N-CSR 1 ustnnsran1007.htm BECK MARA SOUN NS QCM DREMAN NCSR ANNUAL

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM N-CSR

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT

INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number

811-21237

 

Unified Series Trust

 

2960 N. Meridian Street, Ste.300,  Indianapolis, IN  46208

 

 

J. Michael Landis  

Unified Fund Services, Inc.

2960 N. Meridian Street, Ste. 300

Indianapolis, IN 46208

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 317-917-7000

 

Date of fiscal year end:

10/31

 

Date of reporting period:

10/31/07

 

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

 

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

 

Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Becker Value Equity Fund (NASDAQ: BVEFX)

Becker Small Cap Value Equity Fund (NASDAQ: BVESX)

 

 

Annual Report

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

Fund Advisor:

 

Becker Capital Management, Inc.

1211 SW Fifth Avenue

Suite 2185

Portland, OR 97204

 

Toll Free: (800) 551-3998

 

 

BECKER SMALL CAP VALUE EQUITY FUND

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

 

The 12 months ended October 31, 2007 proved a very difficult year for our Small Cap Fund. Initially, the year started fairly well. Your Fund was ahead of the Russell 2000 by more than 4.5% in the first 9 months of the fiscal year. The final quarter, however, was brutal - the Fund lost more than 12.5% versus the index during this period. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, the Fund returned -0.57% while the Russell 2000 Index and the Russell 2000 Value Index returned 9.27% and 2.05%, respectively. The point is not to look at arbitrary time periods but to understand what caused the underperformance and, more importantly, what it might tell us about the prospects for future results. We will briefly discuss what went right in the earlier portion of the year and what hurt performance in the final quarter. We will then review our current thoughts about the Fund and the volatile financial markets.

 

The Fund’s fiscal year started well with a broad range of names performing well. We had quite a few names announcing corporate transactions at meaningful premiums, either with private equity or strategic investors. During the first half of 2007, appreciation in announced takeouts Bowater, Elcor, Guitar Centers, James River Group, Stellent, and United Rentals helped the Fund meaningfully. All of these transactions have since closed except James River (pending) and United Rentals, which was sold prior to the deal’s collapse. Our investments in two dry bulk shipping companies, Dryships and Excel Maritime, also contributed significantly to Fund performance. These names performed well after having been very much out of favor throughout 2006. We had a few difficulties with individual positions such as Accredited Home Lenders and Inphonics which were sold after triggering our sell discipline, but overall the Fund performed relatively well during the first three fiscal quarters.

 

However, the market gyrations of the last several months resulted in significant Fund underperformance. Financial markets were roiled by disarray in the subprime mortgage market. Fears concerning accelerating mortgage loan defaults quickly spread to other credit markets, and excessively leveraged positions at investment banks, hedge funds and other investors unraveled quickly. Private equity investors retrenched as access to credit evaporated; previously announced transactions were summarily terminated or renegotiated, and the takeout premium that had bolstered equity valuations through midyear evaporated. The final quarter of the Fund’s fiscal year was possibly the most volatile quarter in years, for both the market and for our Fund.

 

The impact on the markets was unambiguous. First, there was a clear flight to safety as investors sold domestic small cap stocks in favor of large capitalization multinational equities. In addition, credit spreads widened, making access to credit both challenging and expensive. Finally, the mortgage markets experienced further retrenchment, pressuring the housing sector and weakening prospects for consumer spending. Our small cap fund was affected by all three of these factors:

Our average market cap is currently lower than that of the Russell 2000, and we suffered from the flight to safety much more than the index. As an illustration, it is no coincidence that our 5 worst performing stocks during the last three months have an average market cap of $370 million vs. $1.2 billion for our 5 best performing stocks and $1.1 billion for the Russell 2000.

Our value discipline had led us to invest in quite a few buy-out candidates – these names did experience unusual negative price pressure during the last three months. One such company, Fred’s, recently announced it hired a financial advisor and has received inquiries from well-qualified investors.

Our bottom-up approach had led us to a modest above-index exposure to financials and consumer discretionary names, which struggled since mid year with increased concerns about consumer spending and leverage.

 

We have recently observed many significant price movements that appeared unrelated to the fundamentals of the affected companies. In some cases, we lightened positions when the spikes appeared driven by distressed short sellers forced to cover (see our partial sales of MarineMax and Ultratech). In other situations, we added to names that appeared to be engulfed in portfolio-wide liquidations (Newpark Resources, CastlePoint Holdings, Radio One, for example). In many cases, though, we have simply stayed with names that appear fundamentally sound but that were being marked down apparently due to macro concerns.

 

We did, however, have names reporting negative fundamental developments. In each case, we reviewed our fundamental case for the security to determine if any of our three main sell discipline criteria had been triggered.

 

Despite the significant market volatility, we are continuing to execute our investment discipline, a discipline that has worked well over time. We have recently added several attractive names trading at good valuations such as Kenexa, a fast growing provider of software products focusing on companies’ human resources challenges; Physicians’ Formula, a solutions-based manufacturer of cosmetics that has grown sales by over 20% per annum over the last 5 years; and Rosetta Resources, a major US producer of natural gas. We also acted on our sell discipline and sold several names that have performed well and reached our valuation targets (Dryships, Excel Maritime, United Rentals, and Worthington) and names where we observed fundamental deterioration (Bank Atlantic, Cost Plus and Inphonics).

 

Since mid-year, the small cap sector reversed its venerated status of prior years; small caps could remain under pressure in the short-term if recession fears persist. However, we believe your Fund, which consists of good companies at attractive valuations, will, over time, attract the interest of investors and, in some cases, of acquirers. We remain confident in our discipline and believe the current out-of-favor status of the small cap value asset class will revert to the mean as quality balance sheets and attractive valuations once again are embraced by investors.

 

 

 

BECKER VALUE EQUITY FUND

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

 

Stocks posted respectable gains for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, despite concerns over housing and higher energy costs. The Becker Value Equity Fund (“Fund”) returned 11.18% for the year, trailing the S&P 500 Index’s return of 14.55%. While we are disappointed to have underperformed this benchmark over the last twelve months, your longer-term results remain comfortably ahead of the Index. Since inception, your fund has produced an annual return of 13.53% vs 12.00% for the S&P 500 Index.

 

The fact that the market was able to produce double-digit returns surprised many observers. Strong gains early in the year gave way to increased market volatility as revelations of credit problems at many financial institutions resulted in across the board selling in that sector. The credit market news was not entirely unexpected. By the spring of 2007, there was growing evidence of problems in the sub-prime mortgage market, the credit-dependent homebuilding industry, and in some of the more exotic debt instruments such as collateralized debt obligations (CDO’s) held by hedge funds and other investors. Problems appeared to come to a head in late July/early August of 2007, producing a scramble among many financial institutions to re-liquefy their balance sheets as funding sources dried up. Problems multiplied when many of their more arcane investments proved difficult to value and even more difficult to trade. Specific to your Fund, we have sold Countrywide Financial which encountered significant difficulties as investors became increasingly wary of the downturn in housing. We had anticipated this slowdown, but wrongly perceived Countrywide to be a beneficiary as weaker rivals succumbed to the industry’s difficulties, allowing this dominant lender to profitably gain market share. In fact, industry fundamentals proved so challenging that even some of the government sponsored intermediaries such as the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Association (Freddie Mac) encountered substantial difficulties arising from growing mortgage delinquencies and foreclosures. The Federal Reserve Bank’s original estimates of mortgage-related losses in the area of $50 billion have since grown to $150 billion, and may trend higher.

 

In addition, housing concerns and higher energy costs resulted in weakened consumer confidence and retail expenditures, formerly the backbone of domestic economic strength. Importantly, much consumer spending in recent years has been funded by increases in auto loans, credit card debt, mortgage equity withdrawals and other forms of borrowing. Now, tighter lending standards and declining home values are curtailing consumers’ ability to spend. In the stock market this development has penalized many retailers including our holdings of department store operator The Limited and apparel retailer Liz Claiborne (which was sold) .

 

On the other hand, your holdings in the less economically sensitive consumer staples area performed exceptionally well over the course of the year. Companies such as Coca Cola, Cadbury Schweppes, and Unilever benefited from strong recurring revenues and earnings as well as their exposure to the higher growth available from international markets. Stock selection and an over-weighted position in this sector greatly aided overall portfolio performance. Other sectors such as healthcare, materials, and technology produced much more mixed performance.

 

Similarly, the rise in oil prices resulted in strong performance on the part of our various energy-related holdings. Oil service providers such as Diamond Offshore and Global Santa Fe returned 75% and 58% respectively. Solid performance was also registered by some of the larger integrated energy companies in your portfolio such as Chevron and Royal Dutch. Certainly, the course of the economy will have much to do with how the market fares over the coming year. Since this market turmoil first appeared, the number of economists and other observers calling for a slowdown has increased. Housing will undoubtedly be a drag on domestic economic growth as home sales, construction activity, softening home prices and mortgage delinquencies and defaults all weigh on economic activity. Despite these concerns, employment has been resilient – good news for continued healthy economic activity. Moreover, corporate profits and cash flows have remained robust. Importantly, the Federal Reserve Bank shifted monetary policy in favor of several interest rate reductions implemented as a result of the already mentioned turmoil in the credit markets and to provide some lift to the economy, particularly the moribund housing market. To some extent, the Fed faces the quandary of using monetary policy to ease difficulties facing many credit market participants while not igniting inflationary pressures arising from higher oil prices and the weaker dollar.

 

Neither we nor anyone else is in a position to say if the recent credit turbulence is over. The proliferation of derivative securities in recent years has made it extremely difficult to assess the risks to our economy. Suffice it to say that a fairly broad de-leveraging is underway, together with an apparent re-pricing of risk. Taken all together, the risk of a recession is higher, but by no means a foregone conclusion.

 

We will continue to take what we consider to be a conservative approach with respect to your Fund, emphasizing companies with strong balance sheets and broad product and geographic diversification. Our holdings in Microsoft, Coca Cola, Abbott Labs, Pfizer and General Electric have strong domestic operations, but also derive a meaningful portion of their revenues and earnings from outside the U.S. in faster growing international markets. Such global reach ought to cushion results, should domestic growth slow further.

 

 

Investment Results - Unaudited

 


 

The performance quoted represents past performance, which does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The returns shown do not reflect deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on a Fund’s distributions or the redemption of a Fund’s shares. Current performance of a Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Each Fund’s investment objective, risks, charges and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. Performance data current to the most recent month end may be obtained by calling 1-800-551-3998.

 

* Return figures reflect any change in price per share and assume the reinvestment of all distributions. Each Fund charges a 2% redemption fee on shares redeemed less than one year after they are purchased. The imposition of this fee is not reflected in the returns above.

** The Indices are unmanaged benchmarks that assume reinvestment of all distributions and exclude the effect of taxes and fees. The S&P 500 Index, Russell 2000 Index, and Russell 2000 Value Index are widely recognized unmanaged indices of equity prices and are representative of a broader market and range of securities than is found in a Fund’s portfolio. Individuals cannot invest directly in an Index; however, an individual can invest in ETFs or other investment vehicles that attempt to track the performance of a benchmark index.

 


 

The chart above assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on January 3, 2005 (commencement of Fund operations) and held through October 31, 2007. THE FUND’S RETURNS REPRESENT PAST PERFORMANCE AND DO NOT GUARANTEE FUTURE RESULTS. The returns shown do not reflect deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on the Fund’s distributions or the redemption of the Fund’s shares. Investment returns and principal values will fluctuate so that your shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original purchase price.

 

The Russell 2000 Index and the Russell 2000 Value Index are widely recognized unmanaged indices of common stock prices and are representative of a broader market and range of securities than is found in the Fund’s portfolio. Individuals cannot invest directly in the Index; however, an individual can invest in exchange-traded funds or other investment vehicles that attempt to track the performance of a benchmark index. The Index returns do not include expenses, which have been deducted from the Fund’s return. These performance figures include the change in value of the stocks in the index plus the reinvestment of dividends and are not annualized. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For more information on the Fund, and to obtain performance data current to the most recent month-end, or to request a prospectus, please call 1-800-551-3998. You should carefully consider the investment objectives, potential risks, management fees, and charges and expenses of the Fund before investing. The Fund’s prospectus contains this and other information about the Fund, and should be read carefully before investing.

 

The Fund is distributed by Unified Financial Securities, Inc., member FINRA.

 

 

 


 

The chart above assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on November 4, 2003 (commencement of Fund operations) and held through October 31, 2007. THE FUND’S RETURNS REPRESENT PAST PERFORMANCE AND DO NOT GUARANTEE FUTURE RESULTS. The returns shown do not reflect deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on the Fund’s distributions or the redemption of the Fund’s shares. Investment returns and principal values will fluctuate so that your shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original purchase price.

 

The S&P 500 Index is a widely recognized unmanaged index of common stock prices and is representative of a broader market and range of securities than is found in the Fund’s portfolio. Individuals cannot invest directly in the Index; however, an individual can invest in exchange-traded funds or other investment vehicles that attempt to track the performance of a benchmark index. The Index returns do not include expenses, which have been deducted from the Fund’s return. These performance figures include the change in value of the stocks in the index plus the reinvestment of dividends and are not annualized. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For more information on the Fund, and to obtain performance data current to the most recent month-end, or to request a prospectus, please call 1-800-247-1014. You should carefully consider the investment objectives, potential risks, management fees, and charges and expenses of the Fund before investing. The Fund’s prospectus contains this and other information about the Fund, and should be read carefully before investing.

 

The Fund is distributed by Unified Financial Securities, Inc., member FINRA.

 

 

FUND HOLDINGS – (Unaudited)

 


1As a percent of net assets.

2Companies with market capitalization less than $2 billion.

3Companies with market capitalizations greater than $2 billion.

 

The Becker Small Cap Value Equity Fund invests primarily in common and preferred stock of small-cap companies whose market prices do not reflect the true value of the companies in the opinion of the Fund’s advisor, Becker Capital Management, Inc. The Fund will generally select stocks of companies with market capitalizations that do not exceed $2.0 billion.


 

1As a percent of net assets.

2Companies with market capitalizations greater than $1.5 billion.

3Companies with market capitalization less than $1.5 billion.

 

The Becker Value Equity Fund invests primarily in common and preferred stock of large or medium-sized companies whose market prices do not reflect the true value of the companies in the opinion of the Fund’s advisor. The Fund will generally select stocks of companies with market capitalizations that exceed $1.5 billion.

 

AVAILABILITY OF PORTFOLIO SCHEDULE – (Unaudited)

 

Each Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. Each Fund’s Forms N-Q are available at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Forms N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the Public Reference Room in Washington DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.

 

ABOUT THE FUNDS’ EXPENSES – (Unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of one of the Becker Value Funds, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs (such as short-term redemption fees); 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 Funds and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The Example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning and held for six months from May 1 to October 31, 2007.

 

Actual Expenses

 

The first line of the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.60), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

 

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

 

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

 


 

 

 

 

Becker Value Funds

 

 

 

Becker Small Cap Value Equity Fund

 

 

 

Schedule of Investments

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks - 92.94%

Shares

 

Value

 

 

 

 

Abrasive, Asbestos & Miscellaneous Nonmetallic Mineral Products - 0.99%

 

 

CARBO Ceramics, Inc.

1,300

 

$ 58,396

 

 

 

 

Air Transportation, Nonscheduled - 1.52%

 

 

 

Bristow Group, Inc. (a)

1,800

 

89,802

 

 

 

 

Air Transportation, Scheduled - 1.38%

 

 

 

SkyWest, Inc.

3,000

 

81,870

 

 

 

 

Apparel & Other Finished Products of Fabrics & Similar Materials - 1.79%

 

 

 

Carter's, Inc. (a)

4,800

 

105,984

 

 

 

 

Arrangement of Transportation of Freight & Cargo - 1.34%

 

 

 

Pacer International, Inc.

5,400

 

79,596

 

 

 

 

Communication Equipment - 1.70%

 

 

 

Applied Signal Technology, Inc.

7,000

 

100,590

 

 

 

 

Computer Storage Devices - 1.86%

 

 

 

Dot Hill Systems Corp. (a)

36,700

 

110,467

 

 

 

 

Crude Petroleum & Natural Gas - 1.70%

 

 

 

Rosetta Resources, Inc. (a)

5,300

 

100,700

 

 

 

 

Deep Sea Foreign Transportation of Freight - 1.26%

 

 

 

StealthGas, Inc.

4,100

 

74,415

 

 

 

 

Drilling Oil & Gas Wells - 1.01%

 

 

 

Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

1,900

 

60,078

 

 

 

 

Electric Housewares & Fans - 1.09%

 

 

 

Helen of Troy Ltd. (a)

3,600

 

64,800

 

 

 

 

Electronic Components & Accessories - 1.37%

 

 

 

Silicon Image, Inc. (a)

12,700

 

80,899

 

 

 

 

Fire, Marine & Casualty Insurance - 4.52%

 

 

 

CastlePoint Holdings, Ltd.

12,700

 

147,955

North Pointe Holdings Corp. (a)

5,400

 

59,751

Zenith National Insurance Corp.

1,500

 

60,270

 

 

 

267,976

 

 

 

 

Lumber & Wood Products (No Furniture) - 1.08%

 

 

 

Louisiana-Pacific Corp.

3,900

 

64,194

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Becker Value Funds

 

 

 

Becker Small Cap Value Equity Fund

 

 

 

Schedule of Investments - continued

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks - 92.94% - continued

Shares

 

Value

 

 

 

 

Miscellaneous Manufacturing Industries - 3.02%

 

 

 

Shuffle Master, Inc. (a)

8,500

 

$ 116,280

WMS Industries, Inc. (a)

1,800

 

62,406

 

 

 

178,686

 

 

 

 

Motor Vehicles & Passenger Car Bodies - 1.47%

 

 

 

Monaco Coach Corp.

7,500

 

87,000

 

 

 

 

National Commercial Banks - 2.63%

 

 

 

Citizens Republic Bancorp, Inc.

2,800

 

42,616

Midwest Banc Holdings, Inc.

8,500

 

113,050

 

 

 

155,666

 

 

 

 

Oil & Gas Field Machinery & Equipment - 1.69%

 

 

 

Newpark Resources, Inc. (a)

16,000

 

100,320

 

 

 

 

Perfumes, Cosmetics & Other Toilet Preparations - 3.01%

 

 

 

Physicians Formula Holdings, Inc. (a)

15,000

 

178,500

 

 

 

 

Pharmaceutical Preparations - 5.07%

 

 

 

Angiotech Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)

23,200

 

109,736

Noven Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)

7,100

 

109,766

Perrigo Co.

3,400

 

80,614

 

 

 

300,116

 

 

 

 

Radio & TV Broadcasting & Communications Equipment - 1.76%

 

 

 

Powerwave Technologies, Inc. (a)

18,800

 

104,528

 

 

 

 

Radio Broadcasting Stations - 1.69%

 

 

 

Radio One, Inc. - Class D (a)

28,700

 

100,163

 

 

 

 

Railroad Equipment - 1.58%

 

 

 

The Greenbrier Companies, Inc.

3,500

 

93,485

 

 

 

 

Real Estate - 2.35%

 

 

 

Meruelo Maddux Properties, Inc. (a)

28,900

 

139,009

 

 

 

 

Retail - Auto & Home Supply Stores - 1.37%

 

 

 

MarineMax, Inc. (a)

5,700

 

81,168

 

 

 

 

Retail - Auto Dealers & Gasoline Stations - 0.89%

 

 

 

Group 1 Automotive, Inc.

1,700

 

52,785

 

 

 

 

Retail - Drug and Proprietary Stores - 3.04%

 

 

 

BioScrip, Inc. (a)

23,000

 

180,090

 

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

 

 

Becker Value Funds

 

 

 

Becker Small Cap Value Equity Fund

 

 

 

Schedule of Investments - continued

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks - 92.94% - continued

Shares

 

Value

 

 

 

 

Retail - Eating Places - 1.70%

 

 

 

Benihana, Inc. - Class A (a)

5,700

 

$ 100,605

 

 

 

 

Retail - Miscellaneous Shopping Goods Stores - 1.05%

 

 

 

Big 5 Sporting Goods Corp.

3,500

 

62,475

 

 

 

 

Retail - Variety Stores - 1.79%

 

 

 

Fred's, Inc. - Class A

10,000

 

106,000

 

 

 

 

Retail - Women's Clothing Stores - 1.68%

 

 

 

The Wet Seal, Inc. - Class A (a)

37,458

 

99,264

 

 

 

 

Savings Institution, Federally Chartered - 0.95%

 

 

 

BankAtlantic Bancorp, Inc. - Class A

13,700

 

56,307

 

 

 

 

Semiconductors & Related Devices - 2.14%

 

 

 

Lattice Semiconductor Corp. (a)

9,100

 

38,038

OmniVision Technologies, Inc. (a)

4,000

 

88,600

 

 

 

126,638

 

 

 

 

Services - Home Health Care Services - 1.65%

 

 

 

Matria Healthcare, Inc. (a)

3,800

 

97,584

 

 

 

 

Services - Hospitals - 2.73%

 

 

 

RehabCare Group, Inc. (a)

7,800

 

161,772

 

 

 

 

Services - Management Services - 2.12%

 

 

 

CRM Holdings, Ltd. (a)

18,300

 

125,721

 

 

 

 

Services - Prepackaged Software - 8.55%

 

 

 

Cogent Communications Group, Inc. (a)

4,500

 

124,560

Lawson Software, Inc. (a)

12,000

 

135,480

Magma Design Automation, Inc. (a)

10,000

 

148,900

Openwave Systems, Inc. (a)

24,600

 

97,416

 

 

 

506,356

 

 

 

 

Special Industry Machinery - 1.15%

 

 

 

Ultratech, Inc. (a)

5,900

 

68,381

 

 

 

 

State Commercial Banks - 1.97%

 

 

 

Capital Corp of the West

5,100

 

99,195

CVB Financial Corp.

1,500

 

17,580

 

 

 

116,775

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Becker Value Funds

 

 

 

Becker Small Cap Value Equity Fund

 

 

 

Schedule of Investments - continued

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks - 92.94% - continued

Shares

 

Value

 

 

 

 

Telephone & Telegraph Apparatus - 4.40%

 

 

 

Intervoice, Inc. (a)

22,000

 

$ 215,600

Westell Technologies, Inc. - Class A (a)

23,300

 

44,969

 

 

 

260,569

 

 

 

 

Trucking (No Local) - 1.51%

 

 

 

Con-way, Inc.

2,100

 

89,481

 

 

 

 

Wholesale - Electrical Apparatus & Equipment, Wiring Supplies - 1.75%

 

 

 

Houston Wire & Cable Co.

5,900

 

103,663

 

 

 

 

Wholesale - Lumber & Other Construction Materials - 1.49%

 

 

 

Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc. (a)

9,800

 

88,102

 

 

 

 

Wholesale - Miscellaneous Durable Goods - 1.59%

 

 

 

RC2 Corp. (a)

3,150

 

93,933

 

 

 

 

Wholesale - Petroleum & Petroleum Products (No Bulk Stations) - 2.54%

 

 

 

World Fuel Services Corp.

3,400

 

150,586

 

 

 

 

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $6,037,601)

 

 

5,505,495

 

 

 

 

Real Estate Investment Trusts - 5.83%

 

 

 

Ashford Hospitality Trust

12,000

 

118,080

Friedman, Billings, Ramsey Group, Inc. - Class A

29,000

 

124,700

Redwood Trust, Inc.

3,900

 

102,765

 

 

 

 

TOTAL REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (Cost $494,694)

 

 

345,545

 

 

 

 

Money Market Securities - 0.11%

 

 

 

Huntington U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund, 3.26% (b)

6,712

 

6,712

 

 

 

 

TOTAL MONEY MARKET SECURITIES (Cost $6,712)

 

 

6,712

 

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS (Cost $6,539,007) - 98.88%

 

 

$ 5,857,752

 

 

 

 

Other assets less liabilities - 1.12%

 

 

65,995

 

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.00%

 

 

$ 5,923,747

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a) Non-income producing.

 

 

 

(b) Variable Rate Security; the money market rate shown represents the rate at October 31, 2007.

 

 

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

 

Becker Value Funds

 

 

 

Becker Value Equity Fund

 

 

 

Schedule of Investments

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks - 91.95%

Shares

 

Value

 

 

 

 

Agricultural Chemicals - 1.08%

 

 

 

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. - Class A

15,999

 

$ 734,194

 

 

 

 

Apparel & Other Finished Products of Fabrics & Similar Materials - 1.29%

 

 

Carter's, Inc. (a)

40,000

 

883,200

 

 

 

 

Beverages - 3.50%

 

 

 

Constellation Brands, Inc. - Class A (a)

41,000

 

1,029,920

The Coca-Cola Co.

22,000

 

1,358,720

 

 

 

2,388,640

 

 

 

 

Bottled & Canned Soft Drinks & Carbonated Waters - 2.22%

 

 

 

Cadbury Schweppes plc (b)

28,500

 

1,517,340

 

 

 

 

Cable & Other Pay Television Services - 1.98%

 

 

 

Comcast Corp. - Class A (a)

64,000

 

1,347,200

 

 

 

 

Crude Petroleum & Natural Gas - 4.42%

 

 

 

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

30,000

 

1,530,600

Royal Dutch Shell plc (b)

17,000

 

1,487,670

 

 

 

3,018,270

 

 

 

 

Drilling Oil & Gas Wells - 2.05%

 

 

 

Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc.

2,900

 

328,367

GlobalSantaFe Corp.

5,000

 

405,150

Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

21,000

 

664,020

 

 

 

1,397,537

 

 

 

 

Electronic & Other Electrical Equipment - 3.02%

 

 

 

General Electric Co.

50,000

 

2,058,000

 

 

 

 

Electronic Connectors - 1.87%

 

 

 

Tyco International, Ltd.

31,000

 

1,276,270

 

 

 

 

Fats & Oils - 3.02%

 

 

 

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

35,000

 

1,252,300

Bunge, Ltd.

7,000

 

806,330

 

 

 

2,058,630

 

 

 

 

Finance Lessors - 0.52%

 

 

 

CIT Group, Inc.

10,000

 

352,400

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Becker Value Funds

 

 

 

Becker Value Equity Fund

 

 

 

Schedule of Investments - continued

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks - 91.95% - continued

Shares

 

Value

 

 

 

 

Fire, Marine & Casualty Insurance - 3.41%

 

 

 

The Allstate Corp.

19,000

 

$ 995,600

The Chubb Corp.

25,000

 

1,333,750

 

 

 

2,329,350

 

 

 

 

Food & Kindred Products - 1.95%

 

 

 

Unilever N.V. (c)

41,000

 

1,330,860

 

 

 

 

Grain Mill Products - 1.78%

 

 

 

General Mills, Inc.

21,000

 

1,212,330

 

 

 

 

Industrial Organic Chemicals - 1.09%

 

 

 

The Lubrizol Corp.

11,000

 

746,680

 

 

 

 

Insurance Agents, Brokers & Service - 3.31%

 

 

 

Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.

51,500

 

1,333,335

The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.

9,500

 

921,785

 

 

 

2,255,120

 

 

 

 

Laboratory Analytical Instruments - 2.01%

 

 

 

Applera Corp. - Applied Biosystems Group

37,000

 

1,374,180

 

 

 

 

Malt Beverages - 0.84%

 

 

 

Molson Coors Brewing Co. - Class B

10,000

 

572,300

 

 

 

 

Miscellaneous Manufacturing Industries - 0.83%

 

 

 

International Game Technology

13,000

 

566,930

 

 

 

 

Mortgage Bankers & Loan Correspondents - 0.72%

 

 

 

Countrywide Financial Corp.

31,500

 

488,880

 

 

 

 

Motor Vehicles & Passenger Car Bodies - 3.31%

 

 

 

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (b)

42,000

 

1,572,060

Toyota Motor Corp. (b)

6,000

 

686,640

 

 

 

2,258,700

 

 

 

 

National Commercial Banks - 2.99%

 

 

 

TCF Financial Corp.

40,000

 

910,800

U.S. Bancorp

34,000

 

1,127,440

 

 

 

2,038,240

 

 

 

 

Office Machines - 1.00%

 

 

 

Pitney Bowes, Inc.

17,000

 

680,680

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Becker Value Funds

 

 

 

Becker Value Equity Fund

 

 

 

Schedule of Investments - continued

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks - 91.95% - continued

Shares

 

Value

 

 

 

 

Oil & Gas Field Services - 0.72%

 

 

 

Grant Prideco, Inc. (a)

10,000

 

$ 491,600

 

 

 

 

Paints, Varnishes, Lacquers, Enamels & Allied Products - 1.37%

 

 

PPG Industries, Inc.

12,500

 

934,250

 

 

 

 

Paper Mills - 1.87%

 

 

 

International Paper Co.

34,500

 

1,275,120

 

 

 

 

Petroleum Refining - 3.13%

 

 

 

Chevron Corp.

8,025

 

734,368

ConocoPhillips

16,500

 

1,401,840

 

 

 

2,136,208

 

 

 

 

Pharmaceutical Preparations - 7.00%

 

 

 

Abbott Laboratories

27,000

 

1,474,740

Eli Lilly & Co.

30,000

 

1,624,500

Pfizer, Inc.

68,000

 

1,673,480

 

 

 

4,772,720

 

 

 

 

Refuse Systems - 1.60%

 

 

 

Waste Management, Inc.

30,000

 

1,091,700

 

 

 

 

Retail - Grocery Stores - 2.03%

 

 

 

The Kroger Co.

47,000

 

1,381,330

 

 

 

 

Retail - Radio, TV & Consumer Electronics Stores - 1.42%

 

 

 

Best Buy Co., Inc.

20,000

 

970,400

 

 

 

 

Retail - Variety Stores - 2.31%

 

 

 

Costco Wholesale Corp.

3,300

 

221,958

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

30,000

 

1,356,300

 

 

 

1,578,258

 

 

 

 

Retail - Women's Clothing Stores - 1.78%

 

 

 

Limited Brands, Inc.

55,000

 

1,210,550

 

 

 

 

Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical Systems - 1.96%

 

 

Raytheon Co.

21,000

 

1,335,810

 

 

 

 

Services - Advertising Agencies - 1.11%

 

 

 

The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. (a)

73,000

 

755,550

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Becker Value Funds

 

 

 

Becker Value Equity Fund

 

 

 

Schedule of Investments - continued

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks - 91.95% - continued

Shares

 

Value

 

 

 

 

Services - Business Services - 2.41%

 

 

 

Manpower, Inc.

22,000

 

$ 1,644,280

 

 

 

 

Services - Prepackaged Software - 6.54%

 

 

 

Lawson Software, Inc. (a)

120,000

 

1,354,800

Microsoft Corp.

66,000

 

2,429,460

Synopsys, Inc. (a)

24,000

 

678,240

 

 

 

4,462,500

 

 

 

 

Surety Insurance - 0.66%

 

 

 

MBIA, Inc.

10,500

 

451,920

 

 

 

 

Surgical & Medical Instruments & Apparatus - 3.61%

 

 

 

Becton, Dickinson & Co.

17,500

 

1,460,550

Covidien Ltd.

24,000

 

998,400

 

 

 

2,458,950

 

 

 

 

Telephone & Telegraph Apparatus - 1.41%

 

 

 

ADTRAN, Inc.

40,000

 

962,800

 

 

 

 

Trucking (No Local) - 0.81%

 

 

 

Con-way, Inc.

13,000

 

553,930

 

 

 

 

Wholesale - Electronic Parts & Equipment - 2.00%

 

 

 

Tyco Electronics Ltd.

38,250

 

1,364,378

 

 

 

 

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $54,426,961)

 

 

62,718,185

 

 

 

 

Money Market Securities - 8.79%

 

 

 

Huntington U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund, 3.26% (d)

5,994,192

 

5,994,192

 

 

 

 

TOTAL MONEY MARKET SECURITIES (Cost $5,994,192)

 

5,994,192

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS (Cost $60,421,153) - 100.74%

 

 

$ 68,712,377

 

 

 

 

Liabilities in excess of other assets - (0.74)%

 

 

(501,759)

 

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.00%

 

 

$ 68,210,618

 

 

 

 

(a) Non-income producing.

 

 

 

(b) American Depositary Receipt.

 

 

 

(c) Depositary Receipt - New York Registry.

 

 

 

(d) Variable Rate Security; the money market rate shown represents the rate at October 31, 2007.

 

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

 

 

Becker Value Funds

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

10/31/07

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Becker Small Cap

 

Becker

 

 

 

 

 

Value Equity

 

Value Equity

 

 

 

 

 

Fund

 

Fund

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment in securities:

 

 

 

 

At cost

 

 

 

 

$ 6,539,007

 

$ 60,421,153

At value

 

 

 

 

$ 5,857,752

 

$ 68,712,377

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Receivable for investments sold

 

 

 

155,649

 

1,087,386

Receivable for Fund shares sold

 

 

 

5,433

 

269,480

Prepaid expenses

 

 

 

 

3,815

 

6,511

Dividends receivable

 

 

 

 

1,919

 

84,589

Interest receivable

 

 

 

 

66

 

14,125

Receivable due from Advisor (a)

 

 

 

11,395

 

-

Total assets

 

 

 

 

6,036,029

 

70,174,468

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payable for investments purchased

 

83,440

 

1,868,596

Payable to administrator, fund accountant & transfer agent

 

9,826

 

21,157

Payable to custodian

 

1,356

 

1,916

Trustee and officer fees accrued

 

 

 

1,333

 

1,333

Payable to Advisor (a)

 

-

 

33,233

Payable for Fund shares purchased

 

-

 

20,598

Other accrued expenses

 

16,327

 

17,017

Total liabilities

 

 

 

 

112,282

 

1,963,850

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Assets

 

 

 

 

$ 5,923,747

 

$ 68,210,618

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Assets consist of:

 

 

 

 

Paid in capital

 

 

 

 

$ 6,116,800

 

$ 55,430,572

Accumulated undistributed net investment income

 

36,501

 

567,212

Accumulated undistributed net realized gain from investment transactions

 

451,701

 

3,921,610

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

 

(681,255)

 

8,291,224

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Assets

 

 

 

 

$ 5,923,747

 

$ 68,210,618

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized)

 

586,574

 

4,496,687

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value and offering price per share

 

$ 10.10

 

$ 15.17

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Redemption price per share (b) (NAV * 99%)

 

$ 10.00

 

$ 15.02

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a) See Note 3 in the Notes to the Financial Statements.

(b) The redemption price per share reflects a redemption fee of 1.00% on shares redeemed within 30 calendar days of purchase.

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

Becker Value Funds

Statements of Operations

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

Becker Small Cap

 

Becker

 

 

 

 

 

 

Value Equity

 

Value Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fund

 

Fund

Investment Income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividend income (Net of foreign withholding taxes of $0 and $16,698 respectively)

$ 106,593

 

$ 1,130,380

Interest income

 

 

 

 

8,125

 

189,453

Total Income

 

 

 

 

114,718

 

1,319,833

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment advisor fee (a)

 

 

 

75,986

 

616,252

Administration expenses

 

 

 

30,500

 

60,374

Transfer agent expenses

 

 

 

19,460

 

22,333

Fund accounting expenses

 

 

 

16,058

 

30,313

Registration expenses

 

 

 

 

15,849

 

17,468

Legal expenses

 

 

 

 

12,245

 

14,704

Custodian expenses

 

 

 

 

10,993

 

12,153

Audit expenses

 

 

 

 

10,910

 

11,505

Pricing expenses

 

 

 

 

5,333

 

5,604

CCO expenses

 

 

 

 

5,179

 

5,179

Trustee expenses

 

 

 

 

4,739

 

4,739

Insurance expense

 

 

 

 

1,129

 

4,647

Report printing expense

 

 

 

 

795

 

2,436

Miscellaneous expenses

 

 

 

727

 

1,571

Total Expenses

 

 

 

 

209,903

 

809,278

Reimbursed expenses and waived fees (a)

 

(133,920)

 

(193,400)

Net operating expenses

 

 

 

 

75,983

 

615,878

Net investment income

 

 

 

 

38,735

 

703,955

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Realized & Unrealized Gain (Loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized gain on investment securities

 

468,186

 

3,921,846

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

 

 

 

on investment securities

 

 

 

(757,997)

 

1,706,432

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment securities

(289,811)

 

5,628,278

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

$ (251,076)

 

$ 6,332,233

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a) See Note 3 in Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

Becker Value Funds

 

 

 

 

 

 

Statements of Changes In Net Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Becker Small Cap Value

 

 

 

 

 

Equity Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year

 

Year

 

 

 

 

 

ended

 

ended

 

 

 

 

 

October

31, 2007

 

October

31, 2006

Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

$ 38,735

 

$ 4,150

Net realized gain on investment securities

 

468,186

 

296,495

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investment securities

 

121,551

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

 

422,196

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distributions

 

 

 

 

 

 

From net investment income

 

 

(2,234)

 

(8,741)

From net realized gain

 

 

 

(310,235)

 

(49,668)

Total distributions

 

 

 

(312,469)

 

(58,409)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital Share Transactions

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from shares sold

 

 

4,156,852

 

1,436,180

Reinvestment of distributions

 

 

312,469

 

58,292

Amount paid for shares repurchased

 

(1,902,170)

 

(259,125)

Net increase in net assets resulting

 

 

 

 

 

from share transactions

 

 

2,567,151

 

1,235,347

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Increase in Net Assets

 

 

2,003,606

 

1,599,134

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of year

 

 

 

3,920,141

 

2,321,007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

End of year

 

 

 

$ 5,923,747

 

$ 3,920,141

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated undistributed net investment income

 

included in net assets at end of period

 

$ 36,501

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital Share Transactions

 

 

 

 

 

Shares sold

 

 

 

378,825

 

141,244

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

 

28,667

 

5,754

Shares repurchased

 

 

 

(179,377)

 

(25,492)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase from capital share transactions

 

228,115

 

121,506

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Becker Value Funds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Statements of Changes In Net Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Becker Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year

 

Year

 

 

 

 

 

 

ended

 

ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

October

31, 2007

 

October

31, 2006

Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

 

$ 703,955

 

$ 482,267

Net realized gain on investment securities

 

 

3,921,846

 

1,711,743

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investment securities

1,706,432

 

4,685,071

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

 

6,332,233

 

6,879,081

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distributions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From net investment income

 

 

 

(524,024)

 

(239,922)

From net realized gain

 

 

 

 

(1,711,608)

 

(1,438,139)

Total distributions

 

 

 

 

(2,235,632)

 

(1,678,061)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital Share Transactions

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from shares sold

 

 

 

19,089,994

 

16,687,606

Reinvestment of distributions

 

 

 

2,218,789

 

1,090,583

Amount paid for shares repurchased

 

 

(8,633,678)

 

(6,410,837)

Net increase in net assets resulting

 

 

 

 

 

 

from share transactions

 

 

 

12,675,105

 

11,367,352

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Increase in Net Assets

 

 

 

16,771,706

 

16,568,372

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of year

 

 

 

 

51,438,912

 

34,870,540

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

End of year

 

 

 

 

$ 68,210,618

 

$ 51,438,912

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated undistributed net investment income

 

 

 

 

included in net assets at end of period

 

 

$ 567,212

 

$ 387,282

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital Share Transactions

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares sold

 

 

 

 

1,303,343

 

1,255,851

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

 

 

154,835

 

84,673

Shares repurchased

 

 

 

 

(584,757)

 

(486,032)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase from capital share transactions

 

 

873,421

 

854,492

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Becker Value Funds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial Highlights

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Becker Small Cap Value Equity Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended

 

Year ended

 

Period ended

 

 

 

 

 

October

31, 2007

 

October

31, 2006

 

October

31, 2005

(a)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selected Per Share Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

$ 10.94

 

$ 9.80

 

$ 10.00

 

Income from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

0.07

 

0.02

 

0.01

 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

(0.07)

 

1.35

 

(0.21)

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

0.00

 

1.37

 

(0.20)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distributions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From net investment income

(0.01)

 

(0.03)

 

-

 

From net realized gain

 

 

(0.83)

 

(0.20)

 

-

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.84)

 

(0.23)

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paid in capital from redemption fees (b)

-

 

-

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

$ 10.10

 

$ 10.94

 

$ 9.80

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Return (c)

 

 

(0.57)%

 

14.19%

 

(2.00)%

(d)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (000)

$ 5,924

 

$ 3,920

 

$ 2,321

 

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

1.20%

 

1.20%

 

1.20%

(e)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

 

 

 

 

 

before waiver & reimbursement

3.31%

 

5.36%

 

10.45%

(e)

Ratio of net investment income to

 

 

 

 

 

average net assets

 

 

0.61%

 

0.13%

 

0.16%

(e)

Ratio of net investment income to

 

 

 

 

 

average net assets before waiver & reimbursement

(1.50)%

 

(4.03)%

 

(9.09)%

(e)

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

101.54%

 

63.41%

 

55.28%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a) For the period January 3, 2005 (Commencement of Operations) to October 31, 2005.

(b) Redemption fees resulted in less than $0.005 per share in each period.

 

 

(c) Total return in the above table represents the rate that the investor would have earned

 

or lost on an investment in the Fund, assuming reinvestment of dividends.

 

(d) Not annualized.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(e) Annualized.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Becker Value Funds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial Highlights

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Becker Value Equity Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended

 

Year ended

 

Year ended

 

Period ended

 

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

October 31, 2006

 

October 31, 2005

 

October 31, 2004

(a)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selected Per Share Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

$ 14.20

 

$ 12.59

 

$ 11.09

 

$ 10.00

 

Income from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

0.16

 

0.14

 

0.09

 

0.01

 

Net realized and unrealized gain

1.40

 

2.05

 

1.49

 

1.08

 

Total from investment operations

1.56

 

2.19

 

1.58

 

1.09

 

Less Distributions to Shareholders:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From net investment income

(0.14)

 

(0.08)

 

(0.04)

 

-

 

From net realized gain

(0.45)

 

(0.50)

 

(0.04)

 

-

 

Total distributions

(0.59)

 

(0.58)

 

(0.08)

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paid in capital from redemption fees (b)

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

$ 15.17

 

$ 14.20

 

$ 12.59

 

$ 11.09

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Return (c)

 

11.18%

 

17.91%

 

14.24%

 

10.90%

(d)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (000)

$ 68,211

 

$ 51,439

 

$ 34,871

 

$ 20,187

 

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

1.00%

 

1.00%

 

1.00%

 

1.20%

(e)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

before waiver & reimbursement

1.31%

 

1.43%

 

1.73%

 

2.83%

(e)

Ratio of net investment income to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

average net assets

1.14%

 

1.15%

 

0.75%

 

0.14%

(e)

Ratio of net investment income to average

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

net assets before waiver & reimbursement

0.83%

 

0.72%

 

0.02%

 

(1.49)%

(e)

Portfolio turnover rate

38.95%

 

30.47%

 

35.46%

 

26.08%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a) For the period November 3, 2003 (Commencement of Operations) to October 31, 2004.

 

(b) Redemption fees resulted in less than $0.005 per share in each period.

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

(d) Not annualized.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(e) Annualized.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Becker Value Funds

Notes to the Financial Statements

October 31, 2007

 

 

NOTE 1.

ORGANIZATION

 

Becker Value Equity Fund (“Value Fund”) was organized as a diversified series of Unified Series Trust (the “Trust”) on June 9, 2003. The Becker Small Cap Value Equity Fund (“Small Cap Fund”) was organized as a diversified series of the Trust on December 13, 2004 (collectively with the Value Equity Fund, the “Funds” or each a “Fund”). The Trust is an open-end investment company established under the laws of Ohio by an Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated October 17, 2002 (the “Trust Agreement”). The Trust Agreement permits the Trustees to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest of each separate series. Each Fund is one of a series of funds currently authorized by the Trustees. The Value Fund commenced operations on November 3, 2003, and the Small Cap Fund commenced operations on January 3, 2005. The investment objective of each Fund is to provide long-term capital appreciation to its shareholders. The investment advisor to the Funds is Becker Capital Management, Inc. (the “Advisor”).

 

 

NOTE 2.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Funds in the preparation of their financial statements.

 

Securities Valuation - Equity securities are valued by using market quotations, but may be valued on the basis of prices furnished by a pricing service when the Advisor believes such prices more accurately reflect the fair market value of such securities. Securities that are traded on any stock exchange are valued by the pricing service at the last quoted sale price. Lacking a last sale price, an exchange traded security is valued by the pricing service at its last bid price. Securities traded in the NASDAQ over-the-counter market are valued by the pricing service at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price. When market quotations are not readily available, when the Advisor determines that the market quotation or the price provided by the pricing service does not accurately reflect the current market value or when restricted or illiquid securities are being valued, such securities are valued as determined in good faith by the Advisor, in conformity with guidelines adopted by and subject to review of the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”).

 

Fixed income securities are valued by using market quotations, but may be valued on the basis of prices furnished by a pricing service when the Advisor believes such prices accurately reflect the fair market value of such securities. A pricing service utilizes electronic data processing techniques based on yield spreads relating to securities with similar characteristics to determine prices for normal institutional-size trading units of debt securities without regard to sale or bid prices. If the Advisor decides that a price provided by the pricing service does not accurately reflect the fair market value of the securities, when prices are not readily available from a pricing service or when restricted or illiquid securities are being valued, securities are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Advisor, in conformity with guidelines adopted by and subject to review of the Board. Short-term investments in fixed income securities with maturities of less than 60 days when acquired, or which subsequently are within 60 days of maturity, are valued by using the amortized cost method of valuation, which the Board has determined will represent fair value. The ability of issuers of debt securities held by the company to meet their obligations may be affected by economic and political developments in a specific country or region.

 

In accordance with the Trust’s good faith pricing guidelines, the Advisor is required to consider all appropriate factors relevant to the value of securities for which it has determined other pricing sources are not available or reliable as described above. No single standard exists for determining fair value controls, since fair value depends upon the circumstances of each individual case. As a general principle, the current fair value of an issue of securities being valued by the adviser would appear to be the amount which the owner might reasonably expect to receive for them upon their current sale. Methods which are in accord with this principle may, for example, be based on (i) a multiple of earnings; (ii) a discount from market of a similar freely traded security (including a derivative security or a basket of securities traded on other markets, exchanges or among dealers); or (iii) yield to maturity with respect to debt issues, or a combination of these and other methods. Good faith pricing is permitted if, in the Advisor’s opinion, the validity of market quotations appears to be questionable based on factors such as evidence of a thin market in the security based on a small number of quotations, a significant event occurs after the close of a market but before a Fund’s NAV calculation that may affect a security’s value, or the Advisor is aware of any other data that calls into question the reliability of market quotations. Investments in foreign securities, junk bonds, or other thinly traded securities are more likely to trigger fair valuation than other securities.

 

 

 

Becker Value Funds

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued

October 31, 2007

 

 

NOTE 2.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – continued

 

Federal Income Taxes - The Funds make no provision for federal income tax. The Funds’ policy is to continue to qualify each year as “regulated investment companies” under subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, by distributing all of their taxable income. If the required amount of net investment income is not distributed, the Funds could incur a tax expense.

 

Expenses – Expenses incurred by the Trust that do not relate to a specific fund of the Trust are allocated to the individual funds based on each fund’s relative net assets or another appropriate basis (as determined by the Board).

 

Security Transactions and Related Income - The Funds follow industry practice and record security transactions on the trade date. The specific identification method is used for determining gains or losses for financial statement and income tax purposes. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date and interest income is recorded on an accrual basis. Discounts and premiums on securities purchased are amortized or accreted using the effective interest method. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends have been provided for in accordance with the Funds’ understanding of the applicable country’s tax rules and rates.

 

Dividends and Distributions - Each Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net investment income, if any, as dividends to its shareholders on at least an annual basis. Each Fund intends to distribute its net realized long term capital gains and its net realized short term capital gains, if any, at least once a year. Dividends to shareholders, which are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The treatment for financial reporting purposes of distributions made to shareholders during the year from net investment income or net realized capital gains may differ from their ultimate treatment for federal income tax purposes. These differences are caused primarily by differences in the timing of the recognition of certain components of income, expense or realized capital gain for federal income tax purposes. Where such differences are permanent in nature, they are reclassified in the components of the net assets based on their ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. Any such reclassifications will have no effect on net assets, results of operations or net asset values per share of a Fund. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007 there were no such reclassifications.

 

Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48 – Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes that requires the tax effects of certain tax positions to be recognized. These tax positions must meet a “more likely than not” standard that, based on their technical merits, have a more than 50 percent likelihood of being sustained upon examination. FASB Interpretation No. 48 is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2006. At adoption, the financial statements must be adjusted to reflect only those tax positions that are more likely than not of being sustained. Management of the Funds is currently evaluating the impact that FASB Interpretation No. 48 will have on the Funds’ financial statements.

 

Fair Value Measurements – In September 2006, FASB issued Statement on Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements.” This standard establishes a single authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value and requires additional disclosure about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 applies to fair value measurements already required or permitted by existing standards. SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The changes to current generally accepted accounting principles from the application of this Statement relate to the definition of fair value, the methods used to measure fair value, and the expanded disclosures about fair value measurements. As of October 31, 2007, the Funds do not believe that the adoption of SFAS No. 157 will impact the amounts reported in the financial statements; however, additional disclosures may be required about the inputs used to develop the measurements and the effect of certain measurements reported on the statement of changes in net assets for a fiscal period.

 

NOTE 3.

FEES AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

 

Under the terms of the management agreements, on behalf of each Fund (each an “Agreement”), the Advisor manages each Fund’s investments subject to approval of the Board of Trustees. As compensation for its management services, the Small Cap Fund and Value Fund are obligated to pay the Advisor a fee computed and accrued daily and paid monthly at an annual rate of 1.20% and 1.00% of the average daily net assets of the Small Cap Fund and the Value Fund respectively.

 

 

 

Becker Value Funds

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued

October 31, 2007

 

 

NOTE 3.

FEES AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES - continued

 

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, the Advisor earned a fee of $75,986 from the Small Cap Fund and $616,252 from the Value Fund before the reimbursement described below.

 

The Advisor has contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse expenses so that total annual fund operating expenses, excluding brokerage fees and commissions, borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short), taxes and extraordinary expenses, do not exceed 1.20% of the Small Cap Fund’s average daily net assets and 1.00% of the Value Fund’s average daily net assets through February 29, 2008. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, the Advisor waived fees and reimbursed expenses of $133,920 for the Small Cap Fund and $193,400 for the Value Fund. As of October 31, 2007, the Advisor owed $11,395 to the Small Cap Fund and the Value Fund owed the Advisor $33,233.

 

Each waiver and/or reimbursement by the Advisor with respect to a Fund is subject to repayment by the fund within the three fiscal years following the fiscal year in which that particular waiver and/or reimbursement occurred, provided that a Fund is able to make the repayment without exceeding the expense limitations described above. This agreement was effective November 1, 2006, for the Small Cap Fund. The Value Fund had such an agreement with the Advisor that was effective November 1, 2005.

 

The waived fees related to operating expenses subject to recovery at October 31, 2007 were as follows:


 

The Trust retains Unified Fund Services, Inc. (“Unified”) to manage each Fund’s business affairs and provide each Fund with administrative services, including all regulatory reporting and necessary office equipment and personnel. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, Unified earned fees of $30,500 and $60,374 for administrative services provided to the Small Cap Fund and Value Fund, respectively. As of October 31, 2007, Unified was owed $5,000 and $11,662 from the Small Cap Fund and the Value Fund, respectively, for administrative services. Certain officers of the Trust are members of management and/or employees of Unified. Unified operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Huntington Bancshares, Inc., the parent company of Huntington National Bank, the custodian of the Funds’ investments (the “Custodian”) and the principal distributor of the Funds. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, the Custodian earned fees of $10,993 and $12,153 from the Small Cap Fund and the Value Fund, respectively, for custody services provided to the Funds. At October 31, 2007, the Custodian was owed $1,356 and $1,916 by the Small Cap Fund and Value Fund, respectively, for custody services.

 

The Trust retains Unified to act as each Fund’s transfer agent and to provide fund accounting services. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, Unified earned fees of $12,839 for transfer agent services and $6,621 in reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in providing transfer agent services from the Small Cap Fund. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, Unified earned fees of $15,575 for transfer agent services and $6,758 in reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in providing transfer agent services from the Value Fund. As of October 31, 2007, the Small Cap Fund owed Unified $2,268 for transfer agent services and $1,000 in reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses. As of October 31, 2007, the Value Fund owed Unified $2,615 for transfer agent services and $1,000 in reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, Unified earned fees of $16,058 and $30,313 from the Small Cap Fund and the Value Fund, respectively, for the accounting services. As of October 31, 2007, Unified was owed $1,558 and $5,880 from the Small Cap Fund and the Value Fund, respectively, for fund accounting services.

 

Unified Financial Securities, Inc. (the “Distributor”) acts as the principal distributor of the Funds. There were no payments made by the Funds to the Distributor during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007. The Distributor, Unified and the Custodian are controlled by Huntington Bancshares, Inc.

 

 

 

Becker Value Funds

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued

October 31, 2007

 

 

NOTE 4.

INVESTMENTS

 

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, purchases and sales of investment securities, other than short-term investments and short-term U.S. government obligations, were as follows:


 

As of October 31, 2007, the net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments for tax purposes was as follows:

 


At October 31, 2007, the aggregate cost of securities, excluding U.S. government obligations, for federal income tax purposes was $6,563,243 for the Small Cap Fund and $60,421,168 for the Value Fund.

 

NOTE 5.

ESTIMATES

 

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

 

NOTE 6.

BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP

 

The beneficial ownership, either directly or indirectly, of 25% or more of the voting securities of a fund creates a presumption of control of a fund, under Section 2(a) (9) of the Investment Company Act of 1940. As of October 31, 2007, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., and Becker Capital Management, Inc., for the benefit of their respective customers, held 29.29% and 25.79% respectively of the voting securities of the Small Cap Fund, and Commercial Properties, for the benefit of its customers, held 45.51% of the voting securities of the Value Fund. As a result Charles Schwab & Co. and Becker Capital Management, Inc., may be deemed to control the Small Cap Fund and Commercial Properties may be deemed to control the Value Fund.

 

NOTE 7.

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS

 

Small Cap Fund. On December 27, 2006, the Small Cap Fund paid an income distribution of $0.006 per share and short-term and long-term capital gain distributions totaling $0.8331 per share to shareholders of record on December 26, 2006.

 

On December 20, 2007, the Small Cap Fund paid an income distribution of $0.0852 per share and short-term and long-term capital gain distributions totaling $0.8403 per share to shareholders of record on December 19, 2007.

 

 

 

Becker Value Funds

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued

October 31, 2007

 

 

NOTE 7.

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS - continued

 

The tax character of distributions paid for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2007 and 2006 were as follows:

 


 

Value Fund. On December 27, 2006, the Value Fund paid an ordinary income dividend of $0.1367 per share and short-term and long-term capital gain dividends totaling $0.4465 per share to shareholders of record on December 26, 2006.

 

On December 20, 2007, the Value Fund paid an ordinary income dividend of $0.1629 per share and short-term and long-term capital gain dividends totaling $0.9055 per share to shareholders of record on December 19, 2007.

 

The tax character of distributions paid for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2007 and 2006 were as follows:

 


 

As of October 31, 2007, the components of distributable earnings (accumulated losses) on a tax basis were as follows:

 


 

As of October 31, 2007, the difference between book basis and tax basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is attributable to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales in the amount of $24,236 for the Small Cap Fund and $15 for the Value Fund.

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Annual Report

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

Fund Advisor:

 

Dreman Value Management, LLC

Harborside Financial Center

Plaza 10, Suite 800

Jersey City, NJ 07311

 

Toll Free: (800) 247-1014

 

 

 

DREMAN CONTRARIAN LARGE CAP VALUE FUND

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

 

The Dreman Contrarian Large Cap Value Fund returned 9.81% for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, as compared to the S&P 500 Index and the Russell 1000 Value Index returns of 14.55% and 10.83%, respectively. To say the least, volatility was back during the year after an extremely quiet period over the past few years, as the U.S. housing market became increasingly problematic. The housing slowdown coupled with the associated opaque financing vehicles caused a major correction in the financial services sector of the U.S. equity market during the latter half of the year. The U.S. Federal Reserve stepped in and lowered interest rates and will most likely continue its easing cycle to soften the weakness in the housing market.

 

Turning to the Fund, the continued overweight in the energy sector is reflective of our opinion that this sector remains a good long term, undervalued opportunity. Notwithstanding short term pullbacks, we are fundamentally bullish on oil and gas.

 

Let’s take a more in depth look at the fundamental case. Oil discoveries peaked in the 1960’s and have declined significantly for decades. Looking at the data reveals that all of the large fields have been found and production is well along the decline curve. Most experts think that between 1.9 and 2.4 trillion barrels can be ultimately produced of which we are approaching that midpoint where the remaining oil in the fields must be taken out of the ground by enhanced recovery techniques. Enhanced recovery techniques are costly, time consuming, and produce at a much slower rate. Existing fields are declining at a rate between 2.5% and 7.5% per year depending on the age of the field. Given the declining discoveries and the declining production curves and assuming a range of ultimate production of 1.9 to 2.4 trillion barrels, global production is either now peaking or will be shortly.

 

The demand side of the oil equation does not help. China and the rest of the emerging world have an enormous appetite for oil. Assuming 1.5% demand growth the global economy will need approximately 32 million barrels per day (“mbpd”) of additional capacity by 2012. Adding 32 mbpd is technically impossible, which is the equivalent of adding three times the current production of Saudi Arabia. In order to add 32 mbpd the fields would have to have been discovered over the past five years. It typically takes 5-9 years to go from a discovery to full production and 20 to 40 years to extract the oil. There have been no major discoveries since 1970 large enough to produce even a 2 mbpd increase in production (the last 1mbpd discovery was in 1982). Today the global economy consumes 30 billion barrels per year and the industry has averaged finding only 5 billion since 1995. Technically it is impossible to increase production from existing fields by more than 3-4 mbpd per year over the next five years. Assuming the nearly impossible global production increase of 4 mbpd per year would still leave a 12 mbpd shortfall by 2012. The ever increasing strain between supply and demand will likely send oil prices significantly higher in the future. Only a global recession would temporarily stop the inevitable.

 

The same long term fundamental story is also true for natural gas, as the natural gas production effort has more than doubled since 2000 and production is still falling as sharp production curves (much steeper than oil) and growing demand provide a platform for much higher prices in the future. Current prices have been skewed by the warm weather of the recent past.

 

All of the Fund’s energy names were up significantly as follows: ConocoPhillips (44.1%), Chevron Corp. (40.2%), Occidental Petroleum Corp. (49.7%), Apache Corp. (60.1%), Devon Energy Corp. (40.8%), and Anadarko Petroleum Corp. (28.1%). To highlight a name, Chevron Corp. (CVX) which is selling at 11.0 times 12 month forward earnings, recently announced a renewed share repurchase plan of $15.0B over the next three years which is projected to reduce the shares outstanding by approximately 3% a year. The buyback program will be funded by cash flow, as with many of the major oils strong cash flow has left CVX’s balance sheet with net cash of $3.5B ($12.1B in cash, $8.2B in debt). Today’s current CVX valuation implies $45 oil prices. Given our positive long term outlook on oil and the low valuation, CVX in our opinion, continues to be an attractive holding for the Fund.

 

The financial sector hit a rough patch during the later part of the year as the housing/credit weakness began to weigh on the representative stocks. The Fund’s bank stocks declined during this period as the market participants sold anything related to the mortgage weakness. Bank of America, although down 6.0% for the period, held up much better than many others due to its size and diverse business mix. The major declines were attributed to the thrift area as Washington Mutual, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac were down 30.1%, 0.3%, and 21.9%, respectively as the mortgage correction began to accelerate. Despite the short term weakness, we continue believe that these three companies will benefit longer term from the current weakness in the mortgage market and will able to regain market share as the weaker players exit the industry and also experience better margins as pricing returns to a more rational level. In the insurance sector, Chubb Corp. and Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. rose during the year.

 

Healthcare, the third largest sector in the Fund, was slightly negative for the period. The major pharmaceuticals including Pfizer, Wyeth, and Amgen struggled during the year as each experienced several FDA setbacks regarding new drugs. These stocks have low valuations and we should do well over the long term. Merck was sold during the year as its multi-year recovery from the Vioxx scare had brought this stock back to a fully valued state. Aetna performed well during the period rising 36.4%. United Healthcare rose slightly for the period and remains very cheap, trading at 12.7 times earnings.

 

The Fund’s industrial holdings performed well during the year. The most notable performers were as follows: Northrop Grumman Corp. (28.4%), General Electric Co. (20.7%), United Technologies Corp. (18.5%), and 3M Corp. (12.1%). Northrop Grumman was a new purchase during the year. All of these big cap industrials are consistent growers that were purchased at below market multiple prices.

 

The Fund’s tobacco holdings, Altria Group Inc. and UST Inc. appreciated during the 12 month period. Altria’s (MO) Board of Directors announced its intention to spin-off Philip Morris International. The spin-off will likely be declared on January 30, 2008, implying a late first quarter distribution. As we have stated many times, this action will be a very important component of unlocking shareholder value. MO also increased its dividend 8.7% during the quarter. In our opinion, MO is worth approximately $82 a share and remains one of the cheapest consumer staples stocks in the market.

 

The consumer discretionary sector was weak for the year as the market discounted the possibility of a consumer spending slowdown, given the weak state of the housing market. The Fund’s holdings were weak as a result, as illustrated by Macy’s Inc. (-26.0%), Home Depot (-13.5%), Staples (-8.5%) and Lowe’s (-10.0%). We tendered Home Depot during the quarter as part of the company’s $250mm recapitalization plan. Staples and Lowe’s valuations are starting to become more attractive.

 

Outlook

 

Some observers believe the U.S. economy may already be in recession from a practical perspective, as there are many “tells” whether in the housing, auto or consumer discretionary sectors. A variety of companies have reported weak outlooks from retailing, financial services, and transportation industries (Federal Express and Ryder). However, global sectors such as Energy continue to do relatively well.

 

Given the recent change in the credit cycle, it’s going to take time for the market to evaluate the long term ramifications of tighter credit. A recent Federal Reserve survey showed the tightest credit standards in 16 years. It seems that since the market is setting new highs the mantra of “don’t fight the Fed” is alive and well. However, a coming slowdown in the U.S. may not be limited to housing as tighter credit conditions make businesses more circumspect in their decisions. It may spillover to "business spending, hiring, consumption [including high-end consumption], imports and foreign economies" -- Europe shows signs of slowing -- all moderating.

 

This has got to be one of the most uncertain times in many years in the financial markets. While in the short term the current momentum driven market may continue, we remain concerned that additional volatility waves may be heading the market’s way. DVM has traditionally taken advantage of such periods to add or increase positions when waves of selling can drive individual companies or sectors well below their real value.

 

Given the heightened level of economic uncertainty, we are comfortable with the construct of the Fund and remain confident that it is attractively valued relative to the market.

 

DREMAN CONTRARIAN MID CAP VALUE FUND

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

 

Volatility returned to the markets over the past year as sub-prime credit concerns had many investors concerned. This was most evident in the financial sector which was the only sector to post a negative return for the year. All that being said, the Dreman Contrarian Mid Cap Value Fund returned 15.37%, underperforming its benchmark, the S&P Mid Cap 400 Index, which posted a 17.01% return. The Fund did, however, outperform the more commonly used Russell Mid Cap Value Index, which posted a 9.73% return.

 

We continued to underweight the financials over the year given our tempered outlook for REITs, banks, and thrifts. With the credit crisis exploding into a liquidity squeeze during the summer months, our underweight in these industries paid off. The REITs were down on average 3.4%, banks declined on average 12.4% and the Thrifts were down on average 30.62% for the year. Although on average our stocks declined for the year in the financial sector, there were some highlights. These include our investments in the capital markets space where Eaton Vance, Nuveen Investments, Federated Investors, and T. Rowe Price all posted double digit returns. We remain underweight overall in the Financial sector and continue to find few ideas in the REIT and Thrift space as the valuations have still not come down enough to warrant our interest. However, we remain overweight in the insurance space and have found a few banks that are trading at reasonable valuations. For example, Huntington Bank is trading at a discount to book value and we believe offers upside in the years to come as they rebuild after taking large charge-offs on their loan portfolio.

 

The energy space added to the funds outperformance, mostly due to our overweight in the space. Oil surged to new highs on almost a daily basis before cooling off at the end of summer as terrorist threats, the Iraq war, and tensions with Iran made investors uneasy about supply. On top of these emerging markets, especially China, continued to expand rapidly compounding supply concerns with increased demand. Although we selectively sold some of companies, such as Tesoro, an oil refiner, after they met our price targets, we remain overweight this space as we believe the long term fundamentals are intact for further price appreciation.

 

Our stock selection and overweight of the Industrial sector helped the portfolio’s performance. Several of the electrical equipment companies performed extremely well, including General Cable, a manufacturer of cable for utilities and cable companies, which was up over 90% for the year. Ametek, which manufactures electronic equipment used in aerospace, industrial and power markets, was up over 50% as well. We continue to overweight this, but we have grown more cautious given the economic sensitivity of this space.

 

Our stock selection in the Utility Sector helped performance but our significant underweight proved to be detrimental. Although we found a few good ideas, we were nervous about valuations for utilities as they have been among the better performers for several years. For the year this was the only sector that did not provide a positive contribution to the Fund’s alpha over the benchmark. We continue to underweight this space as we continue to believe that the valuations are stretched.

 

Given the heightened level of economic uncertainty, we believe the portfolio is positioned correctly with overweight positions in Healthcare, Consumer Staples, and Energy. Any increased volatility that creates opportunities would be welcomed over the foreseeable future. As we have proved over the years, our patience is also a form of action, as we wait for the behavioral errors to manifest into undervalued opportunities.

 

DVM remains committed to its value philosophy and process that has proven so successful over the years. As we start the fiscal 2008, with the portfolio’s attractive absolute and relative valuation, we are confident that the Dreman Mid Cap Value Fund is a prudent choice for your mid cap value equity allocation.

 

DREMAN CONTRARIAN SMALL CAP VALUE FUND

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

 

With volatility from sub prime credit and other mortgage related issues wreaking havoc on the Financial Sector, investors were quick to re-price risk in the stock market through out the year. As expected, this took a larger toll on small cap stocks, which typically lag large cap stocks in times of economic uncertainty. However, even with all of the volatility experienced, especially in the later part of the fiscal year, returns were still positive. Small Cap stocks lagged large caps for the year as the Russell 2000 Value Index returned 2.05% versus the Russell 1000 Index return of 10.83%. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, the Dreman Contrarian Small Cap Value Fund Retail Class shares returned 12.16%, outperforming its index the Russell 2000 Value Index, which returned 2.05%.

 

In the Energy sector several of our holdings posted double digit gains including Uranium Resources, PetroQuest Energy, Atwood Oceanics, and Petrohawk Energy Corp. We remain overweight this sector given its strong fundamentals and attractive valuations. As we have spoken about in the past, the economics for uranium remain attractive. There are currently 434 nuclear reactors in the world with an additional 90 reactors expected to be built by 2016. The majority of this demand will come from Asia which is expected to build an incremental 53 reactors by 2016. As it stands today, mining production supplies only 60% of reactor requirements. With little to no new mining projects underway and at least a 7-10 year window to get a new facility up and running after discovery, the supply picture is likely to worsen before it gets better. This phenomenon has already produced a surge in the price of uranium, which is trading at an all time high of approximately $135 per pound. Uranium Resources currently sells for less than $4 per pound of uranium in the ground. We believe the company will eventually trade for over $15 per pound (where recent acquisitions have taken place) of uranium in the ground as they prove out their reserves.

 

We continued to underweight the financials over the year, given our tempered outlook for REITs, banks, and thrifts. With the credit crisis exploding into a liquidity squeeze during the summer months, our underweight in these industries paid off. The REITs were down on average 13%, banks declined on average 14% and the Thrifts were down on average 27% for the year. Although on average our stocks declined for the year in the financial sector, there were some highlights. These include our investments in the capital markets space, where Waddell and Reed Financial posted a double digit return. We remain underweight overall in the Financial sector and continue to find few ideas in the REIT and Thrift space as the valuations have still not come down enough to warrant our interest. However, we remain overweight in the insurance space.

 

Industrials continued to perform well during the quarter and our overweight was certainly beneficial to performance. Several stocks posted significant gains for the year including BE Aerospace up 96%, Curtiss-Wright up 67%, and Barnes Group up 56%. We have used the strength in this space to lighten up our exposure given the slowing economic environment. However, we remain overweight as earnings growth and international infrastructure project growth continues to be strong.

 

This has got to be one of the most uncertain times in many years in the financial markets. While in the short-term the current momentum driven market may continue, we remain concerned that additional volatility waves may be heading the market’s way. DVM has traditionally taken advantage of such periods to add or increase positions when waves of selling can drive individual companies or sectors well below their real value. The portfolio’s superior Alpha over time has been built to a significant extent by taking advantage of such opportunities as they present themselves.

 

Given the heightened level of economic uncertainty, we believe the Portfolio is positioned correctly with overweight positions in Healthcare, Consumer Staples, and Energy, and an underweight in the Financial Services and Consumer Discretionary sectors.

 

DVM remains committed to its value philosophy and process that has proven so successful over the years. As we start fiscal year 2008, with the Portfolio’s attractive absolute and relative valuation, we are confident that the Dreman Contrarian Small Cap Value portfolio is a prudent choice for your small cap value equity allocation.

 

 

 

Investment Results(Unaudited)


 

 

 

 

The performance quoted represents past performance, which does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The returns shown do not reflect deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on a Fund’s distributions or the redemption of a Fund’s shares. Current performance of a Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Each Fund’s investment objective, risks, charges and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. Performance data current to the most recent month end may be obtained by calling 1-800-247-1014.

 

* Return figures reflect any change in price per share and assume the reinvestment of all distributions. Each Fund charges a 1% redemption fee on shares redeemed less than one year after they are purchased. The imposition of this fee is not reflected in the returns above.

** The Indices are unmanaged benchmarks that assume reinvestment of all distributions and excludes the effect of taxes and fees. The S&P 500 Index, S&P Mid-Cap 400 Index, and Russell 2000 Value Index are widely recognized unmanaged indices of equity prices and are representative of a broader market and range of securities than is found in a Fund’s portfolio. Individuals cannot invest directly in an Index; however, an individual can invest in ETFs or other investment vehicles that attempt to track the performance of a benchmark index.

 


 

The chart above assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on November 4, 2003 (commencement of Fund operations) and held through October 31, 2007. THE FUND’S RETURNS REPRESENT PAST PERFORMANCE AND DO NOT GUARANTEE FUTURE RESULTS. The returns shown do not reflect deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on the Fund’s distributions or the redemption of the Fund’s shares. Investment returns and principal values will fluctuate so that your shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original purchase price.

 

The S&P 500 Index is a widely recognized unmanaged index of common stock prices and is representative of a broader market and range of securities than is found in the Fund’s portfolio. Individuals cannot invest directly in the Index; however, an individual can invest in exchange-traded funds or other investment vehicles that attempt to track the performance of a benchmark index. The Index returns do not include expenses, which have been deducted from the Fund’s return. These performance figures include the change in value of the stocks in the index plus the reinvestment of dividends and are not annualized. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For more information on the Fund, and to obtain performance data current to the most recent month-end, or to request a prospectus, please call 1-800-247-1014. You should carefully consider the investment objectives, potential risks, management fees, and charges and expenses of the Fund before investing. The Fund’s prospectus contains this and other information about the Fund, and should be read carefully before investing.

 

The Fund is distributed by Unified Financial Securities, Inc., member FINRA.

 


 

The chart above assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on December 31, 2003 (commencement of Fund operations) and held through October 31, 2007. THE FUND’S RETURNS REPRESENT PAST PERFORMANCE AND DO NOT GUARANTEE FUTURE RESULTS. The returns shown do not reflect deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on the Fund’s distributions or the redemption of the Fund’s shares. Investment returns and principal values will fluctuate so that your shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original purchase price.

 

The S&P Mid-Cap 400 Index is a widely recognized unmanaged index of common stock prices and is representative of a broader market and range of securities than is found in the Fund’s portfolio. Individuals cannot invest directly in the Index; however, an individual can invest in exchange-traded funds or other investment vehicles that attempt to track the performance of a benchmark index. The Index returns do not include expenses, which have been deducted from the Fund’s return. These performance figures include the change in value of the stocks in the index plus the reinvestment of dividends and are not annualized. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For more information on the Fund, and to obtain performance data current to the most recent month-end, or to request a prospectus, please call 1-800-247-1014. You should carefully consider the investment objectives, potential risks, management fees, and charges and expenses of the Fund before investing. The Fund’s prospectus contains this and other information about the Fund, and should be read carefully before investing.

 

The Fund is distributed by Unified Financial Securities, Inc., member FINRA.

 


 

The chart above assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on December 31, 2003 (commencement of the Retail Class operations) and held through October 31, 2007. THE FUND’S RETURNS REPRESENT PAST PERFORMANCE AND DO NOT GUARANTEE FUTURE RESULTS. The returns shown do not reflect deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on the Fund’s distributions or the redemption of the Fund’s shares. Investment returns and principal values will fluctuate so that your shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original purchase price.

 

The Russell 2000 Value Index is a widely recognized unmanaged index of common stock prices and is representative of a broader market and range of securities than is found in the Fund’s portfolio. Individuals cannot invest directly in the Index; however, an individual can invest in exchange-traded funds or other investment vehicles that attempt to track the performance of a benchmark index. The Index returns do not include expenses, which have been deducted from the Fund’s return. These performance figures include the change in value of the stocks in the index plus the reinvestment of dividends and are not annualized. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For more information on the Fund, and to obtain performance data current to the most recent month-end, or to request a prospectus, please call 1-800-247-1014. You should carefully consider the investment objectives, potential risks, management fees, and charges and expenses of the Fund before investing. The Fund’s prospectus contains this and other information about the Fund, and should be read carefully before investing.

 

The Fund is distributed by Unified Financial Securities, Inc., member FINRA.

 


 

The chart above assumes an initial investment of $100,000 made on August 22, 2007 (commencement of the Institutional Class operations) and held through October 31, 2007. THE FUND’S RETURNS REPRESENT PAST PERFORMANCE AND DO NOT GUARANTEE FUTURE RESULTS. The returns shown do not reflect deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on the Fund’s distributions or the redemption of the Fund’s shares. Investment returns and principal values will fluctuate so that your shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original purchase price.

 

The Russell 2000 Value Index is a widely recognized unmanaged index of common stock prices and is representative of a broader market and range of securities than is found in the Fund’s portfolio. Individuals cannot invest directly in the Index; however, an individual can invest in exchange-traded funds or other investment vehicles that attempt to track the performance of a benchmark index. The Index returns do not include expenses, which have been deducted from the Fund’s return. These performance figures include the change in value of the stocks in the index plus the reinvestment of dividends and are not annualized. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For more information on the Fund, and to obtain performance data current to the most recent month-end, or to request a prospectus, please call 1-800-247-1014. You should carefully consider the investment objectives, potential risks, management fees, and charges and expenses of the Fund before investing. The Fund’s prospectus contains this and other information about the Fund, and should be read carefully before investing.

 

The Fund is distributed by Unified Financial Securities, Inc., member FINRA.

 

 

 

FUND HOLDINGS – (Unaudited)

 


1As a percent of net assets.

2Companies consisting of market capitalizations similar to those included in the S&P 500 Index.

3Companies consisting of market capitalizations not included in the S&P 500 Index.

 

Under normal circumstances, the Dreman Contrarian Large Cap Value Fund (“Large Cap Fund”) will invest at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of large capitalization companies which the Advisor defines as companies that are similar in market capitalization to those listed on the S&P 500 Index. At October 31, 2007, the market capitalization of companies included in the S&P 500 Index ranged from $1.34 billion to $510.20 billion.

 


1As a percent of net assets.

2Companies consisting of market capitalizations ranging from $550 million to $20 billion.

3Companies consisting of market capitalizations less than $550 million or greater than $20 billion.

 

Under normal circumstances, the Dreman Contrarian Mid Cap Value Fund (“Mid Cap Fund”) will invest at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of medium capitalization companies which the Advisor defines as companies with market capitalizations ranging from $550 million to $20 billion.

 


1As a percent of net assets.

2Companies consisting of market capitalizations included in the Russell 2000 Value Index.

 

Under normal circumstances, the Dreman Contrarian Small Cap Value Fund (“Small Cap Fund”) will invest at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of small capitalization companies which the Advisor defines as companies that are similar in market capitalization to those listed on the Russell 2000 Value Index. At October 31, 2007, the market capitalization of companies included in the Russell 2000 Value Index ranged from $14 million to $5.454 billion.

 

Availability of Portfolio Schedules – (Unaudited)

 

Each Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q, which is available on the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov. Each Fund’s Forms N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.

 

ABOUT YOUR FUNDS’ EXPENSES – (Unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of one of the Funds, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, such as redemption fees; 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 each Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The Examples for the Large Cap Fund, Mid Cap Fund and Small Cap Fund – Class R are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from May 1, 2007 to October 31, 2007. The Example for the Small Cap Fund – Class I is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period (August 22, 2007) and held for the entire period through October 31, 2007.

 

Actual Expenses

 

The first line of each table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.60), 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 each table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Funds’ actual expense ratios and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Funds’ actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Funds and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

 

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

 

 

Dreman Contrarian Large Cap Value Fund

 

Beginning Account Value

May 1, 2007

Ending Account

  Value

October 31, 2007

Expenses Paid During Period*

May 1, 2007 – October 31, 2007

Actual

 

$1,000.00

$1,029.43

$6.65

Hypothetical

(5% return before expenses)

$1,000.00

$1,018.65

$6.62

* Expenses are equal to the Large Cap Fund’s annualized expense ratio of 1.30%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the partial year period).

 

Dreman Contrarian Mid Cap Value Fund

 

Beginning Account Value

May 1, 2007

Ending Account

  Value

October 31, 2007

Expenses Paid During Period*

May 1, 2007 – October 31, 2007

Actual

 

$1,000.00

$1,021.85

$7.14

Hypothetical

(5% return before expenses)

$1,000.00

$1,018.14

$7.13

* Expenses are equal to the Mid Cap Fund’s annualized expense ratio of 1.40%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the partial year period).

 

Dreman Contrarian Small Cap Value Fund -

Class R

Beginning Account Value

May 1, 2007

Ending Account

  Value

October 31, 2007

Expenses Paid During Period*

May 1, 2007 – October 31, 2007

Actual

 

$1,000.00

$1,025.04

$7.67

Hypothetical

(5% return before expenses)

$1,000.00

$1,017.63

$7.64

* Expenses are equal to the Small Cap Fund’s annualized expense ratio of 1.50%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the partial year period).

 

Dreman Contrarian Small Cap Value Fund -

Class I

Beginning Account Value

August 22, 2007

Ending Account

  Value

October 31, 2007

Expenses Paid During Period*

August 22, 2007 – October 31, 2007

Actual

 

$1,000.00

$1,033.40

$2.47

Hypothetical

(5% return before expenses)

$1,000.00

$1,007.29

$2.44

* Expenses are equal to the Small Cap Fund’s annualized expense ratio of 1.25%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 71/365 (to reflect the partial year period).

 

 

 

Dreman Contrarian Funds

 

 

 

Dreman Contrarian Large Cap Value Fund

 

 

 

Schedule of Investments

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks - 92.83%

Shares

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

Aircraft Engines & Engine Parts - 1.71%

 

 

 

United Techologies Corp.

2,100

 

$ 160,839

 

 

 

 

 

Biological Products - 0.74%

 

 

 

Amgen, Inc. (a)

 

1,200

 

69,732

 

 

 

 

 

Converted Paper & Paperboard Products (No Containers/Boxes) - 2.95%

 

3M Co.

 

3,200

 

276,352

 

 

 

 

 

Crude Petroleum & Natural Gas - 13.49%

 

 

 

Anadarko Petroleum Corp.

4,900

 

289,198

Apache Corp.

 

3,200

 

332,192

Devon Energy Corp.

4,300

 

401,620

EnCana Corp.

 

1,100

 

76,670

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

2,400

 

165,720

 

 

 

 

1,265,400

 

 

 

 

 

Electronic & Other Electrical Equipment (No Computer Equipment) - 2.19%

 

General Electric Co.

5,000

 

205,800

 

 

 

 

 

Federal & Federally - Sponsored Credit Agencies - 7.78%

 

 

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. (Freddie Mac)

5,900

 

308,157

Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae)

7,400

 

422,096

 

 

 

 

730,253

 

 

 

 

 

Finance Lessors - 0.86%

 

 

 

CIT Group, Inc.

 

2,300

 

81,052

 

 

 

 

 

Fire, Marine & Casualty Insurance - 1.48%

 

 

 

Chubb Corp.

 

2,600

 

138,710

 

 

 

 

 

Food and Kindred Products - 6.84%

 

 

 

Altria Group, Inc.

 

8,800

 

641,784

 

 

 

 

 

Hospital & Medical Service Plans - 5.98%

 

 

 

Aetna, Inc.

 

3,600

 

202,212

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

7,300

 

358,795

 

 

 

 

561,007

 

 

 

 

 

Industrial Inorganic Chemicals - 0.00%

 

 

 

Tronox, Inc. - Class B (b)

6

 

49

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance Agents, Brokers & Service - 1.24%

 

 

 

The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.

1,200

 

116,436

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dreman Contrarian Funds

 

 

 

Dreman Contrarian Large Cap Value Fund

 

 

 

Schedule of Investments - continued

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks - 92.83% - continued

Shares

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

National Commercial Banks - 8.03%

 

 

 

Bank of America Corp.

2,900

 

$ 140,012

KeyCorp

 

2,100

 

59,745

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

3,200

 

230,912

U.S. Bancorp

 

4,200

 

139,272

Wachovia Corp.

 

4,008

 

183,286

 

 

 

 

753,227

 

 

 

 

 

Petroleum Refining - 11.22%

 

 

 

Chevron Corp.

 

3,800

 

347,738

ConocoPhillips

 

8,300

 

705,168

 

 

 

 

1,052,906

 

 

 

 

 

Pharmaceutical Preparations - 7.63%

 

 

 

Eli Lilly & Co.

 

1,700

 

92,055

Pfizer, Inc.

 

12,500

 

307,625

Wyeth

 

6,500

 

316,095

 

 

 

 

715,775

 

 

 

 

 

Retail - Department Stores - 0.96%

 

 

 

Macy's, Inc.

 

2,800

 

89,684

 

 

 

 

 

Retail - Lumber & Other Building Materials - 2.12%

 

 

Lowe's Companies, Inc.

7,400

 

198,986

 

 

 

 

 

Retail - Miscellaneous Shopping Goods Store - 2.96%

 

 

Borders Group, Inc.

3,600

 

55,512

Staples, Inc.

 

9,500

 

221,730

 

 

 

 

277,242

 

 

 

 

 

Savings Institution, Federally Chartered - 4.83%

 

 

 

Sovereign Bancorp, Inc.

4,552

 

65,685

Washington Mutual, Inc.

13,900

 

387,532

 

 

 

 

453,217

 

 

 

 

 

Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical System - 0.89%

 

Northrop Grumman Corp.

1,000

 

83,620

 

 

 

 

 

Services - Medical Laboratories - 0.28%

 

 

 

Quest Diagnostics, Inc.

499

 

26,537

 

 

 

 

 

Services - Miscellaneous Business Services - 0.07%

 

 

Tyco International Ltd.

148

 

6,093

 

 

 

 

 

Services - Prepackaged Software - 0.55%

 

 

 

Microsoft Corp.

 

1,400

 

51,534

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Dreman Contrarian Funds

 

 

 

Dreman Contrarian Large Cap Value Fund

 

 

 

Schedule of Investments - continued

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks - 92.83% - continued

Shares

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

Surgical & Medical Instruments & Apparatus - 0.02%

 

 

Covidien, Ltd.

 

37

 

$ 1,539

 

 

 

 

 

Telephone Communications - 2.46%

 

 

 

Verizon Communications, Inc.

5,000

 

230,350

 

 

 

 

 

Tobacco Products - 5.54%

 

 

 

British American Tobacco plc (c)

1,200

 

92,016

Imperial Tobacco Group plc (c)

900

 

91,476

UST, Inc.

 

6,300

 

335,916

 

 

 

 

519,408

 

 

 

 

 

Wholesale - Electronic Parts & Equipment - 0.01%

 

 

Tyco Electronics, Ltd.

31

 

1,106

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $6,946,294)

 

 

8,708,638

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Money Market Securities - 6.81%

 

 

 

Huntington Money Market Fund, 4.04% (d)

638,890

 

638,890

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL MONEY MARKET SECURITIES (Cost $638,890)

 

638,890

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS (Cost $7,585,184) - 99.64%

 

$ 9,347,528

 

 

 

 

 

Cash & other assets less liabilities - 0.36%

 

 

33,839

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.00%

 

 

$ 9,381,367

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a) Non-income producing.

 

 

 

(b) Shares received from spinoff of Kerr-McGee Corp.

 

 

(c) American Depositary Receipt.

 

 

 

(d) Variable rate security; the money market rate shown represents the rate at October 31, 2007.

 

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

 

 

 

 

Dreman Contrarian Funds

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dreman Contrarian Large Cap Value Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

Schedule of Investments - continued

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of

 

Underlying Face

 

 

 

 

Long

 

Amount at

 

Unrealized

Futures Contracts

 

Contracts

 

Market Value

 

Appreciation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S&P 500 E-Mini Futures Contracts December 2007 (a)

8

 

$ 621,960

 

$ 9,110

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a) Each S&P 500 E-Mini Future contract is equal to $50 times the S&P 500 Stock Index.

 

 

 

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

 

 

Dreman Contrarian Funds

Dreman Contrarian Mid Cap Value Fund

Schedule of Investments

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks - 94.59%

Shares

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

Canned Fruits, Vegetables, Preserves Jams & Jellies - 1.64%

 

 

 

The J.M. Smucker Co.

800

 

$ 42,744

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial Printing - 1.55%

 

 

 

R.R. Donnelley & Sons Co.

1,000

 

40,290

 

 

 

 

 

Computer Storage Devices - 2.19%

 

 

 

Seagate Technology

2,050

 

57,072

 

 

 

 

 

Crude Petroleum & Natural Gas - 4.36%

 

 

 

Chesapeake Energy Corp.

950

 

37,506

Cimarex Energy Co.

950

 

38,485

Newfield Exploration Co. (a)

700

 

37,688

 

 

 

 

113,679

 

 

 

 

 

Dolls & Stuffed Toys - 1.52%

 

 

 

Mattel, Inc.

 

1,900

 

39,691

 

 

 

 

 

Drawing & Insulating of Nonferrous Wire - 2.21%

 

 

 

General Cable Corp. (a)

800

 

57,592

 

 

 

 

 

Electric & Other Services Combined - 3.42%

 

 

 

Ameren Corp

 

800

 

43,248

Integrys Energy Group, Inc.

850

 

45,738

 

 

 

 

88,986

 

 

 

 

 

Electric Lighting & Wiring Equipment - 3.60%

 

 

 

Cooper Industries, Ltd. - Class A

900

 

47,151

Hubbell, Inc. - Class B

850

 

46,750

 

 

 

 

93,901

 

 

 

 

 

Electric Services - 1.62%

 

 

 

Mirant Corp. (a)

 

19

 

805

PPL Corp.

 

800

 

41,360

 

 

 

 

42,165

 

 

 

 

 

Finance Lessors - 1.29%

 

 

 

CIT Group, Inc.

 

950

 

33,478

 

 

 

 

 

Fire, Marine & Casualty Insurance - 6.11%

 

 

 

Arch Capital Group, Ltd. (a)

650

 

48,600

Cincinnati Financial Corp.

873

 

34,728

HCC Insurance Holdings, Inc.

1,100

 

32,879

Loews Corp. - Carolina Group

500

 

42,890

 

 

 

 

159,097

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dreman Contrarian Funds

 

 

 

Dreman Contrarian Mid Cap Value Fund

 

 

 

Schedule of Investments - continued

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks - 94.59% - continued

Shares

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

Gold and Silver Ores - 2.31%

 

 

 

Yamana Gold, Inc.

4,000

 

$ 60,080

 

 

 

 

 

Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts - 1.69%

 

 

 

Alliant Techsystems, Inc. (a)

400

 

44,156

 

 

 

 

 

Household Appliances - 0.91%

 

 

 

Whirlpool Corp.

 

300

 

23,754

 

 

 

 

 

Household Furniture - 1.45%

 

 

 

Leggett & Platt, Inc.

1,950

 

37,889

 

 

 

 

 

Industrial Organic Chemicals - 2.46%

 

 

 

Lyondell Chemical Co.

1,350

 

64,057

 

 

 

 

 

Laboratory Analytical Instruments - 1.63%

 

 

 

Beckman Coulter, Inc.

600

 

42,492

 

 

 

 

 

Life Insurance - 1.48%

 

 

 

Protective Life Corp.

900

 

38,583

 

 

 

 

 

Meat Packing Plants - 3.01%

 

 

 

Hormel Foods Corp.

1,050

 

38,304

Smithfield Foods, Inc. (a)

1,400

 

40,138

 

 

 

 

78,442

 

 

 

 

 

Miscellaneous Fabricated Metal Products - 1.85%

 

 

 

Parker Hannifin Corp.

600

 

48,222

 

 

 

 

 

Miscellaneous Furniture & Fixtures - 3.20%

 

 

 

Hillenbrand Industries, Inc.

800

 

44,176

Kinetic Concepts, Inc. (a)

650

 

39,065

 

 

 

 

83,241

 

 

 

 

 

Miscellaneous Industrial & Commercial Machinery & Equipment - 1.07%

 

 

 

Eaton Corp.

 

300

 

27,774

 

 

 

 

 

Miscellaneous Metal Ores - 1.69%

 

 

 

Cameco Corp.

 

900

 

44,145

 

 

 

 

 

Miscellaneous Publishing - 1.14%

 

 

 

Idearc, Inc.

 

1,100

 

29,678

 

 

 

 

 

Motors & Generators - 1.53%

 

 

 

AMETEK, Inc.

 

850

 

39,950

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dreman Contrarian Funds

 

 

 

Dreman Contrarian Mid Cap Value Fund

 

 

 

Schedule of Investments - continued

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks - 94.59% - continued

Shares

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

Motor Vehicle Parts & Accessories - 1.82%

 

 

 

Autoliv, Inc.

 

750

 

$ 47,385

 

 

 

 

 

National Commercial Banks - 5.33%

 

 

 

Comerica, Inc.

 

800

 

37,344

Huntington Bancshares, Inc.

2,050

 

36,716

KeyCorp

 

1,000

 

28,450

Marshall & Ilsley Corp.

850

 

36,295

 

 

 

 

138,805

 

 

 

 

 

Newspapers: Publishing or Publishing & Printing - 1.06%

 

 

 

Gannett Co., Inc.

650

 

27,567

 

 

 

 

 

Oil & Gas Field Services - 1.57%

 

 

 

Superior Energy Services, Inc. (a)

1,100

 

40,788

 

 

 

 

 

Ophthalmic Goods - 1.45%

 

 

 

The Cooper Companies, Inc.

900

 

37,800

 

 

 

 

 

Paints, Varnishes, Lacquers, Enamels & Allied Products - 1.43%

 

 

 

PPG Industries, Inc.

500

 

37,370

 

 

 

 

 

Petroleum Refining - 2.92%

 

 

 

Hess Corp.

 

550

 

39,386

Sunoco, Inc.

 

500

 

36,800

 

 

 

 

76,186

 

 

 

 

 

Pharmaceutical Preparations - 2.74%

 

 

 

Biovail Corp.

 

2,250

 

45,022

Mylan, Inc.

 

1,750

 

26,320

 

 

 

 

71,342

 

 

 

 

 

Radio & Tv Broadcasting & Communications Equipment - 1.68%

 

 

 

L-3 Communcations Holdings, Inc.

400

 

43,856

 

 

 

 

 

Retail - Apparel & Accessory Stores - 1.62%

 

 

 

The Men's Wearhouse, Inc.

1,000

 

42,260

 

 

 

 

 

Retail - Building Materials, Hardware, Garden Supply - 1.59%

 

 

 

The Sherwin-Williams Co.

650

 

41,548

 

 

 

 

 

Retail - Family Clothing Stores - 1.50%

 

 

 

The TJX Companies, Inc.

1,350

 

39,056

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dreman Contrarian Funds

 

 

 

Dreman Contrarian Mid Cap Value Fund

 

 

 

Schedule of Investments - continued

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks - 94.59% - continued

Shares

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical Systems - 1.87%

 

 

 

DRS Technologies, Inc.

850

 

$ 48,824

 

 

 

 

 

Services - Electric - 1.90%

 

 

 

Edison International

850

 

49,376

 

 

 

 

 

Services - Miscellaneous Health & Allied Services - 1.33%

 

 

 

Lincare Holdings, Inc. (a)

1,000

 

34,770

 

 

 

 

 

Services - Prepackaged Software - 1.75%

 

 

 

Check Point Software Technologies, Ltd. (a)

1,800

 

45,468

 

 

 

 

 

Soap, Detergents, Cleaning Preparations, Perfumes, Cosmetics - 1.45%

 

 

 

Church & Dwight Co., Inc.

800

 

37,848

 

 

 

 

 

Telephone Communications (No Radiotelephone) - 1.45%

 

 

 

Windstream Corp.

2,800

 

37,660

 

 

 

 

 

Wholesale - Electrical Apparatus & Equipment, Wiring Supplies - 3.71%

 

 

 

Anixter International, Inc. (a)

400

 

28,740

Arrow Electronics, Inc. (a)

1,000

 

39,980

WESCO International, Inc. (a)

600

 

27,990

 

 

 

 

96,710

 

 

 

 

 

Wholesale - Groceries & Related Products - 1.49%

 

 

 

SUPERVALU, Inc.

1,000

 

38,750

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $2,312,443)

 

 

2,464,527

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Real Estate Investment Trusts - 2.77%

 

 

 

Hospitality Properties Trust

850

 

33,660

Ventas, Inc.

 

900

 

38,601

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (Cost $70,905)

 

 

72,261

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Escrow Rights - 0.00%

 

 

 

Southern Energy Escrow Rights (b)

15,000

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL ESCROW RIGHTS (Cost $0)

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dreman Contrarian Funds

 

 

 

Dreman Contrarian Mid Cap Value Fund

 

 

 

Schedule of Investments - continued

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

Money Market Securities - 3.82%

 

 

 

Huntington Money Market Fund, 4.04% (c)

99,502

 

$ 99,502

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL MONEY MARKET SECURITIES (Cost $99,502)

 

 

99,502

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS (Cost $2,482,850) - 101.18%

 

 

$2,636,290

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities less other assets - (1.18)%

 

 

(30,807)

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.00%

 

 

$ 2,605,483

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a) Non-income producing.

 

 

 

(b) Escrow rights issued in conjunction with bond reorganization. There is no market for the rights, therefore these are

considered to be illiquid and are valued according to fair value procedures approved by the Trust.

(c) Variable rate security; the money market rate shown represents the rate at October 31, 2007.

 

 

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

 

 

Dreman Contrarian Funds

 

 

 

Dreman Contrarian Small Cap Value Fund

 

 

 

Schedule of Investments

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks - 94.15%

Shares

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

Accident & Health Insurance - 1.13%

 

 

 

StanCorp Financial Group, Inc.

8,600

 

$ 474,118

 

 

 

 

 

Air Conditioning & Warm Air Heat Equipment & Commercial &

 

 

 

Industrial Refrigeration Equipment - 1.06%

 

 

 

Lennox International, Inc.

12,550

 

448,035

 

 

 

 

 

Air Courier Services - 0.82%

 

 

 

ABX Air, Inc. (a)

 

54,950

 

347,284

 

 

 

 

 

Canned, Fruits, Vegetables, Preserves, Jams & Jellies - 1.92%

 

 

 

Del Monte Foods Co.

37,750

 

390,335

The J.M. Smucker Co.

7,850

 

419,426

 

 

 

 

809,761

 

 

 

 

 

Cigarettes - 1.35%

 

 

 

Vector Group, Ltd.

25,935

 

567,458

 

 

 

 

 

Computer Storage Devices - 1.06%

 

 

 

STEC, Inc. (a)

 

69,150

 

445,326

 

 

 

 

 

Crude Petroleum & Natural Gas - 5.64%

 

 

 

Delta Petroleum Corp. (a)

17,907

 

334,861

Parallel Petroleum Corp. (a)

30,200

 

618,194

Petrohawk Energy Corp. (a)

34,350

 

635,475

PetroQuest Energy, Inc. (a)

28,350

 

365,715

St. Mary Land & Exploration Co.

9,900

 

419,364

 

 

 

 

2,373,609

 

 

 

 

 

Deep Sea Foreign Transportation of Freight - 0.89%

 

 

 

Hornbeck Offshore Services, Inc. (a)

9,554

 

373,561

 

 

 

 

 

Drawing & Insulating of Nonferrous Wire - 0.97%

 

 

 

General Cable Corp. (a)

5,650

 

406,744

 

 

 

 

 

Drilling Oil & Gas Wells - 2.87%

 

 

 

Atwood Oceanics, Inc. (a)

5,750

 

484,380

Hercules Offshore, Inc. (a)

14,700

 

397,488

Key Energy Services, Inc. (a)

23,800

 

326,774

 

 

 

 

1,208,642

 

 

 

 

 

Electric Housewares & Fans - 0.73%

 

 

 

Helen of Troy, Ltd. (a)

17,050

 

306,900

 

 

 

 

 

Electric & Other Services Combined - 1.89%

 

 

 

ALLETE, Inc.

 

8,650

 

377,919

Integrys Energy Group, Inc.

7,800

 

419,718

 

 

 

 

797,637

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Dreman Contrarian Funds

 

 

 

Dreman Contrarian Small Cap Value Fund

 

 

 

Schedule of Investments - continued

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks - 94.15% - continued

Shares

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

Electric Services - 1.05%

 

 

 

IDACORP, Inc.

12,700

 

$ 443,103

 

 

 

 

 

Electrical Work - 0.89%

 

 

 

EMCOR Group, Inc. (a)

10,900

 

375,287

 

 

 

 

 

Electromedical & Electrotherapeutic - 0.70%

 

 

 

Syneron Medical, Ltd. (a)

16,200

 

296,298

 

 

 

 

 

Fire, Marine & Casualty Insurance - 5.91%

 

 

 

Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. (a)

8,018

 

341,647

Endurance Specialty Holdings, Ltd.

12,450

 

488,164

Hanover Insurance Group, Inc.

9,050

 

416,934

Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd.

13,150

 

473,400

Safety Insurance Group, Inc.

10,300

 

370,388

United Fire & Casualty Co.

12,500

 

400,500

 

 

 

 

2,491,033

 

 

 

 

 

Gas & Other Services Combined - 0.98%

 

 

 

Vectren Corp.

 

14,700

 

412,188

 

 

 

 

 

General Building Contractors - Nonresidential Buildings - 0.68%

 

 

 

Perini Corp. (a)

 

5,000

 

286,750

 

 

 

 

 

General Building Contractors - Residential Buildings - 0.79%

 

 

 

Walter Industries, Inc.

10,900

 

333,976

 

 

 

 

 

Gold and Silver Ores - 2.48%

 

 

 

IAMGOLD Corp.

54,850

 

481,034

Pan American Silver Corp. (a)

17,000

 

563,210

 

 

 

 

1,044,244

 

 

 

 

 

Grain Mill Products - 0.96%

 

 

 

Ralcorp Holdings, Inc. (a)

7,150

 

402,545

 

 

 

 

 

Hospital & Medical Service Plans - 1.00%

 

 

 

Healthspring, Inc. (a)

20,100

 

422,100

 

 

 

 

 

Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, and Control - 0.88%

 

 

 

MKS Instruments, Inc. (a)

18,400

 

369,472

 

 

 

 

 

Instruments For Measuring & Testing of Electricity & Electrical Signals - 0.48%

 

 

Tektronix, Inc.

 

5,300

 

200,605

 

 

 

 

 

Life Insurance - 0.97%

 

 

 

IPC Holdings, Ltd.

13,700

 

409,767

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dreman Contrarian Funds

 

 

 

Dreman Contrarian Small Cap Value Fund

 

 

 

Schedule of Investments - continued

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks - 94.15% - continued

Shares

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

Machine Tools, Metal Cutting Types - 1.31%

 

 

 

Kennametal, Inc.

6,050

 

$ 551,820

 

 

 

 

 

Manifold Business Forms - 0.79%

 

 

 

Ennis, Inc.

 

16,300

 

333,172

 

 

 

 

 

Miscellaneous Business Credit Institution - 0.74%

 

 

 

Financial Federal Corp.

11,550

 

312,081

 

 

 

 

 

Miscellaneous Chemical Products - 0.91%

 

 

 

Hercules, Inc.

 

20,300

 

381,843

 

 

 

 

 

Miscellaneous Fabricated Metal Products - 2.12%

 

 

 

Barnes Group, Inc.

15,150

 

556,459

Mueller Water Products, Inc. - Class A

28,700

 

337,225

 

 

 

 

893,684

 

 

 

 

 

Miscellaneous Industrial & Commercial Machinery & Equipment - 1.24%

 

 

Curtiss-Wright Corp.

9,300

 

523,497

 

 

 

 

 

Motors & Generators - 1.10%

 

 

 

Regal-Beloit Corp.

9,450

 

463,428

 

 

 

 

 

National Commercial Banks - 2.53%

 

 

 

Citizens Republic Bancorp, Inc.

18,300

 

278,526

City Holding Co.

 

10,600

 

400,786

FirstMerit Corp.

 

18,300

 

387,960

 

 

 

 

1,067,272

 

 

 

 

 

Office Furniture (No Wood) - 0.91%

 

 

 

HNI Corp.

 

8,850

 

383,736

 

 

 

 

 

Oil & Gas Field Services - 0.94%

 

 

 

Superior Energy Services, Inc. (a)

10,650

 

394,902

 

 

 

 

 

Ophthalmic Goods - 0.89%

 

 

 

The Cooper Companies, Inc.

8,950

 

375,900

 

 

 

 

 

Ordnance & Accessories (No Vehicles/Guided Missiles) - 1.00%

 

 

 

Blount International, Inc. (a)

34,600

 

423,158

 

 

 

 

 

Petroleum Refining - 0.93%

 

 

 

Alon USA Energy, Inc.

10,600

 

389,762

 

 

 

 

 

Plastics Products - 0.99%

 

 

 

Myers Industries, Inc.

19,650

 

416,384

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Dreman Contrarian Funds

 

 

 

Dreman Contrarian Small Cap Value Fund

 

 

 

Schedule of Investments - continued

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks - 94.15% - continued

Shares

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

Poultry Slaughtering and Processing - 1.86%

 

 

 

Pilgrim's Pride Corp.

12,000

 

$ 356,400

Sanderson Farms, Inc.

12,300

 

428,040

 

 

 

 

784,440

 

 

 

 

 

Prefabricated Metal Buildings & Components - 0.80%

 

 

 

NCI Building Systems, Inc. (a)

8,650

 

338,907

 

 

 

 

 

Primary Production of Aluminum - 1.19%

 

 

 

Century Aluminum Co. (a)

8,600

 

500,434

 

 

 

 

 

Printed Circuit Boards - 0.92%

 

 

 

Park Electrochemical Corp.

12,317

 

385,768

 

 

 

 

 

Radio & TV Broadcasting & Communications Equipment - 1.97%

 

 

 

Arris Group, Inc. (a)

24,650

 

283,475

CommScope, Inc. (a)

11,600

 

547,172

 

 

 

 

830,647

 

 

 

 

 

Retail - Apparel & Accessory Stores - 2.01%

 

 

 

Hanesbrands, Inc. (a)

15,300

 

474,912

The Men's Wearhouse, Inc.

8,850

 

374,001

 

 

 

 

848,913

 

 

 

 

 

Retail - Auto Dealers & Gasoline Stations - 1.05%

 

 

 

Penske Automotive Group, Inc.

19,850

 

442,258

 

 

 

 

 

Retail - Eating Places - 0.50%

 

 

 

Ruby Tuesday, Inc.

13,292

 

212,273

 

 

 

 

 

Retail - Grocery Stores - 2.25%

 

 

 

Ruddick Corp.

 

14,400

 

489,600

Weis Markets, Inc.

10,450

 

458,650

 

 

 

 

948,250

 

 

 

 

 

Rolling Drawing & Extruding of Nonferrous Metals - 0.94%

 

 

 

RTI International Metals, Inc. (a)

5,050

 

394,809

 

 

 

 

 

Savings Institution, Federally Chartered - 0.93%

 

 

 

MB Financial, Inc.

11,800

 

393,412

 

 

 

 

 

Savings Institution, Not Federally Chartered - 0.70%

 

 

 

Sterling Financial Corp.

13,150

 

295,875

 

 

 

 

 

Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical Systems - 1.07%

 

 

 

DRS Technologies, Inc.

7,850

 

450,904

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Dreman Contrarian Funds

 

 

 

Dreman Contrarian Small Cap Value Fund

 

 

 

Schedule of Investments - continued

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks - 94.15% - continued

Shares

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

Secondary Smelting & Refining of Nonferrous Metals - 0.69%

 

 

 

OM Group, Inc. (a)

5,500

 

$ 291,390

 

 

 

 

 

Security Brokers, Dealers & Flotation Companies - 1.57%

 

 

 

Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. - Class A

19,900

 

661,078

 

 

 

 

 

Services - Computer Integrated Systems - 0.97%

 

 

 

Jack Henry & Associates, Inc.

14,000

 

409,080

 

 

 

 

 

Services - Equipment Rental & Leasing - 0.78%

 

 

 

Aaron Rents, Inc.

 

15,500

 

328,290

 

 

 

 

 

Services - General Medical & Surgical Hospitals - 0.84%

 

 

 

LifePoint Hospitals, Inc. (a)

11,545

 

352,353

 

 

 

 

 

Services - Help Supply Services - 0.67%

 

 

 

Kelly Services, Inc. - Class A

13,350

 

280,751

 

 

 

 

 

Services - Home Health Care Services - 2.17%

 

 

 

Amedisys, Inc. (a)

12,800

 

543,360

Apria Healthcare Group, Inc. (a)

15,400

 

372,218

 

 

 

 

915,578

 

 

 

 

 

Services - Offices & Clinics of Doctors of Medicine - 1.10%

 

 

 

AmSurg Corp. (a)

17,500

 

462,875

 

 

 

 

 

Services - Personal Services - 0.83%

 

 

 

Regis Corp.

 

10,400

 

349,440

 

 

 

 

 

Services - Prepackaged Software - 1.24%

 

 

 

Sybase, Inc. (a)

 

18,300

 

523,380

 

 

 

 

 

Short-Term Business Credit Institutions - 1.01%

 

 

 

ASTA Funding, Inc.

12,000

 

426,480

 

 

 

 

 

State Commercial Banks - 2.87%

 

 

 

Boston Private Financial Holdings, Inc.

14,700

 

422,772

Columbia Banking System, Inc.

12,700

 

394,589

UCBH Holdings, Inc.

22,850

 

390,050

 

 

 

 

1,207,411

 

 

 

 

 

Telephone Communications (No Radiotelephone) - 2.09%

 

 

 

Alaska Communications Systems Group, Inc.

27,950

 

454,747

Iowa Telecommunications Services, Inc.

21,600

 

425,952

 

 

 

 

880,699

 

 

 

 

 

Transportation Services - 0.90%

 

 

 

GATX Corp.

 

9,250

 

378,973

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dreman Contrarian Funds

 

 

 

Dreman Contrarian Small Cap Value Fund

 

 

 

Schedule of Investments - continued

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks - 94.15% - continued

Shares

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

Wholesale - Drugs, Proprietaries & Druggists' Sundries - 1.27%

 

 

 

Axcan Pharma, Inc. (a)

26,250

 

$ 536,287

 

 

 

 

 

Wholesale - Electrical Apparatus & Equipment, Wiring Supplies - 1.18%

 

 

 

Anixter International, Inc. (a)

6,900

 

495,765

 

 

 

 

 

Wholesale - Farm Product Raw Materials - 0.94%

 

 

 

Universal Corp.

 

8,100

 

394,794

 

 

 

 

 

Wholesale - Groceries & Related Products - 1.13%

 

 

 

Nash Finch Co.

 

12,750

 

477,487

 

 

 

 

 

Wholesale - Metals & Minerals (No Petroleum) - 1.21%

 

 

 

Uranium Resources, Inc. (a)

41,004

 

510,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $38,225,829)

 

 

39,666,583

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Real Estate Investment Trusts - 1.39%

 

 

 

American Financial Realty Trust

39,150

 

263,871

Ashford Hospitality Trust

32,500

 

319,800

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (Cost $831,138)

 

 

583,671

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Money Market Securities - 5.25%

 

 

 

Huntington Money Market Fund, 4.04% (b)

2,210,620

 

2,210,620

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL MONEY MARKET SECURITIES (Cost $2,210,620)

 

 

2,210,620

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS (Cost $41,267,587) - 100.79%

 

 

$ 42,460,874

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities less other assets - (0.79)%

 

 

(330,966)

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.00%

 

 

$ 42,129,908

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a) Non-income producing.

 

 

 

(b) Variable rate security; the money market rate shown represents the rate at October 31, 2007.

 

 

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

 

Dreman Contrarian Funds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dreman

 

Dreman

 

Dreman

 

 

 

 

Contrarian

 

Contrarian

 

Contrarian

 

 

 

 

Large Cap

 

Mid Cap

 

Small Cap

 

 

 

 

Value Fund

 

Value Fund

 

Value Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments in securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At cost

 

 

 

$ 7,585,184

 

$ 2,482,850

 

$ 41,267,587

At value

 

 

 

$ 9,347,528

 

$ 2,636,290

 

$ 42,460,874

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash held at broker

 

 

 

25,200

 

-

 

-

Receivable for net variation margin on futures contracts

 

7,560

 

-

 

-

Receivable for investments sold

 

 

 

-

 

56,154

 

208,520

Receivable for fund shares sold

 

 

 

-

 

-

 

39,978

Interest receivable

 

 

 

2,524

 

517

 

6,103

Dividends receivable

 

 

 

18,506

 

925

 

22,639

Receivable from advisor (a)

 

 

 

6,313

 

18,656

 

-

Prepaid expenses

 

 

 

11,338

 

1,543

 

6,341

Total assets

 

 

 

9,418,969

 

2,714,085

 

42,744,455

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payable for investments purchased

 

 

-

 

71,427

 

227,404

Payable for fund shares purchased

 

 

-

 

-

 

263,231

Payable to administrator, fund accountant and transfer agent

17,141

 

16,982

 

24,875

Accrued trustee & officer expenses

 

 

1,783

 

1,783

 

2,052

Payable to advisor (a)

 

 

 

-

 

-

 

73,531

Accrued expenses

 

 

 

18,678

 

18,410

 

23,454

Total liabilities

 

 

 

37,602

 

108,602

 

614,547

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Assets:

 

 

 

$ 9,381,367

 

$ 2,605,483

 

$ 42,129,908

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Assets consist of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paid in capital

 

 

 

$ 7,104,620

 

$ 2,154,345

 

$ 38,815,468

Accumulated undistributed net investment income

 

130,275

 

7,736

 

22,216

Accumulated undistributed net realized gain on investments

375,018

 

289,962

 

2,098,937

Net unrealized appreciation on investments

1,762,344

 

153,440

 

1,193,287

Net unrealized appreciation on futures contracts

 

9,110

 

-

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Assets:

 

 

 

$ 9,381,367

 

$ 2,605,483

 

$ 42,129,908

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class R:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Assets

 

 

 

9,381,367

 

2,605,483

 

41,374,101

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized)

654,296

 

185,739

 

2,197,012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value and offering price per share

$ 14.34

 

$ 14.03

 

$ 18.83

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Redemption Price per share (NAV * 0.99) (b)

$ 14.20

 

$ 13.89

 

$ 18.64

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class I: (c)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Assets

 

 

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

755,807

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized)

N/A

 

N/A

 

40,085

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value and offering price per share

N/A

 

N/A

 

$ 18.86

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a) See Note 3 in the Notes to the Financial Statements.

(b) A redemption fee of 1.00% is charged on shares held less than one year.

(c) See Note 1 in the Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

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

 

 

Dreman Contrarian Funds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Statements of Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dreman

 

Dreman

 

Dreman

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contrarian

 

Contrarian

 

Contrarian

 

 

 

 

 

 

Large Cap

 

Mid Cap

 

Small Cap

 

 

 

 

 

 

Value Fund

 

Value Fund

 

Value Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment Income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividend income (Net of withholding tax of $619, $140, and $0, respectively)

$ 226,129

 

$ 37,951

 

$ 443,615

Interest income

 

 

 

 

35,065

 

4,465

 

118,092

Total Income

 

 

 

 

261,194

 

42,416

 

561,707

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment advisor fee (a)

 

 

 

68,475

 

19,367

 

316,022

12b-1 expense (For Small Cap, Class R)

 

 

22,830

 

5,702

 

83,513

Administration expenses

 

 

 

30,333

 

30,165

 

37,673

Fund accounting expenses

 

 

 

19,998

 

19,998

 

21,909

Registration expenses

 

 

 

 

15,476

 

1,785

 

17,267

Transfer agent expenses

 

 

 

19,033

 

17,978

 

28,070

Legal expenses

 

 

 

 

15,301

 

15,312

 

21,097

Auditing expenses

 

 

 

 

11,450

 

11,450

 

12,420

Trustee expenses

 

 

 

 

4,429

 

4,379

 

4,845

CCO expenses

 

 

 

 

5,294

 

5,324

 

5,176

Pricing expenses

 

 

 

 

5,079

 

6,443

 

7,172

Custodian expenses

 

 

 

 

4,694

 

5,893

 

19,544

Insurance expenses

 

 

 

 

1,096

 

928

 

1,871

24f-2 expense

 

 

 

 

-

 

-

 

470

Miscellaneous expenses

 

 

 

755

 

594

 

910

Printing expenses

 

 

 

 

1,498

 

1,177

 

13,094

Total Expenses

 

 

 

 

225,741

 

146,495

 

591,053

Expenses waived and reimbursed by advisor (a)

 

 

(84,274)

 

(108,890)

 

(6,070)

12b-1 fees waived by advisor (a)

 

 

 

(22,830)

 

(5,702)

 

(83,513)

Net operating expenses

 

 

 

 

118,637

 

31,903

 

501,470

Net Investment Income

 

 

 

 

142,557

 

10,513

 

60,237

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Realized & Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized gain on investment securities

 

 

339,984

 

291,416

 

2,579,088

Net realized gain on futures contracts

 

 

64,574

 

-

 

-

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on

 

 

 

 

 

 

investment securities

 

 

 

 

307,858

 

(10,217)

 

207,923

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on

 

 

 

 

 

 

futures contracts

 

 

 

 

(15,495)

 

-

 

-

Net realized and unrealized gain on investment securities

 

696,921

 

281,199

 

2,787,011

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

 

$ 839,478

 

$ 291,712

 

$ 2,847,248

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a) See Note 3 in the Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Dreman Contrarian Funds

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dreman

 

 

 

 

 

Contrarian

 

 

 

 

 

Large Cap

 

 

 

 

 

Value Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended

 

Year ended

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets due to:

 

October 31, 2007

 

October 31, 2006

Operations:

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

 

$ 142,557

 

$ 102,385

Net realized gain on investment securities and futures

 

404,558

 

409,244

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on

 

 

 

 

investment securities and futures contracts

 

292,363

 

631,940

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

 

839,478

 

1,143,569

Distributions:

 

 

 

 

From net investment income

 

 

(109,340)

 

(84,987)

From net realized gain

 

 

 

(438,790)

 

(162,877)

Total distributions

 

 

 

(548,130)

 

(247,864)

Capital Share Transactions:

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from shares sold

 

1,338,714

 

1,282,756

Reinvestment of distributions

 

 

548,130

 

247,864

Amount paid for shares repurchased

 

 

(1,299,116)

 

(150,604)

Net increase in net assets resulting

 

 

 

 

 

from share transactions

 

587,728

 

1,380,016

Total Increase in Net Assets

 

 

879,076

 

2,275,721

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Assets:

 

 

 

 

Beginning of year

 

 

 

8,502,291

 

6,226,570

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

End of year

 

$ 9,381,367

 

$ 8,502,291

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated undistributed net

 

 

 

 

 

investment income included

 

 

 

 

 

in net assets at end of period

 

 

$ 130,275

 

$ 97,058

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital Share Transactions:

 

 

 

 

Shares sold

 

95,243

 

98,852

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

 

40,068

 

20,021

Shares repurchased

 

 

 

(92,784)

 

(11,092)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase from capital share transactions

 

42,527

 

107,781

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Dreman Contrarian Funds

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dreman

 

 

 

 

Contrarian

 

 

 

 

Mid Cap

 

 

 

 

Value Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended

 

Year ended

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets due to:

 

October 31, 2007

 

October 31, 2006

Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

$ 10,513

 

$ 7,696

Net realized gain on investment securities

 

291,416

 

105,679

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

 

(10,217)

 

109,429

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

 

291,712

 

222,804

Distributions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

From net investment income

 

 

(7,960)

 

(3,056)

From net realized gain

 

 

(106,734)

 

(156,770)

Total distributions

 

 

(114,694)

 

(159,826)

Capital Share Transactions:

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from shares sold

 

 

1,179,574

 

412,199

Reinvestment of distributions

 

 

101,290

 

159,826

Amount paid for shares repurchased

 

(584,293)

 

(21,000)

Net increase in net assets resulting

 

 

 

 

 

from share transactions

 

 

696,571

 

551,025

Total Increase in Net Assets

 

 

873,589

 

614,003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of year

 

 

1,731,894

 

1,117,891

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

End of year

 

 

 

$ 2,605,483

 

$ 1,731,894

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated undistributed net

 

 

 

 

 

investment income included

 

 

 

 

 

in net assets at end of period

 

 

$ 7,736

 

$ 5,183

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital Share Transactions:

 

 

 

 

 

Shares sold

 

 

 

86,796

 

32,966

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

 

7,969

 

13,910

Shares repurchased

 

 

(42,507)

 

(1,679)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase from capital share transactions

 

52,258

 

45,197

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Dreman Contrarian Funds

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dreman

 

 

 

 

 

Contrarian

 

 

 

 

 

Small Cap

 

 

 

 

 

Value Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended

 

Year ended

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets due to:

 

October 31, 2007

 

October 31, 2006

Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

 

$ 60,237

 

$ 16,522

Net realized gain on investment securities

 

2,579,088

 

528,416

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

 

207,923

 

877,884

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

 

2,847,248

 

1,422,822

Distributions:

 

 

 

 

From net investment income, Class R

 

 

(44,426)

 

(14,615)

Total distributions

 

 

 

(44,426)

 

(14,615)

Capital Share Transactions - Class R:

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from shares sold

 

 

35,907,827

 

11,690,044

Reinvestment of distributions

 

 

43,595

 

14,468

Amount paid for shares repurchased

 

 

(11,675,065)

 

(2,194,466)

Net increase in net assets resulting

 

 

 

 

 

from share transactions

 

 

24,276,357

 

9,510,046

Capital Share Transactions - Class I: (a)

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from shares sold

 

 

798,378

 

-

Amount paid for shares repurchased

 

 

(31,890)

 

-

Net increase in net assets resulting

 

 

 

 

 

from share transactions

 

 

766,488

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Increase in Net Assets

 

 

27,845,667

 

10,918,253

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of year

 

 

 

14,284,241

 

3,365,988

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

End of year

 

 

$ 42,129,908

 

$ 14,284,241

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated undistributed net

 

 

 

 

 

investment income included

 

 

 

 

 

in net assets at end of period

 

 

$ 22,216

 

$ 6,404

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital Share Transactions - Class R:

 

 

 

 

 

Shares sold

 

 

1,984,653

 

730,577

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

 

2,439

 

1,057

Shares repurchased

 

 

 

(638,708)

 

(142,364)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase from capital share transactions

 

1,348,384

 

589,270

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital Share Transactions - Class I: (a)

 

 

 

 

 

Shares sold

 

 

41,831

 

-

Shares repurchased

 

 

 

(1,746)

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase from capital share transactions

 

40,085

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a) See Note 1 in the Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

 

 

 

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

 

Dreman Contrarian Funds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial Highlights

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dreman Contrarian

 

 

 

 

Large Cap Value Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended

 

Year ended

 

Year ended

 

Period ended

 

 

 

 

October

31, 2007

 

October

31, 2006

 

October

31, 2005

 

October

31, 2004(a)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selected Per Share Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$ 13.90

 

$ 12.35

 

$ 11.03

 

$ 10.00

Income from investment operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

0.22

 

0.17

 

0.16

 

0.15

Net realized and unrealized gain

 

1.09

 

1.87

 

1.39

 

0.88

Total from investment operations

 

1.31

 

2.04

 

1.55

 

1.03

Less distributions to Shareholders:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From net investment income

 

(0.18)

 

(0.17)

 

(0.15)

 

-

From net realized gain

(0.70)

 

(0.32)

 

(0.08)

 

-

Total distributions

 

 

(0.88)

 

(0.49)

 

(0.23)

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paid in capital from redemption fees

 

0.01

 

-(b)

 

-(b)

 

-(b)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$ 14.34

 

$ 13.90

 

$ 12.35

 

$ 11.03

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Return (c)

 

 

9.81%

 

17.02%

 

14.10%

 

10.30%(d)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (000)

 

$ 9,381

 

$ 8,502

 

$ 6,227

 

$ 5,181

Ratio of expenses to average net assets (e)

 

1.30%

 

1.30%

 

1.30%

 

1.55%(f)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

before waiver & reimbursement

 

2.47%

 

2.73%

 

2.43%

 

3.12%(f)

Ratio of net investment income to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

average net assets (e)

1.56%

 

1.41%

 

1.35%

 

1.38%(f)

Ratio of net investment income to average

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

net assets before waiver & reimbursement

 

0.39%

 

(0.02)%

 

0.22%

 

(0.19)% (f)

Portfolio turnover rate

 

24.65%

 

20.38%

 

13.07%

 

13.48%

 

 

 

 

 

(a) For the period November 4, 2003 (commencement of operations) to October 31, 2004.

(b) Redemption fees resulted in less than $0.005 per share in each period.

(c) Total return represents the rate the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Fund, assuming reinvestment of dividends.

(d) Not annualized.

(e) The Advisor is not contractually obligated to waive 12b-1 expenses. Accordingly, if the Advisor had not voluntarily waived these

expenses, each expense ratio would have been 0.25% higher and each net investment income ratio would have been 0.25% lower.

(f) Annualized.

 

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

 

 

Dreman Contrarian Funds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial Highlights

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dreman Contrarian

 

 

 

 

 

Mid Cap Value Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended

 

Year ended

 

Year ended

 

Period ended

 

 

 

 

 

October

31, 2007

 

October

31, 2006

 

October

31, 2005

 

October

31, 2004(a)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selected Per Share Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$ 12.97

 

$ 12.66

 

$ 10.68

 

$ 10.00

Income from investment operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

0.06

 

0.07

 

0.01

 

0.01

Net realized and unrealized gain

 

 

1.84

 

2.05

 

2.16

 

0.67

Total from investment operations

 

 

1.90

 

2.12

 

2.17

 

0.68

Less distributions to Shareholders:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From net investment income

 

 

(0.06)

 

(0.03)

 

(0.01)

 

-

From net realized gain

 

 

 

(0.79)

 

(1.78)

 

(0.18)

 

-

Total distributions

 

 

 

(0.85)

 

(1.81)

 

(0.19)

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paid in capital from redemption fees

 

 

0.01

 

-(b)

 

-(b)

 

-(b)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

 

$ 14.03

 

$ 12.97

 

$ 12.66

 

$ 10.68

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Return (c)

 

 

 

15.37%

 

18.59%

 

20.52%

 

6.80%(d)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (000)

 

 

$ 2,605

 

$ 1,732

 

$ 1,118

 

$ 801

Ratio of expenses to average net assets (e)

 

1.40%

 

1.40%

 

1.40%

 

1.65%(f)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

before waiver & reimbursement

 

 

6.42%

 

9.37%

 

11.46%

 

11.80%(f)

Ratio of net investment income to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

average net assets (e)

 

 

 

0.46%

 

0.57%

 

0.06%

 

0.16%(f)

Ratio of net investment income to average

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

net assets before waiver & reimbursement

 

(4.56)%

 

(7.40)%

 

(10.00)%

 

(9.99)% (f)

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

 

101.11%

 

52.48%

 

132.04%

 

125.34%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a) For the period December 31, 2003 (commencement of operations) to October 31, 2004.

 

 

 

 

(b) Redemption fees resulted in less than $0.005 per share in each period.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(c) Total return represents the rate the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Fund, assuming reinvestment of dividends.

(d) Not annualized.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(e) The Advisor is not contractually obligated to waive 12b-1 expenses. Accordingly, if the Advisor had not voluntarily waived these

expenses, each expense ratio would have been 0.25% higher and each net investment income ratio would have been 0.25% lower.

 

(f) Annualized.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

Dreman Contrarian Funds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial Highlights

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dreman Contrarian Small Cap Value Fund

 

 

 

 

 

Class R

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended

 

Year ended

 

Year ended

 

Period ended

 

 

 

 

 

October

31, 2007

 

October

31, 2006

 

October

31, 2005

 

October

31, 2004(a)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selected Per Share Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

 

$ 16.83

 

$ 12.98

 

$ 11.48

 

$ 10.00

Income from investment operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

0.02

 

0.05

 

0.04

 

(0.03)

Net realized and unrealized gain

 

 

1.99

 

3.85

 

1.69

 

1.51

Total from investment operations

 

 

2.01

 

3.90

 

1.73

 

1.48

Less distributions to Shareholders:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From net investment income

 

 

(0.04)

 

(0.06)

 

(0.02)

 

-

From net realized gain

 

-

 

-

 

(0.21)

 

-

Total distributions

 

 

 

(0.04)

 

(0.06)

 

(0.23)

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paid in capital from redemption fees

 

 

0.03

 

0.01

 

-(b)

 

-(b)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

 

$ 18.83

 

$ 16.83

 

$ 12.98

 

$ 11.48

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Return (c)

 

 

 

12.16%

 

30.20%

 

15.10%

 

14.80%(d)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (000)

 

 

$ 41,374

 

$ 14,284

 

$ 3,366

 

$ 861

Ratio of expenses to average net assets (e)

 

 

1.50%

 

1.50%

 

1.50%

 

1.75%(f)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

before waiver & reimbursement

 

 

1.77%

 

3.49%

 

7.40%

 

12.19%(f)

Ratio of net investment income to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

average net assets (e)

 

0.18%

 

0.28%

 

0.45%

 

(0.32)% (f)

Ratio of net investment income to average

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

net assets before waiver & reimbursement

 

 

(0.09)%

 

(1.71)%

 

(5.45)%

 

(10.75)% (f)

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

 

83.39%

 

77.43%

 

84.72%

 

72.10%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a) For the period December 31, 2003 (commencement of operations) to October 31, 2004.

(b) Redemption fees resulted in less than $0.005 per share in the period.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(c) Total return represents the rate the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Fund, assuming reinvestment of dividends.

(d) Not annualized.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(e) The Advisor is not contractually obligated to reimburse 12b-1 expenses. Accordingly, if the Advisor had not voluntarily waived these

expenses, each expense ratio would have been 0.25% higher and each net investment income (loss) ratio would have been 0.25% lower.

(f) Annualized.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Dreman Contrarian Funds

 

 

 

Financial Highlights

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dreman Contrarian Small Cap Value Fund

 

 

 

 

 

Class I

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Period ended

 

 

 

 

 

October 31, 2007 (a)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selected Per Share Data

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

 

$18.24

Income from investment operations

 

 

 

Net investment (loss)

 

 

 

- (b)

Net realized and unrealized gain

 

 

0.62

Total from investment operations

 

 

0.62

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

 

$18.86

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Return (c)

 

 

 

3.40%(d)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (000)

 

 

756

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

 

 

1.25%(e)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

 

 

 

before waiver & reimbursement

 

 

1.70%(e)

Ratio of net investment income to

 

 

 

average net assets

 

 

 

(0.36)% (e)

Ratio of net investment income to average

 

 

 

net assets before waiver & reimbursement

 

 

(0.81)% (e)

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

 

83.39%(d)

 

(a) For the period August 22, 2007 (commencement of operations) to October 31, 2007.

(b) Net investment (loss) resulted in less than $0.005 per share in the period.

(c) Total return represents the rate the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Fund, assuming reinvestment of dividends.

(d) Not annualized.

(e) Annualized.

 

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

 

 

Dreman Contrarian Funds

Notes to the Financial Statements

October 31, 2007

 

 

NOTE 1.

ORGANIZATION

 

Dreman Contrarian Large Cap Value Fund (“Large Cap Value Fund”), Dreman Contrarian Mid Cap Value Fund (“Mid Cap Value Fund”), and Dreman Contrarian Small Cap Value Fund (“Small Cap Value Fund”) (each a “Fund” and, collectively the “Funds”) were organized as diversified series of Unified Series Trust (the “Trust”). The Trust is an open-end investment company established under the laws of Ohio by an Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated October 17, 2002 (the “Trust Agreement”). The Trust Agreement permits the Trustees to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest of each separate series. Each Fund is one of a series of funds currently authorized by the Trustees. The investment objective of the Large Cap Value Fund is total return. The investment objective of each of the Mid Cap Value Fund and Small Cap Value Fund is long-term capital appreciation. The investment adviser to each Fund is Dreman Value Management, LLC (the “Advisor”). The Large Cap Value Fund commenced operations on November 4, 2003. The Mid Cap Value Fund and the Small Cap Value Fund each commenced operations on December 31, 2003.

 

Effective August 22, 2007, the Small Cap Value Fund began offering a new class of shares (the Institutional Class or “Class I” shares) in addition to its existing class of shares (the Retail Class or “Class R” shares). The Small Cap Value Fund issues Class R and Class I shares which represent an interest in the same portfolio of securities. The Class R shares and the Class I shares are identical in all material respects, except that the Class I shares have a higher investment minimum, are not subject to the fee paid pursuant to the 12b-1 distribution plan, and do not charge a redemption fee.

 

 

NOTE 2.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by each Fund in the preparation of its financial statements.

 

Securities Valuation - Equity securities generally are valued by using market quotations, but may be valued on the basis of prices furnished by a pricing service when the Advisor believes such prices more accurately reflect the fair market value of such securities. Securities that are traded on any stock exchange are generally valued by the pricing service at the last quoted sale price. Lacking a last sale price, an exchange traded security is generally valued by the pricing service at its last bid price. Securities traded in the NASDAQ over-the-counter market are generally valued by the pricing service at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price. When market quotations are not readily available, when the Advisor determines that the market quotation or the price provided by the pricing service does not accurately reflect the current market value or when restricted or illiquid securities are being valued, such securities are valued as determined in good faith by the Advisor, in conformity with guidelines adopted by and subject to review of the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”).

Fixed income securities generally are valued by using market quotations, but may be valued on the basis of prices furnished by a pricing service when the Advisor believes such prices accurately reflect the fair market value of such securities. A pricing service utilizes electronic data processing techniques based on yield spreads relating to securities with similar characteristics to determine prices for normal institutional-size trading units of debt securities without regard to sale or bid prices. If the Advisor decides that a price provided by the pricing service does not accurately reflect the fair market value of the securities, when prices are not readily available from a pricing service or when restricted or illiquid securities are being valued, securities are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Advisor, subject to review of the Board. Short-term investments in fixed income securities with maturities of less than 60 days when acquired, or which subsequently are within 60 days of maturity, are valued by using the amortized cost method of valuation, which the Board has determined will represent fair value. The ability of issuers of debt securities held by the Funds to meet their obligations may be affected by economic and political developments in a specific country or region.

 

 

Dreman Contrarian Funds

Notes to the Financial Statements

October 31, 2007 – continued

 

 

NOTE 2.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

 

In accordance with the Trust’s good faith pricing guidelines, the Advisor is required to consider all appropriate factors relevant to the value of securities for which it has determined other pricing sources are not available or reliable as described above. No single standard exists for determining fair value controls, since fair value depends upon the circumstances of each individual case. As a general principle, the current fair value of an issue of securities being valued by the Advisor would appear to be the amount which the owner might reasonably expect to receive for them upon their current sale. Methods which are in accord with this principle may, for example, be based on (i) a multiple of earnings; (ii) a discount from market of a similar freely traded security (including a derivative security or a basket of securities traded on other markets, exchanges or among dealers); or (iii) yield to maturity with respect to debt issues, or a combination of these and other methods. Good faith pricing is permitted if, in the advisor’s opinion, the validity of market quotations appears to be questionable based on factors such as evidence of a thin market in the security based on a small number of quotations, a significant event occurs after the close of a market but before a Fund’s NAV calculation that may affect a security’s value, or the advisor is aware of any other data that calls into question the reliability of market quotations. Good faith pricing may also be used in instances where the futures a Fund invests in do not have market quotations readily available. Investments in foreign securities, junk bonds or other thinly traded securities are more likely to trigger fair valuation than other securities.

 

Federal Income Taxes – The Funds make no provision for federal income tax. Each Fund intends to continue to qualify each year as a “regulated investment company” under subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, by distributing all of its taxable income. If the required amount of net investment income is not distributed, a Fund could incur a tax expense.

 

Expenses – Expenses incurred by the Trust that do not relate to a specific fund of the Trust are allocated to the individual funds based on each fund’s relative net assets or other appropriate basis (as determined by the Board).

 

Security Transactions and Related Income – The Funds follow industry practice and record security transactions on the trade date. The specific identification method is used for determining gains or losses for financial statements and income tax purposes. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date and interest income is recorded on an accrual basis. Discounts and premiums on securities purchased are amortized or accreted using the effective interest method. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends have been provided for in accordance with the Funds’ understanding of the applicable country’s tax rules and rates.

 

Dividends and Distributions – Distributions to shareholders, which are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The Funds intend to distribute their net realized long-term capital gains and their net realized short-term capital gains at least once a year. The treatment for financial reporting purposes of distributions made to shareholders during the year from net investment income or net realized capital gains may differ from their ultimate treatment for federal income tax purposes.

 

Futures Contracts - The Funds may enter into futures contracts to manage their exposure to the stock markets, fluctuations in interest rates, and foreign currency values. Initial margin deposits are made upon entering into futures contracts and can be either cash or securities. During the period a futures contract is open, changes in the value of the contract are recognized as unrealized gains or losses by “marking-to-market” on a daily basis to reflect the market value of the contract at the end of each day’s trading. Variation margin receivables or payables represent the difference between the change in unrealized appreciation and depreciation on the open contracts and the cash deposits made on the margin accounts. When the contract is closed, a Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the proceeds from the closing transaction and the Fund’s cost of the contract. The use of futures contracts involves the risk of illiquid markets or imperfect correlation between the value of the instruments and the underlying securities, or that the counterparty will fail to perform its obligations. Futures contracts are valued at the settlement price established each day by the board of trade or exchange on which they are traded.

 

 

Dreman Contrarian Funds

Notes to the Financial Statements

October 31, 2007 – continued

 

 

NOTE 2.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

 

Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48 – Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes that requires the tax effects of certain tax positions to be recognized. These tax positions must meet a “more likely than not” standard that, based on their technical merits, have a more than 50 percent likelihood of being sustained upon examination. FASB Interpretation No. 48 is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2006. At adoption, the financial statements must be adjusted to reflect only those tax positions that are more likely than not of being sustained. Management of the Funds is currently evaluating the impact that FASB Interpretation No. 48 will have on the Funds’ financial statements.

 

Fair Value Measurements – In September 2006, FASB issued Statement on Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements.” This standard establishes a single authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value and requires additional disclosure about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 applies to fair value measurements already required or permitted by existing standards. SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The changes to current generally accepted accounting principles from the application of this Statement relate to the definition of fair value, the methods used to measure fair value, and the expanded disclosures about fair value measurements. As of October 31, 2007 the Funds do not believe that the adoption of SFAS No. 157 will impact the amounts reported in the financial statements, however, additional disclosures may be required about the inputs used to develop the measurements and the effect of certain of the measurements reported on the statement of changes in net assets for a fiscal period.

 

 

NOTE 3.

FEES AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

 

The Advisor to the Funds is Dreman Value Management, LLC. Under the terms of the management agreement between the Trust and the Advisor (collectively, the “Agreements”) for each Fund, the Advisor manages the Fund’s investments. As compensation for its management services, a Fund is obligated to pay the Advisor a fee computed and accrued daily and paid monthly at an annual rate of 0.75%, 0.85% and 0.95% of the average daily net assets of the Large Cap Value Fund, Mid Cap Value Fund and Small Cap Value Fund, respectively. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, the Advisor earned fees, before the waiver described below, of $68,475, $19,367, and $316,022 for the Large Cap Value Fund, Mid Cap Value Fund, and Small Cap Value Fund, respectively. The Advisor has contractually agreed to waive its fee and reimburse each Fund’s expenses so that its total annual operating expenses, except brokerage fees and commissions, 12b-1 fees, borrowing costs (such as dividend expenses and interest on securities sold short), taxes, extraordinary expenses and any indirect expenses (such as fees and expenses of other mutual funds in which the Funds may invest) do not exceed 1.30%, 1.40% and 1.50% of the average daily net assets of the Large Cap Value Fund, Mid Cap Value Fund and Small Cap Value Fund – Class R, respectively, through October 31, 2008. The Advisor has contractually agreed to waive its fee and reimburse the Small Cap Value Fund’s – Class I expenses so that its total annual operating expenses, except brokerage fees and commissions, borrowing costs (such as dividend expenses and interest on securities sold short), taxes, extraordinary expenses and any indirect expenses (such as fees and expenses of other mutual funds in which the Fund may invest) do not exceed 1.25% through February 28, 2009. Excluding the voluntary waiver by the Advisor of each Fund’s 12b-1 expenses described below, for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007 the Advisor waived management fees and reimbursed expenses of $84,274, $108,890, and $6,070 for the Large Cap Value Fund, the Mid Cap Value Fund, and the Small Cap Value Fund, respectively. As of October 31, 2007, the Advisor owed $6,313, and $18,656 to the Large Cap Value Fund and Mid Cap Value Fund, respectively. As of October 31, 2007, the Advisor was owed $73,531 by the Small Cap Value Fund.

 

The Advisor is entitled to recoup from each Fund amounts waived for a period up to three years from the date such amounts were waived, provided the applicable Fund’s expenses, including such amounts, do not exceed the stated expense limitations. At October 31, 2007, the amounts subject to recoupment are as follows:

 

 

Dreman Contrarian Funds

Notes to the Financial Statements

October 31, 2007 – continued

 

 

NOTE 3.

FEES AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES - continued

 


 

The Trust retains Unified Fund Services, Inc. (“Unified”) to manage each Fund’s business affairs and to provide each Fund with administrative services, including all regulatory, reporting and necessary office equipment and personnel. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, Unified received fees of $30,333, $30,165, and $37,673 for administrative services provided to the Large Cap Value Fund, Mid Cap Value Fund and Small Cap Value Fund, respectively. As of October 31, 2007, Unified was owed $7,500, $7,500 and $11,267 by the Large Cap Value Fund, Mid Cap Value Fund and Small Cap Value Fund, respectively, for administrative services.

 

The Trust retains Unified to act as each Fund’s transfer agent and to provide each Fund with fund accounting services. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, Unified received transfer agent fees of $15,012, $15,012 and $19,249 for the Large Cap Value Fund, Mid Cap Value Fund and Small Cap Value Fund, respectively and $4,020, $2,965 and $8,821 reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses from the Large Cap Value Fund, Mid Cap Value Fund and Small Cap Fund, respectively. As of October 31, 2007, Unified was owed $3,743, $3,734 and $5,590 by the Large Cap Value Fund, Mid Cap Value Fund and Small Cap Value Fund, respectively, for transfer agent services and $900, $750 and $1,447 from the Large Cap Value Fund, Mid Cap Value Fund and Small Cap Value Fund, respectively for reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, Unified received fees of $19,998, $19,998 and $21,909 for fund accounting services provided to the Large Cap Value Fund, Mid Cap Value Fund and Small Cap Value Fund, respectively. As of October 31, 2007, Unified was owed $4,998, $4,998 and $6,571 by the Large Cap Value Fund, Mid Cap Value Fund and Small Cap Value Fund, respectively, for fund accounting services. Certain officers of the Trust are members of management and/or employees of Unified. Unified operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Huntington Bancshares, Inc., the parent company of the Distributor and Huntington National Bank, the custodian of the Funds’ investments (the “Custodian”). For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, the Custodian earned fees of $4,694, $5,893, and $19,544 for the Large Cap Value Fund, the Mid Cap Value Fund and the Small Cap Value Fund, respectively. As of October 31, 2007, the Large Cap Value Fund, the Mid Cap Value Fund and the Small Cap Value Fund owed $693, $317, and $2,002, respectively, to the Custodian for custody services.

 

The Funds retain Unified Financial Securities, Inc. (the “Distributor”) to act as the principal distributor of the Fund’s shares. There were no payments made by the Funds to the Distributor during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007. The Distributor, Unified and the Custodian are controlled by Huntington Bancshares, Inc.

 

Each Fund has adopted a Distribution Plan (each, a “Plan”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Each Fund’s Plan provides that the Fund will pay its Advisor and/or any registered securities dealer, financial institution or any other person (a “Recipient”) a shareholder servicing fee aggregating up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of each Fund in connection with the promotion and distribution of Fund shares or the provision of personal services to shareholders, including, but not necessarily limited to, advertising, compensation to underwriters, dealers and selling personnel, the printing and mailing of prospectuses to other than current Fund shareholders, the printing and mailing of sales literature and servicing shareholder accounts. Each Fund and/or its Advisor may pay all or a portion of these fees to any Recipient who renders assistance in distributing or promoting the sale of shares, or who provides certain shareholder services, pursuant to a written agreement. The Trust and the Advisor have entered into a Distribution Coordination Agreement

 

 

Dreman Contrarian Funds

Notes to the Financial Statements

October 31, 2007 – continued

 

 

NOTE 3.

FEES AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES - continued

 

pursuant to which the Advisor agrees to coordinate the distribution of each Fund’s shares, for which each Fund pays the Advisor the 12b-1 fee described above. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, the Advisor was entitled to fees of $22,830, $5,702, and $83,513 for services provided to the Large Cap Value Fund, Mid Cap Value Fund, and the Small Cap Value Fund – Class R, respectively, all of which the Advisor voluntarily waived. This voluntary waiver by the Advisor of the 12b-1 fees to which it is otherwise entitled may be discontinued by the Advisor at any time.

 

 

NOTE 4.

INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS

 

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, purchases and sales of investment securities, other than short-term investments and short-term U.S. government obligations were as follows:

 


 

As of October 31, 2007, the net unrealized appreciation of investments for tax purposes was as follows:

 


At October 31, 2007, the aggregate cost of securities for federal income tax purposes was $7,585,152, $2,484,842, and $41,267,595 for the Large Cap Value Fund, Mid Cap Value Fund, and Small Cap Value Fund, respectively.

 

 

NOTE 5.

ESTIMATES

 

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

 

 

NOTE 6.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

The beneficial ownership, either directly or indirectly, of more than 25% of the voting securities of a fund creates a presumption of control of the fund, under Section 2(a)(9) of the Investment Company Act of 1940. As of October 31, 2007, the following owned more than 25% of the Funds:

 

 

Dreman Contrarian Funds

Notes to the Financial Statements

October 31, 2007 – continued

 

 

NOTE 6.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - continued

 

David N. Dreman owned 72.58% and 33.79% of the Large Cap Value Fund and the Mid Cap Value Fund, respectively. National Financial Services, Co., for the benefit of others, owned 31.39% and 34.54% of the Mid Cap Value Fund and the Small Cap Value Fund Class R shares, respectively. Charles Schwab & Co., for the benefit of others, owned 33.81% of the Small Cap Value Fund Class R shares. Minnesota Life Insurance Company, for the benefit of others, owned 100.00% of the Small Cap Value Fund Class I shares.

 

David N. Dreman is President of the Advisor. David N. Dreman, Contrarian Services Corp. and the Dreman Capital Management Profit Sharing Plan are all related parties to the Advisor. As a result of the beneficial ownership described above, David N. Dreman may be deemed to control the Large Cap Value Fund and the Mid Cap Value Fund. National Financial Services Co. may be deemed to control the Mid Cap Value Fund and Small Cap Value Fund Class R shares. Charles Schwab may be deemed to control the Small Cap Value Fund Class R shares and Minnesota Life Insurance Company may be deemed to control the Small Cap Value Fund Class I shares.

 

 

NOTE 7.

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS

 

Large Cap Value Fund. On December 27, 2006 the Large Cap Value Fund paid an income distribution of $0.1757 per share, a long-term capital gain distribution of $0.5967 per share and a short-term capital gain distribution of $0.1084 per share to shareholders of record on December 26, 2006.

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended October 31, 2007 and 2006 was as follows:

 


On December 18, 2007 the Large Cap Value Fund paid an income distribution of $0.2294 per share, a short-term capital gain of $0.0969 per share and a long-term capital gain of $0.5749 per share to shareholders of record on December 17, 2007.

 

Mid Cap Value Fund. On December 27, 2006 the Mid Cap Value Fund paid an income distribution of $0.0587 per share, a long-term capital gain distribution of $0.4157 per share and a short-term capital gain distribution of $0.3714 per share to shareholders of record on December 26, 2006.

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended October 31, 2007 and 2006 was as follows:

 


On December 18, 2007 the Mid Cap Value Fund paid an income distribution of $0.0821 per share, a short-term capital gain of $0.6068 per share and a long-term capital gain of $0.9502 per share to shareholders of record on December 17, 2007.

 

 

 

Dreman Contrarian Funds

Notes to the Financial Statements

October 31, 2007 – continued

 

 

NOTE 7.

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS - continued

 

Small Cap Value Fund. On December 27, 2006 the Small Cap Value Fund paid an income distribution of $0.0447 per share to shareholders of record on December 26, 2006.

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended October 31, 2007 and 2006 was as follows:

 


On December 18, 2007 the Small Cap Value Fund paid an income distribution of $0.0268 per share to shareholders of record on December 17, 2007.

 

As of October 31, 2007, the components of distributable earnings (accumulated losses) on a tax basis were as follows:

 


The difference between book basis and tax basis unrealized appreciation is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales for the Mid Cap Value Fund. The difference between book basis and tax basis capital loss carryforwards for the Small Cap Value Fund is attributable to the loss carryforwards available to the Corbin Fund prior to the acquisition and the tax deferral of losses on wash sales.

 

 

NOTE 8.

CAPITAL LOSS CARRYFORWARD

 

At October 31, 2007, the Small Cap Value Fund had available for federal tax purposes an unused capital loss carryforward of $836,223 expiring in 2013, which is available for offset against future taxable net capital gains.

 

To the extent these carryforwards are used to offset future capital gains, it is probable that the amount offset will not be distributed to shareholders.

 

 

 

To the Shareholders and

Board of Trustees

Dreman Contrarian Funds

(Unified Series Trust)

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the schedules of investments, of Dreman Contrarian Funds (the “Funds”), comprising Dreman Contrarian Large Cap Value Fund, Dreman Contrarian Mid Cap Value Fund and Dreman Contrarian Small Cap Value Fund, each a series of the Unified Series Trust, as of October 31, 2007, and the related statements of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the four periods ended October 31, 2007. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of October 31, 2007, by correspondence with the Funds’ custodian and brokers. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the funds constituting Dreman Contrarian Funds, as of October 31, 2007, the results of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in their net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and their financial highlights for each of the four periods then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

 

Cohen Fund Audit Services, Ltd.

Westlake, Ohio

December 28, 2007

 

 

TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

 

The Board of Trustees supervises the business activities of the Trust. Each Trustee serves as a trustee until termination of the Trust unless the Trustee dies, resigns, retires or is removed.

 

The following tables provide information regarding the Trustees and officers.

 

Independent Trustees

Name, Address*, (Age), Position with Trust**, Term of Position with Trust

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years

and Other Directorships

 

Gary E. Hippenstiel (Age 60)

Independent Trustee, December 2002 to present

Director, Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of Legacy Trust Company, N.A. since 1992; Chairman of the investment committee for W.H. Donner Foundation and Donner Canadian Foundation, since June 2005; Trustee of AmeriPrime Advisors Trust from July 2002 to September 2005; Trustee of Access Variable Insurance Trust from April 2003 to August 2005; Trustee of AmeriPrime Funds from 1995 to July 2005; Trustee of CCMI Funds from June 2003 to March 2005.

Stephen A. Little (Age 61)

Chairman, December 2004 to present; Independent Trustee, December 2002 to present

President and founder of The Rose, Inc., a registered investment advisor, since April 1993; Trustee of AmeriPrime Advisors Trust from November 2002 to September 2005; Trustee of AmeriPrime Funds from December 2002 to July 2005; Trustee of CCMI Funds from June 2003 to March 2005.

 

Daniel J. Condon (Age 57)

Independent Trustee, December 2002 to present

President of International Crankshaft Inc., an automotive equipment manufacturing company, since 2004, Vice President and General Manager from 1990 to 2003; Trustee of AmeriPrime Advisors Trust from November 2002 to September 2005; Trustee of The Unified Funds from 1994 to 2002; Trustee of Firstar Select Funds, a REIT mutual fund, from 1997 to 2000; Trustee of AmeriPrime Funds from December 2002 to July 2005; Trustee of CCMI Funds from June 2003 to March 2005.

 

Ronald C. Tritschler (Age 55)

Trustee, December 2002 to present

Chief Executive Officer, Director and Legal Counsel of The Webb Companies, a national real estate company, since 2001, Executive Vice President and Director from 1990 to 2000; Director of First State Financial since 1998; Director, Vice President and Legal Counsel of The Traxx Companies, an owner and operator of convenience stores, since 1989; Trustee of AmeriPrime Advisors Trust from November 2002 to September 2005; Trustee of AmeriPrime Funds from December 2002 to July 2005; Trustee of CCMI Funds from June 2003 to March 2005.

 

Principal Officers

Name, Address*, (Age), Position with Trust,** Term of Position with Trust

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years

and Other Directorships

 

Anthony J. Ghoston (Age 48)

President, July 2004 to present

President of Unified Fund Services, Inc., the Trust’s administrator, since June 2005, Executive Vice President from June 2004 to June 2005, Senior Vice President from April 2003 to June 2004; Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Unified Financial Services, Inc., the parent company of the Trust’s administrator and distributor, from 1997 to November 2004; President of AmeriPrime Advisors Trust from July 2004 to September 2005; President of AmeriPrime Funds from July 2004 to July 2005; President of CCMI Funds from July 2004 to March 2005.

 

John C. Swhear (Age 46)

Senior Vice President, May 2007 to present

Vice President of Legal Administration and Compliance for Unified Fund Services, Inc., the Trust’s administrator, since April, 2007; Chief Compliance Officer of Unified Financial Securities, Inc., the Trust’s distributor, since May 2007; Employed in various positions with American United Life Insurance Company from 1983 to April 2007, including: Associate General Counsel, April 2007, Investment Adviser Chief Compliance Officer, June 2004 to April 2007, Assistant Secretary to the Board of Directors, December 2002 to April 2007, Chief Compliance Officer of OneAmerica Funds, Inc., June 2004 to April 2007, Chief Counsel and Secretary, OneAmerica Securities, Inc., December 2002 to April 2007.

 

J. Michael Landis (Age 36)

Interim Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, March 2007 to present

Vice President Fund Accounting and Fund Administration for Unified Fund Services, since October, 2006; Director of Fund Accounting and Fund Administration for PFPC July 2006 - October 2006; Manager Fund Accounting for Unified Fund Services November 2004 – July 2006; Manager Fund Accounting for Mellon Financial Corporation November 1998 – November 2004.

 

Lynn E. Wood (Age 61)

Chief Compliance Officer, October 2004 to present

Chief Compliance Officer of AmeriPrime Advisors Trust from October 2004 to September 2005; Chief Compliance Officer of AmeriPrime Funds from October 2004 to July 2005; Chief Compliance Officer of CCMI Funds from October 2004 to March 2005; Chief Compliance Officer of Unified Financial Securities, Inc., the Trust’s distributor, from December 2004 to October 2005 and from 1997 to 2000, Chairman from 1997 to December 2004, President from 1997 to 2000; Director of Compliance of Unified Fund Services, Inc., the Trust’s administrator, from October 2003 to September 2004; Chief Compliance Officer of Unified Financial Services, Inc., the parent company of the Trust’s administrator and distributor, from 2000 to 2004.

 

Heather Bonds (Age 31)

Secretary, July 2005 to present; Assistant Secretary, September 2004 to June 2005

Employed by Unified Fund Services, Inc., the Trust’s administrator, since January 2004 and from December 1999 to January 2002; Student at Indiana University School of Law – Indianapolis, J.D. Candidate in December 2007; Assistant Secretary of Dean Family of Funds since August 2004; Regional Administrative Assistant of The Standard Register Company from February 2003 to January 2004; Full time student at Indiana University from January 2002 to June 2002; Secretary of AmeriPrime Advisors Trust from July 2005 to September 2005, Assistant Secretary from September 2004 to June 2005; Assistant Secretary of AmeriPrime Funds from September 2004 to July 2005; Assistant Secretary of CCMI Funds from September 2004 to March 2005.

* The address for each officer is 2960 North Meridian Street, Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46208.

** The Trust currently consists of 37 series.

 

 

MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT APPROVAL

(UNAUDITED)

 

The continuation of the Management Agreements between the Trust and Dreman Value Management, LLC (the “Advisor”), the advisor to each of the Dreman Contrarian Large, Mid, and Small Cap Value Funds (the “Dreman Funds”) was approved by the Board, including a majority of Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust or interested parties to the Agreement (collectively, the Independent Trustees and each an “Independent Trustee”) at an in-person meeting held on May 20, 2007. The Trustees were directed to the Board materials provided at the meeting, which were compiled to assist them in their decision-making as required by Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act, as amended. Legal counsel to the Independent Trustees reviewed the material with the Trustees. The Trustees also reviewed a memorandum prepared by counsel to the Independent Trustees outlining the Trustees’ duties and factors to be considered in renewing the Management Agreements.

 

The Board noted that a pre-Board interview had been conducted with two executives of the Advisor, including the Chief Financial Officer. The Board noted that the Advisor had engaged three new portfolio managers with considerable mutual fund experience in November 2006. The Board also noted that they had discussed the performance of the Advisor and each of the Dreman Funds. The Board noted that each Fund’s performance typically has exceeded that of its benchmark and peer group average. The Board also noted that the Advisor is a financially stable firm, and it has $10 aggregate liability insurance, in addition to the coverage for its activities in managing the Dreman Funds available under the Trust’s E&O Policy. The Board reviewed the Advisor’s soft dollar report, noting that the Advisor engages in soft dollar relationships in which the Dreman Funds participate. The Advisor has stated that it will continue to waive its advisory fees and cap operating expenses at existing levels for the Dreman Funds for an additional one year. Legal counsel informed the Board that the Advisor is seeking to engage a full-time attorney in-house compliance counsel. The Board then discussed preliminary discussion with the Advisor about moving the Dreman Funds to a standalone trust for which Unified Fund Services would continue to serve as administrator, transfer agent and fund accountant. The Board next discussed that the Advisor is seeking opportunities to market the Dreman Funds and that it is considering a broker-dealer alliance to enhance distribution of the Dreman Funds. The Board then reviewed the Advisor’s profitability from the Dreman Funds’ advisory contracts and considered that the Advisor had not earned a profit on the Large or the Mid Cap Fund, but had made a small profit on the Small Cap Fund, based solely on management fees received and expenses reimbursed. The Board did note that the Advisor incurred a net loss after taking into account the Advisor’s overhead expenses and salaries of the Dreman Funds’ portfolio managers.

 

In considering the Management Agreement on behalf of the Dreman Contrarian Large Cap Value Fund, the Trustees primarily considered that: (1) the one-year and three-year returns for the Fund as of March 31, 2007 exceeded the returns of the S&P 500 Index during the same periods; and, although the Fund’s one-year return lagged the average return for other large-cap value equity funds, the Fund’s three-year return exceeded that of its peer group; (2) the Fund’s total expense ratio is lower than the average ratio of other large cap value equity funds, after fee waivers and reimbursements by the Advisor; (3) the Advisor has agreed to continue waiving its fees and reimbursing operating expenses for an additional year; (4) the management agreement is not profitable to the Advisor, so there was no need to discuss economies of scale; and (5) the Advisor engages in soft dollar arrangements pursuant to which the Fund’s brokerage transactions are directed to a broker-dealer in exchange for research services that benefit the Advisor in providing investment advice to the Fund.

 

In considering the Management Agreement on behalf of the Dreman Contrarian Mid Cap Value Fund, the Trustees primarily considered that: (1) the one-year and three-year returns for the Fund as of March 31, 2007 exceeded the returns of the S&P MidCap 400 Index and the average returns for other mid-cap value equity funds for the same period; (2) the Fund’s total expense ratio is lower than the average ratio of other mid-cap value equity funds, after fee waivers and reimbursements by the Advisor; (3) the Advisor has agreed to continue waiving its fees and reimbursing operating expenses for an additional year; (4) the management agreement is not profitable to the Advisor, so there was no need to discuss economies of scale; and (5) the Advisor engages in soft dollar arrangements pursuant to which the Fund’s brokerage transactions are directed to a broker-dealer in exchange for research services that benefit the Advisor in providing investment advice to the Fund.

 

In considering the Management Agreement on behalf of the Dreman Contrarian Small Cap Value Fund, the Trustees primarily considered that: (1) the one-year and three-year returns for the Fund as of March 31, 2007 exceeded the returns of the Russell 2000 Value Index and the average returns for other small-cap value equity funds

 

 

MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT APPROVAL

(UNAUDITED) - continued

 

for the same period; (2) the Fund’s total expense ratio is lower than the average ratio of other small-cap value equity funds, after fee waivers and reimbursements by the Advisor; (3) the Advisor has agreed to continue waiving its fees and reimbursing operating expenses for an additional year; (4) the management agreement only yielded a small profit to the Advisor and, as a result, it was not necessary to discuss economies of scale; and (5) the Advisor engages in soft dollar arrangements pursuant to which the Fund’s brokerage transactions are directed to a broker-dealer in exchange for research services that benefit the Advisor in providing investment advice to the Fund.

 

As a result of their considerations, the Trustees, including the Independent Trustees, unanimously determined that continuation of the Management Agreements between the Trust and Dreman Value Management, LLC is in the best interests of the Dreman Large, Mid, and Small Cap Value Funds and their shareholders.

 

 

 

 

PROXY VOTING

 

A description of the policies and procedures that each Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities and information regarding how the Fund voted those proxies during the recent twelve month period ended June 30 are available without charge upon request by (1) calling the Fund at (800) 247-1014 or (2) from Fund documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

 

TRUSTEES

Stephen A. Little, Chairman

Gary E. Hippenstiel

Daniel J. Condon

Ronald C. Tritschler

 

OFFICERS

Anthony J. Ghoston, President

John Swhear, Senior Vice President

J. Michael Landis, Treasurer

Heather A. Bonds, Secretary

Lynn E. Wood, Chief Compliance Officer

 

INVESTMENT ADVISER

Dreman Value Management, LLC

Harborside Financial Center

Plaza 10, Suite 800

Jersey City, NJ 07311

 

DISTRIBUTOR

Unified Financial Securities, Inc.

2960 N. Meridian St., Suite 300

Indianapolis, IN 46208

 

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Cohen Fund Audit Services, Ltd.

800 Westpoint Pkwy, Suite 1100

Westlake, OH 44145

 

LEGAL COUNSEL

Thompson Coburn, LLP

One US Bank Plaza

St. Louis, MO 63101

 

LEGAL COUNSEL TO THE INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

Thompson Hine, LLP

312 Walnut Street, 14th Floor

Cincinnati, OH 45202

 

CUSTODIAN

Huntington National Bank

41 South Street

Columbus, OH 43125

 

ADMINISTRATOR, TRANSFER AGENT

AND FUND ACCOUNTANT

Unified Fund Services, Inc.

2960 N. Meridian St., Suite 300

Indianapolis, IN 46208

 

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

 

Distributed by Unified Financial Securities, Inc.

Member FINRA/SIPC

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Annual Report

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

Fund Advisor:

 

Dreman Value Management, LLC

Harborside Financial Center Plaza 10

Suite 800

Jersey City, NJ 07311

 

Toll Free: (800) 247-1014

 

 

 

 

 

DREMAN QUANTITATIVE LARGE CAP VALUE FUND

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

 

The Dreman Quantitative Large Cap Value Fund (“Fund”) returned 9.90% for the period April 3, 2007 (the inception of the Fund) to October 31, 2007, as compared to the Russell 1000 Value Index return of 3.59%. To say the least, volatility was back during the year after an extremely quiet period over the past few years, as the U.S. housing market became increasingly problematic. The housing slowdown coupled with the associated opaque financing vehicles caused a major correction in the financial services sector of the U.S. equity market during the latter half of the year. The U.S. Federal Reserve stepped in and lowered interest rates and will most likely continue its easing cycle to soften the weakness in the housing market.

 

Turning to the Fund, the financial and material sectors were the strongest sectors for the period. The financial sector outperformance was attributable mainly to strong issue selection as the Fund’s insurance holdings performed well coupled with the fact that the most troubling area, the thrift and mortgage exposure, was minimal. The material sector outperformance was also attributable to strong issue selection as stocks such as Southern Peru Copper Corp., Freeport-McMoRan Copper and Gold Corp. and Alcan Inc. were up 99%, 78%, and 94%, respectively for the period.

 

The energy sector also contributed to the strong performance of the Fund. In our opinion, this sector remains a good long term, undervalued opportunity. Notwithstanding short term pullbacks, we are fundamentally bullish on oil and gas. The Fund’s energy names were up significantly as illustrated by the following stocks: ConocoPhillips (+26.5%), Chevron Corp. (+24.05%), Occidental Petroleum Corp. (+40.4%), Apache Corp. (+46.5%), Devon Energy Corp. (+33.4%), and Anadarko Petroleum Corp. (+35.5%).

 

Let’s take a more in depth look at the fundamental case. Oil discoveries peaked in the 1960’s and have declined significantly for decades. Looking at the data reveals that all of the large fields have been found and production is well along the decline curve. Most experts think that between 1.9 and 2.4 trillion barrels can be ultimately produced of which we are approaching that midpoint where the remaining oil in the fields must be taken out of the ground by enhanced recovery techniques. Enhanced recovery techniques are costly, time consuming, and produce at a much slower rate. Existing fields are declining at a rate between 2.5% and 7.5% per year depending on the age of the field. Given the declining discoveries and the declining production curves and assuming a range of ultimate production of 1.9 to 2.4 trillion barrels, global production is either now peaking or will be shortly.

 

The demand side of the oil equation does not help. China and the rest of the emerging world have an enormous appetite for oil. Assuming 1.5% demand growth the global economy will need approximately 32 million barrels per day (“mbpd”) of additional capacity by 2012. Adding 32 mbpd is technically impossible, which is the equivalent of adding three times the current production of Saudi Arabia. In order to add 32 mbpd the fields would have to have been discovered over the past five years. It typically takes 5-9 years to go from a discovery to full production and 20 to 40 years to extract the oil. There have been no major discoveries since 1970 large enough to produce even a 2 mbpd increase in production (the last 1 mbpd discovery was in 1982). Today the global economy consumes 30 billion barrels per year and the industry has averaged finding only 5 billion since 1995. Technically it is impossible to increase production from existing fields by more than 3-4 mbpd per year over the next five years. Assuming the nearly impossible global production increase of 4mbpd per year would still leave a 12 mbpd shortfall by 2012. The ever increasing strain between supply and demand will likely send oil prices significantly higher in the future. Only a global recession would temporary stop the inevitable.

 

The same long term fundamental story is also true for natural gas, as the natural gas production effort has more than doubled since 2000 and production is still falling as sharp production curves (much steeper than oil) and growing demand provide a platform for much higher prices in the future. Current prices have been skewed by the warm weather of the recent past.

 

The Technology sector was also strong, as the Fund’s quantitative approach selected IBM and Hewlett-Packard Co., which appreciated 23% and 29% respectively during the period. This sector has finally become a good relative value play following the tech bubble that peaked in 2000.

 

The only weak sector was the consumer staple sector, as the quantitative approach did not select stocks in the beverage and food area where the valuations were relatively high.

 

Outlook

 

Some observers believe the U.S. economy may already be in recession from a practical perspective, as there are many “tells” whether in the housing, auto or consumer discretionary sectors. A variety of companies have reported weak outlooks from retailing, financial services, and transportation industries (Federal Express and Ryder). However, global sectors such as Energy continue to do relatively well.

 

Given the recent change in the credit cycle, it’s going to take time for the market to evaluate the long term ramifications of tighter credit. A recent Federal Reserve survey showed the tightest credit standards in 16 years. It seems that since the market is setting new highs the mantra of “don’t fight the Fed” is alive and well. However, a coming slowdown in the U.S. may not be limited to housing as tighter credit conditions make businesses more circumspect in their decisions. It may spillover to "business spending, hiring, consumption [including high-end consumption], imports and foreign economies" -- Europe shows signs of slowing -- all moderating.

 

This has got to be one of the most uncertain times in many years in the financial markets. While in the short term the current momentum driven market may continue, we remain concerned that additional volatility waves may be heading the market’s way. DVM has traditionally taken advantage of such periods to add or increase positions when waves of selling can drive individual companies or sectors well below their real value.

 

Given the heightened level of economic uncertainty, we are comfortable with the construct of the Fund and remain confident that it is attractively valued relative to the market.

 

 

DREMAN QUANTITATIVE MID CAP VALUE FUND

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

 

For the fiscal period April 3, 2007 (commencement of operations) to October 31, 2007, the Dreman Quantitative Mid Cap Value Fund returned -1.20% versus its benchmark the Russell Mid Cap Value Index which posted a return of -1.03%.

 

To say the least, volatility was back in fiscal 2007. Apparently the case made earlier by the Fed that the sub-prime debacle would not spill over into other sectors and that inflation was more of a concern, was in fact trumped by a rapidly deteriorating U.S. housing market and the associated opaque financing vehicles that for all practical purposes paralyzed the global liquidity pipeline. As a result, the Fed was forced to switch positions quickly and do what it does best, sprinkle pixie dust over the markets with aggressive interest rate cuts which occurred during late-August and mid-September.

 

The Fund performed well in the Information Technology space, although put underweight was a slight negative. Consumer Discretionary and Staples sectors posted double digit declines during the quarter; as homebuilders and retailers sold off as investors continued to have concerns over the housing market and its affects on the consumer. From an allocation standpoint, our underweight versus the benchmark in the Consumer Discretionary sector helped performance during the quarter. In addition, our slight overweight in Materials added to performance. However, our overweight in Financials hurt returns as the sub-prime credit and liquidity concerns put pressure on this sector.

We believe our quantitative strategy will be successful when applied over longer periods of time. We urge investors to take a long-term view and avoid over-reacting, either positively or negatively, to the fluctuations that are an inevitable element of equity investing. The cornerstone of our contrarian value investing philosophy is to seek companies that are financially sound but have fallen out of favor with the investing public. We seek to offer investors an opportunity to benefit from the success of this philosophy as applied to the mid-cap space, where there are often opportunities to find attractive stocks that are not widely followed.

 

 

DREMAN QUANTITATIVE SMALL CAP VALUE FUND

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

 

For the fiscal period April 3, 2007 (commencement of operations) to October 31, 2007, the Dreman Quantitative Small Cap Value Fund returned -8.90%, underperforming its benchmark the Russell 2000 Value Index, which posted a return of -4.45%.

 

To say the least, volatility was back in fiscal 2007. Apparently the case made earlier by the Fed that the sub-prime debacle would not spill over into other sectors and that inflation was more of a concern, was in fact trumped by a rapidly deteriorating U.S. housing market and the associated opaque financing vehicles that for all practical purposes paralyzed the global liquidity pipeline. As a result, the Fed was forced to switch positions quickly and do what it does best, sprinkle pixie dust over the markets with aggressive interest rate cuts which occurred during late-August and mid-September.

 

For the year, the Materials, Telecommunication Services, Health Care, and Utilities were the only sectors to post positive gains in the Fund. Consumer Discretionary and Staples sectors posted double digit declines during the quarter; as homebuilders and retailers sold off as investors continued to have concerns over the housing market and its affects on the consumer. From an allocation standpoint, our underweight versus the benchmark in the Consumer Discretionary sector helped performance during the quarter. In addition, our slight overweight in Materials added to performance. However, our overweight in Financials hurt returns.

Although it is disappointing to report negative performance for the year, we believe our quantitative strategy will be successful when applied over longer periods of time. We urge investors to take a long-term view and avoid over-reacting, either positively or negatively, to the fluctuations that are an inevitable element of equity investing. The cornerstone of our contrarian value investing philosophy is to seek companies that are financially sound but have fallen out of favor with the investing public. We seek to offer investors an opportunity to benefit from the success of this philosophy as applied to the small-cap space, where there are often opportunities to find attractive stocks that are not widely followed.

 

 

Performance Results - (Unaudited)


The performance quoted represents past performance, which does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The returns shown do not reflect deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on a Fund’s distributions or the redemption of a Fund’s shares. Current performance of a Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Each Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. Performance data current to the most recent month end may be obtained by calling 1-800-247-1014.

 

* Return figures reflect any change in price per share and assume the reinvestment of all distributions.

** The Indices are unmanaged benchmarks that assume reinvestment of all distributions and exclude the effect of taxes and fees. The Russell 1000 Value Index, the Russell Mid-Cap Value Index, and the Russell 2000 Value Index are widely recognized unmanaged indices of equity prices and are representative of a broader market and range of securities than is found in each Fund’s portfolio. Individuals cannot invest directly in these Indices; however, an individual can invest in exchange traded funds or other investment vehicles that attempt to track the performance of a benchmark index.

 




 

The charts above assume an initial investment of $10,000 made on April 3, 2007 (commencement of Fund operations) and held through October 31, 2007. THE FUNDS’ RETURNS REPRESENT PAST PERFORMANCE AND DO NOT GUARANTEE FUTURE RESULTS. The returns shown do not reflect deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on a Fund’s distributions or the redemption of a Fund’s shares. Investment returns and principal values will fluctuate so that your shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original purchase price.

 

The Russell 1000 Value Index, the Russell Mid-Cap Value Index, and the Russell 2000 Value Index are widely recognized unmanaged indices of common stock prices and is representative of a broader market and range of securities than is found in each Fund’s portfolio. Individuals cannot invest directly in the Index; however, an individual can invest in exchange-traded funds or other investment vehicles that attempt to track the performance of a benchmark index. The Index returns do not include expenses, which have been deducted from each Fund’s return. These performance figures include the change in value of the stocks in the index plus the reinvestment of dividends and are not annualized. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For more information on each Fund, and to obtain performance data current to the most recent month-end, or to request a prospectus, please call 1-800-247-1014. You should carefully consider the investment objectives, potential risks, management fees, and charges and expenses of each Fund before investing. The Funds’ prospectus contains this and other information about each Fund, and should be read carefully before investing.

 

Each Fund is distributed by Unified Financial Securities, Inc., member FINRA.

 

 

 

FUND HOLDINGS – (Unaudited)

 


1As a percent of net assets

2Companies consisting of market capitalizations similar to those listed in the S&P 500 Index.

 

Under normal circumstances, the Dreman Quantitative Large Cap Value Fund (“Large Cap Fund”) will invest at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of large capitalization companies which the Advisor defines as companies that are similar in market capitalization to those listed on the S&P 500 Index. At October 31, 2007, the market capitalization of companies included in the S&P 500 Index ranged from $1.336 billion to $510.201 billion.

 


1As a percent of net assets

 

 

2Companies consisting of market capitalizations ranging from $2 billion to $20 billion.

 

3Companies consisting of market capitalizations less than $2 billion or greater than $20 billion.

 

Under normal circumstances, the Dreman Quantitative Mid Cap Value Fund (“Mid Cap Fund”) will invest at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of medium capitalization companies which the Advisor defines as companies with market capitalizations ranging from $2 billion to $20 billion.

 


1As a percent of net assets

2Companies consisting of market capitalizations similar to those listed on the Russell 2000 Value Index.

 

Under normal circumstances, the Dreman Quantitative Small Cap Value Fund (“Small Cap Fund”) will invest at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of small capitalization companies which the Advisor defines as companies that are similar in market capitalization to those listed on the Russell 2000 Value Index. At October 31, 2007, the Russell 2000 Value Index had a range of $14 million to $5.454 billion.

 

Availability of Portfolio Schedules – (Unaudited)

 

Each Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q, which is available on the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov. Each Fund’s Forms N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.

 

ABOUT YOUR FUNDS’ EXPENSES – (Unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of each of the Funds, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, such as redemption fees; 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 each Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The Example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from May 1, 2007 to October 31, 2007.

 

Actual Expenses

 

The first line of each table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.60), 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 each table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Funds’ actual expense ratios and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Funds’ actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Funds and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

 

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

 

 

Dreman Quantitative Large Cap Value Fund

 

Beginning Account Value

May 1, 2007

Ending Account

  Value

October 31, 2007

Expenses Paid During Period*

May 1, 2007 – October 31, 2007

Actual

 

$1,000.00

$1,054.70

$8.05

Hypothetical

(5% return before expenses)

$1,000.00

$1,017.37

$7.91

* Expenses are equal to the Large Cap Value Fund’s annualized expense ratio of 1.55%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the partial year period).

 

 

Dreman Quantitative Mid Cap Value Fund

 

Beginning Account Value

May 1, 2007

Ending Account

  Value

October 31, 2007

Expenses Paid During Period*

May 1, 2007 – October 31, 2007

Actual

 

$1,000.00

$948.20

$8.13

Hypothetical

(5% return before expenses)

$1,000.00

$1,016.86

$8.41

* Expenses are equal to the Mid Cap Value Fund’s annualized expense ratio of 1.65%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the partial year period).

 

 

Dreman Quantitative Small Cap Value Fund

 

Beginning Account Value

May 1, 2007

Ending Account

  Value

October 31, 2007

Expenses Paid During Period* May 1, 2007 – October 31, 2007

Actual

 

$1,000.00

$907.40

$8.39

Hypothetical

(5% return before expenses)

$1,000.00

$1,016.41

$8.87

* Expenses are equal to the Small Cap Value Fund’s annualized expense ratio of 1.75%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the partial year period).

 

 

 

 

Dreman Quantitative Funds

 

 

 

 

 

Dreman Quantitative Large Cap Value Fund

 

 

 

 

Schedule of Investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks - 99.67%

 

 

 

Shares

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accident & Health Insurance - 1.10%

 

 

 

 

 

AFLAC, Inc.

 

 

 

 

140

 

$ 8,789

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Air Courier Services - 0.91%

 

 

 

 

 

FedEx Corp.

 

 

 

 

70

 

7,233

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cable & Other Pay Television Services - 1.04%

 

 

 

 

Viacom, Inc. - Class B (a)

 

 

 

200

 

8,258

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Computer & Office Equipment - 2.06%

 

 

 

 

 

Hewlett-Packard Co.

 

 

 

160

 

8,269

International Business Machines Corp.

 

 

70

 

8,128

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16,397

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Construction Machinery & Equipment - 0.94%

 

 

 

 

Caterpillar, Inc.

 

 

100

 

7,461

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Converted Paper & Paperboard Products (No Containers/Boxes) - 0.98%

 

 

 

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

 

 

 

110

 

7,798

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Crude Petroleum & Natural Gas - 6.53%

 

 

 

 

 

Anadarko Petroleum Corp.

 

 

 

140

 

8,263

Apache Corp.

 

 

 

 

90

 

9,343

Devon Energy Corp.

 

 

 

90

 

8,406

EnCana Corp.

 

 

 

 

130

 

9,061

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

 

 

120

 

8,286

XTO Energy, Inc.

 

 

 

130

 

8,629

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

51,988

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Electric & Other Services Combined - 0.99%

 

 

 

 

Duke Energy Corp.

 

 

 

410

 

7,860

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Electric Services - 3.12%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dominion Resources, Inc.

 

 

 

90

 

8,247

FPL Group, Inc.

 

 

 

130

 

8,895

Southern Co.

 

 

 

 

210

 

7,699

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

24,841

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Electronic & Other Electrical Equipment (No Computer Equipment) - 0.88%

 

 

 

Koninklijke Philips Electronics NV (b)

 

 

170

 

7,028

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fats & Oils - 1.03%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

 

 

230

 

8,229

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal & Federally - Sponsored Credit Agencies - 0.93%

 

 

 

Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae)

130

 

7,415

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance Services - 1.00%

 

 

 

 

 

 

American Express Co.

 

 

 

130

 

7,923

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dreman Quantitative Funds

 

 

 

 

 

Dreman Quantitative Large Cap Value Fund

 

 

 

 

Schedule of Investments - continued

 

 

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks - 99.67% - continued

 

 

Shares

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fire, Marine & Casualty Insurance - 5.81%

 

 

 

 

American International Group, Inc.

 

 

110

 

$ 6,943

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. - Class B (a)

 

 

2

 

8,828

Loews Corp.

 

 

 

 

160

 

7,854

The Allstate Corp.

 

 

 

140

 

7,336

The Chubb Corp.

 

 

 

140

 

7,469

The Travelers Companies, Inc.

 

 

150

 

7,832

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

46,262

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Food and Kindred Products - 1.94%

 

 

 

 

 

Kraft Foods, Inc. - Class A

 

 

 

220

 

7,350

Unilever NV (b)

 

 

 

250

 

8,115

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15,465

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General Industrial Machinery & Equipment - 0.93%

 

 

 

 

Illinois Tool Works, Inc.

 

 

 

130

 

7,444

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts - 0.97%

 

 

 

 

Lockheed Martin Corp.

 

 

 

70

 

7,703

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hospital & Medical Service Plans - 2.97%

 

 

 

 

Aetna, Inc.

 

 

 

 

140

 

7,864

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

 

 

 

160

 

7,864

WellPoint, Inc. (a)

 

 

 

100

 

7,923

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

23,651

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance Agents, Brokers & Service - 1.93%

 

 

 

 

MetLife, Inc.

 

 

 

 

110

 

7,574

The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.

 

80

 

7,762

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15,336

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life Insurance - 3.18%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Manulife Financial Corp.

 

 

 

190

 

8,814

Prudential Financial, Inc.

 

 

 

80

 

7,738

Sun Life Financial, Inc.

 

 

 

150

 

8,730

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25,282

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Metal Mining - 2.09%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc.

 

70

 

8,238

Southern Copper Corp.

 

 

 

60

 

8,382

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16,620

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Motor Vehicles & Passenger Car Bodies - 2.05%

 

 

 

 

Daimler AG

 

 

 

 

80

 

8,812

PACCAR, Inc.

 

 

135

 

7,501

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16,313

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dreman Quantitative Funds

 

 

 

 

 

Dreman Quantitative Large Cap Value Fund

 

 

 

 

Schedule of Investments - continued

 

 

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks - 99.67% - continued

 

 

Shares

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

National Commercial Banks - 10.30%

 

 

 

 

 

Bank of America Corp.

 

 

 

150

 

$ 7,242

BB&T Corp.

 

 

 

 

190

 

7,024

Citigroup, Inc.

 

 

170

 

7,123

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

 

 

 

170

 

7,990

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

 

 

110

 

7,938

Regions Financial Corp.

 

 

 

260

 

7,051

SunTrust Banks, Inc.

 

 

 

100

 

7,260

U.S. Bancorp

 

 

 

 

240

 

7,958

UBS AG

 

 

 

 

150

 

8,053

Wachovia Corp.

 

 

 

150

 

6,860

Wells Fargo & Co.

 

 

 

220

 

7,482

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

81,981

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oil & Gas Field Services - 0.99%

 

 

 

 

 

Halliburton Co.

 

 

 

200

 

7,884

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Petroleum Refining - 8.09%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chevron Corp.

 

 

 

 

80

 

7,321

ConocoPhillips

 

 

 

90

 

7,646

Exxon Mobil Corp.

 

 

 

80

 

7,359

Hess Corp.

 

 

 

 

120

 

8,593

Imperial Oil Ltd.

 

 

 

160

 

8,661

Marathon Oil Corp.

 

 

 

140

 

8,278

Petro-Canada

 

 

 

 

140

 

8,068

Valero Energy Corp.

 

 

 

120

 

8,452

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

64,378

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pharmaceutical Preparations - 3.96%

 

 

 

 

 

Eli Lilly & Co.

 

 

140

 

7,581

Johnson & Johnson

 

 

 

120

 

7,820

Pfizer, Inc.

 

 

 

 

320

 

7,875

Wyeth

 

 

 

 

170

 

8,267

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

31,543

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plastic Material, Synthetic Resin/Rubber, Cellulose (No Glass) - 0.99%

 

 

 

E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co.

 

 

160

 

7,922

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plastic Materials, Synthetic Resins & Nonvulcan Elastomers - 1.02%

 

 

 

The Dow Chemical Co.

 

 

 

180

 

8,107

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Railroads, Line-Haul Operating - 3.20%

 

 

 

 

 

Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp.

 

 

100

 

8,715

Canadian National Railway Co.

 

 

140

 

7,839

Union Pacific Corp.

 

 

 

70

 

8,963

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25,517

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dreman Quantitative Funds

 

 

 

 

 

Dreman Quantitative Large Cap Value Fund

 

 

 

 

Schedule of Investments - continued

 

 

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks - 99.67% - continued

 

 

Shares

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retail - Lumber & Other Building Materials Dealers - 1.90%

 

 

 

Lowe's Companies, Inc.

 

 

 

280

 

$ 7,529

The Home Depot, Inc.

 

 

 

240

 

7,562

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15,091

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retail - Radio, TV & Consumer Electronics Stores - 1.04%

 

 

 

Best Buy Co., Inc.

 

 

 

170

 

8,248

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retail - Variety Stores - 1.95%

 

 

 

 

 

Target Corp.

 

 

 

 

120

 

7,363

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

 

 

 

180

 

8,138

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15,501

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rolling Drawing & Extruding of Nonferrous Metals - 0.99%

 

 

 

Alcoa, Inc.

 

 

 

 

200

 

7,918

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rubber & Plastics Footwear - 1.08%

 

 

 

 

 

Nike, Inc. - Class B

 

 

 

130

 

8,614

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Savings Institution, Federally Chartered - 0.77%

 

 

 

 

Washington Mutual, Inc.

 

 

 

220

 

6,134

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, & Aeronautical Systems - 1.05%

 

 

 

Northrop Grumman Corp.

 

 

 

100

 

8,362

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Security Brokers, Dealers & Flotation Companies - 3.17%

 

 

 

Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.

 

 

 

110

 

7,262

Morgan Stanley

 

 

 

120

 

8,071

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

 

 

40

 

9,917

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25,250

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Semiconductors & Related Devices - 0.90%

 

 

 

 

Applied Materials, Inc.

 

 

 

370

 

7,185

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Services - Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation - 1.00%

 

 

 

The Walt Disney Co.

 

 

 

230

 

7,965

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Services - Miscellaneous Business Services - 0.88%

 

 

 

Tyco International Ltd.

 

 

 

170

 

6,999

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ship & Boat Building & Repairing - 1.03%

 

 

 

 

General Dynamics Corp.

 

 

 

90

 

8,186

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

State Commercial Banks - 4.16%

 

 

 

 

 

Bank of New York Mellon Corp.

 

 

173

 

8,451

Capital One Financial Corp.

 

 

120

 

7,871

Deutsche Bank AG

 

 

 

60

 

8,026

State Street Corp.

 

 

 

110

 

8,775

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

33,123

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dreman Quantitative Funds

 

 

 

 

 

Dreman Quantitative Large Cap Value Fund

 

 

 

 

Schedule of Investments - continued

 

 

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks - 99.67% - continued

 

 

Shares

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steel Works, Blast Furnaces & Rolling Mills (Coke Ovens) - 1.00%

 

 

 

ArcelorMittal

 

 

 

 

100

 

$ 7,995

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Telephone Communications (No Radiotelephone) - 1.99%

 

 

 

AT&T, Inc.

 

 

 

 

180

 

7,522

Verizon Communications, Inc.

 

 

180

 

8,293

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15,815

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Television Broadcasting Stations - 0.90%

 

 

 

 

CBS Corp. - Class B

 

 

 

250

 

7,175

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tobacco Products - 1.01%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Altria Group, Inc.

 

 

 

110

 

8,022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trucking & Courier Services (No Air) - 0.94%

 

 

 

 

United Parcel Service, Inc. - Class B

 

 

100

 

7,510

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Water Transportation - 0.96%

 

 

 

 

 

Carnival Corp.

 

 

160

 

7,677

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wholesale - Drugs, Proprietaries & Druggists' Sundries - 1.02%

 

 

 

Cardinal Health, Inc.

 

 

 

120

 

8,164

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $755,775)

 

 

 

793,562

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Money Market Securities - 0.35%

 

 

 

 

 

Huntington Money Market Fund, 4.04% (c)

 

2,780

 

2,780

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL MONEY MARKET SECURITIES (Cost $2,780)

 

 

2,780

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS (Cost $758,555) - 100.02%

 

 

 

$ 796,342

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities in excess of other assets - (0.02)%

 

 

 

(127)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.00%

 

 

 

 

$ 796,215

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a) Non-income producing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b) American Depositary Receipt.

 

 

 

 

 

(c) Variable rate security; the money market rate shown represents the rate at October 31, 2007.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Dreman Quantitative Funds

 

 

 

 

Dreman Quantitative Mid Cap Value Fund

 

 

 

 

Schedule of Investments

 

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks - 91.88%

 

Shares

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accident & Health Insurance - 3.36%

 

 

 

 

Assurant, Inc.

 

60

 

$ 3,506

PartnerRe, Ltd.

 

40

 

3,330

Reinsurance Group of America, Inc.

 

60

 

3,428

StanCorp Financial Group, Inc.

 

60

 

3,308

Unum Group

 

 

130

 

3,034

 

 

 

 

 

16,606

 

 

 

 

 

 

Air Conditioning & Warm Air Heating Equipment & Commercial &

 

 

 

 

Industrial Refrigeration Equipment - 0.68%

 

 

 

 

American Standard Companies, Inc.

 

90

 

3,354

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carpets & Rugs - 0.69%

 

 

 

 

Mohawk Industries, Inc. (a)

 

40

 

3,414

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial Printing - 0.73%

 

 

 

 

R.R. Donnelley & Sons Co.

 

90

 

3,626

 

 

 

 

 

 

Computer Storage Devices - 0.68%

 

 

 

 

Western Digital Corp. (a)

 

130

 

3,370

 

 

 

 

 

 

Crude Petroleum & Natural Gas - 4.32%

 

 

 

 

Chesapeake Energy Corp.

 

90

 

3,553

Cimarex Energy Co.

 

90

 

3,646

Newfield Exploration Co. (a)

 

70

 

3,769

Penn West Energy Trust

 

100

 

3,190

St. Mary Land & Exploration Co.

 

90

 

3,812

Unit Corp. (a)

 

 

70

 

3,344

 

 

 

 

 

21,314

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cutlery, Handtools & General Hardware - 0.70%

 

 

 

 

The Stanley Works

 

60

 

3,453

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deep Sea Foreign Transportation of Freight - 1.80%

 

 

 

 

Frontline, Ltd.

 

 

70

 

3,178

Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc.

 

40

 

2,976

SEACOR Holdings, Inc. (a)

 

30

 

2,750

 

 

 

 

 

8,904

 

 

 

 

 

 

Drilling Oil & Gas Wells - 5.06%

 

 

 

 

Ensco International, Inc.

 

60

 

3,329

Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

 

100

 

3,162

Key Energy Services, Inc. (a)

 

190

 

2,609

Nabors Industries, Ltd. (a)

 

100

 

2,808

Noble Corp.

 

 

70

 

3,706

Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc.

 

140

 

2,792

Precision Drilling Trust

 

170

 

3,101

Rowan Companies, Inc.

 

90

 

3,508

 

 

 

 

 

25,015

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dreman Quantitative Funds

 

 

 

 

Dreman Quantitative Mid Cap Value Fund

 

 

 

 

Schedule of Investments - continued

 

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks - 91.88% - continued

 

Shares

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

Electric Services - 1.43%

 

 

 

 

OGE Energy Corp.

 

100

 

$ 3,830

Pinnacle West Capital Corp.

 

80

 

3,232

 

 

 

 

 

7,062

 

 

 

 

 

 

Electric & Other Services Combined - 2.07%

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Edison, Inc.

 

70

 

3,296

NiSource, Inc.

 

 

170

 

3,476

Westar Energy, Inc.

 

130

 

3,461

 

 

 

 

 

10,233

 

 

 

 

 

 

Electronic Components & Accessories - 0.64%

 

 

 

 

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (a)

 

250

 

3,147

 

 

 

 

 

 

Engines & Turbines - 0.63%

 

 

 

 

Brunswick Corp.

 

140

 

3,123

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance Lessors - 1.25%

 

 

 

 

American Capital Strategies, Ltd.

 

70

 

3,039

Apollo Investment Corp.

 

150

 

3,120

 

 

 

 

 

6,159

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance Services - 0.51%

 

 

 

 

AmeriCredit Corp. (a)

 

180

 

2,540

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fire, Marine & Casualty Insurance - 15.47%

 

 

 

 

ACE, Ltd.

 

 

50

 

3,031

Alleghany Corp. (a)

 

10

 

3,930

Allied World Assurance Holdings, Ltd.

 

60

 

2,875

American Financial Group, Inc.

 

110

 

3,289

Arch Capital Group, Ltd. (a)

 

40

 

2,991

Aspen Insurance Holdings, Ltd.

 

110

 

3,010

Axis Capital Holdings, Ltd.

 

80

 

3,179

CNA Financial Corp.

 

80

 

3,170

Cincinnati Financial Corp.

 

70

 

2,785

Endurance Speciality Holdings, Ltd.

 

80

 

3,137

Everest Re Group, Ltd.

 

30

 

3,196

Hanover Insurance Group, Inc.

 

70

 

3,225

HCC Insurance Holdings, Inc.

 

110

 

3,288

Markel Corp. (a)

 

 

7

 

3,803

Mercury General Corp.

 

60

 

3,079

Odyssey Re Holdings Corp.

 

90

 

3,346

Philadelphia Consolidated Holding Corp. (a)

 

80

 

3,264

Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd.

 

90

 

3,240

RenaissanceRe Holdings, Ltd.

 

50

 

2,917

SAFECO Corp.

 

 

50

 

2,895

The Progressive Corp.

 

160

 

2,960

Transatlantic Holdings, Inc.

 

50

 

3,726

Unitrin, Inc.

 

 

60

 

2,779

W.R. Berkley Corp.

 

110

 

3,310

 

 

 

 

 

76,425

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dreman Quantitative Funds

 

 

 

 

Dreman Quantitative Mid Cap Value Fund

 

 

 

 

Schedule of Investments - continued

 

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks - 91.88% - continued

 

Shares

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gas & Other Services Combined - 0.62%

 

 

 

 

Sempra Energy

 

50

 

$ 3,076

 

 

 

 

 

 

Household Appliances - 0.64%

 

 

 

 

Whirlpool Corp.

 

40

 

3,167

 

 

 

 

 

 

Household Furniture - 0.67%

 

 

 

 

Leggett & Platt, Inc.

 

170

 

3,303

 

 

 

 

 

 

Industrial Organic Chemicals - 0.80%

 

 

 

 

Methanex Corp.

 

130

 

3,955

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life Insurance - 3.19%

 

 

 

 

Genworth Financial, Inc. - Class A

 

100

 

2,730

Lincoln National Corp.

 

50

 

3,118

Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. - Class A

 

60

 

3,219

Protective Life Corp.

 

80

 

3,430

Torchmark Corp.

 

50

 

3,258

 

 

 

 

 

15,755

 

 

 

 

 

 

Metal Mining - 0.68%

 

 

 

 

Lundin Mining Corp. (a)

 

250

 

3,370

 

 

 

 

 

 

Metalworking Machinery & Equipment - 0.73%

 

 

 

 

The Black & Decker Corp.

 

40

 

3,596

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mining & Quarrying of Nonmetallic Minerals (No Fuels) - 0.71%

 

 

 

 

Teck Cominco, Ltd. - Class B

 

70

 

3,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

Millwood, Veneer, Plywood, & Structural Wood Members - 0.68%

 

 

 

 

Masco Corp.

 

 

140

 

3,371

 

 

 

 

 

 

Motor Vehicles & Passenger Car Bodies - 0.71%

 

 

 

 

General Motors Corp.

 

90

 

3,527

 

 

 

 

 

 

Motorcycles, Bicycles & Parts - 0.73%

 

 

 

 

Harley-Davidson, Inc.

 

70

 

3,605

 

 

 

 

 

 

National Commercial Banks - 5.45%

 

 

 

 

Comerica, Inc.

 

60

 

2,801

Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.

 

60

 

3,191

Huntington Bancshares, Inc.

 

190

 

3,403

KeyCorp

 

 

100

 

2,845

Marshall & Ilsley Corp.

 

70

 

2,989

National City Corp.

 

130

 

3,152

Synovus Financial Corp.

 

110

 

2,900

UnionBanCal Corp.

 

50

 

2,701

Zions Bancorporation

 

50

 

2,956

 

 

 

 

 

26,938

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dreman Quantitative Funds

 

 

 

 

Dreman Quantitative Mid Cap Value Fund

 

 

 

 

Schedule of Investments - continued

 

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks - 91.88% - continued

 

Shares

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural Gas Distribution - 0.63%

 

 

 

 

Atmos Energy Corp.

 

110

 

$ 3,085

 

 

 

 

 

 

Newspapers: Publishing or Publishing & Printing - 0.60%

 

 

 

 

Gannett Co., Inc.

 

70

 

2,969

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oil & Gas Field Services - 1.89%

 

 

 

 

BJ Services Co.

 

120

 

3,023

Global Industries, Ltd. (a)

 

120

 

2,954

Superior Energy Services, Inc. (a)

 

90

 

3,337

 

 

 

 

 

9,314

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oil & Gas Field Machinery & Equipment - 1.21%

 

 

 

 

Grant Prideco, Inc. (a)

 

60

 

2,950

Oil States International, Inc. (a)

 

70

 

3,023

 

 

 

 

 

5,973

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operative Builders - 0.67%

 

 

 

 

NVR, Inc. (a)

 

 

7

 

3,330

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paperboard Containers & Boxes - 0.69%

 

 

 

 

Sonoco Products Co.

 

110

 

3,401

 

 

 

 

 

 

Petroleum Refining - 3.57%

 

 

 

 

Frontier Oil Corp.

 

80

 

3,663

Holly Corp.

 

 

50

 

3,140

Sunoco, Inc.

 

 

50

 

3,680

Tesoro Corp.

 

 

70

 

4,237

Western Refining, Inc.

 

80

 

2,934

 

 

 

 

 

17,654

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pharmaceutical Preparations - 2.60%

 

 

 

 

Biovail Corp.

 

 

180

 

3,602

Forest Laboratories, Inc. (a)

 

90

 

3,516

King Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)

 

270

 

2,862

NBTY, Inc. (a)

 

80

 

2,848

 

 

 

 

 

12,828

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plastic Materials, Synth Resins & Nonvulcan Elastomers - 0.67%

 

 

 

 

Eastman Chemical Co.

 

50

 

3,329

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plastics, Foil & Coated Paper Bags - 0.68%

 

 

 

 

Celanese Corp. - Class A

 

80

 

3,357

 

 

 

 

 

 

Printed Circuit Boards - 0.72%

 

 

 

 

Flextronics International, Ltd. (a)

 

290

 

3,570

 

 

 

 

 

 

Public Building & Related Furniture - 0.72%

 

 

 

 

Lear Corp. (a)

 

 

100

 

3,553

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dreman Quantitative Funds

 

 

 

 

Dreman Quantitative Mid Cap Value Fund

 

 

 

 

Schedule of Investments - continued

 

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks - 91.88% - continued

 

Shares

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

Railroad Equipment - 0.66%

 

 

 

 

Trinity Industries, Inc.

 

90

 

$ 3,253

 

 

 

 

 

 

Railroads, Line-Haul Operating - 0.63%

 

 

 

 

Norfolk Southern Corp.

 

60

 

3,099

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retail - Auto Dealers & Gasoline Stations - 0.65%

 

 

 

 

AutoNation, Inc. (a)

 

180

 

3,184

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retail - Auto & Home Supply Stores - 0.76%

 

 

 

 

AutoZone, Inc. (a)

 

30

 

3,732

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retail - Department Stores - 1.22%

 

 

 

 

J.C. Penney Co., Inc.

 

50

 

2,812

Macy's, Inc.

 

 

100

 

3,203

 

 

 

 

 

6,015

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retail - Drug Stores and Proprietary Stores - 0.60%

 

 

 

 

Omnicare, Inc.

 

100

 

2,950

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retail - Family Clothing Stores - 0.66%

 

 

 

 

Ross Stores, Inc.

 

120

 

3,242

 

 

 

 

 

 

Savings Institution, Federally Chartered - 0.56%

 

 

 

 

Sovereign Bancorp, Inc.

 

190

 

2,742

 

 

 

 

 

 

Semiconductors & Related Devices - 0.64%

 

 

 

 

Amkor Technology, Inc. (a)

 

280

 

3,172

 

 

 

 

 

 

Services - Auto Rental & Leasing (No Drivers) - 0.68%

 

 

 

 

Ryder System, Inc.

 

70

 

3,349

 

 

 

 

 

 

Services - Equipment Rental & Leasing - 0.69%

 

 

 

 

United Rentals, Inc. (a)

 

100

 

3,419

 

 

 

 

 

 

Special Industry Machinery - 1.30%

 

 

 

 

Lam Research Corp. (a)

 

60

 

3,012

Novellus Systems, Inc. (a)

 

120

 

3,409

 

 

 

 

 

6,421

 

 

 

 

 

 

State Commercial Banks - 3.04%

 

 

 

 

Associated Banc-Corp.

 

110

 

3,175

Bank of Hawaii Corp.

 

60

 

3,190

East West Bancorp, Inc.

 

90

 

3,037

Popular, Inc.

 

 

260

 

2,743

The Colonial BancGroup, Inc.

 

150

 

2,877

 

 

 

 

 

15,022

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dreman Quantitative Funds

 

 

 

 

Dreman Quantitative Mid Cap Value Fund

 

 

 

 

Schedule of Investments - continued

 

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks - 91.88% - continued

 

Shares

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steel Works, Blast Furnaces & Rolling Mills (Coke Ovens) - 3.41%

 

 

 

 

Commercial Metals Co.

 

100

 

$ 3,138

Gerdau Ameristeel Corp.

 

270

 

3,661

Nucor Corp.

 

 

50

 

3,101

Steel Dynamics, Inc.

 

70

 

3,725

United States Steel Corp.

 

30

 

3,237

 

 

 

 

 

16,862

 

 

 

 

 

 

Surety Insurance - 1.11%

 

 

 

 

Old Republic International Corp.

 

170

 

2,606

XL Capital, Ltd. - Class A

 

40

 

2,878

 

 

 

 

 

5,484

 

 

 

 

 

 

Telephone Communications (No Radiotelephone) - 0.64%

 

 

 

 

Embarq Corp.

 

 

60

 

3,175

 

 

 

 

 

 

Title Insurance - 0.56%

 

 

 

 

Fidelity National Financial, Inc. - Class A

 

180

 

2,770

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trucking (No Local) - 0.60%

 

 

 

 

Con-way, Inc.

 

 

70

 

2,983

 

 

 

 

 

 

Water Transportation - 0.55%

 

 

 

 

Tidewater, Inc.

 

 

50

 

2,734

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wholesale - Computers & Peripheral Equipment & Software - 0.69%

 

 

 

 

Ingram Micro, Inc. - Class A (a)

 

160

 

3,398

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wholesale - Metals Service Centers & Offices - 0.71%

 

 

 

 

Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.

 

60

 

3,501

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wholesale - Miscellaneous Nondurable Goods - 0.72%

 

 

 

 

Jarden Corp. (a)

 

 

100

 

3,552

 

 

 

 

 

 

Women's, Misses', and Juniors Outerwear - 0.52%

 

 

 

 

Liz Claiborne, Inc.

 

90

 

2,562

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $465,059)

 

 

 

453,892

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

Dreman Quantitative Funds

 

 

 

 

Dreman Quantitative Mid Cap Value Fund

 

 

 

 

Schedule of Investments - continued

 

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

Real Estate Investment Trust - 6.89%

 

 

 

 

Brandywine Realty Trust

 

130

 

$ 3,363

Duke Realty Corp.

 

90

 

2,894

General Growth Properties, Inc.

 

60

 

3,262

Highwoods Properties, Inc.

 

90

 

3,236

Hospitality Properties Trust

 

80

 

3,168

Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

 

140

 

3,102

HRPT Properties Trust

 

320

 

3,005

iStar Financial, Inc.

 

90

 

2,746

Liberty Property Trust

 

80

 

3,010

Mack-Cali Realty Corp.

 

80

 

3,167

Weingarten Realty Investors

 

80

 

3,061

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST (Cost $38,955)

 

 

 

34,014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Money Market Securities - 0.80%

 

 

 

 

Huntington Money Market Fund, 4.04% (b)

 

3,940

 

3,940

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL MONEY MARKET SECURITIES (Cost $3,940)

 

 

 

3,940

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS (Cost $507,954) - 99.57%

 

 

 

$ 491,846

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other assets less liabilities - 0.43%.

 

 

 

2,140

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.00%

 

 

 

$ 493,986

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a) Non-income producing.

 

 

 

 

(b) Variable rate security; the money market rate shown represents the rate at October 31, 2007.

 

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

 

 

 

 

Dreman Quantitative Funds

 

 

 

Dreman Quantitative Small Cap Value Fund

 

 

 

Schedule of Investments

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks - 90.14%

Shares

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

Air Courier Services - 0.64%

 

 

 

ABX Air, Inc. (a)

460

 

$ 2,907

 

 

 

 

 

Air Transportation, Nonscheduled - 0.77%

 

 

 

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. (a)

60

 

3,515

 

 

 

 

 

Air Transportation, Scheduled - 1.48%

 

 

 

Republic Airways Holdings, Inc. (a)

150

 

3,194

SkyWest, Inc.

 

130

 

3,548

 

 

 

 

6,742

 

 

 

 

 

Broadwoven Fabric Mills, Man Made Fiber & Silk - 0.54%

 

 

 

Xerium Technologies, Inc.

600

 

2,466

 

 

 

 

 

Business Development - 0.73%

 

 

 

Ares Capital Corp.

200

 

3,328

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial Banks - 0.77%

 

 

 

Banco Latinoamericano de Exportaciones, S.A.

180

 

3,505

 

 

 

 

 

Communications Services - 0.89%

 

 

 

GeoEye, Inc. (a)

130

 

4,070

 

 

 

 

 

Computer Peripheral Equipment - 0.71%

 

 

 

Immersion Corp. (a)

200

 

3,238

 

 

 

 

 

Crude Petroleum & Natural Gas - 3.23%

 

 

 

Callon Petroleum Co. (a)

230

 

3,353

Mariner Energy, Inc. (a)

160

 

4,000

Stone Energy Corp. (a)

80

 

3,566

Swift Energy Co. (a)

80

 

3,794

 

 

 

 

14,713

 

 

 

 

 

Drilling Oil & Gas Wells - 3.37%

 

 

 

Bronco Drilling Company, Inc. (a)

220

 

2,992

Grey Wolf, Inc. (a)

490

 

2,759

Parker Drilling Co. (a)

400

 

3,376

Pioneer Drilling Co. (a)

270

 

3,289

Union Drilling, Inc. (a)

220

 

2,933

 

 

 

 

15,349

 

 

 

 

 

Electric Housewares & Fans - 1.39%

 

 

 

Helen of Troy, Ltd. (a)

170

 

3,060

National Presto Industries, Inc.

60

 

3,296

 

 

 

 

6,356

 

 

 

 

 

Electric Services - 0.74%

 

 

 

Portland General Electric Co.

120

 

3,378

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dreman Quantitative Funds

 

 

 

Dreman Quantitative Small Cap Value Fund

 

 

 

Schedule of Investments - continued

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks - 90.14% - continued

Shares

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

Farm Machinery & Equipment - 0.59%

 

 

 

Gehl Co. (a)

 

140

 

$ 2,678

 

 

 

 

 

Finance Services - 2.58%

 

 

 

Patriot Capital Funding, Inc.

240

 

3,005

Primus Guaranty, Ltd. (a)

310

 

2,840

Prospect Capital Corp.

190

 

2,782

Technology Investment Capital Corp.

240

 

3,132

 

 

 

 

11,759

 

 

 

 

 

Fire, Marine & Casualty Insurance - 12.99%

 

 

 

Amerisafe, Inc. (a)

200

 

3,234

Donegal Group, Inc. - Class A

200

 

3,434

EMC Insurance Group, Inc.

120

 

3,160

Harleysville Group, Inc.

100

 

3,117

Horace Mann Educators Corp.

160

 

3,310

Infinity Property & Casualty Corp.

80

 

3,218

Max Capital Group, Ltd.

120

 

3,395

Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Inc. (a)

360

 

3,467

Montpelier Re Holdings, Ltd.

180

 

3,222

RLI Corp.

 

60

 

3,490

Seabright Insurance Holdings (a)

190

 

3,169

Selective Insurance Group, Inc.

150

 

3,646

State Auto Financial Corp.

110

 

3,027

The Commerce Group, Inc.

110

 

4,014

The Navigators Group, Inc. (a)

60

 

3,618

United America Indemnity, Ltd. - Class A (a)

150

 

3,308

United Fire & Casualty Co.

80

 

2,563

Zenith National Insurance Corp.

70

 

2,813

 

 

 

 

59,205

 

 

 

 

 

Footwear, (No Rubber) - 0.83%

 

 

 

Steven Madden, Ltd.

170

 

3,789

 

 

 

 

 

Games, Toys & Children's Vehicles (No Dolls & Bicycles) - 0.70%

 

 

 

JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (a)

120

 

3,180

 

 

 

 

 

Gaskets, Packaging & Sealing Devices & Rubber & Plastic Hose - 0.72%

 

 

EnPro Industries, Inc. (a)

80

 

3,281

 

 

 

 

 

Hospital & Medical Service Plans - 0.76%

 

 

 

American Physicians Capital, Inc.

80

 

3,485

 

 

 

 

 

Hotels & Motels - 0.79%

 

 

 

Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc.

130

 

3,615

 

 

 

 

 

Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, and Control - 0.75%

 

 

MKS Instruments, Inc. (a)

170

 

3,414

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dreman Quantitative Funds

 

 

 

Dreman Quantitative Small Cap Value Fund

 

 

 

Schedule of Investments - continued

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks - 90.14% - continued

Shares

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

Industrial Trucks, Tractors, Trailors & Stackers - 0.68%

 

 

 

NACCO Industries, Inc. - Class A

30

 

$ 3,108

 

 

 

 

 

Life Insurance - 4.01%

 

 

 

American Equity Investment Life Holding Co.

300

 

2,931

FPIC Insurance Group, Inc. (a)

80

 

3,342

IPC Holdings, Ltd.

110

 

3,290

National Western Life Insurance Co. - Class A

10

 

2,173

Presidential Life Corp.

190

 

3,346

The Phoenix Companies, Inc.

230

 

3,169

 

 

 

 

18,251

 

 

 

 

 

Loan Brokers - 0.72%

 

 

 

Delta Financial Corp.

660

 

3,260

 

 

 

 

 

Mining & Quarrying of Nonmetallic Minerals (No Fuels) - 0.62%

 

 

 

USEC, Inc. (a)

 

320

 

2,816

 

 

 

 

 

Miscellaneous Plastics Products - 0.54%

 

 

 

Spartech Corp.

 

160

 

2,459

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage Bankers & Loan Correspondents - 0.56%

 

 

 

Ocwen Financial Corp. (a)

340

 

2,536

 

 

 

 

 

Motor Vehicle Parts & Accessories - 1.35%

 

 

 

Accuride Corp. (a)

270

 

2,754

Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc. (a)

250

 

3,407

 

 

 

 

6,161

 

 

 

 

 

National Commercial Banks - 0.73%

 

 

 

National Penn Bancshares, Inc.

6

 

101

Southwest Bancorp, Inc.

170

 

3,218

 

 

 

 

3,319

 

 

 

 

 

Newspapers: Publishing or Publishing & Printing - 0.69%

 

 

 

Sun-Times Media Group, Inc. (a)

1,420

 

3,138

 

 

 

 

 

Oil & Gas Field Machinery & Equipment - 1.43%

 

 

 

GulfMark Offshore, Inc. (a)

140

 

6,521

 

 

 

 

 

Oil & Gas Field Services - 1.31%

 

 

 

Allis-Chalmers Energy, Inc. (a)

170

 

2,987

Basic Energy Services, Inc. (a)

150

 

2,969

 

 

 

 

5,956

 

 

 

 

 

Operative Builders - 0.61%

 

 

 

Avatar Holdings, Inc. (a)

60

 

2,793

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Dreman Quantitative Funds

 

 

 

Dreman Quantitative Small Cap Value Fund

 

 

 

Schedule of Investments - continued

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks - 90.14% - continued

Shares

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

Personal Credit Institutions - 0.63%

 

 

 

Advance America Cash Advance Centers, Inc.

300

 

$ 2,868

 

 

 

 

 

Pharmaceutical Preparations - 1.60%

 

 

 

Emergent Biosolutions, Inc. (a)

360

 

3,629

Tiens Biotech Group (USA), Inc. (a)

970

 

3,647

 

 

 

 

7,276

 

 

 

 

 

Primary Production of Aluminum - 0.77%

 

 

 

Century Aluminum Co. (a)

60

 

3,491

 

 

 

 

 

Pulp Mills - 0.70%

 

 

 

Mercer International, Inc. (a)

340

 

3,196

 

 

 

 

 

Radio & TV Broadcasting & Communications Equipment - 0.66%

 

 

 

Arris Group, Inc. (a)

260

 

2,990

 

 

 

 

 

Radiotelephone Communications - 1.17%

 

 

 

USA Mobility, Inc.

340

 

5,318

 

 

 

 

 

Real Estate Agents & Managers (For Others) - 0.69%

 

 

 

Bluegreen Corp. (a)

420

 

3,163

 

 

 

 

 

Retail - Auto Dealers & Gasoline Stations - 2.83%

 

 

 

Asbury Automotive Group, Inc.

160

 

2,933

Delek US Holdings, Inc.

130

 

3,119

Rush Enterprises, Inc. - Class A (a)

195

 

3,305

Sonic Automotive, Inc. - Class A

140

 

3,536

 

 

 

 

12,893

 

 

 

 

 

Retail - Catalog & Mail-Order Houses - 0.50%

 

 

 

ValueVision Media, Inc. - Class A (a)

440

 

2,275

 

 

 

 

 

Retail - Eating Places - 0.63%

 

 

 

Ruby Tuesday, Inc.

180

 

2,875

 

 

 

 

 

Retail - Grocery Stores - 0.88%

 

 

 

Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc. (a)

170

 

4,019

 

 

 

 

 

Retail - Lumber & Other Building Materials Dealers - 0.48%

 

 

 

Builders FirstSource, Inc. (a)

300

 

2,175

 

 

 

 

 

Retail - Women's Clothing Stores - 0.47%

 

 

 

The Dress Barn, Inc. (a)

130

 

2,131

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dreman Quantitative Funds

 

 

 

Dreman Quantitative Small Cap Value Fund

 

 

 

Schedule of Investments - continued

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks - 90.14% - continued

Shares

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

Rolling Drawing & Extruding of Nonferrous Metals - 1.31%

 

 

 

Encore Wire Corp.

130

 

$ 2,730

Mueller Industries, Inc.

90

 

3,236

 

 

 

 

5,966

 

 

 

 

 

Savings Institutions, Not Federally Chartered - 1.15%

 

 

 

Imperial Capital Bancorp, Inc.

110

 

2,375

United Community Financial Corp.

450

 

2,880

 

 

 

 

5,255

 

 

 

 

 

Secondary Smelting & Refining of Nonferrous Metals - 0.70%

 

 

 

OM Group, Inc. (a)

60

 

3,179

 

 

 

 

 

Security & Commodity Brokers, Dealers, Exchanges & Services - 0.40%

 

 

ACA Capital Holdings, Inc. (a)

530

 

1,834

 

 

 

 

 

Security Brokers, Dealers & Flotation Companies - 0.79%

 

 

 

Knight Capital Group, Inc. - Class A (a)

270

 

3,621

 

 

 

 

 

Services - Business Services - 1.39%

 

 

 

Safeguard Scientifics, Inc. (a)

1,410

 

3,313

SAVVIS, Inc. (a)

80

 

3,022

 

 

 

 

6,335

 

 

 

 

 

Services - Computer Integrated Systems Design - 0.79%

 

 

 

SYNNEX Corp. (a)

160

 

3,579

 

 

 

 

 

Services - Employment Agencies - 0.84%

 

 

 

Korn/Ferry International (a)

200

 

3,832

 

 

 

 

 

Services - Help Supply Services - 1.45%

 

 

 

Compass Diversified Holdings

200

 

3,222

Kelly Services, Inc. - Class A

160

 

3,365

 

 

 

 

6,587

 

 

 

 

 

Short-Term Business Credit Institutions - 2.02%

 

 

 

Asset Acceptance Capital Corp.

280

 

3,013

ASTA Funding, Inc.

80

 

2,843

Nelnet, Inc. - Class A

180

 

3,344

 

 

 

 

9,200

 

 

 

 

 

Special Industry Machinery - 0.64%

 

 

 

Asyst Technologies, Inc. (a)

610

 

2,928

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dreman Quantitative Funds

 

 

 

Dreman Quantitative Small Cap Value Fund

 

 

 

Schedule of Investments - continued

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks - 90.14% - continued

Shares

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

State Commercial Banks - 6.38%

 

 

 

Ameris Bancorp

 

180

 

$ 3,035

Center Financial Corp.

230

 

2,942

Central Pacific Financial Corp.

110

 

2,467

City Bank

 

110

 

2,635

First Regional Bancorp (a)

130

 

3,055

Great Southern Bancorp, Inc.

130

 

3,042

Mercantile Bank Corp.

4

 

73

Security Bank Corp.

260

 

2,709

Taylor Capital Group, Inc.

120

 

3,103

W Holding Co., Inc.

1,440

 

3,024

Wilshire Bancorp, Inc.

290

 

2,987

 

 

 

 

29,072

 

 

 

 

 

Steel Works, Blast Furnaces & Rolling & Finishing Mills - 1.19%

 

 

 

Insteel Industries, Inc.

210

 

2,436

Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc. (a)

80

 

2,980

 

 

 

 

5,416

 

 

 

 

 

Sugar & Confectionery Products - 0.68%

 

 

 

Imperial Sugar Co.

120

 

3,095

 

 

 

 

 

Surety Insurance - 3.08%

 

 

 

Assured Guaranty, Ltd.

120

 

2,768

CNA Surety Corp. (a)

180

 

3,562

NYMAGIC, Inc.

 

120

 

3,461

RAM Holdings, Ltd. (a)

350

 

2,419

Security Capital Assurance, Ltd.

140

 

1,837

 

 

 

 

14,047

 

 

 

 

 

Telephone & Telegraph Apparatus - 0.61%

 

 

 

Symmetricom, Inc. (a)

590

 

2,797

 

 

 

 

 

Truck & Bus Bodies - 0.61%

 

 

 

Miller Industries, Inc. (a)

190

 

2,757

 

 

 

 

 

Trucking (No Local) - 0.60%

 

 

 

Arkansas Best Corp.

100

 

2,745

 

 

 

 

 

Water Transportation - 1.45%

 

 

 

Knightsbridge Tankers, Ltd.

120

 

3,058

Trico Marine Services, Inc. (a)

110

 

3,569

 

 

 

 

6,627

 

 

 

 

 

Wholesale - Metals Service Centers & Offices - 1.35%

 

 

 

A.M. Castle & Co.

100

 

3,010

Olympic Steel, Inc.

120

 

3,124

 

 

 

 

6,134

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dreman Quantitative Funds

 

 

 

Dreman Quantitative Small Cap Value Fund

 

 

 

Schedule of Investments - continued

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks - 90.14% - continued

Shares

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

Wholesale - Miscellaneous Durable Goods - 0.79%

 

 

 

RC2 Corp. (a)

 

120

 

$ 3,578

 

 

 

 

 

Women's, Misses', and Juniors Outerwear - 0.69%

 

 

 

Kellwood Co.

 

190

 

3,148

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $446,841)

 

 

410,693

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Real Estate Investment Trusts - 8.28%

 

 

 

Ashford Hospitality Trust

320

 

3,149

CapLease, Inc.

 

320

 

2,995

Cedar Shopping Centers, Inc.

240

 

3,084

First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.

80

 

3,260

Gramercy Capital Corp.

130

 

3,428

Hersha Hospitality Trust

330

 

3,567

Inland Real Estate Corp.

210

 

3,129

Investors Real Estate Trust

300

 

3,255

National Health Investors, Inc.

100

 

2,929

Parkway Properties, Inc.

70

 

3,010

Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust

80

 

3,052

Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust

100

 

2,861

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (Cost $41,469)

 

 

37,719

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Money Market Securities - 1.14%

 

 

 

Huntington Money Market Fund, 4.04% (b)

 

 

5,204

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL MONEY MARKET SECURITIES (Cost $5,204)

 

 

5,204

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS (Cost $493,514) - 99.56%

 

 

$ 453,616

 

 

 

 

 

Other assets less liabilities - 0.44%

 

 

1,987

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.00%

 

 

$ 455,603

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a) Non-income producing.

 

 

 

(b) Variable rate security; the money market rate shown represents the rate at October 31, 2007.

.

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

 

Dreman Quantitative Funds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dreman

 

Dreman

 

Dreman

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quantitative

 

Quantitative

 

Quantitative

 

 

 

 

 

 

Large Cap

 

Mid Cap

 

Small Cap

 

 

 

 

 

 

Value Fund

 

Value Fund

 

Value Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments in securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At cost

 

 

 

 

 

$ 758,555

 

$ 507,954

 

$ 493,514

At value

 

 

 

 

 

$ 796,342

 

$ 491,846

 

$ 453,616

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest receivable

 

 

 

 

 

10

 

14

 

11

Dividends receivable

 

 

 

 

 

751

 

502

 

189

Receivable from advisor (a)

 

 

 

 

 

36,153

 

38,923

 

38,881

Prepaid expenses

 

 

 

 

 

1,123

 

1,123

 

1,124

Total assets

 

 

 

 

 

834,379

 

532,408

 

493,821

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payable to administrator, fund accountant and transfer agent

19,245

 

19,245

 

19,244

Payable to custodian

 

 

 

 

 

2,103

 

1,984

 

1,762

Accrued trustee & officer expenses

 

 

 

 

1,763

 

1,763

 

1,763

Other accrued expenses

 

 

 

 

 

15,053

 

15,430

 

15,449

Total liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

38,164

 

38,422

 

38,218

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

$ 796,215

 

$ 493,986

 

$ 455,603

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Assets consist of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paid in capital

 

 

 

 

 

$ 736,902

 

$ 500,053

 

$ 500,068

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated undistributed net investment income (loss)

3,182

 

1,499

 

1,213

Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments

18,344

 

8,542

 

(5,780)

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

37,787

 

(16,108)

 

(39,898)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

$ 796,215

 

$ 493,986

 

$ 455,603

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(unlimited number of shares authorized)

 

72,455

 

50,000

 

50,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value and offering

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

price per share

 

 

 

 

 

$ 10.99

 

$ 9.88

 

$ 9.11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Redemption price per share (Net Asset Value * 99%) (b)

$ 10.88

 

$ 9.78

 

$ 9.02

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a) See Note 3 in the Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

 

 

 

(b) A redemption fee of 1.00% is charged on shares held less than one year.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Dreman Quantitative Funds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Statements of Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the period April 3, 2007 (a) through October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dreman

 

Dreman

 

Dreman

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quantitative

 

Quantitative

 

Quantitative

 

 

 

 

 

 

Large Cap

 

Mid Cap

 

Small Cap

 

 

 

 

 

 

Value Fund

 

Value Fund

 

Value Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment Income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividend income (net of withholding tax of $13, $27, and $0, respectively)

$ 8,832

 

$ 6,112

 

$ 5,858

Interest income

 

 

 

 

419

 

285

 

331

Total Income

 

 

 

 

9,251

 

6,397

 

6,189

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment advisor fee (b)

 

 

 

2,901

 

2,492

 

2,682

12b-1 expense

 

 

 

 

976

 

740

 

712

Administration expenses

 

 

 

19,000

 

19,000

 

19,000

Fund accounting expenses

 

 

 

15,583

 

15,583

 

15,584

Registration expenses

 

 

 

 

925

 

925

 

925

Transfer agent expenses

 

 

 

14,012

 

14,012

 

14,013

Legal expenses

 

 

 

 

5,258

 

5,324

 

5,340

Auditing expenses

 

 

 

 

10,000

 

10,000

 

10,000

Trustee expenses

 

 

 

 

2,590

 

2,590

 

2,590

CCO expenses

 

 

 

 

2,960

 

2,960

 

2,960

Pricing expenses

 

 

 

 

4,698

 

5,987

 

5,811

Custodian expenses

 

 

 

 

5,155

 

5,906

 

6,016

Miscellaneous expenses

 

 

 

1,332

 

1,332

 

1,332

Printing expenses

 

 

 

 

139

 

139

 

139

Total Expenses

 

 

 

 

85,529

 

86,990

 

87,104

Expenses waived and reimbursed by advisor (b)

 

 

(78,484)

 

(81,352)

 

(81,416)

12b-1 fees waived by advisor (b)

 

 

 

(976)

 

(740)

 

(712)

Net operating expenses

 

 

 

 

6,069

 

4,898

 

4,976

Net Investment Income

 

 

 

 

3,182

 

1,499

 

1,213

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Realized & Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized gain (loss) on investment securities

 

 

18,344

 

8,542

 

(5,780)

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on

 

 

 

 

 

 

investment securities

 

 

 

 

37,787

 

(16,108)

 

(39,898)

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment securities

56,131

 

(7,566)

 

(45,678)

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

$ 59,313

 

$ (6,067)

 

$ (44,465)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a) The date the Funds commenced operations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b) See Note 3 in the Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

Dreman Quantitative Funds

 

 

 

 

 

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dreman

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quantitative

 

 

 

 

 

 

Large Cap

 

 

 

 

 

 

Value Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Period ended

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets due to:

 

October

31, 2007

(a)

Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

 

$ 3,182

 

Net realized gain on investment securities

 

18,344

 

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

 

37,787

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

 

59,313

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital Share Transactions:

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from shares sold

 

 

737,727

 

Amount paid for shares repurchased

 

 

(825)

 

Net increase in net assets resulting

 

 

 

 

from share transactions

 

 

736,902

 

Total Increase in Net Assets

 

 

796,215

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of period

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

End of period

 

 

 

$ 796,215

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated undistributed net

 

 

 

 

investment income included

 

 

 

 

in net assets at end of period

 

 

$ 3,182

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital Share Transactions:

 

 

 

 

Shares sold

 

 

 

 

72,535

 

Shares repurchased

 

 

 

(80)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase from capital share transactions

 

72,455

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a) For the period April 3, 2007 (commencement of operations) through October 31, 2007.

 

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

 

 

 

Dreman Quantitative Funds

 

 

 

 

 

 

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dreman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quantitative

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mid Cap

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Value Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Period ended

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets due to:

 

 

October 31, 2007

(a)

Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

 

 

$ 1,499

 

Net realized gain on investment securities

 

 

8,542

 

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

 

 

(16,108)

 

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

 

(6,067)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital Share Transactions:

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from shares sold

 

 

 

500,850

 

Amount paid for shares repurchased

 

 

 

(797)

 

Net increase in net assets resulting

 

 

 

 

 

from share transactions

 

 

 

500,053

 

Total Increase in Net Assets

 

 

 

493,986

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of period

 

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

End of period

 

 

 

 

$ 493,986

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated undistributed net

 

 

 

 

 

investment (loss) included in

 

 

 

 

 

net assets at end of period

 

 

 

$ 1,499

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital Share Transactions:

 

 

 

 

 

Shares sold

 

 

 

 

 

50,082

 

Shares repurchased

 

 

 

 

(82)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase from capital share transactions

 

 

50,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a) For the period April 3, 2007 (commencement of operations) through October 31, 2007.

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

Dreman Quantitative Funds

 

 

 

 

 

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dreman

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quantitative

 

 

 

 

 

 

Small Cap

 

 

 

 

 

 

Value Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Period ended

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets due to:

 

October 31, 2007

(a)

Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

 

$ 1,213

 

Net realized gain on investment securities

 

(5,780)

 

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

 

(39,898)

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

 

(44,465)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital Share Transactions:

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from shares sold

 

 

 

500,825

 

Amount paid for shares repurchased

 

 

(757)

 

Net increase in net assets resulting

 

 

 

 

from share transactions

 

 

 

500,068

 

Total Increase in Net Assets

 

 

455,603

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of period

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

End of period

 

 

 

$ 455,603

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated undistributed net

 

 

 

 

investment income included

 

 

 

 

in net assets at end of period

 

 

$ 1,213

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital Share Transactions:

 

 

 

 

 

Shares sold

 

 

 

 

50,080

 

Shares repurchased

 

 

 

(80)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase from capital share transactions

 

50,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a) For the period April 3, 2007 (commencement of operations) through October 31, 2007.

 

 

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

 

 

 

Dreman Quantitative Funds

 

 

 

Financial Highlights

 

 

 

 

(For a share outstanding during the period)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dreman

 

 

 

 

 

Quantitative

 

 

 

 

 

Large Cap

 

 

 

 

 

Value Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Period ended

 

 

 

 

 

October 31, 2007 (a)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selected Per Share Data

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$ 10.00

 

Income from investment operations

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

0.04

 

Net realized and unrealized gain

 

0.95

 

Total from investment operations

 

0.99

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paid in capital from redemption fees (b)

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$ 10.99

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Return (c)

 

 

9.90%

(d)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (000)

 

$ 796

 

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

 

1.55%

(e)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

 

 

 

before waiver & reimbursement

 

21.91%

(e)

Ratio of net investment income to

 

 

 

average net assets

 

 

0.82%

(e)

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average

 

 

net assets before waiver & reimbursement

 

(19.54)%

(e)

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

77.29%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a) For the period April 3, 2007 (commencement of operations) to October 31, 2007.

(b) Redemption fees resulted in less than $0.005 per share.

 

(c) Total return represents the rate the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Fund, assuming reinvestment of dividends.

(d) Not annualized.

 

 

 

 

(e) Annualized.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

Dreman Quantitative Funds

 

 

 

Financial Highlights

 

 

 

 

(For a share outstanding during the period)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dreman

 

 

 

 

 

Quantitative

 

 

 

 

 

Mid Cap

 

 

 

 

 

Value Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Period ended

 

 

 

 

 

October 31, 2007 (a)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selected Per Share Data

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$ 10.00

 

Income from investment operations

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

0.03

 

Net realized and unrealized (loss)

 

(0.15)

 

Total from investment operations

 

(0.12)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paid in capital from redemption fees (b)

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$ 9.88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Return (c)

 

 

-1.20%

(d)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (000)

 

$ 494

 

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

 

1.65%

(e)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

 

 

 

before waiver & reimbursement

 

29.40%

(e)

Ratio of net investment income to

 

 

 

average net assets

 

 

0.51%

(e)

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average

 

 

net assets before waiver & reimbursement

 

(27.23)%

(e)

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

75.44%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a) For the period April 3, 2007 (commencement of operations) to October 31, 2007.

(b) Redemption fees resulted in less than $0.005 per share.

 

(c) Total return represents the rate the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Fund, assuming reinvestment of dividends.

(d) Not annualized.

 

 

 

 

(e) Annualized.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

Dreman Quantitative Funds

 

 

 

Financial Highlights

 

 

 

 

(For a share outstanding during the period)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dreman

 

 

 

 

 

Quantitative

 

 

 

 

 

Small Cap

 

 

 

 

 

Value Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Period ended

 

 

 

 

 

October 31, 2007 (a)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selected Per Share Data

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$ 10.00

 

Income from investment operations

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

0.02

 

Net realized and unrealized (loss)

 

(0.91)

 

Total from investment operations

 

(0.89)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paid in capital from redemption fees (b)

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$ 9.11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Return (c)

 

 

-8.90%

(d)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (000)

 

$ 456

 

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

 

1.75%

(e)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

 

 

 

before waiver & reimbursement

 

30.57%

(e)

Ratio of net investment income to

 

 

 

average net assets

 

 

0.43%

(e)

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average

 

 

net assets before waiver & reimbursement

 

(28.40)%

(e)

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

97.51%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a) For the period April 3, 2007 (commencement of operations) to October 31, 2007.

(b) Redemption fees resulted in less than $0.005 per share.

 

(c) Total return represents the rate the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Fund, assuming reinvestment of dividends.

(d) Not annualized.

 

 

 

 

(e) Annualized.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Dreman Quantitative Funds

Notes to the Financial Statements

October 31, 2007

 

NOTE 1.

ORGANIZATION

 

Dreman Quantitative Large Cap Value Fund (“Large Cap Value Fund”), Dreman Quantitative Mid Cap Value Fund (“Mid Cap Value Fund”), and Dreman Quantitative Small Cap Value Fund (“Small Cap Value Fund”) (each a “Fund” and, collectively the “Funds”) were organized as diversified series of Unified Series Trust (the “Trust”) on February 13, 2007. The Trust is an open-end investment company established under the laws of Ohio by an Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated October 17, 2002 (the “Trust Agreement”). The Trust Agreement permits the Trustees to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest of each separate series. Each Fund is one of a series of funds currently authorized by the Trustees. The investment objective of the Large Cap Value Fund is total return. The investment objective of each of the Mid Cap Value Fund and Small Cap Value Fund is long-term capital appreciation. The investment advisor to each Fund is Dreman Value Management, LLC (the “Advisor”). The Large Cap Value Fund, Mid Cap Value Fund and Small Cap Value Fund all commenced operations on April 3, 2007.

 

NOTE 2.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by each Fund in the preparation of its financial statements.

 

Securities Valuation - Equity securities generally are valued by using market quotations, but may be valued on the basis of prices furnished by a pricing service when the Advisor believes such prices more accurately reflect the fair market value of such securities. Securities that are traded on any stock exchange are generally valued by the pricing service at the last quoted sale price. Lacking a last sale price, an exchange traded security is generally valued by the pricing service at its last bid price. Securities traded in the NASDAQ over-the-counter market are generally valued by the pricing service at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price. When market quotations are not readily available, when the Advisor determines that the market quotation or the price provided by the pricing service does not accurately reflect the current market value or when restricted or illiquid securities are being valued, such securities are valued as determined in good faith by the Advisor, in conformity with guidelines adopted by and subject to review of the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”).

Fixed income securities generally are valued by using market quotations, but may be valued on the basis of prices furnished by a pricing service when the Advisor believes such prices accurately reflect the fair market value of such securities. A pricing service utilizes electronic data processing techniques based on yield spreads relating to securities with similar characteristics to determine prices for normal institutional-size trading units of debt securities without regard to sale or bid prices. If the Advisor decides that a price provided by the pricing service does not accurately reflect the fair market value of the securities, when prices are not readily available from a pricing service or when restricted or illiquid securities are being valued, securities are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Advisor, in conformity with guidelines adopted by and subject to review of the Board. Short-term investments in fixed income securities with maturities of less than 60 days when acquired, or which subsequently are within 60 days of maturity, are valued by using the amortized cost method of valuation, which the Board has determined will represent fair value. The ability of issuers of debt securities held by the Funds to meet their obligations may be affected by economic and political development in a specific country or region.

In accordance with the Trust’s good faith pricing guidelines, the Advisor is required to consider all appropriate factors relevant to the value of securities for which it has determined other pricing sources are not available or reliable as described above. No single standard exists for determining fair value controls, since fair value depends upon the circumstances of each individual case. As a general principle, the current fair value of an issue of securities being valued by the Advisor would appear to be the amount which the owner might reasonably expect to receive for them upon their current sale. Methods which are in accord with this principle may, for example, be based on (i) a multiple of earnings; (ii) a discount from market of a similar freely traded security (including a derivative security or a basket of securities traded on other markets, exchanges or among dealers); or (iii) yield to maturity with respect to debt issues, or a combination of these and other methods. Good faith pricing is permitted if, in the Advisor’s opinion, the validity of market quotations appears to be questionable based on factors such as evidence of a thin market in the security based on a small number of quotations, a significant event occurs after the close of a market

 

 

Dreman Quantitative Funds

Notes to the Financial Statements

October 31, 2007 – continued

 

NOTE 2.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES- continued

 

but before a Fund’s NAV calculation that may affect a security’s value, or the Advisor is aware of any other data that calls into question the reliability of market quotations.

 

Federal Income Taxes – The Funds make no provision for federal income tax. Each Fund intends to qualify each year as a “regulated investment company” under subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, by distributing all of its taxable income. If the required amount of net investment income is not distributed, a Fund could incur a tax expense.

 

Expenses – Expenses incurred by the Trust that do not relate to a specific fund of the Trust are allocated to the individual funds based on each fund’s relative net assets or another appropriate basis (as determined by the Board).

 

Security Transactions and Related Income – The Funds follow industry practice and record security transactions on the trade date. The specific identification method is used for determining gains or losses for financial statements and income tax purposes. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date and interest income is recorded on an accrual basis. Discounts and premiums on securities purchased are amortized or accreted using the effective interest method. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends have been provided for in accordance with the Funds’ understanding of the applicable country’s tax rules and rates.

 

Dividends and Distributions – Distributions to shareholders, which are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The Funds intend to distribute their net realized long-term capital gains and their net realized short-term capital gains at least once a year. The treatment for financial reporting purposes of distributions made to shareholders during the year from net investment income or net realized capital gains may differ from their ultimate treatment for federal income tax purposes. These differences are caused primarily by differences in the timing of the recognition of certain components of income, expenses or realized capital gain for federal income tax purposes. Where such differences are permanent in nature, they are reclassified in the components of the net assets based on their ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. Any such reclassifications will have no effect on net assets, results of operations or net asset values per share of each Fund. For the fiscal period ended October 31, 2007, there were no such reclassifications.

 

Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – The Funds adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN 48”), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes on June 29, 2007. The implementation of FIN 48 resulted in no material liability for unrecognized tax benefits and no material change to the beginning net asset value of the Funds.

 

As of and during the period ended October 31, 2007, the Funds did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits. The Funds recognize interest and penalities, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense in the statement of operations. During the period, the Funds did not incur any interest or penalities.

.

Fair Value Measurements – In September 2006, FASB issued Statement on Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements.” This standard establishes a single authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value and requires additional disclosure about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 applies to fair value measurements already required or permitted by existing standards. SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The changes to current generally accepted accounting principles from the application of this Statement relate to the definition of fair value, the methods used to measure fair value, and the expanded disclosures about fair value measurements. As of October 31, 2007 the Funds do not believe that the adoption of SFAS No. 157 will impact the amounts reported in the financial statements, however, additional disclosures may be required about the inputs used to develop the measurements and the effect of certain of the measurements reported on the statement of changes in net assets for a fiscal period.

 

 

Dreman Quantitative Funds

Notes to the Financial Statements

October 31, 2007 – continued

 

NOTE 3.

FEES AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

 

The Advisor to the Funds is Dreman Value Management, LLC. Under the terms of the management agreement between the Trust and the Advisor (collectively, the “Agreements”) for each Fund, the Advisor manages the Fund’s investments. As compensation for its management services, a Fund is obligated to pay the Advisor a fee computed and accrued daily and paid monthly at an annual rate of 0.75%, 0.85% and 0.95% of the average daily net assets of the Large Cap Value Fund, Mid Cap Value Fund and Small Cap Value Fund, respectively. For the period April 3, 2007 (commencement of operations) through October 31, 2007, the Advisor earned fees, before the waiver described below, of $2,901, $2,492, and $2,682 for the Large Cap Value Fund, Mid Cap Value Fund, and Small Cap Value Fund, respectively. The Advisor has contractually agreed to waive its fee and reimburse each Fund’s expenses so that its total annual operating expenses, except brokerage fees and commissions, 12b-1 fees, borrowing costs (such as dividend expenses and interest on securities sold short), taxes and extraordinary expenses do not exceed 1.55%, 1.65% and 1.75% of the average daily net assets of the Large Cap Value Fund, Mid Cap Value Fund and Small Cap Value Fund, respectively, through October 31, 2009. Excluding the voluntary reimbursement by the Advisor of each Fund’s 12b-1 expenses described below, for the period April 3, 2007 (commencement of operations) through October 31, 2007 the Advisor waived management fees and reimbursed expenses of $78,484, $81,352, and $81,416 for the Large Cap Value Fund, the Mid Cap Value Fund, and the Small Cap Value Fund, respectively. As of October 31, 2007, the Advisor owed $36,153, $38,923 and $38,881 to the Large Cap Value Fund, Mid Cap Value Fund and Small Cap Value Fund, respectively.

 

The Advisor is entitled to recoup from each Fund amounts waived or reimbursed for a period up to three years from the date such amounts were waived or reimbursed, provided the applicable Fund’s expenses, including such amounts, do not exceed the stated expense limitation. Amounts of $78,484, $81,352, and $81,416 for the Large Cap Value Fund, the Mid Cap Value Fund and the Small Cap Value Fund, respectively, are subject to repayment by the Funds to the Advisor no later than October 31, 2010.

 

The Trust retains Unified Fund Services, Inc. (“Unified”) to manage each Fund’s business affairs and to provide each Fund with administrative services, including all regulatory, reporting and necessary office equipment and personnel. For the period April 3, 2007 (commencement of operations) through October 31, 2007, Unified received fees of $19,000, $19,000 and $19,000 for administrative services provided to the Large Cap Value Fund, Mid Cap Value Fund and Small Cap Value Fund, respectively. As of October 31, 2007, the Large Cap Value Fund, Mid Cap Value Fund and Small Cap Value Fund owed $8,000, $8,000 and $8,000, respectively to Unified for administrative services.

 

The Trust retains Unified to act as each Fund’s transfer agent and to provide each Fund with fund accounting services. For the period April 3, 2007 (commencement of operations) through October 31, 2007, Unified received transfer agent fees of $13,000, $13,000 and $13,000 for the Large Cap Value Fund, Mid Cap Value Fund and Small Cap Value Fund, respectively and $1,013, $1,013 and $1,014 for reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses from the Large Cap Value Fund, Mid Cap Value Fund and Small Cap Fund, respectively. As of October 31, 2007, the Large Cap Value Fund, the Mid Cap Value Fund and the Small Cap Value Fund owed $4,500, $4,500, and $4,500, respectively, to Unified for transfer agency services and $495, $495, and $494 from the Large Cap Value Fund, the Mid Cap Value Fund and the Small Cap Value Fund, respectively, for reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses. For the period April 3, 2007 (commencement of operations) through October 31, 2007, Unified received fees of $15,583, $15,583 and $15,584 for fund accounting services provided to the Large Cap Value Fund, Mid Cap Value Fund and Small Cap Value Fund, respectively. As of October 31, 2007, the Large Cap Value Fund, the Mid Cap Value Fund and the Small Cap Value Fund owed $6,250, $6,250, and $6,250, respectively, to Unified for fund accounting services. Certain officers of the Trust are members of management and/or employees of Unified. Unified operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Huntington Bancshares, Inc., the parent company of the Distributor and Huntington National Bank, the custodian of the Funds’ investments (the “Custodian”). For the period April 3, 2007 (commencement of operations) through October 31, 2007, the Custodian earned fees of $5,155, $5,906 and $6,016 for custody services provided to the Large Cap Value Fund, Mid Cap Value Fund and Small Cap Value Fund respectively. As of October 31, 2007, the Large Cap Value Fund, Mid Cap Value Fund and Small Cap Value Fund owed $2,103, $1,984 and $1,762, respectively to the Custodian for custody services.

 

 

Dreman Quantitative Funds

Notes to the Financial Statements

October 31, 2007 – continued

 

NOTE 3.

FEES AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES - continued

 

The Funds retain Unified Financial Securities, Inc. (the “Distributor”) to act as the principal distributor of the Funds’ shares. There were no payments made by the Funds to the Distributor during the period April 3, 2007 (commencement of operations) through October 31, 2007. The Distributor, Unified and the Custodian are controlled by Huntington Bancshares, Inc.

 

Each Fund has adopted a Distribution Plan (each, a “Plan”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Each Fund’s Plan provides that the Fund will pay its Advisor and/or any registered securities dealer, financial institution or any other person (a “Recipient”) a shareholder servicing fee aggregating up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund in connection with the promotion and distribution of Fund shares or the provision of personal services to shareholders, including, but not necessarily limited to, advertising, compensation to underwriters, dealers and selling personnel, the printing and mailing of prospectuses to other than current Fund shareholders, the printing and mailing of sales literature and servicing shareholder accounts. Each Fund and/or its Advisor may pay all or a portion of these fees to any Recipient who renders assistance in distributing or promoting the sale of shares, or who provides certain shareholder services, pursuant to a written agreement. The Trust and the Advisor have entered into a Distribution Coordination Agreement pursuant to which the Advisor agrees to coordinate the distribution of each Fund’s shares, for which each Fund pays the Advisor the 12b-1 fee described above. For the period April 3, 2007 (commencement of operations) through October 31, 2007, the Advisor was entitled to fees of $976, $740 and $712 for services provided to the Large Cap Value Fund, Mid Cap Value Fund, and the Small Cap Value Fund, respectively, all of which the Advisor voluntarily waived. This voluntary waiver by the Advisor of the 12b-1 fees to which it is otherwise entitled may be discontinued by the Advisor at any time.

 

NOTE 4.

INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS

 

For the period ended October 31, 2007, purchases and sales of investment securities, other than short-term investments and short-term U.S. government obligations were as follows:

 


 

As of October 31, 2007, the net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments for tax purposes was as follows:


At October 31, 2007, the aggregate cost of securities for federal income tax purposes were $758,711, $507,954, and $493,514 for the Large Cap Value Fund, Mid Cap Value Fund, and Small Cap Value Fund, respectively.

 

NOTE 5.

ESTIMATES

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles 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

 

 

Dreman Quantitative Funds

Notes to the Financial Statements

October 31, 2007 – continued

 

NOTE 5.

ESTIMATES - continued

 

increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

NOTE 6.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

The beneficial ownership, either directly or indirectly, of more than 25% of the voting securities of a fund creates a presumption of control of the fund, under Section 2(a)(9) of the Investment Company Act of 1940. As of October 31, 2007, the following owned the Funds:

 

David N. Dreman owned 86.20%, 80.00% and 80.00% of the Large Cap Value Fund, Mid Cap Value Fund, and the Small Cap Value Fund, respectively. Dreman Value Management, LLC owned 13.80%, 20.00% and 20.00% of the Large Cap Value Fund, Mid Cap Value Fund, and the Small Cap Value Fund, respectively. David N. Dreman is President of the Advisor. As a result, David N. Dreman may be deemed to control each of the Funds.

 

NOTE 7.

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS

 

As of October 31, 2007, the Large Cap Value Fund, Mid Cap Value Fund and Small Cap Value Fund have not paid any distributions to shareholders.

 

Large Cap Value Fund. On December 18, 2007, the Large Cap Value Fund paid an income distribution of $0.0663 per share and a short-term capital gain distribution of $0.2553 per share to shareholders of record on December 17, 2007.

 

Mid Cap Value Fund. On December 18, 2007, the Mid Cap Value Fund paid an income distribution of $0.0489 per share, a long-term capital gain distribution of $0.0173 per share and a short-term capital gain distribution of $0.1536 per share to shareholders of record on December 17, 2007.

 

Small Cap Value Fund. On December 18, 2007, the Small Cap Value Fund paid an income distribution of $0.0511 per share to shareholders of record on December 17, 2007.

 

As of October 31, 2007, the components of distributable earnings (accumulated losses) on a tax basis were as follows:

 


 

The difference between book basis and tax basis unrealized appreciation is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales for the Large Cap Value Fund.

 

NOTE 8. CAPITAL LOSS CARRYFORWARD

 

At October 31, 2007 the Small Cap Value Fund had available for federal tax purposes an unused capital loss carryforward of $5,780 which is available for offset against future taxable net capital gains. This loss carryforward expires as follows:

 

Year of Expiration

Amount

 

 

2015

$5,780

 

 

 

 

 

 

To the Shareholders and

Board of Trustees

Dreman Quantitative Funds

(Unified Series Trust)

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the schedules of investments, of Dreman Quantitative Funds (the “Funds”), comprising Dreman Quantitative Large Cap Value Fund, Dreman Quantitative Mid Cap Value Fund and Dreman Quantitative Small Cap Value Fund, each a series of the Unified Series Trust, as of October 31, 2007, and the related statements of operations, statements of changes in net assets and the financial highlights for the period of April 3, 2007 (commencement of operations) through October 31, 2007. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audit.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of October 31, 2007, by correspondence with the Funds’ custodian. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial positions of each of the funds constituting Dreman Quantitative Funds, as of October 31, 2007, the results of their operations, changes in their net assets and financial highlights for the period of April 3, 2007 (commencement of operations) through October 31, 2007, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

 

Cohen Fund Audit Services, Ltd.

Westlake, Ohio

December 28, 2007

 

 

 

TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

 

The Board of Trustees supervises the business activities of the Trust. Each Trustee serves as a trustee until termination of the Trust unless the Trustee dies, resigns, retires or is removed.

 

The following tables provide information regarding the Trustees and officers.

 

Independent Trustees

Name, Address*, (Age), Position with Trust**, Term of Position with Trust

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years

and Other Directorships

 

Gary E. Hippenstiel (Age 60)

Independent Trustee, December 2002 to present

Director, Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of Legacy Trust Company, N.A. since 1992; Chairman of the investment committee for W.H. Donner Foundation and Donner Canadian Foundation, since June 2005; Trustee of AmeriPrime Advisors Trust from July 2002 to September 2005; Trustee of Access Variable Insurance Trust from April 2003 to August 2005; Trustee of AmeriPrime Funds from 1995 to July 2005; Trustee of CCMI Funds from June 2003 to March 2005.

Stephen A. Little (Age 61)

Chairman, December 2004 to present; Independent Trustee, December 2002 to present

President and founder of The Rose, Inc., a registered investment advisor, since April 1993; Trustee of AmeriPrime Advisors Trust from November 2002 to September 2005; Trustee of AmeriPrime Funds from December 2002 to July 2005; Trustee of CCMI Funds from June 2003 to March 2005.

 

Daniel J. Condon (Age 57)

Independent Trustee, December 2002 to present

President of International Crankshaft Inc., an automotive equipment manufacturing company, since 2004, Vice President and General Manager from 1990 to 2003; Trustee of AmeriPrime Advisors Trust from November 2002 to September 2005; Trustee of The Unified Funds from 1994 to 2002; Trustee of Firstar Select Funds, a REIT mutual fund, from 1997 to 2000; Trustee of AmeriPrime Funds from December 2002 to July 2005; Trustee of CCMI Funds from June 2003 to March 2005.

 

Ronald C. Tritschler (Age 55)

Trustee, December 2002 to present

Chief Executive Officer, Director and Legal Counsel of The Webb Companies, a national real estate company, since 2001, Executive Vice President and Director from 1990 to 2000; Director of First State Financial since 1998; Director, Vice President and Legal Counsel of The Traxx Companies, an owner and operator of convenience stores, since 1989; Trustee of AmeriPrime Advisors Trust from November 2002 to September 2005; Trustee of AmeriPrime Funds from December 2002 to July 2005; Trustee of CCMI Funds from June 2003 to March 2005.

 

Principal Officers

Name, Address*, (Age), Position with Trust,** Term of Position with Trust

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years

and Other Directorships

 

Anthony J. Ghoston (Age 48)

President, July 2004 to present

President of Unified Fund Services, Inc., the Trust’s administrator, since June 2005, Executive Vice President from June 2004 to June 2005, Senior Vice President from April 2003 to June 2004; Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Unified Financial Services, Inc., the parent company of the Trust’s administrator and distributor, from 1997 to November 2004; President of AmeriPrime Advisors Trust from July 2004 to September 2005; President of AmeriPrime Funds from July 2004 to July 2005; President of CCMI Funds from July 2004 to March 2005.

 

John C. Swhear (Age 46)

Senior Vice President, May 2007 to present

Vice President of Legal Administration and Compliance for Unified Fund Services, Inc., the Trust’s administrator, since April, 2007; Chief Compliance Officer of Unified Financial Securities, Inc., the Trust’s distributor, since May 2007; Employed in various positions with American United Life Insurance Company from 1983 to April 2007, including: Associate General Counsel, April 2007, Investment Adviser Chief Compliance Officer, June 2004 to April 2007, Assistant Secretary to the Board of Directors, December 2002 to April 2007, Chief Compliance Officer of OneAmerica Funds, Inc., June 2004 to April 2007, Chief Counsel and Secretary, OneAmerica Securities, Inc., December 2002 to April 2007.

 

J. Michael Landis (Age 36)

Interim Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, March 2007 to present

Vice President Fund Accounting and Fund Administration for Unified Fund Services, since October, 2006; Director of Fund Accounting and Fund Administration for PFPC July 2006 - October 2006; Manager Fund Accounting for Unified Fund Services November 2004 – July 2006; Manager Fund Accounting for Mellon Financial Corporation November 1998 – November 2004.

 

Lynn E. Wood (Age 61)

Chief Compliance Officer, October 2004 to present

Chief Compliance Officer of AmeriPrime Advisors Trust from October 2004 to September 2005; Chief Compliance Officer of AmeriPrime Funds from October 2004 to July 2005; Chief Compliance Officer of CCMI Funds from October 2004 to March 2005; Chief Compliance Officer of Unified Financial Securities, Inc., the Trust’s distributor, from December 2004 to October 2005 and from 1997 to 2000, Chairman from 1997 to December 2004, President from 1997 to 2000; Director of Compliance of Unified Fund Services, Inc., the Trust’s administrator, from October 2003 to September 2004; Chief Compliance Officer of Unified Financial Services, Inc., the parent company of the Trust’s administrator and distributor, from 2000 to 2004.

 

Heather Bonds (Age 31)

Secretary, July 2005 to present; Assistant Secretary, September 2004 to June 2005

Employed by Unified Fund Services, Inc., the Trust’s administrator, since January 2004 and from December 1999 to January 2002; Student at Indiana University School of Law – Indianapolis, J.D. Candidate in December 2007; Assistant Secretary of Dean Family of Funds since August 2004; Regional Administrative Assistant of The Standard Register Company from February 2003 to January 2004; Full time student at Indiana University from January 2002 to June 2002; Secretary of AmeriPrime Advisors Trust from July 2005 to September 2005, Assistant Secretary from September 2004 to June 2005; Assistant Secretary of AmeriPrime Funds from September 2004 to July 2005; Assistant Secretary of CCMI Funds from September 2004 to March 2005.

 

*

The address for each officer is 2960 North Meridian Street, Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46208.

 

** The Trust currently consists of 37 series.  

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

The Funds’ Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) includes information about the trustees and is available, without charge, upon request. You may call toll-free (800) 247-1014 to request a copy of the SAI or to make shareholder inquiries.

 

PROXY VOTING

 

A description of the policies and procedures that each Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available without charge upon request by (1) calling the Funds at (800) 247-1014 or (2) from Fund documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

 

TRUSTEES

Stephen A. Little, Chairman

Gary E. Hippenstiel

Daniel J. Condon

Ronald C. Tritschler

 

OFFICERS

Anthony Ghoston, President

 

 

 

 

John Swhear, Senior Vice President

J. Michael Landis, Treasurer

Heather A. Bonds, Secretary

Lynn E. Wood, Chief Compliance Officer

 

INVESTMENT ADVISER

Dreman Value Management, LLC

Harborside Financial Center

Plaza 10, Suite 800

Jersey City, NJ 07311

 

DISTRIBUTOR

Unified Financial Securities, Inc.

2960 N. Meridian St., Suite 300

Indianapolis, IN 46208

 

REGISTERED INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Cohen Fund Audit Services, Ltd.

800 Westpoint Pkwy, Suite 1100

Westlake, OH 44145

 

LEGAL COUNSEL

Thompson Coburn, LLP

One US Bank Plaza

St. Louis, MO 63101

 

LEGAL COUNSEL TO THE INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

Thompson Hine, LLP

312 Walnut Street, 14th Floor

Cincinnati, OH 45202

 

CUSTODIAN

Huntington National Bank

41 South Street

Columbus, OH 43125

 

ADMINISTRATOR, TRANSFER AGENT AND FUND ACCOUNTANT

Unified Fund Services, Inc.

2960 N. Meridian St., Suite 300

Indianapolis, IN 46208

 

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

 

Distributed by Unified Financial Securities, Inc.

Member FINRA/SIPC

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Annual Report

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

Fund Advisor:

 

Spectrum Advisory Services Inc.

1050 Crown Point Parkway, Suite 750

Atlanta, GA 30338

 

(800) 788-6086

 

www.marathonvalue.com

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

In the mid-year letter I wrote that “Risk that is priced too cheaply will be expensive to somebody down the road.” We have begun to see who is paying the price. The stock market benefitted from another year of corporate earnings strength. Despite the uncovering of very unsound lending practices, the equity markets were slow to understand the ramifications. They will.

 

Long-time shareholders know that the Fund tries to be less volatile than the typical equity mutual fund. One of the ways to achieve this goal is through non-traditional investments. Throughout the year, our single largest individual holding was a Swiss government bond, denominated in Swiss Francs. It provided both a hedge against the dollar and acted as a safe haven investment during equity market turmoil.

 

Once again, hindsight instead of oversight, ruled the financial markets and regulatory apparatus. Subprime mortgages were packaged in such a way that many buyers did not understand their risks. The resultant impact on bank balance sheets means that available credit will be tougher for not just home buyers but many other borrowers. As a consequence, the U.S. economy faces a situation like the “panic” which punctuated periods before the establishment of the Federal Reserve and the FDIC. Those panics resulted in bank failures and credit crunches after loans went sour. Eventually confidence and growth were restored.

 

Since this credit crunch did not start with tight money, there is little reason to expect that the Federal Reserve’s lowering of interest rates can do any more than provide a little easing of the pain.

 

The coming year I believe will present the Fund with more opportunities to purchase bargains than we have had in the past three years. I also plan to add to my personal holding in the Fund. I will be happy to send a copy of this report and a prospectus to anybody you wish.

 

Very truly yours,

 

 

Marc Heilweil

 

 

 

MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION

 

Over the last twelve-month period ending October 31, 2007, Marathon Value Portfolio (“Marathon” or “the Fund”) returned +11.30%. Marathon’s annualized return since inception (March 28, 2000)* is +9.41%. The comparable total returns for the S&P 500 Index benchmark are +14.56% and +2.03%. Since the Fund’s inception, the Fund’s cumulative return has been +98.07% versus the S&P 500 Index cumulative total return of +16.52%, for a total return differential of +81.55% for Marathon.

 

 

Performance Summary

 

 

2000*

Calendar

2001

Calendar

2002

Calendar

2003

Calendar

2004

Calendar

2005

Calendar

2006

Year-to-Date 2007 as of 10/31/07

Cumulative Return Since Inception

as of 10/31/07

 

Marathon Value Portfolio

 

S&P 500 Index

 

 

 

16.06%

 

-11.67%

 

 

4.70%

 

-11.89%

 

 

-11.00%

 

-22.10%

 

 

26.20%

 

28.68%

 

 

14.03%

 

10.88%

 

 

6.20%

 

4.91%

 

 

11.76%

 

15.79%

 

 

7.24%

 

10.87%

 

 

98.07%

 

16.52%

 

Annualized Total Returns

 

For the Periods Ended October 31, 2007

 

One Year

Average

Three Year

Average

Five Year

Average

Since

Inception

 

Marathon Value Portfolio

 

S&P 500 Index

 

 

11.30%

 

14.56%

 

10.81%

 

13.16%

 

13.42%

 

13.88%

 

9.41%

 

2.03%

The Total Gross Annual Expense Ratio for the Fund is 1.25%.

*March 28, 2000 is the date Spectrum Advisory Services Inc. assumed management of Marathon. Returns for 2000 are from 03/28/00 through 12/31/00.

Returns are not annualized, except where noted. The Fund's past performance 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 of the Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted.  Performance data current to the most recent month end may be obtained by visiting www.marathonvalue.com or by calling 1-800-788-6086.  The index is unmanaged and returns for both the index and the Fund include reinvested dividends and capital gains.  It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

You should carefully consider the investment objectives, potential risks, management fees, and charges and expenses of the Fund before investing.  The Fund's Prospectus contains this and other information about the Fund, and should be read carefully before investing.  You may obtain a current copy of the Fund's Prospectus by visiting www.marathonvalue.com or by calling 1-800-788-6086.

 


 

The chart above assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on March 28, 2000 (commencement of Fund operations) and held through October 31, 2007. The Fund’s return represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. The line graph and performance table shown do not reflect deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Investment returns and principal values will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original purchase price.

 

The Fund’s investment objectives, risk, charges and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other important information about the investment company and can be obtained by calling

1-800-788-6086 or visiting www.marathonvalue.com. The prospectus should be read carefully before investing.

 

The S&P 500 Index is a capitalization weighted index of 500 stocks designed to measure performance of the broad domestic economy through changes in the aggregate market value of 500 stocks representing all major industries. The Fund’s portfolio holdings may differ significantly from the securities held in the Index and, unlike a mutual fund, an unmanaged index assumes no transaction costs, taxes, management fees or other expenses.

 

 

 

We approached the past year with some caution because of the risky lending practices which were present. Nevertheless, the strong global economy enabled the stock market to advance. More so than most years, it was an uneven market. The energy, basic materials, and, especially late in the year, technology sectors accounted for a large share of the market’s gains. Large multinationals did much better than smaller companies.

 

Our goal has always been to outperform the S&P 500 while assuming less risk that the average equity mutual fund. This year’s failure to outperform was a consequence of our holding large amounts of cash equivalents, poor performance of the Japanese stock market, which has 3.83% of our assets, and our failure to own certain glamour names. Apple Computer, Google, and Research in Motion are extraordinary companies, but their pricey shares bear more risk than our discipline permits.

 

The largest individual position in the Fund was the $1 million dollars of Swiss government bonds (up +13.74% during the fiscal year). It is not surprising that the U.S., which has spent the last five years borrowing abroad to fund unproductive investments, would see its currency weaken. The position also provided a hedge in a volatile market.

 

The unevenness of the stock market is reflected by the volatility of some of the stocks which impacted the portfolio. On the whole the Fund had relatively little exposure to housing and mortgage ills. Avatar (-28.4%), Moody’s (-34.1%), and Popular (-42.0%) were three stocks that felt the repercussions. Our worst performer this period, Office Depot (-55.3%) also blamed the weak housing market, but we blame ourselves for misjudging the new leadership of the company. Our other retailers McDonald’s (+42.5%), Tiffany (+51.7%), and Costco Wholesale (+26.0%) reported great same-store sales comparisons and higher margins which drove shares higher. We also benefitted from our holdings in technology and energy companies. Technology companies Avnet (up +76.2%), Cisco (+37.0%), and IBM (+25.8%) each showed strong earnings gains during the period which were well-received by investors. The sharp rise in energy commodity prices benefitted our largest holdings in that area, Noble (+51.1%), Sasol (+48.7%), and ConocoPhillips (+41.0%).

 

We look forward to the next twelve months because, more so than the last three years, we expect good companies will become available at bargain prices. Periods of market volatility caused by financial and economic concerns will lead to such opportunities. In valuing a company to purchase, we consider much more than the near-term earnings per share outlook. Many others put such importance on the present that they give us good opportunities to buy or sell at great prices. We believe our experience gives us the ability to pounce on such mispricings.

 

 

 

Fund Holdings - (unaudited)

 


1Based on net assets.

 

Availability of Portfolio Schedule

 

The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Form N-Qs are available at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s Form N-Qs may be reviewed and copied at the Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.

 

Summary of Fund Expenses  

 

As a shareholder of a Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, such as the fee imposed on short-term redemptions; and (2) ongoing costs, consisting solely of management fees and trustee 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.

 

The Example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period (May 1, 2007) and held for the entire period (through October 31, 2007).

 

Actual Expenses

 

The first line of the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.60), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled "Expenses Paid During Period" to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

 

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

 

Expenses shown are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs such as the redemption fee imposed on short-term redemptions. The second line of the table below is useful in comparing ongoing costs only and will not help you determine the relative costs of owning different funds. If incurred, the short-term redemption fee imposed by the Fund would increase your expenses.

 

Marathon Value Portfolio

Beginning Account Value May 1, 2007

Ending Account

Value October 31, 2007

Expenses Paid During Period*

May 1, 2007 – October 31, 2007

 

Actual

 

$1,000.00

 

$1,026.14

 

$6.38

Hypothetical

(5% return before expenses)

 

$1,000.00

 

$1,018.90

 

$6.36

*Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio of 1.25%, multiplied by the average account value over the

period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the partial year period).

 

 

 

 

Marathon Value Portfolio

 

 

 

 

 

 

Schedule of Investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks - 83.24%

 

 

Shares

 

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aerospace-Defense - 0.42%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Northrop Grumman Corp.

 

 

1,400

 

 

$ 117,068

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Agricultural Chemicals - 0.00%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Phosphate Holdings, Inc. (a)

 

 

4

 

 

150

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Air Delivery and Freight Services - 1.34%

 

 

 

 

 

 

United Parcel Service, Inc. - Class B

 

 

5,000

 

 

375,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Automobiles, Parts & Equipment - 0.94%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Toyota Motor Corp. (b)

 

 

2,300

 

 

263,212

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Banking - 2.00%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (MUFG) (b)

 

22,500

 

 

224,100

Popular, Inc.

 

 

11,500

 

 

121,325

U.S. Bancorp

 

 

6,530

 

 

216,535

 

 

 

 

 

 

561,960

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Biological Products, (No Diagnostic Substances) - 0.41%

 

 

 

 

 

Amgen, Inc. (a)

 

 

2,000

 

 

116,220

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Broadcasting & Cable - 1.57%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liberty Global, Inc. - Class A (a)

 

 

3,573

 

 

140,240

Liberty Media Corp. - Capital Group - Class A (a)

 

1,558

 

 

194,719

Saga Communications, Inc. - Class A (a)

 

 

14,300

 

 

104,390

 

 

 

 

 

 

439,349

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Computer Communications Equipment - 1.94%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cisco Systems, Inc. (a)

 

 

16,500

 

 

545,490

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Construction Materials - 0.91%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vulcan Materials Co.

 

 

3,000

 

 

256,530

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diversified Financial Services - 1.19%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moody's Corp.

 

 

5,400

 

 

236,088

Western Union Co.

 

 

4,500

 

 

99,180

 

 

 

 

 

 

335,268

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Electric Components & Equipment - 2.98%

 

 

 

 

 

 

SECOM Co., Ltd. (b)

 

 

2,800

 

 

287,080

Zebra Technologies Corp. - Class A (a)

 

 

14,075

 

 

550,192

 

 

 

 

 

 

837,272

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Electric Utilities - 1.52%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Korea Electric Power Corp. (KEPCO) (b)

 

 

15,400

 

 

342,650

NorthWestern Corp.

 

 

3,000

 

 

82,740

 

 

 

 

 

 

425,390

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Energy - 1.45%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sasol Ltd. (b)

 

 

8,000

 

 

406,880

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Food Distributors - 0.27%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Farmer Brothers Co.

 

 

3,100

 

 

77,159

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General Merchandise Stores - 1.51%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costco Wholesale Corp.

 

 

6,300

 

 

423,738

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Marathon Value Portfolio

 

 

 

 

 

 

Schedule of Investments - continued

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks - 83.24% - continued

 

 

Shares

 

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Healthcare Distribution & Services - 5.70%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cardinal Health, Inc.

 

 

7,500

 

 

$ 510,225

IMS Health, Inc.

 

 

10,627

 

 

267,906

Pharmaceutical Product Development, Inc. (PPD)

 

15,200

 

 

642,048

PRA International (a)

 

 

6,000

 

 

181,140

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,601,319

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Healthcare Equipment - 4.12%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Becton, Dickinson & Co.

 

 

5,500

 

 

459,030

Dionex Corp. (a)

 

 

4,200

 

 

369,600

Medtronic, Inc.

 

 

3,500

 

 

166,040

St. Jude Medical, Inc. (a)

 

 

4,000

 

 

162,920

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,157,590

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Household Furniture - 0.53%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natuzzi S.p.A. (a) (b)

 

 

22,900

 

 

148,621

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Household Products - 3.10%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

 

 

2,500

 

 

190,675

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

 

 

6,800

 

 

482,052

Procter & Gamble Co.

 

 

2,827

 

 

196,533

 

 

 

 

 

 

869,260

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Industrial Conglomerates - 5.72%

 

 

 

 

 

 

3M Co.

 

 

4,100

 

 

354,076

Eaton Corp.

 

 

2,800

 

 

259,224

General Electric Co.

 

 

14,300

 

 

588,588

Leggett & Platt, Inc.

 

 

7,700

 

 

149,611

Tyco International, Ltd.

 

 

6,175

 

 

254,225

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,605,724

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Industrial Machinery - 2.11%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Illinois Tool Works, Inc.

 

 

7,200

 

 

412,272

Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.

 

 

2,500

 

 

180,625

 

 

 

 

 

 

592,897

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance - 2.76%

 

 

 

 

 

 

AEGON N.V. (c)

 

 

20,000

 

 

413,200

Aon Corp.

 

 

8,000

 

 

362,560

 

 

 

 

 

 

775,760

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Integrated Oil & Gas - 1.39%

 

 

 

 

 

 

ConocoPhillips

 

 

4,600

 

 

390,816

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oil & Gas Equipment & Services - 2.67%

 

 

 

 

 

 

BJ Services Co.

 

 

6,600

 

 

166,254

Noble Corporation

 

 

11,000

 

 

582,450

 

 

 

 

 

 

748,704

 

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

 

Marathon Value Portfolio

 

 

 

 

 

 

Schedule of Investments - continued

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks - 83.24% - continued

 

 

Shares

 

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Packaged Foods - 1.58%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Campbell Soup Co.

 

 

12,000

 

 

$ 443,760

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paper/Forest Products - 1.43%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plum Creek Timber Co., Inc.

 

 

8,970

 

 

400,690

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Perfumes, Cosmetics & Other Toilet Preparations - 1.33%

 

 

 

 

 

Elizabeth Arden, Inc. (a)

 

 

15,000

 

 

373,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pharmaceutical - 1.92%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Abbott Laboratories

 

 

7,000

 

 

382,340

Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)

 

 

6,934

 

 

66,636

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

 

 

3,000

 

 

89,970

 

 

 

 

 

 

538,946

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property & Casualty Insurance - 4.61%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alleghany Corp. (a)

 

 

1,060

 

 

416,601

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. - Class B (a)

 

 

130

 

 

573,820

Millea Holdings, Inc. (b)

 

 

7,750

 

 

303,856

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,294,277

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Publishing, Printing & Media - 1.10%

 

 

 

 

 

 

John Wiley & Sons, Inc. - Class A

 

 

7,000

 

 

307,860

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Real Estate - 2.55%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alexander's, Inc. (a) (d)

 

 

500

 

 

200,975

Avatar Holdings, Inc. (a)

 

 

4,100

 

 

190,855

EastGroup Properties, Inc. (d)

 

 

2,800

 

 

133,504

Reading International, Inc. - Class A (a)

 

 

19,100

 

 

190,809

 

 

 

 

 

 

716,143

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restaurants - 1.79%

 

 

 

 

 

 

McDonald's Corp.

 

 

8,400

 

 

501,480

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retail - Furniture Stores - 0.20%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc.

 

 

6,500

 

 

55,250

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Savings Institutions - 0.54%

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Niagara Financial Group, Inc.

 

 

11,500

 

 

151,800

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Semiconductors & Related Devices - 1.23%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Linear Technology Corp.

 

 

10,500

 

 

346,710

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Services - Consumer Credit Reporting, Collection Agencies - 0.64%

 

 

 

Equifax, Inc.

 

 

4,700

 

 

180,950

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Services - Data and Transaction Processing - 2.46%

 

 

 

 

 

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

 

 

6,700

 

 

332,052

Global Payments, Inc.

 

 

2,500

 

 

118,900

Total System Services, Inc.

 

 

8,000

 

 

239,680

 

 

 

 

 

 

690,632

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Marathon Value Portfolio

 

 

 

 

 

 

Schedule of Investments - continued

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stocks - 83.24% - continued

 

 

Shares

 

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Services - Staffing - 1.99%

 

 

 

 

 

 

CDI Corp. (a)

 

 

8,800

 

 

$ 242,528

Robert Half International, Inc.

 

 

10,500

 

 

315,945

 

 

 

 

 

 

558,473

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Soft Drinks - 1.54%

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Coca-Cola Co.

 

 

7,000

 

 

432,320

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Specialty Chemicals - 3.15%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cabot Corp.

 

 

6,000

 

 

210,060

PPG Industries, Inc.

 

 

4,100

 

 

306,434

Valspar Corp.

 

 

14,700

 

 

367,941

 

 

 

 

 

 

884,435

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Specialty Stores - 1.66%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Office Depot, Inc. (a)

 

 

16,200

 

 

303,912

Tiffany & Co.

 

 

3,000

 

 

162,540

 

 

 

 

 

 

466,452

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Systems Software & Computer Hardware - 3.76%

 

 

 

 

 

International Business Machines Corp. (IBM)

 

 

6,200

 

 

719,944

Microsoft Corp.

 

 

9,100

 

 

334,971

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,054,915

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wholesale - Electronic Parts & Equipment - 3.22%

 

 

 

 

 

Avnet, Inc. (a)

 

 

11,000

 

 

458,920

Tyco Electronics Ltd.

 

 

12,500

 

 

445,875

 

 

 

 

 

 

904,795

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $15,245,126)

 

 

 

 

 

23,375,265

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred Stock - 0.42%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E. I. DuPont De Nemours & Co. $4.50

 

 

1,500

 

 

117,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL PREFERRED STOCK (Cost $122,200)

 

 

 

 

 

117,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exchange-Traded Funds - 1.24%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UltraShort S&P500 ProShares

 

 

7,000

 

 

346,780

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS (Cost $363,070)

 

 

 

 

346,780

 

 

 

Principal

 

 

 

Corporate Bonds - 2.54%

 

 

Amount

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allegiance Telecom, Inc. Senior Notes, 12.875%, 05/15/2008 (a) (e)

$ 125,000

 

 

63,750

CWABS, Inc., 7.870%, 10/25/2032 (f) (h)

 

 

70,625

 

 

6,936

CWABS, Inc., 5.530%, 04/25/2032 (f) (h)

 

 

114,472

 

 

110,951

IMPAC CMB Trust, 5.770%, 10/25/2033 (g) (h)

 

 

297,768

 

 

295,944

IMPAC CMB Trust, 5.290%, 9/25/2034 (g) (h)

 

 

236,583

 

 

236,696

Mississippi Chemical Corp., 7.250%, 11/15/2017 (a) (e)

 

125,000

 

 

312

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS (Cost $838,742)

 

 

 

 

 

714,589

 

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

 

 

 

Marathon Value Portfolio

 

 

 

 

 

 

Schedule of Investments - continued

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal

 

 

 

U.S. Agency Obligations - 0.12%

 

 

Amount

 

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., Series #2692, 3.500%, 01/15/2023 (g)

$ 34,530

 

 

$ 34,425

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL U.S. AGENCY OBLIGATIONS (Cost $34,065)

 

 

 

 

34,425

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign Government Bonds - 3.10%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Swiss Government Bonds, 3.250%, 02/11/2009

 

1,000,000

 

 

870,765

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL FOREIGN GOVERNMENT BONDS (Cost $805,315)

 

 

 

870,765

 

 

 

Shares

 

 

 

Money Market Securities - 9.50%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fidelity Institutional Money Market Portfolio - Class I, 5.15% (i)

2,668,459

 

 

2,668,459

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL MONEY MARKET SECURITIES (Cost $2,668,459)

 

 

 

 

2,668,459

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS (Cost $20,076,977) - 100.16%

 

 

 

 

$ 28,127,283

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities in excess of other assets - (0.16)%

 

 

 

 

 

(45,893)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.00%

 

 

 

 

 

$ 28,081,390

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a) Non-income producing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b) American Depositary Receipt.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(c) New York Registry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(d) Real Estate Investment Trust.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(e) In default, issuer filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy. This security is currently valued according to fair value procedures approved

by the Trust.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(f) Asset-Backed Security.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(g) Collateralized mortgage obligation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(h) Variable rate securities; the coupon rate shown represents the rate at October 31, 2007.

 

(i) Variable rate security; the rate shown represents the money market rate at October 31, 2007.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Marathon Value Portfolio

 

 

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

Investments in securities

 

 

 

At cost

 

 

$ 20,076,977

At market value

 

 

28,127,283

 

 

 

 

Interest receivable

 

 

31,376

Dividends receivable

 

 

17,280

Receivable for Fund shares sold

 

 

339

Total assets

 

 

28,176,278

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

Payable for investments purchased

 

 

65,790

Accrued advisory fees (a)

 

 

28,765

Accrued trustee fees

 

 

333

Total liabilities

 

 

94,888

 

 

 

 

Net Assets

 

 

$ 28,081,390

 

 

 

 

Net Assets consist of:

 

 

 

Paid in capital

 

 

19,270,755

Accumulated undistributed net investment income

 

223,154

Accumulated net realized gain on investments

 

536,338

Net unrealized appreciation on:

 

 

 

Investments

 

 

8,050,306

Foreign currency transactions

 

 

837

 

 

 

 

Net Assets

 

 

$ 28,081,390

 

 

 

 

Shares outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized)

1,663,916

 

 

 

 

Net Asset Value

 

 

 

Offering and redemption price per share

 

 

$ 16.88

 

 

 

 

(a) See Note 3 in the Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

Marathon Value Portfolio

 

 

 

Statement of Operations

 

 

 

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment Income

 

 

 

Dividend income (net of foreign taxes on dividends of $1,223)

$ 349,852

Interest income

 

 

247,429

Total Income

 

 

597,281

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses

 

 

 

 

Investment advisor fee

 

 

337,210

Trustee expenses

 

 

4,011

Total Expenses

 

 

341,221

Expenses waived by advisor *

 

 

(4,011)

Net operating expenses

 

 

337,210

Net Investment Income

 

 

260,071

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Realized & Unrealized Gain

 

 

 

Net realized gain/(loss) on:

 

 

 

Investments

 

 

545,303

Foreign currency transactions

 

 

(9,057)

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

 

 

on investment securities

 

 

2,057,914

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

 

 

on foreign currency transactions

 

 

837

Net realized and unrealized gain on investment securities

 

and foreign currency transactions

 

 

2,594,997

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

 

$ 2,855,068

 

 

 

 

 

* See Note 3 to the Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Marathon Value Portfolio

 

 

 

 

 

 

Statements of Changes In Net Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended

 

Year ended

Increase in Net Assets due to:

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

October 31, 2006

Operations

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

$ 260,071

 

$ 179,450

Net realized gain on investment securities and foreign currency transactions

536,246

 

440,619

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

 

 

 

 

and foreign currency transactions

 

 

2,058,751

 

1,749,967

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

 

 

2,855,068

 

2,370,036

Distributions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From net investment income

 

 

 

(184,262)

 

(140,542)

From capital gains

 

 

 

(440,527)

 

(328,858)

Change in net assets from distributions

 

 

(624,789)

 

(469,400)

Capital Share Transactions

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from shares sold

 

 

 

2,773,882

 

3,644,810

Reinvestment of distributions

 

 

 

619,849

 

467,360

Amount paid for shares repurchased

 

 

(2,480,102)

 

(1,598,150)

Net increase in net assets resulting

 

 

 

 

 

 

from share transactions

 

 

 

913,629

 

2,514,020

Total Increase in Net Assets

 

 

 

3,143,908

 

4,414,656

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of year

 

 

 

24,937,482

 

20,522,826

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

End of year

 

 

 

 

$ 28,081,390

 

$ 24,937,482

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated undistributed net investment income

 

 

$ 223,154

 

$ 147,345

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital Share Transactions

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares sold

 

 

 

 

170,502

 

246,357

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

 

 

39,182

 

32,165

Shares repurchased

 

 

 

(150,807)

 

(107,835)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase from capital share transactions

 

 

58,877

 

170,687

 

 

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

 

 

Marathon Value Portfolio

Financial Highlights

(For one share outstanding during the period)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year

ended

 

Year

ended

 

Year

ended

 

Year

ended

 

Year

ended

 

Year

ended

 

 

 

 

October

31, 2007

 

October

31, 2006

 

October

31, 2005

 

October

31, 2004

 

October

31, 2003

 

October

31, 2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selected Per Share Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$ 15.54

 

$ 14.31

 

$ 13.09

 

$ 11.55

 

$ 9.65

 

$ 10.63

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from investment operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

0.16

 

0.11

 

0.10

 

0.09

 

0.09(a)

 

0.12 (a)

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

1.57

 

1.45

 

1.22

 

1.53

 

1.91

 

(0.98)

Total from investment operations

 

1.73

 

1.56

 

1.32

 

1.62

 

2.00

 

(0.86)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less Distributions to shareholders:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From net investment income

 

(0.11)

 

(0.10)

 

(0.10)

 

(0.08)

 

(0.10)

 

(0.12)

From capital gains income

 

(0.28)

 

(0.23)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.39)

 

(0.33)

 

(0.10)

 

(0.08)

 

(0.10)

 

(0.12)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$16.88

 

$15.54

 

$14.31

 

$13.09

 

$11.55

 

$9.65

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Return (b)

 

 

11.30%

 

11.01%

 

10.11%

 

14.12%

 

20.88%

 

-8.21%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (000)

 

$28,081

 

$24,937

 

$20,523

 

$16,819

 

$13,445

 

$10,287

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

before waiver

 

 

1.26%

 

1.27%

 

1.27%

 

1.26%

 

1.27%

 

1.28%

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

 

1.25%

 

1.25%

 

1.25%

 

1.25%

 

1.26%

 

1.28%

Ratio of net investment income to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

average net assets before waiver

 

0.95%

 

0.77%

 

0.73%

 

0.78%

 

0.86%

 

1.11%

Ratio of net investment income to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

average net assets

 

 

0.96%

 

0.79%

 

0.76%

 

0.79%

 

0.87%

 

1.11%

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

25.12%

 

29.03%

 

38.04%

 

28.21%

 

46.03%

 

44.44%

 

(a) Net investment income per share was based on average shares outstanding throughout the year.

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

 

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

 

 

 

 

Marathon Value Portfolio

Notes to the Financial Statements

October 31, 2007

 

NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION

 

Marathon Value Portfolio (the “Fund”) was organized as a diversified series of Unified Series Trust (the “Trust”) on December 18, 2002. The Trust is an open-end investment company established under the laws of Ohio by an Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated October 17, 2002 (the “Trust Agreement”). On January 3, 2003, the Fund acquired all of the assets and liabilities of the Marathon Value Portfolio, a series of the AmeriPrime Funds (the “Predecessor Fund”) in a tax-free reorganization. The Predecessor Fund commenced operations on March 12, 1998. The Trust Agreement permits the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”) to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest of separate series. The Fund is one of a series of funds currently authorized by the Board. The Fund’s investment objective is to provide long-term capital appreciation in a well-diversified portfolio. Since March 28, 2000, Spectrum Advisory Services, Inc. (“Advisor”). the Fund’s advisor

 

NOTE 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements.

 

Securities Valuation - Equity securities are valued by using market quotations, furnished by a pricing service when the Advisor believes such prices accurately reflect the fair market value of such securities. Securities that are traded on any stock exchange are valued by the pricing service at the last quoted sale price. Lacking a last sale price, an exchange traded security is valued by the pricing service at its last bid price. Securities traded in the NASDAQ over-the-counter market are valued by the pricing service at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price. When market quotations are not readily available, when the Advisor determines that the market quotation or the price provided by the pricing service does not accurately reflect the current market value or when restricted or illiquid securities are being valued, such securities are valued as determined in good faith by the Advisor, in conformity with guidelines adopted by and subject to review by the Pricing Committee of the Board.

Fixed income securities are valued by using market quotations, but may be valued on the basis of prices furnished by a pricing service when the Advisor believes such prices more accurately reflect the fair market value of such securities. A pricing service utilizes electronic data processing techniques based on yield spreads relating to securities with similar characteristics to determine prices for normal institutional-size trading units of debt securities without regard to sale or bid prices. If the Advisor decides that a price provided by the pricing service does not accurately reflect the fair market value of the securities, when prices are not readily available from a pricing service or when restricted or illiquid securities are being valued, securities are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Advisor, in conformity with guidelines adopted by and subject to review of the Board. Short-term investments in fixed income securities with maturities of less than 60 days when acquired, or which subsequently are within 60 days of maturity, are valued by using the amortized cost method of valuation, which the Board has determined will represent fair value. The ability of issuers of debt securities held by the Fund to meet their obligations may be affected by economic and political developments in a specific country or region. Good faith pricing is permitted if, in the Advisor’s opinion, the validity of market quotations appears to be questionable based on factors such as evidence of a thin market in the security based on a small number of quotations, a significant event occurs after the close of a market but before the Fund’s NAV calculation that may affect a security’s value, or the Advisor is aware of any other data that calls into question the reliability of market quotations. Good faith pricing may also be used in instances where the bonds the Fund invests in may default or otherwise cease to have market quotations readily available.

 

In accordance with the Trust’s good faith pricing guidelines, the Advisor is required to consider all appropriate factors relevant to the value of securities for which it has determined other pricing sources are not available or reliable as described above. No single standard for determining fair value controls, since fair value depends upon the circumstances of each individual case. As a general principle, the current fair value of an issue of securities being valued by the advisor would appear to be the amount which the owner might reasonably expect to receive for them upon their current sale. Methods which are in accord with this principle may, for example, be based on (i) a multiple of earnings; (ii) a discount from market of a similar freely traded security (including a derivative security or a basket of securities traded on other markets, exchanges or among dealers); or (iii) yield to maturity with respect to debt issues, or a combination of these and other methods.

 

Expenses – Expenses incurred by the Trust that do not relate to a specific fund of the Trust are allocated to the individual funds based on each fund’s relative net assets or another appropriate basis (as determined by the Board).

 

 

 

Marathon Value Portfolio

Notes to the Financial Statements

October 31, 2007 - continued

 

NOTE 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – continued

 

Federal Income Taxes – The Fund makes no provision for federal income tax. The Fund intends to qualify each year as a “regulated investment company” under subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, by distributing substantially all of its net investment income and net realized capital gains. If the required amount of net investment income is

not distributed, the Fund could incur a tax expense.

 

Security Transactions and Related Income - The Fund follows industry practice and records security transactions on the trade date. The specific identification method is used for determining gains or losses for financial statements and income tax purposes. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date and interest income is recorded on an accrual basis. Discounts

and premiums on securities purchased are amortized or accreted using the effective interest method.

 

Dividends and Distributions - The Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net investment income as dividends to its shareholders on at least an annual basis. The Fund intends to distribute its net realized long-term capital gains and its net realized short-term capital gains at least once a year. Distributions to shareholders which are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends have been provided for in accordance with the Fund’s understanding of the applicable country’s tax rules and rates. The treatment for financial reporting purposes of distributions made to shareholders during the year from net investment income or net realized capital gains may differ from their ultimate treatment for federal income tax purposes. These differences are caused primarily by differences in the timing of the recognition of certain components of income, expense or realized capital gain for federal income tax purposes. Where such differences are permanent in nature, they are reclassified in the components of the net assets based on their ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. Any such reclassifications will have no effect on net assets, results of operations or net asset values per share of the Fund. For the year ended October 31, 2007, there was no such reclassifications.

 

Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes- In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48 – Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes that requires the tax effects of certain tax positions to be recognized. These tax positions must meet a “more likely than not” standard that, based on their technical merits, have a more than 50 percent likelihood of being sustained upon examination. FASB Interpretation No. 48 is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2006. At adoption, the financial statements must be adjusted to reflect only those tax positions that are more likely than not of being sustained. Management of the Fund is currently evaluating the impact that FASB Interpretation No. 48 will have on the Fund’s financial statements.

 

Fair Value Measurements - In September 2006, FASB issued Statement on Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements.” This standard establishes a single authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value and requires additional disclosure about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 applies to fair value measurements already required or permitted by existing standards. SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The changes to current generally accepted accounting principles from the application of this Statement relate to the definition of fair value, the methods used to measure fair value, and the expanded disclosures about fair value measurements. As of October 31, 2007, the Fund does not believe that the adoption of SFAS No. 157 will impact the amounts reported in the financial statements, however, additional disclosures may be required about the inputs used to develop the measurements and the effect of certain of the measurements reported on the statement of changes in net assets for a fiscal period.

 

Repurchase Agreements - In connection with transactions in repurchase agreements, it is the Fund’s policy that its custodian take possession of the underlying collateral securities, the fair value of which exceeds the principal amount of the repurchase transaction, including accrued interest, at all times. If the seller defaults and the fair value of the collateral declines, realization of the collateral by the Fund may be delayed or limited.

 

Foreign Currency – Investment securities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts at the date of valuation. Purchases and sales of investment securities and income and expense items denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts on the respective dates of such transactions. The Fund does not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations

 

 

 

Marathon Value Portfolio

Notes to the Financial Statements

October 31, 2007 - continued

 

NOTE 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – continued

 

arising from changes in market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included in the net realized and unrealized gain or loss from investments. Reported net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the fair values of assets and liabilities, other than investments in securities at fiscal period end, resulting from changes in exchange rates.

 

NOTE 3. FEES AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

 

Under the terms of the management agreement (the “Agreement”), the Advisor has agreed to provide investment advisory services to the Fund, and to pay most operating expenses of the Fund, in return for a "universal fee."  The Agreement states that the Fund, not the Advisor, is obligated to pay the following expenses:  brokerage fees and commissions, taxes, borrowing costs (such as (a) interest and (b) dividend expenses on securities sold short), fees and expenses of independent trustees and extraordinary or nonrecurring expenses.  The Agreement does not require the Advisor to pay indirect expenses incurred by the Fund, such as fees and expenses of other investment companies in which the Fund may invest. As compensation for its management services and agreement to pay the Fund’s expenses, the Fund is obligated to pay the Advisor a fee computed and accrued daily and paid monthly at an annual rate of 1.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund. It should be noted that most investment companies pay their own operating expenses directly, while the Advisor pays the Fund’s expenses, except those specified above. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, the Advisor earned fees of $377,210 from the Fund. The Advisor has contractually agreed to waive and/or reimburse the Fund for certain fees and expenses, but only to the extent necessary to maintain the Fund’s total annual operating expenses, except brokerage fees and commissions, borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short), taxes and extraordinary expenses, at 1.25% of average daily net assets through February 29, 2008. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, the Advisor reimbursed independent trustee fees of $4,011. As of October 31, 2007, the Advisor was owed $28,765 for its advisory services.

 

The Trust retains Unified Fund Services, Inc. (“Unified”) to manage the Fund’s business affairs and provide the Fund with administrative services, fund accounting and transfer agency services, including all regulatory reporting and necessary office equipment and personnel. The Advisor paid all administrative, transfer agency, and fund accounting fees on behalf of the Fund per the Agreement. Certain officers of the Trust are members of management and/or employees of Unified. Unified operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Huntington Bancshares, Inc., the parent company of the Distributor and Huntington National Bank, the custodian of the Fund’s investments (the Custodian ).

 

The Fund retains Unified Financial Securities, Inc. (the “Distributor”) to act as the principal distributor of the Fund’s shares. There were no payments made by the Fund to the Distributor during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007. The Distributor, Unified, and the Custodian are controlled by Huntington Bancshares, Inc.

 

NOTE 4. INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS

 

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, purchases and sales of investment securities, other than short-term investments were as follows:


 

 

 

Marathon Value Portfolio

Notes to the Financial Statements

October 31, 2007 - continued

 

NOTE 4. INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS - continued

 

As of October 31, 2007, the net unrealized appreciation of investments for tax purposes was as follows:

 


At October 31, 2007, the aggregate cost of securities for federal income tax purposes was $20,076,977.

 

NOTE 5. ESTIMATES

 

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

 

NOTE 6. BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP

 

The beneficial ownership, either directly or indirectly, of 25% or more of the outstanding shares of a fund creates a presumption of control of the fund, under Section 2(a)(9) of the Investment Company Act of 1940. As of October 31, 2007, Charles Schwab & Co. held, in an omnibus account for the benefit of others, 68.18% of the Fund’s shares. As a result, Charles Schwab & Co. may be deemed to control the Fund.

 

NOTE 7. DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS

 

On December 27, 2006, the Fund paid an income distribution of $0.1149 per share, a long-term capital gain distribution of $0.2561 per share and a short-term capital gain distribution of $0.0186 per share to shareholders of record on December 26, 2006.

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years 2007 and 2006 were as follows:

 


On December 17, 2007, the Fund paid an income distribution of $0.1817 per share, a long-term capital gain distribution of $0.2867 per share and a short-term capital gain distribution of $0.0227 per share to shareholders of record on December 14, 2007.

 

As of October 31, 2007, the components of distributable earnings (accumulated losses) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

To the Shareholders and Board of Trustees

Marathon Value Portfolio

(Unified Series Trust)

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

In planning and performing our audit of the financial statements of Marathon Value Portfolio (the “Fund”), a series of the Unified Series Trust, as of and for the year ended October 31, 2007, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), we considered the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting, including control activities for safeguarding securities, as a basis for designing our auditing procedures for the purpose of expressing our opinion on the financial statements and to comply with the requirements of Form N-SAR, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

The management of the Fund is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting. In fulfilling this responsibility, estimates and judgments by management are required to assess the expected benefits and related costs of controls. A fund’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Such internal control includes policies and procedures that provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of a fund’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projection of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods is subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

A control deficiency exists when the design or operation of a control does not allow management or employees, in the normal course of performing their assigned functions, to prevent or detect misstatements on a timely basis. A significant deficiency is a control deficiency, or combination of control deficiencies, that adversely affects the fund’s ability to initiate, authorize, record, process or report external financial data reliably in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America such that there is more than a remote likelihood that a misstatement of the fund’s annual or interim financial statements that is more than inconsequential will not be prevented or detected. A material weakness is a significant deficiency, or combination of significant deficiencies, that results in more than a remote likelihood that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected.

 

Our consideration of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting was for the limited purpose described in the first paragraph and would not necessarily disclose all deficiencies in internal control that might be significant deficiencies or material weaknesses under standards established by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). However, we noted no deficiencies in the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting and its operation, including controls for safeguarding securities that we consider to be a material weakness as defined above as of October 31, 2007.

 

This report is intended solely for the information and use of management and the Board of Trustees of the Fund and the Securities and Exchange Commission and is not intended to be and should not be used by anyone other than these specified parties.

 

 

Cohen Fund Audit Services, Ltd.

Westlake, Ohio

December 17, 2007

 

 

TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

 

The Board of Trustees supervises the business activities of the Trust. Each Trustee serves as a trustee until termination of the Trust unless the Trustee dies, resigns, retires or is removed.

 

The following tables provide information regarding the Trustees and officers.

 

Independent Trustees

Name, Address*, (Age), Position with Trust**, Term of Position with Trust

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years

and Other Directorships

 

Gary E. Hippenstiel (Age 60)

Independent Trustee, December 2002 to present

Director, Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of Legacy Trust Company, N.A. since 1992; Chairman of the investment committee for W.H. Donner Foundation and Donner Canadian Foundation, since June 2005; Trustee of AmeriPrime Advisors Trust from July 2002 to September 2005; Trustee of Access Variable Insurance Trust from April 2003 to August 2005; Trustee of AmeriPrime Funds from 1995 to July 2005; Trustee of CCMI Funds from June 2003 to March 2005.

Stephen A. Little (Age 61)

Chairman, December 2004 to present; Independent Trustee, December 2002 to present

President and founder of The Rose, Inc., a registered investment advisor, since April 1993; Trustee of AmeriPrime Advisors Trust from November 2002 to September 2005; Trustee of AmeriPrime Funds from December 2002 to July 2005; Trustee of CCMI Funds from June 2003 to March 2005.

 

Daniel J. Condon (Age 57)

Independent Trustee, December 2002 to present

President of International Crankshaft Inc., an automotive equipment manufacturing company, since 2004, Vice President and General Manager from 1990 to 2003; Trustee of AmeriPrime Advisors Trust from November 2002 to September 2005; Trustee of The Unified Funds from 1994 to 2002; Trustee of Firstar Select Funds, a REIT mutual fund, from 1997 to 2000; Trustee of AmeriPrime Funds from December 2002 to July 2005; Trustee of CCMI Funds from June 2003 to March 2005.

 

Ronald C. Tritschler (Age 55)

Trustee, December 2002 to present

Chief Executive Officer, Director and Legal Counsel of The Webb Companies, a national real estate company, since 2001, Executive Vice President and Director from 1990 to 2000; Director of First State Financial since 1998; Director, Vice President and Legal Counsel of The Traxx Companies, an owner and operator of convenience stores, since 1989; Trustee of AmeriPrime Advisors Trust from November 2002 to September 2005; Trustee of AmeriPrime Funds from December 2002 to July 2005; Trustee of CCMI Funds from June 2003 to March 2005.

 

 

Principal Officers

Name, Address*, (Age), Position with Trust,** Term of Position with Trust

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years

and Other Directorships

 

 

Anthony J. Ghoston (Age 48)

President, July 2004 to present

President of Unified Fund Services, Inc., the Trust’s administrator, since June 2005, Executive Vice President from June 2004 to June 2005, Senior Vice President from April 2003 to June 2004; Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Unified Financial Services, Inc., the parent company of the Trust’s administrator and distributor, from 1997 to November 2004; President of AmeriPrime Advisors Trust from July 2004 to September 2005; President of AmeriPrime Funds from July 2004 to July 2005; President of CCMI Funds from July 2004 to March 2005.

 

 

John C. Swhear (Age 46)

Senior Vice President, May 2007 to present

Vice President of Legal Administration and Compliance for Unified Fund Services, Inc., the Trust’s administrator, since April, 2007; Chief Compliance Officer of Unified Financial Securities, Inc., the Trust’s distributor, since May 2007; Employed in various positions with American United Life Insurance Company from 1983 to April 2007, including: Associate General Counsel, April 2007, Investment Adviser Chief Compliance Officer, June 2004 to April 2007, Assistant Secretary to the Board of Directors, December 2002 to April 2007, Chief Compliance Officer of OneAmerica Funds, Inc., June 2004 to April 2007, Chief Counsel and Secretary, OneAmerica Securities, Inc., December 2002 to April 2007.

 

 

J. Michael Landis (Age 36)

Interim Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, March 2007 to present

Vice President Fund Accounting and Fund Administration for Unified Fund Services, since October, 2006; Director of Fund Accounting and Fund Administration for PFPC July 2006 - October 2006; Manager Fund Accounting for Unified Fund Services November 2004 – July 2006; Manager Fund Accounting for Mellon Financial Corporation November 1998 – November 2004.

 

 

Lynn E. Wood (Age 61)

Chief Compliance Officer, October 2004 to present

Chief Compliance Officer of AmeriPrime Advisors Trust from October 2004 to September 2005; Chief Compliance Officer of AmeriPrime Funds from October 2004 to July 2005; Chief Compliance Officer of CCMI Funds from October 2004 to March 2005; Chief Compliance Officer of Unified Financial Securities, Inc., the Trust’s distributor, from December 2004 to October 2005 and from 1997 to 2000, Chairman from 1997 to December 2004, President from 1997 to 2000; Director of Compliance of Unified Fund Services, Inc., the Trust’s administrator, from October 2003 to September 2004; Chief Compliance Officer of Unified Financial Services, Inc., the parent company of the Trust’s administrator and distributor, from 2000 to 2004.

 

 

Heather Bonds (Age 31)

Secretary, July 2005 to present; Assistant Secretary, September 2004 to June 2005

Employed by Unified Fund Services, Inc., the Trust’s administrator, since January 2004 and from December 1999 to January 2002; Student at Indiana University School of Law – Indianapolis, J.D. Candidate in December 2007; Assistant Secretary of Dean Family of Funds since August 2004; Regional Administrative Assistant of The Standard Register Company from February 2003 to January 2004; Full time student at Indiana University from January 2002 to June 2002; Secretary of AmeriPrime Advisors Trust from July 2005 to September 2005, Assistant Secretary from September 2004 to June 2005; Assistant Secretary of AmeriPrime Funds from September 2004 to July 2005; Assistant Secretary of CCMI Funds from September 2004 to March 2005.

 

* The address for each officer is 2960 North Meridian Street, Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46208.

** The Trust currently consists of 37 series.  

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

The Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) includes additional information about the trustees and is available without charge, upon request. You may call toll-free at (800) 788-6086 to request a copy of the SAI or to make shareholder inquiries.

 

RENEWAL OF MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT (Unaudited)

 

The continuation of the Management Agreement of The Marathon Value Portfolio with Spectrum Advisory Services, Inc. (the “Advisor”) was approved by the Board, including a majority of Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust or interested parties to the Agreement (collectively, the Independent Trustees and each an “Independent Trustee”) at an in-person meeting held on May 20, 2007. The Trustees were directed to the Board materials provided at the meeting, which were compiled to assist them in their decision-making as required by Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act, as amended. Legal counsel to the Independent Trustees reviewed the material with the Trustees. The Trustees also reviewed a memorandum prepared by counsel to the Independent Trustees outlining the Trustees’ duties and factors to be considered in renewing the Management Agreement. The Board also spoke with the Advisor’s president by telephone to discuss the Fund’s performance and other matters.

 

The Board discussed the Fund’s performance and the Advisor’s balance sheet and income statement. The Board then discussed that the 1-year return of the Fund is below that of the S&P 500 Index, but that the Fund’s long-term performance has been good. The Board noted, per the Advisor’s president, that the Advisor had been more conservative in the past year and not participated in some of the higher risk, higher reward investments that have driven the S&P 500, such as energy investments. The Board also noted that the Advisor has agreed to continue capping the Fund’s operating expenses for another year. The Board then considered that the Fund has not grown substantially in assets, although the Advisor will consider reducing the expense cap as the Fund grows to pass on economies of scale to shareholders.

 

In considering the Management Agreement on behalf of the Marathon Value Portfolio, the Trustees primarily considered that: (1) although the Fund’s one-year return as of March 31, 2007 lagged the S&P 500 Index and its peer group, the Fund’s five-year return exceeded the five-year returns of both its benchmark and peer group; (2) the Fund’s total expense ratio is lower than the average ratio for its peer group, after fee waiver and reimbursement of operating expenses by the Advisor; (3) the Advisor has agreed to continue waiving its fees and reimbursing operating expenses for an additional year; (4) the management agreement is not profitable to the Advisor, so there was no need to discuss economies of scale; and (5) the Advisor does not engage in soft dollar arrangements pursuant to which the Fund’s brokerage transactions are directed to a broker-dealer in exchange for research services that benefit the Advisor.

 

As a result of their considerations, the Trustees, including the Independent Trustees, unanimously determined that continuation of the Management Agreement between the Trust and Spectrum Advisory Services, Inc. is in the best interests of the Marathon Value Portfolio and its shareholders.

 

 

 

PROXY VOTING

 

A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities and information regarding how the Fund voted those proxies during the most recent twelve month period ended June 30, is available without charge upon request by (1) calling the Funds at (800) 788-6086 and (2) from Fund documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

TRUSTEES

Stephen A. Little, Chairman

Gary E. Hippenstiel

Daniel J. Condon

Ronald C. Tritschler

 

OFFICERS

Anthony J. Ghoston, President

John Swhear, Senior Vice-President

J. Michael Landis, Treasurer

Heather A. Bonds, Secretary

Lynn Wood, Chief Compliance Officer

 

INVESTMENT ADVISOR

Spectrum Advisory Services Inc.

1050 Crown Point Parkway, Suite 750

Atlanta, GA 30338

 

DISTRIBUTOR

Unified Financial Securities, Inc.

2960 North Meridian Street, Suite 300

Indianapolis, IN 46208

 

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Cohen Fund Audit Services, Ltd.

800 Westpoint Parkway, Suite 1100

Westlake, OH 44145

 

LEGAL COUNSEL

Thompson Coburn LLP

One US Bank Plaza

St. Louis, MO 63101

 

LEGAL COUNSEL TO THE INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

Thompson Hine, LLP

312 Walnut Street, 14th Floor

Cincinnati, OH 45202

 

CUSTODIAN

Huntington National Bank

41 South Street

Columbus, OH 43125

 

ADMINISTRATOR, TRANSFER AGENT AND FUND ACCOUNTANT

Unified Fund Services, Inc.

2960 North Meridian Street, Suite 300

Indianapolis, IN 46208

 

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

 

Distributed by Unified Financial Securities, Inc.

Member FINRA/SIPC

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Annual Report

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

Fund Advisor:

 

Quixote Capital Management, LLC

8000 E. Prentice Ave., Suite C-5

Greenwood Village, CO 80111

 

Toll Free (866) 726-0044

 

 

Management Discussion

 

Our focus remains on event driven investing, primarily trading in domestic merger arbitrage transactions and other significant corporate events. Merger arbitrage activity has been very high since our last report, although recently slowing. Credit market concerns have dramatically slowed the acquisition activities of private equity buyers. Strategic buyers have remained very active and deal flow has been more than adequate for us to remain fully invested. Credit availability and general equity market conditions are likely to be the primary determinants of future attractive merger opportunities.

 

The Fund returned 6.54% for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007 versus the S&P 500 Index return of 14.55% and the Merrill Lynch U.S. Treasury Bill Master Index return of 5.13%. We fell short of our goal of outperforming the US Treasury Bill Index by 3.0%. It has been a difficult period as the credit markets experienced significant problems this summer and on into the fall. This adversely affected the financing of leveraged buyouts or caused the arbitrage spreads to widen as concerns arose about the ability of the buyers to close the transactions. Your fund’s performance was negatively impacted by these conditions. Transaction spreads are generally wider than a year ago and are very attractive; however, this also is a reflection of increased risk resulting from current market conditions. The key to success remains in selecting those transactions that will successfully close and properly hedging these transactions.

 

The difficult credit conditions have dramatically affected the banking industry. Our performance was negatively impacted by this, as many of our call option hedges failed to protect us resulting in losses. This is an industry we have traditionally favored, as the transactions have historically had a very high probability of closing. In fact, despite market conditions, we have not seen a bank transaction fail to close. This will have to be monitored closely under current market conditions.

 

Our portfolio volatility increased as a consequence of this environment. This was particularly the case during the market’s volatile summer months. This was due to deal spreads widening, broken hedges and an increase in overall market volatility. It will probably remain somewhat higher in the near term than it was a year ago.

 

As expected due to our investment strategy, returns have largely been made up of dividends and short term capital gains. We are pleased to have been able to make quarterly distributions of these gains to our shareholders desiring income distributions.

 

There have been a number of higher profile transactions that we have been involved in this year, such as: Avaya, First Data, Hilton Hotels, TXU Energy and Pogo Producing. In addition, we have worked on smaller deals that may be unrecognized by our shareholders, including Price Communications, Desert Community Bank and MAF Bancorp. We continue to be particularly attracted to smaller transactions and, despite hedging problems, bank transactions.

 

We thank you for your investment and will work diligently on your behalf.

 

Jerry Paul - Portfolio Manager

 

You should carefully consider the investment objectives, potential risks, management fees, and charges and expenses of the Fund before investing. The Fund’s prospectus contains this and other information about the Fund, and should be read carefully before investing. The Fund is subject to the following risks: Management, event driven, distressed investments, hedging (short sales/options), borrowing, high portfolio turnover, equity and fixed income securities (credit/rating/interest rate/duration), ETF, closed end fund. You may obtain a current copy of the Fund’s prospectus by calling 1-866-726-0044. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Your Fund shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Because the Fund uses short-selling, derivative strategies and other leveraging techniques to attempt to enhance returns, it is subject to greater risks and its performance may be more volatile than the performance of other funds. The Fund may be required to pay a premium to sell a security short. There is no guarantee the price of a shorted security will fall or that the Fund will achieve it's stated investment objective. Distributed by Unified Financial Securities, Inc., Member FINRA.

Investment Results  

 



 

The performance quoted represents past performance, which does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The returns shown do not reflect deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance of the Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. The Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. Performance data current to the most recent month end may be obtained by calling 1-866-726-0044.

 

* Return figures reflect any change in price per share and assume the reinvestment of all distributions.

** The Indices are unmanaged benchmarks that assume reinvestment of all distributions and exclude the effect of taxes and fees. The S&P 500 Index is a widely recognized unmanaged index of equity prices and are representative of a broader market and range of securities than is found in the Fund’s portfolio. The Merrill Lynch US Treasury Bill Master Index is a widely recognized unmanaged index of fixed income prices and is representative of a broader market and range of securities than are found in the Fund’s portfolio. Individuals cannot invest directly in the Indices; however, an individual can invest in exchange traded funds or other investment vehicles that attempt to track the performance of a benchmark index.

 


 

The chart above assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on December 20, 2005 (commencement of Fund operations) and held through October 31, 2007. THE FUND’S RETURN REPRESENTS PAST PERFORMANCE AND DOES NOT GUARANTEE FUTURE RESULTS. The returns shown do not reflect deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Investment returns and principal values will fluctuate so that your shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original purchase price.

 

Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For more information on the QCM Absolute Return Fund and to obtain performance data current to the most recent month end, please call 1-866-726-0044. Investing in the Fund involves certain risks that are discussed in the Fund’s prospectus. Please read the prospectus carefully before you invest or send money.

 

The Fund is distributed by Unified Financial Securities, Inc., member FINRA.

 

 

 

Fund Holdings – (Unaudited)

 


1As a percentage of net assets.

 

The Fund may invest in equity and fixed income securities, preferred stock, or convertible securities. The Fund may also invest in other investment companies, including closed-end funds and exchange-traded funds. The Fund may hold a significant portion of its assets in cash in anticipation of investment opportunities.

 

Availability of Portfolio Schedule – (Unaudited)

 

The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-Q are available at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s Forms N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the Public Reference Room in Washington DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.

 

Summary of Fund’s Expenses – (Unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of a Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs (such as short-term redemption fees); and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution and service (12b-1) fees and other Fund expenses. This Example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

The Example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period (May 1, 2007 through October 31, 2007).

 

Actual Expenses

The first line of the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.60), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line of the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the 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 the other funds.

 

Expenses shown are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs such as the fee imposed on short-term redemptions. The second line of the table below is useful in comparing ongoing costs only and will not help you determine the relative costs of owning different funds. If incurred, the short-term redemption fee imposed by the Fund would increase your expenses.

                

 

QCM Absolute Return Fund

Beginning Account Value

May 1, 2007

Ending Account

  Value

October 31, 2007

Expenses Paid During Period May 1, 2007 -

October 31, 2007 *

Actual

$1,000.00

$1,022.60

$13.98

Hypothetical **

$1,000.00

$1,011.38

$13.91

 

*Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio of 2.74%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the partial year period). The expense ratio calculation includes income expense on securities sold short.

** Assumes a 5% return before expenses.

 

 

 

 

QCM Absolute Return Fund

 

 

 

 

Schedule of Investments

 

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stock - 68.09%

 

Shares

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial Banks - 0.00%

 

 

 

 

Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc (a) (c)

1

 

$ 9

 

 

 

 

 

Crude Petroleum & Natural Gas - 4.67%

 

 

 

Pogo Producing Co. (b)

 

7,039

 

419,243

 

 

 

 

 

Electric Lighting & Wiring Equipment - 1.96%

 

 

 

Lamson & Sessions Co. (a)

 

6,473

 

176,325

 

 

 

 

 

Industrial Organic Chemicals - 0.85%

 

 

 

Lyondell Chemical Co.

 

1,600

 

75,920

 

 

 

 

 

Investment Advice - 2.88%

 

 

 

 

Nuveen Investments, Inc. - Class A

4,000

 

259,200

 

 

 

 

 

National Commercial Banks - 14.05%

 

 

 

Commerce Bancorp, Inc.

 

15,300

 

623,475

Huntington Bancshares, Inc. (b)

700

 

12,537

National City Corp.

 

7,199

 

174,576

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (b)

3,178

 

229,289

Wachovia Corp.

 

3,299

 

150,863

Wells Fargo & Co.

 

2,109

 

71,727

 

 

 

 

1,262,467

 

 

 

 

 

Newspapers: Publishing or Publishing & Printing - 0.27%

 

 

 

Tribune Co.

 

800

 

24,208

 

 

 

 

 

Personal Credit Institutions - 1.36%

 

 

 

SLM Corp. (a)(b)

 

2,600

 

122,616

 

 

 

 

 

Printed Circuit Boards - 0.60%

 

 

 

Flextronics International Ltd. (a)

4,400

 

54,164

 

 

 

 

 

Radio Broadcasting Stations - 1.47%

 

 

 

Clear Channel Communications, Inc.

3,500

 

132,195

 

 

 

 

 

Radiotelephone Communications - 3.79%

 

 

 

ALLTEL Corp.

 

3,000

 

213,450

Dobson Communications Corp. - Class A (a) (b)

9,800

 

126,812

 

 

 

 

340,262

 

 

 

 

 

Retail - Lumber & Other Building Materials Dealers - 0.88%

 

 

 

Home Depot, Inc. (b)

 

2,500

 

78,775

 

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

 

 

QCM Absolute Return Fund

 

 

 

 

Schedule of Investments - continued

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stock - 68.09% - continued

Shares

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

Semiconductors & Related Devices - 4.14%

 

 

 

Saifun Semiconductors Ltd. (a)

 

28,730

 

$ 291,035

Sirenza Microdevices, Inc. (a)

 

4,875

 

80,633

 

 

 

 

371,668

 

 

 

 

 

Services - Business Services - 3.13%

 

 

 

CheckFree Corp. (a)

 

5,910

 

280,902

 

 

 

 

 

Services - Management Services - 1.60%

 

 

 

Ceridian Corp. (a)

 

4,000

 

143,760

 

 

 

 

 

Services - Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation - 5.58%

 

 

 

Harrah's Entertainment, Inc.

 

1,000

 

88,250

Station Casinos, Inc.

 

4,600

 

413,080

 

 

 

 

501,330

 

 

 

 

 

Services - Prepackaged Software - 6.56%

 

 

 

BEA Systems, Inc. (a)

 

2,000

 

33,800

NAVTEQ Corp. (a) (b)

 

7,200

 

555,840

 

 

 

 

589,640

 

 

 

 

 

Services - Skilled Nursing Care Facilities - 2.07%

 

 

 

Manor Care, Inc.

 

2,800

 

186,424

 

 

 

 

 

State Commercial Banks - 7.94%

 

 

 

East Penn Financial Corp.

 

10,609

 

146,510

East West Bancorp, Inc.

 

3,000

 

101,220

U.S.B. Holding Co., Inc.

 

16,141

 

351,712

United Western Bancorp, Inc. (b)

5,300

 

113,950

 

 

 

 

713,392

 

 

 

 

 

Surgical & Medical Instruments & Apparatus - 3.55%

 

 

 

Kyphon, Inc. (a)

4,500

 

318,960

 

 

 

 

 

Telephone Communications (No Radiotelephone) - 0.55%

 

 

 

Verizon Communications, Inc.

 

1,082

 

49,848

 

 

 

 

 

Television Broadcasting Stations - 0.19%

 

 

 

Price Communications Corp. (a)

33,990

 

16,655

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL COMMON STOCK (Cost $6,116,553)

 

 

6,117,963

 

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

 

 

QCM Absolute Return Fund

 

 

 

 

Schedule of Investments - continued

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

Real Estate Investment Trusts - 0.90%

 

 

 

Anthracite Capital, Inc.

 

4,000

 

$ 33,280

Mission West Properties, Inc. (b)

4,000

 

47,960

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (Cost $91,373)

 

 

81,240

 

 

 

 

 

Closed-End Mutual Funds - 9.76%

 

 

 

ACM Managed Dollar Income Fund

8,600

 

62,092

ACM Managed Income Fund

 

10,400

 

40,040

Delaware Investments Dividend and Income Fund, Inc. (b)

30,301

 

365,430

Gabelli Global Deal Fund (b)

 

21,800

 

368,420

Putnam High Income Securities Fund (b)

5,026

 

41,062

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL CLOSED-END MUTUAL FUNDS (Cost $924,111)

 

 

877,044

 

 

 

 

 

Exchange-Traded Funds - 9.98%

 

 

 

 

DIAMONDS Trust, Series I

 

2,200

 

305,690

Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund

2,000

 

67,320

iShares Cohen & Steers Realty Majors Index Fund

600

 

56,430

iShares Lehman 7-10 Year Treasury Bond Fund

5,523

 

467,080

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS (Cost $841,611)

 

 

896,520

 

 

 

 

 

Rights - 0.00%

 

 

 

 

Pelican Financial, Inc. (a) (d)

 

8,500

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL RIGHTS (Cost $0)

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

Money Market Security - 0.00%

 

 

 

 

Fidelity Money Market Portfolio, 5.09% (e)

204

 

204

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL MONEY MARKET (Cost $204)

 

 

204

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal Amount

 

Repurchase Agreements - 10.44%

 

 

 

U.S. Bank, 3.60%, dated 10/31/2007, matures 11/1/2007, repurchase price $938,094

$ 938,000

 

938,000

(Collateralized by FGCI G11440, 4.00%, 8/1/2018, Market Value $956,967)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS (cost $938,000)

 

 

938,000

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS (Cost $8,911,852) - 99.17%

 

 

$ 8,910,971

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and other assets less liabilities - 0.83%

 

 

74,681

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.00%

 

 

$ 8,985,652

(a) Non-income producing.

 

 

 

 

(b) Portion of the security is pledged as collateral for call options written.

 

 

 

(c) American Depositary Receipt.

 

 

 

(d) Escrow rights issued in conjunction with company liquidation. There is no market for the rights. Therefore, these

are considered to be illiquid and are valued according to fair value procedures approved by the Trust.

(e) Variable rate securities; the rate shown represents the yield at October 31, 2007.

 

 

 

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

 

 

QCM Absolute Return Fund

 

 

 

 

Schedule of Written Call Options

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares Subject

 

 

Written Call Options / Expiration Date @ Exercise Price

to Call

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

Anthracite Capital, Inc., 11/17/2007 @ $10.00

4,000

 

$ 300

Anthracite Capital, Inc., 12/22/2007 @ $7.50

2,000

 

2,600

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentina, S.A., 11/17/2007 @ $25.00

6,000

 

3,750

BEA Systems , Inc., 11/17/2007 @ $17.50

2,000

 

650

Clear Channel Communications, Inc., 11/17/2007 @ $37.50

3,500

 

2,188

Commerce Bancorp, Inc., 11/17/2007 @ $40.00

17,300

 

16,003

Commerce Bancorp, Inc., 12/22/2007 @ $40.00

2,000

 

3,100

DIAMONDS Trust, Series I, 11/17/2007 @ $134.00

700

 

3,972

DIAMONDS Trust, Series I, 11/17/2007 @ $135.00

2,000

 

9,600

East West Bancorp, Inc., 12/22/2007 @ $30.00

800

 

3,280

Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund, 11/17/2007 @ $34.00

4,000

 

2,580

Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund, 11/17/2007 @ $35.00

2,000

 

550

Flextronics International Ltd., 11/17/2007 @ $10.00

4,400

 

9,922

The Home Depot, Inc., 11/17/2007 @ $32.50

3,200

 

1,760

Huntington Bancshares, Inc., 11/17/2007 @ $17.50

1,400

 

910

iShares Cohen & Steers Realty Majors Index Fund, 11/17/2007 @ $90.00

600

 

2,940

iShares Lehman 7-10 Year Treasury Bond Fund, 11/17/2007 @ $84.00

1,200

 

840

iShares Lehman 7-10 Year Treasury Bond Fund, 11/17/2007 @ $85.00

1,200

 

300

KeyCorp, 11/17/2007 @ $30.00

6,900

 

1,207

KeyCorp, 12/22/2007 @ $30.00

1,000

 

550

Manor Care, Inc., 11/17/2007 @ $65.00

1,000

 

1,750

National City Corp., 11/17/2007 @ $55.00 (a)

28,059

 

705

National City Corp., 11/17/2007 @ $25.00

8,200

 

3,280

National City Corp., 11/17/2007 @ $22.50

7,200

 

14,580

National City Corp., 12/22/2007 @ $25.00

1,000

 

900

National City Corp., 12/22/2007 @ $22.50

2,000

 

4,850

NAVTEQ Corp., 11/17/2007 @ $75.00

7,200

 

14,760

Plains Exploration & Production Co., 11/17/2007 @ $40.00

1,000

 

11,050

Plains Exploration & Production Co., 11/17/2007 @ $45.00

1,200

 

7,500

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., 11/17/2007 @ $70.00

1,300

 

4,030

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., 11/17/2007 @ $67.50

1,200

 

6,180

RF Micro Devices, Inc., 11/17/2007 @ $5.00

8,700

 

10,657

SLM Corp., 11/17/2007 @ $45.00

2,600

 

7,150

Spansion, Inc. - Class A, 11/17/2007 @ $7.50

24,700

 

2,470

Tribune Co., 11/17/2007 @ 11/17/2007 @ $25.00

800

 

4,280

Verizon Communications, Inc., 11/17/2007 @ $42.50

1,100

 

4,180

Wachovia Corp., 11/17/2007 @ $45.00

1,700

 

3,018

Wachovia Corp., 11/17/2007 @ $47.50

2,800

 

1,540

Wells Fargo & Co., 11/17/2007 @ $35.00

2,300

 

805

Wells Fargo & Co., 12/22/2007 @ $32.50

1,000

 

2,350

 

 

 

 

 

Total (Premiums Received $176,495)

171,259

 

$ 173,037

 

 

 

 

 

(a) Option contract adjusted from MAF Bancorp, Inc. acquisition on September 4, 2007 to 199 shares per contract.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

QCM Absolute Return Fund

 

 

 

 

Schedule of Written Put Options

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares Subject

 

 

Written Put Options / Expiration Date @ Exercise Price

to Put

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

Plains Exploration & Production Co., 11/17/2007 @ $45.00

300

 

$ 83

 

 

 

 

 

Total (Premiums Received $237)

300

 

83

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

QCM Absolute Return Fund

 

 

 

 

Schedule of Securities Sold Short

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Securities Sold Short

 

Shares

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentina, S.A. (a)

10

 

$ 252

iShares Lehman 7-10 Year Treasury Bond Fund

6,300

 

532,791

KeyCorp

 

500

 

14,225

Manor Care, Inc.

 

1,200

 

79,896

Plains Exploration & Production Co.

3,400

 

173,230

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

700

 

50,512

 

 

 

 

 

Total (Proceeds Received $733,348)

12,110

 

$ 850,906

 

 

 

 

 

(a) American Depositary Receipt.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

QCM Absolute Return Fund

 

 

 

 

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Investments in securities, at value (Cost $8,911,852)

 

 

 

$ 8,910,971

Cash at broker (c)

 

 

 

 

1,252,883

Receivable for investments sold

 

 

 

 

286,847

Receivable due from Advisor (a)

 

 

 

 

46,724

Interest receivable

 

 

 

 

122

Dividends receivable

 

 

 

 

13,096

Prepaid expenses

 

 

 

 

1,409

Total assets

 

 

 

 

10,512,052

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Call options written (Premiums Received $176,495)

 

 

 

173,037

Put options written (Premiums Received $237)

 

 

 

83

Securities sold short (Proceeds Received $733,348)

 

 

 

850,906

Payable for investments purchased

 

 

 

 

431,050

Payable for Fund shares repurchased

 

 

 

 

11,306

Payable for short security dividends

 

 

 

 

8,886

Accrued 12b-1 fees

 

 

 

 

1,914

Payable to administrator, fund accountant and transfer agent

 

 

15,984

Payable to trustees and officers

 

 

 

 

1,333

Other accrued expenses

 

 

 

 

31,901

Total liabilities

 

 

 

 

1,526,400

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Assets

 

 

 

 

$ 8,985,652

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Assets consist of:

 

 

 

 

 

Paid in capital

 

 

 

 

$ 8,874,635

Accumulated undistributed net investment income

 

 

 

31,540

Accumulated net realized gain from investment transactions

 

 

194,304

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

 

 

 

 

Investment Securities

 

 

 

 

(881)

Options written

 

 

 

 

3,612

Securities sold short

 

 

 

 

(117,558)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Assets

 

 

 

 

$ 8,985,652

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized)

 

 

870,911

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Asset Value and offering price per share

 

 

 

$ 10.32

 

 

 

 

 

 

Redemption price per share (b) ($10.32 * 99%)

 

 

 

$ 10.22

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a) See Note 3 in the Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

 

 

 

(b) The Fund charges a 1% redemption fee on shares redeemed within 30 calendar days of purchase.

 

Shares are redeemed at the Net Asset Value if held longer than 30 calendar days.

 

 

(c) Portion of cash at broker is pledged as collateral for options written and short positions.

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

 

 

QCM Absolute Return Fund

 

 

 

Statement of Operations

 

 

 

For the Fiscal Year ended October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment Income

 

 

 

 

Dividend income (net of foreign withholding tax of $116)

$ 207,213

Interest income

 

 

 

55,608

Total Investment Income

 

 

262,821

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

Investment Advisor fee (a)

 

 

110,575

12b-1 expenses

 

 

 

22,115

Custodian expenses

 

 

 

41,426

Dividend expense on securities sold short

 

37,810

Legal expenses

 

 

 

34,796

Fund accounting expenses

 

 

31,959

Administration expenses

 

 

31,000

Transfer agent expenses

 

 

27,963

Interest expense

 

 

 

21,754

Auditing expenses

 

 

 

17,950

Registration expenses

 

 

 

17,477

Pricing expenses

 

 

 

6,910

CCO expenses

 

 

 

5,233

Trustee expenses

 

 

 

4,421

Printing expenses

 

 

 

1,558

Insurance expenses

 

 

 

929

Miscellaneous expenses

 

 

337

Total Expenses

 

 

 

414,213

Less: Fees Waived and Expenses Reimbursed by Advisor (a)

(196,731)

Net operating expenses

 

 

 

217,482

Net Investment Income

 

 

 

45,339

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Realized & Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investment Securities:

Net realized gain (loss) on:

 

 

 

Investment securities

 

 

 

319,015

Options written

 

 

 

876,473

Securities sold short

 

 

 

(628,500)

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

 

Investment securities

 

 

 

(62,458)

Options written

 

 

 

20,408

Securities sold short

 

 

 

(49,727)

Net realized and unrealized gain on investment securities

475,211

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

$ 520,550

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a) See Note 3 in the Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

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

 

 

 

QCM Absolute Return Fund

Statements of Changes In Net Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended

 

Period Ended

 

 

 

 

October

31, 2007

 

October

31, 2006(a)

Increase in Net Assets due to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operations

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

$ 45,339

 

$ (27)

Net realized gain (loss) on:

 

 

 

 

Investment securities

 

 

319,015

 

(116,017)

Options written

 

876,473

 

459,255

Securities sold short

 

 

(628,500)

 

(45,566)

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

 

 

 

 

Investment securities

 

 

(62,458)

 

61,577

Options written

 

20,408

 

(16,796)

Securities sold short

 

 

(49,727)

 

(67,831)

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

 

520,550

 

274,595

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distributions

 

 

 

 

From net investment income

 

(13,799)

 

(334)

From capital gains

 

 

(483,645)

 

(186,350)

Total distributions

 

 

(497,444)

 

(186,684)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital Share Transactions

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from Fund shares sold

 

4,818,621

 

8,067,988

Reinvestment of distributions

 

491,663

 

185,784

Amount paid for Fund shares repurchased

 

(3,772,009)

 

(917,412)

Net increase in net assets resulting

 

 

 

 

from capital share transactions

 

1,538,275

 

7,336,360

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Increase in Net Assets

 

1,561,381

 

7,424,271

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Assets

 

 

 

 

Beginning of year

 

7,424,271

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

End of year

 

$ 8,985,652

 

$ 7,424,271

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated undistributed net investment income

 

 

 

 

included in net assets at end of period

 

$ 31,540

 

$ -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital Share Transactions

 

 

 

 

Shares sold

 

467,263

 

797,028

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

 

48,109

 

18,324

Shares repurchased

 

 

(369,392)

 

(90,421)

Net increase from capital share transactions

 

145,980

 

724,931

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a) For the period December 20, 2005 (the date the Fund commenced operations) through October 31, 2006.

 

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

 

 

QCM Absolute Return Fund

 

 

 

 

 

Financial Highlights

 

 

 

 

 

(For a share outstanding during the period)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended

 

Period Ended

 

 

 

October

31, 2007

 

October

31, 2006(a)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selected Per Share Data:

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$ 10.24

 

$ 10.00

 

Income from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income / (loss)

 

0.05

 

-

(b)

Net realized and unrealized gain

 

0.60

 

0.59

 

Total from investment operations

 

0.65

 

0.59

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less Distributions to Shareholders:

 

 

 

 

 

From net investment income

 

(0.02)

 

-

(c)

From net realized gain

 

(0.55)

 

(0.35)

 

Total distributions

 

(0.57)

 

(0.35)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paid in capital from redemption fees (d)

 

-

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$ 10.32

 

$ 10.24

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Return (e)

 

6.54%

 

6.00%

(f)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (000)

 

$ 8,986

 

$ 7,424

 

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

 

2.46%

 

2.70%

(g)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

 

 

 

 

 

before reimbursement

 

4.68%

 

6.56%

(g)

Ratio of net investment income to

 

 

 

 

 

average net assets

 

0.51%

 

0.00%

(g)

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to

 

 

 

 

 

average net assets before reimbursement

 

(1.71)%

 

(3.86)%

(g)

Portfolio turnover rate

 

861.71%

 

546.81%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a) For the period December 20, 2005 (the date the Fund commenced operations) through October 31, 2006.

(b) Net investment income (loss) per share resulted in less than $0.005 per share.

 

 

(c) Distribution from net investment income resulted in less than $0.005 per share.

 

 

(d) Redemption fees resulted in less than $0.005 per share.

 

 

 

(e) Total return in the above table represents the rate that the investor would have earned or

 

lost on an investment in the Fund, assuming reinvestment of dividends.

 

 

 

(f) Not annualized.

 

 

 

 

 

(g) Annualized.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

QCM Absolute Return Fund

Notes to the Financial Statements

October 31, 2007

 

 

NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION

 

The QCM Absolute Return Fund (the “Fund”) was organized as a diversified series of the Unified Series Trust (the “Trust”) on August 29, 2005. The Trust is an open-end investment company established under the laws of Ohio by an Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated October 17, 2002 (the “Trust Agreement”). The Trust Agreement permits the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”) to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest of each separate series. The Fund is one of a series of funds currently authorized by the Board. The Fund commenced operations on December 20, 2005. The investment advisor to the Fund is Quixote Capital Management, LLC (the “Advisor”). The Fund seeks to achieve a positive return over a full market cycle, even during periods when stock and bond markets are falling.

 

NOTE 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements.

 

Securities Valuations - Equity securities are valued by using market quotations, but may be valued on the basis of prices furnished by a pricing service when the Advisor believes such prices more accurately reflect the fair market value of such securities. Securities that are traded on any stock exchange are generally valued by the pricing service at the last quoted sale price. Lacking a last sale price, an exchange traded security is generally valued by the pricing service at its last bid price. Securities traded in the NASDAQ over-the-counter market are generally valued by the pricing service at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price. When market quotations are not readily available, when the Advisor determines that the market quotation or the price provided by the pricing service does not accurately reflect the current market value, or when restricted or illiquid securities are being valued, such securities are valued as determined in good faith by the Advisor subject to guidelines approved by the Board. The Advisor believes pricing options at their bid price for this Fund may result in the options being valued at below intrinsic value, therefore the Board approved the pricing of options at the mean of the closing bid and ask prices.

 

Fixed income securities are valued by a pricing service when the Advisor believes such prices are accurate and reflect the fair market value of such securities. If the Advisor decides that a price provided by the pricing service does not accurately reflect the fair market value of the securities, when prices are not readily available from a pricing service, or when restricted or illiquid securities are being valued, securities are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Advisor. Short-term investments in fixed income securities with maturities of less than 60 days when acquired, or which subsequently are within 60 days of maturity, are valued by using the amortized cost method of valuation.

 

In accordance with the Trust’s good faith pricing guidelines, the Advisor is required to consider all appropriate factors relevant to the value of securities for which it has determined other pricing sources are not available or reliable as described above. No single standard exists for determining fair value controls, since fair value depends upon the circumstances of each individual case. As a general principle, the current fair value of an issue of securities being valued by the Advisor would appear to be the amount which the owner might reasonably expect to receive for them upon their current sale. Methods which are in accord with this principle may, for example, be based on (i) a multiple of earnings; (ii) a discount from market of a similar freely traded security (including a derivative security or a basket of securities traded on other markets, exchanges or among dealers); or (iii) yield to maturity with respect to debt issues, or a combination of these and other methods. Good faith pricing is permitted if, in the Advisor’s opinion, the validity of market quotations appears to be questionable based on factors such as evidence of a thin market in the security based on a small number of quotations, a significant event occurs after the close of a market but before a Fund’s NAV calculation that may affect a security’s value, or the Advisor is aware of any other data that calls into question the reliability of market quotations. Good faith pricing may also be used if the options the Fund has written cease to have market quotations readily available due to low volume or imminent expiration.

 

Option writing - When the Fund writes an option, an amount equal to the premium received by the Fund is recorded as a liability and is subsequently adjusted to the current market value of the option written. Premiums received from writing options that expire unexercised are treated by the Fund on the expiration date as realized gains from investments. The difference between the premium and the amount paid on effecting a closing purchase transaction, including brokerage commissions, is also treated as a realized gain, or if the premium is less than the amount paid for the closing purchase transaction, as a realized loss. If a call option is exercised, the premium is added to the proceeds from the sale of the underlying security or currency in determining whether the Fund has realized a gain or loss. The Fund as writer of an

 

 

 

 

QCM Absolute Return Fund

Notes to the Financial Statements – continued

October 31, 2007

 

NOTE 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – continued

 

option bears the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the security underlying the written option.

 

Short Sales The Fund may sell a security it does not own in anticipation of a decline in the fair value of that security. When the Fund sells a security short, it must borrow the security sold short and deliver it to the broker-dealer through which it made the short sale. A gain, limited to the price at which the Fund sold the security short, or a loss, unlimited in size, will be recognized upon the termination of a short sale.

 

Federal Income Taxes – The Fund makes no provision for federal income tax. The Fund intends to qualify each year as a “regulated investment company” under subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, by distributing substantially all of its net investment income and net realized capital gains. If the required amount of net investment income is not distributed, the Fund could incur a tax expense.

 

Expenses – Expenses incurred by the Trust that do not relate to a specific fund of the Trust are allocated to the individual funds based on each funds relative net assets or other appropriate basis (as determined by the Board).

 

Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes- In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48 – Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes that requires the tax effects of certain tax positions to be recognized. These tax positions must meet a “more likely than not” standard that, based on their technical merits, have a more than 50 percent likelihood of being sustained upon examination. FASB Interpretation No. 48 is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2006. At adoption, the financial statements must be adjusted to reflect only those tax positions that are more likely than not of being sustained. Management of the Funds is currently evaluating the impact that FASB Interpretation No. 48 will have on the Fund’s financial statements.

 

Fair Value Measurements - In September 2006, FASB issued Statement on Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements.” This standard establishes a single authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value and requires additional disclosure about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 applies to fair value measurements already required or permitted by existing standards. SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The changes to current generally accepted accounting principles from the application of this Statement relate to the definition of fair value, the methods used to measure fair value, and the expanded disclosures about fair value measurements. As of October 31, 2007, the Fund does not believe that the adoption of SFAS No. 157 will impact the amounts reported in the financial statements, however, additional disclosures may be required about the inputs used to develop the measurements and the effect of certain of the measurements reported on the statement of changes in net assets for a fiscal period.

 

Security Transactions and Related Income - The Fund follows industry practice and records security transactions on the trade date. The specific identification method is used for determining gains or losses for financial statements and income tax purposes. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date and interest income is recorded on an accrual basis. Discounts and premiums on securities purchased are amortized or accreted using the effective interest method.

 

Dividends and Distributions - The Fund will typically distribute substantially all of its net investment income in the form of dividends and taxable capital gains to its shareholders at least annually. These distributions, which are recorded on the ex-dividend date, are automatically reinvested in the Fund unless shareholders request cash distributions on their application or through a written request. The treatment for financial reporting purposes of distributions made to shareholders during the year from net investment income or net realized capital gains may differ from their ultimate treatment for federal income tax purposes. These differences are caused primarily by differences in the timing of the recognition of certain components of income, expense or realized capital gain for federal income tax purposes. Where such differences are permanent in nature, they are reclassified in the components of net assets based on their ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. Any such reclassifications will have no effect on net assets, results of operations, or net asset values per share of the Fund.

 

 

 

QCM Absolute Return Fund

Notes to the Financial Statements – continued

October 31, 2007

 

NOTE 3. FEES AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

 

The Advisor, under the terms of the management agreement (the “Agreement”), manages the Fund’s investments, subject to the approval of the Board. As compensation for its management services, the Fund is obligated to pay the Advisor a fee computed and accrued daily and paid monthly at an annual rate of 1.25% of the Fund’s average net assets. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, the Advisor earned fees of $110,575 from the Fund before the waiver and reimbursement described below. At October 31, 2007, the Fund was owed $46,724 by the Advisor.

 

The Advisor has contractually agreed through October 31, 2007, to waive its management fee and/or reimburse expenses so that total annual fund operating expenses, excluding brokerage fees and commissions, borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short), taxes, extraordinary expenses, and feed and expenses of acquired funds, do not exceed 1.75% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. Prior to December 1, 2006, the Advisor had agreed to waive fees/reimburse expenses at 2.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, the Advisor waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses of $196,731. Any waiver or reimbursement by the Advisor is subject to repayment by the Fund in the three fiscal years following the fiscal year in which the expenses occur provided that the Fund is able to make such repayment without exceeding the 1.75% expense limitation. The amounts subject to repayment by the Fund, pursuant to the aforementioned conditions, at October 31, 2007, are as follows:

 


 

The Trust retains Unified Fund Services, Inc. (“Unified”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Huntington Bancshares, Inc., to manage the Fund’s business affairs and provide the Fund with administrative services, including all regulatory reporting and necessary office equipment and personnel. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, Unified earned fees of $31,000 for administrative services provided to the Fund. As of October 31, 2007, the Fund owed $5,000 to Unified for administration services.

 

The Trust also retains Unified to act as the Fund’s transfer agent and to provide fund accounting services. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, Unified earned fees of $14,054 from the Fund for transfer agent services and $13,909 in reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in providing transfer agent services. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, Unified earned fees of $31,959 from the Fund for fund accounting services. As of October 31, 2007, Unified was owed $5,210 for transfer agent services and reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses and $5,774 for fund accounting services. Certain officers of the Trust are members of management and/or employees of Unified. Unified operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Huntington Bancshares, Inc., the parent company of the Distributor.

 

The Fund has adopted a distribution plan in accordance to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “12b-1 Plan”) under which the Fund will pay a distribution fee at a rate of .25% per annum of the average daily net assets to reimburse the Advisor for expenses in distributing shares and promoting sales of the Fund. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, the Fund accrued $22,115 in 12b-1 fees. As of October 31, 2007, the Fund owed $1,914 to the Advisor under the terms of the 12b-1 Plan.

 

Unified Financial Securities, Inc. (the “Distributor”) acts as the principal underwriter and distributor of the Fund. There were no payments made by the Fund to Distributor for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007. The Distributor and Unified are controlled by Huntington Bancshares, Inc.

 

 

 

QCM Absolute Return Fund

Notes to the Financial Statements – continued

October 31, 2007

 

NOTE 4. INVESTMENTS

 

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, purchases and sales of investment securities (including options and short sales), other than short-term investments and short-term U.S. government obligations were as follows:

 


 

As of October 31, 2007, the net unrealized depreciation of investments (including options written and short sales) for tax purposes was as follows:

 


At October 31, 2007, the aggregate cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was $8,955,178. At October 31, 2007, the aggregate proceeds on short positions for federal income tax purposes were $678,864. Aggregate proceeds on options written for federal income tax purposes were $176,732.

 

NOTE 5. ESTIMATES

 

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

 

NOTE 6. BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP

 

The beneficial ownership, either directly or indirectly, of more than 25% of the voting securities of a fund creates a presumption of control of the fund, under Section 2(a) (9) of the Investment Company Act of 1940. As of October 31, 2007, Fiserv Trust Company and Charles Schwab & Co., for the benefit of their customers, held 36.53% and 33.47%, respectively, of the outstanding shares of the Fund. As a result, they may be deemed to control the Fund. Quixote Partners, LLC, the parent company of the Advisor and as such, an affiliate of the Advisor, owns 2.98% of the Fund.

 

 

 

 

QCM Absolute Return Fund

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued

October 31, 2007

 

NOTE 7. OPTIONS WRITTEN

 

As of October 31, 2007, $654,833 in cash and portfolio securities valued at $1,316,223 were held by the broker as cover for call and put options written by the Fund. Such amounts held by the broker may not represent the Fund’s full exposure to market risk for call and put options written.

 

Transactions in written options during the period November 1, 2006 through October 31, 2007 were as follows (100 shares of common stock underly each option contract):

 


 

(a) The Fund wrote 141 call options that were adjusted to 199 underlying shares of common stock per contract on September 4, 2007 when National City Bancorp acquired MAF Bancorp.

 

NOTE 8. DISTRIBUTIONS

 

On December 28, 2006, the Fund paid an income distribution of $0.0185 per share to the shareholders of record on December 27, 2006. The Fund paid quarterly short-term capital gain distributions totaling $0.5537 per share.

 

The tax characterization of distributions for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007 and period ended October 31, 2006 are as follows:

 


 

On December 28, 2007, the Fund paid an income distribution of $0.1140 per share, a short term capital gain distribution of $0.3974 per share, and a long term capital gain distribution of $0.0063 per share to shareholders of record on December 27, 2007.

 

As of October 31, 2007, the components of distributable earnings (accumulated losses) on a tax basis were as follows:

 


As of October 31, 2007, the difference between book basis and tax basis unrealized depreciation is attributable to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales and constructive sales.

 

 

 

 

 

QCM Absolute Return Fund

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued

October 31, 2007

 

NOTE 9. LIQUIDATION EVENT

 

At the meeting of the Board of Trustees held on December 10, 2007, it was determined it was in the best interest of the QCM Absolute Return Fund (the “Fund”) shareholders to proceed with an orderly liquidation of the Fund. In reaching its decision to liquidate the Fund, the Board considered the small asset size of the Fund and limited opportunities for future growth. In accordance with the liquidation, Quixote Capital Management will continue to oversee the assets of the Fund and commence an orderly liquidation. As a result of the liquidation of the Fund’s portfolio, the Fund will no longer be able to pursue its investment objective.

 

 

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

 

To The Shareholders and Trustees of

QCM Absolute Return Fund

(Unified Series Trust)

 

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of QCM Absolute Return Fund (the “Fund”), a series of Unified Series Trust, as of October 31, 2007, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets and financial highlights for each of the two periods in the period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of Fund management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of October 31, 2007 by correspondence with the Fund’s custodian and brokers. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of QCM Absolute Return Fund as of October 31, 2007, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets and financial highlights for each of the two periods in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

As discussed in Note 9 to the financial statements, the Board of Trustees of the QCM Absolute Return Fund approved a plan of liquidation for the Fund on December 10, 2007. As a result, the Fund changed its basis of accounting from the going concern basis to the liquidation basis effective December 10, 2007.

 

 

COHEN FUND AUDIT SERVICES, LTD.

Westlake, Ohio

December 26, 2 007

 

 

 

 

 

TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS - (Unaudited)

 

The Board of Trustees supervises the business activities of the Trust. Each Trustee serves as a trustee until termination of the Trust unless the Trustee dies, resigns, retires or is removed.

 

The following tables provide information regarding the Trustees and officers.

 

Independent Trustees

Name, Address*, (Age), Position with Trust**, Term of Position with Trust

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years

and Other Directorships

Gary E. Hippenstiel (Age 60)

 

Independent Trustee, December 2002 to present

Director, Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of Legacy Trust Company, N.A. since 1992; Chairman of the investment committee for W.H. Donner Foundation and Donner Canadian Foundation, since June 2005; Trustee of AmeriPrime Advisors Trust from July 2002 to September 2005; Trustee of Access Variable Insurance Trust from April 2003 to August 2005; Trustee of AmeriPrime Funds from 1995 to July 2005; Trustee of CCMI Funds from June 2003 to March 2005.

Stephen A. Little (Age 61)

 

Chairman, December 2004 to present; Independent Trustee, December 2002 to present

President and founder of The Rose, Inc., a registered investment advisor, since April 1993; Trustee of AmeriPrime Advisors Trust from November 2002 to September 2005; Trustee of AmeriPrime Funds from December 2002 to July 2005; Trustee of CCMI Funds from June 2003 to March 2005.

Daniel J. Condon (Age 57)

 

Independent Trustee, December 2002 to present

President of International Crankshaft Inc., an automotive equipment manufacturing company, since 2004, Vice President and General Manager from 1990 to 2003; Trustee of AmeriPrime Advisors Trust from November 2002 to September 2005; Trustee of The Unified Funds from 1994 to 2002; Trustee of Firstar Select Funds, a REIT mutual fund, from 1997 to 2000; Trustee of AmeriPrime Funds from December 2002 to July 2005; Trustee of CCMI Funds from June 2003 to March 2005.

Ronald C. Tritschler (Age 55)

 

Trustee, December 2002 to present

Chief Executive Officer, Director and Legal Counsel of The Webb Companies, a national real estate company, since 2001, Executive Vice President and Director from 1990 to 2000; Director of First State Financial since 1998; Director, Vice President and Legal Counsel of The Traxx Companies, an owner and operator of convenience stores, since 1989; Trustee of AmeriPrime Advisors Trust from November 2002 to September 2005; Trustee of AmeriPrime Funds from December 2002 to July 2005; Trustee of CCMI Funds from June 2003 to March 2005.

 

 

 

 

Principal Officers

Name, Address*, (Age), Position with Trust,** Term of Position with Trust

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years

and Other Directorships

 

Anthony J. Ghoston (Age 48)

 

President, July 2004 to present

President of Unified Fund Services, Inc., the Trust’s administrator, since June 2005, Executive Vice President from June 2004 to June 2005, Senior Vice President from April 2003 to June 2004; Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Unified Financial Services, Inc., the parent company of the Trust’s administrator and distributor, from 1997 to November 2004; President of AmeriPrime Advisors Trust from July 2004 to September 2005; President of AmeriPrime Funds from July 2004 to July 2005; President of CCMI Funds from July 2004 to March 2005.

 

John C. Swhear (Age 46)

 

Senior Vice President, May 2007 to present

Vice President of Legal Administration and Compliance for Unified Fund Services, Inc., the Trust’s administrator, since April, 2007; Chief Compliance Officer of Unified Financial Securities, Inc., the Trust’s distributor, since May 2007; Employed in various positions with American United Life Insurance Company from 1983 to April 2007, including: Associate General Counsel, April 2007, Investment Adviser Chief Compliance Officer, June 2004 to April 2007, Assistant Secretary to the Board of Directors, December 2002 to April 2007, Chief Compliance Officer of OneAmerica Funds, Inc., June 2004 to April 2007, Chief Counsel and Secretary, OneAmerica Securities, Inc., December 2002 to April 2007.

 

J. Michael Landis (Age 36)

 

Interim Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, March 2007 to present

Vice President Fund Accounting and Fund Administration for Unified Fund Services, since October, 2006; Director of Fund Accounting and Fund Administration for PFPC July 2006 - October 2006; Manager Fund Accounting for Unified Fund Services November 2004 – July 2006; Manager Fund Accounting for Mellon Financial Corporation November 1998 – November 2004.

 

Lynn E. Wood (Age 61)

 

Chief Compliance Officer, October 2004 to present

Chief Compliance Officer of AmeriPrime Advisors Trust from October 2004 to September 2005; Chief Compliance Officer of AmeriPrime Funds from October 2004 to July 2005; Chief Compliance Officer of CCMI Funds from October 2004 to March 2005; Chief Compliance Officer of Unified Financial Securities, Inc., the Trust’s distributor, from December 2004 to October 2005 and from 1997 to 2000, Chairman from 1997 to December 2004, President from 1997 to 2000; Director of Compliance of Unified Fund Services, Inc., the Trust’s administrator, from October 2003 to September 2004; Chief Compliance Officer of Unified Financial Services, Inc., the parent company of the Trust’s administrator and distributor, from 2000 to 2004.

 

Heather Bonds (Age 31)

 

Secretary, July 2005 to present; Assistant Secretary, September 2004 to June 2005

Employed by Unified Fund Services, Inc., the Trust’s administrator, since January 2004 and from December 1999 to January 2002; Student at Indiana University School of Law – Indianapolis, J.D. Candidate in December 2007; Assistant Secretary of Dean Family of Funds since August 2004; Regional Administrative Assistant of The Standard Register Company from February 2003 to January 2004; Full time student at Indiana University from January 2002 to June 2002; Secretary of AmeriPrime Advisors Trust from July 2005 to September 2005, Assistant Secretary from September 2004 to June 2005; Assistant Secretary of AmeriPrime Funds from September 2004 to July 2005; Assistant Secretary of CCMI Funds from September 2004 to March 2005.

 

* The address for each officer is 2960 N. Meridian St., Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46208.

** The Trust currently consists of 37 series.

 

 

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION

The Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) includes information about the trustees and is available, without charge, upon request. You may call toll-free (800) 943-3863 to request a copy of the SAI or to make shareholder inquiries.

 

PROXY VOTING

 

A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities and information regarding how the Fund voted those proxies during the most recent twelve month period ended June 30 is available without charge upon request by (1) calling the Fund at (877) 764-3863 and (2) from Fund documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

TRUSTEES

Stephen A. Little, Chairman

Gary E. Hippenstiel

Daniel J. Condon

Ronald C. Tritschler

 

OFFICERS

Anthony J. Ghoston, President

John Swhear, Senior Vice-President

J. Michael Landis, Treasurer

Heather A. Bonds, Secretary

Lynn Wood, Chief Compliance Officer

 

INVESTMENT ADVISOR

Quixote Capital Management, LLC

8000 E. Prentice Ave,, Suite C-5

Greenwood Village, CO 80111

 

DISTRIBUTOR

Unified Financial Securities, Inc.

2960 North Meridian Street, Suite 300

Indianapolis, IN 46208

 

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Cohen Fund Audit Services Ltd.

800 Westpoint Parkway, Suite 1100

Westlake, OH 44145

 

LEGAL COUNSEL

Thompson Coburn LLP

One US Bank Plaza

St. Louis, MO 63101

 

LEGAL COUNSEL TO THE INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

Thompson Hine LLP

312 Walnut St., 14th Floor

Cincinnati, OH 45202

 

CUSTODIAN

US Bank, N.A.

425 Walnut Street

Cincinnati, OH 45202

 

ADMINISTRATOR, TRANSFER AGENT

AND FUND ACCOUNTANT

Unified Fund Services, Inc.

2960 North Meridian Street, Suite 300

Indianapolis, IN 46208

 

 

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

 

Distributed by Unified Financial Securities, Inc.

Member FINRA/SIPC

 

 

 

 

 


 

Annual Report

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

Fund Advisor:

 

SMI Advisory Services, LLC

422 Washington Street

Columbus, IN 47201

 

Toll Free (877) SMI-FUND

 

 

Dear Fellow Shareholders,

 

The stock market’s historical track record is clear: over the long-term it has rewarded patient investors, but the path to those rewards is often uncomfortable. These dueling aspects of the market’s personality were both on display this past year (11/1/06-10/31/07). Overall performance for the period was quite strong, but there were some frightening jolts along the way that tested the commitment level of stock investors. This pattern isn’t unusual, as the stock market typically follows a “two steps forward, one step back” path.

 

Returns for the 12 months ended 10/31/07 were above average for the Wilshire 5000 Index which posted a 15.29% return and S&P 500 Index which posted a 14.55% return. But they were much better for Upgraders utilizing The Sound Mind Investing Fund (SMIFX), as it raced to a 28.13% gain.

 

The Sound Mind Investing Managed Volatility Fund (SMIVX) has enjoyed similar success during its short life, gaining 18.50% from its 12/29/06 inception through 10/31/07. That compares very well with the 10.90% gain of the Wilshire 5000 Index and the 10.36% gain of the S&P 500 Index.

 

The protective measures employed by the SMI Managed Volatility Fund have played a significant role in that fund’s superior performance relative to the market indexes. During the market’s sharp dip in late February and especially during its nearly 10% drop from mid-July through mid-August, the Managed Volatility Fund’s “insurance” component paid off, limiting losses considerably. The Fund entered the July downturn slightly ahead of the market, but emerged from that market swoon with a sizeable lead that it never relinquished. So far the Fund has done what it is supposed to do, delivering competitive Upgrading returns while dramatically reducing volatility along the way. Over these first ten months of its life, the SMI Managed Volatility Fund has been 39% less volatile than the market as a whole (as measured by the Wilshire 5000) and 42% less volatile than the regular Sound Mind Investing Fund.

 

Identifying successful funds

 

The goal of our Upgrading investing strategy1 is to identify mutual funds whose strengths are being rewarded by the market right now. Once identified, these funds often continue to produce superior returns for an extended period of time. Looking at The Sound Mind Investing Fund’s portfolio category by category reveals several holdings that were part of the portfolio all year and contributed significantly to the Fund’s strong performance for the fiscal year (11/1/2006-10/31/2007): Janus Overseas (+50.3%), Blackrock International Opportunities (+41.8%), Kinetics Small Cap Opportunities (+39.0%), Aston Optimum Mid Cap (+27.4%), and Janus Contrarian (+36.1%).

 

The large-cap/growth portion of the SMIFX portfolio is the only one of our five risk categories that doesn’t contain a fund held the entire year. Ironically, that category has been responsible for some of the Fund’s greatest recent success.

 

 

See The Sound Mind Investing Funds prospectus for a fuller explanation of the Upgrading investment strategy.

 

CGM Focus (CGMFX), the largest holding in each of the SMI Fund portfolios, is an excellent example of a large-cap/growth fund that has contributed a great deal to the Funds’ recent success. CGM Focus is an aggressive, concentrated fund whose manager, Kenneth Heebner, has the latitude to both buy stocks “long” and sell them “short.” This means he can take positions in stocks he thinks will go up in value as well as take positions against stocks he thinks will decline in value. These short positions can pay off handsomely when he’s correct, as the fund’s recent short position in mortgage lender Countrywide Financial did when the stock dropped more than 50%. Mr. Heebner has not been shy about making significant sector bets or loading up the fund with his favorite ideas (more than 50% of the portfolio was recently allocated to the fund’s top ten holdings).

 

If this sounds like the profile of an unusually risky fund, it is. For most individuals maintaining their own Upgrading portfolio, it’s difficult to buy a fund like CGM Focus. For starters, it’s not even available for purchase through some of the most popular mutual fund supermarkets (like Fidelity). But more importantly, it’s simply too volatile for most people to be comfortable owning it as one of their five to ten portfolio holdings. Most individuals don’t have the resources or inclination to diversify beyond a small number of funds. As a result, big losses from a single volatile fund like CGM Focus, which has lost as much as 24% in a single month (January 2001), can torpedo the returns of their entire portfolio. That type of rapid loss is often what leads investors to make counterproductive changes at the worst possible times.

 

While it is completely appropriate for most individual investors to avoid a riskier fund like CGM Focus due to its high volatility, doing so comes at a cost. Over the years, Mr. Heebner has distinguished himself as a superior investment manager, racking up stunning annualized gains over the past 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year periods. When his market calls are right and his fund is in the market’s sweet spot, it can rack up exceptional gains in a short period of time.

 

Thankfully, within the sizeable and diversified portfolios of The Sound Mind Investing Funds, the high risk profile of a fund like CGM Focus is significantly diminished. As just one of several large/growth holdings in the portfolio, and one out of a few dozen positions overall, the risk of it severely depressing the overall portfolio’s performance is dramatically reduced. As a result, the risk/reward tradeoff for a fund like CGM Focus, which might seem unfavorable to an individual due to its risk, tilts solidly in favor of owning the fund at the SMI Funds level.

 

If this sounds as though we’re merely diluting the potential impact of any given fund in the portfolio, that’s only partially accurate. Remember, when Upgrading identifies funds for purchase, we have reason to believe they will do well. The long-term track record of CGM Focus confirms it has performed well much more often than it has performed poorly. So while we reduce risk through portfolio diversification, when a fund like this performs well its impact can still be significant. In the roughly five months after SMIFX started buying it (through 10/31), this fund raced to gains of more than 48%. In dollar terms within SMIFX, those profits were second only to our cumulative profits in Janus Overseas, despite the fact that CGM Focus was in the portfolio a much shorter time.

 

It’s unusual for us to discuss a single holding in detail like this, as the nature of Upgrading is to hold funds only as long as they are performing well relative to their peer group. Upgrading is “system focused” rather than “individual selection” focused, so we normally discuss system issues rather than specific holdings. The point of discussing CGM Focus at some length here is simply to highlight an important advantage The Sound Mind Investing Funds have over individuals in implementing the Upgrading strategy. Not only do the SMI Funds have access to funds that are unavailable to individuals, they are able to utilize some funds that could be dangerous for most individual investors to handle.

 

Two primary benefits of The Sound Mind Investing Funds are identifying funds that Upgrading indicates are delivering superior gains relative to their peers, and integrating these funds into a well diversified portfolio to reduce the disruptive impact of any single holding. This year, the full potential of both of these benefits has been on display.

 

Thank you for the opportunity to apply this exciting investment strategy on your behalf through the Sound Mind Investing Funds. We appreciate the confidence you have placed in us to be a faithful steward of your assets, even as you strive to be a faithful steward of His assets.

 

Sincerely,


Mark Biller

Senior Portfolio Manager

The Sound Mind Investing Funds

 

Past performance is no assurance of future results. The views expressed are those of the investment advisor as of October 31, 2007, and are not intended as a forecast or investment recommendations. The indices mentioned are not available for investment; however, an individual can invest in exchange traded funds or other investment vehicles that attempt to track the performance of these indices.

 

Performance Results

 




 

The performance quoted represents past performance, which does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The returns shown do not reflect deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance of the Funds may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Each Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. Performance data current to the most recent month end may be obtained by calling 1-877-764-3863.

 

* Return figures reflect any change in price per share and assume the reinvestment of all distributions.

** The Indices are unmanaged benchmarks that assume reinvestment of all distributions and exclude the effect of taxes and fees. The S&P 500 Index and Wilshire 5000 Index are widely recognized unmanaged indices of equity prices and are representative of a broader market and range of securities than is found in each Fund’s portfolio. Individuals cannot invest directly in the Indices; however, an individual can invest in exchange traded funds or other investment vehicles that attempt to track the performance of a benchmark index.

 


 

The chart above assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on December 2, 2005 (commencement of Fund operations) and held through October 31, 2007. The S&P 500 Index and Wilshire 5000 Index are widely recognized unmanaged indices of equity prices and are representative of a broader market and range of securities than is found in the Fund’s portfolio. Individuals cannot invest directly in the indices; however, an individual can invest in ETF’s or other investment vehicles that attempt to tract the performance of a benchmark index. THE FUND’S RETURN REPRESENTS PAST PERFORMANCE AND DOES NOT GUARANTEE FUTURE RESULTS. The returns shown do not reflect deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Investment returns and principal values will fluctuate so that your shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original purchase price.

 

Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For more information on The Sound Mind Investing Fund and to obtain performance data current to the most recent month end, please call 1-877-764-3863. Investing in the Fund involves certain risks that are discussed in the Fund’s prospectus. Please read the prospectus carefully before you invest or send money.

 

The Fund is distributed by Unified Financial Securities, Inc., member FINRA.

 


 

The chart above assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on December 29, 2006 (commencement of Fund operations) and held through October 31, 2007. The S&P 500 Index and Wilshire 5000 Index are widely recognized unmanaged indices of equity prices and are representative of a broader market and range of securities than is found in the Fund’s portfolio. Individuals cannot invest directly in the indices; however, an individual can invest in ETF’s or other investment vehicles that attempt to tract the performance of a benchmark index. THE FUND’S RETURN REPRESENTS PAST PERFORMANCE AND DOES NOT GUARANTEE FUTURE RESULTS. The returns shown do not reflect deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Investment returns and principal values will fluctuate so that your shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original purchase price.

 

Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For more information on The Sound Mind Investing Managed Volatility Fund and to obtain performance data current to the most recent month end, please call 1-877-764-3863. Investing in the Fund involves certain risks that are discussed in the Fund’s prospectus. Please read the prospectus carefully before you invest or send money.

 

The Fund is distributed by Unified Financial Securities, Inc., member FINRA.

 

 

 

Fund Holdings – (Unaudited)

 


 

1As a percentage of net assets.

 

The Sound Mind Investing Fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing in a diversified portfolio of at least 20 other investment companies using a “fund upgrading” strategy. The fund upgrading investment approach is a systematic investment approach that is based on the belief of the Fund’s advisor, SMI Advisory Services, LLC, that superior returns can be obtained by constantly monitoring the performance of a wide universe of mutual funds, and standing ready to move assets into the funds deemed by the advisor to be most attractive at the time of analysis.

 


 

1As a percentage of net assets.

 

The Sound Mind Investing Managed Volatility Fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing in a diversified portfolio of other equity mutual funds using a “fund upgrading” strategy. The Fund seeks to achieve lower volatility through asset allocation across appropriate asset classes (represented by the underlying equity mutual funds) and the use of derivative transactions to hedge the Fund’s exposure to volatility with respect to underlying funds or the equity markets generally. In connection with its hedging strategy, the Fund may invest in futures contracts and options on futures contracts and may engage in short sales.

 

Availability of Portfolio Schedule – (Unaudited)

 

Each Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Funds’ Forms N-Q are available at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Funds’ Forms N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the Public Reference Room in Washington DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.

 

Summary of Fund’s Expenses – (Unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of one of the Funds, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs (such as short-term redemption fees); 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 Funds and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

Each Funds example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period (May 1, 2007 through October 31, 2007).

 

Actual Expenses

The first line of the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.60), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line of the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the 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 the other funds.

 

Expenses shown are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs such as the fee imposed on short-term redemptions. Therefore, the second line of the table below is useful in comparing ongoing costs only and will not help you determine the relative costs of owning different funds. If incurred, the short-term redemption fee imposed by the Fund would increase your expenses.

                

 

The Sound Mind

Investing Fund

Beginning Account Value

May 1, 2007

Ending Account

Value

October 31, 2007

Expenses Paid During Period May 1, 2007 - October 31, 2007*

Actual

$1,000.00

$1,146.28

$6.44

Hypothetical **

$1,000.00

$1,019.20

$6.06

 

*Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio of 1.19%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the partial year period).

** Assumes a 5% return before expenses.

 

The Sound Mind

Investing Managed Volatility Fund

Beginning Account Value

May 1, 2007

Ending Account

Value

October 31, 2007

Expenses Paid During Period May 1, 2007 - October 31, 2007*

Actual *

$1,000.00

$1,039.42

$7.91

Hypothetical **

$1,000.00

$1,017.81

$7.46

 

*Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio of 1.47%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the partial year period).

** Assumes a 5% return before expenses.

 

 

 

The Sound Mind Investing Funds

The Sound Mind Investing Fund

Schedule of Investments

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mutual Funds - 94.63%

 

 

Shares

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mutual Funds Greater Than 1% of The Sound

 

 

 

 

Mind Investing Fund's Net Assets - 92.75%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allianz NFJ International Value Fund - Institutional Class

 

114,213

 

$ 3,387,561

Allianz OCC Growth Fund - Institutional Class (a)

 

154,663

 

4,475,939

American Century Heritage Fund - Institutional Class

 

481,844

 

11,183,597

Artisan International Small Cap Fund - Investor Class

 

228,044

 

6,663,459

Aston Optimum Mid Cap Fund - Institutional Class

 

292,144

 

9,535,595

BlackRock International Opportunities Portfolio - Institutional Class

182,256

 

9,971,237

CGM Focus Fund

 

 

 

213,093

 

13,124,421

Excelsior Value and Restructuring Fund - Institutional Class

76,052

 

4,625,454

Fidelity Leveraged Company Stock Fund

 

 

270,173

 

9,418,243

Fidelity OTC Portfolio (a)

 

 

169,741

 

9,529,233

Gabelli Asset Fund - AAA Class

 

 

49,491

 

2,724,482

John Hancock Large Cap Equity Fund - Institutional Class (a)

351,393

 

10,436,373

ING International SmallCap Fund - Institutional Class

 

152,722

 

10,189,637

Janus Contrarian Fund

 

 

470,584

 

9,966,960

Janus Orion Fund

 

 

 

692,911

 

9,402,797

Janus Overseas Fund

 

 

185,002

 

11,658,828

Janus Research Fund

 

 

 

310,114

 

9,951,574

Janus Venture Fund

 

 

 

113,707

 

8,989,660

Kinetics Small Cap Opportunities Fund

 

 

296,510

 

10,383,769

Kinetics Paradigm Fund

 

 

319,730

 

10,723,749

Longleaf Partners Small-Cap Fund

 

 

265,180

 

9,077,103

Lord Abbett Developing Growth Fund, Inc. - Institutional Class

399,021

 

9,863,806

Nicholas-Applegate International Growth Opportunities Fund - Institutional Class (b)

35,548

 

2,620,255

Oppenheimer International Small Company Fund

 

283,575

 

10,758,825

Oppenheimer Small & Mid Cap Value Fund

 

 

168,590

 

7,278,012

TIAA-CREF Institutional Growth & Income Fund - Institutional Class (b)

913,824

 

9,796,191

Winslow Green Growth Fund - Investor Class (b)

 

150,246

 

3,729,116

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL MUTUAL FUNDS GREATER THAN 1% OF THE SOUND

 

 

 

MIND INVESTING FUND'S NET ASSETS (Cost $190,159,283)

 

 

229,465,876

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mutual Funds Less Than 1% of The Sound

 

 

 

 

Mind Investing Fund's Net Assets - 1.88%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alger MidCap Growth Fund - Institutional Class

 

61,515

 

1,429,610

Allianz NFJ Dividend Value Fund - Institutional Class

 

200

 

3,694

Allianz NFJ Small-Cap Value Fund - Institutional Class

 

162

 

5,939

Artisan Small Cap Value Fund - Investor Class

 

273

 

4,944

Artisan International Value Fund - Investor Class

 

125

 

3,709

Berwyn Fund

 

100

 

2,954

Bridgeway Small Cap Growth Fund (a)

 

205

 

3,380

Bridgeway Small Cap Value Fund (a)

 

179

 

3,315

Columbia Small Cap Growth I Fund - Institutional Class

 

100

 

3,607

Delafield Fund, Inc.

 

60,175

 

1,695,140

Dreyfus Premier International Small Cap Fund - Institutional Class

100

 

3,277

Driehaus International Discovery Fund

 

4,942

 

281,030

DWS Dreman Small Cap Value Fund - Institutional Class

 

85

 

3,512

Fidelity Mid-Cap Stock Fund

 

100

 

3,224

Franklin Small Cap Value Fund - Advisor Class

 

100

 

4,727

 

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

 

The Sound Mind Investing Funds

 

 

 

 

 

The Sound Mind Investing Fund

 

 

 

 

 

Schedule of Investments - continued

 

 

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mutual Funds - 94.63% - continued

 

 

Shares

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mutual Funds Less Than 1% of The Sound

 

 

 

 

Mind Investing Fund's Net Assets - 1.88% - continued

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Heartland Value Fund

 

 

100

 

$ 5,271

JPMorgan Small Cap Equity Fund - Class S

 

126

 

4,550

Keeley Small Cap Value Fund , Inc.

 

 

39,846

 

1,186,605

MainStay Small Cap Opportunity Fund - Institutional Class

48

 

912

Nationwide Small Cap Fund - Institutional Class

 

150

 

3,454

Oakmark International Small Cap Fund - Institutional Class

 

120

 

2,878

Oberweis Micro-Cap Fund

 

 

175

 

3,467

T. Rowe Price Small-Cap Value Fund

 

 

100

 

4,410

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL MUTUAL FUNDS LESS THAN 1% OF THE SOUND

 

 

 

MIND INVESTING FUND'S NET ASSETS (Cost $4,577,379)

 

 

4,663,609

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL MUTUAL FUNDS (Cost $194,736,662)

 

 

 

234,129,485

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exchange-Traded Funds - 4.86%

 

 

 

 

 

Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund

 

 

90,442

 

3,678,276

iShares Dow Jones U.S. Basic Materials Sector Index Fund

 

105,810

 

8,328,305

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS (Cost $11,437,213)

 

 

 

12,006,581

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Money Market Securities - 0.52%

 

 

 

 

 

Fidelity Institutional Money Market Treasury Portfolio - Class I, 4.54% (c)

1,291,686

 

1,291,686

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL MONEY MARKET SECURITIES (Cost $1,291,686)

 

 

1,291,686

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS (Cost $207,465,561) - 100.01%

 

 

 

$247,427,752

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities in excess of cash & other assets - (0.01)%

 

 

 

(16,554)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.00%

 

 

 

 

$ 247,411,198

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a) Non-income producing.

 

 

 

 

 

(b) A portion of this security may be deemed illiquid due to the Investment Company Act of 1940 provision

stating that no issuer of any investment company security purchased or acquired by a registered investment company shall be obligated to redeem such security in an amount exceeding 1 per centum of such issuer's total outstanding securities during any period of less than thirty days.

(c) Variable rate securities; the money market rate shown represents the rate at October 31, 2007.

 

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

 

 

The Sound Mind Investing Funds

The Sound Mind Investing Managed Volatility Fund

Schedule of Investments

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mutual Funds - 94.43%

 

 

Shares

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mutual Funds Greater Than 1% of The Sound

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mind Investing Managed Volatility Fund's Net Assets - 92.43%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

American Century Heritage Fund - Institutional Class

 

 

 

81,202

 

$ 1,884,703

Aston Optimum Mid Cap Fund - Institutional Class

 

 

 

40,340

 

1,316,706

BlackRock International Opportunities Portfolio - Institutional Class

 

 

21,353

 

1,168,196

CGM Focus Fund

 

 

 

 

 

32,615

 

2,008,742

Fidelity Leveraged Company Stock Fund

 

 

 

 

33,733

 

1,175,934

Fidelity OTC Portfolio (a)

 

 

 

 

 

25,494

 

1,431,257

Gabelli Asset Fund - AAA Class

 

 

 

 

24,371

 

1,341,643

John Hancock Large Cap Equity Fund - Institutional Class (a)

 

 

41,605

 

1,235,665

ING International SmallCap Fund - Institutional Class

 

 

 

15,559

 

1,038,120

Janus Contrarian Fund

 

 

 

 

 

72,173

 

1,528,633

Janus Overseas Fund

 

 

 

 

 

22,709

 

1,431,134

Janus Research Fund

 

 

 

 

 

43,598

 

1,399,058

Janus Venture Fund

 

 

 

 

 

12,937

 

1,022,810

Kinetics Small Cap Opportunities Fund

 

 

 

 

35,653

 

1,248,560

Kinetics Paradigm Fund

 

 

 

 

 

16,842

 

564,877

Longleaf Partners Small-Cap Fund

 

 

 

 

30,310

 

1,037,511

Lord Abbett Developing Growth Fund, Inc. - Institutional Class

 

 

50,926

 

1,258,880

Nicholas-Applegate International Growth Opportunities Fund - Institutional Class

 

19,460

 

1,434,425

Oppenheimer International Small Company Fund

 

 

 

34,505

 

1,309,127

Oppenheimer Small & Mid Cap Value Fund

 

 

 

 

20,911

 

902,707

Winslow Green Growth Fund - Investor Class

 

 

 

37,593

 

933,064

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL MUTUAL FUNDS GREATER THAN 1% OF THE SOUND

 

 

 

 

 

MIND INVESTING MANAGED VOLATILITY FUND'S NET ASSETS (Cost $22,901,662)

 

26,671,752

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mutual Funds Less Than 1% of The Sound

 

 

 

Mind Investing Managed Volatility Fund's Net Assets - 2.00%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alger Capital Appreciation Institutional Fund - Institutional Class (a)

 

 

5,070

 

112,913

Artisan International Small Cap Fund - Investor Class

 

 

 

150

 

4,383

Excelsior Value and Restructuring Fund - Institutional Class

 

 

 

4,717

 

286,855

Janus Orion Fund

 

 

 

 

 

4,062

 

55,118

Longleaf Partners Fund

 

 

 

 

 

137

 

5,292

Oakmark International Small Cap Fund - Institutional Class

 

 

 

120

 

2,878

TIAA-CREF Institutional Growth & Income Fund - Institutional Class

 

 

10,111

 

108,392

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL MUTUAL FUNDS LESS THAN 1% OF THE SOUND

 

 

 

 

 

MIND INVESTING MANAGED VOLATILITY FUND'S NET ASSETS (Cost $545,936)

575,831

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL MUTUAL FUNDS (Cost $23,447,598)

 

 

 

 

 

27,247,583

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exchange-Traded Funds - 4.63%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

iShares Dow Jones U.S. Basic Materials Sector Index Fund

 

 

 

16,965

 

1,335,315

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS (Cost $1,157,297)

 

 

 

 

1,335,315

 

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

 

The Sound Mind Investing Funds

The Sound Mind Investing Managed Volatility Fund

Schedule of Investments - continued

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Money Market Securities - 0.65%

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fidelity Institutional Money Market Treasury Portfolio - Class I, 4.54% (b)

 

 

189,378

 

$ 189,378

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL MONEY MARKET SECURITIES (Cost $189,378)

 

 

189,378

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS (Cost $24,794,273) - 99.71%

 

 

 

 

 

$ 28,772,276

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash & other assets less liabilities - 0.29%

 

 

 

 

 

83,060

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.00%

 

 

 

 

 

 

$ 28,855,336

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a) Non-income producing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b) Variable rate securities; the money market rate shown represents the rate at October 31, 2007.

 

 

 

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

 

The Sound Mind Investing Funds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Sound Mind Investing Managed Volatility Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

Schedule of Investments - continued

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of

 

Underlying Face

 

Unrealized

 

 

 

 

(Short)

 

Amount at

 

Appreciation

Short Futures Contracts

 

 

 

Contracts

 

Market Value

 

(Depreciation)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E-Mini MSCI EAFE Index Futures Contract December 2007 (a)

(11)

 

$ (1,320,055)

 

$ (29,855)

E-Mini S&P 500 Futures Contract December 2007 (b)

 

(44)

 

(3,420,780)

 

(33,430)

E- Mini Russell 2000 Mini Futures Contract December 2007 (c)

(39)

 

(3,245,970)

 

4,520

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Short Futures Contracts

 

 

 

 

 

 

$ (58,765)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a) Each E-Mini MSCI EAFE Index Futures contract has a multiplier of 50 shares.

 

 

 

 

(b) Each E-Mini S&P 500 Futures contract has a multiplier of 50 shares.

 

 

 

 

(c) Each E-Mini Russell 2000 Mini Futures contract has a multiplier of 100 shares.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

The Sound Mind Investing Funds

 

 

 

 

 

 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Sound Mind

 

 

 

 

 

The Sound Mind

 

Investing Managed

Assets

 

 

 

 

Investing Fund

 

Volatility Fund

Investments in securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

At cost

 

 

 

 

$ 207,465,561

 

$ 24,794,273

At value

 

 

 

 

$ 247,427,752

 

$ 28,772,276

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash

 

 

 

 

388

 

-

Cash held at broker (a)

 

-

 

326,623

Receivable for Fund shares sold

 

 

 

630,500

 

18,435

Receivable for investments sold

 

 

 

-

 

35,000

Interest receivable

 

 

 

 

4,682

 

2,467

Prepaid expenses

 

 

 

 

20,693

 

17,706

Total assets

 

 

 

 

248,084,015

 

29,172,507

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payable for investments purchased

 

 

 

297,420

 

35,000

Payable for Fund shares redeemed

 

 

 

78,704

 

118,981

Payable for net variation margin on futures contracts

 

-

 

110,460

Payable to Advisor (b)

 

199,870

 

13,596

Payable to administrator, fund accountant and transfer agent

60,231

 

15,005

Payable to custodian

 

 

 

 

9,145

 

3,497

Payable to trustees and officers

 

 

 

1,333

 

1,333

Other accrued expenses

 

 

 

26,114

 

19,299

Total liabilities

 

 

 

 

672,817

 

317,171

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Assets

 

 

 

 

$ 247,411,198

 

$ 28,855,336

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Assets consist of:

 

 

 

 

Paid in capital

 

 

 

 

$ 191,645,575

 

$ 24,925,937

Accumulated undistributed net investment income (loss)

 

-

 

-

Accumulated net realized gain from investment transactions

15,803,432

 

10,161

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

 

 

 

 

 

Investment Securities

 

39,962,191

 

3,978,003

Futures Contracts

 

 

 

 

-

 

(58,765)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Assets

 

 

 

 

$ 247,411,198

 

$ 28,855,336

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized)

17,840,483

 

2,435,279

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Asset Value and offering price per share

 

 

$ 13.87

 

$ 11.85

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Redemption price per share (c) (NAV * 98%)

 

$ 13.59

 

$ 11.61

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a) Cash used as collateral for futures contract transactions.

 

 

 

 

(b) See Note 3 in the Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

 

 

 

(c) The redemption price per share reflects a redemption fee of 2.00% on shares redeemed within 90 calendar days of purchase.

Shares are redeemed at the Net Asset Value if held longer than 90 calendar days.

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

The Sound Mind Investing Funds

Statements of Operations

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Sound Mind

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Sound Mind

 

Investing Managed

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investing Fund

 

Volatility Fund(a)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment Income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividend income

 

 

 

 

$ 3,117,959

 

$ 33,784

Interest income

 

 

 

 

68,396

 

26,794

Total Investment Income

 

 

 

3,186,355

 

60,578

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment Advisor fee (c)

 

 

 

2,000,824

 

171,320

Administration expenses

 

 

 

150,050

 

21,329

Transfer agent expenses

 

 

 

117,136

 

39,636

Fund accounting expenses

 

 

 

60,017

 

18,769

Custodian expenses

 

 

 

 

47,037

 

16,806

Registration expenses

 

 

 

32,726

 

23,126

Printing expenses

 

 

 

 

31,564

 

2,327

Legal expenses

 

 

 

 

18,265

 

12,261

Auditing expenses

 

 

 

 

11,574

 

11,625

Insurance expenses

 

 

 

 

10,985

 

-

CCO expenses

 

 

 

 

5,260

 

4,457

Trustee expenses

 

 

 

 

4,642

 

3,742

Pricing expenses

 

 

 

 

4,414

 

2,846

Miscellaneous expenses

 

 

 

2,876

 

2,154

24f-2 expenses

 

 

 

 

-

 

775

Total Expenses

 

 

 

 

2,497,370

 

331,173

Advisor fees waived (c)

 

 

-

 

(73,032)

Other expense reductions (b)

 

 

 

(53,653)

 

(4,230)

Net Expenses

 

 

 

 

2,443,717

 

253,911

Net Investment Income (Loss)

 

 

 

742,638

 

(193,333)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Realized & Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments

 

 

 

 

Capital gain dividends from investment companies

 

6,603,263

 

41,507

Net realized gain (loss) on:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment Securities

 

13,753,214

 

422,390

Futures Contracts

 

 

 

 

-

 

(453,736)

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

 

 

 

 

Investment Securities

 

30,084,754

 

3,978,003

Futures Contracts

 

 

 

 

-

 

(58,765)

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments

 

 

50,441,231

 

3,929,399

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

 

$ 51,183,869

 

$ 3,736,066

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a) For the period December 29, 2006 (commencement of operations) through October 31, 2007.

(b) Certain funds the Funds invest in rebate back a portion of the distribution fee charged.

 

(c) See Note 3 in the Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

 

 

 

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

 

The Sound Mind Investing Funds

 

 

 

 

 

 

Statements of Changes In Net Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Sound Mind Investing Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended

 

Period ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

10/31/2006(a)

Increase in Net Assets due to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operations

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

 

$ 742,638

 

$ (749,504)

Capital gain dividends from investment companies

 

 

6,603,263

 

287,975

Net realized gain (loss) on investment securities

 

 

13,753,214

 

(4,203,014)

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investment securities

30,084,754

 

9,877,437

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

 

 

51,183,869

 

5,212,894

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distributions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From net investment income

 

 

 

(1,380,644)

 

-

From return of capital

 

 

 

 

-

 

(6,329)

Total distributions

 

 

 

 

(1,380,644)

 

(6,329)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital Share Transactions

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from Fund shares sold

 

 

 

82,080,920

 

175,353,043

Reinvestment of distributions

 

 

 

1,334,830

 

6,028

Amount paid for Fund shares repurchased

 

 

(51,976,869)

 

(14,470,675)

Proceeds from redemption fees collected (b)

 

 

35,332

 

38,799

Net increase in net assets resulting

 

 

 

 

 

 

from capital share transactions

 

 

 

31,474,213

 

160,927,195

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Increase in Net Assets

 

 

 

81,277,438

 

166,133,760

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Assets

 

 

 

 

Beginning of year

 

 

 

 

166,133,760

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

End of year

 

$ 247,411,198

 

$ 166,133,760

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated undistributed net investment income

 

 

 

 

 

included in net assets at end of period

 

$ -

 

$ -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital Share Transactions

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares sold

 

6,818,318

 

16,601,332

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

 

 

117,814

 

603

Shares repurchased

 

 

 

 

(4,320,550)

 

(1,377,034)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase from capital share transactions

 

 

2,615,582

 

15,224,901

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a) For the period December 2, 2005 (the date the Fund commenced operations) through October 31, 2006.

 

(b) The Fund charges a 2% redemption fee on shares redeemed within 90 calendar days of purchase.

Shares are redeemed at the Net Asset Value if held longer than 90 calendar days.

 

 

 

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

 

 

The Sound Mind Investing Funds

Statement of Changes In Net Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Sound Mind

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investing Managed

 

 

 

 

 

 

Volatility Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Period ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

10/31/2007(a)

Increase in Net Assets due to:

 

 

 

 

Operations

 

Net investment (loss)

 

 

 

 

$ (193,333)

Capital gain dividends from investment companies

 

41,507

Net realized gain (loss) on:

 

 

 

 

Investment Securities

422,390

Futures contracts

 

 

 

 

(453,736)

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

 

 

Investment Securities

 

 

 

3,978,003

Futures Contracts

 

 

 

 

(58,765)

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

 

3,736,066

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital Share Transactions

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from Fund shares sold

 

 

 

32,492,998

Reinvestment of distributions

 

 

 

-

Amount paid for Fund shares repurchased

 

 

(7,388,161)

Proceeds from redemption fees collected (b)

 

 

14,433

Net increase in net assets resulting

 

from capital share transactions

 

 

 

25,119,270

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Increase in Net Assets

 

 

 

28,855,336

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Assets

 

Beginning of period

 

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

End of period

 

 

 

 

$ 28,855,336

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated undistributed net investment income

 

 

included in net assets at end of period

 

 

$ -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital Share Transactions

 

 

 

 

Shares sold

 

 

 

 

3,119,694

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

 

 

-

Shares repurchased

 

 

 

 

(684,415)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase from capital share transactions

 

 

2,435,279

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a) For the period December 29, 2006 (the date the Fund commenced operations) through October 31, 2007.

(b) The Fund charges a 2% redemption fee on shares redeemed within 90 calendar days of purchase.

Shares are redeemed at the Net Asset Value if held longer than 90 calendar days.

 

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

 

 

 

 

The Sound Mind Investing Funds

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding during the period)

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Sound Mind Investing Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended

 

Period Ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

 

October 31, 2006

(a)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selected Per Share Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$ 10.91

 

$ 10.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss) (b)

 

 

0.05

 

(0.05)

 

Net realized and unrealized gain

 

 

3.00

 

0.96

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

3.05

 

0.91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less Distributions to Shareholders:

 

 

 

 

 

 

From net investment income

 

 

(0.09)

 

-

(c)

Total distributions

 

 

 

(0.09)

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paid in capital from redemption fees (d)

 

-

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of year

 

 

$ 13.87

 

$ 10.91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Return (e)

 

 

 

28.13%

 

9.14%

(f)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (000)

 

 

$ 247,411

 

$ 166,134

 

Ratio of expenses to average net assets (g)

 

1.25%

(h)

1.43%

(j)

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to

 

 

 

 

 

average net assets (b) (g)

 

 

0.37%

(i)

(0.82)%

(j)

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

 

115.48%

 

177.47%

 

 

 

(a) For the period December 2, 2005 (the date the Fund commenced operations) through October 31, 2006.

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

(c) Distributions to shareholders resulted in less than $0.005 per share. See Note 7 in the Notes to the Financial Statements.

(d) Redemption fees resulted in less than $0.005 per share.

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

(f) Not annualized.

(g) These ratios exclude the impact of expenses of the underlying security holdings as represented in the Schedule of Investments.

(h) This ratio is 1.22% net of the other expenses refunded by the underlying Funds in which the Fund invests.

(i) This ratio is presented net of the other expenses refunded by the underlying Funds in which the Fund invests.

(j) Annualized.

 

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

 

 

 

The Sound Mind Investing Funds

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding during the period)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Sound Mind Investing Managed Volatility Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Period Ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 31, 2007

(a)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selected Per Share Data:

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

 

$ 10.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment (loss) (b)

 

 

 

(0.08)

 

Net realized and unrealized gain

 

 

 

1.92

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

 

1.84

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paid in capital from redemption fees

 

 

0.01

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

 

 

$ 11.85

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Return (c)

 

 

 

 

18.50%

(d)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (000)

 

 

 

$ 28,855

 

Ratio of expenses to average net assets (e)

 

 

1.50%

(f) (g)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

 

 

 

 

before waiver and reimbursement (e)

 

 

1.92%

(f)

Ratio of net investment income to

 

 

 

 

 

average net assets (b) (e)

 

 

 

(1.12)%

(f) (h)

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets before waiver and reimbursement (b) (e)

(1.54)%

(f)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

118.04%

 

 

 

(a) For the period December 29, 2006 (the date the Fund commenced operations) through October 31, 2007.

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

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

(d) Not annualized.

(e) These ratios exclude the impact of expenses of the underlying security holdings as represented in the Schedule of Investments.

(f) Annualized.

(g) This ratio is 1.47% net of the other expenses refunded by the underlying Funds in which the Fund invests.

(h) This ratio is presented net of the other expenses refunded by the underlying Funds in which the Fund invests.

 

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

 

 

 

The Sound Mind Investing Funds

Notes to the Financial Statements

October 31, 2007

 

NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION

 

The Sound Mind Investing Fund (the “SMI Fund”) was organized as a diversified series of the Unified Series Trust (the “Trust”) on August 29, 2005. The Sound Mind Investing Managed Volatility Fund (the “Managed Volatility Fund”) was organized as a diversified series of Unified Series Trust (the “Trust”) on November 13, 2006 (collectively with the SMI Fund, the “Funds” or each a “Fund”). The Trust is an open-end investment company established under the laws of Ohio by an Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated October 17, 2002 (the “Trust Agreement”). The Trust Agreement permits the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”) to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest of separate series. Each Fund is one of a series of funds currently authorized by the Board. The SMI Fund commenced operations on December 2, 2005 and the Managed Volatility Fund commenced operations on December 29, 2006. The investment advisor to each Fund is SMI Advisory Services, LLC (the “Advisor”). The Funds invest solely in shares of other investment companies. The Sound Mind Investing Fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation. The Sound Mind Investing Managed Volatility Fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation with less volatility than broad U.S. equity markets.

 

NOTE 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Funds in the preparation of their financial statements.

 

Securities Valuations - Equity securities are valued by using market quotations, but may be valued on the basis of prices furnished by a pricing service when the Advisor believes such prices more accurately reflect the fair market value of such securities. Securities that are traded on any stock exchange are generally valued by the pricing service at the last quoted sale price. Lacking a last sale price, an exchange traded security is generally valued by the pricing service at its last bid price. Mutual funds are valued at the daily redemption value as reported by the underlying fund. Securities traded in the NASDAQ over-the-counter market are generally valued by the pricing service at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price. When market quotations are not readily available, when the Advisor determines that the market quotation or the price provided by the pricing service does not accurately reflect the current market value or when restricted or illiquid securities are being valued, such securities are valued as determined in good faith by the Advisor subject to guidelines approved by the Board.

Fixed income securities are valued by a pricing service when the Advisor believes such prices are accurate and reflect the fair market value of such securities. If the Advisor decides that a price provided by the pricing service does not accurately reflect the fair market value of the securities, when prices are not readily available from a pricing service, or when restricted or illiquid securities are being valued, securities are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Advisor. Short-term investments in fixed income securities with maturities of less than 60 days when acquired, or which subsequently are within 60 days of maturity, are valued by using the amortized cost method of valuation. The ability of issuers of debt securities held by the Funds to meet their obligations may be affected by economic and political developments in a country or region.

 

In accordance with the Trust’s good faith pricing guidelines, the Advisor is required to consider all appropriate factors relevant to the value of securities for which it has determined other pricing sources are not available or reliable as described above. No single standard for determining fair value exists, since fair value depends upon the circumstances of each individual case. As a general principle, the current fair value of an issue of securities being valued by the Advisor would appear to be the amount which the owner might reasonably expect to receive for them upon their current sale. Methods which are in accord with this principle may, for example, be based on (i) a multiple of earnings; (ii) a discount from market of a similar freely traded security (including a derivative security or a basket of securities traded on other markets, exchanges or among dealers); or (iii) yield to maturity with respect to debt issues, or a combination of these and other methods. Good faith pricing also is permitted if, in the Advisor’s opinion, the validity of market quotations appears to be questionable based on factors such as evidence of a thin market in the security based on a small number of quotations, a significant event occurs after the close of a market but before a Fund’s NAV calculation that may affect a security’s value, or the Advisor is aware of any other data that calls into question the reliability of market quotations. For example, an underlying fund in which a Fund invests may fail to calculate its NAV as of the NYSE close. Also, investments in derivatives, such as futures contracts and options on futures contracts, are more likely to trigger fair valuation than investments in other securities.

 

Futures Contracts – The Managed Volatility Fund may enter into futures contracts to manage its exposure to the stock markets, fluctuations in interest rates, and foreign currency values. Initial margin deposits are made upon entering into futures contracts and can be either cash or securities

 

 

The Sound Mind Investing Funds

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued

October 31, 2007

 

NOTE 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

 

During the period a futures contract is open, changes in the value of the contract are recognized as unrealized gains or losses by “marking-to-market” on a daily basis to reflect the market value of the contract at the end of each day’s trading. Variation margin receivables or payables represent the difference between the change in unrealized appreciation and depreciation on the open contracts and the cash deposits made on the margin accounts. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the proceeds from the closing transaction and the Fund’s cost of the contract. The use of futures contracts involves the risk of illiquid markets or imperfect correlation between the value of the instruments and the underlying securities, or that the counterparty will fail to perform its obligations. Futures contracts are valued at the settlement price established each day by the board of trade or exchange on which they are traded. Should market conditions move unexpectedly, the Fund may not achieve the anticipated benefits of the futures contract and may realize a loss.

 

Short Sales Each Fund may sell a security it does not own in anticipation of a decline in the fair value of that security. When the Fund sells a security short, it must borrow the security sold short and deliver it to the broker-dealer through which it made the short sale. A gain, limited to the price at which a Fund sold the security short, or a loss, unlimited in size, will be recognized upon the termination of a short sale.

 

Federal Income Taxes – The Funds make no provision for federal income tax. Each Fund intends to qualify each year as a “regulated investment company” under subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, by distributing substantially all of their net investment income and net realized capital gains. If the required amount of net investment income is not distributed, a Fund could incur a tax expense.

 

Expenses – Expenses incurred by the Trust that do not relate to a specific fund of the Trust are allocated to the individual funds based on each fund’s relative net assets or other appropriate basis (as determined by the Board).

 

Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes- In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48 – Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes that requires the tax effects of certain tax positions to be recognized. These tax positions must meet a “more likely than not” standard that, based on their technical merits, have a more than 50 percent likelihood of being sustained upon examination. FASB Interpretation No. 48 is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2006. At adoption, the financial statements must be adjusted to reflect only those tax positions that are more likely than not of being sustained. Management of the Funds is currently evaluating the impact that FASB Interpretation No. 48 will have on the Funds’ financial statements.

 

Fair Value Measurements – In September 2006, FASB issued Statement on Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements.” This standard establishes a single authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value and requires additional disclosure about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 applies to fair value measurements already required or permitted by existing standards. SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The changes to current generally accepted accounting principles from the application of this Statement relate to the definition of fair value, the methods used to measure fair value, and the expanded disclosures about fair value measurements. As of October 31, 2007, the Fund does not believe that the adoption of SFAS No. 157 will impact the amounts reported in the financial statements, however, additional disclosures may be required about the inputs used to develop the measurements and the effect of certain measurements reported on the statement of changes in net assets for a fiscal period.

 

Security Transactions and Related Income – The Funds follow industry practice and record security transactions on the trade date. The specific identification method is used for determining gains or losses for financial statements and income tax purposes. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date and interest income is recorded on an accrual basis. Discounts and premiums on securities purchased are amortized or accreted using the effective interest method.

 

Dividends and Distributions – The Funds typically distribute substantially all of their net investment income in the form of dividends and taxable capital gains to their shareholders at least annually. These distributions, which are recorded on the ex-dividend date, are automatically reinvested in each Fund unless shareholders request cash distributions on their application or through a written request.

 

 

The Sound Mind Investing Funds

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued

October 31, 2007

 

NOTE 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

 

The treatment for financial reporting purposes of distributions made to shareholders during the year from net investment income or net realized capital gains may differ from their ultimate treatment for federal income tax purposes. These differences are caused primarily by differences in the timing of the recognition of certain components of income, expense or realized capital gain for federal income tax purposes. Where such differences are permanent in nature, they are reclassified in the components of net assets based on their ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. Any such reclassifications will have no effect on net assets, results of operations, or net asset values per share of the Funds. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, net investment loss of $193,333 for the Managed Volatility Fund was reclassified to paid-in-capital and short-term capital gains of $638,005 for the SMI Fund were used to offset distributions in excess of net investment income.

 

NOTE 3. FEES AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

 

The Advisor, under the terms of the management agreements on behalf of each Fund (each an “Agreement”), manages each Fund’s investments. As compensation for its management services, each Fund is obligated to pay the Advisor a fee based on the Fund’s average daily net assets as follows:


 

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, the Advisor earned fees of $2,000,824 from the SMI Fund. For the period December 29, 2006 (commencement of operations) through October 31, 2007, the Advisor earned fees of $171,320 from the Managed Volatility Fund before the reimbursement described below. At October 31, 2007 $199,870 and $13,596 was owed to the Advisor from the SMI Fund and the Managed Volatility Fund, respectively.

 

The Advisor has contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse certain Fund operating expenses, excluding brokerage fees and commissions, borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short), taxes, extraordinary expenses and any indirect expenses (such as expenses incurred by other investment companies acquired by a Fund), at 1.50% of each Fund’s average daily net assets though October 31, 2007 for the SMI Fund, and through October 31, 2008 for the Managed Volatility Fund. The contract for the SMI Fund has been extended through October 31, 2008. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, the Adviser did not waive any fees for the SMI Fund. For the period December 29, 2006 (commencement of operations) through October 31, 2007, the Advisor waived fees of $73,032 for the Managed Volatility Fund. Each waiver or reimbursement by the Advisor is subject to repayment by the applicable Fund within the three fiscal years following the fiscal year in which the particular expense was incurred; provided that the Fund is able to make the repayment without exceeding the 1.50% expense limitation. As of October 31, 2007, $73,032 for the Managed Volatility Fund is available for repayment by the Managed Volatility Fund to the Advisor no later than October 31, 2010.

 

The Trust retains Unified Fund Services, Inc. (“Unified”), to manage the Funds’ business affairs and to provide the Funds with administrative services, including all regulatory reporting and necessary office equipment and personnel. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, Unified earned fees of $150,050 for administrative services provided to the SMI Fund. For the period December 29, 2006 (commencement of operations) through October 31, 2007, Unified earned fees of $21,329 for administrative services provided to the Managed Volatility Fund. As of October 31, 2007, $27,103 and $4,250 was owed to Unified from the SMI Fund and Managed Volatility Fund, respectively, for administrative services. Certain officers of the Trust are members of management and/or employees of Unified. Unified operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Huntington Bancshares, Inc., the parent company of the Distributor and Huntington National Bank, the custodian of each Fund’s investments (the “Custodian”). For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, the Custodian earned fees of $47,037 for custody services provided to the SMI Fund. For the period December 29, 2006 (commencement of operations) through October 31, 2007, the Custodian earned fees of $16,806 for custody services provided to the Managed Volatility Fund. As of October 31, 2007, the

 

Custodian was owed $9,145 and $3,497 from the SMI Fund and Managed Volatility Fund, respectively, for custody services.

 

 

 

The Sound Mind Investing Funds

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued

October 31, 2007

 

NOTE 3. FEES AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES – (continued)

 

The Funds have entered into an agreement with the Trust’s custodian, whereby the custodian receives distribution fees from the underlying security holdings of the Funds and forwards a portion of these fees back to the appropriate Fund. The Funds use the fees received to reduce gross expenses of the fund.

 

Huntington National Bank also acts as a broker to each of the Funds. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, Huntington National Bank earned commissions of $73 and $0 for the SMI Fund and the Managed Volatility Fund, respectively, for brokerage services.

 

The Trust retains Unified to act as each Fund’s transfer agent and to provide the Funds with fund accounting services. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, Unified earned fees of $73,905 from the SMI Fund for transfer agent services and $43,231 in reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in providing transfer agent services. For the period December 29, 2006 (commencement of operations) through October 31, 2007, Unified earned fees of $15,368 from the Managed Volatility Fund for transfer agent services and $24,268 in reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in providing transfer agent services. As of October 31, 2007, Unified was owed $13,000 and $2,724 from the SMI Fund and Managed Volatility Fund, respectively, for transfer agent services and $9,172 and $4,281 in reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, Unified earned fees of $60,017 from the SMI Fund for fund accounting services. For the period December 29, 2006 (commencement of operations) through October 31, 2007, Unified earned fees of $18,769 from the SMI Managed Volatility Fund for fund accounting services. As of October 31, 2007, Unified was owed $10,956 and $3,750 from the SMI Fund and the Managed Volatility Fund, respectively, for fund accounting services.

 

Unified Financial Securities, Inc. (the “Distributor”) acts as the principal distributor of each Fund. There were no payments made to the Distributor by either Fund for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007. The Distributor, Unified and the Custodian are controlled by Huntington Bancshares, Inc.

 

NOTE 4. INVESTMENTS

 

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007, purchases and sales of investment securities, other than short-term investments and short-term U.S. government obligations were as follows:


 

As of October 31, 2007, the net unrealized appreciation of investments for tax purposes, excluding futures contracts was as follows:


At October 31, 2007, the aggregate cost of securities for federal income tax purposes was $207,465,622 and $24,802,837 for the SMI Fund and the Managed Volatility Fund, respectively.

 

 

 

The Sound Mind Investing Funds

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued

October 31, 2007

 

NOTE 5. ESTIMATES

 

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

 

NOTE 6. BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP

 

The beneficial ownership, either directly or indirectly, of more than 25% of the voting securities of a fund creates a presumption of control of the fund, under Section 2(a)(9) of the Investment Company Act of 1940. As of October 31, 2007, National Financial Securities Corporation (“NFSC”), for the benefit of others, held 26.58% and 30.34% of the outstanding shares of the SMI Fund and the Managed Volatility Fund, respectively. As a result, NFSC may be deemed to control each of the Funds.

 

NOTE 7. DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS

 

SMI Fund. On December 29, 2006, the SMI Fund paid an income distribution of $0.089 per share to shareholders of record on December 28, 2006.

 

The tax characterization of distributions for the year ended October 31, 2007 and the period ended October 31, 2006 was as follows:

 


 

As of October 31, 2007, the components of distributable earnings (accumulated losses) on a tax basis were as follows:


 

As of October 31, 2007, the difference between book basis and tax basis unrealized appreciation is attributable to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales in the amount of $61.

 

 

The Sound Mind Investing Funds

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued

October 31, 2007

 

NOTE 7. DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS – (continued)

 

Managed Volatility Fund. There were no distributions made by the Managed Volatility Fund during the period December 29, 2006 (commencement of operations) to October 31, 2007.

 

As of October 31, 2007, the components of distributable earnings (accumulated losses) on a tax basis were as follows:


As of October 31, 2007, the difference between book basis and tax basis unrealized appreciation is attributable to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales in the amount of $8,564 and the mark-to-market on futures contracts in the amount of $58,765.

 

NOTE 8. CAPITAL LOSS CARRYFORWARD

 

At October 31, 2007, the Managed Volatility Fund has available for federal tax purposes an unused capital loss carryforward of $40,040, which is available for offset against future taxable net capital gains. This loss carryforward expires on October 15, 2015. To the extent these carryforwards are used to offset future capital gains, it is probable that the amount, which is offset, will not be distributed to shareholders.

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

 

To The Shareholders and

Board of Trustees of

The Sound Mind Investing Funds

(Unified Series Trust)

 

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedules of investments, of The Sound Mind Investing Funds (the “Funds”), comprising The Sound Mind Investing Fund and The Sound Mind Investing Managed Volatility Fund, each a series of the Unified Series Trust, as of October 31, 2007, and the related statements of operations for the year then ended, the statement of changes in net assets for each of the two periods then ended for The Sound Mind Investing Fund and the statement of changes in net assets for the period December 29,2006 ( commencement of operations) through October 31, 2007 for The Sound Mind Investing Managed Volatility Fund, and the financial highlights for each of the two periods in the period then ended for The Sound Mind Investing Fund and the financial highlights for the period then ended for The Sound Mind Investing Managed Volatility Fund. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of Fund management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of October 31, 2007 by correspondence with the Funds’ custodian and brokers. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Funds constituting The Sound Mind Investing Funds as of October 31, 2007 and the results of their operations for the period then ended, and the changes in their net assets, and the financial highlights for the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

 

COHEN FUND AUDIT SERVICES, LTD.

Westlake, Ohio

December 27, 2007

 

 

TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

 

The Board of Trustees supervises the business activities of the Trust. Each Trustee serves as a trustee until termination of the Trust unless the Trustee dies, resigns, retires or is removed.

 

The following tables provide information regarding the Trustees and officers.

 

Independent Trustees

Name, Address*, (Age), Position with Trust**, Term of Position with Trust

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years

and Other Directorships

Gary E. Hippenstiel (Age 60)

 

Independent Trustee, December 2002 to present

Director, Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of Legacy Trust Company, N.A. since 1992; Chairman of the investment committee for W.H. Donner Foundation and Donner Canadian Foundation, since June 2005; Trustee of AmeriPrime Advisors Trust from July 2002 to September 2005; Trustee of Access Variable Insurance Trust from April 2003 to August 2005; Trustee of AmeriPrime Funds from 1995 to July 2005; Trustee of CCMI Funds from June 2003 to March 2005.

Stephen A. Little (Age 61)

 

Chairman, December 2004 to present; Independent Trustee, December 2002 to present

President and founder of The Rose, Inc., a registered investment advisor, since April 1993; Trustee of AmeriPrime Advisors Trust from November 2002 to September 2005; Trustee of AmeriPrime Funds from December 2002 to July 2005; Trustee of CCMI Funds from June 2003 to March 2005.

Daniel J. Condon (Age 57)

 

Independent Trustee, December 2002 to present

President of International Crankshaft Inc., an automotive equipment manufacturing company, since 2004, Vice President and General Manager from 1990 to 2003; Trustee of AmeriPrime Advisors Trust from November 2002 to September 2005; Trustee of The Unified Funds from 1994 to 2002; Trustee of Firstar Select Funds, a REIT mutual fund, from 1997 to 2000; Trustee of AmeriPrime Funds from December 2002 to July 2005; Trustee of CCMI Funds from June 2003 to March 2005.

Ronald C. Tritschler (Age 55)

 

Trustee, December 2002 to present

Chief Executive Officer, Director and Legal Counsel of The Webb Companies, a national real estate company, since 2001, Executive Vice President and Director from 1990 to 2000; Director of First State Financial since 1998; Director, Vice President and Legal Counsel of The Traxx Companies, an owner and operator of convenience stores, since 1989; Trustee of AmeriPrime Advisors Trust from November 2002 to September 2005; Trustee of AmeriPrime Funds from December 2002 to July 2005; Trustee of CCMI Funds from June 2003 to March 2005.

 

 

Principal Officers

Name, Address*, (Age), Position with Trust,** Term of Position with Trust

Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years

and Other Directorships

 

Anthony J. Ghoston (Age 48)

 

President, July 2004 to present

President of Unified Fund Services, Inc., the Trust’s administrator, since June 2005, Executive Vice President from June 2004 to June 2005, Senior Vice President from April 2003 to June 2004; Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Unified Financial Services, Inc., the parent company of the Trust’s administrator and distributor, from 1997 to November 2004; President of AmeriPrime Advisors Trust from July 2004 to September 2005; President of AmeriPrime Funds from July 2004 to July 2005; President of CCMI Funds from July 2004 to March 2005.

 

John C. Swhear (Age 46)

 

Senior Vice President, May 2007 to present

Vice President of Legal Administration and Compliance for Unified Fund Services, Inc., the Trust’s administrator, since April, 2007; Chief Compliance Officer of Unified Financial Securities, Inc., the Trust’s distributor, since May 2007; Employed in various positions with American United Life Insurance Company from 1983 to April 2007, including: Associate General Counsel, April 2007, Investment Adviser Chief Compliance Officer, June 2004 to April 2007, Assistant Secretary to the Board of Directors, December 2002 to April 2007, Chief Compliance Officer of OneAmerica Funds, Inc., June 2004 to April 2007, Chief Counsel and Secretary, OneAmerica Securities, Inc., December 2002 to April 2007.

 

James M. Landis (Age 36)

 

Interim Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, March 2007 to present

 

Vice President Fund Accounting and Fund Administration for Unified Fund Services, since October, 2006; Director of Fund Accounting and Fund Administration for PFPC July 2006 - October 2006; Manager Fund Accounting for Unified Fund Services November 2004 – July 2006; Manager Fund Accounting for Mellon Financial Corporation November 1998 – November 2004.

 

Lynn E. Wood (Age 61)

 

Chief Compliance Officer, October 2004 to present

Chief Compliance Officer of AmeriPrime Advisors Trust from October 2004 to September 2005; Chief Compliance Officer of AmeriPrime Funds from October 2004 to July 2005; Chief Compliance Officer of CCMI Funds from October 2004 to March 2005; Chief Compliance Officer of Unified Financial Securities, Inc., the Trust’s distributor, from December 2004 to October 2005 and from 1997 to 2000, Chairman from 1997 to December 2004, President from 1997 to 2000; Director of Compliance of Unified Fund Services, Inc., the Trust’s administrator, from October 2003 to September 2004; Chief Compliance Officer of Unified Financial Services, Inc., the parent company of the Trust’s administrator and distributor, from 2000 to 2004.

 

Heather Bonds (Age 31)

 

Secretary, July 2005 to present; Assistant Secretary, September 2004 to June 2005

Employed by Unified Fund Services, Inc., the Trust’s administrator, since January 2004 and from December 1999 to January 2002; Student at Indiana University School of Law – Indianapolis, J.D. Candidate in December 2007; Assistant Secretary of Dean Family of Funds since August 2004; Regional Administrative Assistant of The Standard Register Company from February 2003 to January 2004; Full time student at Indiana University from January 2002 to June 2002; Secretary of AmeriPrime Advisors Trust from July 2005 to September 2005, Assistant Secretary from September 2004 to June 2005; Assistant Secretary of AmeriPrime Funds from September 2004 to July 2005; Assistant Secretary of CCMI Funds from September 2004 to March 2005.

 

* The address for each officer is 2960 North Meridian Street, Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46208.

** The Trust currently consists of 37 series.  

 

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

The Funds’ Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) includes additional information about the trustees and is available without charge, upon request. You may call toll-free at (877) 764-3863 to request a copy of the SAI or to make shareholder inquiries.

 

RENEWAL OF MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT (Unaudited)

 

The continuation of the Management Agreement of The Sound Mind Investing Fund (the “SMI Fund”) was approved by the Board, including a majority of Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust or interested parties to the Agreement (collectively, the Independent Trustees and each an “Independent Trustee”) at an in-person meeting held on May 20, 2007. The Trustees were directed to the Board materials provided at the meeting, which were compiled to assist them in their decision-making as required by Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act, as amended. Legal counsel to the Independent Trustees reviewed the materials with the Trustees, noting that the Adviser reported its affiliate had ceased operations of its hedge fund in order to focus on the SMI Fund and the newly launched Sound Mind Investing Managed Volatility Fund. The Trustees also reviewed a memorandum prepared by counsel to the Independent Trustees outlining the Trustees’ duties and factors to be considered in renewing the Agreement.

 

 

 

The Board discussed the Fund’s performance since inception, noting that the Adviser reported that it does not manage other private accounts using a similar “fund upgrading” strategy. They also discussed that the Fund has acquired significant assets in the 18 months since it commenced operations and that its total expense ratio had declined below its expense cap; as a result, the Fund is now reimbursing the Adviser for fees waived/expenses paid by the adviser during its initial period of operations. The Trustees considered the profitability of the Fund’s advisory agreement to the Adviser, and noted that the profit was shown on a gross basis without deducting any overhead expense or salaries of portfolio managers. The Board then considered the profitability of the Adviser and determined that although the Adviser made a profit from the Fund, the profit was not so great as to be considered excessive. The Trustees also noted that the management agreement contains fee breakpoints, and that the Fund is approaching the first breakpoint of $250 million, at which point the fee for assets in excess of that amount will drop by 0.10% annually.

 

In considering the Management Agreement on behalf of the SMI Fund, the Trustees primarily considered that: (1) although the Fund’s one-year return as of March 31, 2007 lagged its index and peer group, its performance since inception and year-to-date return substantially exceeded the returns of both its benchmark and peer group for the same periods; (2) the Fund’s management fee is higher than the average fee for its peer group, although its total expense ratio, after fee waiver and reimbursement of operating expenses, is comparable to the average total expense ratio for most equity mutual funds; (3) the Adviser has agreed to continue waiving its fees and reimbursing operating expenses for an additional year; (4) the Management Agreement yielded a reasonable profit to the Adviser; (5) the Management Agreement contains a fee breakpoint, pursuant to which the management fee will be reduced once Fund assets reach $250 million, which will assist the Fund in achieving economies of scale; and (6) the Adviser does not engage in soft dollar arrangements pursuant to which the Fund’s brokerage transactions are directed to a broker-dealer in exchange for research services that benefit the Adviser.

 

As a result of their considerations, the Trustees, including the Independent Trustees, unanimously determined that continuation of the Management Agreement between the Trust and SMI Advisory Services, LLC is in the best interests of the Sound Mind Investing Fund and its shareholders.

 

 

 

PROXY VOTING

 

A description of the policies and procedures that the Funds use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities and information regarding how the Funds voted those proxies during the most recent twelve month period ended June 30 is available without charge upon request by (1) calling the Funds at (877) 764-3863 and (2) from Fund documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

TRUSTEES

Stephen A. Little, Chairman

Gary E. Hippenstiel

Daniel J. Condon

Ronald C. Tritschler

 

OFFICERS

Anthony J. Ghoston, President

John Swhear, Senior Vice-President

James M. Landis, Treasurer

Heather A. Bonds, Secretary

Lynn Wood, Chief Compliance Officer

 

INVESTMENT ADVISOR

SMI Advisory Services, LLC

422 Washington Street

Columbus, IN 47201

 

DISTRIBUTOR

Unified Financial Securities, Inc.

2960 North Meridian Street, Suite 300

Indianapolis, IN 46208

 

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Cohen Fund Audit Services Ltd.

800 Westpoint Parkway, Suite 1100

Westlake, OH 44145

 

LEGAL COUNSEL

Thompson Coburn LLP

One US Bank Plaza

St. Louis, MO 63101

 

LEGAL COUNSEL TO THE INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

Thompson Hine LLP

312 Walnut St., 14th Floor

Cincinnati, OH 45202

 

CUSTODIAN

Huntington National Bank

41 South Street

Columbus, OH 43125

 

ADMINISTRATOR, TRANSFER AGENT

AND FUND ACCOUNTANT

Unified Fund Services, Inc.

2960 North Meridian Street, Suite 300

Indianapolis, IN 46208

 

 

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

 

Distributed by Unified Financial Securities, Inc.

Member FINRA/SIPC

 

 

Item 2. Code of Ethics.

 

(a)        As of the end of the period covered by this report, the registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant's principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the registrant or a third party.

 

(b)        For purposes of this item, “code of ethics” means written standards that are reasonably designed to deter wrongdoing and to promote:

 

(1)

Honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships;

 

(2)

Full, fair, accurate, timely, and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that a registrant files with, or submits to, the Commission and in other public communications made by the registrant;

 

(3)

Compliance with applicable governmental laws, rules, and regulations;

(4)

The prompt internal reporting of violations of the code to an appropriate person or persons identified in the code; and

 

(5)

Accountability for adherence to the code.

 

(c)        Amendments: During the period covered by the report, there have not been any amendments to the provisions of the code of ethics.

 

(d)        Waivers: During the period covered by the report, the registrant has not granted any express or implicit waivers from the provisions of the code of ethics.

 

(e)        Posting: We do not intend to post the Code of Ethics for the Officers or any amendments or waivers on a website.

 

(f)         Availability: The Code of Ethics for the Officers can be obtained, free of charge by calling the toll free number for the appropriate Fund.

 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

 

(a)        The registrant’s board of trustees has determined that the registrant does not have an audit committee financial expert. The committee members and the full Board considered a possibility of adding a member that would qualify as an expert. The audit committee determined that, although none of its members meet the technical definition of an audit committee expert, the committee has sufficient financial expertise to adequately perform its duties under the Audit Committee Charter without the addition of a qualified expert.

 

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

(a)

Audit Fees

 

Marathon Value Portfolio:

FY 2007

$11,000

 

FY 2006

$10,195

 

 

 

QCM Absolute Return Fund:

FY 2007

$17,000

 

FY 2006

$14,000

 

 

 

Sound Mind Investing Funds:

FY 2007

$21,250

 

FY 2006

$11,285

 

 

 

Becker Value Funds:

FY 2007

$21,250

 

FY 2006

$20,865

 

 

 

Dreman Funds:

FY 2007

$60,000

 

FY 2006

$31,615

 

(b)

Audit-Related Fees

 

 

Registrant

 

 

Marathon Value Portfolio:

FY 2007

$0

 

FY 2006

$0

 

 

 

QCM Absolute Return Fund:

FY 2007

$0

 

FY 2006

$0

 

 

 

Sound Mind Investing Funds:

FY 2007

$0

 

FY 2006

$0

 

 

 

Becker Value Funds:

FY 2007

$0

 

FY 2006

$0

 

 

 

Dreman Funds:

FY 2007

$0

 

FY 2006

$0

                

(c)

Tax Fees

 

 

Registrant

 

 

Marathon Value Portfolio:

FY 2007

$1,950

 

FY 2006

$1,950

 

 

 

QCM Absolute Return Fund:

FY 2007

$1,950

 

FY 2006

$0

 

 

 

Sound Mind Investing Funds:

FY 2007

$3,900

 

FY 2006

$1,950

 

 

 

Becker Value Funds:

FY 2007

$15,125

 

FY 2006

$5,850

 

 

 

Dreman Funds:

FY 2007

$22,250

 

FY 2006

$11,700

 

(d)

All Other Fees

 

 

Registrant

 

 

Marathon Value Portfolio:

FY 2007

$0

 

FY 2006

$0

 

 

 

QCM Absolute Return Fund:

FY 2007

$0

 

FY 2006

$0

 

 

 

Sound Mind Investing Funds:

FY 2007

$0

 

FY 2006

$0

 

 

 

Becker Value Funds:

FY 2007

$0

 

FY 2006

$0

 

 

 

Dreman Funds:

FY 2007

$0

 

FY 2006

$0

 

(e)       (1)

Audit Committee’s Pre-Approval Policies  

 

The Audit Committee Charter requires the Audit Committee to be responsible for the selection, retention or termination of auditors and, in connection therewith, to (i) evaluate the proposed fees and other compensation, if any, to be paid to the auditors, (ii) evaluate the independence of the auditors, (iii) pre-approve all audit services and, when appropriate, any non-audit services provided by the independent auditors to the Trust, (iv) pre-approve, when appropriate, any non-audit services provided by the independent auditors to the Trust's investment adviser, or any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser and that provides ongoing services to the Trust if the engagement relates directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Trust, and (v) receive the auditors’ specific representations as to their independence;

 

(2)

Percentages of Services Approved by the Audit Committee

 

Registrant

 

Audit-Related Fees:

100

%

Tax Fees:

100

%

All Other Fees:

100

%

 

(f)         During audit of registrant's financial statements for the most recent fiscal year, less than 50 percent of the hours expended on the principal accountant's engagement were attributed to work performed by persons other than the principal accountant's full-time, permanent employees.

 

 

 

(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:

 

Registrant

Adviser

 

FY 2007

$ 0

$ 0

 

FY 2006

$ 0

$ 0

 

 

(h)        Not applicable. The auditor performed no services for the registrant’s investment adviser or any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant.

 

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Companies. Not applicable.

 

Item 6. Schedule of Investments. Not applicable – schedule filed with Item 1.

 

Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Funds. 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

The registrant has not adopted procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s board of trustees.

 

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

 

(a)        Based on an evaluation of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of December 11, 2007, the disclosure controls and procedures are reasonably designed to ensure that the information required in filings on Forms N-CSR is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported on a timely basis.

 

(b)        There were no significant changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s second fiscal quarter of 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. Exhibits.

 

 

(a)(1)

Code is filed herewith

 

(a)(2)

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

(a)(3)

Not Applicable

 

(b)

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

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

(Registrant)

 

Unified Series Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

/s/ Anthony Ghoston

 

 

 

Anthony Ghoston, President

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date

 

1/4/2008

 

 

 

 

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

 

By

 

/s/ Anthony Ghoston

 

 

 

Anthony Ghoston, President

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date

 

1/4/2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

/s/ James M. Landis

 

 

 

James M. Landis, Treasurer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date

 

1/4/2008