  (49,500)   (973,704)   (58,688)  
Aozora Bank Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  08/25/2026  -0.06  Termination  (5,500)   (108,189)   (2,435)  
Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  08/10/2026  -0.06  Termination  (41,600)   (716,231)   (29,128)  
Hirose Electric Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  06/29/2026  -0.06  Termination  (4,100)   (497,512)   29,687   
Lasertec Corp.  Goldman Sachs  06/29/2026  -0.06  Termination  (1,800)   (280,525)   (24,092)  
Minebea Mitsumi, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  08/21/2026  -0.06  Termination  (75,800)   (1,289,686)   (31,308)  
Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  08/24/2026  -0.06  Termination  (34,000)   (924,458)   (2,363)  
Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  06/29/2026  -0.06  Termination  (11,700)   (658,198)   (11,497)  
Musashi Seimitsu Industry Co.  Goldman Sachs  06/29/2026  -0.06  Termination  (70,500)   (840,699)   (5,832)  
Nidec Corp.  Goldman Sachs  06/29/2026  -0.06  Termination  (11,000)   (577,010)   (5,264)  
Nomura Real Estate Master Fund, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  06/29/2026  -0.06  Termination  (752)   (884,341)   (29,180)  
Rakuten Group, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  06/29/2026  -0.06  Termination  (99,700)   (389,426)   (59,674)  
Sharp Corp.  Goldman Sachs  06/29/2026  -0.06  Termination  (84,800)   (522,747)   (56,708)  
Shinko Electric Industries Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  02/24/2026  -0.06  Termination  (16,600)   (681,821)   (180,729)  
Tobu Railway Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  08/24/2026  -0.06  Termination  (19,500)   (535,163)   (18,079)  
Trend Micro, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  08/17/2026  -0.06  Termination  (12,200)   (518,958)     (1,451)  
                   (10,936,089)     (499,620)  
Luxembourg                           
B&M European Value Retail SA  Goldman Sachs  08/03/2026  5.19  Termination  (99,873)   (730,775)   (29,712)  
Eurofins Scientific  Goldman Sachs  08/07/2026  3.65  Termination  (8,213)   (506,205)     14,455   
                   (1,236,980)     (15,257)  
New Zealand                           
Xero Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  06/29/2026  4.07  Termination  (7,953)   (644,658)     (67,555)  
Sweden                             
Avanza Bank Holding AB  Goldman Sachs  06/29/2026  3.71  Termination  (52,681)   (1,020,082)   716   
Fastighets AB Balder, Class B  Goldman Sachs  06/29/2026  3.71  Termination  (202,406)   (970,573)   (252,228)  
Getinge AB, Class B  Goldman Sachs  08/31/2026  3.71  Termination  (31,361)   (545,241)   2,279   
Husqvarna AB, Class B  Goldman Sachs  06/29/2026  3.71  Termination  (99,245)   (856,615)   (4,141)  
Mips AB  Goldman Sachs  07/21/2026  3.71  Termination  (22,614)   (837,142)   163,915   
Nordnet AB  Goldman Sachs  07/10/2026  3.71  Termination  (62,932)   (816,791)   (10,659)  
Sagax AB, Class B  Goldman Sachs  06/29/2026  3.71  Termination  (33,268)   (693,102)   (48,937)  
Telia Co., AB  Goldman Sachs  06/29/2026  3.71  Termination  (339,289)   (685,179)     24,290   
                   (6,424,725)     (124,765)  
Switzerland                           
ABB Ltd.  Morgan Stanley  06/26/2026  1.71  Termination  (16,856)   (642,869)   11,462   
Comet Holding AG  Morgan Stanley  06/26/2026  1.71  Termination  (3,316)   (852,884)   (18,087)  
Idorsia Ltd.  Morgan Stanley  06/26/2026  1.71  Termination  (79,204)   (434,508)   246,035   
Idorsia Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  07/28/2026  1.71  Termination  (34,899)   (191,454)   33,653   
Kardex Holding AG  Morgan Stanley  06/26/2026  1.71  Termination  (2,256)   (519,722)   (35,593)  
Vat Group AG  Morgan Stanley  06/26/2026  1.71  Termination  (1,360)   (545,632)     (1,672)  
                   (3,187,069)     235,798   

 

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

 

Annual Report 2023  |  73

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023
BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL LONG/SHORT FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

REFERENCE
COMPANY
  COUNTERPARTY  EXPIRATION
DATE
  FINANCING
RATE
  PAYMENT
FREQUENCY
  NUMBER OF
CONTRACTS
LONG/
(SHORT)
  NOTIONAL
AMOUNT
   UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION
(DEPRECIATION)
 
Taiwan                           
Acer, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  04/17/2026  5.33  Termination  (556,000)  $(638,990)             $(95,392)  
Advantech Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  12/31/2030  5.33  Termination  (8,000)   (86,415)   (31)  
Advantech Co., Ltd.  Morgan Stanley  01/19/2026  5.33  Termination  (22,199)   (239,789)   7,520   
Advantech Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025  5.33  Termination  (52,489)   (566,976)   (91,243)  
Advantech Co., Ltd.  HSBC  12/22/2025  0.00  Termination  (1,099)   (11,871)   (1,305)  
Formosa Plastics Corp.  Goldman Sachs  05/05/2026  5.33  Termination  (160,000)   (399,416)   77,482   
Nan Ya Plastics Corp.  Morgan Stanley  01/19/2026  5.33  Termination  (138,000)   (286,430)   38,794   
Nan Ya Plastics Corp.  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025  5.33  Termination  (64,000)   (132,837)     10,743   
                   (2,362,724)     (53,432)  
United Kingdom                           
abrdn PLC  Goldman Sachs  02/23/2026  5.19  Termination  (328,036)   (686,083)   147,832   
Antofagasta PLC  Morgan Stanley  01/19/2026  5.19  Termination  (2,280)   (41,823)   8,477   
Antofagasta PLC  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025  5.19  Termination  (45,967)   (843,185)   55,419   
Associated British Foods PLC  Morgan Stanley  01/19/2026  5.19  Termination  (752)   (18,981)   (1,324)  
Associated British Foods PLC  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025  5.19  Termination  (23,223)   (586,172)   (88,993)  
Dunelm Group PLC  Morgan Stanley  01/19/2026  5.19  Termination  (1,523)   (22,457)   (2,489)  
Dunelm Group PLC  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025  5.19  Termination  (57,921)   (854,078)   (62,337)  
Ocado Group PLC  Goldman Sachs  08/03/2026  5.19  Termination  (54,362)   (600,235)   4,734   
Segro PLC  Goldman Sachs  03/24/2026  5.19  Termination  (82,272)   (768,535)     (14,126)  
Severn Trent PLC  Goldman Sachs  08/17/2026  5.19  Termination  (23,519)   (715,053)     (14,895)  
                   (5,136,602)   32,298   
United States                           
Acushnet Holdings Corp.  Goldman Sachs  06/29/2026  5.33  Termination  (8,545)   (500,310)   (54,989)  
Adient PLC  Morgan Stanley  01/19/2026  5.33  Termination  (532)   (20,838)   1,479   
Adient PLC  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025  5.33  Termination  (21,163)   (828,955)   (46,725)  
Affirm Holdings, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  06/29/2026  5.33  Termination  (14,951)   (311,130)   (97,038)  
Ameresco, Inc., Class A  Goldman Sachs  06/29/2026  5.33  Termination  (11,038)   (480,043)   15,239   
Avangrid, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  06/29/2026  5.33  Termination  (13,957)   (481,517)   39,899   
B&G Foods, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  06/29/2026  5.33  Termination  (34,570)   (442,150)   40,327   
B. Riley Financial, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  06/29/2026  5.33  Termination  (13,435)   (687,939)   (46,589)  
B. Riley Financial, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  08/04/2026  5.33  Termination  (2,939)   (150,492)   4,360   
Bank of Hawaii Corp.  Goldman Sachs  07/21/2026  5.33  Termination  (16,491)   (886,226)   8,020   
Blackline, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  06/29/2026  5.33  Termination  (13,217)   (793,813)   (77,789)  
Block, Inc.  HSBC  08/28/2026  5.30  Termination  (12,068)   (695,720)   (24,377)  
Cassava Sciences, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  06/29/2026  5.33  Termination  (16,605)   (348,207)   32,185   
Ceridian HCM Holding, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  06/29/2026  5.33  Termination  (11,308)   (820,056)   (86,539)  
Cincinnati Financial Corp.  HSBC  08/28/2026  5.30  Termination  (7,504)   (793,848)   (13,282)  
Commerce Bancshares, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  06/29/2026  5.33  Termination  (5,310)   (260,668)   (11,585)  
Credit Acceptance Corp.  Goldman Sachs  06/29/2026  5.33  Termination  (2,362)   (1,185,181)   (33,450)  
Doximity, Inc., Class A  Goldman Sachs  06/29/2026  5.33  Termination  (20,040)   (477,754)   86,349   
Entegris, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  06/29/2026  5.33  Termination  (6,375)   (645,596)   17,218   
Etsy, Inc.  HSBC  08/28/2026  5.30  Termination  (6,938)   (510,429)   (13,529)  
Five Below, Inc.  HSBC  09/07/2026  0.00  Termination  (1,841)   (316,578)      
Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc., Class A  Goldman Sachs  07/10/2026  5.33  Termination  (7,941)   (791,718)   10,526   
General Electric Co.  HSBC  08/28/2026  5.30  Termination  (6,960)   (796,642)   (23,803)  
Glacier Bancorp, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  06/29/2026  5.33  Termination  (29,684)   (896,754)   30,608   
Greif, Inc., Class A  Goldman Sachs  06/29/2026  5.33  Termination  (11,626)   (843,931)   (61,528)  
Howard Hughes Holdings, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  08/17/2026  5.33  Termination  (10,445)   (821,499)   (25,953)  
Huntsman Corp.  HSBC  09/07/2026  0.00  Termination  (33,927)   (945,545)      
LGI Homes, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  06/29/2026  5.33  Termination  (9,519)   (1,171,789)   28,568   
Lowe’s Cos., Inc.  HSBC  08/28/2026  5.30  Termination  (2,307)   (531,717)   (17,326)  
Matador Resources Co.  Goldman Sachs  06/29/2026  5.33  Termination  (17,516)   (1,112,266)   (216,687)  
Moderna, Inc.  HSBC  08/28/2026  5.30  Termination  (5,251)   (593,731)   (2,205)  
National Beverage Corp.  Goldman Sachs  06/29/2026  5.33  Termination  (9,925)   (509,252)   (18,657)  
Novanta, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  08/24/2026  5.33  Termination  (400)   (66,792)   (6,465)  
Novanta, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  08/10/2026  5.33  Termination  (3,582)   (598,122)   (53,708)  
Palantir Technologies, Inc., Class A  Goldman Sachs  06/29/2026  5.33  Termination  (28,999)   (434,405)   (27,893)  
Paramount Global, Class B  Goldman Sachs  06/29/2026  5.33  Termination  (32,993)   (497,864)   12,638   

 

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

 

74  |  Annual Report 2023

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023
BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL LONG/SHORT FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

REFERENCE
COMPANY
  COUNTERPARTY  EXPIRATION
DATE
  FINANCING
RATE
  PAYMENT
FREQUENCY
  NUMBER OF
CONTRACTS
LONG/
(SHORT)
  NOTIONAL
AMOUNT
   UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION
(DEPRECIATION)
 
United States—(continued)                           
Portillo’s, Inc., Class A  Morgan Stanley  06/29/2026  5.33  Termination  (12,134)  $(222,538)             $19,408   
Quantumscape Corp.  Goldman Sachs  06/29/2026  5.33  Termination  (15,506)   (110,713)   (7,753)  
Quantumscape Corp.  Morgan Stanley  08/24/2026  5.33  Termination  (1,731)   (12,359)   (635)  
Revance Therapeutics, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  06/29/2026  5.33  Termination  (14,385)   (253,608)   99,101   
RLI Corp.  Goldman Sachs  08/17/2026  5.33  Termination  (4,589)   (603,545)   10,349   
Rumble, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  06/29/2026  5.33  Termination  (20,113)   (168,346)   9,060   
Rumble, Inc.  HSBC  08/28/2026  0.00  Termination  (7,000)   (58,590)   (8,723)  
Rumble, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  08/31/2026  5.33  Termination  (37,588)   (314,612)   (39,304)  
Selective Insurance Group  Goldman Sachs  06/29/2026  5.33  Termination  (3,751)   (372,137)   (9,229)  
Southern Copper Corp.  Goldman Sachs  06/29/2026  5.33  Termination  (14,944)   (1,205,383)   (77,972)  
Summit Materials, Inc., Class A  HSBC  09/07/2026  0.00  Termination  (20,180)   (754,934)      
T Rowe Price Group, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  06/29/2026  5.33  Termination  (7,895)   (886,056)   (40,803)  
Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  08/28/2026  5.33  Termination  (17,198)   (470,537)   132   
Tesla, Inc.  HSBC  08/28/2026  5.30  Termination  (8,147)   (2,102,578)   (228,442)  
Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  06/29/2026  5.33  Termination  (13,252)   (827,455)   (156,112)  
TopBuild Corp.  Goldman Sachs  08/07/2026  5.33  Termination  (2,257)   (654,711)   (14,427)  
Trade Desk, Inc., (The), Class A  Goldman Sachs  08/07/2026  5.33  Termination  (5,091)   (407,433)   21,411   
Trupanion, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  06/29/2026  5.33  Termination  (13,782)   (409,739)   (94,108)  
WD-40 Co.  Goldman Sachs  06/29/2026  5.33  Termination  (2,528)   (543,191)   (67,384)  
West Pharmaceutical Services  HSBC  08/28/2026  5.30  Termination  (1,959)   (797,117)     (29,738)  
                   (33,425,059)     (1,247,870)  
Total Short                  (74,504,183)     (1,916,658)  
Net unrealized gain/(loss) on Contracts For Difference                  $(2,017,949)  

 

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

 

Annual Report 2023  |  75

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023
BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL LONG/SHORT FUND Portfolio Of Investments (concluded)

 

A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments carried at fair value as of August 31, 2023 is as follows (see Notes to Portfolio of Investments):

 

   TOTAL   LEVEL 1   LEVEL 2   LEVEL 3 
Common Stock                    
Bermuda  $3,798,568   $3,798,568   $   $ 
Brazil   2,156,980    2,156,980         
Canada   14,504,750    13,949,143    555,607     
China   1,449,854        1,449,854     
Finland   368,316        368,316     
France   5,875,892        5,875,892     
Germany   1,237,486        1,237,486     
India   2,084,706    2,084,706         
Ireland   4,780,622    4,780,622         
Israel   2,809,297    2,809,297         
Japan   10,508,644    1,139,884    9,368,760     
Netherlands   1,618,937        1,618,937     
Singapore   2,618,650        2,618,650     
South Korea   2,565,177        2,565,177     
Switzerland   5,699,207    1,813,839    3,885,368     
United Kingdom   5,728,326    3,324,608    2,403,718     
United States   42,619,553    42,619,553         
Corporate Bonds   1,193,794            1,193,794 
Warrants   45,093            45,093 
Short-Term Investments   45,061,742    4,657,665    40,404,077     
Contracts For Difference                     
Equity Contracts   2,776,152    2,776,152         
Total Assets  $159,501,746   $85,911,017   $72,351,842   $1,238,887 
                     
    TOTAL    LEVEL 1    LEVEL 2    LEVEL 3 
Options Written                     
Equity Contracts  $(2,708,834)  $(1,206,464)  $(1,502,370)  $ 
Contracts For Difference                    
Equity Contracts   (4,794,101)   (4,794,101)   *    
Total Liabilities  $(7,502,935)  $(6,000,565)  $(1,502,370)  $ 

 

* Value equals 0 as of the end of the reporting period.

 

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

 

76  |  Annual Report 2023

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023
BOSTON PARTNERS EMERGING MARKETS DYNAMIC EQUITY FUND Portfolio Of Investments

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
LONG POSITIONS—95.4%          
COMMON STOCKS—58.7%          
Brazil—1.5%          
Eletromidia SA*   151,278   $494,276 
Porto Seguro SA   46,600    245,796 
Sendas Distribuidora SA   9,500    22,234 
TIM SA   52,800    154,389 
         916,695 
China—14.7%          
3SBio, Inc.   139,000    116,242 
Anhui Heli Co., Ltd., Class A†   128,500    351,545 
BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd., Class A†   3,800,180    2,089,211 
COSCO SHIPPING Holdings Co., Ltd., Class H   750,000    769,114 
Midea Group Co., Ltd., Class A†   119,700    928,030 
Sany Heavy Industry Co., Ltd., Class A†   221,278    470,643 
Tsingtao Brewery Co., Ltd., Class H   134,000    1,114,296 
Weichai Power Co., Ltd., Class A†   983,700    1,589,603 
XCMG Construction Machinery Co., Ltd., Class A†   737,500    612,335 
Yixintang Pharmaceutical Group Co Ltd., Class A   13,000    40,485 
Yixintang Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Class A†   158,200    492,673 
YTO Express Group Co., Ltd., Class A†   59,300    122,917 
Zhuzhou Kibing Group Co., Ltd., Class A†   348,600    417,119 
         9,114,213 
Cyprus—0.0%          
Fix Price Group PLC - GDR*‡   21,704    0 
Greece—1.2%          
Hellenic Telecommunications Organization SA   12,744    190,450 
JUMBO SA   18,008    556,910 
         747,360 
Hong Kong—0.6%          
Orient Overseas International Ltd.   28,000    375,516 
Hungary—0.2%          
Richter Gedeon Nyrt   4,866    122,121 
India—10.7%          
Apollo Tyres Ltd.   205,132    961,752 
Bajaj Auto Ltd.   11,436    636,797 
Bank of Baroda   679,558    1,534,500 
Gravita India Ltd.*   22,952    216,646 
Indian Hotels Co., Ltd.   125,754    638,787 
ITC Ltd.   29,715    157,738 
Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.   49,641    943,857 
PB Fintech Ltd.*   47,267    441,806 
Phoenix Mills Ltd., (The)   6,379    138,597 
Power Grid Corp. of India Ltd.   118,599    350,052 
Zydus Lifesciences Ltd.   82,530    623,268 
         6,643,800 
Indonesia—2.8%          
Bank Central Asia Tbk PT   330,900    199,204 
Bank Mandiri Persero Tbk PT   3,507,200    1,386,880 
Bank Negara Indonesia Persero Tbk PT   259,100    156,031 
         1,742,115 
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
Israel—0.7%          
Mizrahi Tefahot Bank Ltd.   14,078   $462,890 
Mexico—2.0%          
Arca Continental SAB de CV   20,900    204,091 
Grupo Financiero Banorte SAB de CV, Class O   124,500    1,056,795 
         1,260,886 
Singapore—2.5%          
DBS Group Holdings Ltd.   5,100    125,530 
Singapore Airlines Ltd.   117,100    595,001 
United Overseas Bank Ltd.   38,200    802,481 
         1,523,012 
South Africa—0.4%          
Life Healthcare Group Holdings Ltd.   94,465    107,396 
Thungela Resources Ltd.   13,654    108,451 
         215,847 
South Korea—11.2%          
Classys, Inc.   8,327    243,771 
Daewoo Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd.*   62,264    216,396 
Hana Financial Group, Inc.   10,958    327,454 
Hankook Tire & Technology Co., Ltd.   57,280    1,676,652 
Hanon Systems   45,408    312,642 
Hanwha Systems Co., Ltd.   37,971    385,272 
HD Hyundai Infracore Co., Ltd.   39,622    314,914 
HK inno N Corp.   6,306    176,316 
HL Mando Co., Ltd.   14,252    451,178 
Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd.   16,672    447,176 
Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.   2,132    372,215 
JYP Entertainment Corp.   2,088    177,083 
LIG Nex1 Co., Ltd.   3,680    235,677 
SK Hynix, Inc.   17,108    1,573,084 
         6,909,830 
Taiwan—5.6%          
Accton Technology Corp.   121,000    1,804,635 
Evergreen Marine Corp. Taiwan Ltd.   147,000    490,911 
Innolux Corp.   988,000    447,545 
Nanya Technology Corp.   136,000    283,379 
Yang Ming Marine Transport Corp.   308,000    407,959 
         3,434,429 
Thailand—1.9%          
AP Thailand PCL - NVDR   372,900    135,188 
Bangkok Bank PCL   140,200    678,265 
Bumrungrad Hospital PCL   35,000    258,871 
Supalai PCL - NVDR   208,500    129,147 
         1,201,471 
United Arab Emirates—0.7%          
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank PJSC   145,148    411,773 
United States—2.0%          
Samsonite International SA*   369,600    1,237,262 
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $33,010,825)
        36,319,220 
PREFERRED STOCKS—1.2%          
South Korea—1.2%          
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. 2.661%   17,491    713,982 
TOTAL PREFERRED STOCKS
(Cost $384,453)
        713,982 


 

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

 

Annual Report 2023  |  77

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023
BOSTON PARTNERS EMERGING MARKETS DYNAMIC EQUITY FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS—35.5%          
BlackRock Liquidity Funds Treasury Trust Fund Portfolio, 5.22%(a)†   3,758,537   $3,758,537 
Federated Hermes U.S. Treasury Cash Reserves, 5.19%(a)†   3,758,537    3,758,537 
Goldman Sachs Financial Square Funds - Treasury Instruments Fund, 5.17%(a)†   3,758,537    3,758,537 
MSILF Treasury Securities Portfolio, 5.21%(a)†   3,758,537    3,758,537 
Tri-State Deposit, 5.45%(a)   6,060,419    6,060,419 
U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 5.20%(a)   851,401    851,401 
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(Cost $21,945,968)
        21,945,968 
TOTAL LONG POSITIONS—95.4%
(Cost $55,341,246)
        58,979,170 
           
SECURITIES SOLD SHORT—(0.5%)          
COMMON STOCKS—(0.5%)          
Hong Kong—(0.4%)          
SITC International Holdings Co., Ltd.   (118,000)   (220,083)
United Kingdom—(0.1%)          
Antofagasta PLC   (4,203)   (76,974)
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Proceeds $(292,182))
        (297,057)
TOTAL SECURITIES SOLD SHORT—(0.5%)
(Proceeds $(292,182))
        (297,057)
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES—5.1%        3,142,615 
NET ASSETS—100.0%       $61,824,728 

 

 
GDR Global Depositary Receipt
PLC Public Limited Company
NVDR Non-voting Depository Receipt
* Non-income producing.
Security position is either entirely or partially held in a segregated account as collateral for securities sold short.
(a) The rate shown is as of August 31, 2023.
Security has been valued at fair market value using significant unobservable inputs as determined in good faith by the Adviser, as valuation designee, under the oversight of The RBB Fund, Inc.’s Board of Directors. As of August 31, 2023, these securities amounted to $0 or 0.0% of net assets.


 

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

 

78  |  Annual Report 2023

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023
BOSTON PARTNERS EMERGING MARKETS DYNAMIC EQUITY FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

Contracts For Difference held by the Fund at August 31, 2023, are as follows:

 

REFERENCE
COMPANY
  COUNTERPARTY  EXPIRATION
DATE
  FINANCING
RATE
  PAYMENT
FREQUENCY
  NUMBER OF
CONTRACTS
LONG/
(SHORT)
  NOTIONAL
AMOUNT
  UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION
(DEPRECIATION)
Long                                  
Austria                               
Erste Group Bank AG  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   3.65%  Termination   14,939   $534,085     $35,513 
Brazil                               
Banco do Brasil SA  Morgan Stanley  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   308,600    2,954,478      772,901 
Cielo SA  Morgan Stanley  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   115,100    86,928      (11,208)
Itau Unibanco Holding SA - SP ADR  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   14,564    80,102      13,821 
Sendas Distribuidora SA  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   40,300    94,320      (60,607)
TIM SA - ADR  Goldman Sachs  08/24/2026   5.33   Termination   12,543    183,880      (3,410)
                       3,399,708      711,497 
Cayman Islands                               
StoneCo Ltd., Class A  Goldman Sachs  08/28/2026   5.33   Termination   51,690    633,719      17,788 
Chile                               
Banco Santander Chile - SP ADR  Morgan Stanley  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   3,928    75,143      14,849 
China                               
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   4.91   Termination   15,700    180,576      (5,143)
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. - SP ADR  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   6,514    605,151      (3,606)
DaShenLin Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Class A  Goldman Sachs  05/29/2026   5.33   Termination   156,140    569,499      (47,012)
JD.com, Inc. - SP ADR  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   8,231    273,352      (211,485)
JD.com, Inc., Class A  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   4.91   Termination   1,054    17,311      (12,851)
Proya Cosmetics Co., Ltd., Class A  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   59,960    919,115      (28,732)
Proya Cosmetics Co., Ltd., Class A  Goldman Sachs  07/31/2026   5.33   Termination   4,900    75,111      (593)
Tencent Holdings Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  12/31/2025   4.91   Termination   400    16,577      (1,948)
Tencent Holdings Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   4.91   Termination   11,700    484,867      39,938 
Trip.com Group Ltd. - ADR  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   27,433    1,078,391      91,069 
Vipshop Holdings Ltd. - ADR  Goldman Sachs  06/26/2026   5.33   Termination   40,938    646,411      (40,963)
                       4,866,361      (221,326)
Israel                               
InMode Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   24,067    940,779      53,784 
Mizrahi Tefahot Bank Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  12/12/2025   4.77   Termination   18,587    611,902      6,948 
Monday.com Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  03/17/2026   5.33   Termination   4,055    719,519      143,364 
Wix.com Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  05/18/2026   5.33   Termination   6,799    671,537      117,182 
                       2,943,737      321,278 
Japan                               
Suzuki Motor Corp.  Goldman Sachs  08/24/2026   -0.06   Termination   13,100    516,365      40,998 
Mexico                               
Arca Continental SAB de CV  Goldman Sachs  03/02/2026   5.33   Termination   16,600    162,101      21,428 
Cemex SAB de CV - SP ADR  Morgan Stanley  08/31/2026   5.33   Termination   19,374    154,411      (3,086)
Coca-Cola Femsa SAB de CV - SP ADR  Goldman Sachs  02/09/2026   5.33   Termination   2,193    185,835      22,923 
Gruma SAB de CV, Class B  Morgan Stanley  08/17/2026   5.33   Termination   12,665    210,671      (8,351)
Grupo Comercial Chedraui SA de CV  Morgan Stanley  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   84,500    473,632      114,624 
Orbia Advance Corp., SAB de CV  Goldman Sachs  06/08/2026   5.33   Termination   217,300    483,654      5,357 
                       1,670,304      152,895 
Peru                               
Credicorp Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  03/03/2026   5.33   Termination   889    125,731      9,723 
Portugal                               
Jeronimo Martins SGPS SA  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   3.65   Termination   72,837    1,856,052      205,238 
Russia                               
Detsky Mir PJSC  Goldman Sachs  09/18/2025   5.33   Monthly   316,240          (469,314)
Headhunter Group PLC - ADR  Morgan Stanley  09/26/2023   5.33   Monthly   7,725          (116,107)
Magnit PJSC - SP GDR  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   5.33   Monthly   37,249          (462)
Sberbank PJSC - SP ADR  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   5.33   Monthly   23,338          (1,057)
                             (586,940)

 

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

 

Annual Report 2023  |  79

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023
BOSTON PARTNERS EMERGING MARKETS DYNAMIC EQUITY FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

REFERENCE
COMPANY
  COUNTERPARTY  EXPIRATION
DATE
  FINANCING
RATE
  PAYMENT
FREQUENCY
  NUMBER OF
CONTRACTS
LONG/
(SHORT)
  NOTIONAL
AMOUNT
  UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION
(DEPRECIATION)
Singapore                                    
DBS Group Holdings Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   3.82   Termination   15,151   $373,324     $(6,094)
Singapore Airlines Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  04/24/2026   3.82   Termination   131,900    670,504      55,132 
                       1,043,828      49,038 
South Africa                               
Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Ltd.  Morgan Stanley  12/09/2025   8.20   Termination   91,103    830,709      80,290 
Thungela Resources Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  08/24/2026   5.19   Termination   9,118    71,984      8,852 
                       902,693      89,142 
South Korea                               
Doosan Bobcat, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  07/03/2026   5.33   Termination   15,203    618,817      (55,397)
HD Hyundai Infracore Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  07/13/2026   5.33   Termination   75,535    601,766      (80,617)
Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  08/18/2026   5.33   Termination   6,969    187,176      3,646 
Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   6,078    1,062,242      49,356 
Hyundai Steel Co.  Goldman Sachs  08/31/2026   5.33   Termination   12,082    330,901      12,639 
Hyundai Wia Corp.  Goldman Sachs  08/03/2026   5.33   Termination   6,424    279,949      (33,880)
Orion Corp.  Goldman Sachs  02/02/2026   5.33   Termination   2,140    197,202      (15,963)
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. - GDR  Goldman Sachs  03/30/2026   5.33   Termination   1,208    1,525,704      55,981 
SK Hynix, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   5,402    497,797      148,366 
                       5,301,554      84,131 
Taiwan                               
AUO Corp.  Morgan Stanley  08/17/2026   5.33   Termination   551,000    307,971      (12,278)
Elan Microelectronics Corp.  Goldman Sachs  07/13/2026   5.33   Termination   49,000    184,636      14,610 
Hiwin Technologies Corp.  Goldman Sachs  07/13/2026   5.33   Termination   74,000    476,347      (30,466)
Innolux Corp.  Goldman Sachs  08/17/2026   5.33   Termination   963,300    437,087      (37,682)
Nanya Technology Corp.  Goldman Sachs  08/17/2026   5.33   Termination   312,000    652,480      (14,216)
                       2,058,521      (80,032)
United Kingdom                               
Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC  Goldman Sachs  07/14/2026   5.19   Termination   23,113    640,930      104,104 
Wizz Air Holdings PLC  Morgan Stanley  06/01/2026   5.19   Termination   20,406    582,408      (149,647)
                       1,223,338      (45,543)
United States                               
Micron Technology, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  05/18/2026   5.33   Termination   9,727    680,306      55,242 
Uruguay                               
Arcos Dorados Holdings, Inc., Class A  Goldman Sachs  03/17/2026   5.33   Termination   61,246    604,498      110,333 
Total Long                      28,435,943      963,824 
Short                               
Australia                               
Allkem Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  04/17/2026   4.07   Termination   (53,477)   (486,492)     (93,854)
IGO Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  04/17/2026   4.07   Termination   (47,853)   (431,608)     (37,794)
                       (918,100)     (131,648)
Brazil                               
B3 SA - Brasil Bolsa Balcao  Bank of America  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (42,800)   (111,925)     (12,310)
Banco Santander Brasil  JPMorgan  07/24/2026   1.06   Termination   (50,800)   (280,361)     32,425 
Hapvida Participacoes e Investimentos SA  Morgan Stanley  05/18/2026   5.33   Termination   (135,191)   (116,844)     (28,259)
Klabin SA - Unit  Morgan Stanley  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (14,600)   (67,162)     (10,686)
Localiza Rent a Car SA  JPMorgan  05/18/2026   5.03   Termination   (39,600)   (506,350)     (4,015)
Natura & Co. Holding SA  Morgan Stanley  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (40,000)   (123,101)     (28,253)
Natura & Co. Holding SA - SP ADR  Morgan Stanley  04/06/2026   5.33   Termination   (18,207)   (110,699)     (14,302)
Pagseguro Digital Ltd., Class A  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (6,894)   (61,908)     1,724 
Petro Rio SA  JPMorgan  05/25/2026   5.19   Termination   (40,400)   (380,745)     (80,715)
Sigma Lithium Corp.  Goldman Sachs  04/14/2026   5.33   Termination   (7,700)   (235,928)     53,574 
Suzano SA - SP ADR  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (5,780)   (58,494)     (1,821)
Vamos Locacao de Caminhoes Maquinas E Equipamentos SA  Bank of America  08/25/2026   5.33   Termination   (124,323)   (295,490)     18,869 
WEG SA  JPMorgan  05/25/2026   5.17   Termination   (63,100)   (456,043)     30,318 
                       (2,805,050)     (43,451)

 

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

 

80  |  Annual Report 2023

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023
BOSTON PARTNERS EMERGING MARKETS DYNAMIC EQUITY FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

REFERENCE
COMPANY
  COUNTERPARTY  EXPIRATION
DATE
  FINANCING
RATE
  PAYMENT
FREQUENCY
  NUMBER OF
CONTRACTS
LONG/
(SHORT)
  NOTIONAL
AMOUNT
  UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION
(DEPRECIATION)
Chile                                    
Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA - SP ADR  Goldman Sachs  03/31/2026   5.33   Termination   (6,994)  $(437,754)    $123,284 
China                               
China Coal Energy Co., Class H  Goldman Sachs  07/28/2026   1.69   Termination   (425,000)   (289,932)     22,236 
China National Building Material Co., Ltd., Class H  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   1.69   Termination   (594,000)   (302,213)     177,613 
China Resources Microelectronics Ltd., Class A  Morgan Stanley  12/29/2025   5.33   Termination   (7,100)   (57,003)     (1,376)
China Resources Microelectronics Ltd., Class A  Goldman Sachs  07/21/2026   5.33   Termination   (43,172)   (346,610)     (19,780)
China Shenhua Energy Co., Class H  Goldman Sachs  07/28/2026   1.69   Termination   (159,000)   (463,273)     10,670 
Ganfeng Lithium Group Co., Ltd.  HSBC  04/20/2026   4.76   Termination   (71,000)   (339,503)     125,904 
Hangzhou Silan Microelectronics Co., Ltd., Class A  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (84,400)   (293,482)     99,338 
Hangzhou Silan Microelectronics Co., Ltd., Class A  HSBC  12/05/2025   5.30   Termination   (18,512)   (64,371)     32,080 
Hua Hong Semiconductor Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   1.69   Termination   (149,000)   (389,488)     120,646 
Hua Hong Semiconductor Ltd.  HSBC  08/07/2026   4.76   Termination   (17,000)   (44,438)     9,877 
Maxscend Microelectronics Co., Ltd., Class A  HSBC  08/10/2026   5.30   Termination   (2,200)   (37,450)     (222)
Maxscend Microelectronics Co., Ltd., Class A  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (13,000)   (221,297)     (4,978)
Pingdingshan Tianan Coal Mining Co., Ltd., Class A  Morgan Stanley  07/31/2026   5.33   Termination   (182,467)   (213,999)     (13,384)
Shaanxi Coal Industry Co., Ltd., Class A  Morgan Stanley  07/31/2026   5.33   Termination   (68,700)   (156,809)     2,421 
Skshu Paint Co., Ltd., Class A  HSBC  12/05/2025   5.30   Termination   (4,620)   (47,739)     8,846 
Tianqi Lithium Corp., Class H  Morgan Stanley  04/24/2026   1.90   Termination   (40,400)   (221,515)     71,314 
Tongwei Co., Ltd., Class A  HSBC  05/19/2026   5.30   Termination   (53,700)   (236,303)     63,587 
Tongwei Co., Ltd., Class A  Morgan Stanley  07/20/2026   5.33   Termination   (41,400)   (182,178)     17,458 
Vanchip (Tianjin) Technology Co., Ltd., Class A  Morgan Stanley  02/23/2026   5.33   Termination   (1,782)   (18,040)     (5,288)
Will Semiconductor Co., Ltd., Shanghai, Class A  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (9,335)   (117,830)     (7,648)
Yankuang Energy Group Co., Ltd., Class H  HSBC  04/13/2026   4.76   Termination   (186,000)   (292,198)     12,280 
Yankuang Energy Group Co., Ltd., Class H  Morgan Stanley  04/06/2026   1.90   Termination   (162,000)   (254,495)     115,689 
                       (4,590,166)     837,283 
Hong Kong                               
China Taiping Insurance Holdings Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   1.69   Termination   (99,400)   (104,694)     9,551 
GCL Technology Holdings Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  05/11/2026   1.69   Termination   (2,234,000)   (387,414)     125,062 
GCL Technology Holdings Ltd.  HSBC  08/07/2026   4.76   Termination   (252,000)   (43,701)     7,605 
Nine Dragons Paper Holdings Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   1.69   Termination   (575,000)   (318,942)     143,501 
Techtronic Industries Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   1.69   Termination   (23,500)   (232,233)     67,422 
                       (1,086,984)     353,141 
India                               
Infosys Ltd. - SP ADR  Goldman Sachs  07/14/2026   5.33   Termination   (26,285)   (456,570)     (28,690)
Wipro Ltd. - ADR  Goldman Sachs  07/14/2026   5.33   Termination   (87,140)   (426,115)     (10,974)
                       (882,685)     (39,664)
Indonesia                               
Unilever Indonesia Tbk PT  JPMorgan  04/13/2026   1.31   Termination   (857,400)   (206,609)     35,266 
Unilever Indonesia Tbk PT  Bank of America  08/31/2026   0.00   Termination   (378,800)   (91,280)     1,803 
Unilever Indonesia Tbk PT  HSBC  12/02/2025   5.30   Termination   (954,700)   (230,056)     35,993 
                       (527,945)     73,062 
Israel                               
Camtek Ltd.  Morgan Stanley  02/16/2026   5.33   Termination   (10,001)   (603,060)     (341,901)
Camtek Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (4,356)   (262,667)     (158,036)
Nova Ltd.  Morgan Stanley  02/16/2026   5.33   Termination   (3,266)   (421,118)     (124,982)
Nova Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (1,585)   (204,370)     (66,919)
                       (1,491,215)     (691,838)

 

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

 

Annual Report 2023  |  81

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023
BOSTON PARTNERS EMERGING MARKETS DYNAMIC EQUITY FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

REFERENCE
COMPANY
  COUNTERPARTY  EXPIRATION
DATE
  FINANCING
RATE
  PAYMENT
FREQUENCY
  NUMBER OF
CONTRACTS
LONG/
(SHORT)
  NOTIONAL
AMOUNT
  UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION
(DEPRECIATION)
Japan                                    
Ibiden Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  02/23/2026   -0.06   Termination   (6,200)  $(374,655)    $(177,894)
Lasertec Corp.  HSBC  08/07/2026   -0.06   Termination   (700)   (109,093)     (6,701)
Lasertec Corp.  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   -0.06   Termination   (3,600)   (561,050)     106,148 
Shinko Electric Industries Co., Ltd.  Morgan Stanley  02/16/2026   -0.06   Termination   (10,100)   (414,843)     (150,488)
Shinko Electric Industries Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  04/14/2026   -0.06   Termination   (1,600)   (65,718)     (20,983)
Tokyo Electron Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  05/11/2026   -0.06   Termination   (1,300)   (192,773)     (52,896)
                       (1,718,132)     (302,814)
Luxembourg                               
Globant SA  Goldman Sachs  07/14/2026   5.33   Termination   (1,847)   (377,656)     (37,996)
Mexico                               
Grupo Mexico SAB de CV, Class B  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (38,600)   (184,505)     (30,761)
Russia                               
Ozon Holdings PLC - ADR  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   5.33   Monthly   (27,082)         314,151 
VK Co., Ltd.  Morgan Stanley  09/23/2026   5.33   Monthly   (77,484)         140,169 
                             454,320 
Saudi Arabia                               
Al Rajhi Bank  Goldman Sachs  07/27/2026   5.33   Termination   (16,656)   (320,628)     (5,214)
Saudi Arabian Oil Co.  Goldman Sachs  04/27/2026   5.33   Termination   (34,817)   (323,974)     (25,433)
                       (644,602)     (30,647)
South Africa                               
Capitec Bank Holdings Ltd.  HSBC  08/10/2026   8.06   Termination   (597)   (50,096)     3,541 
Capitec Bank Holdings Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   8.06   Termination   (5,435)   (456,068)     70,968 
Clicks Group Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  07/27/2026   8.06   Termination   (11,006)   (159,393)     (8,252)
Sappi Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   8.06   Termination   (53,777)   (114,217)     25,594 
Sappi Ltd.  Bank of America  09/07/2026   0.00   Termination   (89,921)   (190,914)      
Shoprite Holdings Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  07/27/2026   8.06   Termination   (23,631)   (330,133)     (28,448)
                       (1,300,821)     63,403 
South Korea                               
Amorepacific Corp.  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (4,099)   (415,250)     (32,663)
Chunbo Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  12/12/2025   5.33   Termination   (657)   (74,858)     42,855 
Chunbo Co., Ltd.  Morgan Stanley  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (1,824)   (207,826)     116,480 
Chunbo Co., Ltd.  JPMorgan  08/07/2026   -2.94   Termination   (437)   (49,792)     10,501 
EcoPro BM Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  05/04/2026   5.33   Termination   (963)   (236,424)     (52,794)
Hansol Chemical Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  12/12/2025   5.33   Termination   (962)   (117,543)     28,726 
Hansol Chemical Co., Ltd.  JPMorgan  08/07/2026   4.31   Termination   (425)   (51,929)     12,375 
Hansol Chemical Co., Ltd.  Morgan Stanley  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (1,637)   (200,019)     53,803 
Hyundai Motor Co.  Goldman Sachs  04/14/2026   5.33   Termination   (9)   (1,288)     32 
Hyundai Motor Co.  Morgan Stanley  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (1,052)   (150,507)     (19,297)
KakaoBank Corp.  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (4,670)   (93,100)     5,889 
Kia Corp.  Morgan Stanley  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (1,632)   (99,025)     (18,471)
Leeno Industrial, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (3,269)   (415,751)     5,608 
Leeno Industrial, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  08/07/2026   5.33   Termination   (586)   (74,527)     (1,478)
LG H&H Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (746)   (262,165)     73,246 
Naver Corp.  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (1,097)   (178,026)     (15,511)
Netmarble Corp.  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (6,471)   (209,784)     44,866 
SK Biopharmaceuticals Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (1,060)   (68,729)     (9,195)
SK Bioscience Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  02/13/2026   5.33   Termination   (2,328)   (129,280)     8,548 
TSE Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (12,024)   (383,440)     (627)
                       (3,419,263)     252,893 
Taiwan                               
Acer, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (535,000)   (614,856)     (205,419)
ASMedia Technology, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (17,000)   (524,736)     (112,873)
ASMedia Technology, Inc.  JPMorgan  08/10/2026   -4.94   Termination   (2,000)   (61,734)     (1,840)
Compal Electronics, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (457,000)   (457,768)     (129,817)
Dyaco International, Inc.  HSBC  12/02/2025   5.30   Termination   (83,393)   (84,319)     20,763 
Faraday Technology Corp.  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (52,000)   (563,327)     (259,334)
Formosa Plastics Corp.  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (60,000)   (149,781)     23,106 
Kinsus Interconnect Technology Corp.  Morgan Stanley  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (142,000)   (472,642)     150,663 
Mediatek, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (23,000)   (509,161)     49,069 
Micro-Star International Co., Ltd.  Morgan Stanley  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (80,000)   (400,672)     (83,455)
Nan Ya Printed Circuit Board Corp.  JPMorgan  08/10/2026   -2.69   Termination   (13,000)   (98,582)     3,162 

 

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

 

82  |  Annual Report 2023

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023
BOSTON PARTNERS EMERGING MARKETS DYNAMIC EQUITY FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

REFERENCE
COMPANY
  COUNTERPARTY  EXPIRATION
DATE
  FINANCING
RATE
  PAYMENT
FREQUENCY
  NUMBER OF
CONTRACTS
LONG/
(SHORT)
  NOTIONAL
AMOUNT
  UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION
(DEPRECIATION)
Taiwan—(continued)                                    
Nan Ya Printed Circuit Board Corp.  Morgan Stanley  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (72,000)  $(545,994)    $169,506 
Nuvoton Technology Corp.  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (143,000)   (554,551)     31,559 
Pan Jit International, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  08/10/2026   5.33   Termination   (49,000)   (98,780)     10,202 
Pan Jit International, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (281,000)   (566,474)     15,858 
Parade Technologies Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (20,000)   (563,955)     (16,136)
Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp.  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (363,000)   (317,446)     101,611 
Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp.  JPMorgan  08/10/2026   4.31   Termination   (68,000)   (59,466)     3,533 
SDI Corporation  Morgan Stanley  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (122,000)   (385,003)     30,825 
Silergy Corp.  JPMorgan  08/10/2026   1.31   Termination   (9,000)   (81,108)     6,079 
Silergy Corp.  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (32,000)   (288,383)     309,620 
TSRC Corp.  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (382,000)   (282,483)     61,889 
Unimicron Technology Corp.  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (115,000)   (669,854)     (42,883)
UPI Semiconductor Corp.  Morgan Stanley  08/10/2026   5.33   Termination   (7,000)   (48,906)     3,127 
UPI Semiconductor Corp.  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (55,000)   (384,265)     177,512 
Yageo Corp.  Goldman Sachs  04/14/2026   5.33   Termination   (1,000)   (15,229)     1,983 
Yageo Corp.  Morgan Stanley  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (21,306)   (324,476)     13,989 
                       (9,123,951)     332,299 
Thailand                               
Com7 PCL - NVDR  Morgan Stanley  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (178,200)   (164,117)     2,437 
Kerry Express Thailand - NVDR  Goldman Sachs  08/07/2026   5.33   Termination   (268,900)   (64,120)     7,168 
Kerry Express Thailand - NVDR  Morgan Stanley  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (1,099,000)   (262,059)     81,795 
Muangthai Capital PCL - NVDR  JPMorgan  08/07/2026   -9.69   Termination   (22,700)   (26,416)     (3,518)
Muangthai Capital PCL - NVDR  Goldman Sachs  08/24/2026   5.33   Termination   (48,000)   (55,858)     (917)
Muangthai Capital PCL - NVDR  Morgan Stanley  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (350,200)   (407,529)     3,704 
PTT Exploration & Production PCL - NVDR  Morgan Stanley  04/06/2026   5.33   Termination   (37,500)   (169,737)     (3,359)
PTT Exploration & Production PCL - NVDR  Goldman Sachs  05/11/2026   5.33   Termination   (32,900)   (148,916)     (5,532)
PTT PCL - NVDR  Goldman Sachs  04/06/2026   5.33   Termination   (181,700)   (180,312)     (13,897)
Siam Cement PCL, (The) - NVDR  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (22,800)   (203,795)     9,456 
                       (1,682,859)     77,337 
United Kingdom                               
Antofagasta PLC  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   5.19   Termination   (3,483)   (63,890)     (82)
United States                               
Albemarle Corp.  Goldman Sachs  04/14/2026   5.33   Termination   (2,443)   (485,449)     (3,299)
Alpha & Omega Semiconductor Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (14,807)   (467,161)     22,594 
Diodes, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  05/22/2026   5.33   Termination   (3,565)   (291,795)     41,100 
Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (5,209)   (207,891)     (5,469)
Hess Corp.  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (2,626)   (405,717)     (38,889)
Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  02/16/2026   5.33   Termination   (1,414)   (736,991)     (33,373)
Mosaic Co., (The)  Goldman Sachs  02/23/2026   5.33   Termination   (12,998)   (504,972)     72,932 
Southern Copper Corp.  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (1,767)   (142,526)     (35,256)
Synaptics, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  12/08/2025   5.33   Termination   (6,475)   (566,822)     84,197 
                       (3,809,324)     104,537 
Total Short                      (35,064,902)     1,362,658 
Net unrealized gain/(loss) on Contracts For Difference                      $2,326,482 

 

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

 

Annual Report 2023  |  83

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023
BOSTON PARTNERS EMERGING MARKETS DYNAMIC EQUITY FUND Portfolio Of Investments (concluded)

 

A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments carried at fair value as of August 31, 2023 is as follows (see Notes to Portfolio of Investments):

 

   TOTAL   LEVEL 1   LEVEL 2   LEVEL 3 
Common Stock                    
Brazil  $916,695   $916,695   $   $ 
China   9,114,213        9,114,213     
Cyprus               *
Greece   747,360    556,910    190,450     
Hong Kong   375,516        375,516     
Hungary   122,121    122,121         
India   6,643,800        6,643,800     
Indonesia   1,742,115        1,742,115     
Israel   462,890        462,890     
Mexico   1,260,886    1,260,886         
Singapore   1,523,012        1,523,012     
South Africa   215,847    215,847         
South Korea   6,909,830        6,909,830     
Taiwan   3,434,429    447,545    2,986,884     
Thailand   1,201,471    258,871    942,600     
United Arab Emirates   411,773    411,773         
United States   1,237,262        1,237,262     
Preferred Stock                     
South Korea   713,982        713,982     
Short-Term Investments   21,945,968    15,885,549    6,060,419     
Contracts For Difference                     
Equity Contracts   6,575,294    6,120,974        454,320 
Total Assets  $65,554,464   $26,197,171   $38,902,973   $454,320 
                     
   TOTAL   LEVEL 1   LEVEL 2   LEVEL 3 
Securities Sold Short                     
Hong Kong  $(220,083)  $   $(220,083)  $ 
United Kingdom   (76,974)       (76,974)    
Contracts For Difference                     
Equity Contracts   (4,248,812)   (3,661,872)   *   (586,940)
Total Liabilities  $(4,545,869)  $(3,661,872)  $(297,057)  $(586,940)

 

* Value equals zero as of the end of the reporting period.

 

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

 

84  |  Annual Report 2023

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES  

 

       Boston
Partners
All-Cap
Value Fund
   Boston
Partners
Small Cap
Value Fund II
   WPG Partners
Select Small Cap
Value Fund
   WPG Partners
Small Cap Value
Diversified Fund
 
ASSETS                    
Investments in securities, at value †^  $1,353,935,246   $599,000,450   $100,597,241   $28,335,528 
Investments purchased with proceeds from securities lending collateral, at value *   75,334,610    82,843,864        6,819,559 
Short-term investments, at value **   40,520,818    111    6,743,713    1,058,513 
Foreign currencies, at value #               24,055 
Receivables                    
Investments sold       35,795,459         
Foreign currency deposits with brokers for securities sold short #                
Deposits with brokers for contracts for difference                
Deposits with brokers for securities sold short                
Capital shares sold   579,959    266,969    91,650     
Dividends and interest   2,518,653    661,977    115,411    45,448 
Unrealized appreciation on contracts for difference ◊                
Prepaid expenses and other assets   61,296    44,688    339    11,868 
Total assets   1,472,950,582    718,613,518    107,548,354    36,294,971 
LIABILITIES                    
Securities sold short, at fair value ‡                
Options written, at value +◊   3,033,954             
Due to custodian                
Payables                    
Securities lending collateral   75,334,610    82,843,864        6,819,559 
Investments purchased       3,157,847        147,844 
Capital shares redeemed   404,182    26,914,427    76,774     
Due to prime broker                
Investment advisory fees   894,092    513,985    75,187    15,659 
Custodian fees   5,362    3,901    11,104    1,854 
Distribution and service fees   46,411    79,798         
Dividends on securities sold short                
Administration and accounting fees   82,553    43,362    4,126    6,274 
Transfer agent fees   72,429    81,746    11,371    4,568 
Loans Payable       10,212,000         
Unrealized depreciation on contracts for difference ◊                
Other accrued expenses and liabilities   48,223    89,055    40,426    35,798 
Total liabilities   79,921,816    123,939,985    218,988    7,031,556 
Net Assets  $1,393,028,766   $594,673,533   $107,329,366   $29,263,415 
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:                    
Par value  $43,918   $21,810   $9,083   $1,555 
Paid-in Capital   753,944,815    412,618,695    86,625,332    23,833,898 
Total Distributable earnings/(loss)   639,040,033    182,033,028    20,694,951    5,427,962 
Net Assets  $1,393,028,766   $594,673,533   $107,329,366   $29,263,415 
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS                    
Net assets  $1,164,397,457   $533,632,990   $107,329,366   $29,263,415 
Shares outstanding   36,667,728    19,457,707    9,083,448    1,555,331 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share  $31.76   $27.43   $11.82   $18.81 
INVESTOR CLASS                    
Net assets  $228,631,309   $61,040,543   $   $ 
Shares outstanding   7,250,198    2,352,689         
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share  $31.53   $25.95   $   $ 
  Investments in securities, at cost  $837,688,308   $461,474,700   $93,737,052   $24,703,525 
  ^ Includes market value of securities on loan  $73,488,319   $81,151,238   $   $6,618,785 
  * Investments purchased with proceeds from securities lending collateral, at cost  $75,334,610   $82,843,864   $   $6,819,559 
  ** Short-term investments, at cost  $40,520,818   $111   $6,743,713   $1,058,513 
  # Foreign currencies, at cost  $   $   $   $24,137 
  Proceeds received, securities sold short  $   $   $   $ 
  + Premiums received, options written  $3,765,208   $   $   $ 
  Primary risk exposure is equity contracts                    

 

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

 

Annual Report 2023  |  85

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (continued)  

 

   Boston
Partners
Global
Sustainability Fund
   Boston
Partners Global
Equity Fund
   Boston
Partners
Emerging
Markets Fund
   Boston
Partners
Long/Short
Equity Fund
 
ASSETS                    
Investments in securities, at value †^  $23,082,980   $206,683,725   $22,269,139   $63,961,117 
Investments purchased with proceeds from securities lending collateral, at value *       12,674,868        10,049,570 
Short-term investments, at value **   695,679    5,108,517    1,170,732    3,609,768 
Foreign currencies, at value #   6,789    2,821    4,341     
Receivables                    
Investments sold   119,537            70,074 
Foreign currency deposits with brokers for securities sold short #               3,080,348 
Deposits with brokers for contracts for difference           90,000     
Deposits with brokers for securities sold short               9,484,716 
Capital shares sold       62,081        15,065 
Dividends and interest   64,906    1,101,045    44,012    150,901 
Unrealized appreciation on contracts for difference ◊           71,529     
Prepaid expenses and other assets   182    13,648    32,281    17,023 
Total assets   23,970,073    225,646,705    23,682,034    90,438,582 
LIABILITIES                    
Securities sold short, at fair value ‡               11,512,788 
Options written, at value +◊               204,357 
Due to custodian                
Payables                    
Securities lending collateral       12,674,868        10,049,570 
Investments purchased       447,787        411,852 
Capital shares redeemed       115,323        25,432 
Due to prime broker                
Investment advisory fees   10,754    170,643    27,094    92,721 
Custodian fees       650    9,399    1,513 
Distribution and service fees               5,182 
Dividends on securities sold short               5,854 
Administration and accounting fees   13,101    11,848    9,907    9,567 
Transfer agent fees   783    12,954    852    8,587 
Loans Payable                
Unrealized depreciation on contracts for difference ◊           207,389     
Other accrued expenses and liabilities   48,405    48,823    56,722    59,869 
Total liabilities   73,043    13,482,896    311,363    22,387,292 
Net Assets  $23,897,030   $212,163,809   $23,370,671   $68,051,290 
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:                    
Par value  $2,390   $9,994   $2,520   $4,699 
Paid-in Capital   24,281,255    192,934,116    25,959,641    33,801,132 
Total Distributable earnings/(loss)   (386,615)   19,219,699    (2,591,490)   34,245,459 
Net Assets  $23,897,030   $212,163,809   $23,370,671   $68,051,290 
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS                    
Net assets  $23,897,030   $212,163,809   $23,370,671   $56,302,793 
Shares outstanding   2,390,161    9,994,363    2,520,013    3,755,666 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share  $10.00   $21.23   $9.27   $14.99 
INVESTOR CLASS                    
Net assets  $   $   $   $11,748,497 
Shares outstanding               943,650 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share  $   $   $   $12.45 
  Investments in securities, at cost  $20,999,381   $175,339,956   $20,848,550   $47,025,835 
  ^ Includes market value of securities on loan      $12,370,330       $9,801,974 
  * Investments purchased with proceeds from securities lending collateral, at cost  $   $12,674,868   $   $10,049,570 
  ** Short-term investments, at cost  $695,679   $5,108,517   $1,170,732   $3,609,768 
  # Foreign currencies, at cost  $6,838   $3,101   $4,429   $3,357,413 
  Proceeds received, securities sold short  $   $   $   $19,154,022 
  + Premiums received, options written  $   $   $   $255,309 
  Primary risk exposure is equity contracts                    

 

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

 

86  |  Annual Report 2023

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2023
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (concluded)  

 

   Boston
Partners
Long/Short
Research Fund
   Boston
Partners
Global
Long/Short Fund
   Boston
Partners
Emerging Markets
Dynamic Equity Fund
 
ASSETS               
Investments in securities, at value †^  $672,594,737   $111,663,852   $37,033,202 
Investments purchased with proceeds from securities lending collateral, at value *            
Short-term investments, at value **   9,560,973    45,061,742    21,945,968 
Foreign currencies, at value #            
Receivables               
Investments sold   6,219,576    60,493     
Foreign currency deposits with brokers for securities sold short #   48,701,903    81,905    19,583 
Deposits with brokers for contracts for difference   1,171,258    3,484,798    644,755 
Deposits with brokers for securities sold short   137,416,272        928,347 
Capital shares sold   2,052,350    59,547    11,548 
Dividends and interest   1,986,337    737,237    149,881 
Unrealized appreciation on contracts for difference ◊   9,557,450    2,776,152    6,575,294 
Prepaid expenses and other assets   1,872,981    583,080    471,079 
Total assets   891,133,837    164,508,806    67,779,657 
LIABILITIES               
Securities sold short, at fair value ‡   183,871,456        297,057 
Options written, at value +◊   528,716    2,708,834     
Due to custodian       128,121     
Payables               
Securities lending collateral            
Investments purchased   1,879,749    509,652     
Capital shares redeemed   775,061    933,718    948 
Due to prime broker       86,444     
Investment advisory fees   686,263    158,302    95,877 
Custodian fees   9,438    15,473    20,023 
Distribution and service fees   2,765    7,052     
Dividends on securities sold short   214,226        9,520 
Administration and accounting fees   59,885    11,288    8,870 
Transfer agent fees   48,274    13,549    1,380 
Loans Payable            
Unrealized depreciation on contracts for difference ◊   5,446,337    4,794,101    4,248,812 
Other accrued expenses and liabilities   1,184,955    842,744    1,272,442 
Total liabilities   194,707,125    10,209,278    5,954,929 
Net Assets  $696,426,712   $154,299,528   $61,824,728 
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:               
Par value  $49,237   $10,477   $7,173 
Paid-in Capital   473,838,678    142,770,825    75,202,920 
Total Distributable earnings/(loss)   222,538,797    11,518,226    (13,385,365)
Net Assets  $696,426,712   $154,299,528   $61,824,728 
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS               
Net assets  $688,944,014   $145,191,561   $61,824,728 
Shares outstanding   48,687,300    9,847,460    7,172,534 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share  $14.15   $14.74   $8.62 
INVESTOR CLASS               
Net assets  $7,482,698   $9,107,967   $ 
Shares outstanding   549,536    629,060     
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share  $13.62   $14.48   $ 
  Investments in securities, at cost  $524,402,614   $96,101,922   $33,395,278 
  ^ Includes market value of securities on loan  $   $   $ 
  * Investments purchased with proceeds from securities lending collateral, at cost  $   $   $ 
  ** Short-term investments, at cost  $9,560,973   $45,061,742   $21,945,968 
  # Foreign currencies, at cost  $49,278,791   $110,516   $21,512 
  Proceeds received, securities sold short  $194,035,897   $   $292,182 
  + Premiums received, options written  $787,461   $2,197,773   $ 
  Primary risk exposure is equity contracts               

 

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

 

Annual Report 2023  |  87

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS For the Year Ended August 31, 2023
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS  

 

   Boston
Partners
All-Cap
Value Fund
   Boston
Partners
Small Cap
Value Fund II
   WPG Partners
Select Small Cap
Value Fund
   WPG Partners
Small Cap Value
Diversified Fund
 
Investment Income                    
Dividends †  $28,105,102   $12,377,420   $1,122,005   $584,952 
Interest   1,393,616    510,239    300,819    51,264 
Income from securities loaned (Note 8)   235,261    320,623        22,953 
Prime broker interest income                
Total investment income   29,733,979    13,208,282    1,422,824    659,169 
Expenses                    
Advisory fees (Note 2)   9,693,764    5,890,652    731,706    243,064 
Transfer agent fees (Note 2)   828,267    560,981    61,263    20,451 
Distribution fees (Investor Class) (Note 2)   574,425    180,791         
Administration and accounting fees (Note 2)   318,333    191,497    26,858    26,677 
Director’s fees   190,368    91,062    2,792    3,973 
Officer’s fees   153,546    78,682    2,964    3,273 
Legal fees   148,779    80,101    2,888    3,695 
Printing and shareholder reporting fees   93,962    99,602    4,442    8,516 
Registration fees   61,163    48,677    34,021    21,842 
Audit and tax service fees   43,362    41,289    33,730    39,535 
Custodian fees (Note 2)   31,580    39,906    31,893    21,630 
Other expenses   103,499    58,067    9,039    7,161 
Dividend expense on securities sold short                
Total expenses before waivers and/or reimbursements   12,241,048    7,361,307    941,596    399,817 
Less: waivers and/or reimbursements net of amounts recouped (Note 2)   (581,154)   (313,733)   (48,463)   (64,117)
Net expenses after waivers and/or reimbursements net of amounts recouped   11,659,894    7,047,574    893,133    335,700 
Net investment income/(loss)   18,074,085    6,160,708    529,691    323,469 
                     
Net realized gain/(loss) from:                    
Investment securities   124,442,701    73,771,623    13,713,329    1,888,115 
Short-term investments                
Securities sold short                
Options written **                
Contracts for difference **                
Foreign currency transactions   336        1,480    395 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:                    
Investment securities   13,819,999    (33,832,805)   7,711,421    885,289 
Short-term investments                
Securities sold short                
Options written **   63,660             
Contracts for difference **                
Foreign currency translation   1,531        1    (28)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)   138,328,227    39,938,818    21,426,231    2,773,771 
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations  $156,402,312   $46,099,526   $21,955,922   $3,097,240 
Net of foreign withholding taxes of  $(271,699)  $(13,755)  $(19,478)  $(7,119)
** Primary risk exposure is equity contracts                    

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

 

88  |  Annual Report 2023

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS For the Year Ended August 31, 2023
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)  

 

   Boston
Partners Global
Sustainability Fund
   Boston
Partners Global
Equity Fund
   Boston
Partners
Emerging
Markets Fund
   Boston
Partners
Long/Short
Equity Fund
 
Investment Income                    
Dividends †  $563,901   $5,794,277   $539,400   $1,298,808 
Interest   42,718    275,961    114,203    176,074 
Income from securities loaned (Note 8)       26,130        63,296 
Prime broker interest income               166,248 
Total investment income   606,619    6,096,368    653,603    1,704,426 
Expenses                    
Advisory fees (Note 2)   179,655    1,742,360    162,974    1,523,914 
Transfer agent fees (Note 2)   1,297    142,476    1,249    66,396 
Distribution fees (Investor Class) (Note 2)               29,393 
Administration and accounting fees (Note 2)   25,765    71,293    27,234    43,276 
Director’s fees   637    24,328    2,820    8,725 
Officer’s fees   979    19,293    2,231    6,950 
Legal fees   872    21,396    2,420    7,697 
Printing and shareholder reporting fees   2,080        823     
Registration fees   29,449    23,858    19,030    32,916 
Audit and tax service fees   39,975    51,430    60,259    53,133 
Custodian fees (Note 2)   18,349    38,918    41,315    16,253 
Other expenses   5,857    16,337    2,625    9,063 
Dividend expense on securities sold short               39,388 
Total expenses before waivers and/or reimbursements   304,915    2,151,689    322,980    1,837,104 
Less: waivers and/or reimbursements net of amounts recouped (Note 2)   (102,575)   (312,531)   (105,642)   (440,825)
Net expenses after waivers and/or reimbursements net of amounts recouped   202,340    1,839,158    217,338    1,396,279 
Net investment income/(loss)   404,279    4,257,210    436,265    308,147 
                     
Net realized gain/(loss) from:                    
Investment securities   (1,529,777)   8,085,814    (420,666)   7,201,293 
Short-term investments                
Securities sold short               4,702,700 
Options written **               (206,860)
Contracts for difference **           (272,959)   266,549 
Foreign currency transactions   8,130    29,197    (21,269)   (18,146)
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:                    
Investment securities   4,622,400    14,227,239    2,562,370    1,091,251 
Short-term investments                
Securities sold short               (3,466,234)
Options written **               (68,244)
Contracts for difference **           62,777    (419,379)
Foreign currency translation   1,506    38,243    1,021    (58,268)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)   3,102,259    22,380,493    1,911,274    9,024,662 
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations  $3,506,538   $26,637,703   $2,347,539   $9,332,809 
Net of foreign withholding taxes of  $(45,293)  $(418,657)  $(69,921)  $(15,002)

** Primary risk exposure is equity contracts

 

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

 

Annual Report 2023  |  89

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS For the Year Ended August 31, 2023
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (concluded)  
   
   Boston
Partners
Long/Short
Research Fund
   Boston
Partners
Global
Long/Short Fund
   Boston
Partners
Emerging Markets
Dynamic Equity Fund
 
Investment Income               
Dividends †  $15,862,117   $2,974,300   $999,936 
Interest   1,115,001    1,142,809    746,185 
Income from securities loaned (Note 8)            
Prime broker interest income   5,655,180    1,695,501    895 
Total investment income   22,632,298    5,812,610    1,747,016 
Expenses               
Advisory fees (Note 2)   9,421,601    2,334,126    741,375 
Transfer agent fees (Note 2)   359,612    172,529    12,169 
Distribution fees (Investor Class) (Note 2)   25,873    21,485     
Administration and accounting fees (Note 2)   249,872    59,703    38,014 
Director’s fees   101,259    20,269    7,091 
Officer’s fees   79,675    14,482    6,027 
Legal fees   87,052    17,735    7,912 
Printing and shareholder reporting fees       51    12 
Registration fees   42,602    36,200    20,230 
Audit and tax service fees   66,198    56,722    68,369 
Custodian fees (Note 2)   65,602    70,788    71,614 
Other expenses   65,326    14,241    8,063 
Dividend expense on securities sold short   3,648,626    939,692    12,015 
Total expenses before waivers and/or reimbursements   14,213,298    3,758,023    992,891 
Less: waivers and/or reimbursements net of amounts recouped (Note 2)           (150,185)
Net expenses after waivers and/or reimbursements net of amounts recouped   14,213,298    3,758,023    842,706 
Net investment income/(loss)   8,419,000    2,054,587    904,310 
                
Net realized gain/(loss) from:               
Investment securities   44,821,501    13,985,466    252,530 
Short-term investments   (397)   (1,076)   (104)
Securities sold short   18,455,128    2,864,047    (60)
Options written **   1,232,193    (366,086)    
Contracts for difference **   9,941,444    (3,413,812)   (2,686,650)
Foreign currency transactions   (1,816,932)   2,415    (77,481)
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:               
Investment securities   24,109,896    9,445,742    3,594,711 
Short-term investments            
Securities sold short   (43,686,332)   (6,911,668)   (25,337)
Options written **   258,745    (712,366)    
Contracts for difference **   (9,170,408)   (2,818,995)   1,013,226 
Foreign currency translation   3,131,844    (131,153)   (7,116)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)   47,276,682    11,942,514    2,063,719 
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations  $55,695,682   $13,997,101   $2,968,029 
Net of foreign withholding taxes of  $(445,987)  $(237,588)  $(136,679)
** Primary risk exposure is equity contracts.               

 

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

 

90  |  Annual Report 2023

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

   Boston Partners
All-Cap Value Fund
   Boston Partners
Small Cap Value Fund II
 
   For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2023
   For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2022
   For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2023
   For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2022
 
                     
Increase/(decrease) in net assets from operations:                    
Net investment income/(loss)  $18,074,085   $16,754,843   $6,160,708   $4,924,806 
Net realized gain/(loss) from investments and foreign currencies   124,443,037    141,891,515    73,771,623    37,453,487 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments and foreign currency translation   13,885,190    (201,890,405)   (33,832,805)   (120,654,994)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   156,402,312    (43,244,047)   46,099,526    (78,276,701)
                     
Dividends and distributions to shareholders:                    
Institutional Class   (96,713,599)   (89,636,021)   (46,030,717)   (52,624,831)
Investor Class   (18,398,789)   (14,088,626)   (5,861,952)   (7,067,459)
Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders   (115,112,388)   (103,724,647)   (51,892,669)   (59,692,290)
                     
Capital transactions:                    
Institutional Class                    
Proceeds from shares sold   227,017,126    279,553,596    87,714,164    158,734,422 
Reinvestment of distributions   75,831,183    74,080,238    43,911,312    49,549,396 
Shares redeemed   (373,447,509)   (682,906,325)   (282,284,621)   (175,418,506)
Investor Class                    
Proceeds from shares sold   16,752,630    19,585,547    5,373,916    12,962,300 
Reinvestment of distributions   17,605,766    13,527,130    5,743,917    6,920,636 
Shares redeemed   (43,086,278)   (58,809,925)   (31,265,355)   (24,229,889)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets from capital transactions   (79,327,082)   (354,969,739)   (170,806,667)   28,518,359 
Total increase/(decrease) in net assets   (38,037,158)   (501,938,433)   (176,599,810)   (109,450,632)
                     
Net assets:                    
Beginning of period   1,431,065,924    1,933,004,357    771,273,343    880,723,975 
End of period  $1,393,028,766   $1,431,065,924   $594,673,533   $771,273,343 
                     
Share transactions:                    
Institutional Class                    
Shares sold   7,348,008    8,516,986    3,339,693    5,241,830 
Shares reinvested   2,498,556    2,283,608    1,711,942    1,643,429 
Shares redeemed   (12,182,535)   (20,766,356)   (10,620,746)   (5,867,812)
Net increase/(decrease)   (2,335,971)   (9,965,762)   (5,569,111)   1,017,447 
Investor Class                    
Shares sold   546,307    604,325    214,612    451,279 
Shares reinvested   583,165    419,056    236,278    241,305 
Shares redeemed   (1,414,790)   (1,811,471)   (1,272,538)   (903,346)
Net increase/(decrease)   (285,318)   (788,090)   (821,648)   (210,762)

 

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

 

Annual Report 2023  |  91

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (continued)

 

   WPG Partners
Select Small Cap Value Fund
   WPG Partners
Small Cap Value Diversified Fund
 
   For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2023
   For the
Period Ended
August 31, 2022*
   For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2023
   For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2022
 
Increase/(decrease) in net assets from operations:                    
Net investment income/(loss)  $529,691   $(13,383)  $323,469   $136,513 
Net realized gain/(loss) from investments and foreign currencies   13,714,809    (284,617)   1,888,510    4,766,002 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments and foreign currency translation   7,711,422    (851,233)   885,261    (3,865,450)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   21,955,922    (1,149,233)   3,097,240    1,037,065 
                     
Dividends and distributions to shareholders:                    
Institutional Class   (111,741)       (4,669,593)   (417,759)
Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders   (111,741)       (4,669,593)   (417,759)
                     
Capital transactions:                    
Institutional Class                    
Proceeds from shares sold   74,949,673    19,127,270    1,560,898    6,503,416 
Reinvestment of distributions   111,438        4,416,593    392,172 
Shares redeemed   (7,420,975)   (132,988)   (7,405,913)   (2,852,853)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets from capital transactions   67,640,136    18,994,282    (1,428,422)   4,042,735 
Total increase/(decrease) in net assets   89,484,317    17,845,049    (3,000,775)   4,662,041 
                     
Net assets:                    
Beginning of period   17,845,049        32,264,190    27,602,149 
End of period  $107,329,366   $17,845,049   $29,263,415   $32,264,190 
                     
Share transactions:                    
Institutional Class                    
Shares sold   7,856,153    1,912,822    83,597    313,324 
Shares reinvested   11,155        253,245    19,717 
Shares redeemed   (682,918)   (13,764)   (400,952)   (141,175)
Net increase/(decrease)   7,184,390    1,899,058    (64,110)   191,866 

*   The Fund commenced operations on December 29, 2021.

 

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

 

92  |  Annual Report 2023

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (continued)

 

   Boston Partners
Global Sustainability Fund
   Boston Partners
Global Equity Fund
 
   For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2023
   For the
Period Ended
August 31, 2022*
   For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2023
   For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2022
 
Increase/(decrease) in net assets from operations:                    
Net investment income/(loss)  $404,279   $263,754   $4,257,210   $3,593,717 
Net realized gain/(loss) from investments and foreign currencies   (1,521,647)   (1,302,681)   8,115,011    10,613,523 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments and foreign currency translation   4,623,906    (2,540,407)   14,265,482    (29,901,450)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   3,506,538    (3,579,334)   26,637,703    (15,694,210)
                     
Dividends and distributions to shareholders:                    
Institutional Class   (313,835)       (2,771,850)   (3,282,335)
Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders   (313,835)       (2,771,850)   (3,282,335)
                     
Capital transactions:                    
Institutional Class                    
Proceeds from shares sold   600,673    26,219,183    27,113,250    13,720,960 
Reinvestment of distributions   313,835        2,760,443    3,267,140 
Shares redeemed   (2,850,030)       (12,982,701)   (10,037,979)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets from capital transactions   (1,935,522)   26,219,183    16,890,992    6,950,121 
Total increase/(decrease) in net assets   1,257,181    22,639,849    40,756,845    (12,026,424)
                     
Net assets:                    
Beginning of period   22,639,849        171,406,964    183,433,388 
End of period  $23,897,030   $22,639,849   $212,163,809   $171,406,964 
                     
Share transactions:                    
Institutional Class                    
Shares sold   64,724    2,626,775    1,317,841    672,846 
Shares reinvested   33,673        136,453    160,233 
Shares redeemed   (335,011)       (633,039)   (502,686)
Net increase/(decrease)   (236,614)   2,626,775    821,255    330,393 
* The Fund commenced operations on December 29, 2021.                    

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

 

Annual Report 2023  |  93

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (continued)

 

   Boston Partners
Emerging Markets Fund
   Boston Partners
Long/Short Equity Fund
 
    For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2023
    For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2022
    For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2023
    For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2022
 
Increase/(decrease) in net assets from operations:                    
Net investment income/(loss)  $436,265   $450,857   $308,147   $(594,234)
Net realized gain/(loss) from investments and foreign currencies   (714,894)   (3,083,963)   11,945,536    9,017,511 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments and foreign currency translation   2,626,168    (3,484,403)   (2,920,874)   (3,660,649)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   2,347,539    (6,117,509)   9,332,809    4,762,628 
                     
Dividends and distributions to shareholders:                    
Institutional Class   (651,962)   (1,230,604)   (6,481,806)   (2,222,369)
Investor Class           (1,588,742)   (568,709)
Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders   (651,962)   (1,230,604)   (8,070,548)   (2,791,078)
                     
Capital transactions:                    
Institutional Class                    
Proceeds from shares sold   319,143    4,922,572    10,379,630    11,580,037 
Reinvestment of distributions   651,962    1,230,604    6,315,049    2,118,791 
Shares redeemed   (800,026)   (1,030,015)   (16,446,258)   (10,206,570)
Investor Class                    
Proceeds from shares sold           1,769,405    1,987,755 
Reinvestment of distributions           1,538,484    549,395 
Shares redeemed           (3,220,281)   (2,670,683)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets from capital transactions   171,079    5,123,161    336,029    3,358,725 
Total increase/(decrease) in net assets   1,866,656    (2,224,952)   1,598,290    5,330,275 
                     
Net assets:                    
Beginning of period   21,504,015    23,728,967    66,453,000    61,122,725 
End of period  $23,370,671   $21,504,015   $68,051,290   $66,453,000 
                     
Share transactions:                    
Institutional Class                    
Shares sold   38,499    471,060    716,103    772,646 
Shares reinvested   78,079    120,176    453,016    149,316 
Shares redeemed   (95,241)   (106,407)   (1,129,589)   (691,858)
Net increase/(decrease)   21,337    484,829    39,530    230,104 
Investor Class                    
Shares sold           143,479    153,329 
Shares reinvested           132,628    45,405 
Shares redeemed           (267,020)   (210,827)
Net increase/(decrease)           9,087    (12,093)

 

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

 

94  |  Annual Report 2023

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (continued)

 

   Boston Partners
Long/Short Research Fund
   Boston Partners
Global Long/Short Fund
 
   For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2023
   For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2022
   For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2023
   For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2022
 
Increase/(decrease) in net assets from operations:                    
Net investment income/(loss)  $8,419,000   $(806,220)  $2,054,587   $432,017 
Net realized gain/(loss) from investments and foreign currencies   72,632,937    176,879,838    13,070,954    15,104,285 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments and foreign currency translation   (25,356,255)   (124,327,460)   (1,128,440)   (3,987,028)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   55,695,682    51,746,158    13,997,101    11,549,274 
                     
Dividends and distributions to shareholders:                    
Institutional Class   (144,215,120)   (86,584,443)   (2,998,432)    
Investor Class   (2,234,372)   (1,150,099)   (245,884)    
Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders   (146,449,492)   (87,734,542)   (3,244,316)    
                     
Capital transactions:                    
Institutional Class                    
Proceeds from shares sold   307,344,480    211,949,877    96,861,537    64,513,248 
Reinvestment of distributions   71,158,668    45,172,097    2,776,329     
Shares redeemed   (402,250,403)   (228,297,315)   (79,750,344)   (63,270,608)
Investor Class                    
Proceeds from shares sold   1,843,386    3,774,057    11,778,290    6,524,071 
Reinvestment of distributions   2,215,329    1,144,023    223,590     
Shares redeemed   (7,033,192)   (2,637,299)   (9,580,249)   (5,729,454)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets from capital transactions   (26,721,732)   31,105,440    22,309,153    2,037,257 
Total increase/(decrease) in net assets   (117,475,542)   (4,882,944)   33,061,938    13,586,531 
                     
Net assets:                    
Beginning of period   813,902,254    818,785,198    121,237,590    107,651,059 
End of period  $696,426,712   $813,902,254   $154,299,528   $121,237,590 
Share transactions:                    
Institutional Class                    
Shares sold   21,262,036    12,983,416    6,785,859    4,730,594 
Shares reinvested   5,086,395    2,891,940    194,557     
Shares redeemed   (27,847,305)   (13,752,873)   (5,564,380)   (4,731,465)
Net increase/(decrease)   (1,498,874)   2,122,483    1,416,036    (871)
Investor Class                    
Shares sold   125,654    239,284    825,447    481,835 
Shares reinvested   164,220    75,463    15,925     
Shares redeemed   (514,853)   (163,631)   (670,848)   (436,138)
Net increase/(decrease)   (224,979)   151,116    170,524    45,697 

 

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

 

Annual Report 2023  |  95

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (concluded)

 

   Boston Partners
Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund
 
   For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2023
   For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2022
 
Increase/(decrease) in net assets from operations:          
Net investment income/(loss)  $904,310   $384,446 
Net realized gain/(loss) from investments and foreign currencies   (2,511,765)   (4,533,397)
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments and foreign currency translation   4,575,484    (2,597,974)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   2,968,029    (6,746,925)
           
Dividends and distributions to shareholders:          
Institutional Class   (11,778,440)   (36,249)
Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders   (11,778,440)   (36,249)
           
Capital transactions:          
Institutional Class          
Proceeds from shares sold   6,194,044    10,840,739 
Reinvestment of distributions   11,469,531    35,160 
Shares redeemed   (7,644,051)   (4,906,731)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets from capital transactions   10,019,524    5,969,168 
Total increase/(decrease) in net assets   1,209,113    (814,006)
           
Net assets:          
Beginning of period   60,615,615    61,429,621 
End of period  $61,824,728   $60,615,615 
           
Share transactions:          
Institutional Class          
Shares sold   727,968    1,008,879 
Shares reinvested   1,402,143    3,301 
Shares redeemed   (882,460)   (457,685)
Net increase/(decrease)   1,247,651    554,495 

 

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

 

96  |  Annual Report 2023

 

(THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.)

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Per Share Operating Performance

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for each class of shares outstanding, total investment return, ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

   Net Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Period
  Net
Investment
Income/
(Loss)*
  Net Realized
and
Unrealized
Gain/
(Loss) on
Investments
  Net Increase/
(Decrease)
in Net Assets
Resulting
from
Operations
  Dividends to
Shareholders
from Net
Investment
Income
  Distributions
to
Shareholders
from Net
Realized
Gains
  Total
Dividend and
Distributions
to
Shareholders
Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund                          
Institutional Class                                   
8/31/23  $30.78   $0.41   $3.16   $3.57   $(0.31)            $(2.28)  $(2.59)
8/31/22   33.77    0.33    (1.51)   (1.18)   (0.33)   (1.48)   (1.81)
8/31/21   24.53    0.26    9.43    9.69    (0.21)   (0.24)   (0.45)
8/31/20   24.97    0.36    (0.08)   0.28    (0.37)   (0.35)   (0.72)
8/31/19   27.86    0.34    (1.76)   (1.42)   (0.29)   (1.18)   (1.47)
Investor Class                                   
8/31/23  $30.58   $0.33   $3.13   $3.46   $(0.23)  $(2.28)  $(2.51)
8/31/22   33.56    0.25    (1.51)   (1.26)   (0.24)   (1.48)   (1.72)
8/31/21   24.39    0.18    9.38    9.56    (0.15)   (0.24)   (0.39)
8/31/20   24.82    0.30    (0.09)   0.21    (0.29)   (0.35)   (0.64)
8/31/19   27.69    0.27    (1.75)   (1.48)   (0.21)   (1.18)   (1.39)
Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II                          
Institutional Class                                   
8/31/23  $27.51   $0.24   $1.60   $1.84   $(0.26)  $(1.66)  $(1.92)
8/31/22   32.34    0.18    (2.86)   (2.68)   (0.12)   (2.03)   (2.15)
8/31/21   21.06    0.15    11.27    11.42    (0.14)       (0.14)
8/31/20   23.42    0.20    (1.94)   (1.74)   (0.28)   (0.34)   (0.62)
8/31/19   27.74    0.23    (3.12)   (2.89)   (0.12)   (1.31)   (1.43)
Investor Class                                   
8/31/23  $26.12   $0.17   $1.51   $1.68   $(0.19)  $(1.66)  $(1.85)
8/31/22   30.81    0.10    (2.72)   (2.62)   (0.04)   (2.03)   (2.07)
8/31/21   20.07    0.07    10.75    10.82    (0.08)       (0.08)
8/31/20   22.33    0.15    (1.85)   (1.70)   (0.22)   (0.34)   (0.56)
8/31/19   26.53    0.16    (2.99)   (2.83)   (0.06)   (1.31)   (1.37)
WPG Partners Select Small Cap Value Fund                         
Institutional Class                                   
8/31/23  $9.40   $0.07   $2.37   $2.44   $   $(0.02)  $(0.02)
12/29/21** through 8/31/22   10.00    (0.01)   (0.59)   (0.60)            
WPG Partners Small Cap Value Diversified Fund                      
Institutional Class                                   
8/31/23  $19.92   $0.20   $1.80   $2.00   $(0.09)  $(3.02)  $(3.11)
8/31/22   19.33    0.09    0.80    0.89    (0.07)   (0.23)   (0.30)
8/31/21   11.96    0.07    7.39    7.46    (0.09)       (0.09)
8/31/20   13.19    0.09    (1.26)   (1.17)   (0.06)       (0.06)
8/31/19   17.52    0.06    (3.36)   (3.30)   (0.05)   (0.98)   (1.03)

 

* Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.
** Commencement of operations.

 

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

 

98  |  Annual Report 2023

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued) Per Share Operating Performance

 

Net Asset
Value, End
of Period
  Total
Investment
Return1
  Net Assets,
End of Period
(000)
  Ratio of Expenses
to Average
Net Assets
With Waivers,
Reimbursements
and Recoupment
if any2
  Ratio of Expenses
to Average
Net Assets
With Waivers,
Reimbursements
and Recoupments
if any (Excluding
Dividend and
Interest Expense)
  Ratio of Expenses
to Average Net
Assets Without
Waivers,
Reimbursements
and Recoupments
if any
  Ratio of Net
Investment
Income/(Loss)
to Average Net
Assets With
Waivers and
Reimbursements
  Portfolio
Turnover
Rate
                                   
   $31.76    12.00%              $1,164,397    0.80%    N/A   0.84%     1.35%     33
 30.78    (3.76)         1,200,629    0.80   N/A   0.86    1.00    29 
 33.77    39.91    1,653,698    0.80   N/A   0.83    0.86    33 
 24.53    0.84    1,053,301    0.80   N/A   0.84    1.46    37 
 24.97    (4.65)   1,561,229    0.80   N/A   0.82    1.34    33 
                                    
$31.53    11.68%  $228,631    1.05%  N/A   1.09%   1.10%   33%
 30.58    (4.00)   230,437    1.05   N/A   1.11    0.75    29 
 33.56    39.57    279,306    1.05   N/A   1.08    0.61    33 
 24.39    0.59    220,927    1.05   N/A   1.09    1.21    37 
 24.82    (4.90)   320,962    1.05   N/A   1.07    1.09    33 
                                    
$27.43    7.17%  $533,633    0.99%  N/A   1.04%   0.91%   65%
 27.51    (8.88)   688,375    0.99   N/A   1.02    0.61    24 
 32.34    54.40    776,442    0.99   N/A   1.01    0.52    33 
 21.06    (7.88)   503,349    1.07   N/A   1.09    0.94    46 
 23.42    (9.92)   421,429    1.10   N/A   1.16    0.97    29 
                                    
$25.95    6.90%  $61,041    1.24%  N/A   1.29%   0.66%   65%
 26.12    (9.11)   82,898    1.24   N/A   1.27    0.36    24 
 30.81    54.01    104,282    1.24   N/A   1.26    0.27    33 
 20.07    (8.07)   77,032    1.32   N/A   1.34    0.69    46 
 22.33    (10.20)   122,703    1.35   N/A   1.41    0.72    29 
                                    
$11.82    25.94%  $107,329    1.10%  N/A   1.16%   0.65%   118%
 9.40    (6.00)   17,845    1.103   N/A   2.933    (0.22)3    704 
                                    
$18.81    11.35%  $29,263    1.10%  N/A   1.32%   1.06%   90%
 19.92    4.59    32,264    1.10   N/A   1.26    0.44    92 
 19.33    62.66    27,602    1.10   N/A   1.28    0.40    114 
 11.96    (8.92)   19,150    1.10   N/A   1.31    0.74    123 
 13.19    (18.85)   22,273    1.10   N/A   1.23    0.40    79 

 

1 Total return is calculated by assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of the period and is not annualized if period is less than one year.
2 Beginning on September 1, 2018, the expense limitation includes acquired fund fees and expenses (AFFE). AFFE are not reflected as expenses in these financial statements and therefore this may cause the net expense ratios after waivers/reimbursements to be lower than the expense limitation in place.
3 Annualized
4 Not Annualized

 

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

 

Annual Report 2023  |  99

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued) Per Share Operating Performance

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for each class of shares outstanding, total investment return, ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

   Net Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Period
  Net
Investment
Income/
(Loss)*
  Net Realized
and
Unrealized
Gain/
(Loss) on
Investments
  Net Increase/
(Decrease)
in Net Assets
Resulting
from
Operations
  Dividends to
Shareholders
from Net
Investment
Income
  Distributions
to
Shareholders
from Net
Realized
Gains
  Total
Dividend and
Distributions
to
Shareholders
Boston Partners Global Sustainability Fund                         
Institutional Class                                   
8/31/23  $8.62   $0.17     $1.35      $1.52   $(0.14)  $            $(0.14)
12/29/21** through 8/31/22   10.00    0.11    (1.49)   (1.38)            
Boston Partners Global Equity Fund                         
Institutional Class                                   
8/31/23  $18.69   $0.45   $2.39   $2.84   $(0.30)  $   $(0.30)
8/31/22   20.74    0.39    (2.08)   (1.69)   (0.36)       (0.36)
8/31/21   15.15    0.25    5.69    5.94    (0.35)       (0.35)
8/31/20   15.91    0.15    (0.67)   (0.52)   (0.24)       (0.24)
8/31/19   18.73    0.25    (1.79)   (1.54)   (0.18)   (1.10)   (1.28)
Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund                         
Institutional Class                                   
8/31/23        $8.61   $0.18   $0.75   $0.93   $(0.27)  $   $(0.27)
8/31/22   11.78    0.19    (2.75)   (2.56)   (0.46)   (0.15)   (0.61)
8/31/21   9.79    0.13    1.94    2.07    (0.08)       (0.08)
8/31/20   9.18    0.21    0.89    1.10    (0.49)       (0.49)
8/31/19   9.13    0.13    (0.08)   0.05             
Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund                         
Institutional Class                                   
8/31/23  $14.73   $0.07   $1.96   $2.03   $   $(1.77)  $(1.77)
8/31/22   14.21    (0.13)   1.29    1.16        (0.64)   (0.64)
8/31/21   15.15    (0.12)   3.69    3.57        (4.51)   (4.51)
8/31/20   17.74    (0.14)   (0.70)   (0.84)       (1.75)   (1.75)
8/31/19   20.51    (0.18)   (1.06)   (1.24)       (1.53)   (1.53)
Investor Class                                   
8/31/23  $12.54         $0.03   $1.65   $1.68   $   $(1.77)  $(1.77)
8/31/22   12.22    (0.14)   1.10    0.96        (0.64)   (0.64)
8/31/21   13.64    (0.14)   3.23    3.09        (4.51)   (4.51)
8/31/20   16.17    (0.16)   (0.62)   (0.78)       (1.75)   (1.75)
8/31/19   18.88    (0.20)   (0.98)   (1.18)       (1.53)   (1.53)

 

* Calculated based on average shares outstanding.
** Commencement of operations.

 

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

 

100  |  Annual Report 2023

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued) Per Share Operating Performance

 

Net Asset
Value, End
of Period
  Total
Investment
Return1
  Net Assets,
End of Period
(000)
  Ratio of Expenses
to Average
Net Assets
With Waivers,
Reimbursements
and Recoupment
if any2
  Ratio of Expenses
to Average
Net Assets
With Waivers,
Reimbursements
and Recoupments
if any (Excluding
Dividend and
Interest Expense)
  Ratio of Expenses
to Average Net
Assets Without
Waivers,
Reimbursements
and Recoupments
if any
  Ratio of Net
Investment
Income/(Loss)
to Average Net
Assets With
Waivers and
Reimbursements
  Portfolio
Turnover
Rate
                                         
    $10.00    17.71%          $23,897         0.90%  N/A   1.36%   1.80%   77%
 8.62    (13.80)   22,640    0.903   N/A   1.733    1.753    554 
                                    
$21.23    15.28%  $212,164    0.95%  N/A   1.11%   2.20%   51%
 18.69    (8.27)   171,407    0.95   N/A   1.13    1.94    59 
 20.74    39.66    183,433    0.95   N/A   1.04    1.38    88 
 15.15    (3.40)   177,470    0.95   N/A   1.22    0.96    118 
 15.91    (7.92)   683,649    0.95   N/A   1.03    1.55    97 
                                    
$9.27    11.16%  $23,371    1.00%  N/A   1.54%   2.06%   153%
 8.61    (22.55)   21,504    1.00   N/A   1.74    1.94    143 
 11.78    21.15    23.729    1.00   N/A   1.56    1.16    123 
 9.79    12.05    16,508    1.06   N/A   2.39    2.29    177 
 9.18    0.55    9,468    1.07   N/A   2.89    1.41    155 
                                    
$14.99    14.69%  $56,303    2.02%  1.96%  2.67%   0.50%   44%
 14.73    8.35    54,733    2.55   1.96   3.18    (0.87)   40 
 14.21    29.08    49,551    2.60   1.97   3.14    (0.91)   31 
 15.15    (5.78)   68,780    2.57   2.25   2.74    (0.81)   46 
 17.74    (6.05)   227,834    2.67   2.45   2.68    (0.94)   64 
                                    
$12.45    14.44%  $11,748    2.27%  2.21%  2.92%   0.25%   44%
 12.54    8.07    11,720    2.80   2.21   3.43    (1.12)   40 
 12.22    28.71    11.571    2.85   2.22   3.39    (1.16)   31 
 13.64    (5.99)   14,484    2.82   2.50   2.99    (1.06)   46 
 16.17    (6.27)   28,156    2.92   2.70   2.93    (1.19)   64 

 

1 Total return is calculated by assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of the period and is not annualized if period is less than one year.
2 Beginning on September 1, 2018, the expense limitation includes acquired fund fees and expenses (AFFE). AFFE are not reflected as expenses in these financial statements and therefore this may cause the net expense ratios after waivers/reimbursements to be lower than the expense limitation in place.
3 Annualized
4 Not Annualized

 

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

 

Annual Report 2023  |  101

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued) Per Share Operating Performance

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for each class of shares outstanding, total investment return, ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

   Net Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Period
  Net
Investment
Income/
(Loss)*
  Net Realized
and
Unrealized
Gain/
(Loss) on
Investments
  Net Increase/
(Decrease)
in Net Assets
Resulting
from
Operations
  Dividends to
Shareholders
from Net
Investment
Income
  Distributions
to
Shareholders
from Net
Realized
Gains
  Total
Dividend and
Distributions
to
Shareholders
Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund                         
Institutional Class                                   
8/31/23  $15.98   $0.16   $0.95   $1.11   $(0.22)  $(2.72)  $(2.94)
8/31/22   16.82    (0.02)   1.18    1.16        (2.00)   (2.00)
8/31/21   13.31    (0.10)   3.61    3.51             
8/31/20   15.15    (0.00)   (1.48)   (1.48)   (0.21)   (0.15)   (0.36)
8/31/19   16.64    0.09    (0.79)   (0.70)   (0.01)   (0.78)   (0.79)
Investor Class                                   
8/31/23  $15.48   $0.12   $0.92   $1.04   $(0.18)  $(2.72)  $(2.90)
8/31/22   16.39    (0.05)   1.14    1.09        (2.00)   (2.00)
8/31/21   13.01    (0.13)   3.51    3.38             
8/31/20   14.81    (0.04)   (1.44)   (1.48)   (0.17)   (0.15)   (0.32)
8/31/19   16.31    0.06    (0.78)   (0.72)       (0.78)   (0.78)
Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund                         
Institutional Class                                   
8/31/23  $13.65   $0.19   $1.22   $1.41   $(0.32)  $   $(0.32)
8/31/22   12.18    0.05    1.42    1.47             
8/31/21   9.72    (0.01)   2.48    2.47    (0.01)       (0.01)
8/31/20   10.74    0.01    (0.89)   (0.88)   (0.14)       (0.14)
8/31/19   11.52    0.07    (0.65)   (0.58)       (0.20)   (0.20)
Investor Class                                   
8/31/23  $13.43   $0.15   $1.20   $1.35   $(0.30)  $   $(0.30)
8/31/22   12.01    0.01    1.41    1.42             
8/31/21   9.61    (0.03)   2.43    2.40             
8/31/20   10.61    (0.02)   (0.88)   (0.90)   (0.10)       (0.10)
8/31/19   11.40    0.05    (0.84)   (0.79)            
Boston Partners Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund                     
Institutional Class                                   
8/31/23  $10.23   $0.13   $0.27   $0.40   $(2.01)  $   $(2.01)
8/31/22   11.44    0.07    (1.27)   (1.20)   (0.01)       (0.01)
8/31/21   11.23    (0.02)   1.17    1.15    (0.94)       (0.94)
8/31/20   10.45    0.19    0.82    1.01    (0.23)       (0.23)
8/31/19   10.49    0.04    (0.03)   0.01        (0.05)   (0.05)

 

* Calculated based on average shares outstanding, unless otherwise noted.

 

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

 

102  |  Annual Report 2023

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded) Per Share Operating Performance

 

Net Asset
Value, End
of Period
  Total
Investment
Return1
  Net Assets,
End of Period
(000)
   Ratio of Expenses
to Average
Net Assets
With Waivers,
Reimbursements
and Recoupment
if any2
  Ratio of Expenses
to Average
Net Assets
With Waivers,
Reimbursements
and Recoupments
if any (Excluding
Dividend and
Interest Expense)
  Ratio of Expenses
to Average Net
Assets Without
Waivers,
Reimbursements
and Recoupments
if any
  Ratio of Net
Investment
Income/(Loss)
to Average Net
Assets With
Waivers and
Reimbursements
  Portfolio
Turnover
Rate
                                                  
$14.15    7.16%         $688,944    1.88%   1.40%   1.88%   1.12%   54%
 15.98    7.17    801,913    1.95    1.40    1.95    (0.10)   85 
 16.82    26.37    808,565    2.15    1.40    2.15    (0.66)   61 
 13.31    (10.13)   1,082,963    2.21    1.37    2.21    (0.01)   66 
 15.15    (4.05)   3,212,731    2.15    1.38    2.15    0.62    60 
                                      
$13.62    6.92%  $7,483    2.13%   1.65%   2.13%   0.87%   54%
 15.48    6.91    11,989    2.20    1.65    2.20    (0.35)   85 
 16.39    25.98    10,220    2.40    1.65    2.40    (0.91)   61 
 13.01    (10.32)   24,436    2.46    1.62    2.46    (0.26)   66 
 14.81    (4.27)   54,570    2.40    1.63    2.40    0.37    60 
                                      
$14.74    10.38%  $145,192    2.39%   1.80%   2.39%   1.34%   172%
 13.65    12.07    115,079    2.56    1.81    2.56    0.34    161 
 12.18    25.39    102,691    2.29    1.83    2.29    (0.07)   102 
 9.72    (8.30)   130,857    2.46    1.75    2.46    0.07    125 
 10.74    (5.00)   611,254    2.47    1.65    2.47    0.69    99 
                                      
$14.48    10.16%  $9,108    2.64%   2.05%   2.64%   1.09%   172%
 13.43    11.82    6,159    2.81    2.06    2.81    0.09    161 
 12.01    24.97    4,960    2.54    2.08    2.54    (0.32)   102 
 9.61    (8.55)   6,308    2.71    2.00    2.71    (0.18)   125 
 10.61    (5.14)   14,610    2.72    1.90    2.72    0.44    99 
                                      
$8.62    4.98%  $61,825    1.42%   1.40%   1.67%   1.52%   132%
 10.23    (10.52)   60,616    1.42    1.40    1.73    0.63    136 
 11.44    10.38    61,430    1.75    1.40    2.00    (0.14)   125 
 11.23    9.75    60,176    1.66    1.49    2.19    1.81    219 
 10.45    0.18    58,424    1.96    1.96    2.44    0.43    186 

 

1 Total return is calculated by assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of the period and is not annualized if period is less than one year.
2 Beginning on September 1, 2018, the expense limitation includes acquired fund fees and expenses (AFFE). AFFE are not reflected as expenses in these financial statements and therefore this may cause the net expense ratios after waivers/reimbursements to be lower than the expense limitation in place.

 

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

 

Annual Report 2023  |  103

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

August 31, 2023

 

1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The RBB Fund, Inc. (“RBB” or the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland on February 29, 1988 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. RBB is a “series fund,” which is a mutual fund complex divided into separate portfolios. Each portfolio is treated as a separate entity for certain matters under the 1940 Act, and for other purposes, and a shareholder of one portfolio is not deemed to be a shareholder of any other portfolio. Currently, RBB has fifty-three separate investment portfolios, including Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund (“BP All-Cap Value Fund”), Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II (“BP Small Cap Value Fund II”), WPG Partners Select Small Cap Value Fund (“WPG Select Small Cap Value Fund”), WPG Partners Small Cap Value Diversified Fund (formerly known as WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund) (“WPG Small Cap Value Diversified Fund”), Boston Partners Global Sustainability Fund (“BP Global Sustainability  Fund”), Boston Partners Global Equity Fund (“BP Global Equity Fund”), Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund (“BP Emerging Markets Fund”), Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund (“BP Long/Short Equity Fund”), Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund (“BP Long/Short Research Fund”), Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund (“BP Global Long/Short Fund”) and Boston Partners Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund (“BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund”), (each, a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”). As of the end of the reporting period, the Funds (other than the WPG Select Small Cap Value Fund, WPG Small Cap Value Diversified Fund, BP Global Sustainability Fund, BP Global Equity Fund, BP Emerging Markets Fund and BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund) each offer two classes of shares, Institutional Class and Investor Class. As of the end of the reporting period, Investor Class shares of the BP Global Equity Fund have not been issued. The WPG Select Small Cap Value Fund, WPG Small Cap Value Diversified Fund, BP Global Sustainability Fund, BP Emerging Markets Fund and BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund are single class funds, offering only the Institutional Class of shares.

 

RBB has authorized capital of one hundred billion shares of common stock of which 91.523 billion shares are currently classified into two hundred and twenty-two classes of common stock. Each class represents an interest in an active or inactive investment portfolio of the Company.

 

The investment objective of BP Small Cap Value Fund II and BP All-Cap Value Fund is to seek long-term growth of capital primarily through investment in equity securities. The investment objective of BP Global Equity Fund, BP Global/Long Short Fund, BP Emerging Markets Fund, and BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund is to seek long-term capital growth. The investment objective of WPG Select Small Cap Value Fund and BP Global Sustainability Fund is to seek long-term capital appreciation. The investment objective of BP Long/Short Equity Fund is to seek long-term capital appreciation while reducing exposure to general equity market risk. The investment objective of WPG Small Cap Value Diversified Fund is to seek capital appreciation by investing primarily in common stocks, securities convertible into common stocks and in special situations. The investment objective of BP Long/Short Research Fund is to seek long-term total return.

 

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

 

The end of the reporting period for the Funds is August 31, 2023, and the period covered by these Notes to Financial Statements is the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023 (the “current fiscal period” or the “reporting period”).

 

PORTFOLIO VALUATION — Each Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (generally 4:00 p.m Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. Securities held by a Fund are valued using the closing price or the last sale price on a national securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System (“NASDAQ”) market system where they are primarily traded. Equity securities traded in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market are valued at their closing prices. If there were no transactions on that day, securities traded principally on an exchange or on NASDAQ will be valued at the mean of the last bid and ask prices prior to the market close. Fixed income securities are valued using an independent pricing service, which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings, and are deemed representative of market values at the close of the market. Foreign securities are valued based on prices from the primary market in which they are traded, and are translated from the local currency into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates. Investments in other open-end investment companies, if any, are valued based on the NAV of the investment companies (which may use fair value pricing as disclosed in their prospectuses). Options for which the primary market is a national securities exchange are valued at the last sale price on the exchange on which they are traded, or, in the absence of any sale, will be valued at the mean of the last bid and ask prices prior to the market close. Options not traded on a national securities exchange are valued at the last quoted bid price for long option positions and the closing ask price for short option positions. If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable, securities will be valued by the Valuation Designee (as defined below) in accordance with procedures adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). Relying on prices supplied by pricing services or dealers or using fair valuation may result in values that are higher or lower than the values used by other investment companies and investors to price the same investments. Such procedures use fundamental valuation methods, which may include, but are not limited to, an analysis of the effect of any restrictions on the resale of the security, industry analysis and trends, significant changes in the issuer’s financial position, and any other event which could have a significant impact on the value of the security. Determination of fair value involves subjective judgment as the actual market value of a particular security can be established only by negotiations between the parties in a sales transaction, and the difference between the recorded fair value and the value that would be

 

104  |  Annual Report 2023

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

August 31, 2023

 

received in a sale could be significant. The Funds may use fair value pricing more frequently for securities traded primarily in non-U.S. markets because, among other things, most foreign markets close well before the Funds value their securities, generally as of 4:00 p.m. Eastern time. The earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, government actions or pronouncements, aftermarket trading, or news events may have occurred in the interim. To account for this, the Funds may value foreign securities using fair value prices based on third-party vendor modeling tools (international fair value pricing).

 

The Board has adopted a pricing and valuation policy for use by the Fund and its Valuation Designee (as defined below) in calculating the Fund’s NAV. Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Board has designated Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. (“Boston Partners” or the “Adviser”) as its “Valuation Designee” to perform all of the fair value determinations as well as to perform all of the responsibilities that may be performed by the Valuation Designee in accordance with Rule 2a-5. The Valuation Designee is authorized to make all necessary determinations of the fair values of portfolio securities and other assets for which market quotations are not readily available or if it is deemed that the prices obtained from brokers and dealers or independent pricing services are unreliable.

 

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS — The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the Funds’ investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:

 

Level 1 —  Prices are determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
Level 2 — Prices are determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).
Level 3 — Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs (including the Funds’ own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

 

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

A summary of the inputs used to value each Fund’s investments as of the end of the reporting period is included in each Fund’s Portfolio of Investments.

 

At the end of each quarter, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities. Various factors are considered, such as changes in liquidity from the prior reporting period; whether or not a broker is willing to execute at the quoted price; the depth and consistency of prices from third party pricing services; and the existence of contemporaneous, observable trades in the market. Additionally, management evaluates the classification of Level 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities on a quarterly basis for changes in listings or delistings on national exchanges.

 

Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Funds’ investments may fluctuate from period to period. Additionally, the fair value of investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for such investments and may differ materially from the values the Funds may ultimately realize. Further, such investments may be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities.

 

The following is a summary of quantitative information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements:

 

FUND  TYPE OF SECURITY  UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION/
(DEPRECIATION)
AS OF 8/31/2023
  VALUATION
TECHNIQUES
  UNOBSERVABLE
INPUT
  UNOBSERVABLE
INPUT
VALUES (USD)
  IMPACT TO
VALUATION FROM
AN INCREASE
TO INPUT
BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund  Contracts For Difference – Total Short – Russia  314,151  Market Approach & Concensus Pricing  Discount for lack of marketability as a result of geopolitical event and sanction  100%  Significant changes in the market quotes would have resulted in direct and proportional changes in the fair value of the security
BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund  Contracts For Difference – Total Short – Russia  140,169  Market Approach & Concensus Pricing  Discount for lack of marketability as a result of geopolitical event and sanction  100%  Significant changes in the market quotes would have resulted in direct and proportional changes in the fair value of the security

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

August 31, 2023

 

For fair valuations using significant unobservable inputs, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires each Fund to present a reconciliation of the beginning to ending balances for reported market values that presents changes attributable to total realized and unrealized gains or losses, purchase and sales, and transfers in and out of Level 3 during the period. Transfers in and out between levels are based on values at the end of the period. A reconciliation of Level 3 investments is presented only when a Fund had an amount of Level 3 investments at the end of the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets. The amounts and reasons for all Level 3 transfers are disclosed if a Fund had an amount of total Level 3 transfers during the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets as of the end of the reporting period.

 

During the current fiscal year, the Funds had no significant level 3 investments or transfers.

 

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 and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences could be significant.

 

INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS, INVESTMENT INCOME AND EXPENSES — The Funds record security transactions based on trade date for financial reporting purposes. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method for both financial reporting and income tax purposes in determining realized gains and losses on investments. Interest income (including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts) is accrued when earned. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. The Funds’ investment income, expenses (other than class specific expenses) and unrealized and realized gains and losses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class at the beginning of the day. Certain expenses are shared with The RBB Fund Trust (the “Trust”), a series trust of affiliated funds. Expenses incurred on behalf of a specific class, fund or fund family of the Company or Trust are charged directly to the class, fund or fund family (in proportion to net assets). Expenses incurred for all funds (such as director or professional fees) are charged to all funds in proportion to their average net assets of RBB and the Trust, or in such other manner as the Board deems fair or equitable. Offering costs are amortized for a new fund and accrued over a 12-month period from the inception date of the fund. Offering costs are charged directly to the fund in which they are incurred. Expenses and fees, including investment advisory, offering costs, and administration fees, are accrued daily and taken into account for the purpose of determining the NAV of the Funds.

 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS — Dividends from net investment income and distributions from net realized capital gains, if any, are declared and paid at least annually to shareholders and recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income dividends and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

 

U.S. TAX STATUS — No provision is made for U.S. income taxes as it is each Fund’s intention to qualify or continue to qualify for and elect the tax treatment applicable to regulated investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and make the requisite distributions to its shareholders which will be sufficient to relieve it from U.S. income and excise taxes.

 

SEC RULE 18f-4 — Effective August 19, 2022, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) implemented Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act (“Rule 18f-4”), providing for the regulation of a registered investment company’s use of derivatives and certain related instruments. Among other things, Rule 18f-4 limits a fund’s derivatives exposure through a value-at-risk test and requires the adoption and implementation of a derivatives risk management program for certain derivatives users. Each of the BP Emerging Markets Fund, BP Long/Short Equity Fund, BP Long/Short Research Fund, BP Global Long/Short Fund, and BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund, as a full derivatives user (as defined in Rule 18f-4), is subject to the full requirements of Rule 18f-4. Each of the BP All-Cap Value Fund, BP Small Cap Value Fund II, WPG Select Small Cap Value Fund, WPG Small Cap Value Diversified Fund, BP Global Sustainability Fund, and BP Global Equity Fund, as a limited derivatives user (as defined in Rule 18f-4), is not subject to the full requirements of Rule 18f-4. The Funds are required to comply with Rule18f-4 and has adopted procedures for investing in derivatives and other transactions in compliance with Rule 18f-4.

 

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION — Assets and liabilities initially expressed in non-U.S. currencies are translated into U.S. dollars based on the applicable exchange rates at the date of the last business day of the financial statement period. Purchases and sales of securities, interest income, dividends, variation margin received and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect on the transaction date.

 

The Funds do not separately report the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates from changes in market prices of securities held. Such changes are included with the net realized gain or loss and change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments in the Statements of Operations. Other foreign currency transactions resulting in realized and unrealized gain or loss are reported separately as net realized gain or loss and change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on foreign currencies in the Statements of Operations.

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates market value.

 

OTHER — In the normal course of business, the Funds may enter into contracts that provide general indemnifications. Each Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on claims that may be made against the Funds in the future, and, therefore, cannot be estimated; however, the Funds expect the risk of material loss from such claims to be remote.

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

August 31, 2023

 

CURRENCY RISK — The Funds invest in securities of foreign issuers, including American Depositary Receipts. These markets are subject to special risks associated with foreign investments not typically associated with investing in U.S. markets. Because the foreign securities in which the Funds may invest generally trade in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, changes in currency exchange rates will affect the Funds’ NAV, the value of dividends and interest earned and gains and losses realized on the sale of securities. Because the NAV for the Funds are determined on the basis of U.S. dollars, the Funds may lose money by investing in a foreign security if the local currency of a foreign market depreciates against the U.S. dollar, even if the local currency value of the Funds’ holdings goes up. Generally, a strong U.S. dollar relative to these other currencies will adversely affect the value of the Funds’ holdings in foreign securities.

 

EMERGING MARKETS RISK — The BP Global Sustainability Fund, the BP Emerging Markets Fund and the BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund invest in emerging market instruments which are subject to certain credit and market risks. The securities and currency markets of emerging market countries are generally smaller, less developed, less liquid and more volatile than the securities and currency markets of the United States and other developed markets. Disclosure and regulatory standards in many respects are less stringent than in other developed markets. There also may be a lower level of monitoring and regulation of securities markets in emerging market countries and the activities of investors in such markets and enforcement of existing regulations may be extremely limited. Political and economic structures in many of these countries may be in their infancy and developing rapidly, and such countries may lack the social, political and economic stability characteristics of more developed countries.

 

FOREIGN SECURITIES MARKET RISK — Securities of many non-U.S. companies may be less liquid and their prices more volatile than securities of comparable U.S. companies. Securities of companies traded in many countries outside the U.S., particularly emerging markets countries, may be subject to further risks due to the inexperience of local investment professionals and financial institutions, the possibility of permanent or temporary termination of trading and greater spreads between bid and asked prices of securities. In addition, non-U.S. stock exchanges and investment professionals are subject to less governmental regulation, and commissions may be higher than in the United States. Also, there may be delays in the settlement of non-U.S. stock exchange transactions.

 

LIBOR DISCONTINUATION RISK — The terms of many financial instruments in which the Funds may invest or other transactions to which the Funds may be a party may be tied to the London Interbank Offered Rate, or “LIBOR.” LIBOR is the offered rate for short-term Eurodollar deposits between major international banks. LIBOR may be a significant factor in determining the Funds’ payment obligations under a derivative investment, the cost of financing to the Funds or an investment’s value or return to the Funds, and may be used in other ways that affect the Funds’ investment performance. In July 2017, the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”), the United Kingdom’s financial regulatory body, announced a desire to phase out the use of LIBOR by the end of 2021.

 

Most LIBOR settings are no longer published as of December 31, 2021. Overnight and 12-month U.S. dollar LIBOR settings permanently ceased after publication on June 30, 2021. 1-, 3- and 6-month U.S. dollar LIBOR settings will continue to be published using a synthetic methodology until September 2024. The U.S. Federal Reserve, based on the recommendations of the New York Federal Reserve’s Alternative Reference Rate Committee (comprised of major derivative market participants and their regulators), has begun publishing the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) that is intended to replace U.S. dollar LIBOR. Proposals for alternative reference rates for other currencies have also been announced or have already begun publication. Markets are slowly developing in response to these new reference rates. Uncertainty related to the liquidity impact of the change in rates, and how to appropriately adjust these rates at the time of transition, poses risks for the Funds. The effect of the transition away from LIBOR on the Funds will depend on, among other things, (1) existing fallback or termination provisions in individual contracts and (2) whether, how, and when industry participants develop and adopt new reference rates and fallbacks for both legacy and new instruments and contracts. In addition, there are obstacles to converting certain longer-term securities and transactions to a new reference rate or rates and the effectiveness of one alternative reference rate versus multiple alternative reference rates in new or existing financial instruments and products has not been determined.

 

The transition away from LIBOR might lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets for instruments whose terms currently reference LIBOR, reduced values of LIBOR-related investments, reduced effectiveness of hedging strategies, increased costs for certain LIBOR-related instruments, increased difficulty in borrowing or refinancing, and prolonged adverse market conditions for the Funds. Furthermore, the risks associated with the transition may be exacerbated if the work necessary to effect an orderly transition to an alternative reference rate is not completed in a timely manner.

 

Although the Funds are working to minimize its exposure to risks associated with the transition away from LIBOR, all of the aforementioned risks may adversely affect the Funds’ performance or NAV.

 

UKRAINE-RUSSIA CONFLICT RISK — In February 2022, Russia commenced a military attack on Ukraine. The outbreak of hostilities between the two countries and the threat of wider-spread hostilities could have a severe adverse effect on the region and global economies, including significant negative impacts on the markets for certain securities and commodities, such as oil and natural gas. 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 the armed conflict and related events will last cannot be predicted. These tensions and any related events could have a significant impact on the Funds’ performance and the value of Funds’ investments, even beyond any direct exposure that the Funds may have to issuers located in these countries.

 

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BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

August 31, 2023

 

SUSTAINABLE INVESTMENT RISK — The sustainability criterion required for investment by the BP Global Sustainability Fund may cause the Fund to not invest in certain industries or issuers. As a result, the BP Global Sustainability Fund may be overweight or underweight in certain industries or issuers relative to its benchmark index, which may cause the Fund’s performance to be more or less sensitive to developments affecting those industries or issuers. Sustainability information provided by issuers, upon which the portfolio managers may rely, continues to develop, and may be incomplete, inaccurate, use different methodologies, or be applied differently across companies and industries. Further, the regulatory landscape for sustainable investing in the United States is still developing and future rules and regulations may require the BP Global Sustainability Fund to modify or alter its investment process. Similarly, government policies incentivizing issuers to engage in sustainable practices may fall out of favor, which could potentially limit the BP Global Sustainability Fund’s investment universe. There is also a risk that the companies identified through the investment process may fail to adhere to sustainable business practices, which may result in the BP Global Sustainability Fund selling a security when it might otherwise be disadvantageous to do so. There is no guarantee that sustainable investments will outperform the broader market on either an absolute or relative basis.

 

OPTIONS WRITTEN — The Funds may enter into options written for: bona fide hedging; attempting to offset changes in the value of securities held or expected to be acquired or be disposed of; attempting to minimize fluctuations in foreign currencies; attempting to gain exposure to a particular market, index or instrument; or other risk management purposes. Such options may relate to particular securities or domestic stock indices, and may or may not be listed on exchanges regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission or on other non-U.S. exchanges. An option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a position in the contract (a long position if the option is a call and a short position if the option is a put) at a specified exercise price at any time during the option exercise period. The writer of the option is required upon exercise to assume a short futures position (if the option is a call) or a long futures position (if the option is a put). Upon exercise of the option, the accumulated cash balance in the writer’s futures margin account is delivered to the holder of the option. That balance represents the amount by which the market price of the futures contract at exercise exceeds, in the case of a call, or is less than, in the case of a put, the exercise price of the option. The maximum risk of loss associated with writing put options is limited to the exercised fair value of the option contract. The maximum risk of loss associated with writing call options is potentially unlimited. The Funds also have the additional risk of being unable to enter into a closing transaction at an acceptable price if a liquid secondary market does not exist. The Funds also may write OTC options where completing the obligation depends upon the credit standing of the other party. Option contracts also involve the risk that they may result in loss due to unanticipated developments in market conditions or other causes. Written options are initially recorded as liabilities to the extent of premiums received and subsequently marked to market to reflect the current value of the option written. Gains or losses are realized when the option transaction expires or closes. When an option is exercised, the proceeds on sales for a written call option or the purchase cost for a written put option is adjusted by the amount of the premium received. Listed option contracts present minimal counterparty credit risk since they are exchange traded and the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange-traded options, guarantees the options against default. As of the end of the reporting period, all of the Funds’ written options are exchange-traded options.

 

During the current fiscal period, the Funds’ average quarterly volume of options transactions was as follows:

 

FUND  PURCHASED OPTIONS
(COST)
  WRITTEN OPTIONS
(PROCEEDS)
 
BP All-Cap Value Fund  $   $5,309,289 
BP Long/Short Equity Fund   19,008    224,604 
BP Long/Short Research Fund       527,640 
BP Global Long/Short Fund       2,087,432 

 

SHORT SALES — When the Adviser believes that a security is overvalued, the BP Long/Short Equity Fund, the BP Long/Short Research Fund, the BP Global Long/Short Fund and the BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund may sell the security short by borrowing the same security from a broker or other institution and selling the security. A Fund will incur a loss as a result of a short sale if the price of the borrowed security increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which the Fund buys and replaces such borrowed security. A Fund will realize a gain if there is a decline in price of the security between those dates where the decline in price exceeds the costs of borrowing the security and other transaction costs. There can be no assurance that a Fund will be able to close out a short position at any particular time or at an acceptable price. Although a Fund’s gain is limited to the amount at which it sold a security short, its potential loss is unlimited. Until a Fund replaces a borrowed security, it will maintain at all times cash, U.S. Government securities, or other liquid securities in an amount which, when added to any amount deposited with a broker as collateral, will at least equal the current market value of the security sold short. Depending on arrangements made with brokers, a Fund may not receive any payments (including interest) on collateral deposited with them.

 

In accordance with the terms of its prime brokerage agreements, a Fund may receive rebate income or be charged a fee for borrowed securities. Such income or fee is calculated on a daily basis based upon the market value of each borrowed security and a variable rate that is dependent upon the availability of such security. The Funds record these prime broker charges on a net basis as interest income or interest expense. During the current fiscal period, the BP Long/Short Equity Fund, the BP Long/Short Research Fund, the BP Global Long/Short Fund and the BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund had net income/(charges) of $261,389, $5,776,813, $1,704,976

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

August 31, 2023

 

and $3,275, respectively, on borrowed securities. Such amounts are included in prime broker interest income on the Statements of Operations.

 

As of the end of the reporting period, BP Long/Short Equity Fund, BP Long/Short Research Fund, BP Global Long/Short Fund and BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund had securities sold short valued at $11,512,788, $183,871,456, $0 and $297,057, respectively, for which securities of $24,618,412, $172,884,304, $36,294,268 and $22,150,500 and deposits of $12,565,064, $186,118,175, $81,905 and $947,930, respectively, were pledged as collateral.

 

In accordance with Special Custody and Pledge Agreements with Goldman Sachs & Co. (“Goldman Sachs”) (the Funds’ prime broker), BP Long/Short Equity Fund, BP Long/Short Research Fund, BP Global Long/Short Fund and BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund may borrow from Goldman Sachs to the extent necessary to maintain required margin cash deposits on short positions. Interest on such borrowings is charged to the Fund based on the overnight rate plus an agreed upon spread.

 

The BP Long/Short Equity Fund, BP Long/Short Research Fund, BP Global Long/Short Fund and BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund utilized cash borrowings from Goldman Sachs to meet required margin cash deposits as follows during the current fiscal period:

 

BP LONG/SHORT EQUITY FUND  BP LONG/SHORT RESEARCH FUND
DAYS
UTILIZED
  AVERAGE DAILY
BORROWINGS
  WEIGHTED AVERAGE
INTEREST RATE
  DAYS
UTILIZED
  AVERAGE DAILY
BORROWINGS
  WEIGHTED AVERAGE
INTEREST RATE
 265    EUR 6,609    2.23%   233    AUD 374,758    3.67%
 365    USD 1,947,743    4.81%   194    CAD 1,434,738    4.79%
                88    CHF 90,592    1.06%
                232    DKK 284,392    2.07%
                206    EUR 532,968    2.50%
                214    GBP 549,733    3.87%
                123    HKD 1,490,348    2.65%
                160    JPY 37,554,502    0.38%
                220    MXN 265,414    10.88%
                28    NOK 2    0.00%
                122    SEK 731,760    3.79%
                28    SGD 0    0.00%
                323    THB 47,789,043    1.81%
                139    USD 2,035,536    4.58%
                107    ZAR 1,141,114    7.78%
                
BP GLOBAL LONG/SHORT FUND  BP EMERGING MARKETS DYNAMIC EQUITY FUND
DAYS
UTILIZED
  AVERAGE DAILY
BORROWINGS
  WEIGHTED AVERAGE
INTEREST RATE
  DAYS
UTILIZED
  AVERAGE DAILY
BORROWINGS
  WEIGHTED AVERAGE
INTEREST RATE
 115    AUD 119,836    3.53%   51    GBP 23,010    2.21%
 25    CHF 2,100    1.89%   82    HKD 221,092    2.39%
 112    EUR 14,442    3.05%   3    HUF 0    0.00%
 67    GBP 103,784    4.36%   62    USD 346,446    3.60%
 95    HKD 76,531    2.65%   3    ZAR 0    0.00%
 270    JPY 16,965,785    0.41%               
 60    SEK 220,637    2.63%               
 157    USD 313,839    4.98%               

 

The BP Long/Short Equity Fund, BP Long/Short Research Fund, BP Global Long/Short Fund and BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund incurred interest expense during the current fiscal period on such borrowings, in the amount of $95,141, $121,633, $9,475 and $2,380 respectively.

 

CONTRACTS FOR DIFFERENCE — The BP Emerging Markets Fund, BP Long/Short Equity Fund, BP Long/Short Research Fund, BP Global Long/Short Fund and BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund (for this section only, each a “Fund”) may enter into Contracts for Differences (“CFDs”). CFDs are leveraged derivative instruments that allow a Fund to take a position on the change in the market price of an underlying asset, such as a stock, or the value of an index or currency exchange rate. With a short CFD, a Fund is seeking to profit from falls in the market price of the asset. CFDs are subject to liquidity risk because the liquidity of CFDs is based on the liquidity of the underlying instrument, and are subject to counterparty risk, i.e., the risk that the counterparty to the CFD transaction may be unable or unwilling to make payments or to otherwise honor its financial obligations under the terms of the contract. It is also possible that the market price of a CFD will move between the time the order is placed by a Fund and when it is executed by the issuer, which can result in the trade being executed at a less favorable price. CFDs, like many other derivative instruments, involve the risk that, if the derivative security declines in value, additional margin would be required to maintain the margin level. The seller may require a Fund to deposit additional sums to cover this decline in value, and the margin call may be at short notice. If additional margin is not provided in time, the seller may liquidate the positions at a loss for which a Fund is liable. The potential for margin calls and large losses are much greater in CFDs than in other leveraged products. Most CFDs are traded OTC. CFDs are not registered with the SEC or any U.S. regulator, and are not subject to U.S. regulation. In a short position, the Fund will receive or pay an amount based upon the amount, if any, by

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

August 31, 2023

 

which the notional amount of a CFD would have decreased or increased in value had it sold the particular stocks short, less the dividends that would have been paid on those stocks, plus a floating rate of interest on the notional amount of the CFD. All of these components are reflected in the market value of the CFDs.

 

CFDs are marked-to-market daily based upon quotations from market makers and the resulting changes in market values, if any, are recorded as an unrealized gain or loss in the Statements of Operations. Periodic payments made or received are recorded as realized gains or losses. Entering into CFDs involves, to varying degrees, elements of credit and market risk in excess of the amounts recognized on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Such risks involve the possibility that there will be no liquid market for these contracts, that the counterparty to the contract may default on its obligation to perform and that there may be unfavorable changes in market conditions. CFDs outstanding at period end, if any, are listed on the Portfolio of Investments. As of the end of the reporting period, BP Emerging Markets Fund, BP Long/Short Research Fund, BP Global Long/Short Fund and BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund had cash deposits for CFDs of $90,000, $1,171,258, $3,398,354 and $644,755, respectively, which were pledged as collateral. In connection with CFDs, cash or securities may be segregated as collateral by the Funds’ custodian. As of the end of the reporting period, the BP Long/Short Research Fund, BP Global Long/Short Fund, BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund and the BP Emerging Markets Fund held CFDs.

 

During the current fiscal period, the average volume of CFDs was as follows:

 

FUND  NOTIONAL AMOUNT
LONG
   NOTIONAL AMOUNT
SHORT
 
BP Emerging Markets Fund  $1,052,102   $ 
BP Long/Short Equity Fund       871,197 
BP Long/Short Research Fund   2,504,810    112,912,456 
BP Global Long/Short Fund   14,103,257    26,038,841 
BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund   23,090,715    36,759,312 

 

The following is a summary of CFDs that are subject to enforceable master netting agreements (or similar arrangements) and collateral received and pledged in connection with the master netting agreements (or similar arrangements) as of the end of the reporting period:

 

         GROSS AMOUNT
NOT OFFSET IN
THE STATEMENTS OF
ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
 
              GROSS AMOUNT
NOT OFFSET IN
THE STATEMENTS OF
ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
      
FUND  GROSS
AMOUNTS OF
RECOGNIZED
ASSETS
   FINANCIAL
INSTRUMENTS
   CASH
COLLATERAL
RECEIVED
   NET
AMOUNT1
   GROSS
AMOUNTS OF
RECOGNIZED
LIABILITIES
   FINANCIAL
INSTRUMENTS
   CASH
COLLATERAL
PLEDGED2
   NET
AMOUNT3
 
BP Emerging Markets Fund                                        
Goldman Sachs  $71,529   $71,529   $   $   $207,389   $71,529   $90,000   $45,860 
Total  $71,529   $71,529   $   $   $207,389   $71,529   $90,000   $45,860 
BP Long/Short Research Fund                                
Bank of America  $32,501   $   $   $32,501   $   $   $   $ 
Goldman Sachs   2,102,233    1,032,699        1,069,534    1,032,699    1,032,699         
HSBC   97,100                             
Morgan Stanley   7,325,616    4,413,638        2,911,978    4,413,638    4,413,638        300,000 
Total  $9,557,450   $5,446,337   $   $4,111,113   $5,446,337   $5,446,337   $   $300,000 
BP Global Long/Short Fund                                
Goldman Sachs  $1,711,818   $1,711,818   $   $   $3,459,567   $1,711,818   $1,747,749   $ 
HSBC                   362,730        362,730     
Morgan Stanley   1,064,334    971,804        92,530    971,804    971,804         
Total  $2,776,152   $2,683,622   $   $92,530   $4,794,101   $2,683,622   $2,110,479   $ 
BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund                         
Bank of America  $20,672   $12,310   $   $8,362   $12,310   $12,310   $   $ 
Goldman Sachs   4,122,977    2,789,894        1,333,083    2,789,894    2,789,894         
HSBC   320,476    6,923        313,553    6,923    6,923         
JPMorgan   133,659    90,088        43,571    90,088    90,088         
Morgan Stanley   1,977,510    1,349,597        627,913    1,349,597    1,349,597         
Total  $6,575,294   $4,248,812   $   $2,326,482   $4,248,812   $4,248,812   $   $ 

 

1 Net amount represents the net amount receivable from the counterparty in the event of default.
2 Actual collateral pledged may be more than the amount shown.
3 Net amount represents the net amount payable to the counterparty in the event of default.

 

110  |  Annual Report 2023

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

2. INVESTMENT ADVISERS AND OTHER SERVICES

 

Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. (“Boston Partners” or the “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser to each Fund. Each Fund compensates the Adviser for its services at an annual rate based on the Fund’s average daily net assets (the “Advisory Fee”), payable on a monthly basis in arrears, as shown in the following table.

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent that total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) exceed the rates (“Expense Caps”) shown in the following table of each Fund’s average daily net assets. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed the Expense Caps as applicable: short sale dividend expense, brokerage commissions, extraordinary expenses, interest and taxes. This contractual limitation for all the Funds is in effect until December 31, 2023 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board.

 

       EXPENSE CAPS
FUND  ADVISORY FEE  INSTITUTIONAL
CLASS
  INVESTOR
CLASS
BP All-Cap Value Fund   0.70%   0.80%   1.05%
BP Small Cap Value Fund II   0.85    0.99    1.24 
WPG Select Small Cap Value Fund   0.90    1.10    N/A 
WPG Small Cap Value Diversified Fund*   0.80    1.10    N/A 
BP Global Sustainability Fund   0.80    0.90    N/A 
BP Global Equity Fund   0.90    0.95    1.20 
BP Emerging Markets Fund   0.75    1.00    N/A 
BP Long/Short Equity Fund   2.25    1.96    2.21 
BP Long/Short Research Fund   1.25    1.50    1.75 
BP Global Long/Short Fund   1.50    2.00    2.25 
BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund   1.25    1.40    N/A 

 

* 0.80% of net asset up to $500 million, 0.75% of net assets in excess of $500 million.

 

The Adviser may recoup from each Fund fees and expenses previously paid, waived, or absorbed for a period of three years after such fees or expenses were incurred, provided that the repayments do not cause the Funds’ operating expenses (excluding brokerage commissions, short sale dividend expense, taxes, interest expense, and any extraordinary expenses) to exceed the Expense Caps of each class of each Fund that were in effect at the time the fees and expenses were paid, waived, or absorbed by the Adviser, as well as the Expense Caps that are currently in effect, if different.

 

During the current fiscal period, investment advisory fees accrued, waived and/or reimbursed were as follows:

 

FUND  GROSS
ADVISORY FEES
  WAIVERS AND/OR
REIMBURSEMENTS*
  RECOUPMENTS  NET
ADVISORY FEES
BP All-Cap Value Fund  $9,693,764             $(581,154)                   $            $9,112,610   
BP Small Cap Value Fund II   5,890,652    (313,733)       5,576,919 
WPG Select Small Cap Value Fund   731,706    (52,965)   4,502    683,243 
WPG Small Cap Value Diversified Fund   243,064    (64,117)       178,947 
BP Global Sustainability Fund   179,655    (102,575)       77,080 
BP Global Equity Fund   1,742,360    (312,531)       1,429,829 
BP Emerging Markets Fund   162,974    (117,642)       45,332 
BP Long/Short Equity Fund   1,523,914    (440,825)       1,083,089 
BP Long/Short Research Fund   9,421,601            9,421,601 
BP Global Long/Short Fund   2,334,126            2,334,126 
BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund   741,375    (150,185)       591,190 
                     
As of the end of the reporting period, the Funds had amounts available for recoupment as follows:

 

   EXPIRATION     
FUND  August 31, 2024   August 31, 2025   August 31, 2026   TOTAL 
BP All-Cap Value Fund   $479,510    $1,054,852    $581,154    $2,115,516 
BP Small Cap Value Fund II   139,323    274,029    313,733    727,085 
WPG Select Small Cap Value Fund       108,052    52,965    161,017 
WPG Small Cap Value Diversified Fund   43,934    49,003    64,117    157,054 
BP Global Sustainability Fund       125,165    102,575    227,740 
BP Global Equity Fund   140,758    327,392    312,531    780,681 
BP Emerging Markets Fund   123,547    170,692    117,642    411,881 
BP Long/Short Equity Fund   366,046    404,556    440,825    1,211,427 
BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund   168,395    194,970    150,185    513,550 

 

* Includes aquired fund fees and expenses. Acquired fund fees and expenses are indirect fees and expenses that the Fund incurs from investing in the shares of other mutual funds, including money market funds and exchange traded funds.

 

Annual Report 2023  |  111

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

August 31, 2023

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (“Fund Services”), serves as administrator for the Funds. For providing administrative and accounting services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Fund Services serves as the Funds’ transfer and dividend disbursing agent. For providing transfer agent services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

U.S. Bank, N.A. (the “Custodian”) provides certain custodial services to the Funds. The Custodian is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Quasar Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of Foreside Financial Group, LLC, serves as the principal underwriter and distributor of the Funds’ shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with RBB.

 

For compensation amounts paid to Fund Services and the Custodian, please refer to the Statements of Operations.

 

The Board has approved a Distribution Agreement for the Funds and adopted separate Plans of Distribution for the Investor Class Shares of each Fund (the “Plans”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Plans, Quasar Distributors, LLC (the “Underwriter”) is entitled to receive from each Fund a distribution fee with respect to the Investor Class Shares, which is accrued daily and paid monthly, of up to 0.25% on an annualized basis of the average daily net assets of the Investor Class Shares. Amounts paid to the Distributor under the Plans may be used by the Distributor to cover expenses that are related to (i) the sale of the Investor Class Shares, (ii) ongoing servicing and/or maintenance of the accounts of shareholders, and (iii) sub-transfer agency services, subaccounting services or administrative services related to the sale of the Investor Class Shares, all as set forth in the Plans.

 

3. DIRECTOR AND OFFICER COMPENSATION

 

The Directors of the Company receive an annual retainer and meeting fees for meetings attended. An employee of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serves as Chief Compliance Officer of the Company. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company. Employees of RBB serve as President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Secretary and Director of Marketing & Business Development of the Company. They are compensated by the Company for services provided. Certain employees of Fund Services serve as officers of the Company. They are not compensated by the Funds or the Company. For Director and Officer compensation amounts, please refer to the Statements of Operations.

 

4. PURCHASES AND SALES OF INVESTMENT SECURITIES

 

During the current fiscal period, aggregate purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments and derivative transactions) of the Funds were as follows:

 

FUND  PURCHASES   SALES 
BP All-Cap Value Fund   $456,270,963    $640,389,226 
BP Small Cap Value Fund II   443,043,507    639,962,742 
WPG Select Small Cap Value Fund   151,158,108    88,326,606 
WPG Small Cap Value Diversified Fund   26,350,171    31,836,085 
BP Global Sustainability Fund   16,394,855    17,582,177 
BP Global Equity Fund   115,215,674    95,943,538 
BP Emerging Markets Fund   30,395,371    29,375,878 
BP Long/Short Equity Fund   28,037,269    31,082,894 
BP Long/Short Research Fund   383,780,215    531,012,159 
BP Global Long/Short Fund   224,373,786    335,389,052 
BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund   47,438,620    54,399,805 

 

There were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. Government securities during the current fiscal period.

 

5. CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

As of the end of the reporting period, each class of each Fund has 100,000,000 shares of $0.001 par value common stock authorized except for the Institutional Class Shares of the BP Long/Short Research Fund, BP Global Long/Short Fund and WPG Small Cap Value Diversified Fund, which have 750,000,000 shares, 300,000,000 shares and 50,000,000 shares, respectively, of $0.001 par value common stock authorized.

 

6. RESTRICTED SECURITIES

 

Each Fund may invest in securities that are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale. These securities generally may be resold in transactions exempt from registration or to the public if the securities are registered. Disposal of these securities may involve

 

112  |  Annual Report 2023

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

August 31, 2023

 

time-consuming negotiations and expense, and prompt sale at an acceptable price may be difficult. Information regarding restricted securities, if applicable, is included at the end of each Fund’s Portfolio of Investments.

 

As of the end of the reporting period, the Funds did not hold any restricted securities that were illiquid.

 

7. FEDERAL INCOME TAX INFORMATION

 

The Funds have followed the authoritative guidance on accounting for and disclosure of uncertainty in tax positions, which requires the Funds to determine whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The Funds have determined that there was no effect on the financial statements from following this authoritative guidance. In the normal course of business, the Funds are subject to examination by federal, state and local jurisdictions, where applicable, for tax years for which applicable statutes of limitations have not expired.

 

As of August 31, 2023, the federal tax cost and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments held by each Fund were as follows:

 

FUND  FEDERAL
TAX COST
   UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION
   UNREALIZED
(DEPRECIATION)
  NET UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION/
(DEPRECIATION)
 
BP All-Cap Value Fund   $957,263,853    $528,392,107    $(15,134,032)   $513,258,075 
BP Small Cap Value Fund II   550,308,265    166,174,717    (34,638,557)   131,536,160 
WPG Select Small Cap Value Fund   101,019,021    9,308,736    (2,986,803)   6,321,933 
WPG Small Cap Value Diversified Fund   32,899,498    4,820,599    (1,506,497)   3,314,102 
BP Global Sustainability Fund   21,867,581    2,801,482    (890,404)   1,911,078 
BP Global Equity Fund   196,214,341    39,136,296    (10,883,527)   28,252,769 
BP Emerging Markets Fund   22,140,818    2,727,662    (1,381,960)   1,345,702 
BP Long/Short Equity Fund   61,725,904    26,356,810    (2,788,050)   23,568,760 
BP Long/Short Research Fund   539,453,439    199,571,025    (43,357,958)   156,213,067 
BP Global Long/Short Fund   142,353,446    20,814,447    (9,159,839)   11,654,608 
BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund   55,503,413    11,735,336    (5,827,481)   5,907,855 

 

Distributions to shareholders, if any, from net investment income and realized gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from net investment income and realized gains recognized for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the character of distributions and composition of net assets for tax purposes may differ from those reflected in the accompanying financial statements. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on the tax treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.

 

The following permanent differences as of August 31, 2023 were reclassified among the following accounts. They are primarily attributable to net investment loss, deemed distributions due to shareholder redemptions and investments in partnerships.

 

FUND  DISTRIBUTABLE
EARNINGS/(LOSS)
  PAID-IN
CAPITAL
 
BP All-Cap Value Fund   $(13,651,496)   $13,651,496 
BP Small Cap Value Fund II   (11,704,308)   11,704,308 
WPG Select Small Cap Value Fund        
WPG Small Cap Value Diversified Fund   (109,773)   109,773 
BP Global Sustainability Fund        
BP Global Equity Fund        
BP Emerging Markets Fund        
BP Long/Short Equity Fund        
BP Long/Short Research Fund   40    (40)
BP Global Long/Short Fund        
BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund        

 

Annual Report 2023  |  113

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

August 31, 2023

 

As of August 31, 2023, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

FUND  UNDISTRIBUTED
ORDINARY
INCOME
   UNDISTRIBUTED
LONG-TERM
CAPITAL GAINS
   CAPITAL LOSS
CARRYFORWARDS
   QUALIFIED
LATE-YEAR
LOSS DEFERRAL
   OTHER
TEMPORARY
DIFFERENCES
   UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION/
(DEPRECIATION)
 
BP All-Cap Value Fund   $15,911,785    $109,868,566    $    $    $    $513,259,682 
BP Small Cap Value Fund II   3,248,736    47,248,132                131,536,160 
WPG Select Small Cap Value Fund   13,481,013    892,005                6,321,933 
WPG Small Cap Value Diversified Fund   471,974    1,641,968                3,314,020 
BP Global Sustainability Fund   344,985        (2,642,578)           1,910,978 
BP Global Equity Fund   3,604,107        (12,623,653)           28,239,245 
BP Emerging Markets Fund   346,887        (4,283,521)           1,345,144 
BP Long/Short Equity Fund   5,479,165    5,474,652                23,291,642 
BP Long/Short Research Fund   25,433,223    41,490,067            (23,139)   155,638,646 
BP Global Long/Short Fund   2,313,704        (141,607)       (2,156,788)   11,502,917 
BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund           (15,769,248)   (3,516,024)       5,899,907 

 

The differences between the book and tax basis components of distributable earnings relate principally to the timing of recognition of income and gains for federal income tax purposes.

 

The tax character of dividends and distributions paid during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023 was as follows:

 

   2023   2022 
FUND  ORDINARY
INCOME
   LONG-TERM
GAINS
   TOTAL   ORDINARY
INCOME
   LONG-TERM
GAINS
   TOTAL 
BP All-Cap Value Fund   $24,105,403    $91,006,985    $115,112,388    $42,230,699    $61,493,948    $103,724,647 
BP Small Cap Value Fund II   6,797,983    45,094,686    51,892,669    17,060,225    42,632,065    59,692,290 
WPG Select Small Cap Value Fund   111,741        111,741             
WPG Small Cap Value Diversified Fund   1,862,975    2,806,618    4,669,593    417,759        417,759 
BP Global Sustainability Fund   313,835        313,835             
BP Global Equity Fund   2,771,850        2,771,850    3,282,335        3,282,335 
BP Emerging Markets Fund   651,962        651,962    926,742    303,862    1,230,604 
BP Long/Short Equity Fund   3,983,135    4,087,413    8,070,548        2,791,078    2,791,078 
BP Long/Short Research Fund   59,860,157    86,589,335    146,449,492        87,734,542    87,734,542 
BP Global Long/Short Fund   3,244,316        3,244,316             
BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund   11,778,440        11,778,440    36,249        36,249 

 

Dividends from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income dividends for federal income tax purposes.

 

Pursuant to federal income tax rules applicable to regulated investment companies, the Funds may elect to treat certain capital losses between November 1 and August 31 and late year ordinary losses ((i) ordinary losses between January 1 and August 31, and (ii) specified ordinary and currency losses between November 1 and August 31) as occurring on the first day of the following tax year. For the year ended August 31, 2023, any amount of losses elected within the tax return will not be recognized for federal income tax purposes until September 1, 2023.

 

114  |  Annual Report 2023

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

August 31, 2023

 

For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, the Funds deferred to September 1, 2023, the following qualified late-year losses.

 

FUND  LATE-YEAR
ORDINARY LOSS
DEFERRAL
  POST-OCTOBER
CAPITAL LOSS
DEFERRAL
BP All-Cap Value Fund   $     $ 
BP Small Cap Value Fund II        
WPG Select Small Cap Value Fund        
WPG Small Cap Value Diversified Fund        
BP Global Sustainability Fund        
BP Global Equity Fund        
BP Emerging Markets Fund        
BP Long/Short Equity Fund        
BP Long/Short Research Fund        
BP Global Long/Short Fund        
BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund   3,516,024     

 

Accumulated capital losses represent net capital loss carryforwards as of August 31, 2023 that may be available to offset future realized capital gains and thereby reduce future capital gains distributions. Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010, the Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 for an unlimited period. Any losses incurred during those future taxable years will be required to be utilized prior to any losses incurred in pre-enactment taxable years. Additionally, post-enactment capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses rather than being considered all short-term as under the previous law. During the current fiscal period, the BP Global Equity Fund had utilized $7,152,860, and BP Global Long/Short Fund had utilized $9,016,955 of carry forward capital losses.

 

As of August 31, 2023, the BP Global Sustainability Fund had short-term post-enactment capital losses of $2,382,304 and long-term post-enactment capital losses of $260,274. The BP Global Equity Fund had short-term post-enactment capital losses of $12,623,653. The BP Emerging Markets Fund had short-term post-enactment capital losses of $4,191,007 and long-term post-enactment capital losses of $92,514. The BP Global Long/Short Fund had short-term post-enactment capital losses of $141,607. The BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund had short-term post-enactment capital losses of $15,769,248. The capital losses can be carried forward for an unlimited period.

 

8. SECURITIES LENDING

 

Securities may be loaned to financial institutions, such as broker-dealers, and are required to be secured continuously by collateral in cash, cash equivalents, letter of credit or U.S. Government securities maintained on a current basis at an amount at least equal to the market value of the securities loaned. Cash collateral received, pursuant to investment guidelines established by the Funds and approved by the Board, is invested in short-term investments. All such investments are made at the risk of the Funds and, as such, the Funds are liable for investment losses. Such loans would involve risks of delay in receiving additional collateral in the event the value of the collateral decreased below the value of the securities loaned or of delay in recovering the securities loaned or even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially. However, loans will be made only to borrowers deemed by Boston Partners to be of good standing and only when, in Boston Partners’ judgment, the income to be earned from the loans justifies the attendant risks. Any loans of a Fund’s securities will be fully collateralized and marked to market daily. Investments purchased with proceeds from securities lending are overnight and continuous. During the current fiscal period, the Funds participated in securities lending. The market value of securities on loan and cash collateral as of the end of the reporting period and the income generated from the program during the current fiscal period with respect to such loans were as follows:

 

FUND  MARKET VALUE
OF SECURITIES
LOANED
   MARKET VALUE
OF COLLATERAL
   INCOME RECEIVED
FROM SECURITIES
LENDING
BP All-Cap Value Fund   $73,488,319    $75,334,610    $235,261     
BP Small Cap Value Fund II   81,151,238    82,843,864    320,623 
WPG Small Cap Value Diversified Fund   6,618,785    6,819,559    22,953 
BP Global Equity Fund   12,370,330    12,674,868    26,130 
BP Long/Short Equity Fund   9,801,974    10,049,570    63,296 

 

ANNUAL REPORT 2023  |  115

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

August 31, 2023

 

Securities lending transactions are entered into by the Funds’ securities lending agent on behalf of the Funds under a Master Securities Lending Agreement (“MSLA”) which permits the Funds’ securities lending agent on behalf of the Funds, under certain circumstances including an event of default (such as bankruptcy or insolvency), to offset amounts payable on behalf of the Funds to the same counterparty against amounts to be received and create one single net payment due to or from the Funds. The following table is a summary of the Funds’ open securities lending transactions which are subject to a MSLA as of the end of the reporting period:

 

               GROSS AMOUNT NOT OFFSET IN THE
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
 
FUND  GROSS AMOUNT
OF RECOGNIZED
ASSETS
   GROSS AMOUNTS
OFFSET IN
THE STATEMENT
OF ASSETS
AND LIABILITIES
   NET AMOUNT
OF ASSETS
PRESENTED IN
THE STATEMENT
OF ASSETS
AND LIABILITIES
   FINANCIAL
INSTRUMENTS1
   CASH
COLLATERAL
RECEIVED
   NET AMOUNT 
BP All-Cap Value Fund   $73,488,319        $73,488,319    $(73,488,319)        
BP Small Cap Value Fund II   81,151,238        81,151,238    (81,151,238)        
WPG Small Cap Value Diversified Fund   6,618,785        6,618,785    (6,618,785)        
BP Global Equity Fund   12,370,330        12,370,330    (12,370,330)        
BP Long/Short Equity Fund   9,801,974        9,801,974    (9,801,974)        

 

1 Amount disclosed is limited to the amount of assets presented in the Statement of Assets and Liabilites. Actual collateral received may be more than the amount shown.

 

9. LINE OF CREDIT

 

The Company, on behalf of the Funds, has established a line of credit (“LoC”) with the Custodian to be used for temporary or emergency purposes, primarily for financing redemption payments. Any loan issued to a Fund utilizing the LoC (each, a “Borrowing Fund” and together, the “Borrowing Funds”) is secured by securities held in the Borrowing Fund’s portfolio. The LoC was renewed on September 12, 2023. The LoC will mature, unless renewed, on September 10, 2024. Borrowing under the LoC is limited to the lesser of (i) $100,000,000, (ii) 20.0% of the gross market value of a Borrowing Fund, or (iii) 33 1/3% of the net market value of the unencumbered assets of a Borrowing Fund. The interest rate paid by the Borrowing Funds on outstanding borrowings is equal to the prime lending rate of the Custodian, which was 8.50% at August 31, 2023.

 

During the current fiscal period, the Funds’ LoC borrowing activity was as follows:

 

   TOTAL
AMOUNT OF
DAYS BORROWED
  AVERAGE
BORROWINGS
   MAXIMUM
AMOUNT
OUTSTANDING
   INTEREST
EXPENSE
  AVERAGE
INTEREST RATE
BP All-Cap Value Fund   8       $38,321,125        $54,361,000        $63,377    7.27%
BP Small Cap Value Fund II   14    2,636,571    10,212,000    8,316    8.06%
WPG Small Cap Value Diversified Fund   6    1,088,333    1,780,000    1,215    6.79%
BP Global Sustainability Fund   1    1,496,000    1,496,000    229    5.73%
BP Emerging Markets Fund   4    49,750    59,000    39    7.27%
BP Long/Short Research Fund   29    10,613,103    61,609,000    61,982    7.91%
BP Global Long/Short Fund   1    526,000    526,000    121    8.25%
BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund   6    196,833    298,000    253    7.81%

 

10. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS AND REGULATORY UPDATES

 

In June 2022, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2022-03, which amends Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions (“ASU 2022-03”). ASU 2022-03 clarifies guidance for fair value measurement of an equity security subject to a contractual sale restriction and establishes new disclosure requirements for such equity securities. ASU 2022-03 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of these amendments on the financial statements.

 

In October 2022, the SEC adopted a final rule relating to tailored shareholder reports for mutual funds and exchange-traded funds and fee information in investment company advertisements. The rule and form amendments will, among other things, require the Funds to transmit concise and visually engaging shareholder reports that highlight key information. The amendments will require that funds tag information in a structured data format and that certain more in-depth information be made available online and available for delivery free of charge to investors on request. The amendments became effective January 24, 2023. There is an 18-month transition period after the effective date of the amendments until the Funds are required to comply.

 

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BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (concluded)

 

August 31, 2023

 

In December 2022, the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2022-06, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) - Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848 (“ASU 2022-06”). ASU 2022-06 is an amendment to ASU 2020-04, which provided optional guidance to ease the potential accounting burden due to the discontinuation of the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate and other interbank-offered based reference rates and which was effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. ASU 2022-06 extends the effective period through December 31, 2024. Management is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of applying ASU 2022-06.

 

11. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Funds through the date the financial statements were issued and has determined that there was the following subsequent event:

 

ISRAEL-HAMAS CONFLICT RISK — The U.S.-designated terrorist group Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in an ensuing war in the region. Current hostilities and the potential for future hostilities may diminish the value, or cause significant volatility in the share price, of companies based in or having significant operations in Israel. The Israeli securities market may be closed for extended periods of time or trading on the Israeli securities market may be suspended altogether. How long the armed conflict and related events will last cannot be predicted.

 

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BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Shareholders of Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund, Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II, WPG Partners Select Small Cap Value Fund, WPG Partners Small Cap Value Diversified Fund (formerly, WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund), Boston Partners Global Sustainability Fund, Boston Partners Global Equity Fund, Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund, Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund, Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund, Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund, and Boston Partners Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund and Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund, Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II, WPG Partners Select Small Cap Value Fund, WPG Partners Small Cap Value Diversified Fund (formerly, WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund), Boston Partners Global Sustainability Fund, Boston Partners Global Equity Fund, Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund, Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund, Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund, Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund, and Boston Partners Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund (collectively referred to as the “Funds”) (eleven of the portfolios constituting The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”)), including the portfolios of investments, as of August 31, 2023, and the related statements of operations, statements of changes in net assets, and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated in the table below and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Funds (eleven of the portfolios constituting The RBB Fund, Inc.) at August 31, 2023, and the results of their operations, changes in net assets and financial highlights for each of the periods indicated in the table below, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Individual portfolio constituting
The RBB Fund, Inc.
  Statement of operations   Statements of changes
in net assets
  Financial highlights
Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II
Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund
Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund
Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund
WPG Partners Small Cap Value
Diversified Fund
Boston Partners Global Equity Fund
Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund
Boston Partners Emerging Markets
Dynamic Equity Fund
Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund
  For the year ended
August 31, 2023
  For each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 2023   For each of the five years in the period ended August 31, 2023
WPG Partners Select Small Cap Value Fund
Boston Partners Global Sustainability Fund
  For the year ended
August 31, 2023
  For the year ended August 31, 2023 and the period from December 29, 2021 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2022   For the year ended August 31, 2023 and the period from December 29, 2021 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2022

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on each of the Funds’ financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

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BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM (concluded)

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 2023, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Boston Partners investment companies since 2007.

 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
October 30, 2023

 

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BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

SHAREHOLDER TAX INFORMATION

 

Certain tax information regarding each Fund is required to be provided to shareholders based upon each Fund’s income and distributions for the taxable year ended August 31, 2023. The information and distributions reported herein may differ from information and distributions taxable to the shareholders for the calendar year ending December 31, 2023. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, the following dividends and distributions were paid by each of the Funds:

 

  FUND ORDINARY
INCOME
  LONG-TERM
GAINS
  BP All-Cap Value Fund  $24,105,403     $91,006,985
  BP Small Cap Value Fund II  6,797,983     45,094,686
  WPG Select Small Cap Value Fund  111,741    
  WPG Small Cap Value Diversified Fund  1,862,975     2,806,618
  BP Global Sustainability Fund  313,835    
  BP Global Equity Fund  2,771,850    
  BP Emerging Markets Fund  651,962    
  BP Long/Short Equity Fund  3,983,135     4,087,413
  BP Long/Short Research Fund  59,860,157     86,589,335
  BP Global Long/Short Fund  3,244,316    
  BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund  11,778,440    

 

Distributions from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.

 

Under the Jobs and Growth Tax relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 (the “Act”) the following percentages of ordinary dividends paid during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023 are designated as “qualified dividend income,” as defined in the Act, and are subject to reduced tax rates:

 

  FUND         
  BP All-Cap Value Fund  96.90%      
  BP Small Cap Value Fund II  100.00%      
  WPG Select Small Cap Value Fund  32.27%      
  WPG Small Cap Value Diversified Fund  19.64%      
  BP Global Sustainability Fund  100.00%      
  BP Global Equity Fund  100.00%      
  BP Emerging Markets Fund  61.05%      
  BP Long/Short Equity Fund  27.06%      
  BP Long/Short Research Fund  24.22%      
  BP Global Long/Short Fund  100.00%      
  BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund  12.55%      

 

The percentage of total ordinary income dividends paid qualifying for the corporate dividends received deduction for each Fund is as follows:

 

  FUND         
  BP All-Cap Value Fund  84.15%      
  BP Small Cap Value Fund II  100.00%      
  WPG Select Small Cap Value Fund  23.20%      
  WPG Small Cap Value Diversified Fund  18.40%      
  BP Global Sustainability Fund  48.53%      
  BP Global Equity Fund  34.00%      
  BP Emerging Markets Fund  0.25%      
  BP Long/Short Equity Fund  18.72%      
  BP Long/Short Research Fund  17.70%      
  BP Global Long/Short Fund  25.92%      
  BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund  0.00%      

 

The percentage of qualified interest income related dividends not subject to withholding tax for non-resident aliens and foreign corporations is as follows:

 

  FUND         
  BP All-Cap Value Fund  0.00%      
  BP Small Cap Value Fund II  0.00%      
  WPG Select Small Cap Value Fund  0.00%      
  WPG Small Cap Value Diversified Fund  0.00%      
  BP Global Sustainability Fund  0.00%      
  BP Global Equity Fund  0.00%      
  BP Emerging Markets Fund  0.00%      
  BP Long/Short Equity Fund  0.00%      
  BP Long/Short Research Fund  0.00%      
  BP Global Long/Short Fund  0.00%      
  BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund  0.00%      

 

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BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

SHAREHOLDER TAX INFORMATION (concluded)

 

The percentage of ordinary income distributions designated as qualified short-term gains pursuant to the American Job Creation Act of 2004 is as follows:

 

  FUND         
  BP All-Cap Value Fund  44.53%      
  BP Small Cap Value Fund II  0.00%      
  WPG Select Small Cap Value Fund  100.00%      
  WPG Small Cap Value Diversified Fund  92.71%      
  BP Global Sustainability Fund  0.00%      
  BP Global Equity Fund  0.00%      
  BP Emerging Markets Fund  0.00%      
  BP Long/Short Equity Fund  100.00%      
  BP Long/Short Research Fund  81.85%      
  BP Global Long/Short Fund  0.00%      
  BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund  0.00%      

 

Pursuant to Section 853 of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, the following Portfolios elect to pass-through to shareholders the credit for taxes paid to eligible foreign countries, which may be less than the actual amount paid for financial statement purposes.

 

             PER SHARE        
FUND   GROSS FOREIGN
SOURCE INCOME
  FOREIGN TAXES
PASSTHROUGH
  GROSS FOREIGN
SOURCE INCOME
  FOREIGN TAXES
PASSTHROUGH
  SHARES
OUTSTANDING
AT 8/31/2023
BP Global Sustainability Fund   434,368     45,293     0.18173169     0.01894977     2,390,161  
BP Global Equity Fund   4,564,490     418,657     0.45658739     0.04187840     9,996,969  
BP Emerging Markets Fund   610,501     69,921     0.24226096     0.02774627     2,520,014  
BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund   1,143,712     136,679     0.15945718     0.01905591     7,172,534  

 

Because each Fund’s fiscal year is not the calendar year, another notification will be sent with respect to calendar year 2023. The second notification, which will reflect the amount, if any, to be used by calendar year taxpayers on their U.S. federal income tax returns, will be made in conjunction with Form 1099-DIV and will be mailed in January 2024.

 

In general, dividends received by tax exempt recipients (e.g., IRAs and Keoghs) need not be reported as taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, some retirement trusts (e.g., corporate, Keogh and 403(b)(7) plans) may need this information for their annual information reporting.

 

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

 

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OTHER INFORMATION

 

Proxy Voting

 

Policies and procedures that the Funds use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities as well as information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 are available without charge, upon request, by calling (888) 261-4073 and on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Quarterly Portfolio Schedule

 

The Company files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third fiscal quarters of each fiscal year (quarters ended November 30 and May 31) as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. The Company’s Form N-PORT filings are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Investment Advisory Agreement Renewal

 

As required by the 1940 Act, the Board, including all of the Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Directors”), considered the renewal of the investment advisory agreement between Boston Partners and the Company (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”) on behalf of the Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II, Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund, Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund, Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund, WPG Partners Small Cap Value Diversified Fund, Boston Partners Global Equity Fund, Boston Partners Global Sustainability Fund, Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund, Boston Partners Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund, WPG Partners Select Small Cap Value Fund, and the Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund (for this section only, each a “Fund” and collectively the “Funds”), and the Advisory Agreement between Boston Partners and BP Emerging Markets Long/Short Offshore Ltd. with respect to the Boston Partners Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund (the “Cayman Subsidiary Investment Advisory Agreement” and together with the Investment Advisory Agreement, the “Investment Advisory Agreements”), at a meeting of the Board held on May 16-17, 2023 (the “Meeting”). At the Meeting, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, approved the Investment Advisory Agreements for an additional one-year term. The Board’s decision to approve the Investment Advisory Agreements reflects the exercise of its business judgment to continue the existing arrangement. In approving the Investment Advisory Agreements, the Board considered information provided by Boston Partners with the assistance and advice of counsel to the Independent Directors and the Company.

 

In considering the renewal and approval of the Investment Advisory Agreements between the Company and Boston Partners with respect to the Funds, the Directors took into account all the materials provided prior to and during the Meeting and at other meetings throughout the past year, the presentations made during the Meeting, and the discussions held during the Meeting. The Directors reviewed these materials with management of Boston Partners, and discussed the Investment Advisory Agreements with counsel in executive sessions, at which no representatives of Boston Partners were present. Among other things, the Directors considered (i) the nature, extent, and quality of Boston Partners’ services provided to the Funds; (ii) descriptions of the experience and qualifications of Boston Partners personnel providing those services; (iii) Boston Partners’ investment philosophies and processes; (iv) Boston Partners’ assets under management and client descriptions; (v) Boston Partners’ soft dollar commission and trade allocation policies, including information on the types of research and services obtained in connection with soft dollar commissions; (vi) Boston Partners’ current advisory fee arrangements with the Company and other similarly managed clients; (vii) Boston Partners’ compliance procedures; (viii) Boston Partners’ financial information, insurance coverage and profitability analysis related to providing advisory services to the Funds; (ix) the extent to which economies of scale are relevant to the Funds; (x) a report prepared by Fuse Research Network, LLC comparing each Fund’s management fees and total expense ratios to a group of mutual funds deemed comparable to such Fund based primarily on investment strategy similarity (“Peer Group”) and comparing the performance of each Fund to the performance of its Peer Group; and (xi) a report comparing the performance of each Fund to the performance of its benchmark.

 

As part of their review, the Directors considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by Boston Partners. The Directors concluded that Boston Partners had substantial resources to provide services to the Funds and that Boston Partners’ services had been acceptable.

 

The Directors also considered the investment performance of the Funds. Information on the Funds’ investment performance was provided for the one-, three-month periods and the one-, three-, five-, ten-years and since inception periods ended March 31, 2023, as applicable. The Directors considered the Funds’ investment performance in light of their respective investment objectives and investment strategies. The Directors concluded that the investment performance of each of the Funds as compared to their respective benchmarks and Peer Groups was acceptable.

 

In reaching this conclusion, the Directors noted that the Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund outperformed its benchmark, the Russell 3000 Value Index, for the one-year, three-year, five-year, ten-year, and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2023, and underperformed its benchmark for the one-, and three-month periods ended March 31, 2023. The Board noted that the Fund’s total return outperformed the median of its Peer Group for the three-month, one-year, three-year, five-year, ten-year, and since-inception periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

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OTHER INFORMATION (continued)

 

The Directors noted that the Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund outperformed its primary benchmark, the S&P 500 Index, for the one-year, three-year, and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2023, and underperformed its benchmark for the one-month, three-month, five-year, and ten-year periods ended March 31, 2023. The Directors noted that the Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund outperformed the median of its Peer Group for the three-month, one-year, three-year, and five-year periods ended December 31, 2022, and equaled the median of its Peer Group for the ten-year and since-inception periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

The Directors noted that the WPG Partners Small Cap Value Diversified Fund outperformed its primary benchmark, the Russell 2000 Value Index, for the one-month, three-month, one-year, three-year, five-year and since inception periods ended March 31, 2023, and underperformed its benchmark for the ten-year period ended March 31, 2023. The Directors noted that the WPG Partners Small Cap Value Diversified Fund outperformed the median of its Peer Group for the three-month, one-year, three-year, and five-year periods ended December 31, 2022, equaled the median of its Peer Group for the since-inception period ended December 31, 2022, and underperformed its Peer Group for the ten-year period ended December 31, 2022.

 

Next, the Directors also reviewed the performance of the Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund, noting that the Fund had outperformed its benchmark, the S&P 500 Index, for the one-year period ended March 31, 2023, and underperformed its benchmark for the one-month, three-month, three-year, five-year, ten-year, and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2023. The Directors noted that the Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund outperformed the median of its Peer Group for the three-month, one-year, and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022, equaled the median of its Peer Group for the five-year and since-inception periods ended December 31, 2022, and underperformed the median of its Peer Group for the ten-year period ended December 31, 2022.

 

The Directors next reviewed the performance of the Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II, which outperformed its benchmark, the Russell 2000 Value Index, for the one-month, three-month, one-year, three-year, five-year, ten-year and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2023. The Directors noted that the Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II outperformed the median of its Peer Group for the one-year, ten-year, and since-inception periods ended December 31, 2022, and underperformed the median of its Peer Group for the three-month, three-year and five-year periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

The Directors also considered the performance of the Boston Partners Global Equity Fund, which outperformed its benchmark, the MSCI World Net Return Index, for the one-year, and three-year periods ended March 31, 2023, and underperformed its benchmark for the one-month, three-month, five-year, ten-year, and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2023. The Directors noted that the Boston Partners Global Equity Fund outperformed the median of its Peer Group for the three-month, one-year, three-year, ten-year, and since-inception periods ended December 31, 2022, and underperformed the median of its Peer Group for the five-year period ended December 31, 2022.

 

The Directors also considered the performance of the Boston Partners Global Sustainability Fund, which outperformed its benchmark, the MSCI World Net Return Index, for the one-year period ended March 31, 2023, and underperformed its benchmark for the one-month, three-month, and since inception periods ended March 31, 2023. The Directors noted that the Boston Partners Global Sustainability Fund outperformed the median of its Peer Group for the three-month, one-year, and since-inception periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

The Directors noted that the Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund had outperformed its benchmark, the MSCI World Net Return Index, for the one-year, and three-year periods ended March 31, 2023, and underperformed its benchmark for the one-month, three-month, five-year and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2023. The Directors noted that the Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund outperformed the median of its Peer Group for the three-month, one-year, three-year, five-year, and since-inception periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

The Directors then reviewed the performance of the Boston Partners Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund, which outperformed its benchmark, the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, for the one-year, five-year and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2023, and underperformed its benchmark for the one-month, three-month, and the three-year periods ended March 31, 2023. The Directors also noted that the Boston Partners Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund underperformed the median of its Peer Group for the three-month, one-year, three-year, five-year, and since-inception periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

The Directors noted that the WPG Partners Select Small Cap Value Fund outperformed its primary benchmark, the Russell 2000 Value Index, for the one-month, three-month, and one-year periods ended March 31, 2023, and underperformed its benchmark for the since inception period ended March 31, 2023. The Directors noted that the WPG Partners Select Small Cap Value Fund outperformed the median of its Peer Group for the three-month, one-year, and since-inception periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

Finally, the Directors noted that the Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund had outperformed its benchmark, the MSCI Emerging Markets Net Return Index, for the one-month, three-month, one-year, three-year and five-year periods ended March 31, 2023, and underperformed its benchmark for the since-inception period ended March 31, 2023. The Directors noted that the Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund equaled the median of its Peer Group for the since-inception period ended December 31, 2022, and underperformed the median of its Peer Group for the three-month, one-year, three-year and five-year periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

The Board also considered the advisory fee rates payable by the Funds under the Investment Advisory Agreements. In this regard, information on the fees paid by the Funds and the Funds’ total operating expense ratios (before and after fee waivers and expense reimbursements) were compared to similar information for mutual funds advised by other, unaffiliated investment advisory firms. The Directors noted that Boston Partners had contractually agreed to waive management fees and reimburse expenses through at least December 31, 2023 for the Funds to limit total annual operating expenses to agreed upon levels for each Fund.

 

The Directors noted that the Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II’s net advisory fee was above the median and ranked in the 5th quintile of its Peer Group and the Fund’s total net expenses were above the median and ranked in the 4th quintile of its Peer Group.

 

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OTHER INFORMATION (concluded)

 

The Directors noted that the Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund’s net advisory fee and Fund’s total net expenses were both above the median and each ranked in the 5th quintile of its Peer Group.

 

The Directors noted that the Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund’s net advisory fee was below the median and ranked in the 4th quintile of its Peer Group, and the Fund’s total net expenses were both above the median and each ranked in the 3rd quintile of its Peer Group.

 

The Directors noted that the Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund’s net advisory fee was below the median and ranked in the 2nd quintile of its Peer Group and the Fund’s total net expenses were both below the median and ranked in the 1st quintile of its Peer Group.

 

The Directors noted that the Boston Partners Global Equity Fund’s net advisory fee and Fund’s total net expenses were both above the median and each ranked in the 4th quintile of its Peer Group.

 

The Directors noted that the Boston Partners Global Sustainability Fund’s net advisory fee was below the median and in the 1st quintile of its Peer Group, and the Fund’s total net expenses were below the median and in the 2nd quintile of its Peer Group.

 

The Directors noted that the Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund’s net advisory fee and Fund’s total net expenses were both above the median and each ranked in the 5th quintile of its Peer Group.

 

The Directors noted that the Boston Partners Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund’s net advisory fee was below the median and in the 2nd quintile of its Peer Group, and the Fund’s total net expenses were above the median and in the 3rd quintile of its Peer Group.

 

The Directors noted that the Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund’s net advisory fee was below the median and in the 1st quintile of its Peer Group, and the Fund’s total net expenses were below the median and in the 2nd quintile of its Peer Group.

 

The Directors noted that the WPG Partners Select Small Cap Value Fund’s net advisory fee was below the median and in the 1st quintile of its Peer Group, and the Fund’s total net expenses were above the median and in the 4th quintile of its Peer Group.

 

The Directors noted that the WPG Partners Small Cap Value Diversified Fund’s net advisory fee was below the median and in the 2nd quintile of its Peer Group, and the Fund’s total net expenses were above the median and in the 4th quintile of its Peer Group.

 

After reviewing the information regarding the Funds’ costs, profitability and economies of scale, and after considering Boston Partners’ services, the Directors concluded that the investment advisory fees to be paid by the Funds were fair and reasonable and that the Investment Advisory Agreements should be approved and continued for an additional one-year period ending August 16, 2024.

 

Liquidity Risk Management Program

 

The Company has adopted and implemented a Liquidity Risk Management Program (the “Company Program”) as required by rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act. In accordance with the Company Program, the Adviser has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the “Adviser Program” and together with the Company Program, the “Programs”) on behalf of the Funds. The Programs seek to assess, manage and review each Fund’s Liquidity Risk. “Liquidity Risk” is defined as the risk that a Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of remaining investors’ interest in the Fund.

 

The Board has appointed Vigilant Compliance, LLC (“Vigilant”) as the program administrator for the Company Program and the Liquidity Committee of the Adviser as the program administrator for the Adviser Program. The process of monitoring and determining the liquidity of each Fund’s investments is supported by one or more third-party vendors.

 

At meetings held during the current fiscal period, the Board and its Regulatory Oversight Committee received and reviewed a written report (the “Report”) of Vigilant and the Adviser concerning the operation of the Programs for the period from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022 (the “Period”). The Report summarized the operation of the Programs and the information and factors considered by Vigilant and the Adviser in reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of the implementation of the Programs with respect to each Fund. Such information and factors included, among other things: (i) the methodology used to classify the liquidity of each Fund’s portfolio investments and the Adviser’s assessment that each Fund’s strategy remained appropriate for an open-end mutual fund; (ii) analyses of each Fund’s trading environment and reasonably anticipated trading size; (iii) that each Fund held primarily highly liquid assets (investments that the Fund anticipates can be converted to cash within 3 business days or less in current market conditions without significantly changing their market value); (iv) that each Fund either held a percentage of highly liquid assets above its highly liquid investment minimum at all times during the Period or did not require the establishment of a highly liquid investment minimum; (v) confirmation that none of the Funds had breached the 15% maximum illiquid security threshold (investments that cannot be sold or disposed of in seven days or less in current market conditions without the sale of the investment significantly changing the market value of the investment) during the Period and the procedures for monitoring compliance with the limit; (vi) that the processes, technologies and third-party vendors used to assess, manage, and/or periodically review each Fund’s Liquidity Risk functioned appropriately during the Period; and (vii) that the Programs operated adequately during the Period. The Report also indicated that there were no material changes made to the Programs during the Period.

 

Based on the review, the Report concluded that the Programs were being implemented effectively and reasonably designed to assess and manage Liquidity Risk in each Fund’s portfolio.

 

There can be no assurance that the Company Program or the Adviser Program will achieve its objectives under all circumstances in the future. Please refer to the Funds’ prospectuses for more information regarding the Fund’s exposure to liquidity risk and other risks to which it may be subject.

 

124  |  Annual Report 2023

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company is organized under and managed pursuant to Maryland law. The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below. The statement of additional information (“SAI”) includes additional information about the Directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-888-261-4073.

 

Name, Address, and Age   Position(s)
Held with
Company
  Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served1
  Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years
  Number of
Portfolios in Fund
Complex Overseen
by Director*
  Other Directorships
Held by Director
During Past 5 Years
INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS        
Julian A. Brodsky
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 90
    Director   1988 to present   Retired.   63   AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).
Gregory P. Chandler
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 56
    Director   2012 to present   Since 2020, Chief Financial Officer, HC Parent Corp. d/b/a Herspiegel Consulting LLC (life sciences consulting services); 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Avocado Systems Inc. (cyber security software provider); 2009-2020. Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services).   63   FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Emtec, Inc. (until December 2019); FS Investment Corporation (business development company) (until December 2018).
Lisa A. Dolly
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI, 53202
Age: 57
    Director   October 2021 to present   From July 2019-December 2019, Chairman, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm); January 2016-June 2019, Chief Executive Officer, Pershing, LLC.   63   Allfunds Group PLC (United Kingdom wealthtech and fund distribution provider); Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (trade association for broker dealers, investment banks and asset managers); Hightower Advisors (wealth management firm).
Nicholas A. Giordano
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 80
    Director   2006 to present   Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations.   63   IntriCon Corporation (biomedical device manufacturer); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance) (until March 2021).
Arnold M. Reichman
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 75
    Chair

Director
  2005 to present

1991 to present
  Retired.   63   EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until August 2022).
Brian T. Shea
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 63
    Director   2018 to present   From 2014-2017, Chief Executive Officer, BNY Mellon Investment Services (fund services, global custodian and securities clearing firm); from 1983-2014, Chief Executive Officer and various positions, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm).   63   Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (financial services technology company). Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (financial services company); WisdomTree Investments, Inc. (asset management company) (until March 2019).
Robert A. Straniere
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 82
    Director   2006 to present   Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm).   63   None.

 

Annual Report 2023  |  125

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS (continued)

 

INTERESTED DIRECTOR2

 

Name, Address, and Age   Position(s)
Held with
Company
  Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served1
  Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years
  Number of
Portfolios in Fund
Complex Overseen
by Director*
  Other Directorships
Held by Director
During Past 5 Years
Robert Sablowsky
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 85
    Vice Chair


Director
  2016 to present


1991 to present
  Since 2002, Senior Director – Investments and, prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer).   63   None.
OFFICERS                      
Steven Plump
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 64
    President   August 2022
to present
  From 2011 to 2021, Executive Vice President, PIMCO LLC.   N/A   N/A
Salvatore Faia, JD,
CPA, CFE
Vigilant Compliance, LLC
Gateway Corporate
Center, Suite 216
223 Wilmington
West Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Age: 60
    Chief Compliance
Officer
  2004 to present   Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company); since 2021, Chief Compliance Officer of The RBB Fund Trust; President of The RBB Fund Trust from 2021 to 2022; President of The RBB Fund, Inc. from 2009 to 2022.   N/A   N/A
James G. Shaw
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 63
    Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

Chief Operating Officer
  2016 to present




2022 to present
  Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (since 2016) and Chief Operating Officer (since 2022) of The RBB Fund, Inc.; Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (since 2021) and Chief Operating Officer (since 2022) of The RBB Fund Trust.   N/A   N/A
Craig A. Urciuoli
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 49
    Director of Marketing & Business Development   2019 to present   Director of Marketing & Business Development of The RBB Fund, Inc. (since 2019) and The RBB Fund Trust (since 2021); from 2000-2019, Managing Director, Third Avenue Management LLC (an investment advisory firm).   N/A   N/A
Jennifer Witt
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 40
    Assistant Treasurer   2018 to present   Since 2020, Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (fund administrative services firm); from 2016 to 2020, Assistant Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services.   N/A   N/A
Edward Paz
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 52
    Assistant Secretary   2016 to present   Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm).   N/A   N/A
Michael P. Malloy
One Logan Square
Ste. 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 64
    Assistant Secretary   1999 to present   Since 1993, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).   N/A   N/A
Jillian L. Bosmann
One Logan Square
Ste. 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 44
    Assistant Secretary   2017 to present   Since 2017, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).   N/A   N/A

 

* Each Director oversees 63 portfolios of the fund complex, consisting of the series in the Company (53 portfolios) and The RBB Fund Trust 10 portfolios).

 

126  |  Annual Report 2023

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS (concluded)

 

1. Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his or her successor is elected and qualified or his or her death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Giordano, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.
2. Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his or her qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive-level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Ms. Dolly has over three decades of experience in the financial services industry, and she has demonstrated her leadership and management abilities by serving in numerous senior executive-level positions. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Shea has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the brokerage, clearing, banking and investment services industry, including service on the boards of public companies, industry regulatory organizations and a university. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company.

 

Annual Report 2023  |  127

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

PRIVACY NOTICE

 

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

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

 

•       Social Security number

•       account balances

•       account transactions

•       transaction history

•       wire transfer instructions

•       checking account information

 

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

How? All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information; the reasons the Boston Partners Investment Funds chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing.

 

Reasons we can share your personal information Do the Boston
Partners Investment
Funds share?
Can you limit
this sharing?
For our everyday business purposes – such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus Yes No
For our marketing purposes – to offer our products and services to you No We don’t share
For joint marketing with other financial companies No We don’t share
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes – information about your transactions and experiences Yes No
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes – information about your creditworthiness No We don’t share
For our affiliates to market to you No Yes
For nonaffiliates to market to you No We don’t share

 

Questions? Call (888) 261-4073 or go to www.boston-partners.com

 

128  |  Annual Report 2023

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

PRIVACY NOTICE (continued)

 

What we do  
How do the Boston Partners Investment Funds protect my personal information? To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings.
How do the Boston Partners Investment Funds collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

 

•       open an account

•       provide account information

•       give us your contact information

•       make a wire transfer

•       tell us where to send the money

 

We also collect your information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

 

•       sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes-information about your creditworthiness

•       affiliates from using your information to market to you

•       sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

 

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

European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation

In addition to the above information, where applicable, you have the following rights under the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) and U.S. Privacy Laws, as applicable and to the extent permitted by law, to

 

•       Check whether we hold personal information about you and to access such data (in accordance with our policy)

•       Request the correction of personal information about you that is inaccurate

•       Have a copy of the personal information we hold about you provided to you or another “controller” where technically feasible

•       Request the erasure of your personal information

•       Request the restriction of processing concerning you

 

The legal grounds for processing of your personal information is for contractual necessity and compliance with law.

 

If you wish to exercise any of your rights above, please call: 1-888-261-4073.

 

You are required to ensure the personal information we hold about you is up-to-date and accurate and you must notify us of any changes to the personal data you provided to us.

 

 

 

Annual Report 2023  |  129

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

PRIVACY NOTICE (concluded)

 

What we do (continued)  
European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (continued) The Boston Partners Investment Funds shall retain your personal data for as long as you are an investor in the Funds and thereafter as long as necessary to comply with applicable laws that require the Funds to retain your personal data, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission’s data retention rules. Your personal data will be transferred to the United States so that the Funds may provide the agreed upon services for you. No adequacy decision has been rendered by the European Commission as to the data protection of your personal data when transferring it to the United States. However, the Funds do take the security of your personal data seriously.
Definitions  
Affiliates

Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies. Our affiliates include:

 

•       ORIX Corporation.

•       Robeco Investment Management, Inc.

•       Robeco Securities, LLC

 

Nonaffiliates

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

 

•       The Boston Partners Investment Funds don’t share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you. The Boston Partners Investment Funds may share information with nonaffiliates that perform marketing services on our behalf.

Joint marketing

A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.

 

•       The Boston Partners Investment Funds may share your information with other financial institutions with whom we have joint marketing arrangements who may suggest additional fund services or other investment products which may be of interest to you.

Controller “Controller” means the natural or legal person, public authority, agency or other body which, alone or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of the processing of personal data; where the purposes and means of such processing are determined by European Union or European Member State law, the controller or the specific criteria for its nomination may be provided for by European Union or European Member State law.

 

130  |  Annual Report 2023

 

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INVESTMENT ADVISER
Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc.
1 Beacon Street, 30th Floor
Boston, MA 02108
 
ADMINISTRATOR AND TRANSFER AGENT
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201
 
PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER
Quasar Distributors, LLC
111 E. Kilbourn Ave., Suite 2200
Milwaukee, WI 53202
CUSTODIAN
U.S. Bank, N.A.
1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, WI 53212
 
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Ernst & Young LLP
One Commerce Square
2005 Market Street, Suite 700
Philadelphia, PA 19103
 
LEGAL COUNSEL
Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
One Logan Square, Ste. 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103-6996

 

   
   
   
BOS-AR23
 

 

 

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

of

 

THE RBB FUND, INC.

 

 

Class A (TICKER: EBSAX)

Class C (TICKER: EBSCX)

Class I (TICKER: EBSIX)

 

Annual Report

  

August 31, 2023

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Annual Investment Advisor’s Report
August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

September 2022 – August 2023

 

The performance of the Fund was up in September 2022, with gains in foreign exchange, fixed income, and equity indices and losses in commodities. From a strategy perspective, gains came from momentum, quantitative (“quant”) macro, and short-term strategies.

 

From a markets perspective, aggressive monetary policy around the globe, elevated inflation, and the European energy crisis pressured bond prices and equity index levels. UK yields surged (prices fell) after British policy makers announced sweeping tax reform and the market braced for an onslaught of bond supply and aggressive rate hikes. Global stocks sold off as investors shed risk assets and the US dollar experienced a sharp rally in September. The narrative in currency markets was dominated by the US Federal Reserve (“US Fed”) hiking rates and the US dollar serving as a high yielding safe haven asset. Commodities generally underperformed on the back of the weakening demand outlook, heightened global recession fears, and the rapidly strengthening US dollar. Wheat prices were an exception and rose during the month on war related supply worries.

 

The performance of the Fund was up in October 2022, with gains in fixed income and commodities and losses in equity indices and foreign exchange. From a strategy perspective, gains came from quant macro and momentum, while short-term strategies experienced losses.

 

From a markets perspective, global stock markets rebounded in October on hopes that the US Fed may soon ‘pivot’ from its series of aggressive rate hikes to fight high inflation. US and European credit spreads widened sharply alongside the broader rally in risky assets. Bond prices broadly fell (yields rose) after inflation releases around the globe continued to exceed forecasts. While US yields pushed above 4% across the curve early in the month, in the latter half of October yields fell from their multi-year highs on hopes of a slowdown in rate hikes. In the UK, Gilts (government bonds) experienced a volatile month due to political turmoil but ended October higher. Energy markets were boosted at the start of month after the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC+) opted to lower their output targets and continued to rally into month-end as US fuel stockpiles dropped and exports rose to a record, which signaled strong demand despite some recent bearish economic indicators.

 

The performance of the Fund was down in November 2022, with losses in foreign exchange, fixed income and commodities and gains in equity indices. From a strategy perspective, losses came from momentum and quant macro, while short-term strategies gained.

 

From a markets perspective, lower-than-expected US CPI (Consumer Price Index) at the start of November and a dovish tilt from ECB (European Central Bank) and US Fed members sent risk assets higher, took the wind out of recent USD strength, and led to lower global yields. Central bank members reiterated the possibility of slowing the pace of rate hikes soon, citing concerns around risks to growth and the lagged effects of policy. In commodities, the petroleum complex suffered as China’s commitment to zero-COVID continued to derail a global demand recovery and stressed an already volatile sector. Precious metals prices rose on signs the Federal Reserve is preparing to slow the pace of interest rate hikes.

 

The performance of the Fund was down in December 2022, with losses in equity indices, commodities, and foreign exchange and gains in fixed income. From a strategy perspective, losses came from short-term, momentum and quant macro strategies.

 

From a markets perspective, global equity markets fell on recession fears, rate hikes, the higher-for-longer stance from many central banks, and a gloomier outlook for corporate earnings in 2023. Global bond prices ended the month lower (yields higher) as persistently high inflation kept pressure on central banks to continue tightening policies. The US dollar experienced a sell-off in December as a hawkish approach from the ECB (European Central Bank) and a potential regime shift in Japan away from Governor Kuroda’s commitment to ultra-loose policy, caused broad-based strengthening in the major currencies. Energy markets traded lower on economic slowdown concerns.

 

1

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Annual Investment Advisor’s Report (Continued)
August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

The performance of the Fund was up in January 2023, with gains in equity indices, commodities, and foreign exchange and losses in fixed income. From a strategy perspective, gains came from quant macro strategies, while short-term and momentum experienced losses.

 

From a markets perspective, most major stock indexes gained in January as a global “risk-on” sentiment (changes in investment activity in response to global economic patterns) was fueled by optimism on China’s reopening and hopes that the world’s central banks would ease off their aggressive rate-hike cycle. The US dollar experienced a sell-off during the month as these factors, along with falling gas prices in Europe and indications that the growth differential between the US and the rest of the world is declining, all collectively boosted the global appetite for risk and demand for emerging market currencies. In the US and Germany, yields fell when easing US inflation data strengthened the case for the US Fed to turn less aggressive and German yields followed.

 

The performance of the Fund was up in February 2023, with gains in fixed income, foreign exchange, and commodities and losses in equity indices. From a strategy perspective, gains came from quant macro, momentum, and short-term strategies.

 

From a markets perspective, after a strong start to the year February saw equity markets retrace in North America and Asia. In the US, stronger-than-expected economic releases, which included labor and inflation data, spurred a meaningful repricing of FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) rate expectations. In the Asia-Pacific region, strained US-China geopolitical relations and weaker near-term demand outlooks for China further weighed on risk sentiment. European equities proved more resilient to higher rates moving higher in February. In rate markets, US Treasury prices fell (yields rose) as hotter-than-expected inflation data and an extraordinary jump in payrolls elicited increasingly hawkish commentary from US Fed members throughout the month. Euro-area core inflation accelerated to a record, prompting money markets to price in a higher ECB (European Central Bank) terminal rate. The US dollar rallied against most other currencies during the month.

 

The performance of the Fund was down in March 2023, with gains in foreign exchange more than offset by losses in fixed income, commodities and equity indices. From a strategy perspective, losses came from momentum, while quant macro and short-term strategies gained.

 

From a markets perspective, global bonds prices moved higher in March in the wake of a US-ignited banking crisis, while the negative impact on the financial sector from relentless US Fed policy tightening prompted traders to scale back US Fed rate hike bets. Most global equity markets gained amid a volatile month of trading, as the banking sector stabilized and investors weighed the possibility of the US Fed pausing its rate increases. The US dollar fell against most other majors during the month on the back of the shift to a more dovish outlook on the US Federal Reserve. Australian dollar and Norwegian krone were the exception, both trading lower as a result of weakness in oil markets.

 

The performance of the Fund was flat in April 2023, with gains in foreign exchange offset by losses in fixed income and flat performance in commodities and equity indices. From a strategy perspective, momentum strategies gained, while short-term and quant macro strategies experienced losses.

 

From a markets perspective, most global equity markets gained during the month of April, where early concerns over stability in the US banking sector, uncertainty around global central bank policy shifts, and ongoing geopolitical concerns were overcome by unexpectedly positive earnings in the US and signs of cooling inflation in the Eurozone. In fixed income markets, bond prices slipped (yields rose) on the back of sticky inflation that fueled expectations for continued rate hikes from major central banks. The US dollar was mixed against the majors with the DXY Index (US Dollar Index) finishing 0.8% weaker during the month.

 

The performance of the Fund was up in May 2023, with gains in commodities and foreign exchange and losses in fixed income and equity indices. From a strategy perspective, momentum and short-term strategies gained, while quant macro strategies experienced losses.

 

2

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Annual Investment Advisor’s Report (Concluded)
August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

From a markets perspective, most global equity benchmarks ended the month of May lower, with a few notable exceptions in the US. Global recession fears, a ‘higher-for-longer’ stance from many central banks, US debt ceiling concerns, and China’s lackluster recovery weighed on sentiment, while a strong artificial intelligence (AI)-driven rally following Nvidia’s upbeat earnings and blow-out guidance at month-end pushed major US indices upwards. The US dollar rallied during the month, despite debt-ceiling concerns. In European rate markets, a higher-than-expected UK inflation print put pressure on the Bank of England to continue hiking and caused Gilts to weaken. In commodities, copper prices fell to 6-month lows as sentiment soured on the back of China’s disappointing economic recovery, the strong US dollar, and a rebound in stockpiles.

 

The performance of the Fund was down in June 2023, with losses in commodities and foreign exchange and gains in fixed income and equity indices. From a strategy perspective, quant macro and short-term strategies were down, while momentum strategies gained.

 

From a markets perspective, most major stock indices finished the month in positive territory despite aggressive global monetary policy tightening and geopolitical tensions. Risk-on sentiment (changes in investment activity in response to global economic patterns) prevailed on optimistic soft-landing expectations and AI sector growth tailwinds. The dominant story for the US dollar and US monetary policy was that the US Fed “skipped” a rate hike at its June meeting, while other central banks like the ECB (European Central Bank) remained focused on tightening. Several central banks delivered larger-than-expected hikes against a backdrop of better-than-expected economic data and persistent inflation. In commodity markets, natural gas futures rallied throughout the month as warmer temperatures continued to drive up cooling demand.

 

The performance of the Fund was down in July 2023, with losses in foreign exchange and fixed income, gains in commodities, and flat performance in equity indices. From a strategy perspective, losses came from all strategies, including momentum, quant macro and short-term.

 

From a markets perspective, equity markets advanced during July on soft landing expectations, disinflation traction, and positive earnings. The main story around US policy was that while the US Fed hiked 0.25% in July, the market was pricing in a terminal rate that was close to its peak. This caused general weakness in the US dollar relative to its peers. In rate markets, yields traded choppy as the markets weighed cooling inflation trends, “peak Fed” expectations, sticky employment, and strong economic data. The energy complex rallied amid signs of tightening global supply and an improving demand outlook.

 

The performance of the Fund was up in August 2023, with gains in foreign exchange and commodities and losses in fixed income and equity indices. From a strategy perspective, gains came from quant macro strategies while momentum and short-term experienced losses.

 

From a markets perspective, August kicked off with Fitch downgrading the US credit rating, which pushed US treasury yields lower (prices higher), but weak auctions and hawkish US Fed minutes sharply reversed that trend in the back half of August. US Treasuries ultimately ended the month lower, while a dismal Eurozone PMI (Purchasing Managers Index) print sparked a rally in German bonds and investors pared bets on another ECB (European Central Bank) hike. Global equity indices weakened during the month as the hard vs soft landing debate continued, fueled by persistent inflation concerns and some weak US data that supported the peak-US Fed narrative. In currencies, the US dollar rallied sharply against the majors during the month.

 

3

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Performance Data
August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in
Campbell Systematic Macro Fund - Class A vs. BarclayHedge BTOP50 Index and S&P 500® Total Return Index

 

 

This chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 initial investment, adjusted for the Class A Shares maximum sales charge of 3.50% to a net initial investment of $9,650, in the Class A Shares is made on March 8, 2013 (commencement of operations) and reflects Fund expenses and reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the BarclayHedge BTOP50 Index and S&P 500® Total Return Index are unmanaged, do not incur expenses and are not available for investment.

 

Average annual total returns for the periods ended AUGUST 31, 2023

 
 

ONE
YEAR

FIVE
YEARS

TEN
YEARS

SINCE
INCEPTION(1)

 

Class A Shares (without sales charge)

0.93%

10.26%(1)

4.95%(1)

5.04%

 

Class A Shares (with sales charge)

-2.63%

9.47%(1)

4.58%(1)

4.69%

 

BarclayHedge BTOP50 Index (2)(3)

-0.64%

6.80%

3.85%

3.25%

 

S&P 500® Total Return Index (2)(4)

15.94%

11.12%

12.81%

12.85%

 

 

(1)

The Fund commenced operations on March 8, 2013 as a separate portfolio (the “Predecessor Fund”) of Equinox Funds Trust. Effective May 29, 2020, the Predecessor Fund was reorganized as a new series of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Reorganization”). The performance shown for periods prior to May 29, 2020 represents the performance of the Predecessor Fund.

 

(2)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Class only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

(3)

The BarclayHedge BTOP50 Index (“BTOP50 Index”) seeks to replicate the overall composition of the managed futures industry with regard to trading style and overall market exposure. The BTOP50 Index employs a top-down approach in selecting its constituents. The largest investable trading advisor programs, as measured by assets under management, are selected for inclusion in the BTOP50 Index. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

4

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Performance Data (Continued)
August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

(4)

This is not a primary benchmark of the Fund. Results of the S&P 500® Total Return Index are presented for general comparative purposes. The S&P 500® Total Return Index is a widely accepted, unmanaged index of U.S. stock market performance which does not take into account charges, fees and other expenses. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

Effective January 15, 2021, the outstanding Class P Shares of the Campbell Systematic Macro Fund (the “Fund”) were converted into Class A Shares of the Fund. Class A Shares of the Fund have a 3.50% maximum sales charge. Prior to February 16, 2021, the Class A Shares of the Fund had a 5.75% maximum sales charge.

 

Performance data quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the returns quoted above. Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Call the Fund at 1-844-261-6488 for returns current to the most recent month-end.

 

The performance data quoted reflects fee waivers in effect and would have been less in their absence. The Fund’s total annual operating expense ratio for Class A Shares, as stated in the current prospectus dated December 31, 2022, as supplemented, is 2.16% and the Fund’s net operating expense ratio after waivers for Class A Shares is 2.00%. Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC (the “Adviser”). has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for Class A Shares to 2.00% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2023 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”). Please see the Consolidated Financial Highlights for current figures.

 

An investment in the Fund is speculative and involves substantial risk. The Fund is not suitable for all investors. It is possible that an investor may lose some or all of its investment. The Fund invests in long and short positions in futures, forwards and spot contracts, each of which may be tied to commodities, financial indices and instruments, foreign currencies, or equity indices. The Fund also invests in investment grade fixed income securities of all durations and maturities. The Fund may be more volatile than investments in traditional securities. Losses on futures and other derivatives can be caused by unanticipated market movements and may be potentially unlimited. Commodities, currencies, foreign investments, and interest rate-linked instruments each entail special risks. The Fund is non-diversified; therefore gains or losses on a single holding may have a relatively great impact on the Fund. A more complete description of the Fund’s risks can be found in its prospectus, which should be read carefully before investing.

 

Portfolio composition is subject to change.

 

5

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Performance Data (Continued)
August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in
Campbell Systematic Macro Fund - Class C vs. BarclayHedge BTOP50 Index and S&P 500® Total Return Index

 

 

This chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 initial investment in the Class C Shares is made on March 8, 2013 (commencement of operations of the Fund and not the inception date of the class) and reflects Fund expenses and reinvestment of dividends and distributions (performance shown prior to February 11, 2014 is Class I Shares performance adjusted for Class C shares expense ratio). Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the BarclayHedge BTOP50 Index and S&P 500® Total Return Index are unmanaged, do not incur expenses and are not available for investment.

 

Average annual total returns for the periods ended August 31, 2023

 
 

ONE
YEAR

FIVE
YEARS

TEN
YEARS

SINCE
INCEPTION(1)

 

Class C Shares (without contingent deferred sales charge) (Pro forma March 8, 2013 to February 11, 2014)

0.22%

9.43%(1)

4.22%(1)*

4.36%*

 

Class C Shares (with contingent deferred sales charge) (Pro forma March 8, 2013 to February 11, 2014)

-0.65%

9.43%(1)

4.22%(1)*

4.36%*

 

BarclayHedge BTOP50 Index (2)(3)

-0.64%

6.80%

3.85%

3.25%

 

S&P 500® Total Return Index (2)(4)

15.94%

11.12%

12.81%

12.85%

 

 

*

Class C Shares performance prior to its inception on February 11, 2014 is the performance of Class I shares, adjusted for the Class C Shares expense ratio.

 

(1)

Class C Shares of the Fund commenced operations on February 11, 2014 in a separate portfolio (the “Predecessor Fund”) of Equinox Funds Trust. Effective May 29, 2020, the Predecessor Fund was reorganized as a new series of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Reorganization”). The performance shown for periods prior to May 29, 2020 represents the performance of the Predecessor Fund.

 

(2)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself. The above is shown for illustrative purposes only.

 

6

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Performance Data (Continued)
August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

(3)

The BarclayHedge BTOP50 Index (“BTOP50 Index”) seeks to replicate the overall composition of the managed futures industry with regard to trading style and overall market exposure. The BTOP50 Index employs a top-down approach in selecting its constituents. The largest investable trading advisor programs, as measured by assets under management, are selected for inclusion in the BTOP50 Index. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

(4)

This is not a primary benchmark of the Fund. Results of the S&P 500® Total Return Index are presented for general comparative purposes. The S&P 500® Total Return Index is a widely accepted, unmanaged index of U.S. stock market performance which does not take into account charges, fees and other expenses. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

Performance data quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the returns quoted above. Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Call the Fund at 1-844-261-6488 for returns current to the most recent month-end.

 

The performance data quoted reflects fee waivers in effect and would have been less in their absence. The Fund’s total annual operating expense ratio for Class C Shares, as stated in the current prospectus dated December 31, 2022, as supplemented, is 2.91% and the Fund’s net operating expense ratio after waivers for Class C Shares is 2.75%. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for Class C Shares to 2.75% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2023 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of the Company. Please see the Consolidated Financial Highlights for current figures.

 

An investment in the Fund is speculative and involves substantial risk. The Fund is not suitable for all investors. It is possible that an investor may lose some or all of its investment. The Fund invests in long and short positions in futures, forwards and spot contracts, each of which may be tied to commodities, financial indices and instruments, foreign currencies, or equity indices. The Fund also invests in investment grade fixed income securities of all durations and maturities. The Fund may be more volatile than investments in traditional securities. Losses on futures and other derivatives can be caused by unanticipated market movements and may be potentially unlimited. Commodities, currencies, foreign investments, and interest rate-linked instruments each entail special risks. The Fund is non-diversified; therefore gains or losses on a single holding may have a relatively great impact on the Fund. A more complete description of the Fund’s risks can be found in its prospectus, which should be read carefully before investing.

 

Portfolio composition is subject to change.

 

7

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Performance Data (Continued)
August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in
Campbell Systematic Macro Fund - Class I vs. BarclayHedge BTOP50 Index and S&P 500® Total Return Index

 

 

This chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 initial investment in the Class I Shares is made on March 8, 2013 (commencement of operations) and reflects Fund expenses and reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the BarclayHedge BTOP50 Index and S&P 500® Total Return Index are unmanaged, do not incur expenses and are not available for investment.

 

Average annual total returns for the periods ended August 31, 2023

 
 

ONE
YEAR

FIVE
YEARS

TEN
YEARS

SINCE
INCEPTION(1)

 

Class I Shares

1.25%

10.54%(1)

5.22%(1)

5.31%

 

BarclayHedge BTOP50 Index (2)(3)

-0.64%

6.80%

3.85%

3.25%

 

S&P 500® Total Return Index (2)(4)

15.94%

11.12%

12.81%

12.85%

 

 

(1)

The Fund commenced operations on March 8, 2013 as a separate portfolio (the “Predecessor Fund”) of Equinox Funds Trust. Effective May 29, 2020, the Predecessor Fund was reorganized as a new series of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Reorganization”). The performance shown for periods prior to May 29, 2020 represents the performance of the Predecessor Fund.

 

(2)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Class only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

(3)

The BarclayHedge BTOP50 Index (“BTOP50 Index”) seeks to replicate the overall composition of the managed futures industry with regard to trading style and overall market exposure. The BTOP50 Index employs a top-down approach in selecting its constituents. The largest investable trading advisor programs, as measured by assets under management, are selected for inclusion in the BTOP50 Index. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

(4)

This is not a primary benchmark of the Fund. Results of the S&P 500® Total Return Index are presented for general comparative purposes. The S&P 500® Total Return Index is a widely accepted, unmanaged index of U.S. stock market performance which does not take into account charges, fees and other expenses. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

8

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Performance Data (Continued)
August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Performance data quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the returns quoted above. Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Call the Fund at 1-844-261-6488 for returns current to the most recent month-end.

 

The performance data quoted reflects fee waivers in effect and would have been less in their absence. The Fund’s total annual operating expense ratio for Class I Shares, as stated in the current prospectus dated December 31, 2022, as supplemented, is 1.91% and the Fund’s net operating expense ratio after waivers is for Class I Shares 1.75%. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for Class I Shares to 1.75% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2023 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of the Company. Please see the Consolidated Financial Highlights for current figures.

 

An investment in the Fund is speculative and involves substantial risk. The Fund is not suitable for all investors. It is possible that an investor may lose some or all of its investment. The Fund invests in long and short positions in futures, forwards and spot contracts, each of which may be tied to commodities, financial indices and instruments, foreign currencies, or equity indices. The Fund also invests in investment grade fixed income securities of all durations and maturities. The Fund may be more volatile than investments in traditional securities. Losses on futures and other derivatives can be caused by unanticipated market movements and may be potentially unlimited. Commodities, currencies, foreign investments, and interest rate-linked instruments each entail special risks. The Fund is non-diversified; therefore gains or losses on a single holding may have a relatively great impact on the Fund. A more complete description of the Fund’s risks can be found in its prospectus, which should be read carefully before investing.

 

Portfolio composition is subject to change.

 

9

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Performance Data (Concluded)
August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Standard & Poor’s 500 Composite Stock Index (S&P 500 Index)

 

The 500 stocks in the S&P 500 are chosen by Standard & Poor’s based on industry representation, liquidity and stability. The stocks in the S&P 500 are not the 500 largest companies; rather the Index is designed to capture the returns of many different sectors of the U.S. economy. This index includes dividends reinvested.

 

 

10

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Fund Expense Example

August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, (if any) and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

 

This example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period from March 1, 2023 through August 31, 2023, and held for the entire period.

 

Actual Expenses

 

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

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

 

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

 

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

 

 

Beginning
Account Value
March 1, 2023

Ending
Account Value
August 31, 2023

Expenses
Pa
id During
Period *

Annualized
Expense
Ratio

Actual
Six-Month Total
Investment
Returns for the
Fund

Actual

         

Class A Shares

$ 1,000.00

$ 964.00

$ 9.90

2.00%

-3.60%

Class C Shares

1,000.00

960.40

13.59

2.75%

-3.96%

Class I Shares

1,000.00

965.50

8.67

1.75%

-3.45%

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

         

Class A Shares

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,015.12

$ 10.16

2.00%

N/A

Class C Shares

1,000.00

1,011.34

13.94

2.75%

N/A

Class I Shares

1,000.00

1,016.38

8.89

1.75%

N/A

 

 

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized six-month expense ratio for the period March 1, 2023 to August 31, 2023, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184) in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by 365 to reflect the one half year period. The Fund’s ending account values on the first line in the table is based on the actual six-month total investment return for the Fund.

 

11

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio Holdings Summary Table

August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

The following table presents a consolidated summary of the portfolio holdings of the Fund:

 

   

% of Net
Assets

   

Value

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS:

               

U.S. Treasury Bills

    76.1 %   $ 656,743,187  

MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT ACCOUNT:

               

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account

    9.3       80,437,935  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES (including futures and forward foreign currency contracts)

    14.6       126,251,095  

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 863,432,217  

 

 

The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by allocating its assets among derivatives and fixed income securities.

 

As a result of the Fund’s use of derivatives, the Fund may hold significant amounts of U.S. Treasuries or short-term investments.

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

Refer to the Consolidated Portfolio of Investments for a detailed listing of the Fund’s holdings.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
12

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments

August 31, 2023

 

   

Coupon*

 

Maturity
Date

 

PAR
(000’s)

   

Value

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 76.1%

                         

U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS — 76.1%

                         

United States Treasury Bill

    0.167 %

09/07/23

  $ 100,000     $ 99,912,217  

United States Treasury Bill

    1.078 %

10/12/23

    110,000       109,336,967  

United States Treasury Bill

    1.659 %

11/02/23

    125,000       123,864,948  

United States Treasury Bill

    2.450 %

11/24/23

    75,000       74,070,721  

United States Treasury Bill

    3.814 %

01/04/24

    105,000       103,075,000  

United States Treasury Bill

    5.059 %

02/08/24

    150,000       146,483,334  

TOTAL U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS

                         

(Cost $657,017,129)

    656,743,187  
                           
             

Number
of Shares
(000’s)

         

MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT ACCOUNT — 9.3%

                         

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 5.20%(a)

    80,437       80,437,935  

TOTAL MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT ACCOUNT

       

(Cost $80,437,935)

    80,437,935  
                           

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

       

(Cost $737,455,064)

    737,181,122  
         

TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 85.4%

       

(Cost $737,455,064)

    737,181,122  
                           

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES — 14.6%

    126,251,095  

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

  $ 863,432,217  

 

 

*

Short-term investments’ coupon reflects the annualized yield on the date of purchase for discounted investments.

(a)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2023.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
13

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

Futures contracts outstanding as of August 31, 2023 were as follows:

 

Long Contracts

Expiration
Date

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

Australian 3-Year Bond

Sep-23

    1,429     $ 98,505,557     $ 273,637  

Australian 10-Year Bond

Sep-23

    2,145       161,462,293       395,810  

Brent Crude

Dec-23

    203       17,504,690       428,681  

CAC40 10 Euro

Sep-23

    156       12,396,808       (79,709 )

Cattle Feeder Futures

Oct-23

    53       6,784,662       60,877  

Coffee

Dec-23

    441       25,550,438       (600,113 )

Corn

Dec-23

    1,204       28,790,650       (853,886 )

Cotton No.2

Dec-23

    235       10,318,850       37,385  

Euro Stoxx 50

Sep-23

    319       14,919,021       (85,241 )

Euro-Bobl

Dec-23

    1,759       224,059,303       503,116  

FTSE China A50 Index

Sep-23

    673       8,491,914       (132,877 )

FTSE/MIB Index

Sep-23

    74       11,587,751       46,597  

Gasoline RBOB

Oct-23

    343       36,964,355       (865,110 )

IBEX 35 Index

Sep-23

    57       5,893,830       86,594  

IFSC Nifty 50 Futures

Sep-23

    302       11,747,196       (11,031 )

JPN 10-Year Bond (Osaka Securities Exchange)

Sep-23

    11       11,100,175       2,360  

Live Cattle

Oct-23

    511       36,960,630       141,077  

London Metals Exchange Aluminum

Sep-23

    2,399       130,370,656       (3,520,154 )

London Metals Exchange Aluminum

Dec-23

    415       23,003,969       201,457  

London Metals Exchange Copper

Sep-23

    2,590       545,195,000       (2,185,144 )

London Metals Exchange Copper

Dec-23

    596       125,577,200       790,820  

London Metals Exchange Zinc

Sep-23

    946       57,268,475       (461,215 )

London Metals Exchange Zinc

Dec-23

    184       11,194,100       186,695  

Low Sulphur Gasoil G Futures

Oct-23

    35       3,091,375       (8,335 )

Nasdaq 100 E-Mini

Sep-23

    34       10,566,180       226,508  

Nikkie 225 (Osaka Securities Exchange)

Sep-23

    81       18,154,644       45,144  

NY Harbor Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel

Oct-23

    142       18,566,528       (65,607 )

Palladium

Dec-23

    2       243,740       (2,765 )

S&P 500 E-Mini

Sep-23

    68       15,354,400       (8,416 )

Soybean

Nov-23

    426       29,154,375       (8,399 )

Soybean Meal

Dec-23

    55       2,222,000       (49,516 )

Soybean Oil

Dec-23

    129       4,835,952       (30,408 )

SPI 200 Index

Sep-23

    94       11,077,508       14,151  

Sugar No. 11 (World)

Oct-23

    446       12,517,971       262,391  

Topix Index

Sep-23

    122       19,541,634       434,239  

WTI Crude

Oct-23

    160       13,380,800       567,973  
                      $ (4,262,414 )

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
14

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

Short Contracts

Expiration
Date

 

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

3-Month Euro Euribor

Sep-24

    2,207     $ (578,188,482 )   $ (466,167 )

90-DAY Bank Bill

Sep-24

    1,384       (887,658,943 )     (289,116 )

Bank Acceptance

Dec-24

    99       (17,426,843 )     (18,510 )

Canadian 10-Year Bond

Dec-23

    907       (80,087,456 )     (400,552 )

Cocoa

Dec-23

    764       (27,794,320 )     (810,827 )

Copper

Dec-23

    320       (30,576,000 )     (238,565 )

DAX Index

Sep-23

    7       (3,035,995 )     (7,307 )

DJIA Mini E-CBOT

Sep-23

    21       (3,653,055 )     35,438  

Euro-BTP

Dec-23

    50       (6,259,962 )     (47,843 )

Euro-Bund

Dec-23

    400       (57,527,027 )     (130,829 )

Euro-BUXL 30-Year Bond Futures

Dec-23

    47       (6,817,016 )     (59,171 )

Euro-Oat

Dec-23

    104       (14,375,121 )     (125,261 )

Euro-Schatz

Dec-23

    5,076       (580,579,781 )     (1,465,695 )

FTSE 100 Index

Sep-23

    224       (21,175,844 )     (359,675 )

FTSE Taiwan Index

Sep-23

    10       (573,000 )     (3,750 )

FTSE/JSE TOP 40

Sep-23

    17       (621,317 )     (2,371 )

Gold 100 Oz

Dec-23

    177       (34,796,430 )     (294,377 )

Hang Seng China Enterprises Index

Sep-23

    49       (1,970,972 )     (38,009 )

Hang Seng Index

Sep-23

    46       (5,368,187 )     (46,577 )

ICE Three Month SONIA Index Futures

Sep-24

    422       (126,423,853 )     (323,438 )

iShares MSCI EAFE ETF

Sep-23

    43       (4,534,995 )     66,918  

Kansas City Hard Red Winter Wheat

Dec-23

    154       (5,599,825 )     318,885  

London Metals Exchange Aluminum

Sep-23

    2,399       (130,370,656 )     4,256,108  

London Metals Exchange Aluminum

Dec-23

    1,054       (58,424,537 )     62,059  

London Metals Exchange Copper

Sep-23

    2,590       (545,195,000 )     905,359  

London Metals Exchange Copper

Dec-23

    622       (131,055,400 )     (916,142 )

London Metals Exchange Zinc

Sep-23

    946       (57,268,475 )     166,775  

London Metals Exchange Zinc

Dec-23

    289       (17,582,037 )     (45,363 )

Long Gilt

Dec-23

    234       (28,329,951 )     (268,084 )

MSCI Emerging Markets Index

Sep-23

    98       (4,798,570 )     135,890  

MSCI Singapore Exchange ETS

Sep-23

    67       (1,408,713 )     (23,464 )

Natural Gas

Oct-23

    589       (16,303,520 )     (815,995 )

OMX Stockholm 30 Index

Sep-23

    140       (2,799,105 )     5,622  

Platinum

Oct-23

    394       (19,195,680 )     (706,763 )

Russell 2000 E-Mini

Sep-23

    87       (8,271,960 )     104,169  

S&P Mid 400 E-Mini

Sep-23

    28       (7,416,360 )     33,857  

S&P/TSX 60 Index

Sep-23

    112       (20,160,332 )     (389,679 )

Silver

Dec-23

    104       (12,902,240 )     62,978  

Three-Month SOFR

Dec-24

    1,170       (280,302,750 )     (497,100 )

U.S. Treasury 2-Year Notes

Dec-23

    493       (100,475,711 )     (191,095 )

U.S. Treasury 5-Year Notes

Dec-23

    1,258       (134,507,719 )     (662,178 )

U.S. Treasury 10-Year Notes

Dec-23

    186       (20,651,812 )     (150,132 )

U.S. Treasury Long Bond (Chicago Board of Trade)

Dec-23

    932       (113,412,750 )     (937,067 )

U.S. Treasury Ultra Long Bond (Chicago Board of Trade)

Dec-23

    75       (9,710,156 )     (149,312 )

Wheat

Dec-23

    845       (25,434,500 )     2,092,673  
                      $ (2,633,683 )

Total Futures Contracts

                    $ (6,896,097 )

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
15

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

Forward foreign currency contracts outstanding as of August 31, 2023 were as follows:

 

Currency Purchased

 

 

Currency Sold

 

 

Expiration
Date

Counterparty

 

Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

AUD

    913,000,000          

USD

    612,284,366          

Sep 20 2023

UBS

  $ (20,269,783 )

BRL

    434,950,000          

USD

    89,419,102          

Sep 20 2023

UBS

    (1,859,661 )

CAD

    1,280,250,000          

USD

    964,656,445          

Sep 20 2023

UBS

    (16,878,012 )

CHF

    97,200,000          

USD

    110,551,215          

Sep 20 2023

UBS

    (278,255 )

CLP

    42,430,000,000          

USD

    51,598,831          

Sep 20 2023

UBS

    (1,942,003 )

CNH

    67,900,000          

USD

    9,353,216          

Sep 20 2023

UBS

    (13,267 )

COP

    355,380,000,000          

USD

    85,692,857          

Sep 20 2023

UBS

    584,820  

CZK

    1,001,600,000          

USD

    45,358,127          

Sep 20 2023

UBS

    (268,392 )

EUR

    1,228,300,000          

USD

    1,348,652,239          

Sep 20 2023

UBS

    (15,470,860 )

GBP

    858,650,000          

USD

    1,091,445,161          

Sep 20 2023

UBS

    (3,602,872 )

HUF

    51,015,000,000          

USD

    145,596,786          

Sep 20 2023

UBS

    (1,124,805 )

IDR

    944,825,000,000          

USD

    62,187,590          

Sep 20 2023

UBS

    (158,903 )

INR

    11,656,000,000          

USD

    141,019,237          

Sep 20 2023

UBS

    (321,740 )

JPY

    87,381,000,000          

USD

    623,784,654          

Sep 20 2023

UBS

    (21,289,120 )

KRW

    59,055,000,000          

USD

    45,868,524          

Sep 20 2023

UBS

    (1,141,378 )

MXN

    2,802,900,000          

USD

    162,487,200          

Sep 20 2023

UBS

    1,325,952  

NOK

    2,392,350,000          

USD

    229,486,393          

Sep 20 2023

UBS

    (4,319,616 )

NZD

    704,700,000          

USD

    434,855,418          

Sep 20 2023

UBS

    (14,624,079 )

PHP

    3,054,750,000          

USD

    54,348,430          

Sep 20 2023

UBS

    (418,388 )

PLN

    530,175,000          

USD

    128,909,395          

Sep 20 2023

UBS

    (543,687 )

SEK

    726,300,000          

USD

    67,925,012          

Sep 20 2023

UBS

    (1,521,891 )

SGD

    120,870,000          

USD

    90,415,213          

Sep 20 2023

UBS

    (897,809 )

TWD

    405,900,000          

USD

    12,797,154          

Sep 20 2023

UBS

    (20,119 )

USD

    818,779,531          

AUD

    1,228,050,000          

Sep 20 2023

UBS

    22,477,768  

USD

    67,616,792          

BRL

    333,150,000          

Sep 20 2023

UBS

    550,629  

USD

    1,132,315,556          

CAD

    1,505,750,000          

Sep 20 2023

UBS

    17,597,825  

USD

    149,916,056          

CHF

    132,350,000          

Sep 20 2023

UBS

    (234,420 )

USD

    50,060,297          

CLP

    42,070,000,000          

Sep 20 2023

UBS

    824,786  

USD

    51,163,965          

CNH

    361,600,000          

Sep 20 2023

UBS

    1,424,265  

USD

    67,532,789          

COP

    285,060,000,000          

Sep 20 2023

UBS

    (1,672,890 )

USD

    56,979,204          

CZK

    1,254,000,000          

Sep 20 2023

UBS

    526,999  

USD

    1,432,005,771          

EUR

    1,309,050,000          

Sep 20 2023

UBS

    11,179,357  

USD

    1,005,061,391          

GBP

    786,350,000          

Sep 20 2023

UBS

    8,817,538  

USD

    118,937,591          

HUF

    42,042,000,000          

Sep 20 2023

UBS

    (123,293 )

USD

    73,455,434          

IDR

    1,098,125,000,000          

Sep 20 2023

UBS

    1,362,452  

USD

    116,876,182          

INR

    9,667,000,000          

Sep 20 2023

UBS

    187,549  

USD

    623,618,048          

JPY

    87,939,000,000          

Sep 20 2023

UBS

    17,275,082  

USD

    86,267,766          

KRW

    111,645,000,000          

Sep 20 2023

UBS

    1,709,945  

USD

    99,431,344          

MXN

    1,708,500,000          

Sep 20 2023

UBS

    (420,513 )

USD

    255,813,894          

NOK

    2,778,300,000          

Sep 20 2023

UBS

    (5,678,304 )

USD

    536,746,086          

NZD

    877,050,000          

Sep 20 2023

UBS

    13,737,863  

USD

    70,318,080          

PHP

    3,922,500,000          

Sep 20 2023

UBS

    1,068,357  

USD

    124,394,889          

PLN

    509,325,000          

Sep 20 2023

UBS

    1,077,372  

USD

    106,720,936          

SEK

    1,129,950,000          

Sep 20 2023

UBS

    3,413,478  

USD

    171,259,596          

SGD

    230,010,000          

Sep 20 2023

UBS

    912,130  

USD

    84,511,972          

TWD

    2,611,350,000          

Sep 20 2023

UBS

    2,311,161  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
16

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Concluded)

August 31, 2023

 

Currency Purchased

 

 

Currency Sold

 

 

Expiration
Date

Counterparty

 

Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

USD

    69,365,842          

ZAR

    1,305,200,000          

Sep 20 2023

UBS

  $ 374,103  

ZAR

    1,012,800,000          

USD

    54,715,336          

Sep 20 2023

UBS

    (1,179,606 )

Total Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

                      $ (7,534,235 )

 

AUD

Australian Dollar

 

JPY

Japanese Yen

BRL

Brazilian Real

 

KRW

South Korean Won

CAD

Canadian Dollar

 

MXN

Mexican Peso

CHF

Swiss Franc

 

NOK

Norwegian Krone

CLP

Chilean Peso

 

NZD

New Zealand Dollar

CNH

Chinese Yuan Renminbi

 

PHP

Philippine Peso

COP

Columbian Peso

 

PLN

Polish Zloty

CZK

Czech Koruna

 

SEK

Swedish Krona

EUR

Euro

 

SGD

Singapore Dollar

GBP

British Pound

 

TWD

Taiwan New Dollar

HUF

Hungarian Forint

 

UBS

Union Bank of Switzerland

IDR

Indonesian Rupiah

 

USD

United States Dollar

INR

Indian Rupee

 

ZAR

South African Rand

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
17

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities

August 31, 2023

 

ASSETS

       

Investments, at value (cost $737,455,064)

  $ 737,181,122  

Deposits with brokers:

       

Futures contracts

    93,464,538  

Forward foreign currency contracts

    54,754,702  

Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency contracts

    108,739,431  

Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts

    12,952,243  

Receivable for capital shares sold

    2,911,634  

Interest receivable

    589,243  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

    14,077  

Total assets

    1,010,606,990  

LIABILITIES

       

Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency contracts

  $ 116,273,666  

Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts

    19,848,340  

Due to broker

    7,927,497  

Payable for:

       

Advisory fees

    1,152,652  

Capital shares redeemed

    1,579,291  

Other accrued expenses and liabilities

    393,327  

Total liabilities

    147,174,773  

Net assets

  $ 863,432,217  

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

       

Par value

  $ 91,088  

Paid-in capital

    917,819,312  

Total distributable earnings/(loss)

    (54,478,183 )

Net assets

  $ 863,432,217  

CAPITAL SHARES:

       

Class A Shares:

       

Net assets applicable to Class A Shares

  $ 61,812,796  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    6,599,436  

Net asset value and redemption price per share

  $ 9.37  

Maximum offering price per share (100/96.5 of $9.37)

  $ 9.71  
         

Class C Shares:

       

Net assets applicable to Class C Shares

  $ 18,610,033  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    2,134,937  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

  $ 8.72  
         

Class I Shares:

       

Net assets applicable to Class I Shares

  $ 783,009,388  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 300,000,000 shares authorized)

    82,353,243  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

  $ 9.51  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
18

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Consolidated Statement of Operations

For the Year Ended August 31, 2023

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

       

Interest

  $ 29,411,163  

Total investment income

    29,411,163  

EXPENSES

       

Advisory fees (Note 2)

    12,914,691  

Transfer agent fees (Note 2)

    1,068,398  

Administration and accounting fees (Note 2)

    206,587  

Distribution fees - Class A Shares

    170,357  

Distribution fees - Class C Shares

    187,042  

Registration and filing fees

    115,364  

Printing and shareholder reporting fees

    87,204  

Director fees

    77,247  

Officer fees

    68,118  

Audit and tax service fees

    62,633  

Legal fees

    60,034  

Custodian fees (Note 2)

    29,285  

Other expenses

    42,924  

Total expenses before waivers and/or reimbursements

    15,089,884  

Less: waivers and reimbursements (Note 2)

    (951,565 )

Net expenses after waivers and/or reimbursements

    14,138,319  

Net investment income/(loss)

    15,272,844  

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS

Net realized gain/(loss) from:

       

Investments

    (80,089 )

Futures contracts

    5,238,369  

Foreign currency transactions

    (5,170,570 )

Forward foreign currency contracts

    16,893,140  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:

       

Investments

    275,090  

Futures contracts

    (10,105,214 )

Foreign currency translations

    1,588,956  

Forward foreign currency contracts

    (22,972,941 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    (14,333,259 )

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 939,585  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
19

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2023

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2022

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 15,272,844     $ (2,792,104 )

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments, futures contracts, foreign currency transactions and forward foreign currency contracts

    16,880,850       50,437,598  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments, future contracts, foreign currency translation and forward foreign currency contracts

    (31,214,109 )     19,222,601  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    939,585       66,868,095  
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

Class A Shares

    (9,548,573 )     (868,654 )

Class C Shares

    (2,517,507 )     (680,865 )

Class I Shares

    (88,730,836 )     (8,601,682 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (100,796,916 )     (10,151,201 )
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Class A Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    34,402,233       53,370,788  

Proceeds from reinvestment of distributions

    9,286,917       840,478  

Shares redeemed

    (38,161,798 )     (6,522,289 )

Total from Class A Shares

    5,527,352       47,688,977  

Class C Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    6,816,942       5,670,775  

Proceeds from reinvestment of distributions

    2,388,732       635,536  

Shares redeemed

    (3,668,971 )     (1,834,074 )

Total from Class C Shares

    5,536,703       4,472,237  

Class I Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    703,679,347       494,892,554  

Proceeds from reinvestment of distributions

    85,541,786       8,403,372  

Shares redeemed

    (473,269,758 )     (116,914,962 )

Total from Class I Shares

    315,951,375       386,380,964  

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

    327,015,430       438,542,178  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    227,158,099       495,259,072  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
20

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets (Concluded)

 

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2023

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2022

 

Net Assets:

               

Beginning of period

  $ 636,274,118     $ 141,015,046  

End of period

  $ 863,432,217     $ 636,274,118  
                 

SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Class A Shares

               

Shares sold

    3,439,596       5,296,683  

Shares reinvested

    979,633       103,635  

Shares redeemed

    (3,977,081 )     (683,187 )

Total from Class A Shares

    442,148       4,717,131  

Class C Shares

               

Shares sold

    704,756       604,995  

Shares reinvested

    269,001       82,860  

Shares redeemed

    (401,028 )     (208,784 )

Total from Class C Shares

    572,729       479,071  

Class I Shares

               

Shares sold

    70,564,733       48,866,179  

Shares reinvested

    8,901,331       1,026,053  

Shares redeemed

    (48,628,923 )     (11,782,155 )

Total from Class I Shares

    30,837,141       38,110,077  

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    31,852,018       43,306,279  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
21

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Consolidated Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the consolidated financial statements.

 

 

   

Class A

 
   

For the
Year
Ended
A
ugust 31,
2023

   

For the
Year
Ended
A
ugust 31,
2022

   

For the
Year
Ended
A
ugust 31,
2021

   

For the
Period
Ended
A
ugust 31,
2020
(1)(2)

   

For the
Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2019

   

For the
Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2018

 

Per Share Operating Performance

       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.65     $ 8.76     $ 7.55     $ 9.81     $ 9.49     $ 9.36  

Net investment income/(loss)(3)

    0.16       (0.11 )     (0.16 )     (0.07 )     (4)      (0.03 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments, futures, forward currency and swap contracts (5)

    (0.05 )     2.57       1.37       (0.76 )     1.45       0.16  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    0.11       2.46       1.21       (0.83 )     1.45       0.13  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                       

Net investment income

    (0.20 )     (0.48 )           (0.79 )     (1.13 )      

Net realized capital gain

    (1.19 )     (0.09 )           (0.64 )            

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (1.39 )     (0.57 )           (1.43 )     (1.13 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 9.37     $ 10.65     $ 8.76     $ 7.55     $ 9.81     $ 9.49  

Total investment return (6)

    0.93 %     30.09 %     16.03 %     (8.86 )%(7)     17.73 %     1.39 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 61,813     $ 65,549     $ 12,613     $ 10,365     $ 12,895     $ 14,744  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements and/or recoupments (10)

    2.00 %     2.00 %     2.03 %     2.15 %(8)     2.12 %     1.58 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and reimbursements and/or recoupments (9)(11)

    2.12 %     2.16 %     2.36 %     2.51 %(8)     2.54 %     1.96 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    1.71 %     (1.32 )%     (1.93 )%     (0.93 )%(8)     (0.03 )%     (0.32 )%

Portfolio turnover rate (12)

    0 %     0 %     0 %     0 %(7)     15 %     122 %

 

 
(1) The fiscal year end of the Predecessor Fund was September 30. The Fund changed its fiscal year end to August 31 to reflect the fiscal year end of the other series of the Company. The period ended is from October 1, 2019 to August 31, 2020.
(2) Prior to May 29, 2020, the Fund was a diversified series (the “Predecessor Fund”) of Equinox Funds Trust, an open-end management investment company (or mutual fund) organized on June 2, 2010, as a statutory trust under the laws of the State of Delaware. The Predecessor Fund was reorganized into the Fund following the close of business on May 29, 2020 (the “Reorganization”). As a result of the Reorganization, the performance and accounting history of the Predecessor Fund was assumed by the Fund. Performance and accounting information prior to May 29, 2020 included herein is that of the Predecessor Fund.
(3) Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.
(4) Less than $0.005 per share.
(5) The amount shown may not correlate with the change in the aggregate gains and losses due to the timing of sales and purchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to fluctuating market values for the Fund’s portfolio.
(6) Total returns are historical and assume changes in share price and reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized. Had the Adviser not waived its fees or reimbursed a portion of the Fund’s expenses, the returns would have been lower.
(7) Not annualized
(8) Annualized
(9) Represents the ratio of expenses to average net assets absent fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements by the Adviser.
(10) Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense 2.00% 2.00% 2.00% 2.12% 2.07% 1.58%
(11) Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense(9) 2.12% 2.16% 2.33% 2.48% 2.49% 1.96%
(12) Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between the classes of shares issued.

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
22

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Consolidated Financial Highlights (Continued)

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the consolidated financial statements.

 

 

   

Class C

 
   

For the
Year
Ended
A
ugust 31,
2023

   

For the
Year
Ended
A
ugust 31,
2022

   

For the
Year
Ended
A
ugust 31,
2021

   

For the
Period
Ended
A
ugust 31,
2020
(1)(2)

   

For the
Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2019

   

For the
Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2018

 

Per Share Operating Performance

               

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.02     $ 8.38     $ 7.28     $ 9.51     $ 9.20     $ 9.15  

Net investment income/(loss)(3)

    0.09       (0.20 )     (0.21 )     (0.12 )     (0.07 )     (0.10 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments, futures, forward currency and swap contracts (4)

    (0.05 )     2.45       1.31       (0.74 )     1.42       0.15  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    0.04       2.25       1.10       (0.86 )     1.35       0.05  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                       

Net investment income

    (0.15 )     (0.52 )           (0.73 )     (1.04 )      

Net realized capital gain

    (1.19 )     (0.09 )           (0.64 )            

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (1.34 )     (0.61 )           (1.37 )     (1.04 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 8.72     $ 10.02     $ 8.38     $ 7.28     $ 9.51     $ 9.20  

Total investment return (5)

    0.22 %     29.13 %     15.11 %     (9.49 )%(6)     16.88 %     0.55 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                               

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 18,610     $ 15,654     $ 9,079     $ 9,087     $ 13,237     $ 15,676  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements and/or recoupments (9)

    2.75 %     2.75 %     2.78 %     2.88 %(7)     2.87 %     2.35 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and reimbursements and/or recoupments (8)(10)

    2.87 %     2.91 %     3.11 %     3.27 %(7)     3.29 %     2.74 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    0.96 %     (2.07 )%     (2.67 )%     (1.65 )%(7)     (0.78 )%     (1.05 )%

Portfolio turnover rate (11)

    0 %     0 %     0 %     0 %(6)     15 %     122 %

 

 
(1) The fiscal year end of the Predecessor Fund was September 30. The Fund changed its fiscal year end to August 31 to reflect the fiscal year end of the other series of the Company. The period ended is from October 1, 2019 to August 31, 2020.
(2) Prior to May 29, 2020, the Fund was a diversified series (the “Predecessor Fund”) of Equinox Funds Trust, an open-end management investment company (or mutual fund) organized on June 2, 2010, as a statutory trust under the laws of the State of Delaware. The Predecessor Fund was reorganized into the Fund following the close of business on May 29, 2020 (the “Reorganization”). As a result of the Reorganization, the performance and accounting history of the Predecessor Fund was assumed by the Fund. Performance and accounting information prior to May 29, 2020 included herein is that of the Predecessor Fund.
(3) Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.
(4) The amount shown may not correlate with the change in the aggregate gains and losses due to the timing of sales and purchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to fluctuating market values for the Fund’s portfolio.
(5) Total returns are historical and assume changes in share price and reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized. Had the Adviser not waived its fees or reimbursed a portion of the Fund’s expenses, the returns would have been lower.
(6) Not annualized
(7) Annualized
(8) Represents the ratio of expenses to average net assets absent fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements by the Adviser.
(9) Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense 2.75% 2.75% 2.75% 2.85% 2.82% 2.35%
(10) Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense(8) 2.87% 2.91% 3.08% 3.24% 3.24% 2.74%
(11) Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between the classes of shares issued.

  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
23

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Consolidated Financial Highlights (Concluded)

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the consolidated financial statements.

 

 

   

Class I

 
   

For the
Year
Ended
A
ugust 31,
2023

   

For the
Year
Ended
A
ugust 31,
2022

   

For the
Year
Ended
A
ugust 31,
2021

   

For the
Period
Ended
A
ugust 31,
2020
(1)(2)

   

For the
Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2019

   

For the
Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2018

 

Per Share Operating Performance

       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.77     $ 8.90     $ 7.65     $ 9.93     $ 9.59     $ 9.44  

Net investment income/(loss)(3)

    0.20       (0.09 )     (0.14 )     (0.07 )     0.02       (0.01 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments, futures, forward currency and swap contracts (4)

    (0.05 )     2.59       1.39       (0.77 )     1.48       0.16  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    0.15       2.50       1.25       (0.84 )     1.50       0.15  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                       

Net investment income

    (0.22 )     (0.54 )           (0.80 )     (1.16 )      

Net realized capital gain

    (1.19 )     (0.09 )           (0.64 )            

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (1.41 )     (0.63 )           (1.44 )     (1.16 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 9.51     $ 10.77     $ 8.90     $ 7.65     $ 9.93     $ 9.59  

Total investment return (5)

    1.25 %     30.35 %     16.34 %     (8.75 )%(6)     18.17 %     1.59 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                               

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 783,009     $ 555,072     $ 119,324     $ 115,431     $ 51,067     $ 89,456  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements and/or recoupments (9)

    1.75 %     1.75 %     1.78 %     1.88 %(7)     1.84 %     1.30 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and reimbursements and/or recoupments (8)(10)

    1.87 %     1.91 %     2.11 %     2.24 %(7)     2.28 %     1.64 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    1.96 %     (1.07 )%     (1.68 )%     (0.91 )%(7)     0.23 %     (0.10 )%

Portfolio turnover rate (11)

    0 %     0 %     0 %     0 %(6)     15 %     122 %

 

 
(1) The fiscal year end of the Predecessor Fund was September 30. The Fund changed its fiscal year end to August 31 to reflect the fiscal year end of the other series of the Company. The period ended is from October 1, 2019 to August 31, 2020.
(2) Prior to May 29, 2020, the Fund was a diversified series (the “Predecessor Fund”) of Equinox Funds Trust, an open-end management investment company (or mutual fund) organized on June 2, 2010, as a statutory trust under the laws of the State of Delaware. The Predecessor Fund was reorganized into the Fund following the close of business on May 29, 2020 (the “Reorganization”). As a result of the Reorganization, the performance and accounting history of the Predecessor Fund was assumed by the Fund. Performance and accounting information prior to May 29, 2020 included herein is that of the Predecessor Fund.
(3) Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.
(4) The amount shown may not correlate with the change in the aggregate gains and losses due to the timing of sales and purchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to fluctuating market values for the Fund’s portfolio.
(5) Total returns are historical and assume changes in share price and reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized. Had the Adviser not waived its fees or reimbursed a portion of the Fund’s expenses, the returns would have been lower.
(6) Not annualized
(7) Annualized
(8) Represents the ratio of expenses to average net assets absent fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements by the Adviser.
(9) Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense 1.75% 1.75% 1.75% 1.85% 1.80% 1.30%
(10) Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense(8) 1.87% 1.91% 2.08% 2.21% 2.24% 1.64%
(11) Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between the classes of shares issued.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
24

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements

August 31, 2023

 

1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The RBB Fund, Inc. (“RBB” or the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland on February 29, 1988 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. RBB is a “series fund,” which is a mutual fund complex divided into separate portfolios. Each portfolio is treated as a separate entity for certain matters under the 1940 Act, and for other purposes, and a shareholder of one portfolio is not deemed to be a shareholder of any other portfolio. Currently, RBB has fifty-three separate investment portfolios, including the Campbell Systematic Macro Fund (the “Fund”), which commenced investment operations on March 4, 2013. The Fund currently offers Class A, Class C and Class I shares. Class A and Class I shares commenced operations on March 4, 2013. Class C commenced operations on February 11, 2014.

 

Class C and Class I shares are offered at net asset value. Class A shares are offered at net asset value plus a maximum sales charge of 3.50%. Prior to February 16, 2021, Class A shares were offered at net asset value plus a maximum sales charge of 5.75%. A contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) of 1.00% is assessed on certain redemptions of Class A shares made within twelve months after a purchase of Class A shares where no initial sales charge was paid at the time of purchase as part of an investment of $1,000,000 or more. A CDSC of 1.00% is assessed on redemptions of Class C shares made within twelve months after a purchase of such shares. Each class represents an interest in the same assets of the Fund and classes are identical except for differences in their sales charge structures and ongoing service and distribution charges. All classes of shares have equal voting privileges except that each class has exclusive voting rights with respect to its service and/or distribution plans. The Fund’s income, expenses (other than class specific distribution fees) and realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated proportionately each day based upon the relative net assets of each class.

 

Prior to May 29, 2020, the Fund was a diversified series (the “Predecessor Fund”) of Equinox Funds Trust, an open-end management investment company (or mutual fund) organized on June 2, 2010, as a statutory trust under the laws of the State of Delaware. The Predecessor Fund was reorganized into the Fund following the close of business on May 29, 2020 (the “Reorganization”). As a result of the Reorganization, the performance and accounting history of the Predecessor Fund was assumed by the Fund. Performance and accounting information prior to May 29, 2020 included herein is that of the Predecessor Fund.

 

The fiscal year end of the Predecessor Fund was September 30. The Fund changed its fiscal year end to August 31 to reflect the fiscal year end of the other series of the Company.

 

The Company has authorized capital of one hundred billion shares of common stock of which 91.523 billion shares are currently classified into two hundred and twenty-two classes of common stock. Each class represents an interest in an active or inactive RBB investment portfolio.

 

The Fund’s investment objective is to seek capital appreciation.

 

The Fund is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 “Financial Services - Investment Companies.”

 

The end of the reporting period for the Fund is August 31, 2023, and the period covered by these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements is the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023 (the “current fiscal period”).

 

CONSOLIDATION OF SUBSIDIARY — The Campbell Systematic Macro Program is achieved by the Fund investing up to 25% of its total assets in the Campbell Systematic Macro Offshore Limited Fund (the “Subsidiary”), a wholly-owned and controlled subsidiary of the Fund organized under the acts of the Cayman Islands. The consolidated financial statements of the Fund include the financial statements of the Subsidiary. The Fund consolidates the results of subsidiaries in which the Fund holds a controlling financial interest. All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated. As of the end of the reporting period, the net assets of the Subsidiary were $60,575,371, which represented 7.01% of the Fund’s net assets.

 

25

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

PORTFOLIO VALUATION — The Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. Securities held by the Fund are valued using the closing price or the last sales price on a national securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System (“NASDAQ”) market system where they are primarily traded. Fixed income securities are valued using an independent pricing service, which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings, and are deemed representative of market values at the close of the market. Investments in other open-end investment companies are valued based on the NAV of those investment companies (which may use fair value pricing as discussed in their prospectuses). Forward currency exchange contracts are valued by interpolating between spot and forward currency rates as quoted by an independent pricing service. Futures contracts are generally valued using the settlement price determined by the relevant exchange. If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable, securities will be valued by the Valuation Designee (as defined below) in accordance with procedures adopted by the RBB, Fund, Inc.’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). Relying on prices supplied by pricing services or dealers or using fair valuation may result in values that are higher or lower than the values used by other investment companies and investors to price the same investments.

 

The Board has adopted a pricing and valuation policy for use by the Fund and its Valuation Designee (as defined below) in calculating the Fund’s NAV. Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Fund has designated the Adviser as its “Valuation Designee” to perform all of the fair value determinations as well as to perform all of the responsibilities that may be performed by the Valuation Designee in accordance with Rule 2a-5. The Valuation Designee is authorized to make all necessary determinations of the fair values of portfolio securities and other assets for which market quotations are not readily available or if it is deemed that the prices obtained from brokers and dealers or independent pricing services are unreliable.

 

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS — The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the Fund’s investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:

 

 

Level 1 – Prices are determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.

 

 

Level 2 – Prices are determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

 

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

 

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used, as of August 31, 2023, in valuing the Fund’s investments carried at fair value:

 

 

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

 

Short-Term Investments

  $ 737,181,122     $ 737,181,122     $     $  

Commodity Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

    10,542,193       10,542,193              

Equity Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

    1,235,127       1,235,127              

Interest Rate Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

    1,174,923       1,174,923              

Foreign Currency Contracts

                               

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

    108,739,431             108,739,431        

Total Assets

  $ 858,872,796     $ 750,133,365     $ 108,739,431     $  

 

26

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

 

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

 

Commodity Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

  $ (12,478,684 )   $ (12,478,684 )   $     $  

Equity Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

    (1,188,106 )     (1,188,106 )            

Interest Rate Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

    (6,181,550 )     (6,181,550 )            

Foreign Currency Contracts

                               

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

    (116,273,666 )           (116,273,666 )      

Total Liabilities

  $ (136,122,006 )   $ (19,848,340 )   $ (116,273,666 )   $  

 

At the end of each quarter, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities. Various factors are considered, such as changes in liquidity from the prior reporting period; whether or not a broker is willing to execute at the quoted price; the depth and consistency of prices from third party pricing services; and the existence of contemporaneous, observable trades in the market. Additionally, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities on a quarterly basis for changes in listings or delistings on national exchanges.

 

Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Fund’s investments may fluctuate from period to period. Additionally, the fair value of investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for such investments and may differ materially from the values the Fund may ultimately realize. Further, such investments may be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities.

 

For fair valuations using significant unobservable inputs, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires the Fund to present a reconciliation of the beginning to ending balances for reported market values that presents changes attributable to total realized and unrealized gains or losses, purchase and sales, and transfers in and out of Level 3 during the period. Transfers in and out between levels are based on values at the end of the period. A reconciliation of Level 3 investments is presented only when the Fund had an amount of Level 3 investments at the end of the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets. The amounts and reasons for Level 3 transfers are disclosed if the Fund had an amount of total transfers during the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets as of the end of the reporting period.

 

For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, the Fund had no Level 3 transfers.

 

DISCLOSURES ABOUT DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

 

Derivative instruments are defined as financial instruments whose value and performance are based on the value and performance of another security or financial instrument. Derivative instruments that the Fund used during the period include forward foreign currency contracts and futures contracts.

 

During the current fiscal period, the Fund used long and short contracts on U.S. and foreign equity market indices, U.S. and foreign government bonds, foreign currencies and commodities (through investment in the Subsidiary), to gain investment exposure in accordance with its investment objective.

 

The following tables provide quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of, and gains and losses on, the Fund’s derivative instruments as of and for the current fiscal period.

 

27

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

The following table lists the fair values of the Fund’s derivative holdings as of August 31, 2023, grouped by contract type and risk exposure category.

 

Derivative Type

 

CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENT OF
ASSETS AND
LIABILITIES
LOCATION

   

Commodity
Contracts

   

Equity
Contracts

   

Interest
Rate
Contracts

   

Foreign
Currency
Contracts

   

Total

 

Asset Derivatives

Futures Contracts (a)

    Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts     $ 10,542,193     $ 1,235,127     $ 1,174,923     $     $ 12,952,243  

Forward Contracts (a)

    Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency contracts                         108,739,431       108,739,431  

Total Value - Assets

          $ 10,542,193     $ 1,235,127     $ 1,174,923     $ 108,739,431     $ 121,691,674  
                                                 

Liability Derivatives

Futures Contracts (a)

    Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts     $ (12,478,684 )   $ (1,188,106 )   $ (6,181,550 )   $     $ (19,848,340 )

Forward Contracts (a)

    Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency contracts                         (116,273,666 )     (116,273,666 )

Total Value - Liabilities

          $ (12,478,684 )   $ (1,188,106 )   $ (6,181,550 )   $ (116,273,666 )   $ (136,122,006 )

 

 

(a)

This amount represents the cumulative appreciation/(depreciation) of forward and futures contracts as reported in the Consolidated Portfolio of Investments.

 

The following table lists the amounts of realized gains/(losses) included in net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations during the current fiscal period, grouped by derivative type and primary risk exposure category by contract type.

 

Derivative Type

 

Consolidated
Statement of
Operations
Location

   

Commodity
Contracts

   

Equity
Contracts

   

Interest
Rate
Contracts

   

Foreign
Currency
Contracts

   

Total

 

Realized Gain/(Loss)

Futures Contracts

    Net realized gain/(loss) from futures contracts     $ (8,966,413 )   $ (2,207,164 )   $ 16,411,946     $     $ 5,238,369  

Forward Contracts

    Net realized gain/(loss) from forward foreign currency contracts                         16,893,140       16,893,140  

Total Realized Gain/(Loss)

 

  $ (8,966,413 )   $ (2,207,164 )   $ 16,411,946     $ 16,893,140     $ 22,131,509  

 

28

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

The following table lists the amounts of change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) included in net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations during the current fiscal period, grouped by derivative type and primary risk exposure category by contract type.

 

Derivative Type

 

Consolidated
Statement of
Operations
Location

   

Commodity
Contracts

   

Equity
Contracts

   

Interest
Rate
Contracts

   

Foreign
Currency
Contracts

   

Total

 

Change in Unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation)

Futures Contracts

    Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on futures contracts     $ (4,208,529 )   $ 350,314     $ (6,246,999 )   $     $ (10,105,214 )

Forward Contracts

    Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on forward foreign currency contracts                         (22,972,941 )     (22,972,941 )

Total Change in Unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation)

          $ (4,208,529 )   $ 350,314     $ (6,246,999 )   $ (22,972,941 )   $ (33,078,155 )

 

For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, the Fund’s quarterly average volume of derivatives was as follows:

 

 

Long Futures
Notional
Amount

   

Short Futures
Notional
Amount

   

Forward Foreign
Currency Contracts-
Payable
(Value At Trade Date)

   

Forward Foreign
Currency Contracts-
Receivable (Value At
Trade Date)

 
    $1,317,909,868       $(2,990,219,548)       $(11,675,533,640)       $11,679,753,273  

 

For financial reporting purposes, the Fund does not offset fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments and fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral (receivables) or the obligation to return cash collateral (payables) arising from derivative instruments recognized at fair value executed with the same counterparty under a master netting arrangement.

 

29

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

The following is a summary of financial and derivative instruments that are subject to enforceable master netting agreements (or similar arrangements) and collateral received and pledged in connection with the master netting agreements (or similar arrangements).

 

           

Gross Amount Not
Offset in Consolidated
Statement of Assets and
Liabilities

                     

Gross Amount Not
Offset in Consolidated
Statement of Assets and
Liabilities

         

Description

 

Gross Amount
Presented in
the
Consolidated
Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Collateral
Received

   

Net
Amount
(1)

     

Gross Amount
Presented in
the
Consolidated
Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Collateral
Pledged
(2)

   

Net
Amount
(3)

 
   

Assets

     

Liabilities

 

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

  $ 108,739,431     $ (108,739,431 )   $     $       $ 116,273,666     $ (108,739,431 )   $ (7,534,235 )   $  

 

 

(1)

Net amount represents the net amount receivable from the counterparty in the event of default.

 

(2)

Actual collateral pledged may be more than the amount shown.

 

(3)

Net amount represents the net amount payable to the counterparty in the event of default.

 

Use of Estimates — The preparation of consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences could be significant.

 

Investment Transactions, Investment Income and Expenses — The Fund records security transactions based on trade date for financial reporting purposes. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method for both financial reporting and income tax purposes in determining realized gains and losses on investments. Interest income (including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts) is accrued when earned. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. The Fund’s investment income, expenses (other than class specific expenses) and unrealized and realized gains and losses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class at the beginning of the day. Certain expenses are shared with The RBB Fund Trust (formerly, PENN Capital Funds Trust) (the “Trust”), a series trust of affiliated funds. Expenses incurred on behalf of a specific class, fund or fund family of the Company or Trust are charged directly to the class, fund or fund family (in proportion to net assets). Expenses incurred for all funds (such as director or professional fees) are charged to all funds in proportion to their average net assets of RBB and the Trust, or in such other manner as the Board deems fair or equitable. Expenses and fees, including investment advisory and administration fees, are accrued daily and taken into account for the purpose of determining the NAV of the Fund.

 

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders — Dividends from net investment income and distributions from net realized capital gains, if any, are declared and paid at least annually to shareholders and recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income dividends and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

 

U.S. Tax Status — No provision is made for U.S. income taxes as it is the Fund’s intention to continue to qualify for and elect the tax treatment applicable to regulated investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and make the requisite distributions to its shareholders which will be sufficient to relieve it from U.S. income and excise taxes.

 

30

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

For tax purposes, the Subsidiary is an exempted Cayman Islands investment company. The Subsidiary has received an undertaking from the Government of the Cayman Islands exempting it from all local income, profits and capital gains taxes. No such taxes are levied in the Cayman Islands at the present time. For U.S. income tax purposes, the Subsidiary is a Controlled Foreign Corporation and as such is not subject to U.S. income tax.

 

SEC RULE 18f-4 — Effective August 19, 2022, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) implemented Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act (“Rule 18f-4”), providing for the regulation of a registered investment company’s use of derivatives and certain related instruments. Among other things, Rule 18f-4 limits a fund’s derivatives exposure through a value-at-risk test and requires the adoption and implementation of a derivatives risk management program for certain derivatives users. The Fund, as a full derivatives user (as defined in Rule 18f-4), is subject to the full requirements of Rule 18f-4. The Fund is required to comply with Rule18f-4 and has adopted procedures for investing in derivatives and other transactions in compliance with Rule 18f-4.

 

Foreign Currency Translation — Assets and liabilities initially expressed in non-U.S. currencies are translated into U.S. dollars based on the applicable exchange rates at the date of the last business day of the consolidated financial statement period. Purchases and sales of securities, interest income, dividends, variation margin received and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect on the transaction date.

 

The Fund does not separately report the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates from changes in market prices of securities held. Such changes are included with the net realized gain or loss and change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Other foreign currency transactions resulting in realized and unrealized gain or loss are reported separately as net realized gain or loss and change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on foreign currencies in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

 

Currency Risk — Investment in foreign securities involves currency risk associated with securities that trade or are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and which may be affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates. An increase in the strength of the U.S. dollar relative to a foreign currency may cause the U.S. dollar value of an investment in that country to decline. Foreign currencies also are subject to risks caused by inflation, interest rates, budget deficits and low savings rates, political factors and government controls. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts may limit potential gains from a favorable change in value between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. Unanticipated changes in currency pricing may result in poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not engaged in these contracts.

 

Commodity Sector Risk — Exposure to the commodities markets may subject the Fund to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. The value of commodity-linked derivative instruments may be affected by changes in overall market movements, commodity index volatility, changes in interest rates or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs and international economic, political and regulatory developments. The prices of energy, industrial metals, precious metals, agriculture and livestock sector commodities may fluctuate widely due to factors such as changes in value, supply and demand and governmental regulatory policies. The commodity-linked securities in which the Fund invests may be issued by companies in the financial services sector, and events affecting the financial services sector may cause the Fund’s share value to fluctuate.

 

Foreign Securities Market Risk — A substantial portion of the trades of the Fund are expected to take place on markets or exchanges outside the United States. There is no limit to the amount of assets of the Fund that may be committed to trading on foreign markets. The risk of loss in trading foreign futures and options on futures contracts can be substantial. Participation in foreign futures and options on futures contracts involves the execution and clearing of trades on, or subject to the rules of, a foreign board of trade or exchange. Some of these foreign markets, in contrast to U.S. exchanges, are so-called principals’ markets in which performance is the responsibility only of the individual

 

31

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

counterparty with whom the trader has entered into a commodity interest transaction and not of the exchange or clearing corporation. In these kinds of markets, there is risk of bankruptcy or other failure or refusal to perform by the counterparty.

 

Counterparty Risk — The derivative contracts entered into by the Fund or its Subsidiary may be privately negotiated in the over-the-counter market. These contracts also involve exposure to credit risk, since contract performance depends in part on the financial condition of the counterparty. Relying on a counterparty exposes the Fund to the risk that a counterparty will not settle a transaction in accordance with its terms and conditions because of a dispute over the terms of the contract (whether or not bona fide) or because of a credit or liquidity problem, thus causing the Fund to suffer a loss. If a counterparty defaults on its payment obligations to the Fund, this default will cause the value of an investment in the Fund to decrease.

 

Futures Contracts — The Fund uses futures contracts in the normal course of pursuing its investment objective. Upon entering into a futures contract, the Fund must deposit initial margin in addition to segregating cash or liquid assets sufficient to meet its obligation to purchase or provide securities, or to pay the amount owed at the expiration of an index-based futures contract. Such liquid assets may consist of cash, cash equivalents, liquid debt or equity securities or other acceptable assets. Pursuant to the futures contract, the Fund agrees to receive from, or pay to the broker, an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in value of the contract. Such a receipt of payment is known as “variation margin” and is recorded by the Fund as an unrealized gain or loss. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the proceeds from (or cost of) the closing transactions and the Fund’s basis in the contract. Futures contracts have market risks, including the risk that the change in the value of the contract may not correlate with changes in the value of the underlying securities. Use of long futures contracts subjects the Fund to risk of loss in excess of the amount shown on the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities, up to the notional value of the futures contract. Use of short futures contracts subjects the Fund to unlimited risk of loss.

 

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts —The Fund uses forward foreign currency contracts (“forward contracts”) in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. These contracts are marked-to-market daily at the applicable translation rates. The Fund records realized gains or losses at the time the forward contract is closed. A forward contract is extinguished through a closing transaction or upon delivery of the currency or entering an off setting contract. Risks may arise upon entering these contracts from the potential inability of a counterparty to meet the terms of their contracts and from unanticipated movements in the value of a foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar or other currencies. The Fund’s maximum risk of loss from counterparty credit risk related to forward foreign currency contracts is the fair value of the contract. The risk may be mitigated to some extent if a master netting arrangement between the Fund and the counterparty is in place and to the extent the Fund obtains collateral to cover the Fund’s exposure to the counterparty.

 

Credit Risk — Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer of the security or a counterparty in respect of a derivative instrument will not be able to satisfy its payment obligations to the Fund when due. Changes in an issuer’s credit rating or the market’s perception of an issuer’s creditworthiness may also affect the value of the Fund’s investment in that issuer. Securities rated in the four highest categories by the rating agencies are considered investment grade but they may also have some speculative characteristics. Investment grade ratings do not guarantee that bonds will not lose value or default. In addition, the credit quality of securities may be lowered if an issuer’s financial condition changes.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents — Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates market value.

 

Other — In the normal course of business, the Fund may enter into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on claims that may be made against the Fund in the future, and, therefore, cannot be estimated; however, the Fund expects the risk of material loss from such claims to be remote.

 

32

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

2. Investment Adviser and Other Services

 

Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC (“Campbell” or the “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. The Adviser is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Campbell & Company, L.P. The Fund compensates the Adviser for its services at an annual rate based on the Fund’s average daily net assets (the “Advisory Fee”), payable on a monthly basis in arrears, as shown in the following table.

 

Prior to May 29, 2020, Equinox Institutional Asset Management, LP (“Equinox”) served as adviser to the Predecessor Fund and Campbell served as a sub-adviser to the Predecessor Fund. Equinox was entitled to an advisory fee from the Predecessor Fund at the same rate payable to Campbell as Adviser to the Fund. Equinox, not the Predecessor Fund, paid a sub-advisory fee to Campbell.

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent that total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) exceed the rate (“Expense Cap”) shown in the following table of the Fund’s average daily net assets. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed the Expense Cap as applicable: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary expenses, interest and taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2023 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board. The Adviser may discontinue this arrangement at any time after December 31, 2023.

 

 

Expense Cap

Advisory Fee

Class A

Class C

Class I

1.64%

2.00%

2.75%

1.75%

 

Prior to May 29, 2020, Equinox and Campbell had contractually agreed to reduce their advisory fees and/or reimburse certain expenses of the Predecessor Fund, to ensure that the Predecessor Fund’s total annual operating expenses, excluding (i) taxes, (ii) interest, (iii) extraordinary items, (iv) acquired fund fees and expenses, and (v) brokerage commissions, did not exceed, on an annual basis, 2.14% with respect to Class A shares, 2.89% with respect to Class C shares, and 1.89% with respect to Class I shares of the Predecessor Fund’s average daily net assets.

 

During the current fiscal period, investment advisory fees accrued, waived and/or reimbursed by the Adviser were as follows:

 

Gross
Advisory Fees

Waivers and/or
Reimbursements

Net
Advisory Fees

$12,914,691

$(951,565)

$11,963,126

 

If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses for a year are less than the Expense Cap, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed the Expense Cap that was in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

As of the end of the reporting period, the Fund had amounts available for recoupment as follows:

 

Expiration

August 31,
2024

August 31,
2025

August 31,
2026

Total

$438,636

$392,091

$951,565

$1,782,292

 

33

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (“Fund Services”), serves as administrator for the Fund. For providing administrative and accounting services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Fund Services serves as the Fund’s transfer and dividend disbursing agent. For providing transfer agent services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

U.S. Bank, N.A. (the “Custodian”) provides certain custodial services to the Fund. The Custodian is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Quasar Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of Foreside Financial Group, LLC, serves as the principal underwriter and distributor of the Fund’s shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with RBB.

 

The Board has adopted a Plan of Distribution (the “Plan”) for the Class A Shares and Class C Shares of the Fund pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Plan, the Distributor is entitled to receive from the Fund a distribution fee with respect to the Shares, which is accrued daily and paid monthly, of up to 0.25% on an annualized basis of the average daily net assets of the Class A Shares and up to 1.00% on an annualized basis of the average daily net assets of the Class C Shares. The actual amount of such compensation under the Plan is agreed upon by the Board and by the Distributor. Because these fees are paid out of each Fund’s assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges. Amounts paid to the Distributor under the Plan may be used by the Distributor to cover expenses that are related to (i) the sale of the Shares, (ii) ongoing servicing and/or maintenance of the accounts of shareholders, and (iii) sub-transfer agency services, subaccounting services or administrative services related to the sale of the Shares, all as set forth in the Fund’s 12b-1 Plan.

 

For compensation amounts paid to Fund Services and the Custodian, please refer to the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

 

3. Director and Officer Compensation

 

The Directors of the Company receive an annual retainer and meeting fees for meetings attended. An employee of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serves as Chief Compliance Officer of the Company. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company. Employees of RBB serve as President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Secretary and Director of Marketing & Business Development of the Company. They are compensated by the Company for services provided. Certain employees of Fund Services serve as officers of the Company. They are not compensated by the Fund or the Company. For Director and Officer compensation amounts, please refer to the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

 

4. Purchases and Sales of Investment Securities

 

During the current fiscal period, there were no purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments and derivative transactions) or long-term U.S. Government securities by the Fund.

 

5. Federal Income Tax Information

 

The Fund has followed the authoritative guidance on accounting for and disclosure of uncertainty in tax positions, which requires the Fund to determine whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The Fund has determined that there was no effect on the consolidated financial statements from following this authoritative guidance. In the normal course of business, the Fund is subject to examination by federal, state and local jurisdictions, where applicable, for tax years for which applicable statutes of limitations have not expired.

 

34

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

As of August 31, 2023, the federal tax cost and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments held by the Fund were as follows(a):

 

Federal Tax
Cost

Unrealized
Appreciation

Unrealized
(Depreciation)

Net
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

$792,314,979

$19,584,658

$(35,001,121)

$(15,416,463)

 

 

(a)

The difference between the book basis and tax basis cost and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments is attributable primarily to futures not regulated by Section 1256 of the Internal Revenue Code and timing difference related to taxable income from a wholly owned controlled foreign corporation.

 

Distributions to shareholders, if any, from net investment income and realized gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from net investment income and realized gains recognized for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the character of distributions and composition of net assets for tax purposes may differ from those reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on the tax treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.

 

The following permanent differences as of August 31, 2023, primarily attributable to investments in wholly-owned controlled foreign corporation were reclassified among the following accounts:

 

Distributable
Earnings/(Loss)

PAID-IN
CAPITAL

$7,277,275

$(7,277,275)

 

As of August 31, 2023, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gains

Capital
Loss
Carryforwards

Qualified
Late-Year Loss
Deferral

Other
Temporary
Differences

Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

$2,078,038

$—

$—

$(27,553,221)

$(32,082)

$(28,970,918)

 

The differences between the book and tax basis components of distributable earnings relate principally to the timing of recognition of income and gains of the Subsidiary for federal income tax purposes. Short-term and foreign currency gains are reported as ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.

 

The tax character of dividends and distributions paid during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2023 and August 31, 2022 was as follows:

 

 

Ordinary
Income

Long-Term
Gains

Total

2023

$51,700,811

$49,096,105

$100,796,916

2022

$8,660,018

$1,491,183

$10,151,201

 

Pursuant to federal income tax rules applicable to regulated investment companies, the Fund may elect to treat certain capital losses between November 1 and August 31 and late year ordinary losses ((i) ordinary losses between January 1 and August 31, and (ii) specified ordinary and currency losses between November 1 and August 31) as occurring on the first day of the following tax year. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, any amount of losses elected within the tax return will not be recognized for federal income tax purposes until September 1, 2023. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, the Fund deferred Post October losses of $27,553,221.

 

35

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Concluded)

August 31, 2023

 

6. New Accounting Pronouncements and Regulatory Updates

 

In June 2022, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2022-03, which amends Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions (“ASU 2022-03”). ASU 2022-03 clarifies guidance for fair value measurement of an equity security subject to a contractual sale restriction and establishes new disclosure requirements for such equity securities. ASU 2022-03 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of these amendments on the financial statements.

 

In October 2022, the SEC adopted a final rule relating to tailored shareholder reports for mutual funds and exchange-traded funds and fee information in investment company advertisements. The rule and form amendments will, among other things, require the Fund to transmit concise and visually engaging shareholder reports that highlight key information. The amendments will require that funds tag information in a structured data format and that certain more in-depth information be made available online and available for delivery free of charge to investors on request. The amendments became effective January 24, 2023. There is an 18-month transition period after the effective date of the amendments until the Fund is required to comply.

 

In December 2022, the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2022-06, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) – Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848 (“ASU 2022-06”). ASU 2022-06 is an amendment to ASU 2020-04, which provided optional guidance to ease the potential accounting burden due to the discontinuation of the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate and other interbank-offered based reference rates and which was effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. ASU 2022-06 extends the effective period through December 31, 2024. Management is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of applying ASU 2022-06.

 

7. Subsequent Events

 

In preparing these financial statements, management of the Fund has evaluated events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure through the date the financial statements were available to be issued, and has determined that there was the following subsequent event: The U.S.-designated terrorist group Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in an ensuing war in the region. Current hostilities and the potential for future hostilities may diminish the value, or cause significant volatility in the share price, of companies based in or having significant operations in Israel. The Israeli securities market may be closed for extended periods of time or trading on the Israeli securities market may be suspended altogether. How long the armed conflict and related events will last cannot be predicted.

 

36

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders of Campbell Systematic Macro Fund
and Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of assets and liabilities of Campbell Systematic Macro Fund (the “Fund”) (one of the portfolios constituting The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”)), including the consolidated portfolio of investments, as of August 31, 2023, and the related consolidated statement of operations for the year then ended, the consolidated statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the consolidated financial highlights for each of the three years in the period then ended and the period from October 1, 2019 through August 31, 2020 and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Fund (one of the portfolios constituting The RBB Fund, Inc.) at August 31, 2023, the consolidated results of its operations for the year then ended, the consolidated changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its consolidated financial highlights for each of the three years in the period then ended and the period from October 1, 2019 through August 31, 2020, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

The consolidated financial highlights of the Fund for each of the periods presented through September 30, 2019, were audited by other auditors whose report dated November 27, 2019, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 2023, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Campbell & Company investment companies since 2015.

 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
October 30, 2023

 

37

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Shareholder Tax Information

(Unaudited)

 

Certain tax information regarding the Fund is required to be provided to shareholders based upon the Fund’s income and distributions for the taxable year ended August 31, 2023. The information and distributions reported herein may differ from information and distributions taxable to the shareholders for the calendar year ended December 31, 2023. During the year ended August 31, 2023, the Fund paid $51,700,811 of ordinary income distributions and $49,096,105 of long-term capital gain distributions to its shareholders. Dividends from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income dividends for federal tax purposes.

 

The percentage of ordinary income dividends qualifying for the 15% dividend tax rate is 0.00%.

 

The percentage of ordinary income dividends qualifying for the corporate dividends received deduction is 0.00%.

 

The Fund designates 52.91% of the ordinary income distributions as qualified short-term gain pursuant to the American Job Creation Act of 2004.

 

Because the Fund’s fiscal year is not the calendar year, another notification will be sent with respect to calendar year 2023. The second notification, which will reflect the amount, if any, to be used by calendar year taxpayers on their U.S. federal income tax returns, will be made in conjunction with Form 1099-DIV and will be mailed in January 2024.

 

Foreign shareholders will generally be subject to U.S. withholding tax on the amount of their ordinary income dividends. They will generally not be entitled to a foreign tax credit or deduction for the withholding taxes paid by the Fund, if any.

 

In general, dividends received by tax exempt recipients (e.g., IRAs and Keoghs) need not be reported as taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, some retirement trusts (e.g., corporate, Keogh and 403(b)(7) plans) may need this information for their annual information reporting.

 

Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the tax consequences of their investment in the Fund.

 

38

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Other Information

(Unaudited)

 

Proxy Voting

 

Policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities as well as information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 are available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-844-261-6488 and on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Quarterly Portfolio Schedules

 

The Company files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third fiscal quarters of each fiscal year (quarters ended November 30 and May 31) as an exhibit to its report on Form N-PORT. The Company’s Forms N-PORT filings are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Approval of Investment Agreements

 

As required by the 1940 Act, the Board, including all of the Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Directors”), considered the renewal of the investment advisory agreement between Campbell and the Company on behalf of the Fund, and the investment advisory agreement between Campbell and the Subsidiary (together, the “Investment Advisory Agreements”) at a meeting of the Board held on May 16-17, 2023 (the “Meeting”). At the Meeting, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, approved the Investment Advisory Agreements for an additional one-year term. The Board’s decision to approve the Investment Advisory Agreements reflects the exercise of its business judgment to continue the existing arrangement. In approving the Investment Advisory Agreements, the Board considered information provided by Campbell with the assistance and advice of counsel to the Independent Directors and the Company.

 

In considering the renewal of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Company and Campbell with respect to the Fund, and the Cayman Subsidiary Investment Advisory Agreement between Campbell and Campbell Systematic Macro Offshore Limited with respect to the Fund, the Directors took into account all the materials provided prior to and during the Meeting and at other meetings throughout the past year, the presentations made during the Meeting, and the discussions held during the Meeting. The Directors reviewed these materials with management of Campbell, and discussed the aforementioned Agreements with counsel in executive sessions, at which no representatives of Campbell or Campbell Systematic Macro Offshore Limited were present. Among other things, the Directors considered (i) the nature, extent, and quality of Campbell’s services to be provided to the Fund; (ii) descriptions of the experience and qualifications of Campbell’s personnel providing those services; (iii) Campbell’s investment philosophies and processes; (iv) Campbell’s assets under management and client descriptions; (v) Campbell’s soft dollar commission and trade allocation policies, including information on the types of research and services obtained in connection with soft dollar commissions; (vi) Campbell’s advisory fee arrangement with the Company and other similarly managed clients; (vii) Campbell’s compliance policies and procedures; (viii) Campbell’s financial information, insurance coverage and profitability analysis related to providing advisory services to the Fund; (ix) the extent to which economies of scale are relevant to the Fund; (x) a report prepared by FUSE comparing the Fund’s management fees and total expense ratios to a group of mutual funds deemed comparable to the Fund based primarily on investment strategy similarity (“Peer Group”) and comparing the performance of the Fund to the performance of its Peer Group; and (xi) a report comparing the performance of the Fund to the performance of their respective benchmark.

 

As part of their review, the Directors considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by Campbell. The Directors concluded that Campbell had substantial resources to provide services to the Fund and that Campbell’s services had been acceptable.

 

The Directors also considered the investment performance of the Fund, noting that the Fund’s Class I Shares’ year-to-date cumulative return as of March 31, 2023 from 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019, were 3.86%, 30.94%, 9.05%, 3.46%, and 11.72%, respectively. The Directors considered the Fund’s investment performance in light of its investment objective and investment strategies. The Board noted that the Fund’s total return outperformed the median of its Peer Group for the one-year, three-year, five-year, and since-inception periods ended December 31, 2022, and underperformed the median of its Peer Group for the three-month and ended December 31, 2022.

 

39

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Other Information (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

The Board also considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreement. In this regard, information on the fees paid by the Fund and the Fund’s total operating expense ratios (before and after fee waivers and expense reimbursements) were compared to similar information for mutual funds advised by other, unaffiliated investment advisory firms. The Directors noted that both the Fund’s net advisory fee and Fund’s total net expenses were above the median and in the 4th quintile of its Peer Group. The Directors noted that Campbell had contractually agreed to waive management fees and reimburse expenses through at least December 31, 2023 to limit total annual operating expenses to agreed upon levels for the Fund.

 

After reviewing the information regarding the Fund’s costs, Campbell’s estimated profitability and economies of scale, and after considering Campbell’s services, the Directors concluded that the investment advisory fees to be paid by the Fund were fair and reasonable and that the Investment Advisory Agreements should be approved for an additional annual period ending August 16, 2024.

 

Liquidity Risk Management Program

 

The Company has adopted and implemented a Liquidity Risk Management Program (the “Company Program”) as required by rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act. In accordance with the Company Program, the Adviser has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the “Adviser Program” and together with the Company Program, the “Programs”) on behalf of the Fund. The Programs seek to assess, manage and review the Fund’s Liquidity Risk. “Liquidity Risk” is defined as the risk that the Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of remaining investors’ interest in the Fund.

 

The Board has appointed Vigilant Compliance, LLC (“Vigilant”) as the program administrator for the Company Program and the Adviser as the program administrator for the Adviser Program. The Adviser has delegated oversight of the Adviser Program to its Liquidity Risk Management Committee, whose process of monitoring and determining the liquidity of the Fund’s investments is supported by one or more third-party vendors.

 

At meetings held during the current fiscal period, the Board and its Regulatory Oversight Committee received and reviewed a written report (the “Report”) of Vigilant and the Adviser concerning the operation of the Programs for the period from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022 (the “Period”). The Report summarized the operation of the Programs and the information and factors considered by Vigilant and the Adviser in reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of the implementation of the Programs with respect to the Fund. Such information and factors included, among other things: (i) the methodology used to classify the liquidity of the Fund’s portfolio investments and the Adviser’s assessment that the Fund’s strategy remained appropriate for an open-end mutual fund; (ii) analyses of the Fund’s trading environment and reasonably anticipated trading size; (iii) that the Fund held primarily highly liquid assets (investments that the Fund anticipates can be converted to cash within 3 business days or less in current market conditions without significantly changing their market value); (iv) that the Fund did not require the establishment of a highly liquid investment minimum and the methodology for that determination; (v) confirmation that the Fund did not breach the 15% maximum illiquid security threshold (investments that cannot be sold or disposed of in seven days or less in current market conditions without the sale of the investment significantly changing the market value of the investment) during the Period and the procedures for monitoring compliance with the limit; (vi) that the processes, technologies and third-party vendors used to assess, manage, and/or periodically review the Fund’s Liquidity Risk functioned appropriately during the Period; and (vii) that the Programs operated adequately during the Period. The Report also indicated that there were no material changes made to the Programs during the Period.

 

Based on the review, the Report concluded that the Programs were being implemented effectively and reasonably designed to assess and manage Liquidity Risk in the Fund’s portfolio.

 

There can be no assurance that the Company Program or the Adviser Program will achieve its objectives under all circumstances in the future. Please refer to the Fund’s prospectus for more information regarding the Fund’s exposure to liquidity risk and other risks to which it may be subject.

 

40

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Company Management

(Unaudited)

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company is organized under and managed pursuant to Maryland law. The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below. The statement of additional information (“SAI”) includes additional information about the Directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling (844)-261-6488.

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
During the Past
5 Years

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Julian A. Brodsky
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 90

Director

1988 to present

Retired.

63

AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).

Gregory P. Chandler
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 56

Director

2012 to present

Since 2020, Chief Financial Officer, HC Parent Corp. d/b/a Herspiegel Consulting LLC (life sciences consulting services); 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Avocado Systems Inc. (cyber security software provider); 2009-2020, Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services).

63

FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Emtec, Inc. (until December 2019); FS Investment Corporation (business development company) (until December 2018).

Lisa A. Dolly
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI, 53202
Age: 57

Director

October 2021 to present

From July 2019-December 2019, Chairman, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm); January 2016-June 2019, Chief Executive Officer, Pershing, LLC.

63

Allfunds Group PLC (United Kingdom wealthtech and fund distribution provider); Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (trade association for broker dealers, investment banks and asset managers); Hightower Advisors (wealth management firm)

Nicholas A. Giordano
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 80

Director

2006 to present

Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations.

63

IntriCon Corporation (biomedical device manufacturer); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance) (until March 2021).

 

41

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Company Management (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
During the Past
5 Years

Arnold M. Reichman
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 75

Chair

 

Director

2005 to present

 

1991 to present

Retired.

63

EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until August 2022).

Brian T. Shea
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 63

Director

2018 to present

From 2014-2017, Chief Executive Officer, BNY Mellon Investment Services (fund services, global custodian and securities clearing firm); from 1983-2014, Chief Executive Officer and various positions, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm); from 1983-2014.

63

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (financial services technology company); Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (financial services company); WisdomTree Investments, Inc. (asset management company) (until March 2019).

Robert A. Straniere
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 82

Director

2006 to present

Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm).

63

None.

INTERESTED DIRECTOR2

Robert Sablowsky
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 85

Vice Chair

 

Director

2016 to present

 

1991 to present

Since 2002, Senior Director – Investments and, prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer).

63

None.

OFFICERS

Steven Plump
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 64

President

August 2022 to present

From 2011 to 2021, Executive Vice President, PIMCO LLC.

N/A

N/A

Salvatore Faia, JD, CPA, CFE
Vigilant Compliance, LLC
Gateway Corporate Center,

Suite 216
223 Wilmington West
Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Age: 60

Chief Compliance Officer

2004 to present

Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company) since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company); since 2021, Chief Compliance Officer of The RBB Fund Trust; President of The RBB Fund Trust from 2021 to 2022; President of The RBB Fund, Inc. from 2009 to 2022.

N/A

N/A

James G. Shaw
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 63

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

 

 

 

Chief Operating Officer

2016 to present

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2022 to present

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (since 2016) and Chief Operating Officer (since 2022) of The RBB Fund, Inc.; Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (since 2021) and Chief Operating Officer (since 2022) of The RBB Fund Trust.

N/A

N/A

 

 

42

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Company Management (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
During the Past
5 Years

Craig A. Urciuoli
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 49

Director of Marketing & Business Development

2019 to present

Director of Marketing & Business Development of The RBB Fund, Inc. (since 2019) and The RBB Fund Trust (since 2021); from 2000-2019, Managing Director, Third Avenue Management LLC (an investment advisory firm).

N/A

N/A

Jennifer Witt
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 40

Assistant Treasurer

2018 to present

Since 2020, Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (fund administrative services firm); from 2016 to 2020, Assistant Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services.

N/A

N/A

Edward Paz
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 52

Assistant Secretary

2016 to present

Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm).

N/A

N/A

Michael P. Malloy
One Logan Square
Ste. 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 64

Assistant Secretary

1999 to present

Since 1993, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

Jillian L. Bosmann
One Logan Square
Ste. 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 44

Assistant Secretary

2017 to present

Since 2017, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

 

*

Each Director oversees 63 portfolios of the fund complex, consisting of the series in the Company (53 portfolios) and The RBB Fund Trust (10 portfolios).

 

1

Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his or her successor is elected and qualified or his or her death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Giordano, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.

 

2

Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his or her qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive-level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage

 

43

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Company Management (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

industries, and also serves on various boards. Ms. Dolly has over three decades of experience in the financial services industry, and she has demonstrated her leadership and management abilities by serving in numerous senior executive-level positions. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Shea has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the brokerage, clearing, banking and investment services industry, including service on the boards of public companies, industry regulatory organizations and a university. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company.

 

44

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Privacy Notice

(Unaudited)

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

FACTS

WHAT DOES THE Campbell Systematic Macro Fund DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?

Why?

Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.

What?

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

● Social Security number

● account balances

● account transactions

● transaction history

● wire transfer instructions

● checking account information

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

How?

All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information; the reasons the Campbell Systematic Macro Fund chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing.

       

Reasons we can share your personal information

Does the Campbell
Systematic Macro Fund share?

Can you limit this sharing?

For our everyday business purposes —
such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus

Yes

No

For our marketing purposes —
to offer our products and services to you

Yes

No

For joint marketing with other financial companies

No

We do not share.

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes —
information about your transactions and experiences

Yes

No

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes —
information about your creditworthiness

No

We do not share.

For our affiliates to market to you

No

We do not share.

For nonaffiliates to market to you

No

We do not share.

 

Questions?

Call 1-844-261-6488

 

 

45

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Privacy Notice (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

What we do

 

How does the Campbell Systematic Macro Fund protect my personal information?

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

How does the Campbell Systematic Macro Fund collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

● open an account

● provide account information

● give us your contact information

● make a wire transfer

● tell us where to send the money

We also collect your information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

● sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes – information about your creditworthiness

● affiliates from using your information to market to you

● sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

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

Definitions

 

Affiliates

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

Our affiliates include Campbell Systematic Macro Fund’s investment adviser, Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC.

Nonaffiliates

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

The Campbell Systematic Macro Fund doesn’t share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you.

Joint marketing

A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.

The Campbell Systematic Macro Fund does not jointly market.

 

 

46

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Affirmation of the Commodity Pool Operator

August 31, 2023

 

To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the information contained in the Annual Report for the year ended August 31, 2023 is accurate and complete.

 

 

 

Kevin D. Cole, Chief Executive Officer &
Chief Investment Officer
Campbell & Company, LP
CAMPBELL SYSTEMATIC MACRO FUND

 

47

 

 

[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

 

[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

 

Investment Adviser
Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC
2850 Quarry Lake Drive
Baltimore, Maryland 21209

 

Administrator and Transfer Agent
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201

 

Principal Underwriter
Quasar Distributors, LLC
111 E Kilbourn Ave, Suite 2200
Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Custodian
U.S. Bank, N.A.
1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, WI 53212

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Ernst & Young LLP
One Commerce Square
2005 Market Street, Suite 700
Philadelphia, PA 19103

 

Legal Counsel
Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
One Logan Square, Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103-6996

 

CSMF-AR23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FREE MARKET U.S. EQUITY FUND
FREE MARKET INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND
FREE MARKET FIXED INCOME FUND

 

of

 

The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

 

ANNUAL REPORT

 

August 31, 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This report is submitted for the general information of the shareholders of the Funds. It is not authorized for distribution unless preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus for the Funds.

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

ANNUAL INVESTMENT ADVISER’S REPORT

August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Free Market U.S. Equity Fund

 

The twelve-month period ended August 31, 2023 saw periods of noticeable volatility in domestic equity markets. Calendar year 2022 closed with U.S. equities down, inflation yet to be tamed, and investors bracing for a possible recession. The U.S. economy proved resilient in 2023 despite multiple obstacles from uncertainty in the banking sector and continued concerns about the economy’s health.

 

For the twelve months ended August 31, 2023, the Free Market U.S. Equity Fund provided a total return of 9.92% at net asset value. This compares with a return of 6.64% over the same period for the Free Market U.S. Equity Fund’s benchmark, the Russell 2500® Index.

 

As a result of the Free Market U.S. Equity Fund’s diversified investment approach, performance principally was determined by broad structural trends in equity markets rather than the behavior of a limited number of stocks. Among the most important factors explaining differences in the performance of diversified equity funds, like the Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, are the size and value/growth characteristics of the underlying fund holdings. Size is measured by market capitalization and “value” classification is a function of stock price relative to one or more fundamental characteristics.

 

U.S. growth stocks performed better than U.S. value stocks during the period. The S&P 500® Index returned 15.94%, the Russell 2500® Index returned 6.64%, and the Russell 2000® Index returned 4.65%. Furthermore, for the same time period, the Russell 1000® Value Index returned 8.59% while the Russell 2000® Value returned 2.17% for the twelve months ended August 31, 2023.

 

In summary, U.S. growth stocks outperformed U.S. value stocks and U.S. large cap stocks performed better than small cap stocks. Factors that contributed to the Free Market U.S. Equity Fund’s overperformance compared to its benchmark can largely be explained by its tilt toward large cap value stocks, which still outperformed smaller growth oriented companies. In addition, the underlying funds outperformed their benchmarks due to broader exposure to the structured asset class they represent.

 

Today’s environment underscores that markets are highly unpredictable over the short term. In other words, anything can happen, so we believe that a balanced, diversified, long-term approach is favored.

 

1

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

ANNUAL INVESTMENT ADVISER’S REPORT (Continued)

August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Free Market International Equity Fund

 

The twelve-month period ended August 31, 2023 saw international equity markets outpacing U.S. equity markets. Contributions to international equities performance include accelerated global economic growth, the re-opening of China, normalization of supply changes previously affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and banking-related events in the U.S. exposing additional vulnerabilities associated with interest rate increases.

 

For the twelve months ended August 31, 2023, the Free Market International Equity Fund provided a total return of 15.82% at net asset value. This compares with a return of 16.45% over the same period for the Free Market International Equity Fund’s benchmark, the MSCI World (ex USA) Index, which captures large and mid-cap representation across 22 of 23 Developed Markets (DM) countries excluding the U.S.

 

As a result of the Free Market International Equity Fund’s diversified investment approach, performance principally was determined by broad structural trends in global equity markets rather than the behavior of a limited number of stocks. Among the most important factors explaining differences in the behavior of diversified international equity funds, like the Free Market International Equity Fund, are company size and company value/growth characteristics of the underlying fund holdings and broad exposure to emerging market equities.

 

International value stocks fared better than international growth stocks during the fiscal year. The MSCI EAFE Value Index increased by 20.74%, while the MSCI EAFE Small Cap Value Index returned 12.06% and the MSCI Emerging Markets Index returned 1.25%. Furthermore, the MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index returned 9.18% for the twelve months ended August 31, 2023, while the MSCI EAFE Index returned 17.92% for the same period.

 

In summary, international value stocks outperformed international growth stocks and international large cap stocks performed better than small cap stocks. Factors that contributed to the Free Market International Equity Fund’s slight underperformance compared to its benchmark can largely be explained by its exposure to small cap growth oriented stocks as well as exposure to emerging market stocks.

 

Today’s environment underscores that markets are highly unpredictable over the short term. In other words, anything can happen, so we believe that a balanced, diversified, long-term approach is favored.

 

2

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

ANNUAL INVESTMENT ADVISER’S REPORT (Continued)

August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Free Market Fixed Income Fund

 

The U.S. economy experienced periods of volatility during the twelve months ended August 31, 2023. In an unprecedented year, 2022 closed with fixed income down. The performance of fixed income in 2023 has begun to reverse course from the close of 2022 after continued Federal Reserve rate increases, uncertainty in the banking sector, and continued concerns about the economy’s health.

 

The broad proxy for the U.S. bond market, the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, fell -1.19%, while the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond Index (hedged) returned 0.55% for the twelve months ended August 31, 2023. As a result of the increase in interest rates, long-term bonds were outperformed by ones with shorter maturities. For the twelve months ended August 31, 2023, the Bloomberg U.S. Government/Credit 1-3 Years Index returned 1.29% while the Morningstar Long-Term U.S. Government Bond Index, which includes U.S. Treasury and U.S. Government Agency bonds with maturities of seven years or longer, returned -10.28%.

 

The Free Market Fixed Income Fund focuses on assets that invest in global high quality and shorter-term government and corporate fixed income assets. For the twelve months ended August 31, 2023, the Free Market Fixed Income Fund returned 1.62%. This compares with a return of 1.57% over the same period for the Fund’s benchmark, the FTSE World Government Bond 1-5 Years.

 

The Free Market Fixed Income Fund performed as expected, and slightly overperformed its benchmark for the period. A contributing factor to the performance of the Free Market Fixed Income Fund compared to its benchmark was the fund’s slightly lower exposure to certain global markets and exposure to shorter term maturities.

 

3

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

ANNUAL INVESTMENT ADVISER’S REPORT (Continued)

August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

The Russell 2500 Index: The Russell 2500™ Index measures the performance of the small to mid-cap segment of the US equity universe, commonly referred to as “smid” cap. The Russell 2500™ Index is a subset of the Russell 3000® Index. It includes approximately 2500 of the smallest securities based on a combination of their market cap and current index membership. The Russell 2500™ Index is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased barometer for the small to mid-cap segment. The index is completely reconstituted annually to ensure larger stocks do not distort the performance and characteristics of the true small to mid-cap opportunity set.

 

Russell 2000® Index: Measures the performance of the small-cap segment of the U.S. equity universe. The Russell 2000® Index is a subset of the Russell 3000® Index representing approximately 10% of the total market capitalization of that index. It includes approximately 2000 of the smallest securities based on a combination of their market cap and current index membership. The Russell 2000® Index is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased small-cap barometer and is completely reconstituted annually to ensure larger stocks do not distort the performance and characteristics of the true small-cap opportunity set.

 

Russell 2000® Value Index: The Russell 2000® Value Index measures the performance of small-cap value segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell 2000® companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values. The Russell 2000® Value Index is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased barometer for the small-cap value segment. The index is completely reconstituted annually to ensure larger stocks do not distort the performance and characteristics of the true small-cap opportunity set and that the represented companies continue to reflect value characteristics.

 

The S&P 500® Index is a market-capitalization-weighted index that consists of the 500 largest U.S. publicly traded companies.

 

Russell 1000® Value Index: The Russell 1000® Value Index measures the performance of the large-cap value segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell 1000® companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower expected growth values. The Russell 1000® Value Index is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased barometer for the large-cap value segment. The index is completely reconstituted annually to ensure new and growing equities are included and that the represented companies continue to reflect value characteristics.

 

The MSCI World (ex USA) Index captures large and mid -cap representation across 22 of 23 developed markets (DM) countries*, excluding the U.S. With 883 constituents, the index covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in each country.

 

MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index is an equity index which captures small cap representation across Developed Markets countries* around the world, excluding the U.S. and Canada. With 2,277 constituents, the index covers approximately 14% of the free float adjusted market capitalization in each country.

 

MSCI EAFE Small Cap Value Index captures small cap securities exhibiting overall value style characteristics across Developed Markets countries* around the world, excluding the U.S. and Canada. The value investment style characteristics for index construction are defined using three variables: book value to price, twelve-month forward earnings to price and dividend yield.

 

MSCI EAFE Index is an equity index which captures large and mid-cap representation across 21 Developed Markets countries* around the world, excluding the U.S. and Canada. With 795 constituents, the index covers approximately 85% of the free float adjusted market capitalization in each country

 

MSCI EAFE Value Index captures large and mid-cap securities exhibiting overall value style characteristics across Developed Markets countries* around the world, excluding the US and Canada. The value investment style characteristics for index construction are defined using three variables: book value to price, twelve-month forward earnings to price and dividend yield.

 

MSCI Emerging Markets Index captures large and mid-cap representation across 24 Emerging Markets (EM) countries**. With 1,437 constituents, the index covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in each country.

 

Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based flagship benchmark that measures the investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market.

 

4

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

ANNUAL INVESTMENT ADVISER’S REPORT (CONCLUDED)

August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond Index is a flagship measure of global investment grade debt from twenty-four local currency markets.

 

Bloomberg U.S. Government/Credit 1-3 Years Index measures the performance of investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate, taxable corporate and government-related debt with one to three years to maturity.

 

Morningstar Long-Term U.S. Government Bond Index includes U.S. Treasury and U.S. Government Agency bonds with maturities of seven years or longer.

 

FTSE World Government Bond 1-5 Years is a broad index providing exposure to the global sovereign fixed income market. The index measures the performance of fixed-rate, local currency, investment-grade sovereign bonds. It comprises sovereign debt from over 20 countries, denominated in a variety of currencies. The index provides a broad benchmark for the global sovereign fixed income market. Sub-indexes are available in any combination of currency, maturity, or rating.

 

* Developed Markets countries include: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK and the U.S.

 

** EM countries include: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and United Arab Emirates.

 

One cannot invest directly in an index.

 

Growth stocks typically are more volatile than value stocks; however, value stocks have a lower expected growth rate in earnings and sales.

 

Opinions expressed are subject to change at any time, are not guaranteed and should not be considered investment advice.

 

Must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus.

 

Mutual fund investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. Diversification does not assure a profit nor protect against loss in a declining market. Investing in micro-cap or small cap companies involve additional risks such as limited liquidity and greater volatility than large companies. Investing in foreign securities involves greater volatility and political, economic and currency risks and differences in accounting methods. These risks are greater in emerging markets. Investments in debt securities typically decrease in value when interest rates rise. This risk is usually greater for longer-term debt securities.

 

Shares of the Funds are distributed by Vigilant Distributors, LLC. Member of FINRA and SIPC.

 

5

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

PERFORMANCE DATA

August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Free Market U.S. Equity Fund

 

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in
Free Market U.S. Equity Fund vs. Russell 2500® Index and Composite Index

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 minimum initial investment in the Fund made on August 31, 2013 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is a professionally managed mutual fund while the Russell 2500® Index and Composite Index are unmanaged, do not incur sales charges and/or expenses and are not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended August 31, 2023

 

1 Year

5 Years

10 Years

Since
Inception

Free Market U.S. Equity Fund

9.92%

6.18%

9.06%

8.69%(1)

Russell 2500® Index

6.64%

5.43%

9.13%

8.38%

Composite Index(2)

7.93%

6.28%

9.45%

7.86%

 

(1)

The Fund commenced operations on December 31, 2007.

(2)

The Composite Index is comprised of the S&P 500® Index, Russell 1000® Value Index, Russell 2000® Index and Russell 2000® Value Index, each weighted 25%, respectively.

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-866-780-0357 ext. 3863. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratio, as stated in the current prospectus dated December 31, 2022, is 0.80% (included in the ratio is 0.24% attributable to acquired fund fees and expenses).

 

The Fund’s aggregate total return since inception is based on an increase in net asset value from $10.00 per share on December 31, 2007 (commencement of operations) to $21.37 per share on August 31, 2023.

 

Portfolio composition is subject to change.

 

The Free Market U.S. Equity Fund’s underlying funds invest in small-cap and micro-cap stocks, large-cap stocks and other equity securities. In addition to the ordinary risks of equity investing, small companies entail special risk. Small companies tend to have more risk than large companies. An investor in the Fund will incur the expenses of the underlying funds in addition to the Fund’s expenses. The foregoing is not intended to be a complete discussion of all risks associated with the investment strategies of the Fund.

 

 

6

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

PERFORMANCE DATA (Continued)

August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Free Market International Equity Fund

 

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in
Free Market International Equity Fund vs. MSCI World (excluding U.S.) Index and Composite Index

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 minimum initial investment in the Fund made on August 31, 2013 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is a professionally managed mutual fund while the MSCI World (excluding U.S.) Index and Composite Index are unmanaged, do not incur sales charges and/or expenses and are not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended August 31, 2023

 

1 Year

5 Years

10 Years

Since
Inception

Free Market International Equity Fund

15.82%

3.08%

4.73%

3.27%(1)

MSCI World (excluding U.S.) Index

16.45%

4.31%

4.91%

2.41%

Composite Index(2)

12.33%

2.78%

4.59%

2.44%

 

(1)

The Fund commenced operations on December 31, 2007.

(2)

The Composite Index is comprised of the MSCI EAFE Index, MSCI EAFE Value Index, MSCI EAFE Small Company Index and MSCI Emerging Markets Free Index, each weighted 25%, respectively.

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-866-780-0357 ext. 3863. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratio, as stated in the current prospectus dated December 31, 2022, is 0.88% (included in the ratio is 0.32% attributable to acquired fund fees and expenses).

 

The Fund’s aggregate total return since inception is based on an increase in net asset value from $10.00 per share on December 31, 2007 (commencement of operations) to $10.81 per share on August 31, 2023.

 

Portfolio composition is subject to change.

 

The Free Market International Equity Fund’s underlying funds invest in common stock, preferred stock, securities convertible into stocks and other equity securities issued by foreign companies. In addition to the ordinary risks of equity investing, foreign and small companies entail special risk. The return on foreign equities may be adversely affected by currency fluctuations. Emerging markets may be subject to social instability and lack of market liquidity. Small companies tend to have more risk than large companies. An investor in the Fund will incur the expenses of the underlying funds in addition to the Fund’s expenses. The foregoing is not intended to be a complete discussion of all risks associated with the investment strategies of the Fund.

 

7

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

PERFORMANCE DATA (CONCLUDED)

August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Free Market Fixed Income Fund

 

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in
Free Market Fixed Income Fund vs. FTSE World Government Bond Index 1-5 Years and Composite Index

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 minimum initial investment in the Fund made on August 31, 2013 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is a professionally managed mutual fund while the FTSE World Government Bond Index 1-5 Years and Composite Index are unmanaged, do not incur sales charges and/or expenses and are not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended August 31, 2023

 

1 Year

5 Years

10 Years

Since
Inception

Free Market Fixed Income Fund

1.62%

0.62%

0.71%

1.19%(1)

FTSE World Government Bond Index 1-5 Years

1.57%

1.08%

1.21%

1.74%

Composite Index(2)

1.14%

1.04%

1.15%

1.76%

 

(1)

The Fund commenced operations on December 31, 2007.

(2)

The Composite Index is comprised of the Three-Month Treasury Bill Index, Bloomberg Barclays Intermediate Government/Credit Bond Index, ICE BofA Merrill Lynch 1-3 Year US Government/Corporate Index and Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Capital Aggregate Bond Index, each weighted 25%, respectively.

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-866-780-0357 ext. 3863. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratio, as stated in the current prospectus dated December 31, 2022, is 0.68% (included in the ratio is 0.12% attributable to acquired fund fees and expenses).

 

The Fund’s aggregate total return since inception is based on a decrease in net asset value from $10.00 per share on December 31, 2007 (commencement of operations) to $9.82 per share on August 31, 2023.

 

Portfolio composition is subject to change.

 

The Free Market Fixed Income Fund’s underlying funds invest in fixed income securities. The underlying funds may invest their assets in bonds and other debt securities issued by domestic and foreign governments and companies. Debt instruments involve the risk that their prices will fall when interest rates rise, and they are subject to the risk that the borrower may default. In addition, the return on foreign debt securities may be adversely affected by currency fluctuations. An investor in the Fund will incur expenses of the underlying funds in addition to the Fund’s expenses. The foregoing is not intended to be a complete discussion of all risks associated with the investment strategies of the Fund.

 

8

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

Fund Expense Examples

August 31, 2023

 

As a shareholder of the Fund(s), you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, and other Fund expenses. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund(s) and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

 

These examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period from March 1, 2023 through August 31, 2023, and held for the entire period.

 

Actual Expenses

 

The first section of the accompanying table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this section, 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 section under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

 

Hypothetical EXAMPLES for Comparison Purposes

 

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

 

The expenses shown in the accompanying table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs. Therefore, the second section of the accompanying table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

   

Beginning
Account Value
March 1,
2023

   

Ending
Account Value
August 31,
2023

   

Expenses
Paid DURING
PERIOD*

   

Annualized
Expense Ratio*

   

Actual
S
ix-Month
Total
Investment
Return for the
FUNDS

 

Actual

                                       

Free Market U.S. Equity Fund

  $1,000.00     $1,029.40     $2.76       0.54%     2.94%

Free Market International Equity Fund

    1,000.00       1,040.40       2.78       0.54%     4.04%

Free Market Fixed Income Fund

    1,000.00       1,020.90       2.75       0.54%     2.09%

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

                                 

Free Market U.S. Equity Fund

  $1,000.00     $1,022.48     $2.75       0.54%     N/A  

Free Market International Equity Fund

    1,000.00       1,022.48       2.75       0.54%     N/A  

Free Market Fixed Income Fund

    1,000.00       1,022.48       2.75       0.54%     N/A  

 

*

Expenses are equal to each Fund’s annualized six-month expense ratio for the period March 1, 2023 through August 31, 2023, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184) in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by 365 to reflect the one half year period. The annualized expense ratios do not reflect fees and expenses associated with the underlying funds. If such fees and expenses had been included, the expenses would have been higher. Each Fund’s ending account values in the first section in the table is based on the actual six-month total investment return for each Fund for the period March 1, 2023 through August 31, 2023, The range of weighted expense ratios of the underlying funds held by the Funds, as stated in the underlying funds’ current prospectuses, were as follows:

 

FUNDS

RANGE OF WEIGHTED
EXPENSE RATIO

Free Market U.S. Equity Fund

0.00% - 0.08%

Free Market International Equity Fund

0.00% - 0.18%

Free Market Fixed Income Fund

0.00% - 0.04%

 

9

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

FREE MARKET U.S. EQUITY FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments

August 31, 2023

 

   

Number
of Shares

   

Value

 

DOMESTIC EQUITY FUNDS — 100.0%

       

iShares Core S&P 500 ETF

    608,252     $ 275,349,598  

iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF

    3,616,038       341,570,949  

U.S. Large Cap Value Portfolio III (a)

    19,432,293       549,156,605  

U.S. Large Cap Value Series (b)

    2,825,615       197,623,545  

U.S. Large Company Portfolio (a)

    9,597,375       295,695,113  

U.S. Micro Cap Portfolio (c)

    21,929,216       540,993,766  

U.S. Small Cap Portfolio (c)

    12,922,859       542,630,860  

U.S. Small Cap Value Portfolio (c)

    22,136,399       932,827,854  

TOTAL DOMESTIC EQUITY FUNDS

       

(Cost $2,393,008,920)

            3,675,848,290  
                 

INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING — 0.0%

       

Mount Vernon Liquid Assets Portfolio, LLC, 5.46%*

    984,300       984,300  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING

       

(Cost $984,300)

            984,300  
                 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 0.0%

       

STIT-Government & Agency Portfolio, 5.25%**

    3,569,719       3,569,719  

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

       

(Cost $3,569,719)

            3,569,719  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 100.0%

       

(Cost $2,397,562,939)

            3,680,402,309  

LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS — 0.0%

            (1,503,506 )

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

          $ 3,678,898,803  

 

 Portfolio Holdings Summary Table

 

   

% of
Net Assets

   

Value

 

Domestic Equity Funds

    100.0 %   $ 3,675,848,290  

Short-Term Investments

    0.0       3,569,719  

Investments Purchased with Proceeds from Securities Lending

    0.0       984,300  

Liabilities In Excess Of Other Assets

    0.0       (1,503,506 )

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 3,678,898,803  

 

 

All or a portion of the security is on loan. At August 31, 2023, the market value of securities on loan was $963,492.

*

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2023.

**

Seven-day yield as of August 31, 2023.

(a)

A portfolio of Dimensional Investment Group Inc.

(b)

A portfolio of DFA Investment Trust Company.

(c)

A portfolio of DFA Investment Dimensions Group Inc.

 

ETF

Exchange-Traded Fund

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

10

 

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

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

FREE MARKET INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments

August 31, 2023

 

   

Number
Shares/
Beneficial
Interest

   

Value

 

INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUNDS — 99.9%

       

Canadian Small Company Series (a)

    2,108,704     $ 36,095,467  

DFA International Small Cap Value Portfolio (b)

    55,290,043       1,130,681,370  

DFA International Value Portfolio III (c)

    26,200,212       437,543,546  

DFA International Value Series (a)

    13,331,142       413,798,661  

Emerging Markets Small Cap Portfolio (b)

    6,230,092       138,308,042  

Emerging Markets Value Portfolio (b)

    4,785,879       137,163,305  

iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF

    2,086,367       139,598,816  

iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF

    2,979,053       146,152,340  

iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF

    4,111,620       243,325,672  

TOTAL INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUNDS

       

(Cost $2,492,633,640)

            2,822,667,219  
                 

INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING — 4.6%

       

Mount Vernon Liquid Assets Portfolio, LLC, 5.46%*

    130,347,486       130,347,486  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING

       

(Cost $130,347,486)

            130,347,486  
                 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 0.1%

       

STIT-Government & Agency Portfolio, 5.25**

    3,304,107       3,304,107  

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

       

(Cost $3,304,107)

            3,304,107  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 104.6%

       

(Cost $2,626,285,233)

            2,956,318,812  

LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS — (4.6)%

            (130,689,967 )

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

          $ 2,825,628,845  

 

Portfolio Holdings Summary Table

 

   

% of
Net Assets

   

Value

 

International Equity Funds

    99.9 %   $ 2,822,667,219  

Short-Term Investments

    0.1       3,304,107  

Investments Purchased with Proceeds from Securities Lending

    4.6       130,347,486  

Liabilities In Excess Of Other Assets

    (4.6 )     (130,689,967 )

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 2,825,628,845  

 

 

All or a portion of the security is on loan. At August 31, 2023, the market value of securities on loan was $127,321,902.

*

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2023.

**

Seven-day yield as of August 31, 2023.

(a)

A portfolio of Dimensional Investment Group Inc.

(b)

A portfolio of DFA Investment Trust Company.

(c)

A portfolio of DFA Investment Dimensions Group Inc.

 

ETF

Exchange-Traded Fund

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

11

 

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

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

FREE MARKET FIXED INCOME FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments

August 31, 2023

 

   

Number
of Shares

   

Value

 

FIXED INCOME FUNDS — 99.6%

       

DFA One-Year Fixed Income Portfolio (a)

    39,612,440     $ 403,254,639  

DFA Two-Year Global Fixed Income Portfolio (a)

    71,279,569       698,539,778  

iShares 1-3 Year Treasury Bond ETF

    1,367,091       111,062,473  

iShares 3-7 Year Treasury Bond ETF

    1,450,912       166,651,752  

iShares Core International Aggregate Bond ETF

    8,475,005       418,665,247  

iShares Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF

    3,329,288       166,797,329  

iShares Short-Term Corporate Bond ETF

    13,313,419       668,866,171  

iShares TIPS Bond ETF

    1,311,963       139,159,915  

TOTAL FIXED INCOME FUNDS

       

(Cost $2,917,700,952)

            2,772,997,304  
                 

INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING — 5.7%

       

Mount Vernon Liquid Assets Portfolio, LLC, 5.46%*

    157,929,444       157,929,444  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING

       

(Cost $157,929,444)

            157,929,444  
                 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 0.4%

       

STIT-Government & Agency Portfolio 5.25**

    12,444,055       12,444,055  

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

       

(Cost $12,444,055)

            12,444,055  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 105.7%

       

(Cost $3,088,074,451)

            2,943,370,803  

LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS — (5.7)%

            (158,015,834 )

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

          $ 2,785,354,969  

 

Portfolio Holdings Summary Table

 

   

% of
Net Assets

   

Value

 

Fixed Income Funds

    99.6 %   $ 2,772,997,304  

Short-Term Investments

    0.4       12,444,055  

Investments Purchased with Proceeds from Securities Lending

    5.7       157,929,444  

Liabilities In Excess Of Other Assets

    (5.7 )     (158,015,834 )

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 2,785,354,969  

 

 

All or a portion of the security is on loan. At August 31, 2023, the market value of securities on loan was $155,095,849.

*

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2023.

**

Seven-day yield as of August 31, 2023.

(a)

A portfolio of DFA Investment Dimensions Group Inc.

 

ETF

Exchange-Traded Fund

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

12

 

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

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

August 31, 2023

 

   

Free Market
U.S. Equity
Fund

   

Free Market
International
Equity Fund

   

Free Market
Fixed Income
Fund

 

ASSETS

                       

Investments in non-affiliated funds, at value (cost $2,393,008,920, $2,492,633,640 and $2,917,700,952, respectively)

  $ 3,675,848,290     $ 2,822,667,219     $ 2,772,997,304  

Short-term investments, at value (cost $3,569,719, $3,304,107 and $12,444,055 respectively)

    3,569,719       3,304,107       12,444,055  

Investments purchased with proceeds from securities lending collateral (cost $984,300, $130,347,486 and $157,929,444 respectively)

    984,300       130,347,486       157,929,444  

Receivables for:

                       

Capital shares sold

    2,358,792       1,755,617       2,162,277  

Dividends and interest

    43       7,114       11,703  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

    156,196       133,070       187,633  

Total assets

    3,682,917,340       2,958,214,613       2,945,732,416  

LIABILITIES

                       

Payables for:

                       

Advisory fees

    1,533,403       1,179,486       1,164,346  

Capital shares redeemed

    1,176,187       845,715       1,011,029  

Securities lending collateral (see Note 6)

    984,300       130,347,486       157,929,444  

Administration and accounting fees

    155,419       94,615       142,076  

Transfer agent fees

    13,751       8,141       8,901  

Other accrued expenses and liabilities

    155,477       110,325       121,651  

Total liabilities

    4,018,537       132,585,768       160,377,447  

Net assets

  $ 3,678,898,803     $ 2,825,628,845     $ 2,785,354,969  
                         

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

                       

Par value

  $ 172,119     $ 261,474     $ 283,688  

Paid-in capital

    2,252,542,137       2,425,202,302       2,930,434,087  

Total distributable earnings/(loss)

    1,426,184,547       400,165,069       (145,362,806 )

Net assets

  $ 3,678,898,803     $ 2,825,628,845     $ 2,785,354,969  
                         

CAPITAL SHARES:

                       

Net assets

  $ 3,678,898,803     $ 2,825,628,845     $ 2,785,354,969  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 700,000,000 shares authorized)

    172,118,922       261,473,702       283,688,479  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

  $ 21.37     $ 10.81     $ 9.82  

 

 

13

 

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

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

Statements of Operations

FOR THE Year ENDED August 31, 2023

 

   

Free Market
U.S. Equity
Fund

   

Free Market
International
Equity Fund

   

Free Market
Fixed Income
Fund

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

                       

Dividends from non-affiliated funds

  $ 59,439,349     $ 85,577,621     $ 61,597,848  

Securities lending income

    4,153       31,814       59,776  

Total investment income

    59,443,502       85,609,435       61,657,624  
                         

EXPENSES

                       

Advisory fees (Note 2)

    16,904,657       13,069,017       13,414,753  

Administration and accounting fees (Note 2)

    621,583       461,004       540,795  

Director fees

    329,920       247,080       270,433  

Officer fees

    258,322       194,538       214,371  

Legal fees

    205,987       156,233       169,384  

Custodian fees (Note 2)

    86,877       68,931       71,093  

Transfer agent fees (Note 2)

    76,637       71,550       73,568  

Printing and shareholder reporting fees

    59,461       52,965       55,480  

Registration and filing fees

    40,430       39,576       37,191  

Audit and tax service fees

    33,236       34,549       33,163  

Other expenses

    201,126       277,244       147,104  

Total expenses

    18,818,236       14,672,687       15,027,335  

Net investment income/(loss)

    40,625,266       70,936,748       46,630,289  
                         

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS

                       

Net realized gain/(loss) from:

                       

Non-affiliated funds

    13,329,911       (788,716 )     (5,084,728 )

Capital gain distributions from non-affiliated fund investments

    112,189,127       2,393,907       97,941  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:

                       

Non-affiliated funds

    167,184,995       317,867,303       68,242  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    292,704,033       319,472,494       (4,918,545 )

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 333,329,299     $ 390,409,242     $ 41,711,744  

 

 

14

 

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

 

 

FREE MARKET U.S. EQUITY FUND

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2023

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2022

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 40,625,266     $ 32,200,297  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    125,519,038       273,761,097  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    167,184,995       (532,671,620 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    333,329,299       (226,710,226 )
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (254,085,784 )     (160,049,321 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (254,085,784 )     (160,049,321 )
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    478,766,781       505,375,262  

Reinvestment of distributions

    253,858,591       159,919,251  

Shares redeemed

    (425,824,595 )     (620,998,823 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets from capital shares

    306,800,777       44,295,690  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    386,044,292       (342,463,857 )
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    3,292,854,511       3,635,318,368  

End of period

  $ 3,678,898,803     $ 3,292,854,511  
                 

SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Shares sold

    23,305,151       22,341,943  

Dividends and distributions reinvested

    13,098,999       6,724,947  

Shares redeemed

    (20,585,763 )     (26,856,120 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    15,818,387       2,210,770  

 

 

 

15

 

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

 

 

FREE MARKET INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2023

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2022

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 70,936,748     $ 79,767,694  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    1,605,191       19,150,254  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    317,867,303       (522,820,062 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    390,409,242       (423,902,114 )
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (86,538,910 )     (35,219,290 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (86,538,910 )     (35,219,290 )
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    387,653,039       454,919,419  

Reinvestment of distributions

    86,521,788       35,204,207  

Shares redeemed

    (347,793,059 )     (317,838,272 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets from capital shares

    126,381,768       172,285,354  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    430,252,100       (286,836,050 )
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    2,395,376,745       2,682,212,795  

End of period

  $ 2,825,628,845     $ 2,395,376,745  
                 

SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Shares sold

    38,443,413       42,243,193  

Dividends and distributions reinvested

    8,874,030       3,107,167  

Shares redeemed

    (33,803,982 )     (28,689,507 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    13,513,461       16,660,853  

 

 

 

16

 

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

 

 

FREE MARKET FIXED INCOME FUND

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2023

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2022

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 46,630,289     $ 14,460,405  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    (4,986,787 )     2,217,382  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    68,242       (207,628,479 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    41,711,744       (190,950,692 )
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (42,935,911 )     (15,000,590 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (42,935,911 )     (15,000,590 )
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    409,425,077       561,502,718  

Reinvestment of distributions

    42,929,725       14,991,009  

Shares redeemed

    (414,939,183 )     (441,988,903 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets from capital shares

    37,415,619       134,504,824  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    36,191,452       (71,446,458 )
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    2,749,163,517       2,820,609,975  

End of period

  $ 2,785,354,969     $ 2,749,163,517  
                 

SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Shares sold

    42,009,136       54,774,661  

Dividends and distributions reinvested

    4,445,055       1,463,991  

Shares redeemed

    (42,657,402 )     (43,490,265 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    3,796,789       12,748,387  

 

 

17

 

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

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

FREE MARKET U.S. EQUITY FUND

 

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for each share outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2023

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2022

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2021

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2020

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2019

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 21.07     $ 23.59     $ 16.06     $ 16.90     $ 20.37  

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    0.24       0.21       0.21       0.17       0.17  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    1.68       (1.69 )     7.62       (2)      (2.73 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    1.92       (1.48 )     7.83       0.17       (2.56 )

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

    (0.21 )     (0.41 )     (0.08 )     (0.16 )     (0.15 )

Net realized capital gains

    (1.41 )     (0.63 )     (0.22 )     (0.85 )     (0.76 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (1.62 )     (1.04 )     (0.30 )     (1.01 )     (0.91 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 21.37     $ 21.07     $ 23.59     $ 16.06     $ 16.90  

Total investment return/(loss)(3)

    9.92 %     (6.77 )%     49.28 %     0.32 %     (12.09 )%
                                         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 3,678,899     $ 3,292,855     $ 3,635,318     $ 2,839,337     $ 2,899,018  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets(4)

    0.55 %     0.56 %     0.55 %     0.56 %     0.55 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets(4)

    1.18 %     0.92 %     1.05 %     1.05 %     0.96 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    2 %     7 %     5 %     14 %     7 %

 

 

(1)

The selected per share data is calculated using the average shares outstanding method for the period.

(2)

Amount less than $(0.005) per share.

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated by assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(4)

The Fund also will indirectly bear its prorated share of expenses of the underlying funds. Such expenses are not included in the calculation of this ratio.

 

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

 

18

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

FREE MARKET INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND

 

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for each share outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2023

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2022

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2021

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2020

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2019

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 9.66     $ 11.60     $ 8.89     $ 9.09     $ 10.72  

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    0.27       0.34       0.18       0.19       0.21  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    1.22       (2.13 )     2.84       (0.13 )     (1.47 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    1.49       (1.79 )     3.02       0.06       (1.26 )

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

    (0.34 )     (0.15 )     (0.13 )     (0.14 )     (0.18 )

Net realized capital gains

                (0.18 )     (0.12 )     (0.19 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.34 )     (0.15 )     (0.31 )     (0.26 )     (0.37 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.81     $ 9.66     $ 11.60     $ 8.89     $ 9.09  

Total investment return/(loss)(2)

    15.82 %     (15.63 )%     34.43 %     0.30 %     (11.66 )%
                                         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 2,825,629     $ 2,395,377     $ 2,682,213     $ 2,153,655     $ 2,154,908  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets(3)

    0.55 %     0.56 %     0.56 %     0.58 %     0.58 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets(3)

    2.68 %     3.08 %     1.70 %     2.13 %     2.22 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    3 %     2 %     5 %     28 %     4 %

 

 

(1)

The selected per share data is calculated using the average shares outstanding method for the period.

(2)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated by assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(3)

The Fund also will indirectly bear its prorated share of expenses of the underlying funds. Such expenses are not included in the calculation of this ratio.

 

19

 

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

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

FREE MARKET FIXED INCOME FUND

 

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for each share outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2023

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2022

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2021

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2020

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2019

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 9.82     $ 10.56     $ 10.61     $ 10.47     $ 10.22  

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    0.17       0.05       0.03       0.15       0.27  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    (0.01 )     (0.74 )     (2)      0.16       0.24  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    0.16       (0.69 )     0.03       0.31       0.51  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

    (0.16 )     (0.05 )     (0.05 )     (0.17 )     (0.26 )

Net realized capital gains

                (0.03 )           (2) 

Return of capital

                (2)             

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.16 )     (0.05 )     (0.08 )     (0.17 )     (0.26 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 9.82     $ 9.82     $ 10.56     $ 10.61     $ 10.47  

Total investment return/(loss)(3)

    1.62 %     (6.51 )%     0.31 %     2.98 %     5.11 %
                                         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 2,785,355     $ 2,749,164     $ 2,820,610     $ 2,307,909     $ 2,748,593  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets(4)

    0.55 %     0.56 %     0.56 %     0.56 %     0.55 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets(4)

    1.72 %     0.51 %     0.27 %     1.39 %     2.62 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    3 %     3 %     2 %     46 %     3 %

 

 

(1)

The selected per share data is calculated using the average shares outstanding method for the period.

(2)

Amount less than $(0.005) per share.

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated by assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(4)

The Fund also will indirectly bear its prorated share of expenses of the underlying funds. Such expenses are not included in the calculation of this ratio.

 

 

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

 

20

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

Notes to Financial Statements

August 31, 2023

 

1.

Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

 

The RBB Fund, Inc. (“RBB” or the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland on February 29, 1988 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. RBB is a “series fund,” which is a mutual fund complex divided into separate portfolios. Each portfolio is treated as a separate entity for certain matters under the 1940 Act, and for other purposes, and a shareholder of one portfolio is not deemed to be a shareholder of any other portfolio. Currently, RBB has fifty-three separate investment portfolios, including the Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, the Free Market International Equity Fund and the Free Market Fixed Income Fund (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”). Each Fund operates as a “fund of funds” and commenced investment operations on December 31, 2007.

 

RBB has authorized capital of one hundred billion shares of common stock of which 91.523 billion shares are currently classified into two hundred and twenty-two classes of common stock. Each class represents an interest in an active or inactive investment portfolio of the Company.

 

Free Market U.S. Equity and Free Market International Equity’s investment objective is to seek long-term capital appreciation. Free Market Fixed Income’s investment objective is to seek total return (consisting of current income and capital appreciation).

 

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

 

The end of the reporting period for the Funds is August 31, 2023, and the period covered by these Notes to Financial Statements is the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023 (the “current fiscal period”).

 

Investment Company Securities – The Funds pursue their investment objectives by investing primarily in shares of registered, open-end investment companies and exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) (collectively, “underlying funds”). When a Fund invests in underlying funds it will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any fees and expenses payable directly by the underlying fund. In connection with its investments in other investment companies, a Fund will incur higher expenses, many of which may be duplicative. Furthermore, because the Funds invest in shares of ETFs and underlying funds their performances are directly related to the ability of the ETFs and underlying funds to meet their respective investment objectives, as well as the allocation of each Fund’s assets among the ETFs and underlying funds. Accordingly, the Funds’ investment performance will be influenced by the investment strategies of and risks associated with the ETFs and underlying funds in direct proportion to the amount of assets the Funds allocate to the ETFs and underlying funds utilizing such strategies. As disclosed in the Portfolio of Investments, the Funds invest in a number of different underlying funds, including underlying funds that are portfolios of DFA Investment Dimensions Group Inc., and Dimensional Investment Group Inc. (collectively, “DFA Underlying Funds”) and iShares by BlackRock (“iShares Underlying Funds”). Information about DFA Underlying Funds and iShares Underlying Funds’ risks may be found in such DFA Underlying Funds’ and iShares Underlying Funds’ annual or semiannual report to shareholders, which can be found at us.dimensional.com and iShares.com, respectively. Additional information about derivatives related risks, if applicable, may also be found in each such DFA Underlying Fund or iShares Underlying Funds’ annual or semiannual report to shareholders. The annual and semiannual reports to shareholders for the underlying funds may also be found by visiting the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

PORTFOLIO VALUATION — Investments in the underlying funds are valued at each Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) determined as of the close of business on the New York Stock Exchange (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time). Investments in ETFs are valued at their last reported sale price. As required, some securities and assets may be valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). Direct investments in fixed income securities are valued using an independent pricing service, which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings, and are deemed representative of market values at the close of the market.

 

The Board has adopted a pricing and valuation policy for use by each Fund and its Valuation Designee (as defined below) in calculating the Fund’s NAV. Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Board has designated Matson Money, Inc. (“Matson Money” or the “Adviser”) as its “Valuation Designee” to perform all of the fair value determinations as well as to perform all of the responsibilities that may be performed by the Valuation Designee in accordance with Rule 2a-5. The Valuation Designee

 

21

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

is authorized to make all necessary determinations of the fair values of portfolio securities and other assets for which market quotations are not readily available or if it is deemed that the prices obtained from brokers and dealers or independent pricing services are unreliable.

 

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS — The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the Funds’ investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:

 

 

● Level 1 —

Prices are determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.

 

 

● Level 2 —

Prices are determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

 

● Level 3 —

Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs (including the Funds’ own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

 

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used, as of the end of the reporting period, in valuing the Funds’ investments carried at fair value:

 

FREE MARKET U.S. EQUITY Fund

 

   

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

   

INVESTMENTS
MEASURED AT NET
ASSET VALUE*

 

Domestic Equity Funds

  $ 3,675,848,290     $ 3,478,224,745     $     $     $ 197,623,545  

Investments Purchased with Proceeds From Securities Lending Collateral

    984,300                         984,300  

Short-Term Investments

    3,569,719       3,569,719                    

Total Investments**

  $ 3,680,402,309     $ 3,481,794,464     $     $     $ 198,607,845  

 

*

Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in the table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

**

Please refer to the Portfolio of Investments for further details.

 

 

22

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

FREE MARKET INTERNATIONAL EQUITY Fund

 

   

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

   

INVESTMENTS
MEASURED AT NET
ASSET VALUE*

 

International Equity Funds

  $ 2,822,667,219     $ 2,372,773,091     $     $     $ 449,894,128  

Investments Purchased with Proceeds From Securities Lending Collateral

    130,347,486                         130,347,486  

Short-Term Investments

    3,304,107       3,304,107                    

Total Investments**

  $ 2,956,318,812     $ 2,376,077,198     $     $     $ 580,241,614  

 

*

Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in the table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

**

Please refer to the Portfolio of Investments for further details.

 

FREE MARKET FIXED INCOME VI Fund

 

   

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

   

INVESTMENTS
MEASURED AT NET
ASSET VALUE*

 

Fixed Income Funds

  $ 2,772,997,304     $ 2,772,997,304     $     $     $  

Investments Purchased with Proceeds From Securities Lending Collateral

    157,929,444                         157,929,444  

Short-Term Investments

    12,444,055       12,444,055                    

Total Investments**

  $ 2,943,370,803     $ 2,785,441,359     $     $     $ 157,929,444  

 

*

Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in the table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

**

Please refer to the Portfolio of Investments for further details.

 

At the end of each quarter, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities. Various factors are considered, such as changes in liquidity from the prior reporting period; whether or not a broker is willing to execute at the quoted price; the depth and consistency of prices from third party pricing services; and the existence of contemporaneous, observable trades in the market. Additionally, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities on a quarterly basis for changes in listings or delistings on national exchanges.

 

Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Funds’ investments may fluctuate from period to period. Additionally, the fair value of investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for such investments and may differ materially from the values the Funds may ultimately realize. Further, such investments may be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities.

 

For fair valuations using significant unobservable inputs, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires each Fund to present a reconciliation of the beginning to ending balances for reported market values that presents changes attributable to total realized and unrealized gains or losses, purchase and sales, and transfers in and out of Level 3 during the period. Transfers in and out between levels are based on values at the end of the period. A reconciliation of Level

 

23

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

3 investments is presented only when a Fund had an amount of Level 3 investments at the end of the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets. The amounts and reasons for all Level 3 transfers are disclosed if a Fund had an amount of total Level 3 transfers during the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets as of the end of the reporting period.

 

During the current fiscal period, the Funds had no Level 3 transfers.

 

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 and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences could be significant.

 

INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS, INVESTMENT INCOME AND EXPENSES — The Funds record security transactions based on trade date for financial reporting purposes. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method for both financial reporting and income tax purposes in determining realized gains and losses on investments. Interest income (including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts) is accrued when earned. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. Each Fund’s investment income, expenses (other than class specific expenses) and unrealized and realized gains and losses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class at the beginning of the day. Certain expenses are shared with The RBB Fund Trust (formerly, PENN Capital Funds Trust) (the “Trust”), a series trust of affiliated funds. Expenses incurred on behalf of a specific class, fund or fund family of the Company or Trust are charged directly to the class, fund or fund family (in proportion to net assets). Expenses incurred for all funds (such as director or professional fees) are charged to all funds in proportion to their average net assets of RBB and the Trust, or in such other manner as the Board deems fair or equitable. Expenses and fees, including investment advisory and administration fees, are accrued daily and taken into account for the purpose of determining the NAV of the Funds. In addition to the net annual operating expenses that the Funds bear directly, the shareholders indirectly bear the Funds’ pro-rata expenses of the underlying mutual funds in which each Fund invests.

 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS — Dividends from net investment income and distributions from net realized capital gains, if any, are declared and paid at least annually to shareholders recorded on the ex-dividend date for each Fund with the exception of the Free Market Fixed Income Fund which declares and pays quarterly dividends from net investment income. Income dividends and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

 

U.S. TAX STATUS — No provision is made for U.S. income taxes as it is each Fund’s intention to continue to qualify for and elect the tax treatment applicable to regulated investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and make the requisite distributions to its shareholders which will be sufficient to relieve it from U.S. income and excise taxes.

 

MARKET RISK — The value of a Fund’s shares will fluctuate as a result of the movement of the overall stock market or the value of the underlying fund held by a Fund, and you could lose money.

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates market value.

 

OTHER — In the normal course of business, the Funds may enter into contracts that provide general indemnifications. Each Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on claims that may be made against the Funds in the future, and, therefore, cannot be estimated; however, the Funds expect the risk of material loss for such claims is considered to be remote.

 

For additional information about the DFA Underlying Funds and iShares Underlying Funds’ valuation policies, refer to the DFA Underlying Funds and iShares Underlying Funds’ most recent annual or semiannual report which can be found at us.dimensional.com and iShares.com, respectively.

 

24

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

2.

Investment Adviser and Other Services

 

Matson Money, Inc. serves as the investment adviser to each Fund. Each Fund compensates the Adviser for its services at an annual rate based on each Fund’s average daily net assets (the “Advisory Fee”), payable on a monthly basis in arrears, as shown in the following tables.

 

AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS

 

ADVISORY FEE

 

For the first $1 billion

    0.50 %

Over $1 billion to $3 billion

    0.49  

Over $3 billion to $5 billion

    0.48  

Over $5 billion

    0.47  

 

The Adviser has voluntarily agreed to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent that total annual Fund operating expenses exceed the rates (“Expense Caps”) shown in the following table annually of each Fund’s average daily net assets. The Adviser may not recoup waived management fees or reimbursed expenses. The Adviser may discontinue these arrangements at any time.

 

FUND

 

EXPENSE CAPS

 

Free Market U.S. Equity Fund

    1.13 %

Free Market International Equity Fund

    1.35  

Free Market Fixed Income Fund

    1.00  

 

During the current fiscal period, investment advisory fees accrued were as follows:

 

FUND

 

ADVISORY FEES

 

Free Market U.S. Equity Fund

  $ 16,904,657  

Free Market International Equity Fund

    13,069,017  

Free Market Fixed Income Fund

    13,414,753  

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (“Fund Services”), serves as administrator for the Funds. For providing administrative and accounting services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Fund Services serves as the Funds’ transfer and dividend disbursing agent. For providing transfer agent services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

U.S. Bank, N.A. (the “Custodian”) provides certain custodial services to the Funds. The Custodian is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Vigilant Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), serves as the principal underwriter and distributor of the Funds’ shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with RBB.

 

For compensation amounts paid to Fund Services and the Custodian, please refer to the Statements of Operations.

 

3.

Director and Officer Compensation

 

The Directors of the Company receive an annual retainer and meeting fees for meetings attended. An employee of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serves as Chief Compliance Officer of the Company. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company. Employees of RBB serve as President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Secretary and Director of Marketing & Business Development of the Company. They are compensated for services provided. Certain employees of Fund Services serve as officers of the Company. They are not compensated by the Funds or the Company. For Director and Officer compensation amounts, please refer to the Statements of Operations.

 

25

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

4.

Purchases and Sales of Investment Securities

 

During the current fiscal period, aggregate purchase and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) of the Funds were as follows:

 

   

Purchases

   

Sales

 

Free Market U.S. Equity Fund

  $ 279,044,889     $ 75,832,624  

Free Market International Equity Fund

    176,105,066       75,993,468  

Free Market Fixed Income Fund

    130,014,379       83,615,457  

 

There were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. Government securities during the current fiscal period.

 

5.

Federal Income Tax Information

 

The Funds have followed the authoritative guidance on accounting for and disclosure of uncertainty in tax positions, which requires the Funds to determine whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The Funds have determined that there was no effect on the financial statements from following this authoritative guidance. In the normal course of business, the Funds are subject to examination by federal, state and local jurisdictions, where applicable, for tax years for which applicable statutes of limitations have not expired.

 

As of August 31, 2023, the federal tax cost and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments held by each Fund were as follows:

 

   

FEDERAL
TAX COST

   

UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION

   

UNREALIZED
(DEPRECIATION)

   

NET UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION/
(DEPRECIATION)

 

Free Market U.S. Equity Fund

  $ 2,377,603,873     $ 1,333,128,902     $ (30,330,466 )   $ 1,302,798,436  

Free Market International Equity Fund

    2,545,870,875       456,829,915       (46,381,978 )     410,447,937  

Free Market Fixed Income Fund

    3,091,301,763       5,422,593       (153,353,553 )     (147,930,960 )

 

Distributions to shareholders, if any, from net investment income and realized gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from net investment income and realized gains recognized for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the character of distributions and composition of net assets for tax purposes may differ from those reflected in the accompanying financial statements. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on the tax treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.

 

Permanent differences as of August 31, 2023, primarily attributable to equalization, short term dividend reclass, distribution reclass, and dividend reclass were reclassified among the following accounts:

 

   

DISTRIBUTABLE
EARNINGS/(LOSS)

   

Paid-In
Capital

 

Free Market U.S. Equity Fund

  $ (9,126,831 )   $ 9,126,831  

Free Market International Equity Fund

           

Free Market Fixed Income Fund

           

 

26

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

As of August 31, 2023, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

   

Undistributed
Ordinary Income

   

Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gains

   

Capital Loss
CarryForwards

   

NET Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

Free Market U.S. Equity Fund

  $ 15,326,977     $ 108,059,134     $     $ 1,302,798,436  

Free Market International Equity Fund

    71,432,281             (81,715,149 )     410,447,937  

Free Market Fixed Income Fund

    7,665,003             (5,096,849 )     (147,930,960 )

 

The differences between the book and tax basis components of distributable earnings relate primarily to the timing of recognition of income and gains for federal income tax purposes and are inclusive of underlying partnerships and investments. Short-term and foreign currency gains, if applicable, are reported as ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2023 and August 31, 2022 was as follows:

 

     

Ordinary
Income

   

Long-Term
Gains

   

RETURN OF
CAPITAL

   

Total

 

Free Market U.S. Equity Fund

2023

  $ 33,276,666     $ 220,809,118     $     $ 254,085,784  
 

2022

    62,775,363       97,273,958           $ 160,049,321  

Free Market International Equity Fund

2023

    86,538,910                 $ 86,538,910  
 

2022

    35,219,290                 $ 35,219,290  

Free Market Fixed Income Fund

2023

    42,935,911                 $ 42,935,911  
 

2022

    15,000,590                 $ 15,000,590  

 

Distributions from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.

 

The Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an unlimited period. Capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of August 31, 2023, the Free Market International Equity Fund had $15,991,945 of short-term capital loss carryforwards and $65,723,204 of long-term capital loss carryforwards, the Free Market Fixed Income Fund had $3,974,290 of short-term capital loss carryforwards and $1,122,559 of long-term capital loss carryforwards.

 

6. SECURITIES LENDING

 

The Funds may make secured loans of their portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and other financial institutions to earn additional income and receive cash collateral equal to at least 102% of the current market value of the loaned securities, as marked to market each day that the NAV of the Funds is determined. When the collateral falls below specified amounts, the Funds’ lending agent will use its best effort to obtain additional collateral on the next business day to meet required amounts under the security lending agreement. The Funds will pay administrative and custodial fees in connection with the loan of securities. Collateral is invested in short-term investments and the Funds will bear the risk of loss of the invested collateral. Investments purchased with proceeds from securities lending are overnight and continuous. Securities lending will expose the Funds to the risk of loss should a borrower default on its obligation to return the borrowed securities. The market value of the securities on loan and cash collateral as of the end of the reporting period and the income generated from the program during the current fiscal period with respect to such secured loans were as follows:

 

Fund

         

Market Value of
Securities Loaned

   

Market Value of
Collateral

   

INCOME RECEIVED
FROM SECURITIES
LENDING

 

Free Market U.S. Equity Fund

          $ 963,492     $ 984,300     $ 4,153  

Free Market International Equity Fund

            127,321,902       130,347,486       31,814  

Free Market Fixed Income Fund

            155,095,849       157,929,444       59,776  

 

27

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

Notes to Financial Statements (Concluded)

August 31, 2023

 

Securities lending transactions are entered into by the Funds’ securities lending agent on behalf of the Funds under a Master Securities Lending Agreement (“MSLA”) which permits the Funds’ securities lending agent on behalf of the Funds under certain circumstances including an event of default (such as bankruptcy or insolvency), to offset amounts payable on behalf of the Funds to the same counterparty against amounts to be received and create one single net payment due to or from the Funds. The following table is a summary of the Funds’ open securities lending transactions which are subject to a MSLA as of the end of the reporting period:

 

                           

GROSS AMOUNTS NOT OFFSET IN THE
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

 

Fund

 

GROSS AMOUNTS
OF RECOGNIZED
ASSETS

   

GROSS AMOUNTS
OFFSET IN THE
STATEMENTS
OF ASSETS AND
LIABILITIES

   

NET AMOUNTS
OF ASSETS
PRESENTED IN
THE STATEMENTS
OF ASSETS AND
LIABILITIES

   

FINANCIAL
INSTRUMENTS
1

   

CASH COLLATERAL
RECEIVED

   

Net
Amount
2

 

Free Market U.S. Equity Fund

  $ 963,492     $     $ 963,492       (963,492 )   $     $  

Free Market International Equity Fund

    127,321,902             127,321,902       (127,321,902 )            

Free Market Fixed Income Fund

    155,095,849             155,095,849       (155,095,849 )            

 

1

Amount disclosed is limited to the amount of assets presented in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Actual collateral received may be more than the amount shown.

2

Net amount represents the net amount receivable from the counterparty in the event of default.

 

7.

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS AND REGULATORY UPDATES

 

In June 2022, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2022-03, which amends Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions (“ASU 2022-03”). ASU 2022-03 clarifies guidance for fair value measurement of an equity security subject to a contractual sale restriction and establishes new disclosure requirements for such equity securities. ASU 2022-03 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of these amendments on the financial statements.

 

In October 2022, the SEC adopted rule and form amendments relating to tailored shareholder reports for mutual funds and exchange-traded funds and fee information in investment company advertisements. The rule and form amendments will, among other things, require the Free Market Funds to transmit concise and visually engaging shareholder reports that highlight key information. The amendments will require that funds tag information in a structured data format and that certain more in-depth information be made available online and available for delivery free of charge to investors on request. The amendments became effective January 24, 2023. There is an 18-month transition period after the effective date of the amendments until the Funds are required to comply.

 

In December 2022, the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2022-06, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) – Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848 (“ASU 2022-06”). ASU 2022-06 is an amendment to ASU 2020-04, which provided optional guidance to ease the potential accounting burden due to the discontinuation of the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and other interbank-offered based reference rates and which was effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. ASU 2022-06 extends the effective period through December 31, 2024. Management is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of applying ASU 2022-06.

 

8.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Funds through the date the financial statements were issued and has determined there were no subsequent events.

 

28

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. and Shareholders of Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund and Free Market Fixed Income Fund

 

Opinions on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the portfolios of investments, of Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund and Free Market Fixed Income Fund (three of the funds constituting The RBB Fund, Inc., hereafter collectively referred to as the “Funds”) as of August 31, 2023, the related statements of operations for the year ended August 31, 2023, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 2023, including the related notes, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended August 31, 2023 (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Funds as of August 31, 2023, the results of each of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in each of their net assets for each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 2023 and each of the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended August 31, 2023 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Basis for Opinions

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Funds’ financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Funds in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 2023 by correspondence with the custodian and investment manager of investee funds. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

 

 

 

 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
October 24, 2023

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Matson Money, Inc. investment companies since 2008.

 

29

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

SHAREHOLDER TAX INFORMATION

(UNAUDITED)

 

The tax character of dividends and distributions paid during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023 were as follows:

 

   

Ordinary
Income

   

Long-Term
CAPITAL GAINS

   

RETURN OF
CAPITAL

   

Total

 

Free Market U.S. Equity Fund

  $ 33,276,666     $ 220,809,118     $     $ 254,085,784  

Free Market International Equity Fund

    86,538,910                   86,538,910  

Free Market Fixed Income Fund

    42,935,911                   42,935,911  

 

Dividends from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income dividends for federal income tax purposes.

 

The percentage of taxable ordinary income distributions that are designated as short-term capital gain distributions under Internal Revenue Section 871(k)(2)(c) are 0.00% for each Fund.

 

The percentage of total ordinary income dividends qualifying for the 15% dividend income tax rate is 100% for the Free Market U.S. Equity Fund and 64.11% for the Free Market International Equity Fund.

 

The percentage of total ordinary dividends qualifying for the corporate dividends received deduction is 100% for the Free Market U.S. Equity Fund.

 

The percentage of qualified interest income related dividends not subject to withholding tax for non-resident aliens and foreign corporations is 76.65% for the Free Market Fixed Income Fund. A total of 38.59% of the dividend distributed during the fiscal year was derived from U.S. Government securities, which is generally exempt from state income tax for the Free Market Fixed Income Fund.

 

Because each Fund’s fiscal year is not the calendar year, another notification will be sent with respect to calendar year 2023. The second notification, which will reflect the amount, if any, to be used by calendar year taxpayers on their U.S. federal income tax returns, will be made in conjunction with Form 1099-DIV and will be mailed in January 2024.

 

Foreign shareholders will generally be subject to U.S. withholding tax on the amount of their ordinary income dividends. They will generally not be entitled to a foreign tax credit or deduction for the withholding taxes paid by the Funds, if any. The Free Market International Equity Fund passed through foreign tax credits of $10,759,197 and earned $67,702,643 of gross foreign source income during the fiscal year.

 

In general, dividends received by tax-exempt recipients (e.g., IRAs and Keoghs) need not be reported as taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, some retirement trusts (e.g., corporate, Keogh and 403(b)(7) plans) may need this information for their annual information reporting.

 

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

 

30

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

Other Information

(Unaudited)

 

 

Proxy Voting

 

Policies and procedures that the Funds use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities as well as information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 are available without charge, upon request, by calling Free Market Funds at (866) 780-0357, ext. 3863 and on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Quarterly Portfolio Schedules

 

The Company files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third fiscal quarters of each fiscal year (quarters ended November 30 and May 31) as an exhibit to its report on Form N-PORT. The Company’s Form N-PORT filings are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Free Market Funds Approval of Investment Advisory Agreements

 

As required by the 1940 Act, the Board, including all of the Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Directors”), considered the renewal of the investment advisory agreement between Matson Money and the Company (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”) on behalf of the Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund and Free Market Fixed Income Fund, at a meeting of the Board held on May 16-17, 2023 (the “Meeting”). At the Meeting, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, approved the Investment Advisory Agreement for an additional one-year term. The Board’s decision to approve the Investment Advisory Agreement reflects the exercise of its business judgment to continue the existing arrangement. In approving the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Board considered information provided by Matson Money with the assistance and advice of counsel to the Independent Directors and the Company.

 

In considering the renewal and approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Company and Matson Money with respect to the Funds, the Directors took into account all the materials provided prior to and during the Meeting and at other meetings throughout the past year, the presentations made during the Meeting, and the discussions held during the Meeting. The Directors reviewed these materials with management of Matson Money, and discussed the aforementioned Agreement with counsel in executive sessions, at which no representatives of Matson Money were present. Among other things, the Directors considered (i) the nature, extent, and quality of Matson Money’s services provided to the Funds; (ii) descriptions of the experience and qualifications of Matson Money’s personnel providing those services; (iii) Matson Money’s investment philosophies and processes; (iv) Matson Money’s assets under management and client descriptions; (v) Matson Money’s current advisory fee arrangements with the Company and other similarly managed clients; (vi) Matson Money’s compliance procedures; (vii) Matson Money’s financial information, insurance coverage and profitability analysis related to providing advisory services to the Funds; (viii) the extent to which economies of scale are relevant to the Funds; (ix) a report prepared by FUSE comparing each Fund’s management fees and total expense ratios to a group of mutual funds deemed comparable to each Fund based primarily on investment strategy similarity (“Peer Group”) and comparing the performance of each Fund to the performance of its Peer Group; and (x) a report comparing the performance of each Fund to the performance of its primary and composite benchmarks.

 

As part of their review, the Directors considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by Matson Money. The Directors concluded that Matson Money had substantial resources to provide services to the Funds and that Matson Money’s services had been acceptable.

 

The Directors also considered the investment performance of the Funds and Matson Money. Information on the Funds’ investment performance was provided for the one-month, three-month, one-year, three-year, five-year, ten-year, and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2023, as applicable. The Directors considered the Funds’ investment performance in light of their respective investment objectives and investment strategies. The Directors concluded that the investment performance of each of the Funds as compared to their respective benchmarks and Peer Groups was acceptable.

 

31

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

Other Information (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

 

In reaching this conclusion, the Directors observed that the Free Market U.S. Equity Fund outperformed its primary benchmark, the Russell 2500 Index, for the one-month, one-year ten-year, and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2023, and underperformed its benchmark for the three-month, and 5-year periods ended March 31, 2023. The Directors noted that the Free Market U.S. Equity Fund outperformed the median of its Peer Group for the since-inception period ended December 31, 2022, and underperformed its Peer Group for the three-month, one-year, three-year, five-year, and ten-year periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

The Directors noted that the Free Market International Equity Fund outperformed its primary benchmark, the MSCI World ex-US Index, for the since-inception period ended March 31, 2023, and underperformed its benchmark for the one-month, three-month, one-year, five-year, and ten-year periods ended March 31, 2023. The Directors noted that the Free Market International Equity Fund outperformed the median of its Peer Group for the three-month and one-year periods ended December 31, 2022, and underperformed the median of its Peer Group for the three-year, five-year, ten-year and since-inception periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

The Directors noted that the Free Market Fixed Income Fund outperformed its primary benchmark, the FTSE World Government Bond 1-5 Years, for the three-month period ended March 31, 2023, and underperformed its benchmark for the one-month, one-year, five-year, ten-year, and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2023. The Directors noted that the Free Market Fixed Income Fund underperformed the median of its Peer Group for the three-month, one-year, three-year, five-year, ten-year, and since-inception periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

The Board also considered the advisory fee rates payable by the Funds under the Investment Advisory Agreement. In this regard, information on the fees paid by the Funds and the Funds’ total operating expense ratios (before and after the voluntary fee waiver and expense reimbursements) were compared to similar information for mutual funds advised by other, unaffiliated investment advisory firms.

 

The Directors noted that the net advisory fee and the Fund’s total net expenses (including acquired fund fees and expenses) of the Free Market U.S. Equity Fund both ranked below the median and in the 2nd quintile of its Peer Group.

 

The Directors noted that the net advisory fee of the Free Market International Equity Fund ranked below the median and in the 2nd quintile of its Peer Group, and the Fund’s total net expenses (including acquired fund fees and expenses) were below the median and in the 1st quintile of its Peer Group.

 

The Directors noted that the net advisory fee of the Free Market Fixed Income Fund ranked above the median and in the 5th quintile of its Peer Group, and the Fund’s total net expenses (including acquired fund fees and expenses) were above the median and in the 4th quintile of its Peer Group.

 

In addition, the Directors took note that Matson Money had voluntarily agreed to waive its advisory fee and reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses to 1.13%, 1.35% and 1.00% of the average daily net assets of the Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund and Free Market Fixed Income Fund, respectively.

 

After reviewing the information regarding the Funds’ costs, profitability and economies of scale, and after considering Matson Money’s services, the Directors concluded that the investment advisory fees to be paid by the Funds were fair and reasonable and that the Investment Advisory Agreement should be approved and continued for an additional one year period ending August 16, 2024.

 

32

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

Liquidity Risk Management Program

(Unaudited)

 

 

The Company has adopted and implemented a Liquidity Risk Management Program (the “Company Program”) as required by rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act. In accordance with the Company Program, the Adviser has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the “Adviser Program” and together with the Company Program, the “Programs”) on behalf of the Funds. The Programs seek to assess, manage and review each Fund’s Liquidity Risk. “Liquidity Risk” is defined as the risk that a Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of remaining investors’ interest in the Fund.

 

The Board has appointed Vigilant Compliance, LLC (“Vigilant”) as the program administrator for the Company Program and Liquidity Risk Management Committee of the Adviser as the program administrator for the Adviser Program. The process of monitoring and determining the liquidity of each Fund’s investments is supported by one or more third-party vendors.

 

At meetings held during the current fiscal period, the Board and its Regulatory Oversight Committee received and reviewed a written report (the “Report”) of Vigilant and the Adviser concerning the operation of the Programs for the period from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022 (the “Period”). The Report summarized the operation of the Programs and the information and factors considered by Vigilant and the Adviser in reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of the implementation of the Programs with respect to each Fund. Such information and factors included, among other things: (i) the methodology used to classify the liquidity of each Fund’s portfolio investments and the Adviser’s assessment that each Fund’s strategy remained appropriate for an open-end mutual fund; (ii) analyses of each Fund’s trading environment and reasonably anticipated trading size; (iii) that each Fund held primarily highly liquid assets (investments that the Fund anticipates can be converted to cash within 3 business days or less in current market conditions without significantly changing their market value); (iv) that the Funds did not require the establishment of a highly liquid investment minimum and the methodology for that determination; (v) confirmation that the Funds did not breach the 15% maximum illiquid security threshold (investments that cannot be sold or disposed of in seven days or less in current market conditions without the sale of the investment significantly changing the market value of the investment) during the Period and the procedures for monitoring compliance with the limit; (vi) that the processes, technologies and third-party vendors used to assess, manage, and/or periodically review each Fund’s Liquidity Risk functioned appropriately during the Period; and (vii) that the Programs operated adequately during the Period. The Report also indicated that there were no material changes made to the Programs during the Period.

 

Based on the review, the Report concluded that the Programs were being implemented effectively and reasonably designed to assess and manage Liquidity Risk in each Fund’s portfolio.

 

There can be no assurance that the Company Program or the Adviser Program will achieve its objectives under all circumstances in the future.

 

Please refer to the Funds’ prospectus for more information regarding a Fund’s exposure to liquidity risk and other risks to which it may be subject.

 

33

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

COMPANY MANAGEMENT

(UNAUDITED)

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company is organized under and managed pursuant to Maryland law. The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below. The statement of additional information (“SAI”) includes additional information about the Directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling 866-780-0357, ext. 3863.

 

Name, Address, and Age

Position(s) Held
with Company

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
During the Past
5 Years

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Julian A. Brodsky

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 90

Director

1988 to present

Retired.

63

AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).

Gregory P. Chandler

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 56

 

Director

2012 to present

Since 2020, Chief Financial Officer, HC Parent Corp. d/b/a Herspiegel Consulting LLC (life sciences consulting services); 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Herspiegel Consulting LLC (life sciences consulting services); 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Avocado Systems Inc. (cyber security software provider); 2009-2020, Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services).

63

FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Emtec, Inc. (until December 2019); FS Investment Corporation (business development company) (until December 2018).

 

34

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

COMPANY MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)

(UNAUDITED)

 

Name, Address, and Age

Position(s) Held
with Company

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
During the Past
5 Years

Lisa A. Dolly

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI, 53202

Age: 57

Director

October 2021 to present

From July 2019-December 2019, Chairman, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm); January 2016-June 2019, Chief Executive Officer, Pershing, LLC.

63

Allfunds Group PLC (United Kingdom wealthtech and fund distribution provider); Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (trade association for broker dealers, investment banks and asset managers); Hightower Advisors (wealth management firm).

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Nicholas A. Giordano

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 80

Director

2006 to present

Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations.

63

IntriCon Corporation (biomedical device manufacturer); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance) (until March 2021).

Arnold M. Reichman

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 75

Chair

Director

2005 to present

1991 to present

Retired.

63

EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until August 2022).

 

 

35

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

COMPANY MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)

(UNAUDITED)

 

Name, Address, and Age

Position(s) Held
with Company

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
During the Past
5 Years

Brian T. Shea

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 63

Director

2018 to present

From 2014-2017, Chief Executive Officer, BNY Mellon Investment Services (fund services, global custodian and securities clearing firm); from 1983-2014, Chief Executive Officer and various positions, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm).

63

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (financial services technology company); Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (financial services company); WisdomTree Investments, Inc. (asset management company) (until March 2019).

Robert A. Straniere

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 82

Director

2006 to present

Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm).

63

None.

INTERESTED DIRECTOR2

Robert Sablowsky

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 85

Vice
Chair

Director

2016 to present

1991 to present

Since 2002, Senior Director – Investments and, prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer).

63

None.

OFFICERS

Steven Plump

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 64

President

August 2022 to present

From 2011 to 2021, Executive Vice President, PIMCO LLC.

N/A

N/A

 

 

36

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

COMPANY MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)

(UNAUDITED)

 

Name, Address, and Age

Position(s) Held
with Company

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
During the Past
5 Years

Salvatore Faia, JD,

CPA, CFE

Vigilant Compliance, LLC

Gateway Corporate

Center, Suite 216

223 Wilmington West

Chester Pike

Chadds Ford, PA 19317

Age: 60

Chief Compliance Officer

2004 to present

Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company); since 2021, Chief Compliance Officer of The RBB Fund Trust; President of The RBB Fund Trust from 2021 to 2022; President of The RBB Fund, Inc. from 2009 to 2022.

N/A

N/A

James G. Shaw

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 63

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

 

Chief Operating Officer

2016 to present

 

 

 

2022 to present

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (since 2016) and Chief Operating Officer (since 2022) of The RBB Fund, Inc.; Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (since 2021) and Chief Operating Officer (since 2022) of The RBB Fund Trust.

N/A

N/A

Craig A. Urciuoli

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 49

Director of Marketing & Business Development

2019 to present

Director of Marketing & Business Development of The RBB Fund Trust (since 2021); from 2000-2019, Managing Director, Third Avenue Management LLC (investment advisory firm).

N/A

N/A

OFFICERS

Jennifer Witt

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 40

Assistant Treasurer

2018 to present

Since 2020, Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (fund administrative services firm); from 2016 to 2020, Assistant Vice resident, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services.

N/A

N/A

Edward Paz

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 52

Assistant Secretary

2016 to present

Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm).

N/A

N/A

 

 

37

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

COMPANY MANAGEMENT (CONCLUDED)

(UNAUDITED)

 

Name, Address, and Age

Position(s) Held
with Company

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
During the Past
5 Years

Michael P. Malloy

One Logan Square

Ste. 2000

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Age: 64

Assistant
Secretary

1999 to present

Since 1993, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

Jillian L. Bosmann

One Logan Square

Ste. 2000

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Age: 44

Assistant Secretary

2017 to present

Since 2017, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

 

*

Each Director oversees 63 portfolios of the fund complex, consisting of the series in the Company (53 portfolios) and The RBB Fund Trust (10 portfolios).

 

1.

Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his or her successor is elected and qualified or his or her death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Giordano, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.

 

2.

Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his or her qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive-level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Ms. Dolly has over three decades of experience in the financial services industry, and she has demonstrated her leadership and management abilities by serving in numerous senior executive-level positions. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Shea has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the brokerage, clearing, banking and investment services industry, including service on the boards of public companies, industry regulatory organizations and a university. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company.

 

38

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

PRIVACY NOTICE

(UNAUDITED)

 

FACTS

WHAT DO THE FREE MARKET FUNDS DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?

Why?

Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.

What?

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

 

● Social Security number

● account balances

● account transactions

● transaction history

● wire transfer instructions

● checking account information

 

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

How?

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

       

Reasons we can share your information

Do the Free Market Funds share?

Can you limit this sharing?

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

Yes

No

For our marketing purposes
to offer our products and services to you

Yes

No

For joint marketing with other financial companies

Yes

No

For affiliates’ everyday business purposes
information about your transactions and experiences

Yes

No

For affiliates’ everyday business purposes
information about your creditworthiness

No

We don’t share

For our affiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share

For nonaffiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share

 

Questions?

Call (866) 780-0357 Ext. 3863 or go to www.MatsonMoney.com

 

 

39

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

PRIVACY NOTICE (CONCLUDED)

(UNAUDITED)

 

What we do

 

How does the Free Market Funds protect my personal information?

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

How does the Free Market Funds collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

 

● open an account

● provide account information

● give us your contact information

● make a wire transfer

● tell us where to send the money

 

We also collect your information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

 

● sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes — information about your creditworthiness

● affiliates from using your information to market to you

● sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

 

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

Definitions

 

Affiliates

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

 

Our affiliates include McGriff Video Productions and Matson Money, Inc.

Nonaffiliates

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

 

The Free Market Funds don’t share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you. The Funds may share information with nonaffiliates that perform marketing services on our behalf.

Joint marketing

A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.

 

The Free Market Funds may share your information with other financial institutions with whom we have joint marketing arrangements who may suggest additional fund services or other investment products which may be of interest to you.

 

 

40

 

 

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[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

 

Investment Adviser

Matson Money, Inc.
5955 Deerfield Blvd.
Mason, OH 45040

 

Administrator and Transfer Agent

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201

 

Principal Underwriter

Vigilant Distributors, LLC
Gateway Corporate Center, Suite 216
223 Wilmington West Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317

 

Custodian

U.S. Bank, N.A.
1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, WI 53212

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Two Commerce Square, Suite 1800
2001 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103-7042

 

Legal Counsel

Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
One Logan Square, Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103-6996

 

FMFI-AR23

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATSON MONEY U.S. EQUITY VI PORTFOLIO
MATSON MONEY INTERNATIONAL EQUITY VI PORTFOLIO
MATSON MONEY FIXED INCOME VI PORTFOLIO

 

of

 

The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

 

Annual Report

 

August 31, 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This report is submitted for the general information of the shareholders of the Portfolios. It is not authorized for distribution unless preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus for the Portfolios.

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report

August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio

 

The twelve-month period ended August 31, 2023 saw periods of noticeable volatility in domestic equity markets. Calendar year 2022 closed with U.S. equities down, inflation yet to be tamed, and investors bracing for a possible recession. The U.S. economy proved resilient in 2023 despite multiple obstacles from uncertainty in the banking sector and continued concerns about the economy’s health.

 

For the twelve months ended August 31, 2023, the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio provided a total return of 10.14% at net asset value. This compares with a return of 6.64% over the same period for the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio’s benchmark, the Russell 2500® Index.

 

As a result of the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio’s diversified investment approach, performance principally was determined by broad structural trends in equity markets rather than the behavior of a limited number of stocks. Among the most important factors explaining differences in the performance of diversified equity funds, like the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio, are the size and value/growth characteristics of the underlying fund holdings. Size is measured by market capitalization and “value” classification is a function of stock price relative to one or more fundamental characteristics.

 

U.S. growth stocks performed better than U.S. value stocks during the period. The S&P 500® Index returned 15.94%, the Russell 2500® Index returned 6.64%, and the Russell 2000® Index returned 4.65%. Furthermore, for the same time period, the Russell 1000® Value Index returned 8.59% while the Russell 2000® Value returned 2.17% for the twelve-month period ended August 31, 2023.

 

In summary, U.S. growth stocks outperformed U.S. value stocks and U.S. large cap stocks performed better than small cap stocks. Factors that contributed to the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio’s overperformance compared to its benchmark can largely be explained by its tilt toward large cap value stocks, which still outperformed smaller growth oriented companies. In addition, the underlying funds outperformed their benchmarks due to broader exposure to the structured asset class they represent.

 

Today’s environment underscores that markets are highly unpredictable over the short term. In other words, anything can happen, so we believe that a balanced, diversified, long-term approach is favored.

 

1

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)

August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio

 

The twelve-month period ended August 31, 2023 saw international equity markets outpacing U.S. equity markets. Contributions to international equities performance include accelerated global economic growth, the re-opening of China, normalization of supply changes previously affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and banking-related events in the U.S. exposing additional vulnerabilities associated with interest rate increases.

 

For the twelve months ended August 31, 2023, the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio provided a total return of 15.39% at net asset value. This compares with a return of 16.45% over the same period for the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio’s benchmark, the MSCI World (ex USA) Index, which captures large and mid-cap representation across 22 of 23 Developed Markets (DM) countries excluding the U.S.

 

As a result of the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio’s diversified investment approach, performance principally was determined by broad structural trends in global equity markets rather than the behavior of a limited number of stocks. Among the most important factors explaining differences in the behavior of diversified international equity funds, like the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio, are company size and company value/growth characteristics of the underlying fund holdings and broad exposure to emerging market equities.

 

International value stocks fared better than international growth stocks during the fiscal year. The MSCI EAFE Value Index increased by 20.74%, while the MSCI EAFE Small Cap Value Index returned 12.06% and the MSCI Emerging Markets Index returned 1.25%. Furthermore, the MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index returned 9.18% for the twelve months ended August 31, 2023, while the MSCI EAFE Index returned 17.92% for the same period.

 

In summary, international value stocks outperformed international growth stocks and international large cap stocks performed better than small cap stocks. Factors that contributed to the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio’s slight underperformance compared to its benchmark can largely be explained by its exposure to small cap growth oriented stocks as well as exposure to emerging market stocks.

 

Today’s environment underscores that markets are highly unpredictable over the short term. In other words, anything can happen, so we believe that a balanced, diversified, long-term approach is favored.

 

2

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)

August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio

 

The U.S. economy experienced periods of volatility during the twelve months ended August 31, 2023. In an unprecedented year, 2022 closed with fixed income down. The performance of fixed income in 2023 has begun to reverse course from the close of 2022 after continued Federal Reserve rate increases, uncertainty in the banking sector, and continued concerns about the economy’s health.

 

The broad proxy for the U.S. bond market, the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, fell -1.19%, while the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond Index (hedged) returned 0.55% for the twelve months ended August 31, 2023. As a result of the increase in interest rates, long-term bonds were outperformed by ones with shorter maturities. For the twelve months ended August 31, 2023, the Bloomberg U.S. Government/Credit 1-3 Years Index returned 1.29% while the Morningstar Long-Term U.S. Government Bond Index, which includes U.S. Treasury and U.S. Government Agency bonds with maturities of seven years or longer, returned -10.28%.

 

The Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio focuses on assets that invest in global high quality and shorter-term government and corporate fixed income assets. For the twelve months ended August 31, 2023, the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio returned 1.36%. This compares with a return of 1.57% over the same period for the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio’s benchmark, the FTSE World Government Bond 1-5 Years.

 

The Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio slightly underperformed its benchmark for the period. A contributing factor to the performance of the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio compared to its benchmark was the portfolio’s slightly lower exposure to certain global markets and exposure to shorter term maturities.

 

3

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)

August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

The Russell 2500 Index: The Russell 2500™ Index measures the performance of the small to mid-cap segment of the U.S. equity universe, commonly referred to as “smid” cap. The Russell 2500™ Index is a subset of the Russell 3000® Index. It includes approximately 2500 of the smallest securities based on a combination of their market cap and current index membership. The Russell 2500™ Index is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased barometer for the small to mid-cap segment. The index is completely reconstituted annually to ensure larger stocks do not distort the performance and characteristics of the true small to mid-cap opportunity set.

 

Russell 2000® Index: Measures the performance of the small-cap segment of the U.S. equity universe. The Russell 2000 Index is a subset of the Russell 3000® Index representing approximately 10% of the total market capitalization of that index. It includes approximately 2000 of the smallest securities based on a combination of their market cap and current index membership. The Russell 2000® Index is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased small-cap barometer and is completely reconstituted annually to ensure larger stocks do not distort the performance and characteristics of the true small-cap opportunity set.

 

Russell 2000® Value Index: The Russell 2000® Value Index measures the performance of small-cap value segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell 2000® companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values. The Russell 2000® Value Index is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased barometer for the small-cap value segment. The index is completely reconstituted annually to ensure larger stocks do not distort the performance and characteristics of the true small-cap opportunity set and that the represented companies continue to reflect value characteristics.

 

The S&P 500® Index is a market-capitalization-weighted index that consists of the 500 largest U.S. publicly traded companies.

 

Russell 1000® Value Index: The Russell 1000® Value Index measures the performance of the large-cap value segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell 1000® companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower expected growth values. The Russell 1000® Value Index is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased barometer for the large-cap value segment. The index is completely reconstituted annually to ensure new and growing equities are included and that the represented companies continue to reflect value characteristics.

 

The MSCI World (ex USA) Index captures large and mid -cap representation across 22 of 23 developed markets (DM) countries*--excluding the U.S. With 883 constituents, the index covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in each country.

 

MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index is an equity index which captures small cap representation across Developed Markets countries* around the world, excluding the U.S. and Canada. With 2,227 constituents, the index covers approximately 14% of the free float adjusted market capitalization in each country.

 

MSCI EAFE Small Cap Value Index captures small cap securities exhibiting overall value style characteristics across Developed Markets countries* around the world, excluding the U.S. and Canada. The value investment style characteristics for index construction are defined using three variables: book value to price, twelve-month forward earnings to price and dividend yield.

 

MSCI EAFE Index is an equity index which captures large and mid-cap representation across 21 Developed Markets countries* around the world, excluding the U.S. and Canada. With 795 constituents, the index covers approximately 85% of the free float adjusted market capitalization in each country

 

MSCI EAFE Value Index captures large and mid-cap securities exhibiting overall value style characteristics across Developed Markets countries* around the world, excluding the U.S. and Canada. The value investment style characteristics for index construction are defined using three variables: book value to price, twelve-month forward earnings to price and dividend yield.

 

MSCI Emerging Markets Index captures large and mid-cap representation across 24 Emerging Markets (EM) countries**. With 1,437 constituents, the index covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in each country.

 

4

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Concluded)

August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based flagship benchmark that measures the investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market.

 

Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond Index is a flagship measure of global investment grade debt from twenty-four local currency markets.

 

Bloomberg U.S. Government/Credit 1-3 Years Index measures the performance of investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate, taxable corporate and government-related debt with one to three years to maturity.

 

Morningstar Long-Term US Government Bond Index includes U.S. Treasury and U.S. Government Agency bonds with maturities of seven years or longer.

 

FTSE World Government Bond 1-5 Years is a broad index providing exposure to the global sovereign fixed income market. The index measures the performance of fixed-rate, local currency, investment-grade sovereign bonds. It comprises sovereign debt from over 20 countries, denominated in a variety of currencies. The index provides a broad benchmark for the global sovereign fixed income market. Sub-indexes are available in any combination of currency, maturity, or rating.

 

* Developed Markets countries include: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK and the U.S.

 

** EM countries include: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and United Arab Emirates.

 

One cannot invest directly in an index.

 

Growth stocks typically are more volatile than value stocks; however, value stocks have a lower expected growth rate in earnings and sales.

 

Opinions expressed are subject to change at any time, are not guaranteed and should not be considered investment advice.

 

Must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus.

 

Mutual fund investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. Diversification does not assure a profit nor protect against loss in a declining market. Investing in micro-cap or small cap companies involve additional risks such as limited liquidity and greater volatility than large companies. Investing in foreign securities involves greater volatility and political, economic and currency risks and differences in accounting methods. These risks are greater in emerging markets. Investments in debt securities typically decrease in value when interest rates rise. This risk is usually greater for longer-term debt securities.

 

Shares of the Portfolios are distributed by Vigilant Distributors, LLC. Member of FINRA and SIPC.

 

5

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Performance Data

August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio

 

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in
Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio vs. Russell 2500® Index and Composite Index

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 minimum initial investment in the Portfolio made on February 18, 2014 (commencement of operations) and reflects Portfolio expenses. Investors should note that the Portfolio is a professionally managed mutual fund while the Russell 2500® Index and Composite Index are unmanaged, do not incur sales charges and/or expenses and are not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended August 31, 2023

 

1 YEAR

5 YEARS

SINCE
INCEPTION

Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio

10.14%

6.22%

7.84%(1)

Russell 2500® Index

6.64%

5.43%

7.92%(3)

Composite Index(2)

7.93%

6.28%

8.73%(3)

 

(1)

The Portfolio commenced operations on February 18, 2014.

(2)

The Composite Index is comprised of the S&P 500® Index, Russell 1000® Value Index, Russell 2000® Index and Russell 2000® Value Index, each weighted 25%, respectively.

(3)

Index information is not available as of the date of the inception of the Portfolio. The average annual returns for the Russell 2500® Index and the Composite Index are presented as of March 1, 2014. If the Portfolio had commenced operations on March 1, 2014, its average annual return since inception would have been 7.69%.

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or on the redemption of Portfolio shares. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-866-780-0357 ext. 3863. The Portfolio’s annual operating expense ratio, as stated in the current prospectus dated December 31, 2022 is 0.98% (included in the ratio is 0.25% attributable to acquired fund fees and expenses).

 

The Portfolio’s aggregate total return since inception is based on an increase in net asset value from $25.00 per share on February 18, 2014 (commencement of operations) to $31.58 per share on August 31, 2023.

 

Portfolio composition is subject to change.

 

The Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio’s underlying funds invest in small-cap and micro-cap stocks, large-cap stocks and other equity securities. In addition to the ordinary risks of equity investing, small companies entail special risk. Small companies tend to have more risk than large companies. An investor in the Portfolio will incur the expenses of the underlying funds in addition to the Portfolio’s expenses. The foregoing is not intended to be a complete discussion of all risks associated with the investment strategies of the Portfolio.

 

6

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Performance Data (Continued)

August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio

 

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in
Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio vs. MSCI World (excluding U.S.) Index and Composite Index

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 minimum initial investment in the Portfolio made on February 18, 2014 (commencement of operations) and reflects Portfolio expenses. Investors should note that the Portfolio is a professionally managed mutual fund while the MSCI World (excluding U.S.) Index and Composite Index are unmanaged, do not incur sales charges and/or expenses and are not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended August 31, 2023

 

1 YEAR

5 YEARS

SINCE
INCEPTION

Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio

15.39%

2.91%

3.03%(1)

MSCI World (excluding U.S.) Index

16.45%

4.31%

4.24%(3)

Composite Index(2)

12.33%

2.78%

3.90%(3)

 

(1)

The Portfolio commenced operations on February 18, 2014.

(2)

The Composite Index is comprised of the MSCI EAFE Index, MSCI EAFE Value Index, MSCI EAFE Small Company Index, and MSCI Emerging Markets Index, each weighted 25%, respectively.

(3)

Index information is not available as of the date of the inception of the Portfolio. The average annual returns for the MSCI World (excluding U.S.) Index and the Composite Index are presented as of March 1, 2014. If the Portfolio had commenced operations on March 1, 2014, its average annual return since inception would have been 2.90%.

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or on the redemption of Portfolio shares. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-866-780-0357 ext. 3863. The Portfolio’s annual operating expense ratio, as stated in the current prospectus dated December 31, 2022 is 1.15% (included in the ratio is 0.35% attributable to acquired fund fees and expenses).

 

The Portfolio’s aggregate total return since inception is based on a decrease in net asset value from $25.00 per share on February 18, 2014 (commencement of operations) to $24.83 per share on August 31, 2023.

 

Portfolio composition is subject to change.

 

The Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio’s underlying funds invest in common stock, preferred stock, securities convertible into stocks and other equity securities issued by foreign companies. In addition to the ordinary risks of equity investing, foreign and small companies entail special risk. The return on foreign equities may be adversely affected by currency fluctuations. Emerging markets may be subject to social instability and lack of market liquidity. Small companies tend to have more risk than large companies. An investor in the Portfolio will incur the expenses of the underlying funds in addition to the Portfolio’s expenses. The foregoing is not intended to be a complete discussion of all risks associated with the investment strategies of the Portfolio.

 

7

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Performance Data (Concluded)

August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio

 

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in
Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio vs. FTSE World Government Bond Index 1-5 Years and Composite Index

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 minimum initial investment in the Portfolio made on February 18, 2014 (commencement of operations) and reflects Portfolio expenses. Investors should note that the Portfolio is a professionally managed mutual fund while the FTSE World Government Bond Index 1-5 Years and Composite Index are unmanaged, do not incur sales charges and/or expenses and are not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended August 31, 2023

 

1 YEAR

5 YEARS

SINCE
INCEPTION

Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio

1.36%

0.37%

0.36%(1)

FTSE World Government Bond Index 1-5 Years

1.57%

1.08%

1.16%(3)

Composite Index(2)

1.14%

1.04%

1.09%(3)

 

(1)

The Portfolio commenced operations on February 18, 2014.

(2)

The Composite Index is comprised of the Three-Month Treasury Bill Index, Bloomberg Barclays Capital Intermediate Government Bond Index, ICE BofA Merrill Lynch 1-3 Year US Government/Corporate Index and Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, each weighted 25%, respectively.

(3)

Index information is not available as of the date of the inception of the Portfolio. The average annual returns for the FTSE World Government Bond Index 1-5 Years (formerly known as the Citigroup World Govt. Bond 1-5 Year Currency Hedged U.S. Dollar Index), and the Composite Index are presented as of March 1, 2014. If the Portfolio had commenced operations on March 1, 2014, its average annual return since inception would have been 0.35%.

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or on the redemption of Portfolio shares. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-866-780-0357 ext. 3863. The Portfolio’s annual operating expense ratio, as stated in the current prospectus dated December 31, 2022 is 0.85% (included in the ratio is 0.12% attributable to acquired fund fees and expenses).

 

The Portfolio’s aggregate total return since inception is based on a decrease in net asset value from $25.00 per share on February 18, 2014 (commencement of operations) to $23.70 per share on August 31, 2023.

 

Portfolio composition is subject to change.

 

The Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio’s underlying funds invest in fixed income securities. The underlying funds may invest their assets in bonds and other debt securities issued by domestic and foreign governments and companies. Debt instruments involve the risk that their prices will fall when interest rates rise, and they are subject to the risk that the borrower may default. In addition, the return on foreign debt securities may be adversely affected by currency fluctuations. An investor in the Portfolio will incur expenses of the underlying funds in addition to the Portfolio’s expenses. The foregoing is not intended to be a complete discussion of all risks associated with the investment strategies of the Portfolio.

 

8

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Fund Expense Examples

August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of the Portfolio(s), you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, and other Portfolio expenses. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Portfolio(s) and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

 

These examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period from March 1, 2023 through August 31, 2023, and held for the entire period.

 

ACTUAL EXPENSES

 

The first section of the accompanying table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this section, 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 section under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

 

HYPOTHETICAL EXAMPLES FOR COMPARISON PURPOSES

 

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

 

The expenses shown in the accompanying table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as redemption fees. Therefore, the second section of the accompanying table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

 

BEGINNING
ACCOUNT VALUE
March 1,
2023

ENDING
ACCOUNT VALUE
August 31,
2023

EXPENSES
PAID DURING
PERIOD*

Annualized
EXPENSE
RATIO*

ACTUAL SIX-
MONTH TOTAL
INVESTMENT
RETURN FOR
THE PORTFOLIO

Actual

         

Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,028.70

$ 3.68

0.72%

2.87%

Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio

1,000.00

1,038.50

3.96

0.77%

3.85%

Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio

1,000.00

1,020.20

3.72

0.73%

2.02%

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,021.58

$ 3.67

0.72%

N/A

Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio

1,000.00

1,021.32

3.92

0.77%

N/A

Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio

1,000.00

1,021.53

3.72

0.73%

N/A

 

*

Expenses are equal to each Portfolio’s annualized six-month expense ratio for the period March 1, 2023 through August 31, 2023, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184) in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by 365 to reflect the one half year period. The annualized expense ratios do not reflect fees and expenses associated with the underlying funds. Fees and expenses presented for a Portfolio do not reflect any fees and expenses imposed on shares of the Portfolio purchased through variable annuity contracts, variable life insurance policies, and certain qualified pension and retirement plans, which would increase overall fees and expenses. If such fees and expenses had been included, the expenses would have been higher. Each Portfolio’s ending account value in the first section in the table is based on the actual six-month total investment return for each Portfolio for the period March 1, 2023 through August 31, 2023. The range of weighted expense ratios of the underlying funds held by the Portfolios, as stated in the underlying funds’ current prospectuses, were as follows:

 

PORTFOLIOS

RANGE OF WEIGHTED
EXPENSE RATIO

Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio

0.01% - 0.29%

Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio

0.00% - 0.12%

Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio

0.00% - 0.02%

 

9

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

MATSON MONEY U.S. EQUITY VI PORTFOLIO

 

Portfolio of Investments

August 31, 2023

 

   

NUMBER OF
SHARES

   

VALUE

 

DOMESTIC EQUITY FUNDS — 99.1%

       

U.S. Large Cap Value Portfolio III (a)

    254,172     $ 7,182,911  

U.S. Large Company Portfolio (a)

    127,585       3,930,888  

U.S. Micro Cap Portfolio (b)

    168,945       4,167,871  

U.S. Small Cap Portfolio (b)

    99,940       4,196,488  

U.S. Small Cap Value Portfolio (b)

    65,903       2,777,165  

VA U.S. Large Value Portfolio (b)

    34,766       1,108,684  

VA U.S. Targeted Value Portfolio (b)

    185,903       4,171,669  

TOTAL DOMESTIC EQUITY FUNDS

       

(Cost $23,561,860)

            27,535,676  
         

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 1.1%

       

STIT-Government & Agency Portfolio, 5.25%*

    297,818       297,818  

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

       

(Cost $297,818)

            297,818  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 100.2%

       

(Cost $23,859,678)

            27,833,494  

LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS — (0.2)%

            (62,633 )

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

          $ 27,770,861  

 

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS SUMMARY TABLE

   

% of
Net Assets

   

Value

 

Domestic Equity Funds

    99.1 %   $ 27,535,676  

Short-Term Investments

    1.1       297,818  

Liabilities In Excess Of Other Assets

    (0.2 )     (62,633 )

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 27,770,861  

 

 

*

Seven-day yield as of August 31, 2023.

(a)

A portfolio of Dimensional Investment Group Inc.

(b)

A portfolio of DFA Investment Trust Company.

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

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

 

10

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

MATSON MONEY INTERNATIONAL EQUITY VI PORTFOLIO

 

Portfolio of Investments

August 31, 2023

 

   

NUMBER OF
SHARES

   

VALUE

 

INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUNDS — 99.2%

       

DFA International Small Cap Value Portfolio (a)

    279,363     $ 5,712,965  

DFA International Value Portfolio III (b)

    365,728       6,107,666  

Emerging Markets Small Cap Portfolio (a)

    44,733       993,065  

Emerging Markets Value Portfolio, Class Institutional (a)

    34,514       989,177  

iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF

    12,139       812,221  

iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF

    21,786       1,068,821  

VA International Small Portfolio (a)

    300,947       3,478,942  

VA International Value Portfolio (a)

    74,311       1,018,067  

TOTAL INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUNDS

       

(Cost $18,688,795)

            20,180,924  
                 

INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING — 4%

Mount Vernon Liquid Assets Portfolio, LLC, 5.46%*

    823,165       823,165  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING

(Cost $823,165)

            823,165  
                 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 1.1%

STIT-Government & Agency Portfolio, 5.25%**

    222,034       222,034  

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

       

(Cost $222,034)

            222,034  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 104.3%

       

(Cost $19,733,994)

            21,226,123  

LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS — (4.3)%

            (874,801 )

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

          $ 20,351,322  

 

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS SUMMARY TABLE

   

% of
Net Assets

   

Value

 

International Equity Funds

    99.2 %   $ 20,180,924  

Short-Term Investments

    1.1       222,034  

Investments Purchased with Proceeds from Securities Lending

    4.0       823,165  

Liabilities In Excess Of Other Assets

    (4.3 )     (874,801 )

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 20,351,322  

 

 

All or a portion of the security is on loan. At August 31, 2023, the market value of securities on loan was $804,057.

*

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2023

**

Seven-day yield as of August 31, 2023.

(a)

A portfolio of DFA Investment Trust Company.

(b)

A portfolio of DFA Investment Dimensions Group Inc.

ETF

Exchange-Traded Fund

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.    

 

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

 

11

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

MATSON MONEY FIXED INCOME VI PORTFOLIO

 

Portfolio of Investments

August 31, 2023

 

   

NUMBER OF
SHARES

   

VALUE

 

FIXED INCOME FUNDS — 98.5%

       

DFA One-Year Fixed Income Portfolio (a)

    303,627     $ 3,090,921  

DFA Two-Year Global Fixed Income Portfolio (a)

    411,443       4,032,139  

iShares 1-3 Year Treasury Bond ETF

    13,222       1,074,155  

iShares 3-7 Year Treasury Bond ETF

    14,135       1,623,546  

iShares Core International Aggregate Bond ETF

    81,850       4,043,390  

iShares Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF

    32,542       1,630,354  

iShares Short-Term Corporate Bond ETF

    128,907       6,476,288  

iShares TIPS Bond ETF

    12,692       1,346,241  

VA Global Bond Portfolio (a)

    271,422       2,692,502  

VA Short-Term Fixed Income Portfolio (a)

    51,922       531,678  

TOTAL FIXED INCOME FUNDS

       

(Cost $28,112,783)

            26,541,214  
 

INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING — 10.5%

Mount Vernon Liquid

Assets Portfolio, LLC, 5.46%*

    2,831,220       2,831,220  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING

       

(Cost $2,831,220)

            2,831,220  
         

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 1.7%

       

STIT-Government & Agency Portfolio, 5.25%**

    446,815       446,815  

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

       

(Cost $446,815)

            446,815  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 110.7%

       

(Cost $31,390,818)

            29,819,249  

LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS — (10.7)%

            (2,892,232 )

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

          $ 26,927,017  

 

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS SUMMARY TABLE

   

% of
Net Assets

   

Value

 

Fixed Income Funds

    98.5 %   $ 26,541,214  

Short-Term Investments

    1.7       446,815  

Investments Purchased with Proceeds from Securities Lending

    10.5       2,831,220  

Liabilities In Excess Of Other Assets

    (10.7 )     (2,892,232 )

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 26,927,017  

 

 

All or a portion of the security is on loan. At August 31, 2023, the market value of securities on loan was $2,780,006.

*

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2023

**

Seven-day yield as of August 31, 2023.

(a)

A portfolio of DFA Investment Dimensions Group Inc.

ETF

Exchange-Traded Fund

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

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

 

12

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

August 31, 2023

 

   

MATSON MONEY
U.S. EQUITY
VI PORTFOLIO

   

MATSON MONEY
INTERNATIONAL EQUITY
VI PORTFOLIO

   

MATSON MONEY
FIXED INCOME
VI PORTFOLIO

 

ASSETS

                       

Investments, at value (cost $23,561,860, $18,688,795 and $28,112,783, respectively)

  $ 27,535,676     $ 20,180,924     $ 26,541,214  

Short-term investments, at value (cost $297,818, $222,034 and $446,815, respectively)

    297,818       222,034       446,815  

Investments purchased with proceeds from securities lending collateral (cost $0, $823,165 and $2,831,220 respectively)

          823,165       2,831,220  

Receivables for:

                       

Investments sold

    1,153       931       2,005  

Dividends and interest

          124       902  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

    882       277       879  

Total assets

    27,835,529       21,227,455       29,823,035  
                         

LIABILITIES

                       

Payables for:

                       

Capital shares redeemed

  $ 28,849     $ 23,504     $ 29,706  

Audit fees

    17,860       18,069       18,068  

Advisory fees

    11,946       8,605       11,371  

Administration and accounting fees

    2,656       2,161       2,773  

Transfer agent fees

    764       629       791  

Securities lending collateral (see Note 6)

          823,165       2,831,220  

Other accrued expenses and liabilities

    2,593             2,089  

Total liabilities

    64,668       876,133       2,896,018  

Net assets

  $ 27,770,861     $ 20,351,322     $ 26,927,017  
                         

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

                       

Par Value

  $ 879     $ 820     $ 1,136  

Paid-in capital

    22,185,842       19,359,579       28,665,142  

Total distributable earnings/(loss)

    5,584,140       990,923       (1,739,261 )

Net assets

  $ 27,770,861     $ 20,351,322     $ 26,927,017  
                         

CAPITAL SHARES:

                       

Net assets

  $ 27,770,861     $ 20,351,322     $ 26,927,017  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    879,410       819,738       1,136,315  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

  $ 31.58     $ 24.83     $ 23.70  

 

 

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

 

13

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Statements of Operations

FOR THE Fiscal Year ENDED August 31, 2023

 

   

MATSON MONEY
U.S. EQUITY
VI PORTFOLIO

   

MATSON MONEY
INTERNATIONAL EQUITY
VI PORTFOLIO

   

MATSON MONEY
FIXED INCOME
VI PORTFOLIO

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

                       

Dividends from non-affiliated funds

  $ 457,549     $ 688,685     $ 640,364  

Securities lending income

          374       3,644  

Total investment income

    457,549       689,059       644,008  
                         

EXPENSES:

                       

Advisory fees (Note 2)

    139,746       101,429       137,832  

Audit and tax services fees

    30,049       30,199       30,223  

Administration and accounting fees (Note 2)

    18,532       17,041       18,725  

Printing and shareholder reporting fees

    5,620       4,545       5,144  

Director fees

    2,828       2,003       2,793  

Custodian fees (Note 2)

    2,418       1,458       2,728  

Officer fees

    2,202       1,591       2,243  

Legal fees

    1,670       1,202       1,661  

Transfer agent fees (Note 2)

    443       318       443  

Other expenses

    2,553       2,303       2,588  

Total expenses

    206,061       162,089       204,380  

Net investment income/(loss)

    251,488       526,970       439,628  
                         

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS

                       

Net realized gain/(loss) from:

                       

Non-affiliated funds

    596,746       (315,545 )     (194,155 )

Capital gain distributions from non-affiliated fund investments

    1,236,276       96,255       1,016  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:

                       

Non-affiliated funds

    656,457       2,773,306       127,777  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    2,489,479       2,554,016       (65,362 )

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 2,740,967     $ 3,080,986     $ 374,266  

 

 

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

 

14

 

 

MATSON MONEY U.S. EQUITY VI PORTFOLIO

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2023

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2022

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 251,488     $ 200,906  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    1,833,022       2,750,655  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    656,457       (4,996,942 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    2,740,967       (2,045,381 )
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (2,775,746 )     (2,291,039 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (2,775,746 )     (2,291,039 )
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    1,602,156       3,769,795  

Reinvestment of distributions

    2,775,746       2,291,039  

Shares redeemed

    (4,389,190 )     (5,703,434 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets from capital shares

    (11,288 )     357,400  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    (46,067 )     (3,979,020 )
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    27,816,928       31,795,948  

End of period

  $ 27,770,861     $ 27,816,928  
                 

SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Shares sold

    53,564       106,781  

Dividends and distributions reinvested

    96,851       63,871  

Shares redeemed

    (142,873 )     (165,123 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    7,542       5,529  

 

 

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

 

15

 

 

MATSON MONEY INTERNATIONAL EQUITY VI PORTFOLIO

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2023

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2022

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 526,970     $ 622,505  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    (219,290 )     372,095  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    2,773,306       (4,576,837 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    3,080,986       (3,582,237 )
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (663,764 )     (1,361,460 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (663,764 )     (1,361,460 )
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    1,869,280       2,954,287  

Reinvestment of distributions

    663,764       1,361,460  

Shares redeemed

    (3,699,124 )     (3,051,625 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets from capital shares

    (1,166,080 )     1,264,122  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    1,251,142       (3,679,575 )
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    19,100,180       22,779,755  

End of period

  $ 20,351,322     $ 19,100,180  
                 

SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Shares sold

    84,786       114,254  

Dividends and distributions reinvested

    29,553       52,183  

Shares redeemed

    (154,187 )     (120,422 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    (39,848 )     46,015  

 

 

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

 

16

 

 

MATSON MONEY FIXED INCOME VI PORTFOLIO

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2023

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2022

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 439,628     $ 122,102  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    (193,139 )     (27,840 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    127,777       (2,400,845 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    374,266       (2,306,583 )
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (338,690 )     (100,067 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (338,690 )     (100,067 )
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    2,633,205       2,888,692  

Reinvestment of distributions

    338,690       100,067  

Shares redeemed

    (4,379,286 )     (5,386,524 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets from capital shares

    (1,407,391 )     (2,397,765 )

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    (1,371,815 )     (4,804,415 )
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    28,298,832       33,103,247  

End of period

  $ 26,927,017     $ 28,298,832  
                 

SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Shares sold

    112,199       116,203  

Dividends and distributions reinvested

    14,630       3,969  

Shares redeemed

    (186,124 )     (220,221 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    (59,295 )     (100,049 )

 

 

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

 

17

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

MATSON MONEY U.S. EQUITY VI PORTFOLIO

 

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for each share outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2023

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2022

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2021

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2020

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2019

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 31.90     $ 36.70     $ 25.62     $ 27.08     $ 33.12  

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    0.28       0.23       0.25       0.22       0.21  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    2.62       (2.37 )     12.06       (0.04 )     (4.34 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    2.90       (2.14 )     12.31       0.18       (4.13 )

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

    (0.26 )     (0.34 )     (0.29 )     (0.24 )     (0.27 )

Net realized capital gains

    (2.96 )     (2.32 )     (0.94 )     (1.40 )     (1.64 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (3.22 )     (2.66 )     (1.23 )     (1.64 )     (1.91 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 31.58     $ 31.90     $ 36.70     $ 25.62     $ 27.08  

Total investment return/(loss)(2)

    10.14 %     (6.64 )%     49.31 %     (0.02 )%     (11.89 )%
                                         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 27,771     $ 27,817     $ 31,796     $ 25,070     $ 24,839  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers, if any(3)

    0.74 %     0.73 %     0.74 %     0.76 %     0.76 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers, if any(3)

    0.74 %     0.73 %     0.74 %     0.76 %     0.76 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets with waivers(3)

    0.90 %     0.65 %     0.77 %     0.86 %     0.72 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    9 %     15 %     18 %     18 %     17 %

 

 

(1)

The selected per share data is calculated using the average shares outstanding method for the period.

(2)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated by assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(3)

The Portfolio also will indirectly bear its prorated share of expenses of the underlying funds. Such expenses are not included in the calculation of this ratio.

 

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

 

18

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

MATSON MONEY INTERNATIONAL EQUITY VI PORTFOLIO

 

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for each share outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2023

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2022

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2021

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2020

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2019

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 22.22     $ 28.00     $ 21.35     $ 22.27     $ 26.16  

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    0.61       0.73       0.37       0.42       0.43  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    2.73       (4.87 )     6.80       (0.25 )     (3.51 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    3.34       (4.14 )     7.17       0.17       (3.08 )

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

    (0.50 )     (0.82 )     (0.35 )     (0.52 )     (0.39 )

Net realized capital gains

    (0.23 )     (0.82 )     (0.17 )     (0.57 )     (0.42 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.73 )     (1.64 )     (0.52 )     (1.09 )     (0.81 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 24.83     $ 22.22     $ 28.00     $ 21.35     $ 22.27  

Total investment return/(loss)(2)

    15.39 %     (15.66 )%     33.96 %     0.17 %     (11.62 )%
                                         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 20,351     $ 19,100     $ 22,780     $ 18,559     $ 18,228  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers, if any(3)

    0.80 %     0.80 %     0.80 %     0.83 %     0.86 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers, if any(3)

    0.80 %     0.80 %     0.80 %     0.83 %     0.86 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets with waivers(3)

    2.60 %     2.86 %     1.48 %     1.99 %     1.82 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    11 %     11 %     18 %     26 %     13 %

 

 

(1)

The selected per share data is calculated using the average shares outstanding method for the period.

(2)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated by assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(3)

The Portfolio also will indirectly bear its prorated share of expenses of the underlying funds. Such expenses are not included in the calculation of this ratio.

 

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

 

19

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

MATSON MONEY FIXED INCOME VI PORTFOLIO

 

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for each share outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2023

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2022

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2021

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2020

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2019

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 23.67     $ 25.55     $ 25.66     $ 25.38     $ 24.74  

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    0.37       0.10       0.02       0.43       0.59  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    (0.05 )     (1.90 )     0.04       0.27       0.61  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    0.32       (1.80 )     0.06       0.70       1.20  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

    (0.29 )     (0.08 )     (0.16 )     (0.42 )     (0.56 )

Net realized capital gains

                            (2) 

Return of capital

                (0.01 )            

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.29 )     (0.08 )     (0.17 )     (0.42 )     (0.56 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 23.70     $ 23.67     $ 25.55     $ 25.66     $ 25.38  

Total investment return/(loss)(3)

    1.36 %     (7.08 )%     0.22 %     2.80 %     4.98 %
                                         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 26,927     $ 28,299     $ 33,103     $ 27,323     $ 29,546  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers, if any(4)

    0.74 %     0.73 %     0.73 %     0.74 %     0.74 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers, if any(4)

    0.74 %     0.73 %     0.73 %     0.74 %     0.74 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets with waivers(4)

    1.59 %     0.39 %     0.07 %     1.69 %     2.39 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    8 %     7 %     8 %     46 %     19 %

 

 

(1)

The selected per share data is calculated using the average shares outstanding method for the period.

(2)

Amount less than $(0.005) per share.

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated by assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(4)

The Portfolio also will indirectly bear its prorated share of expenses of the underlying funds. Such expenses are not included in the calculation of this ratio.

 

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

 

20

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Notes to Financial Statements

August 31, 2023

 

1.

Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

 

The RBB Fund, Inc. (“RBB” or the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland on February 29, 1988 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. RBB is a “series fund,” which is a mutual fund complex divided into separate portfolios. Each portfolio is treated as a separate entity for certain matters under the 1940 Act, and for other purposes, and a shareholder of one portfolio is not deemed to be a shareholder of any other portfolio. Currently, has fifty-three separate investment portfolios, including the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio, the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio and the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio (each, a “Portfolio” and collectively, the “Portfolios”). Each Portfolio operates as a “fund of funds” and commenced investment operations on February 18, 2014. Shares of the Portfolios are offered to separate accounts of participating life insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies.

 

RBB has authorized capital of one hundred billion shares of common stock of which 91.523 billion shares are currently classified into two hundred and twenty-two classes of common stock. Each class represents an interest in an active or inactive investment portfolio of the Company.

 

Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio and Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio’s investment objective is to seek long-term capital appreciation. Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio’s investment objective is to seek total return (consisting of current income and capital appreciation).

 

The Portfolios are investment companies and follow accounting and reporting guidance in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 “Financial Services - Investment Companies”.

 

The end of the reporting period for the Portfolios is August 31, 2023, and the period covered by these Notes to Financial Statements is the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023 (the “current fiscal period”).

 

INVESTMENT COMPANY SECURITIES — The Portfolios pursue their investment objectives by investing primarily in shares of registered, open-end investment companies and exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) (collectively, “underlying funds”). When a Portfolio invests in underlying funds it will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any fees and expenses payable directly by the underlying fund. In connection with its investments in other investment companies, a Portfolio will incur higher expenses, many of which may be duplicative. Furthermore, because the Portfolios invest in shares of ETFs and underlying funds their performances are directly related to the ability of the ETFs and underlying funds to meet their respective investment objectives, as well as the allocation of each Portfolio’s assets among the ETFs and underlying funds. Accordingly, the Portfolios’ investment performance will be influenced by the investment strategies of and risks associated with the ETFs and underlying funds in direct proportion to the amount of assets the Portfolios allocate to the ETFs and underlying funds utilizing such strategies. As disclosed in the Portfolio of Investments, the Portfolios invest in a number of different underlying funds, including underlying funds that are portfolios of DFA Investment Dimensions Group Inc., and Dimensional Investment Group Inc. (collectively, “DFA Underlying Funds”) and iShares by BlackRock (“iShares Underlying Funds”). Information about DFA Underlying Funds’ and iShares Underlying Funds’ risks may be found in such DFA Underlying Funds and iShares Underlying Funds’ annual or semiannual report to shareholders, which can be found at us.dimensional.com and iShares.com, respectively. Additional information about derivatives related risks, if applicable, may also be found in each such DFA Underlying Fund or iShares Underlying Funds’ annual or semiannual report to shareholders. The annual and semiannual reports to shareholders for the underlying funds may also be found by visiting the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

PORTFOLIO VALUATION — Investments in the underlying funds are valued at each Portfolio’s net asset value (“NAV”) determined as of the close of business on the New York Stock Exchange (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time). Investments in ETFs are valued at their last reported sale price. As required, some securities and assets may be valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). Direct investments in fixed income securities are valued using an independent pricing service, which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings, and are deemed representative of market values at the close of the market.

 

21

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

August 31, 2023

 

The Board has adopted a pricing and valuation policy for use by each Portfolio and its Valuation Designee (as defined below) in calculating a Portfolio’s NAV. Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Board has designated Matson Money, Inc. (“Matson Money” or the “Adviser”) as its “Valuation Designee” to perform all of the fair value determinations as well as to perform all of the responsibilities that may be performed by the Valuation Designee, in accordance with Rule 2a-5. The Valuation Designee is authorized to make all necessary determinations of the fair values of portfolio securities and other assets for which market quotations are not readily available or if it is deemed that the prices obtained from brokers and dealers or independent pricing services are unreliable.

 

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS — The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the Portfolios’ investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:

 

 

● Level 1 —

Prices are determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.

 

 

● Level 2 —

Prices are determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

 

● Level 3 —

Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs (including the Portfolios’ own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

 

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used, as of the end of the reporting period, in valuing the Portfolios’ investments carried at fair value:

 

MATSON MONEY U.S. EQUITY VI PORTFOLIO

 

   

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

   

INVESTMENTS
MEASURED AT NET
ASSET VALUE*

 

Domestic Equity Funds

  $ 27,535,676     $ 22,255,323     $     $     $ 5,280,353  

Investments Purchased with Proceeds From Securities Lending Collateral

                             

Short-Term Investments

    297,818       297,818                    

Total Investments**

  $ 27,833,494     $ 22,553,141     $     $     $ 5,280,353  

 

*

Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in the table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

**

Please refer to the Portfolio of Investments for further details.

 

22

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

MATSON MONEY INTERNATIONAL EQUITY VI PORTFOLIO

 

   

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

   

INVESTMENTS
MEASURED AT NET
ASSET VALUE*

 

International Equity Funds

  $ 20,180,924     $ 15,683,915     $     $     $ 4,497,009  

Investments Purchased with Proceeds From Securities Lending Collateral

    823,165                         823,165  

Short-Term Investments

    222,034       222,034                    

Total Investments**

  $ 21,226,123     $ 15,905,949     $     $     $ 5,320,174  

 

*

Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in the table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

**

Please refer to the Portfolio of Investments for further details.

 

MATSON MONEY FIXED INCOME VI PORTFOLIO

 

   

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

   

INVESTMENTS
MEASURED AT NET
ASSET VALUE*

 

Fixed Income Funds

  $ 26,541,214     $ 23,317,034     $     $     $ 3,224,180  

Investments Purchased with Proceeds From Securities Lending Collateral

    2,831,220                         2,831,220  

Short-Term Investments

    446,815       446,815                    

Total Investments**

  $ 29,819,249     $ 23,763,849     $     $     $ 6,055,400  

 

*

Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in the table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

**

Please refer to the Portfolio of Investments for further details.

 

At the end of each quarter, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities. Various factors are considered, such as changes in liquidity from the prior reporting period; whether or not a broker is willing to execute at the quoted price; the depth and consistency of prices from third party pricing services; and the existence of contemporaneous, observable trades in the market. Additionally, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities on a quarterly basis for changes in listings or delistings on national exchanges.

 

Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Portfolios’ investments may fluctuate from period to period. Additionally, the fair value of investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for such investments and may differ materially from the values the Portfolios may ultimately realize. Further, such investments may be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities.

 

For fair valuations using significant unobservable inputs, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires each Portfolio to present a reconciliation of the beginning to ending balances for reported market values that presents changes attributable to total realized and unrealized gains or losses, purchases and sales, and transfers in and out of Level 3 during the period. Transfers in and out between levels are based on values at the end of the period. A reconciliation of Level 3 investments

 

23

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

is presented only when a Portfolio had an amount of Level 3 investments at the end of the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets. The amounts and reasons for all Level 3 transfers are disclosed if a Portfolio had an amount of total Level 3 transfers during the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets as of the end of the reporting period.

 

During the current fiscal period, the Portfolios had no Level 3 transfers.

 

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 and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences could be significant.

 

INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS, INVESTMENT INCOME AND EXPENSES — The Portfolios record security transactions based on trade date for financial reporting purposes. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method for both financial reporting and income tax purposes in determining realized gains and losses on investments. Interest income (including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts) is accrued when earned. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. Each Portfolio’s investment income, expenses (other than class specific expenses) and unrealized and realized gains and losses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class at the beginning of the day. Certain expenses are shared with The RBB Fund Trust (the “Trust”), a series trust of affiliated funds. Expenses incurred on behalf of a specific class, fund or fund family of the Company or Trust are charged directly to the class, fund or fund family (in proportion to net assets). Expenses incurred for all funds (such as director or professional fees) are charged to all funds in proportion to their average net assets of RBB and the Trust, or in such other manner as the Board deems fair or equitable. Expenses and fees, including investment advisory and administration fees, are accrued daily and taken into account for the purpose of determining the NAV of the Portfolios. In addition to the net annual operating expenses that the Portfolios bear directly, the shareholders indirectly bear the Portfolios’ pro-rata expenses of the underlying mutual funds in which each Portfolio invests.

 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS — Dividends from net investment income and distributions from net realized capital gains, if any, are declared and paid at least annually to shareholders recorded on the ex-dividend date for each Portfolio. Income dividends and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

 

U.S. TAX STATUS — No provision is made for U.S. income taxes as it is each Portfolio’s intention to continue to qualify for and elect the tax treatment applicable to regulated investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and make the requisite distributions to its shareholders which will be sufficient to relieve it from U.S. income and excise taxes.

 

MARKET RISK — The value of a Portfolio’s shares will fluctuate as a result of the movement of the overall stock market or the value of the underlying fund held by a Portfolio, and you could lose money.

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates market value.

 

OTHER — In the normal course of business, the Portfolios may enter into contracts that provide general indemnifications. Each Portfolio’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on claims that may be made against the Portfolios in the future, and, therefore, cannot be estimated; however, the Portfolios expect the risk of material loss for such claims to be remote.

 

For additional information about the DFA Underlying Funds and iShares Underlying Funds’ valuation policies, refer to the DFA Underlying Funds and iShares Underlying Funds’ most recent annual or semiannual report which can be found at us.dimensional.com and iShares.com, respectively.

 

24

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

2.

Investment Adviser and Other Services

 

Matson Money, Inc. serves as the investment adviser to each Portfolio. Each Portfolio compensates the Adviser for its services at an annual rate based on each Portfolio’s average daily net assets (the “Advisory Fee”), payable on a monthly basis in arrears, as shown in the following table.

 

AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS

 

ADVISORY FEE

 

For the first $1 billion

    0.50 %

Over $1 billion to $5 billion

    0.49  

Over $5 billion

    0.47  

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent that total annual Portfolio operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) exceed the rates (“Expense Caps”) shown in the following table of each Portfolio’s average daily net assets. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and certain of these expenses could cause total annual Portfolio operating expenses to exceed the Expense Caps: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2023 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board. The Adviser may discontinue these arrangements at any time after December 31, 2023.

 

PORTFOLIO

 

EXPENSE CAPS

 

Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio

    1.13 %

Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio

    1.35  

Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio

    1.00  

 

During the current fiscal period, investment advisory fees accrued were as follows:

 

PORTFOLIO

 

ADVISORY FEES

 

Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio

  $ 139,746  

Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio

    101,429  

Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio

    137,832  

 

Effective September 1, 2019, if at any time a Portfolio’s total annual Portfolio operating expenses for a year are less than the Expense Cap, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Portfolio of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Portfolio within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Portfolio to exceed the Expense Cap that was in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement. As of the end of the reporting period, the Portfolios had no amounts available for recoupment.

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (“Fund Services”) serves as administrator for the Portfolios. For providing administrative and accounting services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Fund Services serves as the Portfolios’ transfer and dividend disbursing agent. For providing transfer agent services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

U.S. Bank, N.A. (the “Custodian”) provides certain custodial services to the Portfolios. The Custodian is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Vigilant Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), serves as the principal underwriter and distributor of the Portfolios’ shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with RBB.

 

For compensation amounts paid to Fund Services and the Custodian, please refer to the Statements of Operations.

 

25

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Notes to Financial Statements (CONTINUED)

August 31, 2023

 

3.

Director and Officer Compensation

 

The Directors of the Company receive an annual retainer and meeting fees for meetings attended. An employee of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serves as Chief Compliance Officer of the Company. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company. Employees of RBB serve as President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Secretary and Director of Marketing & Business Development of the Company. They are compensated for services provided. Certain employees of Fund Services serve as officers of the Company. They are not compensated by the Portfolios or the Company. For Director and Officer compensation amounts, please refer to the Statements of Operations.

 

4.

Purchases and Sales of Investment Securities

 

During the current fiscal period, aggregate purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) of the Portfolios were as follows:

 

   

PURCHASES

   

SALES

 

Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio

  $ 2,489,700     $ 3,796,186  

Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio

    2,126,982       3,338,172  

Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio

    2,150,188       3,458,887  

 

There were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. Government securities during the current fiscal period.

 

5.

Federal Income Tax Information

 

The Portfolios have followed the authoritative guidance on accounting for and disclosure of uncertainty in tax positions, which requires the Portfolios to determine whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The Portfolios have determined that there was no effect on the financial statements from following this authoritative guidance. In the normal course of business, the Portfolios are subject to examination by federal, state and local jurisdictions, where applicable, for tax years for which applicable statutes of limitations have not expired.

 

As of August 31, 2023, the federal tax cost and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments held by each Portfolio were as follows:

 

   

FEDERAL TAX
COST

   

UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION

   

UNREALIZED
(DEPRECIATION)

   

NET
UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION/
(DEPRECIATION)

 

Matson Money U.S. Equity Portfolio

  $ 24,092,021     $ 4,448,775     $ (707,302 )   $ 3,741,473  

Matson Money International Equity Portfolio

    19,451,492       2,042,864       (1,091,398 )     951,466  

Matson Money Fixed Income Portfolio

    28,721,983       54,846       (1,788,800 )     (1,733,954 )

 

Distributions to shareholders from net investment income and realized gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from net investment income and realized gains recognized for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the character of distributions and composition of net assets for tax purposes may differ from those reflected in the accompanying financial statements. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on the tax treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.

 

26

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Notes to Financial Statements (CONTINUED)

August 31, 2023

 

As of August 31, 2023, there were no permanent differences between distributable earnings/(loss) and paid in capital.

 

As of August 31, 2023, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

   

Undistributed
Ordinary Income

   

Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gains

   

Capital Loss
Carry Forwards

   

Net
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

Matson Money U.S. Equity Portfolio

  $ 57,270     $ 1,785,397     $     $ 3,741,473  

Matson Money International Equity Portfolio

    175,800             (136,343 )     951,466  

Matson Money Fixed Income Portfolio

    169,613             (174,920 )     (1,733,954 )

 

The differences between the book and tax basis components of distributable earnings relate primarily to the timing of recognition of income and gains for federal income tax purposes. Short-term and foreign currency gains, if applicable, are reported as ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2023 and August 31, 2022 was as follows:

 

           

ORDINARY
INCOME

   

LONG-TERM
GAINS

   

RETURN OF
CAPITAL

   

TOTAL

 

Matson Money U.S. Equity Portfolio

2023

  $ 225,930     $ 2,549,816           $ 2,775,746  
 

2022

    290,468       2,000,571             2,291,039  

Matson Money International Equity Portfolio

2023

    453,501       210,263             663,764  
 

2022

    679,887       681,573             1,361,460  

Matson Money Fixed Income Portfolio

2023

    338,690                   338,690  
 

2022

    100,067                   100,067  

 

Distributions from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.

 

Pursuant to federal income tax rules applicable to regulated investment companies, the Portfolios may elect to treat certain capital losses between November 1 and August 31 and late year ordinary losses ((i) ordinary losses between January 1 and August 31, and (ii) specified ordinary and currency losses between November 1 and August 31) as occurring on the first day of the following tax year. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, any amount of losses elected within the tax return will not be recognized for federal income tax purposes until September 1, 2023. The Matson Money Fixed Income Portfolio deferred qualified late-year losses of $174,920, and the Matson Money International Equity Portfolio deferred qualified late-year losses of $136,343 which will be treated as arising on the first business day of the following fiscal year.

 

The Portfolios are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an unlimited period. Capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of August 31, 2023, the Portfolios had no unexpiring short-term or long-term losses.

 

6. SECURITIES LENDING

 

The Portfolios may make secured loans of their portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and other financial institutions to earn additional income and receive cash collateral equal to at least 102% of the current market value of the loaned securities, as marked to market each day that the NAV of the Portfolios is determined. When the collateral falls below specified amounts, the Portfolios’ lending agent will use its best effort to obtain additional collateral on the next business day to meet required amounts under the security lending agreement. The Portfolios will pay administrative and custodial fees in connection with the loan of securities. Collateral is invested in short-term investments and the Portfolios will bear the risk of loss of the invested collateral.

 

27

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

August 31, 2023

 

Investments purchased with proceeds from securities lending are overnight and continuous. Securities lending will expose the Portfolios to the risk of loss should a borrower default on its obligation to return the borrowed securities. The market value of the securities on loan and cash collateral as of the end of the reporting period and the income generated from the program during the current fiscal period with respect to such secured loans were as follows:

 

PORTFOLIO

 

MARKET VALUE OF
SECURITIES LOANED

   

MARKET VALUE OF
COLLATERAL

   

INCOME RECEIVED
FROM SECURITIES
LENDING

 

Matson Money U.S. Equity Portfolio

  $     $     $  

Matson Money International Equity Portfolio

    804,057       823,165       374  

Matson Money Fixed Income Portfolio

    2,780,006       2,831,220       3,644  

 

Securities lending transactions are entered into by the Portfolios’ securities lending agent on behalf of the Portfolios under a Master Securities Lending Agreement (“MSLA”) which permits the Portfolios’ securities lending agent on behalf of the Portfolios under certain circumstances including an event of default (such as bankruptcy or insolvency), to offset amounts payable on behalf of the Portfolios to the same counterparty against amounts to be received and create one single net payment due to or from the Portfolios. The following table is a summary of the Portfolios’ open securities lending transactions which are subject to a MSLA as of the end of the reporting period:

 

                           

GROSS AMOUNTS NOT OFFSET IN THE
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

 

PORTFOLIO

 

GROSS AMOUNTS
OF RECOGNIZED
ASSETS

   

GROSS AMOUNTS
OFFSET IN THE
STATEMENTS
OF ASSETS AND
LIABILITIES

   

NET AMOUNTS OF
ASSETS PRESENTED
IN THE STATEMENTS
OF ASSETS AND
LIABILITIES

   

FINANCIAL
INSTRUMENTS
1

   

CASH
COLLATERAL
RECEIVED

   

NET
AMOUNT
2

 

Matson Money U.S. Equity Portfolio

  $     $     $     $     $     $  

Matson Money International Equity Portfolio

    804,057             804,057       (804,057 )            

Matson Money Fixed Income Portfolio

    2,780,006             2,780,006       (2,780,006 )            

 

 

1

Amount disclosed is limited to the amount of assets presented in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Actual collateral received may be more than the amount shown.

 

 

2

Net amount represents the net amount receivable from the counterparty in the event of default.

 

7.

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS AND REGULATORY UPDATES

 

In June 2022, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2022-03, which amends Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions (“ASU 2022-03”). ASU 2022-03 clarifies guidance for fair value measurement of an equity security subject to a contractual sale restriction and establishes new disclosure requirements for such equity securities. ASU 2022-03 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of these amendments on the financial statements.

 

In October 2022, the SEC adopted rule and form amendments relating to tailored shareholder reports for mutual funds and exchange-traded funds and fee information in investment company advertisements. The rule and form amendments will, among other things, require the Funds to transmit concise and visually engaging shareholder reports that highlight key information. The amendments will require that funds tag information in a structured data format and that certain more in-depth information

 

28

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Notes to Financial Statements (concluded)

August 31, 2023

 

be made available online and available for delivery free of charge to investors on request. The amendments became effective January 24, 2023. There is an 18-month transition period after the effective date of the amendments until the Portfolios are required to comply.

 

In December 2022, the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2022-06, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) – Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848 (“ASU 2022-06”). ASU 2022-06 is an amendment to ASU 2020-04, which provided optional guidance to ease the potential accounting burden due to the discontinuation of the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and other interbank-offered based reference rates and which was effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. ASU 2022-06 extends the effective period through December 31, 2024. Management is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of applying ASU 2022-06.

 

8.

Subsequent Events

 

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Portfolios through the date the financial statements were issued and has determined there were no subsequent events.

 

29

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. and Shareholders of Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio and Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio

 

Opinions on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the portfolios of investments, of Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio and Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio (three of the funds constituting The RBB Fund, Inc., hereafter collectively referred to as the “Funds”) as of August 31, 2023, the related statements of operations for the year ended August 31, 2023, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 2023, including the related notes, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended August 31, 2023 (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Funds as of August 31, 2023, the results of each of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in each of their net assets for each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 2023 and each of the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended August 31, 2023 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Basis for Opinions

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Funds’ financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Funds in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 2023 by correspondence with the custodian and investment manager of investee funds. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

 


Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
October 24, 2023

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Matson Money, Inc. investment companies since 2008.

 

30

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Shareholder Tax Information

(Unaudited)

 

The tax character of dividends and distributions paid during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023 were as follows:

 

   

Ordinary
Income

   

Long-Term
CAPITAL GAINS

   

Return of
Capital

   

Total

 

Matson Money U.S. Equity Portfolio

  $ 225,930     $ 2,549,816     $     $ 2,775,746  

Matson Money International Equity Portfolio

    453,501       210,263             663,764  

Matson Money Fixed Income Portfolio

    338,690                   338,690  

 

Dividends from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income dividends for federal income tax purposes.

 

The percentage of taxable ordinary income distributions that are designated as short-term capital gain distributions under Internal Revenue Section 871(k)(2)(c) are 0.00% for each Portfolio.

 

The percentage of total ordinary income dividends qualifying for the 15% dividend income tax rate is 100% for the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio and 93.85% for the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio.

 

The percentage of total ordinary dividends qualifying for the corporate dividends received deduction is 100% for the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio.

 

The percentage of qualified interest income related dividends not subject to withholding tax for non-resident aliens and foreign corporations is 55.52% for the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio.

 

Because each Portfolio’s fiscal year is not the calendar year, another notification will be sent with respect to calendar year 2022. The second notification, which will reflect the amount, if any, to be used by calendar year taxpayers on their U.S. federal income tax returns, will be made in conjunction with Form 1099-DIV and will be mailed in January 2024.

 

Foreign shareholders will generally be subject to U.S. withholding tax on the amount of their ordinary income dividends. They will generally not be entitled to a foreign tax credit or deduction for the withholding taxes paid by the Portfolios, if any. The Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio passed through foreign tax credits of $69,540 and earned $665,013 of gross foreign source income during the fiscal year.

 

In general, dividends received by tax-exempt recipients (e.g., IRAs and Keoghs) need not be reported as taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, some retirement trusts (e.g., corporate, Keogh and 403(b)(7) plans) may need this information for their annual information reporting.

 

Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the tax consequences of their investment in the Portfolios.

 

31

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Other Information

(Unaudited)

 

Proxy Voting

 

Policies and procedures that the Portfolios use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities as well as information regarding how the Portfolios voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 are available without charge, upon request, by calling Matson Money VI Portfolios at (866) 780-0357, ext. 3863 and on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Quarterly Portfolio Schedules

 

The Company files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third fiscal quarters of each fiscal year (quarters ended November 30 and May 31) as an exhibit to its report on Form N-PORT. The Company’s Form N-PORT filings are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Matson Money VI Portfolios Approval of Investment Advisory Agreements

 

As required by the 1940 Act, the Board, including all of the Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Directors”), considered the renewal of the investment advisory agreement between Matson Money and the Company (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”) on behalf of the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio and Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio, at a meeting of the Board held on May 16-17, 2023 (the “Meeting”). At the Meeting, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, approved the Investment Advisory Agreement for an additional one-year term. The Board’s decision to approve the Investment Advisory Agreement reflects the exercise of its business judgment to continue the existing arrangement. In approving the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Board considered information provided by Matson Money with the assistance and advice of counsel to the Independent Directors and the Company.

 

In considering the renewal and approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Company and Matson Money with respect to the Portfolios, the Directors took into account all the materials provided prior to and during the Meeting and at other meetings throughout the past year, the presentations made during the Meeting, and the discussions held during the Meeting. The Directors reviewed these materials with management of Matson Money, and discussed the aforementioned Investment Advisory Agreement with counsel in executive sessions, at which no representatives of Matson Money were present. Among other things, the Directors considered (i) the nature, extent, and quality of Matson Money’s services provided to the Portfolios; (ii) descriptions of the experience and qualifications of Matson Money’s personnel providing those services; (iii) Matson Money’s investment philosophies and processes; (iv) Matson Money’s assets under management and client descriptions; (v) Matson Money’s current advisory fee arrangements with the Company and other similarly managed clients; (vi) Matson Money’s compliance procedures; (vii) Matson Money’s financial information, insurance coverage and profitability analysis related to providing advisory services to the Portfolios; (viii) the extent to which economies of scale are relevant to the Portfolios; (ix) a report prepared by FUSE comparing each Portfolio’s management fees and total expense ratios to a group of mutual funds deemed comparable to the Portfolio based primarily on investment strategy similarity (“Peer Group”) and comparing the performance of each Portfolio to the performance of its Peer Group; and (x) a report comparing the performance of each Portfolio to the performance of its primary and composite benchmarks.

 

As part of their review, the Directors considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by Matson Money. The Directors concluded that Matson Money had substantial resources to provide services to the Portfolios and that Matson Money’s services had been acceptable.

 

The Directors also considered the investment performance of the Portfolios and Matson Money. Information on the Portfolios’ investment performance was provided for the one-month, three-month, one-year, three-year, five-year, and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2023, as applicable. The Directors considered the Portfolios’ investment performance in light of their respective investment objectives and investment strategies. The Directors concluded that the investment performance of each of the Portfolios as compared to their respective benchmarks and Peer Groups was acceptable.

 

32

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Other Information (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

The Directors noted that the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio outperformed its primary benchmark, the Russell 2500 Index, for the one-month, one-year, three-year, and five-year periods ended March 31, 2023, and underperformed its benchmark for the three-month and since inception periods ended March 31, 2023. The Directors noted that the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio outperformed the median of its Peer Group for the three-year and since-inception periods ended December 31, 2022, and underperformed the median of its Peer Group for the three-month, one-year, and five-year periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

The Directors noted that the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio outperformed its primary benchmark, the MSCI World ex-US Index, for the three-year period ended and since inception, and underperformed its benchmark for the one-month, three-month, one-year, five-year and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2023. The Directors noted that the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio outperformed the median of its Peer Group for the one-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022, equaled the median of its Peer Group for the five-year period ended December 31, 2022, and underperformed the median of its Peer Group for the three-month and since-inception periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

The Directors noted that the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio outperformed its primary benchmark, the FTSE World Government Bond 1-5 Years, for the three-month period ended March 31, 2023, and underperformed its benchmark for the one-month, one-year, three-year, five-year, and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2023. The Directors noted that the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio outperformed the median of its Peer Group for the one-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022, and underperformed the median of its Peer Group for the three-month, five-year, and since-inception periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

The Board also considered the advisory fee rates payable by the Portfolios under the Investment Advisory Agreement. In this regard, information on the fees paid by the Portfolios and the Portfolios’ total operating expense ratios (before and after fee waivers and expense reimbursements) were compared to similar information for mutual funds advised by other, unaffiliated investment advisory firms.

 

The Directors noted that the net advisory fee of the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio ranked below the median and in the 1st quintile of its Peer Group, and the Portfolio’s total net expenses (including acquired fund fees and expenses) were above the median and in the 4th quintile of its Peer Group.

 

The Directors noted that the net advisory fee of the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio ranked below the median and in the 2nd quintile of its Peer Group, and the Portfolio’s total net expenses (including acquired fund fees and expenses) were above the median and in the 5th quintile of its Peer Group.

 

The Directors noted that the net advisory fee and the total net expenses (including acquired fund fees and expenses) of the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio both ranked above the median and in the 4th quintile of its Peer Group.

 

In addition, the Directors noted that Matson Money had contractually agreed to waive management fees and reimburse expenses through at least December 31, 2023 to limit total annual operating expenses to agreed upon levels for the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio, and Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio.

 

After reviewing the information regarding the Portfolios’ costs, profitability and economies of scale, and after considering Matson Money’s services, the Directors concluded that the investment advisory fees to be paid by the Portfolios were fair and reasonable and that the Investment Advisory Agreement should be approved and continued for an additional one year period ending August 16, 2024.

 

33

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Liquidity Risk Management Program

(Unaudited)

 

The Company has adopted and implemented a Liquidity Risk Management Program (the “Company Program”) as required by rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act. In accordance with the Company Program, the Adviser has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the “Adviser Program” and together with the Company Program, the “Programs”) on behalf of the Portfolios. The Programs seek to assess, manage and review each Portfolio’s Liquidity Risk. “Liquidity Risk” is defined as the risk that a Portfolio could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Portfolio without significant dilution of remaining investors’ interest in the Portfolio.

 

The Board has appointed Vigilant Compliance, LLC (“Vigilant”) as the program administrator for the Company Program and Liquidity Risk Management Committee of the Adviser as the program administrator for the Adviser Program. The process of monitoring and determining the liquidity of each Portfolio’s investments is supported by one or more third-party vendors.

 

At meetings held during the current fiscal period, the Board and its Regulatory Oversight Committee received and reviewed a written report (the “Report”) of Vigilant and the Adviser concerning the operation of the Programs for the period from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022 (the “Period”). The Report summarized the operation of the Programs and the information and factors considered by Vigilant and the Adviser in reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of the implementation of the Programs with respect to each Portfolio. Such information and factors included, among other things: (i) the methodology used to classify the liquidity of each Portfolio’s portfolio investments and the Adviser’s assessment that each Portfolio’s strategy remained appropriate for an open-end mutual fund; (ii) analyses of each Portfolio’s trading environment and reasonably anticipated trading size; (iii) that each Portfolio held primarily highly liquid assets (investments that the Portfolio anticipates can be converted to cash within 3 business days or less in current market conditions without significantly changing their market value); (iv) that the Portfolios did not require the establishment of a highly liquid investment minimum and the methodology for that determination; (v) confirmation that the Portfolios did not breach the 15% maximum illiquid security threshold (investments that cannot be sold or disposed of in seven days or less in current market conditions without the sale of the investment significantly changing the market value of the investment) during the Period and the procedures for monitoring compliance with the limit; (vi) that the processes, technologies and third-party vendors used to assess, manage, and/or periodically review each Portfolio’s Liquidity Risk functioned appropriately during the Period; and (vii) that the Programs operated adequately during the Period. The Report also indicated that there were no material changes made to the Programs during the Period.

 

Based on the review, the Report concluded that the Programs were being implemented effectively and reasonably designed to assess and manage Liquidity Risk in each Portfolio’s portfolio.

 

There can be no assurance that the Company Program or the Adviser Program will achieve its objectives under all circumstances in the future.

 

Please refer to the Portfolios’ prospectus for more information regarding a Portfolio’s exposure to liquidity risk and other risks to which it may be subject.

 

34

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Company Management

(Unaudited)

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company is organized under and managed pursuant to Maryland law. The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below. The statement of additional information (“SAI”) includes additional information about the Directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling 866-780-0357, ext. 3863.

 

Name, Address, and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
During Past
5 Years

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Julian A. Brodsky

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 90

Director

1988 to present

Retired.

63

AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).

Gregory P. Chandler

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 56

Director

2012 to present

Since 2020, Chief Financial Officer, HC Parent Corp. d/b/a Herspiegel Consulting LLC (life sciences consulting services); 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Avocado Systems Inc. (cyber security software provider); from 2009-2020, Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services).

63

FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Emtec, Inc. (until December 2019); FS Investment Corporation (business development company) (until December 2018).

Lisa A. Dolly

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI, 53202

Age: 57

Director

October 2021 to present

From July 2019-December 2019, Chairman, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm); January 2016-June 2019, Chief Executive Officer, Pershing, LLC.

63

Allfunds Group PLC (United Kingdom wealthtech and fund distribution provider); Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (trade association for broker dealers, investment banks and asset managers); Hightower Advisors (wealth management firm).

 

35

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Company Management (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address, and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
During Past
5 Years

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Nicholas A. Giordano

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 80

Director

2006 to present

Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations.

63

IntriCon Corporation (biomedical device manufacturer); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance) (until March 2021).

Arnold M. Reichman

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 75

Chair

 

Director

2005 to present

 

1991 to present

Retired.

63

EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until August 2022).

Brian T. Shea
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 63

Director

2018 to present

From 2014-2017, Chief Executive Officer, BNY Mellon Investment Services (fund services, global custodian and securities clearing firm); from 1983-2014, Chief Executive Officer and various positions, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm).

63

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (financial services technology company); Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (financial services company); WisdomTree Investments, Inc. (asset management company) (until March 2019).

Robert A. Straniere

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 82

Director

2006 to present

Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm).

63

None.

INTERESTED DIRECTOR2

Robert Sablowsky

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 85

Vice Chair

 


Director

2016 to present

 

 

1991 to present

Since 2002, Senior Director - Investments and, prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer).

63

None.

OFFICERS

Steven Plump

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 64

President

August 2022 to present

From 2011 to 2021, Executive Vice President, PIMCO LLC.

N/A

N/A

 

 

36

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Company Management (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address, and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
During Past
5 Years

Salvatore Faia, JD,

CPA, CFE

Vigilant Compliance, LLC

Gateway Corporate

Center Suite 216

223 Wilmington West

Chester Pike

Chadds Ford, PA 19317

Age: 60

Chief Compliance Officer

2004 to present

Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company); since 2021, Chief Compliance Officer of The RBB Fund Trust; President of The RBB Fund Trust from 2021 to 2022; President of The RBB Fund, Inc. from 2009 to 2022.

N/A

N/A

James G. Shaw

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 63

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

 

Chief Operating Officer

2016 to present

 

 

 

 

2022 to present

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (since 2016) and Chief Operating Officer (since 2022) of The RBB Fund, Inc.; Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (since 2021) and Chief Operating Officer (since 2022) of The RBB Fund Trust.

N/A

N/A

Craig A. Urciuoli

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 49

Director of Marketing & Business Development

2019 to present

Director of Marketing & Business Development of The RBB Fund Trust (since 2021); from 2000-2019, Managing Director, Third Avenue Management LLC (investment advisory firm).

N/A

N/A

Jennifer Witt

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 40

Assistant Treasurer

2018 to present

Since 2020, Vice President, U.S.

Bank Global Fund Services (fund

administrative services firm); from

2016 to 2020, Assistant Vice

President, U.S. Bank Global Fund

Services.

N/A

N/A

Edward Paz

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 52

Assistant Secretary

2016 to present

Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm).

N/A

N/A

Michael P. Malloy

One Logan Square

Ste. 2000

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Age: 64

Assistant Secretary

1999 to present

Since 1993, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

Jillian L. Bosmann

One Logan Square

Ste. 2000

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Age: 44

Assistant Secretary

2017 to present

Since 2017, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

 

*

Each Director oversees 63 portfolios of the fund complex, consisting of the series in the Company (53 portfolios) and The RBB Fund Trust (10 portfolios).

 

37

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Company Management (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

1.

Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his or her successor is elected and qualified or his or her death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Giordano, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.

 

2.

Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his or her qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive-level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Ms. Dolly has over three decades of experience in the financial services industry, and she has demonstrated her leadership and management abilities by serving in numerous senior executive-level positions. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Shea has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the brokerage, clearing, banking and investment services industry, including service on the boards of public companies, industry regulatory organizations and a university. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company.

 

38

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Privacy Notice

(Unaudited)

 

FACTS

WHAT DO THE MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?

Why?

Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.

What?

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

 

● Social Security number

● account balances

● account transactions

● transaction history

● wire transfer instructions

● checking account information

 

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

How?

All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information; the reasons the Matson Money VI Portfolios choose to share; and whether you can limit this sharing.

       

Reasons we can share your personal information

Do the Matson Money VI Portfolios share?

Can you limit this sharing?

For our everyday business purposes —
such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus

Yes

No

For our marketing purposes —
to offer our products and services to you

Yes

No

For joint marketing with other financial companies

Yes

No

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes —
information about your transactions and experiences

Yes

No

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes —
information about your creditworthiness

No

We don’t share.

For our affiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share.

For nonaffiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share.

 

Questions?

Call (866) 780-0357 Ext. 3863 or go to www.MatsonMoney.com

 

 

39

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Privacy Notice (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

What we do

   

How do the Matson Money VI Portfolios protect my personal information?

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

How do the Matson Money VI Portfolios collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

 

● open an account

● provide account information

● give us your contact information

● make a wire transfer

● tell us where to send the money

 

We also collect your information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

 

● sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes – information about your creditworthiness

● affiliates from using your information to market to you

● sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

 

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

Definitions

Affiliates

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

 

Our affiliates include McGriff Video Productions and Matson Money, Inc.

Nonaffiliates

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

 

The Matson Money VI Portfolios don’t share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you. The Portfolios may share information with nonaffiliates that perform marketing services on our behalf.

Joint marketing

A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.

 

The Matson Money VI Portfolios may share your information with other financial institutions with whom we have joint marketing arrangements who may suggest additional fund services or other investment products which may be of interest to you.

 

 

40

 

 

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Investment Adviser

Matson Money, Inc.
5955 Deerfield Blvd.
Mason, OH 45040

 

Administrator and Transfer Agent

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201

 

Principal Underwriter

Vigilant Distributors, LLC
Gateway Corporate Center, Suite 216
223 Wilmington West Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317

 

Custodian

U.S. Bank, N.A.
1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, WI 53212

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Two Commerce Square, Suite 1800
2001 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103-7042

 

Legal Counsel

Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
One Logan Square, Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103-6996

 

MMFI-AR23

 

 

 

 

 

ANNUAL
report 2023

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs
Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.

8/31/23

 

Motley Fool Global Opportunities ETF

Motley Fool Mid-Cap Growth ETF

Motley Fool 100 Index ETF

Motley Fool Small-Cap Growth ETF

Motley Fool Capital Efficiency 100 Index ETF

Motley Fool Next Index ETF

 

 

 

 

Motley Fool Global Opportunities ETF (TMFG)

Motley Fool Mid-Cap Growth ETF (TMFM)

Motley Fool 100 Index ETF (TMFC)

Motley Fool Small-Cap Growth ETF (TMFS)

Motley Fool Capital Efficiency 100 Index ETF (TMFE)

Motley Fool Next Index ETF (TMFX)

 

 

Table of Contents

 

   

Letter to Shareholders

1

Portfolio Characteristics

10

Fund Expense Examples

23

Schedules of Investments

25

Financial Statements

55

Notes to Financial Statements

73

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

88

Shareholder Tax Information

90

Notice to Shareholders

91

Privacy Notice

94

Directors and Officers

97

 

 

 

 

Motley Fool ASSET MANAGEMENT ETFS

Letter to Shareholders

AUGUST 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

 

Bryan Hinmon
Chief Investment Officer,
Motley Fool Asset Management

 

“We feel that high quality ownership can be attracted and maintained if we consistently communicate our business and ownership philosophy - along with no other conflicting messages - and then let self selection follow its course. For example, self selection will draw a far different crowd to a musical event advertised as an opera than one advertised as a rock concert even though anyone can buy a ticket to either.”

 

    - Warren Buffett, 1983 Shareholder Letter

 

Dear Fellow Shareholder,

 

Investing is hard and structural advantages are rare. Let me clarify a bit. Sustained market outperformance over long periods of time is hard and one of the biggest reasons that is true is because unique and lasting differential advantages are rare.

 

I don’t think the short- or long-version sentences above are controversial, so let’s just accept them as true and move on.1 The introductory quote above offers us an example of a unique and lasting differential advantage that Warren Buffet has used (“high quality ownership”) to help achieve his awe-inspiring performance track record.2 Lawrence Cunningham, a professor at George Washington University and author who has studied Buffett deeply, said he believes “one of the most important reasons for Berkshire’s success was having those shareholders that a different shareholder base wouldn’t have permitted.” Quality ownership seems important enough to explore.

 

PATIENT CAPITAL

 

So what does Buffett mean by high quality ownership? Cunningham published a book called Quality Shareholders in 2020 to detail the topic from the perspective of public company management teams. I recommend you read the entire book to fully understand the concept, but a simplified definition is a shareholder base that is committed to a company’s long-term success via aligned time horizon and mission. Such shareholders afford managers ample runway to execute their business strategy and they stay committed when the business navigates the inevitable adversities of capitalism and markets. They are committed and patient because of deep alignment.

 

Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC is not a publicly traded company with shareholders, but the principle is equally as crucial for us. Like Buffett suggests, we communicate our investing and ownership philosophy - hopefully with no other conflicting messages - with the goal of attracting a self-selecting collection of shareholders committed to joint long-term success. I’d be shocked if you cracked open this letter and didn’t expect to find mention of our focus on Quality or our long-term orientation.3 It’s heartening that, before reading a single word, you probably knew the gist of what you were going to read. It tells me we are aligned and that Motley Fool Asset Management benefits from quality ownership.

 

Just like the forces of capitalism create hiccups along the path to long-term business success, the forces of markets ensure no investing strategy works all the time (otherwise there would be only one!). We believe the disciplined application of a prudent strategy, through the inevitable ups and downs, can yield great results. It is only with the patient capital of quality owners that this is a possibility. Why?

 

CAREER RISK

 

The primary reason is career risk. If an asset manager doesn’t keep its investors happy, the investors will rightly withdraw their money. With no money to manage, there is no job.

 

 

1

If you or someone you know have found a formula that makes sustained market outperformance over long periods of time easy or know of any unique and lasting differential advantages that we can adopt, please email me at bhinmon@mfamfunds.com, I’d love to talk.

2

Check out page two of the most recent (2022) Berkshire Hathaway annual report for the bulk of Mr. Buffett’s impressive track record: https://www.berkshirehathaway.com/2022ar/2022ar.pdf

3

I will dole out 25,000 bonus points for anyone able to recite our core belief behind our philosophy: Independent research with a long-term mindset, expressed through focused portfolios, can outperform.

 

 

1

 

 

Motley Fool ASSET MANAGEMENT ETFS

Letter to Shareholders (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

There seem to be two primary ways for an asset manager to make its investors unhappy. The first is through persistent or extreme poor performance and the second is looking too different while underperforming. Both of these things often result in asset redemptions, which can trigger other investors to follow suit, and create a negative feedback loop.

 

To be clear, bad money managers probably shouldn’t have jobs. But the insidious effect of this spiral is that in the case of temporary, or aberrational, or unlucky performance hiccups, it can negatively influence the asset manager’s investment decision making. In order to protect against the asset withdrawal death spiral, a manager may be tempted to deviate from their investment strategy, chase what is working at the moment, take undue risk, or worse. Career risk can trigger primal survival mechanisms that can be hard to overcome and can be sparked by even just a whiff of perceived underperformance.

 

Owning an odd portfolio (looking too different) while underperforming can cause asset managers to make fewer investments of their own discretion and instead hew towards their benchmark weightings. It probably feels more comfortable knowing results probably won’t be too different than what everyone else is achieving and, as the old saying goes, it’s better to fail conventionally than succeed unconventionally.4 Hewing towards the benchmark is a phenomenon called “closet indexing” and has been studied at length by Notre Dame professor Martijn Cremers5 and his co-authors. In his 2015 paper Do Mutual Fund Investors Get What They Pay For?, Cremers and co-author Quinn Curtis found that 12% of the assets in US equity mutual funds were invested in closet index funds – that is, funds that purport to be actively managed but in actuality failed to achieve a sufficient level of differentiation from their index. Considering the trillions invested in “active” US equity funds today, that’s a lot of career risk-driven closet indexing!

 

But it’s worse than just that. The situations above focus on the behavior of the investment manager alone. But there are two in this dance: the manager and the investor. There is a body of academic work that shows individual investors, the investors the investment manager is working for, demonstrate behavioral biases such as trend chasing among the funds they are invested in.6 So even if the investment manager isn’t making investment decisions inappropriately, the shareholders could be causing withdrawals that start the capital flight death spiral.

 

Career risk, whether kicked off by the asset manager or the end investor, has nasty consequences.

 

TIME ARBITRAGE

 

But it’s not all sour grapes, thanks to quality shareholders. Let me explain.

 

Martijn Cremers, the professor referenced above, has demonstrated in his 2015 paper referenced above that investment managers who construct portfolios that look sufficiently different from relevant benchmarks (ones with high “active share”) can be more likely to outperform their benchmarks. Said another way, managers that can buck the fears and altered decision making that can accompany career risk and build unique portfolios, are employing a strategy that has, in the past, statistically been shown to work in many cases.

 

The academic work on active share makes logical sense to us. As Cremers says , “after all, an active manager can only add value relative to the index by deviating from it.” But to beat the benchmark, a manager has to be both different and right.

 

 

4

This notion appears to have originated from John Maynard Keynes and was published in his book The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money.

5

Here is the official citation for the paper referenced here, just in case you’re the type that likes to read academic papers (like me, hi friend!): Cremers, K. J. Martijn and Curtis, Quinn, Do Mutual Fund Investors Get What They Pay For? The Legal Consequences of Closet Index Funds (November 24, 2015). To read up on active share as a measure to determine closet indexing, or the degree of active indexing, please read Cremers’ 2009 paper: Cremers, K. J. Martijn and Petajisto, Antti, How Active is Your Fund Manager? A New Measure That Predicts Performance (March 31, 2009).

6

See Bailey et al., 2011; Sirri & Tufano, 1998; Friesen & Sapp, 2007.

 

2

 

 

 

Motley Fool ASSET MANAGEMENT ETFS

Letter to Shareholders (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Let’s bring Kalash Jain, a professor at Columbia Business School, into the conversation. Jain recently published a working paper7 that helps explain why the persistent presence of career risk can create mispricing opportunities for some asset managers to take advantage of and outperform. Which managers ? “Longer-term fund managers who do not face such [career concerns related to the rear of asset redemption] frictions.”

 

In a creative way, Jain hypothesizes, tests and demonstrates in his study that career risk pushed many managers into a herding mentality, owning the same securities and avoiding others. The securities that are piled into (the comfortable residence of the herd) were bid up in demand and consequently often faced lower future expected returns. Meanwhile, the securities that managers fled, whether due to poor past performance or idiosyncratic volatility, generally had artificially low demand and therefore were set up for higher future expected returns. This is, as they say, the high price of a cheery consensus.

 

The opportunity here is to own the stocks a career risk-constrained manager is avoiding, which can only be done over time if a fund manager has the permission to own a portfolio that looks different from what everyone else owns, and they can hold long enough for the dynamic to fully play out (which Jain notes persists for years). This dynamic, where longer-term fund managers are allowed to behave differently – striving to generate returns by exploiting a different time horizon – than short-term driven fund managers, is called “time arbitrage” and an oft-cited example of fund strategy and advantage. We believe we fit squarely into this camp.

 

The role of quality shareholders can’t be overstated. Time arbitrage only works with time. And as committed as a manager is to a long time frame and shaking off the pressures from career risk, the opportunity can only be harnessed if the manager is given the time from a fully aligned quality owner, which is rare, special, and (hopefully now) obviously valuable.

 

MARKET PERFORMANCE AND COMMENTARY

 

Inflation continues to be the leading factor that has driven the US economy and markets since 2021. After wildly imbalanced demand trends and disrupted supply chains played primary roles in 2021 and 2022, things eventually began to normalize. For the first half of the fiscal year of September 1, 2022 to August 31, 2023, US inflation averaged nearly 7%, and by the second half, averaged a more tolerable 4%.

 

The US Federal Reserve Open Market Committee helped market forces slow inflation with seven rate increases over the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, starting with a trio of aggressive rate increases in the calendar fourth quarter of 2022 before enacting a steady quartet of more modest 25 basis point increases over the remainder of the fiscal year. All in, rates increased by 300 basis points, on top of the 225 implemented in the first calendar half of 2022 which pulled rates off the near zero mark that had been customary for several years.

 

During the 2022 fiscal year, the US and international stock markets scrambled to reprice risk and recession odds as this never-before-seen rate move began and all major asset classes lost money. The result, as I wrote in last year’s shareholder letter, was that for investors “there was almost no safe place to hide.” It turns out that the broad walloping investors felt last year may have been a response too crude for the situation.

 

While it seems apparent to us that ZIRP (zero interest rate policy) is firmly in the rearview, the US and global economies have remained stronger than feared, and for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, investors were more discerning with their assessments when sorting through value. Bonds declined in value for a third straight fiscal year, losing almost 4%. Gold, often seen as a hedge on inflation, advanced 13%. Large capitalization US stocks gained more than 15%, with nine of eleven sectors advancing. Only the most rate-sensitive sectors, Real Estate and Utilities, declined in value. The Information Technology and Communication Services sectors led the way with roughly 32% and 25% returns for the fiscal year, partially thanks to their

 

 

7

While this paper has not yet been published in an academic journal, Jain notes that he has received comments and suggestions from more than a half dozen peers. Jain takes an interesting approach to identifying long-term fund managers by looking at the holding period of hard-to-own stocks, a measure he calls “duration.” You can find the paper on his website https://kalashjain.me/research/. Jain, Kalash, Career Concerns and Time Arbitrage (September 8, 2023).

 

 

3

 

 

 

 

Motley Fool ASSET MANAGEMENT ETFS

Letter to Shareholders (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

ownership of the largest capitalization stocks. The strong performance of large caps outpaced mid caps by more than 5 percentage points and small caps by more than 12. Both growth and value stocks returned double digits. Outside the US, global stocks grew 11% to help retrace some of the prior fiscal year’s decline.8

 

The healthy gain of global stocks is even more impressive in light of a global banking scare in March 2023. Multiple US banks failed due to an asset-liability mismatch (their loan duration did not match their bond holdings, and with rapid interest rate changes their bonds repriced lower and wiped out equity capital) and regional banks, as a class, came under immense pressure. Abroad, Credit Suisse needed saving as its balance sheet deteriorated and threatened European counterparties. Rapid intervention by government agencies helped markets largely shake off contagion fears and markets in March finished higher!

 

ACTIVE ETF PERFORMANCE AND COMMENTARY

 

Motley Fool Global Opportunities ETF

 

The Motley Fool Global Opportunities ETF returned 11.24% during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, trailing its benchmark’s return of 13.96% for the same period. Cumulatively since inception, the Motley Fool Global Opportunities ETF has returned 113.07% versus 94.79% returns for the benchmark over the same period.9

 

During the fiscal year, the ETF’s investments in the Information Technology sector were the largest detractors to investment performance. The Fund carried a lower exposure to the sector than its benchmark, which benefited from the strong performance of the sector broadly. The Fund’s selected investments within the sector also underperformed. The opposite situation occurred in the Industrial sector, where the Fund maintained investments in greater proportion than its benchmark and its security selection within the sector was superior. Our holdings in the IT sector were half of the benchmark’s and our holdings in the Industrials sector were twice the benchmark’s. Ultimately, we’re seeking to build a reasonably diversified portfolio of attractive individual opportunities that work together to achieve the Fund’s stated objectives. This will, most of the time, result in different sector and position weights than our benchmark. This is a feature, not a bug, of our investing process, and one we embrace. Ultimately, we would expect our stock selection to be the primary driver of returns.

 

The top three contributors to returns10 were Axon Enterprise (+82%), Mastercard (+28%), and MercadoLibre (+60%). Axon has continued to transform its business, develop and commercialize products its law enforcement and safety markets need, and surpass expectations. The company now receives 90% of its revenue from subscriptions and has begun expanding its end markets. On the product front, the reveal of Axon’s Taser 10 looks to be a leap forward in technology, should potentially buoy the value of Taser subscription bundles, and furthers the company’s goal to reduce gun-related deaths (between police and the public) by 50% over the next decade. The future continues to look bright to us, too, as the company has laid out the path to an expected $2 billion in 2025 revenue with growing profitability. Mastercard’s results reflect the resilient global consumer. The company’s key metrics have continued to evolve strongly, led by cross-border volume (up 70% over 2019, which removes the distortions of Covid-19). Mastercard naturally benefits from inflation as its services are largely related to the volume and value of global personal consumption expenditures, so as prices rise, so does its revenue. The key is managing expenses beneath this rate of increase, which the company has and hopefully will continue to do well. Latin American e-commerce and payments giant MercadoLibre’ s shares

 

 

8

Bonds are represented by the S&P U.S. Aggregate Bond Index. The index is designed to measure the performance of publicly issued US dollar denominated investment-grade debt. Gold is represented by the COMEX price per troy ounce of gold. Large capitalization stocks are represented by the S&P 500 TR Index. The index measures the total return performance of 500 leading companies comprising nearly 80% of available US market capitalization. Small capitalization stocks are represented by the S&P SmallCap 600 TR Index. The index measures the total return performance of 600 small-sized US companies that meet certain liquidity and financial thresholds. Mid capitalization stocks are represented by the S&P MidCap 400 TR Index. The index measures the total return performance of 400 mid-sized US companies comprising about 5% of available US market capitalization. Growth stocks are represented by the S&P 500 Growth TR Index. The index measures the performance of a subset of S&P 500 stocks based on three factors: sales growth, the ratio of earnings change to price, and momentum. Value stocks are represented by the S&P 500 Value TR Index. The index measures the performance of a subset of S&P 500 stocks based on three factors: the ratios of book value, earnings, and sales to price. Global stocks are represented by the S&P Global X-US BMI TR Index. The index measures stock market performance globally, including developed and emerging markets, but excluding the US.

9

Returns are for Net Asset Value, net of fees and expenses. Inception of the ETF was 6/17/2014, which represents the inception of the Advisor share class of the pre-conversion mutual fund. The benchmark of the Motley Fool Global Opportunities ETF is the FTSE Global All Cap Net Tax Index.

10

Contribution to return is a combination of average weighting in the portfolio and total return during the period.

 

4

 

 

 

Motley Fool ASSET MANAGEMENT ETFS

Letter to Shareholders (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

rallied impressively during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023. Its payments segment, where it posted impressive profitability and growth in its installment lending business, was supported by ongoing strength in its core e-commerce segment. Mercado Libre continues to benefit from low e-commerce penetration as a percentage of total retail sales remains in Latin America. Pago, its payments platform, has successfully parlayed its payments dominance into very profitable ancillary revenue streams.

 

The bottom three contributors to returns were Atlassian (-18%), SVB Financial Group (-100%), and Signature Bank (-36%). Shares of critical collaboration software provider Atlassian had been resilient while many other software companies struggled. That changed during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023. Macro headwinds challenged demand from the innovation economy that drives Atlassian’s growth. Atlassian’s slowdown was delayed later than most for two reasons: its products are critical, so they’re farther down the cut list, and because they’re relatively inexpensive. These are positive attributes, and on a longer-term view, the business in our view remains healthy. However, the stock was still carrying a premium valuation, and management continues to hire aggressively (while many other software firms are laying engineers off), which has investors nervous about a strategic misstep. We think the company is wise to invest in its advantages and the opportunities it sees (acknowledging this is a management team with a history of prudence and vision) and zig while others zag. Silicon Valley Bank (“SVB”), the bank subsidiary of SVB Financial Group, experienced a run on its deposits when the bank liquidated some of its Treasury securities at a discount and announced a capital raise. As can happen in periods of fear and contagion, the bank didn’t survive. It was taken into receivership on March 10, 2023 and its assets were sold off with the bulk being acquired by First Citizens Bank in late March. In this painful investing lesson, equity holders were essentially wiped out. Thankfully, our position in SVB Financial Group was small. Signature Bank shares sagged as investors shunned the banking industry, fearing there were more shoes to drop after SVB’s collapse. Signature Bank’s lending profile, ties to the crypto economy, and asset makeup put it squarely in the crosshairs. Thankfully, we exited our position and avoided much of the company’s collapse.

 

Motley Fool Mid-Cap Growth ETF

 

The Motley Fool Mid-Cap Growth ETF returned 8.58% during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, trailing its benchmark’s return of 13.00% for the same period. Cumulatively since inception, the Motley Fool Mid-Cap Growth ETF has returned 95.16% versus 138.44% returns for its benchmark over the same period.11

 

The Fund’s performance, relative to its benchmark, during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023 was impacted by higher exposures to the Real Estate sector, which was weak, and the Industrials sector, which was strong. Performance was also driven by poor individual stock performance in the Financials and Information Technology Industries. Positive stock selection in the Health Care Industry was not enough to overcome these other forces.

 

The top three contributors to returns12 were Axon Enterprise (+82%), Watsco (+38%), and Markel Group (+24%). We detailed Axon’s stellar performance above, in the Motley Fool Global Opportunities ETF section. Watsco, the largest distributor of HVAC units and supplies in the US, continues to deliver strong execution and a steady outlook.

 

The market is waiting for margins to fall as residential replacement unit demand falls, inflation hits costs, and higher priced inventory flows through the financials. Our view is that, while these are realistic expectations, Watsco should have the firepower to keep creating value. We think there are enough offsetting positive factors (e.g., regulatory tailwinds for higher efficiency units, strong commercial demand, and efficiency efforts now that supply chains are normalizing) that Watsco can continue to hum along. Markel is a specialty insurer that has benefited from strong pricing in its insurance niches. Its conservative reserving enables it to navigate challenging periods and invest its float in stocks and private businesses, which was an additional benefit to profit and book value growth during the fiscal year. The three legs of success at Markel (prudent reserving, healthy underwriting, and strong investing) have all been on show lately.

 

 

11

Returns are for Net Asset Value, net of fees and expenses. Inception of the ETF was 6/17/2014, which represents the inception of the Advisor share class of the pre-conversion mutual fund. The benchmark of the Motley Fool Mid-Cap Growth Fund is the Russell Midcap Growth Total Return Index.

12

Contribution to return is a combination of average weighting in the portfolio and total return during the period.

 

 

5

 

 

Motley Fool ASSET MANAGEMENT ETFS

Letter to Shareholders (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

The bottom three contributors to returns were Paylocity Holding (-17%), SBA Communications (-30%), and SVB Financial Group (-100%). Paylocity’s business continues to chug along and its payroll and human capital management software solutions are evolving to solve more time- and labor- intensive tasks. Its stock sold off alongside many higher-growth, richly valued software businesses during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023 and also suffered from investors raising probabilities of a recession that would bring about lower employment, which is a key driver of results. Tower operator SBA Communications continues to see its shares languish. SBA faces moderating near-term growth as cell carriers lap peak 5G investments and debt costs rise on the back of higher rates. That is no surprise, but investors have focused on it, and it’s the current reality. We see SBA management aptly managing its balance sheet, prioritizing free cash flow for debt reduction over share repurchases, and being disciplined in new tower purchases. With a longer view, the value of SBA’s services to enable data consumption and connectivity continues to increase. We detailed SVB Financial Group’s poor performance above, in the Motley Fool Global Opportunities ETF section.

 

Motley Fool Small-Cap Growth ETF

 

The Motley Fool Small-Cap Growth ETF returned 16.13% during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, besting its benchmark’s gain of 6.78% for the same period. Cumulatively since inception (almost five years!), the Motley Fool Small-Cap Growth ETF has returned 60.36% versus 36.53% returns for the benchmark over the same period.13

 

The Fund’s performance, relative to its benchmark, during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023 was impacted overwhelmingly by stock selection. Stock selection in the Information Technology and Communication Services sectors were the largest detractors from return. However, stock selection in the Health Care and Industrials sectors more than offset these headwinds.

 

The top three contributors to returns14 were Axon Enterprise (+82%), Penumbra (+61%), and Leonardo DRS (+56%). We detailed Axon’s stellar performance above, in the Motley Fool Global Opportunities ETF section. Penumbra is a medical device company that continues to execute on its Lightning series of products related to aspirated blood clot removals. With additional products on the way, the company is demonstrating its products achieve valuable patient outcomes worthy of transitioning “watched” patients to “treated” patients. Penumbra looks to surpass $1 billion in revenue during 2023 as it makes progress on helping the 3 million or so patients that suffer from clinically significant blood clots. Leonardo DRS is a defense contractor that announced several large contract awards, including an April 2023 award valued over $1 billion to provide integrated electric propulsion components for the US Navy’s next generation Columbia-class submarine. The Columbia-class submarine will replace the Ohio-class, the first submarine of which was commissioned in the late 1970s. In June, Leonardo DRS was added to the Russell 2000 and Russell 3000 Indexes as part of the 2023 Russell index annual reconstitution. Leonardo DRS shares gained 34% in the quarter.

 

The bottom three contributors to returns were Cardlytics (-62%), Alarm.com Holdings (-12%), and Clarus (-52%). Cardlytics provides an advertising platform driven by unique access to debit and credit card data provided by its banking partner. The company and its stock have been hit from several angles. The broad slowdown in digital advertising as companies anticipate a recession clearly doesn’t help, but Cardlytics has also faced a more company-specific issue from a strategic rethink at Starbucks (one of their major advertisers) with the management change at that company. Cardlytics has also seen its founders leave the company, which is definitely something worthy of investor attention. The company is still unprofitable and many investors, including ourselves, have lost patience in the company’s promising platform (we exited our position in January). Competitive intensity in the smart home security industry and the perception of risk, overall, is rising for Alarm.com. Home security frenemy Vivint announced it would stop paying license fees to Alarm.com, immediately. Vivint has been paying those license fees for over a decade and Alarm.com is pursuing the legal actions necessary to collect, but the announcement of an unexpected $24 million, high margin hit to next-year’s results, sent shares lower. Vivint also announced it was being acquired by NRG, an energy business looking to beef up subscription revenue and deepen relationships with homeowners. Add on rising recession fears, inflation and supply chain challenges impacting its hardware profitability, and falling software valuations and Alarm.com’s stock has hit a rough patch. In our view, the business continues to perform well and its prospects are bright. Clarus is a holding company that buys and builds “super-fan” outdoor brands. Its best known asset is the rock climbing and mountaineering brand Black Diamond. In hindsight, perhaps we should have waited for a larger margin of safety with our initial purchase and subsequent small addition. While we believe the company’s strategy is sound and management is a good steward of its outdoor brands, the macro realities

 

 

13

Returns are for Net Asset Value, net of fees and expenses. Inception of the ETF was 10/29/2018. The benchmark is the Russell 2000 Growth Total Return Index.

14

Contribution to return is a combination of average weighting in the portfolio and total return during the period.

 

6

 

 

 

Motley Fool ASSET MANAGEMENT ETFS

Letter to Shareholders (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

of falling consumer savings rates, full employment, input cost environment, and rising recession risks are expected to weigh on Clarus and other consumer discretionary businesses in the near term. The company has lowered guidance on several occasions and brought in new management to navigate its path forward.

 

PASSIVE ETF PERFORMANCE AND COMMENTARY

 

Motley Fool 100 Index ETF

 

The Motley Fool 100 Index ETF increased 22.71% during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023. During the same period, the Motley Fool 100 Index, which the Motley Fool 100 Index ETF is designed to track, increased 23.37% and the S&P 500 Total Return Index increased 15.94%. Cumulatively since inception, the Motley Fool 100 Index ETF returned 112.33%. Over that period, the Motley Fool 100 Index returned 118.41% and the S&P 500 Index returned 74.36%.15

 

The ETF’s net asset value return differed from that of its underlying index, the Motley Fool 100 Index, due primarily to the deduction of management fees and transaction costs. A small cash balance across the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023 and securities lending income helped reduce tracking error.

 

As a passive implementation of active stock selection, the ETF’s performance in each period is reflective of the construction of its underlying index, the Motley Fool 100 Index, which is a market capitalization weighted portfolio of the 100 largest, liquid, high-conviction stock selections from The Motley Fool, LLC.16 The Motley Fool 100 Index has historically had, and continued through the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023 to have, a top-heavy construction and concentration in a subset of sectors. As a result, the largest holdings and sector exposures have a significant impact on the Motley Fool 100 Index’s overall performance.

 

The top three contributors17 to the Motley Fool 100 Index ETF’s performance were NVIDIA (+227%), Microsoft (+27%) and Apple (+20%). These three companies had a combined average portfolio weight during the fiscal year of more than 28%. The bottom three contributors were CVS Health (-32%), The Walt Disney Company (-25%), and Tesla (-6%). These three companies had a combined average portfolio weight during the fiscal year of a bit over 5%.

 

Over the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, nearly 1 in 3 holdings detracted from returns. However, the ETF’s large weighting in the largest market capitalization stocks and to the Information Technology and Communication Services sectors overcame this headwind and drove its outperformance versus the S&P 500 Index.

 

Motley Fool Next Index ETF

 

The Motley Fool Next Index ETF gained 5.21% during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023. During the same period, the Motley Fool Next Index, which the Motley Fool Next Index ETF is designed to track, rose 5.76% and the Russell Midcap Growth Total Return Index increased 13.00%. Cumulatively since the ETF’s inception, the Motley Fool Next Index ETF returned -20.96%, the Motley Fool Next Index returned -20.39% and the Russell Midcap Growth Total Return Index returned -15.72%.18

 

The ETF’s net asset value return differed from that of its underlying index, the Motley Fool Next Index, due primarily to the deduction of management fees and transaction costs. A small cash balance across the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023 helped reduce tracking error.

 

As a passive implementation of active stock selection, the ETF’s performance in each period is reflective of the construction of its underlying index, the Motley Fool Next Index, which is a market capitalization weighted index of the mid- and small-capitalization U.S. companies that have been recommended by The Motley Fool, LLC’s analysts, or research publications.19

 

 

15

Returns are for Net Asset Value, net of fees and expenses. The market price return for the Motley Fool 100 Index ETF for the year ended 8/31/2023 was 22.63%, and since inception, was 14.42% annualized. Inception of the Motley Fool 100 Index ETF was 1/29/2018.

16

Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC is a subsidiary of The Motley Fool. The Motley Fool is responsible for independently managing the Motley Fool 100 Index. To learn more about the index, see its website: https://www.fool100.com/

17

Contribution to return is a combination of average weighting in the portfolio and total return during the period.

18

Returns are for Net Asset Value, net of fees and expenses. The market price return for the Motley Fool Next Index ETF for the year ended 8/31/2023 was 5.39%, and since inception was -13.13% annualized. Inception of the Motley Fool Next Index ETF was 12/30/2021.

19

Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC is a subsidiary of The Motley Fool. The Motley Fool is responsible for independently managing the Motley Fool Next Index. To learn more about the index, see its website: https://foolindices.com/fool-next/methodology/

 

 

7

 

 

Motley Fool ASSET MANAGEMENT ETFS

Letter to Shareholders (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

The top three contributors to the Motley Fool Next Index ETF’s performance were Fair Isaac (+101%), HubSpot (+62%) and Exact Sciences (+135%). These three companies had a combined average portfolio weight during the fiscal year of 3%. The bottom three contributors were Warner Brothers Discovery (-28%), EPAM Systems (-39%), and SVB Financial Group (-100%). These three companies had a combined average portfolio weight during the fiscal year just shy of 3%.

 

The Motley Fool Next Index had larger than benchmark exposure to the strongest two performing sectors, Consumer Discretionary and Industrials, which helped performance. However, stock selection in the Consumer Discretionary and Information Technology sectors overtook that tailwind and led to underperformance during the year ended August 31, 2023. The ETF reflected these relative positions and performance suffered accordingly.

 

Motley Fool Capital Efficiency 100 Index ETF

 

The Motley Fool Capital Efficiency 100 Index ETF rose 24.81% over the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023. During the same period, the Motley Fool Capital Efficiency 100 Index, which the Motley Fool Capital Efficiency 100 Index ETF is designed to track, increased 25.52% and the S&P 500 Total Return Index advanced 15.94%. Cumulatively since inception, the Motley Fool Capital Efficiency 100 Index ETF returned -2.45%. Over that period, the Motley Fool Capital Efficiency 100 Index returned -2.08% and the S&P 500 Index returned -1.82%.20

 

The ETF’s net asset value return differed from that of its underlying index, the Motley Fool Capital Efficiency 100 Index, due primarily to the deduction of management fees and transaction costs. A small cash balance across the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023 helped reduce tracking error.

 

As a passive implementation of active stock selection, the ETF’s performance in each period is reflective of the construction of its underlying index, the Motley Fool Capital Efficiency 100 Index, which tracks the performance of the highest scoring stocks of US companies, measured by a company’s capital efficiency, that have been recommended The Motley Fool, LLC’s analysts and newsletters.21 Capital efficiency is a measure of how a business turns its investments into revenue and profit, and it provides insight into the company’s return on invested capital.

 

The top three contributors22 to the Motley Fool Capital Efficiency Index ETF’s performance were Meta Platforms (+82%), Broadcom (+90%) and Mastercard (+28%). These three companies had a combined average portfolio weight during the fiscal year of greater than 13%. The bottom three contributors were UnitedHealth Group (-7%), Advanced Micro Devices (-25%), and NVIDIA (-17%). These three companies had a combined average portfolio weight during the fiscal year of nearly 6%.

 

The Motley Fool Capital Efficiency 100 Index was overweight in the Information Technology sector, which performed well during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023. However, the stock selection within the Information Technology sector detracted from performance. The ETF reflected these same phenomena.

 

 

20

Returns are for Net Asset Value, net of fees and expenses. The market price return for the Motley Fool Capital Efficiency 100 Index ETF for the year ended 8/31/2023 was 24.99%, and since inception, was -2.34% annualized. Inception of the Motley Fool Capital Efficiency 100 Index ETF was 12/30/2021.

21

Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC is a subsidiary of The Motley Fool. The Motley Fool is responsible for independently managing the Motley Fool Capital Efficiency 100 Index. To learn more about the index, see its website:
https://foolindices.com/fool-capital-efficiency/methodology/

22

Contribution to return is a combination of average weighting in the portfolio and total return during the period.

 

8

 

 

 

Motley Fool ASSET MANAGEMENT ETFS

Letter to Shareholders (Concluded)

AUGUST 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

THANKFUL AND HOPEFULLY DESERVING

 

Quality ownership and patient capital are enablers of long-term success. But they’re so rare that they actually represent a competitive advantage. Yes, that’s a role you play in our joint long-term success. I hope that fact is empowering.

 

I’m not sure if Motley Fool Asset Management is an opera, a rock concert, or a Taylor Swift cover band, but we’re glad you’ve self-selected to be here. If you get the shareholders you deserve, we feel like we belong together.23

 

We remain thankful for and humbled by your trust.

 

Onward,

 

 

Bryan Hinmon
Chief Investment Officer, Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC

 

Disclosures

 

Past performance does not guarantee future results. There can be no guarantee that any strategy (risk management or otherwise) will be successful. All investing involves risk and may lose money, including loss of principal. Securities in a Fund may not match those in an index and performance of the Fund will be different. You cannot invest directly into an index.

 

This Letter to Shareholders seeks to describe some of the Adviser’s current opinions and views of the financial markets. Although the Adviser believes it has a reasonable basis for any opinions or views expressed, actual results may differ, sometimes significantly so, from those expected or expressed. The securities held by the Funds that are discussed in this Letter to Shareholders were held during the period covered by the annual report. They do not comprise the entire investment portfolio of the Funds, may be sold at any time, and may no longer be held by any of the Funds. The opinions of the Adviser with respect to those securities may change at any time.

 

 

23

50,000 bonus points if you made it all the way to the end of this letter and picked up on the reference to Taylor Swift’s fun and delightfully innocent 2008 hit “You Belong With Me.”

 

 

9

 

 

Motley Fool GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES ETF

Portfolio Characteristics

(Unaudited)

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ended august 31, 2023

 

One
Year

Five
Years

Since
Inception

Inception
Date

Motley Fool Global Opportunities ETF (at NAV)*

11.24%

6.80%

8.56%

6/17/2014

Motley Fool Global Opportunities ETF (at Market Price)

11.19%

N/A

-7.93%

 

FTSE Global All Cap Net Tax Index**

13.96%

7.46%

7.51%(1)

Fund Expense Ratio:(2) 0.85%

 

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained at www.fooletfs.com. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

(1)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

(2)

The expense ratios of the Fund are set forth according to the Prospectus for the Fund and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Financial Highlights tables in this report. See the Financial Highlights for more current expense ratios.

*

The Motley Fool Global Opportunities ETF operated as a series of The Motley Fool Funds Trust (the “Predecessor Fund”) prior to December 21, 2016 at which time the Predecessor Fund was reorganized into the Fund. The performance shown for periods prior to December 21, 2016 represents the performance of the Predecessor Fund. These returns reflect expense waivers by the Fund’s investment adviser. Without these waivers, returns would have been lower.

**

The FTSE Global All Cap Net Tax Index is a market-capitalization weighted index representing the performance of large, mid and small cap companies in Developed and Emerging markets. The index is comprised of approximately 9,500 securities from 49 countries and captures 98% of the world’s investable market capitalization. Fair value prices and foreign exchange as of 4 pm ET are used in the calculation of this index, and returns are adjusted for withholding taxes applicable to dividends received by a U.S. Regulated Investment Company domiciled in the United States. The index is unmanaged and not available for direct investments. Its performance does not reflect deductions for fees, expenses or taxes.

 

10

 

 

 

Motley Fool GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES ETF

Portfolio Characteristics (CONTINUED)

(Unaudited)

 

The investment objective of the Motley Fool Global Opportunities ETF is to achieve long-term capital appreciation, and it pursues this objective by investing primarily in common stocks of companies located anywhere in the world. The Fund seeks long-term growth by identifying and acquiring securities of companies that are, in the view of Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC (the “Adviser”), high quality. To identify these high-quality businesses, the Adviser engages in research to evaluate each company under consideration using four criteria: management, culture, and incentives; the economics of the business; competitive advantage; and trajectory. The Adviser’s approach prizes a long-term mindset and a balance of qualitative and quantitative factors.

 

The Fund will invest in areas of the market, that, in the view of the Adviser, offer the greatest potential for long-term capital appreciation, and it does not attempt to match the allocations of its benchmark. As such, significant deviation from the benchmark is expected from time to time, especially over shorter time frames.

 

The allocations to various sectors, countries, or any other macro-economic designation, are the byproduct of rigorous bottom-up analysis rather than an intentional top-down opinion of asset classes. While market conditions are constantly changing, exposure to equity market risk is needed to consistently achieve equity-like returns.

 

The following tables show the top ten holdings, sector allocations, and top ten countries in which the Fund was invested in as of August 31, 2023. Portfolio holdings are subject to change without notice.

 

Top Ten Holdings

% OF NET
Assets

Mastercard, Inc., Class A

6.5%

Amazon.com, Inc.

5.8

ICON PLC

5.0

Watsco, Inc.

4.9

Alphabet, Inc., Class C

4.6

Axon Enterprise, Inc.

4.0

Waste Connections, Inc.

3.9

MercadoLibre, Inc.

3.6

International Container Terminal Services, Inc.

3.6

Atlassian Corp.

3.5

 

45.4%

 

 

11

 

 

Motley Fool GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES ETF

Portfolio Characteristics (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

The Motley Fool Global Opportunities ETF uses the Global Industry Classification StandardSM (“GICS SM”) as the basis for the classification of securities on the Schedule of Investments (“SOI”).

 

Sector Allocation

% OF Net
Assets

Industrials

20.4%

Information Technology

20.2

Consumer Discretionary

15.2

Communication Services

12.7

Financials

11.7

Health Care

7.3

Real Estate

7.0

Consumer Staples

2.3

 

96.8%

 

Top ten Countries

% OF Net
Assets

United States*

53.9%

Canada

7.8

Ireland

7.3

Argentina

3.6

Philippines

3.6

Spain

3.3

Taiwan

3.2

China

3.1

United Kingdom

3.0

Georgia

2.7

 

91.5%

 

*

As of the date of this report, the Fund had a holding of 2.7% in the U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account.

 

12

 

 

 

Motley Fool MID-CAP GROWTH ETF

Portfolio Characteristics

(Unaudited)

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ended August 31, 2023

 

One
Year

Five
Years

Since
Inception

Inception
Date

Motley Fool Mid-Cap Growth ETF (at NAV)*

8.58%

3.70%

7.53%

6/17/2014

Motley Fool Mid-Cap Growth ETF (at Market Price)

8.65%

N/A

-8.77%

 

Russell MidCap® Growth Total Return Index**

13.00%

7.95%

9.90%(1)

Fund Expense Ratio:(2) 0.85%

 

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained at www.fooletfs.com. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

(1)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

(2)

The expense ratios of the Fund are set forth according to the Prospectus for the Fund and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Financial Highlights tables in this report. See the Financial Highlights for more current expense ratios.

*

The Motley Fool Mid-Cap Growth ETF operated as a series of The Motley Fool Funds Trust (the “Predecessor Fund”) prior to December 21, 2016 at which time the Predecessor Fund was reorganized into the Fund. The performance shown for periods prior to December 21, 2016 represents the performance of the Predecessor Fund. These returns reflect expense waivers by the Fund’s investment adviser. Without these waivers, returns would have been lower.

**

The Russell Midcap® Growth Total Return Index measures the performance of the mid-cap growth segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell Midcap® Index companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. The Russell Midcap® Growth Total Return Index is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased barometer of the mid-cap growth market. The Index is completely reconstituted annually to ensure larger stocks do not distort the performance and characteristics of the true mid-cap growth market.

 

The investment objective of the Motley Fool Mid-Cap Growth ETF is to achieve long-term capital appreciation, and it pursues this objective by investing primarily in common stocks of companies organized in the United States. The Fund seeks long-term growth by identifying and acquiring securities of companies that are, in the view of the Adviser, high quality. To identify these high-quality businesses, the Adviser engages in research to evaluate each company under consideration using four criteria: management, culture, and incentives; the economics of the business; competitive advantage; and trajectory. The Adviser’s approach prizes a long-term mindset and a balance of qualitative and quantitative factors.

 

The Fund will invest in areas of the market, that, in the view of the Adviser, offer the greatest potential for long-term capital appreciation, and it does not attempt to match the allocations of its benchmark. As such, significant deviation from the benchmark is expected from time to time, especially over shorter time frames.

 

 

13

 

 

Motley Fool MID-CAP GROWTH ETF

Portfolio Characteristics (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

The allocations to various sectors, or any other macro-economic designation, are the byproduct of rigorous bottom-up analysis rather than an intentional top-down opinion of asset classes. While market conditions are constantly changing, exposure to equity market risk is needed to consistently achieve equity-like returns. The Adviser views its time as best spent focused on evaluating businesses and seeking to minimize company-specific risk in order to pursue its objective of long-term capital appreciation.

 

Although the Motley Fool Mid-Cap Growth ETF may invest in companies with any market capitalization, the Adviser expects that investments in the securities of companies having smaller- and mid-market capitalizations will be important components of the Fund’s investment program. Investments in securities of these companies may involve greater risk than do investments in larger, more established companies. Small- and mid-cap stocks tend to be more volatile and less liquid than their large-cap counterparts.

 

The following tables show the top ten holdings, and sector allocations in which the Fund was invested in as of August 31, 2023.Portfolio holdings are subject to change without notice.

 

Top ten Holdings

% OF Net
Assets

Axon Enterprise, Inc.

5.9%

Brown & Brown, Inc.

5.8

Watsco, Inc.

4.6

Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.

4.6

Markel Corp.

4.4

Tyler Technologies, Inc.

4.4

Fastenal Co.

4.4

SBA Communications Corp.

4.0

Paylocity Holding Corp.

3.9

Gentex Corp

3.8

 

45.8%

 

The Motley Fool Mid-Cap Growth ETF uses the Global Industry Classification StandardSM (“GICS SM”) as the basis for the classification of securities on the Schedule of Investments (“SOI”).

 

Sector Allocation

% OF Net
Assets

Information Technology

23.8%

Industrials

20.0

Financials

18.7

Health Care

13.1

Consumer Discretionary

11.9

Real Estate

9.2

Materials

2.3

 

99.0%

 

14

 

 

 

Motley Fool 100 Index ETF

Portfolio Characteristics

(Unaudited)

 

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIODS ENDED August 31, 2023

 

One
Year

Five
Years

Since
Inception

Inception
Date

Motley Fool 100 Index ETF (at NAV)

22.71%

13.96%

14.43%

1/29/2018

Motley Fool 100 Index ETF (at Market Price)

22.63%

13.91%

14.42%

 

Motley Fool 100 Index*

23.37%

14.55%

15.01%(1)

S&P 500© Total Return Index**

15.94%

11.12%

10.46%(1)

Fund Expense Ratio:(2) 0.50%

       

 

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained at www.fooletfs.com. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

(1)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

(2)

The expense ratio of the Fund is set forth according to the Prospectus for the Fund and may differ from the expense ratio disclosed in the Financial Highlights table in this report. See the Financial Highlights for most current expense ratio.

*

The Motley Fool 100 Index (“Fool 100 Index”) was developed by The Motley Fool, LLC (“The Motley Fool”), an affiliate of Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC (“Adviser”), in 2017 and is a proprietary, rules-based index designed to track the performance of the 100 largest, most liquid U.S. companies that have been recommended by The Motley Fool’s analysts and newsletters or the highest-rated stocks in Fool IQ, the company’s analyst opinion database. Every company included in the Fool 100 Index is incorporated and listed in the U.S. The Fool 100 Index is calculated and administered by Solactive AG (the “Index Calculation Agent”), which is not affiliated with the Fund, the Adviser or The Motley Fool. Additional information regarding the Fool 100 Index, including its value, is available on the websites of the Fund at www.fooletfs.com and the Index Calculation Agent, at www.solactive.com. You cannot invest directly in an index.

**

The S&P 500® Total Return Index is the total return version of the S&P 500® Index. Dividends are reinvested on a daily basis and all regular cash dividends are assumed reinvested in the index on the ex-dividend date. The S&P 500® Index is a market-capitalization-weighted index of 500 US stocks chosen for market size, liquidity and industry grouping, among other factors. The S&P 500® Index is designed to be a leading indicator of U.S. equities and is meant to reflect the risk/return characteristics of the large cap universe. The S&P 500® Index was first introduced on the 1st of January, 1923, though expanded to 500 stocks on March 4, 1957.

 

 

15

 

 

Motley Fool 100 Index ETF

Portfolio Characteristics (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

The following tables show the top ten holdings and sector allocations, in which the Motley Fool 100 Index ETF was invested in as of August 31, 2023. Portfolio holdings are subject to change without notice.

 

Top TEN Holdings

% OF Net
Assets

Apple, Inc.

13.6%

Microsoft Corp.

11.3

Alphabet, Inc., Class C

8.0

Amazon.com, Inc.

6.5

NVIDIA Corp.

5.6

Tesla, Inc.

3.8

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., Class B

3.6

Meta Platforms, Inc., Class A

3.5

Visa, Inc., Class A

2.3

Johnson & Johnson

2.1

 

60.3%

 

The Motley Fool 100 Index ETF uses the Global Industry Classification StandardSM (“GICSSM”) as the basis for the classification of securities on the Schedule of Investments (“SOI”). We believe that this makes the SOI classifications more standard with the rest of the industry.

 

Sector Allocation

% OF Net
Assets

Information Technology

46.3%

Communication Services

14.8

Consumer Discretionary

14.8

Health Care

9.5

Financials

7.2

Industrials

3.4

Consumer Staples

1.4

Real Estate

1.1

Materials

0.6

Utilities

0.6

Energy

0.2

 

99.9%

 

16

 

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL SMALL-CAP GROWTH ETF

Portfolio Characteristics

(Unaudited)

 

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIODS ENDED August 31, 2023

 

One
Year

Three
Years

Since
Inception

Inception
Date

Motley Fool Small-Cap Growth ETF (at NAV)

16.13%

-0.98%

10.25%

10/29/2018

Motley Fool Small-Cap Growth ETF (at Market Price)

16.21%

-1.06%

10.25%

 

Russell 2000 Growth Total Return® Index*

6.78%

2.67%

6.65%(1)

Fund Expense Ratio:(2) 0.85%

       

 

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed or sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

(1)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

(2)

The expense ratio of the Fund is set forth according to the Prospectus for the Fund and may differ from the expense ratio disclosed in the Financial Highlights table in this report. See the Financial Highlights for most current expense ratio.

*

The Russell 2000 Growth Total Return® Index measures the performance of those companies included in the Russell 2000 Index with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted earnings growth rates. The Russell 2000 Index measures the performance of approximately 2,000 companies with small-market capitalizations.

 

 

17

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL SMALL-CAP GROWTH ETF

Portfolio Characteristics (CONCLUDED)

(Unaudited)

 

The following tables show the top ten holdings and sector allocations, in which the Motley Fool Small-Cap Growth ETF was invested in as of August 31, 2023. Portfolio holdings are subject to change without notice.

 

Top TEN Holdings

% OF Net
Assets

Goosehead Insurance, Inc., Class A

4.8%

Alarm.com Holdings, Inc.

4.7

Q2 Holdings, Inc.

4.3

Live Oak Bancshares, Inc.

3.7

Smartsheet, Inc., Class A

3.6

Inari Medical, Inc.

3.5

Gentex Corp.

3.5

Howard Hughes Holdings, Inc.

3.4

Globus Medical, Inc., Class A

3.3

GXO Logistics, Inc.

3.1

 

37.9%

 

The Motley Fool Small-Cap Growth ETF uses GICSSM as the basis for the classification of securities on the Schedule of Investments.

 

Sector Allocation

% OF Net
Assets

Health Care

23.8%

Industrials

21.1

Information Technology

16.7

Financials

11.0

Consumer Discretionary

8.3

Real Estate

6.0

Energy

2.9

Consumer Staples

1.7

Materials

0.9

 

92.4%

 

18

 

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL CAPITAL EFFICIENCY 100 INDEX ETF

Portfolio Characteristics

(Unaudited)

 

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIODS ENDED August 31, 2023

 

One
Year

Since
Inception

Inception
Date

Motley Fool Capital Efficiency 100 Index ETF (at NAV)

24.81%

-2.45%

12/30/2021

Motley Fool Captial Efficiency 100 Index ETF (at Market Price)

24.99%

-2.34%

 

Motley Fool Capital Efficiency 100 Index*

25.52%

-2.08%(1)

S&P 500© Total Return Index**

15.94%

-1.82%(1)

Fund Expense Ratio:(2) 0.50%

     

 

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed or sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

(1)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

(2)

The expense ratio of the Fund is set forth according to the Prospectus for the Fund and may differ from the expense ratio disclosed in the Financial Highlights table in this report. See the Financial Highlights for most current expense ratio.

*

The Motley Fool Capital Efficiency 100 Index (“Capital Efficiency 100 Index”) was developed by The Motley Fool, LLC (“The Motley Fool”), an affiliate of Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC (“Adviser”), in 2021 and is a proprietary, rules-based index designed to track the performance of the highest scoring stocks of U.S. companies, measured by a company’s capital efficiency, that have been recommended by The Motley Fool’s analysts and newsletters, and that also meet certain liquidity requirements. Capital efficiency is a measure of how a business turns its investments into revenue and profit and it provides insight into the company’s return on invested capital. Every company included in the Capital Efficiency 100 Index is incorporated and listed in the U.S. The Capital Efficiency 100 Index is calculated and administered by Solactive AG (the “Index Calculation Agent”), which is not affiliated with the Fund, the Adviser or The Motley Fool. Additional information regarding the Capital Efficiency 100 Index, including its value, is available on the websites of the Fund at www.fooletfs.com and the Index Calculation Agent, at www.solactive.com. You cannot invest directly in an index.

**

The S&P 500® Total Return Index is the total return version of the S&P 500® Index. Dividends are reinvested on a daily basis and all regular cash dividends are assumed reinvested in the index on the ex-dividend date. The S&P 500® Index is a market-capitalization-weighted index of 500 US stocks chosen for market size, liquidity and industry grouping, among other factors. The S&P 500® Index is designed to be a leading indicator of U.S. equities and is meant to reflect the risk/return characteristics of the large cap universe. The S&P 500® Index was first introduced on the 1st of January, 1923, though expanded to 500 stocks on March 4, 1957.

 

 

19

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL CAPITAL EFFICIENCY 100 INDEX ETF

Portfolio Characteristics (CONCLUDED)

(Unaudited)

 

The following tables show the top ten holdings and sector allocations, in which the Motley Fool Capital Efficiency 100 Index ETF was invested in as of August 31, 2023. Portfolio holdings are subject to change without notice.

 

Top TEN Holdings

% OF Net
Assets

Alphabet, Inc., Class C

5.3%

Amazon.com, Inc.

5.3

Visa, Inc., Class A

5.2

Meta Platforms, Inc., Class A

5.1

Mastercard, Inc., Class A

5.1

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

5.0

Apple, Inc.

4.9

Johnson & Johnson

4.8

Home Depot, Inc., (The)

4.7

Microsoft Corp.

4.6

 

50.0%

 

The Motley Fool Capital Efficiency 100 Index ETF uses GICSSM as the basis for the classification of securities on the Schedule of Investments.

 

Sector Allocation

% OF Net
Assets

Information Technology

42.9%

Health Care

18.2

Communication Services

14.3

Consumer Discretionary

13.1

Industrials

5.2

Consumer Staples

3.7

Materials

1.7

Financials

0.5

 

99.6%

 

20

 

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL NEXT INDEX ETF

Portfolio Characteristics

(Unaudited)

 

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIODS ENDED August 31, 2023

 

One
Year

Since
Inception

Inception
Date

Motley Fool Next Index ETF (at NAV)

5.21%

-13.15%

12/30/2021

Motley Fool Next Index ETF (at Market Price)

5.39%

-13.13%

 

Motley Fool Next Index*

5.76%

-12.77%(1)

Russell Midcap® Growth Total Return Index**

13.00%

-9.74%(1)

Fund Expense Ratio:(2) 0.50%

     

 

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed or sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

(1)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

(2)

The expense ratio of the Fund is set forth according to the Prospectus for the Fund and may differ from the expense ratio disclosed in the Financial Highlights table in this report. See the Financial Highlights for most current expense ratio.

*

The Motley Fool Next Index (“Next Index”) was developed by The Motley Fool, LLC (“The Motley Fool”), an affiliate of Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC (“Adviser”), in 2021 and is a proprietary, rules-based index designed to track the performance of the 100 largest, most liquid U.S. companies that have been recommended by The Motley Fool’s analysts and newsletters. Every company included in the Capital Efficiency 100 Index is incorporated and listed in the U.S. The Next Index is calculated and administered by Solactive AG (the “Index Calculation Agent”), which is not affiliated with the Fund, the Adviser or The Motley Fool. Additional information regarding the Next Index, including its value, is available on the websites of the Fund at www.fooletfs.com and the Index Calculation Agent, at www.solactive.com. You cannot invest directly in an index.

**

The Russell Midcap® Growth Total Return Index measures the performance of the mid-cap growth segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell Midcap® Index companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. The Russell Midcap® Growth Total Return Index is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased barometer of the mid-cap growth market. The Index is completely reconstituted annually to ensure larger stocks do not distort the performance and characteristics of the true mid-cap growth market.

 

 

21

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL NEXT INDEX ETF

Portfolio Characteristics (CONCLUDED)

(Unaudited)

 

The following tables show the top ten holdings and sector allocations, in which the Motley Fool Next Index ETF was invested in as of August 31, 2023. Portfolio holdings are subject to change without notice.

 

Top TEN Holdings

% OF Net
Assets

Corning, Inc.

1.8%

Gartner, Inc.

1.8

HubSpot, Inc.

1.7

MongoDB, Inc.

1.7

Nasdaq, Inc.

1.7

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

1.6

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.

1.5

Tractor Supply Co.

1.5

Fair Isaac Corp.

1.4

McCormick & Co., Inc.

1.4

 

16.1%

 

The Motley Fool Next Index ETF uses GICSSM as the basis for the classification of securities on the Schedule of Investments.

 

Sector Allocation

% OF Net
Assets

Information Technology

35.6%

Consumer Discretionary

16.0

Industrials

13.3

Health Care

12.4

Financials

8.8

Communication Services

6.7

Consumer Staples

4.4

Real Estate

1.4

Materials

1.1

Energy

0.2

 

99.9%

 

 

22

 

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Fund Expense Examples

AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund(s), you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, (if any), including brokerage commissions on purchases and sales of Fund shares, and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund(s) and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other ETFs.

 

These examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period from March 1, 2023 through August 31, 2023, and held for the entire period.

 

Actual Expenses

 

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

 

Hypothetical Examples for Comparison Purposes

 

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

 

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

 

Do you know how many times a fund, or the market, has returned a smooth 5% over a long period of time? Never. But we have to pick some example. In reality, the market’s returns are always far bumpier, with the market returning 20% one year, followed by a loss of 10% the next year, followed by a 3% gain,etc. These variations affect actual expenses as well. Happily, over almost all time periods of 20 years or longer, according to the research of University of Pennsylvania’s Jeremy Siegel and others, the domestic market’s returns have been at least 5% per year on average.

 

 

 

23

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Fund Expense Examples (Concluded)

AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

 

 

Beginning
Account Value
March 1,
2023

   

Ending
Account Value
August 31,
2023

   

Expenses
Paid During
Period
(1)

   

Annualized
Expense
Ratio

   

Actual Six-Month Total Investment Returns
for the Funds

 

Motley Fool Global Opportunities ETF

                             

Actual

  $ 1,000.00     $ 1,104.50     $ 4.51     0.85%   10.45%

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

  1,000.00     1,020.92     4.33     0.85%   N/A  

Motley Fool Mid-Cap Growth ETF

                             

Actual

  $ 1,000.00     $ 1,086.00     $ 4.47     0.85%   8.60%

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

  1,000.00     1,020.92     4.33     0.85%   N/A  

Motley Fool 100 Index ETF

                             

Actual

  $ 1,000.00     $ 1,263.80     $ 2.85     0.50%   26.38%

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

  1,000.00     1,022.68     2.55     0.50%   N/A  

Motley Fool Small-Cap Growth ETF

                             

Actual

  $ 1,000.00     $ 1,098.20     $ 4.50     0.85%   9.82%

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

  1,000.00     1,020.92     4.33     0.85%   N/A  

Motley Fool Capital Efficiency 100 Index ETF

                       

Actual

  $ 1,000.00     $ 1,242.30     $ 2.83     0.50%   24.23%

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

  1,000.00     1,022.68     2.55     0.50%   N/A  

Motley Fool Next Index ETF

                                       

Actual

  $ 1,000.00     $ 1,034.20     $ 2.56     0.50%   3.42%

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

  1,000.00     1,022.68     2.55     0.50%   N/A  

 

(1)

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio for the period March 1, 2023 through August 31, 2023, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184) in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by 365 to reflect the one-half year period. The Fund’s ending account value in the first section in the table is based on the actual six-month total investment return for the Fund.

 

24

 

 

 

Motley Fool global opportunities ETF

Schedule of Investments

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(NOTE 1)

 
                 

Common Stocks — 96.8%

               

Aerospace & Defense — 4.0%

               

Axon Enterprise, Inc. (United States)*

    81,690     $ 17,392,618  

Banks — 4.3%

               

Bank of Georgia Group PLC (Georgia)

    183,461       8,099,439  

HDFC Bank., Ltd., (India)ADR

    166,348       10,365,144  
              18,464,583  

Capital Markets — 4.8%

               

Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. (Canada)(a)ADR

    58,725       2,028,949  

Brookfield Corp. (Canada)

    234,854       8,010,870  

Georgia Capital PLC (Georgia)*

    282,828       3,482,547  

MSCI, Inc. (United States)

    13,020       7,077,932  
              20,600,298  

Commercial Services & Supplies — 3.9%

               

Waste Connections, Inc. (Canada)ADR

    122,408       16,768,672  

Diversified Telecommunication Services — 3.3%

               

Cellnex Telecom SA (Spain)(b)

    370,876       14,196,249  

Entertainment — 2.4%

               

Universal Music Group NV (Netherlands)

    418,580       10,389,495  

Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 5.8%

               

American Tower Corp. (United States)

    35,592       6,453,541  

Equinix, Inc. (United States)

    15,800       12,345,804  

SBA Communications Corp. (United States)

    28,108       6,311,089  
              25,110,434  

Food & Staples Retailing — 2.3%

               

Costco Wholesale Corp. (United States)

    18,235       10,016,121  

Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 2.2%

               

Medtronic PLC (Ireland)ADR

    116,242       9,473,723  

Health Care Providers & Services 0.0%

               

NMC Health PLC (United Arab Emirates)(c)*

    485,482        

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 5.8%

               

Starbucks Corp. (United States)

    122,408       11,927,436  

Yum China Holdings, Inc. (China)

    244,319       13,117,487  
              25,044,923  

 

 

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

 

 

25

 

 

Motley Fool global opportunities ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(NOTE 1)

 
                 

Common Stocks (continued)

               

Insurance — 2.6%

               

Aon PLC (United Kingdom)ADR

    34,060     $ 11,355,263  

Interactive Media & Services — 4.6%

               

Alphabet, Inc., Class C (United States)*

    142,960       19,635,556  

Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 9.4%

               

Amazon.com, Inc. (United States)*

    180,342       24,888,999  

MercadoLibre, Inc. (Argentina)(a)*

    11,363       15,594,127  
              40,483,126  

IT Services — 7.5%

               

Mastercard, Inc., Class A (United States)

    67,882       28,010,828  

PayPal Holdings, Inc. (United States)*

    69,420       4,339,444  
              32,350,272  

Life Sciences Tools & Services — 5.1%

               

ICON PLC (Ireland)*ADR

    83,528       21,712,268  

Machinery — 0.4%

               

FANUC Corp. (Japan)

    63,200       1,803,977  

Media — 2.3%

               

Comcast Corp., Class A (United States)

    185,466       8,672,390  

System1 Group PLC (United Kingdom)*

    508,946       1,334,598  
              10,006,988  

Real Estate Management & Development — 1.2%

               

Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc. (United States)*

    28,916       4,996,685  

Road & Rail — 1.7%

               

Canadian National Railway Co. (Canada)ADR(a)

    64,082       7,216,274  

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 3.2%

               

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd., (Taiwan) SP ADR

    145,118       13,578,691  

Software — 9.5%

               

Atlassian Corp. (United States)*

    74,195       15,140,232  

Everbridge, Inc. (United States)*

    89,644       2,224,068  

Paycom Software, Inc. (United States)

    29,272       8,630,556  

Salesforce.com, Inc. (United States)*

    45,392       10,052,512  

Splunk, Inc. (United States)*

    41,080       4,981,362  
              41,028,730  

 

 

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

 

26

 

 

 

Motley Fool global opportunities ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(NOTE 1)

 
                 

Common Stocks (continued)

               

Trading Companies & Distributors — 6.8%

               

Fastenal Co. (United States)

    144,662     $ 8,329,638  

Watsco, Inc. (United States)(a)

    57,424       20,933,919  
              29,263,557  

Transportation Infrastructure — 3.6%

               

International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (Philippines)

    4,173,619       15,273,293  

Wireless Telecommunication Services — 0.1%

               

Safaricom Ltd., PLC (Kenya)

    4,000,000       423,368  

Total Common Stocks (Cost $228,541,128)

            416,585,164  
                 

Investment Purchased with Proceeds from Securities Lending Collateral — 9.3%

               

Mount Vernon Liquid Assets Portfolio, LLC, 5.46%

    39,874,840       39,874,840  

Total Investment Purchased with Proceeds from Securities Lending Collateral (Cost $39,874,840)

            39,874,840  
                 

Short-Term Investment — 2.7%

               

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 5.20% (United States)(d)

    11,407,238       11,407,238  

Total Short-Term Investment (Cost $11,407,238)

            11,407,238  
                 

Total Investments (Cost $279,823,206) — 108.8%

            467,867,242  

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (8.8)%

            (37,901,258 )

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

          $ 429,965,984  

(Applicable to 15,718,873 shares outstanding)

               

 

*

Non-income producing security.

 

ADR — American Depositary Receipt

 

PLC — Public Limited Company

 

SP ADR — Sponsored ADR

 

(a)

All or a portion of the security is on loan. At August 31, 2022, the market value of securities on loan was $39,407,010.

 

(b)

Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration to qualified institutional buyers. As of August 31, 2023, total market value of Rule 144A securities is $14,196,249 and represents 3.3% of net assets.

 

(c)

Security has been valued at fair market value using significant unobservable inputs as determined in good faith by the Adviser, as valuation designee, under the oversight of The RBB Fund, Inc.’s Board of Directors. As of August 31, 2023, these securities amounted to $0 or 0.0% of net assets.

 

(d)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2023.

 

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

 

 

27

 

 

Motley Fool mid-cap growth ETF

Schedule of Investments

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 1)

 
                 

Common Stocks — 99.0%

               

Aerospace & Defense — 6.0%

               

Axon Enterprise, Inc. (United States)*

    54,301     $ 11,561,226  

Air Freight & Logistics — 2.5%

               

GXO Logistics, Inc. (United States)(a)*

    75,937       4,857,690  

Auto Components — 6.5%

               

Gentex Corp. (United States)

    227,791       7,439,654  

LCI Industries (United States)(a)

    42,114       5,276,042  
              12,715,696  

Automobiles — 3.0%

               

Thor Industries, Inc. (United States)(a)

    55,100       5,775,582  

Biotechnology — 4.0%

               

BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Inc. (United States)*

    42,000       3,837,960  

Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical, Inc. (United States)(a)*

    104,484       3,843,966  
              7,681,926  

Capital Markets — 6.6%

               

Morningstar, Inc. (United States)

    15,520       3,611,038  

MSCI, Inc. (United States)

    5,660       3,076,889  

StoneX Group, Inc. (United States)*

    65,738       6,171,483  
              12,859,410  

Chemicals — 2.3%

               

Eastman Chemical Co. (United States)

    52,942       4,500,599  

Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 5.9%

               

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (United States)

    32,896       3,827,121  

SBA Communications Corp. (United States)

    34,200       7,678,926  
              11,506,047  

Ground Transportation — 2.6%

               

RXO, Inc. (United States)*

    278,485       5,035,009  

Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 3.6%

               

Cooper Companies, Inc., (The) (United States)

    18,922       7,000,951  

Health Care Providers & Services — 2.9%

               

HealthEquity, Inc. (United States)(a)*

    84,658       5,718,648  

 

 

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

 

28

 

 

 

Motley Fool mid-cap growth ETF

Schedule of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 1)

 
                 

Common Stocks (continued)

               

Insurance — 12.0%

               

Brown & Brown, Inc. (United States)

    151,852     $ 11,252,233  

Goosehead Insurance, Inc., Class A (United States)(a)*

    49,954       3,489,786  

Markel Corp. (United States)*

    5,848       8,648,724  
              23,390,743  

IT Services — 4.6%

               

Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (United States)

    48,297       8,993,384  

Life Sciences Tools & Services — 2.6%

               

Waters Corp. (United States)*

    17,884       5,021,827  

Real Estate Management & Development — 3.3%

               

Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc. (United States)*

    36,878       6,372,518  

Software — 19.2%

               

Alarm.com Holdings, Inc. (United States)*

    103,973       6,089,699  

ANSYS, Inc. (United States)*

    11,704       3,732,054  

Paycom Software, Inc. (United States)

    17,032       5,021,715  

Paylocity Holding Corp. (United States)*

    37,441       7,506,921  

Splunk, Inc. (United States)*

    51,682       6,266,960  

Tyler Technologies, Inc. (United States)*

    21,600       8,606,089  
              37,223,438  

Specialty Retail — 2.4%

               

Tractor Supply Co. (United States)(a)

    21,292       4,652,302  

Trading Companies & Distributors — 9.0%

               

Fastenal Co. (United States)

    146,922       8,459,769  

Watsco, Inc. (United States)(a)

    24,708       9,007,301  
              17,467,070  

Total Common Stocks (Cost $108,732,548)

            192,334,066  
                 

Investment Purchased with Proceeds from Securities Lending Collateral — 13.0%

               

Mount Vernon Liquid Assets Portfolio, LLC, 5.46%

    25,256,724       25,256,724  

Total Investment Purchased with Proceeds from Securities Lending Collateral (Cost $25,256,724)

            25,256,724  
                 

 

 

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

 

 

29

 

 

Motley Fool mid-cap growth ETF

Schedule of Investments (CONCLUDED)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 1)

 
                 

Short-Term Investment — 1.0%

               

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 5.20% (United States) (b)

    1,999,916     $ 1,999,916  

Total Short-Term Investment (Cost $1,999,916)

            1,999,916  
                 

Total Investments (Cost $135,989,188) — 113.0%

            219,590,706  

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (13.0)%

            (25,244,969 )

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

          $ 194,345,737  

(Applicable to 7,892,511 shares outstanding)

               

 

*

Non-income producing security.

 

(a)

All or a portion of the security is on loan. At August 31, 2023, the market value of securities on loan was $24,600,703.

 

(b)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2023.

 

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

 

30

 

 

 

Motley Fool 100 Index ETF

Schedule of Investments

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 1)

 
                 

Common Stocks — 99.9%

               

Aerospace & Defense — 0.2%

               

TransDigm Group, Inc. (United States)*

    1,372     $ 1,240,082  

Air Freight & Logistics — 0.3%

               

FedEx Corp. (United States)

    6,377       1,664,525  

Automobiles — 3.8%

               

Tesla, Inc. (United States)*

    80,275       20,717,372  

Banks — 2.0%

               

JPMorgan Chase & Co. (United States)

    74,521       10,904,658  

Beverages — 0.3%

               

Monster Beverage Corp. (United States)*

    26,561       1,524,867  

Biotechnology — 2.0%

               

Amgen, Inc. (United States)

    13,641       3,496,734  

Biogen, Inc. (United States)*

    3,642       973,725  

Gilead Sciences, Inc. (United States)

    31,633       2,419,292  

Moderna, Inc. (United States)*

    9,658       1,092,030  

Seagen, Inc. (United States)*

    4,726       973,887  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (United States)*

    6,525       2,272,919  
              11,228,587  

Broadline Retail — 0.2%

               

Coupang, Inc. (United States)*

    45,142       856,795  

Capital Markets — 1.4%

               

Charles Schwab Corp., (The) (United States)

    46,233       2,734,682  

CME Group, Inc. (United States)

    9,121       1,848,644  

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (United States)

    14,182       1,673,334  

Moody’s Corp. (United States)

    4,630       1,559,384  
              7,816,044  

Chemicals — 0.6%

               

Ecolab, Inc. (United States)

    7,204       1,324,167  

Sherwin-Williams Co., (The) (United States)

    6,535       1,775,690  
              3,099,857  

Commercial Services & Supplies — 0.7%

               

Cintas Corp. (United States)

    2,552       1,286,642  

Copart, Inc. (United States)*

    24,156       1,082,913  

 

 

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

 

 

31

 

 

Motley Fool 100 Index ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 1)

 
                 

Common Stocks (continued)

Commercial Services & Supplies (continued)

Waste Management, Inc. (United States)

    10,308     $ 1,616,088  
              3,985,643  

Communications Equipment — 0.3%

               

Arista Networks, Inc. (United States)*

    7,798       1,522,404  

Diversified Financial Services — 3.6%

               

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., Class B (United States)*

    55,366       19,942,833  

Electric Utilities — 0.6%

               

NextEra Energy, Inc. (United States)

    51,357       3,430,648  

Entertainment — 2.3%

               

Activision Blizzard, Inc. (United States)

    19,931       1,833,453  

Electronic Arts, Inc. (United States)

    6,919       830,142  

Netflix, Inc. (United States)*

    11,272       4,888,441  

ROBLOX Corp., Class A (United States)*

    15,490       438,212  

Walt Disney Co., (The) (United States)*

    46,361       3,879,488  

Warner Bros Discovery, Inc. (United States)(a)*

    61,806       812,131  
              12,681,867  

Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 1.1%

               

American Tower Corp. (United States)

    11,817       2,142,658  

Crown Castle International Corp. (United States)

    10,981       1,103,591  

Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (United States)

    7,362       969,723  

Equinix, Inc. (United States)

    2,357       1,841,713  
              6,057,685  

Food & Staples Retailing — 1.1%

               

Costco Wholesale Corp. (United States)

    11,239       6,173,358  

Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 1.5%

               

Align Technology, Inc. (United States)*

    1,919       710,299  

Becton Dickinson and Co. (United States)

    7,188       2,008,687  

Dexcom, Inc. (United States)*

    9,819       991,523  

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (United States)*

    2,074       1,060,664  

Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (United States)*

    8,867       2,772,534  

ResMed, Inc. (United States)

    3,730       595,271  
              8,138,978  

 

 

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

 

32

 

 

 

Motley Fool 100 Index ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 1)

 
                 

Common Stocks (continued)

Health Care Providers & Services — 3.0%

               

CVS Health Corp. (United States)

    32,525     $ 2,119,654  

HCA Healthcare, Inc. (United States)

    6,963       1,930,840  

McKesson Corp. (United States)

    3,412       1,406,836  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc. (United States)

    23,610       11,252,054  
              16,709,384  

Health Care Technology — 0.2%

               

Veeva Systems, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    4,043       843,774  

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 2.0%

               

Airbnb, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    15,989       2,103,353  

Booking Holdings, Inc. (United States)*

    934       2,900,098  

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (United States)*

    689       1,327,455  

Marriott International, Inc., Class A (United States)

    7,690       1,564,992  

Starbucks Corp. (United States)

    29,097       2,835,212  
              10,731,110  

Industrial Conglomerates — 0.5%

               

3M Co. (United States)

    13,987       1,491,993  

Roper Technologies, Inc. (United States)

    2,701       1,347,961  
              2,839,954  

Insurance — 0.2%

               

Aflac, Inc. (United States)(a)

    15,353       1,144,873  

Interactive Media & Services — 11.5%

               

Alphabet, Inc., Class C (United States)*

    320,845       44,068,061  

Meta Platforms, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    64,907       19,205,332  
              63,273,393  

Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 6.6%

               

Amazon.com, Inc. (United States)*

    259,870       35,864,659  

eBay, Inc. (United States)

    13,549       606,724  
              36,471,383  

IT Services — 5.1%

               

Cloudflare, Inc., Class A (United States)(a)*

    8,394       545,862  

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Class A (United States)

    12,798       916,465  

Mastercard, Inc., Class A (United States)

    24,038       9,919,040  

 

 

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

 

 

33

 

 

Motley Fool 100 Index ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 1)

 
                 

Common Stocks (continued)

IT Services (continued)

PayPal Holdings, Inc. (United States)*

    28,330     $ 1,770,908  

Snowflake, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    8,251       1,294,169  

Block, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    15,437       889,943  

Visa, Inc., Class A (United States)(a)

    52,003       12,776,097  
              28,112,484  

Life Sciences Tools & Services — 0.1%

               

Illumina, Inc. (United States)(a)*

    3,992       659,558  

Machinery — 0.2%

               

Cummins, Inc. (United States)

    3,566       820,323  

Media — 0.2%

               

Trade Desk, Inc., (The) Class A (United States)(a)*

    12,382       990,931  

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 0.2%

               

Kinder Morgan, Inc. (United States)

    56,927       980,283  

Pharmaceuticals — 2.7%

               

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. (United States)

    53,795       3,316,462  

Johnson & Johnson (United States)

    71,351       11,536,030  
              14,852,492  

Professional Services — 0.2%

               

CoStar Group, Inc. (United States)*

    10,349       848,515  

Road & Rail — 1.3%

               

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. (United States)

    2,774       1,185,524  

Uber Technologies, Inc. (United States)*

    51,368       2,426,111  

Union Pacific Corp. (United States)

    15,480       3,414,424  
              7,026,059  

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 8.6%

               

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (United States)*

    40,867       4,320,459  

Broadcom, Inc. (United States)

    10,448       9,642,355  

Lam Research Corp. (United States)

    3,394       2,383,945  

NVIDIA Corp. (United States)

    62,638       30,914,985  
              47,261,744  

 

 

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

 

34

 

 

 

Motley Fool 100 Index ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 1)

 
                 

Common Stocks (continued)

Software — 18.7%

               

Adobe Systems, Inc. (United States)*

    11,642     $ 6,511,836  

Autodesk, Inc. (United States)*

    5,416       1,202,027  

Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (United States)*

    6,918       1,663,364  

Crowdstrike Holdings, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    6,005       978,995  

Datadog, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    8,155       786,794  

Fortinet, Inc. (United States)*

    19,908       1,198,661  

Intuit, Inc. (United States)

    7,094       3,843,600  

Microsoft Corp. (United States)

    188,714       61,852,901  

Oracle Corp. (United States)

    68,512       8,248,160  

Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (United States)*

    7,740       1,883,142  

Salesforce.com, Inc. (United States)*

    24,724       5,475,377  

ServiceNow, Inc. (United States)*

    5,145       3,029,530  

Synopsys, Inc. (United States)*

    3,851       1,767,185  

VMware, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    10,902       1,840,040  

Workday, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    6,593       1,611,989  

Zoom Video Communications, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    7,543       535,778  

Zscaler, Inc. (United States)*

    3,669       572,546  
              103,001,925  

Specialty Retail — 1.5%

               

Home Depot, Inc., (The) (United States)

    25,511       8,426,283  

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 13.6%

               

Apple, Inc. (United States)

    398,908       74,942,846  

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 0.7%

               

NIKE, Inc., Class B (United States)

    38,959       3,962,520  

Wireless Telecommunication Services — 0.8%

               

T-Mobile US, Inc. (United States)*

    30,468       4,151,265  

Total Common Stocks (Cost $375,727,605)

            549,037,302  
                 

Right — 0.0%

               

Altaba, Inc. - Escrow Shares (United States)*(b)

    8,565       20,813  

Total Rights (Cost $2,161)

            20,813  
                 

 

 

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

 

 

35

 

 

Motley Fool 100 Index ETF

Schedule of Investments (Concluded)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 1)

 
                 

Investment Purchased with Proceeds from Securities Lending Collateral — 2.8%

               

Mount Vernon Liquid Assets Portfolio, LLC, 5.46%

    15,466,606     $ 15,466,606  

Total Investment Purchased with Proceeds from Securities Lending Collateral (Cost $15,466,606)

            15,466,606  
                 

Short-Term Investment — 0.1%

               

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 5.20% (United States)(c)

    284,182       284,182  

Total Short-Term Investment (Cost $284,182)

            284,182  
                 

Total Investments (Cost $391,480,554) — 102.8%

            564,808,903  

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (2.8)%

            (15,285,939 )

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

          $ 549,522,964  

(Applicable to 13,225,000 shares outstanding)

               

 

*

Non-income producing security.

 

(a)

All or a portion of the security is on loan. At August 31, 2023, the market value of securities on loan was $15,126,010.

 

(b)

Security has been valued at fair market value using significant unobservable inputs as determined in good faith by the Adviser, as valuation designee, under the oversight of The RBB Fund, Inc.’s Board of Directors. As of August 31, 2023, these securities amounted to $20,813 or 0.0% of net assets.

 

(c)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2023.

 

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

 

36

 

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL Small-Cap Growth ETF

Schedule of Investments

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 1)

 
                 

Common Stocks — 92.4%

               

Aerospace & Defense — 5.8%

               

Axon Enterprise, Inc. (United States)*

    9,801     $ 2,086,731  

Leonardo DRS, Inc. (United States)(a)*

    123,296       2,110,827  
              4,197,558  

Air Freight & Logistics — 3.1%

               

GXO Logistics, Inc. (United States)(a)*

    35,400       2,264,538  

Auto Components — 5.6%

               

Fox Factory Holding Corp. (United States)(a)*

    13,656       1,513,221  

Gentex Corp. (United States)

    78,448       2,562,112  
              4,075,333  

Banks — 3.7%

               

Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. (United States)(a)

    83,185       2,690,203  

Biotechnology — 4.6%

               

PTC Therapeutics, Inc. (United States)*

    39,000       1,540,500  

Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical, Inc. (United States)(a)*

    50,117       1,843,804  
              3,384,304  

Building Products — 1.6%

               

Trex Co., Inc. (United States)(a)*

    15,979       1,140,421  

Capital Markets — 2.5%

               

StoneX Group, Inc. (United States)*

    19,476       1,828,407  

Chemicals — 0.9%

               

Perimeter Solutions SA (Luxembourg)(a)*ADR

    114,795       678,438  

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 1.0%

               

IPG Photonics Corp. (United States)*

    7,000       758,520  

Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 2.7%

               

STAG Industrial, Inc. (United States)(a)

    53,143       1,941,314  

Ground Transportation — 3.0%

               

RXO, Inc. (United States)(a)*

    119,208       2,155,281  

Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 13.6%

               

Globus Medical, Inc., Class A (United States)(a)*

    44,198       2,391,112  

Inari Medical, Inc. (United States)(a)*

    38,674       2,576,462  

Mesa Laboratories, Inc. (United States)

    7,700       1,103,872  

Penumbra, Inc. (United States)(a)*

    6,285       1,662,382  

 

 

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

 

 

37

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL Small-Cap Growth ETF

Schedule of Investments (CONTINUED)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 1)

 
                 

Common Stocks (continued)

Health Care Equipment & Supplies (continued)

               

Shockwave Medical, Inc. (United States)*

    3,500     $ 771,365  

UFP Technologies, Inc. (United States)(a)*

    8,000       1,405,680  
              9,910,873  

Health Care Providers & Services — 3.1%

               

HealthEquity, Inc. (United States)(a)*

    33,166       2,240,363  

Health Care Technology — 2.4%

               

Certara, Inc. (United States)(a)*

    44,555       720,009  

Schrodinger, Inc. (United States)(a)*

    28,547       1,053,099  
              1,773,108  

Insurance — 4.8%

               

Goosehead Insurance, Inc., Class A (United States)(a)*

    50,273       3,512,072  

Leisure Products — 2.7%

               

Clarus Corp. (United States)(a)

    185,571       1,334,255  

Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp. (United States)*

    34,654       604,366  
              1,938,621  

Machinery — 2.6%

               

John Bean Technologies Corp. (United States)

    17,486       1,921,886  

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 2.9%

               

Northern Oil and Gas, Inc. (United States)(a)

    50,207       2,100,159  

Personal Care Products — 1.7%

               

BellRing Brands, Inc. (United States)*

    30,000       1,245,000  

Real Estate Management & Development — 3.4%

               

Howard Hughes Holdings, Inc. (United States)*

    31,396       2,469,295  

Road & Rail — 2.0%

               

Landstar System, Inc. (United States)

    7,760       1,472,926  

Software — 15.6%

               

Alarm.com Holdings, Inc. (United States)*

    58,352       3,417,677  

Everbridge, Inc. (United States)*

    40,546       1,005,946  

Paylocity Holding Corp. (United States)*

    6,143       1,231,672  

Q2 Holdings, Inc. (United States)(a)*

    90,656       3,119,473  

Smartsheet, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    62,351       2,601,907  
              11,376,675  

 

 

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

 

38

 

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL Small-Cap Growth ETF

Schedule of Investments (Concluded)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 1)

 
                 

Common Stocks (continued)

Trading Companies & Distributors — 3.1%

               

Watsco, Inc. (United States)(a)

    6,190     $ 2,256,565  

Total Common Stocks (Cost $74,095,767)

            67,331,860  
                 

Investment Purchased with Proceeds from Securities Lending Collateral —42.5%

               

Mount Vernon Liquid Assets Portfolio, LLC, 5.46%

    30,954,920       30,954,920  

Total Investment Purchased with Proceeds from Securities Lending Collateral (Cost $30,954,920)

            30,954,920  
                 

Short-Term Investment — 9.7%

               

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 5.20% (United States)(b)

    7,067,833       7,067,833  

Total Short-Term Investment (Cost $7,067,833)

            7,067,833  
                 

Total Investments (Cost $112,118,520) — 144.6%

            105,354,613  

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (44.6)%

            (32,499,421 )

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

          $ 72,855,192  

(Applicable to 2,500,000 shares outstanding)

               

 

*

Non-income producing security.

 

ADR — American Depositary Receipt

 

(a)

All or a portion of the security is on loan. At August 31, 2023, the market value of securities on loan was $30,076,672.

 

(b)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2023.

 

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

 

 

39

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL CAPITAL EFFICIENCY 100 INDEX ETF

Schedule of Investments

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 1)

 
                 

Common Stocks — 99.6%

               

Air Freight & Logistics — 0.1%

               

GXO Logistics, Inc. (United States)*

    258     $ 16,504  

Beverages — 0.7%

               

Boston Beer Co., Inc., (The), Class A (United States)*

    30       10,963  

Monster Beverage Corp. (United States)*

    2,660       152,711  
              163,674  

Biotechnology — 4.2%

               

Amgen, Inc. (United States)

    1,433       367,335  

Biogen, Inc. (United States)*

    302       80,743  

Gilead Sciences, Inc. (United States)

    3,269       250,013  

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. (United States)*

    285       31,034  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (United States)*

    611       212,836  
              941,961  

Capital Markets — 0.4%

               

Cboe Global Markets, Inc. (United States)

    246       36,829  

Nasdaq, Inc. (United States)

    1,100       57,728  

PJT Partners, Inc., Class A (United States)

    74       5,845  
              100,402  

Chemicals — 1.7%

               

Balchem Corp. (United States)

    74       10,397  

Ecolab, Inc. (United States)

    683       125,542  

RPM International, Inc. (United States)

    368       36,704  

Sherwin-Williams Co., (The) (United States)

    800       217,376  
              390,019  

Commercial Services & Supplies — 2.0%

               

Cintas Corp. (United States)

    319       160,830  

Copart, Inc. (United States)*

    2,068       92,708  

Rollins, Inc. (United States)

    1,246       49,304  

Waste Management, Inc. (United States)

    958       150,195  
              453,037  

Communications Equipment — 0.7%

               

Arista Networks, Inc. (United States)*

    731       142,713  

 

 

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

 

40

 

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL CAPITAL EFFICIENCY 100 INDEX ETF

Schedule of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 1)

 
                 

Common Stocks (continued)

Communications Equipment (continued)

Ubiquiti, Inc. (United States)

    139     $ 24,329  
              167,042  

Distributors — 0.2%

               

LKQ Corp. (United States)

    761       39,975  

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 0.2%

               

Zebra Technologies Corp., Class A (United States)*

    135       37,126  

Entertainment — 3.2%

               

Activision Blizzard, Inc. (United States)

    1,716       157,855  

Electronic Arts, Inc. (United States)

    676       81,106  

Netflix, Inc. (United States)*

    1,074       465,772  

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., Class A (United States)

    182       17,572  
              722,305  

Food & Staples Retailing — 2.9%

               

Casey’s General Stores, Inc. (United States)

    116       28,352  

Costco Wholesale Corp. (United States)

    1,130       620,686  
              649,038  

Food Products — 0.1%

               

Darling Ingredients, Inc. (United States)*

    333       20,566  

Ground Transportation — 0.0%

               

RXO, Inc. (United States)*

    289       5,225  

Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 2.3%

               

Globus Medical, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    235       12,714  

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (United States)*

    317       162,117  

Insulet Corp. (United States)*

    161       30,865  

Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (United States)*

    805       251,707  

ResMed, Inc. (United States)

    413       65,911  
              523,314  

Health Care Providers & Services — 6.6%

               

HCA Healthcare, Inc. (United States)

    817       226,554  

McKesson Corp. (United States)

    319       131,530  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc. (United States)

    2,352       1,120,916  
              1,479,000  

 

 

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

 

 

41

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL CAPITAL EFFICIENCY 100 INDEX ETF

Schedule of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 1)

 
                 

Common Stocks (continued)

Health Care Technology — 0.4%

               

Veeva Systems, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    395     $ 82,437  

Household Durables — 0.3%

               

Meritage Homes Corp. (United States)

    86       11,957  

NVR, Inc. (United States)*

    8       51,019  
              62,976  

Industrial Conglomerates — 0.6%

               

3M Co. (United States)

    1,207       128,751  

Interactive Media & Services — 10.6%

               

Alphabet, Inc., Class C (United States)*

    8,706       1,195,769  

Meta Platforms, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    3,844       1,137,401  

Pinterest, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    1,777       48,850  
              2,382,020  

Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 5.6%

               

Amazon.com, Inc. (United States)*

    8,608       1,187,990  

eBay, Inc. (United States)

    1,351       60,498  

Etsy, Inc. (United States)*

    321       23,616  
              1,272,104  

IT Services — 11.5%

               

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Class A (United States)

    1,424       101,973  

EPAM Systems, Inc. (United States)*

    141       36,518  

Gartner, Inc. (United States)*

    243       84,972  

GoDaddy, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    436       31,614  

Jack Henry & Associates, Inc. (United States)

    183       28,691  

Mastercard, Inc., Class A (United States)

    2,753       1,135,998  

Visa, Inc., Class A (United States)

    4,712       1,157,644  
              2,577,410  

Machinery — 0.3%

               

Cummins, Inc. (United States)

    301       69,242  

Tennant Co. (United States)

    45       3,709  
              72,951  

Media — 0.5%

               

New York Times Co., (The), Class A (United States)

    383       16,955  

 

 

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

 

42

 

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL CAPITAL EFFICIENCY 100 INDEX ETF

Schedule of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 1)

 
                 

Common Stocks (continued)

Media (continued)

Trade Desk, Inc., (The) Class A (United States)*

    1,116     $ 89,313  
              106,268  

Pharmaceuticals — 4.8%

               

Johnson & Johnson (United States)

    6,618       1,069,998  

Professional Services — 0.0%

               

TaskUS, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    217       2,148  

Upwork, Inc. (United States)*

    276       4,088  
              6,236  

Road & Rail — 2.0%

               

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. (United States)

    303       129,493  

Union Pacific Corp. (United States)

    1,430       315,415  
              444,908  

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 5.5%

               

Broadcom, Inc. (United States)

    1,007       929,350  

Cirrus Logic, Inc. (United States)*

    137       11,239  

Impinj, Inc. (United States)*

    64       4,260  

Lam Research Corp. (United States)

    378       265,507  

Universal Display Corp. (United States)

    108       17,556  
              1,227,912  

Software — 20.1%

               

Adobe Systems, Inc. (United States)*

    1,485       830,620  

Alteryx, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    165       4,871  

Appfolio, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    78       15,036  

Autodesk, Inc. (United States)*

    715       158,687  

Box, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    345       9,136  

Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (United States)*

    801       192,592  

Fair Isaac Corp. (United States)*

    85       76,890  

Fortinet, Inc. (United States)*

    2,431       146,371  

HubSpot, Inc. (United States)*

    132       72,141  

Microsoft Corp. (United States)

    3,156       1,034,411  

Nutanix, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    659       20,495  

Oracle Corp. (United States)

    7,029       846,221  

Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (United States)*

    728       177,122  

Pegasystems, Inc. (United States)

    193       9,584  

 

 

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

 

 

43

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL CAPITAL EFFICIENCY 100 INDEX ETF

Schedule of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 1)

 
                 

Common Stocks (continued)

Software (continued)

ServiceNow, Inc. (United States)*

    616     $ 362,720  

Synopsys, Inc. (United States)*

    452       207,419  

VMware, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    1,032       174,182  

Workday, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    713       174,330  
              4,512,828  

Specialty Retail — 5.2%

               

Camping World Holdings, Inc., Class A (United States)

    99       2,448  

Chewy, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    991       23,764  

Home Depot, Inc., (The) (United States)

    3,206       1,058,942  

Ulta Beauty, Inc. (United States)*

    139       57,689  

Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (United States)

    165       23,298  

Winmark Corp. (United States)

    20       7,611  
              1,173,752  

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 5.0%

               

Apple, Inc. (United States)

    5,841       1,097,349  

Pure Storage, Inc. (United States)*

    752       27,516  
              1,124,865  

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 1.7%

               

NIKE, Inc., Class B (United States)

    3,676       373,886  

Under Armour, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    1,222       9,336  
              383,222  

Thrifts & Mortgage Finance — 0.0%

               

Walker & Dunlop, Inc. (United States)

    65       5,547  

Trading Companies & Distributors — 0.2%

               

Watsco, Inc. (United States)

    107       39,007  

Total Common Stocks (Cost $19,387,528)

            22,382,380  
                 

 

 

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

 

44

 

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL CAPITAL EFFICIENCY 100 INDEX ETF

Schedule of Investments (Concluded)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 1)

 
                 

Short-Term Investment — 0.3%

               

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 5.20% (United States)(a)

    65,956     $ 65,956  

Total Short-Term Investment (Cost $65,956)

            65,956  
                 

Total Investments (Cost $19,453,484) — 99.9%

            22,448,336  

Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 0.1%

            12,136  

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

          $ 22,460,472  

(Applicable to 1,175,000 shares outstanding)

               

 

*

Non-income producing security.

 

(a)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2023.

 

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

 

 

45

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL next index ETF

Schedule of Investments

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 1)

 
                 

Common Stocks — 99.9%

               

Aerospace & Defense — 3.5%

               

AeroVironment, Inc. (United States)*

    469     $ 45,507  

Axon Enterprise, Inc. (United States)*

    1,382       294,242  

HEICO Corp. (United States)

    2,253       380,104  

Textron, Inc. (United States)

    3,773       293,200  
              1,013,053  

Air Freight & Logistics — 0.5%

               

GXO Logistics, Inc. (United States)*

    2,224       142,269  

Airlines — 0.5%

               

Alaska Air Group, Inc. (United States)*

    2,392       100,392  

Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. (United States)*

    888       7,619  

JetBlue Airways Corp. (United States)*

    6,135       36,319  
              144,330  

Auto Components — 0.6%

               

BorgWarner, Inc. (United States)

    4,384       178,648  

Automobile Components — 0.1%

               

Phinia, Inc. (United States)*

    877       24,381  

Banks — 0.5%

               

Axos Financial, Inc. (United States)*

    1,105       47,614  

Western Alliance Bancorp (United States)

    2,031       101,570  
              149,184  

Beverages — 1.2%

               

Boston Beer Co., Inc., (The), Class A (United States)*

    227       82,953  

Celsius Holdings, Inc. (United States)*

    1,436       281,513  
              364,466  

Biotechnology — 5.4%

               

2seventy bio, Inc. (United States)*

    939       4,873  

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (United States)*

    2,329       460,723  

AnaptysBio, Inc. (United States)*

    521       10,253  

BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Inc. (United States)*

    3,511       320,835  

Bluebird Bio, Inc. (United States)*

    1,991       7,506  

Editas Medicine, Inc. (United States)*

    1,457       12,982  

Emergent BioSolutions, Inc. (United States)*

    916       4,296  

Exact Sciences Corp. (United States)*

    3,376       282,470  

 

 

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

 

46

 

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL next index ETF

Schedule of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 1)

 
                 

Common Stocks (continued)

Biotechnology (continued)

Exelixis, Inc. (United States)*

    6,092     $ 136,400  

Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (United States)*

    2,676       107,763  

Mirati Therapeutics, Inc. (United States)*

    1,088       40,474  

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. (United States)*

    1,825       198,724  
              1,587,299  

Building Products — 0.5%

               

Trex Co., Inc. (United States)*

    2,035       145,238  

Capital Markets — 5.9%

               

Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (United States)

    675       90,457  

Cboe Global Markets, Inc. (United States)

    1,975       295,677  

FactSet Research Systems, Inc. (United States)

    717       312,906  

Interactive Brokers Group, Inc., Class A (United States)

    1,926       175,420  

Jefferies Financial Group, Inc. (United States)

    4,329       154,502  

MarketAxess Holdings, Inc. (United States)

    704       169,615  

Nasdaq, Inc. (United States)

    9,181       481,819  

PJT Partners, Inc., Class A (United States)

    463       36,572  
              1,716,968  

Chemicals — 1.1%

               

Balchem Corp. (United States)

    602       84,581  

RPM International, Inc. (United States)

    2,411       240,473  
              325,054  

Commercial Services & Supplies — 1.3%

               

Rollins, Inc. (United States)

    9,219       364,796  

Communications Equipment — 0.7%

               

Ubiquiti, Inc. (United States)

    1,130       197,784  

Construction & Engineering — 0.6%

               

MasTec, Inc. (United States)*

    1,449       144,161  

NV5 Global, Inc. (United States)*

    290       29,516  
              173,677  

Consumer Finance — 0.2%

               

Upstart Holdings, Inc. (United States)*

    1,547       49,767  

 

 

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

 

 

47

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL next index ETF

Schedule of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 1)

 
                 

Common Stocks (continued)

Distributors — 0.9%

               

LKQ Corp. (United States)

    5,000     $ 262,650  

Diversified Consumer Services — 0.5%

               

2U, Inc. (United States)*

    1,303       4,131  

Chegg, Inc. (United States)*

    2,300       23,483  

Duolingo, Inc. (United States)*

    767       112,872  
              140,486  

Diversified Telecommunication Services — 0.0%

               

Bandwidth, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    444       6,380  

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 4.3%

               

Cognex Corp. (United States)

    3,229       152,021  

Coherent Corp. (United States)*

    2,607       98,101  

Corning, Inc. (United States)

    15,905       522,002  

IPG Photonics Corp. (United States)*

    885       95,899  

Littelfuse, Inc. (United States)

    464       123,925  

Zebra Technologies Corp., Class A (United States)*

    962       264,560  
              1,256,508  

Energy Equipment & Services — 0.1%

               

Oceaneering International, Inc. (United States)*

    1,843       42,002  

Entertainment — 4.0%

               

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. (United States)*

    4,300       363,479  

Roku, Inc. (United States)*

    2,634       213,881  

Skillz, Inc. (United States)*

    359       2,940  

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (United States)*

    3,168       450,490  

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., Class A (United States)

    1,394       134,591  
              1,165,381  

Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 0.5%

               

Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. (United States)

    2,289       30,810  

STAG Industrial, Inc. (United States)

    3,355       122,558  
              153,368  

Food & Staples Retailing — 0.6%

               

Casey’s General Stores, Inc. (United States)

    697       170,354  

 

 

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

 

48

 

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL next index ETF

Schedule of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 1)

 
                 

Common Stocks (continued)

Food Products — 2.3%

               

Beyond Meat, Inc. (United States)*

    1,173     $ 13,841  

Darling Ingredients, Inc. (United States)*

    2,985       184,354  

Freshpet, Inc. (United States)*

    899       67,883  

McCormick & Co., Inc. (United States)

    5,014       411,549  
              677,627  

Ground Transportation — 0.1%

               

RXO, Inc. (United States)*

    2,187       39,541  

Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 3.1%

               

Globus Medical, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    1,877       101,546  

Inari Medical, Inc. (United States)*

    1,068       71,150  

Insulet Corp. (United States)*

    1,304       249,990  

Masimo Corp. (United States)*

    987       112,794  

NuVasive, Inc. (United States)*

    961       38,200  

QuidelOrtho Corp. (United States)*

    1,247       102,703  

Shockwave Medical, Inc. (United States)*

    685       150,967  

STAAR Surgical Co. (United States)*

    888       38,504  

TransMedics Group, Inc. (United States)*

    608       39,903  
              905,757  

Health Care Providers & Services — 1.7%

               

Fulgent Genetics, Inc. (United States)*

    557       18,247  

Guardant Health, Inc. (United States)*

    2,191       85,624  

HealthEquity, Inc. (United States)*

    1,599       108,012  

Quest Diagnostics, Inc. (United States)

    2,095       275,493  
              487,376  

Health Care Technology — 0.7%

               

Doximity, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    3,643       86,849  

GoodRx Holdings, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    7,265       47,440  

Teladoc, Inc. (United States)*

    3,062       69,324  
              203,613  

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 2.6%

               

Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc. (United States)*

    802       31,495  

Hyatt Hotels Corp., Class A (United States)

    1,976       222,122  

Planet Fitness, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    1,589       96,611  

Sweetgreen, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    2,017       28,964  

 

 

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

 

 

49

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL next index ETF

Schedule of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 1)

 
                 

Common Stocks (continued)

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure (continued)

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. (United States)

    1,253     $ 130,437  

Vail Resorts, Inc. (United States)

    721       163,177  

Wingstop, Inc. (United States)

    560       89,958  
              762,764  

Household Durables — 1.9%

               

Dream Finders Homes, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    1,702       49,052  

iRobot Corp. (United States)*

    506       19,678  

Meritage Homes Corp. (United States)

    687       95,520  

NVR, Inc. (United States)*

    61       389,017  
              553,267  

Household Products — 0.2%

               

Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. (United States)

    767       63,791  

Insurance — 2.1%

               

Kinsale Capital Group, Inc. (United States)

    433       172,607  

Lemonade, Inc. (United States)*

    1,268       17,448  

Markel Corp. (United States)*

    249       368,251  

Safety Insurance Group, Inc. (United States)

    274       18,870  

Trupanion, Inc. (United States)*

    750       22,298  
              599,474  

Interactive Media & Services — 2.2%

               

Bumble, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    2,574       43,192  

Match Group, Inc. (United States)*

    5,209       244,146  

Pinterest, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    12,793       351,680  
              639,018  

Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 1.1%

               

Etsy, Inc. (United States)*

    2,307       169,726  

Wayfair, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    2,100       145,131  
              314,857  

IT Services — 10.3%

               

Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (United States)

    2,207       410,965  

DigitalOcean Holdings, Inc. (United States)*

    1,660       44,903  

EPAM Systems, Inc. (United States)*

    1,083       280,486  

Euronet Worldwide, Inc. (United States)*

    928       81,070  

 

 

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

 

50

 

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL next index ETF

Schedule of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 1)

 
                 

Common Stocks (continued)

IT Services (continued)

Fastly, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    2,372     $ 56,430  

Gartner, Inc. (United States)*

    1,479       517,177  

GoDaddy, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    2,884       209,119  

Jack Henry & Associates, Inc. (United States)

    1,363       213,691  

Marqeta, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    10,114       62,201  

MongoDB, Inc. (United States)*

    1,320       503,316  

Okta, Inc. (United States)*

    3,037       253,620  

Twilio, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    3,441       219,226  

WEX, Inc. (United States)*

    801       157,140  
              3,009,344  

Leisure Products — 0.8%

               

Hasbro, Inc. (United States)

    2,592       186,624  

Peloton Interactive, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    6,629       42,293  
              228,917  

Life Sciences Tools & Services — 0.6%

               

Repligen Corp. (United States)*

    1,041       181,040  

Machinery — 3.1%

               

Chart Industries, Inc. (United States)*

    785       141,755  

Middleby Corp., (The) (United States)*

    1,001       145,736  

Proto Labs, Inc. (United States)*

    471       13,895  

Tennant Co. (United States)

    344       28,356  

Toro Co., (The) (United States)

    1,943       198,808  

Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp. (United States)

    3,365       378,630  
              907,180  

Media — 0.5%

               

Boston Omaha Corp., Class A (United States)*

    586       10,360  

New York Times Co., (The), Class A (United States)

    3,081       136,396  

PubMatic, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    962       13,372  
              160,128  

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 0.1%

               

Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (United States)*

    4,078       17,372  

Vitesse Energy, Inc. (United States)

    497       11,550  
              28,922  

 

 

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

 

 

51

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL next index ETF

Schedule of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 1)

 
                 

Common Stocks (continued)

Pharmaceuticals — 0.8%

               

Viatris, Inc. (United States)

    22,432     $ 241,144  

Professional Services — 0.7%

               

Robert Half International, Inc. (United States)

    1,983       146,663  

TaskUS, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    1,789       17,711  

Upwork, Inc. (United States)*

    2,411       35,707  
              200,081  

Real Estate Management & Development — 0.8%

               

Redfin Corp. (United States)*

    2,072       19,725  

Zillow Group, Inc., Class C (United States)*

    4,355       227,157  
              246,882  

Road & Rail — 1.2%

               

U-Haul Holding Co. (United States)

    3,376       192,331  

XPO Logistics, Inc. (United States)*

    2,167       161,723  
              354,054  

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 4.7%

               

Cirrus Logic, Inc. (United States)*

    1,013       83,107  

Enphase Energy, Inc. (United States)*

    2,562       324,170  

First Solar, Inc. (United States)*

    1,998       377,862  

Impinj, Inc. (United States)*

    499       33,218  

Silicon Laboratories, Inc. (United States)*

    598       80,646  

Skyworks Solutions, Inc. (United States)

    2,977       323,719  

Universal Display Corp. (United States)

    886       144,028  
              1,366,750  

Software — 14.9%

               

Alarm.com Holdings, Inc. (United States)*

    932       54,587  

Alteryx, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    1,318       38,907  

Appfolio, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    664       127,999  

Appian Corp., Class A (United States)*

    1,365       66,476  

Asana, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    4,057       87,185  

Blackbaud, Inc. (United States)*

    982       74,740  

Blackline, Inc. (United States)*

    1,131       67,928  

Box, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    2,710       71,761  

Braze, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    1,825       84,425  

 

 

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

 

52

 

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL next index ETF

Schedule of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 1)

 
                 

Common Stocks (continued)

Software (continued)

Confluent, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    5,540     $ 183,319  

DocuSign, Inc. (United States)*

    3,785       190,386  

Fair Isaac Corp. (United States)*

    467       422,444  

Five9, Inc. (United States)*

    1,332       96,397  

HubSpot, Inc. (United States)*

    928       507,171  

LivePerson, Inc. (United States)*

    1,385       5,817  

New Relic, Inc. (United States)*

    1,313       111,749  

Nutanix, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    4,411       137,182  

PagerDuty, Inc. (United States)*

    1,724       44,410  

Paycom Software, Inc. (United States)

    1,082       319,017  

Pegasystems, Inc. (United States)

    1,552       77,072  

Q2 Holdings, Inc. (United States)*

    1,089       37,472  

Splunk, Inc. (United States)*

    3,098       375,663  

Sprout Social, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    1,036       55,467  

SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc. (United States)

    4,661       267,635  

Tyler Technologies, Inc. (United States)*

    784       312,369  

UiPath, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    10,499       165,989  

Unity Software, Inc. (United States)*

    7,084       262,604  

Varonis Systems, Inc. (United States)*

    2,052       65,520  

Zuora, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    2,568       23,394  
              4,335,085  

Specialty Retail — 6.7%

               

Camping World Holdings, Inc., Class A (United States)

    831       20,551  

CarMax, Inc. (United States)*

    2,960       241,773  

Chewy, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    7,996       191,744  

Designer Brands, Inc., Class A (United States)

    1,171       12,307  

Five Below, Inc. (United States)*

    1,041       179,010  

GameStop Corp., Class A (United States)*

    5,696       105,661  

RH (United States)*

    409       149,363  

Sleep Number Corp. (United States)*

    389       9,951  

Stitch Fix, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    1,891       8,301  

Tractor Supply Co. (United States)

    2,050       447,925  

Ulta Beauty, Inc. (United States)*

    931       386,393  

Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (United States)

    1,203       169,864  

Winmark Corp. (United States)

    66       25,115  
              1,947,958  

 

 

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

 

 

53

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL next index ETF

Schedule of Investments (Concluded)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 1)

 
                 

Common Stocks (continued)

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 0.7%

               

Pure Storage, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    5,754     $ 210,539  

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 0.9%

               

Carter’s, Inc. (United States)

    705       50,457  

Skechers USA, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    2,894       145,597  

Under Armour, Inc., Class (United States)*

    7,985       61,005  
              257,059  

Thrifts & Mortgage Finance — 0.2%

               

Walker & Dunlop, Inc. (United States)

    623       53,167  

Trading Companies & Distributors — 1.4%

               

Watsco, Inc. (United States)

    680       247,894  

WESCO International, Inc. (United States)

    959       155,214  
              403,108  

Total Common Stocks (Cost $32,605,678)

            29,152,486  
                 

Short-Term Investment — 0.0%

               

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 5.20% (United States)(a)

    12,142       12,142  

Total Short-Term Investment (Cost $12,142)

            12,142  
                 

Total Investments (Cost $32,617,820) — 99.9%

            29,164,628  

Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 0.1%

            17,923  

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

          $ 29,182,551  

(Applicable to 1,850,000 shares outstanding)

               

 

*

Non-income producing security.

 

(a)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2023.

 

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

 

54

 

 

 

Motley Fool ETFs

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

 

 

Motley
Fool Global
Opportunities
ETF

   

Motley Fool
Mid-Cap
Growth ETF

   

Motley
Fool 100
Index ETF

   

Motley Fool
Small-Cap
Growth ETF

 

ASSETS

                               

Investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $228,541,128, $108,732,548, $375,729,766 and $74,095,767 respectively)^

  $ 416,585,164     $ 192,334,066     $ 549,058,115     $ 67,331,860  

Investments purchased with proceeds from securities lending collateral (cost $39,874,840, $25,256,724, $15,466,606 and $30,954,920 respectively)

    39,874,840       25,256,724       15,466,606       30,954,920  

Short-term investments, at value (cost $11,407,238, $1,999,916, $284,182, and $7,067,833, respectively)

    11,407,238       1,999,916       284,182       7,067,833  

Foreign currency, at value (cost $14,498, $0, $0, and $0 respectively)

    14,488                    

Receivables for:

                               

Dividends and tax reclaims

    1,081,916       151,143       457,978       44,140  

Investments sold

    2,992,985                    

Capital shares sold

                2,077,590        

Total assets

    471,956,631       219,741,849       567,344,471       105,398,753  
                                 

LIABILITIES

                               

Payables for:

                               

Securities lending collateral (see Note 7)

    39,874,840       25,256,724       15,466,606       30,954,920  

Shares of beneficial interest redeemed

    1,367,670                    

Investments purchased

    441,857             2,127,680       1,536,368  

Advisory fees

    306,280       139,388       227,221       52,273  

Total liabilities

    41,990,647       25,396,112       17,821,507       32,543,561  

Net assets

  $ 429,965,984     $ 194,345,737     $ 549,522,964     $ 72,855,192  
                                 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

                               

Par value

  $ 15,719     $ 7,893     $ 13,225     $ 2,500  

Paid-in capital

    241,282,226       107,642,900       388,414,228       85,268,256  

Total distributable earnings/(losses)

    188,668,039       86,694,944       161,095,511       (12,415,564 )

Net assets

  $ 429,965,984     $ 194,345,737     $ 549,522,964     $ 72,855,192  
                                 

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    15,718,873       7,892,511       13,225,000       2,500,000  

Net asset value, price per share

  $ 27.35     $ 24.62     $ 41.55     $ 29.14  

^ Includes market value of securities on loan

  $ 39,407,010     $ 24,600,703     $ 15,126,010     $ 30,076,672  

 

 

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

 

 

55

 

 

Motley Fool ETFs

Statements of Assets and Liabilities (concluded)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

 

 

Motley Fool
Capital
Efficiency 100
Index ETF

   

Motley
Fool Next
Index ETF

 

ASSETS

               

Investments in securities of unaffiliated issurers, at value (cost $19,387,528 and $32,605,678 respectively)

  $ 22,382,380     $ 29,152,486  

Short-term investments, at value (cost $65,956 and $12,142 respectively)

    65,956       12,142  

Receivables for:

               

Dividends and tax reclaims

    29,579       20,581  

Investments sold

          9,764  

Total assets

    22,477,915       29,194,973  
                 

LIABILITIES

               

Payables for:

               

Advisory fees

    9,356       12,422  

Investments purchased

    8,087        

Total liabilities

    17,443       12,422  

Net assets

  $ 22,460,472     $ 29,182,551  
                 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

               

Par value

  $ 1,175     $ 1,850  

Paid-in capital

    20,604,202       34,377,927  

Total distributable earnings/(losses)

    1,855,095       (5,197,226 )

Net assets

  $ 22,460,472     $ 29,182,551  
                 

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    1,175,000       1,850,000  

Net asset value, price per share

    19.12       15.77  

 

 

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

 

56

 

 

 

Motley Fool ETFs

Statements of Operations

FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2023

 

 

 

Motley
Fool Global
Opportunities
ETF

   

Motley Fool
Mid-Cap
Growth ETF

   

Motley
Fool 100
Index ETF

   

Motley Fool
Small-Cap
Growth ETF

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

                               

Dividends

  $ 5,686,810     $ 2,158,287     $ 3,605,313     $ 662,934  

Less foreign taxes withheld

    (359,120 )                  

Securities lending income

    76,094       56,759       64,188       37,987  

Total investment income

    5,403,784       2,215,046       3,669,501       700,921  
                                 

EXPENSES

                               

Advisory fees (Note 3)

    3,520,595       1,645,190       2,120,500       598,691  

Total expenses

    3,520,595       1,645,190       2,120,500       598,691  

Net investment income/(loss)

    1,883,189       569,856       1,549,001       102,230  
                                 

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS

                               

Net realized gain/(loss) from:

                               

Investments

    1,161,332       3,121,031       (2,719,870 )     (4,267,365 )

Foreign currency transactions

    10,936                    

Redemption in-kind

    19,636,237       14,039,117       13,487,270       824,434  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:

                               

Investments

    21,245,844       (2,432,722 )     78,108,704       13,349,768  

Foreign currency translation

    68,499                    

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)

    42,122,848       14,727,426       88,876,104       9,906,837  

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 44,006,037     $ 15,297,282     $ 90,425,105     $ 10,009,067  

 

 

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

 

 

57

 

 

Motley Fool ETFs

Statements of Operations (CONCLUDED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2023

 

 

 

Motley Fool
Capital
Efficiency 100
Index ETF

   

Motley
Fool NEXT
INDEX ETF

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

               

Dividends

  $ 208,559     $ 193,595  

Total investment income

    208,559       193,595  
                 

EXPENSES

               

Advisory fees (Note 3)

    100,946       149,524  

Total expenses

    100,946       149,524  

Net investment income/(loss)

    107,613       44,071  
                 

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS

               

Net realized gain/(loss) from:

               

Investments

    (920,990 )     (1,533,014 )

Redemption in-kind

    393,392       170,134  

Net change in unrealized appreciation on:

               

Investments

    4,912,480       2,748,952  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)

    4,384,882       1,386,072  

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 4,492,495     $ 1,430,143  

 

 

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

 

58

 

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL Global Opportunities ETF
Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

 

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2023

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2022

 

OPERATIONS

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 1,883,189     $ 14,163,531  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments and foreign currency transactions

    20,808,505       28,994,058  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments, foreign currency translation and assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies

    21,314,343       (227,722,486 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    44,006,037       (184,564,897 )

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

               

Investor Shares

          (35,341,409 )

Institutional Shares

    (2,705,256 )     (12,707,670 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (2,705,256 )     (48,049,079 )

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Investor Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

          6,643,104  

Reinvestment of dividends

          34,321,026  

Share redeemed

          (21,570,991 )

Shares redeemed from exchange to Institutional Class(1)

          (458,343,422 )

Total from Investor Shares

          (438,950,283 )

Institutional Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    1,935,173       6,411,019  

Proceeds from institutional Class exchange(1)

          458,343,422  

Reinvestment of dividends

          12,058,120  

Shares redeemed

    (46,922,013 )     (73,170,311 )

Total from Institutional Shares

    (44,986,840 )     403,642,250  

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

    (44,986,840 )     (35,308,033 )

Total INCREASE/(DECREASE) in net assets

    (3,686,059 )     (267,922,009 )

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

  $ 433,652,043     $ 701,574,052  

End of period

  $ 429,965,984     $ 433,652,043  

 

(1)

Effective December 3, 2021, the outstanding Investor Class Shares of the Fund were converted into Institutional Class Shares of the Fund.

 

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

 

 

59

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL Global Opportunities ETF
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (CONCLUDED)

 

 

 

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2023

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2022

 

SHARES TRANSACTIONS:

               

INVESTOR SHARES

               

Shares sold

          187,055  

Shares reinvested

          1,111,072  

Shares redeemed

          (612,521 )

Shares exchanged into Institutional Class(1)

          (14,816,530 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

          (14,130,924 )
                 

INSTITUTIONAL SHARES

               

Shares sold

    75,000       179,722  

Shares reinvested

          14,718,418  

Shares redeemed

    (1,875,000 )     387,721  

Shares exchanged into Institutional Class(1)

          (2,668,501 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    (1,800,000 )     12,617,360  

 

(1)

Effective December 3, 2021, the outstanding Investor Class Shares of the Fund were converted into Institutional Class Shares of the Fund.

 

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

 

60

 

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL Mid-Cap Growth ETF
Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

 

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2023

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2022

 

OPERATIONS

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 569,856     $ (660,888 )

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments and foreign currency transactions

    17,160,148       16,762,592  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments, and assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies

    (2,432,722 )     (100,048,288 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    15,297,282       (83,946,584 )

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

               

Investor Shares

          (3,423,164 )

Institutional Shares

          (17,390,769 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

          (20,813,933 )

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Investor Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

          3,029,266  

Reinvestment of dividends

          16,920,328  

Shares redeemed

          (10,054,968 )

Shares redeemed from exchange to Institutional Class(1)

          (250,730,153 )

Total from Investor Shares

          (240,835,527 )

Institutional Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

          1,532,940  

Proceeds from Institutional Class exchange(1)

          250,730,153  

Reinvestment of dividends

          3,235,692  

Shares redeemed

    (29,995,560 )     (32,143,643 )

Total from Institutional Shares

    (29,995,560 )     223,355,142  

Net decrease in net assets from capital share transactions

    (29,995,560 )     (17,480,385 )

Total decrease in net assets

    (14,698,278 )     (122,240,902 )

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

  $ 209,044,015     $ 331,284,917  

End of period

  $ 194,345,737     $ 209,044,015  

 

(1)

Effective December 3, 2021, the outstanding Investor Class Shares of the Fund were converted into Institutional Class Shares of the Fund.

 

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

 

 

61

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL Mid-Cap Growth ETF
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (CONCLUDED)

 

 

 

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2023

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2022

 

SHARES TRANSACTIONS:

               

INVESTOR SHARES

               

Shares sold

          95,439  

Shares reinvested

          601,505  

Shares redeemed

          (316,334 )

Shares exchanged into Institutional Class(1)

          (8,829,770 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

          (8,449,160 )
                 

INSTITUTIONAL SHARES

               

Shares sold

          47,461  

Shares reinvested

          113,334  

Shares redeemed

    (1,325,000 )     (1,283,081 )

Shares exchanged into Institutional Class(1)

          8,699,588  

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    (1,325,000 )     7,577,302  

 

(1)

Effective December 3, 2021, the outstanding Investor Class Shares of the Fund were converted into Institutional Class Shares of the Fund.

 

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

 

62

 

 

 

Motley Fool 100 Index ETF

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

 

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2023

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2022

 

OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 1,549,001     $ 980,905  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    10,767,400       12,165,022  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    78,108,704       (120,161,259 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    90,425,105       (107,015,332 )
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (1,701,998 )     (1,325,790 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (1,701,998 )     (1,325,790 )
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    76,561,270       41,513,113  

Shares redeemed

    (33,030,150 )     (43,914,753 )

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

    43,531,120       (2,401,640 )

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    132,254,227       (110,742,762 )
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    417,268,737       528,011,499  

End of period

  $ 549,522,964     $ 417,268,737  
                 

SHARES TRANSACTIONS:

               

Shares sold

    1,950,000       975,000  

Shares redeemed

    (1,000,000 )     (1,225,000 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    950,000       (250,000 )

 

 

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

 

 

63

 

 

Motley Fool Small-Cap Growth ETF

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

 

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2023

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2022

 

OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 102,230     $ (571,366 )

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    (3,442,931 )     12,159,631  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    13,349,768       (70,725,754 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    10,009,067       (59,137,489 )
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (227,522 )     (3,829,540 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (227,522 )     (3,829,540 )
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    691,953       2,045,968  

Shares redeemed

    (15,668,161 )     (50,410,673 )

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

    (14,976,208 )     (48,364,705 )

Total INCREASE/(DECREASE) in net assets

    (5,194,663 )     (111,331,734 )
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    78,049,855       189,381,589  

End of period

  $ 72,855,192     $ 78,049,855  
                 

SHARES TRANSACTIONS:

               

Shares sold

    25,000       50,000  

Shares redeemed

    (625,000 )     (1,600,000 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    (600,000 )     (1,550,000 )

 

 

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

 

64

 

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL CAPITAL EFFICIENCY 100 INDEX ETF

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

 

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2023

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
august 31,
2022*

 

OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 107,613     $ 42,783  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    (527,598 )     (369,769 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    4,912,480       (1,917,628 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    4,492,495       (2,244,614 )
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (76,457 )      

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (76,457 )      
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    474,105       24,197,108  

Shares redeemed

    (3,183,860 )     (1,198,305 )

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

    (2,709,755 )     22,998,803  

Total INCREASE/(DECREASE) in net assets

    1,706,283       20,754,189  
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    20,754,189        

End of period

  $ 22,460,472     $ 20,754,189  
                 

SHARES TRANSACTIONS:

               

Shares sold

    25,000       1,425,000  

Shares redeemed

    (200,000 )     (75,000 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    (175,000 )     1,350,000  

 

*

Inception date of the Fund was December 30, 2021.

 

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

 

 

65

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL NEXT INDEX ETF

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

 

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2023

   

FOR THE
PERIOD
ENDED
august 31,
2022*

 

OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 44,071     $ 50,952  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    (1,362,880 )     (268,811 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    2,748,952       (6,202,144 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    1,430,143       (6,420,003 )
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (64,299 )      

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (64,299 )      
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Proceeds from shares sold

          39,453,233  

Shares redeemed

    (4,861,270 )     (355,253 )

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

    (4,861,270 )     39,097,980  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    (3,495,426 )     32,677,977  
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    32,677,977        

End of period

  $ 29,182,551     $ 32,677,977  
                 

SHARES TRANSACTIONS:

               

Shares sold

          2,200,000  

Shares redeemed

    (325,000 )     (25,000 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    (325,000 )     2,175,000  

 

*

Inception date of the Fund was December 30, 2021.

 

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

 

66

 

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL Global Opportunities ETF
Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

 

YEARS ENDED
AUGUST 31,

 

 

 

2023

   

2022

   

2021

   

2020

   

2019

 

PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 24.75     $ 37.03     $ 30.17     $ 25.09     $ 25.97  

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    0.11       0.30       (0.05 )     *     0.05  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    2.65       (10.00 )     9.03       6.21       0.80  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    2.76       (9.70 )     8.98       6.21       0.85  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

    (0.06 )     (0.77 )           (0.04 )      

Net realized capital gains

    (0.10 )     (1.81 )     (2.12 )     (1.09 )     (1.73 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.16 )     (2.58 )     (2.12 )     (1.13 )     (1.73 )

Redemption and small-balance account fees

                             

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 27.35     $ 24.75     $ 37.03     $ 30.17     $ 25.09  

Market price, end of period

  $ 27.32     $ 24.74     $     $     $  

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value(2)

    11.24 %     (27.61 )%     30.86 %     25.64 %     4.94 %

Total investment return/(loss) on market price(3)

    11.19 %     (27.65 )%     %     %     %

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

                                       

Net assets, end of period (thousands)

  $ 429,966     $ 433,652     $ 181,509     $ 122,406     $ 92,760  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

    0.85 %     0.87 %     0.95 %     0.95 %     0.95 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets (before waivers and reimbursement of expenses and/or recapture of previously waived fees)

    0.85 %     0.88 %     0.98 %     1.00 %     0.99 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    0.45 %     1.08 %     (0.16 )%     (0.01 )%     0.19 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets (before waivers and reimbursement of expenses and/or recapture of previously waived fees)

    0.45 %     1.07 %     (0.19 )%     (0.06 )%     0.15 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    4 %     14 %     12 %     10 %     11 %

 

*

Amount represents less than $0.005 per share.

 

(1)

Per share data calculated using average shares outstanding method.

 

(2)

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

 

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the market price on the first day of the period, reinvestment of dividends and distributions at market price during the period and redemption at market price on the last day of the period.

 

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

 

 

67

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL Mid-Cap Growth ETF
Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

 

YEARS ENDED
AUGUST 31,

 

 

 

2023

   

2022

   

2021

   

2020

   

2019

 

PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 22.68     $ 33.20     $ 29.79     $ 24.48     $ 27.50  

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    0.07       (0.04 )     (0.09 )     (0.02 )     0.02  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    1.87       (8.38 )     6.90       6.79       (1.88 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    1.94       (8.42 )     6.81       6.77       (1.86 )

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

                             

Net realized capital gains

          (2.10 )     (3.40 )     (1.46 )     (1.16 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

          (2.10 )     (3.40 )     (1.46 )     (1.16 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 24.62     $ 22.68     $ 33.20     $ 29.79     $ 24.48  

Market price, end of period

  $ 24.58     $ 22.62     $     $     $  

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value(2)

    8.58 %     (26.66 )%     24.38 %     28.77 %     (5.97 )%

Total investment return/(loss) on market price(3)

    8.65 %     (26.84 )%     %     %     %

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

                                       

Net assets, end of period (thousands)

  $ 194,346     $ 209,044     $ 54,460     $ 39,488     $ 29,205  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

    0.85 %     0.90 %     0.95 %     0.95 %     0.95 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets (before waivers and reimbursement of expenses and/or recapture of previously waived fees)

    0.85 %     0.88 %     0.98 %     1.00 %     0.98 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    0.29 %     (0.17 )%     (0.30 )%     (0.06 )%     0.10 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets (before waivers and reimbursement of expenses and/or recapture of previously waived fees)

    0.29 %     (0.15 )%     (0.33 )%     (0.11 )%     0.07 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    18 %     2 %     15 %     14 %     4 %

 

(1)

Per share data calculated using average shares outstanding method.

 

(2)

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

 

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the market price on the first day of the period, reinvestment of dividends and distributions at market price during the period and redemption at market price on the last day of the period.

 

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

 

68

 

 

 

Motley Fool 100 Index ETF

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

 

YEARS ENDED
AUGUST 31,

 

 

 

2023

   

2022

   

2021

   

2020

   

2019

 

PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 33.99     $ 42.16     $ 33.67     $ 22.46     $ 22.10  

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    0.13       0.08       0.05       0.11       0.15  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    7.57       (8.15 )     8.59       11.23       0.32  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    7.70       (8.07 )     8.64       11.34       0.47  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

    (0.14 )     (0.02 )     (0.10 )     (0.13 )     (0.11 )

Net realized capital gains

          (0.08 )     (0.05 )            

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.14 )     (0.10 )     (0.15 )     (0.13 )     (0.11 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 41.55     $ 33.99     $ 42.16     $ 33.67     $ 22.46  

Market price, end of period

  $ 41.53     $ 34.00     $ 42.20     $ 33.66     $ 22.42  

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value(2)

    22.71 %     (19.18 )%     25.74 %     50.67 %     2.27 %

Total investment return/(loss) on market price(3)

    22.63 %     (19.24 )%     25.91 %     50.89 %     1.93 %

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 549,523     $ 417,269     $ 528,011     $ 337,547     $ 185,871  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

    0.50 %     0.50 %     0.50 %     0.50 %     0.50 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    0.37 %     0.20 %     0.15 %     0.43 %     0.69 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    6 %     15 %     23 %     26 %     26 %

 

 

(1)

Per share data calculated using average shares outstanding method.

 

(2)

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

 

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the market price on the first day of the period, reinvestment of dividends and distributions at market price during the period and redemption at market price on the last day of the period.

 

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

 

 

69

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL Small-Cap Growth ETF

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss) return, ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

 

YEARS ENDED
AUGUST 31,

   

FOR THE
PERIOD ENDED
AUGUST 31,

 

 

 

2023

   

2022

   

2021

   

2020

   

2019(1)

 

PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 25.18     $ 40.73     $ 32.59     $ 23.33     $ 20.00  

Net investment income/(loss)(2)

    0.04       (0.15 )     (0.19 )     (0.07 )     *

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    4.00       (14.53 )     10.48       9.67       3.33  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    4.04       (14.68 )     10.29       9.60       3.33  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net realized capital gains

    (0.08 )     (0.87 )     (2.15 )     (0.34 )      

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.08 )     (0.87 )     (2.15 )     (0.34 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 29.14     $ 25.18     $ 40.73     $ 32.59     $ 23.33  

Market price, end of period

  $ 29.17     $ 25.18     $ 40.74     $ 32.68     $ 23.34  

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value(3)

    16.13 %     (36.66 )%     32.00 %     41.58 %     16.65 %(5)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price(4)

    16.21 %     (36.65 )%     31.54 %     41.88 %     16.69 %(5)

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 72,855     $ 78,050     $ 189,382     $ 106,745     $ 71,153  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

    0.85 %     0.85 %     0.85 %     0.85 %     0.85 %(6)

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    0.15 %     (0.46 )%     (0.51 )%     (0.29 )%     (0.01 )%(6)

Portfolio turnover rate

    62 %     11 %     21 %     27 %     21 %(5)

 

*

Amount represents less than $0.005 per share.

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund was October 29, 2018.

 

(2)

Per share data calculated using average shares outstanding method.

 

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

 

(4)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the market price on the first day of the period, reinvestment of dividends and distributions at market price during the period and redemption at market price on the last day of the period.

 

(5)

Not annualized.

 

(6)

Annualized.

 

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

 

70

 

 

 

Motley Fool CAPITAL EFFICIENCY 100 INDEX ETF

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss) return, ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

 

For the
year Ended
august 31,

   

For the
Period Ended
august 31,

 

 

 

2023

   

2022(1)

 

PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE

               

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 15.37     $ 20.00  

Net investment income/(loss)(2)

    0.09       0.05  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    3.72       (4.68 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    3.81       (4.63 )

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

               

Net realized capital gains

    (0.06 )      

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.06 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 19.12     $ 15.37  

Market price, end of period

  $ 19.15     $ 15.38  

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value(3)

    24.81 %     (23.13 )%(5)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price(4)

    24.99 %     (23.09 )%(5)

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

               

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 22,460     $ 20,754  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

    0.50 %     0.50 %(6)

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    0.53 %     0.50 %(6)

Portfolio turnover rate

    25 %     17 %(5)

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund was December 30, 2021.

 

(2)

Per share data calculated using average shares outstanding method.

 

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

 

(4)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the market price on the first day of the period, reinvestment of dividends and distributions at market price during the period and redemption at market price on the last day of the period.

 

(5)

Not annualized.

 

(6)

Annualized.

 

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

 

 

71

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL NEXT INDEX ETF

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss) return, ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

 

For the
year Ended
august 31,

   

For the
period Ended
august 31,

 

 

 

2023

   

2022(1)

 

PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE

               

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 15.02     $ 20.00  

Net investment income/(loss)(2)

    0.02       0.03  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    0.76       (5.01 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    0.78       (4.98 )

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

               

Net investment income

    (0.03 )      

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.03 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 15.77     $ 15.02  

Market price, end of period

  $ 15.78     $ 15.01  

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value(3)

    5.21 %     (24.88 )%(5)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price(4)

    5.39 %     (24.97 )%(5)

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

               

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 29,183     $ 32,678  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

    0.50 %     0.50 %(6)

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    0.15 %     0.26 %(6)

Portfolio turnover rate

    27 %     11 %(5)

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund was December 30, 2021.

 

(2)

Per share data calculated using average shares outstanding method.

 

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

 

(4)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the market price on the first day of the period, reinvestment of dividends and distributions at market price during the period and redemption at market price on the last day of the period.

 

(5)

Not annualized.

 

(6)

Annualized.

 

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

 

72

 

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The RBB Fund, Inc. (“RBB” or the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland on February 29, 1988 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. RBB is a “series fund,” which is a mutual fund complex divided into separate portfolios. Each portfolio is treated as a separate entity for certain matters under the 1940 Act, and for other purposes, and a shareholder of one portfolio is not deemed to be a shareholder of any other portfolio. Currently, RBB has fifty-three separate investment portfolios, including the Motley Fool Global Opportunities ETF (“Global Opportunities Fund”), the Motley Fool Mid-Cap Growth ETF (“Mid-Cap Growth Fund”), the Motley Fool 100 Index ETF (the “Fool 100 Fund”), the Motley Fool Small-Cap Growth ETF (“Small-Cap Growth Fund”), the Motley Fool Capital Efficiency 100 Index ETF (“Capital Efficiency Fund”) and the Motley Fool Next Index ETF (“Next Fund”) (each a “Fund” and together the “Funds”). The Global Opportunities Fund, Mid-Cap Growth Fund, Fool 100 Fund, Small-Cap Growth Fund, Capital Efficiency Fund and Next Fund commenced investment operations on June 17, 2014, June 17, 2014, January 29, 2018, October 29, 2018, December 30, 2021 and December 30, 2021, respectively.

 

RBB has authorized capital of one hundred billion shares of common stock of which 91.523 billion shares are currently classified into two hundred and twenty-two classes of common stock. Each class represents an interest in an active or inactive RBB investment portfolio.

 

The investment objective of each Fund is to achieve long-term capital appreciation. The Global Opportunities Fund pursues its objective by investing primarily in common stocks of United States companies and of companies that are organized under the laws of other countries around the world. The Mid-Cap Growth Fund pursues its objective by investing primarily in common stocks of companies that are organized in the United States and that are engaged in a broad range of industries.

 

The investment objective of the Fool 100 Fund is to achieve investment results that correspond (before fees and expenses) generally to the total return performance of the Motley Fool 100 Index (the “Fool 100 Index”). The Fool 100 Index was developed by The Motley Fool, LLC (“The Motley Fool”), an affiliate of Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC (the “Adviser”), in 2017 and is a proprietary, rules-based index designed to track the performance of the 100 largest, most liquid U.S. companies that have been recommended by The Motley Fool’s analysts and newsletters or the highest-rated stocks in Fool IQ, the company’s analyst opinion database. Every company include in the Fool 100 Index is incorporated and listed in the U.S. The investment objective of the Small-Cap Growth Fund is to achieve long-term capital appreciation.

 

The investment objective of the Capital Efficiency Fund is to seek investment results that correspond (before fees and expenses) generally to the total return performance of the Motley Fool Capital Efficiency 100 Index (the “Capital Efficiency 100 Index”). The Capital Efficiency 100 Index was developed by The Motley Fool in 2021 and is a proprietary, rules-based index designed to track the performance of the highest scoring stocks of U.S. companies, measured by a company’s capital efficiency, that have been recommended by The Motley Fool’s analysts and newsletters, and that also meet certain liquidity requirements. Capital efficiency is a measure of how a business turns its investments into revenue and profit and it provides insight into the company’s return on invested capital. Every company included in the Capital Efficiency 100 Index is incorporated and listed in the U.S. The investment objective of the Next Fund is to seek investment results that correspond (before fees and expenses) generally to the total return performance of the Motley Fool Next Index (the “Next Index”). The Next Index was developed by The Motley Fool in 2021 and is a proprietary, rules-based index designed to track the performance of the 100 largest, most liquid U.S. companies that have been recommended by The Motley Fool’s analysts and newsletters. Every company included in the Next Index is incorporated and listed in the U.S.

 

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

 

The end of the reporting period for the Funds is August 31, 2023, and the period covered by these Notes to Financial Statements is the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023 (the “current fiscal period”).

 

PORTFOLIO VALUATION — Each Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. Securities held by the Funds are valued using the closing price or the last sale price on a national securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System (“NASDAQ”) market system where they are primarily traded. Equity securities traded in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market are valued at their closing prices. If there were no transactions

 

 

73

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

on that day, securities traded principally on an exchange or on NASDAQ will be valued at the mean of the last bid and ask prices prior to the market close. Fixed income securities are valued using an independent pricing service, which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings, and are deemed representative of market values at the close of the market. Foreign securities are valued based on prices from the primary market in which they are traded, and are translated from the local currency into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates. If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable, securities will be valued in accordance with procedures adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). Relying on prices supplied by pricing services or dealers or using fair valuation may result in values that are higher or lower than the values used by other investment companies and investors to price the same investments. Such procedures use fundamental valuation methods, which may include, but are not limited to, an analysis of the effect of any restrictions on the resale of the security, industry analysis and trends, significant changes in the issuer’s financial position, and any other event which could have a significant impact on the value of the security. Determination of fair value involves subjective judgment as the actual market value of a particular security can be established only by negotiations between the parties in a sales transaction, and the difference between the recorded fair value and the value that would be received in a sale could be significant.

 

The Board has adopted a pricing and valuation policy for use by each Fund and its Valuation Designee (as defined below) in calculating the Fund’s NAV. Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Board has designated Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC (the “Adviser”) as its “Valuation Designee” to perform all of the fair value determinations as well as to perform all of the responsibilities that may be performed by the Valuation Designee in accordance with Rule 2a-5. The Valuation Designee is authorized to make all necessary determinations of the fair values of portfolio securities and other assets for which market quotations are not readily available or if it is deemed that the prices obtained from brokers and dealers or independent pricing services are unreliable.

 

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS — The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the Funds’ investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:

 

 

Level 1 – Prices are determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.

 

 

Level 2 – Prices are determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

 

Level 3 – Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs (including the Funds’ own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

 

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used, as of the end of the reporting period, in valuing the Funds’ investments carried at fair value:

 

GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

 

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

   

INVESTMENTS
MEASURED
AT NET ASSET
VALUE^

 

Common Stocks

  $ 416,585,164     $ 416,585,164     $     $     $  

Investment Purchased with Proceeds From Securities Lending Collateral

    39,874,840                         39,874,840  

Short-Term Investment

    11,407,238       11,407,238                    

Total Investments*

  $ 467,867,242     $ 427,992,402     $     $     $ 39,874,840  

 

74

 

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

MID-CAP GROWTH FUND

 

 

 

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

   

INVESTMENTS
MEASURED
AT NET ASSET
VALUE^

 

Common Stocks

  $ 192,334,066     $ 192,334,066     $     $     $  

Investment Purchased with Proceeds From Securities Lending Collateral

    25,256,724                         25,256,724  

Short-Term Investment

    1,999,916       1,999,916                    

Total Investments*

  $ 219,590,706     $ 194,333,982     $     $     $ 25,256,724  

 

FOOL 100 FUND

 

 

 

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

   

INVESTMENTS
MEASURED
AT NET ASSET
VALUE^

 

Common Stocks

  $ 549,037,302     $ 549,037,302     $     $     $  

Right

    20,813                   20,813        

Investment Purchased with Proceeds From Securities Lending Collateral

    15,466,606                         15,466,606  

Short-Term Investment

    284,182       284,182                    

Total Investments*

  $ 564,808,903     $ 549,321,484     $     $ 20,813     $ 15,466,606  

 

SMALL-CAP GROWTH FUND

 

 

 

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

   

INVESTMENTS
MEASURED
AT NET ASSET
VALUE^

 

Common Stocks

  $ 67,331,860     $ 67,331,860     $     $     $  

Investment Purchased with Proceeds From Securities Lending Collateral

    30,954,920                         30,954,920  

Short-Term Investment

    7,067,833       7,067,833                    

Total Investments*

  $ 105,354,613     $ 74,399,693     $     $     $ 30,954,920  

 

 

75

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

CAPITAL EFFICIENCY FUND

 

 

 

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

   

INVESTMENTS
MEASURED
AT NET ASSET
VALUE^

 

Common Stocks

  $ 22,382,380     $ 22,382,380     $     $     $  

Short-Term Investment

    65,956       65,956                    

Total Investments*

  $ 22,448,336     $ 22,448,336     $     $     $  

 

NEXT FUND

 

 

 

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

   

INVESTMENTS
MEASURED
AT NET ASSET
VALUE^

 

Common Stocks

  $ 29,152,486     $ 29,152,486     $     $     $  

Short-Term Investment

    12,142       12,142                    

Total Investments*

  $ 29,164,628     $ 29,164,628     $     $     $  

 

*

Please refer to the Schedule of Investments for further details.

 

^

Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in the table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

At the end of each quarter, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities. Various factors are considered, such as changes in liquidity from the prior reporting period; whether or not a broker is willing to execute at the quoted price; the depth and consistency of prices from third party pricing services; and the existence of contemporaneous, observable trades in the market. Additionally, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities on a quarterly basis for changes in listings or delistings on national exchanges.

 

Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Funds’ investments may fluctuate from period to period. Additionally, the fair value of investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for such investments and may differ materially from the values the Funds may ultimately realize. Further, such investments may be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities.

 

For fair valuations using significant unobservable inputs, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires each Fund to present a reconciliation of the beginning to ending balances for reported market values that presents changes attributable to total realized and unrealized gains or losses, purchase and sales, and transfers in and out of Level 3 during the period. Transfers in and out between levels are based on values at the end of the period. A reconciliation of Level 3 investments is presented only when a Fund had an amount of Level 3 investments at the end of the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets. The amounts and reasons for all Level 3 transfers are disclosed if a Fund had an amount of total Level 3 transfers during the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets as of the end of the reporting period.

 

During the current fiscal period, the Funds had no Level 3 transfers.

 

76

 

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

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 and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences could be significant.

 

INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS, INVESTMENT INCOME AND EXPENSES — The Funds record security transactions based on trade date for financial reporting purposes. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method for both financial reporting and income tax purposes in determining realized gains and losses on investments. Interest income (including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts) is accrued when earned. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or capital gains are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. Certain expenses are shared with The RBB Fund Trust (the “Trust”), a series trust of affiliated funds. Expenses incurred on behalf of a specific class, fund or fund family of the Company or Trust are charged directly to the class, fund or fund family (in proportion to net assets). Expenses incurred for all funds (such as director or professional fees) are charged to all funds in proportion to their average net assets of RBB and the Trust, or in such other manner as the Board deems fair or equitable. Expenses and fees, including investment advisory fees, are accrued daily and taken into account for the purpose of determining the NAV of each Fund.

 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS — Each Fund pays dividends from its net investment income and distributes any net capital gains that it realizes. Dividends and capital gains distributions are generally paid once a year and as required to comply with federal excise tax requirements. Distributions to shareholders are determined in accordance with tax regulations and recorded on the ex dividend date. Additionally, each Fund reports details of distribution-related transactions on quarterly account statements. You may not receive a separate confirmation statement for these transactions.

 

U.S. TAX STATUSNo provision is made for U.S. income taxes as it is the Funds’ intention to continue to qualify for and elect the tax treatment applicable to regulated investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and make the requisite distributions to its shareholders which will be sufficient to relieve it from U.S. income and excise taxes.

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates market value.

 

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION — The books and records of the Funds are maintained in U.S. dollars as follows: (1) the values of investment securities and other assets and liabilities stated in foreign currencies are translated at the exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period; and (2) purchases, sales and income are translated at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Transaction gains or losses resulting from changes in exchange rates during the reporting period or upon settlement from foreign currency transactions are reported in the Statements of Operations for the current period. The Funds do not isolate the portion of gains and losses on investments.

 

OTHER — In the normal course of business, the Funds may enter into contracts that provide general indemnifications. Each Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on claims that may be made against the Funds in the future, and, therefore, cannot be estimated; however, the Funds expect the risk of material loss from such claims to be remote.

 

2. Investment Policies and Practices

 

The sections below describe some of the different types of investments that may be made by the Funds and the investment practices in which the Funds may engage.

 

TYPES OF FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES — Each Fund may invest in bonds and other types of debt obligations of U.S. and foreign issuers. Fixed income securities purchased by a Fund may include, among others, bonds, notes, and debentures issued by corporations; debt securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or one of its agencies or instrumentalities (“U.S. Government Securities”); municipal securities; mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities; and debt securities issued or guaranteed by foreign governments, their agencies, instrumentalities, or political subdivisions, or by government-owned, -controlled, or -sponsored entities, including central banks. These investments also include money market instruments and other types of obligations. Investors should recognize that, although securities ratings issued by S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”), a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., and Moody’s Investors Services©, Inc. (“Moody’s”), provide a generally useful guide as to credit risks, they do not offer any criteria to evaluate interest rate risk. Changes in interest rate levels generally cause fluctuations

 

 

77

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

in the prices of fixed-income securities and will, therefore, cause fluctuations in the NAV per share of a Fund. Subsequent to the purchase of a fixed-income security by a Fund, the ratings or credit quality of such security may deteriorate. Any such subsequent adverse changes in the rating or quality of a security held by a Fund would not require a Fund to sell the security.

 

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS — Real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) are pooled investment vehicles that manage a portfolio of real estate or real estate-related loans to earn profits for their shareholders. REITs are generally classified as equity REITs, mortgage REITs, or a combination of equity and mortgage REITs. Investing in REITs involves certain unique risks in addition to those risks associated with investing in the real estate industry in general. Equity REITs may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property owned by the REITs, while mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of the borrower on any credit extended. REITs are dependent upon management skills, may not be diversified geographically or by property type, and are subject to heavy cash-flow dependency, default by borrowers, and self-liquidation. REITs must also meet certain requirements under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), to avoid entity level tax and be eligible to pass through certain tax attributes of their income to shareholders. REITs are consequently subject to the risk of failing to meet these requirements for favorable tax treatment and of failing to maintain their exemptions from registration under the 1940 Act. REITs are also subject to the risks of changes in the Code, affecting their tax status.

 

REITs (especially mortgage REITs) are also subject to interest rate risks. When interest rates decline, the value of a REIT’s investment in fixed-rate obligations can be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of a REIT’s investment in fixed-rate obligations can be expected to decline. In contrast, as interest rates on adjustable-rate mortgage loans are reset periodically, yields on a REIT’s investments in such loans will gradually align themselves to reflect changes in market interest rates, causing the value of such investments to fluctuate less dramatically in response to interest rate fluctuations than would investments in fixed-rate obligations.

 

The management of a REIT may be subject to conflicts of interest with respect to the operation of the business of the REIT and may be involved in real estate activities competitive with the REIT. REITs may own properties through joint ventures or in other circumstances in which a REIT may not have control over its investments. REITs may use significant amounts of leverage.

 

REITs often do not provide complete tax information until after the end of the calendar year. Consequently, because of the delay, it may be necessary for a Fund, if invested in REITs, to request permission to extend the deadline for issuance of Forms 1099-DIV beyond January 31. Alternatively, amended Forms 1099-DIV may be sent.

 

FOREIGN SECURITIES — The Global Opportunities Fund and the Mid-Cap Growth Fund may invest in equity and fixed-income securities of foreign companies, including companies located in both developed and emerging-market countries. Investment in foreign securities may include the purchase of American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) and other depositary receipts (European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”) and Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”)) that represent indirect interests in securities of foreign issuers. A significant portion of a Fund’s exposure to foreign investments may be composed of such investments. Investments in foreign securities are affected by risk factors generally not associated with investments in the securities of U.S. companies in the U.S. With respect to such securities, there may be more limited information publicly available concerning the issuer than would be the case with respect to domestic securities, foreign issuers may use different accounting standards, and foreign trading markets may not be as liquid as are U.S. markets. Foreign securities also involve such risks as currency risks, possible imposition of withholding or confiscatory taxes, possible currency transfer restrictions, expropriation or other adverse political or economic developments, and the difficulty of enforcing obligations in other countries. These risks may be greater in emerging-market countries and in less-developed countries.

 

The purchase of securities denominated in foreign currencies will subject the value of the Funds’ investments in those securities to fluctuations caused by changes in foreign exchange rates. To hedge against the effects of changes in foreign exchange rates, the Funds may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts (“forward contracts”). These contracts represent agreements to exchange an amount of currency at an agreed-upon future date and rate. The Funds will generally use forward contracts only to “lock in” the price in U.S. dollars of a foreign security that a Fund plans to purchase or to sell. In certain limited cases, it may use such contracts to hedge against an anticipated substantial decline in the price of a foreign currency against the U.S. dollar that would adversely affect the U.S. dollar value of foreign securities held by the Fund. Forward contracts will not be used in all cases and, in any event, cannot completely protect the Funds against all changes in the values of foreign securities resulting from fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. The Funds will not enter into a forward contract if, as a result, forward contracts would represent more than 20% of a Fund’s total assets. For hedging purposes, the Funds may also use options on foreign currencies, which expose the Funds to certain risks.

 

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Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

Some foreign securities are traded in the U.S. in the form of ADRs. ADRs are receipts typically issued by a U.S. bank or company evidencing ownership of the underlying securities of foreign issuers. EDRs and GDRs are receipts typically issued by foreign banks or trust companies, evidencing ownership of underlying securities issued by either a foreign or U.S. issuer. Generally, depositary receipts in registered form are designed for use in the U.S. and depositary receipts in bearer form are designed for use in securities markets outside the U.S. Depositary receipts may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the underlying securities into which they may be converted. Depositary receipts generally involve the same risks as other investments in foreign securities. However, holders of ADRs and other depositary receipts may not have all the legal rights of shareholders and may experience difficulty in receiving shareholder communications.

 

PARTICIPATORY NOTES — A participatory note, as used by a Fund, is an instrument used by investors to obtain exposure to an equity investment, including common stocks and warrants, in a local market where direct ownership is not permitted (or is impractical.) In countries where direct ownership by a foreign investor, such as a Fund, is not allowed by local law, such as Saudi Arabia, an investor may gain exposure to the market through a participatory note, which derives its value from a group of underlying equity securities. A participatory note is intended (disregarding the effect of any fees and expenses) to reflect the performance of the underlying equity securities on a one-to-one basis so that investors will not normally gain more in absolute terms than they would have made had they invested in the underlying securities directly, and will not normally lose more than they would have lost had they invested in the underlying securities directly.

 

In addition to providing access to otherwise closed markets, participatory notes can also provide a less expensive option to direct investment (where ownership by foreign investors is permitted) by reducing registration and transaction costs in acquiring and selling local registered shares. The Funds’ investment manager also believes that participatory notes can offer greater liquidity in markets that restrict the ability of the Funds to dispose of an investment by either restricting transactions by size or requiring registration and/or regulatory approvals.

 

The purchase of participatory notes involves risks that are in addition to the risks normally associated with a direct investment in the underlying securities. The Fund is subject to the risk that the issuer of the participatory note (i.e., the issuing bank or broker-dealer), which is the only responsible party under the note, is unable or refuses to perform under the terms of the participatory note, also known as counterparty risk.

 

While the holder of a participatory note is entitled to receive from the bank or broker-dealer any dividends or other distributions paid on the underlying securities, the holder is not entitled to the same rights as an owner of the underlying securities, such as voting rights.

 

Participatory notes may not be traded on exchanges, are privately issued, and may be illiquid. To the extent a participatory note is determined to be illiquid, it would be subject to the Fund’s limitation on investments in illiquid securities. There can be no assurance that the trading price or value of participatory notes will equal the value of the underlying value of the equity securities they seek to replicate.

 

TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS — During periods of adverse market or economic conditions, a Fund may temporarily invest all or a substantial portion of its assets in high-quality, fixed-income securities, money market instruments, and shares of money market mutual funds, or it may hold cash. At such times, a Fund would not be pursuing its stated investment objective with its usual investment strategies. A Fund may also hold these investments for liquidity purposes. Fixed-income securities will be deemed to be of high quality if they are rated “A” or better by S&P or Moody’s or, if unrated, are determined to be of comparable quality by the Adviser. Money market instruments are high-quality, short-term fixed income obligations (which generally have remaining maturities of one year or less), and may include U.S. Government Securities, commercial paper, certificates of deposit and banker’s acceptances issued by domestic branches of United States banks that are members of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and repurchase agreements for US. Government Securities. In lieu of purchasing money market instruments, a Fund may purchase shares of money market mutual funds that invest primarily in U.S. Government Securities and repurchase agreements involving those securities, subject to certain limitations imposed by the 1940 Act. A Fund, as an investor in a money market fund, will indirectly bear the fees and expenses of the money market fund. These indirect fees and expenses will be in addition to the fees and expenses of the Funds. Repurchase agreements involve certain risks not associated with direct investments in debt securities.

 

 

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Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

3. INVESTMENT adviser and other services

 

Each Fund pays all of its expenses other than those expressly assumed by the Adviser. Expenses of each Fund are deducted from the Fund’s total income before dividends are paid. Subject to the supervision of the Board, the Adviser manages the overall investment operations of each Fund in accordance with the Fund’s respective investment objective and policies and formulates a continuing investment strategy for each Fund pursuant to the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreements between the Adviser and the Company on behalf of each Fund. The Adviser is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Motley Fool Investment Management, LLC, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Motley Fool Holdings Inc. (“TMF Holdings”), a multimedia financial-services holding company that also owns The Motley Fool, which publishes investment information and analysis across a wide range of media, including investment newsletter services, websites, and books. TMF Holdings is controlled by David Gardner and Tom Gardner, along with other private shareholders. Each Fund compensates the Adviser with a unitary management fee for its services at an annual rate based on each Fund’s average daily net assets (the “Advisory Fee”), payable on a monthly basis in arrears, as shown on the following table. From the Advisory Fee, the Adviser pays most of the expenses of each Fund, including the cost of transfer agency, custody, fund administration, legal, audit and other services. However, the Adviser is not responsible for interest expenses, brokerage commissions and other trading expenses, taxes and other extraordinary costs such as litigation and other expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of business.

 

FUND

 

ADVISORY FEE

 

Global Opportunities Fund

    0.85%

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

    0.85%  

Fool 100 Fund

    0.50%

Small-Cap Growth Fund

    0.85%

Capital Efficiency Fund

    0.50%

Next Fund

    0.50%

 

During the current fiscal period, investment advisory fees accrued were as follows:

 

FUND

 

ADVISORY FEES

 

Global Opportunities Fund

  $ 3,520,595  

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

    1,645,190  

Fool 100 Fund

    2,120,500  

Small-Cap Growth Fund

    598,691  

Capital Efficiency Fund

    100,946  

Next Fund

    149,524  

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (“Fund Services”), doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, serves as administrator for the Funds. For providing administrative and accounting services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Fund Services serves as the Funds’ transfer and dividend disbursing agent. For providing transfer agent services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

U.S. Bank, N.A. (the “Custodian”) provides certain custodial services to the Funds. The Custodian is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Foreside Funds Distributors, LLC (“Foreside”) serves as the principal underwriter and distributor of the Global Opportunities Fund’s shares and Mid-Cap Growth Fund’s shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with RBB.

 

80

 

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

Quasar Distributors, LLC (“Quasar”), a wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of Foreside Financial Group, LLC, serves as the principal underwriter and distributor of the Fool 100 Fund’s shares, Small-Cap Growth Fund’s shares, Capital Efficiency Fund’s shares and Next Fund’s shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with RBB.

 

Under the Fund’s unitary fee, the Adviser compensates Fund Services and the Custodian for its services provided.

 

DIRECTOR AND OFFICER COMPENSATION — The Directors of the Company receive an annual retainer and meeting fees for meetings attended. An employee of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serves as Chief Compliance Officer of the Company. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company. Employees of RBB serve as President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Secretary and Director of Marketing & Business Development of the Company. They are compensated for services provided. Certain employees of Fund Services serve as officers of the Company. They are not compensated by the Funds or the Company. Until October 1, 2020, an employee of Vigilant Compliance, LLC served as Chief Compliance Officer of the Adviser. Neither the Funds nor the Company compensated this individual or Vigilant Compliance, LLC for the services provided to Motley Fool Asset Management. As of the end of the reporting period, there were no director or officer fees paid by the Funds.

 

REDEMPTION FEE — Prior to January 1, 2018, the Global Opportunities Fund and Mid-Cap Growth Fund imposed a redemption fee of 2.00% on redemptions/exchanges of Fund shares held less than 90 days. The redemption fee was calculated as a percentage of the net asset value of the total redemption proceeds and was retained by the Funds and accounted for as additional paid-in capital. Effective January 1, 2018, the Funds have eliminated their redemption fees. Please see the Funds’ prospectus for more information.

 

TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES — Advisers to investment companies, including the Motley Fool Asset Management Funds, are permitted under 17a-7 of the 1940 Act to purchase or sell securities directly between affiliated clients. When affecting these “cross” transactions, Rule 17a-7 imposes restrictions on how the trades are processed and reported. The specified conditions within Rule 17a-7 are outlined in procedures established by or under the direction of the Board of Directors. The procedures have been designed to provide assurance that any purchase or sale of securities by the Fund from or to another Fund complies with Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act.

 

During the current fiscal period, the Funds did not engage in any security transactions with affiliates.

 

4. PURCHASES AND SALES OF INVESTMENT SECURITIES

 

During the current fiscal period, aggregate purchases and sales and maturities of investment securities (excluding in-kind transactions and short-term investments) of the Funds were as follows:

 

FUND

 

PURCHASES

   

SALES

 

Global Opportunities Fund

  $ 18,153,423     $ 24,346,178  

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

    43,476,707       33,923,787  

Fool 100 Fund

    25,756,474       25,128,834  

Small-Cap Growth Fund

    40,101,744       42,175,352  

Capital Efficiency Fund

    5,143,192       5,251,207  

Next Fund

    7,998,271       8,134,439  

 

There were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. Government Securities during the current fiscal period.

 

 

81

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

During the current fiscal period, aggregate purchases and sales and maturities of in-kind transactions of the Funds were as follows:

 

FUND

 

PURCHASES

   

SALES

 

Global Opportunities Fund

  $ 1,895,435     $ 44,451,953  

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

          28,030,579  

Fool 100 Fund

    75,388,326       32,435,763  

Small-Cap Growth Fund

    618,849       14,136,330  

Capital Efficiency Fund

    462,085       3,075,213  

Next Fund

          4,676,240  

 

5. Federal Income tax information

 

The Funds have followed the authoritative guidance on accounting for and disclosure of uncertainty in tax positions, which requires the Funds to determine whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The Funds have determined that there was no effect on the financial statements from following this authoritative guidance. In the normal course of business, the Funds are subject to examination by federal, state and local jurisdictions, where applicable, for tax years for which applicable statutes of limitations have not expired.

 

As of August 31, 2023, the federal tax cost, aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of securities held by the Funds were as follows:

 

FUND

 

FEDERAL
TAX COST

   

UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION

   

UNREALIZED
(DEPRECIATION)

   

NET UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION/
(DEPRECIATION)

 

Global Opportunities Fund

  $ 279,823,206     $ 206,932,202     $ (18,950,252 )   $ 187,981,950  

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

    135,989,188       85,588,355       (1,986,836 )     83,601,518  

Fool 100 Fund

    395,327,867       191,011,765       (21,530,729 )     169,481,036  

Small-Cap Growth Fund

    112,120,856       10,100,483       (16,866,726 )     (6,766,243 )

Capital Efficiency Fund

    19,675,861       3,538,922       (766,447 )     2,772,475  

Next Fund

    32,632,634       2,455,806       (5,923,812 )     (3,468,006 )

 

Distributions to shareholders, if any, from net investment income and realized gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from net investment income and realized gains recognized for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the character of distributions and composition of net assets for tax purposes may differ from those reflected in the accompanying financial statements. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on the tax treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.

 

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Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

The following permanent differences as of August 31, 2023, primarily attributable to foreign currency transactions and in-kind redemptions gains, were reclassified among the following accounts:

 

FUND

 

DISTRIBUTABLE
EARNINGS/(LOSS)

   

PAID-IN
CAPITAL

 

Global Opportunities Fund

  $ (19,636,237 )   $ 19,636,237  

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

    (14,039,117 )     14,039,117  

Fool 100 Fund

    (13,150,419 )     13,150,419  

Small-Cap Growth Fund

    (734,694 )     734,694  

Capital Efficiency Fund

    (384,723 )     384,723  

Next Fund

    (161,997 )     161,997  

 

As of August 31, 2023, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

FUND

 

UNDISTRIBUTED
ORDINARY
INCOME

   

UNDISTRIBUTED
LONG-TERM
CAPITAL GAINS

   

CAPITAL Loss
Carryover

   

Post October
Losses and
Qualified Late-
Year losses

   

UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION/
(DEPRECIATION)

   

Total

 

Global Opportunities Fund

  $ 686,089     $     $     $     $ 187,981,950     $ 188,668,039  

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

    486,537       2,606,889                   83,601,518       86,694,944  

Fool 100 Fund

    829,826             (9,215,351 )           169,481,036       161,095,511  

Small-Cap Growth Fund

                      (5,649,321 )     (6,766,243 )     (12,415,564 )

Capital Efficiency Fund

    73,939             (991,319 )           2,772,475       1,855,095  

Next Fund

    30,724             (1,759,944 )           (3,468,006 )     (5,197,226 )

 

The differences between the book and tax basis components of distributable earnings relate primarily to the timing of recognition of income and gains for federal income tax purposes.

 

 

83

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

The tax character of dividends and distributions paid during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2023 and August 31, 2022 was as follows:

 

FUND

 

Tax
year

   

ORDINARY
INCOME

   

LONG-TERM
CAPITAL GAIN

   

TOTAL

 

Global Opportunities Fund

    2023     $ 1,203,987     $ 1,501,269     $ 2,705,256  
      2022       13,281,199       34,767,880       48,049,079  

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

    2023                    
      2022             20,813,933       20,813,933  

Fool 100 Fund

    2023       1,701,998             1,701,998  
      2022       309,330       1,016,460       1,325,790  

Small-Cap Growth Fund

    2023             227,522       227,522  
      2022             3,829,540       3,829,540  

Capital Efficiency Fund

    2023       76,457             76,457  
      2022                    

Next Fund

    2023       64,299             64,299  
      2022                    

 

Dividends from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income dividends for federal income tax purposes.

 

Pursuant to federal income tax rules applicable to regulated investment companies, the Funds may elect to treat certain capital losses between November 1 and August 31 and late year ordinary losses ((i) ordinary losses between January 1 and August 31, and (ii) specified ordinary and currency losses between November 1 and August 31) as occurring on the first day of the following tax year. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023 any amount of losses elected within the tax return will not be recognized for federal income tax purposes until September 1, 2023 The Small-Cap Growth Fund deferred $5,649,321 post October loss which will be treated as arising on the first business day of the following fiscal year.

 

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010, the Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 for an unlimited period. Additionally, capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses rather than being considered all short-term as under the previous law. As of August 31, 2023, the Fool 100 Fund had $7,834,523 of short-term capital loss carryforwards and $1,380,828 of long-term capital loss carryforwards, the Capital Efficiency Fund had $882,875 of short-term capital loss carryforwards and $108,444 of long-term capital loss carryforwards, and the Next Fund had $1,438,883 of short-term capital loss carryforwards and $322,061 of long-term capital loss carryforwards..

 

6. SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

Shares of the Global Opportunities Fund, Mid-Cap Growth Fund, Fool 100 Fund and Small-Cap Growth Fund are listed and trade on the Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc. Shares of the Capital Efficiency Fund and Next Fund are listed and trade on the NYSE, Arca, Inc. Market prices for the shares may be different from their NAV. Each Fund issues and redeems shares on a continuous basis at NAV only in blocks of 25,000 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 each Fund. 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

 

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Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

to buy and sell whole Creation Units. Therefore, they are unable to purchase or redeem shares directly from each Fund. 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.

 

Each Fund currently offers 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 standard fixed transaction fee for each Fund is $250, payable to the custodian. In addition, a variable fee may be charged on all cash transactions or substitutes for Creation Units of up to a maximum of 2% as a percentage of the value of the Creation Units subject to the transaction. Variable fees are imposed to compensate each Fund for the transaction costs associated with the cash transactions. Variable fees received by each Fund, if any, are displayed in the capital shares transactions section of the Statements of Changes in Net Assets. Each Fund may issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest, with $0.001 par value per share. Shares of each Fund have equal rights and privileges.

 

7. SECURITIES LENDING

 

The Funds may make secured loans of their portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and other financial institutions to earn additional income and receive cash collateral equal to at least 100% of the current market value of the loaned securities, as marked to market each day that the NAV of the Funds is determined. When the collateral falls below specified amounts, the Funds’ lending agent will use its best effort to obtain additional collateral on the next business day to meet required amounts under the security lending agreement. The Funds will pay administrative and custodial fees in connection with the loan of securities. Collateral is invested in short-term investments and the Funds will bear the risk of loss of the invested collateral. Investments purchased with proceeds from securities lending are overnight and continuous. Securities lending will expose the Funds to the risk of loss should a borrower default on its obligation to return the borrowed securities. The market value of the securities on loan and cash collateral as of the end of the reporting period and the income generated from the program during the current fiscal period with respect to such secured loans were as follows:

 

FUND

 

MARKET VALUE
OF SECURITIES
LOANED

   

MARKET VALUE
OF COLLATERAL

   

INCOME
RECEIVED FROM
SECURITIES
LENDING

 

Global Opportunities Fund

  $ 39,407,010     $ 39,874,840     $ 76,094  

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

    24,600,703       25,256,724       56,759  

Fool 100 Fund

    15,126,010       15,466,606       64,188  

Small-Cap Growth Fund

    30,076,672       30,954,920       37,987  

 

 

 

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Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

Securities lending transactions are entered into by the Funds’ securities lending agent on behalf of the Funds under a Master Securities Lending Agreement (“MSLA”) which permits the Funds’ securities lending agent on behalf of the Funds under certain circumstances including an event of default (such as bankruptcy or insolvency), to offset amounts payable on behalf of the Funds to the same counterparty against amounts to be received and create one single net payment due to or from the Funds. The following table is a summary of the Funds’ open securities lending transactions which are subject to a MSLA as of the end of the reporting period:

 

                           

GROSS AMOUNTS NOT OFFSET IN THE
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

 

FUND

 

GROSS
AMOUNTS OF
RECOGNIZED
ASSETS

   

GROSS
AMOUNTS
OFFSET IN THE
STATEMENTS
OF ASSETS
AND
LIABILITIES

   

NET AMOUNTS
OF ASSETS
PRESENTED
IN THE
STATEMENTS
OF ASSETS
AND
LIABILITIES

   

FINANCIAL
INSTRUMENTS
1

   

CASH
COLLATERAL
RECEIVED

   

NET
AMOUNT
2

 

Global Opportunities Fund

  $ 39,407,010     $     $ 39,407,010     $ (39,407,010 )   $     $  

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

    24,600,703             24,600,703       (24,600,703 )            

Fool 100 Fund

    15,126,010             15,126,010       (15,126,010 )            

Small-Cap Growth Fund

    30,076,672             30,076,672       (30,076,672 )            

 

1

Amount disclosed is limited to the amount of assets presented in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Actual collateral received may be more than the amount shown.

 

2

Net amount represents the net amount receivable from the counterparty in the event of default.

 

8. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS AND REGULATORY UPDATES

 

In June 2022, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2022-03, which amends Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions (“ASU 2022-03”). ASU 2022-03 clarifies guidance for fair value measurement of an equity security subject to a contractual sale restriction and establishes new disclosure requirements for such equity securities. ASU 2022-03 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of these amendments on the financial statements.

 

In October 2022, the SEC adopted rule and form amendments relating to tailored shareholder reports for mutual funds and exchange-traded funds and fee information in investment company advertisements. The rule and form amendments will, among other things, require the Funds to transmit concise and visually engaging shareholder reports that highlight key information. The amendments will require that funds tag information in a structured data format and that certain more in-depth information be made available online and available for delivery free of charge to investors on request. The amendments became effective January 24, 2023. There is an 18-month transition period after the effective date of the amendments until the Funds are required to comply.

 

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Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements (Concluded)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

In December 2022, the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2022-06, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) – Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848 (“ASU 2022-06”). ASU 2022-06 is an amendment to ASU 2020-04, which provided optional guidance to ease the potential accounting burden due to the discontinuation of the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (LIBOR)and other interbank-offered based reference rates and which was effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. ASU 2022-06 extends the effective period through December 31, 2024. Management is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of applying ASU 2022-06.

 

9. Subsequent Events

 

In preparing these financial statements, management of the Funds has evaluated events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure through the date the financial statements were available to be issued, and has determined that there were the following subsequent event: The U.S.-designated terrorist group Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in an ensuing war in the region. Current hostilities and the potential for future hostilities may diminish the value, or cause significant volatility in the share price, of companies based in or having significant operations in Israel. The Israeli securities market may be closed for extended periods of time or trading on the Israeli securities market may be suspended altogether. How long the armed conflict and related events will last cannot be predicted.

 

 

87

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Report of Independent Registered
Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Directors of
The RBB Fund, Inc.
and the Shareholders of the Motley Fool ETFs

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of the Motley Fool Global Opportunities ETF (formerly MFAM Global Opportunities Fund), Motley Fool Mid-Cap Growth ETF (formerly MFAM Mid-Cap Growth Fund), Motley Fool 100 Index ETF, Motley Fool Small-Cap Growth ETF (formerly MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF), Motley Fool Capital Efficiency 100 Index ETF, and Motley Fool Next Index ETF (the “Funds”), each a series of The RBB Fund, Inc., including the schedules of investments, as of August 31, 2023, the related statements of operations, the statements of changes in net assets and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated in the table below, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Funds as of August 31, 2023, the results of their operations, the changes in their net assets, and their financial highlights for the periods indicated in the table below, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Individual Funds
constituting
Motley Fool
ETFs

Statement of
operations

Statements of
changes in net assets

Financial highlights

Motley Fool Global Opportunities ETF, Motley Fool Mid-Cap Growth ETF, and Motley Fool 100 Index ETF

For the year ended August 31, 2023

For each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 2023

For each of the five years in the period ended August 31, 2023

Motley Fool Small-Cap Growth ETF

For the year ended August 31, 2023

For each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 2023

For each of the four years in the period ended August 31, 2023 and for the period October 29, 2018 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2019

Motley Fool Capital Efficiency 100 Index ETF and Motley Fool Next Index ETF

For the year ended August 31, 2023

For the year ended August 31, 2023 and for the period December 30, 2021 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2022

For the year ended August 31, 2023 and for the period December 30, 2021 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2022

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Funds’ financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Funds in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We have served as the auditor of one or more of the funds in the Trust since 2011.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Funds are not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Funds’ internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Funds’ internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

88

 

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Report of Independent Registered
Public Accounting Firm (CONCLUDED)

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 2023 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 

 

TAIT, WELLER & BAKER LLP

 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
October 30, 2023

 

 

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Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Shareholder Tax Information

(Unaudited)

 

Certain tax information regarding the Funds is required to be provided to shareholders based upon the Funds’ income and distributions for the taxable period ended August 31, 2023. The information and distributions reported herein may differ from information and distributions taxable to the shareholders for the calendar year ending December 31, 2023. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, the following dividends and distributions were paid by the Funds:

 

FUND

 

ORDINARY
INCOME

   

LONG-TERM
capital gain

 

Global Opportunities Fund

  $ 1,203,987     $ 1,501,269  

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

           

Fool 100 Fund

    1,701,998        

Small-Cap Growth Fund

          227,522  

Capital Efficiency Fund

    76,457        

Next Fund

    64,299        

 

Dividends from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income dividends for federal income tax purposes.

 

Under the Jobs and Growth Tax relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 the following percentages of ordinary dividends paid during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023 are designated as “qualified dividend income,” as defined in the Act, and are subject to reduced tax rates:

 

Global Opportunities Fund

100.00%

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

0.00%

Fool 100 Fund

100.00%

Small-Cap Growth Fund

0.00%

Capital Efficiency Fund

100.00%

Next Fund

100.00%

 

The percentage of total ordinary income dividends paid qualifying for the corporate dividends received deduction for the Funds are as follows:

 

Global Opportunities Fund

97.12%

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

0.00%

Fool 100 Fund

100.00%

Small-Cap Growth Fund

0.00%

Capital Efficiency Fund

100.00%

Next Fund

100.00%

 

Because the Funds’ fiscal year is not the calendar year, another notification will be sent with respect to calendar year 2023. The second notification, which will reflect the amount, if any, to be used by calendar year taxpayers on their U.S. federal income tax returns, will be made in conjunction with Form 1099-DIV and will be mailed in January 2024.

 

Foreign shareholders will generally be subject to U.S. withholding tax on the amount of their ordinary income dividends. They will generally not be entitled to a foreign tax credit or deduction for the withholding taxes paid by the Funds, if any.

 

In general, dividends received by tax-exempt recipients (e.g., IRAs and Keoghs) need not be reported as taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, some retirement trusts (e.g., corporate, Keogh and 403(b)(7) plans) may need this information for their annual information reporting.

 

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

 

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Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Notice to Shareholders

(Unaudited)

 

Information on Proxy Voting

 

Policies and procedures that the Funds use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities as well as information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 are available (i) without charge, upon request, by calling (888) 863-8803; and (ii) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Quarterly Schedule of Investments

 

The Company files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third fiscal quarters of each fiscal year (quarters ended November 30 and May 31) as an exhibit to its report on Form N-PORT. The Company’s Form N-PORT filings are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT

 

As required by the 1940 Act, the Board of the Company, including all of the Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Directors”), considered the renewal of the investment advisory agreements between Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC (“MFAM”) and the Company (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”) on behalf of the Motley Fool Mid-Cap Growth ETF, the Motley Fool Global Opportunities ETF, the Motley Fool Small-Cap Growth ETF, Motley Fool 100 Index ETF, Motley Fool Capital Efficiency 100 Index ETF and Motley Fool Next Index ETF (for this section only, each a “Fund” and collectively the “Funds”), at a meeting of the Board held on May 16-17, 2023 (the “Meeting”). At the Meeting, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, approved the Investment Advisory Agreement for an additional one-year term. The Board’s decision to approve the Investment Advisory Agreement reflects the exercise of its business judgment to continue the existing arrangements. In approving the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Board considered information provided by MFAM with the assistance and advice of counsel to the Independent Directors and the Company.

 

In considering the renewal and approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Company and MFAM with respect to the Funds, the Directors took into account all the materials provided prior to and during the Meeting and at other meetings throughout the past year, the presentations made during the Meeting, and the discussions held during the Meeting. The Directors reviewed these materials with management of MFAM and discussed the Investment Advisory Agreement with counsel in executive sessions, at which no representatives of MFAM were present. Among other things, the Directors considered (i) the nature, extent, and quality of MFAM’s services provided to the Funds; (ii) descriptions of the experience and qualifications of MFAM’s personnel providing those services; (iii) MFAM’s investment philosophies and processes; (iv) MFAM’s assets under management and client descriptions; (v) MFAM’s soft dollar commission and trade allocation policies, including information on the types of research and services obtained in connection with soft dollar commissions; (vi) MFAM’s advisory fee arrangement with the Company and other similarly managed clients; (vii) MFAM’s compliance policies and procedures; (viii) MFAM’s financial information, insurance coverage and profitability analysis related to providing advisory services to the Funds; (ix) the extent to which economies of scale are relevant to the Funds; (x) a report prepared by FUSE comparing each Fund’s management fees and total expense ratios to a group of mutual funds deemed comparable to each Fund based primarily on investment strategy similarity (“Peer Group”) and comparing the performance of each Fund to the performance of its Peer Group; and (xi) a report comparing the performance of the Funds to the performance of their respective benchmark.

 

As part of their review, the Directors considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by MFAM. The Directors concluded that MFAM had substantial resources to provide services to the Funds and that MFAM’s services had been acceptable.

 

The Directors also considered the investment performance of the Funds and MFAM. The Directors considered the Funds’ investment performance in light of their respective investment objectives and investment strategies. The Directors concluded that the investment performance of each of the Funds as compared to their respective benchmarks and Peer Groups was acceptable.

 

The Directors then noted the performance of the Motley Fool 100 Index ETF, Motley Fool Capital Efficiency 100 Index ETF, and Motley Fool Next Index ETF. The Directors considered that because each of the aforementioned Funds was designed to track the performance of its respective index, the relevant consideration was the extent to which such Fund tracked its index before fees and expenses. The Board also noted that the performance of the index did not take into account the expenses incurred when purchasing or selling securities, which expenses would lower the performance of a fund seeking to replicate some or all of the holdings of the index. The Board noted that for the three-month, one-year, three-year, and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2023, as applicable, each of the aforementioned Fund’s performance was in line with its index before fees and expenses.

 

 

91

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Notice to Shareholders (CONTINUED)

(Unaudited)

 

The Directors noted that the Motley Fool 100 Index ETF outperformed the median of its Peer Group for the three-year and since-inception periods ended December 31, 2022, and underperformed the median of its Peer Group for the three-month and one-year periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

The Directors noted that the Motley Fool Capital Efficiency 100 Index ETF outperformed the median of its Peer Group for the three-month, one-year, and since-inception periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

The Directors noted that the Motley Fool Next Index ETF underperformed the median of its Peer Group for the three-month, one-year, and since-inception periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

The Directors noted that the Motley Fool Global Opportunities ETF outperformed its primary benchmark, the FTSE Global All Cap Net Tax Index, for the three-month and since inception periods ended March 31, 2023, and underperformed its benchmark for the one-year, three-year and five-year periods ended March 31, 2023. The Directors noted that the Motley Fool Global Opportunities ETF equaled the performance of the median of its Peer Group for the one-year and five-year periods ended December 31, 2022, and underperformed the median of its Peer Group for the three-month and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

The Directors noted that the Motley Fool Mid-Cap Growth ETF underperformed its primary benchmark, the Russell Midcap Growth Index, for the three-month, one-year, three-year, five-year and since inception periods ended March 31, 2023. The Directors noted that the Motley Fool Mid-Cap Growth ETF equaled the performance of the median of its Peer Group for the one-year, three-year and five-year periods ended December 31, 2022, and underperformed the median of its Peer Group for the three-month period ended December 31, 2022.

 

The Directors noted that the Motley Fool Small-Cap Growth ETF outperformed its primary benchmark, the Russell 2000 Growth Index, for the three-month and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2023, and underperformed its benchmark for the one-year and three-year periods ended March 31, 2023. The Directors noted that the Motley Fool Small-Cap Growth ETF outperformed the median of its Peer Group for the three-month and since-inception periods ended December 31, 2022, and underperformed the median of its Peer Group for the one-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

The Board also considered the advisory fee rates payable by the Funds under the Investment Advisory Agreement. In this regard, information on the fees paid by the Funds and the Funds’ total operating expense ratios were compared to similar information for ETFs advised by other, unaffiliated investment advisory firms.

 

The Directors noted that the net advisory fee of the Motley Fool Mid-Cap Growth ETF ranked above the median and in the 5th quintile of its Peer Group, and the Fund’s total net expenses were above the median and in the 4th quintile of its Peer Group.

 

The Directors noted that the net advisory fee of the Motley Fool Global Opportunities ETF ranked above the median and in the 4th quintile of its Peer Group, and the Fund’s total net expenses were below the median and in the 2nd quintile of its Peer Group.

 

The Directors noted that the net advisory fee of the Motley Fool Small-Cap Growth ETF ranked above the median and in the 4th quintile of its Peer Group, and the Fund’s total net expenses were below the median and in the 1st quintile of its Peer Group.

 

The Directors noted that the net advisory fee of the Motley Fool 100 Index ETF equaled the median and in the 3rd quintile of its Peer Group, and the Fund’s total net expenses were below the median and in the 3rd quintile of its Peer Group.

 

The Directors noted that the net advisory fee of the Motley Fool Capital Efficiency 100 Index ETF ranked above the median and in the 4th quintile of its Peer Group, and the Fund’s total net expenses equaled the median and ranked in the 3rd quintile of its Peer Group.

 

The Directors noted that both the net advisory fee and total net expenses of the Motley Fool Next Index ETF ranked above the median and in the 4th quintile of its Peer Group.

 

The Board also took into consideration that the advisory fee for each Fund was a “unitary fee,” meaning those Funds paid no expenses other than the advisory fee and certain other costs such as interest, brokerage and extraordinary expenses. The Board noted that MFAM continued to be responsible for compensating the Funds’ other service providers and paying other expenses of the Funds out of its own fees and resources.

 

92

 

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Notice to Shareholders (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

After reviewing the information regarding the Funds’ costs, profitability and economies of scale, and after considering MFAM’s services, the Directors concluded that the investment advisory fees to be paid by the Funds were fair and reasonable and that the Investment Advisory Agreement should be approved and continued for an additional one year period ending August 16, 2024.

 

LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

 

The Company has adopted and implemented a Liquidity Risk Management Program (the “Company Program”) as required by rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act. In accordance with the Company Program, the Adviser has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the “Adviser Program” and together with the Company Program, the “Programs”) on behalf of the Funds. The Programs seek to assess, manage and review each Fund’s Liquidity Risk. “Liquidity Risk” is defined as the risk that a Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of remaining investors’ interest in the Fund.

 

The Board has appointed Vigilant Compliance, LLC (“Vigilant”) as the program administrator for the Company Program and the Liquidity Risk Management Committee of the Adviser as the program administrator for the Adviser Program. The process of monitoring and determining the liquidity of each Fund’s investments is supported by one or more third-party vendors.

 

At meetings held during the current fiscal period, the Board and its Regulatory Oversight Committee received and reviewed a written report (the “Report”) of Vigilant and the Adviser concerning the operation of the Programs for the period from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022 (the “Period”). The Report summarized the operation of the Programs and the information and factors considered by Vigilant and the Adviser in reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of the implementation of the Programs with respect to each Fund. Such information and factors included, among other things: (i) the methodology used to classify the liquidity of each Fund’s portfolio investments and the Adviser’s assessment that each Fund’s strategy remained appropriate for an open-end mutual fund; (ii) analyses of each Fund’s trading environment and reasonably anticipated trading size; (iii) that each Fund held primarily highly liquid assets (investments that the Fund anticipates can be converted to cash within 3 business days or less in current market conditions without significantly changing their market value); (iv) that each Fund either held a percentage of highly liquid assets above its highly liquid investment minimum at all times during the Period or did not require the establishment of a highly liquid investment minimum; (v) confirmation that none of the Funds had breached the 15% maximum illiquid security threshold (investments that cannot be sold or disposed of in seven days or less in current market conditions without the sale of the investment significantly changing the market value of the investment) during the Period and the procedures for monitoring compliance with the limit; (vi) that the processes, technologies and third-party vendors used to assess, manage, and/or periodically review each Fund’s Liquidity Risk functioned appropriately during the Period; and (vii) that the Programs operated adequately during the Period. The Report also indicated that there were no material changes made to the Programs during the Period.

 

Based on the review, the Report concluded that the Programs were being implemented effectively and reasonably designed to assess and manage Liquidity Risk in each Fund’s portfolio.

 

There can be no assurance that the Company Program or the Adviser Program will achieve its objectives under all circumstances in the future. Please refer to the Funds’ prospectuses for more information regarding the Fund’s exposure to liquidity risk and other risks to which it may be subject.

 

Frequency Distributions of Premiums and Discounts

 

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

 

 

93

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Privacy Notice

(Unaudited)

 

What Does Motley Fool Asset Management Funds Do With Your Personal Information?

 

Why?: Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information.

 

Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.

 

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

 

Social Security number and transaction history

 

Account balances and checking account information

 

Account transactions and wire transfer instructions

 

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

 

How?: All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information; the reasons Motley Fool Asset Management chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing.

 

Reasons we share your personal information

Does Motley Fool Asset Management share?

Can you limit this sharing?

For our everyday business purposes
such as to process your transaction, maintain your account(s), provide you with necessary information, respond to court orders and legal investigation, or report to credit bureaus

Yes

No

For our marketing purposes —
to offer our products and services to you

Yes

Yes

For joint marketing with other financial companies

No

We don’t share

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes
information about your transactions and experiences

Yes

No

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes — information about your creditworthiness

No

We don’t share

For our affiliates to market to you

Yes

Yes

For nonaffiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share

 

Visit us online: www.fooletfs.com

 

Please note:

 

 

If you are a new customer, we can begin sharing your information 30 days from the days from the date we sent this notice. When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in this notice.

 

94

 

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

PRIVACY NOTICE (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

However, you can contact us at any time to limit our sharing.

 

Questions: Call 1-888-863-8803 or go to www.fooletfs.com

 

What we do:

 

How does Motley Fool Asset Management protect my personal information?

 

We collect your personal information, for example, when you:

 

Open an account or provide account information

 

Make deposits or withdrawals from your account

 

Make a wire transfer or tell us where to send the money

 

We also collect your personal information from other companies.

 

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

 

Federal law gives you the right to limit only:

 

Sharing for affiliates everyday business purposes – information about your creditworthiness

 

Make deposits or withdrawals from your account

 

Sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

 

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

 

What happens when I limit sharing for an account I hold jointly with someone else?

 

Your choices will apply to everyone on your account.

 

EUROPEAN UNION’S GENERAL DATA PROTECTION REGULATION

 

In addition to the above information, where applicable, you have the following rights under the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) and U.S. Privacy Laws, as applicable and to the extent permitted by law, to

 

Check whether we hold personal information about you and to access such data (in accordance with our policy)

 

Request the correction of personal information about you that is inaccurate

 

Have a copy of the personal information we hold about you provided to you or another “controller” where technically feasible

 

Request the erasure of your personal information

 

Request the restriction of processing concerning you

 

The legal grounds for processing of your personal information is for contractual necessity and compliance with law.

 

If you wish to exercise any of your rights above, please call: 1-888-863-8803.

 

You are required to ensure the personal information we hold about you is up-to-date and accurate and you must notify us of any changes to the personal data you provided to us.

 

The Motley Fool Asset Management Funds shall retain your personal data for as long as you are an investor in the Funds and thereafter as long as necessary to comply with applicable laws that require the Funds to retain your personal data, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission’s data retention rules. Your personal data will be transferred to the United States so that the Funds may provide the agreed upon services for you. No adequacy decision has been rendered by the European Commission as to the data protection of your personal data when transferring it to the United States. However, the Funds do take the security of your personal data seriously.

 

Definitions:

 

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

Our affiliates include companies with a Motley Fool name; financial companies such as Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC; and nonfinancial companies such as The Motley Fool, LLC and The Motley Fool Holdings, Inc.

 

 

95

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

PRIVACY NOTICE (CONCLUDED)

(Unaudited)

 

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

Motley Fool Asset Management does not share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you.

 

Joint marketing - A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.

Motley Fool Asset Management doesn’t jointly market.

 

Controller - “Controller” means the natural or legal person, public authority, agency or other body which, alone or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of the processing of personal data; where the purposes and means of such processing are determined by European Union or European Member State law, the controller or the specific criteria for its nomination may be provided for by European Union or European Member State law.

 

96

 

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Directors and Officers

(Unaudited)

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company is organized under and managed pursuant to Maryland law. The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below. The statement of additional information (“SAI”) includes additional information about the Directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling (888) 863-8803.

 

Name, Address,
AND AGE

Positions(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and
Length of
Time
Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
During the
Past 5 Years

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Julian A. Brodsky
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 90

Director

1988 to present

Retired.

63

AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).

Gregory P. Chandler
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 56

Director

2012 to present

Since 2020, Chief Financial Officer, HC Parent Corp. d/b/a Herspiegel Consulting LLC (life sciences consulting services); 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Avocado Systems Inc. (cyber security software provider); 2009-2020, Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services).

63

Emtec, Inc. (until December 2019); FS Investment Corporation (business development company) (until December 2018); FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios)(registered investment company).

Lisa A. Dolly

615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI, 53202

Age: 57

Director

October 2021 to present

From July 2019-December 2019, Chairman, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm); January 2016-June 2019, Chief Executive Officer, Pershing, LLC.

63

Allfunds Group PLC (United Kingdom wealthtech and fund distribution provider); Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (trade association for broker dealers, investment banks and asset managers); Hightower Advisors (wealth management firm).

 

 

97

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Directors and Officers (CONTINUED)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address,
AND AGE

Positions(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and
Length of
Time
Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
During the
Past 5 Years

           

Nicholas A. Giordano
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 80

Director

2006 to present

Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations.

63

IntriCon Corporation (biomedical device manufacturer); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance) (until March 2021).

Arnold M. Reichman

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 75

Chair
Director

2005 to present 1991 to present

Retired.

63

EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until August 2022).

Brian T. Shea
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 63

Director

2018 to present

From 2014-2017, Chief Executive Officer, BNY Mellon Investment Services (fund services, global custodian and securities clearing firm); from 1983-2014, Chief Executive Officer and various positions, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm)

63

WisdomTree Investments, Inc. (asset management company) (until March 2019); Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (financial services technology company); Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (financial services company).

Robert A. Straniere
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 82

Director

2006 to present

Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm).

63

None.

INTERESTED DIRECTOR2

Robert Sablowsky
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 85

Vice Chair Director

2016 to present 1991 to present

Since 2002, Senior Director – Investments and, prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer).

63

None.

OFFICERS

Steven Plump

615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 64

President

August 2022 to present

From 2011 to 2021, Executive Vice President, PIMCO LLC.

N/A

N/A

 

 

98

 

 

 

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Directors and Officers (CONTINUED)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address,
AND AGE

Positions(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and
Length of
Time
Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
During the
Past 5 Years

           

Salvatore Faia, JD, CPA, CFE Vigilant Compliance, LLC Gateway Corporate Center. Suite 216
223 Wilmington West Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Age: 60

President

Chief Compliance Officer

2009 to present 2004 to present

Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company); since 2021, Chief Compliance Officer of The RBB Fund Trust; President of The RBB Fund Trust from 2021 to 2022; President of The RBB Fund, Inc. from 2009 to 2022

N/A

N/A

James G. Shaw
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 63

Treasurer and Secretary

2016 to present

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (since 2016) and Chief Operating Officer (since 2022) of The RBB Fund, Inc.; Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (since 2021) and Chief Operating Officer (since 2022) of The RBB Fund Trust.

N/A

N/A

Craig A. Urciuoli
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 49

Director of Marketing & Business Development

2019 to present

Director of Marketing & Business Development of The RBB Fund, Inc. (since 2019) and The RBB Fund Trust (since 2021); from 2000-2019, Managing Director, Third Avenue Management LLC (an investment advisory firm).

N/A

N/A

Jennifer Witt
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 40

Assistant Treasurer

2018 to present

Since 2020, Vice President, U.S.

Bank Global Fund Services (fund

administrative services firm); from

2016 to 2020, Assistant Vice

President, U.S. Bank Global Fund

Services.

N/A

N/A

Edward Paz
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 52

Assistant Secretary

2016 to present

Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (fund administrative services firm).

N/A

N/A

 

 

 

99

 

 

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Directors and Officers (CONCLUDED)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address,
AND AGE

Positions(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and
Length of
Time
Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
During the
Past 5 Years

           

Michael P. Malloy
One Logan Square Ste. 2000 Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 64

Assistant Secretary

1999 to present

Since 1993, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

Jillian L. Bosmann
One Logan Square Ste. 2000 Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 44

Assistant Secretary

2017 to present

Since 2017, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

 

*

Each Director oversees 63 portfolios of the fund complex, consisting of the series in the Company (53 portfolios) and The RBB Fund Trust (10 portfolios).

 

1.

Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his or her successor is elected and qualified or his or her death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Giordano, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.

 

2.

Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his or her qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive-level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Ms. Dolly has over three decades of experience in the financial services industry, and she has demonstrated her leadership and management abilities by serving in numerous senior executive-level positions. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Shea has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the brokerage, clearing, banking and investment services industry, including service on the boards of public companies, industry regulatory organizations and a university. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company.

 

100

 

 

 

(This Page Intentionally Left Blank.)

 

 

(This Page Intentionally Left Blank.)

 

 

(This Page Intentionally Left Blank.)

 

 

Investment Adviser

Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC
2000 Duke Street
Suite 275
Alexandria, VA 22314

 

Administrator and Transfer Agent

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201

 

Custodian

U.S. Bank, N.A.
1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, WI 53212

 

Principal Underwriters

Quasar Distributors, LLC
111 E Kilbourn Ave, Suite 2200
Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Foreside Funds Distributors, LLC
899 Cassatt Road
400 Berwyn Park, Suite 110
Berwyn, PA 19312

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Tait, Weller & Baker LLP
Two Liberty Place
50 S 16th St. Suite 2900
Philadelphia, PA 19102-2529

 

Legal Counsel

Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
One Logan Square, Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103-6996

 

104

 

 

 

Thank you for being a valued part of our Community!

 

Our investors are just as diverse as our portfolios! No matter where you are on your investment path, Motley Fool Asset Management strives to make investing accessible to people of all backgrounds and experience levels.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

of

THE RBB FUND, INC.

 

 

Annual Report

 

 

 

 

August 31, 2023

 

 

 

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Table of Contents

 

   

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report

1

Performance Data

2

Fund Expense Example

4

Portfolio Holdings Summary Table

5

Portfolio of Investments

6

Statement of Assets And Liabilities

7

Statement of Operations

8

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

9

Financial Highlights

10

Notes To Financial Statements

11

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

19

Shareholder Tax Information

20

Other Information

21

Company Management

24

Privacy Notice

28

 

 

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report

August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

September 22, 2023

 

Over the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, fixed income and credit markets were mixed with the iBoxx USD Liquid High Yield Index TR gaining 7.05% and the Bloomberg US Universal Total Return Index down -0.39% reflecting a very difficult environment for fixed income investors. The Optima Strategic Credit Fund (the “Fund”) returned 0.12% for the fiscal year.

 

The Fund’s systematic model began this fiscal year favoring a “risk-off” environment by investing in money market funds and short-duration 3-month to 1-year U.S. Treasury bills. The challenging investment conditions which persisted throughout the period resulted in more volatile signals, creating an unusual “whip-saw” effect. The resultant model indications for “risk-on” environments had the Fund allocating to higher-yielding credit, subsequently the model reverted to “risk-off” indications when those positions proved unprofitable. This “whip-saw” action in our models is highly unusual and reflected short term challenging investment conditions.

 

In “risk-on” environments, the Fund will strategically allocate from short-duration treasuries to higher-yielding credit in an effort to increase yield and take advantage of capital appreciation. However, we currently assess a low probability of the environment changing in the near term, and the Fund will remain “risk-off” until the model forecasts improved conditions. Over the longer term, our models have shown significant efficacy and we remain convicted in our approach to the Fund. From the inception of the Fund on December 29, 2021 through the fiscal year ended on August 31, 2023, the Fund has returned -0.98% compared to -2.94% for the iBoxx USD Liquid High Yield Index TR and -11.13% for the Bloomberg US Universal Total Return Index, respectively, over the same period.

 

Optima Asset Management LLC (the “Adviser”) and Anthony Capital Management, LLC (the “Sub-Adviser”), as reported by Doug Reich, the Portfolio Manager

 

Note: The Bloomberg US Universal Index represents the union of the US Aggregate Index, US Corporate High Yield Index, Investment Grade 144A Index, Eurodollar Index, US Emerging Markets Index, and the non-ERISA eligible portion of the CMBS Index. The index covers USD-denominated, taxable bonds that are rated either investment grade or high-yield. Some US Universal Index constituents may be eligible for one or more of its contributing subcomponents that are not mutually exclusive. These securities are not double counted in the index. The U.S. Universal index was created on January 1, 1999, with index history backfilled to January 1, 1990

 

Note: The iBoxx USD Liquid High Yield Index is a rules-based index consisting of liquid U.S. dollar-denominated, high yield corporate bonds for sale in the United Sates. The index is designed to provide a broad representation of the U.S. dollar-denominated high yield liquid corporate bond market.

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. The investment return and principal value of an investments will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed or sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance data current to the most recent month-end can be obtained by calling (866) 239-2026.

 

Must be preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus.

 

Investments in debt securities typically decrease when interest rates rise. This risk is usually greater for longer-term debt securities. Investments in lower rated and non-rated securities present a greater risk of loss to principal and interest than higher rated securities. Derivatives involve risks different from, and in certain cases, greater than the risks presented by more traditional investments. Derivatives may involve certain costs and risks such as liquidity, interest rate, market, credit, management and the risk that a position could not be closed when most advantageous. Investing in derivatives could lose more than the amount invested. The fund is non-diversified and may concentrate its assets in fewer holdings than a diversified fund, therefore exposing the fund to more individual security volatility than a diversified fund.

 

1

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Performance Data

August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in Optima Strategic Credit Fund Founders Class
vs. iBoxx USD Liquid High Yield Index

 

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended August 31, 2023

 
 

One Year

Since
Inception(1)

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

0.12%

-0.98%

 

iBoxx USD Liquid High Yield Index(2)(3)(4)

7.05%

-2.94%

 

Markit CDX North America High Yield Index(2)(4)

14.97%

4.56%

 
       

Net Expense Ratio(5) 1.25%

 

 

 

Gross Expense Ratio(6) 1.71%

 

 

 

 

(1)

Inception date of the Founders Class Shares of the Fund was December 29, 2021.

 

(2)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Class only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

(3)

The iBoxx USD Liquid High Yield Index seeks to accurately and objectively replicate the USD High Yield Corporate Bond Market by utilizing multi-source independent pricing and quality tested reference data. The index consists of liquid USD high yield bonds and is subject to monthly rebalancing and daily total return calculations to maintain a high quality rendering of bond market performance. The index is market-value weighted with an issuer cap of 3%.

 

(4)

Beginning on February 28, 2023, the Fund has opted to change its primary index from the iBoxx USD Liquid High Yield Index to the Markit CDX North America High Yield Index (the “HY Index”). The HY Index is composed of one hundred (100) liquid North American entities with high yield credit ratings that trade in the credit default swaps market.

 

(5)

The expense ratios of the Fund are set forth according to the Prospectus for the Fund and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Financial Highlights table in this report. See the Financial Highlights for most current expense ratios. Net expense ratio reflects contractual fee waivers through December 31, 2023.

 

(6)

The gross expense ratio of the Fund as of the most recent prospectus.

 

2

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Performance Data

August 31, 2023 (Unaudited) (Concluded)

 

The performance quoted reflects fee waivers in effect and would have been less in their absence. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary expenses, interest and taxes) to 1.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Founders Class Shares. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2023 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. Please see the Financial Highlights for current figures.

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher. The investment return and principal value of investments will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed or sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

3

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Fund Expense Example

August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, 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 mutual funds.

 

This example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period from March 1, 2023 through August 31, 2023, and held for the entire period.

 

ACTUAL EXPENSES

 

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

 

HYPOTHETICAL EXAMPLE FOR COMPARISON PURPOSES

 

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

 

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

 

 

Founders Class Shares

 

Beginning
Account Value
March 1, 2023

Ending
Account Value
August 31, 2023

Expenses Paid
During Period*

Annualized
Expense Ratio

Actual Six-Month
Total Investment
Returns
for the Funds

Actual

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,001.60

$ 6.31

1.25%

0.16%

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

1,000.00

1,025.21

6.38

1.25%

N/A

 

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio for the period March 1, 2023 to August 31, 2023, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184) in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by 365 to reflect the one half year period. The Fund’s ending account value on the first line in the table is based on the actual six-month total investment return for the Fund.

 

4

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Portfolio Holdings Summary Table

august 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

The following table presents a summary of the portfolio holdings of the Fund:

 

SECURITY TYPE/CLASSIFICATION

 

% of Net
Assets

   

Value

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

               

U.S. Treasury Obligations

    83.7 %   $ 39,646,076  

Money Market Deposit Accounts

    0.5       250,000  

Money Market Funds

    9.4       4,445,465  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES

    6.4       3,025,610  

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 47,367,151  

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

Refer to the Portfolio of Investments for a detailed listing of the Fund’s holdings.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
5

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Portfolio of Investments

August 31, 2023

 

   

Coupon*

   

Maturity
Date

   

Par
(000’s)

   

Value

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 93.6%

                               

U.S. Treasury Obligations — 83.7%

                               

United States Treasury Bill

    5.001%       09/07/23       5,000     $ 4,995,611  

United States Treasury Bill(b)

    4.859%       09/21/23       5,000       4,985,351  

United States Treasury Bill

    4.890%       09/28/23       5,000       4,980,181  

United States Treasury Bill

    5.223%       10/26/23       10,000       9,919,200  

United States Treasury Bill

    5.379%       12/07/23       5,000       4,928,533  

United States Treasury Bill

    5.423%       12/21/23       10,000       9,837,200  

TOTAL U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS (Cost $39,660,146)

                            39,646,076  

 

                   

Number of
Shares
(000’s)

         

Money Market Deposit Accounts — 0.5%

                               

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 5.20%(a)

                    250       250,000  

TOTAL MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS

                               

(Cost $250,000)

                            250,000  
                                 

Money Market Funds — 9.4%

                               

First American Treasury Obligations Fund, 5.27%(a)

                    4,445       4,445,465  

TOTAL MONEY MARKET FUNDS

                               

(Cost $4,445,465)

                            4,445,465  
                                 

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 93.6%

                               

(Cost $44,355,611)

                            44,341,541  
                                 

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES — 6.4%

                            3,025,610  

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

                          $ 47,367,151  

 

 

*

Short-term investments’ coupon reflects the annualized yield on the date of purchase for discounted investments.

(a)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2023.

(b)

As of August 31, 2023 a portion of the security is held as collateral in the amount of $4,985,368.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
6

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Statement of Assets And Liabilities

August 31, 2023

 

ASSETS

       

Short-term investments, at value (cost $44,355,611)

  $ 44,341,541  

Cash and cash equivalents

    94,601  

Deposit at broker for swap contracts

    2,999,069  

Receivables for:

       

Interest

    19,363  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

    3,137  

Total assets

    47,457,711  
         

LIABILITIES

       

Payables for:

       

Audit expenses

    23,842  

Advisory fees

    20,071  

Administration and accounting services fees

    11,158  

Transfer agent fees

    10,711  

Printing and shareholder reporting fees

    2,636  

Custodian fees

    770  

Other accrued expenses and liabilities

    21,372  

Total liabilities

    90,560  

Net assets

    47,367,151  
         

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

       

Par value

  $ 4,844  

Paid-in capital

    48,131,062  

Total distributable earnings/(losses)

    (768,755 )

Net assets

  $ 47,367,151  
         

FOUNDERS CLASS SHARES:

       

Net assets

  $ 47,367,151  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    4,844,447  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

  $ 9.78  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
7

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Statement of Operations

For the Year Ended August 31, 2023

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

       

Interest

  $ 1,704,610  

Broker interest income

    47,905  

Total investment income

    1,752,515  

EXPENSES

       

Advisory fees (Note 2)

    246,267  

Broker expenses

    214,000  

Offering costs

    82,234  

Transfer agent fees (Note 2)

    78,359  

Administration and accounting services fees (Note 2)

    51,298  

Audit fees and tax services

    22,928  

Legal fees

    13,857  

Registration and filing fees

    12,367  

Officer fees

    4,586  

Director fees

    3,591  

Printing and shareholder reporting fees

    3,581  

Custodian fees (Note 2)

    1,803  

Broker interest expense

    137  

Other expenses

    2,999  

Advisory fees - recouped (See Note 2)

    57,163  

Net expenses after waivers and/or reimbursements

    795,170  

Net investment income/(loss)

    957,345  

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS

       

Net realized gain/(loss) from:

       

Short-term investments

    2,950  

Swap contracts

    (1,111,147 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) from:

       

Short-term investments

    172,530  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    (935,667 )

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 21,678  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
8

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2023

   

For the
Period Ended
August 31, 2022*

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 957,345     $ 3,277  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments and swap contracts

    (1,108,197 )     (852 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    172,530       (186,600 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    21,678       (184,175 )

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (606,258 )      

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (606,258 )      

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    11,485,654       41,719,542  

Proceeds from reinvestment of distributions

    606,258        

Shares redeemed

    (5,242,501 )     (433,047 )

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

    6,849,411       41,286,495  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    6,264,831       41,102,320  

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    41,102,320        

End of period

  $ 47,367,151     $ 41,102,320  

SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Shares sold

    1,162,982       4,197,861  

Shares reinvested

    61,989        

Shares redeemed

    (534,927 )     (43,458 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    690,044       4,154,403  

 

 

*

Inception date of the Fund was December 29, 2021.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
9

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for Founders Class outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2023

   

For the
Period
December 29,
2021
(1)
to August 31,
2022

 

Per Share Operating Performance

               

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 9.89     $ 10.00  

Net investment income/(loss)(2)

    0.19        

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    (0.18 )     (0.11 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    0.01       (0.11 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.12 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 9.78     $ 9.89  

Total investment return/(loss)(3)

    0.12 %     (1.10 )%(4)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

               

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 47,367     $ 41,102  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and/or reimbursements

    1.61 %     1.48 %(5)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and/or reimbursements

    1.61 %     1.94 %(5)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and/or reimbursements (excluding broker expenses)

    1.18 %     1.25 %(5)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and/or reimbursements (excluding broker expenses)

    1.18 %     1.71 %(5)

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    1.94 %     0.03 %(5)

Portfolio turnover rate

    0 %     0 %(4)

 

 

(1)

Inception date of the Founders Class Shares of the Fund was December 29, 2021.

(2)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.

(3)

Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of the period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(4)

Not annualized.

(5)

Annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
10

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Notes To Financial Statements

August 31, 2023

 

1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

 

The RBB Fund, Inc. (“RBB” or the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland on February 29, 1988 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. RBB is a “series fund,” which is a mutual fund divided into separate portfolios. Each portfolio is treated as a separate entity for certain matters under the 1940 Act, and for other purposes, and a shareholder of one portfolio is not deemed to be a shareholder of any other portfolio. Currently, RBB has fifty-three separate investment portfolios, including the Optima Strategic Credit Fund (the “Fund”), which commenced investment operations on December 29, 2021. The Fund is authorized to offer two classes of shares, Founders Class Shares and Investor Class Shares. Investor Class Shares have not yet commenced operations as of the end of the reporting period.

 

RBB has authorized capital of one hundred billion shares of common stock of which 91.523 billion shares are currently classified into two hundred and twenty-two classes of common stock. Each class represents an interest in an active or inactive RBB investment portfolio.

 

The investment objective of the Fund is to seek total return.

 

The Fund is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 “Financial Services – Investment Companies.”

 

The end of the reporting period for the Fund is August 31, 2023, and the period covered by these Notes to Financial Statements is the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023 (the “current fiscal period”).

 

Portfolio Valuation — The Fund values its investments at fair value. The Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. Securities held by the Fund are valued using the closing price or the last sale price on a national securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System (“NASDAQ”) market system where they are primarily traded. Securities listed or traded on U.S. exchanges, including swaps contracts, are valued at the last sales prices on the exchange where they are principally traded. In the absence of a current quotation, a security is valued at the mean between the last bid and asked prices on that exchange. Fixed income securities are valued using an independent pricing service, which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings, and are deemed representative of market values at the close of the market. If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable, securities will be valued in accordance with procedures adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). Relying on prices supplied by pricing services or dealers or using fair valuation may result in values that are higher or lower than the values used by other investment companies and investors to price the same investments.

 

The Board has adopted a pricing and valuation policy for use by the Fund and its Valuation Designee (as defined below) in calculating the Fund’s NAV. Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Fund has designated Optima Asset Management LLC (the “Adviser”) as its “Valuation Designee” to perform all of the fair value determinations as well as to perform all of the responsibilities that may be performed by the Valuation Designee in accordance with Rule 2a-5. The Valuation Designee is authorized to make all necessary determinations of the fair values of portfolio securities and other assets for which market quotations are not readily available or if it is deemed that the prices obtained from brokers and dealers or independent pricing services are unreliable.

 

Fair Value Measurements — The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the Fund’s investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:

 

 

● Level 1 –

Prices are determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.

 

 

● Level 2 –

Prices are determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

11

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Notes To Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

 

● Level 3 –

Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

 

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used, as of the end of the reporting period, in valuing the Fund’s investments carried at fair value:

 

 

Total

   

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

 

Short-Term Investments

  $ 44,341,541     $ 4,695,465     $ 39,646,076     $  

Total Investments*

  $ 44,341,541     $ 4,695,465     $ 39,646,076     $  

 

*

Please refer to the Portfolio of Investments for further details.

 

At the end of each quarter, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities. Various factors are considered, such as changes in liquidity from the prior reporting period; whether or not a broker is willing to execute at the quoted price; the depth and consistency of prices from third party pricing services; and the existence of contemporaneous, observable trades in the market. Additionally, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities on a quarterly basis for changes in listings or delistings on national exchanges.

 

Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Fund’s investments may fluctuate from period to period. Additionally, the fair value of investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for such investments and may differ materially from the values the Fund may ultimately realize. Further, such investments may be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities.

 

For fair valuations using significant unobservable inputs, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires the Fund to present a reconciliation of the beginning to ending balances for reported market values that presents changes attributable to total realized and unrealized gains or losses, purchase and sales, and transfers in and out of Level 3 during the period. Transfers in and out between levels are based on values at the end of the period. A reconciliation of Level 3 investments is presented only when the Fund had an amount of Level 3 investments at the end of the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets. The amounts and reasons for Level 3 transfers are disclosed if the Fund had an amount of total Level 3 transfers during the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets as of the end of the reporting period.

 

During the current fiscal period, the Fund had no Level 3 transfers.

 

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 and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences could be significant.

 

Investment Transactions, Investment Income and Expenses — The Fund records security transactions based on trade date for financial reporting purposes. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method for both financial reporting and income tax purposes in determining realized gains and losses on investments. Interest income (including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts) is accrued when earned. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. The Fund’s investment income, expenses (other than class specific expenses) and unrealized and realized gains and losses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class at the beginning of the day. Certain expenses are shared with The RBB Fund Trust (the “Trust”), a series trust of affiliated funds. Expenses incurred on behalf of a specific class, fund or fund family of the Company or Trust are charged directly to the class, fund or fund family (in proportion to net assets). Expenses incurred for all funds (such as director or professional fees) are charged to all funds in proportion to their average net assets of RBB and the Trust, or in such other manner as the Board deems fair or equitable. Expenses and fees, including investment advisory and administration fees, are accrued daily and taken into account for the purpose of determining the NAV of the Fund.

 

12

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Notes To Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

Credit Default Swap – During the current fiscal period, the Fund entered into a credit default swap to preserve a return or spread on a particular investment or portion of its portfolio, as a duration management technique and to protect against any increase in the price of securities the Fund anticipates purchasing at a later date. In a credit default swap, the protection buyer makes a stream of payments based on a fixed percentage applied to the contract notional amount to the protection seller in exchange for the right to receive a specified return upon the occurrence of a defined credit event on the reference obligation which may be either a single security or a basket of securities issued by corporate or sovereign issuers. Although contract-specific, credit events are generally defined as bankruptcy, failure to pay, restructuring, obligation acceleration, obligation default, or repudiation/moratorium. Upon the occurrence of a defined credit event, the difference between the value of the reference obligation and the swap’s notional amount is recorded as realized gain (for protection written) or loss (for protection sold) in the Statement of Operations. In the case of credit default swaps where the Fund is selling protection, the notional amount approximates the maximum loss. For centrally cleared swaps, the daily change in valuation, and upfront payments, if any, are recorded as a receivable or payable for variation margin on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. For financial reporting purposes, cash collateral that has been pledged to cover obligations of the Fund, if any, is reported separately as Deposit at Broker for Swap Contracts on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The Fund was not invested in any credit default swap contracts as of the fiscal period year-end. The average quarterly notional value of the credit default swap in the Fund during the current fiscal period was as follows:

 

Portfolio

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

  $ 13,200,000  

 

For the current fiscal period, the effect of derivative contracts in the Fund’s Statement of Operations was as follows:

 

   

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

 

RISK

 

DERIVATIVE TYPE

   

LOCATION

   

NET REALIZED
GAIN(LOSS)

   

NET CHANGE
IN UNREALIZED
APPRECATION
(DEPRECIATION)

 

Credit

    Swap contracts       Swap contracts     $ (1,111,147 )   $  

 

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders — Dividends from net investment income, if any, are declared and paid quarterly. Net realized capital gains (including net short-term capital gains), if any, are distributed by the Fund at least annually. Income dividends and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

 

U.S. Tax Status — No provision is made for U.S. income taxes as it is the Fund’s intention to continue to qualify for and elect the tax treatment applicable to regulated investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and make the requisite distributions to its shareholders which will be sufficient to relieve it from U.S. income.

 

Active Management Risk — The Fund is subject to management risk as an actively-managed investment portfolio. The Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective depends on the investment skill and ability of Anthony Capital Management, LLC (the “Sub-Adviser”) and on the Sub-Adviser’s ability to correctly identify economic trends.

 

13

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Notes To Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

Cash Positions Risk — The Fund may hold a significant position in cash and/or cash equivalent securities. When the Fund’s investment in cash or cash equivalent securities increases, the Fund may not participate in market advances or declines to the same extent that it would if the Fund were more fully invested in other securities.

 

Counterparty Risk — Counterparty risk is the risk that the other party(s) to an agreement or a participant to a transaction might default on a contract or fail to perform by failing to pay amounts due or failing to fulfill the obligations of the contract or transaction.

 

Credit Risk — Credit risk is the risk that an issuer or other obligated party of a debt security may be unable or unwilling to make interest and principal payments when due. Changes in an issuer’s credit rating or the market’s perception of an issuer’s creditworthiness may also affect the value of the Fund’s investment in that issuer. Securities rated in the four highest categories by the rating agencies are considered investment grade but they may also have some speculative characteristics. Investment grade ratings do not guarantee that bonds will not lose value or default. In addition, the credit quality of securities may be lowered if an issuer’s financial condition changes. The Fund could also be delayed or hindered in its enforcement of rights against an issuer, guarantor, or counterparty.

 

Credit Default Swap Risk — Credit default swaps are typically two-party financial contracts that transfer credit exposure between the two parties. Under a typical credit default swap, one party (the “seller”) receives pre-determined periodic payments from the other party (the “buyer”). The seller agrees to make specific payments to the buyer if a negative credit event occurs, such as the bankruptcy of or default by the issuer of the underlying debt instrument. The use of credit default swaps involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio security transactions, such as potentially heightened counterparty or concentration risks.

 

Cyber Security Risk — Cyber security risk is the risk of an unauthorized breach and access to Fund assets, Fund or customer data (including private shareholder information), or proprietary information, or the risk of an incident occurring that causes the Adviser, Sub-Adviser, custodian, transfer agent, distributor and/or other service providers and financial intermediaries to suffer data breaches, data corruption or lose operational functionality or prevent Fund investors from purchasing, redeeming or exchanging shares or receiving distributions. The Fund and its Adviser and Sub-Adviser have limited ability to prevent or mitigate cyber security incidents affecting third-party service providers. Successful cyber-attacks or other cyber-failures or events affecting the Fund or its service providers may adversely impact and cause financial losses to the Fund or its shareholders. Issuers of securities in which the Fund invests are also subject to cyber security risks, and the value of these securities could decline if the issuers experience cyber-attacks or other cyber-failures.

 

Fixed Income Securities Risk — Fixed income securities in which the Fund or an Underlying Fund may invest are subject to certain risks, including: interest rate risk, prepayment risk and credit/default risk. Interest rate risk involves the risk that prices of fixed income securities will rise and fall in response to interest rate changes. Prepayment risk involves the risk that in declining interest rate environments prepayments of principal could increase and require the Fund or an Underlying Fund to reinvest proceeds of the prepayments at lower interest rates. Credit risk involves the risk that the credit rating of a security may be lowered.

 

Government Intervention and Regulatory Changes — The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) (which was passed into law in July 2010) significantly revised and expanded the rulemaking, supervisory and enforcement authority of federal bank, securities and commodities regulators. There can be no assurance that future regulatory actions including, but not limited to, those authorized by the Dodd-Frank Act will not adversely impact the Fund. Major changes resulting from legislative or regulatory actions could materially affect the profitability of the Fund or the value of investments made by the Fund or force the Fund to revise its investment strategy or divest certain of its investments. Any of these developments could expose the Fund to additional costs, taxes, liabilities, enforcement actions and reputational risk.

 

In addition, in October 2020, the SEC adopted new regulations governing the use of derivatives by registered investment companies. The Fund is required to comply with Rule 18f-4 and has adopted procedures for investing in derivatives and other transactions in compliance with Rule 18f-4. Rule 18f-4 imposes limits on the amount of derivatives a fund can enter into, eliminates the asset segregation framework previously used by funds to comply with Section 18 of the 1940 Act, treats derivatives as senior securities so that a failure to comply with the limits would result in a statutory violation and requires funds whose use of derivatives is more than a limited specified exposure to establish and maintain a comprehensive derivatives risk management program and appoint a derivatives risk manager. These rules could have a substantial effect on the ability of the Fund to implement fully its investment strategy, as described herein, which may limit the Fund’s ability to achieve its objective.

 

14

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Notes To Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

High Yield Securities — High yield securities, which are rated below investment grade and commonly referred to as “junk” bonds, are high risk, speculative investments that may cause income and principal losses for the Fund. They generally have greater credit risk, are less liquid and have more volatile prices than investment grade securities.

 

Interest Rate Risk— Interest rate risk is the risk that prices of fixed income securities generally increase when interest rates decline and decrease when interest rates increase. The Fund may lose money if short term or long term interest rates rise sharply or otherwise change in a manner not anticipated by the Sub-Adviser. It is likely there will be less governmental action in the near future to maintain low interest rates. Changing interest rates may have unpredictable effects on the markets and the Fund’s investments and may also affect the liquidity of fixed income securities and instruments held by the Fund. Any future declines in interest rate levels could cause the Fund’s earnings to fall below the Fund’s expense ratio, resulting in a negative yield, and a decline in the Fund’s share price. A general rise in interest rates may cause investors to move out of fixed income securities on a large scale, which could adversely affect the price and liquidity of fixed income securities and could also result in increased redemptions for the Fund. Fluctuations in interest rates may also affect the liquidity of fixed income securities and instruments held by the Fund.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents —The Fund maintains cash in bank deposit accounts which, at times, may exceed United States federally insured limits and is classified as Cash and Cash Equivalents on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

Other — In the normal course of business, the Fund may enter into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on claims that may be made against the Fund in the future, and, therefore, cannot be estimated; however, the Fund expects the risk of material loss from such claims to be remote.

 

2. Investment Adviser and Other Services

 

Optima Asset Management LLC serves as the investment adviser for the Fund. Anthony Capital Management, LLC serves as the investment sub-adviser to the Fund. Subject to the supervision of the Board, the Adviser manages the overall investment operations of the Fund, primarily in the form of oversight of the Sub-Adviser pursuant to the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and the Company on behalf of the Fund. The Fund compensates the Adviser for its services at an annual rate based on the Fund’s average daily net assets (the “Advisory Fee”), payable on a monthly basis in arrears, as shown in the following table. The Adviser compensates the Sub-Adviser out of the Advisory Fee.

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) to the rates (“Expense Cap”) shown in the following table of the Fund’s average daily net assets. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed the Expense Cap as applicable: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary expenses, interest and taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2023 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board. The Adviser may discontinue these arrangements at any time after December 31, 2023.

 

Advisory
Fee

Expense Cap

 

Founders Class

.50%

1.25%

 

15

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Notes To Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

During the current fiscal period, investment advisory fees accrued, waived and/or reimbursed were as follows:

 

Gross
Advisory
Fees

Waivers/
Recoupment

Net
Advisory
Fees

$246,267

$—

$246,267

 

If at any time the Fund’s total annual fund operating expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary expenses, interest and taxes) for a year are less than the relevant share class’s Expense Cap, the Adviser may recoup any waived or reimbursed amounts from the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement. $57,163 was recouped in the current year attributable to fees waived in the fiscal period ended August 31, 2022.

 

As of the end of the reporting period, the Fund had no amounts available for recoupment.

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (“Fund Services”), doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, serves as administrator for the Fund. For providing administrative and accounting services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Fund Services serves as the Fund’s transfer and dividend disbursing agent. For providing transfer agent services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

U.S. Bank, N.A. (the “Custodian”) provides certain custodial services to the Fund. The Custodian is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Quasar Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of Foreside Financial Group, LLC, serves as the principal underwriter and distributor of the Fund’s shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with RBB.

 

For compensation amounts paid to Fund Services and the Custodian, please refer to the Statement of Operations.

 

3. Director And Officer Compensation

 

The Directors of the Company receive an annual retainer and meeting fees for meetings attended. An employee of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serves as Chief Compliance Officer of the Company. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company. Employees of RBB serve as President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Secretary and Director of Marketing & Business Development of the Company. They are compensated by the Fund for services provided. Certain employees of Fund Services serve as officers of the Company. They are not compensated by the Fund or the Company. As of the end of the reporting period, Director and Officer fees charged or paid by the Fund were $3,591 and $4,586, respectively.

 

4. Purchases and Sales of Investment Securities

 

During the current fiscal period, there were no purchases or sales of investment securities or long-term U.S. Government securities (excluding short-term investments and derivative transactions) by the Fund.

 

5. Federal Income Tax Information

 

The Fund has followed the authoritative guidance on accounting for and disclosure of uncertainty in tax positions, which requires the Fund to determine whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The

 

16

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Notes To Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

Fund has determined that there was no effect on the financial statements from following this authoritative guidance. In the normal course of business, the Fund is subject to examination by federal, state and local jurisdictions, where applicable, for tax years for which applicable statutes of limitations have not expired.

 

As of August 31, 2023, the federal tax cost and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments held by the Fund were as follows:

 

Federal Tax
Cost

Unrealized
Appreciation

Unrealized
(Depreciation)

Net
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

$44.355,611

$0

$(14,070)

$(14,070)

 

Distributions to shareholders, if any, from net investment income and realized gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from net investment income and realized gains recognized for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the character of distributions and composition of net assets for tax purposes may differ from those reflected in the accompanying financial statements. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on the tax treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.

 

As of August 31, 2023, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gains

Net Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

Capital Loss
Carryforwards

Qualified
Late-Year
Losses

Other
Temporary
Differences

$1,036,396

$0

$(14,070)

$(1,791,081)

$0

$0

 

The differences between the book and tax basis components of distributable earnings relate primarily to the timing of recognition of income and gains for federal income tax purposes. Short-term and foreign currency gains, if applicable, are reported as ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.

 

The tax character of dividends and distributions paid during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023 were as follows:

 

 

Ordinary
Income

Long-Term
Gains

Total

2023

$606,258

$0

$606,258

 

During the fiscal period ended August 31, 2022 there were no dividends and distributions paid by the Fund.

 

The Fund is permitted to carry forward capital losses for an unlimited period. Capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of August 31, 2023, the Fund had unexpiring short-term losses of $1,791,081 to offset future capital gains.

 

6. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS AND REGULATORY UPDATES

 

In June 2022, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2022-03, which amends Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions (“ASU 2022-03”). ASU 2022-03 clarifies guidance for fair value measurement of an equity security subject to a contractual sale restriction and establishes new disclosure requirements for such equity securities. ASU 2022-03 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of these amendments on the financial statements.

 

17

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Notes To Financial Statements (Concluded)

August 31, 2023

 

In October 2022, the SEC adopted rule and form amendments relating to tailored shareholder reports for mutual funds and ETFs and fee information in investment company advertisements. The rule and form amendments will, among other things, require the Fund to transmit concise and visually engaging shareholder reports that highlight key information. The amendments will require that funds tag information in a structured data format and that certain more in-depth information be made available online and available for delivery free of charge to investors on request. The amendments became effective January 24, 2023. There is an 18-month transition period after the effective date of the amendments until the Fund is required to comply.

 

In December 2022, the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2022-06, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) – Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848 (“ASU 2022-06”). ASU 2022-06 is an amendment to ASU 2020-04, which provided optional guidance to ease the potential accounting burden due to the discontinuation of the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate and other interbank-offered based reference rates and which was effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. ASU 2022-06 extends the effective period through December 31, 2024. Management is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of applying ASU 2022-06.

 

7. Subsequent Events

 

In preparing these financial statements, the Fund has evaluated events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure through the date the financial statements were available to be issued. Effective October 1, 2023, the frequency of distributions to be made by the Fund were changed from quarterly to monthly.

 

Subsequent to August 31, 2023, the Fund paid the following distributions:

 

Record Date:

Ex-Date:

Pay Date:

Distribution
Rate Per Share

9/25/2023

9/26/2023

9/26/2023

$0.02503384

 

18

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders of Optima Strategic Credit Fund and
Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the portfolio of investments, of Optima Strategic Credit Fund (the “Fund”), a series of The RBB Fund, Inc., as of August 31, 2023, the related statement of operations for the year then ended, and the statements of changes in net assets, the related notes, and the financial highlights for the year ended August 31, 2023 and the period from December 29, 2021 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2022 (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of August 31, 2023, the results of its operations for the year then ended, and the changes in net assets and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated above, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement whether due to error or fraud.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 2023, by correspondence with the custodians and broker. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

We have served as the Fund’s auditor since 2022.

 

 

COHEN & COMPANY, LTD.
Cleveland, Ohio
October 30, 2023

 

19

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Shareholder Tax Information

(Unaudited)

 

Certain tax information regarding the Fund is required to be provided to shareholders based upon the Fund’s income and distributions for the taxable year ended August 31, 2023. The information and distribution reported herein may differ from information and distributions taxable to the shareholders for the calendar year ended December 31, 2023. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, the Fund paid no ordinary income dividends to its shareholders. Dividends from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income dividends for federal income tax purposes.

 

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 the Fund is 0%.

 

Because the Fund’s fiscal year is not the calendar year, another notification will be sent with respect to calendar year 2022. The second notification, which will reflect the amount, if any, to be used by calendar year taxpayers on their U.S. federal income tax returns, will be made in conjunction with Form 1099-DIV and will be mailed in January 2023. Foreign shareholders will generally be subject to U.S. withholding tax on the amount of their ordinary income dividends. They will generally not be entitled to a foreign tax credit or deduction for the withholding taxes paid by the Fund, if any.

 

In general, dividends received by tax exempt recipients (e.g., IRAs and Keoghs) need not be reported as taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, some retirement trusts (e.g., corporate, Keogh and 403(b)(7) plans) may need this information for their annual information reporting. Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the tax consequences of their investment in the Fund.

 

20

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Other Information

(Unaudited)

 

Proxy Voting

 

Policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities as well as information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 are available without charge, upon request, by calling (866) 239-2026 and on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Quarterly Portfolio Schedules

 

The Company files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third fiscal quarters of each fiscal year (quarters ended November 30 and May 31) as an exhibit to its report on Form N-PORT. The Company’s Form N-PORT filings is available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Liquidity risk Management Program

 

The Company has adopted and implemented a Liquidity Risk Management Program (the “Company Program”) as required by rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act. In accordance with the Company Program, the Adviser has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the “Adviser Program” and together with the Company Program, the “Programs”) on behalf of the Fund. The Programs seek to assess, manage and review the Fund’s Liquidity Risk. “Liquidity Risk” is defined as the risk that the Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of remaining investors’ interest in the Fund.

 

The Board has appointed Vigilant Compliance, LLC (“Vigilant”) as the program administrator for the Company Program and the Adviser as the program administrator for the Adviser Program. The Adviser has delegated oversight of the Adviser Program to an employee of the Adviser, whose process of monitoring and determining the liquidity of the Fund’s investments is supported by one or more third-party vendors.

 

At meetings held during the current fiscal period, the Board and its Regulatory Oversight Committee received and reviewed a written report (the “Report”) of Vigilant and the Adviser concerning the operation of the Programs for the period from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022 (the “Period”). The Report summarized the operation of the Programs and the information and factors considered by Vigilant and the Adviser in reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of the implementation of the Programs with respect to the Fund. Such information and factors included, among other things: (i) the methodology used to classify the liquidity of the Fund’s portfolio investments and the Adviser’s assessment that the Fund’s strategy remained appropriate for an open-end mutual fund; (ii) analyses of the Fund’s reasonably anticipated trading size; (iii) that the Fund held primarily highly liquid assets (investments that the Fund anticipates can be converted to cash within 3 business days or less in current market conditions without significantly changing their market value); (iv) that the Fund did not require the establishment of a highly liquid investment minimum and the methodology for that determination; (v) confirmation that the Fund did not breach the 15% maximum illiquid security threshold (investments that cannot be sold or disposed of in seven days or less in current market conditions without the sale of the investment significantly changing the market value of the investment) during the Period and the procedures for monitoring compliance with the limit; (vi) the processes, technologies and third-party vendors that will be used to assess, manage, and/or periodically review the Fund’s Liquidity Risk; and (vii) that the Programs operated adequately during the Period. The Report noted that there were no material changes made to the Programs during the Period.

 

Based on the review, the Report concluded that the Programs were being implemented effectively and reasonably designed to assess and manage Liquidity Risk in the Fund’s portfolio.

 

There can be no assurance that the Company Program or the Adviser Program will achieve its objectives under all circumstances in the future. Please refer to the Fund’s prospectus for more information regarding the Fund’s exposure to liquidity risk and other risks to which it may be subject.

 

21

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Other Information (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement — Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

As required by the 1940 Act, the Board, including all of the Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Directors”), considered the approval of the investment advisory agreement between the Adviser and the Company (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”) on behalf of the Fund and the approval of the sub-advisory agreement between the Adviser, the Company and the Sub-Adviser (the “Sub-Advisory Agreement”), at a meeting of the Board held on May 16-17, 2023 (the “Meeting”). At the Meeting, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, approved the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement for an additional one-year term. In approving the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Board considered information provided by the Adviser and the Sub- Adviser with the assistance and advice of counsel to the Independent Directors and the Company.

 

In considering the renewal and approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Company and the Adviser with respect to the Fund, and the Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement by and among the Company, the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser with respect to the Fund the Directors took into account all materials provided prior to and during the Meeting and at other meetings throughout the past year, the presentations made during the Meeting, and the discussions held during the Meeting. The Directors reviewed these materials with management of the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser, and discussed the aforementioned Agreements with counsel in executive sessions, at which no representatives of the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser were present. Among other things, the Directors considered (i) the nature, extent, and quality of services provided to the Fund by the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser; (ii) descriptions of the experience and qualifications of the personnel providing those services; (iii) the Adviser’s and the Sub-Adviser’s investment philosophies and processes; (iv) the Adviser’s and the Sub-Adviser’s assets under management and client descriptions; (v) the Adviser’s and the Sub-Adviser’s soft dollar commission and trade allocation policies, including information on the types of research and services obtained in connection with soft dollar commissions; (vi) the Adviser’s and the Sub-Adviser’s advisory fee arrangements with the Company and other similarly managed clients, as applicable; (vii) the Adviser’s and the Sub-Adviser’s compliance procedures; (viii) the Adviser’s and the Sub-Adviser’s financial information and insurance coverage, as applicable, and the Adviser’s profitability analysis; (ix) the extent to which economies of scale are relevant to the Fund; (x) a report prepared by FUSE comparing the Fund’s management fees and total expense ratios to a group of mutual funds deemed comparable to the Fund based primarily on investment strategy similarity (“Peer Group”) and comparing the performance of the Fund to the performance of its Peer Group; and (xi) a report comparing the performance of the Fund to the performance of its benchmark.

 

As part of their review, the Directors considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser. The Directors concluded that the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser had substantial resources to provide services to the Fund.

 

The Directors also considered the investment performance of the Fund, noting that the Fund had outperformed the iBoxx USD Liquid High Yield Index, for the one-year and since inception periods ended March 31, 2023, and underperformed the benchmark for the one- and three-month periods ended March 31, 2023. The Directors considered the Fund’s investment performance in light of its investment objective and investment strategies. The Board noted that the Fund’s total return for the three-month period equaled the median of its Peer Group, and for the one-year and since-inception period outperformed the median of its Peer Group.

 

The Board also considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreement. In this regard, information on the fees paid by the Fund and the Fund’s total operating expense ratios (before and after fee waivers and expense reimbursements) were compared to similar information for mutual funds advised by other, unaffiliated investment advisory firms. The Directors noted that the Fund’s net advisory fee and total net expenses (including acquired fund fees and expenses) were both below the median and ranked in the 1st quintile of its Peer Group. The Directors also considered the fees payable to the Sub-Adviser under the Sub-Advisory Agreement and the information provided by the Adviser on the services provided by the Sub-Adviser. In this regard, the Directors noted that the fees for the Sub-Adviser were paid directly by the Adviser and not by the Fund. The Directors noted that the Adviser had contractually agreed to waive management fees and reimburse expenses through at least December 31, 2023, to limit total annual operating expenses to agreed upon levels for the Fund.

 

22

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Other Information (Concluded)

(Unaudited) 

 

After reviewing the information regarding the Adviser’s and the Sub-Adviser’s costs, profitability and economies of scale, and after considering the services to be provided by the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser, the Directors concluded that the investment advisory fees to be paid by the Fund to the Adviser and the sub-advisory fees to be paid by the Adviser to the Sub-Adviser were fair and reasonable and that the Investment Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement should be approved and continued for an additional one-year period ending August 16, 2024.

 

23

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Company Management

(Unaudited)

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company is organized under and managed pursuant to Maryland law. The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below. The statement of additional information (“SAI”) includes additional information about the Directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling (844) 261-6484.

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
During the Past
5 Years

Independent Directors

Julian A. Brodsky

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 90

Director

1988 to present

Retired.

63

AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).

Gregory P. Chandler

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 56

Director

2012 to present

Since 2020, Chief Financial Officer, HC Parent Corp. d/b/a Herspiegel Consulting LLC (life sciences consulting services); 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Avocado Systems Inc. (cyber security software provider); from 2009-2020, Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services).

63

FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios)(registered investment company); Emtec, Inc. (until December 2019); FS Investment Corporation (business development company) (until December 2018).

Lisa A. Dolly

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI, 53202

Age: 57

Director

October 2021 to present

From July 2019-December 2019, Chairman, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm); January 2016-June 2019, Chief Executive Officer, Pershing, LLC.

63

Allfunds Group PLC (United Kingdom wealthtech and fund distribution provider); Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (trade association for broker dealers, investment banks and asset managers); Hightower Advisors (wealth management firm).

Nicholas A. Giordano

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 80

Director

2006 to present

Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations.

63

IntriCon Corporation (biomedical device manufacturer); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance) (until March 2021)..

 

24

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Company Management (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
During the Past
5 Years

Arnold M. Reichman 615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 75

Chair

 

Director

2005 to present

 

1991 to present

Retired.

63

EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until August 2022).

Brian T. Shea

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 63

Director

2018 to present

From 2014-2017, Chief Executive Officer, BNY Mellon Investment Services (fund services, global custodian and securities clearing firm); from 1983-2014, Chief Executive Officer and various positions, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm).

63

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (financial services technology company); Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (financial services company); WisdomTree Investments, Inc. (asset management company) (until March 2019).

Robert A. Straniere

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 82

Director

2006 to present

Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm).

63

None.

Interested Director2

Robert Sablowsky

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 85

Vice Chair

 

Director

2016 to present

 

1991 to present

Since 2002, Senior Director – Investments and, prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer).

63

None.

Officers

Steven Plump

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 64

President

August 2022 to present

From 2011 to 2021, Executive Vice President, PIMCO LLC.

N/A

N/A

Salvatore Faia, JD,

CPA, CFE

Vigilant Compliance, LLC

Gateway Corporate Center

Suite 216

223 Wilmington West

Chester Pike

Chadds Ford, PA 19317

Age: 60

Chief Compliance Officer

2004 to present

Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company); since 2021, Chief Compliance Officer of The RBB Fund Trust; President of The RBB Fund Trust from 2021 to 2022; President of The RBB Fund, Inc. from 2009 to 2022.

N/A

N/A

 

 

25

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Company Management (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
During the Past
5 Years

James G. Shaw

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 63

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

 

Chief Operating Officer

2016 to present

 

 

 

2022 to present

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (since 2016) and Chief Operating Officer (since 2022) of The RBB Fund, Inc.; Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (since 2021) and Chief Operating Officer (since 2022) of The RBB Fund Trust.

N/A

N/A

Craig A. Urciuoli

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 49

Director of Marketing & Business Development

2019 to present

Director of Marketing & Business Development of The RBB Fund, Inc. (since 2019) and The RBB Fund Trust (since 2021); from 2000-2019, Managing Director, Third Avenue Management LLC (an investment advisory firm).

N/A

N/A

Jennifer Witt

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 40

Assistant Treasurer

2018 to present

Since 2020, Vice President, U.S.

Bank Global Fund Services (fund

administrative services firm); from

2016 to 2020, Assistant Vice

President, U.S. Bank Global Fund

Services.

N/A

N/A

Edward Paz

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age:52

Assistant Secretary

2016 to present

Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm).

N/A

N/A

Michael P. Malloy

One Logan Square

Ste. 2000

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Age: 64

Assistant Secretary

1999 to present

Since 1993, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

Jillian L. Bosmann

One Logan Square

Ste. 2000

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Age: 44

Assistant Secretary

2017 to present

Since 2017, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

 

*

Each Director oversees 63 portfolios of the fund complex, consisting of the series in the Company (53 portfolios) and The RBB Fund Trust (10 portfolios).

 

1.

Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his or her successor is elected and qualified or his or her death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Giordano, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.

 

2.

Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

26

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Company Management (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his or her qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive-level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Ms. Dolly has over three decades of experience in the financial services industry, and she has demonstrated her leadership and management abilities by serving in numerous senior executive-level positions. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Shea has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the brokerage, clearing, banking and investment services industry, including service on the boards of public companies, industry regulatory organizations and a university. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company.

 

27

 

 

Privacy Notice

 

FACTS

WHAT DOES OPTIMA ASSET MANAGEMENT LLC (“OPTIMA”) DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?

WHY?

Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Optima is committed to maintaining the privacy of individuals whose personal information is held at Optima including current and former individual clients (whether invested in an Optima sponsored investment vehicle (“Optima Fund”) or otherwise), and other intermediaries with whom we conduct business.

 

Optima, an independent administrator of an Optima Fund and any other permitted recipient of personal information acting on behalf of Optima, may use personal information relating to you for the following purposes:

 

● confirm your identity and/or the source of funds in order to comply with applicable “know your client”, anti-money laundering, anti-terrorist financing and similar laws, regulations and policies and to determine whether you are a “politically exposed person”;

● comply with agreements, legislation, treaties, instructions or guidance on the collection and/or sharing or exchange of tax-related information;

● confirm whether you are a “bad actor” under Rule 506 of Regulation D of the United States Securities Act of 1933;

● verify your eligibility to become an investor in an Optima Fund;

● confirm your identity in order to confirm your authority to sign legal documents in relation to an Optima Fund (including but not limited to any subscription agreement, partnership agreement and side letter);

● managing, operating and administering an Optima Fund in accordance with its governing documents and applicable laws, regulations and policies;

● making legal, regulatory, tax or other filings in relation to an Optima Fund, its investments, its investors, Optima itself and/or any of their associates;

● to facilitate, support and/or enhance Optima’s and an independent administrator’s operations and functions in connection with an Optima Fund; and

● for any other purpose that Optima reasonably determines is necessary or desirable in connection with the business of an Optima Fund.

 

Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.

WHAT?

The types of personal information we collect and share depend on the product or service you have with us. Personal information may be sent by you to Optima or to an independent administrator of an Optima Fund with respect to your subscription for, or holding of, an interest in an Optima Fund, or opening of a separately managed advisory account.

 

This information can include:

 

● Social security or taxpayer identification number

● Income

● Assets

● Bank account details

● Criminal history and other security related matters1

● Transaction history

HOW?

For the reasons outlined above, Optima needs to share customers’ personal information to run its everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information, the reasons Optima chooses to share, and whether you can limit this sharing.

 

28

 

 

Reasons we can share your personal information

Does
Optima Share?

Can you limit this sharing?

For our everyday business purpose —
such as processing your transactions, maintaining your accounts or responding to regulatory requests

Yes

No

For our marketing purposes —
to offer our products and services to you

No

We don’t share

For our affiliates’ everyday business —
information about your transactions, balances and experience

No

We don’t share

For nonaffiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share

 

To limit our sharing

Contact Optima’s Chief Compliance Officer by telephone at 212-484-3080, by email at ragnar.gearhart@optima.com or by mail at 10 East 53rd Street, New York NY 10022, U.S.A. Please note: If you are a new customer, we can begin sharing your information immediately upon receipt of your personal information. When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in this notice. However, you can contact us at any time to limit our sharing.

 

Questions?

Contact Optima’s Chief Compliance Officer by telephone at 212-484-3080, by email at ragnar.gearhart@optima.com or by mail at 10 East 53rd Street, New York NY 10022, U.S.A.

What we can do

How does Optima protect my personal information?

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

How does Optima collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you:

 

● Enter into an advisory agreement or execute a subscription agreement

● Seek financial advice

● Make additions to, or withdrawals from, your account

● Give us information about your investment portfolio

● Tell us personal information about you, your family, and your employment history

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only:

 

● sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes

● affiliates from using your information to market to you

● sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

 

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

Definitions

Affiliates

Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and non-financial companies. Optima’s affiliates include FFT Wealth Management and its subsidiaries and Stanhope Capital Group SA and its subsidiaries.

Nonaffiliates

Companies not related by common ownership and control. They can be financial and non-financial companies.

 

29

 

 

Investment Adviser
Optima Asset Management LLC
10 East 53rd Street
New York, New York 10022

 

Sub-Adviser
Anthony Capital Management, LLC
421 George Street, Suite 206
De Pere, Wisconsin 54115

 

Administrator and Transfer Agent
U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201

 

Principal Underwriter
Quasar Distributors, LLC
111 E Kilbourn Ave, Suite 2200
Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Custodian
U.S. Bank, N.A.
1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, WI 53212

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Cohen & Company, Ltd.
1350 Euclid Avenue, Suite 800
Cleveland, Ohio 44115

 

Legal Counsel
Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
One Logan Square, Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103-6996

 

OSCF-AR23

 

 

 

 

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP EQUITY FUND

 

SGI U.S. SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND

 

SGI GLOBAL EQUITY FUND

 

SGI PRUDENT GROWTH FUND

 

SGI PEAK GROWTH FUND

 

SGI SMALL CAP CORE FUND

 

of

 

The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

ANNUAL REPORT

 

August 31, 2023

 

This report is submitted for the general information of the shareholders of the Funds and may not be used as sales literature unless preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus for the Funds.

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report
AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund
Class I Shares: SILVX
Class A Shares: LVOLX
Class C Shares: SGICX

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

Established in 2010, Summit Global Investments, LLC (“SGI”) was founded to bring enhanced risk management to institutions, advisors, and families. SGI’s strategies utilize a distinct quantitative and fundamental analysis with a goal to invest in outstanding companies with the least potential for downside risks.

 

I trust this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. It is with great pleasure and a deep sense of responsibility that I write to you today, reflecting on various reasons to invest in the fund.

 

In an investment landscape that can often be turbulent and unpredictable, the fund seeks to stand as a beacon of stability and prudence. Our fund has been designed with a specific focus on low volatility and defensive strategies, seeking to offer our shareholders a unique set of advantages that are particularly relevant in today’s uncertain times.

 

Some of the key reasons why someone would consider the fund include:

 

 

Stability in Volatile Markets: the fund is designed to minimize exposure to market fluctuations. In times of economic uncertainty or market turbulence, the fund aims to provide a reliable anchor for your equity investments.

 

 

Risk Mitigation: Low volatility and defensive strategies are integral to our investment approach. We actively manage the fund to manage risk and seek to limit downside return and help to mitigate the risk of loss during market downturns.

 

 

Long-Term Growth Potential: Our goal is to seek long-term capital appreciation. By carefully selecting assets and balancing risk, we aim to deliver attractive risk-adjusted returns over time.

 

 

Diversification: The fund seeks to provide diversification benefits to your investment portfolio. Our team carefully selects investments designed to spread risk, helping you achieve a more balanced and resilient investment profile.

 

 

Professional Management: Trust in the expertise and experience of our investment team is paramount. We are dedicated to actively monitoring and adjusting our portfolio to seize opportunities while maintaining a defensive posture when necessary.

 

We understand that every investor has unique goals and risk tolerance, and the fund is designed to cater to a broad spectrum of investment needs. Whether you’re approaching retirement, seek risk management, or simply aiming for a smoother ride in volatile markets, we hope the fund can be a valuable addition to your investment portfolio.

 

At SGI, we take our role as stewards of your capital seriously. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the fund and how it can align with your financial goals, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our dedicated team. We are here to serve you and support your investment journey.

 

Thank you for your continued trust and confidence in SGI. We look forward to navigating the path to financial success together.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

David Harden

 

1

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)
AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

Highlights

 

 

The SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund - Class I Shares returned 6.02% on a net basis1 in twelve months ended August 31, 2023. The fund outperformed its benchmark, the S&P 500 Low Volatility Index, which declined 0.57% during the same period.

 

 

Overall stock selection 39% of the fund’s relative outperformance versus the benchmark.

 

 

Strong stock selection in the Information Technology sector contributed the most to relative returns.

 

 

Overweight exposures to earnings variability, beta, and growth factors accounted for 50% of the relative outperformance of the fund.

 

FUND COMMENTARY

 

How did the fund perform in the past twelve months?

 

The SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund - Class I Shares returned 6.02% on a net basis1 in the twelve months period ended August 31, 2023. The fund outperformed its benchmark, the S&P 500 Low Volatility Index, which declined 0.57% during the same period. Performance of other share classes will differ. Please see the prospectus for details.

 

What factors influenced the fund’s performance?

 

Overall, stock selection accounted for 39% of the fund’s relative outperformance versus the benchmark while sector positioning accounted for the remainder.

 

The Information Technology sector was the largest contributing sector, accounting for 42% of the fund’s relative outperformance. Within this sector, 78% of the outperformance was due to the overweight position of the sector versus the benchmark with the remaining 22% of relative outperformance due to strong stock selection. The three most contributing companies in the Information Technology sector were: Microsoft Corp. +26.56%, Adobe Inc. +49.78%, and Cisco Systems Inc. +32.42%. The three worst contributing companies were Keysight Technologies Inc. -18.66%, ASML Holding -12.28%, and Zebra Technologies Corp. -21.75%.

 

The Utilities sector was the next largest contributing sector, accounting for 20% of the fund’s relative outperformance. Within this sector, 100% of the outperformance was from a significant underweight to the lagging sector while stock selection slightly detracted from relative performance. The three worst contributing companies in the Utilities sector were: Xcel Energy Inc. -20.75%, NiSource Inc. -18.33%, and Duke Energy Corp. -13.96%.

 

The Health Care sector was the third largest contributing sector, accounting for 13% of the fund’s relative outperformance. Within this sector, 60% of the outperformance was from stock selection and the remainder was from the overweight positioning relative to the benchmark. The three most contributing companies in the Health Care sector were: Merck & Co. Inc. + 31.29%, Gilead Sciences Inc. + 25.2%, and Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. + 23.63%. The three worst contributing companies were Pfizer Inc. -19.47%, Royalty Pharma PLC. -25.68%, and Incyte Corp. -6.74%.

 

The Consumer Staples sector was the largest detracting sector, accounting for -10% of the fund’s relative performance. Within this sector, 81% of the performance was from stock selection and the remainder was from a slight underweight relative to the benchmark. The three worst contributing companies in the Consumer Staples sector were: Tyson Foods Inc. -18.74%, Hormel Foods Corp. -20.77%, and Kellogg Co. -3.54%.

 

The Consumer Discretionary sector was the second largest detracting sector, accounting for -7% of the fund’s relative performance. Withing this sector, 73% of the performance was from stock selection and the remainder was from a significant underweight relative to the benchmark. The three worst contributing companies in the Consumer Discretionary sector were: Expedia Group Inc. -16.19%, General Motors Co. -9.37%, and Ulta Beauty Inc. -19.53%.

 

1 Net return is the return after all fees and expenses.

 

2

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)
AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

The overweight in the Energy sector also contributed to relative outperformance while the underweight in the Industrials sector hurt relative performance.

 

Factor exposures accounted for 50% of the fund’s relative outperformance. Overweight exposures to the earnings variability, beta, and growth factors all accounted for the three most contributing factors to the fund’s relative outperformance. Detracting from the fund’s relative performance were slight overweight exposures to residual volatility, momentum, and long-term reversal factors. Additionally, market weight exposure to the liquidity factor also marginally benefited relative performance.

 

How is the fund positioned?

 

The two largest sector weights relative to the benchmark are the Information Technology and Energy sectors that are 13.14% and 5.04% overweight, respectively. The next two largest sector over weights are the Health Care and Communication Services sectors that are 4.9% and 2.45% overweight respectively. The largest sector underweights are in the Utilities and Consumer Staples sectors where the fund holds 16.16% and 9.69% less exposure than the benchmark respectively. The fund is also underweighted the Industrials sector by 3.22%.

 

Fund positioning from a factor standpoint shows the largest underweight exposure to leverage and dividend yield factors and overweighted exposure to variability, beta, growth, and profit factors relative to the benchmark.

 

What is portfolio management’s outlook?

 

The aggressive federal funds interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve during the past 16 months appear to be ending. The futures markets have priced in less than a 50% probability of one more tightening before the end of 2023. Although inflation has receded, common measures still exceed 4%, well above the 2% inflation target desired by the central bank. This means interest rates will likely remain near current levels until inflation numbers meaningfully decline. Additionally, the Federal Reserve balance sheet is shrinking at a modest pace every month, otherwise known as quantitative tightening.

 

The labor market remains strong in the U.S. with the unemployment rate still near 50-year lows and the number of jobs exceeding the total number of unemployed workers. Interest rate sensitive sectors such as housing and autos have slowed down considerably. The national average 30-year fixed mortgage rate now exceeds 7.70%. Consumer spending, the largest portion of the economy, remains strong with the most recent same-store-sales reports posting 3.8% year-on-year growth.

 

The full effects of considerable monetary tightening have not yet manifested, and a recession is still a near-term risk, although expectations of a “soft-landing” continue to increase. Overall, we see a mixed economic and financial market outlook which highlights the importance of a well-diversified portfolio of investments. This fund may serve as an important component of that portfolio for investors.

 

Over longer time horizons, we believe that our managed risk approach towards investing can provide favorable relative returns. As always, we maintain a disciplined adherence to our rigorous quantitative and fundamental investment process.

 

The views expressed reflect the opinions of Summit Global Investments, LLC as of the date of this report and are subject to change based on changes in market, economic, or other conditions. These views are not intended to be a forecast of future events and are no guarantee of future results.

 

Fund holdings and sector allocations are subject to change and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security. Please refer to the Portfolio of Investments in this report for a complete list of fund holdings.

 

The S&P 500® Index is a broad-based unmanaged index of 500 stocks, which is widely recognized as representative of the equity market in general. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

3

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)
AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

The S&P 500 Low Volatility® Index is designed to measure the performance of the 100 least volatile stocks of the S&P 500® Index. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

Mutual fund investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. Equity securities (stocks) are subject to market, economic, and business risks that will cause their price to rise or fall over time. The net asset value per share of the fund will fluctuate as the value of the securities in the portfolio change and an investor may lose money. Although the fund seeks lower volatility, there is no guarantee the fund will perform as expected. Investing in other investment companies, including ETFs, may result in duplication of expenses, including advisory fees, in addition to the fund’s own expenses and will be subject to the risks of the underlying investments. The stocks of mid-sized companies may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than stocks of larger companies.

 

Diversification does not assure a profit nor protect against loss in a declining market.

 

Must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus.

 

The SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund is distributed by Quasar Distributors, LLC.

 

4

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)
AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund
Class I Shares: SCLVX
Class A Shares: LVSMX
Class C Shares: SMLVX

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

Established in 2010, Summit Global Investments, LLC (“SGI”) was founded to bring enhanced risk management to institutions, advisors, and families. SGI’s strategies utilize a distinct quantitative and fundamental analysis with a goal to invest in outstanding companies with the least potential for downside risks.

 

In 2022, downside protection was front and center. In 2023, risk appetite reversed and has been more concentrated. The market still has several risks that may have not fully come to bear, the war in Ukraine, expensive valuations, inflation, rising rates and possible policy shifts of the Federal Reserve. The market has largely ignored the fact that despite U.S. economic growth remaining relatively solid, the federal deficit is projected to be roughly $1.7 trillion for fiscal year 2023. Though the Federal Reserve has raised interest rates to fight inflation, inflation has continued to stay higher for longer. The recent rise in oil prices and U.S. Treasury issuance has strengthened our view of higher yields ahead. This continues to put pressure on mortgage rates, housing affordability, and could negatively impact the U.S. economy.

 

Higher rates may have one benefit beyond slowing or reducing inflation. Higher rates makes it more difficult for foreign holdings of U.S. Treasury securities to sell and disrupt the U.S. rates market and affect the U.S. economy.

 

Everyone at SGI is 100% committed to doing everything we can to ensure your investments perform as designed. Again, if you have any doubt or any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly or to the team collectively.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

David Harden

 

Highlights

 

 

The SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund - Class I Shares returned 1.98% on a net basis1 in the twelve months ended August 31, 2023. The fund outperformed its benchmark, the S&P Small Cap 600 Low Volatility Index, which returned -5.34% during the same period.

 

 

Sector positioning accounted for nearly all the relative outperformance versus the benchmark.

 

 

The significant underweight to the Financials sector was the largest factor benefiting relative performance.

 

 

The fund is positioned with the largest, approximately 6%, sector overweight to the Industrials sector. The fund is also positioned with a large underweight exposure, approximately 17%, to the Real Estate sector.

 

FUND COMMENTARY

 

How did the fund perform in the past twelve months?

 

The SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund - Class I Shares returned 1.98% on a net basis1 in the twelve-month period ended August 31, 2023. The fund outperformed its benchmark, the S&P Small Cap 600 Low Volatility Index, which returned -5.34% during the same period. Performance of other share classes will differ. Please see the prospectus for details.

 

1 Net return is the return after all fees and expenses.

 

5

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)
AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

What factors influenced the fund’s performance?

 

Overall, sector positioning accounted for 80% of the fund’s relative outperformance versus the benchmark while stock selection accounted for the remainder.

 

The Financials sector was the largest contributing sector, accounting for 69% of the fund’s relative outperformance. Within this sector, 58% of the outperformance was due to strong stock selection with the remaining 42% of relative outperformance due to the overweight position in the sector versus the benchmark. The three most contributing companies within the sector were: Assetmark Financial Holdings Inc. +49.38%, Houlihan Lokey Inc. +20.20%, and PJT Partners Inc. +18.31%. The three worst contributing companies were: Origin Bancorp Inc. -32.64%, Stewart Information Services Corp. -26.75%, and WestAmerica Bancorporation -18.59%.

 

The Healthcare sector was the next largest contributing sector, accounting for 22% of the fund’s relative outperformance. Within this sector, 23% of the outperformance was from stock selection and 77% of the outperformance was from the overweight positioning relative to the benchmark. The three most contributing companies in the Healthcare sector were: UFP Technologies Inc. +88.96%, Amphastar Pharmaceuticals Inc. +80.10%, and Corvel Corp. +39.30%. The three worst contributing companies were Omnicell Inc. -49.39%, Premier Inc. -35.26%, and Eagle Pharmaceuticals Inc. -20.51%.

 

The Materials sector was the third largest contributing sector, accounting for 16% of the fund’s relative outperformance. Within this sector, 50% of the outperformance was from stock selection and the remainder was from the overweight positioning relative to the benchmark. The three most contributing companies in the sector were: Hawkins Inc. +64.42%, Eagle Materials Inc. +26.72%, and Silgan Holdings Inc. +0.53%. The three worst contributing companies were: American Vanguard Corp. -30.26%, Advansix Inc. -15.81%, and Koppers Holdings Inc. -8.85%.

 

The Utilities sector was the largest detracting sector, accounting for -15% of the fund’s relative performance. Within this sector, 90% of the underperformance was from stock selection and the remaining 10% of the underperformance was due to the overweight position in the sector versus the benchmark. The three worst contributing companies in the Energy sector were: Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. -65.84%, Clearway Energy Inc. -22.23%, and Chesapeake Utilities Corp. -14.26%.

 

The Real Estate sector was the next largest detracting sector, accounting for 3% of the fund’s performance. The three worst contributing companies in the Real Estate sector were: City Office REIT Inc. -24.03%, Rexford Industrial Realty Inc. -11.47%, and Ryman Hospitality Properties Inc. -7.63%.

 

Factor exposures accounted for 74% of the fund’s relative outperformance. The remaining 26% was due to positive stock selection. Slight overweight exposures to the residual volatility, and momentum factors all accounted for the most detracting factors to the fund’s relative performance. Benefitting the fund’s relative performance were overweight exposure to the variability and growth factors and underweight exposure to the dividend yield factor.

 

How is the fund positioned?

 

The fund is positioned with the largest, approximately 6%, sector overweight to Industrials. The fund is also positioned with underweight exposure to the Real Estate and Communication Services sectors, 17% and 2%, respectively. The next three overweighted sectors are Health Care +5%, Materials +4%, and Energy 2%.

 

Fund positioning from a factor standpoint shows the largest underweight exposure to dividend yield and leverage factors. The largest overweight exposures are to the earnings variability, growth, residual, and size relative to the benchmark.

 

6

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)
AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

What is portfolio management’s outlook?

 

The aggressive federal funds interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve during the past 16 months appear to be ending. The futures markets have priced in less than a 50% probability of one more tightening before the end of 2023. Although inflation has receded, common measures still exceed 4%, well above the 2% inflation target desired by the central bank. This means interest rates will likely remain near current levels until inflation numbers meaningfully decline. Additionally, the Federal Reserve balance sheet is shrinking at a modest pace every month, otherwise known as quantitative tightening.

 

The labor market remains strong in the U.S. with the unemployment rate still near 50-year lows and the number of jobs exceeding the total number of unemployed workers. Interest rate sensitive sectors such as housing and autos have slowed down considerably. The national average 30-year fixed mortgage rate now exceeds 7.70%. Consumer spending, the largest portion of the economy, remains strong with the most recent same-store-sales reports posting 3.8% year-on-year growth.

 

The full effects of considerable monetary tightening have not yet manifested, and a recession is still a near-term risk, although expectations of a “soft-landing” continue to increase. Overall, we see a mixed economic and financial market outlook which highlights the importance of a well-diversified portfolio of investments. This fund may serve as an important component of that portfolio for investors.

 

Over longer time horizons, we believe that our managed risk approach towards investing can provide favorable relative returns. As always, we maintain a disciplined adherence to our rigorous quantitative and fundamental investment process.

 

The views expressed reflect the opinions of Summit Global Investments, LLC as of the date of this report and are subject to change based on changes in market, economic, or other conditions. These views are not intended to be a forecast of future events and are no guarantee of future results.

 

Fund holdings and sector allocations are subject to change and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security. Please refer to the Portfolio of Investments in this report for a complete list of fund holdings.

 

The S&P SmallCap 600® Low Volatility Index measures the performance of the 120 least-volatile stocks in the S&P SmallCap 600®. The index is designed to serve as a benchmark for low volatility or low variance strategies in U.S. small-cap equities. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

The Russell 2000® Index consists of the smallest 2,000 companies in a group of 3,000 U.S. companies in the Russell 3000® Index, as ranked by market capitalization. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

Mutual fund investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. Equity securities (stocks) are subject to market, economic, and business risks that will cause their price to rise or fall over time. The net asset value per share of the fund will fluctuate as the value of the securities in the portfolio change and an investor may lose money. Although the fund seeks lower volatility, there is no guarantee the fund will perform as expected. Investing in other investment companies, including ETFs, may result in duplication of expenses, including advisory fees, in addition to the fund’s own expenses and will be subject to the risks of the underlying investments. The stocks of mid-sized companies may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than stocks of larger companies.

 

Must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus.

 

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund is distributed by Quasar Distributors, LLC.

 

7

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)
AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

SGI Global Equity Fund
Class I Shares: SGLIX

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

Established in 2010, Summit Global Investments, LLC (“SGI”) was founded to bring enhanced risk management to institutions, advisors, and families. SGI’s strategies utilize a distinct quantitative and fundamental analysis with a goal to invest in outstanding companies with the least potential for downside risks.

 

In 2022, downside protection was front and center. In 2023, risk appetite reversed and has been more concentrated. The market still has several risks that may have not fully come to bear, the war in Ukraine, expensive valuations, inflation, rising rates and possible policy shifts of the Federal Reserve. The market has largely ignored the fact that despite U.S. economic growth remaining relatively solid, the federal deficit is projected to be roughly $1.7 trillion for fiscal year 2023. Though the Federal Reserve has raised interest rates to fight inflation, inflation has continued to stay higher for longer. The recent rise in oil prices and U.S. Treasury issuance has strengthened our view of higher yields ahead. This continues to put pressure on mortgage rates, housing affordability, and could negatively impact the U.S. economy.

 

Higher rates may have one benefit beyond slowing or reducing inflation. Higher rates makes it more difficult for foreign holdings of U.S. Treasury securities to sell and disrupt the U.S. rates market and affect the U.S. economy.

 

Everyone at SGI is 100% committed to doing everything we can to ensure your investments perform as designed. Again, if you have any doubt or any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly or to the team collectively.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

David Harden

 

Highlights

 

 

The SGI Global Equity Fund - Class I Shares returned 6.39% on a net basis1 in the twelve months ended August 31, 2023. The fund outperformed in-line with its benchmark, the MSCI ACWI Minimum Volatility Index, which returned 5.19% during the same period.

 

 

Country and sector allocation strength fully offset the weakness in stock selection.

 

 

Exposure to the U.S. stocks accounted for the most important factor in generating relative returns versus the benchmark.

 

 

The fund is positioned 4% overweight the Consumer Discretionary sector.

 

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

 

The SGI Global Equity Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation. There can be no guarantee that the fund will achieve its investment objective.

 

1 Net return is the return after all fees and expenses.

 

8

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)
AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

FUND COMMENTARY

 

How did the fund perform in the past twelve months?

 

The SGI Global Equity Fund - Class I Shares returned 6.39% on a net basis1 in the twelve months period ended August 31, 2023. The fund performed in line with its benchmark, the MSCI ACWI Minimum Volatility Index, which returned 5.19% during the same period.

 

What factors influenced the fund’s performance?

 

Overall, the country and sector allocation strength fully offset the weakness in stock selection resulting in performance in line with the benchmark for the annual period.

 

The fund’s overweight exposure to U.S. stocks accounted for the most important factor for generating relative returns versus the benchmark.

 

The Information Technology sector was the largest detracting sector, accounting for 12% of the returns. Within this sector, currency exposure from U.S. domiciled companies partially offset weak stock selection. The modest average sector overweight also hurt relative performance. The three worst contributing companies in the Information Technology sector were: Nice Ltd. -8.7%, Pure Storage Inc. -16.98%, and Apple Inc. -1.92%.

 

The Consumer Staples sector was the next largest detracting sector. The three worst contributing companies in the Consumer Staples sector were: Kellogg Co. -13.08%, Hormel Foods Corp. -18.9%, and BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings Inc. -12.75%.

 

The Communications Services sector was the third largest detracting sector. Within this sector, an overweight allocation partially offset weak stock selection. The three worst contributing companies in the Communications Services sector were: Verizon Communications Inc. -19.53 %, Vodafone Group PLC. -22.37%, and KT Corp -13.75%.

 

The Industrials sector was the most beneficial sector, accounting for 26% of the returns. Within this sector, 71% of the performance was from positive stock selection and the remainder was from being slightly overweight relative to the benchmark. The three best contributing companies in the Industrials sector were: Thomson Reuters Corp. +18.78%, Graco Inc. +25.26%, and UFP Industries Inc. +36.27%.

 

The overweight in the Health Care sector and the positive stock selection for the same sector contributed the most to returns as Novo Nordisk returned 77.14%.

 

Factor exposures in aggregate detracted from the fund’s relative performance but this was offset by positive exposure to U.S. and Canada domiciled companies. The overweight exposures to North America along with no exposure to China improved relative performance. The underweight exposure to the Japanese yen benefitted the fund’s relative performance because the Yen depreciated relative to the U.S. dollar.

 

How is the fund positioned?

 

The largest overweight relative to the benchmark is the Consumer Discretionary sector which is 4% overweight. Financials and Information Technology sectors are both 3% and 1.4% overweight the benchmark, respectively. The Utilities and Industrials sectors account for 4.5% and 3.4% underweight exposure relative to the benchmark, respectively. Information Technology, Communications Services, and Materials sectors are each positioned approximately 2% underweight the benchmark.

 

1 Net return is the return after all fees and expenses.

 

9

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)
AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

The fund is positioned overweight North America versus the rest of the world. Fund positioning from a factor standpoint shows the largest overweighted exposure to valuation, momentum, and earnings variability while being underweight beta, size, and dividend yield relative to the benchmark.

 

What is portfolio management’s outlook?

 

The aggressive federal funds interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve during the past 16 months appear to be ending. The futures markets have priced in less than a 50% probability of one more tightening before the end of 2023. Although inflation has receded, common measures still exceed 4%, well above the 2% inflation target desired by the central bank. This means interest rates will likely remain near current levels until inflation numbers meaningfully decline. Additionally, the Federal Reserve balance sheet is shrinking at a modest pace every month, otherwise known as quantitative tightening.

 

The labor market remains strong in the U.S. with the unemployment rate still near 50-year lows and the number of jobs exceeding the total number of unemployed workers. Interest rate sensitive sectors such as housing and autos have slowed down considerably. The national average 30-year fixed mortgage rate now exceeds 7.70%. Consumer spending, the largest portion of the economy, remains strong with the most recent same-store-sales reports posting 3.8% year-on-year growth.

 

The full effects of considerable monetary tightening have not yet manifested, and a recession is still a near-term risk, although expectations of a “soft-landing” continue to increase. Overall, we see a mixed economic and financial market outlook which highlights the importance of a well-diversified portfolio of investments. This fund may serve as an important component of that portfolio for investors.

 

Over longer time horizons, we believe that our managed risk approach towards investing can provide favorable relative returns. As always, we maintain a disciplined adherence to our rigorous quantitative and fundamental investment process.

 

The views expressed reflect the opinions of Summit Global Investments, LLC as of the date of this report and are subject to change based on changes in market, economic, or other conditions. These views are not intended to be a forecast of future events and are no guarantee of future results.

 

Fund holdings and sector allocations are subject to change and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security. Please refer to the Portfolio of Investments in this report for a complete list of fund holdings.

 

The MSCI ACWI Index captures large and mid-cap representation across 23 Developed Markets (DM) and 26 Emerging Markets (EM) countries. With more than 3,000 constituents, the index covers approximately 85% of the global investable equity opportunity set. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

The MSCI ACWI Minimum Volatility Index is designed to reflect the performance of the lowest volatility optimized version of the parent MSCI index. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

Mutual fund investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. Equity securities (stocks) are subject to market, economic, and business risks that will cause their price to rise or fall over time. The net asset value per share of the fund will fluctuate as the value of the securities in the portfolio change and an investor may lose money. Although the fund seeks lower volatility, there is no guarantee the fund will perform as expected. Investing in other investment companies, including ETFs, may result in duplication of expenses, including advisory fees, in addition to the fund’s own expenses and will be subject to the risks of the underlying investments. The stocks of mid-sized companies may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than stocks of larger companies.

 

Must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus.

 

The SGI Global Equity Fund is distributed by Quasar Distributors, LLC.

 

10

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)
AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

SGI Prudent Growth Fund (SGPGX)

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

Established in 2010, Summit Global Investments, LLC (“SGI”) was founded to bring enhanced risk management to institutions, advisors, and families. SGI’s strategies utilize a distinct quantitative and fundamental analysis with a goal to invest in outstanding companies with the least potential for downside risks.

 

In 2022, downside protection was front and center. In 2023, risk appetite reversed and has been more concentrated. The market still has several risks that may have not fully come to bear, the war in Ukraine, expensive valuations, inflation, rising rates and possible policy shifts of the Federal Reserve. The market has largely ignored the fact that despite U.S. economic growth remaining relatively solid, the federal deficit is projected to be roughly $1.7 trillion for fiscal year 2023. Though the Federal Reserve, has raised interest rates to fight inflation, inflation has continued to stay higher for longer. The recent rise in oil prices and U.S. Treasury issuance has strengthened our view of higher yields ahead. This continues to put pressure on mortgage rates, housing affordability, and could negatively impact the U.S. economy.

 

Higher rates may have one benefit beyond slowing or reducing inflation. Higher rates makes it more difficult for foreign holdings of U.S. Treasury securities to sell and disrupt the U.S. rates market and affect the U.S. economy.

 

For all the various ups and downs of the market, we will continue to follow our processes and seek to create long-term capital appreciation. Everyone at SGI is 100% committed to doing everything we can to ensure your investments perform as designed. Again, if you have any doubt or any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly or to the team collectively.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

David Harden

 

Highlights

 

 

The SGI Prudent Growth Fund returned 5.04% on a net basis1 in the twelve months ended August 31, 2023. The fund underperformed its composite benchmark, a 60%/40% mix of the S&P 500 Index and the Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index, which returned 9.04%.

 

 

Overweight average exposure to low volatility funds hurt relative performance.

 

 

Good performance from Global, Europe Australia Asia and the Far East (EAFE), Large Cap and Small Cap equities.

 

 

Underweight exposure to fixed income helped the portfolio as rates continued to rise.

 

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

 

The SGI Prudent Growth Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation. There can be no guarantee that the fund will achieve its investment objective.

 

1 Net return is the return after all fees and expenses.

 

11

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)
AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

FUND COMMENTARY

 

How did the fund perform in the past twelve months?

 

The SGI Prudent Growth Fund returned 5.04% on a net basis1 in the twelve months ended August 31, 2023. The fund underperformed its composite benchmark, a 60%/40% mix of the S&P 500 Index and the Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index, which returned 9.04%.

 

What factors influenced the fund’s performance?

 

The largest factor accounting for the fund’s underperformance relative to the composite benchmark was the lack of large cap exposure. All but two of the equity funds in of our diversified group of funds underperformed the S&P 500 portion of the composite benchmark. Our average underweight towards fixed income helped us in the rising rates environment.

 

Global (SGI Global Equity “SGLIX”), EAFE (iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF “IEFA”), Large Cap (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF “VOO” and SGI Large Cap Growth ETF “SGLC”), US Small Cap (SGI Small Cap Growth “BOGIX”) were the best performers, making up a total average weight of 38%. While low volatility funds (SGI US Large Cap Equity Fund “SILVX” and SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund “SCLVX”) had an average weight of 16% and were the largest detractors to performance.

 

Our average underweight of -26% to US Bond Aggregate (iShares U.S. Aggregate “AGG”) helped outperformance in the fixed income portion of the portfolio.

 

How is the fund positioned?

 

Currently, the fund has 60% exposure to equities, 20% exposure to fixed income, and 20% allocation to SGI Dynamic Tactical ETF (DYTA).

 

What is portfolio management’s outlook?

 

The aggressive federal funds interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve during the past 16 months appear to be ending. The futures markets have priced in less than a 50% probability of one more tightening before the end of 2023. Although inflation has receded, common measures still exceed 4%, well above the 2% inflation target desired by the central bank. This means interest rates will likely remain near current levels until inflation numbers meaningfully decline. Additionally, the Federal Reserve balance sheet is shrinking at a modest pace every month, otherwise known as quantitative tightening.

 

The labor market remains strong in the U.S. with the unemployment rate still near 50-year lows and the number of jobs exceeding the total number of unemployed workers. Interest rate sensitive sectors such as housing and autos have slowed down considerably. The national average 30-year fixed mortgage rate now exceeds 7.70%. Consumer spending, the largest portion of the economy, remains strong with the most recent same-store-sales reports posting 3.8% year-on-year growth.

 

The full effects of considerable monetary tightening have not yet manifested, and a recession is still a near-term risk, although expectations of a “soft-landing” continue to increase. Overall, we see a mixed economic and financial market outlook which highlights the importance of a well-diversified portfolio of investments. This fund may serve as an important component of that portfolio for investors.

 

Over longer time horizons, we believe that our managed risk approach towards investing can provide favorable relative returns. As always, we maintain a disciplined adherence to our rigorous quantitative and fundamental investment process.

 

1 Net return is the return after all fees and expenses.

 

12

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)
AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

The views expressed reflect the opinions of Summit Global Investments, LLC as of the date of this report and are subject to change based on changes in market, economic, or other conditions. These views are not intended to be a forecast of future events and are no guarantee of future results.

 

Fund holdings and sector allocations are subject to change and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security. Please refer to the Portfolio of Investments in this report for a complete list of fund holdings.

 

The S&P 500® Index is a broad-based unmanaged index of 500 stocks, which is widely recognized as representative of the equity market in general. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

The Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based, market capitalization-weighted bond market index representing intermediate term investment grade bonds traded in the United States. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

Mutual fund investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. Equity securities (stocks) are subject to market, economic, and business risks that will cause their price to rise or fall over time. The net asset value per share of the fund will fluctuate as the value of the securities in the portfolio change and an investor may lose money. Although the fund seeks lower volatility, there is no guarantee the fund will perform as expected. Investing in other investment companies, including ETFs, may result in duplication of expenses, including advisory fees, in addition to the fund’s own expenses and will be subject to the risks of the underlying investments. The stocks of small and mid-sized companies may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than stocks of larger companies. Investments in debt securities typically decrease in value when interest rates rise. The risk is usually greater for longer-term debt securities. Although the fund seeks lower volatility, there is no guarantee the fund will perform as expected. The fund may invest in foreign securities which involve political, economic and currency risks, greater volatility, and differences in accounting methods. These risks are greater in emerging markets. To the extent the fund invests in underlying funds that focus their investments on a particular industry or sector, the fund’s shares may be more volatile and fluctuate more than shares of a fund investing in a broader range of securities.

 

Must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus.

 

The SGI Prudent Growth Fund is distributed by Quasar Distributors, LLC.

 

13

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)
AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

SGI Peak Growth Fund (SGPKX)

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

Established in 2010, Summit Global Investments, LLC (“SGI”) was founded to bring enhanced risk management to institutions, advisors, and families. SGI’s strategies utilize a distinct quantitative and fundamental analysis with a goal to invest in outstanding companies with the least potential for downside risks.

 

In 2022, downside protection was front and center. In 2023, risk appetite reversed and has been more concentrated. The market still has several risks that may have not fully come to bear, the war in Ukraine, expensive valuations, inflation, rising rates and possible policy shifts of the Federal Reserve. The market has largely ignored the fact that despite U.S. economic growth remaining relatively solid, the federal deficit is projected to be roughly $1.7 trillion for fiscal year 2023. Though the Federal Reserve has raised interest rates to fight inflation, inflation has continued to stay higher for longer. The recent rise in oil prices and U.S. Treasury issuance has strengthened our view of higher yields ahead. This continues to put pressure on mortgage rates, housing affordability, and could negatively impact the U.S. economy.

 

Higher rates may have one benefit beyond slowing or reducing inflation. Higher rates makes it more difficult for foreign holdings of U.S. Treasury securities to sell and disrupt the U.S. rates market and affect the U.S. economy.

 

For all the various ups and downs of the market, we will continue to follow our processes and seek to create long-term capital appreciation. Everyone at SGI is 100% committed to doing everything we can to ensure your investments perform as designed. Again, if you have any doubt or any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly or to the team collectively.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

David Harden

 

Highlights

 

 

The SGI Peak Growth Fund returned 6.22% on a net basis1 in the twelve months ended August 31, 2023. The fund underperformed its benchmark, the S&P 500 Index, which returned 15.94% during the same period.

 

 

Underweight Large Cap stocks was the largest factor leading to underperformance.

 

 

Good relative performance from Global, Europe Australia Asia and the Far East (EAFE), Large Cap and Small Cap equities.

 

 

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) rally positioned the benchmark to be hard to beat, overweight average exposure to low volatility funds hurt relative performance.

 

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

 

The SGI Peak Growth Fund seeks capital appreciation. There can be no guarantee that the fund will achieve its investment objective.

 

1 Net return is the return after all fees and expenses.

 

14

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)
AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

FUND COMMENTARY

 

How did the fund perform in the past twelve months?

 

The SGI Peak Growth Fund returned 6.22% on a net basis1 in the twelve months ended August 31, 2023. The fund underperformed its benchmark, the S&P 500 Index, which returned 15.94% during the same period.

 

What factors influenced the fund’s performance?

 

The largest factor accounting for the fund’s underperformance relative to the composite benchmark was the lack of large cap exposure. All but two of the funds in of our diversified group of funds underperformed the S&P 500 benchmark.

 

Global (SGI Global Equity “SGLIX”), EAFE (iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF “IEFA”), Large Cap (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF “VOO” and SGI Large Cap Growth ETF “SGLC”), US Small Cap (SGI Small Cap Growth “BOGIX”) were the best performers, making up a total average weight of 61%.

 

The AI rally led to a “risk on” equity rally which left our average overweight of 24% in low volatility funds to be among our largest detractors to performance.

 

How is the fund positioned?

 

Currently, the fund has 90% exposure to a diversified equity portfolio and 10% allocation to SGI Dynamic Tactical ETF (DYTA).

 

What is portfolio management’s outlook?

 

The aggressive federal funds interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve during the past 16 months appear to be ending. The futures markets have priced in less than a 50% probability of one more tightening before the end of 2023. Although inflation has receded, common measures still exceed 4%, well above the 2% inflation target desired by the central bank. This means interest rates will likely remain near current levels until inflation numbers meaningfully decline. Additionally, the Federal Reserve balance sheet is shrinking at a modest pace every month, otherwise known as quantitative tightening.

 

The labor market remains strong in the U.S. with the unemployment rate still near 50-year lows and the number of jobs exceeding the total number of unemployed workers. Interest rate sensitive sectors such as housing and autos have slowed down considerably. The national average 30-year fixed mortgage rate now exceeds 7.70%. Consumer spending, the largest portion of the economy, remains strong with the most recent same-store-sales reports posting 3.8% year-on-year growth.

 

The full effects of considerable monetary tightening have not yet manifested, and a recession is still a near-term risk, although expectations of a “soft-landing” continue to increase. Overall, we see a mixed economic and financial market outlook which highlights the importance of a well-diversified portfolio of investments. This fund may serve as an important component of that portfolio for investors.

 

Over longer time horizons, we believe that our managed risk approach towards investing can provide favorable relative returns. As always, we maintain a disciplined adherence to our rigorous quantitative and fundamental investment process.

 

The views expressed reflect the opinions of Summit Global Investments, LLC as of the date of this report and are subject to change based on changes in market, economic, or other conditions. These views are not intended to be a forecast of future events and are no guarantee of future results.

 

1 Net return is the return after all fees and expenses.

 

15

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)
AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

Fund holdings and sector allocations are subject to change and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security. Please refer to the Portfolio of Investments in this report for a complete list of fund holdings.

 

The S&P 500® Index is a broad-based unmanaged index of 500 stocks, which is widely recognized as representative of the equity market in general. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

The Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based, market capitalization-weighted bond market index representing intermediate term investment grade bonds traded in the United States. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

Mutual fund investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. Equity securities (stocks) are subject to market, economic, and business risks that will cause their price to rise or fall over time. The net asset value per share of the fund will fluctuate as the value of the securities in the portfolio change and an investor may lose money. Although the fund seeks lower volatility, there is no guarantee the Fund will perform as expected. Investing in other investment companies, including ETFs, may result in duplication of expenses, including advisory fees, in addition to the fund’s own expenses and will be subject to the risks of the underlying investments. The stocks of small and mid-sized companies may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than stocks of larger companies. Investments in debt securities typically decrease in value when interest rates rise. The risk is usually greater for longer-term debt securities. Although the fund seeks lower volatility, there is no guarantee the fund will perform as expected. The fund may invest in foreign securities which involve political, economic and currency risks, greater volatility, and differences in accounting methods. These risks are greater in emerging markets. To the extent the fund invests in underlying funds that focus their investments on a particular industry or sector, the fund’s shares may be more volatile and fluctuate more than shares of a fund investing in a broader range of securities.

 

Must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus.

 

The SGI Peak Growth Fund is distributed by Quasar Distributors, LLC.

 

16

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)
AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

SGI Small Cap Core Fund
Class I Shares: BOGIX

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

Established in 2010, Summit Global Investments, LLC (“SGI”) was founded to bring enhanced risk management to institutions, advisors, and families. SGI’s strategies utilize a distinct quantitative and fundamental analysis with a goal to invest in outstanding companies with the least potential for downside risks.

 

In 2022, downside protection was front and center. In 2023, risk appetite reversed and has been more concentrated. The market still has several risks that may have not fully come to bear, the war in Ukraine, expensive valuations, inflation, rising rates and possible policy shifts of the Federal Reserve. The market has largely ignored the fact that despite U.S. economic growth remaining relatively solid, the federal deficit is projected to be roughly $1.7 trillion for fiscal year 2023. Though the Federal Reserve has increased interest rates to fight inflation, inflation has continued to stay higher for longer. The recent rise in oil prices and U.S. Treasury issuance has strengthened our view of higher yields ahead. This continues to put pressure on mortgage rates, housing affordability, and could negatively impact the U.S. economy.

 

Higher rates may have one benefit beyond slowing or reducing inflation. Higher rates makes it more difficult for foreign holdings of U.S. Treasury securities to sell and disrupt the U.S. rates market and affect the U.S. economy.

 

For all the various ups and downs of the market, we will continue to follow our processes and seek to create long-term capital appreciation. Everyone at SGI is 100% committed to doing everything we can to ensure your investments perform as designed. Again, if you have any doubt or any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly or to the team collectively.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

David Harden

 

Highlights

 

 

The SGI Small Cap Core Fund - Class I Shares returned 8.37% on a net basis1 in the twelve months ended August 31, 2023. The fund significantly outperformed its benchmark, the Russell 2000 Index, which returned 4.65% during the same period.

 

 

Strong stock selection was the primary reason for the outperformance versus the benchmark.

 

 

The Industrials sector exposure contributed the most to relative returns.

 

 

In terms of sector exposures, an overweight exposure to the Industrials and Consumer Discretionary sectors and underweight exposure to the Real sector benefited relative returns.

 

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

 

The SGI Small Cap Core Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation. There can be no guarantee that the fund will achieve its investment objective.

 

1 Net return is the return after all fees and expenses.

 

17

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)
AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

FUND COMMENTARY

 

How did the fund perform in the past twelve months?

 

The SGI Small Cap Growth Fund - Class I Shares returned 8.37% on a net basis1 in the twelve-month period ended August 31, 2023. The fund significantly outperformed its benchmark, the Russell 2000 Index, which returned 4.65% during the same period.

 

What factors influenced the fund’s performance?

 

Overall, stock selection accounted for 57% of the fund’s relative outperformance versus the benchmark while sector positioning accounted for the remainder.

 

The Industrials sector was the largest contributing sector, accounting for 52% of the fund’s relative outperformance. Within this sector, 60% of the outperformance was due to strong stock selection with the remaining 40% of relative outperformance due to the overweight position in the sector versus the benchmark. The three most contributing companies in the Industrials sector were: Simpson Manufacturing Co. Inc +74.27%, Boise Cascade Co. +47.20%, and GMS Inc. +43.86%. The three worst contributing companies were: The Shyft Group Inc. -41.34%, Asgn Inc. -33.69%, and Allegiant Travel Co. -22.36%.

 

The Consumer Discretionary sector was the next largest contributing sector, accounting for 21% of the fund’s relative outperformance. Within this sector, 82% of the outperformance was from stock selection and the remainder was from the overweight positioning relative to the benchmark. The three most contributing companies in the Consumer Discretionary sector were: Winmark Corp. +81.39%, Tri Pointe Homes Inc. +79.46%, and Meritage Homes Corp. +70.25%. The three worst contributing companies were Macy’s Inc. -33.14%, Arko Corp. -25.62%, and Malibu Boats Inc. -18.80%.

 

The Information Technology sector was the third largest contributing sector, accounting for 17% of the fund’s relative outperformance. Within this sector, 99% of the outperformance was from stock selection and the remainder was from the overweight positioning relative to the benchmark. The three most contributing companies in the Info Tech sector were: Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd. +117.15%, Allegro Microsystems Inc. +84.95%, and Teradata Corp. +56.41%. The three worst contributing companies were: Rapid7 Inc. -50.09%, Viavi Solutions Inc. -33.88%, and Varonis Systems Inc. -30.54%.

 

The Energy sector was the largest, and only, detracting sector, accounting for -24% of the fund’s relative performance. Within this sector, 77% of the underperformance was from stock selection and the remaining 23% of the underperformance was due to the overweight position in the sector versus the benchmark. The three worst contributing companies in the Energy sector were: Propetro Holding Corp. -13.86%, Talos Energy Inc. -10.81%, and Golar LNG Ltd. -10.11%.

 

Factor exposures accounted for all the fund’s relative outperformance. Overweight exposures to the valuation, variability, profitability, and growth factors and underweight exposure to the residual volatility factor all accounted for the five most contributing factors to the fund’s relative outperformance. Detracting from the fund’s relative performance were slight overweight exposure to momentum and slight underweight exposure to beta.

 

How is the fund positioned?

 

The two largest sectors overweight relative to the benchmark are in the Industrials and Materials sectors which are 10.0% and 1.9% overweight, respectively. The largest sector underweights are in the Financials, Energy, and Information Technology sectors where the fund holds 3.9%, 3.7%, and 3.3% less exposure than the benchmark, respectively. The fund is also slightly underweighted the Real Estate sector by 1.6%.

 

1 Net return is the return after all fees and expenses.

 

18

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (CONCLUDED)
AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

Fund positioning from a factor standpoint shows the largest overweight exposure to earnings yield, profitability, and valuation factors and underweighted exposure to residual volatility, beta, dividend yield, and liquidity factors relative to the benchmark.

 

What is portfolio management’s outlook?

 

The aggressive federal funds interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve during the past 16 months appear to be ending. The futures markets have priced in less than a 50% probability of one more tightening before the end of 2023. Although inflation has receded, common measures still exceed 4%, well above the 2% inflation target desired by the central bank. This means interest rates will likely remain near current levels until inflation numbers meaningfully decline. Additionally, the Federal Reserve balance sheet is shrinking at a modest pace every month, otherwise known as quantitative tightening.

 

The labor market remains strong in the U.S. with the unemployment rate still near 50-year lows and the number of jobs exceeding the total number of unemployed workers. Interest rate sensitive sectors such as housing and autos have slowed down considerably. The national average 30-year fixed mortgage rate now exceeds 7.70%. Consumer spending, the largest portion of the economy, remains strong with the most recent same-store-sales reports posting 3.8% year-on-year growth.

 

The full effects of considerable monetary tightening have not yet manifested, and a recession is still a near-term risk, although expectations of a “soft-landing” continue to increase. Overall, we see a mixed economic and financial market outlook which highlights the importance of a well-diversified portfolio of investments. This fund may serve as an important component of that portfolio for investors.

 

Over longer time horizons, we believe that our managed risk approach towards investing can provide favorable relative returns. As always, we maintain a disciplined adherence to our rigorous quantitative and fundamental investment process.

 

The views expressed reflect the opinions of Summit Global Investments, LLC as of the date of this report and are subject to change based on changes in market, economic, or other conditions. These views are not intended to be a forecast of future events and are no guarantee of future results.

 

Fund holdings and sector allocations are subject to change and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security. Please refer to the Portfolio of Investments in this report for a complete list of fund holdings.

 

The Russell 2000® Index consists of the smallest 2,000 companies in a group of 3,000 U.S. companies in the Russell 3000® Index, as ranked by market capitalization. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

Mutual fund investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. Equity securities (stocks) are subject to market, economic, and business risks that will cause their price to rise or fall over time. The net asset value per share of the fund will fluctuate as the value of the securities in the portfolio change and an investor may lose money. Although the fund seeks lower volatility, there is no guarantee the fund will perform as expected. Investing in other investment companies, including ETFs, may result in duplication of expenses, including advisory fees, in addition to the fund’s own expenses and will be subject to the risks of the underlying investments. The stocks of mid-sized companies may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than stocks of larger companies.

 

Must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus.

 

The SGI Small Cap Core Fund is distributed by Quasar Distributors, LLC.

 

19

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP EQUITY FUND - CLASS I SHARES

 

Performance Data

August 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $1,000,000 Investment in SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund - Class I Shares
vs. S&P 500® Low Volatility Index

 

 

This chart assumes a hypothetical $1,000,000 initial investment in the Fund’s Class I Shares made on August 31, 2013 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the S&P 500® Low Volatility Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ended August 31, 2023

 
 

One
Year

Five
Years

Ten
Years

Since
Inception
(1)

 

Class I Shares

6.02%

5.67%

9.65%

10.06%

 

S&P 500® Low Volatility Index(2)

-0.57%

6.75%

9.82%

10.47%

 

 

 

(1)

Class I Shares of the Fund commenced operations on February 29, 2012.

 

(2)

Benchmark performance is from the inception date of the Class I Shares only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

Performance quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher. Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling 1-855-744-8500.

 

The Fund’s total annual gross and net operating expenses, as stated in the current prospectus dated December 31, 2022, are 0.96% and 0.92%, respectively, of average daily net assets for Class I Shares. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Summit Global Investments, LLC (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to waive management fees and/or reimburse expenses through December 31, 2023 to the extent that total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) exceed 0.98% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed 0.98%: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. The contractual limitation may not be terminated before December 31, 2023 without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses for a year are less than 0.98% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares, the Adviser is entitled

 

20

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP EQUITY FUND - CLASS I SHARES

 

Performance Data (Continued)

August 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

The Fund’s investments will generally consist of securities, which may include common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants to acquire common stock and securities convertible into common stock. Portfolio composition is subject to change. The Fund evaluates performance as compared to that of the Standard & Poor’s 500® Low Volatility Index (“S&P 500® Low Volatility Index”). The S&P 500® Low Volatility Index is designed to measure the performance of the 100 least volatile stocks of the S&P 500® Index. It is impossible to invest directly in an index.

 

21

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP EQUITY FUND - CLASS A SHARES

 

Performance Data (continued)

August 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund - Class A Shares
vs. S&P 500® Low Volatility Index

 

 

This chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 initial investment, adjusted for the Class A Shares maximum sales charge of 5.25% to a net initial investment of $9,475, in the Fund’s Class A Shares made on August 31, 2013 using the performance of Class I shares prior to commencement of Class A operations (commenced operations on October 29, 2015) and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the S&P 500® Low Volatility Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ended August 31, 2023

 
 

One
Year

Five
Years

Ten
Years

Since
Inception
(1)

 

Class A Shares (without sales charge) (Pro forma February 29, 2012 to October 29, 2015)

5.69%

5.41%

9.39%*

9.80%*

 

Class A Shares (with sales charge) (Pro forma February 29, 2012 to October 29, 2015)

0.15%

4.28%

9.39%*

9.80%*

 

S&P 500® Low Volatility Index(2)

-0.57%

6.75%

9.82%

10.47%

 

 

 

*

Class A Shares performance prior to its inception on October 29, 2015 is the performance of Class I Shares, adjusted for the Class A Shares expense ratio.

 

(1)

Class A Shares of the Fund commenced operations on October 29, 2015.

 

(2)

Benchmark performance is from the inception date of the Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

Class A Shares of the Fund have a 5.25% maximum sales charge.

 

Performance quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher. Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling 1-855-744-8500.

 

22

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP EQUITY FUND - CLASS A SHARES

 

Performance Data (continued)

August 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

The Fund’s total annual gross and net operating expenses, as stated in the current prospectus dated December 31, 2022, are 1.21% and 1.17%, respectively, of average daily net assets for Class A Shares. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Summit Global Investments, LLC (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to waive management fees and/or reimburse expenses through December 31, 2023 to the extent that total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) exceed 1.23% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A Shares. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse certain expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed 1.23%: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. The contractual limitation may not be terminated before December 31, 2023 without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses for a year are less than 1.23% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A Shares, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

The Fund’s investments will generally consist of securities, which may include common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants to acquire common stock and securities convertible into common stock. Portfolio composition is subject to change. The Fund evaluates performance as compared to that of the Standard & Poor’s 500® Low Volatility Index (“S&P 500® Low Volatility Index”). The S&P 500® Low Volatility Index is designed to measure the performance of the 100 least volatile stocks of the S&P 500® Index. It is impossible to invest directly in an index.

 

23

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP EQUITY FUND - CLASS C SHARES

 

Performance Data (continued)

August 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund - Class C Shares
vs. S&P 500® Low Volatility Index

 

 

This chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 initial investment in the Fund’s Class C Shares made on August 31, 2013 using the performance of Class I shares prior to commencement of Class C operations (commenced operations on December 31, 2015) and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the S&P 500® Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ended August 31, 2023

 
 

One
Year

Five
Years

Ten
Years

Since
Inception
(1)

 

Class C Shares (Pro forma February 29, 2012 to December 31, 2015)

4.93%

4.72%

8.56%*

8.97%*

 

S&P 500® Low Volatility Index(2)

-0.57%

6.75%

9.72%

10.47%

 

 

 

*

Class C Shares performance prior to its inception on December 31, 2015 is the performance of Class I Shares, adjusted for the Class C Shares expense ratio.

 

(1)

Class C Shares of the Fund commenced operations on December 31, 2015.

 

(2)

Benchmark performance is from the inception date of the Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

Performance quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher. Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling 1-855-744-8500.

 

The Fund’s total annual gross and net operating expenses, as stated in the current prospectus dated December 31, 2022, are 1.96% and 1.92%, respectively, of average daily net assets for Class C Shares. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Summit Global Investments, LLC (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to waive management fees and/or reimburse expenses through December 31, 2023 to the extent that total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) exceed 1.98% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class C Shares. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed 1.98%: acquired fund fees and expenses,

 

24

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP EQUITY FUND - CLASS C SHARES

 

Performance Data (continued)

August 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. The contractual limitation may not be terminated before December 31, 2023 without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses for a year are less than 1.98% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class C Shares, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

The Fund’s investments will generally consist of securities, which may include common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants to acquire common stock and securities convertible into common stock. Portfolio composition is subject to change. The Fund evaluates performance as compared to that of the Standard & Poor’s 500® Low Volatility Index (“S&P 500® Low Volatility Index”). The S&P 500® Low Volatility Index is designed to measure the performance of the 100 least volatile stocks of the S&P 500® Index. It is impossible to invest directly in an index.

 

 

25

 

 

SGI U.S. SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND - CLASS I SHARES

 

Performance Data (continued)

August 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $1,000,000 Investment in SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund - Class I Shares
vs. S&P SmallCap 600® Low Volatility Index

 

 

This chart assumes a hypothetical $1,000,000 initial investment in the Fund’s Class I Shares made on March 31, 2016 (commencement of operations) and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the S&P SmallCap 600® Low Volatility Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ended August 31, 2023

 
 

One
Year

Three
Years

Five
Years

Since
Inception
(1)

 

Class I Shares

1.98%

4.76%

-2.34%

4.14%

 

S&P SmallCap 600® Low Volatility Index(2)

-5.34%

8.04%

-1.40%

4.96%

 

 

 

(1)

Class I Shares of the Fund commenced operations on March 31, 2016.

 

(2)

Benchmark performance is from the inception date of the Class I Shares only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

Performance quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher. Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling 1-855-744-8500.

 

The Fund’s total annual gross and net operating expenses, as stated in the current prospectus dated December 31, 2022, are 1.46% and 1.23%, respectively, of average daily net assets for Class I Shares. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Summit Global Investments, LLC (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to waive management fees and/or reimburse expenses through December 31, 2023 to the extent that total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) exceed 1.23% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed 1.23%: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation may not be terminated before December 31, 2023 without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses for a year are less than 1.23% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares, the Adviser is entitled

 

26

 

 

SGI U.S. SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND - CLASS I SHARES

 

Performance Data (continued)

August 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

The Fund’s investments will generally consist of securities, which may include common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants to acquire common stock and securities convertible into common stock. Portfolio composition is subject to change. The Fund evaluates performance as compared to that of the Standard & Poor’s SmallCap 600® Low Volatility Index (“S&P SmallCap 600® Low Volatility Index®”). The S&P SmallCap 600® Low Volatility Index measures the performance of the 120 least-volatile stocks in the S&P SmallCap 600® Index. The index is designed to serve as a benchmark for low volatility or low variance strategies in U.S. small-cap equities. It is impossible to invest directly in an index.

 

The Fund invests in equity securities and in stocks of small companies which are subject to market, economic and business risks that may cause their price to rise or fall over time. Stocks of small companies may be more volatile, less liquid or not as readily marketable as those of larger companies. Small companies may also have limited product lines, markets or financial resources and may be dependent on relatively small or inexperienced management groups. Although the Fund seeks lower volatility, there is no guarantee the Fund will perform as expected.

 

27

 

 

SGI U.S. SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND - CLASS A SHARES

 

Performance Data (continued)

August 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund - Class A Shares
vs. S&P SmallCap 600® Low Volatility Index

 

 

This chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 initial investment in the Fund’s Class A Shares made on March 31, 2016 (commencement of operations) and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the S&P SmallCap 600® Low Volatility Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ended August 31, 2023

 
 

One
Year

Three
Years

Five
Years

Since
Inception
(1)

 

Class A Shares (without sales charge)

1.73%

4.50%

-2.57%

3.91%

 

Class A Shares (with sales charge)

-3.61%

2.65%

-3.61%

3.16%

 

S&P SmallCap 600® Low Volatility Index(2)

-5.34%

8.04%

-1.40%

4.96%

 

 

 

(1)

Class A Shares of the Fund commenced operations on March 31, 2016.

 

(2)

Benchmark performance is from the inception date of the Class A Shares only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

Class A Shares of the Fund have a 5.25% maximum sales charge.

 

Performance quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher. Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling 1-855-744-8500.

 

The Fund’s total annual gross and net operating expenses, as stated in the current prospectus dated December 31, 2022, are 1.71% and 1.48%, respectively, of average daily net assets for Class A Shares. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Summit Global Investments, LLC (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to waive management fees and/or reimburse expenses through December 31, 2023 to the extent that total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) exceed 1.48% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A Shares. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not

 

28

 

 

SGI U.S. SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND - CLASS A SHARES

 

Performance Data (continued)

August 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed 1.48%: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation may not be terminated before December 31, 2023 without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses for a year are less than 1.48% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A Shares, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

The Fund’s investments will generally consist of securities, which may include common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants to acquire common stock and securities convertible into common stock. Portfolio composition is subject to change. The Fund evaluates performance as compared to that of the Standard & Poor’s SmallCap 600® Low Volatility Index (“S&P SmallCap 600® Low Volatility Index®”). The S&P SmallCap 600® Low Volatility Index measures the performance of the 120 least-volatile stocks in the S&P SmallCap 600® Index. The index is designed to serve as a benchmark for low volatility or low variance strategies in U.S. small-cap equities. It is impossible to invest directly in an index.

 

The Fund invests in equity securities and in stocks of small companies which are subject to market, economic and business risks that may cause their price to rise or fall over time. Stocks of small companies may be more volatile, less liquid or not as readily marketable as those of larger companies. Small companies may also have limited product lines, markets or financial resources and may be dependent on relatively small or inexperienced management groups. Although the Fund seeks lower volatility, there is no guarantee the Fund will perform as expected.

 

29

 

 

SGI U.S. SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND - CLASS C SHARES

 

Performance Data (continued)

August 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund - Class C Shares
vs. S&P Small Cap 600® Low Volatility Index

 

 

This chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 initial investment in the Fund’s Class C Shares made on March 31, 2016 (commencement of operations) and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the S&P Small Cap 600® Low Volatility Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ended August 31, 2023

 
 

One
Year

Three
Years

Five
Years

Since
Inception
(1)

 

Class C Shares

0.96%

3.89%

-3.20%

3.19%

 

S&P Small Cap 600® Low Volatility Index(2)

-5.34%

8.04%

-1.40%

4.96%

 

 

 

(1)

Class C Shares of the Fund commenced operations on March 31, 2016.

 

(2)

Benchmark performance is from the inception date of the Class C Shares only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

Performance quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher. Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling 1-855-744-8500.

 

The Fund’s total annual gross and net operating expenses, as stated in the current prospectus dated December 31, 2022, are 2.46% and 2.23%, respectively, of average daily net assets for Class C Shares. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Summit Global Investments, LLC (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to waive management fees and/or reimburse expenses through December 31, 2023 to the extent that total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) exceed 2.23% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class C Shares. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed 2.23%: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation may not be terminated before December 31, 2023 without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses for a year are less than 2.23% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class C Shares, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

30

 

 

SGI U.S. SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND - CLASS C SHARES

 

Performance Data (continued)

August 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

The Fund’s investments will generally consist of securities, which may include common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants to acquire common stock and securities convertible into common stock. Portfolio composition is subject to change. The Fund evaluates performance as compared to that of the Standard & Poor’s SmallCap 600® Low Volatility Index (“S&P SmallCap 600® Low Volatility Index®”). The S&P SmallCap 600® Low Volatility Index measures the performance of the 120 least-volatile stocks in the S&P SmallCap 600® Index. The index is designed to serve as a benchmark for low volatility or low variance strategies in U.S. small-cap equities. It is impossible to invest directly in an index.

 

The Fund invests in equity securities and in stocks of small companies which are subject to market, economic and business risks that may cause their price to rise or fall over time. Stocks of small companies may be more volatile, less liquid or not as readily marketable as those of larger companies. Small companies may also have limited product lines, markets or financial resources and may be dependent on relatively small or inexperienced management groups. Although the Fund seeks lower volatility, there is no guarantee the Fund will perform as expected.

 

31

 

 

SGI GLOBAL EQUITY FUND - CLASS I SHARES

 

Performance Data (continued)

August 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $1,000,000 Investment in SGI Global Equity Fund - Class I Shares
vs. MSCI ACWI Minimum Volatility Index

 

 

This chart assumes a hypothetical $1,000,000 minimum initial investment, in the Fund’s Class I Shares made on August 31, 2013 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the MSCI ACWI Minimum Volatility Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ended August 31, 2023(1)

 
 

One
Year

Five
Years

Ten
Years

Since
Inception

 

Class I Shares(2)

6.39%

5.25%

7.12%

13.08%

 

MSCI ACWI Minimum Volatility Index(3)

5.19%

5.00%

7.79%

9.65%

 

 

 

(1)

Returns for periods prior to January 3, 2017 were generated under the management of the Fund’s former investment adviser and reflect a previous investment strategy.

 

(2)

The Fund operated as a series of Scotia Institutional Funds prior to the close of business on March 21, 2014 (the “Predecessor Fund”), at which time the Predecessor Fund was reorganized into the Fund. The fiscal year end of the Predecessor Fund was September 30. The performance shown for periods prior to March 21, 2014 represents the performance for the Predecessor Fund. While the Predecessor Fund commenced operations on March 31, 2009, the Predecessor Fund began investing consistent with its investment objective on April 1, 2009.

 

(3)

Benchmark performance is from the inception date of the Predecessor Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

Performance quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher. Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling 1-855-744-8500.

 

The Fund’s total annual gross and net operating expenses, as stated in the current prospectus dated December 31, 2022, are 1.01% and 0.84%, respectively, of average daily net assets for Class I Shares. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Summit Global Investments, LLC (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to waive management fees and/or reimburse certain expenses of the Fund through December 31, 2023 to the extent necessary to ensure that the Fund’s total annual operating expenses (excluding taxes, extraordinary expenses, brokerage commissions and interest)

 

32

 

 

SGI GLOBAL EQUITY FUND - CLASS I SHARES

 

Performance Data (continued)

August 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

do not exceed 0.84% (on an annual basis) of Class I’s average daily net assets (the “Expense Limitation”). The Expense Limitation shall remain in effect until December 31, 2023 unless the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. approves its earlier termination. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses for a year are less than 0.84% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

International investing is subject to special risks including, but not limited to, currency risk associated with securities denominated in other than the U.S. dollar, which may be affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates, political, social or economic instability, and differences in taxation, auditing, and other financial practices.

 

The MSCI ACWI Minimum (USD) Volatility Index (the “Index”) is designed to reflect the performance of the lowest volatility optimized version of the parent MSCI index. The MSCI ACWI Index captures large and mid cap representation across 23 Developed Markets (DM) and 27 Emerging Markets (EM) countries. With more than 3,000 constituents, the Index covers approximately 85% of the global investable equity opportunity set. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

33

 

 

SGI PRUDENT GROWTH FUND - CLASS I SHARES

 

Performance Data (continued)

August 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in SGI Prudent Growth Fund - Class I Shares
vs. S&P 500® Index and Composite Index

 

 

This chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 minimum initial investment, in the Fund’s Class I Shares made on June 8, 2020 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the S&P 500® Index and Composite Index are unmanaged, do not incur expenses and are not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ended August 31, 2023

 
 

One
Year

Three
Years

Since
Inception
(1)

 

Class I Shares

5.04%

0.94%

2.71%

 

S&P 500® Index(2)

15.94%

10.52%

12.61%

 

Composite Index(3)

9.04%

4.57%

6.12%

 

 

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund is June 8, 2020.

 

(2)

Benchmark performance is from the inception date of the Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

(3)

The Composite Index is comprised of the S&P 500® Index and Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index, weighted 60% and 40%, respectively.

 

Performance quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher. Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling 1-855-744-8500.

 

The Fund’s total annual gross and net operating expenses, as stated in the current prospectus dated December 31, 2022 are 2.11% and 2.20%, respectively, of average daily net assets for Class I Shares. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Summit Global Investments, LLC (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to waive management fees and/or reimburse certain expenses of the Fund through December 31, 2023 to the extent that total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) exceed 1.70% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Class I Shares. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account: acquired fund fees and expenses, fund services administrative fee, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation may not be terminated before December 31, 2023 without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses for a year are less than 1.70% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares, the Adviser is entitled to

 

34

 

 

SGI PRUDENT GROWTH FUND - CLASS I SHARES

 

Performance Data (continued)

August 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

The S&P 500® Index is a widely recognized, unmanaged index of 500 common stocks which are generally representative of the U.S. stock market as a whole. It is impossible to invest directly in an index.

 

The Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based, market capitalization-weighted bond market index representing intermediate term investment grade bonds traded in the United States. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

35

 

 

SGI PEAK GROWTH FUND - CLASS I SHARES

 

Performance Data (continued)

August 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in SGI Peak Growth Fund - Class I Shares
vs. S&P 500® Index

 

 

This chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 minimum initial investment, in the Fund’s Class I Shares made on June 8, 2020 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the S&P 500® Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ended August 31, 2023

 
 

One
Year

Three
Years

Since
Inception
(1)

 

Class I Shares

6.22%

2.71%

5.41%

 

S&P 500® Index(2)

15.94%

10.52%

12.61%

 

 

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund is June 8, 2020.

 

(2)

Benchmark performance is from the inception date of the Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

Performance quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher. Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling 1-855-744-8500.

 

The Fund’s total annual gross and net operating expenses, as stated in the current prospectus dated December 31, 2022 are 2.35% and 2.47%, respectively, of average daily net assets for Class I Shares. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Summit Global Investments, LLC (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to waive management fees and/or reimburse certain expenses of the Fund through December 31, 2023 to the extent that total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) exceed 1.70% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Class I Shares. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account: acquired fund fees and expenses, fund services administrative fee, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation may not be terminated before December 31, 2023 without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses for a year are less than 1.70% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

36

 

 

SGI PEAK GROWTH FUND - CLASS I SHARES

 

Performance Data (continued)

August 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

The S&P 500® Index is a widely recognized, unmanaged index of 500 common stocks which are generally representative of the U.S. stock market as a whole. It is impossible to invest directly in an index.

 

37

 

 

SGI SMALL CAP CORE FUND - CLASS I SHARES

 

Performance Data (continued)

August 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $1,000,000 Investment in SGI Small Cap Core Fund
vs. Russell 2000® Index

 

 

This chart assumes a hypothetical $1,000,000 initial investment in the Fund made on August 31, 2013 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the Russell 2000® Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ended August 31, 2023

 
 

One
Year

Five
Years

Ten
Years

Since
Inception
(1)

 

Class I Shares

8.37%

5.46%

8.76%

10.46%

 

Russell 2000® Index(2)

4.65%

3.14%

7.96%

7.90%

 

 

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund is October 1, 1999.

 

(2)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

Performance quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher. Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling 1-855-744-8500.

 

The Fund’s total annual gross and net operating expenses, as stated in the current prospectus dated December 31, 2022, are 1.33% and 1.23%, respectively, of average daily net assets for Class I Shares. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Summit Global Investments, LLC (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to waive management fees and/or reimburse expenses through December 31, 2023 to the extent that total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) exceed 1.23% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed 1.23%: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation may not be terminated before December 31, 2023 without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses for a year are less than 1.23% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed

 

38

 

 

SGI SMALL CAP CORE FUND - CLASS I SHARES

 

Performance Data (CONCLUDED)

August 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement. The Fund’s investments will generally consist of securities, which may include common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants to acquire common stock and securities convertible into common stock. Portfolio composition is subject to change. The Fund evaluates performance as compared to that of the Russell 2000® Index (“Russell 2000®”). The Russell 2000® is a widely recognized, unmanaged index of 2,000 common stocks which are generally representative of the U.S. Small Companies. It is impossible to invest directly in an index.

 

The Fund invests in equity securities and in stocks of small companies which are subject to market, economic and business risks that may cause their price to rise or fall over time. Stocks of small companies may be more volatile, less liquid or not as readily marketable as those of larger companies. Small companies may also have limited product lines, markets or financial resources and may be dependent on relatively small or inexperienced management groups. Although the Fund seeks lower volatility, there is no guarantee the Fund will perform as expected.

 

39

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Fund Expense Examples

August 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund(s), you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments (if applicable); and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees; and other Fund expenses. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund(s) and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

 

These examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period from March 1, 2023 through August 31, 2023 and held for the entire period.

 

Actual Expenses

 

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

 

Hypothetical Examples for Comparison Purposes

 

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

 

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

 

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

 

Beginning
Account Value
MARCH 1, 2023

Ending
Account Value
AUGUST 31, 2023

Expenses
Paid During
Period*

Annualized
Expense
Ratio

Actual
Six-Month
Total
Investment
Return for
the Fund

Actual

         

Class I Shares

$1,000.00

$1,035.70

$ 5.03

0.98%

3.57%

Class A Shares

1,000.00

1,034.40

6.31

1.23

3.44

Class C Shares

1,000.00

1,030.50

10.13

1.98

3.05

         

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

       

Class I Shares

$1,000.00

$1,020.27

$ 4.99

0.98%

N/A

Class A Shares

1,000.00

1,019.00

6.26

1.23

N/A

Class C Shares

1,000.00

1,015.22

10.06

1.98

N/A

 

 

40

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Fund Expense Examples (CONTINUED)

August 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

 

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

 

Beginning
Account Value
MARCH 1, 2023

Ending
Account Value
AUGUST 31, 2023

Expenses
Paid During
Period*

Annualized
Expense
Ratio

Actual
Six-Month
Total
Investment
Return for
the Fund

Actual

         

Class I Shares

$1,000.00

$ 993.10

$ 6.18

1.23%

-0.69%

Class A Shares

1,000.00

991.30

7.43

1.48

-0.87

Class C Shares

1,000.00

987.30

11.17

2.23

-1.27

         

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

       

Class I Shares

$1,000.00

$ 1,019.00

$ 6.26

1.23%

N/A

Class A Shares

1,000.00

1,017.74

7.53

1.48

N/A

Class C Shares

1,000.00

1,013.96

11.32

2.23

N/A

 

 

SGI Global Equity Fund

 

Beginning
Account Value
MARCH 1, 2023

Ending
Account Value
AUGUST 31, 2023

Expenses
Paid During
Period*

Annualized
Expense
Ratio

Actual
Six-Month
Total
Investment
Return for
the Fund

Actual

         

Class I Shares

$1,000.00

$1,038.70

$ 4.32

0.84%

3.87%

         

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

       

Class I Shares

$1,000.00

$1,020.97

$ 4.28

0.84%

N/A

 

 

SGI Prudent GROWTH Fund

 

Beginning
Account Value
MARCH 1, 2023

Ending
Account Value
AUGUST 31, 2023

Expenses
Paid During
Period*

Annualized
Expense
Ratio

Actual
Six-Month
Total
Investment
Return for
the Fund

Actual

         

Class I Shares

$1,000.00

$1,035.20

$ 7.13

1.39%

3.52%

         

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

       

Class I Shares

$1,000.00

$1,018.20

$ 7.07

1.39%

N/A

 

 

 

41

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Fund Expense Examples (Concluded)

August 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

 

SGI Peak Growth Fund

 

Beginning
Account Value
MARCH 1, 2023

Ending
Account Value
AUGUST 31, 2023

Expenses
Paid During
Period*

Annualized
Expense
Ratio

Actual
Six-Month
Total
Investment
Return for
the Fund

Actual

         

Class I Shares

$1,000.00

$1,034.10

$ 7.43

1.45%

3.41%

         

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

       

Class I Shares

$1,000.00

$1,017.90

$ 7.37

1.45%

N/A

 

 

SGI small cap CORE Fund

 

Beginning
Account Value
MARCH 1, 2023

Ending
Account Value
AUGUST 31, 2023

Expenses
Paid During
Period*

Annualized
Expense
Ratio

Actual
Six-Month
Total
Investment
Return for
the Fund

Actual

         

Class I Shares

$1,000.00

$1,010.70

$ 6.23

1.23%

1.07%

         

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

       

Class I Shares

$1,000.00

$1,019.00

$ 6.26

1.23%

N/A

 

 

*

Expenses are equal to each Fund’s annualized six-month expense ratio for the period March 1, 2023 to August 31, 2023, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184) in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by 365 to reflect the one half year period. Each Fund’s ending account values on the first line in the tables is based on the actual six-month total investment return for each Fund.

 

42

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP EQUITY FUND

 

Portfolio Holdings Summary Table

August 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

SECURITY TYPE/CLASSIFICATION

 

% of Net
Assets

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS

               

Insurance

    11.5 %   $ 44,347,449  

Software

    10.9       41,852,239  

Pharmaceuticals

    10.5       40,385,118  

Food

    9.0       34,594,155  

Healthcare-Services

    8.1       31,300,535  

Retail

    5.4       20,951,144  

Biotechnology

    4.9       19,023,918  

Internet

    4.4       16,988,146  

REITS

    3.4       13,120,687  

Electric

    3.3       12,525,837  

Telecommunications

    2.9       11,152,568  

Cosmetics/Personal Care

    2.8       10,901,919  

Airlines

    2.6       10,108,363  

Commercial Services

    2.3       8,972,697  

Computers

    2.3       8,545,277  

Pipelines

    2.1       7,908,895  

Oil & Gas

    1.8       7,059,592  

Home Builders

    1.6       6,109,482  

Iron/Steel

    1.2       4,770,968  

Distribution/Wholesale

    1.0       3,668,459  

Banks

    0.9       3,636,243  

Diversified Financial Services

    0.9       3,428,412  

Electronics

    0.8       2,945,930  

Healthcare-Products

    0.8       2,902,501  

Building Materials

    0.7       2,503,159  

Gas

    0.5       1,966,860  

Hand/Machine Tools

    0.4       1,629,865  

Beverages

    0.4       1,340,524  

Semiconductors

    0.3       1,206,804  

Media

    0.3       1,111,014  

Agriculture

    0.2       925,669  

Transportation

    0.2       833,248  

Machinery-Diversified

    0.2       777,569  

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

               

Money Market Deposit Account

    1.4       5,558,821  

LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS

    0.0       (121,801 )

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 384,932,266  

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
43

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP EQUITY FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

   

Number
of Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS — 98.6%

Agriculture — 0.2%

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

    11,673     $ 925,669  

Airlines — 2.6%

Delta Air Lines, Inc.

    116,824       5,009,413  

United Airlines Holdings, Inc. *

    102,368       5,098,950  
              10,108,363  

Banks — 0.9%

Fifth Third Bancorp

    32,455       861,680  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    18,961       2,774,563  
              3,636,243  

Beverages — 0.4%

Monster Beverage Corp. *

    23,350       1,340,524  

Biotechnology — 4.9%

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

    119,683       9,153,356  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. *

    28,336       9,870,562  
              19,023,918  

Building Materials — 0.7%

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.

    1,754       783,003  

Owens Corning

    11,953       1,720,156  
              2,503,159  

Commercial Services — 2.3%

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

    19,995       5,090,927  

Global Payments, Inc.

    7,809       989,322  

Rollins, Inc.

    73,097       2,892,448  
              8,972,697  

Computers — 2.3%

Accenture PLC, Class A, (Ireland)

    19,735       6,389,601  

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Class A

    30,103       2,155,676  
              8,545,277  

Cosmetics/Personal Care — 2.8%

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    148,386       10,901,919  

Distribution/Wholesale — 1.0%

Copart, Inc. *

    17,832       799,409  

Fastenal Co.

    15,100       869,458  

WW Grainger, Inc.

    2,800       1,999,592  
              3,668,459  

Diversified Financial Services — 0.9%

LPL Financial Holdings, Inc.

    14,868       3,428,412  

Electric — 3.3%

American Electric Power Co., Inc.

    13,400       1,050,560  

DTE Energy Co.

    37,100       3,835,398  

PPL Corp.

    67,361       1,678,636  

WEC Energy Group, Inc.

    11,200       942,144  

Xcel Energy, Inc.

    87,854       5,019,099  
              12,525,837  

Electronics — 0.8%

Keysight Technologies, Inc. *

    22,100     $ 2,945,930  

Food — 9.0%

ConAgra Foods, Inc.

    28,400       848,592  

Hershey Co., (The)

    60,045       12,901,269  

Kroger Co., (The)

    112,629       5,224,859  

Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc.

    90,884       8,853,011  

Mondelez International, Inc., Class A

    32,400       2,308,824  

Sysco Corp.

    64,000       4,457,600  
              34,594,155  

Gas — 0.5%

NiSource, Inc.

    73,500       1,966,860  

Hand/Machine Tools — 0.4%

Snap-on, Inc.

    6,068       1,629,865  

Healthcare-Products — 0.8%

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. *

    3,942       2,015,978  

ResMed, Inc.

    5,555       886,523  
              2,902,501  

Healthcare-Services — 8.1%

Elevance Health, Inc.

    26,552       11,736,250  

HCA Healthcare, Inc.

    2,944       816,371  

Humana, Inc.

    1,568       723,836  

Molina Healthcare, Inc. *

    39,153       12,142,128  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

    12,342       5,881,950  
              31,300,535  

Home Builders — 1.6%

NVR, Inc. *

    958       6,109,482  

Insurance — 11.5%

American International Group, Inc.

    36,752       2,150,727  

Arch Capital Group Ltd., (Bermuda) *

    76,650       5,891,319  

Chubb Ltd., (Switzerland)

    6,000       1,205,220  

Cincinnati Financial Corp.

    54,285       5,742,810  

Everest Group, Ltd., (Bermuda) *

    6,268       2,260,742  

Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., (The)

    11,037       792,677  

MetLife, Inc.

    30,966       1,961,387  

Progressive Corp., (The)

    73,349       9,789,891  

Prudential Financial, Inc.

    106,521       10,084,343  

W R Berkley Corp.

    72,233       4,468,333  
              44,347,449  

Internet — 4.4%

Alphabet, Inc., Class A *

    118,885       16,188,570  

VeriSign, Inc. *

    3,848       799,576  
              16,988,146  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
44

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP EQUITY FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments (Concluded)

August 31, 2023

 

   

Number
of Shares

   

Value

 

Iron/Steel — 1.2%

Steel Dynamics, Inc.

    44,760     $ 4,770,968  

Machinery-Diversified — 0.2%

AGCO Corp.

    6,003       777,569  
                 

Media — 0.3%

Fox Corp., Class A

    33,606       1,111,014  

Oil & Gas — 1.8%

Chevron Corp.

    5,389       868,168  

Valero Energy Corp.

    47,663       6,191,424  
              7,059,592  

Pharmaceuticals — 10.5%

AbbVie, Inc.

    39,324       5,779,055  

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    101,980       6,287,067  

Cencora, Inc.

    46,244       8,138,019  

Cigna Group, (The)

    2,800       773,528  

Eli Lilly & Co.

    5,779       3,202,722  

McKesson Corp.

    15,398       6,348,904  

Merck & Co., Inc.

    82,296       8,968,618  

Zoetis, Inc.

    4,657       887,205  
              40,385,118  

Pipelines — 2.1%

Cheniere Energy, Inc.

    37,780       6,165,696  

Targa Resources Corp.

    20,211       1,743,199  
              7,908,895  

REITS — 3.4%

Crown Castle, Inc.

    6,811       684,505  

Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    355,754       5,617,356  

Kimco Realty Corp.

    158,941       3,010,343  

SBA Communications Corp.

    7,510       1,686,220  

Simon Property Group, Inc.

    18,700       2,122,263  
              13,120,687  

Retail — 5.4%

Costco Wholesale Corp.

    1,700       933,776  

Genuine Parts Co.

    6,100       937,753  

McDonald’s Corp.

    21,455       6,032,073  

Starbucks Corp.

    32,819       3,197,883  

TJX Cos., Inc., (The)

    9,399       869,220  

Ulta Beauty, Inc. *

    1,900       788,557  

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

    14,100       2,292,801  

Yum! Brands, Inc.

    45,595       5,899,081  
              20,951,144  

Semiconductors — 0.3%

Applied Materials, Inc.

    7,900       1,206,804  

Software — 10.9%

Adobe Systems, Inc. *

    11,915       6,664,536  

Electronic Arts, Inc.

    82,162       9,857,797  

HubSpot, Inc. *

    2,637       1,441,173  

Manhattan Associates, Inc. *

    12,356       2,503,573  

Microsoft Corp.

    40,983     $ 13,432,588  

MSCI, Inc.

    1,704       926,329  

Salesforce.com, Inc. *

    22,879       5,066,783  

Synopsys, Inc. *

    4,270       1,959,460  
              41,852,239  

Telecommunications — 2.9%

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    194,465       11,152,568  
                 

Transportation — 0.2%

JB Hunt Transport Services, Inc.

    4,435       833,248  

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (COST $334,773,096)

            379,495,246  
                 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 1.4%

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 5.20% (a)

    5,558,821       5,558,821  

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (COST $5,558,821)

            5,558,821  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS (COST $340,331,917) — 100.0%

            385,054,067  

LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS — 0.0%

            (121,801 )

TOTAL NET ASSETS — 100.0%

          $ 384,932,266  

 

 

*

Non-income producing security.

 

(a)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2023.

 

MSCI Morgan Stanley Capital International

 

PLC Public Limited Company

 

REIT Real Estate Investment Trust

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
45

 

 

SGI U.S. SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND

 

Portfolio Holdings Summary Table

August 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

SECURITY TYPE/CLASSIFICATION

 

% of Net
Assets

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS

               

Food

    9.7 %   $ 3,625,225  

Insurance

    9.1       3,392,761  

Commercial Services

    6.6       2,483,025  

Retail

    5.3       1,991,652  

Transportation

    5.0       1,853,825  

Pharmaceuticals

    4.4       1,640,966  

Chemicals

    4.3       1,602,264  

Building Materials

    4.1       1,541,918  

Banks

    3.9       1,444,404  

Airlines

    3.6       1,337,341  

Computers

    3.4       1,271,067  

Software

    2.9       1,087,269  

Electric

    2.8       1,037,438  

Healthcare-Products

    2.8       1,031,586  

Engineering and Construction

    2.7       1,023,576  

Water

    2.3       852,917  

Diversified Financial Services

    2.3       848,267  

Healthcare-Services

    2.2       811,696  

Iron/Steel

    2.1       802,527  

Machinery-Diversified

    1.9       711,833  

Oil & Gas

    1.7       633,981  

REITS

    1.6       600,730  

Metal Fabricate/Hardware

    1.3       501,231  

Home Furnishings

    1.2       435,274  

Real Estate

    1.1       432,238  

Agriculture

    1.1       410,129  

Biotechnology

    1.0       387,188  

Gas

    1.0       373,749  

Telecommunications

    0.8       309,898  

Home Builders

    0.8       300,633  

Auto Parts & Equipment

    0.8       282,909  

Packaging & Containers

    0.7       275,022  

Internet

    0.7       248,789  

Semiconductors

    0.5       175,165  

Machinery-Construction & Mining

    0.2       82,454  

Savings & Loans

    0.2       75,885  

EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS

               

Exchange-Traded Funds

    3.1       1,137,640  

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

               

Money Market Deposit Account

    0.9       354,235  

LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS

    (0.1 )     (18,720 )

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 37,389,987  

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
46

 

 

SGI U.S. SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments

August 31, 2023

 

   

Number
of Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS — 96.1%

Agriculture — 1.1%

Fresh Del Monte Produce, Inc., (Cayman Islands)

    16,052     $ 410,129  
                 

Airlines — 3.6%

Alaska Air Group, Inc. *

    13,029       546,827  

Copa Holdings SA, Class A, (Panama)

    7,773       790,514  
              1,337,341  

Auto Parts & Equipment — 0.8%

Standard Motor Products, Inc.

    7,640       282,909  

Banks — 3.9%

BayCom Corp.

    3,500       67,445  

CrossFirst Bankshares, Inc. *

    6,970       74,927  

First Financial Corp.

    4,604       169,059  

Independent Bank Corp.

    9,405       179,541  

Preferred Bank

    5,706       354,400  

Unity Bancorp, Inc.

    4,200       101,493  

Westamerica BanCorp

    11,300       497,539  
              1,444,404  

Biotechnology — 1.0%

Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc. *

    5,887       387,188  

Building Materials — 4.1%

Apogee Enterprises, Inc.

    6,080       306,797  

Eagle Materials, Inc.

    2,959       560,198  

Louisiana-Pacific Corp.

    1,700       106,216  

UFP Industries, Inc.

    5,450       568,707  
              1,541,918  

Chemicals — 4.3%

American Vanguard Corp.

    11,102       153,430  

Balchem Corp.

    6,021       845,950  

Hawkins, Inc.

    6,699       416,611  

Rogers Corp. *

    1,289       186,273  
              1,602,264  

Commercial Services — 6.6%

Barrett Business Services Inc.

    4,441       424,915  

CorVel Corp. *

    2,983       645,670  

Franklin Covey Co. *

    7,700       328,559  

Grand Canyon Education, Inc. *

    5,364       628,929  

Insperity, Inc.

    2,856       289,398  

National Research Corp.

    1,642       68,636  

Perdoceo Education Corp.

    5,849       96,918  
              2,483,025  

Computers — 3.4%

ExlService Holdings, Inc. *

    43,485       1,271,067  

Diversified Financial Services — 2.3%

AssetMark Financial Holdings, Inc. *

    4,216     $ 121,800  

Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc.

    1,048       176,860  

Virtu Financial, Inc., Class A

    29,328       549,607  
              848,267  

Electric — 2.8%

Clearway Energy, Inc., Class C

    18,485       457,874  

MGE Energy, Inc.

    1,755       127,115  

PNM Resources, Inc.

    10,211       452,449  
              1,037,438  

Engineering and Construction — 2.7%

Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. *

    12,368       1,023,576  

Food — 9.7%

Ingles Markets, Inc., Class A

    9,887       772,471  

John B Sanfilippo & Son, Inc.

    684       68,640  

Lancaster Colony Corp.

    2,961       489,128  

Post Holdings, Inc. *

    6,454       578,988  

Seaboard Corp.

    19       71,636  

SpartanNash Co.

    18,688       406,651  

Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. *

    10,393       423,931  

Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc.

    11,315       363,777  

Weis Markets, Inc.

    6,937       450,003  
              3,625,225  

Gas — 1.0%

Northwest Natural Holding Co.

    9,515       373,749  

Healthcare-Products — 2.8%

Atrion Corp.

    476       221,387  

UFP Technologies, Inc. *

    4,611       810,199  
              1,031,586  

Healthcare-Services — 2.2%

Addus HomeCare Corp. *

    4,593       402,806  

National HealthCare Corp.

    6,200       408,890  
              811,696  

Home Builders — 0.8%

Beazer Homes USA, Inc. *

    10,257       300,633  

Home Furnishings — 1.2%

Dolby Laboratories, Inc., Class A

    5,153       435,274  

Insurance — 9.1%

Axis Capital Holdings Ltd., (Bermuda)

    13,432       736,880  

CNA Financial Corp.

    7,950       312,674  

Hanover Insurance Group, Inc., (The)

    5,495       586,426  

Horace Mann Educators Corp.

    11,711       335,637  

James River Group Holdings Ltd., (Bermuda)

    19,636       285,900  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
47

 

 

SGI U.S. SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

   

Number
of Shares

   

Value

 

Insurance — 9.1% (Continued)

               

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., (Bermuda)

    4,689     $ 881,016  

RLI Corp.

    1,933       254,228  
              3,392,761  

Internet — 0.7%

Cogent Communications Holdings, Inc.

    1,275       89,989  

HealthStream, Inc.

    2,986       62,796  

Wix.com Ltd., (Israel) *

    972       96,004  
              248,789  

Iron/Steel — 2.1%

Commercial Metals Co.

    14,257       802,527  

Machinery-Construction & Mining — 0.2%

Argan, Inc.

    1,941       82,454  

Machinery-Diversified — 1.9%

Alamo Group, Inc.

    4,147       711,833  

Metal Fabricate/Hardware — 1.3%

Mueller Industries, Inc.

    6,496       501,231  

Oil & Gas — 1.7%

Chord Energy Corp.

    2,275       367,413  

Kimbell Royalty Partners LP

    17,366       266,568  
              633,981  

Packaging & Containers — 0.7%

Silgan Holdings, Inc.

    6,094       275,022  

Pharmaceuticals — 4.4%

Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. *

    14,863       792,346  

Anika Therapeutics, Inc. *

    2,500       44,625  

Ironwood Pharmaceuticals Inc., Class A *

    28,007       246,462  

Option Care Health, Inc. *

    2,304       80,248  

Pacira BioSciences, Inc. *

    1,844       65,093  

Premier, Inc., Class A

    19,145       412,192  
              1,640,966  

Real Estate — 1.1%

McGrath RentCorp

    2,525       255,278  

RMR Group, Inc., Class A, (The)

    7,000       176,960  
              432,238  

REITS — 1.6%

Netstreit Corp.

    3,897       65,976  

Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc.

    6,289       534,754  
              600,730  

Retail — 5.3%

BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. *

    13,195     $ 889,211  

Papa John’s International, Inc.

    911       68,963  

PC Connection, Inc.

    3,500       185,920  

PriceSmart, Inc.

    4,095       325,471  

Winmark Corp.

    1,372       522,087  
              1,991,652  

Savings & Loans — 0.2%

HomeTrust Bancshares, Inc.

    3,321       75,885  

Semiconductors — 0.5%

Vishay Precision Group, Inc. *

    4,863       175,165  

Software — 2.9%

CommVault Systems, Inc. *

    1,147       78,352  

CSG Systems International, Inc.

    6,640       360,618  

NextGen Healthcare, Inc. *

    4,254       77,465  

SPS Commerce, Inc. *

    1,499       279,009  

Teradata Corp. *

    6,307       291,825  
              1,087,269  

Telecommunications — 0.8%

A10 Networks, Inc.

    15,700       233,773  

IDT Corp., Class B *

    3,256       76,125  
              309,898  

Transportation — 5.0%

Hub Group, Inc., Class A *

    6,028       470,425  

Landstar System, Inc.

    3,290       624,475  

Werner Enterprises, Inc.

    18,239       758,925  
              1,853,825  

Water — 2.3%

American States Water Co.

    2,201       185,346  

California Water Service Group

    13,285       667,571  
              852,917  

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (COST $33,659,281)

            35,916,832  
                 

EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS — 3.1%

Exchange-Traded Funds — 3.1%

iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF

    5,657       570,112  

iShares Russell 2000 ETF

    3,009       567,528  

TOTAL EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS (COST $1,156,468)

            1,137,640  
                 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
48

 

 

SGI U.S. SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments (CONCLUDED)

August 31, 2023

 

   

Number
of Shares

   

Value

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 0.9%

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 5.20% (a)

    354,235     $ 354,235  

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (COST $354,235)

            354,235  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS (COST $35,169,904) — 100.1%

            37,408,707  

LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS — (0.1)%

            (18,720 )

TOTAL NET ASSETS — 100.0%

          $ 37,389,987  

 

 

*

Non-income producing security.

 

(a)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2023.

 

REIT Real Estate Investment Trust

 

S&P Standards & Poor’s

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
49

 

 

SGI GLOBAL EQUITY FUND

 

Portfolio Holdings Summary Table

August 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

SECURITY TYPE/CLASSIFICATION

 

% of Net
Assets

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS

               

Pharmaceuticals

    14.5 %   $ 21,631,449  

Telecommunications

    7.6       11,368,696  

Banks

    7.3       10,907,047  

Insurance

    6.2       9,301,496  

Food

    6.0       9,008,760  

Biotechnology

    5.0       7,616,232  

Auto Manufacturers

    4.6       6,849,282  

Retail

    4.4       6,532,111  

Software

    3.5       5,353,690  

Beverages

    3.3       5,004,064  

Internet

    3.1       4,713,165  

Media

    2.8       4,311,206  

Semiconductors

    2.8       4,193,295  

Aerospace/Defense

    2.7       3,980,451  

Cosmetics/Personal Care

    2.5       3,776,505  

Computers

    2.5       3,761,557  

Electric

    2.4       3,561,345  

Healthcare-Services

    2.3       3,561,092  

Electronics

    1.8       2,611,226  

Airlines

    1.7       2,578,039  

Home Furnishings

    1.6       2,474,295  

REITS

    1.3       1,938,892  

Commercial Services

    1.1       1,645,857  

Gas

    1.1       1,639,070  

Mining

    1.0       1,437,127  

Machinery-Diversified

    0.9       1,372,236  

Healthcare-Products

    0.8       1,217,750  

Household Products/Wares

    0.8       1,196,960  

Chemicals

    0.7       1,122,862  

Building Materials

    0.7       1,080,023  

Oil & Gas

    0.5       838,215  

Leisure Time

    0.2       285,132  

Hand/Machine Tools

    0.2       268,600  

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

               

Money Market Deposit Account

    1.5       2,245,383  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES

    0.6       913,841  

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 150,296,951  

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
50

 

 

SGI GLOBAL EQUITY FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments

August 31, 2023

 

   

Number
of Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS — 97.9%

Aerospace/Defense — 2.7%

Lockheed Martin Corp.

    8,878     $ 3,980,451  

Airlines — 1.7%

Alaska Air Group, Inc. *

    18,713       785,385  

Ryanair Holdings PLC, (Ireland) ADR *

    18,062       1,792,654  
              2,578,039  

Auto Manufacturers — 4.6%

Cummins, Inc.

    1,637       376,575  

Honda Motor Co. Ltd., (Japan) SP ADR

    136,850       4,424,360  

Toyota Motor Corp., (Japan) SP ADR

    11,900       2,048,347  
              6,849,282  

Banks — 7.3%

Credicorp Ltd., (Bermuda)

    20,120       2,845,572  

HDFC Bank, Ltd., (India) ADR

    67,560       4,209,664  

HSBC Holdings PLC, (United Kingdom) ADR

    96,507       3,601,641  

Shinhan Financial Group Co. Ltd., (South Korea) ADR

    9,300       250,170  
              10,907,047  

Beverages — 3.3%

Coca-Cola Co., (The)

    45,180       2,703,119  

Coca-Cola Femsa SAB de CV, (Mexico) SP ADR

    27,153       2,300,945  
              5,004,064  

Biotechnology — 5.0%

Incyte Corp. *

    58,425       3,770,165  

United Therapeutics Corp. *

    8,260       1,853,214  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. *

    5,721       1,992,853  
              7,616,232  

Building Materials — 0.7%

UFP Industries, Inc.

    10,350       1,080,023  

Chemicals — 0.7%

Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.

    3,800       1,122,862  

Commercial Services — 1.1%

H&R Block, Inc.

    41,167       1,645,857  

Computers — 2.5%

Check Point Software Technologies Ltd., (Israel) *

    16,900       2,274,571  

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Class A

    14,300       1,024,023  

Infosys Ltd., (India), SP ADR

    26,653       462,963  
              3,761,557  

Cosmetics/Personal Care — 2.5%

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    51,402       3,776,505  

Electric — 2.4%

Fortis, Inc., (Canada)

    80,500     $ 3,155,600  

Pinnacle West Capital Corp.

    5,251       405,745  
              3,561,345  

Electronics — 1.8%

Arrow Electronics, Inc. *

    2,818       376,006  

Garmin Ltd., (Switzerland)

    21,083       2,235,220  
              2,611,226  

Food — 6.0%

ConAgra Foods, Inc.

    7,200       215,136  

General Mills, Inc.

    23,957       1,620,931  

Hershey Co., (The)

    13,898       2,986,124  

Kellogg Co.

    47,023       2,869,343  

Kraft Heinz Co., (The)

    8,300       274,647  

Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc.

    10,703       1,042,579  
              9,008,760  

Gas — 1.1%

National Fuel Gas Co.

    30,500       1,639,070  

Hand/Machine Tools — 0.2%

Snap-on, Inc.

    1,000       268,600  

Healthcare-Products — 0.8%

Inspire Medical Systems, Inc. *

    2,647       600,551  

Medtronic PLC, (Ireland)

    7,573       617,199  
              1,217,750  

Healthcare-Services — 2.3%

Anthem, Inc.

    2,148       949,437  

Molina Healthcare, Inc. *

    2,906       901,209  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

    3,589       1,710,446  
              3,561,092  

Home Furnishings — 1.6%

Dolby Laboratories, Inc., Class A

    29,292       2,474,295  

Household Products/Wares — 0.8%

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    9,291       1,196,960  

Insurance — 6.2%

Allstate Corp., (The)

    11,500       1,239,815  

American International Group, Inc.

    16,500       965,580  

Chubb Ltd., (Switzerland)

    4,350       873,784  

Cincinnati Financial Corp.

    9,252       978,769  

CNA Financial Corp.

    11,900       468,027  

Everest Group, Ltd., (Bermuda)

    1,380       497,738  

Markel Group, Inc. *

    200       295,784  

MetLife, Inc.

    27,600       1,748,184  

Progressive Corp., (The)

    14,867       1,984,299  

Reinsurance Group of America, Inc.

    1,800       249,516  
              9,301,496  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
51

 

 

SGI GLOBAL EQUITY FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

   

Number
of Shares

   

Value

 

Internet — 3.1%

Alphabet, Inc., Class C *

    34,315     $ 4,713,165  

Leisure Time — 0.2%

BRP, Inc., (Canada)

    3,736       285,132  

Machinery-Diversified — 0.9%

Graco, Inc.

    13,672       1,079,268  

Nordson Corp.

    1,200       292,968  
              1,372,236  

Media — 2.8%

Pearson PLC, (United Kingdom) SP ADR

    44,823       473,779  

Thomson Reuters Corp., (Canada)

    29,796       3,837,427  
              4,311,206  

Mining — 1.0%

Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd., (Canada)

    5,897       286,063  

Newmont Corp.

    29,200       1,151,064  
              1,437,127  

Oil & Gas — 0.5%

Shell PLC, (United Kingdom) ADR

    13,500       838,215  

Pharmaceuticals — 14.5%

CVS Health Corp.

    6,401       417,153  

Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd., (India) ADR

    28,474       1,935,663  

GSK PLC, (United Kingdom) ADR

    37,400       1,313,862  

McKesson Corp.

    2,520       1,039,046  

Merck & Co., Inc.

    15,200       1,656,496  

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. *

    28,385       3,090,843  

Novartis AG, (Switzerland) SP ADR

    28,338       2,847,402  

Novo Nordisk AS, (Denmark) ADR

    16,814       3,121,015  

Pfizer, Inc.

    7,700       272,426  

Sanofi, (France) ADR

    6,036       320,994  

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., (Japan) ADR

    364,711       5,616,549  
              21,631,449  

REITS — 1.3%

American Homes 4 Rent, Class A

    42,300       1,524,492  

Welltower, Inc.

    5,000       414,400  
              1,938,892  

Retail — 4.4%

BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. *

    11,167     $ 752,544  

Costco Wholesale Corp.

    1,900       1,043,632  

McDonald’s Corp.

    3,648       1,025,635  

Murphy USA, Inc.

    3,100       984,684  

Restaurant Brands International, Inc., (Canada)

    8,361       580,671  

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

    3,639       591,738  

Yum! Brands, Inc.

    12,005       1,553,207  
              6,532,111  

Semiconductors — 2.8%

Applied Materials, Inc.

    2,100       320,796  

IPG Photonics Corp. *

    3,512       380,560  

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd., (Taiwan) SP ADR

    37,319       3,491,939  
              4,193,295  

Software — 3.5%

Electronic Arts, Inc.

    4,161       499,237  

Microsoft Corp.

    14,811       4,854,453  
              5,353,690  

Telecommunications — 7.6%

BCE, Inc., (Canada)

    9,500       402,325  

Chunghwa Telecom Co. Ltd., (Taiwan) SP ADR

    16,319       594,501  

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    10,557       605,444  

Nice Ltd., (Isreal) SP ADR *

    19,046       3,710,161  

Telekomunikasi Indonesia Persero Tbk PT, (Indonesia) ADR

    14,921       362,133  

TELUS Corp., (Canada)

    32,351       568,084  

TIM SA, (Brazil) ADR

    16,649       244,074  

T-Mobile US, Inc. *

    35,831       4,881,974  
              11,368,696  

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (COST $139,622,924)

            147,137,727  
                 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
52

 

 

SGI GLOBAL EQUITY FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments (CONCLUDED)

August 31, 2023

 

   

Number
of Shares

   

Value

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 1.5%

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 5.20% (a)

    2,245,383     $ 2,245,383  

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (COST $2,245,383)

            2,245,383  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS (COST $141,868,307) — 99.4%

            149,383,110  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES — 0.6%

            913,841  

TOTAL NET ASSETS — 100.0%

          $ 150,296,951  

 

 

*

Non-income producing security.

 

(a)

The rate shown is as August 31, 2023.

 

ADR American Depositary Receipt

 

PLC Public Limited Company

 

REIT Real Estate Investment Trust

 

SP ADR Sponsored ADR

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
53

 

 

SGI PRUDENT GROWTH FUND

 

Portfolio Holdings Summary Table

August 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

SECURITY TYPE/CLASSIFICATION

 

% of Net
Assets

   

Value

 

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS

    47.6 %   $ 10,089,074  

MUTUAL FUNDS

    47.6       10,093,918  

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

    5.0       1,069,102  

LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS

    (0.2 )     (35,327 )

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 21,216,767  

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
54

 

 

SGI PRUDENT GROWTH FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments

August 31, 2023

 

   

Number
of Shares

   

Value

 

EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS — 47.6%

Exchange-Traded Funds – 47.6%

iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF

    35,310     $ 3,418,008  

PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF

    15,180       751,562  

SGI Dynamic Tactical ETF *(a)

    148,890       3,878,584  

SGI U.S. Large Cap Core ETF *(a)

    72,890       2,040,920  

TOTAL EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS (COST $9,994,179)

            10,089,074  
                 

MUTUAL FUNDS — 47.6%

Mutual Funds – 47.6%

SGI Global Equity Fund, Class I (a)

    141,279       4,819,043  

SGI Small Cap Core Fund, Class I (a)

    69,840       1,920,592  

SGI US Large Cap Equity Fund, Class I (a)

    140,420       2,527,557  

SGI US Small Cap Equity Fund, Class I (a)

    72,077       826,726  

TOTAL MUTUAL FUNDS (COST $9,909,246)

            10,093,918  
                 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 5.0%

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 5.20% (b)

    1,069,102     $ 1,069,102  

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (COST $1,069,102)

            1,069,102  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS (COST $20,972,527) — 100.2%

            21,252,094  

LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS — (0.2)%

            (35,327 )

TOTAL NET ASSETS — 100.0%

          $ 21,216,767  

 

 

*

Non-income producing security.

 

(a)

Affiliated company. See Note 7.

 

(b)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2023.

 

ETF Exchange-Traded Funds

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
55

 

 

SGI PEAK GROWTH FUND

 

Portfolio Holdings Summary Table

August 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

SECURITY TYPE/CLASSIFICATION

 

% of Net
Assets

   

Value

 

EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS

    23.4 %   $ 4,579,680  

MUTUAL FUNDS

    74.1       14,481,780  

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

    2.0       393,615  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES

    0.5       99,576  

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 19,554,651  

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
56

 

 

SGI PEAK GROWTH FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments

August 31, 2023

 

   

Number
of Shares

   

Value

 

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS — 23.4%

iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF

    8,730     $ 584,124  

iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF

    9,910       486,185  

SGI Dynamic Tactical ETF *(a)

    75,030       1,954,531  

SGI U.S. Large Cap Core ETF *(a)

    55,530       1,554,840  

TOTAL EXCHANGE- TRADED FUNDS (COST $4,391,859)

            4,579,680  
                 

MUTUAL FUNDS — 74.1%

SGI Global Equity Fund, Class I (a)

    169,059       5,766,597  

SGI Small Cap Core Fund, Class I (a)

    149,014       4,097,897  

SGI US Large Cap Equity Fund, Class I (a)

    192,484       3,464,707  

SGI US Small Cap Equity Fund, Class I (a)

    100,486       1,152,579  

TOTAL MUTUAL FUNDS (COST $14,227,006)

            14,481,780  
                 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 2.0%

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 5.20% (b)

    393,615     $ 393,615  

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (COST $393,615)

            393,615  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS (COST $19,012,480) — 99.5%

            19,455,075  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES — 0.5%

            99,576  

TOTAL NET ASSETS — 100.0%

          $ 19,554,651  

 

 

*

Non-income producing security.

 

(a)

Affiliated company. See Note 7.

 

(b)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2023.

 

ETF Exchange-Traded Fund

 

MSCI Morgan Stanley Capital International

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
57

 

 

SGI SMALL CAP CORE FUND

 

Portfolio Holdings Summary Table

August 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

SECURITY TYPE/CLASSIFICATION

 

% of Net
Assets

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS

               

Home Builders

    7.8 %   $ 8,067,278  

Building Materials

    7.8       8,035,254  

Software

    5.7       5,880,671  

Healthcare-Products

    5.6       5,880,908  

Commercial Services

    5.3       5,513,976  

Insurance

    5.2       5,351,749  

Retail

    4.8       4,974,440  

REITS

    3.9       3,984,138  

Diversified Financial Services

    3.8       3,940,412  

Transportation

    2.8       2,957,387  

Distribution/Wholesale

    2.6       2,706,568  

Food

    2.5       2,623,893  

Semiconductors

    2.3       2,358,199  

Machinery-Construction & Mining

    2.2       2,317,507  

Computers

    2.2       2,321,374  

Metal Fabricate/Hardware

    2.2       2,294,907  

Telecommunications

    2.2       2,257,107  

Pharmaceuticals

    2.2       2,258,819  

Chemicals

    2.0       2,026,372  

Internet

    1.9       1,943,375  

Oil & Gas Services

    1.7       1,790,451  

Electric

    1.7       1,777,981  

Airlines

    1.7       1,769,809  

Healthcare-Services

    1.7       1,735,112  

Engineering & Construction

    1.6       1,663,724  

Leisure Time

    1.6       1,646,835  

Banks

    1.6       1,623,614  

Iron/Steel

    1.5       1,566,146  

Machinery-Diversified

    1.4       1,474,022  

Biotechnology

    1.0       1,052,123  

Auto Manufacturers

    1.0       1,049,947  

Home Furnishings

    1.0       981,282  

Electronics

    0.9       971,684  

Auto Parts & Equipment

    0.8       821,196  

Household Products/Wares

    0.8       799,193  

Gas

    0.8       786,071  

Mining

    0.6       580,137  

Lodging

    0.6       573,131  

Electrical Components & Equipment

    0.4       396,843  

Miscellaneous Manufacturing

    0.3       270,280  

Pipelines

    0.3       269,700  

Real Estate

    0.2       209,314  

Hand/Machine Tools

    0.2       194,774  

Oil & Gas

    0.1       119,497  

Packaging & Containers

    0.1       101,597  

Private Equity

    0.0       47,745  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
58

 

 

SGI SMALL CAP CORE FUND

 

Portfolio Holdings Summary Table (CONCLUDED)

August 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

SECURITY TYPE/CLASSIFICATION

 

% of Net
Assets

   

Value

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

               

Money Market Deposit Accounts

    1.6     $ 1,684,071  

LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS

    (0.1 )     (148,954 )

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 103,501,659  

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
59

 

 

SGI SMALL CAP CORE FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments

August 31, 2023

 

   

Number
of Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS — 98.5%

Airlines — 1.7%

Alaska Air Group, Inc. *

    10,955     $ 459,781  

Allegiant Travel Co.

    8,864       787,478  

Sun Country Airlines Holdings, Inc. *

    35,094       522,550  
              1,769,809  

Auto Manufacturers — 1.0%

REV Group, Inc.

    8,500       115,430  

Wabash National Corp.

    41,442       934,517  
              1,049,947  

Auto Parts & Equipment — 0.8%

Methode Electronics, Inc.

    6,011       193,855  

Shyft Group, Inc., (The)

    40,009       627,341  
              821,196  

Banks — 1.6%

Bancorp, Inc., (The) *

    9,675       355,169  

Bank7 Corp.

    1,881       47,251  

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.

    1,985       51,650  

Capital City Bank Group, Inc.

    1,946       59,372  

Coastal Financial Corp. *

    10,900       480,145  

Independent Bank Corp.

    5,600       106,904  

Mercantile Bank Corp.

    1,784       59,550  

Midland States Bancorp, Inc.

    6,800       150,960  

OFG Bancorp, (Puerto Rico)

    6,685       201,620  

Summit Financial Group, Inc.

    2,612       64,255  

Univest Financial Corp.

    2,598       46,738  
              1,623,614  

Biotechnology — 1.0%

Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc. *

    15,997       1,052,123  

Building Materials — 7.8%

American Woodmark Corp. *

    11,091       861,438  

Apogee Enterprises, Inc.

    9,073       457,824  

Boise Cascade Co.

    10,896       1,191,695  

Griffon Corp.

    27,476       1,150,420  

JELD-WEN Holding, Inc. *

    11,522       173,752  

Louisiana-Pacific Corp.

    15,250       952,820  

Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.

    7,400       1,182,224  

SPX Technologies, Inc. *

    11,358       897,509  

UFP Industries, Inc.

    11,189       1,167,572  
              8,035,254  

Chemicals — 2.0%

AdvanSix, Inc.

    1,372       45,386  

Balchem Corp.

    1,442       202,601  

Livent Corp. *

    36,978       793,917  

Orion Engineered Carbons SA, (Luxembourg)

    43,522       984,468  
              2,026,372  

Commercial Services — 5.3%

AMN Healthcare Services, Inc. *

    4,011     $ 354,492  

Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. *

    39,418       1,015,408  

Heidrick & Struggles International Inc.

    26,794       709,773  

Herc Holdings, Inc.

    7,001       911,110  

Information Services Group, Inc.

    18,449       95,935  

Kelly Services, Inc., Class A

    2,861       52,900  

National Research Corp.

    6,810       284,658  

PROG Holdings, Inc. *

    30,968       1,062,202  

Progyny, Inc. *

    26,382       985,104  

TrueBlue, Inc. *

    2,802       42,394  
              5,513,976  

Computers — 2.2%

ExlService Holdings, Inc. *

    47,632       1,392,283  

Grid Dynamics Holdings, Inc. *

    32,100       373,323  

TTEC Holdings, Inc.

    18,675       555,768  
              2,321,374  

Distribution/Wholesale — 2.6%

Global Industrial Co.

    5,456       184,631  

H&E Equipment Services, Inc.

    16,309       739,124  

ScanSource, Inc. *

    6,138       201,204  

Titan Machinery, Inc. *

    36,414       1,129,562  

WESCO International, Inc.

    2,793       452,047  
              2,706,568  

Diversified Financial Services — 3.8%

Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc.

    1,139       192,218  

Enova International, Inc. *

    19,200       968,640  

GCM Grosvenor, Inc., Class A

    6,539       49,958  

Hamilton Lane, Inc., Class A

    8,608       798,736  

Piper Sandler Cos.

    1,100       163,878  

Regional Management Corp.

    21,657       595,134  

Silvercrest Asset Management Group, Inc., Class A

    2,449       47,192  

Victory Capital Holdings, Inc., Class A

    10,009       344,510  

Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.

    3,767       780,146  
              3,940,412  

Electric — 1.7%

ALLETE, Inc.

    17,619       967,283  

Clearway Energy, Inc., Class C

    32,729       810,698  
              1,777,981  

Electrical Components & Equipment — 0.4%

Belden, Inc.

    581       54,556  

Insteel Industries, Inc.

    9,850       342,287  
              396,843  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
60

 

 

SGI SMALL CAP CORE FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments (CONtinued)

August 31, 2023

 

   

Number
of Shares

   

Value

 

Electronics — 0.9%

Benchmark Electronics, Inc.

    8,514     $ 219,150  

Sanmina Corp. *

    11,573       644,616  

Turtle Beach Corp. *

    9,928       107,918  
              971,684  

Engineering & Construction — 1.6%

Construction Partners, Inc. *

    18,494       642,667  

MYR Group, Inc. *

    7,187       1,021,057  
              1,663,724  

Food — 2.5%

Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc. *

    26,409       753,713  

Ingles Markets, Inc., Class A

    12,236       955,999  

SpartanNash Co.

    42,012       914,181  
              2,623,893  

Gas — 0.8%

Northwest Natural Holding Co.

    20,012       786,071  

Hand/Machine Tools — 0.2%

Franklin Electric Co., Inc.

    2,014       194,774  

Healthcare-Products — 5.6%

Inari Medical, Inc. *

    21,338       1,421,537  

Inmode Ltd., (Israel) *

    1,181       46,165  

Inspire Medical Systems, Inc. *

    3,492       792,265  

iRadimed Corp.

    5,788       267,579  

Lantheus Holdings, Inc. *

    13,349       913,606  

LeMaitre Vascular, Inc.

    16,807       971,613  

Omnicell, Inc. *

    15,977       908,452  

SI-BONE, Inc. *

    24,462       559,691  
              5,880,908  

Healthcare-Services — 1.7%

Addus HomeCare Corp. *

    10,195       894,101  

DocGo, Inc. *

    22,996       205,814  

National HealthCare Corp.

    5,099       336,279  

RadNet, Inc. *

    7,500       250,575  

Select Medical Holdings Corp.

    1,655       48,343  
              1,735,112  

Home Builders — 7.8%

Beazer Homes USA, Inc. *

    31,143       912,801  

Cavco Industries, Inc. *

    3,721       1,040,094  

Century Communities, Inc.

    14,244       1,057,617  

Forestar Group, Inc. *

    27,136       773,647  

M/I Homes, Inc. *

    10,877       1,067,904  

MDC Holdings, Inc.

    22,628       1,073,699  

Meritage Homes Corp.

    7,600       1,056,704  

Taylor Morrison Home Corp. *

    1,075       50,955  

Tri Pointe Homes, Inc. *

    33,243       1,033,857  
              8,067,278  

Home Furnishings — 1.0%

Millerknoll, Inc.

    51,376       981,282  

Household Products/Wares — 0.8%

Central Garden & Pet Co., Class A *

    14,731     $ 601,025  

Quanex Building Products Corp.

    7,345       198,168  
              799,193  

Insurance — 5.2%

Axis Capital Holdings Ltd., (Bermuda)

    18,731       1,027,583  

Employers Holdings, Inc.

    8,111       318,194  

Goosehead Insurance, Inc., Class A *

    1,600       111,776  

Jackson Financial, Inc., Class A

    19,048       716,205  

James River Group Holdings Ltd., (Bermuda)

    46,845       682,063  

Kinsale Capital Group, Inc.

    2,733       1,089,456  

Nmi Holdings, Inc., Class A *

    37,133       1,062,746  

Palomar Holdings, Inc. *

    873       44,532  

Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc.

    23,633       299,194  
              5,351,749  

Internet — 1.9%

Cargurus, Inc. *

    46,659       844,995  

Cogent Communications Holdings, Inc.

    5,221       368,498  

ePlus, Inc. *

    6,534       433,727  

HealthStream, Inc.

    10,278       216,146  

Shutterstock, Inc.

    1,900       80,009  
              1,943,375  

Iron/Steel — 1.5%

Commercial Metals Co.

    20,547       1,156,591  

Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc., Class A

    12,336       409,555  
              1,566,146  

Leisure Time — 1.6%

Malibu Boats, Inc., Class A *

    18,380       892,533  

MasterCraft Boat Holdings, Inc. *

    17,698       385,108  

Vista Outdoor, Inc. *

    12,622       369,194  
              1,646,835  

Lodging — 0.6%

Travel + Leisure Co.

    14,257       573,131  

Machinery-Construction & Mining — 2.2%

Argan, Inc.

    1,312       55,734  

Oshkosh Corp.

    11,551       1,199,340  

Terex Corp.

    17,529       1,062,433  
              2,317,507  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
61

 

 

SGI SMALL CAP CORE FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

   

Number
of Shares

   

Value

 

Machinery-Diversified — 1.4%

AGCO Corp.

    5,900     $ 764,227  

Cactus, Inc., Class A

    13,307       709,795  
              1,474,022  

Metal Fabricate/Hardware — 2.2%

Mueller Industries, Inc.

    11,889       917,355  

Olympic Steel, Inc.

    7,866       420,988  

Omega Flex, Inc.

    1,300       108,810  

Proto Labs, Inc. *

    1,596       47,082  

Ryerson Holding Corp.

    25,712       800,672  
              2,294,907  

Mining — 0.6%

Compass Minerals International, Inc.

    17,542       528,891  

Kaiser Aluminum Corp.

    675       51,246  
              580,137  

Miscellaneous Manufacturing — 0.3%

Fabrinet, (Cayman Islands) *

    424       68,166  

Myers Industries, Inc.

    10,745       202,114  
              270,280  

Oil & Gas — 0.1%

Matador Resources Co.

    983       62,421  

SM Energy Co.

    1,349       57,076  
              119,497  

Oil & Gas Services — 1.7%

DMC Global, Inc. *

    16,650       399,933  

Liberty Energy, Inc.

    67,098       1,070,213  

NOW, Inc. *

    13,800       154,146  

US Silica Holdings, Inc. *

    13,476       166,159  
              1,790,451  

Packaging & Containers — 0.1%

Clearwater Paper Corp. *

    1,394       53,376  

Greif, Inc., Class B

    647       48,221  
              101,597  

Pharmaceuticals — 2.2%

Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. *

    19,229       1,025,098  

Anika Therapeutics, Inc. *

    2,300       41,055  

Catalyst Pharmaceuticals Partners, Inc. *

    82,089       1,152,529  

Ironwood Pharmaceuticals Inc., Class A *

    4,561       40,137  
              2,258,819  

Pipelines — 0.3%

Excelerate Energy, Inc.

    14,500       269,700  

Private Equity — 0.0%

Patria Investments Ltd., Class A, (Cayman Islands)

    3,311       47,745  

Real Estate — 0.2%

RE/MAX Holdings, Inc., Class A

    2,612     $ 42,314  

RMR Group, Inc., Class A, (The)

    6,606       167,000  
              209,314  

REITS — 3.8%

Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc.

    26,700       401,034  

Broadstone Net Lease, Inc.

    32,740       529,406  

Corporate Office Properties Trust

    40,147       1,039,004  

Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc.

    2,157       51,811  

Granite Point Mortgage Trust, Inc.

    46,025       245,774  

Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc.

    13,969       1,219,214  

KKR Real Estate Finance Trust, Inc.

    4,215       52,730  

NexPoint Residential Trust, Inc.

    1,290       48,439  

Park Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    24,389       312,911  

Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc.

    500       42,515  

Xenia Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    3,500       41,300  
              3,984,138  

Retail — 4.8%

Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. *

    4,542       1,044,660  

BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. *

    5,632       165,637  

BlueLinx Holdings, Inc. *

    8,343       744,696  

Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.

    34,473       909,053  

GMS, Inc. *

    10,391       720,512  

Group 1 Automotive, Inc.

    191       50,504  

PC Connection, Inc.

    6,200       329,344  

Sonic Automotive, Inc., Class A

    1,023       54,547  

Wingstop, Inc.

    5,948       955,487  
              4,974,440  

Semiconductors — 2.3%

Axcelis Technologies, Inc. *

    5,100       979,965  

Diodes, Inc. *

    3,848       314,959  

SMART Global Holdings, Inc., (Cayman Islands) *

    3,588       92,678  

Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc. *

    25,924       911,488  

Vishay Precision Group, Inc. *

    1,641       59,109  
              2,358,199  

Software — 5.7%

Amplitude, Inc., Class A *

    32,959       384,961  

Apollo Medical Holdings, Inc. *

    8,445       319,728  

BlackLine, Inc. *

    8,362       502,222  

Computer Programs & Systems, Inc. *

    10,300       167,581  

CSG Systems International, Inc.

    12,807       695,548  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
62

 

 

SGI SMALL CAP CORE FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments (CONCLUDED)

August 31, 2023

 

   

Number
of Shares

   

Value

 

Software — 5.7% (Continued)

               

Donnelley Financial Solutions, Inc. *

    1,079     $ 53,162  

Doximity, Inc., Class A *

    27,700       660,368  

Elastic NV, (Netherlands) *

    16,366       1,012,728  

IBEX Holdings Ltd., (Bermuda) *

    6,447       126,103  

NextGen Healthcare, Inc. *

    9,890       180,097  

Olo, Inc., Class A *

    71,300       459,885  

Smartsheet, Inc., Class A *

    5,846       243,953  

Workiva, Inc. *

    2,400       268,440  

Yext, Inc. *

    5,475       47,961  

Zuora, Inc., Class A *

    83,198       757,934  
              5,880,671  

Telecommunications — 2.2%

A10 Networks, Inc.

    36,771       547,520  

Aviat Networks, Inc. *

    5,989       211,053  

Calix, Inc. *

    23,783       1,106,147  

IDT Corp., Class B *

    16,783       392,387  
              2,257,107  

Transportation — 2.8%

ArcBest Corp.

    3,476       367,031  

Ardmore Shipping Corp., (Marshall Islands)

    3,933       48,927  

Daseke, Inc. *

    26,035       137,985  

DHT Holdings, Inc., (Marshall Islands)

    44,349       410,228  

Hub Group, Inc., Class A *

    12,321       961,531  

Teekay Tankers Ltd., Class A, (Marshall Islands)

    25,361       1,031,685  
              2,957,387  

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (COST $99,938,795)

            101,966,542  
                 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 1.6%

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 5.20% (a)

    1,684,071     $ 1,684,071  

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (COST $1,684,071)

            1,684,071  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS (COST $101,622,866) — 100.1%

            103,650,613  

LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS — (0.1)%

            (148,954 )

TOTAL NET ASSETS — 100.0%

          $ 103,501,659  

 

 

*

Non-income producing security.

 

(a)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2023.

 

REIT Real Estate Investment Trust

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
63

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

August 31, 2023

 

   

SGI U.S.
Large Cap
Equity Fund

   

SGI U.S.
Small Cap
Equity Fund

   

SGI Global
Equity Fund

 

ASSETS

                       

Investments, at fair value:

                       

Unaffiliated investments (cost $334,773,096, $34,815,669, and $139,622,924, respectively)

  $ 379,495,246     $ 37,054,472     $ 147,137,727  

Affiliated investments (cost $—, $—, and $—, respectively) (see Note 7)

                 

Short-term investments (cost $5,558,821, $354,235, and $2,245,383, respectively)

    5,558,821       354,235       2,245,383  

Receivables for:

                       

Capital shares sold

    507,041       115,123       868,362  

Dividends

    606,621       43,982       321,157  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

    31,483       18,936       17,282  

Total assets

  $ 386,199,212     $ 37,586,748     $ 150,589,911  
                         

LIABILITIES

                       

Payables for:

                       

Capital shares redeemed

  $ 763,346     $ 107,802     $ 128,738  

Advisory fees

    243,564       23,462       73,079  

Other accrued expenses and liabilities

    260,036       65,497       91,143  

Total liabilities

    1,266,946       196,761       292,960  

Net assets

  $ 384,932,266     $ 37,389,987     $ 150,296,951  
                         

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

                       

Par value

  $ 21,392     $ 3,267     $ 4,406  

Paid-in capital

    326,310,399       36,256,949       143,794,609  

Total distributable earnings/(loss)

    58,600,475       1,129,771       6,497,936  

Net assets

  $ 384,932,266     $ 37,389,987     $ 150,296,951  
                         

CLASS I SHARES:

                       

Net assets applicable to Class I Shares

  $ 351,359,516     $ 28,994,596     $ 150,296,951  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    19,522,502       2,527,100       4,406,470  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

  $ 18.00     $ 11.47     $ 34.11  
                         

Class A Shares:

                       

Net assets applicable to Class A Shares

  $ 31,275,568     $ 8,130,793     $  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    1,735,673       715,607        

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

  $ 18.02     $ 11.36     $  

Maximum offering price per share (100/94.75 of $18.02 and $11.36, respectively)

  $ 19.02     $ 11.99     $  
                         

Class C Shares:

                       

Net assets applicable to Class C Shares

  $ 2,297,182     $ 264,598     $  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    133,440       24,266        

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

  $ 17.22     $ 10.90     $  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
64

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities (Concluded)

August 31, 2023

 

   

SGI prudent
growth
Fund

   

SGI PEAK
GROWTH
FUND

   

SGI SMALL
CAP core
FUND

 

ASSETS

                       

Investments, at fair value:

                       

Unaffiliated investments (cost $4,325,868, $1,061,726, and $99,938,795, respectively)

  $ 4,169,570     $ 1,070,309     $ 101,966,542  

Affiliated investments (cost $15,577,557, $17,557,139, and $—, respectively) (see Note 7)

    16,013,422       17,991,151        

Short-term investments (cost $1,069,102, $393,615, and $1,684,071, respectively)

    1,069,102       393,615       1,684,071  

Receivables for:

                       

Capital shares sold

    4,261       143,159       432,566  

Dividends

    4,706       2,388       117,732  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

    14,142       13,095       22,469  

Total assets

  $ 21,275,203     $ 19,613,717     $ 104,223,380  
                         

LIABILITIES

                       

Investments purchased

  $     $     $ 507,169  

Payables for:

                       

Capital shares redeemed

                36,731  

Advisory fees

    13,215       11,747       82,891  

Other accrued expenses and liabilities

    45,221       47,319       94,930  

Total liabilities

    58,436       59,066       721,721  

Net assets

  $ 21,216,767     $ 19,554,651     $ 103,501,659  
                         

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

                       

Par value

  $ 2,065     $ 1,842     $ 3,763  

Paid-in capital

    21,345,995       19,631,019       107,630,344  

Total distributable earnings/(loss)

    (131,293 )     (78,210 )     (4,132,448 )

Net assets

  $ 21,216,767     $ 19,554,651     $ 103,501,659  
                         

CLASS I SHARES:

                       

Net assets applicable to Class I Shares

  $ 21,216,767     $ 19,554,651     $ 103,501,659  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    2,064,587       1,842,186       3,763,134  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

  $ 10.28     $ 10.61     $ 27.50  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
65

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Statements of Operations

FOR THE year ENDED August 31, 2023

 

   

SGI U.S.
Large Cap
Equity Fund

   

SGI U.S.
Small Cap
Equity Fund

   

SGI Global
Equity Fund

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

                       

Dividends

                       

Dividends from unaffiliated investments

  $ 7,778,272     $ 569,933     $ 2,766,791 (1) 

Dividends from affiliated investments (see Note 7)

                 

Interest

    190,436       24,071       108,531  

Total investment income

    7,968,708       594,004       2,875,322  
                         

EXPENSES

                       

Advisory fees (Note 2)

    2,821,020       344,825       912,478  

Transfer agent fees (Note 2)

    447,307       42,637       146,100  

Administration and accounting fees (Note 2)

    167,251       30,984       67,644  

Legal fees

    100,244       8,627       30,577  

Officer fees

    92,495       7,732       28,178  

Director fees

    78,218       6,493       23,621  

Distribution fees - Class A Shares

    74,365       17,773        

Printing and shareholder reporting fees

    57,646       10,602       17,684  

Registration and filing fees

    56,366       46,722       24,879  

Audit and tax service fees

    34,899       34,914       32,532  

Distribution fees - Class C Shares

    23,209       2,475        

Custodian fees (Note 2)

    6,912       2,510       5,177  

Other expenses

    55,954       6,890       16,797  

Total expenses before waivers and/or reimbursments

    4,015,886       563,184       1,305,667  

(Waiver and/or reimbursements) net of amounts recouped (Note 2)

    42,904       (96,478 )     (210,693 )

Net expenses after waivers and/or reimbursements net of amounts recouped

    4,058,790       466,706       1,094,974  

Net investment income/(loss)

    3,909,918       127,298       1,780,348  
                         

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS

                       

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

                       

Unaffiliated investments

    17,344,683       (880,174 )     (1,631,160 )

Affiliated investments (see Note 7)

                 

Distributions from unaffiliated investments

                 

Distributions from affiliated investments (see Note 7)

                 

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

                       

Unaffiliated investments

    1,974,967       1,386,365       8,032,739  

Affiliated investments (see Note 7)

                 

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    19,319,650       506,191       6,401,579  

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 23,229,568     $ 633,489     $ 8,181,927  

 

 

(1)

Net of foreign withholding taxes of $145,335.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
66

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Statements of Operations (Concluded)

FOR THE year ENDED August 31, 2023

 

   

SGI prudent
growth
Fund

   

SGI PEAK
GROWTH
FUND

   

SGI SMALL
CAP core
FUND

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

                       

Dividends

                       

Dividends from unaffiliated investments

  $ 201,908     $ 61,124     $ 1,309,512 (1) 

Dividends from affiliated investments (see Note 7)

    58,063       67,759        

Interest

    54,583       15,791       64,161  

Total investment income

    314,554       144,674       1,373,673  
                         

EXPENSES

                       

Advisory fees (Note 2)

    136,764       110,775       886,074  

Audit and tax service fees

    32,653       32,654       30,770  

Registration and filing fees

    22,976       25,352       30,580  

Transfer agent fees (Note 2)

    20,416       16,409       66,837  

Administration and accounting fees (Note 2)

    18,049       18,193       56,523  

Legal fees

    4,258       3,591       20,568  

Officer fees

    3,027       2,721       19,734  

Director fees

    2,777       2,534       15,929  

Printing and shareholder reporting fees

    2,704       3,197       20,903  

Custodian Fees (Note 2)

    1,798             4,714  

Other expenses

    4,406       3,122       13,995  

Total expenses before waivers and/or reimbursments

    249,828       218,548       1,166,627  

(Waivers and/or reimbursements) net of amounts recouped (Note 2)

    17,720       7,714       (19,394 )

Net expenses after waivers and/or reimbursements net of amounts recouped

    267,548       226,262       1,147,233  

Net investment income/(loss)

    47,006       (81,588 )     226,440  
                         

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS

                       

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

                       

Unaffiliated investments

    (105,023 )     37,722       3,864,198  

Affiliated investments (see Note 7)

    (193,894 )     (106,896 )      

Distributions from unaffiliated investments

                 

Distributions from affiliated investments (see Note 7)

    182,199       211,725        

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

                       

Unaffiliated investments

    176,986       84,217       3,754,938  

Affiliated investments (see Note 7)

    809,842       761,919        

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    870,110       988,687       7,619,136  

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 917,116     $ 907,099     $ 7,845,576  

 

 

(1)

Net of foreign withholding taxes of $1,498.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
67

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP EQUITY FUND

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

FOR THE
Year ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2023

   

FOR THE
Year ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2022

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 3,909,918     $ 4,060,570  

Net realized gain/(loss) on investments

             

Unaffiliated investments

    17,344,683       32,998,168  

Affliliated investments (see Note 7)

           

Distributions from unaffiliated investments

           

Distributions from affiliated investments (see Note 7)

           

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

               

Unaffiliated investments

    1,974,967       (93,076,221 )

Affliliated investments (see Note 7)

           

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    23,229,568       (56,017,483 )
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

               

Distributable earnings

               

Class I Shares

    (19,244,500 )     (70,369,928 )

Class A Shares

    (1,382,773 )     (4,188,567 )

Class C Shares

    (96,977 )     (407,055 )

Total distributable earnings

    (20,724,250 )     (74,965,550 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (20,724,250 )     (74,965,550 )
                 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

Class I Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    48,850,931       144,457,973  

Reinvestment of distributions

    19,066,017       69,783,969  

Shares redeemed

    (110,308,065 )     (206,070,941 )

Total from Class I Shares

    (42,391,117 )     8,171,001  

Class A Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    6,201,827       7,552,247  

Reinvestment of distributions

    1,381,238       4,175,944  

Shares redeemed

    (4,889,029 )     (5,400,063 )

Total from Class A Shares

    2,694,036       6,328,128  

Class C Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    121,554       509,725  

Reinvestment of distributions

    96,321       407,056  

Shares redeemed

    (473,379 )     (552,201 )

Total from Class C Shares

    (255,504 )     364,580  

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

    (39,952,585 )     14,863,709  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    (37,447,267 )     (116,119,324 )
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    422,379,533       538,498,857  

End of period

  $ 384,932,266     $ 422,379,533  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
68

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP EQUITY FUND

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets (Concluded)

 

   

FOR THE
Year ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2023

   

FOR THE
Year ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2022

 

SHARES TRANSACTIONS:

               

Class I Shares

               

Shares sold

    2,762,128       7,157,690  

Shares reinvested

    1,069,285       3,438,245  

Shares redeemed

    (6,239,269 )     (10,476,212 )

Total from Class I Shares

    (2,407,856 )     119,723  

Class A Shares

               

Shares sold

    350,650       384,694  

Shares reinvested

    77,361       205,477  

Shares redeemed

    (274,723 )     (273,529 )

Total from Class A Shares

    153,288       316,642  

Class C Shares

               

Shares sold

    7,199       27,067  

Shares reinvested

    5,649       20,811  

Shares redeemed

    (28,153 )     (28,539 )

Total from Class C Shares

    (15,305 )     19,339  

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    (2,269,873 )     455,704  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
69

 

 

SGI U.S. SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

FOR THE
Year ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2023

   

FOR THE
Year ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2022

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 127,298     $ (48,407 )

Net realized gain/(loss) on investments

             

Unaffiliated investments

    (880,174 )     2,417,101  

Affliliated investments (see Note 7)

           

Distributions from unaffiliated investments

           

Distributions from affiliated investments (see Note 7)

           

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

               

Unaffiliated investments

    1,386,365       (4,546,103 )

Affliliated investments (see Note 7)

           

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    633,489       (2,177,409 )
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

               

Distributable earnings

               

Class I Shares

    (87,609 )      

Class A Shares

    (737 )      

Class C Shares

    (20,341 )      

Total distributable earnings

    (108,687 )      

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (108,687 )      
                 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS DERIVED FROM CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

Class I Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    7,680,361       12,569,490  

Reinvestment of distributions

    87,609        

Shares redeemed

    (8,357,684 )     (9,477,086 )

Total from Class I Shares

    (589,714 )     3,092,404  

Class A Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    2,869,647       2,241,080  

Reinvestment of distributions

    20,340        

Shares redeemed

    (987,920 )     (1,363,685 )

Total from Class A Shares

    1,902,067       877,395  

Class C Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    27,959       165,617  

Reinvestment of distributions

    737        

Shares redeemed

    (4,967 )     (33,126 )

Total from Class C Shares

    23,729       132,491  

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

    1,336,082       4,102,290  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    1,860,884       1,924,881  
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    35,529,103       33,604,222  

End of period

  $ 37,389,987     $ 35,529,103  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
70

 

 

SGI U.S. SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets (Concluded)

 

   

FOR THE
Year ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2023

   

FOR THE
Year ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2022

 

SHARES TRANSACTIONS:

               

Class I Shares

               

Shares sold

    672,825       1,059,075  

Shares reinvested

    7,559        

Shares redeemed

    (741,052 )     (815,874 )

Total from Class I Shares

    (60,668 )     243,201  

Class A Shares

               

Shares sold

    255,672       193,899  

Shares reinvested

    1,769        

Shares redeemed

    (87,630 )     (118,388 )

Total from Class A Shares

    169,811       75,511  

Class C Shares

               

Shares sold

    2,658       14,668  

Shares reinvested

    67        

Shares redeemed

    (476 )     (2,925 )

Total from Class C Shares

    2,249       11,743  

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    111,392       330,455  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
71

 

 

SGI GLOBAL EQUITY FUND

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

FOR THE
Year ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2023

   

FOR THE
Year ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2022

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 1,780,348     $ 1,488,039  

Net realized gain/(loss) on investments

               

Unaffiliated investments

    (1,631,160 )     3,693,438  

Affliliated investments (see Note 7)

           

Distributions from unaffiliated investments

           

Distributions from affiliated investments (see Note 7)

           

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

               

Unaffiliated investments

    8,032,739       (17,031,168 )

Affliliated investments (see Note 7)

           

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    8,181,927       (11,849,691 )
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (4,229,443 )     (5,564,301 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (4,229,443 )     (5,564,301 )
                 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS DERIVED FROM CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

Class I Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    42,896,182       44,280,649  

Reinvestment of distributions

    4,221,767       5,546,851  

Shares redeemed

    (19,033,537 )     (26,188,347 )

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

    28,084,412       23,639,153  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    32,036,896       6,225,161  
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    118,260,055       112,034,894  

End of period

  $ 150,296,951     $ 118,260,055  
 

SHARES TRANSACTIONS:

               

Class I Shares

               

Shares sold

    1,284,747       1,230,209  

Shares reinvested

    128,236       147,482  

Shares redeemed

    (572,849 )     (734,082 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    840,134       643,609  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
72

 

 

SGI PRUDENT GROWTH FUND

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

FOR THE
Year ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2023

   

FOR THE
Year ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2022

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 47,006     $ 28,331  

Net realized gain/(loss) on investments

               

Unaffiliated investments

    (105,023 )     (361,608 )

Affliliated investments (see Note 7)

    (193,894 )     (50,151 )

Distributions from unaffiliated investments

          408  

Distributions from affiliated investments (see Note 7)

    182,199       586,054  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

               

Unaffiliated investments

    176,986       (551,350 )

Affliliated investments (see Note 7)

    809,842       (1,160,252 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    917,116       (1,508,568 )
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (23,212 )     (711,629 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (23,212 )     (711,629 )
                 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS DERIVED FROM CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

Class I Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    8,960,109       8,772,783  

Reinvestment of distributions

    23,212       711,630  

Shares redeemed

    (4,187,290 )     (2,544,827 )

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

    4,796,031       6,939,586  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    5,689,935       4,719,389  
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    15,526,832       10,807,443  

End of period

  $ 21,216,767     $ 15,526,832  
                 

SHARES TRANSACTIONS:

               

Class I Shares

               

Shares sold

    893,341       842,898  

Shares reinvested

    2,400       63,117  

Shares redeemed

    (416,101 )     (245,918 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    479,640       660,097  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
73

 

 

SGI PEAK GROWTH FUND

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

FOR THE
Year ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2023

   

FOR THE
Year ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2022

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ (81,588 )   $ (38,703 )

Net realized gain/(loss) on investments

               

Unaffiliated investments

    37,722       (258,784 )

Affliliated investments (see Note 7)

    (106,896 )     (568,114 )

Distributions from unaffiliated investments

           

Distributions from affiliated investments (see Note 7)

    211,725       1,078,082  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

               

Unaffiliated investments

    84,217       (271,683 )

Affliliated investments (see Note 7)

    761,919       (1,508,086 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    907,099       (1,567,288 )
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (1,109 )     (1,403,072 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (1,109 )     (1,403,072 )
                 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS DERIVED FROM CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

Class I Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    7,812,686       10,556,163  

Reinvestment of distributions

    1,109       1,403,072  

Shares redeemed

    (2,153,372 )     (6,940,249 )

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

    5,660,423       5,018,986  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    6,566,413       2,048,626  
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    12,988,238       10,939,612  

End of period

  $ 19,554,651     $ 12,988,238  
                 

SHARES TRANSACTIONS:

               

Class I Shares

               

Shares sold

    752,103       947,764  

Shares reinvested

    113       119,437  

Shares redeemed

    (209,678 )     (633,856 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    542,538       433,345  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
74

 

 

SGI SMALL CAP CORE FUND

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

FOR THE
Year ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2023

   

FOR THE
Year ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2022

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 226,440     $ (317,054 )

Net realized gain/(loss) on investments

               

Unaffiliated investments

    3,864,198       (7,094,288 )

Affliliated investments (see Note 7)

           

Distributions from unaffiliated investments

           

Distributions from affiliated investments (see Note 7)

           

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

               

Unaffiliated investments

    3,754,938       (2,150,230 )

Affliliated investments (see Note 7)

           

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    7,845,576       (9,561,572 )
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (554,990 )     (24,978,857 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (554,990 )     (24,978,857 )
                 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS DERIVED FROM CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

Class I Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    20,090,886       27,264,934  

Reinvestment of distributions

    548,528       24,457,949  

Shares redeemed

    (14,264,163 )     (24,755,295 )

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

    6,375,251       26,967,588  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    13,665,837       (7,572,841 )
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    89,835,822       97,408,663  

End of period

  $ 103,501,659     $ 89,835,822  
                 

SHARES TRANSACTIONS:

               

Class I Shares

               

Shares sold

    767,765       990,971  

Shares reinvested

    21,544       884,875  

Shares redeemed

    (545,180 )     (877,969 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    244,129       997,877  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
75

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP EQUITY FUND

 

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for Class I Shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

Class I Shares

 
   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2023

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2022

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2021

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2020

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2019

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 17.85     $ 23.21     $ 19.55     $ 18.24     $ 17.97  

Net Investment Income (Loss) (1)

    0.18       0.17       0.03       0.14       0.18  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments (2)

    0.88       (2.27 )     3.76       1.66       0.75  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    1.06       (2.10 )     3.79       1.80       0.93  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

    (0.20 )     (0.04 )     (0.08 )     (0.18 )     (0.11 )

Net realized capital gain

    (0.71 )     (3.22 )     (0.05 )     (0.31 )     (0.55 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.91 )     (3.26 )     (0.13 )     (0.49 )     (0.66 )

Net Asset Value, end of period

  $ 18.00     $ 17.85     $ 23.21     $ 19.55     $ 18.24  

Total investment return/(loss) (3)

    6.02 %     (10.71 )%     19.46 %     10.10 %     5.83 %
                                         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 351,360     $ 391,548     $ 506,159     $ 556,511     $ 497,097  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements net of amounts recouped

    0.98 %     0.92 %     0.87 %     0.85 %     0.93 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and reimbursements net of amounts recouped

    0.97 %     0.96 %     0.87 %     0.85 %     0.86 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    0.99 %     0.85 %     0.15 %     0.76 %     1.07 %

Portfolio turnover rate (4)

    88 %     133 %     91 %     129 %     104 %

 

 

(1)

The selected per share data is calculated based on the average shares outstanding method for the period.

(2)

The amount shown may not correlate with the change in the aggregate gains and losses due to the timing of sales and purchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to fluctuating market values for the Fund’s portfolio.

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(4)

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
76

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP EQUITY FUND

 

Financial Highlights (continued)

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for Class A Shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

Class a Shares

 
   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2023

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2022

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2021

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2020

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2019

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 17.88     $ 23.25     $ 19.59     $ 18.29     $ 17.99  

Net Investment Income (Loss) (1)

    0.13       0.12       (0.02 )     0.08       0.14  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments (2)

    0.87       (2.27 )     3.77       1.67       0.76  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    1.00       (2.15 )     3.75       1.75       0.90  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

    (0.15 )           (0.04 )     (0.14 )     (0.05 )

Net realized capital gain

    (0.71 )     (3.22 )     (0.05 )     (0.31 )     (0.55 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.86 )     (3.22 )     (0.09 )     (0.45 )     (0.60 )

Net Asset Value, end of period

  $ 18.02     $ 17.88     $ 23.25     $ 19.59     $ 18.29  

Total investment return/(loss) (3)

    5.69 %     (10.89 )%     19.20 %     9.78 %     5.61 %
                                         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 31,276     $ 28,285     $ 29,423     $ 23,424     $ 14,751  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements net of amounts recouped

    1.23 %     1.17 %     1.12 %     1.10 %     1.18 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and reimbursements net of amounts recouped

    1.22 %     1.21 %     1.12 %     1.10 %     1.11 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    0.74 %     0.64 %     (0.09 )%     0.47 %     0.84 %

Portfolio turnover rate (4)

    88 %     133 %     91 %     129 %     104 %

 

 

(1)

The selected per share data is calculated based on the average shares outstanding method for the period.

(2)

The amount shown may not correlate with the change in the aggregate gains and losses due to the timing of sales and purchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to fluctuating market values for the Fund’s portfolio.

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any. Total investment return does not reflect any applicable sales charge.

(4)

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
77

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP EQUITY FUND

 

Financial Highlights (CONCLUDED)

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for Class C Shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

Class c Shares

 
   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2023

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2022

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2021

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2020

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2019

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 17.12     $ 22.54     $ 19.11     $ 17.79     $ 17.59  

Net Investment Income (Loss) (1)

          (0.03 )     (0.17 )     (0.05 )     0.01  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments (2)

    0.83       (2.17 )     3.65       1.71       0.74  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    0.83       (2.20 )     3.48       1.66       0.75  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

    (0.02 )           0.00       (0.03 )      

Net realized capital gain

    (0.71 )     (3.22 )     (0.05 )     (0.31 )     (0.55 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.73 )     (3.22 )     (0.05 )     (0.34 )     (0.55 )

Net Asset Value, end of period

  $ 17.22     $ 17.12     $ 22.54     $ 19.11     $ 17.79  

Total investment return/(loss) (3)

    4.93 %     (11.54 )%     18.25 %     9.47 %     4.78 %
                                         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 2,297     $ 2,546     $ 2,917     $ 2,915     $ 2,350  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements net of amounts recouped

    1.98 %     1.92 %     1.87 %     1.85 %     1.93 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and reimbursements net of amounts recouped

    1.97 %     1.96 %     1.87 %     1.85 %     1.86 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    (0.01 )%     (0.15 )%     (0.84 )%     (0.26 )%     0.07 %

Portfolio turnover rate (4)

    88 %     133 %     91 %     129 %     104 %

 

 

(1)

The selected per share data is calculated based on the average shares outstanding method for the period.

(2)

The amount shown may not correlate with the change in the aggregate gains and losses due to the timing of sales and purchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to fluctuating market values for the Fund’s portfolio.

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(4)

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
78

 

 

SGI U.S. SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND

 

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for Class I Shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

Class i Shares

 
   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2023

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2022

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2021

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2020

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2019

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 11.28     $ 11.91     $ 10.03     $ 11.49     $ 13.82  

Net Investment Income (Loss) (1)

    0.05       (0.01 )     (0.02 )     0.07       0.14  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on Investments (2)

    0.17       (0.62 )     1.92       (1.40 )     (1.89 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    0.22       (0.63 )     1.90       (1.33 )     (1.75 )

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

                (0.02 )     (0.13 )     (0.04 )

Net realized capital gain

    (0.03 )                       (0.54 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.03 )           (0.02 )     (0.13 )     (0.58 )

Net Asset Value, end of period

  $ 11.47     $ 11.28     $ 11.91     $ 10.03     $ 11.49  

Total investment return/(loss) (3)

    1.98 %     (5.29 )%     19.02 %     (11.75 )%     (12.43 )%
                                         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 28,995     $ 29,180     $ 27,913     $ 42,830     $ 33,707  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements

    1.23 %     1.23 %     1.23 %     1.23 %     1.23 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and reimbursements

    1.50 %     1.46 %     1.40 %     1.36 %     1.40 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    0.41 %     (0.09 )%     (0.22 )%     0.68 %     1.19 %

Portfolio turnover rate (4)

    104 %     123 %     135 %     151 %     145 %

 

 

(1)

The selected per share data is calculated based on the average shares outstanding method for the period.

(2)

The amount shown may not correlate with the change in the aggregate gains and losses due to the timing of sales and purchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to fluctuating market values for the Fund’s portfolio.

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(4)

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
79

 

 

SGI U.S. SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND

 

Financial Highlights (continued)

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for Class A Shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

Class A Shares

 
   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2023

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2022

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2021

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2020

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2019

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 11.20     $ 11.85     $ 10.00     $ 11.46     $ 13.80  

Net Investment Income (Loss) (1)

    0.02       (0.04 )     (0.05 )     0.03       0.11  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on Investments (2)

    0.17       (0.61 )     1.92       (1.38 )     (1.88 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    0.19       (0.65 )     1.87       (1.35 )     (1.77 )

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

                (0.02 )     (0.11 )     (0.03 )

Net realized capital gain

    (0.03 )                       (0.54 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.03 )           (0.02 )     (0.11 )     (0.57 )

Net Asset Value, end of period

  $ 11.36     $ 11.20     $ 11.85     $ 10.00     $ 11.46  

Total investment return/(loss) (3)

    1.73 %     (5.49 )%     18.69 %     (11.95 )%     (12.61 )%
                                         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 8,131     $ 6,111     $ 5,573     $ 6,905     $ 3,892  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements

    1.48 %     1.48 %     1.48 %     1.48 %     1.48 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and reimbursements

    1.75 %     1.71 %     1.65 %     1.61 %     1.65 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    0.16 %     (0.34 )%     (0.48 )%     0.32 %     0.94 %

Portfolio turnover rate (4)

    104 %     123 %     135 %     151 %     145 %

 

 

(1)

The selected per share data is calculated based on the average shares outstanding method for the period.

(2)

The amount shown may not correlate with the change in the aggregate gains and losses due to the timing of sales and purchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to fluctuating market values for the Fund’s portfolio.

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any. Total investment return does not reflect any applicable sales charge.

(4)

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
80

 

 

SGI U.S. SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND

 

Financial Highlights (CONCLUDED)

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for Class C Shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

Class C Shares

 
   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2023

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2022

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2021

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2020

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2019

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.83     $ 11.48     $ 9.75     $ 11.22     $ 13.59  

Net Investment Income (Loss) (1)

    (0.06 )     (0.12 )     (0.14 )     (0.03 )     0.01  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on Investments (2)

    0.16       (0.53 )     1.87       (1.37 )     (1.84 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    0.10       (0.65 )     1.73       (1.40 )     (1.83 )

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

                                     

Net realized capital gain

    (0.03 )                 (0.07 )     (0.54 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.03 )                 (0.07 )     (0.54 )

Net Asset Value, end of period

  $ 10.90     $ 10.83     $ 11.48     $ 9.75     $ 11.22  

Total investment return/(loss) (3)

    0.96 %     (5.66 )%     17.74 %     (12.57 )%     (13.30 )%
                                         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 265     $ 238     $ 118     $ 102     $ 114  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements

    2.23 %     2.23 %     2.23 %     2.23 %     2.23 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and reimbursements

    2.50 %     2.46 %     2.40 %     2.36 %     2.40 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    (0.59 )%     (1.06 )%     (1.26 )%     (0.29 )%     0.09 %

Portfolio turnover rate (4)

    104 %     123 %     135 %     151 %     145 %

 

 

(1)

The selected per share data is calculated based on the average shares outstanding method for the period.

(2)

The amount shown may not correlate with the change in the aggregate gains and losses due to the timing of sales and purchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to fluctuating market values for the Fund’s portfolio.

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(4)

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
81

 

 

SGI GLOBAL EQUITY FUND

 

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for Class I shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

Class I Shares

 
   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2023

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2022

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2021

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2020

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2019

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 33.16     $ 38.33     $ 32.93     $ 32.62     $ 30.30  

Net Investment Income (Loss) (1)

    0.45       0.45       0.38       0.41       0.53  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on Investments (2)

    1.62       (3.77 )     5.24       1.06       2.20  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    2.07       (3.32 )     5.62       1.47       2.73  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

    (0.31 )     (0.58 )     (0.22 )     (0.85 )     (0.41 )

Net realized capital gain

    (0.81 )     (1.27 )           (0.31 )      

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (1.12 )     (1.85 )     (0.22 )     (1.16 )     (0.41 )

Redemption fees added to paid-in capital

                            (3) 

Net Asset Value, end of period

  $ 34.11     $ 33.16     $ 38.33     $ 32.93     $ 32.62  

Total investment return/(loss) (4)

    6.39 %     (9.20 )%     17.15 %     4.53 %     9.18 %
                                         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 150,297     $ 118,260     $ 112,035     $ 58,262     $ 21,520  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements

    0.84 %     0.84 %     0.97 %     0.84 %     0.84 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and reimbursements

    1.00 %     1.01 %     1.10 %     0.98 %     1.11 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    1.37 %     1.24 %     1.26 %     1.32 %     1.75 %

Portfolio turnover rate (5)

    96 %     87 %     88 %     122 %     74 %

 

 

(1)

The selected per share data is calculated based on the average shares outstanding method for the period.

(2)

The amount shown may not correlate with the change in the aggregate gains and losses due to the timing of sales and purchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to fluctuating market values for the Fund’s portfolio.

(3)

Amount represents less than $0.005 per share.

(4)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(5)

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
82

 

 

SGI PRUDENT GROWTH FUND

 

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for Class I shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

CLASS I SHARES

 
   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2023

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2022

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2021

   

FOR THE
PERIOD
ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2020
(1)

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                               

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 9.80     $ 11.69     $ 10.60     $ 10.00  

Net Investment Income (Loss) (2)

    0.03       0.02       (0.07 )     (0.03 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on Investments (3)

    0.46       (1.26 )     1.16       0.63  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    0.49       (1.24 )     1.09       0.60  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                               

Net investment income

    (0.01 )     (0.40 )     (4)       

Net realized capital gain

          (0.25 )     (4)       

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.01 )     (0.65 )            

Net Asset Value, end of period

  $ 10.28     $ 9.80     $ 11.69     $ 10.60  

Total investment return/(loss) (5)

    5.04 %     (11.26 )%     10.34 %     6.00 %(7)
                                 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                               

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 21,217     $ 15,527     $ 10,807     $ 6,408  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements

    1.47 %     1.70 %     1.70 %     1.70 %(6)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and reimbursements

    1.37 %     1.61 %     1.75 %     3.97 %(6)

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    0.26 %     0.23 %     (0.67 )%     (1.08 )%(6)

Portfolio turnover rate (8)

    61 %     67 %     170 %     6 %(7)

 

 

(1)

The Fund commenced investment operations on June 8, 2020.

(2)

The selected per share data is calculated based on the average shares outstanding method for the period.

(3)

The amount shown may not correlate with the change in the aggregate gains and losses due to the timing of sales and purchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to fluctuating market values for the Fund’s portfolio.

(4)

Amount represents less than $0.005 per share.

(5)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(6)

Annualized.

(7)

Not annualized.

(8)

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
83

 

 

SGI PEAK GROWTH FUND

 

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for Class I shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

CLASS I SHARES

 
   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2023

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2022

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2021

   

FOR THE
PERIOD
ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2020
(1)

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                               

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 9.99     $ 12.63     $ 10.94     $ 10.00  

Net Investment Income (Loss) (2)

    (0.06 )     (0.03 )     (0.14 )     (0.04 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on Investments (3)

    0.68       (1.27 )     1.83       0.98  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    0.62       (1.30 )     1.69       0.94  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                               

Net investment income

    (4)      (0.75 )            

Net realized capital gain

          (0.59 )            

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

          (1.34 )            

Net Asset Value, end of period

  $ 10.61     $ 9.99     $ 12.63     $ 10.94  

Total investment return/(loss) (5)

    6.22 %     (11.64 )%     15.45 %     9.40 %(6)
                                 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                               

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 19,555     $ 12,988     $ 10,940     $ 7,327  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements

    1.53 %     1.70 %     1.70 %     1.70 %(7)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and reimbursements

    1.48 %     1.58 %     1.74 %     3.52 %(7)

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    (0.55 )%     (0.29 )%     (1.17 )%     (1.58 )%(7)

Portfolio turnover rate (8)

    26 %     88 %     178 %     5 %(6)

 

 

(1)

The Fund commenced investment operations on June 8, 2020.

(2)

The selected per share data is calculated based on the average shares outstanding method for the period.

(3)

The amount shown may not correlate with the change in the aggregate gains and losses due to the timing of sales and purchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to fluctuating market values for the Fund’s portfolio.

(4)

Amount represents less than $0.005 per share.

(5)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(6)

Not annualized.

(7)

Annualized.

(8)

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
84

 

 

SGI SMALL CAP CORE FUND

 

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2023

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2022

   

FOR THE
YEAR
ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2021
(1)

   

FOR THE
YEAR
ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2020

   

FOR THE
YEAR
ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2019

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 25.53     $ 38.64     $ 28.16     $ 25.67     $ 35.14  

Net Investment Income (Loss) (2)

    0.06       (0.10 )     (0.15 )     (0.10 )     (0.15 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on Investments (3)

    2.06       (2.97 )     12.33       2.68       (5.55 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    2.12       (3.07 )     12.18       2.58       (5.70 )

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

                (0.07 )            

Net realized capital gain

    (0.15 )     (10.04 )     (1.63 )     (0.09 )     (3.77 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.15 )     (10.04 )     (1.70 )     (0.09 )     (3.77 )

Net Asset Value, end of period

  $ 27.50     $ 25.53     $ 38.64     $ 28.16     $ 25.67  

Total investment return/(loss) (4)

    8.37 %     (9.93 )%     44.61 %     10.04 %     (16.02 )%
                                         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 103,502     $ 89,836     $ 97,409     $ 57,109     $ 69,302  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements

    1.23 %     1.23 %     1.07 %     1.25 %     1.25 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and reimbursements (5)

    1.25 %     1.33 %     1.12 %     1.38 %     1.37 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    0.24 %     (0.34 )%     (0.37 )%     (0.38 )%     (0.53 )%

Portfolio turnover rate (6)

    197 %     270 %     314 %     302 %     344 %

 

 

(1)

Effective as of the close of business on March 15, 2021, the Adviser took over management of the SGI Small Cap Core Fund from its predecessor investment manager.

(2)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.

(3)

The amount shown may not correlate with the change in the aggregate gains and losses due to the timing of sales and purchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to fluctuating market values for the Fund’s portfolio.

(4)

Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(5)

During the current fiscal period, certain fees were waived and/or reimbursed. If such fee waivers and/or reimbursements had not occurred, the ratios would have been as indicated (See Note 2).

(6)

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
85

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

 

The RBB Fund, Inc. (“RBB” or the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland on February 29, 1988 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the “1940 Act”) as an open-end management investment company. RBB is a “series fund,” which is a mutual fund complex divided into separate portfolios. Each portfolio is treated as a separate entity for certain matters under the 1940 Act, and for other purposes, and a shareholder of one portfolio is not deemed to be a shareholder of any other portfolio. Currently, RBB has fifty-three separate investment portfolios, including the SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund, the SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund, the SGI Global Equity Fund, the SGI Prudent Growth Fund, the SGI Peak Growth Fund and the SGI Small Cap Core Fund (each, a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”). The SGI Small Cap Core Fund, the SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund and the SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund commenced investment operations on October 1, 1999, February 29, 2012 and March 31, 2016, respectively. The SGI Prudent Growth Fund and the SGI Peak Growth Fund commenced investment operations on June 8, 2020.

 

Effective as of the close of business on March 15, 2021, Summit Global Investments, LLC (“Summit” or the “Adviser”) took over management of the SGI Small Cap Core Fund from its predecessor investment manager.

 

As of the end of the reporting period, the SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund, the SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund and the SGI Global Equity Fund all offer three classes of shares: Class I Shares, Class A Shares and Class C Shares; the SGI Prudent Growth Fund, the SGI Peak Growth Fund and the SGI Small Cap Core Fund, all offer one class of shares; Class I Shares. As of the end of the reporting period, Class A Shares and Class C Shares of the SGI Global Equity Fund were not yet operational.

 

RBB has authorized capital of one hundred billion shares of common stock of which 91.523 billion shares are currently classified into two hundred and twenty-two classes of common stock. Each class represents an interest in an active or inactive investment portfolio of the Company.

 

The investment objective of the SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund is to outperform the S&P 500® Low Volatility Index over a market cycle while reducing overall volatility. The investment objective of the SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund is to outperform the S&P SmallCap® Low Volatility Index over a market cycle while reducing overall volatility. The investment objective of each of the SGI Global Equity Fund, the SGI Prudent Growth Fund and the SGI Small Cap Core Fund is to seek long-term capital appreciation. The investment objective of the SGI Peak Growth Fund is to seek capital appreciation.

 

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

 

The end of the reporting period for the Funds is August 31, 2023, and the period covered by these Notes to Financial Statements is the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023 (the “current fiscal period”).

 

Portfolio Valuation — Each Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. Securities held by the Funds are valued using the closing price or the last sale price on a national securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System (“NASDAQ”) market system where they are primarily traded. Equity securities traded in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market are valued at their closing prices. If there were no transactions on that day, securities traded principally on an exchange or on NASDAQ will be valued at the mean of the last bid and ask prices prior to the market close. Fixed income securities are valued using an independent pricing service, which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings, and are deemed representative of market values at the close of the market. Investments in exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) are valued at their last reported sale price. Investments in other open-end investment companies, if any, are valued based on the NAV of those investment companies (which may use fair value pricing as disclosed in their prospectuses). If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable, securities will be valued by the Valuation Designee (as defined

 

86

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

below) in accordance with procedures adopted by The Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). Relying on prices supplied by pricing services or dealers or using fair valuation may result in values that are higher or lower than the values used by other investment companies and investors to price the same investments.

 

The Board has adopted a pricing and valuation policy for use by each Fund and its Valuation Designee (as defined below) in calculating the Fund’s NAV. Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Board has designated Summit as its “Valuation Designee” to perform all of the fair value determinations as well as to perform all of the responsibilities that may be performed by the Valuation Designee in accordance with Rule 2a-5. The Valuation Designee is authorized to make all necessary determinations of the fair values of portfolio securities and other assets for which market quotations are not readily available or if it is deemed that the prices obtained from brokers and dealers or independent pricing services are unreliable.

 

Fair Value Measurements — The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the Funds’ investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:

 

 

● Level 1 —

Prices are determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.

 

 

● Level 2 —

Prices are determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

 

● Level 3 —

Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs (including the Funds’ own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

 

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used, as of the end of the current fiscal period, in valuing each Fund’s investments carried at fair value:

 

   

Total

   

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

                               

Common Stocks

  $ 379,495,246     $ 379,495,246     $     $  

Short-Term Investments

    5,558,821       5,558,821              

Total Investments*

  $ 385,054,067     $ 385,054,067     $     $  
                                 

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

                               

Common Stocks

  $ 35,916,832     $ 35,916,832     $     $  

Exchange-Traded Funds

    1,137,640       1,137,640              

Short-Term Investments

    354,235       354,235              

Total Investments*

  $ 37,408,707     $ 37,408,707     $     $  
                                 

SGI Global Equity Fund

                               

Common Stocks

  $ 147,137,727     $ 147,137,727     $     $  

Short-Term Investments

    2,245,383       2,245,383              

Total Investments*

  $ 149,383,110     $ 149,383,110     $     $  
                                 

SGI PRUDENT GROWTH Fund

                               

Exchange-Traded Funds

  $ 10,089,074     $ 10,089,074     $     $  

Mutual Funds

    10,093,918       10,093,918              

Short-Term Investments

    1,069,102       1,069,102              

Total Investments*

  $ 21,252,094     $ 21,252,094     $     $  
                                 

 

87

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

   

Total

   

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

 

SGI PEAK GROWTH FUND

                               

Exchange-Traded Funds

  $ 4,579,680     $ 4,579,680     $     $  

Mutual Funds

    14,481,780       14,481,780              

Short-Term Investments

    393,615       393,615              

Total Investments*

  $ 19,455,075     $ 19,455,075     $     $  
                                 

SGI SMALL CAP core Fund

                               

Common Stocks

  $ 101,966,542     $ 101,966,542     $     $  

Short-Term Investments

    1,684,071       1,684,071              

Total Investments*

  $ 103,650,613     $ 103,650,613     $     $  

 

 

*

Please refer to Portfolio of Investments for further details.

 

At the end of each quarter, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities. Various factors are considered, such as changes in liquidity from the prior reporting period; whether or not a broker is willing to execute at the quoted price; the depth and consistency of prices from third party pricing services; and the existence of contemporaneous, observable trades in the market. Additionally, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities on a quarterly basis for changes in listings or delistings on national exchanges.

 

Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Funds’ investments may fluctuate from period to period. Additionally, the fair value of investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for such investments and may differ materially from the values the Funds may ultimately realize. Further, such investments may be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities.

 

For fair valuations using significant unobservable inputs, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires each Fund to present a reconciliation of the beginning to ending balances for reported market values that presents changes attributable to total realized and unrealized gains or losses, purchase and sales, and transfers in and out of Level 3 during the period. Transfers in and out between levels are based on values at the end of the period. A reconciliation of Level 3 investments is presented only if a Fund had an amount of Level 3 investments at the end of the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets. The amounts and reasons for all Level 3 transfers are disclosed if a Fund had an amount of total Level 3 transfers during the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets as of the end of the reporting period.

 

During the current fiscal period, the Funds had no Level 3 purchases, sales, or transfers.

 

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 and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences could be significant.

 

Investment Transactions, Investment Income and Expenses — The Funds record security transactions based on trade date for financial reporting purposes. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method for both financial reporting and income tax purposes in determining realized gains and losses on investments. Interest income (including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts) is accrued when earned. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. The Funds’ investment income, expenses (other than class specific expenses) and unrealized and realized gains and losses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class at the beginning of the day. Certain expenses are shared with The RBB Fund Trust (the “Trust”), a series trust of affiliated funds. Expenses

 

88

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

incurred on behalf of a specific class, fund or fund family of the Company or Trust are charged directly to the class, fund or fund family (in proportion to net assets). Expenses incurred for all funds (such as director or professional fees) are charged to all funds in proportion to their average net assets of RBB and the Trust, or in such other manner as the Board deems fair or equitable. Expenses and fees, including investment advisory and administration fees, are accrued daily and taken into account for the purpose of determining the NAV of the Funds.

 

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders — Dividends from net investment income and distributions from net realized capital gains, if any, are declared and paid at least annually to shareholders and recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income dividends and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

 

U.S. tax status — No provision is made for U.S. income taxes as it is each Fund’s intention to continue to qualify for and elect the tax treatment applicable to regulated investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and make the requisite distributions to its shareholders which will be sufficient to relieve it from U.S. income and excise taxes.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents — Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates market value.

 

Other — In the normal course of business, the Funds may enter into contracts that provide general indemnifications. Each Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on claims that may be made against the Funds in the future, and, therefore, cannot be estimated; however, the Funds expect the risk of material loss from such claims to be remote.

 

2. Investment Adviser and Other Services

 

Summit Global Investments, LLC serves as the investment adviser to each Fund. Each Fund compensates the Adviser for its services at an annual rate based on each Fund’s average daily net assets (the “Advisory Fee”), payable on a monthly basis in arrears, as shown in the following table.

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent that total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) exceed the rates (“Expense Caps”) shown in the following table of each Fund’s average daily net assets. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed the Expense Caps as applicable: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary expenses, interest and taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2023 for each Fund and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board. The Adviser may discontinue these arrangements at any time after a Fund’s respective contractual limitation expiration date.

 

FUND

 

ADVISORY FEE

   

EXPENSE CAPS

 
           

CLASS I

   

CLASS A

   

CLASS C

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

    0.70 %     0.98 %     1.23 %     1.98 %

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

    0.95       1.23       1.48       2.23  

SGI Global Equity Fund

    0.70       0.84       1.09       1.84  

SGI Prudent Growth Fund

    0.75       1.70              

SGI Peak Growth Fund

    0.75       1.70              

SGI Small Cap Core Fund

    0.95       1.23              

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

If at any time a Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses for a year are less than the relevant share class’ Expense Cap, the Adviser is entitled to recoup from the Fund the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such recoupment does not cause the Fund to exceed the relevant share class’s Expense Cap that was in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

During the current fiscal period, investment advisory fees accrued, waived and/or reimbursed and recoupments were as follows:

 

FUND

 

Gross
Advisory Fees

   

Waivers AND/OR
Reimbursements*

   

RECOUPMENTS

   

Net
Advisory Fees

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

  $ 2,821,020     $ (87,307 )   $ 130,211     $ 2,863,924  

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

    344,825       (96,478 )           248,347  

SGI Global Equity Fund

    912,478       (210,693 )           701,785  

SGI Prudent Growth Fund

    136,764             17,720       154,484  

SGI Peak Growth Fund

    110,775             7,714       118,489  

SGI Small Cap Core Fund

    886,074       (21,348 )     1,954       866,680  

 

As of the end of the reporting period, the Funds had amounts available for recoupment by the Adviser as follows:

 

   

EXPIRATION

 

FUND

 

August 31,
2024

   

August 31,
2025

   

August 31,
2026

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

  $     $ 67,871     $ 87,307  

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

    75,377       81,169       96,478  

SGI Global Equity Fund

    97,962       209,841       210,693  

SGI Prudent Growth Fund

                 

SGI Peak Growth Fund

                 

SGI Small Cap Core Fund

    38,737       88,935       21,348  

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (“Fund Services”), serves as administrator for the Funds. For providing administrative and accounting services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Fund Services serves as the Funds’ transfer and dividend disbursing agent. For providing transfer agent services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

U.S. Bank, N.A. (the “Custodian”) provides certain custodial services to the Funds. The Custodian is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Quasar Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of Foreside Financial Group, LLC, serves as the principal underwriter and distributor of the Funds’ shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with RBB.

 

For compensation amounts paid to Fund Services and the Custodian, please refer to the Statements of Operations.

 

The Board has adopted a Plan of Distribution (the “Plan”) for the Class A Shares and Class C Shares of the Funds pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Plan, the Distributor is entitled to receive from each Fund a distribution fee with respect to the Shares, which is accrued daily and paid monthly, of up to 0.25% on an annualized basis of the average daily net assets of the Class A Shares and up to 1.00% on an annualized basis of the average daily net assets of the Class C Shares. The actual amount of such compensation under the Plan is agreed upon by the

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

Board and by the Distributor. Because these fees are paid out of each Fund’s assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges. Amounts paid to the Distributor under the Plan may be used by the Distributor to cover expenses that are related to (i) the sale of the Shares, (ii) ongoing servicing and/or maintenance of the accounts of shareholders, and (iii) sub-transfer agency services, subaccounting services or administrative services related to the sale of the Shares, all as set forth in each Fund’s 12b-1 Plan.

 

3. DIRECTOR AND OFFICER Compensation

 

The Directors of the Company receive an annual retainer and meeting fees for meetings attended. An employee of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serves as Chief Compliance Officer of the Company. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company. Employees of RBB serve as President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Secretary and Director of Marketing & Business Development of the Company. They are compensated for services provided. Certain employees of Fund Services serve as officers of the Company. They are not compensated by the Funds or the Company. For Director and Officer compensation amounts, please refer to the Statements of Operations.

 

4. Purchases and Sales of Investment Securities

 

During the current fiscal period, aggregate purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) of the Funds were as follows:

 

FUND

 

Purchases

   

Sales

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

  $ 351,679,749     $ 411,408,695  

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

    38,358,943       37,240,651  

SGI Global Equity Fund

    146,527,356       122,801,011  

SGI Prudent Growth Fund

    16,585,468       10,210,543  

SGI Peak Growth Fund

    9,675,369       3,838,185  

SGI Small Cap Core Fund

    188,761,319       182,344,929  

 

There were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. Government securities during the current fiscal period.

 

5. Federal Income Tax Information

 

The Funds have followed the authoritative guidance on accounting for and disclosure of uncertainty in tax positions, which requires the Funds to determine whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The Funds have determined that there was no effect on the financial statements from following this authoritative guidance. In the normal course of business, the Funds are subject to examination by federal, state and local jurisdictions, where applicable, for tax years for which applicable statutes of limitations have not expired.

 

91

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

As of August 31, 2023, the federal tax cost and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments held by each Fund were as follows:

 

   

Federal Tax
Cost

   

Unrealized
Appreciation

   

Unrealized
(Depreciation)

   

Net Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

  $ 340,644,664     $ 52,927,000     $ (8,517,597 )   $ 44,409,403  

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

    35,293,291       4,300,872       (2,185,456 )     2,115,416  

SGI Global Equity Fund

    142,346,797       12,149,418       (5,113,105 )     7,036,313  

SGI Prudent Growth Fund

    21,163,275       713,443       (624,624 )     88,819  

SGI Peak Growth Fund

    19,522,487       848,137       (915,549 )     (67,412 )

SGI Small Cap Core Fund

    101,856,766       7,519,025       (5,725,178 )     1,793,847  

 

The difference between the book basis and tax basis cost and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments is attributable primarily to timing differences related to wash sales and investments in passive foreign investment companies.

 

Distributions to shareholders, if any, from net investment income and realized gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from net investment income and realized gains recognized for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the character of distributions and composition of net assets for tax purposes may differ from those reflected in the accompanying financial statements. Any permanent differences resulting from different book and tax treatment are reclassified at year-end and have no impact on net income, NAV or NAV per share of the Funds.

 

Permanent differences as of August 31, 2023, primarily attributable to Net Operating Losses and Deemed Distributions due to Shareholder Redemptions were reclassified among the following accounts:

 

   

Distributable
Earnings/(loss)

   

Paid-in
Capital

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

  $ (1,807,871 )   $ 1,807,871  

SGI Global Equity Fund

    151       (151 )

SGI Prudent Growth Fund

    46       (46 )

SGI Peak Growth Fund

    70,378       (70,378 )

SGI Small Cap Core Fund

    77,034       (77,034 )

 

As of August 31, 2023, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

FUND

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

   

Undistributed
Long-term
capital gains

   

Capital
Loss Carry
Forward

   

Qualified
Late-
Year Loss
Deferral

   

Other
Temporary
Differences

   

Net
Unrealized
Appreciation/

(Depreciation)

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

  $ 1,932,135     $ 12,258,937     $     $     $     $ 44,409,403  

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

    80,453             (1,066,098 )                 2,115,416  

SGI Global Equity Fund

    1,169,463                   (1,707,840 )           7,036,313  

SGI Prudent Growth Fund

                (180,815 )     (29,431 )     (9,866 )     88,819  

SGI Peak Growth Fund

          116,992             (115,523 )     (12,267 )     (67,412 )

SGI Small Cap Core Fund

                (5,926,295 )                 1,793,847  

 

92

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

The differences between the book and tax basis components of distributable earnings relate primarily to wash sales and investments in passive foreign investment companies.

 

The tax character of dividends and distributions paid during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2023 was as follows:

 

           

2023

         

FUND

 

Ordinary
Income

   

Long-Term
Gains

   

TOTAL

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

  $ 4,425,439     $ 16,298,811     $ 20,724,250  

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

    1       108,686       108,687  

SGI Global Equity Fund

    1,176,535       3,052,908       4,229,443  

SGI Prudent Growth Fund

    23,212             23,212  

SGI Peak Growth Fund

          1,109       1,109  

SGI Small Cap Core Fund

          554,990       554,990  

 

The tax character of dividends and distributions paid during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022 was as follows:

 

FUND

 

Ordinary
Income

   

Long-Term
Gains

   

TOTAL

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

  $ 22,024,821     $ 52,940,729     $ 74,965,550  

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

                 

SGI Global Equity Fund

    2,759,100       2,805,201       5,564,301  

SGI Prudent Growth Fund

    661,801       49,828       711,629  

SGI Peak Growth Fund

    1,309,074       93,998       1,403,072  

SGI Small Cap Core Fund

    23,796,320       1,182,537       24,978,857  

 

Dividends from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income dividends for federal income tax purposes.

 

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010, the Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 for an unlimited period. Additionally, capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses rather than being considered all short-term as under the previous law. As of August 31, 2023, the SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund had $1,066,098 of short-term loss carryovers, and the SGI Prudent Growth Fund had $39,299 of short-term loss carryovers, as well as $141,516 of long-term loss carryovers, and the SGI Small Cap Core Fund had $5,926,295 of short-term loss carryovers. During the fiscal year, the SGI Peak Growth Fund utilized $114,721 of carry forward capital losses.

 

93

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

Pursuant to federal income tax rules applicable to regulated investment companies, the Fund may elect to treat certain capital losses between November 1 and August 31 and late year ordinary losses ((i) ordinary losses between January 1 and August 31, and (ii) specified ordinary and currency losses between November 1 and August 31) as occurring on the first day of the following tax year. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, any amount of losses elected within the tax return will not be recognized for federal income tax purposes until September 1, 2023.

 

   

Late-year
ordinary loss
deferral

   

post-october
capital loss
deferral

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

  $     $  

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

           

SGI Global Equity Fund

          1,707,840  

SGI Prudent Growth Fund

    29,431        

SGI Peak Growth Fund

    115,523        

SGI Small Cap Core Fund

           

 

6. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS AND REGULATORY UPDATES

 

In June 2022, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2022-03, which amends Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions (“ASU 2022-03”). ASU 2022-03 clarifies guidance for fair value measurement of an equity security subject to a contractual sale restriction and establishes new disclosure requirements for such equity securities. ASU 2022-03 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of these amendments on the financial statements.

 

In October 2022, the SEC adopted a final rule relating to tailored shareholder reports for mutual funds and exchange-traded funds and fee information in investment company advertisements. The rule and form amendments will, among other things, require the Funds to transmit concise and visually engaging shareholder reports that highlight key information. The amendments will require that funds tag information in a structured data format and that certain more in-depth information be made available online and available for delivery free of charge to investors on request. The amendments became effective January 24, 2023. There is an 18-month transition period after the effective date of the amendments until the Funds are required to comply.

 

In December 2022, the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2022-06, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) – Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848 (“ASU 2022-06”). ASU 2022-06 is an amendment to ASU 2020-04, which provided optional guidance to ease the potential accounting burden due to the discontinuation of the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate and other interbank-offered based reference rates and which was effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. ASU 2022-06 extends the effective period through December 31, 2024. Management is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of applying ASU 2022-06.

 

94

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

7. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

 

The following issuers are affiliated with the Funds. Fund of Funds are allowed to invest in other investment companies in excess of the limits imposed, if certain requirement, such as being part of the same group of investment companies, are met. As defined in Section (2)(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940; such issuers are:

 

   

August 31, 2022

   

Additions

   

Reductions

 

Issuer Name

 

Share
Balance

   

Cost

   

Share
Balance

   

Cost

   

Share
Balance

   

Cost

 

SGI Prudent Growth Fund

                                               

SGI Dynamic Tactical ETF

        $       157,260     $ 4,004,961       (8,370 )   $ (212,682 )

SGI Global Equity Fund

    102,939       3,418,545       51,320       1,701,918       (12,980 )     (482,051 )

SGI Small Cap Core Fund

    54,297       1,768,193       25,588       651,303       (10,045 )     (398,091 )

SGI U.S. Large Cap Core ETF

                80,180       2,062,221       (7,290 )     (186,187 )

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

    101,135       1,861,794       52,523       924,947       (13,238 )     (275,907 )

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

    53,102       529,357       25,274       285,158       (6,299 )     (75,922 )
      311,473     $ 7,577,889       392,145     $ 9,630,508       (58,222 )   $ (1,630,840 )
                                                 

SGI Peak Growth Fund

                                               

SGI Dynamic Tactical ETF

        $       75,030       1,904,297           $  

SGI Global Equity Fund

    117,522       3,791,859       54,290       1,827,568       (2,753 )     (101,335 )

SGI Small Cap Core Fund

    105,973       3,222,151       51,511       1,338,933       (8,470 )     (331,845 )

SGI U.S. Large Cap Core ETF

                55,530       1,425,836              

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

    131,386       2,378,896       63,386       1,128,638       (2,288 )     (46,362 )

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

    68,964       660,669       31,522       357,834              
      423,845     $ 10,053,575       331,269     $ 7,983,106       (13,511 )   $ (479,542 )

 

95

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements (CONCLUDED)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

   

August 31, 2023

 

Issuer Name

 

Dividend
Income

   

Capital
Gain
Distribution

   

Net Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

   

Realized
Gain/(Loss)

   

Share
Balance

   

Value

   

Cost

 

SGI Prudent Growth Fund

                                                       

SGI Dynamic Tactical ETF

  $     $     $ 86,305     $ 4,518       148,890     $ 3,878,584     $ 3,792,279  

SGI Global Equity Fund

    35,666       92,597       185,712       (38,507 )     141,279       4,819,043       4,638,412  

SGI Small Cap Core Fund

          9,198       281,182       (128,680 )     69,840       1,920,592       2,021,405  

SGI U.S. Large Cap Core ETF

                221,426       12,465       72,890       2,040,920       1,876,034  

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

    22,397       78,451       16,723       (39,635 )     140,420       2,527,557       2,510,834  

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

          1,953       18,495       (4,055 )     72,077       826,726       738,593  
    $ 58,063     $ 182,199     $ 809,842     $ (193,894 )     645,396     $ 16,013,422     $ 15,577,557  
                                                         

SGI Peak Growth Fund

                                                       

SGI Dynamic Tactical ETF

  $     $     $ 50,234     $       75,030     $ 1,954,531     $ 1,904,297  

SGI Global Equity Fund

    37,773       98,067       143,336       (8,609 )     169,059       5,766,597       5,518,092  

SGI Small Cap Core Fund

          16,773       385,318       (92,406 )     149,014       4,097,897       4,229,239  

SGI U.S. Large Cap Core ETF

                129,004             55,530       1,554,840       1,425,836  

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

    29,986       94,526       37,193       (5,881 )     192,484       3,464,707       3,461,172  

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

          2,359       16,834             100,486       1,152,579       1,018,503  
    $ 67,759     $ 211,725     $ 761,919     $ (106,896 )     741,603     $ 17,991,151     $ 17,557,139  

 

8. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

The U.S.-designated terrorist group Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in an ensuing war in the region. Current hostilities and the potential for future hostilities may diminish the value, or cause significant volatility in the share price, of companies based in or having significant operations in Israel. The Israeli securities market may be closed for extended periods of time or trading on the Israeli securities market may be suspended altogether. How long the armed conflict and related events will last cannot be predicted.

 

96

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Shareholders of SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund, SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund, SGI Global Equity Fund, SGI Prudent Growth Fund, SGI Peak Growth Fund, and SGI Small Cap Core Fund, and Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund, SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund, SGI Global Equity Fund, SGI Prudent Growth Fund, SGI Peak Growth Fund, and SGI Small Cap Core Fund (collectively referred to as the “Funds”) (six of the portfolios constituting The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”)), including the portfolios of investments, as of August 31, 2023, and the related statements of operations, changes in net assets, and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated in the table below and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Funds (six of the portfolios constituting The RBB Fund, Inc.) at August 31, 2023, and the results of their operations, changes in net assets and financial highlights for each of the periods indicated in the table below, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Individual portfolio
constituting The RBB Fund, Inc.

Statement of
operations

Statements of changes
in net assets

Financial highlights

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

SGI Global Equity Fund

For the year ended August 31, 2023

For each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 2023

For each of the five years in the period ended August 31, 2023

SGI Prudent Growth Fund

SGI Peak Growth Fund

For the year ended August 31, 2023

For each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 2023

For each of the three years in the period ended August 31, 2023 and the period June 8, 2020 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2020

SGI Small Cap Core Fund

For the year ended August 31, 2023

For each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 2023

For each of the three years in the period ended August 31, 2023

 

The financial highlights of SGI Small Cap Core Fund for each of the periods presented through August 31, 2020, were audited by other auditors whose report dated October 27, 2020, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on each of the Funds’ financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

97

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM (Concluded)

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 2023, by correspondence with the custodian, brokers, and others; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Summit Global Investments investment companies since 2012.

 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
October 30, 2023

 

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SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

SHAREHOLDER TAX INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

 

Certain tax information is required to be provided to shareholders based upon the Funds’ income and distributions for the taxable year ended August 31, 2023. The information and distributions reported herein may differ from information and distributions taxable to the shareholders for the calendar year ending December 31, 2023. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, the tax character of distributions paid by the Funds were as follows:

 

           

Ordinary Income
Dividend

   

Long-Term
Capital Gains
Dividends

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

    2023     $ 4,425,439     $ 16,298,811  

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

    2023       1       108,686  

SGI Global Equity Fund

    2023       1,176,535       3,052,908  

SGI Prudent Growth Fund

    2023       23,212        

SGI Peak Growth Fund

    2023             1,109  

SGI Small Cap Core Fund

    2023             554,990  

 

Distributions from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.

 

Under the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003, the following percentages of ordinary dividends paid during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023 are designated as “qualified dividend income,” as defined in the Act, and are subject to reduced tax rates:

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

    100.00 %

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

    0.00 %

SGI Global Equity Fund

    100.00 %

SGI Prudent Growth Fund

    100.00 %

SGI Peak Growth Fund

    0.00 %

SGI Small Cap Core Fund

    0.00 %

 

The percentage of total ordinary income dividends paid qualifying for corporate dividends received deduction for each Fund is as follows:

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

    100.00 %

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

    0.00 %

SGI Global Equity Fund

    69.59 %

SGI Prudent Growth Fund

    69.59 %

SGI Peak Growth Fund

    0.00 %

SGI Small Cap Core Fund

    0.00 %

 

The percentage of qualified interest income related dividends not subject to withholding tax for non-resident aliens and foreign corporations is as follows:

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

    0.00 %

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

    0.00 %

SGI Global Equity Fund

    0.00 %

SGI Prudent Growth Fund

    0.00 %

SGI Peak Growth Fund

    0.00 %

SGI Small Cap Growth Fund

    0.00 %

 

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SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

SHAREHOLDER TAX INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (Concluded)

 

The percentage of ordinary income distributions designated as qualified short-term gains pursuant to the American Job Creation Act of 2004 is as follows:

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

    0.00 %

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

    0.00 %

SGI Global Equity Fund

    0.00 %

SGI Prudent Growth Fund

    0.00 %

SGI Peak Growth Fund

    0.00 %

SGI Small Cap Core Fund

    0.00 %

 

Because the Funds’ fiscal year is not the calendar year, another notification will be sent with respect to calendar year 2023. The second notification, which will reflect the amount, if any, to be used by calendar year taxpayers on their U.S. federal income tax returns, will be made in conjunction with Form 1099-DIV and will be mailed in January 2024.

 

Foreign shareholders will generally be subject to U.S. withholding tax on the amount of their ordinary income dividends. They will generally not be entitled to a foreign tax credit or deduction for the withholding taxes paid by the Funds, if any.

 

In general, dividends received by tax-exempt recipients (e.g., IRAs and Keoghs) need not be reported as taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, some retirement trusts (e.g., corporate, Keogh and 403(b)(7) plans) may need this information for their annual information reporting.

 

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

 

100

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

Other Information (Unaudited)

 

Proxy Voting

 

Policies and procedures that the Funds use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities as well as information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 are available without charge, upon request, by calling (855) 744-8500 and on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Quarterly Portfolio Schedules

 

The Company files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third fiscal quarters of each fiscal year (quarters ended November 30 and May 31) as an exhibit to its report on Form N-PORT. The Company’s Form N-PORT filings are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Investment Advisory Agreement renewal – SGI U.S. LARGE CAP EQUITY FUND, SGI U.S. SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND, SGI GLOBAL EQUITY FUND, SGI PRUDENT GROWTH FUND, SGI PEAK GROWTH FUND, AND SGI SMALL CAP CORE FUND

 

As required by the 1940 Act, the Board, including all of the Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Directors”), considered the renewal of the investment advisory agreements between Summit and the Company (the “Investment Advisory Agreements”) on behalf of the SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund, SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund, SGI Global Equity Fund, SGI Peak Growth Fund, SGI Prudent Growth Fund, and SGI Small Cap Core Fund, at a meeting of the Board held on May 16-17, 2023 (for this section only, the “Meeting”). At the Meeting, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, approved the Investment Advisory Agreements for an additional one-year term. The Board’s decision to approve the Investment Advisory Agreements reflects the exercise of its business judgment to continue the existing arrangement. In approving the Investment Advisory Agreements, the Board considered information provided by Summit with the assistance and advice of counsel to the Independent Directors and the Company.

 

In considering the renewal and approval of the Investment Advisory Agreements between the Company and Summit with respect to the Funds, the Directors took into account all the materials provided prior to and during the Meeting and at other meetings throughout the past year, the presentations made during the Meeting, and the discussions held during the Meeting. The Directors reviewed these materials with management of Summit, and discussed the Investment Advisory Agreements with counsel in executive sessions, at which no representatives of Summit were present. Among other things, the Directors considered (i) the nature, extent, and quality of Summit’s services provided to the Funds; (ii) descriptions of the experience and qualifications of Summit’s personnel providing those services; (iii) Summit’s investment philosophies and processes; (iv) Summit’s assets under management and client descriptions; (v) Summit’s soft dollar commission and trade allocation policies, including information on the types of research and services obtained in connection with soft dollar commissions; (vi) Summit’s current advisory fee arrangement with the Company and other similarly managed clients; (vii) Summit’s compliance procedures; (viii) Summit’s financial information, insurance coverage and profitability analysis related to providing advisory services to the Funds; (ix) the extent to which economies of scale are relevant to the Funds; (x) a report prepared by FUSE Research Network, LLC comparing each Fund’s management fees and total expense ratios to a group of mutual funds deemed comparable to the Fund based primarily on investment strategy similarity (“Peer Group”) and comparing the performance of each Fund to the performance of its Peer Group; and (xi) a report comparing the performance of each Fund to the performance of its benchmark.

 

As part of their review, the Directors considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by Summit. The Directors concluded that Summit had substantial resources to provide services to the Funds and that Summit’s services had been acceptable.

 

The Directors also considered the investment performance of the Funds. Information on the Funds’ investment performance was provided for the one-month, three-month, one-year, three-year, five-year, ten-year, and since inception periods ended March 31, 2023, as applicable. The Directors considered the Funds’ investment performance in light of their respective investment objectives and investment strategies. The Directors concluded that the investment performance of each of the Funds as compared to their respective benchmarks and Peer Groups was acceptable.

 

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Other Information (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

The Directors noted that the SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund outperformed its benchmark, the S&P 500® Low Volatility Index, for the three-month, period ended March 31, 2023 and underperformed its benchmark for the one-month, one-year, three-year, five-year, ten-year, and since inception periods ended March 31, 2023. The Directors also noted that the SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund outperformed the median of its Peer Group for the three-month, one-year, and five-year periods ended December 31, 2022, and underperformed the median of its Peer Group for the three-year, ten-year, and since-inception periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

Next, the Directors noted that the SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund’s investment performance outperformed its benchmark, the S&P SmallCap 600® Low Volatility Index for the one-month, three-month, and one-year periods ended March 31, 2023, and underperformed its benchmark for the three-year, five-year and since inception periods ended March 31, 2023. The Directors also noted that the SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund outperformed the median of its Peer Group for the one-year period ended December 31, 2022, and underperformed the median of its Peer Group for the three-month, three-year, five-year, and since-inception periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

The Directors noted that the SGI Global Equity Fund’s investment performance outperformed its benchmark, the MSCI ACWI Minimum Volatility (USD) Index, for the three-month, three-year, five-year, ten-year, and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2023, and underperformed its benchmark for the one-month and one-year periods ended March 31, 2023. The Directors also noted that the SGI Global Equity Fund outperformed the median of its Peer Group for the five-year, ten-year, and since-inception periods ended December 31, 2022, and underperformed the median of its Peer Group for the three-month, one-year, and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

The Directors noted that the SGI Small Cap Core Fund’s investment performance outperformed its benchmark, the Russell 2000® Index, for the three-month, one-year, three-year, five-year, ten-year and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2023, and underperformed its benchmark for the one-month period ended March 31, 2023. The Directors also noted that the SGI Small Cap Core Fund outperformed the median of its Peer Group for the one-year, three-year, five-year, ten-year, and since-inception periods ended December 31, 2022, and underperformed the median of its Peer Group for the three-month period ended December 31, 2022.

 

Next, the Directors noted that the SGI Peak Growth Fund’s investment performance outperformed its benchmark, the S&P 500 Index, for the one-year period ended March 31, 2023, and underperformed its benchmark for the three-month period ended March 31, 2023. The Directors also noted that the SGI Peak Growth Fund outperformed the median of its Peer Group for the one-year period ended December 31, 2022, equaled the performance of the median of its Peer Group for the three-month period ended December 31, 2022, and underperformed the median of its Peer Group for the since-inception period ended December 31, 2022.

 

Finally, the Directors noted that the SGI Prudent Growth Fund’s investment performance outperformed its benchmark, the S&P 500 Index, for the one-year period ended March 31, 2023, and underperformed its benchmark for the three-month, period ended March 31, 2023. The Directors also noted that the SGI Prudent Growth Fund outperformed the median of its Peer Group for the three-month and one-year periods ended December 31, 2022, and underperformed the median of its Peer Group for the since-inception periods ended December 31, 2022.

 

The Board also considered the advisory fee rates payable by the Funds under the Investment Advisory Agreements. In this regard, information on the fees paid by the Funds and the Funds’ total operating expense ratios (before and after fee waivers and expense reimbursements) were compared to similar information for mutual funds advised by other, unaffiliated investment advisory firms. The Directors noted that Summit had contractually agreed to waive management fees and reimburse expenses through at least December 31, 2023 for the Funds to limit total annual operating expenses to agreed upon levels for each Fund.

 

The Directors noted that the SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund’s net advisory fee was above the median of its Peer Group and ranked in the 5th quintile of its Peer Group, and its total net expenses was above the median of its Peer Group and ranked in the 4th quintile of its Peer Group.

 

The Directors noted that the SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund’s net advisory fee equaled the median of its Peer Group and ranked in the 3rd quintile of its Peer Group, and its total net expenses was above the median of its Peer Group and ranked in the 5th quintile of its Peer Group.

 

102

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

Other Information (Unaudited) (Concluded)

 

The Directors noted that the SGI Global Equity Fund’s net advisory fee equaled the median of its Peer Group and ranked in the 3rd quintile of its Peer Group, and its total net expenses was above the median of its Peer Group and ranked in the 3rd quintile of its Peer Group.

 

The Directors noted that the SGI Small Cap Core Fund’s net advisory fee and total net expenses were each above the median of its Peer Group and each ranked in the 5th quintile of its Peer Group.

 

The Directors noted that the net advisory fee of the SGI Peak Growth Fund ranked above the median and in the 4th quintile of its Peer Group, and the Fund’s total net expenses (including acquired fund fees and expenses) were above the median and in the 5th quintile of its Peer Group.

 

The Directors noted that the net advisory fee of the SGI Prudent Growth Fund ranked above the median and in the 4th quintile of its Peer Group, and the Fund’s total net expenses (including acquired fund fees and expenses) were above the median and in the 5th quintile of its Peer Group.

 

After reviewing information relating to Summit’s costs, profitability and economies of scale, and after considering the services to be provided by Summit, the Directors concluded that the investment advisory fees to be paid by the Funds to Summit were fair and reasonable and that the Investment Advisory Agreements should be approved and continued for an additional one-year period ending August 16, 2024.

 

LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

 

The Company has adopted and implemented a Liquidity Risk Management Program (the “Company Program”) as required by rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act. In accordance with the Company Program, the Adviser has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the “Adviser Program” and together with the Company Program, the “Programs”) on behalf of the Funds. The Programs seek to assess, manage and review each Fund’s Liquidity Risk. “Liquidity Risk” is defined as the risk that a Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of remaining investors’ interest in the Fund. The Board has appointed Vigilant Compliance, LLC (“Vigilant”) as the program administrator for the Company Program and Liquidity Risk Management Committee of the Adviser as the program administrator for the Adviser Program. The process of monitoring and determining the liquidity of each Fund’s investments is supported by one or more third-party vendors.

 

At meetings held during the current fiscal period, the Board and its Regulatory Oversight Committee received and reviewed a written report (the “Report”) of Vigilant and the Adviser concerning the operation of the Programs for the period from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022 (the “Period”). The Report summarized the operation of the Programs and the information and factors considered by Vigilant and the Adviser in reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of the implementation of the Programs with respect to each Fund. Such information and factors included, among other things: (i) the methodology used to classify the liquidity of each Fund’s portfolio investments and the Adviser’s assessment that each Fund’s strategy remained appropriate for an open-end mutual fund; (ii) analyses of each Fund’s trading environment and reasonably anticipated trading size; (iii) that each Fund held primarily highly liquid assets (investments that the Fund anticipates can be converted to cash within 3 business days or less in current market conditions without significantly changing their market value); (iv) that the Funds did not require the establishment of a highly liquid investment minimum and the methodology for that determination; (v) confirmation that the Funds did not breach the 15% maximum illiquid security threshold (investments that cannot be sold or disposed of in seven days or less in current market conditions without the sale of the investment significantly changing the market value of the investment) during the Period and the procedures for monitoring compliance with the limit; (vi) that the processes, technologies and third-party vendors used to assess, manage, and/or periodically review each Fund’s Liquidity Risk functioned appropriately during the Period; and (vii) that the Programs operated adequately during the Period. The Report also indicated that there were no material changes made to the Programs during the Period.

 

Based on the review, the Report concluded that the Programs were being implemented effectively and reasonably designed to assess and manage Liquidity Risk in each Fund’s portfolio.

 

There can be no assurance that the Company Program or the Adviser Program will achieve its objectives under all circumstances in the future. Please refer to the Funds’ prospectus for more information regarding a Fund’s exposure to liquidity risk and other risks to which it may be subject.

 

103

 

 

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Company Management (Unaudited)

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company is organized under and managed pursuant to Maryland law. The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below. The statement of additional information (“SAI”) includes additional information about the Directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling (855) 744-8500.

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
During Past
5 Years

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Julian A. Brodsky
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 90

Director

1988 to present

Retired.

63

AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).

Gregory P. Chandler
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 56

Director

2012 to present

Since 2020, Chief Financial Officer, HC Parent Corp. d/b/a Herspiegel Consulting LLC (life sciences consulting services); 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Avocado Systems Inc. (cyber security software provider); 2009-2020, Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services).

63

FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Emtec, Inc. (until December 2019); FS Investment Corporation (business development company) (until December 2018).

Lisa A. Dolly

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI, 53202

Age: 57

Director

October 2021 to present

From July 2019-December 2019, Chairman, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm); January 2016-June 2019, Chief Executive Officer, Pershing, LLC.

63

Allfunds Group PLC (United Kingdom wealthtech and fund distribution provider); Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (trade association for broker dealers, investment banks and asset managers); Hightower Advisors (wealth management firm).

Nicholas A. Giordano
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 80

Director

2006 to present

Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations.

63

Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance) (until March 2021).

Arnold M. Reichman
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age:75

Chair

 

Director

2005 to present

1991 to present

Retired.

63

EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until August 2022).

 

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Company Management (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
During Past
5 Years

Brian T. Shea
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 63

Director

2018 to present

From 2014-2017, Chief Executive Officer, BNY Mellon Investment Services (fund services, global custodian and securities clearing firm); from 1983-2014, Chief Executive Officer and various positions, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm).

63

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (financial services technology company); Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (financial services company); WisdomTree

Investments, Inc.

(asset management

company) (until March

2019).

Robert A. Straniere
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 82

Director

2006 to present

Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm).

63

None.

INTERESTED DIRECTOR2

Robert Sablowsky
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 85

Vice Chair

 

Director

2016 to present

 

1991 to present

Since 2002, Senior Director - Investments and, prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer).

63

None.

OFFICERS

Steven Plump

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 64

President

August 2022 to present

From 2011 to 2021, Executive Vice President, PIMCO LLC.

N/A

N/A

Salvatore Faia, JD,
CPA, CFE
Vigilant Compliance, LLC
Gateway Corporate Center, Suite 216
223 Wilmington West
Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Age: 60

Chief Compliance Officer

2004 to present

 

Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company); since 2021, Chief Compliance Officer of The RBB Fund Trust; President of The RBB Fund Trust from 2021 to 2022; President of The RBB Fund, Inc. from 2009 to 2022.

N/A

N/A

 

 

105

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

Company Management (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
During Past
5 Years

James G. Shaw
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 63

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

 

Chief Operating Officer

2016 to present

 

 

 

2022 to present

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (since 2016) and Chief Operating Officer (since 2022) of The RBB Fund, Inc.; Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (since 2021) and Chief Operating Officer (since 2022) of The RBB Fund Trust.

N/A

N/A

Craig A. Urciuoli

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 49

Director of Marketing & Business Development

2019 to present

Director of Marketing & Business Development of The RBB Fund, Inc. (since 2019) and The RBB Fund Trust (since 2021); from 2000-2019, Managing Director, Third Avenue Management LLC. (an investment advisory firm)

N/A

N/A

Jennifer Witt
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 40

Assistant Treasurer

2018 to present

Since 2020, Vice President, U.S.

Bank Global Fund Services (fund administrative services firm); from 2016 to 2020, Assistant Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services.

N/A

N/A

Edward Paz
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 52

Assistant Secretary

2016 to present

Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm).

N/A

N/A

Michael P. Malloy
One Logan Square
Ste. 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 64

Assistant Secretary

1999 to present

Since 1993, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

Jillian L. Bosmann
One Logan Square
Ste. 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Age: 44

Assistant Secretary

2017 to present

Since 2017, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

 

*

Each Director oversees 63 portfolios of the fund complex, consisting of the series in the Company (53 portfolios) and The RBB Fund Trust (10 portfolios).

 

1.

Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his or her successor is elected and qualified or his or her death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Giordano, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.

 

2.

Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

106

 

 

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Company Management (Unaudited) (Concluded)

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his or her qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive-level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Ms. Dolly has over three decades of experience in the financial services industry, and she has demonstrated her leadership and management abilities by serving in numerous senior executive-level positions. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Shea has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the brokerage, clearing, banking, and investment services industry, including service on the boards of public companies, industry regulatory organizations and a university. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company.

 

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PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)

 

FACTS

WHAT DOES THE SGI FUNDS DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?

Why?

Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.

What?

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

 

● Social Security number

● account balances

● account transactions

● transaction history

● wire transfer instructions

● checking account information

 

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

How?

All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information; the reasons SGI Funds chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing.

       

Reasons we can share your information

Do the SGI Funds share?

Can you limit this sharing?

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

Yes

No

For our marketing purposes
to offer our products and services to you

Yes

No

For joint marketing with other financial companies

Yes

No

For affiliates’ everyday business purposes
information about your transactions and experiences

Yes

No

For affiliates’ everyday business purposes
information about your creditworthiness

No

We don’t share

For our affiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share

For nonaffiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share

 

 

 

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SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited) (Concluded)

 

Questions?

Call 1-855-744-8500 or go to www.summitglobalinvestments.com

 

What we do

 

How do the SGI Funds protect my personal information?

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

How do the SGI Funds collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

 

● open an account

● provide account information

● give us your contact information

● make a wire transfer

● tell us where to send the money

 

We also collect your information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

 

● sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes — information about your creditworthiness

● affiliates from using your information to market to you

● sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

 

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

Definitions

 

Affiliates

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

 

Our affiliates include Summit Global Investments, LLC, the investment adviser to the SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund, SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund, SGI Global Equity Fund, SGI Prudent Growth Fund, SGI Peak Growth Fund, SGI Small Cap Core Fund, SGI U.S. Large Cap Core ETF and SGI Dynamic Tactical ETF.

Nonaffiliates

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

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund, SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund, SGI Global Equity Fund, SGI Prudent Growth Fund, SGI Peak Growth Fund, SGI Small Cap Core Fund, SGI U.S. Large Cap Core ETF and SGI Dynamic Tactical ETF doesn’t share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you.

Joint marketing

A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund, SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund, SGI Global Equity Fund, SGI Prudent Growth Fund, SGI Peak Growth Fund, SGI Small Cap Core Fund, SGI U.S. Large Cap Core ETF and SGI Dynamic Tactical ETF may share your information with other financial institutions with whom they have joint marketing arrangements who may suggest additional fund services or other investments products which may be of interest to you. We do not currently have any joint marketing arrangements with other financial institutions.

 

 

109

 

 

Investment Adviser

Summit Global Investments, LLC
620 South Main Street
Bountiful, UT 84010

 

Administrator and Transfer Agent

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201

 

Principal Underwriter

Quasar Distributors, LLC
111 E Kilbourn Ave, Suite 2200
Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Custodian

U.S. Bank, N.A.
1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, WI 53212

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Ernst & Young LLP
One Commerce Square
2005 Market Street, Suite 700
Philadelphia, PA 19103

 

Legal Counsel

Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
One Logan Square, Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103-6996

 

SGI-AR23

 

 

 

 

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP CORE ETF

 

SGI DYNAMIC TACTICAL ETF

 

of

 

The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

ANNUAL REPORT

 

August 31, 2023

 

This report is submitted for the general information of the shareholders of the Funds and may not be used as sales literature unless preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus for the Funds.

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report
AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Core ETF (SGLC)

 

These ETFs are different from traditional ETFs.

 

Traditional ETFs tell the public what assets they hold each day. These ETFs will not. This may create additional risks for your investment. For example:

 

 

You may have to pay more money to trade an ETF’s shares. These ETFs will provide less information to traders, who tend to charge more for trades when they have less information.

 

 

The price you pay to buy ETF shares on an exchange may not match the value of the ETF’s portfolio. The same is true when you sell shares. These price differences may be greater for these ETFs compared to other ETFs because these ETFs provides less information to traders.

 

 

These additional risks may be even greater in bad or uncertain market conditions.

 

 

The SGI U.S. Large Cap Core ETF will publish on its website each day a “Proxy Portfolio” designed to help trading in shares of the ETF. While the Proxy Portfolio includes some of the ETF’s holdings, it is not the ETF’s actual portfolio.

 

The differences between these ETFs and other ETFs may also have advantages. By keeping certain information about an ETF portfolio secret, these ETFs may face less risk that other traders can predict or copy its investment strategy. This may improve the ETFs’ performance. If other traders are able to copy or predict an ETF’s investment strategy, however, this may hurt the ETF’s performance.

 

For additional information regarding the unique attributes and risks of these ETFs, see the prospectus.

 

1

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)
AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Core ETF (SGLC)

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

Established in 2010, Summit Global Investments, LLC (“SGI”) was founded to bring enhanced risk management to institutions, advisors, and families. SGI’s strategies utilize a distinct quantitative and fundamental analysis with a goal to invest in outstanding companies with the least potential for downside risks. It is with great pleasure that I write to you today to discuss the revolutionary and exciting journey we are embarking on as we manage the SGI U.S. Large Cap Core ETF (“SGLC”) within the innovative framework of a semi-transparent wrapper.

 

Before delving into the specifics of why this approach is groundbreaking, let me first express my sincere gratitude for your continued trust and investment in SGLC. We recognize that you have many options when it comes to your investments, and we are honored that you have chosen to join us on this unique and transformative path.

 

SGLC, the Large Cap Core Transparent ETF, represents a new era in the world of exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”). This ETF leverages a wrapper, an ingenious structure that allows us to manage assets in a way that is both revolutionary and exciting for both of us as managers and for you as shareholders.

 

Here’s why we believe the semi-transparent ETF and wrapper is truly a game-changer:

 

 

Active Management within an ETF: Traditionally, ETFs have been associated with passive investing, but with the wrapper, we can actively manage SGLC. This means that we have the flexibility to make timely investment decisions, adapt to market conditions, and seek out opportunities to possibly enhance returns.

 

 

Non-Transparent Active Strategy: a wrapper allows us to implement a non-transparent active strategy. This means we can protect our proprietary investment ideas and trading strategies, preventing front-running and ensuring that our insights remain our competitive advantage.

 

 

Enhanced Investor Privacy: Your privacy is of utmost importance to us. With a semi-transparent ETF, we can keep the holdings of SGLC confidential, shielding your investment choices from public scrutiny.

 

 

Tailored Risk Management: We can dynamically adjust our portfolio’s risk exposure in response to changing market conditions. This flexibility allows us to better manage risk and seize possible opportunities, aiming for long-term growth and stability.

 

 

Lower Costs: By reducing the need for daily portfolio disclosure, we can potentially lower trading costs and minimize the impact of market movements, ultimately benefiting our shareholders.

 

The combination of active management, enhanced privacy, and lower costs makes SGLC a distinct and exciting investment opportunity. We believe this approach aligns perfectly with the evolving needs of investors in today’s dynamic market environment.

 

As we navigate this revolutionary journey together, please know that our commitment to transparency, accountability, and performance remains unwavering. We are excited to have you as partners on this innovative path, and we are dedicated to delivering strong results and long-term value for your investments.

 

2

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)
AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

Thank you once again for your trust and confidence in SGI. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our investment strategy, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly or to the team collectively. Everyone at SGI is 100% committed to doing everything we can to ensure your investments perform as designed.

 

Sincerely,

 


David Harden

 

Highlights

 

 

SGLC returned 12.03% on a net basis1 and 12.00% on a market price basis from inception, March 31, 20232, to August 31, 2023. The fund’s return was in-line with its benchmark, the S&P 500 Index, which returned 12.05% during the same period.

 

 

Strong stock selection in the Industrials sector contributed the most to relative returns.

 

 

Overweight exposures to the earnings variability and valuation accounted for the fund’s relative outperformance.

 

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

 

SGLC seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation. There can be no guarantee that the fund will achieve its investment objective.

 

FUND COMMENTARY

 

How did the fund perform in the past twelve months?

 

SGLC returned 12.03% on a net basis1 and 12.00% on a market price basis from inception, March 31, 20232, to August 31, 2023. The fund’s return was in-line with its benchmark, the S&P 500 Index, which returned 12.05% during the same period.

 

What factors influenced the fund’s performance?

 

The Energy sector was the largest contributing sector with a 17% return. Within this sector, 75% of the outperformance was due to the overweight position of the sector versus the benchmark with the remaining 25% of relative outperformance due to strong stock selection. The three most contributing companies in the Energy sector were: ConocoPhillips +25.79%, APA Corp. +31.14%, and Marathon Petroleum Corp. +26.63%. The three worst contributing companies were Exxon Mobil Corp. -1.42%, Valero Energy Corp. +2.84%, and Chevron Corp. +1.13%.

 

The Industrials sector was the next largest contributing sector with a 12% return. Within this sector, 62% of the outperformance was due to strong stock selection with the remaining outperformance due to the overweight position of the sector versus the benchmark. The three most contributing companies in the Industrials sector were: Oshkosh Corp. +34.12%, Paycom Software Inc. -0.98%, and Caterpillar Inc. +28.04%. The three worst contributing companies were United Parcel Service Inc. 0.48%, Air Lease Corp. -1.71%, and General Dynamics Corp. -4.26%.

 

1

Net return is the return after all fees and expenses.

 

2

While the Fund commenced operations on March 30, 2023, the Fund began investing consistent with its investment objective on March 31, 2023.

 

3

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)
AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

The Utilities sector was the third largest contributing sector. Within this sector, 100% of the outperformance was from the overweight position of the sector versus the benchmark, which helped to offset the weak performance due to stock selection. The three worst contributing companies were American Electric Power Co Inc. -11.61%, Eversource Energy -17.55%, and Xcel Energy Inc. -10.40%.

 

The Real Estate sector was the largest detracting sector with a -6% return. Within this sector, 53% of the relative performance was from stock selection and the remainder was from a slight underweight relative to the benchmark. The three worst contributing companies in the Real Estate sector were: Host Hotels & Resorts Inc. -4.89%, Crown Castle Inc. -23.40%, and SBA Communications Corp. -12.03%.

 

The Consumer Discretionary sector was the second largest detracting sector. The three worst contributing companies in the Consumer Discretionary sector were: NIKE Inc. -0.16%, Planet Fitness Inc. -13.88%, and Starbucks Corp. -5.31 %.

 

The overweight in the Communication Services sector contributed to relative outperformance while the underweight in the Energy sector hurt relative performance.

 

Overweight exposures to the earnings variability and valuation accounted for DYTA’s relative outperformance. Detracting from DYTA’s relative performance were slight overweight exposures to liquidity, size, and long-term reversal factors.

 

How is the fund positioned?

 

The Financials sector is 5% weighted greater than the benchmark making it the largest overweight. The Real Estate and Consumer Discretionary sectors are both 3% overweight the benchmark. The Information Technology sector was the biggest underweight sector with a 6% underweight relative to the benchmark. Utilities and Health Care sectors are each positioned approximately 2% underweight the benchmark.

 

Fund positioning from a factor standpoint shows the largest underweight exposure to size and long-term reversal factors and overweighted exposure to valuation, earnings yield, and profit factors relative to the benchmark.

 

What is portfolio management’s outlook?

 

The aggressive Federal funds interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve during the past 16 months appear to be ending. The futures markets have priced in less than a 50% probability of one more tightening before the end of 2023. Although inflation has receded, common measures still exceed 4%, well above the 2% inflation target desired by the central bank. This means interest rates will likely remain near current levels until inflation numbers meaningfully decline. Additionally, the Federal Reserve balance sheet is shrinking at a modest pace every month, otherwise known as quantitative tightening.

 

The labor market remains strong in the U.S. with the unemployment rate still near 50-year lows and the number of jobs exceeding the total number of unemployed workers. Interest rate sensitive sectors such as housing and autos have slowed down considerably. The national average 30-year fixed mortgage rate now exceeds 7.70%. Consumer spending, the largest portion of the economy, remains strong with the most recent same-store-sales reports posting 3.8% year-on-year growth.

 

The full effects of considerable monetary tightening have not yet manifested, and a recession is still a near-term risk, although expectations of a “soft-landing” continue to increase. Overall, we see a mixed economic and financial market outlook which highlights the importance of a well-diversified portfolio of investments. This fund may serve as an important component of that portfolio for investors.

 

Over longer time horizons, we believe that our managed risk approach towards investing can provide favorable relative returns. As always, we maintain a disciplined adherence to our rigorous quantitative and fundamental investment process.

 

4

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)
AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

The views expressed reflect the opinions of Summit Global Investments, LLC as of the date of this report and are subject to change based on changes in market, economic, or other conditions. These views are not intended to be a forecast of future events and are no guarantee of future results.

 

Fund holdings and sector allocations are subject to change and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security. Please refer to the Portfolio of Investments in this report for a complete list of fund holdings.

 

The S&P 500® Index is a broad-based unmanaged index of 500 stocks, which is widely recognized as representative of the equity market in general. It is not possible to invest directly in an index

 

Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. The Fund is a newly organized, diversified management investment company with no operating history. The goal of the Proxy Portfolio is, during all market conditions, to track closely the daily performance of the Actual Portfolio and minimize intra-day misalignment between the performance of the Proxy Portfolio and the performance of the Actual Portfolio. The Proxy Portfolio is designed to reflect the economic exposures and the risk characteristics of the Actual Portfolio on any given trading day. Securities traded on over-the-counter (“OTC”) markets are not listed and traded on an organized exchange such as the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). Generally, the volume of trading in an unlisted or OTC common stock is less than the volume of trading in an exchange-listed stock. As a result, the market liquidity of some stocks in which the Fund invests may not be as great as that of exchange-listed stocks and, if the Fund were to dispose of such stocks, the Fund may have to offer the shares at a discount from recent prices or sell the shares in small lots over an extended period of time. In addition, penny stocks and pink sheet stocks can be classified as OTC stocks. Securities that can be converted into common stock, such as certain securities and preferred stock, are subject to the usual risks associated with fixed income investments, such as interest rate risk and credit risk.

 

Must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus.

 

The SGI U.S. Large Cap Core ETF is distributed by Quasar Distributors, LLC.

 

5

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)
AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

SGI Dynamic Tactical ETF (DYTA)

 

These ETFs are different from traditional ETFs.

 

Traditional ETFs tell the public what assets they hold each day. These ETFs will not. This may create additional risks for your investment. For example:

 

 

You may have to pay more money to trade an ETF’s shares. These ETFs will provide less information to traders, who tend to charge more for trades when they have less information.

 

 

The price you pay to buy ETF shares on an exchange may not match the value of the ETF’s portfolio. The same is true when you sell shares. These price differences may be greater for these ETFs compared to other ETFs because these ETFs provides less information to traders.

 

 

These additional risks may be even greater in bad or uncertain market conditions.

 

 

The SGI Dynamic Tactical ETF will publish on its website each day a “Portfolio Reference Basket” designed to help trading in shares of the ETF. While the Portfolio Reference Basket includes all the names of the ETF’s holdings, it is not the ETF’s actual portfolio.

 

The differences between these ETFs and other ETFs may also have advantages. By keeping certain information about an ETF portfolio secret, these ETFs may face less risk that other traders can predict or copy its investment strategy. This may improve the ETFs’ performance. If other traders are able to copy or predict an ETF’s investment strategy, however, this may hurt the ETF’s performance.

 

For additional information regarding the unique attributes and risks of these ETFs, see the prospectus.

 

6

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)
AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

SGI Dynamic Tactical ETF (DYTA)

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

Established in 2010, Summit Global Investments, LLC (“SGI”) was founded to bring enhanced risk management to institutions, advisors, and families. SGI’s strategies utilize a distinct quantitative and fundamental analysis with a goal to invest in outstanding companies with the least potential for downside risks. It is with great pleasure that I write to you today to discuss the revolutionary and exciting journey we are embarking on as we manage the SGI Dynamic Tactical ETF (“DYTA”) within the innovative framework of a semi-transparent wrapper.

 

Before delving into the specifics of why this approach is groundbreaking, let me first express my sincere gratitude for your continued trust and investment in DYTA. We recognize that you have many options when it comes to your investments, and we are honored that you have chosen to join us on this unique and transformative path.

 

DYTA, the Dynamic Transparency ETF, represents a new era in the world of exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”). This ETF leverages a wrapper, an ingenious structure that allows us to manage assets in a way that is both revolutionary and exciting for both of us as managers and for you as shareholders.

 

Here’s why we believe the semi-transparent ETF and wrapper is truly a game-changer:

 

 

Active Management within an ETF: Traditionally, ETFs have been associated with passive investing, but with the wrapper, we can actively manage DYTA. This means that we have the flexibility to make timely investment decisions, adapt to market conditions, and seek out opportunities to possibly enhance returns.

 

 

Non-Transparent Active Strategy: a wrapper allows us to implement a non-transparent active strategy. This means we can protect our proprietary investment ideas and trading strategies, preventing front-running and ensuring that our insights remain our competitive advantage.

 

 

Enhanced Investor Privacy: Your privacy is of utmost importance to us. With a semi-transparent ETF, we can keep the holdings of DYTA confidential, shielding your investment choices from public scrutiny.

 

 

Tailored Risk Management: We can dynamically adjust our portfolio’s risk exposure in response to changing market conditions. This flexibility allows us to better manage risk and seize possible opportunities, aiming for long-term growth and stability.

 

 

Lower Costs: By reducing the need for daily portfolio disclosure, we can potentially lower trading costs and minimize the impact of market movements, ultimately benefiting our shareholders.

 

The combination of active management, enhanced privacy, and lower costs makes DYTA a distinct and exciting investment opportunity. We believe this approach aligns perfectly with the evolving needs of investors in today’s dynamic market environment.

 

As we navigate this revolutionary journey together, please know that our commitment to transparency, accountability, and performance remains unwavering. We are excited to have you as partners on this innovative path, and we are dedicated to delivering strong results and long-term value for your investments.

 

7

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)
AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

Thank you once again for your trust and confidence in SGI. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our investment strategy, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly or to the team collectively. Everyone at SGI is 100% committed to doing everything we can to ensure your investments perform as designed.

 

Sincerely,

 


David Harden

 

Highlights

 

 

DYTA returned 3.90% on a net basis1 and 4.20% on a market price basis from inception, March 30, 20232, to August 31, 2023. DYTA underperformed its benchmark composite by 5.30% during the same period. The benchmark composite is comprised of the S&P 500® Index and Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index, weighted 75% and 25%, respectively.

 

 

Underweight average exposure to equities and overweight average exposure to fixed income hurt relative performance.

 

 

Within equity exposure, large cap stocks significantly outperformed.

 

 

Due to rising interest rates, long duration treasuries significantly underperformed.

 

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

 

DYTA seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation. There can be no guarantee that DYTA will achieve its investment objective.

 

FUND COMMENTARY

 

How did the fund perform in the past twelve months?

 

DYTA returned 3.90% on a net basis1 and 4.20% on a market price basis from inception, March 30, 20232, to August 31, 2023. The fund underperformed its benchmark composite by 5.30% during the same period. The benchmark composite is comprised of the S&P 500® Index and Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index, weighted 75% and 25%, respectively.

 

What factors influenced the fund’s performance?

 

The largest factor accounting for DYTA’s underperformance relative to the composite benchmark was the approximately 61.2% average equity exposure that was underweight the 75% equity exposure in the composite benchmark during the period. The accompanying overweight exposure to underperforming fixed income investments also hurt relative performance.

 

Nasdaq 100 stocks ([represented by] Invesco QQQ Trust or “QQQ”) returned 21% so DYTA’s average equity exposure of 12% to QQQ significantly benefitted relative performance. However diversified equity exposure to small cap, low volatility, international, and dividend funds all underperformed the S&P 500 Index.

 

Rising interest rates hurt the performance of longer duration treasuries (including SPDR Portfolio Long Term Treasury ETF or “SPTL”), which was the only underperforming allocation within the fund’s fixed income exposure. Exposure to short duration treasuries and intermediate corporate bonds benefited DYTA’s relative fixed income performance. In addition, DYTA’s 5% exposure to commodities (including Invesco Commodity Strategy ETF or “PDBC”) benefited relative performance.

 

1

Net return is the return after all fees and expenses.

 

2

While the Fund commenced operations on March 29, 2023, the Fund began investing consistent with its investment objective on March 30, 2023.

 

8

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)
AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

How is the fund positioned?

 

As of the fiscal year end, DYTA has 90% exposure to equities, of which large cap stocks within the Nasdaq 100 Index and S&P 500 Index account for 51%. The remaining equity exposure is diversified among small cap, lower volatility, dividend, and international stocks.

 

The remaining 10% of fund exposure is evenly distributed between commodity and fixed income as of the fiscal year end.

 

What is portfolio management’s outlook?

 

The aggressive federal funds interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve during the past 16 months appear to be ending. The futures markets have priced in less than a 50% probability of one more tightening before the end of 2023. Although inflation has receded, common measures still exceed 4%, well above the 2% inflation target desired by the central bank. This means interest rates will likely remain near current levels until inflation numbers meaningfully decline. Additionally, the Federal Reserve balance sheet is shrinking at a modest pace every month, otherwise known as quantitative tightening.

 

The labor market remains strong in the U.S. with the unemployment rate still near 50-year lows and the number of jobs exceeding the total number of unemployed workers. Interest rate sensitive sectors such as housing and autos have slowed down considerably. The national average 30-year fixed mortgage rate now exceeds 7.70%. Consumer spending, the largest portion of the economy, remains strong with the most recent same-store-sales reports posting 3.8% year-on-year growth.

 

The full effects of considerable monetary tightening have not yet manifested, and a recession is still a near-term risk, although expectations of a “soft-landing” continue to increase. Overall, we see a mixed economic and financial market outlook which highlights the importance of a well-diversified portfolio of investments. This fund may serve as an important component of that portfolio for investors.

 

Over longer time horizons, we believe that our managed risk approach towards investing can provide favorable relative returns. As always, we maintain a disciplined adherence to our rigorous quantitative and fundamental investment process.

 

The views expressed reflect the opinions of Summit Global Investments, LLC as of the date of this report and are subject to change based on changes in market, economic, or other conditions. These views are not intended to be a forecast of future events and are no guarantee of future results.

 

Fund holdings and sector allocations are subject to change and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security. Please refer to the Portfolio of Investments in this report for a complete list of fund holdings.

 

The S&P 500® Index is a broad-based unmanaged index of 500 stocks, which is widely recognized as representative of the equity market in general. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

The Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based, market capitalization-weighted bond market index representing intermediate term investment grade bonds traded in the United States. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. The Fund is a newly organized, diversified management investment company with no operating history. To the extent the Fund invests in Underlying Funds that invest in fixed income securities, the Fund will be subject to fixed income securities risks. While fixed income securities normally fluctuate less in price than stocks, there have been extended periods of increases in interest rates that have caused significant declines in fixed income securities prices. To the extent that a Fund invests in Underlying Funds that invest in high-yield securities and unrated securities of similar credit quality (commonly known as “junk bonds”), the Fund may be subject to greater levels of interest rate and credit risk than funds that do not invest in such securities. Small-cap companies that the Underlying Funds may invest in may be more volatile than, and not as readily marketable as, those of larger companies. Small companies may also have limited product lines, markets or financial resources and may be dependent on relatively small or inexperienced management groups. Underlying Funds that invest in foreign securities may be subject to special risks, including, but not limited to, currency exchange rate volatility, political, social or economic instability, less publicly available information, less stringent investor protections and differences in taxation, auditing and other financial practices. Investments in emerging market securities by Underlying Funds are subject to higher risks than

 

9

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)
AUGUST 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

those in developed countries because there is greater uncertainty in less established markets and economies. To the extent the Fund invests in Underlying Funds that focus their investments in a particular industry or sector, the Fund’s shares may be more volatile and fluctuate more than shares of a fund investing in a broader range of securities.

 

Must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus.

 

The SGI Dynamic Tactical ETF is distributed by Quasar Distributors, LLC.

 

10

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP CORE ETF

 

Performance Data

August 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in SGI U.S. Large Cap Core ETF
vs. S&P 500® Index

 

 

This chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 minimum initial investment, in the Fund’s Shares made on March 31, 2023 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed exchange-traded fund while the S&P 500® Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the period ended August 31, 2023

 
 

Since
Inception
(1)

 

U.S. Large Cap Core ETF (at NAV)

12.03%

 

U.S. Large Cap Core ETF (at Market Price)

12.00%

 

S&P 500® Index(2)

12.05%

 

 

 

(1)

While the Fund commenced operations on March 30, 2023, the Fund began investing consistent with its investment objective on March 31, 2023.

 

(2)

Benchmark performance is from the inception date of the Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

Fund Gross Expense Ratio: 0.85%

 

Performance quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher. Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling 1-855-744-8500.

 

The Fund’s investments will generally consist of securities, which may include common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants to acquire common stock and securities convertible into common stock. Portfolio composition is subject to change. The Fund evaluates performance as compared to that of the Standard & Poor’s 500® Index (“S&P 500®”). The S&P 500® is a widely recognized, unmanaged index of 500 common stocks which are generally representative of the U.S. stock market as a whole. It is impossible to invest directly in an index.

 

11

 

 

SGI DYNAMIC TACTICAL ETF

 

Performance Data

August 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in SGI Dynamic Tactical ETF
vs. Composite Index

 

 

This chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 minimum initial investment, in the Fund’s Shares made on March 29, 2023 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed exchange-traded fund while the Composite Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the period ended August 31, 2023

 
 

Since
Inception
(1)

 

Dynamic Tactical ETF (at NAV)

3.90%

 

Dynamic Tactical ETF (at Market Price)

4.20%

 

Composite Index(2)(3)

9.20%

 

 

 

(1)

While the Fund commenced operations on March 29, 2023, the Fund began investing consistent with its investment objective on March 30, 2023.

 

(2)

Benchmark performance is from the inception date of the Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

(3)

The composite index is comprised of the S&P 500® Index and Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index, weighted 75% and 25%, respectively.

 

Fund Gross Expense Ratio: 0.95%

 

Performance quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher. Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling 1-855-744-8500.

 

The Fund’s investments will generally consist of securities of affiliated and unaffiliated exchange-traded funds and open-end mutual funds. Portfolio composition is subject to change. The Fund evaluates performance as compared to a composite index comprised of the Standard and Poor 500® Index (“S&P 500®”) and Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index. The S&P 500® is a widely recognized, unmanaged index of 500 common stocks which are generally representative of the U.S. stock market as a whole. The Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based, market capitalization-weighted bond market index representing intermediate term investment grade bonds traded in the United States. It is impossible to invest directly in an index.

 

12

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Fund Expense Examples

August 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund(s), you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments (if applicable); and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees; and other Fund expenses. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund(s) and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

 

These examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period from March 1, 2023 through August 31, 2023 and held for the entire period. For the SGI U.S. Large Cap Core ETF, the actual values and expenses are based on the 153-day period from inception on March 30, 2023 through August 31, 2023. For the SGI Dynamic Tactical ETF, the actual values and expenses are based on the 154-day period from inception on March 29, 2023 through August 31, 2023.

 

Actual Expenses

 

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

 

Hypothetical ExampleS for Comparison Purposes

 

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

 

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

 

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap CORE ETF

 

Beginning
Account Value
MARCH 1, 2023

Ending
Account Value
AUGUST 31, 2023

Expenses
Paid During
Period*

Annualized
Expense
Ratio

ACTUAL SINCE
INCEPTION
Total
Investment
Return for
the Fund

Actual

         
 

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,120.30

$ 3.78

0.85%

12.03%

         

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

       
 

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,020.92

$ 4.33

0.85%

N/A

 

 

*

Expenses for hypothetical amount are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio for the period March 1, 2023 through August 31, 2023, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184) in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by 365 to reflect the one-half year period. The actual dollar amounts shown are expenses paid by the Fund during the period from the Fund’s inception on March 30, 2023 through August 31, 2023 multiplied by 153 days, which is the number of days from the Fund’s inception through August 31, 2023. The Fund’s ending account value in the first section in the table is based on the actual since inception total investment return for the Fund.

 

13

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Fund Expense Examples (Concluded)

August 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

 

SGI DYNAMIC TACTICAL ETF

 

Beginning
Account Value
MARCH 1, 2023

Ending
Account Value
AUGUST 31, 2023

Expenses
Paid During
Period*

Annualized
Expense
Ratio

Actual
SINCE
INCEPTION
Total
Investment
Return for
the Fund

Actual

         
 

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,039.00

$ 4.09

0.95%

3.90%

         

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

       
 

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,020.42

$ 4.84

0.95%

N/A

 

 

*

Expenses for hypothetical amount are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio for the period March 1, 2023 through August 31, 2023, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184) in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by 365 to reflect the one-half year period. The actual dollar amounts shown are expenses paid by the Fund during the period from the Fund’s inception on March 29, 2023 through August 31, 2023 multiplied by 154 days, which is the number of days from the Fund’s inception through August 31, 2023. The Fund’s ending account value in the first section in the table is based on the actual since inception total investment return for the Fund.

 

14

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP CORE ETF

 

Portfolio Holdings Summary Table

August 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

The following table presents a summary by sector of the portfolio holdings of the Fund:

 

   

% of Net
Assets

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS

               

Software

    16.4 %   $ 16,049,001  

Internet

    10.0       9,845,956  

Insurance

    9.4       9,202,415  

Oil & Gas

    7.0       6,856,525  

Semiconductors

    6.9       6,744,996  

Retail

    5.8       5,667,427  

Healthcare-Services

    5.0       4,901,334  

Machinery-Diversified

    3.2       3,090,259  

Pipelines

    3.1       3,080,890  

REITS

    2.8       2,754,034  

Computers

    2.8       2,733,403  

Transportation

    2.8       2,724,591  

Apparel

    2.6       2,580,179  

Iron/Steel

    2.6       2,604,250  

Food

    2.0       1,957,793  

Banks

    2.0       1,931,444  

Telecommunications

    1.6       1,584,211  

Pharmaceuticals

    1.4       1,355,740  

Commercial Services

    1.1       1,053,794  

Healthcare-Products

    1.0       978,440  

Beverages

    1.0       964,244  

Building Materials

    0.9       852,846  

Electric

    0.8       793,211  

Diversified Financial Services

    0.8       784,229  

Home Builders

    0.6       602,314  

Cosmetics/Personal Care

    0.5       501,580  

Electronics

    0.5       491,229  

Media

    0.5       446,059  

Distribution/Wholesale

    0.4       438,154  

Aerospace/Defense

    0.3       325,950  

Engineering & Construction

    0.3       301,103  

Biotechnology

    0.3       288,744  

Machinery-Construction & Mining

    0.2       222,715  

Airlines

    0.2       207,025  

Hand & Machine Tools

    0.2       192,586  

Chemicals

    0.2       192,378  

Auto Manufacturers

    0.2       192,347  

Real Estate

    0.2       185,749  

Agriculture

    0.2       181,359  

Household Products/Wares

    0.2       165,933  

Gas

    0.1       141,497  

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

               

Money Market Deposit Accounts

    1.7       1,706,164  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES

    0.2       150,764  

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 98,024,862  

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
15

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP CORE ETF

 

Portfolio of Investments

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

   

Number
of Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS — 98.1%

Aerospace/Defense — 0.3%

Lockheed Martin Corp.

    727     $ 325,950  

Agriculture — 0.2%

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

    2,287       181,359  

Airlines — 0.2%

Delta Air Lines, Inc.

    4,828       207,025  

Apparel — 2.6%

NIKE, Inc., Class B

    25,368       2,580,179  

Auto Manufacturers — 0.2%

General Motors Co.

    5,740       192,347  

Banks — 2.0%

Bank of America Corp.

    6,192       177,525  

Bank of New York Mellon Corp., (The)

    4,217       189,217  

Citigroup, Inc.

    5,447       224,907  

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    7,983       1,168,151  

State Street Corp.

    2,497       171,644  
              1,931,444  

Beverages — 1.0%

Coca-Cola Co., (The)

    5,551       332,116  

Monster Beverage Corp. *

    3,170       181,990  

PepsiCo, Inc.

    2,530       450,138  
              964,244  

Biotechnology — 0.3%

Incyte Corp. *

    1,913       123,446  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. *

    200       165,298  
              288,744  

Building Materials — 0.9%

Louisiana-Pacific Corp.

    3,236       202,185  

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.

    424       189,278  

Owens Corning

    1,371       197,301  

Vulcan Materials Co.

    1,210       264,082  
              852,846  

Chemicals — 0.2%

Sherwin-Williams Co., (The)

    708       192,378  

Commercial Services — 1.1%

Global Payments, Inc.

    1,682       213,093  

Moody’s Corp.

    575       193,660  

PayPal Holdings, Inc. *

    10,351       647,041  
              1,053,794  

Computers — 2.8%

Accenture PLC, Class A, (Ireland)

    657     $ 212,717  

Apple, Inc.

    12,417       2,332,781  

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Class A

    2,624       187,905  
              2,733,403  

Cosmetics/Personal Care — 0.5%

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    6,827       501,580  

Distribution/Wholesale — 0.4%

WESCO International, Inc.

    1,507       243,908  

WW Grainger, Inc.

    272       194,246  
              438,154  

Diversified Financial Services — 0.8%

American Express Co.

    1,172       185,164  

LPL Financial Holdings, Inc.

    859       198,077  

Mastercard, Inc., Class A

    490       202,194  

Nasdaq, Inc.

    3,788       198,794  
              784,229  

Electric — 0.8%

American Electric Power Co., Inc.

    2,419       189,650  

Eversource Energy

    3,745       239,006  

NextEra Energy, Inc.

    2,819       188,309  

Xcel Energy, Inc.

    3,085       176,246  
              793,211  

Electronics — 0.5%

Hubbell, Inc.

    628       204,759  

Keysight Technologies, Inc. *

    1,175       156,628  

Mettler-Toledo International, Inc. *

    107       129,842  
              491,229  

Engineering & Construction — 0.3%

TopBuild Corp. *

    1,038       301,103  

Food — 2.0%

               

Hershey Co., (The)

    7,219       1,551,074  

Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc.

    1,770       172,416  

Sysco Corp.

    3,364       234,303  
              1,957,793  

Gas — 0.1%

National Fuel Gas Co.

    2,633       141,497  

Hand & Machine Tools — 0.2%

Snap-on, Inc.

    717       192,586  

Healthcare-Products — 1.0%

Bruker Corp.

    2,954       193,782  

ResMed, Inc.

    776       123,842  

Shockwave Medical, Inc. *

    2,053       452,461  

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

    374       208,355  
              978,440  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
16

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP CORE ETF

 

Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2023

 

   

Number
of Shares

   

Value

 

Healthcare-Services — 5.0%

Centene Corp. *

    6,824     $ 420,700  

Elevance Health, Inc.

    7,065       3,122,800  

HCA Healthcare, Inc.

    2,367       656,369  

Humana, Inc.

    254       117,254  

Molina Healthcare, Inc. *

    581       180,180  

Tenet Healthcare Corp. *

    2,352       182,421  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

    465       221,610  
              4,901,334  

Home Builders — 0.6%

DR Horton, Inc.

    1,665       198,168  

Lennar Corp., Class A

    1,680       200,071  

NVR, Inc. *

    32       204,075  
              602,314  

Household Products/Wares — 0.2%

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    1,288       165,933  

Insurance — 9.4%

American International Group, Inc.

    46,133       2,699,702  

Arch Capital Group Ltd., (Bermuda) *

    2,160       166,018  

Axis Capital Holdings Ltd., (Bermuda)

    2,949       161,782  

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., Class B *

    3,003       1,081,681  

Chubb Ltd., (Switzerland)

    1,968       395,312  

Cincinnati Financial Corp.

    2,610       276,112  

Everest Group, Ltd., (Bermuda)

    683       246,344  

Hartford Financial Services Group Inc., (The)

    2,637       189,389  

MetLife, Inc.

    12,196       772,495  

Prudential Financial, Inc.

    27,195       2,574,551  

RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., (Bermuda)

    1,002       188,266  

Travelers Cos, Inc., (The)

    1,164       187,672  

W R Berkley Corp.

    4,253       263,091  
              9,202,415  

Internet — 10.0%

Alphabet, Inc., Class A *

    42,886       5,839,786  

Amazon.com, Inc. *

    1,556       214,744  

Booking Holdings, Inc. *

    60       186,302  

Meta Platforms, Inc., Class A *

    12,184       3,605,124  
              9,845,956  

Iron/Steel — 2.6%

Nucor Corp.

    1,343     $ 231,130  

Steel Dynamics, Inc.

    22,264       2,373,120  
              2,604,250  

Machinery-Construction & Mining — 0.2%

Oshkosh Corp.

    2,145       222,715  

Machinery-Diversified — 3.2%

AGCO Corp.

    20,778       2,691,374  

Deere & Co.

    491       201,772  

Graco, Inc.

    2,497       197,113  
              3,090,259  

Media — 0.5%

Comcast Corp., Class A

    4,773       223,186  

Nexstar Media Group, Inc.

    1,369       222,873  
              446,059  

Oil & Gas — 7.0%

APA Corp.

    4,755       208,459  

Chevron Corp.

    20,759       3,344,274  

ConocoPhillips

    14,331       1,705,819  

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    1,431       204,304  

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

    821       195,341  

Valero Energy Corp.

    9,225       1,198,328  
              6,856,525  

Pharmaceuticals — 1.4%

AbbVie, Inc.

    1,208       177,528  

CVS Health Corp.

    2,592       168,921  

Eli Lilly & Co.

    440       243,848  

McKesson Corp.

    440       181,421  

Merck & Co., Inc.

    3,789       412,924  

Pfizer, Inc.

    4,836       171,098  
              1,355,740  

Pipelines — 3.1%

Cheniere Energy, Inc.

    18,878       3,080,890  

Real Estate — 0.2%

CBRE Group, Inc., Class A *

    2,184       185,749  

REITS — 2.8%

American Tower Corp.

    887       160,831  

Crown Castle International Corp.

    1,839       184,820  

Kimco Realty Corp.

    79,967       1,514,574  

National Storage Affiliates Trust

    5,370       180,432  

SBA Communications Corp.

    918       206,119  

Simon Property Group, Inc.

    2,776       315,048  

Weyerhaeuser Co.

    5,869       192,210  
              2,754,034  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
17

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP CORE ETF

 

Portfolio of Investments (CONCLUDED)

August 31, 2023

 

   

Number
of Shares

   

Value

 

Retail — 5.8%

Bath & Body Works, Inc.

    5,510     $ 203,154  

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. *

    46       88,625  

Costco Wholesale Corp.

    238       130,729  

Home Depot, Inc., (The)

    615       203,135  

Lowe’s Cos., Inc.

    1,425       328,434  

McDonald’s Corp.

    9,478       2,664,739  

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. *

    133       124,980  

Starbucks Corp.

    1,917       186,792  

Target Corp.

    1,404       177,676  

Ulta Beauty, Inc. *

    437       181,368  

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

    8,473       1,377,795  
              5,667,427  

Semiconductors — 6.9%

Applied Materials, Inc.

    1,638       250,221  

Lam Research Corp.

    199       139,778  

NVIDIA Corp.

    11,828       5,837,709  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    1,507       172,597  

Texas Instruments, Inc.

    2,051       344,691  
              6,744,996  

Software — 16.4%

Doximity, Inc., Class A *

    10,671       254,397  

Elastic NV, (Netherlands) *

    3,195       197,707  

Electronic Arts, Inc.

    19,855       2,382,203  

HubSpot, Inc. *

    572       312,609  

Microsoft Corp.

    19,904       6,523,735  

MSCI, Inc.

    4,245       2,307,667  

Salesforce.com, Inc. *

    16,426       3,637,702  

ServiceNow, Inc. *

    348       204,913  

Synopsys, Inc. *

    497       228,068  
              16,049,001  

Telecommunications — 1.6%

Arista Networks, Inc. *

    1,102       215,143  

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    20,710       1,187,719  

T-Mobile US, Inc. *

    1,331       181,349  
              1,584,211  

Transportation — 2.8%

Union Pacific Corp.

    1,393     $ 307,253  

United Parcel Service, Inc., Class B

    14,270       2,417,338  
              2,724,591  

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS

               

(COST $93,260,425)

            96,167,934  
                 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 1.7%

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 5.20% (a)

    1,706,164       1,706,164  

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (COST $1,706,164)

            1,706,164  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS (COST $94,966,589) — 99.8%

            97,874,098  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES — 0.2%

            150,764  

TOTAL NET ASSETS — 100.0%

          $ 98,024,862  

 

 

*

Non-income producing security.

 

(a)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2023.

 

MSCI Morgan Stanley Capital International

 

REIT Real Estate Investment Trust

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
18

 

 

SGI DYNAMIC TACTICAL ETF

 

Portfolio Holdings Summary Table

August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

The following table presents a summary by sector of the portfolio holdings of the Fund:

 

   

% of Net
Assets

   

Value

 

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS

    99.7 %   $ 110,039,298  

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

    0.3       349,866  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES

    0.0       6,287  

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 110,395,451  

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
19

 

 

SGI DYNAMIC TACTICAL ETF

 

Portfolio of Investments

August 31, 2023

 

   

Number
of Shares

   

Value

 

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS — 99.7%

Exchange-Traded Funds – 99.7%

Invesco Optimum Yield Diversified Commodity Strategy No K-1 ETF

    381,222     $ 5,623,025  

Invesco QQQ Trust Series 1

    55,680       21,046,483  

iShares 5-10 Year Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF

    8,368       419,237  

iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF

    48,973       3,276,783  

iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF

    158,959       16,019,888  

iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF

    20,053       1,941,130  

iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol USA ETF

    104,404       7,817,772  

iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Min Vol Factor ETF

    192,028       6,598,082  

PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF

    47,184       2,336,080  

Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF

    126,107       9,398,755  

SGI US Large Cap Core ETF (a)(b)

    829,146       23,216,088  

SPDR Portfolio Long Term Treasury ETF

    22,695       642,042  

SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF

    220,954       11,703,933  

TOTAL EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS (COST $107,652,241)

            110,039,298  
                 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 0.3%

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 5.20% (c)

    349,866     $ 349,866  

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (COST $349,866)

            349,866  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS (COST $108,002,107) — 100.0%

            110,389,164  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES — 0.0%

            6,287  

TOTAL NET ASSETS — 100.0%

          $ 110,395,451  

 

 

(a)

Affiliated company. See Note 7.

 

(b)

Non-income producing security.

 

(c)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2023.

 

ETF Exchange-Traded Fund

 

MSCI Morgan Stanley Capital International

 

S&P Standards & Poor’s

 

SPDR Standard & Poor’s Depositary Receipt

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
20

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

August 31, 2023

 

   

SGI U.S.
Large Cap
CORE ETF

   

SGI U.S.
DYNAMIC
TACTICAL ETF

 

ASSETS

               

Investments, at fair value

               

Unaffiliated investments (cost $93,260,425 and $84,926,004, respectively)

  $ 96,167,934     $ 86,823,210  

Affiliated investments (cost $— and $22,726,237, respectively) (see Note 7)

        $ 23,216,088  

Short-term investments, at value (cost $1,706,164 and $349,866, respectively)

    1,706,164       349,866  

Receivables for:

               

Dividends

    167,530       1,409  

Due from Advisor

    52,407       92,099  

Total assets

  $ 98,094,035     $ 110,482,672  
                 

LIABILITIES

               

Payables for:

               

Advisory fees

  $ 69,173     $ 87,221  

Total liabilities

    69,173       87,221  

Net assets

  $ 98,024,862     $ 110,395,451  
                 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

               

Par value

  $ 3,500     $ 4,250  

Paid-in capital

    93,718,035       108,305,563  

Total distributable earnings/(losses)

    4,303,327       2,085,638  

Net assets

  $ 98,024,862     $ 110,395,451  
                 

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

  $ 3,500,000     $ 4,250,000  

Net asset value and redemption price per share

  $ 28.01     $ 25.98  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
21

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Statements of Operations

FOR THE Period ENDED August 31, 2023(1)

 

   

SGI U.S.
Large Cap
CORE ETF

   

SGI U.S.
DYNAMIC
TACTICAL ETF

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

               

Dividends

               

Dividends from unaffiliated investments

  $ 459,360     $ 706,740  

Dividends from affiliated investments (see Note 7)

           

Interest

    18,662       30,321  

Total investment income

    478,022       737,061  
                 

EXPENSES

               

Advisory fees (Note 2)

    217,980       328,677  

Total expenses

    217,980       328,677  

Net investment income/(loss)

    260,042       408,384  
                 

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS

               

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

               

Unaffiliated investments

    1,135,386       (712,574 )

Affiliated investments (see Note 7)

          2,621  

Net realized gain/(loss) from redemption in-kind

    1,147,811       13,080  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

               

Unaffiliated investments

    2,907,509       1,897,206  

Affiliated investments (see Note 7)

          489,851  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    5,190,706       1,690,184  

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 5,450,748     $ 2,098,568  

 

 

(1) Inception date of the SGI U.S. Large Cap Core ETF and SGI U.S. Dynamic Tactical ETF was March 30, 2023 and March 29, 2023, respectively.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
22

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP CORE ETF

 

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

FOR THE
PERIOD ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2023
(1)

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

       

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 260,042  

Net realized gain/(loss) on investments

       

Unaffiliated investments

    2,283,197  

Affiliated investments (see Note 7)

     

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

       

Unaffiliated investments

    2,907,509  

Affiliated investments (see Note 7)

     

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    5,450,748  
         

CAPTIAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

Proceeds from shares sold

    103,405,429  

Shares redeemed

    (10,831,315 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets from capital shares

    92,574,114  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    98,024,862  
         

NET ASSETS:

       

Beginning of period

     

End of period

  $ 98,024,862  
         

SHARES TRANSACTIONS:

       

Shares sold

    3,890,000  

Shares redeemed

    (390,000 )

Net increase/(decrease)

    3,500,000  

 

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund was March 30, 2023.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
23

 

 

SGI DYNAMIC TACTICAL ETF

 

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

FOR THE
PERIOD ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2023
(1)

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

       

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 408,384  

Net realized gain/(loss) on investments

       

Unaffiliated investments

    (699,494 )

Affiliated investments (see Note 7)

    2,621  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

       

Unaffiliated investments

    1,897,206  

Affiliated investments (see Note 7)

    489,851  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    2,098,568  
         

CAPTIAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

Proceeds from shares sold

    109,300,356  

Shares redeemed

    (1,003,473 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets from capital shares

    108,296,883  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    110,395,451  
         

NET ASSETS:

       

Beginning of period

     

End of period

  $ 110,395,451  
         

SHARES TRANSACTIONS:

       

Shares sold

    4,290,000  

Shares redeemed

    (40,000 )

Net increase/(decrease)

    4,250,000  

 

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund was March 29, 2023.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
24

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP CORE ETF

 

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for share outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the period. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

For the
Period
Ended
August 31,
2023
(1)

 

PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE

       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 25.00  

Net investment income/(loss) (2)

    0.11  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    2.90  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    3.01  

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 28.01  

Market value, end of period

  $ 28.00  

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value (3)

    12.03 %(5)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price (4)

    12.00 %(5)
         

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

       

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

  $ 98,025  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

    0.85 %(6)

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    1.01 %(6)

Portfolio turnover rate

    95 %(5)

 

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund was March 30, 2023.

(2)

The selected per share data is calculated based on average shares outstanding method for the period.

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(4)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the market price on the first day of the period, reinvestment of dividends and distributions at market price during the period and redemption at market price on the last day of the period.

(5)

Not annualized.

(6)

Annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
25

 

 

SGI DYNAMIC TACTICAL FUND

 

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for share outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the period. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

For the
Period
Ended
August 31,
2023
(1)

 

PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE

       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 25.00  

Net investment income/(loss) (2)

    0.13  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    0.85  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    0.98  

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 25.98  

Market value, end of period

  $ 26.05  

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value (3)

    3.90 %(5)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price (4)

    4.20 %(5)
         

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

       

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

  $ 110,395  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

    0.95 %(6)

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    1.18 %(6)

Portfolio turnover rate

    66 %(5)

 

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund was March 29, 2023.

(2)

The selected per share data is calculated based on average shares outstanding method for the period.

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(4)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the market price on the first day of the period, reinvestment of dividends and distributions at market price during the period and redemption at market price on the last day of the period.

(5)

Not annualized.

(6)

Annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
26

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

 

The RBB Fund, Inc. (“RBB” or the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland on February 29, 1988 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the “1940 Act”) as an open-end management investment company. RBB is a “series fund,” which is a mutual fund complex divided into separate portfolios. Each portfolio is treated as a separate entity for certain matters under the 1940 Act, and for other purposes, and a shareholder of one portfolio is not deemed to be a shareholder of any other portfolio. Currently, RBB has fifty-three separate investment portfolios, including the SGI U.S. Large Cap Core ETF and the SGI Dynamic Tactical ETF (each, a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”), which commenced investment operations on March 30, 2023 and March 29, 2023, respectively.

 

RBB has authorized capital of one hundred billion shares of common stock of which 91.523 billion shares are currently classified into two hundred and twenty-two classes of common stock. Each class represents an interest in an active or inactive investment portfolio of the Company.

 

The investment objective of the SGI U.S. Large Cap Core ETF and the SGI Dynamic Tactical ETF is to provide long-term capital appreciation.

 

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

 

The end of the reporting period for the Funds is August 31, 2023, and the period covered by these Notes to Financial Statements is the fiscal period since inception for the SGI U.S. Large Cap Core ETF and the SGI Dynamic Tactical ETF from March 30, 2023 and March 29, 2023, respectively, through August 31, 2023 (the “current fiscal period”).

 

Portfolio Valuation — Each Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. Securities held by the Funds are valued using the closing price or the last sale price on a national securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System (“NASDAQ”) market system where they are primarily traded. Equity securities traded in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market are valued at their closing prices. If there were no transactions on that day, securities traded principally on an exchange or on NASDAQ will be valued at the mean of the last bid and ask prices prior to the market close. Fixed income securities are valued using an independent pricing service, which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings, and are deemed representative of market values at the close of the market. Investments in exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) are valued at their last reported sale price. Investments in other open-end investment companies, if any, are valued based on the NAV of those investment companies (which may use fair value pricing as disclosed in their prospectuses). If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable, securities will be valued by the Valuation Designee (as defined below) in accordance with procedures adopted by The Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). Relying on prices supplied by pricing services or dealers or using fair valuation may result in values that are higher or lower than the values used by other investment companies and investors to price the same investments.

 

The Board has adopted a pricing and valuation policy for use by each Fund and its Valuation Designee (as defined below) in calculating the Fund’s NAV. Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Board has designated Summit Global Investments, LLC (the “Adviser” or “Summit”) as its “Valuation Designee” to perform all of the fair value determinations as well as to perform all of the responsibilities that may be performed by the Valuation Designee in accordance with Rule 2a-5. The Valuation Designee is authorized to make all necessary determinations of the fair values of portfolio securities and other assets for which market quotations are not readily available or if it is deemed that the prices obtained from brokers and dealers or independent pricing services are unreliable.

 

Fair Value Measurements — The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the Funds’ investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:

 

 

● Level 1 —

Prices are determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.

 

27

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

 

● Level 2 —

Prices are determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

 

● Level 3 —

Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs (including the Funds’ own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

 

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used, as of the end of the current fiscal period, in valuing each Fund’s investments carried at fair value:

 

   

Total

   

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP CORE ETF

                               

Common Stocks

  $ 96,167,934     $ 96,167,934     $     $  

Short-Term Investments

    1,706,164       1,706,164              

Total Investments*

  $ 97,874,098     $ 97,874,098     $     $  
                                 

SGI DYNAMIC TACTICAL ETF

                               

Exchange-Traded Funds

  $ 110,039,298     $ 110,039,298     $     $  

Short-Term Investments

    349,866       349,866              

Total Investments*

  $ 110,389,164     $ 110,389,164     $     $  

 

 

*

Please refer to Portfolio of Investments for further details.

 

At the end of each quarter, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities. Various factors are considered, such as changes in liquidity from the prior reporting period; whether or not a broker is willing to execute at the quoted price; the depth and consistency of prices from third party pricing services; and the existence of contemporaneous, observable trades in the market. Additionally, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities on a quarterly basis for changes in listings or delistings on national exchanges.

 

Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Funds’ investments may fluctuate from period to period. Additionally, the fair value of investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for such investments and may differ materially from the values the Funds may ultimately realize. Further, such investments may be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities.

 

For fair valuations using significant unobservable inputs, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires each Fund to present a reconciliation of the beginning to ending balances for reported market values that presents changes attributable to total realized and unrealized gains or losses, purchase and sales, and transfers in and out of Level 3 during the period. Transfers in and out between levels are based on values at the end of the period. A reconciliation of Level 3 investments is presented only if a Fund had an amount of Level 3 investments at the end of the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets. The amounts and reasons for all Level 3 transfers are disclosed if a Fund had an amount of total Level 3 transfers during the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets as of the end of the reporting period.

 

During the current fiscal period, the Funds had no Level 3 purchases, sales, or transfers.

 

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 and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences could be significant.

 

28

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

Investment Transactions, Investment Income and Expenses — The Funds record security transactions based on trade date for financial reporting purposes. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method for both financial reporting and income tax purposes in determining realized gains and losses on investments. Interest income (including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts) is accrued when earned. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. The Funds’ investment income, expenses (other than class specific expenses) and unrealized and realized gains and losses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class at the beginning of the day. Certain expenses are shared with The RBB Fund Trust (the “Trust”), a series trust of affiliated funds. Expenses incurred on behalf of a specific class, fund or fund family of the Company or Trust are charged directly to the class, fund or fund family (in proportion to net assets). Expenses incurred for all funds (such as director or professional fees) are charged to all funds in proportion to their average net assets of RBB and the Trust, or in such other manner as the Board deems fair or equitable. Expenses and fees, including investment advisory and administration fees, are accrued daily and taken into account for the purpose of determining the NAV of the Funds.

 

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders — Dividends from net investment income and distributions from net realized capital gains, if any, are declared and paid at least annually to shareholders and recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income dividends and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

 

U.S. tax status — No provision is made for U.S. income taxes as it is each Fund’s intention to continue to qualify for and elect the tax treatment applicable to regulated investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and make the requisite distributions to its shareholders which will be sufficient to relieve it from U.S. income and excise taxes.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents — Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates market value.

 

Other — In the normal course of business, the Funds may enter into contracts that provide general indemnifications. Each Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on claims that may be made against the Funds in the future, and, therefore, cannot be estimated; however, the Funds expect the risk of material loss from such claims to be remote.

 

2. Investment Adviser and Other Services

 

SGI Global Investments, LLC serves as the Adviser to the Funds. SG Trading Solutions, LLC (“SG Trading Solutions”) serves as the investment sub-adviser to the Funds. Each Fund pays all of its expenses other than those expressly assumed by the Adviser. Expenses of each Fund are deducted from the Fund’s total income before dividends are paid. Subject to the supervision of the Board, the Adviser manages the overall investment operations of each Fund in accordance with the Fund’s respective investment objective and policies and formulates a continuing investment strategy for each Fund pursuant to the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and the Company on behalf of each Fund (each, an “Advisory Agreement” and together, the “Advisory Agreements”). The Funds compensate the Adviser with a unitary management fee for its services at an annual rate of 0.85% for the SGI U.S. Large Cap Core ETF and 0.95% for the SGI Dynamic Tactical ETF based on each Fund’s average daily net assets during the month. From the unitary management fee, the Adviser pays most of the expenses of each Fund, including the cost of sub-advisory fees to SG Trading Solutions, transfer agency, custody, fund administration, legal, audit and other services. However, under each Investment Advisory Agreement, the Adviser is not responsible for interest expenses, brokerage commissions and other trading expenses, taxes and other extraordinary costs such as litigation and other expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of business. The Sub-Adviser is an affiliate of the Adviser. The Sub-Adviser implements rigorous quantitative and fundamental analysis to achieve best execution, and is subject to oversight by the

 

29

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

Adviser and the Board. Under the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Sub-Adviser receives a fee from the Adviser, calculated daily and paid monthly, equal to 0.05% of the average daily net assets of each Fund. During the current fiscal period, investment advisory fees accrued were as follows:

 

FUND

 

ADVISORY FEES

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Core ETF

  $ 217,980  

SGI Dynamic Tactical ETF

    328,677  

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (“Fund Services”), serves as administrator for the Funds. For providing administrative and accounting services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Fund Services serves as the Funds’ transfer and dividend disbursing agent. For providing transfer agent services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

U.S. Bank, N.A. (the “Custodian”) provides certain custodial services to the Funds. The Custodian is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Quasar Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of Foreside Financial Group, LLC, serves as the principal underwriter and distributor of the Funds’ shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with RBB.

 

Under the Funds’ unitary fee, the Adviser compensates Fund Services and the Custodian for services provided.

 

3. DIRECTOR AND OFFICER Compensation

 

The Directors of the Company receive an annual retainer and meeting fees for meetings attended. An employee of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serves as Chief Compliance Officer of the Company. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company. Employees of RBB serve as President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Secretary and Director of Marketing & Business Development of the Company. They are compensated for services provided. Certain employees of Fund Services serve as officers of the Company. They are not compensated by the Funds or the Company. As of the end of the current fiscal period, there were no director and officer fees charged or paid by the Funds out of the unitary fees.

 

4. Purchases and Sales of Investment Securities

 

During the current fiscal period, aggregate purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding in-kind transactions and short-term investments) of the Funds were as follows:

 

FUND

 

Purchases

   

Sales

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Core ETF

  $ 56,278,663     $ 57,453,401  

SGI Dynamic Tactical ETF

    53,956,487       52,162,513  

 

There were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. Government securities during the current fiscal period.

 

During the current fiscal period, aggregate purchases and sales of in-kind transactions (excluding short-term investments) of the Funds were as follows:

 

FUND

 

Purchases

   

Sales

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Core ETF

  $ 103,120,373     $ 10,962,037  

SGI Dynamic Tactical ETF

    107,534,741       979,602  

 

30

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

5. Federal Income Tax Information

 

The Funds have followed the authoritative guidance on accounting for and disclosure of uncertainty in tax positions, which requires the Funds to determine whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The Funds have determined that there was no effect on the financial statements from following this authoritative guidance. In the normal course of business, the Funds are subject to examination by federal, state and local jurisdictions, where applicable, for tax years for which applicable statutes of limitations have not expired.

 

As of August 31, 2023, the federal tax cost and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments held by each Fund were as follows:

 

   

Federal Tax
Cost

   

Unrealized
Appreciation

   

Unrealized
(Depreciation)

   

Net Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Core ETF

  $ 95,115,401     $ 5,018,773     $ (2,260,076 )   $ 2,758,697  

SGI Dynamic Tactical ETF

    108,212,808       3,439,369       (1,263,013 )     2,176,356  

 

The difference between the book basis and tax basis cost and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments is attributable primarily to timing differences related to wash sales.

 

Distributions to shareholders, if any, from net investment income and realized gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from net investment income and realized gains recognized for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the character of distributions and composition of net assets for tax purposes may differ from those reflected in the accompanying financial statements. Any permanent differences resulting from different book and tax treatment are reclassified at year-end and have no impact on net income, NAV or NAV per share of the Funds.

 

Permanent differences as of August 31, 2023, primarily attributable to in-kind redemptions gain and loss were reclassified among the following accounts:

 

   

Distributable
Earnings/(loss)

   

Paid-in
Capital

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Core ETF

  $ (1,147,421 )   $ 1,147,421  

SGI Dynamic Tactical ETF

    (12,930 )     12,930  

 

As of August 31, 2023, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

FUND

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

   

Undistributed
Long-term
capital gains

   

Capital
Loss Carry
Forward

   

Qualified
Late-
Year Loss
Deferral

   

Other
Temporary
Differences

   

Net
Unrealized
Appreciation/

(Depreciation)

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Core ETF

  $ 1,542,866     $ 1,764     $     $     $     $ 2,758,697  

SGI Dynamic Tactical ETF

    408,384             (499,102 )                 2,176,356  

 

The differences between the book and tax basis components of distributable earnings relate primarily to wash sales.

 

Dividends from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income dividends for federal income tax purposes.

 

31

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

The Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an unlimited period. Capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of August 31, 2023, the SGI Dynamic Tactical ETF had $499,102 of short-term loss carryovers.

 

Pursuant to federal income tax rules applicable to regulated investment companies, the Fund may elect to treat certain capital losses between November 1 and August 31 and late year ordinary losses ((i) ordinary losses between January 1 and August 31, and (ii) specified ordinary and currency losses between November 1 and August 31) as occurring on the first day of the following tax year. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, any amount of losses elected within the tax return will not be recognized for federal income tax purposes until September 1, 2023. As of August 31, 2023 the Funds had no tax basis qualified late-year loss deferral.

 

6. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS AND REGULATORY UPDATES

 

In June 2022, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2022-03, which amends Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions (“ASU 2022-03”). ASU 2022-03 clarifies guidance for fair value measurement of an equity security subject to a contractual sale restriction and establishes new disclosure requirements for such equity securities. ASU 2022-03 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of these amendments on the financial statements.

 

In October 2022, the SEC adopted a final rule relating to tailored shareholder reports for mutual funds and exchange-traded funds and fee information in investment company advertisements. The rule and form amendments will, among other things, require the Funds to transmit concise and visually engaging shareholder reports that highlight key information. The amendments will require that funds tag information in a structured data format and that certain more in-depth information be made available online and available for delivery free of charge to investors on request. The amendments became effective January 24, 2023. There is an 18-month transition period after the effective date of the amendments until the Funds are required to comply.

 

In December 2022, the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2022-06, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) – Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848 (“ASU 2022-06”). ASU 2022-06 is an amendment to ASU 2020-04, which provided optional guidance to ease the potential accounting burden due to the discontinuation of the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate and other interbank-offered based reference rates and which was effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. ASU 2022-06 extends the effective period through December 31, 2024. Management is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of applying ASU 2022-06.

 

32

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements (conCLUDed)

AUGUST 31, 2023

 

7. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

 

The following issuers are affiliated with the Funds. Fund of Funds are allowed to invest in other investment companies in excess of the limits imposed, if certain requirement, such as being part of the same group of investment companies, are met. As defined in Section (2)(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940; such issuers are:

 

   

March 29, 2023

   

Additions

   

Reductions

 

Issuer Name

 

Share
Balance

   

Cost

   

Share
Balance

   

Cost

   

Share
Balance

   

Cost

 

SGI Dynamic Tactical ETF

                                               

SGI U.S. Large Cap Core ETF

        $       833,601     $ 22,838,682       (4,455 )   $ (112,445 )
          $       833,601     $ 22,838,682       (4,455 )   $ (112,445 )

 

   

August 31, 2023

 

Issuer Name

 

Dividend
Income

   

Capital
Gain
Distribution

   

Net Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

   

Realized
Gain/(Loss)

   

Share
Balance

   

Value

   

Cost

 

SGI Dynamic Tactical ETF

                                                       

SGI U.S. Large Cap Core ETF

  $     $     $ 489,851     $ 2,621       829,146     $ 23,216,088     $ 22,726,237  
    $     $     $ 489,851     $ 2,621       829,146     $ 23,216,088     $ 22,726,237  

 

8. SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

Shares of the SGI U.S. Large Cap Core ETF are listed and traded on the NYSE. Shares of the SGI Dynamic Tactical ETF are listed and traded on the NASDAQ, Inc. Market prices for the shares may be different from their NAV. Each Fund issues and redeems shares on a continuous basis at NAV only in blocks of 5,000 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 each Fund. 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 each Fund. 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.

 

9. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

The U.S.-designated terrorist group Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in an ensuing war in the region. Current hostilities and the potential for future hostilities may diminish the value, or cause significant volatility in the share price, of companies based in or having significant operations in Israel. The Israeli securities market may be closed for extended periods of time or trading on the Israeli securities market may be suspended altogether. How long the armed conflict and related events will last cannot be predicted.

 

33

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Shareholders of SGI U.S. Large Cap Core ETF and SGI Dynamic Tactical ETF and Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of SGI U.S. Large Cap Core ETF and SGI Dynamic Tactical ETF (collectively referred to as the “Funds”) (two of the portfolios constituting The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”)), including the portfolios of investments, as of August 31, 2023, and the related statements of operations, the statements of changes in net assets, and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated in the table below and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Funds (two of the portfolios constituting The RBB Fund, Inc.) at August 31, 2023, and the results of their operations, changes in net assets and financial highlights for each of the periods indicated in the table below, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Individual portfolio
constituting The RBB Fund, Inc.

Statement of
operations

Statements of changes
in net assets

Financial highlights

SGI U.S. Large Cap Core ETF

For the period from March 30, 2023 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2023

SGI Dynamic Tactical ETF

For the period from March 29, 2023 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2023

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on each of the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

34

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM (Concluded)

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 2023, by correspondence with the custodian. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Summit Global Investment companies since 2012.

 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
October 30, 2023

 

35

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

SHAREHOLDER TAX INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

 

Certain tax information regarding the Funds is required to be provided to shareholders based upon the Funds’ income and distributions for the taxable period ended August 31, 2023. The information and distributions reported herein may differ from information and distributions taxable to the shareholders for the calendar year ending December 31, 2023. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, the Funds did not pay ordinary income dividends nor long-term capital gains dividends to its shareholders.

 

Dividends from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income dividends for federal income tax purposes.

 

Because the Funds’ fiscal year is not the calendar year, another notification will be sent with respect to calendar year 2023. The second notification, which will reflect the amount, if any, to be used by calendar year taxpayers on their U.S. federal income tax returns, will be made in conjunction with Form 1099-DIV and will be mailed in January 2024.

 

Foreign shareholders will generally be subject to U.S. withholding tax on the amount of their ordinary income dividends. They will generally not be entitled to a foreign tax credit or deduction for the withholding taxes paid by the Funds, if any.

 

In general, dividends received by tax-exempt recipients (e.g., IRAs and Keoghs) need not be reported as taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, some retirement trusts (e.g., corporate, Keogh and 403(b)(7) plans) may need this information for their annual information reporting. Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the tax consequences of their investment in the Funds.

 

36

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

Other Information (Unaudited)

 

 

Proxy Voting

 

Policies and procedures that the Funds use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities as well as information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 are available without charge, upon request, by calling (855) 744-8500 and on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Quarterly Portfolio Schedules

 

The Company files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third fiscal quarters of each fiscal year (quarters ended November 30 and May 31) as an exhibit to its report on Form N-PORT. The Company’s Form N-PORT filings are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Investment Advisory Agreement - SGI U.S. Large Cap Core Equity Fund and SGI Dynamic Tactical Fund

 

As required by the 1940 Act, the Board, including all of the Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Directors”), considered the initial approval of the investment advisory agreement between Summit and the Company (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”) on behalf of the SGI U.S. Large Cap Core ETF and the SGI Dynamic Tactical ETF (each a “Fund” and together the “Funds”), at a meeting of the Board held on February 9-10, 2022 (the “Meeting”). At the Meeting, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, approved the Investment Advisory Agreement. The Board’s decision to approve the Investment Advisory Agreement reflects the exercise of its business judgment. In approving the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Board considered information provided by Summit with the assistance and advice of counsel to the Independent Directors and the Company.

 

In considering the approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Company and Summit with respect to each Fund the Directors took into account all materials provided prior to and during the Meeting and at other meetings throughout the past year, the presentations made during the Meeting, and the discussions held during the Meeting. The Directors reviewed these materials with management of Summit and discussed the Investment Advisory Agreements with counsel in executive sessions, at which no representatives of Summit were present. Among other things, the Directors considered (i) the nature, extent, and quality of services to be provided to the Funds by Summit; (ii) descriptions of the experience and qualifications of the personnel providing those services; (iii) Summit’s investment philosophy and process; (iv) Summit’s assets under management and client descriptions; (v) Summit’s soft dollar commission and trade allocation policies, including information on the types of research and services obtained in connection with soft dollar commissions; (vi) Summit’s advisory fee arrangements and other similarly managed clients, as applicable; (vii) Summit’s compliance procedures; (viii) Summit’s financial information and insurance coverage; (ix) the extent to which economies of scale are relevant to the Funds; and (x) a report comparing each Fund’s proposed management fees and total expense ratio to those of other funds in its anticipated Morningstar category. The Directors noted that the Funds had not yet commenced operations, and consequently there was no performance information to review with respect to the Funds.

 

As part of their review, the Directors considered the nature, extent and quality of the services to be provided by Summit. The Directors concluded that Summit had sufficient resources to provide services to the Funds.

 

The Board also took into consideration that the advisory fee for each Fund was a “unitary fee,” meaning those Funds paid no expenses other than the advisory fee and certain other costs such as interest, brokerage and extraordinary expenses. The Board noted that Summit continued to be responsible for compensating the Funds’ other service providers and paying other expenses of the Funds out of its own fees and resources. The Directors noted that Summit had contractually agreed to waive management fees and reimburse expenses for at least one year to limit total annual operating expenses to agreed upon levels for the Funds.

 

37

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

Other Information (Unaudited) (Concluded)

 

After reviewing the information regarding Summit’s estimated costs, profitability and economies of scale, and after considering the services to be provided by Summit, the Directors concluded that the investment advisory fees to be paid by the Funds to Summit and the sub-advisory fees to be paid by Summit to the Sub-Adviser were fair and reasonable and that the Investment Advisory Agreement should be approved for an initial period ending August 16, 2024.

 

INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT - SGI U.S. LARGE CAP CORE EQUITY FUND AND SGI DYNAMIC TACTICAL FUND

 

As required by the 1940 Act, the Board, including all of the Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Directors”), considered the initial approval of the sub-advisory agreement between Summit and SG Trading Solutions LLC (“Sub-Advisory Agreement”), at a meeting of the Board held on July 26, 2022 (the “Meeting”). At the Meeting, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, approved the Sub-Advisory Agreement. The Board’s decision to approve the Sub-Advisory Agreement reflects the exercise of its business judgment. In approving the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Board considered information provided the Sub-Adviser with the assistance and advice of counsel to the Independent Directors and the Company.

 

In considering the approval of the Sub-Advisory Agreement by and between Summit and the Sub-Adviser with respect to each Fund, the Directors took into account all materials provided prior to and during the Meeting and at other meetings throughout the past year, the presentations made during the Meeting, and the discussions held during the Meeting. Among other things, the Directors considered (i) the nature, extent, and quality of services to be provided to the Funds by the Sub-Adviser; (ii) descriptions of the experience and qualifications of the personnel providing those services; (iii) the Sub-Adviser’s investment philosophy and process; (iv) the Sub-Adviser’s advisory fee arrangements and other similarly managed clients, as applicable; (v) the Sub-Adviser’s compliance procedures; and (vi) the Sub-Adviser’s financial information and insurance coverage. The Directors noted that the Funds had not yet commenced operations, and consequently there was no performance information to review with respect to the Funds.

 

As part of their review, the Directors considered the nature, extent and quality of the services to be provided by the Sub-Adviser. In this regard, the Directors noted that the Sub-Adviser was a newly formed affiliate of Summit. The Directors concluded that the Sub-Adviser had sufficient resources to provide services to the Funds.

 

The Directors considered the fees payable to the Sub-Adviser under the Sub-Advisory Agreement and the information provided by Summit on the services provided by the Sub-Adviser. In this regard, the Directors noted that the fees for the Sub-Adviser would be payable by Summit.

 

After reviewing the information regarding the Sub-Adviser’s estimated costs, profitability and economies of scale, and after considering the services to be provided by the Sub-Adviser, the Directors concluded that the sub-advisory fees to be paid by Summit to the Sub-Adviser were fair and reasonable and that the Sub-Advisory Agreement should be approved for an initial period ending August 16, 2024.

 

38

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

Company Management (Unaudited)

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company is organized under and managed pursuant to Maryland law. The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below. The statement of additional information (“SAI”) includes additional information about the Directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling (855) 744-8500.

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
During Past
5 Years

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Julian A. Brodsky
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 90

Director

1988 to present

Retired.

63

AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).

Gregory P. Chandler
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 56

Director

2012 to present

Since 2020, Chief Financial Officer, HC Parent Corp. d/b/a Herspiegel Consulting LLC (life sciences consulting services); 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Avocado Systems Inc. (cyber security software provider); 2009-2020, Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services).

63

FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Emtec, Inc. (until December 2019); FS Investment Corporation (business development company) (until December 2018).

Lisa A. Dolly

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI, 53202

Age: 57

Director

October 2021 to present

From July 2019-December 2019, Chairman, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm); January 2016-June 2019, Chief Executive Officer, Pershing, LLC.

63

Allfunds Group PLC (United Kingdom wealthtech and fund distribution provider); Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (trade association for broker dealers, investment banks and asset managers); Hightower Advisors (wealth management firm).

Nicholas A. Giordano
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 80

Director

2006 to present

Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations.

63

Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance) (until March 2021).

Arnold M. Reichman
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 75

Chair

 

Director

2005 to present

1991 to present

Retired.

63

EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until August 2022).

 

39

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

Company Management (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
During Past
5 Years

Brian T. Shea
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 63

Director

2018 to present

From 2014-2017, Chief Executive Officer, BNY Mellon Investment Services (fund services, global custodian and securities clearing firm); from 1983-2014, Chief Executive Officer and various positions, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm).

63

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (financial services technology company); Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (financial services company); WisdomTree

Investments, Inc.

(asset management

company) (until March

2019).

Robert A. Straniere
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 82

Director

2006 to present

Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm).

63

None.

INTERESTED DIRECTOR2

Robert Sablowsky
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 85

Vice Chair

 

Director

2016 to present

 

1991 to present

Since 2002, Senior Director - Investments and, prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer).

63

None.

OFFICERS

Steven Plump

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 64

President

August 2022 to present

From 2011 to 2021, Executive Vice President, PIMCO LLC.

N/A

N/A

Salvatore Faia, JD,
CPA, CFE
Vigilant Compliance, LLC
Gateway Corporate Center, Suite 216
223 Wilmington West
Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Age: 60

Chief Compliance Officer

2004 to present

 

Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company); since 2021, Chief Compliance Officer of The RBB Fund Trust; President of The RBB Fund Trust from 2021 to 2022; President of The RBB Fund, Inc. from 2009 to 2022.

N/A

N/A

 

 

40

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

Company Management (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
During Past
5 Years

James G. Shaw
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 63

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

 

Chief Operating Officer

2016 to present

 

 

 

2022 to present

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (since 2016) and Chief Operating Officer (since 2022) of The RBB Fund, Inc.; Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (since 2021) and Chief Operating Officer (since 2022) of The RBB Fund Trust.

N/A

N/A

Craig A. Urciuoli

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 49

Director of Marketing & Business Development

2019 to present

Director of Marketing & Business Development of The RBB Fund, Inc. (since 2019) and The RBB Fund Trust (since 2021); from 2000-2019, Managing Director, Third Avenue Management LLC. (an investment advisory firm).

N/A

N/A

Jennifer Witt
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 40

Assistant Treasurer

2018 to present

Since 2020, Vice President, U.S.

Bank Global Fund Services (fund administrative services firm); from 2016 to 2020, Assistant Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services.

N/A

N/A

Edward Paz
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 52

Assistant Secretary

2016 to present

Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm).

N/A

N/A

Michael P. Malloy
One Logan Square
Ste. 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 64

Assistant Secretary

1999 to present

Since 1993, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

Jillian L. Bosmann
One Logan Square
Ste. 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Age: 44

Assistant Secretary

2017 to present

Since 2017, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

 

*

Each Director oversees 63 portfolios of the fund complex, consisting of the series in the Company (53 portfolios) and The RBB Fund Trust (10 portfolios).

 

1.

Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his or her successor is elected and qualified or his or her death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Giordano, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.

 

2.

Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

41

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

Company Management (Unaudited) (Concluded)

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his or her qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive-level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Ms. Dolly has over three decades of experience in the financial services industry, and she has demonstrated her leadership and management abilities by serving in numerous senior executive-level positions. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Shea has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the brokerage, clearing, banking and investment services industry, including service on the boards of public companies, industry regulatory organizations and a university. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company.

 

42

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)

 

FACTS

WHAT DOES THE SGI FUNDS DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?

Why?

Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.

What?

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

 

● Social Security number

● account balances

● account transactions

● transaction history

● wire transfer instructions

● checking account information

 

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

How?

All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information; the reasons SGI Funds chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing.

       

Reasons we can share your information

Do the SGI Funds share?

Can you limit this sharing?

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

Yes

No

For our marketing purposes
to offer our products and services to you

Yes

No

For joint marketing with other financial companies

Yes

No

For affiliates’ everyday business purposes
information about your transactions and experiences

Yes

No

For affiliates’ everyday business purposes
information about your creditworthiness

No

We don’t share

For our affiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share

For nonaffiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share

 

Questions?

Call 1-855-744-8500 or go to www.summitglobalinvestments.com

 

 

 

43

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited) (Concluded)

 

What we do

 

How do the SGI Funds protect my personal information?

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

How do the SGI Funds collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

 

● open an account

● provide account information

● give us your contact information

● make a wire transfer

● tell us where to send the money

 

We also collect your information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

 

● sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes — information about your creditworthiness

● affiliates from using your information to market to you

● sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

 

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

Definitions

 

Affiliates

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

 

Our affiliates include Summit Global Investments, LLC, the investment adviser to the SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund, SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund, SGI Global Equity Fund, SGI Prudent Growth Fund, SGI Peak Growth Fund, SGI Small Cap Core Fund, SGI U.S. Large Large Cap Core ETF and SGI Dynamic Tactical ETF.

Nonaffiliates

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

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund, SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund, SGI Global Equity Fund, SGI Prudent Growth Fund, SGI Peak Growth Fund, SGI Small Cap Core Fund, SGI U.S. Large Cap Core ETF and SGI Dynamic Tactical ETF. doesn’t share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you.

Joint marketing

A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund, SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund, SGI Global Equity Fund, SGI Prudent Growth Fund, SGI Peak Growth Fund, SGI Small Cap Core Fund, SGI U.S. Large Cap Core ETF and SGI Dynamic Tactical ETF. may share your information with other financial institutions with whom they have joint marketing arrangements who may suggest additional fund services or other investments products which may be of interest to you. We do not currently have any joint marketing arrangements with other financial institutions.

 

 

44

 

 

[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

 

Investment Adviser

Summit Global Investments, LLC
620 South Main Street
Bountiful, UT 84010

 

Administrator and Transfer Agent

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201

 

Principal Underwriter

Quasar Distributors, LLC
111 E Kilbourn Ave, Suite 2200
Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Custodian

U.S. Bank, N.A.
1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, WI 53212

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Ernst & Young LLP
One Commerce Square
2005 Market Street, Suite 700
Philadelphia, PA 19103

 

Legal Counsel

Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
One Logan Square, Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103-6996

 

SGI-ETFAR23

 

 

 

 

 

Annual Report
August 31, 2023

US Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF | (Nasdaq: TBIL)

US Treasury 6 Month Bill ETF | (Nasdaq: XBIL)

US Treasury 12 Month Bill ETF | (Nasdaq: OBIL)

US Treasury 2 Year Note ETF | (Nasdaq: UTWO)

US Treasury 3 Year Note ETF | (Nasdaq: UTRE)

US Treasury 5 Year Note ETF | (Nasdaq: UFIV)

US Treasury 7 Year Note ETF | (Nasdaq: USVN)

US Treasury 10 Year Note ETF | (Nasdaq: UTEN)

US Treasury 20 Year Bond ETF | (Nasdaq: UTWY)

US Treasury 30 Year Bond ETF | (Nasdaq: UTHY)

Each a series of The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

F/m Investments, LLC d/b/a North Slope Capital, LLC

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

   

Letter to Shareholders

1

Performance Data

3

Fund Expense Examples

13

Schedules of Investments

17

Financial Statements

36

Notes to Financial Statements

62

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

74

Shareholder Tax Information

75

Notice to Shareholders

76

Directors and Officers

84

 

 

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Letter to Shareholders

August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

F/m Investments LLC
d/b/a North Slope Capital, LLC
3050 K Street NW
Suite 201
Washington, DC 20007

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

Last year we wrote to you about the nascent US Benchmark Series offering simplified access to “on-the-run” benchmark US Treasury bills, notes, and bonds. Then three funds, TBIL, UTWO and UTEN, listed and actively trading. Today ten key points of the yield curve are available with over $3 billion in assets under management and millions of shares traded:

 

 

TBIL – US Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF

 

XBIL – US Treasury 6 Month Bill ETF

 

OBIL – US Treasury 12 Month Bill ETF

 

UTWO – US Treasury 2 Year Note ETF

 

UTRE – US Treasury 3 Year Note ETF

 

UFIV – US Treasury 5 Year Note ETF

 

USVN – US Treasury 7 Year Note ETF

 

UTEN – US Treasury 10 Year Note ETF

 

UTWY – US Treasury 20 Year Bond ETF

 

UTHY – US Treasury 30 Year Bond ETF

 

Offering a simpler, more precise way to own US Treasury securities, the US Benchmark Series enables investors to not just buy the current on-the-run US Treasury, but remain invested in that maturity for future similar offerings. This month, next month, next year and for many years to come. Each series of the US Benchmark Series (each a “Fund”) seeks to provide precise exposure to a single point on the yield curve, in a low cost, tax efficient exchange traded fund (“ETF”).

 

After a year of watching, trading, and owning the US Benchmark Series, investors are engaging and still exploring something we call: The Power of The Point. What point? The ten precise points on the yield curve, represented by the US Benchmark Series, refreshed with each new US Treasury issue, provide a new paradigm in investing. Combining the different Funds to balance income with potential total return or capital preservation with interest rate risk, investors are creating whole new portfolios that are easy to implement, quick to adjust and liquid to sell.

 

Each of the Funds continues to perform in line with our expectations, delivering monthly income and principal movement in line with its underlying US Treasury security. The high levels of liquidity of the on-the-run US Treasury security each Fund holds has translated into tight spreads and a consistent price experience for investors.

 

Looking at the potential rate environment for the rest of 2023 and into 2024, we continue to expect volatile markets. Higher rates seem to be taking hold and restricting economic growth. However, the slowing economic growth may not cool inflation enough, which may cause rates to stay high or go higher, perhaps for an extended period.

 

Savers and investors alike have enjoyed this new higher rate environment. For over a decade, earning a safe income was out of reach. Finally, the pendulum has swung, and many financial and retirement plans are thankful for it.

 

 

1

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Letter to Shareholders (continued)

August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Be well. Do good work. Keep in touch.

 

 

 

Alexander Morris

 

Peter Baden

 

Marcin Zdunek

 

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

 

Must be preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus.

 

Investments involve risk. Principal loss is possible. As with all ETFs, Shares may be bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices. Interest rate risk is the risk of losses attributable to changes in interest rates. In general, if prevailing interest rates rise, the values of debt instruments tend to fall, and if interest rates fall, the values of debt instruments tend to rise.

 

2

 

 

 

US Treasury 3 month bill ETF

Performance Data

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIODs ENDED August 31, 2023

 

1 Year

Since
Inception

Inception
Date

US Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF (at NAV)

4.50%

4.32%

8/8/2022

US Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF (at Market Price)

4.56%

4.40%

8/8/2022

ICE BofA US 3-Month Treasury Bill Index*

4.28%

4.14%(1)

Fund Expense Ratio (2): 0.15%

     

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed or sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. For the most recent month end performance, please call 1-800-617-0004 or visit our website at www.ustreasuryetfs.com. Market price is the price at which shares in the ETF can be bought or sold on the exchanges during trading hours, while the net asset value (NAV) represents the value of each share’s portion of the fund’s underlying assets and cash at the end of the trading day.

 

(1)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

(2)

The expense ratio of the Fund is set forth according to the Prospectus for the Fund and may differ from the expense ratio disclosed in the Financial Highlights table in this report. See the Financial Highlights for most current expense ratio.

 

*

The ICE BofA US 3-Month Treasury Bill Index is a single security index comprised of the most recently issued 3-Month Treasury bill .

 

 

3

 

 

US Treasury 6 Month Bill ETF

Performance Data

(Unaudited)

 

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED August 31, 2023

 

Since
Inception

Inception
Date

US Treasury 6 Month Bill ETF (at NAV)

2.35%

3/6/2023

US Treasury 6 Month Bill ETF (at Market Price)

2.42%

3/6/2023

ICE BofA US 6-Month Treasury Bill Index*

2.43%(1)

Fund Expense Ratio (2): 0.15%

   

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed or sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. For the most recent month end performance, please call 1-800-617-0004 or visit our website at www.ustreasuryetfs.com. Market price is the price at which shares in the ETF can be bought or sold on the exchanges during trading hours, while the net asset value (NAV) represents the value of each share’s portion of the fund’s underlying assets and cash at the end of the trading day.

 

(1)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

(2)

The expense ratio of the Fund is set forth according to the Prospectus for the Fund and may differ from the expense ratio disclosed in the Financial Highlights table in this report. See the Financial Highlights for most current expense ratio.

 

*

The ICE BofA US 6-Month Treasury Bill Index is a single security index comprised of the most recently issued 6-Month Treasury bill .

 

4

 

 

 

US Treasury 12 Month Bill ETF

Performance Data

(Unaudited)

 

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED August 31, 2023

 

Since
Inception

Inception
Date

US Treasury 12 Month Bill ETF (at NAV)

3.01%

11/14/2022

US Treasury 12 Month Bill ETF (at Market Price)

3.08%

11/14/2022

ICE BofA US 12-Month Treasury Bill Index*

3.15%(1)

Fund Expense Ratio (2): 0.15%

   

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed or sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. For the most recent month end performance, please call 1-800-617-0004 or visit our website at www.ustreasuryetfs.com. Market price is the price at which shares in the ETF can be bought or sold on the exchanges during trading hours, while the net asset value (NAV) represents the value of each share’s portion of the fund’s underlying assets and cash at the end of the trading day.

 

(1)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

(2)

The expense ratio of the Fund is set forth according to the Prospectus for the Fund and may differ from the expense ratio disclosed in the Financial Highlights table in this report. See the Financial Highlights for most current expense ratio.

 

*

The ICE BofA US 12-Month Treasury Bill Index is a single security index comprised of the most recently issued US 12-Month Treasury bill .

 

 

5

 

 

US Treasury 2 Year Note ETF

Performance Data

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIODs ENDED August 31, 2023

 

1 Year

Since
Inception

Inception
Date

US Treasury 2 Year Note ETF (at NAV)

0.38%

0.17%

8/8/2022

US Treasury 2 Year Note ETF (at Market Price)

0.44%

0.22%

8/8/2022

ICE BofA Current 2-Year US Treasury Index*

0.39%

0.14%(1)

Fund Expense Ratio (2): 0.15%

     

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed or sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. For the most recent month end performance, please call 1-800-617-0004 or visit our website at www.ustreasuryetfs.com. Market price is the price at which shares in the ETF can be bought or sold on the exchanges during trading hours, while the net asset value (NAV) represents the value of each share’s portion of the fund’s underlying assets and cash at the end of the trading day.

 

(1)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

(2)

The expense ratio of the Fund is set forth according to the Prospectus for the Fund and may differ from the expense ratio disclosed in the Financial Highlights table in this report. See the Financial Highlights for most current expense ratio.

 

*

The ICE BofA Current 2-Year US Treasury Index is a single security index comprised of the most recently issued 2-year US Treasury note.

 

6

 

 

 

US Treasury 3 Year Note ETF

Performance Data

(Unaudited)

 

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED August 31, 2023

 

Since
Inception

Inception
Date

US Treasury 3 Year Note ETF (at NAV)

-0.66%

3/27/2023

US Treasury 3 Year Note ETF (at Market Price)

-0.62%

3/27/2023

ICE BofA Current 3-Year US Treasury Index*

-0.65%(1)

Fund Expense Ratio (2): 0.15%

   

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed or sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. For the most recent month end performance, please call 1-800-617-0004 or visit our website at www.ustreasuryetfs.com. Market price is the price at which shares in the ETF can be bought or sold on the exchanges during trading hours, while the net asset value (NAV) represents the value of each share’s portion of the fund’s underlying assets and cash at the end of the trading day.

 

(1)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

(2)

The expense ratio of the Fund is set forth according to the Prospectus for the Fund and may differ from the expense ratio disclosed in the Financial Highlights table in this report. See the Financial Highlights for most current expense ratio.

 

*

The ICE BofA Current 3-Year US Treasury Index is a single security index comprised of the most recently issued 3-year US Treasury note.

 

 

7

 

 

US Treasury 5 Year Note ETF

Performance Data

(Unaudited)

 

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED August 31, 2023

 

Since
Inception

Inception
Date

US Treasury 5 Year Note ETF (at NAV)

-1.69%

3/27/2023

US Treasury 5 Year Note ETF (at Market Price)

-1.62%

3/27/2023

ICE BofA Current 5-Year US Treasury Index*

-1.65%(1)

Fund Expense Ratio (2): 0.15%

   

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed or sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. For the most recent month end performance, please call 1-800-617-0004 or visit our website at www.ustreasuryetfs.com. Market price is the price at which shares in the ETF can be bought or sold on the exchanges during trading hours, while the net asset value (NAV) represents the value of each share’s portion of the fund’s underlying assets and cash at the end of the trading day.

 

(1)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

(2)

The expense ratio of the Fund is set forth according to the Prospectus for the Fund and may differ from the expense ratio disclosed in the Financial Highlights table in this report. See the Financial Highlights for most current expense ratio.

 

*

The ICE BofA Current 5-Year US Treasury Index is a single security index comprised of the most recently issued 5-year US Treasury note.

 

8

 

 

 

US Treasury 7 Year Note ETF

Performance Data

(Unaudited)

 

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED August 31, 2023

 

Since
Inception

Inception
Date

US Treasury 7 Year Note ETF (at NAV)

-2.58%

3/27/2023

US Treasury 7 Year Note ETF (at Market Price)

-2.55%

3/27/2023

ICE BofA Current 7-Year US Treasury Index*

-2.47%(1)

Fund Expense Ratio (2): 0.15%

   

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed or sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. For the most recent month end performance, please call 1-800-617-0004 or visit our website at www.ustreasuryetfs.com. Market price is the price at which shares in the ETF can be bought or sold on the exchanges during trading hours, while the net asset value (NAV) represents the value of each share’s portion of the fund’s underlying assets and cash at the end of the trading day.

 

(1)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

(2)

The expense ratio of the Fund is set forth according to the Prospectus for the Fund and may differ from the expense ratio disclosed in the Financial Highlights table in this report. See the Financial Highlights for most current expense ratio.

 

*

The ICE BofA Current 7-Year US Treasury Index is a single security index comprised of the most recently issued 7-year US Treasury note.

 

 

9

 

 

US Treasury 10 Year Note ETF

Performance Data

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIODs ENDED August 31, 2023

 

1 Year

Since
Inception

Inception
Date

US Treasury 10 Year Note ETF (at NAV)

-4.87%

-7.28%

8/8/2022

US Treasury 10 Year Note ETF (at Market Price)

-4.49%

-7.22%

8/8/2022

ICE BofA Current 10-Year US Treasury Index*

-4.71%

-7.13%(1)

Fund Expense Ratio (2): 0.15%

     

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed or sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. For the most recent month end performance, please call 1-800-617-0004 or visit our website at www.ustreasuryetfs.com. Market price is the price at which shares in the ETF can be bought or sold on the exchanges during trading hours, while the net asset value (NAV) represents the value of each share’s portion of the fund’s underlying assets and cash at the end of the trading day.

 

(1)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

(2)

The expense ratio of the Fund is set forth according to the Prospectus for the Fund and may differ from the expense ratio disclosed in the Financial Highlights table in this report. See the Financial Highlights for most current expense ratio.

 

*

The ICE BofA Current 10-Year US Treasury Index is a single security index comprised of the most recently issued 10-year US Treasury note.

 

10

 

 

 

US Treasury 20 Year BOND ETF

Performance Data

(Unaudited)

 

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED August 31, 2023

 

Since
Inception

Inception
Date

US Treasury 20 Year Bond ETF (at NAV)

-5.10%

3/27/2023

US Treasury 20 Year Bond ETF (at Market Price)

-5.04%

3/27/2023

ICE BofA Current 20-Year US Treasury Index*

-5.09%(1)

Fund Expense Ratio (2): 0.15%

   

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed or sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. For the most recent month end performance, please call 1-800-617-0004 or visit our website at www.ustreasuryetfs.com. Market price is the price at which shares in the ETF can be bought or sold on the exchanges during trading hours, while the net asset value (NAV) represents the value of each share’s portion of the fund’s underlying assets and cash at the end of the trading day.

 

(1)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

(2)

The expense ratio of the Fund is set forth according to the Prospectus for the Fund and may differ from the expense ratio disclosed in the Financial Highlights table in this report. See the Financial Highlights for most current expense ratio.

 

*

The ICE BofA Current 20-Year US Treasury Index is a single security index comprised of the most recently issued 20-year US Treasury note.

 

 

 

11

 

 

US Treasury 30 Year BOND ETF

Performance Data

(Unaudited)

 

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED August 31, 2023

 

Since
Inception

Inception
Date

US Treasury 30 Year Bond ETF (at NAV)

-6.17%

3/27/2023

US Treasury 30 Year Bond ETF (at Market Price)

-6.12%

3/27/2023

ICE BofA Current 30-Year US Treasury Index*

-6.12%(1)

Fund Expense Ratio (2): 0.15%

   

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed or sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. For the most recent month end performance, please call 1-800-617-0004 or visit our website at www.ustreasuryetfs.com. Market price is the price at which shares in the ETF can be bought or sold on the exchanges during trading hours, while the net asset value (NAV) represents the value of each share’s portion of the fund’s underlying assets and cash at the end of the trading day.

 

(1)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

(2)

The expense ratio of the Fund is set forth according to the Prospectus for the Fund and may differ from the expense ratio disclosed in the Financial Highlights table in this report. See the Financial Highlights for most current expense ratio.

 

*

The ICE BofA Current 30-Year US Treasury Index is a single security index comprised of the most recently issued 30-year US Treasury note.

 

 

12

 

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Fund Expense Examples

August 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund(s), you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund(s) and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other ETFs.

 

These examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period from March 1, 2023 through August 31, 2023, and held for the entire period. For the US Treasury 6 Month Bill ETF, the actual values and expenses are based on the 178-day period from inception on March 6, 2023, through August 31, 2023. For the US Treasury 3 Year Note ETF, US Treasury 5 Year Note ETF, US Treasury 7 Year Note ETF, US Treasury 20 Year Bond ETF, and US Treasury 30 Year Bond ETF, the actual values and expenses are based on the 157-day period from inception on March 27, 2023, through August 31, 2023.

 

ACTUAL EXPENSES

 

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

 

HYPOTHETICAL EXAMPLES FOR COMPARISON PURPOSES

 

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

 

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

 

 

13

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Fund Expense Examples (Continued)

August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Beginning
Account Value
March 1,
2023

   

Ending
Account Value
August 31,
2023

   

Expenses
Paid During
Period*

   

Annualized
Expense
Ratio

   

ACTUAL
SIX MONTH/ SINCE INCEPTION TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURNS FOR THE FUNDS*

 

US Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF

                                       

Actual

  $ 1,000.00     $ 1,025.60     $ 0.77       0.15 %     2.56 %

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

    1,000.00       1,024.45       0.77       0.15 %     N/A  

US Treasury 6 Month Bill ETF

                                       

Actual

  $ 1,000.00     $ 1,023.50     $ 0.74       0.15 %     2.35 %

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

    1,000.00       1,024.45       0.77       0.15 %     N/A  

US Treasury 12 Month Bill ETF

                                       

Actual

  $ 1,000.00     $ 1,019.90     $ 0.76       0.15 %     1.99 %

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

    1,000.00       1,024.45       0.77       0.15 %     N/A  

US Treasury 2 Year Note ETF

                                       

Actual

  $ 1,000.00     $ 1,013.60     $ 0.76       0.15 %     1.36 %

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

    1,000.00       1,024.45       0.77       0.15 %     N/A  

US Treasury 3 Year Note ETF

                                       

Actual

  $ 1,000.00     $ 993.40     $ 0.64       0.15 %     -0.66 %

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

    1,000.00       1,024.45       0.77       0.15 %     N/A  

US Treasury 5 Year Note ETF

                                       

Actual

  $ 1,000.00     $ 983.10     $ 0.64       0.15 %     -1.69 %

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

    1,000.00       1,024.45       0.77       0.15 %     N/A  

US Treasury 7 Year Note ETF

                                       

Actual

  $ 1,000.00     $ 974.20     $ 0.64       0.15 %     -2.58 %

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

    1,000.00       1,024.45       0.77       0.15 %     N/A  

US Treasury 10 Year Note ETF

                                       

Actual

  $ 1,000.00     $ 1,001.10     $ 0.76       0.15 %     0.11 %

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

    1,000.00       1,024.45       0.77       0.15 %     N/A  

US Treasury 20 Year Bond ETF

                                       

Actual

  $ 1,000.00     $ 949.00     $ 0.63       0.15 %     -5.10 %

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

    1,000.00       1,024.45       0.77       0.15 %     N/A  

 

 

 

14

 

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Fund Expense Examples (Concluded)

August 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Beginning
Account Value
March 1,
2023

   

Ending
Account Value
August 31,
2023

   

Expenses
Paid During
Period*

   

Annualized
Expense
Ratio

   

Actual
SIX MONTH/ SINCE INCEPTION Total Investment Returns
for the Funds*

 

US Treasury 30 Year Bond ETF

                                       

Actual

  $ 1,000.00     $ 938.30     $ 0.63       0.15 %     -6.17 %

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

    1,000.00       1,024.45       0.77       0.15 %     N/A  

 

*

Expenses are equal to each Fund’s annualized expense ratio for the period March 1, 2023 through August 31, 2023, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184) in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by 365 to reflect the one-half year period. For the US Treasury 6 Month Bill ETF, the actual dollar amounts shown are expenses paid by the Fund during the period from the inception of the Fund on March 6, 2023 multiplied by 178 days, which is the number of days from the inception of the Fund through August 31, 2023. For the US Treasury 3 Year Note ETF, US Treasury 5 Year Note ETF, US Treasury 7 Year Note ETF, US Treasury 20 Year Bond ETF, and US Treasury 30 Year Bond ETF, the actual dollar amounts shown are expenses paid by the Funds during the period from the inception of the Funds on March 27, 2023 multiplied by 157 days, which is the number of days from the inception of the Funds through August 31, 2023. Each Fund’s ending account value in the first section in the table is based on the actual six-month total investment return for the Fund (with the exception of the US Treausury 6 Month Bill ETF, US Treasury 3 Year Note ETF, US Treasury 5 Year Note ETF, US Treasury 7 Year Note ETF, US Treasury 20 Year Bond ETF, and US Treasury 30 Year Bond ETF, for which the ending account value is based on the actual since inception total investment return for the Funds).

 

 

15

 

 

US Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS SUMMARY TABLE

August 31, 2023

 

SECURITY TYPE/CLASSIFICATION

 

% OF NET
ASSETS

   

VALUE

 
                 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

               

U.S. Treasury Obligations

    99.6 %   $ 1,769,023,157  

Money Market Deposit Accounts

    0.4       7,730,318  

LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS

    0.0       (170,166 )

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 1,776,583,309  

 

 

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

 

16

 

 

 

US Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF

Schedule of Investments

August 31, 2023

 

 

 

Coupon*

   

Maturity
Date

   

Par (000’s)

   

Value

 
                                 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 100.0%

                               

U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS — 99.6%

                               

United States Treasury Bill

    5.508 %     11/30/2023     $ 1,792,835     $ 1,769,023,157  

TOTAL U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS (COST $1,769,033,038)

                            1,769,023,157  

 

 

 

Number of
shares
(
000’s)

   

 

 
                 

MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS — 0.4%

               

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 5.20% (a)

    7,730       7,730,318  

TOTAL MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS (COST $7,730,318)

            7,730,318  

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (COST $1,776,763,356) — 100.0%

            1,776,753,475  

LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS — 0.0%

            (170,166 )

TOTAL NET ASSETS — 100.0%

          $ 1,776,583,309  

 

*

Short-term investments’ coupon reflects the annualized yield on the date of purchase for discounted investments.

 

(a)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2023.

 

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

 

 

17

 

 

US Treasury 6 Month Bill ETF

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS SUMMARY TABLE

August 31, 2023

 

SECURITY TYPE/CLASSIFICATION

 

% OF NET
ASSETS

   

VALUE

 
                 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

               

U.S. Treasury Obligations

    99.5 %   $ 309,869,664  

Money Market Deposit Accounts

    0.5       1,476,366  

LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS

    0.0       (27,620 )

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 311,318,410  

 

 

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

 

18

 

 

 

US Treasury 6 Month Bill ETF

Schedule of Investments

August 31, 2023

 

 

 

Coupon*

   

Maturity
Date

   

Par (000’s)

   

Value

 
                                 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 100.0%

                               

U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS — 99.5%

                               

United States Treasury Bill

    5.559 %     2/29/2024     $ 318,320     $ 309,869,664  

TOTAL U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS (COST $309,849,370)

                            309,869,664  

 

 

 

Number of
shares
(
000’s)

   

 

 
                 

MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS — 0.5%

               

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 5.20% (a)

    1,476       1,476,366  

TOTAL MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS (COST $1,476,366)

            1,476,366  

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (COST $311,325,736) — 100.0%

            311,346,030  

LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS — 0.0%

            (27,620 )

TOTAL NET ASSETS — 100.0%

          $ 311,318,410  

 

*

Short-term investments’ coupon reflects the annualized yield on the date of purchase for discounted investments.

 

(a)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2023.

 

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

 

 

19

 

 

US Treasury 12 Month Bill ETF

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS SUMMARY TABLE

August 31, 2023

 

SECURITY TYPE/CLASSIFICATION

 

% OF NET
ASSETS

   

VALUE

 
                 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

               

U.S. Treasury Obligations

    99.5 %   $ 125,726,101  

Money Market Deposit Accounts

    0.5       570,620  

LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS

    0.0       (14,828 )

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 126,281,893  

 

 

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

 

20

 

 

 

US Treasury 12 Month Bill ETF

Schedule of Investments

August 31, 2023

 

 

 

Coupon*

   

Maturity
Date

   

Par (000’s)

   

Value

 
                                 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 100.0%

                               

U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS — 99.5%

                               

United States Treasury Bill

    5.387 %     8/8/2024     $ 132,140     $ 125,726,101  

TOTAL U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS (COST $125,790,810)

                            125,726,101  

 

 

 

Number of
shares
(
000’s)

   

 

 
                 

MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS — 0.5%

               

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 5.20% (a)

    571       570,620  

TOTAL MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS (COST $570,620)

            570,620  

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (COST $126,361,430) — 100.0%

            126,296,721  

LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS — 0.0%

            (14,828 )

TOTAL NET ASSETS — 100.0%

          $ 126,281,893  

 

*

Short-term investments’ coupon reflects the annualized yield on the date of purchase for discounted investments.

 

(a)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2023.

 

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

 

 

21

 

 

US Treasury 2 Year Note ETF

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS SUMMARY TABLE

August 31, 2023

 

SECURITY TYPE/CLASSIFICATION

 

% OF NET
ASSETS

   

VALUE

 
                 

U.S. GOVERNMENT NOTES/BONDS

               

U.S. Treasury Obligations

    99.6 %   $ 304,129,778  

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

               

Money Market Deposit Accounts

    0.4       1,209,523  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES

    0.0       2,974  

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 305,342,275  

 

 

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

 

22

 

 

 

US Treasury 2 Year Note ETF

Schedule of Investments

August 31, 2023

 

 

 

Coupon

   

Maturity
Date

   

Par (000’s)

   

Value

 
                                 

U.S. GOVERNMENT NOTES/BONDS — 99.6%

                               

U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS — 99.6%

                               

United States Treasury Note/Bond

    5.000 %     8/31/2025     $ 303,265     $ 304,129,778  

TOTAL U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS (COST $303,915,683)

                            304,129,778  

 

 

 

Number of
shares
(
000’s)

   

 

 
                 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 0.4%

               

MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS — 0.4%

               

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 5.20% (a)

    1,210       1,209,523  

TOTAL MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS (COST $1,209,523)

            1,209,523  

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (COST $1,209,523)

            1,209,523  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS (COST $305,125,206) — 100.0%

            305,339,301  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES — 0.0%

            2,974  

TOTAL NET ASSETS — 100.0%

          $ 305,342,275  

 

(a)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2023.

 

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

 

 

23

 

 

US Treasury 3 Year Note ETF

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS SUMMARY TABLE

August 31, 2023

 

SECURITY TYPE/CLASSIFICATION

 

% OF NET
ASSETS

   

VALUE

 
                 

U.S. GOVERNMENT NOTES/BONDS

               

U.S. Treasury Obligations

    99.8 %   $ 1,467,321  

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

               

Money Market Deposit Accounts

    0.0       448  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES

    0.2       2,795  

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 1,470,564  

 

 

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

 

24

 

 

 

US Treasury 3 Year Note ETF

Schedule of Investments

August 31, 2023

 

 

 

Coupon

   

Maturity
Date

   

Par (000’s)

   

Value

 
                                 

U.S. GOVERNMENT NOTES/BONDS — 99.8%

                               

U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS — 99.8%

                               

United States Treasury Note/Bond

    4.375 %     8/15/2026     $ 1,474     $ 1,467,321  

TOTAL U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS (COST $1,463,106)

                            1,467,321  

 

 

 

Number of
shares
(
000’s)

   

 

 
                 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 0.0%

               

MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS — 0.0%

               

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 5.20% (a)

    *     448  

TOTAL MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS (COST $448)

            448  

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (COST $448)

            448  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS (COST $1,463,554) — 99.8%

            1,467,769  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES — 0.2%

            2,795  

TOTAL NET ASSETS — 100.0%

          $ 1,470,564  

 

*

Number of shares is less than 1,000.

 

(a)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2023.

 

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

 

 

25

 

 

US Treasury 5 Year Note ETF

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS SUMMARY TABLE

August 31, 2023

 

SECURITY TYPE/CLASSIFICATION

 

% OF NET
ASSETS

   

VALUE

 
                 

U.S. GOVERNMENT NOTES/BONDS

               

U.S. Treasury Obligations

    99.7 %   $ 4,356,725  

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

               

Money Market Deposit Accounts

    0.3       15,079  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES

    0.0       58  

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 4,371,862  

 

 

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

 

26

 

 

 

US Treasury 5 Year Note ETF

Schedule of Investments

August 31, 2023

 

 

 

Coupon

   

Maturity
Date

   

Par (000’s)

   

Value

 
                                 

U.S. GOVERNMENT NOTES/BONDS — 99.7%

                               

U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS — 99.7%

                               

United States Treasury Note/Bond

    4.375 %     8/31/2028     $ 4,330     $ 4,356,725  

TOTAL U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS (COST $4,349,611)

                            4,356,725  

 

 

 

Number of
shares
(
000’s)

   

 

 
                 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 0.3%

               

MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS — 0.3%

               

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 5.20% (a)

    15       15,079  

TOTAL MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS (COST $15,079)

            15,079  

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (COST $15,079)

            15,079  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS (COST $4,364,690) — 100.0%

            4,371,804  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES — 0.0%

            58  

TOTAL NET ASSETS — 100.0%

          $ 4,371,862  

 

(a)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2023.

 

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

 

 

27

 

 

US Treasury 7 Year Note ETF

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS SUMMARY TABLE

August 31, 2023

 

SECURITY TYPE/CLASSIFICATION

 

% OF NET
ASSETS

   

VALUE

 
                 

U.S. GOVERNMENT NOTES/BONDS

               

U.S. Treasury Obligations

    99.6 %   $ 958,938  

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

               

Money Market Deposit Accounts

    0.4       3,888  

LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS

    0.0       (11 )

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 962,815  

 

 

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

 

28

 

 

 

US Treasury 7 Year Note ETF

Schedule of Investments

August 31, 2023

 

 

 

Coupon

   

Maturity
Date

   

Par (000’s)

   

Value

 
                                 

U.S. GOVERNMENT NOTES/BONDS — 99.6%

                               

U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS — 99.6%

                               

United States Treasury Note/Bond

    4.125 %     8/31/2030     $ 963     $ 958,938  

TOTAL U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS (COST $957,508)

                            958,938  

 

 

 

Number of
shares
(
000’s)

   

 

 
                 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 0.4%

               

MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS — 0.4%

               

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 5.20% (a)

    4       3,888  

TOTAL MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS (COST $3,888)

            3,888  

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (COST $3,888)

            3,888  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS (COST $961,396) — 100.0%

            962,826  

LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS — 0.0%

            (11 )

TOTAL NET ASSETS — 100.0%

          $ 962,815  

 

(a)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2023.

 

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

 

 

29

 

 

US Treasury 10 Year Note ETF

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS SUMMARY TABLE

August 31, 2023

 

SECURITY TYPE/CLASSIFICATION

 

% OF NET
ASSETS

   

VALUE

 
                 

U.S. GOVERNMENT NOTES/BONDS

               

U.S. Treasury Obligations

    99.5 %   $ 55,813,787  

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

               

Money Market Deposit Accounts

    0.0       4,833  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES

    0.5       274,924  

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 56,093,544  

 

 

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

 

30

 

 

 

US Treasury 10 Year Note ETF

Schedule of Investments

August 31, 2023

 

 

 

Coupon

   

Maturity
Date

   

Par (000’s)

   

Value

 
                                 

U.S. GOVERNMENT NOTES/BONDS — 99.5%

                               

U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS — 99.5%

                               

United States Treasury Note/Bond

    3.875 %     8/15/2033     $ 56,826     $ 55,813,787  

TOTAL U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS (COST $55,409,094)

                            55,813,787  

 

 

 

Number of
shares
(0
00’s)

   

 

 
                 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 0.0%

               

MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS — 0.0%

               

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 5.20% (a)

    5       4,833  

TOTAL MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS (COST $4,833)

            4,833  

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (COST $4,833)

            4,833  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS (COST $55,413,927) — 99.5%

            55,818,620  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES — 0.5%

            274,924  

TOTAL NET ASSETS — 100.0%

          $ 56,093,544  

 

(a)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2023.

 

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

 

 

31

 

 

US TREASURY 20 YEAR BOND ETF

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS SUMMARY TABLE

August 31, 2023

 

SECURITY TYPE/CLASSIFICATION

 

% OF NET
ASSETS

   

VALUE

 
                 

U.S. GOVERNMENT NOTES/BONDS

               

U.S. Treasury Obligations

    99.5 %   $ 1,865,032  

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

               

Money Market Deposit Accounts

    0.3       5,867  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES

    0.2       3,545  

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 1,874,444  

 

 

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

 

32

 

 

 

US Treasury 20 Year Bond ETF

Schedule of Investments

August 31, 2023

 

 

 

Coupon

   

Maturity
Date

   

Par (000’s)

   

Value

 
                                 

U.S. GOVERNMENT NOTES/BONDS — 99.5%

                               

U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS — 99.5%

                               

United States Treasury Note/Bond

    4.375 %     8/15/2043     $ 1,870     $ 1,865,032  

TOTAL U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS (COST $1,859,189)

                            1,865,032  

 

 

 

Number of
shares
(0
00’s)

   

 

 
                 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 0.3%

               

MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS — 0.3%

               

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 5.20% (a)

    6       5,867  

TOTAL MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS (COST $5,867)

            5,867  

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (COST $5,867)

            5,867  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS (COST $1,865,056) — 99.8%

            1,870,899  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES — 0.2%

            3,545  

TOTAL NET ASSETS — 100.0%

          $ 1,874,444  

 

(a)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2023.

 

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

 

 

33

 

 

US Treasury 30 Year BONd ETF

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS SUMMARY TABLE

August 31, 2023

 

SECURITY TYPE/CLASSIFICATION

 

% OF NET
ASSETS

   

VALUE

 
                 

U.S. GOVERNMENT NOTES/BONDS

               

U.S. Treasury Obligations

    99.8 %   $ 2,776,187  

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

               

Money Market Deposit Accounts

    0.0       865  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES

    0.2       5,015  

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 2,782,067  

 

 

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

 

34

 

 

 

US Treasury 30 Year Bond ETF

Schedule of Investments

August 31, 2023

 

 

 

Coupon

   

Maturity
Date

   

Par (000’s)

   

Value

 
                                 

U.S. GOVERNMENT NOTES/BONDS — 99.8%

                               

U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS — 99.8%

                               

United States Treasury Note/Bond

    4.125 %     8/15/2053     $ 2,814     $ 2,776,187  

TOTAL U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS (COST $2,737,494)

                            2,776,187  

 

 

 

Number of
shares
(0
00’s)

   

 

 
                 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 0.0%

               

MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS — 0.0%

               

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 5.20% (a)

    1       865  

TOTAL MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS (COST $865)

            865  

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (COST $865)

            865  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS (COST $2,738,359) — 99.8%

            2,777,052  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES — 0.2%

            5,015  

TOTAL NET ASSETS — 100.0%

          $ 2,782,067  

 

(a)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2023.

 

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

 

 

35

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

August 31, 2023

 

 

 

US Treasury
3 Month
Bill ETF

   

US Treasury
6 Month
Bill ETF

   

US Treasury
12 Month
Bill ETF

   

US Treasury
2 Year
Note ETF

 

ASSETS

                               

Investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $—, $—, $—, and $303,915,683, respectively)

  $     $     $     $ 304,129,778  

Short-term investments, at value (cost $1,776,763,356, $311,325,736, $126,361,430, and $1,209,523, respectively)

    1,776,753,475       311,346,030       126,296,721       1,209,523  

Receivables for:

                               

Capital shares sold

    25,529,937       3,509,219              

Interest

    3,780       653       149       42,399  

Investments sold

          548              

Total assets

    1,802,287,192       314,856,450       126,296,870       305,381,700  
                                 

LIABILITIES

                               

Payables for:

                               

Investments purchased

    25,513,576       3,504,477              

Advisory fees

    190,307       33,563       14,977       39,425  

Total liabilities

    25,703,883       3,538,040       14,977       39,425  

Net assets

  $ 1,776,583,309     $ 311,318,410     $ 126,281,893     $ 305,342,275  
                                 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

                               

Par value

  $ 35,490     $ 6,210     $ 2,530     $ 6,340  

Paid-in capital

    1,772,582,770       310,825,755       126,962,031       315,047,234  

Total distributable earnings/(losses)

    3,965,049       486,445       (682,668 )     (9,711,299 )

Net assets

  $ 1,776,583,309     $ 311,318,410     $ 126,281,893     $ 305,342,275  
                                 

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    35,490,000       6,210,000       2,530,000       6,340,000  

Net asset value and redemption price per share

  $ 50.06     $ 50.13     $ 49.91     $ 48.16  

 

 

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

 

36

 

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Statements of Assets and Liabilities (CONTINUED)

August 31, 2023

 

 

 

US Treasury
3 Year
Note ETF

   

US Treasury
5 Year
Note ETF

   

US Treasury
7 Year
Note ETF

   

US Treasury
10 Year
Note ETF

 

ASSETS

                               

Investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $1,463,106, $4,349,611, $957,508, and $55,409,094, respectively)

  $ 1,467,321     $ 4,356,725     $ 958,938     $ 55,813,787  

Short-term investments, at value (cost $448, $15,079, $3,888 and $4,833, respectively)

    448       15,079       3,888       4,833  

Receivables for:

                               

Capital shares sold

                      3,116,295  

Interest

    2,982       529       111       101,792  

Investments sold

                      487  

Total assets

    1,470,751       4,372,333       962,937       59,037,194  
                                 

LIABILITIES

                               

Payables for:

                               

Investments purchased

                      2,937,467  

Advisory fees

    187       471       122       6,183  

Total liabilities

    187       471       122       2,943,650  

Net assets

  $ 1,470,564     $ 4,371,862     $ 962,815     $ 56,093,544  
                                 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

                               

Par value

  $ 30     $ 90     $ 20     $ 1,260  

Paid-in capital

    1,509,260       4,431,201       1,017,259       58,482,487  

Total distributable earnings/(losses)

    (38,726 )     (59,429 )     (54,464 )     (2,390,203 )

Net assets

  $ 1,470,564     $ 4,371,862     $ 962,815     $ 56,093,544  
                                 

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    30,000       90,000       20,000       1,260,000  

Net asset value and redemption price per share

  $ 49.02     $ 48.58     $ 48.14     $ 44.52  

 

 

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

 

 

37

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Statements of Assets and Liabilities (CONTINUED)

August 31, 2023

 

 

 

US Treasury
20 Year
BOND ETF

   

US Treasury
30 Year
BOND ETF

 

ASSETS

               

Investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $1,859,189 and $2,737,494, respectively)

  $ 1,865,032     $ 2,776,187  

Short-term investments, at value (cost $5,867 and $865, respectively)

    5,867       865  

Receivables for:

               

Capital shares sold

           

Interest

    3,782       5,365  

Investments sold

           

Total assets

    1,874,681       2,782,417  
                 

LIABILITIES

               

Payables for:

               

Investments purchased

           

Advisory fees

    237       350  

Total liabilities

    237       350  

Net assets

  $ 1,874,444     $ 2,782,067  
                 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

               

Par value

  $ 40     $ 60  

Paid-in capital

    1,973,726       2,978,640  

Total distributable earnings/(losses)

    (99,322 )     (196,633 )

Net assets

  $ 1,874,444     $ 2,782,067  
                 

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    40,000       60,000  

Net asset value and redemption price per share

  $ 46.86     $ 46.37  

 

 

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

 

38

 

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Statements of Operations

FOR THE YEAR OR Period ENDED August 31, 2023

 

 

 

US Treasury
3 Month
Bill ETF

   

US Treasury
6 Month
Bill ETF
(1)

   

US Treasury
12 Month
Bill ETF
(2)

   

US Treasury
2 Year
Note ETF

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

                               

Interest income

  $ 28,983,041     $ 3,565,286     $ 2,638,783     $ 10,339,031  

Total investment income

    28,983,041       3,565,286       2,638,783       10,339,031  
                                 

EXPENSES

                               

Advisory fees (Note 3)

    847,161       98,933       77,978       360,437  

Total expenses

    847,161       98,933       77,978       360,437  

Net investment income/(loss)

    28,135,880       3,466,353       2,560,805       9,978,594  
                                 

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS

                               

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    (636,764 )     (281,210 )     (972,406 )     (11,021,770 )

Net realized gain from redemption in-kind

    443,251       8,113       412,943       4,672,205  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    (10,665 )     20,294       (64,709 )     219,991  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)

    (204,178 )     (252,803 )     (624,172 )     (6,129,574 )

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 27,931,702     $ 3,213,550     $ 1,936,633     $ 3,849,020  

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund was March 6, 2023.

 

(2)

Inception date of the Fund was November 14, 2022.

 

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

 

 

39

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Statements of Operations (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR OR Period ENDED August 31, 2023

 

 

 

US Treasury
3 Year
Note ETF
(1)

   

US Treasury
5 Year
Note ETF
(1)

   

US Treasury
7 Year
Note ETF
(1)

   

US Treasury
10 Year
Note ETF

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

                               

Interest income

  $ 24,778     $ 29,686     $ 15,680     $ 787,169  

Total investment income

    24,778       29,686       15,680       787,169  
                                 

EXPENSES

                               

Advisory fees (Note 3)

    927       1,137       635       33,236  

Total expenses

    927       1,137       635       33,236  

Net investment income/(loss)

    23,851       28,549       15,045       753,933  
                                 

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS

                               

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    (47,163 )     (75,589 )     (59,397 )     (2,775,350 )

Net realized gain/(loss) from redemption in-kind

    8,155       11,194       12,227       (932,705 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments

    4,215       7,114       1,429       906,748  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)

    (34,793 )     (57,281 )     (45,741 )     (2,801,307 )

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ (10,942 )   $ (28,732 )   $ (30,696 )   $ (2,047,374 )

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund was March 27, 2023.

 

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

 

40

 

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Statements of Operations (CONTINUED)

FOR THE Period ENDED August 31, 2023

 

 

 

US Treasury
20 Year
Bond ETF
(1)

   

US Treasury
30 Year
Bond ETF
(1)

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

               

Interest income

  $ 21,467     $ 37,226  

Total investment income

    21,467       37,226  
                 

EXPENSES

               

Advisory fees (Note 3)

    801       1,443  

Total expenses

    801       1,443  

Net investment income/(loss)

    20,666       35,783  
                 

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS

               

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    (110,655 )     (241,154 )

Net realized gain from redemption in-kind

           

Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments

    5,844       38,693  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)

    (104,811 )     (202,461 )

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ (84,145 )   $ (166,678 )

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund was March 27, 2023.

 

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

 

 

41

 

 

US Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

 

For the
YEAR Ended
August 31,
2023

   

FOR THE
Period ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2022
(1)

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 28,135,880     $ 54,238  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    (193,513 )     (19,200 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    (10,665 )     784  

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

    27,931,702       35,822  
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (23,559,224 )      

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (23,559,224 )      
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    2,413,134,681       38,808,130  

Shares redeemed

    (679,767,752 )     (50 )

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

    1,733,366,929       38,808,080  

TOTAL INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

    1,737,739,407       38,843,902  
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

  $ 38,843,902     $  

End of period

  $ 1,776,583,309     $ 38,843,902  
                 

SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Shares sold

    48,300,000       780,001  

Shares redeemed

    (13,590,000 )     (1 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares

    34,710,000       780,000  

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund was August 8, 2022.

 

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

 

42

 

 

 

US Treasury 6 Month Bill ETF

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

 

FOR THE
PERIOD ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2023
(1)

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

       

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 3,466,353  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    (273,097 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    20,294  

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

    3,213,550  
         

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:

       

Total distributable earnings

    (2,720,580 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (2,720,580 )
         

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

       

Proceeds from shares sold

    353,006,880  

Shares redeemed

    (42,181,440 )

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

    310,825,440  

TOTAL INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

    311,318,410  
         

NET ASSETS:

       

Beginning of period

  $  

End of period

  $ 311,318,410  
         

SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

       

Shares sold

    7,050,000  

Shares redeemed

    (840,000 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares

    6,210,000  

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund was March 6, 2023.

 

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

 

 

43

 

 

US Treasury 12 Month Bill ETF

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

 

For the
Period Ended
August 31,
2023
(1)

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

       

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 2,560,805  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    (559,463 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    (64,709 )

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

    1,936,633  
         

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:

       

Total distributable earnings

    (2,206,389 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (2,206,389 )
         

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

       

Proceeds from shares sold

    208,609,456  

Shares redeemed

    (82,057,807 )

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

    126,551,649  

TOTAL INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

    126,281,893  
         

NET ASSETS:

       

Beginning of period

  $  

End of period

  $ 126,281,893  
         

SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

       

Shares sold

    4,160,000  

Shares redeemed

    (1,630,000 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares

    2,530,000.00  

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund was November 14, 2022.

 

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

 

44

 

 

 

US Treasury 2 Year Note ETF

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

 

For the
YEAR Ended
August 31,
2023

   

FOR THE
Period ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2022
(1)

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 9,978,594     $ 17,647  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    (6,349,565 )     (41,291 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    219,991       (5,896 )

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

    3,849,020       (29,540 )
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (9,134,861 )      

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (9,134,861 )      
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    949,817,059       17,936,161  

Shares redeemed

    (657,095,514 )     (50 )

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

    292,721,545       17,936,111  

TOTAL INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

    287,435,704       17,906,571  
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

  $ 17,906,571     $  

End of period

  $ 305,342,275     $ 17,906,571  
                 

SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Shares sold

    19,390,000       360,001  

Shares redeemed

    (13,410,000 )     (1 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares

    5,980,000       360,000  

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund was August 8, 2022.

 

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

 

 

45

 

 

US Treasury 3 Year Note ETF

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

 

For the
Period Ended
August 31,
2023
(1)

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

       

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 23,851  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    (39,008 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    4,215  

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

    (10,942 )
         

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:

       

Total distributable earnings

    (19,629 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (19,629 )
         

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

       

Proceeds from shares sold

    3,006,457  

Shares redeemed

    (1,505,322 )

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

    1,501,135  

TOTAL INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

    1,470,564  
         

NET ASSETS:

       

Beginning of period

  $  

End of period

  $ 1,470,564  
         

SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

       

Shares sold

    60,000  

Shares redeemed

    (30,000 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares

    30,000  

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund was March 27, 2023.

 

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

 

46

 

 

 

US Treasury 5 Year Note ETF

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

 

For the
Period Ended
August 31,
2023
(1)

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

       

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 28,549  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    (64,395 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    7,114  

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

    (28,732 )
         

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:

       

Total distributable earnings

    (19,503 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (19,503 )
         

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

       

Proceeds from shares sold

    5,428,657  

Shares redeemed

    (1,008,560 )

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

    4,420,097  

TOTAL INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

    4,371,862  
         

NET ASSETS:

       

Beginning of period

  $  

End of period

  $ 4,371,862  
         

SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

       

Shares sold

    110,000  

Shares redeemed

    (20,000 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares

    90,000  

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund was March 27, 2023.

 

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

 

 

47

 

 

US Treasury 7 Year Note ETF

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

 

For the
Period Ended
August 31,
2023
(1)

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

       

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 15,045  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    (47,170 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    1,429  

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

    (30,696 )
         

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:

       

Total distributable earnings

    (11,541 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (11,541 )
         

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

       

Proceeds from shares sold

    2,014,762  

Shares redeemed

    (1,009,710 )

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

    1,005,052  

TOTAL INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

    962,815  
         

NET ASSETS:

       

Beginning of period

  $  

End of period

  $ 962,815  
         

SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

       

Shares sold

    40,000  

Shares redeemed

    (20,000 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares

    20,000  

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund was March 27, 2023.

 

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

 

48

 

 

 

US Treasury 10 Year Note ETF

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

 

For the
YEAR Ended
August 31,
2023

   

FOR THE
Period ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2022
(1)

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 753,933     $ 33,043  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    (3,708,055 )     (137,849 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    906,748       (502,055 )

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

    (2,047,374 )     (606,861 )
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (679,725 )      

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (679,725 )      
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    82,290,461       20,940,800  

Shares redeemed

    (43,803,707 )     (50 )

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

    38,486,754       20,940,750  

TOTAL INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

    35,759,655       20,333,889  
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

  $ 20,333,889     $  

End of period

  $ 56,093,544     $ 20,333,889  
                 

SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Shares sold

    1,790,000       420,001  

Shares redeemed

    (950,000 )     (1 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares

    840,000       420,000  

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund was August 8, 2022.

 

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

 

 

49

 

 

US Treasury 20 Year Bond ETF

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

 

For the
Period Ended
August 31,
2023
(1)

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

       

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 20,666  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    (110,655 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    5,844  

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

    (84,145 )
         

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:

       

Total distributable earnings

    (15,177 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (15,177 )
         

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

       

Proceeds from shares sold

    1,973,766  

Shares redeemed

     

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

    1,973,766  

TOTAL INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

    1,874,444  
         

NET ASSETS:

       

Beginning of period

  $  

End of period

  $ 1,874,444  
         

SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

       

Shares sold

    40,000  

Shares redeemed

     

Net increase/(decrease) in shares

    40,000  

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund was March 27, 2023.

 

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

 

50

 

 

 

US Treasury 30 Year Bond ETF

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

 

For the
Period Ended
August 31,
2023
(1)

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

       

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 35,783  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    (241,154 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    38,693  

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

    (166,678 )
         

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:

       

Total distributable earnings

    (29,955 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (29,955 )
         

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

       

Proceeds from shares sold

    2,978,700  

Shares redeemed

     

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

    2,978,700  

TOTAL INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS

    2,782,067  
         

NET ASSETS:

       

Beginning of period

  $  

End of period

  $ 2,782,067  
         

SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

       

Shares sold

    60,000  

Shares redeemed

     

Net increase/(decrease) in shares

    60,000  

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund was March 27, 2023.

 

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

 

 

51

 

 

US Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

 

FOR THE
YEAR
ENDED
AUGUST 31,

   

FOR THE
PERIOD
ENDED
AUGUST 31,

 

 

 

2023

   

2022(1)

 

PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE

               

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 49.80     $ 49.75  

Net investment income/(loss)(2)

    2.49       0.09  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    (0.29 )     (0.04 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    2.20       0.05  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

               

Net investment income

    (1.94 )      

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (1.94 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 50.06     $ 49.80  

Market value, end of period

  $ 50.10     $ 49.81  

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value(3)

    4.50 %     0.10 %(5)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price(4)

    4.56 %     0.12 %(5)

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

               

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 1,776,583     $ 38,844  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

    0.15 %     0.15 %(6)

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    4.98 %     2.61 %(6)

Portfolio turnover rate

    0 %     0 %(5)

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund was August 8, 2022.

 

(2)

Per share data calculated using average shares outstanding method.

 

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

 

(4)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the market price on the first day of the period, reinvestment of dividends and distributions at market price during the period and redemption at market price on the last day of the period.

 

(5)

Not annualized.

 

(6)

Annualized.

 

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

 

52

 

 

 

US Treasury 6 Month Bill ETF

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the period. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

 

FOR THE
PERIOD
ENDED
AUGUST 31,

 

 

 

2023(1)

 

PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE

       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 50.00  

Net investment income/(loss)(2)

    1.28  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    (0.12 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    1.16  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

       

Net investment income

    (1.03 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (1.03 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 50.13  

Market value, end of period

  $ 50.17  

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value(3)

    2.35 %(5)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price(4)

    2.42 %(5)

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 311,318  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

    0.15 %(6)

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    5.26 %(6)

Portfolio turnover rate

    0 %(5)

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund was March 6, 2023.

 

(2)

Per share data calculated using average shares outstanding method.

 

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

 

(4)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the market price on the first day of the period, reinvestment of dividends and distributions at market price during the period and redemption at market price on the last day of the period.

 

(5)

Not annualized.

 

(6)

Annualized.

 

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

 

 

53

 

 

US Treasury 12 Month Bill ETF

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the period. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

 

FOR THE
Period
ENDED
AUGUST 31,

 

 

 

2023(1)

 

PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE

       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 50.07  

Net investment income/(loss)(2)

    1.96  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    (0.48 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    1.48  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

       

Net investment income

    (1.64 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (1.64 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 49.91  

Market value, end of period

  $ 49.94  

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value(3)

    3.01 %(5)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price(4)

    3.08 %(5)

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 126,282  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

    0.15 %(6)

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    4.93 %(6)

Portfolio turnover rate

    0 %(5)

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund was November 14, 2022.

 

(2)

Per share data calculated using average shares outstanding method.

 

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

 

(4)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the market price on the first day of the period, reinvestment of dividends and distributions at market price during the period and redemption at market price on the last day of the period.

 

(5)

Not annualized.

 

(6)

Annualized.

 

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

 

54

 

 

 

US Treasury 2 Year Note ETF

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

 

FOR THE
YEAR
ENDED
AUGUST 31,

   

FOR THE
PERIOD
ENDED
AUGUST 31,

 

 

 

2023

   

2022(1)

 

PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE

               

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 49.74     $ 49.84  

Net investment income/(loss)(2)

    2.02       0.11  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    (1.84 )     (0.21 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    0.18       (0.10 )

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

               

Net investment income

    (1.76 )      

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (1.76 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 48.16     $ 49.74  

Market value, end of period

  $ 48.19     $ 49.74  

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value(3)

    0.38 %     (0.20 )%(5)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price(4)

    0.44 %     (0.20 )%(5)

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

               

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 305,342     $ 17,907  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

    0.15 %     0.15 %(6)

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    4.15 %     3.54 %(6)

Portfolio turnover rate

    1,048 %     100 %(5)

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund was August 8, 2022.

 

(2)

Per share data calculated using average shares outstanding method.

 

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

 

(4)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the market price on the first day of the period, reinvestment of dividends and distributions at market price during the period and redemption at market price on the last day of the period.

 

(5)

Not annualized.

 

(6)

Annualized.

 

 

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

 

 

55

 

 

US Treasury 3 Year Note ETF

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the period. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

 

FOR THE
PERIOD
ENDED
AUGUST 31,

 

 

 

2023(1)

 

PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE

       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 50.00  

Net investment income/(loss)(2)

    0.82  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    (1.15 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (0.33 )

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

       

Net investment income

    (0.65 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.65 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 49.02  

Market value, end of period

  $ 49.04  

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value(3)

    (0.66 )%(5)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price(4)

    (0.62 )%(5)

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 1,471  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

    0.15 %(6)

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    3.86 %(6)

Portfolio turnover rate

    422 %(5)

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund was March 27, 2023.

 

(2)

Per share data calculated using average shares outstanding method.

 

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

 

(4)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the market price on the first day of the period, reinvestment of dividends and distributions at market price during the period and redemption at market price on the last day of the period.

 

(5)

Not annualized.

 

(6)

Annualized.

 

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

 

56

 

 

 

US Treasury 5 Year Note ETF

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the period. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

 

FOR THE
PERIOD
ENDED
AUGUST 31,

 

 

 

2023(1)

 

PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE

       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 50.00  

Net investment income/(loss)(2)

    0.79  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    (1.63 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (0.84 )

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

       

Net investment income

    (0.58 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.58 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 48.58  

Market value, end of period

  $ 48.61  

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value(3)

    (1.69 )%(5)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price(4)

    (1.62 )%(5)

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 4,372  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

    0.15 %(6)

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    3.77 %(6)

Portfolio turnover rate

    548 %(5)

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund was March 27, 2023.

 

(2)

Per share data calculated using average shares outstanding method.

 

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

 

(4)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the market price on the first day of the period, reinvestment of dividends and distributions at market price during the period and redemption at market price on the last day of the period.

 

(5)

Not annualized.

 

(6)

Annualized.

 

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

 

 

57

 

 

US Treasury 7 Year Note ETF

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the period. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

 

FOR THE
PERIOD
ENDED
AUGUST 31,

 

 

 

2023(1)

 

PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE

       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 50.00  

Net investment income/(loss)(2)

    0.75  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    (2.03 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (1.28 )

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

       

Net investment income

    (0.58 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.58 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 48.14  

Market value, end of period

  $ 48.16  

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value(3)

    (2.58 )%(5)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price(4)

    (2.55 )%(5)

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 963  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

    0.15 %(6)

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    3.55 %(6)

Portfolio turnover rate

    497 %(5)

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund was March 27, 2023.

 

(2)

Per share data calculated using average shares outstanding method.

 

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

 

(4)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the market price on the first day of the period, reinvestment of dividends and distributions at market price during the period and redemption at market price on the last day of the period.

 

(5)

Not annualized.

 

(6)

Annualized.

 

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

 

58

 

 

 

US Treasury 10 Year Note ETF

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

 

FOR THE
YEAR
ENDED
AUGUST 31,

   

FOR THE
PERIOD
ENDED
AUGUST 31,

 

 

 

2023

   

2022(1)

 

PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE

               

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 48.41     $ 49.91  

Net investment income/(loss)(2)

    1.55       0.09  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    (3.88 )     (1.59 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (2.33 )     (1.50 )

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

               

Net investment income

    (1.56 )      

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (1.56 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 44.52     $ 48.41  

Market value, end of period

  $ 44.55     $ 48.26  

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value(3)

    (4.87 )%     (3.00 )%(5)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price(4)

    (4.49 )%     (3.31 )%(5)

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

               

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 56,094     $ 20,334  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

    0.15 %     0.15 %(6)

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    3.40 %     2.77 %(6)

Portfolio turnover rate

    289 %     97 %(5)

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund was August 8, 2022.

 

(2)

Per share data calculated using average shares outstanding method.

 

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

 

(4)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the market price on the first day of the period, reinvestment of dividends and distributions at market price during the period and redemption at market price on the last day of the period.

 

(5)

Not annualized.

 

(6)

Annualized.

 

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

 

 

59

 

 

US Treasury 20 Year Bond ETF

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the period. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

 

FOR THE
PERIOD
ENDED
AUGUST 31,

 

 

 

2023(1)

 

PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE

       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 50.00  

Net investment income/(loss)(2)

    0.81  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    (3.34 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (2.53 )

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

       

Net investment income

    (0.61 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.61 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 46.86  

Market value, end of period

  $ 46.89  

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value(3)

    (5.10 )%(5)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price(4)

    (5.04 )%(5)

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 1,874  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

    0.15 %(6)

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    3.87 %(6)

Portfolio turnover rate

    219 %(5)

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund was March 27, 2023.

 

(2)

Per share data calculated using average shares outstanding method.

 

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

 

(4)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the market price on the first day of the period, reinvestment of dividends and distributions at market price during the period and redemption at market price on the last day of the period.

 

(5)

Not annualized.

 

(6)

Annualized.

 

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

 

60

 

 

 

US Treasury 30 Year Bond ETF

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the period. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

 

FOR THE
PERIOD
ENDED
AUGUST 31,

 

 

 

2023(1)

 

PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE

       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 50.00  

Net investment income/(loss)(2)

    0.77  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    (3.83 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (3.06 )

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

       

Net investment income

    (0.57 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.57 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 46.37  

Market value, end of period

  $ 46.38  

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value(3)

    (6.17 )%(5)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price(4)

    (6.12 )%(5)

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 2,782  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

    0.15 %(6)

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    3.72 %(6)

Portfolio turnover rate

    180 %(5)

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund was March 27, 2023.

 

(2)

Per share data calculated using average shares outstanding method.

 

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

 

(4)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the market price on the first day of the period, reinvestment of dividends and distributions at market price during the period and redemption at market price on the last day of the period.

 

(5)

Not annualized.

 

(6)

Annualized.

 

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

 

 

61

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Notes to Financial Statements

August 31, 2023

 

1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The RBB Fund, Inc. (“RBB” or the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland on February 29, 1988 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. RBB is a “series fund,” which is a mutual fund divided into separate portfolios. Each portfolio is treated as a separate entity for certain matters under the 1940 Act, and for other purposes, and a shareholder of one portfolio is not deemed to be a shareholder of any other portfolio. Currently, RBB has fifty-three separate investment portfolios, including the US Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF, the US Treasury 6 Month Bill ETF, the US Treasury 12 Month Bill ETF, the US Treasury 2 Year Note ETF, the US Treasury 3 Year Note ETF, the US Treasury 5 Year Note ETF, the US Treasury 7 Year Note ETF, the US Treasury 10 Year Note ETF, the US Treasury 20 Year Bond ETF, and the US Treasury 30 Year Bond ETF (each a “Fund” and together the “Funds”). The US Treasury 10 Year Note ETF, the US Treasury 2 Year Note ETF and the US Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF commenced investment operations on August 8, 2022. The US Treasury 12 Month Bill ETF commenced investment operations on November 14, 2022. The US Treasury 6 Month Bill ETF commenced investment operations on March 6, 2023. The US Treasury 3 Year Note ETF, US Treasury 5 Year Note ETF, US Treasury 7 Year Note ETF, US Treasury 20 Year Bond ETF, and US Treasury 30 Year Bond ETF commenced investment operations on March 27, 2023.

 

RBB has authorized capital of one hundred billion shares of common stock of which 91.523 billion shares are currently classified into two hundred and twenty-two classes of common stock. Each class represents an interest in an active or inactive RBB investment portfolio.

 

The investment objective of the US Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF, the US Treasury 6 Month Bill ETF, the US Treasury 12 Month Bill ETF, the US Treasury 2 Year Note ETF, the US Treasury 3 Year Note ETF, the US Treasury 5 Year Note ETF, the US Treasury 7 Year Note ETF, the US Treasury 10 Year Note ETF, the US Treasury 20 Year Bond ETF, and the US Treasury 30 Year Bond ETF is to seek investment results that correspond (before fees and expenses) generally to the price and yield of its corresponding benchmark index (“Underlying Index”): the ICE BofA US 3-Month Treasury Bill Index, the ICE BofA US 6-Month Treasury Bill Index, the ICE BofA US 12-Month Treasury Bill Index, the ICE BofA Current 2-Year US Treasury Index, the ICE BofA Current 3-Year US Treasury Index, the ICE BofA Current 5-Year US Treasury Index, the ICE BofA Current 7-Year US Treasury Index, the ICE BofA Current 10-Year US Treasury Index, the ICE BofA Current 20-Year US Treasury Index, the ICE BofA Current 30-Year US Treasury Index, respectively.

 

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

 

The end of the reporting period for the Funds is August 31, 2023, and the period covered by these Notes to Financial Statements is the fiscal period ended August 31, 2023 (the “current fiscal period”). For the US Treasury 6 Month Bill ETF, the period covered by these Notes to Financial Statements is the since inception period from March 6, 2023 through August 31, 2023 (the “current fiscal period”). For the US Treasury 12 Month Bill ETF, the period covered by these Notes to Financial Statements is the since inception period from November 14, 2022 through August 31, 2023 (the “current fiscal period”). For the US Treasury 3 Year Note ETF, US Treasury 5 Year Note ETF, US Treasury 7 Year Note ETF, US Treasury 20 Year Bond ETF, and US Treasury 30 Year Bond ETF, the period covered by these Notes to Financial Statements is the since inception period from March 27, 2023 through August 31, 2023 (the “current fiscal period”).

 

PORTFOLIO VALUATION — Each Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. Securities held by the Funds are valued using the closing price or the last sale price on a national securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System (“NASDAQ”) market system where they are primarily traded. Equity securities traded in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market are valued at their closing prices. If there were no transactions on that day, securities traded principally on an exchange or on NASDAQ will be valued at the mean of the last bid and ask prices prior to the market close. Fixed income securities are valued using an independent pricing service, which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings, and are deemed representative of market values at the close of the market. If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable, securities will be valued in accordance with procedures adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). Relying on prices supplied by pricing services or dealers or using fair valuation may result in values that are higher or lower than the values used by other investment companies and investors to price the same investments.

 

62

 

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

August 31, 2023

 

The Board has adopted a pricing and valuation policy for use by the Fund and its Valuation Designee (as defined below) in calculating the Fund’s NAV. Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Fund has designated F/m Investments, LLC d/b/a North Slope Capital, LLC (the “Adviser”) as its “Valuation Designee” to perform all of the fair value determinations as well as to perform all of the responsibilities that may be performed by the Valuation Designee in accordance with Rule 2a-5. The Valuation Designee is authorized to make all necessary determinations of the fair values of portfolio securities and other assets for which market quotations are not readily available or if it is deemed that the prices obtained from brokers and dealers or independent pricing services are unreliable.

 

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS — The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the Funds’ investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:

 

 

Level 1 – Prices are determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.

 

 

Level 2 – Prices are determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

 

Level 3 – Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs (including the Funds’ own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

 

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used, as of the end of the reporting period, in valuing the Funds’ investments carried at fair value:

 

US TREASURY 3 MONTH BILL ETF

 

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

 

Short-Term Investments

  $ 1,776,753,475     $ 7,730,318     $ 1,769,023,157     $  

Total Investments*

  $ 1,776,753,475     $ 7,730,318     $ 1,769,023,157     $  

 

US TREASURY 6 MONTH BILL ETF

 

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

 

Short-Term Investments

  $ 311,346,030     $ 1,476,366     $ 309,869,664     $  

Total Investments*

  $ 311,346,030     $ 1,476,366     $ 309,869,664     $  

 

US TREASURY 12 MONTH BILL ETF

 

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

 

Short-Term Investments

  $ 126,296,721     $ 570,620     $ 125,726,101     $  

Total Investments*

  $ 126,296,721     $ 570,620     $ 125,726,101     $  

 

US TREASURY 2 YEAR NOTE ETF

 

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

 

U.S. Government Notes/Bonds

  $ 304,129,778     $     $ 304,129,778     $  

Short-Term Investments

  $ 1,209,523     $ 1,209,523     $     $  

Total Investments*

  $ 305,339,301     $ 1,209,523     $ 304,129,778     $  

 

 

63

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

August 31, 2023

 

US TREASURY 3 YEAR NOTE ETF

 

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

 

U.S. Government Notes/Bonds

  $ 1,467,321     $     $ 1,467,321     $  

Short-Term Investments

  $ 448     $ 448     $     $  

Total Investments*

  $ 1,467,769     $ 448     $ 1,467,321     $  

 

US TREASURY 5 YEAR NOTE ETF

 

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

 

U.S. Government Notes/Bonds

  $ 4,356,725     $     $ 4,356,725     $  

Short-Term Investments

  $ 15,079     $ 15,079     $     $  

Total Investments*

  $ 4,371,804     $ 15,079     $ 4,356,725     $  

 

US TREASURY 7 YEAR NOTE ETF

 

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

 

U.S. Government Notes/Bonds

  $ 958,938     $     $ 958,938     $  

Short-Term Investments

  $ 3,888     $ 3,888     $     $  

Total Investments*

  $ 962,826     $ 3,888     $ 958,938     $  

 

US TREASURY 10 YEAR NOTE ETF

 

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

 

U.S. Government Notes/Bonds

  $ 55,813,787     $     $ 55,813,787     $  

Short-Term Investments

  $ 4,833     $ 4,833     $     $  

Total Investments*

  $ 55,818,620     $ 4,833     $ 55,813,787     $  

 

US TREASURY 20 YEAR BOND ETF

 

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

 

U.S. Government Notes/Bonds

  $ 1,865,032     $     $ 1,865,032     $  

Short-Term Investments

  $ 5,867     $ 5,867     $     $  

Total Investments*

  $ 1,870,899     $ 5,867     $ 1,865,032     $  

 

US TREASURY 30 YEAR BOND ETF

 

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

 

U.S. Government Notes/Bonds

  $ 2,776,187     $     $ 2,776,187     $  

Short-Term Investments

  $ 865     $ 865     $     $  

Total Investments*

  $ 2,777,052     $ 865     $ 2,776,187     $  

 

*

Please refer to the Schedule of Investments for further details.

 

At the end of each quarter, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities. Various factors are considered, such as changes in liquidity from the prior reporting period; whether or not a broker is willing to execute at the quoted price; the depth and consistency of prices from third party pricing services; and the existence of contemporaneous, observable trades in the market. Additionally, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities on a quarterly basis for changes in listings or delistings on national exchanges.

 

64

 

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

August 31, 2023

 

Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Funds’ investments may fluctuate from period to period. Additionally, the fair value of investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for such investments and may differ materially from the values the Fund may ultimately realize. Further, such investments may be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities.

 

For fair valuations using significant unobservable inputs, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires each Fund to present a reconciliation of the beginning to ending balances for reported market values that presents changes attributable to total realized and unrealized gains or losses, purchase and sales, and transfers in and out of Level 3 during the period. Transfers in and out between levels are based on values at the end of the period. A reconciliation of Level 3 investments is presented only if a Fund had an amount of Level 3 investments at the end of the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets. The amounts and reasons for Level 3 transfers in and out of each level is disclosed when a Fund had an amount of total Level 3 transfers during the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets as of the end of the reporting period.

 

The Funds did not have any significant Level 3 transfers during the current fiscal period.

 

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 and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences could be significant.

 

INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS, INVESTMENT INCOME AND EXPENSES — The Funds record security transactions based on trade date for financial reporting purposes. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method for both financial reporting and income tax purposes in determining realized gains and losses on investments. Interest income (including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts) is accrued when earned. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or capital gains are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. The Funds’ investment income, expenses (other than class specific expenses) and unrealized and realized gains and losses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class at the beginning of the day. Certain expenses are shared with The RBB Fund Trust (the “Trust”), a series trust of affiliated funds. Expenses incurred on behalf of a specific class, fund or fund family of the Company or Trust are charged directly to the class, fund or fund family (in proportion to net assets). Expenses incurred for all funds (such as director or professional fees) are charged to all funds in proportion to their average net assets of RBB and the Trust, or in such other manner as the Board deems fair or equitable. Expenses and fees, including investment advisory and administration fees, are accrued daily and taken into account for the purpose of determining the NAV of the Funds.

 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS — Each Fund will distribute substantially all of its net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, to its shareholders. Each Fund expects to declare and pay distributions, if any, monthly, however it may declare and pay distributions more or less frequently. Net realized capital gains (including net short-term capital gains), if any, will be distributed by each Fund at least annually. Brokers may make the DTC book-entry dividend reinvestment service available to their customers who own a Fund’s Shares. If this service is available and used, dividend distributions of both income and capital gains will automatically be reinvested in additional whole Shares of that Fund purchased on the secondary market. Without this service, investors would receive their distributions in cash. In order to achieve the maximum total return on their investments, investors are encouraged to use the dividend reinvestment service. To determine whether the dividend reinvestment service is available and whether there is a commission or other charge for using this service, consult your broker. Brokers may require a Fund’s shareholders to adhere to specific procedures and timetables.

 

U.S. TAX STATUS — No provision is made for U.S. income taxes as it is each Fund’s intention to continue to qualify for and elect the tax treatment applicable to regulated investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and make the requisite distributions to its shareholders which will be sufficient to relieve it from U.S. income and excise taxes.

 

OTHER — In the normal course of business, the Funds may enter into contracts that provide general indemnifications. Each Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on claims that may be made against the Funds in the future, and, therefore, cannot be estimated; however, based on experience, the risk of material loss from such claims is considered remote.

 

 

65

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

August 31, 2023

 

2. INVESTMENT POLICIES AND PRACTICES

 

The sections below describe some of the different types of investments that may be made by the Funds and the investment practices in which the Funds may engage.

 

Cash Equivalents and Short-Term InvestmentS - The Funds may invest in cash, cash equivalents, and a variety of short-term instruments in such proportions as warranted by prevailing market conditions and the Funds’ principal investment strategies. The Funds may temporarily invest without limit in such instruments for liquidity purposes, or in an attempt to respond to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions. During such periods, a Fund may not be able to achieve its investment objective.

 

Illiquid Investments - Pursuant to Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act, a Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments. An illiquid investment as defined in Rule 22e-4 is an investment that a Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions within 7 calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. These investments may include restricted securities and repurchase agreements maturing in more than 7 days. Restricted securities are securities that may not be sold to the public without an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), and thus may be sold only in privately negotiated transactions or pursuant to an exemption from registration. Subject to the adoption of guidelines by the Board of Directors of the Company (“Board”), certain restricted securities that may be sold to institutional investors pursuant to Rule 144A under the 1933 Act and non-exempt commercial paper may be determined to be liquid by the Adviser. Illiquid investments involve the risk that the investments will not be able to be sold at the time the Adviser desires or at prices approximating the value at which a Fund is carrying the investments. To the extent an investment held by a Fund is deemed to be an illiquid investment or a less liquid investment, a Fund will be exposed to a greater liquidity risk.

 

Inflation Protected Securities - Each Fund may invest in inflation protected securities. Inflation protected securities are fixed income securities designed to provide protection against the negative effects of inflation. Two structures are common. The U.S. Treasury and some other issuers use a structure that accrues inflation into the principal value of the bond. Most other issuers pay out the inflation accruals as part of a semiannual coupon.

 

Other Investment Companies - Each Fund may invest in other investment companies, including open-end funds, closed-end funds, unit investment trusts, and exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) registered under the 1940 Act that invest primarily in Fund eligible investments. Under the 1940 Act, a Fund’s investment in such securities is generally limited to 3% of the total voting stock of any one investment company; 5% of such Fund’s total assets with respect to any one investment company; and 10% of such Fund’s total assets in the aggregate. A Fund’s investments in other investment companies may include money market mutual funds. Investments in money market funds are not subject to the percentage limitations set forth above. The SEC has adopted revisions to the rules permitting funds to invest in other investment companies in excess of the limits described above. While Rule 12d1-4 permits more types of fund of fund arrangements without reliance on an exemptive order or no-action letters, it imposes new conditions, including limits on control and voting of acquired funds’ shares, evaluations and findings by investment advisers, fund investment agreements, and limits on most three-tier fund structures. Rule 12d1-4 went into effect on January 19, 2021. The rescission of the applicable exemptive orders and the withdrawal of the applicable no-action letters was effective on January 19, 2022. These regulatory changes may adversely impact a Fund’s investment strategies and operations.

 

U.S. Government Securities - Each Fund may invest in U.S. government securities, including bills, notes and bonds differing as to maturity and rates of interest, which are either issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury or by U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities. U.S. government agency securities include securities issued by (a) the Federal Housing Administration, Farmers Home Administration, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Small Business Administration, and the Government National Mortgage Association, whose securities are supported by the full faith and credit of the United States; (b) the Federal Home Loan Banks, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, and the Tennessee Valley Authority, whose securities are supported by the right of the agency to borrow from the U.S. Treasury; (c) the Federal National Mortgage Association, whose securities are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase certain obligations of the agency or instrumentality; and (d) the Student Loan Marketing Association, whose securities are supported only by its credit. While the U.S. government provides financial support to such U.S. government-sponsored agencies or instrumentalities, no assurance can be given that it always will do so since it is not so obligated by law. The U.S. government, its agencies and instrumentalities do not guarantee the market value of their securities, and consequently, the value of such securities may fluctuate.

 

66

 

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

August 31, 2023

 

Zero-Coupon and Step Coupon Securities - Each Fund may invest in zero-coupon and step coupon securities. Zero-coupon securities pay no cash income to their holders until they mature. When held to maturity, their entire return comes from the difference between their purchase price and their maturity value. Step coupon securities are debt securities that may not pay interest for a specified period of time and then, after the initial period, may pay interest at a series of different rates. Both zero-coupon and step coupon securities are issued at substantial discounts from their value at maturity. Because interest on these securities is not paid on a current basis, the values of securities of this type are subject to greater fluctuations than are the value of securities that distribute income regularly and may be more speculative than such securities. Accordingly, the values of these securities may be highly volatile as interest rates rise or fall. In addition, while such securities generate income for purposes of generally accepted accounting standards, they do not generate cash flow and thus could cause a Fund to be forced to liquidate securities at an inopportune time in order to distribute cash, as required by the Code.

 

Temporary Investments - During periods of adverse market or economic conditions, a Fund may temporarily invest all or a substantial portion of its assets in high-quality, fixed-income securities, money market instruments, and shares of money market mutual funds, or it may hold cash. At such times, a Fund would not be pursuing its stated investment objective with its usual investment strategies. A Fund may also hold these investments for liquidity purposes. Fixed-income securities will be deemed to be of high quality if they are rated “A” or better by S&P or Moody’s or, if unrated, are determined to be of comparable quality by the Adviser. Money market instruments are high-quality, short-term fixed-income obligations (which generally have remaining maturities of one year or less) and may include U.S. Government Securities, commercial paper, certificates of deposit and banker’s acceptances issued by domestic branches of U.S. banks that are members of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and repurchase agreements for U.S. Government Securities.

 

In lieu of purchasing money market instruments, the Fund may purchase shares of money market mutual funds that invest primarily in U.S. Government Securities and repurchase agreements involving those securities, subject to certain limitations imposed by the 1940 Act. A Fund, as an investor in a money market fund, will indirectly bear that fund’s fees and expenses, which will be in addition to the fees and expenses of the Fund. Repurchase agreements involve certain risks not associated with direct investments in debt securities.

 

Reverse Repurchase Agreement - Reverse repurchase agreements are a form of secured borrowing and subject a Fund to the risks associated with leverage, including exposure to potential gains and losses in excess of the amount invested, resulting in an increase in the speculative character of the Fund’s outstanding shares. If the securities held by a Fund decline in value while these transactions are outstanding, the NAV of a Fund’s outstanding shares will decline in value by proportionately more than the decline in value of the securities. In addition, reverse repurchase agreements involve the risk that the investment return earned by a Fund (from the investment of the proceeds) will be less than the interest expense of the transaction, that the market value of the securities sold by a Fund will decline below the price the Fund is obligated to pay to repurchase the securities, and that the other party may fail to return the securities in a timely manner or at all.

 

When a Fund enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, it is subject to the risk that the buyer under the agreement may file for bankruptcy, become insolvent or otherwise default on its obligations to the Fund. In the event of a default by the counterparty, there may be delays, costs and risks of loss involved in a Fund’s exercising its rights under the agreement, or those rights may be limited by other contractual agreements or obligations or by applicable law. Such an insolvency may result in a loss equal to the amount by which the value of the securities or other assets sold by the Fund exceeds the repurchase price payable by the Fund; if the value of the purchased securities or other assets increases during such a delay, that loss may also be increased. A Fund could lose money if it is unable to recover the securities or if the value of investments made by the Fund using the proceeds of the transaction is less than the value of securities. When a Fund enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, it must identify on its books cash or liquid assets that have a value equal to or greater than the repurchase price.

 

3. INVESTMENT ADVISER AND OTHER SERVICES

 

Each Fund pays all of its expenses other than those expressly assumed by the Adviser. Expenses of each Fund are deducted from the Fund’s total income before dividends are paid. Subject to the supervision of the Board, the Adviser manages the overall investment operations of each Fund in accordance with the Fund’s respective investment objective and policies and formulates a continuing investment strategy for each Fund pursuant to the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and the Company on behalf of each Fund. The Adviser is controlled by Diffractive Managers Group, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and EQSF Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company owned by three officers of the Company. Prior

 

 

67

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

August 31, 2023

 

to January 31, 2023, the Adviser was controlled by F/m Acceleration, LLC. Diffractive Managers Group, LLC acquired all of the assets and liabilities of F/m Acceleration, LLC on January 31, 2023. Effective with the acquisition, the prior Investment Advisory Agreement was terminated and an interim Investment Advisory Agreement became effective until May 19, 2023 when the new Investment Advisory Agreement became effective. The interim Investment Advisory Agreement and new Investment Advisory Agreement were materially identical to the prior Investment Advisory Agreement. The Funds compensate the Adviser with a unitary management fee for its services at an annual rate of 0.15% of each Fund’s average daily net assets during the month. From the unitary management fee, the Adviser pays most of the expenses of each Fund, including transfer agency, custody, fund administration, legal, audit and other services. However, under the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser is not responsible for interest expenses, brokerage commissions and other trading expenses, taxes and other extraordinary costs such as litigation and other expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of business. The Adviser will not be liable for any error of judgment, mistake of law, or for any loss suffered by a Fund in connection with the performance of the Advisory Agreement, except a loss resulting from a breach of fiduciary duty with respect to the receipt of compensation for services or a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the Adviser in the performance of its duties, or from reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the Advisory Agreement.

 

During the current fiscal period, investment advisory fees accrued were as follows:

 

FUND

 

ADVISORY FEES

 

US Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF

  $ 847,161  

US Treasury 6 Month Bill ETF

    98,933  

US Treasury 12 Month Bill ETF

    77,978  

US Treasury 2 Year Note ETF

    360,437  

US Treasury 3 Year Note ETF

    927  

US Treasury 5 Year Note ETF

    1,137  

US Treasury 7 Year Note ETF

    635  

US Treasury 10 Year Note ETF

    33,236  

US Treasury 20 Year Bond ETF

    801  

US Treasury 30 Year Bond ETF

    1,443  

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (“Fund Services”), doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, serves as administrator for the Funds. For providing administrative and accounting services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Fund Services serves as the Funds’ transfer and dividend disbursing agent. For providing transfer agent services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

U.S. Bank, N.A. (the “Custodian”) provides certain custodial services to the Funds. The Custodian is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Quasar Distributors, LLC (“Quasar”), a wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of Foreside Financial Group, LLC, serves as the principal underwriter and distributor of the Funds’ shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with RBB.

 

Under the Funds’ unitary fee, the Adviser compensates Fund Services and the Custodian for services provided.

 

DIRECTOR AND OFFICER COMPENSATION — The Directors of the Company receive an annual retainer and meeting fees for meetings attended. An employee of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serves as Chief Compliance Officer of the Company. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company. Employees of RBB serve as President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Secretary and Director of Marketing & Business Development of the Company. They are compensated by the Company for services provided. Certain employees of Fund Services serve as officers of the Company. They are not compensated by the Funds or the Company. As of the end of the reporting period, there were no director and officer fees charged or paid by the Funds.

 

68

 

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

August 31, 2023

 

4. PURCHASES AND SALES OF INVESTMENT SECURITIES

 

During the current fiscal period, aggregate purchases and sales and maturities of investment securities (excluding in-kind transactions and short-term investments) of the Funds were as follows:

 

FUND

 

U.S. GOVERNMENT
PURCHASES

   

U.S. GOVERNMENT
SALES

 

US Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF

  $     $  

US Treasury 6 Month Bill ETF

           

US Treasury 12 Month Bill ETF

           

US Treasury 2 Year Note ETF

    3,027,188,058       2,435,326,671  

US Treasury 3 Year Note ETF

    8,411,105       5,906,371  

US Treasury 5 Year Note ETF

    14,655,251       10,699,421  

US Treasury 7 Year Note ETF

    6,887,143       4,876,460  

US Treasury 10 Year Note ETF

    102,741,137       67,611,643  

US Treasury 20 Year Bond ETF

    3,831,508       2,826,073  

US Treasury 30 Year Bond ETF

    6,700,701       4,224,054  

 

During the current fiscal period, aggregate purchases and sales of in-kind transactions (excluding short-term investments) of the Funds were as follows:

 

FUND

 

U.S. GOVERNMENT
IN-KIND PURCHASES

   

U.S. GOVERNMENT
IN-KIND SALES

 

US Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF

  $     $  

US Treasury 6 Month Bill ETF

           

US Treasury 12 Month Bill ETF

           

US Treasury 2 Year Note ETF

    355,196,154       654,763,018  

US Treasury 3 Year Note ETF

    498,110       1,500,107  

US Treasury 5 Year Note ETF

    1,462,320       1,004,095  

US Treasury 7 Year Note ETF

          1,005,878  

US Treasury 10 Year Note ETF

    46,641,455       43,455,360  

US Treasury 20 Year Bond ETF

    964,408        

US Treasury 30 Year Bond ETF

    502,001        

 

5. FEDERAL INCOME TAX INFORMATION

 

The Funds have followed the authoritative guidance on accounting for and disclosure of uncertainty in tax positions, which requires the Funds to determine whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The Funds have determined that there was no effect on the financial statements from following this authoritative guidance. In the normal course of business, the Funds are subject to examination by federal, state and local jurisdictions, where applicable, for tax years for which applicable statutes of limitations have not expired.

 

 

69

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

August 31, 2023

 

As of August 31, 2023, the federal tax cost, aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of securities held by each Fund were as follows:

 

FUND

 

FEDERAL
TAX COST

   

UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION

   

UNREALIZED
(DEPRECIATION)

   

NET UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION/
(DEPRECIATION)

 

US Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF

  $ 1,776,763,356     $ 771     $ (10,652 )   $ (9,881 )

US Treasury 6 Month Bill ETF

    311,325,736       20,339       (45 )     20,294  

US Treasury 12 Month Bill ETF

    126,361,430       782       (65,491 )     (64,709 )

US Treasury 2 Year Note ETF

    305,125,206       214,095             214,095  

US Treasury 3 Year Note ETF

    1,463,554       4,215             4,215  

US Treasury 5 Year Note ETF

    4,364,690       7,114             7,114  

US Treasury 7 Year Note ETF

    961,396       1,430             1,430  

US Treasury 10 Year Note ETF

    55,413,927       404,987       (294 )     404,693  

US Treasury 20 Year Bond ETF

    1,865,056       5,843             5,843  

US Treasury 30 Year Bond ETF

    2,738,359       38,693             38,693  

 

Distributions to shareholders, if any, from net investment income and realized gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from net investment income and realized gains recognized for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the character of distributions and composition of net assets for tax purposes may differ from those reflected in the accompanying financial statements. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on the tax treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.

 

As of August 31, 2023, there were permanent differences related to redemptions in-kind between distributable earnings/(loss) and paid-in capital, respectively for the following funds:

 

FUND

 

Distributable
Earnings/(Loss)

   

Paid-In-Capital

 

US Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF

  $ (443,251 )   $ 443,251  

US Treasury 6 Month Bill ETF

    (6,525 )     6,525  

US Treasury 12 Month Bill ETF

    (412,912 )     412,912  

US Treasury 2 Year Note ETF

    (4,395,918 )     4,395,918  

US Treasury 3 Year Note ETF

    (8,155 )     8,155  

US Treasury 5 Year Note ETF

    (11,194 )     11,194  

US Treasury 7 Year Note ETF

    (12,227 )     12,227  

US Treasury 10 Year Note ETF

    943,757       (943,757 )

US Treasury 20 Year Bond ETF

           

US Treasury 30 Year Bond ETF

           

 

70

 

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

August 31, 2023

 

As of August 31, 2023, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

FUND

 

UNDISTRIBUTED
ORDINARY
INCOME

   

UNDISTRIBUTED
LONG-TERM
CAPITAL GAINS

   

Net UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION/
(DEPRECIATION)

   

Capital
loss
carryover

   

Qualified late-
year loss

 

US Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF

  $ 4,630,894     $     $ (9,881 )   $ (655,964 )   $  

US Treasury 6 Month Bill ETF

    745,773             20,294       (279,622 )      

US Treasury 12 Month Bill ETF

    354,416             (64,709 )     (972,375 )      

US Treasury 2 Year Note ETF

    861,380             214,095       (10,786,774 )      

US Treasury 3 Year Note ETF

    4,222             4,215       (47,163 )      

US Treasury 5 Year Note ETF

    9,046             7,114       (75,589 )      

US Treasury 7 Year Note ETF

    3,503             1,430       (59,397 )      

US Treasury 10 Year Note ETF

    107,251             404,693       (2,902,147 )      

US Treasury 20 Year Bond ETF

    5,490             5,843       (110,655 )      

US Treasury 30 Year Bond ETF

    5,828             38,693       (241,154 )      

 

The differences between the book and tax basis components of distributable earnings relate primarily to the timing of recognition of income and gains for federal income tax purposes.

 

During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022 there were no dividends and distributions paid by the US Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF, the US Treasury 2 Year Note ETF, and the US Treasury 10 Year Note ETF.

 

The tax character of dividends and distributions paid during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023 was as follows:

 

FUND

 

Ordinary
Income

   

Long-Term
Capital Gains

 

US Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF

  $ 23,559,224     $  

US Treasury 6 Month Bill ETF

    2,720,580        

US Treasury 12 Month Bill ETF

    2,206,389        

US Treasury 2 Year Note ETF

    9,134,861        

US Treasury 3 Year Note ETF

    19,629        

US Treasury 5 Year Note ETF

    19,503        

US Treasury 7 Year Note ETF

    11,541        

US Treasury 10 Year Note ETF

    679,725        

US Treasury 20 Year Bond ETF

    15,177        

US Treasury 30 Year Bond ETF

    29,955        

 

The Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an unlimited period. Additionally, capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of August 31, 2023, the US Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF had unexpiring short-term losses of $655,964, the US Treasury 6 Month Bill ETF had unexpiring short-term losses of $279,622, the US Treasury 12 Month Bill ETF had unexpiring short-term losses of $972,375, the US Treasury 2 Year Note ETF had unexpiring short-term losses of $10,786,774, the US Treasury 3 Year Note ETF had unexpiring short-term losses of $47,163, the US Treasury 5 Year Note ETF had unexpiring short-term losses of $75,589, the US Treasury 7 Year Note ETF had unexpiring short-term losses of $59,397, the US Treasury 10 Year Note ETF had unexpiring short-term losses of $2,902,147, the US Treasury 20 Year Bond ETF had unexpiring short-term losses of $110,655, and the US Treasury 30 Year Bond ETF had unexpiring short-term losses of $241,154.

 

 

71

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

August 31, 2023

 

6. SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

Shares of the Funds are listed and traded on the NASDAQ, Inc. (the “Exchange”). Market prices for the shares may be different from their NAV. Each Fund issues and redeems shares on a continuous basis at NAV only 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 each Fund. 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 each Fund. 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.

 

Each Fund currently offers 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 standard fixed transaction fee for each Fund is $300, payable to the custodian. In addition, a variable fee may be charged on all cash transactions or substitutes for Creation Units of up to a maximum of 2% as a percentage of the value of the Creation Units subject to the transaction. Variable fees are imposed to compensate each Fund for the transaction costs associated with the cash transactions. Variable fees received by each Fund, if any, are displayed in the capital shares transactions section of the Statements of Changes in Net Assets.

 

7. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS AND REGULATORY UPDATES

 

In June 2022, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2022-03, which amends Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions (“ASU 2022-03”). ASU 2022-03 clarifies guidance for fair value measurement of an equity security subject to a contractual sale restriction and establishes new disclosure requirements for such equity securities. ASU 2022-03 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of these amendments on the financial statements.

 

In October 2022, the SEC adopted rule and form amendments relating to tailored shareholder reports for mutual funds and exchange-traded funds and fee information in investment company advertisements. The rule and form amendments will, among other things, require the Funds to transmit concise and visually engaging shareholder reports that highlight key information. The amendments will require that funds tag information in a structured data format and that certain more in-depth information be made available online and available for delivery free of charge to investors on request. The amendments became effective January 24, 2023. There is an 18-month transition period after the effective date of the amendments until the Funds are required to comply.

 

In December 2022, the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update, ASU 2022-06, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) – Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848 (“ASU 2022-06”). ASU 2022-06 is an amendment to ASU 2020-04, which provided optional guidance to ease the potential accounting burden due to the discontinuation of the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate and other interbank-offered based reference rates and which was effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. ASU 2022-06 extends the effective period through December 31, 2024. Management is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of applying ASU 2022-06.

 

 

72

 

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Notes to Financial Statements (CONCLUDED)

August 31, 2023

 

8. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

In preparing these financial statements, the Fund has evaluated events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure through the date the financial statements were available to be issued.

 

Subsequent to August 31, 2023, the Funds paid the following distributions:

 

Fund

Record Date

Ex-Date

Pay Date

Distribution
Rate Per Share

US Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF

9/5/2023

9/1/2023

9/6/2023

$0.22040116

US Treasury 6 Month Bill ETF

9/5/2023

9/1/2023

9/6/2023

$0.22356287

US Treasury 12 Month Bill ETF

9/5/2023

9/1/2023

9/6/2023

$0.21512366

US Treasury 2 Year Note ETF

9/5/2023

9/1/2023

9/6/2023

$0.18470917

US Treasury 3 Year Note ETF

9/5/2023

9/1/2023

9/6/2023

$0.17488333

US Treasury 5 Year Note ETF

9/5/2023

9/1/2023

9/6/2023

$0.16101000

US Treasury 7 Year Note ETF

9/5/2023

9/1/2023

9/6/2023

$0.15425550

US Treasury 10 Year Note ETF

9/5/2023

9/1/2023

9/6/2023

$0.12939584

US Treasury 20 Year Bond ETF

9/5/2023

9/1/2023

9/6/2023

$0.14570950

US Treasury 30 Year Bond ETF

9/5/2023

9/1/2023

9/6/2023

$0.14453500

         

US Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF

10/3/2023

10/2/2023

10/4/2023

$0.22143566

US Treasury 6 Month Bill ETF

10/3/2023

10/2/2023

10/4/2023

$0.22481294

US Treasury 12 Month Bill ETF

10/3/2023

10/2/2023

10/4/2023

$0.21878797

US Treasury 2 Year Note ETF

10/3/2023

10/2/2023

10/4/2023

$0.19377771

US Treasury 3 Year Note ETF

10/3/2023

10/2/2023

10/4/2023

$0.17601850

US Treasury 5 Year Note ETF

10/3/2023

10/2/2023

10/4/2023

$0.16843667

US Treasury 7 Year Note ETF

10/3/2023

10/2/2023

10/4/2023

$0.15543900

US Treasury 10 Year Note ETF

10/3/2023

10/2/2023

10/4/2023

$0.13313739

US Treasury 20 Year Bond ETF

10/3/2023

10/2/2023

10/4/2023

$0.15572250

US Treasury 30 Year Bond ETF

10/3/2023

10/2/2023

10/4/2023

$0.14159286

 

 

73

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Report of Independent Registered
Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders of US Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF, US Treasury 6 Month Bill ETF, US Treasury 12 Month Bill ETF, US Treasury 2 Year Note ETF, US Treasury 3 Year Note ETF, US Treasury 5 Year Note ETF, US Treasury 7 Year Note ETF, US Treasury 10 Year Note ETF, US Treasury 20 Year Bond ETF, US Treasury 30 Year Bond ETF and Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the schedules of investments, of The RBB Fund, Inc. comprising the funds listed below (the “Funds”), as of August 31, 2023, the related statements of operations and changes in net assets, the related notes, and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated below (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Funds as of August 31, 2023, the results of their operations, the changes in net assets, and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated below in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Fund Name

Statements of
Operations

Statement(s) of
Changes in Net
Assets

Financial
Highlights

US Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF, US Treasury 2 Year Note ETF, and US Treasury 10 year Note ETF

For the year ended August 31, 2023

For the year ended August 31, 2023 and for the period from August 8, 2022 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2022

US Treasury 12 Month Bill ETF

For the period from November 14, 2022 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2023

US Treasury 6 Month Bill ETF

For the period from March 6, 2023 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2023

US Treasury 3 Year Note ETF, US Treasury 5 Year Note ETF, US Treasury 7 Year Note ETF, US Treasury 20 Year Bond ETF, and US Treasury 30 Year Bond ETF

For the period from March 27, 2023 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2023

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Funds’ financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Funds in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement whether due to error or fraud.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 2023, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies advised by F/M Investments, LLC since 2021.

 

 

COHEN & COMPANY, LTD.
Cleveland, Ohio
October 30, 2023

 

74

 

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Shareholder Tax Information

(Unaudited)

 

Certain tax information regarding the Funds is required to be provided to shareholders based upon the Funds’ income and distributions for the taxable period ended August 31, 2023. The information and distributions reported herein may differ from information and distributions taxable to the shareholders for the calendar year ending December 31, 2023. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, the Funds paid ordinary income dividends, and did not pay long-term capital gains dividends to its shareholders.

 

Dividends from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income dividends for federal income tax purposes.

 

Because the Funds’ fiscal year is not the calendar year, another notification will be sent with respect to calendar year 2023. The second notification, which will reflect the amount, if any, to be used by calendar year taxpayers on their U.S. federal income tax returns, will be made in conjunction with Form 1099-DIV and will be mailed in January 2024.

 

Foreign shareholders will generally be subject to U.S. withholding tax on the amount of their ordinary income dividends. They will generally not be entitled to a foreign tax credit or deduction for the withholding taxes paid by the Funds, if any. In general, dividends received by tax-exempt recipients (e.g., IRAs and Keoghs) need not be reported as taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, some retirement trusts (e.g., corporate, Keogh and 403(b)(7) plans) may need this information for their annual information reporting. Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the tax consequences of their investment in the Funds.

 

 

75

 

 

US BENCHMARK SERIES

Notice to Shareholders

(UNAUDITED)

 

VOTING RESULTS OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS OF THE US TREASURY 2 YEAR NOTE ETF AND THE US TREASURY 3 MONTH BILL ETF (UNAUDITED)

 

A special meeting of shareholders (the “Special Meeting”) of the US Treasury 2 Year Note ETF and US Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF (this section only, each a “Fund” and together, the “Funds”), each a series of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”), was held on March 28, 2023 as adjourned to May 19, 2023. At the Special Meeting, shareholders voted on two proposals: Proposal 1 – to approve the proposed investment advisory agreement between the Company, on behalf of the US Treasury 2 Year Note ETF and Adviser, and Proposal 2 – to approve the proposed investment advisory agreement between the Company, on behalf of the US Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF and the Adviser.

 

The shareholders’ approval of a new investment advisory agreement for each Fund was required as a result of the change in control of the Adviser.

 

All Fund shareholders of record at the close of business on February 28, 2023 (the “Record Date”) were entitled to vote. As of the Record Date, the US Treasury 2 Year Note ETF had 5,840,000 shares outstanding, and the US Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF had 6,210,000 shares outstanding.

 

Proposal 1 – the proposed investment advisory agreement between the Company, on behalf of the US Treasury 2 Year Note ETF, and the Adviser was approved by the shareholders as follows:

 

Of the 2,991,148 shares present in person or by proxy, 2,444,530 shares or 81.73% voted in favor (representing 41.86% of the total outstanding shares of the Fund), 28,841 shares or 0.96% voted against (representing 0.49% of the total outstanding shares of the Fund), and 517,777 or 17.31% abstained from voting (representing 8.87% of the total outstanding shares of the Fund).

 

Proposal 2 – the proposed investment advisory agreement between the Company, on behalf of the US Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF, and the Adviser was approved by the shareholders as follows:

 

Of the 3,179,827 shares present in person or by proxy, 2,711,446 shares or 85.27% voted in favor (representing 43.66% of the total outstanding shares of the Fund), 36,696 shares or 1.15% voted against (representing 0.59% of the total outstanding shares of the Fund), and 431,685 shares or 13.58% abstained from voting (representing 6.95% of the total outstanding shares of the Fund).

 

Accordingly, shareholders of each Fund approved the proposed new investment advisory agreement with respect to each applicable Fund.

 

VOTING RESULTS OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS OF THE US TREASURY 10 YEAR NOTE ETF AND THE US TREASURY 12 MONTH BILL ETF (UNAUDITED)

 

A special meeting of shareholders (the “Special Meeting”) of the US Treasury 10 Year Note ETF and US Treasury 12 Month Bill ETF (this section only, each a “Fund” and together, the “Funds”), each a series of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”), was held on March 28, 2023 as adjourned to April 18, 2023. At the Special Meeting, shareholders voted on two proposals: Proposal 1 – to approve the proposed investment advisory agreement between the Company, on behalf of the US Treasury 10 Year Note ETF and Adviser, and Proposal 2 – to approve the proposed investment advisory agreement between the Company, on behalf of the US Treasury 12 Month Bill ETF and the Adviser.

 

The shareholders’ approval of a new investment advisory agreement for each Fund was required as a result of the change in control of the Adviser.

 

All Fund shareholders of record at the close of business on February 28, 2023 (the “Record Date”) were entitled to vote. As of the Record Date, the US Treasury 10 Year Note ETF had 210,000 shares outstanding and the US Treasury 12 Month Bill ETF had 470,000 shares outstanding.

 

76

 

 

 

US BENCHMARK SERIES

NOTICE TO SHAREHOLDERS (Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

 

Proposal 1 – the proposed investment advisory agreement between the Company, on behalf of the US Treasury 10 Year Note ETF, and the Adviser was approved by the shareholders as follows:

 

Of the 113,326 shares present in person or by proxy, 99,831 shares or 88.09% voted in favor (representing 47.54% of the total outstanding shares of the Fund), 1,905 shares or 1.68% voted against (representing 0.91% of the total outstanding shares of the Fund), and 11,590 or 10.23% abstained from voting (representing 5.52% of the total outstanding shares of the Fund).

 

Proposal 2 – the proposed investment advisory agreement between the Company, on behalf of the US Treasury 12 Month Bill ETF, and the Adviser was approved by the shareholders as follows:

 

Of the 239,105 shares present in person or by proxy, 184,138 shares or 77.01% voted in favor (representing 39.18% of the total outstanding shares of the Fund), 4,213 shares or 1.76% voted against (representing 0.90% of the total outstanding shares of the Fund), and 50,754 shares or 21.23% abstained from voting (representing 10.80% of the total outstanding shares of the Fund).

 

Accordingly, shareholders of each Fund approved the proposed new investment advisory agreement with respect to each applicable Fund.

 

 

77

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Notice to Shareholders (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

INFORMATION ON PROXY VOTING

 

Policies and procedures that the Funds use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities as well as information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 are available (i) without charge, upon request, by calling (800)-617-0004; and (ii) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

QUARTERLY SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

 

The Company files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third fiscal quarters of each fiscal year (quarters ended November 30 and May 31) as an exhibit to its report on Form N-PORT. The Company’s Forms N-PORT filings are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

 

The Company has adopted and implemented a Liquidity Risk Management Program (the “Company Program”) as required by rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act. In accordance with the Company Program, the Adviser has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the “Adviser Program” and together with the Company Program, the “Programs”) on behalf of the Funds. The Programs seek to assess, manage and review each Fund’s Liquidity Risk. “Liquidity Risk” is defined as the risk that a Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of remaining investors’ interest in the Fund.

 

The Board has appointed Vigilant Compliance, LLC (“Vigilant”) as the program administrator for the Company Program and the Liquidity Risk Management Committee of the Adviser as the program administrator for the Adviser Program. The process of monitoring and determining the liquidity of each Fund’s investments is supported by one or more third-party vendors.

 

At meetings held during the current fiscal period, the Board and its Regulatory Oversight Committee received and reviewed a written report (the “Report”) of Vigilant and the Adviser concerning the operation of the Programs for the period from August 9, 2022 to December 31, 2022 (the “Period”). The Report summarized the operation of the Programs and the information and factors considered by Vigilant and the Adviser in reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of the implementation of the Programs with respect to each Fund. Such information and factors included, among other things: (i) the methodology used to classify the liquidity of each Fund’s portfolio investments and the Adviser’s assessment that each Fund’s strategy remained appropriate for an exchange traded fund; (ii) analyses of each Fund’s trading environment and reasonably anticipated trading size; (iii) that each Fund held primarily highly liquid assets (investments that the Fund anticipates can be converted to cash within 3 business days or less in current market conditions without significantly changing their market value); (iv) that each Fund either held a percentage of highly liquid assets above its highly liquid investment minimum at all times during the Period or did not require the establishment of a highly liquid investment minimum; (v) confirmation that none of the Funds had breached the 15% maximum illiquid security threshold (investments that cannot be sold or disposed of in seven days or less in current market conditions without the sale of the investment significantly changing the market value of the investment) during the Period and the procedures for monitoring compliance with the limit; (vi) that the processes, technologies and third-party vendors used to assess, manage, and/or periodically review each Fund’s Liquidity Risk functioned appropriately during the Period; and (vii) that the Programs operated adequately during the Period. The Report also indicated that there were no material changes made to the Programs during the Period.

 

Based on the review, the Report concluded that the Programs were being implemented effectively and reasonably designed to assess and manage Liquidity Risk in each Fund’s portfolio.

 

There can be no assurance that the Company Program or the Adviser Program will achieve its objectives under all circumstances in the future. Please refer to the Funds’ prospectuses for more information regarding a Fund’s exposure to liquidity risk and other risks to which it may be subject.

 

FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTIONS OF PREMIUMS AND DISCOUNTS

 

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

 

78

 

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Notice to Shareholders (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

APPROVAL OF NEW AND INTERIM INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENTS

 

As required by the 1940 Act, the Board, including a majority of the Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Directors”, considered the approval of an interim advisory agreement between the Company, with respect to each Fund, and the Adviser (the “Interim Advisory Agreement”), at a meeting of the Board held on January 27, 2023 and reconvened on January 30, 2023 (the “January Meeting”) and the approval of a new investment advisory agreement between the Company, with respect to each Fund, and the Adviser (the “New Advisory Agreement” and, together with the Interim Advisory Agreement, the “Advisory Agreements”) at a meeting of the Board held on February 8-9, 2023 (collectively with the January Meeting, the “Meeting”). At the Meeting, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, approved the Advisory Agreements. The Board’s decision to approve the Advisory Agreements reflects the exercise of its business judgment.

 

In considering the approval of the Advisory Agreements, the Board, with the assistance of independent counsel, considered its legal responsibilities with regard to all factors deemed to be relevant to the Funds. The Board evaluated the Advisory Agreements in light of all the materials provided prior to and during the Meeting and at other meetings that preceded the Meeting, the presentations made during the Meeting and the discussions held during the Meeting. The Directors reviewed these materials with management of Adviser and discussed the Advisory Agreements with counsel in executive sessions at which no representatives of Adviser were present. The Directors considered whether approval of the Advisory Agreements would be in the best interests of each Fund and its shareholders and the overall fairness of the Advisory Agreements. Among other things, the Directors considered information concerning: (i) the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Funds; (ii) descriptions of the experience and qualifications of the Adviser’s personnel providing those services; (iii) the Adviser’s investment philosophies and processes; (iv) the Adviser’s assets under management and client descriptions; (v) the Adviser’s management fee arrangement with the Company; (vi) the Adviser’s compliance policies and procedures; (vii) the Adviser’s financial information, insurance coverage and profitability analysis related to its provision of advisory services to the Funds; (viii) the extent to which economies of scale are relevant to the Funds; (ix) information regarding each Fund’s fees relative to other funds with similar investments and structure; and (x) information regarding the performance of each Fund relative to its benchmark index.

 

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided to the Funds. The Directors evaluated the nature, extent and quality of the services that the Adviser would provide under the Advisory Agreements, which are the same services that the Adviser provided under the Funds’ original investment advisory agreement with the Adviser (the “Original Agreement”), on the basis of the functions that the Adviser performs, and the quality and stability of the staff committed to those functions, the Adviser’s compliance record and financial condition and its background and history in providing services to the Funds under the Original Agreement. The Directors also considered the fact that the Adviser had not experienced any significant legal, compliance or regulatory difficulties in connection with the services provided by the Adviser to the Funds. Based on the information provided and the Directors’ prior experience with the Adviser, the Directors concluded that the nature and extent of the services that the Adviser would provide under the Advisory Agreements, as well as the quality of those services, was satisfactory.

 

In this regard, the Directors considered representations by the Adviser that the acquisition of the Adviser’s parent company by Diffractive Managers Group, LLC (the “Acquisition”) would not lead to a reduction in the quality or scope of services provided to the Funds. The Directors took into account that there would be no change (including change to the unitary management fee structure) that would adversely impact the Adviser’s ability to provide the same quality of services as were provided in the past; that the Adviser would be sufficiently capitalized following the Acquisition to continue its operations; that there are no material litigation, or regulatory or administrative proceedings pending against the Adviser or its principal executive officers related to services that the Adviser provides to the Funds alleging violations of securities or related laws, fraudulent conduct, breach of fiduciary duty, or similar violations; that there are no pending regulatory inquiries by the SEC or other regulators involving the Adviser related to services that the Adviser provides to the Funds; that there are no material compliance issues since the approval of the Original Agreement; that the Funds would not bear any expenses related to the Acquisition, including expenses related to the proxy statement; and that there are no planned fee increases for the Funds over the next two years.

 

Costs of Services Provided and Profits Realized by the Adviser. The Directors examined fee information for each Fund, including a comparison of such information to other similarly situated funds, and the total expense ratio of each Fund. In this regard, the Directors noted that the unitary management fees and total expenses of each Fund were not expected to change as a result of the Acquisition or approval of the Advisory Agreements. The Directors also reviewed analyses of the Adviser’s estimated profitability

 

 

79

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Notice to Shareholders (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

related to its provision of advisory services to the Funds. Based on the information provided, the Directors concluded that the amount of unitary management fees that the Funds currently pay, and would pay under the Advisory Agreements, to the Adviser are reasonable in light of the nature and quality of the services provided.

 

Investment Performance of the Funds. The Directors reviewed information concerning each Fund’s investment performance, both absolutely as well as compared to its benchmark index. The Directors also considered the Adviser’s quarterly portfolio reviews explaining the Funds’ performance and the investment strategies it employs for the Funds. After considering all of the information, the Directors concluded that, although past performance is not a guarantee of future results, the Funds and their shareholders were likely to benefit from the Adviser’s continued provision of investment management services.

 

Economies of Scale and Fee Levels Reflecting Those Economies. In considering the overall fairness of the Advisory Agreements, the Directors assessed the degree to which economies of scale that would be expected to be realized if the Funds’ assets increase, whether the Funds were large enough to generate economies of scale, and the extent to which fee levels would reflect those economies of scale for the benefit of the Funds’ shareholders. The Directors noted that each Fund’s management fee structure did not contain any breakpoint reductions as the Fund’s assets grew in size, but that the feasibility of incorporating breakpoints would continue to be reviewed on a regular basis. The Directors determined that the fee schedules in the Advisory Agreements are reasonable and appropriate.

 

Other Benefits to the Adviser. In addition to the above factors, the Directors also considered other benefits received by the Adviser from its management of the Funds, including, without limitation, the ability to market its advisory services for similar products in the future.

 

The Directors also considered that they would be able to, and intended to, monitor on a regular basis the ability of the Adviser and its affiliates to comply with their undertakings to the Board and to monitor on an ongoing basis the quality of services to, and expenses of, the Funds. In addition, the Directors considered that, under the Interim Advisory Agreement, the Board would have the authority, should the need arise in its view, to terminate the Interim Advisory Agreement without penalty upon 10 days’ notice to the Adviser.

 

No single factor was determinative of the Board’s decision to approve the Advisory Agreements; rather, each Independent Director based their determination on the total mix of information available to them. Based on a consideration of all the factors in their totality, the Independent Directors determined that the Advisory Agreements are fair and reasonable to each Fund. The Board, including all of the Independent Directors, therefore determined that the approval of the Advisory Agreements is in the best interests of each Fund and its shareholders and that (i) the Interim Advisory Agreement should be approved for a term ending upon the earlier of June 30, 2023 or the date upon which shareholder approval of the New Advisory Agreement with respect to a Fund is obtained and (ii) the New Advisory Agreement should be approved, subject to shareholder approval, for an initial period ending August 16, 2024.

 

80

 

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Privacy Notice

(Unaudited)

 

FACTS

WHAT DO US Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF, US Treasury 6 Month Bill ETF, US Treasury 12 Month Bill ETF, US Treasury 2 Year Note ETF, US Treasury 3 Year Note ETF, US Treasury 5 Year Note ETF, US Treasury 7 Year Note ETF, US Treasury 10 Year Note ETF, US Treasury 20 Year BOND ETF, and US Treasury 30 Year BOND ETF (THE “FUNDS”) DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?

Why?

Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.

What?

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

 

● Social Security number

● account balances

● account transactions

● transaction history

● wire transfer instructions

● checking account information

 

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

How?

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

       

Reasons we can share your personal information

Do the Funds share?

Can you limit this sharing?

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

Yes

No

For our marketing purposes
to offer our products and services to you

Yes

No

For joint marketing with other financial companies

No

We don’t share.

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes –
information about your transactions and experiences

Yes

No

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes –
information about your creditworthiness

No

We don’t share.

For our affiliates to market to you

Yes

Yes

For nonaffiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share.

 

Questions?

Call (800)-617-0004 or go to www.ustreasuryetf.com.

 

 

 

81

 

 

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Privacy Notice (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

What we do

 

How do the Funds protect my personal information?

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

How do the Funds collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

 

● open an account

● provide account information

● give us your contact information

● make a wire transfer

● tell us where to send the money

 

We also collect your information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

 

● sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes-information about your creditworthiness

● affiliates from using your information to market to you

● sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

 

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

European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation

In addition to the above information, where applicable, you have the following rights under the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) and U.S. Privacy Laws, as applicable and to the extent permitted by law, to

 

● Check whether we hold personal information about you and to access such data (in accordance with our policy)

● Request the correction of personal information about you that is

● inaccurate

● Have a copy of the personal information we hold about you provided to you or another “controller” where technically feasible

● Request the erasure of your personal information

● Request the restriction of processing concerning you

 

The legal grounds for processing of your personal information is for contractual necessity and compliance with law.

 

If you wish to exercise any of your rights above, please call: 1-800-617-0004.

 

You are required to ensure the personal information we hold about you is up-to-date and accurate and you must notify us of any changes to the personal data you provided to us.

 

The Funds shall retain your personal data for as long as you are an investor in the Funds and thereafter as long as necessary to comply with applicable laws that require the Funds to retain your personal data, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission’s data retention rules. Your personal data will be transferred to the United States so that the Funds may provide the agreed upon services for you. No adequacy decision has been rendered by the European Commission as to the data protection of your personal data when transferring it to the United States. However, the Funds do take the security of your personal data seriously.

 

 

82

 

 

 

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Privacy Notice (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

Definitions

 

Affiliates

Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies. Our affiliates include:

 

F/m Investments, LLC d/b/a North Slope Capital, LLC, the Funds’ investment adviser.

Nonaffiliates

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

 

The Funds don’t share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you. The Funds may share information with nonaffiliates that perform marketing services on our behalf.

Joint marketing

A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.

 

The Funds may share your information with other financial institutions with whom we have joint marketing arrangements who may suggest additional fund services or other investment products which may be of interest to you.

Controller

“Controller” means the natural or legal person, public authority, agency or other body which, alone or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of the processing of personal data; where the purposes and means of such processing are determined by European union or European Member state law, the controller or the specific criteria for its nomination may be provided for by European union or European Member state law.

 

 

 

83

 

 

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Directors and Officers

(Unaudited)

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company is organized under and managed pursuant to Maryland law. The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below. The statement of additional information (“SAI”) includes additional information about the Directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-617-0004.

 

Name, Address,
AND AGE

Positions(s)
Held with
Company

Term of
Office
and
Length of
Time
Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
During
Past 5 Years

           

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Julian A. Brodsky
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 90

Director

1988 to present

Retired.

63

AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).

Gregory P. Chandler
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 56

Director

2012 to
present

Since 2020, Chief Financial Officer, HC Parent Corp. d/b/a Herspiegel Consulting LLC (life sciences consulting services); 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Avocado Systems Inc. (cyber security software provider); 2009-2020, Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services).

63

FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Emtec, Inc. (until December 2019); FS Investment Corporation (business development company) (until December 2018).

Lisa A. Dolly

615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI, 53202

Age: 57

Director

October 2021 to present

From July 2019-December 2019, Chairman, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm); January 2016-June 2019, Chief Executive Officer, Pershing, LLC.

63

Allfunds Group PLC (United Kingdom wealthtech and fund distribution provider); Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (trade association for broker dealers, investment banks and asset managers); Hightower Advisors (wealth management firm).

Nicholas A. Giordano
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 80

Director

2006 to present

Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations.

63

IntriCon Corporation (biomedical device manufacturer); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance); (until March 2021).

 

84

 

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Directors and Officers (continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address,
AND AGE

Positions(s)
Held with
Company

Term of
Office
and
Length of
Time
Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
During
Past 5 Years

           

Arnold M. Reichman 615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 75

Chair

Director

2005 to present 1991
to present

Retired.

63

EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until August 2022).

Brian T. Shea
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 63

Director

2018 to present

From 2014-2017, Chief Executive Officer, BNY Mellon Investment Services (fund services, global custodian and securities clearing firm); from 1983-2014, Chief Executive Officer and various positions, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm).

63

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (financial services technology company); Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (financial services company); WisdomTree Investments, Inc. (asset management company) (until March 2019).

Robert A. Straniere
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 82

Director

2006 to present

Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm).

63

None.

INTERESTED DIRECTOR2

Robert Sablowsky
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 85

Vice Chair

 

Director

2016 to present

 

1991 to present

Since 2002, Senior Director – Investments and, prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer).

63

None.

OFFICERS

Steven Plump

615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 64

President

August 2022 to present

From 2011 to 2021, Executive Vice President, PIMCO LLC.

N/A

N/A

Salvatore Faia, JD, CPA, CFE Vigilant Compliance, LLC Gateway Corporate Center, Suite 216
223 Wilmington West Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Age: 60

Chief Compliance Officer

2004 to present

 

 

Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company) since 2021, Chief Compliance Officer of The RBB Fund Trust; President of The RBB Fund Trust from 2021 to 2022; President of The RBB Fund, Inc. from 2009 to 2022.

N/A

N/A

 

 

 

85

 

 

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Directors and Officers (continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address,
AND AGE

Positions(s)
Held with
Company

Term of
Office
and
Length of
Time
Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
During
Past 5 Years

           

James G. Shaw
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 63

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

 

Chief Operating Officer

2016 to present

 

 

 

2022 to present

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (since 2016) and Chief Operating Officer (since 2022) of The RBB Fund, Inc.; Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (since 2021) and Chief Operating Officer (since 2022) of The RBB Fund Trust.

N/A

N/A

Craig A. Urciuoli
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 49

Director of Marketing & Business Development

2019 to present

Director of Marketing & Business Development of The RBB Fund, Inc. (since 2019) and The RBB Fund Trust (since 2021); from 2000-2019, Managing Director, Third Avenue Management LLC (an investment advisory firm).

N/A

N/A

Jennifer Witt
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 40

Assistant Treasurer

2018 to present

Since 2020, Vice President, U.S.

Bank Global Fund Services (fund

administrative services firm); from

2016 to 2020, Assistant Vice

President, U.S. Bank Global Fund

Services.

N/A

N/A

Edward Paz
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 52

Assistant Secretary

2016 to present

Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm).

N/A

N/A

Michael P. Malloy
One Logan Square Ste. 2000 Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 64

Assistant Secretary

1999 to present

Since 1993, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

Jillian L. Bosmann
One Logan Square Ste. 2000 Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 44

Assistant Secretary

2017 to present

Since 2017, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

 

*

Each Director oversees 63 portfolios of the fund complex, consisting of the series in the Company (53 portfolios) and The RBB Fund Trust (10 portfolios).

 

1.

Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his or her successor is elected and qualified or his or her death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Giordano, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.

 

2.

Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

86

 

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Directors and Officers (concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his or her qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive-level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Ms. Dolly has over three decades of experience in the financial services industry, and she has demonstrated her leadership and management abilities by serving in numerous senior executive-level positions. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Shea has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the brokerage, clearing, banking and investment services industry, including service on the boards of public companies, industry regulatory organizations and a university. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company.

 

 

87

 

 

Investment Adviser

F/m Investments, LLC d/b/a North Slope Capital, LLC
3050K Street NW, Suite W-201
Washington, DC 20007

 

Administrator and Transfer Agent

U.S.Bank Global Fund Services
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701

 

Custodian

U.S. Bank, N.A.
1555 North River Center Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Cohen & Company, Ltd.
1350 Euclid Avenue, Suite 800
Cleveland, Ohio 44115

 

Underwriter

Quasar Distributors, LLC
111 East Kilbourn Avenue, Suite 2200
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202

 

Legal Counsel

Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
One Logan Square, Suite 2000
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-6996

 

88

 

 

 

(This Page Intentionally Left Blank.)

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2. Code of Ethics.

 

The registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer. The registrant has not made any substantive amendments to its code of ethics during the period covered by this report. The registrant has not granted any waivers from any provisions of the code of ethics during the period covered by this report. A copy of the registrant’s Code of Ethics is filed herewith.

 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

 

The registrant’s board of directors has determined that the registrant has at least one audit committee financial expert serving on its audit committee. Julian A. Brodsky, Gregory P. Chandler and Nicholas A. Giordano are the registrant’s audit committee financial experts and each of them is “independent.”

 

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

Audit Fees

 

(a)The aggregate fees billed for each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for the audit of the registrant's annual financial statements or services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years were:

 

  Fiscal Year 2023 Fiscal Year 2022
Ernst & Young LLP $727,675 $684,975
`PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP $233,791 $244,811
Tait, Weller & Baker $101,500 $90,500
Cohen & Co $116,000 $36,250
Aggregate Fees $1,178,966 $1,056,536

 

Audit-Related Fees

 

(b)The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for assurance and related services by the principal accountant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the registrant's financial statements and are not reported under paragraph (a) of this Item were related to review of the semi-annual reports for Ernst & Young LLP and review of semi-annual reports for Tait, Weller & Baker and were as follows:

 

 

 

  Fiscal Year 2023 Fiscal Year 2022
Ernst & Young LLP $11,500 $21,500
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP $0 $6,600
Tait, Weller & Baker $3,000 $2,800
Cohen & Co $1,500 $0
Aggregate Fees $16,000 $30,900

 

Tax Fees

 

(c)The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning were related to federal and state tax return review and excise distribution review and were as follows:

 

  Fiscal Year 2023 Fiscal Year 2022
Ernst & Young LLP $201,550 $194,040
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP $41,817 $44,046
Tait, Weller & Baker $20,900 $19,950
Cohen & Co $38,500 $14,000
Aggregate Fees $302,767 $275,536

 

All Other Fees

 

(d)The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for products and services provided by the principal accountant, other than the services reported in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this Item were:

 

  Fiscal Year 2023 Fiscal Year 2022
Ernst & Young LLP $0 $0
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP $0 $0
Tait, Weller & Baker $0 $0
Cohen & Co $0 $0
Aggregate Fees $0 $0

 

 

 

(e)(1)Pre-Approval of Audit and Permitted Non-Audit Services

 

1.Pre-Approval Requirements of the Company. The Committee shall pre-approve all auditing services and permissible non-audit services (e.g., tax services) to be provided to the Company by the Auditor, including the fees associated with those services.

 

2.Pre-Approval Requirements of Affiliates. Additionally, the Committee shall pre-approve any engagement of the Auditor to provide non-audit services to an investment adviser of a Portfolio or to any affiliate of such investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the Company, if the engagement relates directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Company.

 

3.Delegation. The Committee may delegate to the Chairman of the Committee, or if the Chairman is not available, one or more of its members, the authority to grant pre-approvals. The decisions of any member to whom authority is delegated shall be presented to the full Committee at its next scheduled meeting.

 

4.Prohibited Services. The Committee shall confirm with the Auditor that the Auditor is not performing contemporaneously with the Company’s audit any prohibited non-audit services for the Company, any investment adviser of a Portfolio, or any affiliates of the Company or such investment advisers. The Auditor is responsible for informing the Committee of whether it believes that a particular service is permissible or prohibited pursuant to applicable regulations and standards.

 

(e)(2)The percentage of services described in each of paragraphs (b) through (d) of this Item that were approved by the audit committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X are as follows:

 

(b)Not applicable.

 

(c)Not applicable.

 

(d)Not applicable.

 

(f)The percentage of hours expended on the principal accountant’s engagement to audit the registrant’s financial statements for the most recent fiscal year that were attributed to work performed by persons other than the principal accountant’s full-time, permanent employees was less than 50%.

 

(g)The aggregate non-audit fees billed by the registrant’s accountant for services rendered to the registrant, and rendered to the registrant’s investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant for each of the last two fiscal years of the registrant were:

 

 

 

  Fiscal Year 2023 Fiscal Year 2022
Ernst & Young LLP $213,050 $215,540
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP $41,817 $50,646
Tait, Weller & Baker $23,900 $22,750
Cohen & Co $40,000 $14,000
Aggregate Fees $318,767 $302,936

 

(h)Not applicable.

(i)Not applicable.

(j)Not applicable.

 

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 6. Investments.

 

(a)The registrant’s 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.

 

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

 

Not applicable.

 

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

 

Not applicable.

 

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

 

There have been no material changes to the procedures by which the shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s board of directors, where those changes were implemented after the registrant last provided disclosure in response to the requirements of Item 407(c)(2)(iv) of Regulation S-K (17 CFR 229.407) (as required by Item 22(b)(15) of Schedule 14A (17 CFR 240.14a-101)), or this Item.

 

 

 

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

 

(a)The Registrant’s Principal Executive and Principal Financial Officers 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 has materially affected, or is 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.

 

Item 13. Exhibits.

 

(a)(1) Senior Officer Code of Ethics, or any amendment thereto, that is the subject of disclosure required by Item 2 is attached hereto.

 

(a)(2)A separate certification for each principal executive officer and principal financial officer pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the 1940 Act is attached hereto.

 

(a)(3)Not applicable.

 

(a)(4)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) The RBB Fund, Inc.  
     
By (Signature and Title)* /s/ Steven Plump  
Steven Plump, President (principal executive officer)  
   
Date 10/31/2023  

 

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/ Steven Plump  
Steven Plump, President (principal executive officer)  
   
Date 10/31/2023  
     
By (Signature and Title)* /s/ James Shaw  
James Shaw, Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer)  
   
Date 10/31/2023  

 

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