N-CSR 1 cst_ncsr.htm N-CSR

 

 

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:   811-22895

 

 

Capitol Series Trust

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC

225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450

Cincinnati, OH 45246

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

Zachary P. Richmond

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC

225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450

Cincinnati, OH 45246

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 513-587-3400

 

 

Date of fiscal year end:     September 30

 

Date of reporting period: September 30, 2023

 

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

 

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

 

Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

 

(a) 

 

 
 
 
 
 
(GUARDIAN CAPITAL LOGO)
 
 
 
 
 
Guardian Capital Dividend Growth Fund
 
Institutional Shares – DIVGX
 
 
 
 
 
Guardian Capital Fundamental Global Equity Fund
 
Institutional Shares – GFGEX
 
 
 
 
 
Alta Quality Growth Fund
 
Institutional Shares – AQLGX
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2023

 

 

Guardian Capital Dividend Growth Fund
Letter to Shareholders (Unaudited)

 

Dear Fellow Shareholders,

 

Guardian Capital has provided investment management services to our clients for more than 60 years and we remain steadfast in our belief that the Guardian Capital Dividend Growth Fund (the “Guardian Dividend Fund”) represents a unique approach to investing in global equities. We are grateful for the continued growth and support of our shareholders as we have navigated the pandemic and the “new normal”.

 

Global equity markets came under pressure during the period as persistently high inflation rates prompted central banks to sustain the tightening cycle, which pushed interest rates higher.

 

Risk appetites reversed earlier in the year 2023, when investors welcomed a strong start to corporate earnings season when companies posted better-than-expected first-quarter results. However, the impact of the global central banks’ ongoing tightening campaign became increasingly apparent as the more interest rate-sensitive areas of the economy felt greater pressure. In particular, the failure of two U.S. regional banks and concerns about Europe’s Credit Suisse triggered a sharp reversal in investor sentiment from the optimism that had built up at the beginning of the year. Adding to the weaker market sentiment was the surge in oil prices, which surged in the quarter ending September 2023, as OPEC members deepened their supply cuts over concerns about global demand.

 

Developed equity markets rallied against this backdrop as volatility gauges were muted and valuations moved higher. Despite facing the negative energy-price shock and higher interest rates, growth stocks had strong year-to-date outperformance versus developed market equities generally. Contributing to the higher valuations mid-year was the sharp and decisive rally in a handful of large- and mega-cap technology stocks, fueled by AI (artificial intelligence) euphoria and significantly adding to the overall gains in the year’s first half. The United States led the charge, and gains were spearheaded by the Technology sector. The NASDAQ Composite Index reached record highs during the period, and stock indices MSCI AC World Total Return Index, MSCI World Index and MSCI EAFE Total Return Index were also up by double digits recovering from negative returns in 2022.

 

Recent economic indicators have also demonstrated consumer-driven resilience, suggesting continued growth, notwithstanding the burden of higher interest rates. Wage pressures gradually eased, signalling a more balanced supply and demand, and instilling confidence that labour markets may continue to cool off. Amid the challenging supply-chain landscape, the U.S. ISM Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) showed signs of improvement, reflecting a move toward recovery driven by an increase in factory

1

 

Guardian Capital Dividend Growth Fund
Letter to Shareholders (Unaudited) (continued)

 

employment and a rise in new orders. Overall, economic and earnings growth forecasts, which faced downgrades earlier in the year, have adjusted upward, and concerns about a significant near-term economic downturn were muted.

 

The Guardian Dividend Fund returned 18.91% in the twelve months ended September 30, 2023, underperforming the MSCI World Index, which returned 21.95%. Stock selection in the Health Care, Energy and Financials sectors contributed to performance. Top individual contributors to performance included, Novo-Nordisk, Broadcom, Microsoft, Allianz and Total Energies. Stock selection in the Communications, Industrials and Real Estate sectors detracted from performance. Individual securities which detracted from performance included Telus, Verizon and Medical Properties REIT. The 2022 headwinds that punished equities (inflation, rising rates, geopolitical turmoil and recession fears) remain a force in 2023, although they continue to shift and vary in magnitude.

 

The Guardian Dividend Fund’s Adviser continues to favour companies with solid free cash flow and earnings, and strong balance sheets, with the ability to continue to grow dividends and with a low probability of dividend cuts. Over the past 12 months, 100% of the companies in the portfolio had dividend increases, and there have been no dividend cuts. The portfolio is overweight Energy as we continue to see strong dividends coming from the Energy sector. Other sector overweights are Health Care and Consumer Staples. The portfolio is underweight Consumer Discretionary, Materials and Financials.

 

There has been some dividend yield and growth moderation, but going forward the Adviser is expecting some strength towards year-end and into 2024. The Adviser aims to construct a portfolio with attractive dividend yields and earnings growth with a low probability of dividend cuts, rather than chasing the highest-yielding companies that may create exposure to unwanted credit risk and potential dividend cuts. A yield-for-yield sake approach is not beneficial, and this is especially apparent in a higher interest rate environment where credit is much more important.

 

The Adviser’s key focus is to invest in companies with quality earnings growth, rising cash flows and low borrowing costs, which makes them less sensitive to interest-rate movement. The Adviser believes anticipated dividend stability and potential growth can provide an effective inflation hedge.

 

We thank you for your support of the Guardian Dividend Fund.

 

Sincerely,

 

Guardian Capital LP

2

 

Guardian Capital Fundamental Global Equity Fund
Letter to Shareholders (Unaudited)

 

Dear Fellow Shareholders,

 

We are grateful for the trust and support of our shareholders amidst the economic uncertainty of the past year. Guardian Capital has provided investment management services to our clients for more than 60 years and we remain steadfast, alongside our Sub-Adviser GuardCap Asset Management Limited, in our belief that the Guardian Capital Fundamental Global Equity Fund (the “Guardian Equity Fund”) represents a unique approach to investing in global equities. The focus on investing in high quality companies is a key factor in what the Sub-Adviser believes will drive performance in the year ahead.

 

Investment performance for this fiscal year encompasses the twelve month period ending September 30, 2023. For this period, the Guardian Equity Fund returned 22.73%. In comparison, the benchmark, the MSCI World Index returned 21.95%. The Guardian Equity Fund’s Sub-Adviser’s underlying investment philosophy emphasizes long-term thinking, long-term forecasting, and long-term holding periods. This is in contrast to the trend of shortening holding periods and time horizons in the general market. Periods of greater uncertainty and volatility, such as we have experienced over the last six months, tend to exacerbate the market’s short-termism even further. As the Sub-Adviser, we are not investing in companies based on expectations for financial results during the next quarter, but instead over the next 20 quarters or more.

 

When analyzing companies, the Sub-Adviser measures them against 10 “Confidence Criteria” – 5 Growth Criteria and 5 Quality Criteria. Companies must satisfy all criteria in order to be considered for inclusion in the Guardian Equity Fund. One of these criteria is the existence, and persistence, of a secular industry growth trend. To us, this means that regardless of economic conditions, market volatility, geopolitical risks, or other external factors, the subject company operates in an industry that is growing sustainably at above-average rates for at least the next 5 years. While none of us could have predicted a global pandemic and the resulting social or economic effects, many of these existing trends have rapidly accelerated as a result. For instance, the rapid digitization of our world has only accelerated since COVID-19 lockdowns were first put in place, with Work-from-Home arrangements permanently solidifying these gains.

 

For this fiscal period, the Guardian Equity Fund outperformed the MSCI World Index primarily due to stock selection. Specifically, the positions in Novo Nordisk (+84%), Booking Holdings (+88%), Mastercard (+40%), EssilorLuxottica (+29%), and Alphabet (+37%), rounded out the top 5 contributors. The bottom contributors for the period included: Illumina (total return -28%), Novozymes (-19%), FANUC (-5%), Coloplast (+6%), and UnitedHealth (+1%).

3

 

Guardian Capital Fundamental Global Equity Fund
Letter to Shareholders (Unaudited) (continued)

 

The Guardian Equity Fund does not hold securities in the Utilities, Energy, or Real Estate sectors. It also avoids stocks in industries where company revenues have above-average sensitivity to the economic cycle, such as commodity producers and banks. Companies in these sectors and industries have historically failed to meet both Growth and Quality requirements of the Sub-Adviser’s 10 Confidence Criteria. Shares of these types of companies outperformed during the period and, as a result, detracted from relative performance.

 

During the fiscal period the Guardian Equity Fund did not initiate any new positions or exit any existing holdings. The Guardian Equity Fund adjusted existing holdings on the basis of valuation, trimming holdings the Sub-Adviser deemed to be relatively overvalued and consequently adding to positions the Sub-Adviser deemed to be relatively undervalued.

 

The current 25 portfolio holdings are those that the Sub-Adviser’s portfolio management team feels best represent its investment philosophy: growth drives returns, quality protects to the downside, and valuation matters. The team has built confidence over an exhaustive research process that these holdings will continue to remain high quality companies capable of sustaining above-average growth well beyond the normal market time horizon. We thank you for your support of the Guardian Equity Fund.

 

Sincerely,

 

Guardian Capital LP

4

 

Alta Quality Growth Fund
Letter to Shareholders (Unaudited)

 

Dear Fellow Shareholders,

 

The whipsaw pattern of equity markets continued this past year, following positive double-digit returns two years ago driven by pandemic-driven stimulus and negative double-digit returns last year due to soaring inflation and the reduction of stimulus. Even though inflation has steadily come down throughout the year, the Federal Reserve continues to communicate a hawkish stance, that rates will stay higher for longer. The market has grappled with a rising 10-year treasury bond rate, with that rate now near 4.7%, reflecting uncertainty surrounding monetary policy. Stock (and by inference, market) valuation is based on interest rates, and all things equal, the higher the interest rates, the lower the value of a future stream of cash flow. Despite the fastest rate hike cycle in recent memory, the stock market over the past 12 months has again produced positive double-digit returns. Interest rate changes typically filter through the economy with a lag, meaning we have yet to see the full effects of recent rate hikes.

 

For the twelve months ended September 30, 2023, the Alta Quality Growth Fund (the “Alta Growth Fund”) returned 21.04% versus the Russell 1000 Growth Index’s return of 27.72%, with security selection producing the majority of the underperformance. Specifically, selection in the Technology and Communications sectors hurt relative returns. Conversely, stock selection in the Consumer Discretionary sector produced positive allocation effects for the portfolio.

 

Booking Holdings, Adobe, TJX, Mastercard and Microsoft were our top 5 performing positions for the year. Each of these companies are leaders in their respective industries and benefited from continued high demand for their products during this economically uncertain time. Our laggards for the period, Dollar General, PayPal, Meta Platforms, Walt Disney, and RTX were all impacted by some combination of higher interest rates, the effects of higher inflation and disappointing operating results.

 

We added the following five new positions to the Alta Growth Fund: Amazon, Dollar General, UnitedHealth Group, Icon, and Intuit. During the period we sold the following five positions in their entirety: Fortune Brands Innovations, Master Brands, Steris, Match Group, and Meta Platforms. Amazon, UnitedHealth, Icon, and Intuit are leaders in the technology and health care industries, respectively, leveraging technology to create and maintain competitive advantages relative to peers. Likewise, Dollar General is a leader in the U.S. discount retailer industry, but also provides the portfolio with a counter-cyclical exposure to the economic uncertainty. The companies that we sold either reached our internal intrinsic valuation target (Fortune Brands Innovations and Master Brands) or a

5

 

Alta Quality Growth Fund
Letter to Shareholders (Unaudited) (continued)

 

degradation of our investment thesis (Steris, Match Group and Meta Platforms). The Alta Growth Fund ended the fiscal year with thirty holdings.

 

Financial conditions have tightened significantly, both as a result of rising rates but also due to continued quantitative tightening action by the Fed. Oil prices are closing in on $100 per barrel, keeping inflation worries at the forefront of consumers’ and investors’ minds. In the meantime, many continue to expect a recession that, to date, has not materialized. The economy has softened to be sure, but has proven to be much more resilient than many expected. Recent economic gains seem precarious with talk of strikes, shutdowns, and student loans repayments looming.

 

At the same time, with everyone positioned for a recession, that in and of itself could be good news for the market. It is the opposite of a stock bubble.

 

What else could propel this market higher into year end and into 2024? Inflation, particularly core inflation, ex food and energy prices, continues to be on a steady glide path lower, giving the Fed room to pause, if not stop, raising rates. On the earnings front, there is no indication that things are on the cusp of blowing up. Since everyone has been expecting a recession for over a year now, consumers and businesses have adjusted their behavior accordingly. Growth levels have slowly normalized from generational highs to pre-crisis levels. The economy is slowing but not falling off a cliff, credit quality is good, wage growth is moderating. Consensus earnings estimates for the S&P 500® are forecast at +2% for the third quarter and +12% for 2024. Yes, rates have been higher than expected and will probably be higher for longer than expected. Even if inflation falls, a stronger than expected economy allows the Fed to keep rates higher for longer. Having said that, higher yields don’t necessarily preclude stock performance: in the mid-80s to 2008, real rates were higher than now and over that period, stocks returned 15% per annum.

 

The Alta Growth Fund seeks to invest in businesses with attractive fundamental characteristics and a supporting secular theme, priced at reasonable valuations. We believe that the best companies offer consistent and growing revenue and cash flow, good returns on investment, and durable competitive advantages. These companies generally all benefit from pricing power due to their strong position in the marketplace. While it may seem appealing to chase high-flying, innovative, and yet-to-be-proven growth companies, we believe that the best risk-adjusted returns are delivered by owning quality growth companies with a proven ability to generate profit. We thank you for your confidence and support of the Alta Growth Fund.

 

Sincerely,

Alta Capital Management, LLC

6

 

Investment Results (Unaudited)

 

Average Annual Total Returns(a) as of September 30, 2023

 

      Since
      Inception
  One Year Three Year 5/1/2019
Guardian Capital Dividend Growth Fund      
Institutional Shares 18.91% 7.40% 8.14%
MSCI World Index(b) 21.95% 8.08% 8.15%
       
    Expense  
    Ratios(c)  
    Institutional  
    Shares  
Gross   1.67%  
With Applicable Waivers   0.95%  

 

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 Guardian Capital Dividend Growth Fund (the “Guardian Dividend Fund”) distributions or the redemption of Guardian Dividend Fund shares. Current performance of the Guardian Dividend Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month end may be obtained by calling (800) 957-0681.

 

(a)Return figures reflect any change in price per share and assume the reinvestment of all distributions. The Guardian Dividend Fund’s returns reflect any fee reductions during the applicable periods. If such fee reductions had not occurred, the quoted performance would have been lower.

 

(b)The MSCI World Index is an unmanaged free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure global developed market equity performance. Currently the MSCI World Index consists of the following 23 developed market country indices: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. The performance of the index is expressed in terms of U.S. dollars, and does not reflect the deduction of fees or taxes with a mutual fund, such as investment management and fund accounting fees. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index; however, an individual can invest in exchange-traded funds or other investment vehicles that attempt to track the performance of a benchmark index.

 

(c)The expense ratio is from the Guardian Dividend Fund’s prospectus dated January 27, 2023. Guardian Capital LP, the Guardian Dividend Fund’s adviser (the “Adviser”), has contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse expenses so that total annual operating expenses for the Guardian Dividend Fund (excluding (i) interest; (ii) taxes; (iii) brokerage fees and commissions; (iv) other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Guardian Dividend Fund’s business; (v) dividend expense on short sales; and (vi) indirect expenses such as acquired fund fees and expenses) do not exceed 0.95% of the Guardian Dividend Fund’s average daily net assets through January 31, 2024 (the “Expense Limitation”). During any fiscal year that the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and the Capitol Series Trust (the “Trust”) is in effect, the Adviser may recoup the sum of all fees previously waived or expenses reimbursed, less any

7

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

reimbursement previously paid, provided that the Adviser is only permitted to recoup fees or expenses within 36 months from the date the fee waiver or expense reimbursement first occurred and provided further that such recoupment can be achieved within the Expense Limitation Agreement currently in effect and the Expense Limitation Agreement in place when the waiver/reimbursement occurred. This Expense Limitation Agreement may be terminated by the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) at any time. The Expense Limitation Agreement terminates automatically upon the termination of the Investment Advisory Agreement with the Adviser. Additional information pertaining to the Guardian Dividend Fund’s expense ratios as of September 30, 2023, can be found in the financial highlights.

 

The Guardian Dividend Fund’s investment objectives, strategies, risks, charges and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other important information about the Guardian Dividend Fund and may be obtained by calling (800) 957-0681. Please read it carefully before investing.

 

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

8

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Comparison of the Growth of a $10,000 Investment in the Guardian Capital Dividend Growth Fund – Institutional Shares and the MSCI World Index

 

(LINE GRAPH)

 

The chart above assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on May 1, 2019 (commencement of operations) and held through September 30, 2023. THE GUARDIAN DIVIDEND 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 Guardian Dividend Fund’s distributions or the redemption of the Guardian Dividend 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.

 

Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For more information on the Guardian Dividend Fund, and to obtain performance data current to the most recent month-end, or to request a prospectus, please call (800) 957-0681. You should carefully consider the investment objectives, potential risks, management fees, and charges and expenses of the Guardian Dividend Fund before investing. The Guardian Dividend Fund’s prospectus contains this and other information about the Guardian Equity Fund and should be read carefully before investing.

 

The Guardian Dividend Fund is distributed by Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC.

9

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Average Annual Total Returns(a) as of September 30, 2023

 

      Since
      Inception
  One Year Three Year (12/19/19)
Guardian Capital Fundamental Global Equity Fund      
Institutional Shares 22.73% 5.46% 6.02%
MSCI World Index(b) 21.95% 8.08% 7.06%
       
      Expense
      Ratios(c)
      Institutional
      Shares
Gross     1.51%
With Applicable Waivers     0.99%

 

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 Guardian Capital Fundamental Global Equity Fund (“Guardian Equity Fund”) distributions or the redemption of Guardian Equity Fund shares. Current performance of the Guardian Equity Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month end may be obtained by calling (800) 957-0681.

 

(a)Return figures reflect any change in price per share and assume the reinvestment of all distributions. The Guardian Equity Fund’s returns reflect any fee reductions during the applicable period. If such fee reductions had not occurred, the quoted performance would have been lower.

 

(b)The MSCI World Index is an unmanaged free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure global developed market equity performance. Currently the MSCI World Index consists of the following 23 developed market country indices: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. The performance of the index is expressed in terms of U.S. dollars, and does not reflect the deduction of fees or taxes with a mutual fund, such as investment management and fund accounting fees. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index; however, an individual can invest in exchange-traded funds or other investment vehicles that attempt to track the performance of a benchmark index.

 

(c)The expense ratios are from the Guardian Equity Fund’s prospectus dated January 27, 2023. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse expenses so that total annual operating expenses for the Guardian Equity Fund (excluding (i) interest; (ii) taxes; (iii) brokerage fees and commissions; (iv) other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Guardian Equity Fund’s business; (v) dividend expense on short sales; and (vi) indirect expenses such as acquired fund fees and expenses) do not exceed 0.99% of the average daily net assets of the Guardian Equity Fund through January 31, 2024 (the “Expense Limitation”). During any fiscal year that the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and Trust is in effect, the Adviser may recoup the sum of all fees previously waived or expenses reimbursed, less any reimbursement previously paid, provided that the Adviser is only permitted to recoup fees or

10

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

expenses within 36 months from the date the fee waiver or expense reimbursement first occurred and provided further that such recoupment can be achieved within the Expense Limitation Agreement currently in effect and the Expense Limitation Agreement in place when the waiver/reimbursement occurred. This Expense Limitation Agreement may be terminated by the Board at any time. The Expense Limitation Agreement terminates automatically upon the termination of the Investment Advisory Agreement with the Adviser. Additional information pertaining to the Guardian Equity Fund’s expense ratios as of September 30, 2023, can be found in the financial highlights.

 

The Guardian Equity Fund’s investment objectives, strategies, risks, charges and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other important information about the Guardian Equity Fund and may be obtained by calling (800) 957-0681. Please read it carefully before investing

 

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

11

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Comparison of the Growth of a $10,000 Investment in the Guardian Capital Fundamental Global Equity Fund – Institutional Shares and the MSCI World Index

 

(LINE GRAPH)

 

The chart above assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on December 19, 2019 (commencement of operations) and held through September 30, 2023. THE GUARDIAN EQUITY 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 Guardian Equity Fund’s distributions or the redemption of the Guardian Equity 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.

 

Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For more information on the Guardian Equity Fund, and to obtain performance data current to the most recent month-end, or to request a prospectus, please call (800) 957-0681. You should carefully consider the investment objectives, potential risks, management fees, and charges and expenses of the Guardian Equity Fund before investing. The Guardian Equity Fund’s prospectus contains this and other information about the Guardian Equity Fund and should be read carefully before investing.

 

The Guardian Equity Fund is distributed by Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC.

12

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Average Annual Total Returns(a) as of September 30, 2023

 

      Since
      Inception
  One Year Three Year (12/19/18)
Alta Quality Growth Fund-Institutional Shares 21.04% 3.96% 10.26%
S&P 500® Index (b) 21.62% 10.15% 13.81%
Russell 1000® Growth Index (c) 27.72% 7.97% 17.26%
       
    Expense  
    Ratios(d)  
    Institutional  
    Shares  
Gross   1.18%  
With Applicable Waivers   0.79%  

 

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 Alta Quality Growth Fund (“Alta Growth Fund”) distributions or the redemption of Alta Growth Fund shares. Current performance of the Alta Growth Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month end may be obtained by calling (800) 957-0681.

 

(a)Return figures reflect any change in price per share and assume the reinvestment of all distributions. The Alta Growth Fund’s returns reflect any fee reductions during the applicable period. If such fee reductions had not occurred, the quoted performance would have been lower.

 

(b)The S&P 500® Index is a widely recognized unmanaged index of equity securities and is representative of a broader domestic equity market and range of securities than is found in the Alta Growth Fund’s portfolio. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index; however, an individual can invest in exchange-traded funds or other investment vehicles that attempt to track the performance of a benchmark index.

 

(c)The Russell 1000® Growth Index is a widely recognized unmanaged index of equity securities and is representative of a broader domestic equity market and range of securities than is found in the Alta Growth Fund’s portfolio. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index; however, an individual can invest in exchange-traded funds or other investment vehicles that attempt to track the performance of a benchmark index.

 

(d)The expense ratios are from the Alta Growth Fund’s prospectus dated January 27, 2023. Alta Capital Management, LLC, the Alta Growth Fund’s adviser has contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse expenses so that total annual operating expenses for the Alta Growth Fund (excluding (i) interest; (ii) taxes; (iii) brokerage fees and commissions; (iv) other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Alta Growth Fund’s business; (v) dividend expense on short sales; and (vi) indirect expenses such as acquired fund fees and expenses) do not exceed 0.79% of the average daily net assets of the Alta Growth Fund through January 31, 2024 (the “Expense Limitation”). During any fiscal year that the Investment Advisory Agreement between Alta Capital Management, LLC and the Trust is in effect, Alta Capital Management, LLC

13

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

may recoup the sum of all fees previously waived or expenses reimbursed, less any reimbursement previously paid, provided that the Alta Capital Management, LLC is only permitted to recoup fees or expenses within 36 months from the date the fee waiver or expense reimbursement first occurred and provided further that such recoupment can be achieved within the Expense Limitation Agreement currently in effect and the Expense Limitation Agreement in place when the waiver/reimbursement occurred. This Expense Limitation Agreement may be terminated by the Board at any time. The Expense Limitation Agreement terminates automatically upon the termination of the Advisory Agreement with Alta Capital Management, LLC. Additional information pertaining to the Alta Growth Fund’s expense ratios as of September 30, 2023, can be found in the financial highlights.

 

The Alta Growth Fund’s investment objectives, strategies, risks, charges and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other important information about the Alta Growth Fund and may be obtained by calling (800) 957-0681. Please read it carefully before investing.

 

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

14

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Comparison of the Growth of a $10,000 Investment in the Alta Quality Growth Fund – Institutional Shares, the S&P 500® Index and the Russell 1000® Growth Index

 

(LINE GRAPH)

 

The chart above assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on December 19, 2018 (commencement of operations) and held through September 30, 2023. THE ALTA GROWTH 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 Alta Growth Fund’s distributions or the redemption of Alta Growth 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.

 

Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For more information on the Alta Growth Fund, and to obtain performance data current to the most recent month-end, or to request a prospectus, please call (800) 957-0681. You should carefully consider the investment objectives, potential risks, management fees, and charges and expenses of the Alta Growth Fund before investing. The Alta Growth Fund’s prospectus contains this and other information about the Alta Growth Fund and should be read carefully before investing.

 

The Alta Growth Fund is distributed by Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC.

15

 

Fund Holdings (Unaudited)

 

Guardian Capital Dividend Growth Fund Holdings as of September 30, 2023.*

 

(BAR GRAPH)

 

*As a percentage of net assets.

 

Guardian Capital Fundamental Global Equity Fund Holdings as of September 30, 2023.*

 

(BAR GRAPH)

 

*As a percentage of net assets.

16

 

Fund Holdings (Unaudited)

 

Alta Quality Growth Fund Holdings as of September 30, 2023.*

 

(BAR GRAPH)

 

*As a percentage of net assets.

 

Availability of Portfolio Schedules (Unaudited)

 

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

17

 

Guardian Capital Dividend Growth Fund
Schedule of Investments
September 30, 2023

 

   Shares   Fair Value 
Common Stocks — 98.97%        
Australia — 0.72%          
Energy — 0.72%          
Woodside Energy Group Ltd. - ADR   6,450   $150,221 
Total Australia        150,221 
           
Canada — 5.86%          
Communications — 2.50%          
BCE, Inc.   5,162    197,056 
TELUS Corp.   19,751    322,533 
         519,589 
Financials — 3.36%          
Royal Bank of Canada   7,987    698,004 
Total Canada        1,217,593 
           
Denmark — 3.07%          
Health Care — 3.07%          
Novo Nordisk A/S - ADR   7,020    638,400 
Total Denmark        638,400 
           
France — 10.58%          
Consumer Discretionary — 1.55%          
LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton S.A. - ADR   2,131    322,015 
           
Energy — 3.93%          
TotalEnergies S.E. - ADR   12,452    818,843 
           
Financials — 1.96%          
AXA S.A.   13,700    408,147 
           
Health Care — 0.99%          
Sanofi - ADR   3,830    205,441 
           
Industrials — 2.15%          
Schneider Electric S.E. - ADR   13,574    447,806 
Total France        2,202,252 
           
Germany — 2.07%          
Financials — 2.07%          
Allianz S.E.   1,800    429,495 
Total Germany        429,495 
           
Ireland — 3.49%          
Technology — 3.49%          
Accenture PLC, Class A   2,372    728,464 
Total Ireland        728,464 
           
Netherlands — 4.96%          
Technology — 4.96%          
ASML Holding N.V.   653    384,395 
           

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

18

 

Guardian Capital Dividend Growth Fund
Schedule of Investments (continued)
September 30, 2023

 

   Shares   Fair Value 
Common Stocks — 98.97% - (continued)          
Netherlands — 4.96% - (continued)          
Technology — 4.96% - (continued)          
Wolters Kluwer N.V. - ADR   5,350   $647,297 
         1,031,692 
Total Netherlands        1,031,692 
           
Switzerland — 3.67%          
Consumer Staples — 3.67%          
Nestle S.A. - ADR   6,742    762,992 
Total Switzerland        762,992 
           
United Kingdom — 4.03%          
Consumer Staples — 1.14%          
Unilever PLC - ADR   4,784    236,330 
           
Health Care — 2.89%          
AstraZeneca PLC - ADR   8,878    601,218 
Total United Kingdom        837,548 
           
United States — 60.52%          
Communications — 1.63%          
Verizon Communications, Inc.   10,429    338,004 
           
Consumer Discretionary — 4.37%          
Home Depot, Inc. (The)   1,502    453,844 
McDonald’s Corp.   1,727    454,962 
         908,806 
Consumer Staples — 5.90%          
Costco Wholesale Corp.   1,581    893,202 
Procter & Gamble Co. (The)   2,292    334,311 
         1,227,513 
Energy — 8.08%          
EOG Resources, Inc.   1,734    219,802 
Shell PLC - ADR   10,651    685,711 
Williams Cos., Inc. (The)   22,943    772,950 
         1,678,463 
Financials — 1.70%          
Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (The)   4,993    354,054 
           
Health Care — 8.51%          
AbbVie, Inc.   2,491    371,308 
Amgen, Inc.   773    207,751 
Johnson & Johnson   4,031    627,828 
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.   1,114    561,668 
         1,768,555 
Industrials — 5.93%          
Illinois Tool Works, Inc.   778    179,181 
Republic Services, Inc.   4,113    586,144 
Waste Management, Inc.   3,061    466,619 
         1,231,944 
           

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

19

 

Guardian Capital Dividend Growth Fund
Schedule of Investments (continued)
September 30, 2023

 

   Shares   Fair Value 
Common Stocks — 98.97% - (continued)          
United States — 60.52% - (continued)          
Materials — 2.16%          
Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.   1,586   $449,472 
           
Real Estate — 0.63%          
Crown Castle, Inc.   1,425    131,143 
           
Technology — 20.38%          
Apple, Inc.   7,575    1,296,916 
Broadcom, Inc.   1,469    1,220,122 
MasterCard, Inc., Class A   1,326    524,977 
Microsoft Corp.   3,779    1,193,219 
         4,235,234 
Utilities — 1.23%          
WEC Energy Group, Inc.   3,166    255,021 
Total United States        12,578,209 
           
Total Common Stocks          
(Cost $15,535,158)        20,576,866 
           
Money Market Funds - 0.96%          
Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Funds Treasury Securities Portfolio, Institutional Class, 5.21%(a)   198,872    198,872 
Total Money Market Funds          
(Cost $198,872)        198,872 
           
Total Investments — 99.93%          
(Cost $15,734,030)        20,775,738 
           
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 0.07%        13,665 
Net Assets — 100.00%       $20,789,403 

 

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

 

ADR - American Depositary Receipt

 

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

20

 

Guardian Capital Fundamental Global Equity Fund
Schedule of Investments
September 30, 2023

 

   Shares   Fair Value 
Common Stocks — 98.56%          
China — 4.60%          
Consumer Discretionary — 4.60%          
Yum China Holdings, Inc.   65,097   $3,627,205 
Total China        3,627,205 
           
Denmark — 12.27%          
Health Care — 7.92%          
Coloplast A/S, Class B   6,658    705,562 
Novo Nordisk A/S, Class B   60,668    5,537,327 
         6,242,889 
Materials — 4.35%          
Chr. Hansen Holdings A/S   29,266    1,793,788 
Novozymes A/S, Class B   40,607    1,638,741 
         3,432,529 
Total Denmark        9,675,418 
           
France — 10.15%          
Consumer Staples — 3.27%          
L’Oréal S.A.   6,199    2,576,855 
           
Health Care — 6.88%          
EssilorLuxottica S.A.   31,059    5,423,094 
Total France        7,999,949 
           
Ireland — 5.05%          
Technology — 5.05%          
Accenture PLC, Class A   12,953    3,977,995 
Total Ireland        3,977,995 
           
Japan — 3.55%          
Industrials — 3.55%          
FANUC Corp.   54,700    1,424,958 
Keyence Corp.   3,700    1,374,121 
         2,799,079 
Total Japan        2,799,079 
           
Switzerland — 3.60%          
Consumer Staples — 3.60%          
Nestle S.A.   25,065    2,840,585 
Total Switzerland        2,840,585 
           
United Kingdom — 4.72%          
Consumer Staples — 2.54%          
Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC   28,350    2,004,000 
           
Industrials — 2.18%          
Intertek Group PLC(a)   34,313    1,721,385 
Total United Kingdom        3,725,385 
           

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

21

 

Guardian Capital Fundamental Global Equity Fund
Schedule of Investments (continued)
September 30, 2023

 

   Shares   Fair Value 
Common Stocks — 98.56% - (continued)          
United States — 54.62%          
Communications — 14.52%          
Alphabet, Inc., Class A(a)   37,543   $4,912,877 
Booking Holdings, Inc.(a)   2,118    6,531,805 
         11,444,682 
Consumer Discretionary — 3.27%          
Nike, Inc., Class B   26,985    2,580,306 
           
Consumer Staples — 3.88%          
Colgate-Palmolive Co.   42,959    3,054,815 
           
Financials — 7.24%          
CME Group, Inc.   28,503    5,706,871 
           
Health Care — 7.15%          
Illumina, Inc.(a)   14,626    2,007,857 
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.   7,199    3,629,664 
         5,637,521 
Technology — 18.56%          
Automatic Data Processing, Inc.   12,331    2,966,592 
MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.   13,145    2,808,298 
MasterCard, Inc., Class A   11,427    4,524,063 
Microsoft Corp.   8,534    2,694,611 
Verisk Analytics, Inc.   6,919    1,634,545 
         14,628,109 
Total United States        43,052,304 
           
Total Common Stocks          
(Cost $72,338,164)        77,697,920 
           
Money Market Funds - 1.35%          
Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Funds Treasury Portfolio, Institutional Class, 5.20%(b)   1,060,555    1,060,555 
Total Money Market Funds          
(Cost $1,060,555)        1,060,555 
           
Total Investments — 99.91%          
(Cost $73,398,719)        78,758,475 
           
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 0.09%        70,158 
Net Assets — 100.00%       $78,828,633 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.

 

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

 

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

22

 

Alta Quality Growth Fund
Schedule of Investments
September 30, 2023

 

   Shares   Fair Value 
Common Stocks — 98.31%          
Ireland — 7.35%          
Health Care — 3.33%          
ICON PLC(a)   7,800   $1,920,749 
           
Technology — 4.02%          
Accenture PLC, Class A   7,550    2,318,680 
Total Ireland        4,239,429 
           
United States — 90.96%          
Communications — 15.29%          
Alphabet, Inc., Class A(a)   31,950    4,180,977 
Booking Holdings, Inc.(a)   650    2,004,568 
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.(a)   8,500    1,193,315 
Walt Disney Co. (The)(a)   18,000    1,458,900 
         8,837,760 
Consumer Discretionary — 11.47%          
Amazon.com, Inc.(a)   4,775    606,998 
Home Depot, Inc. (The)   8,200    2,477,712 
Restaurant Brands International, Inc.   25,000    1,665,500 
TJX Companies, Inc. (The)   21,200    1,884,256 
         6,634,466 
Consumer Staples — 2.10%          
Dollar General Corp.   11,500    1,216,700 
           
Financials — 3.82%          
Markel Corp.(a)   1,500    2,208,735 
           
Health Care — 9.54%          
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.   3,850    1,948,755 
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.   3,650    1,840,294 
Zoetis, Inc., Class A   9,950    1,731,101 
         5,520,150 
Industrials — 4.91%          
Amphenol Corp., Class A   21,300    1,788,987 
Raytheon Technologies Corp.   14,600    1,050,762 
         2,839,749 
Materials — 2.01%          
Sherwin-Williams Co. (The)   4,550    1,160,478 
           
Technology — 41.82%          
Adobe Systems, Inc.(a)   4,700    2,396,530 
Apple, Inc.   18,800    3,218,748 
Autodesk, Inc.(a)   8,800    1,820,808 
Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.   9,300    1,665,165 
Fiserv, Inc.(a)   17,150    1,937,264 
Intuit, Inc.   3,100    1,583,914 
MasterCard, Inc., Class A   5,350    2,118,118 
Microsoft Corp.   10,450    3,299,588 
PayPal Holdings, Inc.(a)   20,500    1,198,430 
           

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

23

 

Alta Quality Growth Fund
Schedule of Investments (continued)
September 30, 2023

 

   Shares   Fair Value 
Common Stocks — 98.31% - (continued)          
United States — 90.96% - (continued)          
Technology — 41.82% - (continued)          
S&P Global, Inc.   3,900   $1,425,099 
Visa, Inc., Class A   7,700    1,771,077 
Zebra Technologies Corp., Class A(a)   7,400    1,750,322 
         24,185,063 
Total United States        52,603,101 
           
Total Common Stocks/Investments — 98.31%          
(Cost $46,116,866)       $56,842,530 
           
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 1.69%        975,814 
Net Assets — 100.00%       $57,818,344 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.

 

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

24

 

Guardian Capital Funds
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
September 30, 2023

 

       Guardian     
   Guardian   Capital     
   Capital   Fundamental     
   Dividend   Global Equity   Alta Quality 
   Growth Fund   Fund   Growth Fund 
Assets               
Investments in securities at fair value (cost $15,734,030, $73,398,719 and $46,116,866)  $20,775,738   $78,758,475   $56,842,530 
Cash and cash equivalents           860,895 
Receivable for fund shares sold           761 
Receivable for investments sold           717,501 
Dividends and interest receivable   23,162    59,444    28,265 
Tax reclaims receivable   21,584    76,671     
Receivable from Adviser   206         
Prepaid expenses   6,646    7,286    9,383 
Total Assets   20,827,336    78,901,876    58,459,335 
                
Liabilities               
Payable for fund shares redeemed       99     
Payable for investments purchased           601,185 
Payable for distributions to shareholders   20,207    1,842     
Payable to Adviser       43,649    19,551 
Payable to   6,398    7,951    7,609 
Payable to auditors   4,240    4,240    4,240 
Payable to trustees   200    200    200 
Other accrued expenses   6,888    15,262    8,206 
Total Liabilities   37,933    73,243    640,991 
Net Assets  $20,789,403   $78,828,633   $57,818,344 
                
Net Assets consist of:               
Paid-in capital  $16,203,485   $71,650,236   $47,208,654 
Accumulated earnings   4,585,918    7,178,397    10,609,690 
Net Assets  $20,789,403   $78,828,633   $57,818,344 
                
Institutional Shares:               
Net Assets  $20,789,403   $78,828,633   $57,818,344 
Shares outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized, no par value)   1,600,213    6,594,595    4,051,891 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share  $12.99   $11.95   $14.27 
                

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

25

 

Guardian Capital Funds
Statements of Operations
For the year ended September 30, 2023

 

       Guardian     
   Guardian   Capital     
   Capital   Fundamental     
   Dividend   Global Equity   Alta Quality 
   Growth Fund   Fund   Growth Fund 
Investment Income               
Dividend income (net of foreign taxes withheld of $48,318, $80,607 and $7,531)  $539,079   $1,116,223   $366,346 
Interest income           49,220 
Total investment income   539,079    1,116,223    415,566 
                
Expenses               
Adviser   151,989    569,694    372,912 
Administration   63,268    73,472    69,161 
Legal   19,106    22,106    19,106 
Audit and tax preparation   16,881    16,881    16,881 
Trustee   16,420    16,420    16,420 
Transfer agent   12,854    19,282    19,282 
Compliance services   12,167    12,167    12,167 
Registration   10,055    8,904    13,368 
Custodian   7,211    37,490    6,548 
Report printing   4,321    4,323    3,300 
Pricing   1,165    1,712    541 
Miscellaneous   21,221    25,399    27,310 
Total expenses   336,658    807,850    576,996 
Fees contractually waived by Adviser   (144,066)   (102,610)   (183,313)
Net operating expenses   192,592    705,240    393,683 
Net investment income   346,487    410,983    21,883 
                
Net Realized and Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments               
Net realized gain (loss) on investment securities transactions   (459,574)   1,867,686    73,179 
Net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions   274    (111,198)    
Net change in unrealized appreciation of investment securities   3,432,613    7,531,937    8,478,170 
Net change in unrealized appreciation on foreign currency translations   1,118    2,381     
Net realized and change in unrealized gain on investments   2,974,431    9,290,806    8,551,349 
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations  $3,320,918   $9,701,789   $8,573,232 
                

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

26

 

Guardian Capital Funds
Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   Guardian Capital Dividend Growth 
   Fund 
   For the   For the 
   Year Ended   Year Ended 
   September 30,   September 30, 
   2023   2022 
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets due to:          
Operations          
Net investment income  $346,487   $353,810 
Net realized gain (loss) on investment securities transactions   (459,300)   476,664 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investment securities   3,433,731    (3,030,488)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   3,320,918    (2,200,014)
           
Distributions to Shareholders from:          
Earnings   (572,974)   (346,059)
Total distributions   (572,974)   (346,059)
           
Capital Transactions - Institutional Shares          
Reinvestment of distributions   468,216    255,402 
Amount paid for shares redeemed       (14)
Net increase in net assets resulting from capital transactions   468,216    255,388 
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets   3,216,160    (2,290,685)
           
Net Assets          
Beginning of year   17,573,243    19,863,928 
End of year  $20,789,403   $17,573,243 
           
Share Transactions - Institutional Shares          
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions   37,055    20,173 
Shares redeemed       (1)
Net increase in shares   37,055    20,172 
           

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

27

 

Guardian Capital Funds
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

   Guardian Capital Fundamental 
   Global Equity Fund 
   For the   For the 
   Year Ended   Year Ended 
   September 30,   September 30, 
   2023   2022 
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets due to:          
Operations          
Net investment income  $410,983   $84,610 
Net realized gain on investment securities transactions   1,756,488    353,136 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investment securities   7,534,318    (7,578,605)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   9,701,789    (7,140,859)
           
Distributions to Shareholders from:          
Earnings   (701,199)   (929,320)
Total distributions   (701,199)   (929,320)
           
Capital Transactions - Institutional Shares          
Proceeds from shares sold   41,348,047    6,600,837 
Reinvestment of distributions   671,327    889,230 
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (438,677)   (928,553)
Net increase in net assets resulting from capital transactions   41,580,697    6,561,514 
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets   50,581,287    (1,508,665)
           
Net Assets          
Beginning of year   28,247,346    29,756,011 
End of year  $78,828,633   $28,247,346 
           
Share Transactions - Institutional Shares          
Shares sold   3,697,496    574,288 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions   59,281    67,321 
Shares redeemed   (36,874)   (84,142)
Net increase in shares   3,719,903    557,467 
           

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

28

 

Guardian Capital Funds
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

   Alta Quality Growth Fund 
   For the   For the 
   Year Ended   Year Ended 
   September 30,   September 30, 
   2023   2022 
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets due to:          
Operations          
Net investment income (loss)  $21,883   $(117,696)
Net realized gain on investment securities transactions   73,179    2,545,812 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investment securities   8,478,170    (17,301,496)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   8,573,232    (14,873,380)
           
Distributions to Shareholders from:          
Earnings   (2,565,420)   (1,061,299)
Total distributions   (2,565,420)   (1,061,299)
           
Capital Transactions - Institutional Shares          
Proceeds from shares sold   17,106,042    7,123,253 
Reinvestment of distributions   2,349,234    1,040,688 
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (6,772,532)   (4,906,688)
Net increase in net assets resulting from capital transactions   12,682,744    3,257,253 
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets   18,690,556    (12,677,426)
           
Net Assets          
Beginning of year   39,127,788    51,805,214 
End of year  $57,818,344   $39,127,788 
           
Share Transactions - Institutional Shares          
Shares sold   1,237,131    465,116 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions   189,454    57,087 
Shares redeemed   (489,025)   (343,679)
Net increase in shares   937,560    178,524 
           

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

29

 

Guardian Capital Dividend Growth Fund – Institutional Class
Financial Highlights

 

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

       For the Five         
       Months       For the 
   For the Years Ended   Ended   For the Year   Period 
   September 30,   September   Ended April   Ended April 
   2023   2022   30, 2021 (a)   30, 2021   30, 2020(b) 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $11.24   $12.87   $12.68   $9.85   $10.00 
Investment operations:                         
Net investment income   0.22    0.22    0.11    0.16    0.17 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   1.89    (1.63)   0.20    2.82    (0.16)
Total from investment operations   2.11    (1.41)   0.31    2.98    0.01 
Distributions from:                         
Net investment income   (0.22)   (0.22)   (0.12)   (0.15)   (0.16)
Net realized gains   (0.14)                
Total from distributions   (0.36)   (0.22)   (0.12)   (0.15)   (0.16)
Net asset value, end of period  $12.99   $11.24   $12.87   $12.68   $9.85 
Total Return(c)   18.91%   (11.11)%   2.42(d)   30.41%   0.10(d)
Ratios/Supplemental Data:                         
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $20,789   $17,573   $19,864   $19,449   $14,953 
Before waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   1.66%   1.67%   1.78(e)   1.73%   1.94(e)
After waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   0.95%   0.95%   0.95(e)   0.95%   0.95(e)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   1.71%   1.71%   1.94(e)   1.40%   1.64(e)
Portfolio turnover rate   7%   25%   6(d)   47%   29(d)

 

(a)The Fund changed its fiscal year end to September 30.

 

(b)For the period May 1, 2019 (commencement of operations) to April 30, 2020.

 

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

 

(d)Not annualized.

 

(e)Annualized.

 

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

30

 

Guardian Capital Fundamental Global Equity Fund - Institutional Shares
Financial Highlights

 

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

       For the 
               Period 
               Ended 
   For the Years Ended September 30,   September 
   2023   2022   2021   30, 2020(a) 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $9.83   $12.84   $10.62   $10.00 
Investment operations:                    
Net investment income   0.07    0.03    0.03    0.02 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   2.16    (2.65)   2.22    0.62 
Total from investment operations   2.23    (2.62)   2.25    0.64 
Distributions from:                    
Net investment income   (0.05)   (0.02)   (0.03)   (0.02)
Net realized gains   (0.06)   (0.37)        
Total from distributions   (0.11)   (0.39)   (0.03)   (0.02)
Net asset value, end of period  $11.95   $9.83   $12.84   $10.62 
Total Return(b)   22.73%   (21.15)%   21.19%   6.39(c)
Ratios/Supplemental Data:                    
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $78,829   $28,247   $29,756   $22,862 
Before waiver or recoupment:                    
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   1.13%   1.51%   1.53%   1.82(d)
After waiver or recoupment:                    
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   0.99%   0.99%   0.99%   0.99(d)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   0.58%   0.28%   0.22%   0.26(d)
Portfolio turnover rate   4%   4%   14%   10(c)

 

(a)For the period December 19, 2019 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2020.

 

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

 

(c)Not annualized.

 

(d)Annualized.

 

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

31

 

Alta Quality Growth Fund - Institutional Shares
Financial Highlights

 

(For a share outstanding during each period) 

 

           For the 
                   Period 
                   Ended 
   For the Years Ended September 30,   September 
   2023   2022   2021   2020   30, 2019(a) 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $12.56   $17.65   $13.80   $12.57   $10.00 
Investment operations:                         
Net investment income (loss)   0.01    (0.04)   (0.05)   0.02    0.04 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   2.51    (4.70)   3.91    1.59    2.53 
Total from investment operations   2.52    (4.74)   3.86    1.61    2.57 
Distributions from:                         
Net investment income           (0.01)   (0.05)    
Net realized gains   (0.81)   (0.35)       (0.33)    
Total from distributions   (0.81)   (0.35)   (0.01)   (0.38)    
Net asset value, end of period  $14.27   $12.56   $17.65   $13.80   $12.57 
Total Return(b)   21.04%   (27.45)%   27.96%   12.92%   25.70(c)
Ratios/Supplemental Data:                         
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $57,818   $39,128   $51,805   $38,490   $27,446 
Before waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   1.16%   1.18%   1.18%   1.30%   1.54(d)
After waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   0.79%   0.79%   0.79%   0.79%   0.79(d)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets   0.04%   (0.24)%   (0.32)%   0.14%   0.45(d)
Portfolio turnover rate   22%   19%   16%   26%   16(c)

 

(a)For the period December 19, 2018 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2019.

 

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

 

(c)Not annualized.

 

(d)Annualized.

 

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

32

 

Guardian Capital Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements
September 30, 2023

 

NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION

 

The Guardian Capital Dividend Growth Fund (“Guardian Dividend Fund”), Guardian Capital Fundamental Global Equity Fund (“Guardian Equity Fund”) and Alta Quality Growth Fund (“Alta Growth Fund”) (each a “Fund” and, collectively the “Funds”) were organized as diversified (Guardian Dividend Fund and Alta Growth Fund) and non-diversified (Guardian Equity Fund) series of the Capitol Series Trust (the “Trust”). The Funds are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”). The Trust is an open-end investment company established under the laws of Ohio by an Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated September 18, 2013 as amended and restated November 18, 2021 (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 without par value. The Guardian Dividend Fund’s and Guardian Equity Fund’s investment adviser is Guardian Capital LP and the Alta Growth Fund’s investment adviser is Alta Capital Management, LLC (each an “Adviser”). Alta Capital Management, LLC is a majority-owned U.S. domiciled subsidiary of Guardian Capital LP. The Guardian Equity Fund’s sub-adviser is GuardCap Asset Management Limited, a non-U.S. wholly-owned subsidiary of Guardian Capital LP domiciled in the United Kingdom. The investment objective of the Guardian Dividend Fund is to provide long-term capital appreciation and current income. The investment objective of the Guardian Equity Fund is to provide long-term capital appreciation. The investment objective of the Alta Growth Fund is to seek long-term growth of capital with lower than market volatility.

 

Each Fund currently offers one class of shares, Institutional Shares. Each share represents an equal proportionate interest in the assets and liabilities belonging to the Funds and is entitled to such dividends and distributions out of income belonging to the Funds as are declared by the Board.

 

NOTE 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The Funds are investment companies and follow accounting and reporting guidance under Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 946, “Financial Services-Investment Companies”, including Accounting Standards Update 2013-08. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Funds in the preparation of their financial statements. These policies are in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”).

 

Regulatory update – Tailored Shareholder Reports for Mutual Funds and Exchange-Traded Funds (“ETFs”) – Effective January 24, 2023, the SEC adopted rule and form amendments to require mutual funds and ETFs to transmit concise and visually engaging streamlined annual and semiannual reports to shareholders that highlight key information.

33

 

Guardian Capital Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
September 30, 2023

 

Other information, including financial statements, will no longer appear in a streamlined shareholder report but must be available online, delivered free of charge upon request, and filed on a semiannual basis on Form N-CSR. The rule and form amendments have a compliance date of July 24, 2024. At this time, management is evaluating the impact of these amendments on the shareholder reports for the Funds.

 

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

 

Foreign Currency Translation – The accounting records of the Funds are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currency amounts are translated into U.S. dollars at the current rate of exchange each business day to determine the value of investments, and other assets and liabilities. Purchases and sales of foreign securities, and income and expenses, are translated at the prevailing rate of exchange on the respective date of these transactions. The Funds do not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from fluctuation arising from changes in market prices of securities held. These fluctuations are included with the unrealized gain or loss from investments.

 

Federal Income Taxes – The Funds make no provision for federal income or excise tax. Each Fund has qualified and intends to qualify each year as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, by complying with the requirements applicable to RICs and by distributing substantially all of its taxable income. Each Fund also intends to distribute sufficient net investment income and net capital gains, if any, so that it will not be subject to excise tax on undistributed income and gains. If the required amount of net investment income or gains is not distributed, the Funds could incur a tax expense.

 

The Funds may be subject to taxes imposed by countries in which they invest. Such taxes are generally based on income and/or capital gains earned or repatriated. Taxes are accrued and applied to net investment income, net realized gains and unrealized appreciation as such income and/or gains are earned.

 

The Funds recognize tax benefits or expenses of uncertain tax positions only when the position is “more likely than not” to be sustained assuming examination by tax authorities. Management of the Funds has reviewed tax positions taken in tax years that remain subject to examination by all major tax jurisdictions, including federal (i.e., the previous three tax year ends and the interim tax period since then, as applicable) and has concluded

34

 

Guardian Capital Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
September 30, 2023

 

that no provision for unrecognized tax benefits or expenses is required in these financial statements and does not expect this to change over the next twelve months. The Funds recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense in the Statements of Operations. During the period, the Funds did not incur any interest or penalties.

 

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

 

Security Transactions and Related Income – Throughout the reporting period, security transactions are accounted for no later than one business day following the trade date. For financial reporting purposes, security transactions are accounted for on trade date on the last business day of the reporting period. 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. Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis and includes, where applicable, the amortization of premium or accretion of discount. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends have been recorded for in accordance with the Funds’ understanding of the applicable country’s tax rules and rates.

 

Dividends and Distributions – The Guardian Dividend Fund and the Guardian Equity Fund intend to distribute their net investment income quarterly and their net realized long-term and short-term capital gains, if any, at least annually. The Alta Growth Fund intends to distribute its net investment income and net realized long-term and short-term capital gains, if any, at least annually. Dividends and distributions to shareholders, which are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The treatment for financial reporting purposes of distributions made to shareholders during the period 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 among 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 value (“NAV”) per share of the Funds.

35

 

Guardian Capital Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
September 30, 2023

 

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, the Funds made the following reclassifications to increase (decrease) the components of net assets:

 

       Accumulated 
   Paid-In   Earnings 
   Capital   (Deficit) 
Guardian Dividend Fund  $   $ 
Guardian Equity Fund        
Alta Growth Fund   (47,348)   47,348 

 

NOTE 3. SECURITIES VALUATION AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

Each Fund values its portfolio securities at fair value as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each business day the NYSE is open for business. Fair value is defined as the price that a Fund would receive upon selling an investment in a timely transaction to an independent buyer in the principal or most advantageous market of the investment. GAAP establishes a three-tier hierarchy to maximize the use of observable market data and minimize the use of unobservable inputs and to establish classification of fair value measurements for disclosure purposes.

 

Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk (the risk inherent in a particular valuation technique used to measure fair value including a pricing model and/or the risk inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique). Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs are inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained and available from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances.

 

Various inputs are used in determining the value of each Fund’s investments. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below.

 

Level 1 – unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments and/or registered investment companies where the value per share is determined and published and is the basis for current transactions for identical assets or liabilities at the valuation date

36

 

Guardian Capital Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
September 30, 2023

 

Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including, but not limited to, quoted prices for an identical security in an inactive market, quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

 

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

 

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

 

In computing the NAV of the Funds, fair value is based on market valuations with respect to portfolio securities for which market quotations are readily available. Pursuant to Board approved policies, the Funds rely on independent third-party pricing services to provide the current market value of securities. Those pricing services value equity securities, including exchange-traded funds, exchange-traded notes, closed-end funds and preferred stocks, traded on a securities exchange at the last reported sales price on the principal exchange. Equity securities quoted by NASDAQ are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price. If there is no reported sale on the principal exchange, equity securities are valued at the mean between the most recent quoted bid and asked price. When using market quotations or close prices provided by the pricing service and when the market is considered active, the security will be classified as a Level 1 security. Investments in open-end mutual funds, including money market mutual funds, are generally priced at the ending NAV provided by the pricing service of the funds and are generally categorized as Level 1 securities.

 

In the event that market quotations are not readily available or are considered unreliable due to market or other events, securities are valued in good faith by the Adviser as “valuation designee” under the oversight of the Board. The Adviser has adopted written policies and procedures for valuing securities and other assets in circumstances where market quotes are not readily available. In the event that market quotes are not readily available, and the security or asset cannot be valued pursuant to one of the valuation methods, the value of the security or asset will be determined in good faith by the Adviser pursuant to its policies and procedures. On a quarterly basis, the Adviser’s fair valuation determinations will be reviewed by the Board. Under these policies, the securities will be classified as Level 2 or 3 within the fair value hierarchy, depending on the inputs used.

37

 

Guardian Capital Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
September 30, 2023

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Funds’ investments as of September 30, 2023:

 

       Valuation Inputs         
Assets  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Guardian Dividend Fund                    
Common Stocks (a)  $20,576,866   $   $   $20,576,866 
Money Market Funds   198,872            198,872 
Total  $20,775,738   $   $   $20,775,738 
                     
Guardian Equity Fund                    
Common Stocks (a)  $77,697,920   $   $   $77,697,920 
Money Market Funds   1,060,555            1,060,555 
Total  $78,758,475   $   $   $78,758,475 
                     
Alta Growth Fund                    
Common Stocks (a)  $56,842,530   $   $   $56,842,530 
Total  $56,842,530   $   $   $56,842,530 

 

(a)Refer to Schedule of Investments for sector classifications.

 

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

 

NOTE 4. FEES AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES AND OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS

 

Each Adviser manages its Funds’ investments under the terms of the investment advisory agreement with the Trust with respect to each Fund (each an “Agreement”). As compensation for its management services, each Fund pays its Adviser a fee based on the Fund’s average daily net assets as follows:

 

   Guardian Dividend  Guardian Equity   
   Fund  Fund  Alta Growth Fund
Management fee rate  0.75%  0.80%  0.75%
Management fees earned  $151,989  $569,694  $372,912
Fees waived/expenses reimbursed  $(144,066)  $(102,610)  $(183,313)

 

Each Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse expenses so that total annual operating expenses (excluding (i) interest; (ii) taxes; (iii) brokerage fees and commissions; (iv) other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of each Fund’s business; (v) dividend expenses on short sales; and (vi) indirect expenses such as acquired fund fees and expenses) do not exceed 0.95%

38

 

Guardian Capital Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
September 30, 2023

 

of the Guardian Dividend Fund’s, 0.99% of the Guardian Equity Fund’s and 0.79% of the Alta Growth Fund’s average daily net assets through January 31, 2024 (“Expense Limitation”). During any fiscal year that the Agreements between each Adviser and the Trust is in effect, the Adviser may recoup the sum of all fees previously waived or expenses reimbursed with respect to each Fund it advises, less any reimbursement previously paid, provided that the Adviser is only permitted to recoup fees or expenses within 36 months from the date the fee waiver or expense reimbursement took effect and provided further that such recoupment can be achieved within the Expense Limitation currently in effect and the Expense Limitation in place when the waiver/reimbursement occurred. This Expense Limitation agreement may not be terminated by the Adviser prior to its expiration date, but the Board may terminate such agreement at any time.

 

As of September 30, 2023, each respective Adviser may seek repayment of investment advisory fee waivers and expense reimbursements in the amount as follows:

 

   Guardian 
   Dividend 
Recoverable Through  Fund 
April 30, 2024  $78,578 
September 30, 2024   70,281 
September 30, 2025   147,961 
September 30, 2026   144,066 
              
   Guardian   Alta Growth 
Recoverable Through  Equity Fund   Fund 
September 30, 2024  $   $186,178 
September 30, 2025   109,000    192,184 
September 30, 2026   102,610    183,313 

 

The Trust retains Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (the “Administrator”) to provide the Funds with administration, fund accounting and transfer agent services, including all regulatory reporting. Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (“NLCS”), an affiliate of the Administrator, provides a Chief Compliance Officer to the Trust, as well as related compliance services, pursuant to a consulting agreement between NLCS and the Trust.

 

The Board supervises the business activities of the Trust. Each Trustee serves as a Trustee for the lifetime of the Trust or until the earlier of his or her required retirement as a Trustee at age 78 (which may be extended for up to two years in an emeritus non-voting capacity at the pleasure and request of the Board), or until he/she dies, resigns, or is removed, whichever is sooner. “Independent Trustees,” meaning those Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust, as defined in the 1940 Act, as amended, have each received an annual retainer of $1,500 per Fund and $500 per Fund for each quarterly Board meeting though March 31, 2023. Effective April 1, 2023, the annual retainer increased to $2,000 per Fund. In addition, each Independent Trustee may be compensated

39

 

Guardian Capital Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
September 30, 2023

 

for preparation related to and participation in any special meetings of the Board and/or any Committee of the Board, with such compensation determined on a case-by-case basis based on the length and complexity of the meeting. The Trust also reimburses Trustees for out-of-pocket expense incurred in conjunction with attendance at Board meetings.

 

The officers and one trustee of the Trust are employees of the Administrator. Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”) acts as the principal distributor of each Fund’s shares. The Distributor is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Administrator. The Distributor is compensated by the Adviser (not the Funds) for acting as principal underwriter.

 

NOTE 5. PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES

 

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, purchases and sales of investment securities, other than short-term investments, were as follows:

 

   Guardian   Guardian   Alta Growth 
   Dividend Fund   Equity Fund   Fund 
Purchases  $2,002,370   $43,406,243   $21,291,136 
Sales  $1,367,973   $2,861,414   $10,506,731 

 

There were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. government obligations during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023.

 

NOTE 6. FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION

 

At September 30, 2023, the net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) and tax cost of investments for tax purposes was as follows:

 

   Guardian   Guardian   Alta Growth 
   Dividend Fund   Equity Fund   Fund 
Gross unrealized appreciation  $5,661,263   $9,969,510   $13,724,727 
Gross unrealized depreciation   (608,171)   (4,659,922)   (3,014,347)
Net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments  $5,053,092   $5,309,588   $10,710,380 
Tax cost of investments  $15,722,646   $73,448,887   $46,132,150 

40

 

Guardian Capital Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
September 30, 2023

 

The tax character of distributions paid for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022 were as follows:

 

   Guardian Dividend Fund   Guardian Equity Fund   Alta Growth Fund 
   2023   2022   2023   2022   2023   2022 
Distributions paid from:                              
Ordinary income(a)  $346,641   $469,281   $297,126   $63,671   $   $ 
Long-term capital gains   229,867        400,284    867,596    2,565,420    1,061,299 
Total  $576,508   $469,281   $697,410   $931,267   $2,565,420   $1,061,299 

 

(a)Short-term capital gain distributions are treated as ordinary income for tax purposes.

 

At September 30, 2023, the components of accumulated earnings (deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

   Guardian         
   Dividend   Guardian   Alta Growth 
   Fund   Equity Fund   Fund 
Undistributed ordinary income  $24,701   $5,287   $ 
Undistributed long-term capital gains       1,867,459     
Distributions payable   (20,207)   (1,842)    
Accumulated capital and other losses   (470,690)       (100,690)
Unrealized appreciation on investments(a)   5,052,114    5,307,493    10,710,380 
Total accumulated earnings  $4,585,918   $7,178,397   $10,609,690 

 

(a)The difference between book basis and tax basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is primarily attributable to the tax deferral of wash losses.

 

As of September 30, 2023, the Guardian Dividend Fund had available for tax purposes unused capital loss carryforwards of $178,197 and $292,493 of short-term and long-term capital loss carryforwards, respectively, with no expiration, which was available to offset against future taxable net capital gains. To the extent that these carryforwards are used to offset future gains, it is probable that the amount offset will not be distributed to shareholders.

 

Certain qualified late year ordinary losses incurred after October 31, and within the current taxable year, are deemed to arise on the first business day of the Funds following taxable year. For the tax year ended September 30, 2023, the Alta Growth Fund deferred post October qualified losses in the amount of $100,690.

41

 

Guardian Capital Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
September 30, 2023

 

NOTE 7. SECTOR RISK

 

If a Fund has significant investments in the securities of issuers within a particular sector, any development affecting that sector will have a greater impact on the value of the net assets of the Fund than would be the case if the Fund did not have significant investments in that sector. In addition, this may increase the risk of loss in a Fund and increase the volatility of a Fund’s NAV per share. For instance, economic or market factors, regulatory changes or other developments may negatively impact all companies in a particular sector, and therefore the value of a Fund’s portfolio will be adversely affected. As of September 30, 2023, the Guardian Dividend Fund and Alta Growth Fund had 28.83% and 45.84% of the value of their net assets invested in stocks within the Technology sector, respectively.

 

NOTE 8. BENEFICAL 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 1940 Act. As of September 30, 2023, Alexandria Bancorp Limited owned 100%, 32% and 49% of the Guardian Dividend Fund, Guardian Equity Fund and Alta Growth Fund, respectively. National Financial Services LLC owned 54% of the Guardian Equity Fund. As a result, Alexandria Bancorp Limited and National Financial Services LLC may be deemed to control the Funds.

 

NOTE 9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

The Trust indemnifies its officers and Trustees for certain liabilities that may arise from their performance of their duties to the Trust or the Funds. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Trust enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties which provide general indemnifications. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.

 

NOTE 10. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

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

42

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders of Alta Quality Growth Fund, Guardian Capital Dividend Growth Fund and Guardian Capital Fundamental Global Equity Fund and the Board of Trustees of Capitol Series Trust

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of the Alta Quality Growth Fund, Guardian Capital Dividend Growth Fund and Guardian Capital Fundamental Global Equity Fund (collectively referred as the “Funds”) (three of the funds constituting Capitol Series Trust (the “Trust”)), including the schedules of investments, as of September 30, 2023, and the related statements of operations and changes in net assets, and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated in the table below and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Funds (three of the funds constituting Capitol Series Trust) at September 30, 2023, and the results of their operations, changes in net assets and financial highlights for each of the periods indicated in the table below, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Individual fund
constituting the Capitol
Series Trust
Statement of
Operations
Statements of
Changes in Net
Assets
Financial Highlights
 Alta Quality Growth Fund For the year ended September 30, 2023 For each of the two years in the period ended September 30, 2023 For each of the four years in the period ended September 30, 2023 and the period from December 19, 2018 (commencement of operations) through September 30, 2019
Guardian Capital Fundamental Global Equity Fund For the year ended September 30, 2023 For each of the two years in the period ended September 30, 2023 For each of the three years ended September 30, 2023 and the period from December 19, 2019 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2020
Guardian Capital Dividend Growth Fund For the year ended September 30, 2023 For each of the two years in the period ended September 30, 2023 For the two years ended September 30, 2023, the five month period ended September 30, 2021, the year ended April 30, 2021, and the period from May 1, 2019 (commencement of operations) to April 30, 2020

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on each of the Funds’ financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Trust in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

43

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of September 30, 2023, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

(SIGNATURE)

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Capitol Series Trust investment companies since 2017.

 

Cincinnati, Ohio

November 28, 2023

44

 

Summary of Fund Expenses (Unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of a Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in each Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. Each Fund’s example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from April 1, 2023 through September 30, 2023.

 

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 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading “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 each Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in 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 other funds.

 

Expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs. Therefore, the second line of the table for each class is useful in comparing ongoing costs only and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if transaction costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

      Beginning   Ending        
      Account   Account   Expenses    
      Value   Value   Paid   Annualized
      April 1,   September   During   Expense
      2023   30, 2023   Period(a)   Ratio
Guardian Dividend Fund                     
Institutional Shares  Actual  $1,000.00   $1,030.60   $4.84   0.95%
   Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00   $1,020.31   $4.81   0.95%
Guardian Equity Fund                     
Institutional Shares  Actual  $1,000.00   $969.40   $4.89   0.99%
   Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00   $1,020.10   $5.01   0.99%
Alta Growth Fund     $1,000.00   $1,043.90   $4.05   0.79%
Institutional Shares  Actual                  
   Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00   $1,021.11   $4.00   0.79%

 

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

 

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

45

 

Additional Federal Income Tax Information (Unaudited)

 

The Form 1099-DIV you receive in January 2024 will show the tax status of all distributions paid to your account in calendar year 2023. Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax adviser with respect to the tax consequences of their investment in the Funds. As required by the Internal Revenue Code and/or regulations, shareholders must be notified regarding the status of qualified dividend income for individuals and the dividends received deduction for corporations.

 

Qualified Dividend Income. The Funds designate the following percentage or up to the maximum amount of such dividends allowable pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code, as qualified dividend income eligible for the reduced tax rate.

 

   Guardian  Guardian Equity   
   Dividend Fund  Fund  Alta Growth Fund
Qualified Dividend Income  100%  100%  —%

 

Qualified Business Income. The Funds designate the following percentage of ordinary income dividends, or up to the maximum amount of such dividends allowable pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code, as qualified business income.

 

   Guardian  Guardian Equity   
   Dividend Fund  Fund  Alta Growth Fund
Qualified Business Income  —%  —%  —%

 

Dividends Received Deduction. Corporate shareholders are generally entitled to take the dividends received deduction on the portion of the Funds’ dividend distribution that qualifies under tax law. For the Funds’ calendar year 2023 ordinary income dividends, the following percentage qualifies for the corporate dividends received deduction.

 

   Guardian  Guardian Equity   
   Dividend Fund  Fund  Alta Growth Fund
Dividends Received Deduction  81%  100%  —%

 

The Funds designate the following amounts as long-term capital gains distributions. The amounts designated may not agree with long-term capital gains in the tax character of distribution table due to utilization of earnings and profits distributed to shareholders on redemption of shares.

 

   Guardian   Guardian Equity     
   Dividend Fund   Fund   Alta Growth Fund 
Long-Term Capital Gains Distributions  $229,867   $400,284   $2,565,420 

46

 

Trustees and Officers (Unaudited)

 

The Board supervises the business activities of the Trust and is responsible for protecting the interests of shareholders. The Chairman of the Board is Walter B. Grimm, who is an Independent Trustee of the Trust.

 

Officers are re-elected annually by the Board. The address of each Trustee and officer is 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246.

 

As of the date of this report, the Trustees oversee the operations of 15 series.

 

Independent Trustee Background. The following table provides information regarding the Independent Trustees.

 

Name, (Age), Position with Trust, Term of
Position with Trust
  Principal Occupation During
Past 5 Years and Other Directorships
Walter B. Grimm
Birth Year: 1945
TRUSTEE AND CHAIR
Began Serving: November 2013
  Principal Occupation(s): President, Leigh Management Group, LLC (consulting firm) (October 2005 to present); and President, Leigh Investments, Inc. (1988 to present) Board member, Boys & Girls Club of Coachella (2018 to present).
Lori Kaiser
Birth Year: 1963
TRUSTEE
Began Serving: July 2018
  Principal Occupation(s): Founder and CEO, Kaiser Consulting since 1992.
Janet Smith Meeks
Birth Year: 1955
TRUSTEE
Began Serving: July 2018
 

Principal Occupation(s): Co-Founder and CEO, Healthcare Alignment Advisors, LLC (consulting company) since August 2015.

 

Previous Position(s): President and Chief Operating Officer, Mount Carmel St. Ann’s Hospital (2006 to 2015).

Mary Madick
Birth Year: 1958
TRUSTEE
Began Serving: November 2013
 

Principal Occupation(s): President, US Health Holdings, a division of Ascension Insurance (2020 to present).

 

Previous Position(s): President (2019 to 2020) and Chief Operating Officer (2018 to 2019), Dignity Health Managed Services Organization; Chief Operating Officer, Pennsylvania Health and Wellness (fully owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation) (2016 to 2018); Vice President, Gateway Heath (2015 to 2016).

47

 

Trustees and Officers (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Interested Trustee Background. The following table provides information regarding the Interested Trustee.

 

Name, (Age), Position with Trust, Term of
Position with Trust
 
  Principal Occupation During
Past 5 Years and Other Directorships
David James*
Birth Year: 1970
TRUSTEE
Began Serving: March 2021
 

Principal Occupation(s): Executive Vice President and Chief Legal and Risk Officer of UltimusFund Solutions, LLC (“Ultimus”) and a member of the board of managers of UltimusFund Distributors, LLC and Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC, each an affiliate of Ultimus (2018 to present).

 

Previous Position(s): Managing Director and Senior Managing Counsel, State Street Bank and Trust Company (2009 to 2018).

 

*Mr. James is considered an “interested person” of the Trust within the meaning of Section 2(a) (19) of the 1940 Act because of his relationship with the Trust’s administrator, transfer agent, and distributors.

 

Officers. The following table provides information regarding the Officers.

 

Name, (Age), Position with Trust, Term of
Position with Trust 
  Principal Occupation During
Past 5 Years and Other Directorships
Matthew J. Miller
Birth Year: 1976
PRESIDENT and CHIEF EXECUTIVE
OFFICER
Began Serving: September 2013 (as VP);
September 2018 (as President)
 

Principal Occupation(s): Assistant Vice President, Relationship Management, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (December 2015 to present).

 

Previous Position(s): Vice President, Capitol Series Trust (September 2013 to March 2017); Chief Executive Officer and President, Capitol Series Trust (March 2017 to March 2018); Secretary, Capitol Series Trust (March 2018 to September 2018).

Zachary P. Richmond
Birth Year: 1980
TREASURER AND CHIEF FINANCIAL
OFFICER
Began Serving: August 2014
 

Principal Occupation(s): Vice President, Director of Financial Administration for Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (February 2019 to present).

 

Previous Position(s): Assistant Vice President, Associate Director of Financial Administration for Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (December 2015 to February 2019).

Martin R. Dean
Birth Year: 1963
CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER
Began Serving: May 2019
 

Principal Occupation(s): President, Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (2023 to present).

 

Previous Position(s): Senior Vice President, Director of Fund Compliance, UltimusFund Solutions, LLC (January 2016 to January 2023).

48

 

Trustees and Officers (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Paul F. Leone
Birth Year: 1963
SECRETARY
Began Serving: June 2021
 

Principal Occupation(s): Vice President and Senior Counsel, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (2020 to present).

 

Previous Position(s): Managing Director, Leone Law Office, P.C. (2019 to 2020); and served in the roles of Senior Counsel - Distribution and Senior Counsel - Compliance, Empower Retirement/Great-West Life & Annuity Ins. Co. (2015 to 2019).

Stephen Preston
Birth Year: 1966
ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING OFFICER
Began Serving: December 2016
 

Principal Occupation(s): Chief Compliance Officer, Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC (June 2011 to present).

 

Previous Position(s): Chief Compliance Officer, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (June 2011 to August 2019).

 

Other Information (Unaudited)

 

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 (800) 957-0681 to request a copy of the SAI or to make shareholder inquiries.

49

 

Investment Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements
Approval (Unaudited)

 

At a quarterly meeting of the Board of Trustees of Capitol Series Trust (the “Trust”) on March 6 and 7, 2023, the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”), including all of the Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”) as that term is defined in Section 2(a) (19) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), considered and approved the continuation for an additional one-year period the following advisory agreements and related arrangements with respect to the Alta Quality Growth Fund (the “Alta Fund”), the Guardian Capital

Dividend Growth Fund (the “Guardian Dividend Fund”) and the Guardian Capital Fundamental Global Equity Fund (the “Guardian Global Fund,” together the “Guardian Funds” and collectively with the Alta Fund the “Funds”), each a series of the Trust:

 

1)       Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Alta Capital Management LLC (“Alta Capital”) (the “Alta Investment Advisory Agreement”) with respect to the Alta Fund;

 

2)       Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Guardian Capital LP (“Guardian Capital”) with respect to the Guardian Funds (the “Guardian Investment Advisory Agreement”); and

 

3)       Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Guardian Capital and its wholly owned subsidiary, GuardCap Asset Management Limited (“GuardCap”) with respect to the Guardian Global Fund (the “Sub-Advisory Agreement”).

 

Prior to the meeting, the Trustees received and considered information from each of Alta Capital, Guardian Capital and GuardCap, and the Trust’s administrator designed to provide the Trustees with the information necessary to evaluate the terms of the Alta Investment Advisory Agreement, the Guardian Investment Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement, including, but not limited to, each of Alta Capital, Guardian Capital and GuardCap’s response to counsel’s due diligence letter requesting information relevant to the approvals of the respective Investment Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement, the operating expense limitation agreement between the Trust and Alta Capital with respect to the Alta Fund (the “Alta Expense Limitation Agreement”), the operating expense limitation agreement between the Trust and Guardian Capital with respect to each of the Guardian Funds (the “Guardian Expense Limitation Agreement”) and peer group expense and performance data provided by Broadridge for comparison purposes (collectively, the “Support Materials”) for each of the Funds. At various times, the Trustees reviewed the Support Materials with Alta Capital, Guardian Capital, GuardCap, Trust management, and with counsel to the Independent Trustees. The Trustees also noted the completeness of the Support Materials that Alta Capital, Guardian Capital and GuardCap had provided, which included materials provided in response to both initial and supplemental due diligence requests. Representatives from Alta Capital, Guardian Capital and GuardCap met with the Trustees and provided further information, including but not limited to, information concerning the following: the services that Alta Capital provides to the Alta Fund and the management fees that the Fund pays for those services; the services that Guardian Capital provides to the Guardian Funds and the respective management fees that each Fund pays for those services; the sub-advisory fee negotiated between Guardian and GuardCap with respect to the Guardian Global Fund; each Adviser’s business strategy for the Funds individually and as a whole; Adviser and Sub-adviser resources available to service the respective Funds, including compliance resources; other investment strategies managed by Alta Capital, Guardian Capital and GuardCap; the portfolio management, research and other resources of GuardCap that is are utilized in the sub-adviser structure for the Guardian Global Fund, Guardian Capital’s oversight of GuardCap; business continuity and succession planning; each firm’s ownership structure and

50

 

Investment Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements
Approval (Unaudited) (continued)

 

financial condition as reflected in its financial statements; and the profitability of the Funds to each Adviser and the Sub-Adviser. This information formed the primary, but not exclusive, basis for the Board’s determinations.

 

Before voting to approve the Alta Investment Advisory Agreement, the Guardian Investment Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Trustees reviewed the terms and the form of each Agreement and the Support Materials with Trust management and with counsel to the Independent Trustees. The Trustees also received a memorandum from counsel discussing the legal standards for their consideration of the approval of the continuation of each Investment Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement, which memorandum described the various factors that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and U.S. Courts over the years have suggested would be appropriate for trustee consideration in the advisory agreement approval process, including the factors outlined in the case of Gartenberg v. Merrill Lynch Asset Management Inc., 694 F.2d 923, 928 (2d Cir. 1982); cert. denied sub. nom. and Andre v. Merrill Lynch Ready Assets Trust, Inc., 461 U.S. 906 (1983).

 

In determining whether to approve the Alta Investment Advisory Agreement, the Guardian Investment Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Trustees considered all factors they believed relevant with respect to the Funds, including the following: (1) the nature, extent, and quality of the services provided by each of Alta Capital, Guardian Capital and GuardCap; (2) the cost of the services to be provided and the profits to be realized by each of Alta Capital, Guardian Capital and GuardCap from services rendered to the Trust with respect to each Fund; (3) comparative fee and expense data for the Funds and other investment companies with similar investment objectives; (4) the extent to which economies of scale may be realized as the Funds grow and whether the advisory fees and sub-advisory fee for the Funds reflect these economies of scale for the Fund’s benefit; and (5) other financial benefits to each Adviser resulting from services rendered to the Funds. In their deliberations, the Trustees did not identify any particular information that was all-important or controlling.

 

Together with the Support Materials, and after having received and reviewed investment performance, compliance, operating, and distribution reports of each Fund on a quarterly basis since that Fund’s inception, the Trustees discussed the facts and factors relevant to the continuation of the Alta Investment Advisory Agreement, Guardian Investment Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement, which reflected their knowledge of Alta Capital’s, Guardian Capital’s and GuardCap’s ongoing services to the Funds. The Trustees also noted the inclusion of comparative fee and performance of each Fund to its Morningstar category and the custom peer group compiled by Broadridge. With regard to profitability overall, the Trustees reviewed Guardian Capital’s Annual Report and financial statements as contained in the Support Materials. The Trustees noted that the overall profitability of Guardian Capital was good, and discussed Guardian Capital’s commitment to the Funds. The Trustees also note that Alta Capital, as a majority-owned subsidiary of Guardian Capital, does not prepare or publish its own financial report. The Trustees noted that the Guardian Dividend Fund was not profitable to Guardian Capital in the Fund’s last fiscal year and is expected to be moderately unprofitable in the next fiscal period, absent growth in assets under management. With respect to the Guardian Global Fund, the Trustees noted that the Fund was moderately profitable to GuardCap in the Fund’s last fiscal year and is expected to be moderately profitable in the next fiscal period. The Trustees discussed Alta Capital’s ownership and its status as a subsidiary company of

51

 

Investment Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements
Approval (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Guardian Capital, and also reviewed the Alta Fund’s profitability to Alta Capital, and noted that the Fund was not profitable in 2022, and expects to be moderately profitable in 2023. The Trustees also noted that Guardian Capital had adequate insurance in place, including errors and omissions insurance and cybersecurity insurance, to address unforeseen contingencies. The Trustees discussed the growth of assets of each Fund since its inception, the capital stock activity in the Funds during calendar year 2022, and Guardian Capital’s continued commitment to promote the Funds. The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis of the Trustees’ determination to approve the Alta Investment Advisory Agreement, Guardian Investment Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement are summarized below.

 

Alta Fund

 

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided. The Trustees considered the scope of services that Alta Capital provides under the Alta Investment Advisory Agreement, noting that such services include but are not limited to the following: (1) investing the Alta Fund’s assets consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and investment policies; (2) determining the portfolio securities to be purchased, sold or otherwise disposed of and the timing of such transactions; (3) voting all proxies with respect to the Alta Fund’s portfolio securities; (4) maintaining the required books and records for transactions that Alta Capital effects on behalf of the Fund; (5) selecting broker-dealers to execute orders on behalf of the Fund; and (6) performing compliance services on behalf of the Alta Fund. They also noted that from its own resources, Alta Capital provides marketing support services to the Alta Fund and its intermediary partners. The Trustees noted that there were no changes to the services that Alta Capital provides to the Alta Fund under the terms of the Alta Investment Advisory Agreement. The Trustees considered Alta Capital’s capitalization and its assets under management and the support and commitment of Alta Capital’s parent company, Guardian Capital. The Trustees further considered the investment philosophy and investment industry experience of the portfolio managers. The Trustees also noted the research models utilized by Alta Capital to manage the Alta Fund’s portfolio in accordance with its investment strategy.

 

The Trustees also noted the Alta Fund’s performance compared to its benchmark index, including the fact that the Fund had underperformed its benchmark index for the one-year, three-year, and since inception periods ended December 31, 2022. The Trustees also considered the Alta Fund’s performance compared to the Large Growth Morningstar category and a custom Broadridge peer group. The Trustees noted that the Alta Fund outperformed the category median for the one-year period and underperformed the category median for the three-year and since inception periods, and underperformed the Broadridge custom peer group median for the one-year, three-year and since inception periods ended December 31, 2022. They also noted, however, that the Alta Fund’s reported performance in connection with prior contract renewals had been strong across these time frames, and considered Alta Capital’s discussion and explanation with regard to periods of unfavorable performance, acknowledging the highly volatile stock market that prevailed during 2022. Based upon the foregoing, the Trustees concluded that they are satisfied with the nature, extent, and quality of services that Alta Capital provides to the Alta Fund under the Alta Investment Advisory Agreement.

 

Cost of Advisory Services and Profitability. The Trustees considered the annual management fee that the Alta Fund pays to Alta Capital under the Alta Investment Advisory Agreement, as well as Alta Capital’s profitability from the services that it renders to the Fund, noting the said services were not profitable during the last fiscal year and were projected to be moderately profitable in

52

 

Investment Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements
Approval (Unaudited) (continued)

 

the current fiscal year should projected asset growth materialize. The Trustees considered that Alta Capital has contractually agreed to reduce its management fees and, if necessary, reimburse the Fund for operating expenses, as specified in the Alta Fund’s prospectus. The Trustees considered Alta Capital’s profitability with respect to its advisory relationship with the Alta Fund and concluded that it is reasonable.

 

Comparative Fee and Expense Data. The Trustees noted that the Alta Fund’s gross expense ratio was lower than the Morningstar category average and higher than the category median, and was equal to the Broadridge custom peer group median and higher than the peer group average. The Trustees also noted that the Alta Fund’s net expense ratio of 79 basis points, given the effect of the expense limitation arrangements in place, was slightly higher than both the Morningstar category median and average of 75 basis points, and lower than the Broadridge custom peer group median and average. The Trustees noted that the Alta Fund’s contractual management fee was higher than the Morningstar category median and average, and higher than the Broadridge custom peer group median and average.

 

The Trustees further considered the fees paid by Alta Capital’s separately managed accounts and other investment advisory relationships to other accounts with similar investment objectives and strategies to that of the Alta Fund, noting the differences in the services provided to these accounts compared to the services provided to the Fund. In particular, they noted that Alta Capital has additional responsibilities with respect to the Alta Fund, including compliance, reporting and operational responsibilities. While recognizing that it is difficult to compare advisory fees because the scope of advisory services provided may vary from one investment adviser to another, or from one investment product to another, the Trustees concluded that Alta Capital’s advisory fee continues to be reasonable.

 

Economies of Scale. The Trustees considered whether the Alta Fund may benefit from any economies of scale. They noted that the Alta Fund was moderately profitable but did not find that any material economies of scale exist at this time, and determined that fee breakpoints are not currently necessary or appropriate.

 

Other Benefits. The Trustees noted that Alta Capital does not utilize soft dollar arrangements with respect to portfolio transactions and does not use affiliated brokers to execute the Alta Fund’s portfolio transactions. The Trustees noted that Alta Capital had confirmed that there were no economic or other benefits to the Adviser associated with the selection or use of any particular providers for the Fund’s portfolio, and noted the benefit to the Alta Fund of the cross-selling of the Fund’s shares by Guardian Capital’s wholesalers. The Trustees concluded that all things considered, Alta Capital does not receive material additional financial benefits from services rendered to the Alta Fund.

 

Other Considerations. The Trustees also considered potential conflicts for Alta Capital. Based on the assurances and representations from Alta Capital, the Trustees concluded that no conflict of interest currently exists that could adversely impact the Alta Fund.

 

Conclusions. Based upon Alta Capital’s presentation to the Board and the Support Materials considered in connection with the renewal of the Alta Investment Advisory Agreement, as well as the information provided throughout the course of the year and since the Fund’s inception, the Board concluded that the overall arrangements between the Trust and Alta Capital as set forth in

53

 

Investment Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements
Approval (Unaudited) (continued)

 

the Investment Advisory Agreement are fair and reasonable in light of the services that Alta Capital performs, the investment advisory fees that the Alta Fund pays, and such other matters as the Trustees considered relevant in the exercise of their reasonable business judgment.

 

Guardian Dividend Fund

 

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided. The Trustees considered the scope of services that Guardian Capital provides under the Guardian Investment Advisory Agreement, noting that such services include but are not limited to the following: (1) investing the Guardian Dividend Fund’s assets consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and investment policies; (2) determining the portfolio securities to be purchased, sold or otherwise disposed of and the timing of such transactions; (3) voting all proxies with respect to the Guardian Dividend Fund’s portfolio securities; (4) maintaining the required books and records for transactions that Guardian Capital effects on behalf of the Guardian Dividend Fund; (5) selecting broker-dealers to execute orders on behalf of the Fund; (6) performing compliance services on behalf of the Guardian Dividend Fund. They also noted that from its own resources, Guardian Capital provides marketing support services to the Guardian Dividend Fund and its intermediary partners. The Trustees noted that there were no changes to the services that Guardian Capital provides to the Guardian Dividend Fund under the terms of the Guardian Investment Advisory Agreement. The Trustees considered Guardian Capital’s capitalization and its assets under management and the support and commitment of Guardian Capital’s parent company. The Trustees further considered the investment philosophy and investment industry experience of the portfolio managers. The Trustees also noted the research models utilized by Guardian Capital to manage the Guardian Dividend Fund’s portfolio in accordance with its investment strategy.

 

The Trustees evaluated the Guardian Dividend Fund’s performance, noting that the Fund’s performance exceeded its benchmark for the one- and three-year periods, and slightly trailed the benchmark for the since-inception period (May 1, 2019 to December 31, 2022). They further noted that for the one-year, three-year, and since inception periods ended December 31, 2022, the Guardian Dividend Fund’s performance exceeded the performance of its Morningstar category median and a Broadridge custom peer group median. The Trustees also evaluated Guardian Capital’s GIPS compliant performance presentation for the Global Dividend Composite, and noted that on both a gross basis and net of fees, was higher than the benchmark index for the year ended December 31, 2021. Based upon the foregoing, the Trustees concluded that they were satisfied with the nature, extent, and quality of services that Guardian Capital provides to the Guardian Dividend Fund under the Guardian Investment Advisory Agreement.

 

Cost of Advisory Services and Profitability. The Trustees considered the annual management fee that the Guardian Dividend Fund pays to Guardian Capital under the Guardian Investment Advisory Agreement, as well as Guardian Capital’s profitability from the services that it renders to the Guardian Dividend Fund, noting the said services were not profitable during the last fiscal year and were projected to be moderately profitable in the current fiscal year should projected asset growth materialize. The Trustees considered that Guardian Capital has contractually agreed to reduce its management fees and, if necessary, reimburse the Guardian Dividend Fund for operating expenses, as specified in the Guardian Dividend Fund’s prospectus. The Trustees considered Guardian Capital’s profitability with respect to its advisory relationship with the Guardian Dividend Fund and concluded that it is reasonable.

54

 

Investment Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements
Approval (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Comparative Fee and Expense Data. The Trustees noted that the Guardian Dividend Fund’s total net expense ratio was higher than the Morningstar category average, the category median, the Broadridge custom peer average and the peer group median, and further noted that the Guardian Dividend Fund had a gross expense ratio that was higher than the Morningstar category median, the category average, the Broadridge custom peer group median, and the peer group average. The Trustees evaluated the Guardian Dividend Fund’s contractual management fee which was higher than the Morningstar category median and average, equal to Broadridge custom peer group median, and lower than the peer group average. They further considered the fees paid by Guardian Capital’s separately managed accounts and other investment advisory relationships to other accounts with similar investment objectives and strategies to that of the Guardian Dividend Fund, noting the differences in the services provided to these accounts compared to the services provided to the Guardian Dividend Fund. In particular, they noted that Guardian Capital has additional responsibilities with respect to the Guardian Dividend Fund, including compliance, reporting and operational responsibilities. While recognizing that it is difficult to compare advisory fees because the scope of advisory services provided may vary from one investment adviser to another, or from one investment product to another, the Trustees concluded that Guardian Capital’s advisory fee continues to be reasonable.

 

Economies of Scale. The Trustees considered whether the Guardian Dividend Fund may benefit from any economies of scale. They noted that the Guardian Dividend Fund was moderately profitable but did not find that any material economies of scale exist at this time, and determined that fee breakpoints are not currently necessary or appropriate.

 

Other Benefits. The Trustees noted that Guardian Capital does not utilize soft dollar arrangements with respect to portfolio transactions and does not use affiliated brokers to execute the Guardian Dividend Fund’s portfolio transactions. The Trustees noted that Guardian Capital had confirmed that there were no economic or other benefits to the Guardian Capital or its affiliates associated with the selection or use of any particular providers for the Guardian Dividend Fund’s portfolio. The Trustees concluded that all things considered, Guardian Capital does not receive material additional financial benefits from services rendered to the Guardian Dividend Fund.

 

Other Considerations. The Trustees also considered potential conflicts for Guardian Capital. Based on the assurances and representations from Guardian Capital, the Trustees concluded that no conflict of interest currently exists that could adversely impact the Guardian Dividend Fund.

 

Conclusions. Based upon Guardian Capital’s presentation to the Board and the Support Materials considered in connection with the renewal of the Guardian Investment Advisory Agreement with respect to the Guardian Dividend Fund, as well as the information provided throughout the course of the year and since the Fund’s inception, the Board concluded that the overall arrangements between the Trust and Guardian Capital as set forth in the Guardian Investment Advisory Agreement are fair and reasonable in light of the services that Guardian Capital performs, the investment advisory fees that the Guardian Dividend Fund pays, and such other matters as the Trustees considered relevant in the exercise of their reasonable business judgment.

55

 

Investment Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements
Approval (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Guardian Global Fund

 

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided. The Trustees considered the scope of services that Guardian Capital provides under the Guardian Investment Advisory Agreement and that GuardCap provides under the Sub-Advisory Agreement with respect to the Guardian Global Fund, noting that such services include but are not limited to the following: (1) obtaining and evaluating such information and advice relating to the economy, securities markets, and securities and other investments as it deems necessary or useful to discharge its duties under the Guardian Investment Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement, respectively; (2) investing the Guardian Global Fund’s assets consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and investment policies; (3) determining the portfolio securities to be purchased, sold or otherwise disposed of and the timing of such transactions; (4) voting all proxies with respect to the Guardian Global Fund’s portfolio securities; (5) maintaining the required books and records for transactions that Guardian Capital and/ or GuardCap effects on behalf of the Guardian Global Fund; (6) selecting broker-dealers to execute orders on behalf of the Guardian Global Fund; (7) performing compliance services on behalf of the Guardian Global Fund. They also noted that from its own resources, Guardian Capital provides marketing support services to the Guardian Global Fund and its intermediary partners. The Trustees further noted that Guardian Capital has delegated responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Guardian Global Fund to GuardCap. The Trustees noted that there were no changes to the services that Guardian Capital provides to the Guardian Global Fund under the terms of the Guardian Investment Advisory Agreement nor any changes to the services that GuardCap provides under the terms of the Sub-Advisory Agreement. The Trustees considered GuardCap’s capitalization and its assets under management and the support and commitment of GuardCap’s parent company. The Trustees further considered the investment philosophy and investment industry experience of the portfolio managers. The Trustees also noted the research models utilized by GuardCap to manage the Guardian Global Fund’s portfolio in accordance with its investment strategy.

 

The Trustees evaluated the Guardian Global Fund’s performance, noting that the Fund’s performance exceeded its benchmark for the one-year and three-year periods, and slightly trailed the benchmark for the since-inception period (May 1, 2019 to December 31, 2022). They further noted that for the one-year, three-year, and since inception periods, the Guardian Global Fund’s performance exceeded the performance of its Morningstar category median and a Broadridge custom peer group median. The Trustees also evaluated Guardian Capital’s GIPS compliant performance presentation for the Fundamental Global Equity Composite, and noted that on both a gross basis and net of fees, the Fundamental Global Equity Composite was higher than the benchmark index for the year ended December 31, 2021. Based upon the foregoing, the Trustees concluded that they were satisfied with the nature, extent, and quality of services that Guardian Capital and GuardCap provide to the Guardian Global Fund under the Guardian Investment Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement, respectively.

 

Cost of Advisory Services and Profitability. The Trustees considered the annual management fee that the Guardian Global Fund pays to Guardian Capital under the Guardian Investment Advisory Agreement, as well as the sub-advisory fee that Guardian Capital pays to GuardCap under the Sub-Advisory Agreement. The Trustees also considered Guardian Capital’s profitability from the services that it renders to the Guardian Global Fund pursuant to the Guardian Investment Advisory Agreement, noting the said services were moderately profitable during the last fiscal year and were projected to be moderately profitable in the current fiscal year should projected asset growth materialize. The Trustees considered that Guardian Capital has contractually agreed to reduce its management fees

56

 

Investment Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements
Approval (Unaudited) (continued)

 

and, if necessary, reimburse the Guardian Global Fund for operating expenses, as specified in the Guardian Global Fund’s prospectus. The Trustees considered Guardian Capital’s and GuardCap’s profitability with respect to its respective advisory and sub-advisory relationship with the Guardian Global Fund and concluded that it is reasonable.

 

Comparative Fee and Expense Data. The Trustees noted that the Guardian Global Fund’s total net expense ratio was higher than the Morningstar category average, the category median, the Broadridge custom peer group average and the peer group median, and further noted that the Guardian Global Fund had a gross expense ratio that was higher than the Morningstar category median, the category average, the Broadridge custom peer group median, and the peer group average. The Trustees evaluated the Guardian Global Fund’s contractual management fee, which was higher than the Morningstar category median and average, equal to Broadridge custom peer group median, and lower than the peer group average. They further considered the fees paid by GuardCap’s separately managed accounts and other investment advisory relationships to other accounts with similar investment objectives and strategies to that of the Guardian Global Fund, noting the differences in the services provided to these accounts compared to the services provided to the Guardian Global Fund. In particular, they noted that Guardian Capital and GuardCap each have additional responsibilities with respect to the Guardian Global Fund, including compliance, reporting and operational responsibilities. While recognizing that it is difficult to compare advisory fees because the scope of advisory services provided may vary from one investment adviser to another, or from one investment product to another, the Trustees concluded that Guardian Capital’s advisory fee continues to be reasonable.

 

Economies of Scale. The Trustees considered whether the Guardian Global Fund may benefit from any economies of scale. They noted that the Guardian Global Fund was moderately profitable but did not find that any material economies of scale exist at this time, and determined that fee breakpoints are not currently necessary or appropriate.

 

Other Benefits. The Trustees noted that GuardCap does not utilize soft dollar arrangements with respect to portfolio transactions and does not use affiliated brokers to execute the Guardian Global Fund’s portfolio transactions. The Trustees noted that Guardian Capital had confirmed that there were no economic or other benefits to GuardCap or its other affiliates associated with the selection or use of any particular providers for the Guardian Global Fund’s portfolio. The Trustees concluded that all things considered, neither Guardian Capital nor GuardCap receives material additional financial benefits from services rendered to the Guardian Global Fund.

 

Other Considerations. The Trustees also considered potential conflicts for Guardian Capital and GuardCap. Based on the assurances and representations from Guardian Capital, the Trustees concluded that no conflict of interest currently exists that could adversely impact the Guardian Global Fund.

 

Conclusions. Based upon Guardian Capital’s and GuardCap’s presentations to the Board and the Support Materials considered in connection with the renewal of the Guardian Investment Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement with respect to the Guardian Global Fund, as well as the information provided throughout the course of the year and since the Fund’s inception, the Board concluded that the overall arrangements between the Trust and Guardian Capital as set forth in the Guardian Investment Advisory Agreement and between Guardian Capital and GuardCap as set

57

 

Investment Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements
Approval (Unaudited) (continued)

 

forth in the Sub-Advisory Agreement are fair and reasonable in light of the services that Guardian Capital and GuardCap perform, the investment advisory fees that the Guardian Global Fund pays, and such other matters as the Trustees considered relevant in the exercise of their reasonable business judgment.

58

 

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

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

 

■     Social Security number

 

■     account balances and account transactions

 

■     transaction or loss history and purchase history

 

■     checking account information and wire transfer instructions

 

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

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

  

Reasons we can share your personal information Do the Funds share?
For our everyday business purposes—
such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus
Yes
For our marketing purposes—
to offer our products and services to you
No
For joint marketing with other financial companies No
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes—
information about your transactions and experiences
No
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes—
information about your creditworthiness
No
For nonaffiliates to market to you No

 

Questions? Call (800) 957-0681

59

 

Who we are
Who is providing this notice? Guardian Capital Funds
Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC (Distributor)
Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (Administrator)
What we do
How do the Funds protect my personal information? To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings. Our service providers are held accountable for adhering to strict policies and procedures to prevent any misuse of your nonpublic personal information.
How do the Funds collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

 

■     open an account or deposit money

 

■     buy securities from us or sell securities to us

 

■     make deposits or withdrawals from your account

 

■     give us your account information

 

■     make a wire transfer

 

■     tell us who receives the money

 

■     tell us where to send the money

 

■     show your government-issued ID

 

■     show your driver’s license

 

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

 

■     sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes —information about your creditworthiness

 

■     affiliates from using your information to market to you

 

■     sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

 

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

Definitions
Affiliates

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

 

■     Guardian Capital LP and Alta Capital Management, LLC, the investment advisers to the Funds, could be deemed to be affiliates.

Nonaffiliates

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

 

■     The Guardian Capital Funds do not share your personal information with nonaffiliates so they can market to you

Joint marketing

A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.

 

■     The Guardian Capital Funds do not jointly market.

60

 

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 each Fund voted those proxies during the most recent twelve month period ended June 30, are available (1) without charge upon request by calling the Funds at (800) 957-0681 and (2) in Fund documents filed with the SEC on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

TRUSTEES
Walter B. Grimm, Chairman
David James
Lori Kaiser
Janet Smith Meeks
Mary Madick
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Ernst & Young LLP
221 East 4th Street, Suite 2900
Cincinnati, OH 45202
   
   
OFFICERS
Matthew J. Miller, Chief Executive Officer and President
Zachary P. Richmond, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Martin R. Dean, Chief Compliance Officer
Paul F. Leone, Secretary
LEGAL COUNSEL 
Practus, LLP
11300 Tomahawk Creek Parkway, Suite 310
Leawood, KS 66211
   
   
INVESTMENT ADVISERS
Guardian Capital LP
199 Bay Street, Suite 3100
P.O. Box 201
Toronto,Ontario M5L 1E8
 
Alta Capital Management, LLC
6440 South Wasatch Boulevard, Suite 260
Salt Lake City, UT 84121
CUSTODIAN
Huntington National Bank
41 South High Street
Columbus, OH 43215
   
   
DISTRIBUTOR
Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC
225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450
Cincinnati, OH 45246
ADMINISTRATOR, TRANSFER
AGENT AND FUND ACCOUNTANT

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC
225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450
Cincinnati, OH 45246
   

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GUARDIAN-AR-23

 

 
Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund
 
Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund
 
Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund
 
Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund
 
Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund
 
Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund
 
 
Annual Report
 
September 30, 2023
 
(FULLER AND THALER LOGO)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
411 Borel Avenue, Suite 300
San Mateo, CA 94402
(888) 912-4562
www.fullerthalerfunds.com

 

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Shareholder Letter (Unaudited)

September 30, 2023

 

Dear Shareholders:

 

As you may know, Fuller & Thaler’s investment process is based on decades of research into behavioral finance. Our very own Dr. Richard Thaler won the 2017 Nobel Prize® in Economics for his research on behavioral finance. Behavioral finance is the study of how investors actually behave, as opposed to how they should behave, when making investment decisions. Professional investors are human, and like all humans, they make mistakes. Investors make mistakes because they have emotions, use imperfect rules-of thumb, and have priorities beyond risk and return. We look for those mistakes. We predict when other investors – the “market” – have likely made a behavioral mistake, and in turn, have created a buying opportunity.

 

There are two kinds of mistakes that produce buying opportunities: over-reaction and under reaction. Other investors may over-react to bad news and losses (e.g., panic). Or investors may underreact to good news (e.g., not pay attention). At the individual stock level, we search for events that suggest this type of investor misbehavior. If these behaviors are present, we then analyze fundamentals. In summary, if an investor mistake is likely and the company has solid fundamentals – we buy the stock.

 

Our value strategies buy when others have likely over-reacted to bad news. Our growth strategies buy when others have likely under-reacted to good news. Our blend strategies combine both insights.

 

Our Funds deliver similar risk characteristics to their benchmarks. We believe our behavioral insights provide us with an opportunity to outperform.

 

Our behavioral process delivers returns primarily through stock selection. In general, we aim to deliver portfolios with similar sector composition and risk characteristics to that of each benchmark, but we will deviate when stock-specific opportunities arise.

 

For the 12-month period ended September 30, 2023, our Funds performed as follows:

 

The Institutional Shares of the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund returned 19.03% for the year. The Fund outperformed its U.S. small-cap equity benchmark, the Russell 2000® Index (8.93%) by 10.10% over that period. The largest contributors in the Fund during the period were Jabil, Inc., Medpace Holdings, Inc., and Emcor Group, Inc.; while the largest detractors were Hancock Whitney Corp., AMN Healthcare Services, Inc., and Bank of Hawaii Corp. There were no material contributors from sector allocation but our underweight in Energy hurt relative performance.

1

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Shareholder Letter (Unaudited) (continued)
September 30, 2023

 

The Institutional Shares of the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund returned 22.38% for the year. The Fund outperformed its U.S. small-cap growth benchmark, the Russell 2000® Growth Index (9.59%) by 12.79% over that period. The largest contributors in the Fund during the period were Super Micro Computer, Inc., e.l.f. Beauty, Inc., and Axcelis Technologies, Inc.; while the largest detractors were Omnicell, Inc., Clearfield, Inc., and Yext, Inc. In terms of sector allocation, there were no material contributors/detractors.

 

The Institutional Shares of the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund returned 6.84% for the year. The Fund underperformed its U.S. mid-cap value benchmark, the Russell Midcap® Value Index (11.05%) by -4.21% over that period. The largest contributors in the Fund during the period were First Citizens BankShares, Inc., Celanese Corp., and Zions Bancorp; while the largest detractors were Fidelity National Information Services, Inc., Advance Auto Parts, Inc., and Dollar General Corp. The overweight to Financials was a contributor to relative returns.

 

The Institutional Shares of the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund returned 21.24% for the year. The Fund outperformed its U.S. all-cap benchmark, the Russell 3000® Index (20.46%) by 0.78% over that period. The largest contributors in the Fund during the period were Nvidia Corp., Lam Research Corp., and Parker-Hannifin Corp.; while the largest detractors were Dollar General Corp., Generac Holdings, Inc., and Zebra Technologies Corp. In terms of sector allocation, there were no material contributors/ detractors.

 

The Institutional Shares of Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund returned 18.61% for the year. The Fund outperformed its U.S. small-mid cap benchmark, the Russell 2500™ Index (11.28%) by 7.33% over that period. The largest contributors in the Fund during the period were Allison Transmission, Inc., Lattice Semiconductor Corp., and PulteGroup, Inc.; while the largest detractors were Advance Auto Parts, Inc., Concentrix Corp., and Generac Holdings, Inc. There were no material contributors/ detractors from sector allocation.

 

The Institutional Shares of Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund returned 10.38% for the year. The Fund outperformed its U.S. micro-cap benchmark, the Russell Microcap® Index (-1.34%) by 11.72% over that period. The largest contributors in the Fund during the period were Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc., Applied Digital Corp., and Newpark Resources, Inc.; while the largest detractors were ViewRay, Inc., Inotiv, Inc., and Funko, Inc. In terms of sector allocation, the Fund’s overweight in Energy was the largest contributor to performance and no material detractors. The Micro-Cap Equity

2

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Shareholder Letter (Unaudited) (continued)
September 30, 2023

 

Fund is greatly impacted by stock selection and sector allocations due to the idiosyncratic characteristics of the asset class. In addition, asset flows in the small-cap equity market can have large disproportional effects on the less liquid securities in the asset class.

 

Looking forward, we see many opportunities. We believe that our unique, behaviorally driven investment process will continue to identify these opportunities and allow our Funds to outperform both our peers and our benchmark.

 

Finally, we thank you for your investments in our Funds.

 

Fuller & Thaler

 

Nobel Prize® is a trademark of the Nobel Foundation.

3

 

Investment Results (Unaudited)

 

Average Annual Total Returns* as of September 30, 2023

 

          Since
          Inception
    One Year Five Year Ten Year (12/19/18)
Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund          
R6 Shares   19.16% 8.23% 11.24%  
Institutional Shares   19.03% 8.11% 11.11%  
Investor Shares   18.65% 7.80% 10.85%  
A Shares          
Without Load   18.69%     13.46%
With Load   11.87%     12.06%
C Shares          
Without Load   17.97%     12.77%
With Load   17.97%     12.77%
Russell 2000® Index(a)   8.93% 2.40% 6.65% 7.47%
           
    Institutional Investor    
  R6 Shares Shares Shares A Shares C Shares
Expense Ratio(b) 0.65% 0.77% 1.06% 1.05% 1.65%

 

The performance quoted represents past performance, which does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund (the “Small-Cap Equity Fund”) distributions or the redemption of Small-Cap Equity Fund shares. Current performance of the Small-Cap Equity Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. The Small-Cap Equity 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 (888) 912-4562.

 

*Return figures reflect any change in price per share and assume the reinvestment of all distributions. The Small-Cap Equity Fund’s returns reflect any fee waivers during the applicable periods. If such fee waivers had not occurred, the quoted performance would have been lower. Prior to October 26, 2015, the performance reflected represents that of a series of Allianz Funds Multi-Strategy Trust for which Fuller & Thaler Asset Management, Inc. (the “Adviser”) served as the sole sub-adviser (“the Predecessor Fund”) (see Note 1).

 

(a)The Russell 2000® Index (“Russell 2000”) is a widely recognized unmanaged index of equity securities and is representative of a broader domestic equity market and range of securities than is found in the Small-Cap Equity Fund’s portfolio. The Russell 2000 measures the performance of the small-cap segment of the U.S. equity universe and is a subset of the Russell 3000® Index. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index; however, an individual can invest in exchange traded funds or other investment vehicles that attempt to track the performance of a benchmark index.

 

(b)The expense ratios are from the Small-Cap Equity Fund’s most recent prospectus dated January 30, 2023. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse Small-Cap Equity Fund expenses so that total annual operating expenses do not exceed 1.30%,

4

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

1.80%, 1.25%, 0.92% and 0.80% for A Shares, C Shares, Investor Shares, Institutional Shares and R6 Shares, respectively, of the average daily net assets for each class through January 31, 2024. The expense limitation does not apply to (i) interest (other than custodial overdraft fees and expenses associated with the Small-Cap Fund’s participation in an alternative liquidity program), (ii) taxes, (iii) brokerage fees and commissions, (iv) other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Small-Cap Equity Fund’s business, (v) dividend expense on short sales and (vi) indirect expenses such as acquired fund fees and expenses incurred by the Small-Cap Equity Fund in any fiscal year. During any fiscal year that the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and Capitol Series Trust (the “Trust”) is in effect, the Adviser may recoup the sum of all fees previously waived or expenses reimbursed, less any reimbursement previously paid, provided that the Adviser is only permitted to recoup fees or expenses within 36 months from the date the fee waiver or expense reimbursement occurred and provided further that such recoupment can be achieved within the Expense Limitation Agreement currently in effect and the Expense Limitation Agreement in place when the waiver/reimbursement occurred. The Expense Limitation Agreement may not be terminated by the Adviser prior to its expiration date, but the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”) may terminate such agreement at any time. The Expense Limitation Agreement shall terminate automatically upon the termination of the Advisory Agreement. Additional information pertaining to the Small-Cap Equity Fund’s expense ratios as of September 30, 2023 can be found in the financial highlights.

5

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Comparison of the Growth of a $1,000,000 Investment in the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund - R6 Shares and the Russell 2000® Index.

 

(LINE GRAPH)

 

The chart above assumes an initial investment of $1,000,000 made on September 30, 2013 and held through September 30, 2023. THE SMALL-CAP EQUITY 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 Small-Cap Equity Fund’s distributions or the redemption of the Small-Cap Equity 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.

 

Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For more information on the Small-Cap Equity Fund, and to obtain performance data current to the most recent month-end, or to request a prospectus, please call (888) 912-4562. You should carefully consider the investment objectives, potential risks, management fees, and charges and expenses of the Small-Cap Equity Fund before investing. The Small-Cap Equity Fund’s prospectus contains this and other information about the Small-Cap Equity Fund, and should be read carefully before investing.

 

Prior to October 26, 2015, the performance reflected represents that of a series of the Allianz Funds Multi-Strategy Trust for which the Adviser served as the sole sub-adviser (see Note 1). Visit www. fullerthalerfunds.com for more current performance information.

 

The Small-Cap Equity Fund is distributed by Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC, Member FINRA/ SIPC.

6

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Average Annual Total Returns* as of September 30, 2023

 

        Since Since
        Inception Inception
    One year Five Year (12/21/17) (12/19/18)
Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund          
R6 Shares   22.45% 7.38% 11.99%  
Institutional Shares   22.38% 7.29% 11.90%  
Investor Shares   22.01% 7.00% 11.60%  
A Shares          
Without Load   21.94%     14.61%
With Load   14.92%     13.20%
C Shares          
Without Load   21.32%     14.05%
With Load   21.32%     14.05%
Russell 2000® Growth Index(a)   9.59% 1.55% 3.86% 7.05%
           
  Expense Ratios(b)
    Institutional Investor    
  R6 Shares Shares Shares A Shares C Shares
Gross 1.09% 1.18% 1.51% 1.44% 2.09%
With Applicable Waivers 0.86% 0.96% 1.25% 1.30% 1.80%

 

The performance quoted represents past performance, which does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund (the “Small-Cap Growth Fund”) distributions or the redemption of Small-Cap Growth Fund shares. Current performance of the Small-Cap Growth Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. The Small-Cap Growth 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 (888) 912-4562.

 

*Return figures reflect any change in price per share and assume the reinvestment of all distributions. The Small-Cap Growth Fund’s returns reflect any fee waivers during the applicable periods. If such fee waivers had not occurred, the quoted performance would have been lower.

 

(a)The Russell 2000® Growth Index (“Russell 2000 Growth”) is a widely recognized unmanaged index of equity securities and is representative of a broader domestic equity market and range of securities than is found in the Small-Cap Growth Fund’s portfolio. Russell 2000 Growth measures the performance of those Russell 2000 companies with higher price/book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index; however, an individual can invest in exchange traded funds or other investment vehicles that attempt to track the performance of a benchmark index.

 

(b)The expense ratios are from the Small-Cap Growth Fund’s most recent prospectus dated January 30, 2023. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse

7

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Small-Cap Growth Fund expenses so that total annual operating expenses do not exceed 1.30%, 1.80%, 1.25%, 0.96%, and 0.86% for A Shares, C Shares, Investor Shares, Institutional Shares and R6 Shares, respectively, of the average daily net assets for each class through January 31, 2024. The expense limitation does not apply to (i) interest (other than custodial overdraft fees and expenses associated with the Small-Cap Growth Fund’s participation in an alternative liquidity program), (ii) taxes, (iii) brokerage fees and commissions, (iv) other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Small-Cap Growth Fund’s business, (v) dividend expense on short sales and (vi) indirect expenses such as acquired fund fees and expenses incurred by the Small-Cap Growth Fund in any fiscal year. During any fiscal year that the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and the Trust is in effect, the Adviser may recoup the sum of all fees previously waived or expenses reimbursed, less any reimbursement previously paid, provided that the Adviser is only permitted to recoup fees or expenses within 36 months from the date the fee waiver or expense reimbursement occurred and provided further that such recoupment can be achieved within the Expense Limitation Agreement currently in effect and the Expense Limitation Agreement in place when the waiver/reimbursement occurred. The Expense Limitation Agreement may not be terminated by the Adviser prior to its expiration date, but the Board may terminate such agreement at any time. The Expense Limitation Agreement shall terminate automatically upon the termination of the Advisory Agreement. Additional information pertaining to the Small-Cap Growth Fund’s expense ratios as of September 30, 2023 can be found in the financial highlights.

8

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Comparison of the Growth of a $1,000,000 Investment in the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund - R6 Shares and the Russell 2000® Growth Index.

 

(LINE GRAPH)

 

The chart above assumes an initial investment of $1,000,000 made on December 21, 2017 (commencement of operations) and held through September 30, 2023. THE SMALL-CAP GROWTH 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 Small-Cap Growth Fund’s distributions or the redemption of the Small-Cap Growth 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.

 

Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For more information on the Small-Cap Growth Fund, and to obtain performance data current to the most recent month-end, or to request a prospectus, please call (888) 912-4562. You should carefully consider the investment objectives, potential risks, management fees, and charges and expenses of the Small-Cap Growth Fund before investing. The Small-Cap Growth Fund’s prospectus contains this and other information about the Small-Cap Growth Fund, and should be read carefully before investing. Visit www.fullerthalerfunds. com for more current performance information.

 

The Small-Cap Growth Fund is distributed by Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC, Member FINRA/ SIPC.

9

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Average Annual Total Returns* as of September 30, 2023

 

        Since Since
        Inception Inception
    One Year Five Year (12/21/17) (3/10/22)
Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund          
R6 Shares   6.94% 7.55% 7.01%  
Institutional Shares   6.84% 7.43% 6.91%  
Investor Shares   6.53% 7.15% 6.62%  
A Shares          
Without Load   6.49%     -3.85%
With Load   0.35%     -7.44%
C Shares          
Without Load   5.94%     -4.36%
With Load   5.94%     -4.36%
Russell Midcap® Value Index(a)   11.05% 5.18% 5.09% -3.67%
           
  Expense Ratios(b)
    Institutional Investor    
  R6 Shares Shares Shares A Shares C Shares
Gross 0.83% 0.98% 1.26% 1.17% 1.84%
With Applicable Waivers 0.75% 0.85% 1.15% 1.17% 1.70%

 

The performance quoted represents past performance, which does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund (the “Mid-Cap Value Fund”) distributions or the redemption of Mid-Cap Value Fund shares. Current performance of the Mid-Cap Value Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. The Mid-Cap Value 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 (888) 912-4562.

 

*Return figures reflect any change in price per share and assume the reinvestment of all distributions. The Mid-Cap Value Fund’s returns reflect any fee waivers during the applicable periods. If such fee waivers had not occurred, the quoted performance would have been lower.

 

(a)The Russell Midcap® Value Index (“Russell Midcap Value”) is a widely recognized unmanaged index of equity securities and is representative of a broader domestic equity market and range of securities than is found in the Mid-Cap Value Fund’s portfolio. The Russell Midcap Value measures the performance of those Russell Midcap companies with lower price/book ratios and lower forecasted growth values. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index; however, an individual can invest in exchange traded funds or other investment vehicles that attempt to track the performance of a benchmark index.

 

(b)The expense ratios are from the Mid-Cap Value Fund’s most recent prospectus dated January 30, 2023. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse Mid-Cap

10

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Value Fund expenses so that total annual operating expenses do not exceed 1.20%, 1.70%, 1.15%, 0.85%, and 0.75% for A Shares, C Shares, Investor Shares, Institutional Shares and R6 Shares, respectively, of the average daily net assets for each class through January 31, 2024. The expense limitation does not apply to (i) interest (other than custodial overdraft fees and expenses associated with the Mid-Cap Value Fund’s participation in an alternative liquidity program), (ii) taxes, (iii) brokerage fees and commissions, (iv) other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Mid-Cap Value Fund’s business, (v) dividend expense on short sales and (vi) indirect expenses such as acquired fund fees and expenses incurred by the Mid-Cap Value Fund in any fiscal year. During any fiscal year that the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and the Trust is in effect, the Adviser may recoup the sum of all fees previously waived or expenses reimbursed, less any reimbursement previously paid, provided that the Adviser is only permitted to recoup fees or expenses within 36 months from the date the fee waiver or expense reimbursement occurred and provided further that such recoupment can be achieved within the Expense Limitation Agreement currently in effect and the Expense Limitation Agreement in place when the waiver/ reimbursement occurred. This Expense Limitation Agreement may not be terminated by the Adviser prior to its expiration date, but the Board may terminate such agreement at any time. The Expense Limitation Agreement shall terminate automatically upon the termination of the Advisory Agreement. Additional information pertaining to the Mid-Cap Value Fund’s expense ratios as of September 30, 2023 can be found in the financial highlights.

11

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Comparison of the Growth of a $1,000,000 Investment in the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund - R6 Shares and the Russell Midcap® Value Index.

 

(LINE GRAPH)

 

The chart above assumes an initial investment of $1,000,000 made on December 21, 2017 (commencement of operations) and held through September 30, 2023. THE MID-CAP VALUE 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 Mid-Cap Value Fund’s distributions or the redemption of the Mid-Cap Value 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.

 

Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For more information on the Mid-Cap Value Fund, and to obtain performance data current to the most recent month-end, or to request a prospectus, please call (888) 912-4562. You should carefully consider the investment objectives, potential risks, management fees, and charges and expenses of the Mid-Cap Value Fund before investing. The Mid-Cap Value Fund’s prospectus contains this and other information about the Mid-Cap Value Fund, and should be read carefully before investing. Visit www.fullerthalerfunds.com for more current performance information.

 

The Mid-Cap Value Fund is distributed by Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.

12

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Average Annual Total Returns* as of September 30, 2023

 

      Since Since
      Inception Inception
    One Year (12/26/18) (5/27/21)
Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund        
R6 Shares   21.32% 13.31%  
Institutional Shares   21.24% 13.20%  
A Shares        
Without Load   20.95%   -2.60%
With Load   14.00%   -5.02%
C Shares        
Without Load   20.54%   -3.08%
With Load   20.54%   -3.08%
Russell 3000® Index(a)   20.46% 13.62% 0.70%
         
    Expense Ratios(b)    
    Institutional    
  R6 Shares Shares A Shares C Shares
Gross 1.19% 1.34% 1.59% 2.21%
With Applicable Waivers 0.87% 0.97% 1.30% 1.80%

 

The performance quoted represents past performance, which does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund (the “Unconstrained Equity Fund”) distributions or the redemption of Unconstrained Equity Fund shares. Current performance of the Unconstrained Equity Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. The Unconstrained Equity 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 (888) 912-4562.

 

*Return figures reflect any change in price per share and assume the reinvestment of all distributions. The Unconstrained Equity Fund’s returns reflect any fee waivers during the applicable periods. If such fee waivers had not occurred, the quoted performance would have been lower.

 

(a)The Russell 3000® Index (“Russell 3000”) measures the performance of the broad U.S. equity market. The Russell 3000 represents the 3000 largest U.S. publicly traded companies as measured by market capitalization. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index; however, an individual can invest in exchange traded funds or other investment vehicles that attempt to track the performance of a benchmark index.

 

(b)The expense ratios are from the Unconstrained Equity Fund’s most recent prospectus dated January 30, 2023. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse Unconstrained Equity Fund expenses so that total annual operating expenses do not exceed 1.30%, 1.80% 0.97% and 0.87% for A shares, C shares, Institutional Shares and R6 Shares, respectively, of the average daily net assets for each class through January 31, 2024. The expense

13

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

limitation does not apply to (i) interest (other than custodial overdraft fees and expenses associated with the Unconstrained Equity Fund’s participation in an alternative liquidity program), (ii) taxes, (iii) brokerage fees and commissions, (iv) other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Unconstrained Equity Fund’s business, (v) dividend expense on short sales and (vi) indirect expenses such as acquired fund fees and expenses incurred by the Unconstrained Equity Fund in any fiscal year. During any fiscal year that the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and the Trust is in effect, the Adviser may recoup the sum of all fees previously waived or expenses reimbursed, less any reimbursement previously paid, provided that the Adviser is only permitted to recoup fees or expenses within 36 months from the date the fee waiver or expense reimbursement occurred and provided further that such recoupment can be achieved within the Expense Limitation Agreement currently in effect and the Expense Limitation Agreement in place when the waiver/reimbursement occurred. This Expense Limitation Agreement may not be terminated by the Adviser prior to its expiration date, but the Board may terminate such agreement at any time. The Expense Limitation Agreement shall terminate automatically upon the termination of the Advisory Agreement. Additional information pertaining to the Unconstrained Equity Fund’s expense ratios as of September 30, 2023 can be found in the financial highlights.

14

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Comparison of the Growth of a $1,000,000 Investment in the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund - R6 Shares and the Russell 3000® Index.

 

(LINE GRAPH)

 

The chart above assumes an initial investment of $1,000,000 made on December 26, 2018 (commencement of operations) and held through September 30, 2023. THE UNCONSTRAINED EQUITY 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 Unconstrained Equity Fund’s distributions or the redemption of the Unconstrained Equity 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.

 

Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For more information on the Unconstrained Equity Fund, and to obtain performance data current to the most recent month-end, or to request a prospectus, please call (888) 912-4562. You should carefully consider the investment objectives, potential risks, management fees, and charges and expenses of the Unconstrained Equity Fund before investing. The Unconstrained Equity Fund’s prospectus contains this and other information about the Unconstrained Equity Fund, and should be read carefully before investing. Visit www. fullerthalerfunds.com for more current performance information.

 

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

15

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Average Annual Total Returns* as of September 30, 2023

 

    Since Since
    Inception Inception
  One Year (12/26/18) (3/10/22)
Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund      
Institutional Shares 18.61% 11.85%  
A Shares      
Without Load 18.20%   -2.51%
With Load 11.39%   -6.15%
Russell 2500® Index(a) 11.28% 9.74% -4.24%
       
  Expense Ratios(b)  
  Institutional    
  Shares A Shares  
Gross 2.59% 2.75%  
With Applicable Waivers 0.93% 1.26%  

 

The performance quoted represents past performance, which does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund (the “Small-Mid Core Equity Fund”) distributions or the redemption of Small-Mid Core Equity Fund shares. Current performance of the Small-Mid Core Equity Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. The Small-Mid Core Equity 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 (888) 912-4562.

 

*Return figures reflect any change in price per share and assume the reinvestment of all distributions. The Small-Mid Core Equity Fund’s returns reflect any fee waivers during the applicable periods. If such fee waivers had not occurred, the quoted performance would have been lower.

 

(a)The Russell 2500® Index (“Russell 2500”) is a widely recognized unmanaged index of equity securities and is representative of a broader domestic equity market and range of securities than is found in the Small-Mid Core Equity Fund’s portfolio. The Russell 2500 measures the performance of those Russell 2500 companies with lower price/book ratios and lower forecasted growth values. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index; however, an individual can invest in exchange traded funds or other investment vehicles that attempt to track the performance of a benchmark index.

 

(b)The expense ratios are from the Small-Mid Core Equity Fund’s most recent prospectus dated January 30, 2023. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/ or reimburse Small-Mid Core Equity Fund expenses so that total annual operating expenses do not exceed 1.26% and 0.93% of the Small-Mid Core Equity Fund’s A Shares and Institutional Shares average daily net assets through January 31, 2024. The expense limitation does not apply to (i) interest (other than custodial overdraft fees and expenses associated with the Small-Mid Core Equity Fund’s participation in an alternative liquidity program), (ii) taxes, (iii) brokerage fees and commissions, (iv) other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Small-Mid Core Equity Fund’s business, (v) dividend expense on short sales and (vi) indirect expenses such

16

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

as acquired fund fees and expenses incurred by the Small-Mid Core Equity Fund in any fiscal year. During any fiscal year that the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and the Trust is in effect, the Adviser may recoup the sum of all fees previously waived or expenses reimbursed, less any reimbursement previously paid, provided that the Adviser is only permitted to recoup fees or expenses within 36 months from the date the fee waiver or expense reimbursement occurred and provided further that such recoupment can be achieved within the Expense Limitation Agreement currently in effect and the Expense Limitation Agreement in place when the waiver/reimbursement occurred. This Expense Limitation Agreement may not be terminated by the Adviser prior to its expiration date, but the Board may terminate such agreement at any time. The Expense Limitation Agreement shall terminate automatically upon the termination of the Advisory Agreement. Additional information pertaining to the Small-Mid Core Equity Fund’s expense ratios as of September 30, 2023 can be found in the financial highlights.

17

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Comparison of the Growth of a $100,000 Investment in the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund - Institutional Shares and the Russell 2500® Index.

 

(LINE GRAPH)

 

The chart above assumes an initial investment of $100,000 made on December 26, 2018 (commencement of operations) and held through September 30, 2023. THE SMALL-MID CORE EQUITY 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 Small-Mid Core Equity Fund’s distributions or the redemption of the Small-Mid Core Equity 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.

 

Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For more information on the Small-Mid Core Equity Fund, and to obtain performance data current to the most recent month-end, or to request a prospectus, please call (888) 912-4562. You should carefully consider the investment objectives, potential risks, management fees, and charges and expenses of the Small-Mid Core Equity Fund before investing. The Small-Mid Core Equity Fund’s prospectus contains this and other information about the Small-Mid Core Equity Fund, and should be read carefully before investing. Visit www.fullerthalerfunds.com for more current performance information.

 

The Small-Mid Core Equity Fund is distributed by Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC, Member FINRA/ SIPC.

18

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Average Annual Total Returns* as of September 30, 2023

 

    Since
    Inception
  One Year (12/28/18)
Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund    
Institutional Shares 10.38% 6.77%
Russell Microcap® Index(a) -1.34% 5.84%
     
  Expense Ratios(b)  
  Institutional  
  Shares  
Gross 2.25%  
With Applicable Waivers 1.43%  

 

The performance quoted represents past performance, which does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund (the “Micro-Cap Equity Fund”) distributions or the redemption of Micro-Cap Equity Fund shares. Current performance of the Micro-Cap Equity Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. The Micro-Cap Equity 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 (888) 912-4562.

 

*Return figures reflect any change in price per share and assume the reinvestment of all distributions. The Micro-Cap Equity Fund’s returns reflect any fee waivers during the applicable periods. If such fee waivers had not occurred, the quoted performance would have been lower.

 

(a)The Russell Microcap® Index (“Russell Microcap”) measures the performance of the microcap segment of the U.S. equity market. Russell Microcap stocks make up less than 3% of the U.S. equity market (by market cap) and consist of the smallest 1,000 securities in the small cap Russell 2000® Index, plus the next smallest eligible securities by market cap. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index; however, an individual can invest in exchange traded funds or other investment vehicles that attempt to track the performance of a benchmark index.

 

(b)The expense ratios are from the Micro-Cap Equity Fund’s most recent prospectus dated January 30, 2023. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse Micro-Cap Equity Fund expenses so that total annual operating expenses do not exceed 1.40% of the Micro-Cap Equity Fund’s Institutional Shares average daily net assets through January 31, 2024. The expense limitation does not apply to (i) interest (other than custodial overdraft fees and expenses associated with the Micro-Cap Equity Fund’s participation in an alternative liquidity program), (ii) taxes, (iii) brokerage fees and commissions, (iv) other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Micro-Cap Equity Fund’s business, (v) dividend expense on short sales and (vi) indirect expenses such as acquired fund fees and expenses incurred by the Micro-Cap Equity Fund in any fiscal year. During any fiscal year that the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and the Trust is in effect, the Adviser may recoup the sum of all fees previously waived or expenses reimbursed, less any reimbursement previously paid, provided that the Adviser is only permitted to recoup fees or expenses within 36 months from the date the fee waiver or

19

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

expense reimbursement occurred and provided further that such recoupment can be achieved within the Expense Limitation Agreement currently in effect and the Expense Limitation Agreement in place when the waiver/reimbursement occurred. This Expense Limitation Agreement may not be terminated by the Adviser prior to its expiration date, but the Board may terminate such agreement at any time. The Expense Limitation Agreement shall terminate automatically upon the termination of the Advisory Agreement. Additional information pertaining to the Micro-Cap Equity Fund’s expense ratios as of September 30, 2023 can be found in the financial highlights.

20

 

Investment Results (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Comparison of the Growth of a $100,000 Investment in the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund - Institutional Shares and the Russell Microcap® Index.

 

(LINE GRAPH)

 

The chart above assumes an initial investment of $100,000 made on December 28, 2018 (commencement of operations) and held through September 30, 2023. THE MICRO-CAP EQUITY 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 Micro-Cap Equity Fund’s distributions or the redemption of the Micro-Cap Equity 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.

 

Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For more information on the Micro-Cap Equity Fund, and to obtain performance data current to the most recent month-end, or to request a prospectus, please call (888) 912-4562. You should carefully consider the investment objectives, potential risks, management fees, and charges and expenses of the Micro-Cap Equity Fund before investing. The Micro-Cap Equity Fund’s prospectus contains this and other information about the Micro-Cap Equity Fund, and should be read carefully before investing. Visit www.fullerthalerfunds.com for more current performance information.

 

The Micro-Cap Equity Fund is distributed by Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC, Member FINRA/ SIPC.

21

 

Portfolio Illustration (Unaudited)

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund Sector Holdings as of September 30, 2023.*

 

(BAR GRAPH)

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund Sector Holdings as of September 30, 2023.*

 

(BAR GRAPH)

 

*As a percentage of net assets.

22

 

Portfolio Illustration (Unaudited)

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund Sector Holdings as of September 30, 2023.*

 

(BAR GRAPH)

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund Sector Holdings as of September 30, 2023.*

 

(BAR GRAPH)

 

*As a percentage of net assets.

23

 

Portfolio Illustration (Unaudited)

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund Sector Holdings as of September 30, 2023.*

 

(BAR GRAPH)

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund Sector Holdings as of September 30, 2023.*

 

(BAR GRAPH)

 

*As a percentage of net assets.

24

 

Availability of Portfolio Schedules (Unaudited)

 

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

25

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund
Schedule of Investments
September 30, 2023

 

   Shares       Fair Value 
COMMON STOCKS — 92.82%          
Apparel & Textile Products — 3.54%          
Carter’s, Inc.   500,719   $34,624,719 
Crocs, Inc.(a)   373,568    32,959,905 
Deckers Outdoor Corp.(a)   214,813    110,433,215 
Kontoor Brands, Inc.   895,865    39,337,432 
Oxford Industries, Inc.   61,861    5,946,698 
Ralph Lauren Corp.   160,579    18,641,616 
         241,943,585 
Asset Management — 1.98%          
Federated Hermes, Inc., Class B   1,159,056    39,257,227 
Stifel Financial Corp.   1,562,799    96,018,370 
         135,275,597 
Banking — 11.27%          
Atlantic Union Bancshares Corp.   497,226    14,310,164 
BancFirst Corp.   234,477    20,336,190 
Bank OZK   5,396,805    200,059,562 
Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc.   987,219    19,793,741 
Cadence Bank   3,645,953    77,367,123 
F.N.B. Corp.   4,049,001    43,688,721 
First Commonwealth Financial Corp.   2,362,056    28,840,704 
First Financial Bancorp   1,645,787    32,257,425 
First Financial Bankshares, Inc.   1,422,031    35,721,419 
First Financial Corp.   112,829    3,814,748 
Fulton Financial Corp.   718,998    8,707,066 
Hancock Whitney Corp.   2,403,021    88,887,747 
Lakeland Bancorp, Inc.   173,754    2,192,775 
Lakeland Financial Corp.   328,315    15,581,830 
NBT Bancorp, Inc.   711,391    22,543,981 
Provident Financial Services, Inc.   394,856    6,037,348 
Wintrust Financial Corp.   1,108,928    83,724,064 
Zions Bancorp.(b)   1,869,535    65,228,076 
         769,092,684 
Biotech & Pharma — 2.82%          
Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   1,205,692    55,449,775 
Exelixis, Inc.(a)   2,049,690    44,785,727 
   Shares       Fair Value 
Biotech & Pharma — (continued)          
United Therapeutics Corp.(a)   406,732   $91,868,556 
         192,104,058 
Chemicals — 0.81%          
Avient Corp.   369,329    13,044,700 
Huntsman Corp.   1,738,365    42,416,106 
         55,460,806 
Commercial Support Services — 5.90%          
AMN Healthcare Services, Inc.(a)   1,205,772    102,707,659 
Clean Harbors, Inc.(a)   191,051    31,974,295 
CRA International, Inc.   69,831    7,036,172 
FTI Consulting, Inc.(a)   213,607    38,109,625 
H&R Block, Inc.   2,617,754    112,720,487 
Kforce, Inc.   229,698    13,703,783 
TriNet Group, Inc.(a)   823,033    95,866,884 
         402,118,905 
Consumer Services — 1.61%          
Adtalem Global Education, Inc.(a)   1,147,282    49,161,033 
Perdoceo Education Corp.   798,336    13,651,546 
Rent-A-Center, Inc.   482,996    14,224,232 
Stride, Inc.(a)   724,557    32,626,802 
         109,663,613 
Containers & Packaging — 1.76%          
Graphic Packaging Holding Co.   2,421,773    53,957,102 
Sonoco Products Co.   1,214,931    66,031,500 
         119,988,602 
Electric Utilities — 0.57%          
Otter Tail Corp.   516,121    39,183,906 
           
Electrical Equipment — 5.47%          
Acuity Brands, Inc.   756,177    128,784,505 
Atkore, Inc.(a)   931,395    138,954,820 
Belden, Inc.   922,187    89,037,155 
Vontier Corp.   528,400    16,338,128 
         373,114,608 
Engineering & Construction — 6.31%          
Comfort Systems USA, Inc.   608,625    103,715,786 
EMCOR Group, Inc.   1,010,099    212,514,728 
Installed Building Products, Inc.   620,583    77,504,611 
Primoris Services Corp.   306,858    10,043,462 


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

26

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund
Schedule of Investments (continued)
September 30, 2023

 

   Shares       Fair Value 
COMMON STOCKS — (continued)          
Engineering & Construction — (continued)          
TopBuild Corp.(a)   105,544   $26,554,870 
         430,333,457 
Food — 0.96%          
Simply Good Foods Co. (The)(a)   1,897,738    65,509,916 
           
Health Care Facilities & Services — 2.71%          
Chemed Corp.   75,175    39,068,448 
Medpace Holdings, Inc.(a)   601,910    145,740,468 
         184,808,916 
Home Construction — 3.51%          
Masonite International Corp.(a)   337,815    31,491,114 
Meritage Homes Corp.   652,160    79,817,862 
Taylor Morrison Home Corp.(a)   3,011,067    128,301,566 
         239,610,542 
Household Products — 0.32%          
Helen of Troy Ltd.(a)   187,180    21,817,701 
           
Industrial Intermediate Products — 1.21%          
Mueller Industries, Inc.   1,094,554    82,266,679 
           
Industrial Support Services — 0.94%          
Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc.   415,775    64,282,973 
           
Institutional Financial Services — 1.38%          
Evercore, Inc., Class A   681,442    93,957,223 
           
Insurance — 1.42%          
Hanover Insurance Group, Inc.   675,957    75,017,708 
Primerica, Inc.   112,087    21,745,999 
         96,763,707 
Leisure Facilities & Services — 1.40%          
Boyd Gaming Corp.   1,570,540    95,535,948 
           
Machinery — 1.66%          
Crane Co.   338,946    30,111,963 
Crane Holding Co.   616,446    34,255,904 
Donaldson Co., Inc.   821,008    48,964,917 
         113,332,784 
Medical Equipment & Devices — 3.95%          
Bruker Corp.   2,106,502    131,235,074 
Globus Medical, Inc., Class A(a)   94,138    4,673,952 
Integer Holdings Corp.(a)   507,783    39,825,421 
   Shares       Fair Value 
Medical Equipment & Devices — (continued)          
Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corp.(a)   569,833   $21,761,922 
Merit Medical Systems, Inc.(a)   1,044,127    72,065,646 
         269,562,015 
Metals & Mining — 1.79%          
Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Inc.   469,538    121,953,105 
           
Oil & Gas Producers — 4.67%          
Chord Energy Corp.   983,446    159,387,093 
HF Sinclair Corp.   469,774    26,744,234 
Murphy USA, Inc.   387,520    132,427,210 
         318,558,537 
Publishing & Broadcasting — 1.17%          
Nexstar Media Group, Inc., Class A   555,281    79,610,637 
           
Real Estate — 1.75%          
Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc.   6,810,647    104,475,325 
Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc., Class A   2,655,786    14,925,517 
         119,400,842 
Real Estate Services — 0.21%          
Newmark Group, Inc., Class A   2,220,688    14,279,024 
           
Retail - Discretionary — 3.06%          
Academy Sports & Outdoors, Inc.   1,437,327    67,942,447 
AutoNation, Inc.(a)   346,715    52,492,651 
Builders FirstSource, Inc.(a)   363,045    45,195,472 
Signet Jewelers Ltd.   596,663    42,846,370 
         208,476,940 
Semiconductors — 1.06%          
Amkor Technology, Inc.   209,535    4,735,491 
Cirrus Logic, Inc.(a)   557,778    41,253,261 
Diodes, Inc.(a)   334,974    26,409,350 
         72,398,102 
Software — 3.31%          
Concentrix Corp.   910,668    72,953,614 
Donnelley Financial Solutions, Inc.(a)   324,108    18,240,798 
Progress Software Corp.   1,117,747    58,771,137 
Teradata Corp.(a)   561,685    25,287,059 


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

27

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund
Schedule of Investments (continued)
September 30, 2023

 

   Shares       Fair Value 
COMMON STOCKS — (continued)          
Software — (continued)          
Ziff Davis, Inc.(a)   789,238   $50,266,568 
         225,519,176 
Specialty Finance — 0.25%          
Stewart Information Services Corp.   382,300    16,744,740 
           
Steel — 1.72%          
Commercial Metals Co.   2,372,204    117,210,600 
           
Technology Hardware — 5.66%          
Avnet, Inc.   696,172    33,548,529 
Jabil, Inc.   2,031,755    257,809,391 
Sanmina Corp.(a)   1,745,195    94,729,185 
         386,087,105 
Technology Services — 4.27%          
CSG Systems International, Inc.   884,236    45,202,144 
EVERTEC, Inc.   1,169,976    43,499,708 
ExlService Holdings, Inc.(a)   3,054,206    85,639,936 
Insight Enterprises, Inc.(a)   356,289    51,840,050 
Science Applications International Corp.   554,763    58,549,687 
TTEC Holdings, Inc.   249,879    6,551,827 
         291,283,352 
Transportation & Logistics — 2.40%          
Hub Group, Inc., Class A(a)   484,533    38,055,222 
Landstar System, Inc.   575,829    101,887,183 
Ryder System, Inc.   225,000    24,063,750 
         164,006,155 
Total Common Stocks          
(Cost $5,122,820,101)        6,331,256,540 
           
COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED — 0.03%          
Money Market Funds — 0.03%          
Invesco Government & Agency Portfolio, Institutional Class, 5.26%(c)   1,737,500    1,737,500 
Total Collateral for Securities Loaned/Money Market Funds (Cost $1,737,500)        1,737,500 
   Shares       Fair Value 
MONEY MARKET FUNDS - 3.54%          
Fidelity Investments Money Market Government Portfolio, Institutional Class, 5.27%(c)   241,661,074   $241,661,074 
           
Total Money Market Funds          
(Cost $241,661,074)        241,661,074 
           
Total Investments — 96.39%          
(Cost $5,366,218,675)        6,574,655,114 
           
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 3.61%        246,276,996 
           
NET ASSETS — 100.00%       $6,820,932,110 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.

 

(b)All or a portion of the security is on loan as of September 30, 2023. The total value of the securities on loan as of September 30, 2023 was $1,744,500.

 

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


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

28

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund
Schedule of Investments
September 30, 2023

 

   Shares       Fair Value 
COMMON STOCKS — 95.72%          
Aerospace & Defense — 1.46%          
Woodward, Inc.   38,400   $4,771,584 
           
Beverages — 1.67%          
Boston Beer Co., Inc. (The), Class A(a)   14,025    5,463,158 
           
Biotech & Pharma — 2.71%          
Alkermes PLC(a)   142,025    3,978,120 
Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc.(a)   127,950    4,887,690 
         8,865,810 
E-Commerce Discretionary — 1.48%          
Rover Group, Inc., Class A(a)   775,025    4,851,657 
           
Electrical Equipment — 11.21%          
AAON, Inc.   72,650    4,131,606 
Alarm.com Holdings, Inc.(a)   81,435    4,978,936 
Atkore, Inc.(a)   48,395    7,220,050 
NEXTracker, Inc., Class A(a)   113,600    4,562,176 
SPX Technologies, Inc.(a)   60,100    4,892,140 
Vertiv Holdings Co., Class A   293,130    10,904,435 
         36,689,343 
Engineering & Construction — 1.21%          
Dycom Industries, Inc.(a)   44,365    3,948,485 
           
Food — 1.62%          
BellRing Brands, Inc.(a)   128,623    5,303,126 
           
Health Care Facilities & Services — 3.92%          
GoodRx Holdings, Inc.(a)   556,200    3,131,406 
HealthEquity, Inc.(a)   71,800    5,244,990 
Progyny, Inc.(a)   130,731    4,447,469 
         12,823,865 
Home Construction — 1.94%          
Griffon Corp.   160,375    6,362,076 
           
Household Products — 5.89%          
e.l.f. Beauty, Inc.(a)   133,595    14,672,739 
   Shares       Fair Value 
           
Household Products — (continued)          
Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc.   58,500  $4,583,475 
         19,256,214 
Internet Media & Services — 2.75%          
Upwork, Inc.(a)   359,100    4,079,376 
Yelp, Inc.(a)   118,615    4,933,198 
         9,012,574 
Leisure Facilities & Services — 3.11%          
Dutch Bros, Inc., Class A(a)(b)   150,340    3,495,405 
Wingstop, Inc.   37,085    6,669,366 
         10,164,771 
Leisure Products — 3.46%          
Axon Enterprise, Inc.(a)   31,775    6,322,907 
YETI Holdings, Inc.(a)   103,600    4,995,592 
         11,318,499 
Life Sciences Tools & Services — 1.32%
Azenta, Inc.(a)   86,020    4,317,344 
           
Medical Equipment & Devices — 5.61%
Inari Medical, Inc.(a)   76,850    5,025,990 
Merit Medical Systems, Inc.(a)   96,845    6,684,242 
Neogen Corp.(a)   357,450    6,627,123 
         18,337,355 
Oil & Gas Producers — 1.76%          
Par Pacific Holdings, Inc.(a)   160,379    5,764,021 
           
Oil & Gas Services & Equipment — 3.69%
Weatherford International PLC(a)   133,615    12,069,443 
           
Retail - Discretionary — 6.61%          
Abercrombie & Fitch Co., Class A(a)   96,065    5,415,184 
Freshpet, Inc.(a)   105,225    6,932,223 
Guess, Inc.   218,790    4,734,616 
Urban Outfitters, Inc.(a)   138,650    4,532,469 
         21,614,492 
Semiconductors — 5.44%          
Axcelis Technologies, Inc.(a)   78,550    12,807,578 


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

29

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund
Schedule of Investments (continued)
September 30, 2023

 

   Shares       Fair Value 
COMMON STOCKS — (continued)          
Semiconductors — (continued)          
Semtech Corp.(a)   193,740   $4,988,805 
         17,796,383 
Software — 16.65%          
AppFolio, Inc., Class A(a)   26,395    4,820,519 
Evolent Health, Inc., Class A(a)   237,170    6,458,139 
Fastly, Inc., Class A(a)   370,830    7,108,811 
Five9, Inc.(a)   68,500    4,404,550 
Freshworks, Inc., Class A(a)   237,175    4,724,526 
Informatica, Inc., Class A(a)   238,880    5,033,202 
Nutanix, Inc., Class A(a)   247,220    8,623,033 
Procore Technologies, Inc.(a)   76,800    5,016,576 
Rapid7, Inc.(a)   106,910    4,894,340 
Zeta Global Holdings Corp., Class A(a)   404,211    3,375,162 
         54,458,858 
Technology Hardware — 7.29%          
Extreme Networks, Inc.(a)   276,740    6,699,875 
Super Micro Computer, Inc.(a)   62,595    17,164,801 
         23,864,676 
Technology Services — 4.92%          
LiveRamp Holdings, Inc.(a)   155,360    4,480,582 
Remitly Global, Inc.(a)   315,670    7,961,197 
Shift4 Payments, Inc., Class A(a)   65,950    3,651,652 
         16,093,431 
Total Common Stocks          
(Cost $274,418,305)        313,147,165 
   Shares       Fair Value 
COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED — 1.09%          
Money Market Funds — 1.09%          
Invesco Government & Agency Portfolio, Institutional Class, 5.26%(c)   3,570,551   $3,570,551 
Total Collateral for Securities Loaned/Money Market Funds (Cost $3,570,551)        3,570,551 
           
Total Investments — 96.81%          
(Cost $277,988,856)        316,717,716 
           
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 3.19%        10,424,811 
           
NET ASSETS — 100.00%       $327,142,527 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.

 

(b)All or a portion of the security is on loan as of September 30, 2023. The total value of the securities on loan as of September 30, 2023 was $3,495,382.

 

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


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

30

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund
Schedule of Investments
September 30, 2023

 

   Shares       Fair Value 
COMMON STOCKS — 99.67%          
Banking — 21.99%          
Citizens Financial Group, Inc.   352,700   $9,452,360 
East West Bancorp, Inc.   148,175    7,810,304 
First Citizens BancShares, Inc., Class A   10,058    13,881,045 
First Horizon National Corp.   272,210    2,999,754 
Huntington Bancshares, Inc.   759,884    7,902,794 
KeyCorp   1,054,000    11,341,040 
M&T Bank Corp.   61,010    7,714,715 
Old National Bancorp   418,065    6,078,665 
Wells Fargo & Co.   308,835    12,618,998 
Zions Bancorp.   302,405    10,550,910 
         90,350,585 
Chemicals — 6.24%          
Celanese Corp.   103,370    12,975,002 
Olin Corp.   177,090    8,850,958 
Sherwin-Williams Co. (The)   15,014    3,829,321 
         25,655,281 
Commercial Support Services — 4.93%          
Aramark   266,275    9,239,742 
Brink’s Co. (The)   99,060    7,195,718 
Republic Services, Inc.   27,025    3,851,333 
         20,286,793 
Containers & Packaging — 8.33%          
Berry Plastics Group, Inc.   179,110    11,088,701 
Crown Holdings, Inc.   79,280    7,014,694 
Graphic Packaging Holding Co.   408,360    9,098,261 
WestRock Co.   196,635    7,039,533 
         34,241,189 
Electric Utilities — 3.60%          
Alliant Energy Corp.   49,585    2,402,393 
CenterPoint Energy, Inc.   211,745    5,685,353 
CMS Energy Corp.   34,425    1,828,312 
Edison International   36,650    2,319,579 
   Shares       Fair Value 
           
Electric Utilities — (continued)          
Pinnacle West Capital Corp.   35,215   $2,594,641 
         14,830,278 
Electrical Equipment — 2.21%          
AMETEK, Inc.   22,940    3,389,615 
Johnson Controls International PLC   54,735    2,912,449 
Roper Technologies, Inc.   5,740    2,779,767 
         9,081,831 
Food — 1.45%          
Ingredion, Inc.   60,480    5,951,232 
           
Gas & Water Utilities — 1.39%          
Atmos Energy Corp.   53,860    5,705,390 
           
Health Care Facilities & Services — 3.04%          
Centene Corp.(a)   35,875    2,471,070 
Henry Schein, Inc.(a)   40,980    3,042,765 
Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings   34,870    7,010,614 
         12,524,449 
Home & Office Products — 0.48%          
Newell Brands, Inc.   217,811    1,966,833 
           
Home Construction — 0.83%          
Mohawk Industries, Inc.(a)   40,005    3,432,829 
           
Industrial Support Services — 3.06%          
U-Haul Holding Co.   239,850    12,565,742 
           
Insurance — 4.49%          
Everest Re Group Ltd.   15,710    5,838,936 
Globe Life, Inc.   28,275    3,074,341 
Markel Corp.(a)   6,485    9,549,097 
         18,462,374 
Machinery — 1.45%          
Donaldson Co., Inc.   100,170    5,974,139 
           
Medical Equipment & Devices — 1.97%          
DENTSPLY SIRONA, Inc.   236,750    8,087,380 
           
Oil & Gas Producers — 4.74%          
Cheniere Energy, Inc.   50,205    8,332,021 


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

31

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund
Schedule of Investments (continued)
September 30, 2023

 

   Shares       Fair Value 
COMMON STOCKS — (continued)          
Oil & Gas Producers — (continued)          
Devon Energy Corp.   142,275   $6,786,518 
Pioneer Natural Resources Co.   19,110    4,386,701 
         19,505,240 
Real Estate — 4.65%          
American Tower Corp., Class A   41,385    6,805,763 
Brixmor Property Group, Inc.   311,625    6,475,567 
Public Storage   12,755    3,361,198 
WP Carey, Inc.   46,005    2,487,950 
         19,130,478 
Retail - Consumer Staples — 3.63%          
Dollar General Corp.   106,475    11,265,055 
Dollar Tree, Inc.(a)   34,455    3,667,735 
         14,932,790 
Retail - Discretionary — 3.77%          
Advance Auto Parts, Inc.   127,535    7,133,033 
CarMax, Inc.(a)   117,890    8,338,360 
         15,471,393 
Specialty Finance — 2.77%          
Synchrony Financial   372,915    11,400,012 
           
Technology Hardware — 0.79%          
NCR Corp.(a)   119,840    3,232,084 
           
Technology Services — 13.86%          
Amdocs Ltd.   39,930    3,373,686 
Dun & Bradstreet Holdings, Inc.   706,925    7,062,181 
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.   322,925    17,848,064 
Global Payments, Inc.   122,950    14,187,200 
TransUnion   141,400    10,151,106 
Verisk Analytics, Inc.   18,395    4,345,635 
         56,967,872 
           
Total Common Stocks/ Investments — 99.67% (Cost $434,603,469)        409,756,194 
   Shares       Fair Value 
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 0.33%       $1,375,862 
           
NET ASSETS — 100.00%       $411,132,056 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.


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

32

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund
Schedule of Investments
September 30, 2023

 

   Shares       Fair Value 
COMMON STOCKS — 98.90%          
Automotive — 4.35%          
Gentex Corp.   63,000   $2,050,020 
           
Biotech & Pharma — 5.46%          
Amgen, Inc.   2,465    662,493 
Exelixis, Inc.(a)   87,565    1,913,295 
         2,575,788 
Chemicals — 4.42%          
Ecolab, Inc.   12,311    2,085,483 
           
Commercial Support Services — 5.82%          
Cintas Corp.   5,713    2,748,010 
           
E-Commerce Discretionary — 6.87%          
eBay, Inc.   73,480    3,239,734 
           
Electrical Equipment — 3.69%          
Acuity Brands, Inc.   10,225    1,741,420 
           
Leisure Facilities & Services — 3.56%          
Starbucks Corp.   18,420    1,681,193 
           
Machinery — 6.04%          
Parker-Hannifin Corp.   7,313    2,848,559 
           
Medical Equipment & Devices — 3.79%          
Waters Corp.(a)   6,527    1,789,769 
           
Publishing & Broadcasting — 2.97%          
Liberty Media Corp.- Liberty Sirius XM, Class C(a)   55,111    1,403,126 
           
Retail - Consumer Staples — 3.21%          
Dollar General Corp.   14,335    1,516,643 
           
Retail - Discretionary — 10.63%          
O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.(a)   2,517    2,287,601 
Ross Stores, Inc.   24,130    2,725,484 
         5,013,085 
Semiconductors — 13.24%          
Lam Research Corp.   3,460    2,168,624 
NVIDIA Corp.   4,600    2,000,954 
Teradyne, Inc.   20,652    2,074,700 
         6,244,278 
   Shares       Fair Value 
           
Software — 3.83%          
Fortinet, Inc.(a)   30,830   $1,809,104 
           
Specialty Finance — 9.83%          
Capital One Financial Corp.   23,725    2,302,511 
Synchrony Financial   76,420    2,336,160 
         4,638,671 
Technology Hardware — 5.24%          
Zebra Technologies Corp., Class A(a)   10,450    2,471,739 
           
Transportation & Logistics — 1.95%          
Union Pacific Corp.   4,522    920,815 
           
Transportation Equipment — 4.00%          
Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.   31,915    1,884,900 
           
Total Common Stocks/ Investments — 98.90% (Cost $46,695,869)        46,662,337 
           
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 1.10%        517,670 
           
NET ASSETS — 100.00%       $47,180,007 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.


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

33

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund
Schedule of Investments
September 30, 2023

 

   Shares       Fair Value 
COMMON STOCKS — 93.59%          
Asset Management — 1.99%          
Hamilton Lane, Inc., Class A   9,280   $839,283 
           
Automotive — 3.09%          
Gentex Corp.   39,965    1,300,461 
           
Banking — 7.24%          
First Citizens          
BancShares, Inc., Class A   755    1,041,976 
First Commonwealth Financial Corp.   27,770    339,072 
First Financial Bankshares, Inc.   10,900    273,808 
Live Oak Bancshares, Inc.   28,392    821,948 
Western Alliance Bancorp   12,427    571,269 
         3,048,073 
Biotech & Pharma — 2.37%          
Exelixis, Inc.(a)   45,715    998,873 
           
Chemicals — 2.72%          
Huntsman Corp.   23,485    573,034 
Orion Engineered Carbons SA   26,990    574,348 
         1,147,382 
Commercial Support Services — 1.23%          
Cintas Corp.   1,080    519,491 
           
Construction Materials — 2.53%          
Owens Corning   7,800    1,063,998 
           
Containers & Packaging — 1.28%          
International Paper Co.   15,230    540,208 
           
E-Commerce Discretionary — 2.53%          
eBay, Inc.   24,140    1,064,333 
           
Electrical Equipment — 4.61%          
Acuity Brands, Inc.   5,930    1,009,938 
Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.   9,025    930,658 
         1,940,596 
   Shares       Fair Value 
           
Food — 3.11%          
John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc.   2,580   $254,904 
Lancaster Colony Corp.   6,410    1,057,842 
         1,312,746 
Gas & Water Utilities — 1.06%          
UGI Corp.   19,400    446,200 
           
Health Care Facilities & Services — 2.20%          
Medpace Holdings, Inc.(a)   835    202,179 
Quest Diagnostics, Inc.   5,930    722,629 
         924,808 
Home & Office Products — 2.28%          
Tempur Sealy International, Inc.   22,200    962,148 
           
Home Construction — 4.39%          
Masco Corp.   19,065    1,019,024 
PulteGroup, Inc.   11,220    830,841 
         1,849,865 
Institutional Financial Services — 0.49%          
Nasdaq, Inc.   4,220    205,050 
           
Insurance — 3.88%          
Brown & Brown, Inc.   15,923    1,112,062 
Old Republic International Corp.   19,455    524,118 
         1,636,180 
Machinery — 0.65%          
Parker-Hannifin Corp.   705    274,612 
           
Medical Equipment & Devices — 3.77%          
Align Technology, Inc.(a)   1,570    479,352 
DENTSPLY SIRONA, Inc.   13,860    473,458 
Waters Corp.(a)   2,325    637,538 
         1,590,348 
Oil & Gas Producers — 5.40%          
Coterra Energy, Inc.   53,245    1,440,277 
Devon Energy Corp.   17,524    835,895 
         2,276,172 
Real Estate — 5.72%          
American Assets Trust, Inc.   20,810    404,755 


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

34

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund
Schedule of Investments (continued)
September 30, 2023

 

   Shares       Fair Value 
COMMON STOCKS — (continued)          
Real Estate — (continued)          
Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc.   50,070  $768,074 
Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc.   27,184    1,238,231 
         2,411,060 
REIT — 1.02%          
Matson, Inc.   4,820    427,630 
           
Retail - Consumer Staples — 0.86%          
Dollar General Corp.   3,410    360,778 
           
Retail - Discretionary — 1.21%          
Advance Auto Parts, Inc.   4,620    258,396 
Ross Stores, Inc.   2,210    249,620 
         508,016 
Semiconductors — 7.09%          
Cirrus Logic, Inc.(a)   8,155    603,144 
IPG Photonics Corp.(a)   6,290    638,687 
Power Integrations, Inc.   10,450    797,439 
Teradyne, Inc.   9,445    948,844 
         2,988,114 
Software — 4.14%          
Akamai Technologies, Inc.(a)   2,675    284,995 
Concentrix Corp.   7,415    594,016 
SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc.   16,470    865,333 
         1,744,344 
Specialty Finance — 2.10%          
Synchrony Financial   28,940    884,696 
           
Steel — 1.53%          
Steel Dynamics, Inc.   6,010    644,392 
           
Technology Hardware — 2.53%          
Zebra Technologies Corp., Class A(a)   4,505    1,065,568 
           
Technology Services — 2.98%          
Leidos Holdings, Inc.   8,795    810,547 
Science Applications International Corp.   4,225    445,907 
         1,256,454 
   Shares       Fair Value 
           
Transportation & Logistics — 2.53%          
Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.   9,310   $1,067,205 
           
Transportation Equipment — 2.85%          
Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.   20,300    1,198,918 
           
Wholesale - Discretionary — 2.21%          
Pool Corp.   2,620    932,982 
           
Total Common Stocks/ Investments — 93.59% (Cost $41,517,020)        39,430,984 
           
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 6.41%        2,699,793 
           
NET ASSETS — 100.00%       $42,130,777 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.

 

REIT - Real Estate Investment Trust



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

35

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund
Schedule of Investments
September 30, 2023

 

   Shares       Fair Value 
COMMON STOCKS — 98.98%          
Advertising & Marketing — 1.45%          
Gambling.com Group Ltd.(a)   19,075   $249,501 
PodcastOne, Inc.(a)   5,994    11,868 
         261,369 
Asset Management — 4.68%          
B. Riley Financial, Inc.(b)   11,496    471,221 
Vitesse Energy, Inc.   16,335    373,908 
         845,129 
Automotive — 1.04%          
Holley, Inc.(a)   37,600    187,624 
           
Biotech & Pharma — 5.87%          
Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)   23,425    434,299 
OmniAb, Inc.(a)   55,975    290,510 
PetIQ, Inc., Class A(a)   17,050    335,885 
         1,060,694 
Commercial Support Services — 1.31%          
Acacia Research Corp.(a)   64,810    236,557 
           
E-Commerce Discretionary — 3.75%          
1-800-FLOWERS.          
COM, Inc., Class A(a)   27,100    189,700 
BARK, Inc.(a)   209,075    250,890 
RealReal, Inc. (The)(a)   111,541    235,352 
         675,942 
Electrical Equipment — 1.38%          
FARO Technologies, Inc.(a)   16,395    249,696 
           
Entertainment Content — 1.25%          
PLAYSTUDIOS, Inc., Class A(a)   70,971    225,688 
           
Food — 1.71%          
Limoneira Co.(a)   20,035    306,936 
           
Health Care Facilities & Services — 0.66%          
Inotiv, Inc.(a)   38,382    118,217 
           
Home & Office Products — 0.38%          
Purple Innovation, Inc.(a)   40,303    68,918 
           
Household Products — 1.37%          
Beauty Health Co. (The), Class A(a)   41,210    248,084 
           
Insurance — 0.88%          
SelectQuote, Inc.(a)   135,075    158,038 
   Shares       Fair Value 
           
Internet Media & Services — 3.40%          
LiveOne, Inc.(a)   125,855   $120,343 
Nerdy, Inc., Class A(a)   80,250    296,924 
TrueCar, Inc.(a)   94,472    195,557 
         612,824 
Leisure Facilities & Services — 2.79%          
Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc.(a)   41,150    271,179 
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc.(a)   28,810    231,632 
         502,811 
Leisure Products — 1.50%          
American Outdoor Brands, Inc.(a)   27,647    270,388 
           
Machinery — 3.57%          
Ranpak Holdings Corp., Class A(a)   52,740    286,906 
Titan International, Inc.(a)   26,580    356,968 
         643,874 
Medical Equipment & Devices — 4.23%          
Quanterix Corp.(a)   19,865    539,136 
Zimvie, Inc.(a)   23,775    223,723 
         762,859 
Oil & Gas Producers — 5.79%          
Matador Resources Co.   12,065    717,626 
SandRidge Energy, Inc.   20,885    327,059 
         1,044,685 
Oil & Gas Services & Equipment — 5.42%          
Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc.(a)   39,613    442,477 
Newpark Resources, Inc.(a)   77,495    535,491 
         977,968 
Publishing & Broadcasting — 1.43%          
Townsquare Media, Inc., Class A(a)   29,640    258,461 
           
Real Estate Services — 0.66%          
Douglas Elliman, Inc.(a)   52,406    118,438 
           
REIT — 1.14%          
Farmland Partners, Inc.(b)   20,145    206,687 
           
Retail - Discretionary — 6.10%          
Aaron’s Co., Inc. (The)(a)   24,380    255,259 
Aspen Aerogels, Inc.(a)   9,818    84,435 
Genesco, Inc.(a)   11,450    352,889 


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

36

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund
Schedule of Investments (continued)
September 30, 2023

 

   Shares       Fair Value 
COMMON STOCKS — (continued)          
Retail - Discretionary — (continued)          
Vera Bradley, Inc.(a)   61,875   $408,993 
         1,101,576 
Semiconductors — 2.59%          
ACM Research, Inc., Class A(a)   25,795    467,018 
           
Software — 9.37%          
Brightcove, Inc.(a)   37,775    124,280 
Cantaloupe, Inc.(a)   57,387    358,669 
Donnelley Financial Solutions, Inc.(a)   5,858    329,688 
LivePerson, Inc.(a)   59,400    231,066 
OneSpan, Inc.(a)   22,097    237,543 
Porch Group, Inc.(a)   145,600    116,859 
Rackspace Technology, Inc.(a)(b)   124,900    293,515 
         1,691,620 
Specialty Finance — 3.35%          
Applied Digital Corp.(a) (b)   65,710    410,030 
PRA Group, Inc.(a)   10,099    194,002 
         604,032 
Technology Hardware — 4.04%          
Comtech Telecommunications Corp.   26,410    231,088 
PlayAGS, Inc.(a)   43,500    283,620 
Turtle Beach Corp.(a)   23,605    214,215 
         728,923 
Telecommunications — 2.41%          
Spok Holdings, Inc.(a)   30,485    435,021 
           
Transportation & Logistics — 6.75%          
Eagle Bulk Shipping, Inc.(a)   6,200    260,586 
Nordic American Tankers Ltd.   88,085    362,910 
Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc., Class A(a)   135,470    594,713 
         1,218,209 
Transportation Equipment — 2.62%          
AerSale Corp.(a)   18,307    273,507 
Blue Bird Corp.(a)   9,300    198,555 
         472,062 
Wholesale - Consumer Staples — 1.30%          
Calavo Growers, Inc.   9,300    234,639 
   Shares       Fair Value 
           
Wholesale - Discretionary — 4.79%          
G-III Apparel Group Ltd.(a)   19,150   $477,218 
ThredUp, Inc., Class A(a)(b)   96,650    387,567 
         864,785 
Total Common Stocks (Cost $16,040,518)        17,859,772 
           
COLLATERAL FOR SECURITIES LOANED — 8.25%          
Money Market Funds — 8.25%          
Invesco Government & Agency Portfolio, Institutional Class, 5.26%(c)   1,487,955    1,487,955 
           
Total Collateral for Securities Loaned/Money Market Funds (Cost $1,487,955)        1,487,955 
           
Total Investments — 107.23% (Cost $17,528,473)        19,347,727 
           
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (7.23)%        (1,303,908)
           
NET ASSETS — 100.00%       $18,043,819 

 

(a)Non-income producing security.

 

(b)All or a portion of the security is on loan as of September 30, 2023. The total value of the securities on loan as of September 30, 2023 was $1,442,406.

 

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

 

REIT – Real Estate Investment Trust



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

37

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
September 30, 2023

 

   Fuller & Thaler   Fuller & Thaler   Fuller & Thaler 
   Behavioral Small-   Behavioral Small-   Behavioral Mid- 
   Cap Equity Fund   Cap Growth Fund   Cap Value Fund 
Assets               
Investments in securities at fair value (cost $5,366,218,675, $277,988,856 and $434,603,469)  $6,574,655,114   $316,717,716   $409,756,194 
Cash and cash equivalents   250,464,792    10,587,930    1,403,429 
Receivable for fund shares sold   8,058,770    3,639,401    132,793 
Receivable for investments sold   39,717,914        13,472,324 
Dividends and interest receivable   6,033,453    50,080    425,755 
Securities lending income receivable   273    10,112     
Prepaid expenses   112,847    34,955    31,082 
Total Assets   6,879,043,163    331,040,194    425,221,577 
Liabilities               
Payable for investments purchased   46,083,670        1,554,178 
Payable for fund shares redeemed   5,365,234    69,294    12,250,388 
Payable for collateral upon return of securities loaned   1,737,500    3,570,551     
Payable to Adviser   3,386,500    143,815    195,522 
Accrued 12b-1 fees   143,798    9,389    5,640 
Accrued administrative service fees   953,749    56,083    44,740 
Payable to affiliates   103,312    5,265    6,273 
Payable to auditors   4,240    4,240    4,240 
Payable to trustees   290    290    290 
Other accrued expenses   332,760    38,740    28,250 
Total Liabilities   58,111,053    3,897,667    14,089,521 
Net Assets  $6,820,932,110   $327,142,527   $411,132,056 
Net Assets consist of:               
Paid-in capital  $5,528,876,646   $319,541,247   $439,917,083 
Accumulated earnings (deficit)   1,292,055,464    7,601,280    (28,785,027)
Net Assets  $6,820,932,110   $327,142,527   $411,132,056 

 

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

38

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Statements of Assets and Liabilities (continued)
September 30, 2023

 

   Fuller & Thaler   Fuller & Thaler   Fuller & Thaler 
   Behavioral Small-   Behavioral Small-   Behavioral Mid- 
   Cap Equity Fund   Cap Growth Fund   Cap Value Fund 
R6 Shares:               
Net Assets  $1,794,005,038   $55,873,864   $216,829,341 
Shares outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized, no par value)   48,257,054    1,696,343    7,824,382 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share  $37.18   $32.94   $27.71 
Institutional Shares:               
Net Assets  $4,654,951,454   $253,671,071   $184,154,302 
Shares outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized, no par value)   126,389,851    7,743,804    6,657,541 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share  $36.83   $32.76   $27.66 
Investor Shares:               
Net Assets  $347,884,514   $13,075,367   $8,110,312 
Shares outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized, no par value)   9,522,266    405,962    294,890 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share  $36.53   $32.21   $27.50 
A Shares:               
Net Assets  $11,312,518   $1,448,071   $1,716,886 
Shares outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized, no par value)   310,373    45,079    62,288 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share  $36.45   $32.12   $27.56 
Maximum offering price per share (Note 1)  $38.67   $34.08   $29.24 
C Shares:               
Net Assets  $12,778,586   $3,074,154   $321,215 
Shares outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized, no par value)   357,004    98,213    11,732 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share  $35.79   $31.30   $27.38 

 

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

39

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Statements of Assets and Liabilities (continued)
September 30, 2023

 

   Fuller & Thaler   Fuller & Thaler     
   Behavioral   Behavioral Small–   Fuller & Thaler 
   Unconstrained   Mid Core Equity   Behavioral Micro- 
   Equity Fund   Fund   Cap Equity Fund 
Assets               
Investments in securities at fair value (cost $46,695,869, $41,517,020 and $17,528,473)  $46,662,337   $39,430,984   $19,347,727 
Cash and cash equivalents   489,190    2,375,001    807,504 
Receivable for fund shares sold   41,013    21,056    250 
Receivable for investments sold       483,036     
Dividends and interest receivable   20,466    35,422    21,572 
Securities lending income receivable           447 
Prepaid expenses   29,263    17,222    7,750 
Total Assets   47,242,269    42,362,721    20,185,250 
Liabilities               
Payable for investments purchased       204,528    621,715 
Payable for fund shares redeemed   35,730        11,869 
Payable for collateral upon return of securities loaned           1,487,955 
Payable to Adviser   16,005    8,623    7,096 
Accrued 12b-1 fees   106    130     
Accrued administrative service fees   2,214    5,102    2,410 
Payable to affiliates   1,000    1,000    1,000 
Payable to auditors   4,240    4,240    4,240 
Payable to trustees   290    290    290 
Other accrued expenses   2,677    8,031    4,856 
Total Liabilities   62,262    231,944    2,141,431 
Net Assets  $47,180,007   $42,130,777   $18,043,819 
Net Assets consist of:               
Paid-in capital  $51,441,919   $44,756,939   $20,201,338 
Accumulated deficit   (4,261,912)   (2,626,162)   (2,157,519)
Net Assets  $47,180,007   $42,130,777   $18,043,819 

 

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

40

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Statements of Assets and Liabilities (continued)
September 30, 2023

 

   Fuller & Thaler   Fuller & Thaler     
   Behavioral   Behavioral Small–   Fuller & Thaler 
   Unconstrained   Mid Core Equity   Behavioral Micro- 
   Equity Fund   Fund   Cap Equity Fund 
R6 Shares:               
Net Assets  $33,501,596           
Shares outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized, no par value)   934,517           
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share  $35.85           
Institutional Shares:               
Net Assets  $13,592,159   $41,563,818   $18,043,819 
Shares outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized, no par value)   380,380    1,333,024    754,480 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share  $35.73   $31.18   $23.92 
A Shares:               
Net Assets  $57,118   $566,959      
Shares outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized, no par value)   1,608    18,258      
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share  $35.51 (a)  $31.05      
Maximum offering price per share (Note 1)  $37.68   $32.94      
C Shares:               
Net Assets  $29,134           
Shares outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized, no par value)   830           
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share  $35.10           
                
(a)Per share amounts may not recalculate due to rounding of net assets and/or shares outstanding.

 

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

41

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Statements of Operations
For the year ended September 30, 2023

 

   Fuller & Thaler   Fuller & Thaler   Fuller & Thaler 
   Behavioral Small-   Behavioral Small-   Behavioral Mid- 
   Cap Equity Fund   Cap Growth Fund   Cap Value Fund 
Investment Income:               
Dividend income  $102,919,988   $716,855   $8,792,270 
Interest income   6,249,670    58,214    333,180 
Securities lending income   2,410    23,042    116 
Total investment income   109,172,068    798,111    9,125,566 
Expenses:               
Adviser   37,659,669    1,683,677    3,095,608 
Administrative Services - Institutional Shares   4,891,299    200,408    255,323 
Administrative Services - Investor Shares   504,836    11,069    17,800 
Administrative Services - A Shares   15,695    1,135    1,411 
12b-1 fees - Investor Shares   801,168    16,476    26,541 
12b-1 fees - A Shares   25,736    1,886    3,033 
12b-1 fees - C Shares   125,358    15,540    2,598 
Administration   859,789    26,872    56,479 
Report printing   316,613    16,122    27,765 
Fund accounting   272,647    8,508    17,912 
ReFlow fees (Note 9)   245,197    42,325    65,661 
Registration   241,154    79,071    57,828 
Custodian   167,686    11,934    17,919 
Transfer agent   126,271    3,953    8,294 
Legal   71,718    12,327    13,374 
Audit and tax preparation   17,631    17,631    17,631 
Trustee   17,177    17,177    17,177 
Compliance services   6,146    6,146    6,146 
Overdraft fees       41    851 
Miscellaneous   197,315    50,984    42,313 
Total expenses   46,563,105    2,223,282    3,751,664 
Fees contractually waived by Adviser       (299,044)   (353,753)
Net operating expenses   46,563,105    1,924,238    3,397,911 
Net investment income (loss)   62,608,963    (1,126,127)   5,727,655 
Net Realized and Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments and In-Kind Redemptions               
Net realized gain (loss) on investment securities transactions   44,167,158    (21,890,990)   (6,675,749)
Net realized gain from in-kind redemptions (Note 2)   71,094,546    7,729,264    14,708,557 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investment securities   800,428,286    47,767,293    (1,010,941)
Net realized and change in unrealized gain on investments and in-kind redemptions   915,689,990    33,605,567    7,021,867 
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations  $978,298,953   $32,479,440   $12,749,522 

 

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

42

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Statements of Operations (continued)
For the year ended September 30, 2023

 

   Fuller & Thaler   Fuller & Thaler     
   Behavioral   Behavioral Small–   Fuller & Thaler 
   Unconstrained   Mid Core Equity   Behavioral Micro- 
   Equity Fund   Fund   Cap Equity Fund 
Investment Income:               
Dividend income (net of foreign taxes withheld of $–, $324 and $–)  $492,315   $562,048   $305,005 
Interest income   20,636    15,253    6,358 
Securities lending income       106    13,883 
Total investment income   512,951    577,407    325,246 
Expenses:               
Adviser   362,085    228,645    252,313 
Administrative Services - Institutional Shares   14,843    16,544    16,151 
Administrative Services - A Shares   88    443     
12b-1 fees - A Shares   121    642     
12b-1 fees - C Shares   284         
Registration   61,056    34,829    13,280 
ReFlow fees (Note 9)   17,216    10,523    1,321 
Trustee   17,177    17,177    17,177 
Audit and tax preparation   16,111    15,861    15,861 
Legal   11,769    11,769    11,679 
Administration   8,197    8,197    8,197 
Compliance services   6,146    6,146    6,146 
Custodian   3,202    2,295    1,329 
Report printing   2,769    2,336    2,301 
Fund accounting   2,599    2,599    2,599 
Transfer agent   1,204    1,204    1,204 
Overdraft fees   57         
Miscellaneous   22,187    26,896    21,387 
Total expenses   547,111    386,106    370,945 
Fees contractually waived by Adviser   (160,352)   (118,926)   (124,720)
Net operating expenses   386,759    267,180    246,225 
Net investment income   126,192    310,227    79,021 
Net Realized and Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments and In-Kind Redemptions               
Net realized loss on investment securities transactions   (3,347,499)   (839,748)   (3,694,425)
Net realized gain from in-kind redemptions (Note 2)   3,994,037    2,595,851    384,692 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investment securities   7,141,176    (1,206,049)   4,705,383 
Net realized and change in unrealized gain on investments and in-kind redemptions   7,787,714    550,054    1,395,650 
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations  $7,913,906   $860,281   $1,474,671 

 

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

43

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap 
   Equity Fund 
   For the Year Ended   For the Year Ended 
   September 30, 2023   September 30, 2022 
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets due to:          
Operations          
Net investment income  $62,608,963   $48,101,354 
Net realized gain on investment securities transactions   44,167,158    72,684,930 
Net realized gain from in-kind redemptions (Note 2)   71,094,546    88,174,791 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investment securities   800,428,286    (903,702,292)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   978,298,953    (694,741,217)
Distributions to Shareholders from Earnings:          
R6 Shares   (19,327,335)   (57,984,642)
Institutional Shares   (46,680,956)   (157,276,899)
Investor Shares   (2,755,570)   (10,466,800)
A Shares   (89,102)   (301,760)
C Shares   (61,770)   (389,269)
Total distributions   (68,914,733)   (226,419,370)
Capital Transactions:          
R6 Shares:          
Proceeds from shares sold   625,715,575    719,198,123 
Reinvestment of distributions   5,571,572    18,510,488 
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (416,167,048)   (568,916,210)
Total R6 Shares   215,120,099    168,792,401 
Institutional Shares:          
Proceeds from shares sold   1,497,763,887    1,715,612,643 
Reinvestment of distributions   35,308,013    103,296,469 
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (934,107,965)   (1,334,348,730)
Total Institutional Shares   598,963,935    484,560,382 
Investor Shares:          
Proceeds from shares sold   139,048,508    121,905,548 
Reinvestment of distributions   2,521,438    9,654,003 
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (102,290,503)   (98,498,012)
Total Investor Shares   39,279,443    33,061,539 
A Shares:          
Proceeds from shares sold   1,809,456    3,572,956 
Reinvestment of distributions   85,691    301,511 
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (1,447,266)   (443,030)
Total A Shares   447,881    3,431,437 
C Shares:          
Proceeds from shares sold   2,312,985    4,389,081 
Reinvestment of distributions   54,047    354,610 
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (2,399,653)   (2,016,553)
Total C Shares   (32,621)   2,727,138 
Net increase in net assets resulting from capital transactions   853,778,737    692,572,897 
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets   1,763,162,957    (228,587,690)

 

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

44

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

   Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap 
   Equity Fund 
   For the Year Ended   For the Year Ended 
   September 30, 2023   September 30, 2022 
Net Assets          
Beginning of year   5,057,769,153    5,286,356,843 
End of year  $6,820,932,110   $5,057,769,153 
Share Transactions:          
R6 Shares:          
Shares sold   17,407,933    20,275,591 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions   157,767    493,591 
Shares redeemed   (11,568,665)   (16,405,133)
Total R6 Shares   5,997,035    4,364,049 
Institutional Shares:          
Shares sold   41,600,182    47,919,537 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions   1,010,184    2,778,865 
Shares redeemed   (26,036,089)   (39,478,485)
Total Institutional Shares   16,574,277    11,219,917 
Investor Shares:          
Shares sold   3,881,423    3,472,850 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions   72,381    261,509 
Shares redeemed   (2,855,110)   (2,849,011)
Total Investor Shares   1,098,694    885,348 
A Shares:          
Shares sold   50,467    101,419 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions   2,465    8,185 
Shares redeemed   (43,986)   (12,923)
Total A Shares   8,946    96,681 
C Shares:          
Shares sold   65,654    125,875 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions   1,560    9,751 
Shares redeemed   (68,410)   (59,794)
Total C Shares   (1,196)   75,832 

 

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

45

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

   Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap 
   Growth Fund 
   For the Year Ended   For the Year Ended 
   September 30, 2023   September 30, 2022 
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets due to:          
Operations          
Net investment loss  $(1,126,127)  $(804,265)
Net realized loss on investment securities transactions   (21,890,990)   (7,160,380)
Net realized gain from in-kind redemptions (Note 2)   7,729,264    10,912,170 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investment securities   47,767,293    (36,844,976)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   32,479,440    (33,897,451)
Distributions to Shareholders from Earnings:          
R6 Shares       (883,665)
Institutional Shares       (15,967,150)
Investor Shares       (589,494)
A Shares       (77,567)
C Shares       (115,257)
Total distributions       (17,633,133)
Capital Transactions:          
R6 Shares:          
Proceeds from shares sold   80,783,154    66,732,025 
Reinvestment of distributions       883,665 
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (46,677,069)   (55,919,059)
Total R6 Shares   34,106,085    11,696,631 
Institutional Shares:          
Proceeds from shares sold   172,179,021    80,260,542 
Reinvestment of distributions       15,871,036 
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (40,210,522)   (56,594,840)
Total Institutional Shares   131,968,499    39,536,738 
Investor Shares:          
Proceeds from shares sold   10,462,083    2,617,757 
Reinvestment of distributions       583,606 
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (1,216,003)   (1,790,652)
Total Investor Shares   9,246,080    1,410,711 
A Shares:          
Proceeds from shares sold   1,500,900    673,761 
Reinvestment of distributions       77,567 
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (483,425)   (544,876)
Total A Shares   1,017,475    206,452 
C Shares:          
Proceeds from shares sold   2,307,377    357,014 
Reinvestment of distributions       115,257 
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (134,201)   (152,426)
Total C Shares   2,173,176    319,845 
Net increase in net assets resulting from capital transactions   178,511,315    53,170,377 
Total Increase in Net Assets   210,990,755    1,639,793 

 

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

46

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

   Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap 
   Growth Fund 
   For the Year Ended   For the Year Ended 
   September 30, 2023   September 30, 2022 
Net Assets          
Beginning of year   116,151,772    114,511,979 
End of year  $327,142,527   $116,151,772 
Share Transactions:          
R6 Shares:          
Shares sold   2,556,289    2,181,042 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions       22,687 
Shares redeemed   (1,483,038)   (1,715,869)
Total R6 Shares   1,073,251    487,860 
Institutional Shares:          
Shares sold   5,494,847    2,541,201 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions       409,047 
Shares redeemed   (1,308,496)   (1,773,230)
Total Institutional Shares   4,186,351    1,177,018 
Investor Shares:          
Shares sold   327,736    79,938 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions       15,222 
Shares redeemed   (39,020)   (52,752)
Total Investor Shares   288,716    42,408 
A Shares:          
Shares sold   47,654    20,078 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions       2,027 
Shares redeemed   (15,497)   (17,612)
Total A Shares   32,157    4,493 
C Shares:          
Shares sold   75,456    12,017 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions       3,063 
Shares redeemed   (4,709)   (4,600)
Total C Shares   70,747    10,480 

 

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

47

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

   Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap 
   Value Fund 
   For the Year Ended   For the Year Ended 
   September 30, 2023   September 30, 2022 
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets due to:          
Operations          
Net investment income  $5,727,655   $2,476,694 
Net realized gain (loss) on investment securities transactions   (6,675,749)   4,936,781 
Net realized gain from in-kind redemptions (Note 2)   14,708,557     
Net change in unrealized depreciation of investment securities   (1,010,941)   (40,291,763)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   12,749,522    (32,878,288)
Distributions to Shareholders from Earnings:          
R6 Shares   (4,882,882)   (2,988,455)
Institutional Shares   (4,069,248)   (557,522)
Investor Shares   (139,944)   (49,458)
A Shares   (4,018)    
C Shares   (3,375)    
Total distributions   (9,099,467)   (3,595,435)
Capital Transactions:          
R6 Shares:          
Proceeds from shares sold   86,601,555    34,440,355 
Reinvestment of distributions   4,882,882    2,517,596 
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (58,125,918)   (605,744)
Total R6 Shares   33,358,519    36,352,207 
Institutional Shares:          
Proceeds from shares sold   169,657,350    157,420,342 
Reinvestment of distributions   3,477,679    547,104 
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (121,796,622)   (30,549,168)
Total Institutional Shares   51,338,407    127,418,278 
Investor Shares:          
Proceeds from shares sold   9,646,784    5,174,628 
Reinvestment of distributions   138,870    48,585 
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (7,583,166)   (1,127,597)
Total Investor Shares   2,202,488    4,095,616 
A Shares:          
Proceeds from shares sold   2,250,553    86,625 (a)
Reinvestment of distributions   4,018     
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (552,332)    
Total A Shares   1,702,239    86,625 
C Shares:          
Proceeds from shares sold   288,356    53,702 (a)
Reinvestment of distributions   3,375     
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (6,012)    
Total C Shares   285,719    53,702 
Net increase in net assets resulting from capital transactions   88,887,372    168,006,428 
Total Increase in Net Assets   92,537,427    131,532,705 

 

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

48

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

   Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap 
   Value Fund 
   For the Year Ended   For the Year Ended 
   September 30, 2023   September 30, 2022 
Net Assets          
Beginning of year   318,594,629    187,061,924 
End of year  $411,132,056   $318,594,629 
Share Transactions:          
R6 Shares:          
Shares sold   3,110,382    1,148,183 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions   170,441    81,801 
Shares redeemed   (2,143,832)   (19,390)
Total R6 Shares   1,136,991    1,210,594 
Institutional Shares:          
Shares sold   5,863,820    5,244,805 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions   121,608    17,787 
Shares redeemed   (4,432,979)   (1,052,162)
Total Institutional Shares   1,552,449    4,210,430 
Investor Shares:          
Shares sold   338,427    169,207 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions   4,867    1,585 
Shares redeemed   (268,773)   (37,498)
Total Investor Shares   74,521    133,294 
A Shares:          
Shares sold   78,540    2,855 (a)
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions   141     
Shares redeemed   (19,248)    
Total A Shares   59,433    2,855 
C Shares:          
Shares sold   10,000    1,824 (a)
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions   119     
Shares redeemed   (211)    
Total C Shares   9,908    1,824 

 

(a)For the period March 10, 2022 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2022.

 

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

49

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

   Fuller & Thaler Behavioral 
   Unconstrained Equity Fund 
   For the Year Ended   For the Year Ended 
   September 30, 2023   September 30, 2022 
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets due to:          
Operations          
Net investment income  $126,192   $2,267 
Net realized gain (loss) on investment securities transactions   (3,347,499)   368,585 
Net realized gain from in-kind redemptions (Note 2)   3,994,037    12,597,793 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investment securities   7,141,176    (26,068,637)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   7,913,906    (13,099,992)
Capital Transactions:          
R6 Shares:          
Proceeds from shares sold   30,700,026    44,560,789 
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (34,872,906)   (71,396,011)
Total R6 Shares   (4,172,880)   (26,835,222)
Institutional Shares:          
Proceeds from shares sold   3,134,933    5,604,275 
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (1,995,946)   (2,296,189)
Total Institutional Shares   1,138,987    3,308,086 
A Shares:          
Proceeds from shares sold   12,771    63,000 
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (112)   (53,435)
Total A Shares   12,659    9,565 
C Shares:          
Proceeds from shares sold       40,096 
Amount paid for shares redeemed       (28,842)
Total C Shares       11,254 
Net decrease in net assets resulting from capital transactions   (3,021,234)   (23,506,317)
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets   4,892,672    (36,606,309)

 

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

50

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

   Fuller & Thaler Behavioral 
   Unconstrained Equity Fund 
   For the Year Ended   For the Year Ended 
   September 30, 2023   September 30, 2022 
Net Assets          
Beginning of year   42,287,335    78,893,644 
End of year  $47,180,007   $42,287,335 
Share Transactions:          
R6 Shares:          
Shares sold   878,245    1,219,575 
Shares redeemed   (1,023,536)   (1,941,964)
Total R6 Shares   (145,291)   (722,389)
Institutional Shares:          
Shares sold   89,118    145,986 
Shares redeemed   (58,708)   (65,427)
Total Institutional Shares   30,410    80,559 
A Shares:          
Shares sold   367    1,569 
Shares redeemed   (3)   (1,569)
Total A Shares   364     
C Shares:          
Shares sold       1,093 
Shares redeemed       (922)
Total C Shares       171 

 

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

51

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

   Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small–Mid 
   Core Equity Fund 
   For the Year Ended   For the Year Ended 
   September 30, 2023   September 30, 2022 
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets due to:          
Operations          
Net investment income  $310,227   $59,023 
Net realized loss on investment securities transactions   (839,748)   (46,839)
Net realized gain from in-kind redemptions (Note 2)   2,595,851    943,474 
Net change in unrealized depreciation of investment securities   (1,206,049)   (2,502,577)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   860,281    (1,546,919)
Distributions to Shareholders from Earnings:          
Institutional Shares   (71,804)   (268,615)
A Shares   (39)    
Total distributions   (71,843)   (268,615)
Capital Transactions:          
Institutional Shares:          
Proceeds from shares sold   57,951,189    8,388,927 
Reinvestment of distributions   71,804    260,844 
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (24,008,554)   (5,226,804)
Total Institutional Shares   34,014,439    3,422,967 
A Shares:          
Proceeds from shares sold   695,071    4,054 (a)
Reinvestment of distributions   39     
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (127,698)    
Total A Shares   567,412    4,054 
Net increase in net assets resulting from capital transactions   34,581,851    3,427,021 
Total Increase in Net Assets   35,370,289    1,611,487 
Net Assets          
Beginning of year   6,760,488    5,149,001 
End of year  $42,130,777   $6,760,488 
Share Transactions:          
Institutional Shares:          
Shares sold   1,824,200    259,259 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions   2,467    7,371 
Shares redeemed   (748,278)   (155,080)
Total Institutional Shares   1,078,389    111,550 
A Shares:          
Shares sold   22,225    125 (a)
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions   1     
Shares redeemed   (4,093)    
Total A Shares   18,133    125 

 

(a)For the period March 10, 2022 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2022.

 

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

52

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

   Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap 
   Equity Fund 
   For the Year Ended   For the Year Ended 
   September 30, 2023   September 30, 2022 
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets due to:          
Operations          
Net investment income (loss)  $79,021   $(86,485)
Net realized gain (loss) on investment securities transactions   (3,694,425)   308,027 
Net realized gain from in-kind redemptions (Note 2)   384,692    1,456,789 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investment securities   4,705,383    (7,110,954)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   1,474,671    (5,432,623)
Distributions to Shareholders from Earnings:          
Institutional Shares       (1,152,556)
Total distributions       (1,152,556)
Capital Transactions:          
Institutional Shares:          
Proceeds from shares sold   5,177,276    11,606,649 
Reinvestment of distributions       1,141,910 
Amount paid for shares redeemed   (2,282,018)   (6,184,172)
Total Institutional Shares   2,895,258    6,564,387 
Net increase in net assets resulting from capital transactions   2,895,258    6,564,387 
Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets   4,369,929    (20,792)
Net Assets          
Beginning of year   13,673,890    13,694,682 
End of year  $18,043,819   $13,673,890 
Share Transactions:          
Institutional Shares:          
Shares sold   220,258    432,350 
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions       34,561 
Shares redeemed   (96,745)   (233,412)
Total Institutional Shares   123,513    233,499 

 

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

53

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund – R6 Shares
Financial Highlights
(For a share outstanding during each year)

 

   For the Years Ended September 30, 
   2023   2022   2021   2020   2019 
Net asset value, beginning of year  $31.61   $36.83   $24.76   $25.39   $26.76 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income(a)   0.40    0.33    0.49    0.11    0.17 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   5.63    (4.09)   11.71    (0.61(b)   (1.40)
Total from investment operations   6.03    (3.76)   12.20    (0.50)   (1.23)
Less distributions to shareholders from:                         
Net investment income   (0.29)   (0.18)   (0.13)   (0.13)   (0.14)
Net realized gains   (0.17)   (1.28)            
Total from distributions   (0.46)   (1.46)   (0.13)   (0.13)   (0.14)
Net asset value, end of year  $37.18   $31.61   $36.83   $24.76   $25.39 
Total Return (c)   19.16%   (10.81)%   49.38%   (2.02)%   (4.54)%
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                         
Net assets, end of year (000 omitted)  $1,794,005   $1,335,836   $1,395,653   $610,476   $184,779 
Before waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   0.64%   0.65%   0.64%   0.69%   0.72%
After waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.64%   0.65%   0.64%   0.69%   0.72%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   1.10%   0.94%   1.42%   0.47%   0.69%
Portfolio turnover(d)(e)   35%   35%   31%   54%   38%

 

(a)Per share net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method.

 

(b)The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period does not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses in the portfolio of securities during the period due to the timing of sales and purchases of fund shares in relation to fluctuating market values during the period.

 

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

 

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

 

(e)Portfolio turnover excludes securities delivered as a result of a redemption in-kind.

 

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

54

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund – Institutional Shares
Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding during each year)

 

   For the Years Ended September 30, 
   2023   2022   2021   2020   2019 
Net asset value, beginning of year  $31.32   $36.51   $24.55   $25.18   $26.55 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income(a)   0.36    0.29    0.44    0.09    0.15 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   5.57    (4.05)   11.62    (0.61(b)   (1.40)
Total from investment operations   5.93    (3.76)   12.06    (0.52)   (1.25)
Less distributions to shareholders from:                         
Net investment income   (0.25)   (0.15)   (0.10)   (0.11)   (0.12)
Net realized gains   (0.17)   (1.28)            
Total from distributions   (0.42)   (1.43)   (0.10)   (0.11)   (0.12)
Net asset value, end of year  $36.83   $31.32   $36.51   $24.55   $25.18 
Total Return (c)   19.03%   (10.90)%   49.24%   (2.11)%   (4.65)%
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                         
Net assets, end of year (000 omitted)  $4,654,951   $3,439,879   $3,599,929   $2,089,639   $1,620,327 
Before waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   0.75%   0.74%   0.75%   0.79%   0.82%
After waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.75%   0.74%   0.75%   0.79%   0.82%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   0.98%   0.83%   1.28%   0.36%   0.60%
Portfolio turnover(d)(e)   35%   35%   31%   54%   38%

 

(a)Per share net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method.

 

(b)The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period does not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses in the portfolio of securities during the period due to the timing of sales and purchases of fund shares in relation to fluctuating market values during the period.

 

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

 

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

 

(e)Portfolio turnover excludes securities delivered as a result of a redemption in-kind.

 

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

55

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund – Investor Shares
Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding during each year)

 

   For the Years Ended September 30, 
   2023   2022   2021   2020   2019 
Net asset value, beginning of year  $31.08   $36.25   $24.39   $25.02   $26.36 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income(a)   0.25    0.19    0.34    0.02    0.09 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   5.52    (4.02)   11.55    (0.62(b)   (1.38)
Total from investment operations   5.77    (3.83)   11.89    (0.60)   (1.29)
Less distributions to shareholders from:                         
Net investment income   (0.15)   (0.06)   (0.03)   (0.03)   (0.05)
Net realized gains   (0.17)   (1.28)            
Total from distributions   (0.32)   (1.34)   (0.03)   (0.03)   (0.05)
Net asset value, end of year  $36.53   $31.08   $36.25   $24.39   $25.02 
Total Return (c)   18.65%   (11.15)%   48.79%   (2.40)%   (4.89)%
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                         
Net assets, end of year (000 omitted)  $347,885   $261,786   $273,271   $139,789   $124,550 
Before waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   1.05%   1.03%   1.03%   1.08%   1.10%
After waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   1.05%   1.03%   1.03%   1.08%   1.10%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   0.69%   0.55%   1.01%   0.07%   0.38%
Portfolio turnover(d)(e)   35%   35%   31%   54%   38%

 

(a)Per share net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method.

 

(b)The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period does not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses in the portfolio of securities during the period due to the timing of sales and purchases of fund shares in relation to fluctuating market values during the period.

 

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

 

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

 

(e)Portfolio turnover excludes securities delivered as a result of a redemption in-kind.

 

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

56

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund – A Shares
Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

                   For the 
                   Period 
                   Ended 
   For the Years Ended September 30,   September 
   2023   2022   2021   2020   30, 2019(a) 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $31.00   $36.18   $24.38   $25.04   $20.99 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income(b)   0.25    0.21    0.40    0.01    0.07 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   5.52    (4.04)   11.48    (0.58(c)   3.98 
Total from investment operations   5.77    (3.83)   11.88    (0.57)   4.05 
Less distributions to shareholders from:                         
Net investment income   (0.15)   (0.07)   (0.08)   (0.09)    
Net realized gains   (0.17)   (1.28)            
Total from distributions   (0.32)   (1.35)   (0.08)   (0.09)    
Net asset value, end of period  $36.45   $31.00   $36.18   $24.38   $25.04 
Total Return (excludes sales charge)(d)   18.69%   (11.15)%   48.80%   (2.31)%   19.29(e)
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                         
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $11,313   $9,345   $7,408   $941   $575 
Before waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   1.04%   1.02%   1.02%   1.13%   1.01(f)
After waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   1.04%   1.02%   1.02%   1.13%   1.01(f)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   0.69%   0.60%   1.15%   0.05%   0.37(f)
Portfolio turnover(g)(h)   35%   35%   31%   54%   38(e)

 

(a)For the period December 19, 2018 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2019.

 

(b)Per share net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method.

 

(c)The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period does not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses in the portfolio of securities during the period due to the timing of sales and purchases of fund shares in relation to fluctuating market values during the period.

 

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

 

(e)Not annualized.

 

(f)Annualized.

 

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

 

(h)Portfolio turnover excludes securities delivered as a result of a redemption in-kind.

 

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

57

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund – C Shares
Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

                   For the 
                   Period 
                   Ended 
   For the Years Ended September 30,   September 
   2023   2022   2021   2020   30, 2019(a) 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $30.49   $35.75   $24.16   $24.92   $20.99 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income (loss)(b)   0.03    (0.02)   0.17    (0.12)   (0.09)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   5.44    (3.96)   11.42    (0.61(c)   4.02 
Total from investment operations   5.47    (3.98)   11.59    (0.73)   3.93 
Less distributions to shareholders from:                         
Net investment income               (0.03)    
Net realized gains   (0.17)   (1.28)            
Total from distributions   (0.17)   (1.28)       (0.03)    
Net asset value, end of period  $35.79   $30.49   $35.75   $24.16   $24.92 
Total Return (excludes sales charge)(d)   17.97%   (11.70)%   47.97%   (2.95)%   18.72(e)
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                         
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $12,779   $10,923   $10,096   $2,987   $472 
Before waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   1.64%   1.65%   1.64%   1.69%   1.72(f)
After waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   1.64%   1.65%   1.64%   1.69%   1.72(f)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets   0.10%   (0.05)%   0.50%   (0.52)%   0.46(f)
Portfolio turnover (g)(h)   35%   35%   31%   54%   38(e)

  

(a)For the period December 19, 2018 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2019.

 

(b)Per share net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method.

 

(c)The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period does not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses in the portfolio of securities during the period due to the timing of sales and purchases of fund shares in relation to fluctuating market values during the period.

 

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

 

(e)Not annualized.

 

(f)Annualized.

 

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

 

(h)Portfolio turnover excludes securities delivered as a result of a redemption in-kind.

 

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

58

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund – R6 Shares
Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding during each year)

 

   For the Years Ended September 30, 
   2023   2022   2021   2020   2019 
Net asset value, beginning of year  $26.90   $43.92   $28.12   $21.73   $26.95 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment loss(a)   (0.17)   (0.15)   (0.27)   (0.14)   (0.10)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   6.21    (10.34)   16.07    6.53    (5.12)
Total from investment operations   6.04    (10.49)   15.80    6.39    (5.22)
Less distributions to shareholders from:                         
Net realized gains       (6.53)            
Total from distributions       (6.53)            
Net asset value, end of year  $32.94   $26.90   $43.92   $28.12   $21.73 
Total Return (b)   22.45%   (28.48)%   56.19%   29.41%   (19.37)%
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                         
Net assets, end of year (000 omitted)  $55,874   $16,759   $5,940   $13,083   $2,191 
Before waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   0.98%   1.09%   1.06%   1.63%   2.19%
After waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.87%   0.90%   0.90%   0.90%   0.92(c)
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets   (0.51)%   (0.46)%   (0.73)%   (0.57)%   (0.45)%
Portfolio turnover(d)(e)   101%   102%   114%   128%   127%

 

(a)Per share net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method.

 

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

 

(c)Includes interest expense of 0.02% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019.

 

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

 

(e)Portfolio turnover excludes securities delivered as a result of a redemption in-kind.

 

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

59

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund – Institutional Shares
Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding during each year)

 

   For the Years Ended September 30, 
   2023   2022   2021   2020   2019 
Net asset value, beginning of year  $26.77   $43.79   $28.06   $21.69   $26.93 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment loss(a)   (0.18)   (0.24)   (0.31)   (0.16)   (0.11)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   6.17    (10.25)   16.04    6.53    (5.13)
Total from investment operations   5.99    (10.49)   15.73    6.37    (5.24)
Less distributions to shareholders from:                         
Net realized gains       (6.53)            
Total from distributions       (6.53)            
Net asset value, end of year  $32.76   $26.77   $43.79   $28.06   $21.69 
Total Return (b)   22.38%   (28.57)%   56.06%   29.37%   (19.46)%
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                         
Net assets, end of year (000 omitted)  $253,671   $95,249   $104,236   $44,808   $13,359 
Before waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   1.12%   1.18%   1.12%   1.71%   2.25%
After waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.97%   0.99%   0.99%   0.99%   1.00(c)
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets   (0.56)%   (0.72)%   (0.79)%   (0.65)%   (0.48)%
Portfolio turnover(d)(e)   101%   102%   114%   128%   127%

 

(a)Per share net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method.

 

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

 

(c)Includes interest expense of 0.01% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019.

 

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

 

(e)Portfolio turnover excludes securities delivered as a result of a redemption in-kind.

 

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

60

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund – Investor Shares
Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding during each year)

 

   For the Years Ended September 30, 
   2023   2022   2021   2020   2019 
Net asset value, beginning of year  $26.40   $43.36   $27.86   $21.60   $26.88 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment loss(a)   (0.26)   (0.33)   (0.41)   (0.22)   (0.19)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   6.07    (10.10)   15.91    6.48    (5.09)
Total from investment operations   5.81    (10.43)   15.50    6.26    (5.28)
Less distributions to shareholders from:                         
Net realized gains       (6.53)            
Total from distributions       (6.53)            
Net asset value, end of year  $32.21   $26.40   $43.36   $27.86   $21.60 
Total Return (b)   22.01%   (28.74)%   55.64%   28.98%   (19.64)%
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                         
Net assets, end of year (000 omitted)  $13,075   $3,095   $3,245   $781   $153 
Before waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   1.42%   1.48%   1.44%   1.98%   2.57%
After waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   1.25%   1.25%   1.25%   1.25%   1.27(c)
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets   (0.84)%   (0.99)%   (1.04)%   (0.87)%   (0.85)%
Portfolio turnover(d)(e)   101%   102%   114%   128%   127%

 

(a)Per share net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method.

 

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

 

(c)Includes interest expense of 0.02% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019.

 

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

 

(e)Portfolio turnover excludes securities delivered as a result of a redemption in-kind.

 

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

61

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund – A Shares
Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

                   For the 
                   Period 
                   Ended 
   For the Years Ended September 30,   September 
   2023   2022   2021   2020   30, 2019(a) 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $26.34   $43.30   $27.83   $21.59   $19.59 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment loss(b)   (0.28)   (0.34)   (0.43)   (0.24)   (0.13)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   6.06    (10.09)   15.90    6.48    2.13 
Total from investment operations   5.78    (10.43)   15.47    6.24    2.00 
Less distributions to shareholders from:                         
Net realized gains       (6.53)            
Total from distributions       (6.53)            
Net asset value, end of period  $32.12   $26.34   $43.30   $27.83   $21.59 
Total Return (excludes sales charge)(c)   21.94%   (28.78)%   55.59%   28.90%   10.21(d)
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                         
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $1,448   $340   $365   $60   $4 
Before waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   1.39%   1.41%   1.35%   1.91%   2.15(e)
After waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   1.30%   1.30%   1.30%   1.30%   1.30(e)
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets   (0.88)%   (1.04)%   (1.08)%   (0.95)%   (0.75)% (e)
Portfolio turnover(f)(g)   101%   102%   114%   128%   127(d)

 

(a)For the period December 19, 2018 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2019.

 

(b)Per share net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method.

 

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

 

(d)Not annualized.

 

(e)Annualized.

 

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

 

(g)Portfolio turnover excludes securities delivered as a result of a redemption in-kind.

 

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

62

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund – C Shares
Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

                   For the 
                   Period 
                   Ended 
   For the Years Ended September 30,   September 
   2023   2022   2021   2020   30, 2019(a) 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $25.80   $42.72   $27.60   $21.51   $19.59 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment loss(b)   (0.42)   (0.49)   (0.64)   (0.36)   (0.22)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   5.92    (9.90)   15.76    6.45    2.14 
Total from investment operations   5.50    (10.39)   15.12    6.09    1.92 
Less distributions to shareholders from:                         
Net realized gains       (6.53)            
Total from distributions       (6.53)            
Net asset value, end of period  $31.30   $25.80   $42.72   $27.60   $21.51 
Total Return (excludes sales charge)(c)   21.32%   (29.12)%   54.78%   28.31%   9.80(d)
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                         
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $3,074   $709   $726   $28   $2 
Before waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   2.00%   2.09%   2.03%   2.62%   2.87(e)
After waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   1.80%   1.80%   1.80%   1.80%   1.80(e)
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets   (1.38)%   (1.52)%   (1.59)%   (1.45)%   (1.27)% (e)
Portfolio turnover(f)(g)   101%   102%   114%   128%   127(d)

 

(a)For the period December 19, 2018 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2019.

 

(b)Per share net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method.

 

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

 

(d)Not annualized.

 

(e)Annualized.

 

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

 

(g)Portfolio turnover excludes securities delivered as a result of a redemption in-kind.

 

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

63

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund – R6 Shares
Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding during each year)

 

   For the Years Ended September 30, 
   2023   2022   2021   2020   2019 
Net asset value, beginning of year  $26.53   $28.97   $19.00   $21.49   $20.56 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income(a)   0.41    0.28    0.24    0.27    0.20 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   1.45    (2.21)   9.85    (2.47)   0.85 
Total from investment operations   1.86    (1.93)   10.09    (2.20)   1.05 
Less distributions to shareholders from:                         
Net investment income   (0.23)   (0.18)   (0.12)   (0.15)   (0.11)
Net realized gains   (0.45)   (0.33)       (0.14)   (0.01)
Total from distributions   (0.68)   (0.51)   (0.12)   (0.29)   (0.12)
Net asset value, end of year  $27.71   $26.53   $28.97   $19.00   $21.49 
Total Return (b)   6.94%   (6.90)%   53.28%   (10.42)%   5.23%
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                         
Net assets, end of year (000 omitted)  $216,829   $177,423   $158,664   $24,324   $2,403 
Before waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   0.83%   0.83%   0.90%   1.39%   1.72%
After waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.77%   0.80%   0.80%   0.80%   0.80%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   1.43%   0.92%   0.88%   1.36%   0.98%
Portfolio turnover(c)(d)   15%   12%   14%   30%   12%

 

(a)Per share net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method.

 

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

 

(c)Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis on the Mid-Cap Value Fund as a whole without distinguishing among the classes of shares.

 

(d)Portfolio turnover excludes securities delivered as a result of a redemption in-kind.

 

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

64

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund – Institutional Shares
Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding during each year)

 

   For the Years Ended September 30, 
   2023   2022   2021   2020   2019 
Net asset value, beginning of year  $26.49   $28.94   $18.98   $21.47   $20.56 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income(a)   0.39    0.28    0.20    0.21    0.18 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   1.44    (2.24)   9.86    (2.43)   0.85 
Total from investment operations   1.83    (1.96)   10.06    (2.22)   1.03 
Less distributions to shareholders from:                         
Net investment income   (0.21)   (0.16)   (0.10)   (0.13)   (0.11)
Net realized gains   (0.45)   (0.33)       (0.14)   (0.01)
Total from distributions   (0.66)   (0.49)   (0.10)   (0.27)   (0.12)
Net asset value, end of year  $27.66   $26.49   $28.94   $18.98   $21.47 
Total Return (b)   6.84%   (7.00)%   53.13%   (10.51)%   5.09%
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                         
Net assets, end of year (000 omitted)  $184,154   $135,239   $25,889   $9,826   $12,511 
Before waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   0.97%   0.95%   1.02%   1.49%   1.81%
After waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.86%   0.90%   0.90%   0.90%   0.90%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   1.36%   0.94%   0.76%   1.05%   0.90%
Portfolio turnover(c)(d)   15%   12%   14%   30%   12%

 

(a)Per share net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method.

 

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

 

(c)Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis on the Mid-Cap Value Fund as a whole without distinguishing among the classes of shares.

 

(d)Portfolio turnover excludes securities delivered as a result of a redemption in-kind.

 

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

65

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund – Investor Shares
Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding during each year)

 

   For the Years Ended September 30, 
   2023   2022   2021   2020   2019 
Net asset value, beginning of year  $26.36   $28.82   $18.90   $21.39   $20.50 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income(a)   0.31    0.19    0.13    0.15    0.14 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   1.43    (2.22)   9.82    (2.41)   0.84 
Total from investment operations   1.74    (2.03)   9.95    (2.26)   0.98 
Less distributions to shareholders from:                         
Net investment income   (0.15)   (0.10)   (0.03)   (0.09)   (0.08)
Net realized gains   (0.45)   (0.33)       (0.14)   (0.01)
Total from distributions   (0.60)   (0.43)   (0.03)   (0.23)   (0.09)
Net asset value, end of year  $27.50   $26.36   $28.82   $18.90   $21.39 
Total Return (b)   6.53%   (7.23)%   52.70%   (10.72)%   4.84%
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                         
Net assets, end of year (000 omitted)  $8,110   $5,809   $2,509   $1,043   $1,676 
Before waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   1.25%   1.23%   1.31%   1.76%   2.10%
After waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   1.15%   1.15%   1.15%   1.15%   1.15%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   1.08%   0.63%   0.50%   0.78%   0.70%
Portfolio turnover(c)(d)   15%   12%   14%   30%   12%

 

(a)Per share net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method.

 

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

 

(c)Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis on the Mid-Cap Value Fund as a whole without distinguishing among the classes of shares.

 

(d)Portfolio turnover excludes securities delivered as a result of a redemption in-kind.

 

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

66

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund – A Shares
Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

       For the 
   For the   Period 
   Year Ended   Ended 
   September   September 
   30, 2023   30, 2022(a) 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $26.48   $29.98 
Income from investment operations:          
Net investment income(b)   0.32    0.14 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   1.42    (3.64)
Total from investment operations   1.74    (3.50)
Less distributions to shareholders from:          
Net investment income   (0.21)    
Net realized gains   (0.45)    
Total from distributions   (0.66)    
Net asset value, end of period  $27.56   $26.48 
Total Return (excludes sales charge)(c)   6.49%   (11.67)% (d)
Ratios and Supplemental Data:          
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $1,717   $76 
Before waiver or recoupment:          
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   1.20%   1.14(e)
After waiver or recoupment:          
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   1.20%   1.14(e)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   1.11%   0.83(e)
Portfolio turnover(f)(g)   15%   12(d)

 

(a)For the period March 10, 2022 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2022.

 

(b)Per share net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method.

 

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

 

(d)Not annualized.

 

(e)Annualized.

 

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

 

(g)Portfolio turnover excludes securities delivered as a result of a redemption in-kind.

 

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

67

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund – C Shares
Financial Highlights
(For a share outstanding during each period)
       For the 
   For the   Period 
   Year Ended   Ended 
   September   September 
   30, 2023   30, 2022(a) 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $26.40   $29.98 
Income from investment operations:          
Net investment income(b)   0.17    0.02 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   1.42    (3.60)
Total from investment operations   1.59    (3.58)
Less distributions to shareholders from:          
Net investment income   (0.16)    
Net realized gains   (0.45)    
Total from distributions   (0.61)    
Net asset value, end of period  $27.38   $26.40 
Total Return (excludes sales charge)(c)   5.94%   (11.94)% (d)
Ratios and Supplemental Data:          
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $321   $48 
Before waiver or recoupment:          
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   1.83%   1.84(e)
After waiver or recoupment:          
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   1.70%   1.70(e)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   0.60%   0.14(e)
Portfolio turnover(f)(g)   15%   12(d)

 

(a)For the period March 10, 2022 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2022.

 

(b)Per share net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method.

 

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

 

(d)Not annualized.

 

(e)Annualized.

 

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

 

(g)Portfolio turnover excludes securities delivered as a result of a redemption in-kind.

 

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

68

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund – R6 Shares
Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

                   For the 
                   Period 
                   Ended 
   For the Years Ended September 30,   September 
   2023   2022   2021   2020   30, 2019(a) 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $29.55   $38.06   $27.47   $25.83   $20.00 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income (loss)(b)   0.11    0.01    (0.03)   0.04    0.07 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   6.19    (8.52)   10.73    1.82    5.76 
Total from investment operations   6.30    (8.51)   10.70    1.86    5.83 
Less distributions to shareholders from:                         
Net investment income           (0.03)   (0.10)    
Net realized gains           (0.08)   (0.12)    
Total from distributions           (0.11)   (0.22)    
Net asset value, end of period  $35.85   $29.55   $38.06   $27.47   $25.83 
Total Return (c)   21.32%   (22.36)%   39.01%   7.22%   29.15(d)
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                         
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $33,502   $31,913   $68,584   $43,131   $1,368 
Before waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   1.23%   1.19%   1.02%   1.67%   4.33(e)
After waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.88%   0.90%   0.90%   0.90%   0.90(e)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets   0.32%   0.02%   (0.07)%   0.15%   0.41(e)
Portfolio turnover(f)(g)   19%   25%   38%   32%   10(d)

 

(a)For the period December 26, 2018 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2019.

 

(b)Per share net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method.

 

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

 

(d)Not annualized.

 

(e)Annualized.

 

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

 

(g)Portfolio turnover excludes securities delivered as a result of a redemption in-kind.

 

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

69

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund – Institutional Shares
Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

                   For the 
                   Period 
                   Ended 
   For the Years Ended September 30,   September 
   2023   2022   2021   2020   30, 2019(a) 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $29.47   $38.00   $27.43   $25.81   $20.00 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income (loss)(b)   0.08    (0.02)   (0.06)   0.01    0.08 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   6.18    (8.51)   10.72    1.81    5.73 
Total from investment operations   6.26    (8.53)   10.66    1.82    5.81 
Less distributions to shareholders from:                         
Net investment income           (0.01)   (0.08)    
Net realized gains           (0.08)   (0.12)    
Total from distributions           (0.09)   (0.20)    
Net asset value, end of period  $35.73   $29.47   $38.00   $27.43   $25.81 
Total Return (c)   21.24%   (22.45)%   38.90%   7.09%   29.05(d)
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                         
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $13,592   $10,313   $10,238   $8,004   $3,265 
Before waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   1.42%   1.31%   1.12%   1.77%   4.39(e)
After waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.98%   0.99%   0.99%   0.99%   0.99(e)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets   0.23%   (0.04)%   (0.17)%   0.03%   0.42(e)
Portfolio turnover (f)(g)   19%   25%   38%   32%   10(d)

 

(a)For the period December 26, 2018 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2019.

 

(b)Per share net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method.

 

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

 

(d)Not annualized.

 

(e)Annualized.

 

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

 

(g)Portfolio turnover excludes securities delivered as a result of a redemption in-kind.

 

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

70

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund – A Shares
Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

           For the 
           Period 
   For the Years Ended       Ended 
   September 30,       September 
   2023   2022   30, 2021(a) 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $29.36   $37.99   $37.77 
Income from investment operations:               
Net investment loss(b)   (0.03)   (0.14)   (0.08)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   6.18    (8.49)   0.30 
Total from investment operations   6.15    (8.63)   0.22 
Net asset value, end of period  $35.51   $29.36   $37.99 
Total Return (excludes sales charge)(c)   20.95%   (22.72)%   0.58(d)
Ratios and Supplemental Data:               
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $57   $37   $47 
Before waiver or recoupment:               
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   1.73%   1.56%   1.31(e)
After waiver or recoupment:               
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   1.30%   1.30%   1.30(e)
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets   (0.09)%   (0.38)%   (0.61)% (e)
Portfolio turnover(f)(g)   19%   25%   38(d)

 

(a)For the period May 27, 2021 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2021.

 

(b)Per share net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method.

 

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

 

(d)Not annualized.

 

(e)Annualized.

 

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

 

(g)Portfolio turnover excludes securities delivered as a result of a redemption in-kind.

 

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

71

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund – C Shares
Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

           For the 
           Period 
   For the Years Ended       Ended 
   September 30,       September 
   2023   2022   30, 2021(a) 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $29.12   $37.93   $37.77 
Income from investment operations:               
Net investment loss(b)   (0.20)   (0.28)   (0.14)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   6.18    (8.53)   0.30 
Total from investment operations   5.98    (8.81)   0.16 
Net asset value, end of period  $35.10   $29.12   $37.93 
Total Return (excludes sales charge)(c)   20.54%   (23.23)%   0.42(d)
Ratios and Supplemental Data:               
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $29   $24   $25 
Before waiver or recoupment:               
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   2.32%   2.21%   2.05(e)
After waiver or recoupment:               
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   1.80%   1.80%   1.80(e)
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets   (0.58)%   (0.80)%   (1.06)% (e)
Portfolio turnover(f)(g)   19%   25%   38(d)

 

(a)For the period May 27, 2021 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2021.

 

(b)Per share net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method.

 

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

 

(d)Not annualized.

 

(e)Annualized.

 

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

 

(g)Portfolio turnover excludes securities delivered as a result of a redemption in-kind.

 

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

72

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund – Institutional Shares
Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

                   For the 
                   Period 
                   Ended 
   For the Years Ended September 30,   September 
   2023   2022   2021   2020   30, 2019(a) 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $26.54   $35.99   $23.59   $23.96   $20.00 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income(b)   0.34    0.32    0.10    0.13    0.13 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   4.58    (7.80)   12.41    0.04 (c)   3.83 
Total from investment operations   4.92    (7.48)   12.51    0.17    3.96 
Less distributions to shareholders from:                         
Net investment income   (0.28)   (0.13)   (0.11)   (0.15)    
Net realized gains       (1.84)       (0.39)    
Total from distributions   (0.28)   (1.97)   (0.11)   (0.54)    
Net asset value, end of period  $31.18   $26.54   $35.99   $23.59   $23.96 
Total Return (d)   18.61%   (22.13)%   53.10%   0.63%   19.80(e)
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                         
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $41,564   $6,757   $5,149   $3,102   $2,494 
Before waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   1.35%   2.56%   2.69%   4.09%   6.27(f)
After waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   0.93%   0.95%   0.95%   0.95%   0.95(f)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   1.09%   0.99%   0.30%   0.59%   0.73(f)
Portfolio turnover(g)(h)   41%   37%   35%   35%   25(e)

 

(a)For the period December 26, 2018 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2019.

 

(b)Per share net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method.

 

(c)The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period does not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses in the portfolio of securities during the period due to the timing of sales and purchases of fund shares in relation to fluctuating market values during the period.

 

(d)Total return in the above table represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Small-Mid Core Equity Fund, assuming reinvestment of distributions.

 

(e)Not annualized.

 

(f)Annualized.

 

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

 

(h)Portfolio turnover excludes securities delivered as a result of a redemption in-kind.

 

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

73

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund – A Shares
Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

       For the 
   For the   Period 
   Year Ended   Ended 
   September   September 
   30, 2023   30, 2022(a) 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $26.49   $32.58 
Income from investment operations:          
Net investment income(b)   0.26    0.17 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   4.55    (6.26)
Total from investment operations   4.81    (6.09)
Less distributions to shareholders from:          
Net investment income   (0.25)    
Total from distributions   (0.25)    
Net asset value, end of period  $31.05   $26.49 
Total Return (excludes sales charge)(c)   18.20%   (18.69)% (d)
Ratios and Supplemental Data:          
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $567   $3 
Before waiver or recoupment:          
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   1.62%   2.72(e)
After waiver or recoupment:          
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   1.26%   1.26(e)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   0.82%   1.00(e)
Portfolio turnover(f)(g)   41%   37(d)

 

(a)For the period March 10, 2022 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2022.

 

(b)Per share net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method.

 

(c)Total return in the above table represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Small-Mid Core Equity Fund, assuming reinvestment of distributions.

 

(d)Not annualized.

 

(e)Annualized.

 

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

 

(g)Portfolio turnover excludes securities delivered as a result of a redemption in-kind.

 

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

74

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund – Institutional Shares
Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

                   For the 
                   Period 
                   Ended 
   For the Years Ended September 30,   September 
   2023   2022   2021   2020   30, 2019(a) 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $21.67   $34.45   $17.79   $21.70   $20.00 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income (loss)(b)   0.11    (0.17)   (0.02)   0.16    (0.20)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   2.14    (9.86)   16.78    (2.95)   1.90 
Total from investment operations   2.25    (10.03)   16.76    (2.79)   1.70 
Less distributions to shareholders from:                         
Net investment income           (0.10)        
Net realized gains       (2.75)       (1.12)    
Total from distributions       (2.75)   (0.10)   (1.12)    
Net asset value, end of period  $23.92   $21.67   $34.45   $17.79   $21.70 
Total Return (c)   10.38%   (31.87)%   94.37%   (13.88)%   8.50(d)
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                         
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)  $18,044   $13,674   $13,695   $5,770   $2,819 
Before waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of expenses to average net assets   2.13%   2.19%   2.30%   4.33%   5.28(e)
After waiver or recoupment:                         
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets   1.41%   1.45%   1.52%   1.75%   1.75(e)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets   0.45%   (0.58)%   (0.05)%   0.90%   (1.16)% (e)
Portfolio turnover(f)   78%   74%   78%   82%   42(d)

 

(a)For the period December 28, 2018 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2019.

 

(b)Per share net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method.

 

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

 

(d)Not annualized.

 

(e)Annualized.

 

(f)Portfolio turnover excludes securities delivered as a result of a redemption in-kind.

 

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

75

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements
September 30, 2023

 

NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION

 

The Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund (the “Small-Cap Equity Fund”), the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund (the “Small-Cap Growth Fund”), the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund (the “Mid-Cap Value Fund”), the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund (the “Unconstrained Equity Fund”), the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund (the “Small-Mid Core Equity Fund”) and the Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund (the “Micro-Cap Equity Fund”) (each a “Fund” and, collectively the “Funds”) were each registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), as a diversified (Unconstrained Equity Fund is non-diversified) series of Capitol 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 September 18, 2013 as amended and restated November 18, 2021 (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 without par value. The Funds’ investment adviser is Fuller & Thaler Asset Management, Inc. (the “Adviser” or “Fuller & Thaler”). The investment objective of each Fund is to seek long-term capital appreciation.

 

The Small-Cap Equity Fund, Small-Cap Growth Fund and Mid-Cap Value Fund each currently offer five share classes: R6 Shares, Institutional Shares, Investor Shares, A Shares and C Shares. The Unconstrained Equity Fund currently offers four share classes: R6 Shares, Institutional Shares, A Shares and C Shares. The Unconstrained Equity Fund’s Investor Shares have been approved by the Board, but are not yet available for purchase. The Small-Mid Core Equity Fund currently offers two share classes: Institutional Shares and A Shares. The Micro-Cap Equity Fund currently offers one share class: Institutional Shares. A Shares have a maximum sales charge on purchases of up to 5.75% and a Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (“CDSC”) on redemptions made within 12 months from the date of purchase and a CDSC of 0.50% on redemptions made more than 12 months but less than 18 months from the date of purchase. C Shares impose a 1.00% CDSC on redemptions made within 12 months from the date of purchase. A Shares and C Shares may be purchased without a sales charge under certain circumstances. Each share represents an equal proportionate interest in the assets and liabilities belonging to each Fund and is entitled to such dividends and distributions out of income belonging to each Fund as are declared by the Board.

 

The Small-Cap Equity Fund is the accounting successor to a series of Allianz Funds Multi-Strategy Trust, which commenced operations on September 8, 2011, and for which the Adviser served as the sole sub-adviser (the “Predecessor Fund”). In a transaction that was consummated on October 23, 2015 (the “Reorganization”), the Small-Cap Equity Fund

76

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
September 30, 2023

 

acquired the assets and liabilities of: the A, C, and D Classes of the Predecessor Fund, which became the Investor Shares of the Small-Cap Equity Fund; the Class P Shares of the Predecessor Fund, which became the Institutional Shares of the Small-Cap Equity Fund; and the Institutional Shares of the Predecessor Fund, which became the R6 Shares of the Small-Cap Equity Fund.

 

NOTE 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The Funds are investment companies and follow accounting and reporting guidance under Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 946, “Financial Services-Investment Companies”, including Accounting Standards Update 2013-08. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Funds in the preparation of their financial statements. These policies are in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”).

 

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

 

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

 

Foreign Currency Translation – The accounting records of the Funds are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currency amounts are translated into U.S. dollars at the current rate of exchange each business day to determine the value of investments, and other assets and liabilities. Purchases and sales of foreign securities, and income and expenses, are translated at the prevailing rate of exchange on the respective date of these transactions. The Funds do not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from fluctuation arising from changes in market prices of securities held. These fluctuations are included with the unrealized gain or loss from investments.

77

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
September 30, 2023

 

In-Kind Redemptions – The Funds intend to redeem shares in cash. However, if the amount an investor is redeeming is over the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of a Fund’s NAV, the Funds have the right to redeem such shares by giving the investor the amount that exceeds the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of a Fund’s NAV in securities instead of cash, which is referred to as a “redemption in-kind.” In the event that a redemption in kind is made, a shareholder may incur additional expenses, such as the payment of brokerage commissions, on the sale or other disposition of the securities received from the Funds.

 

During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, the following Funds had shares redeemed that included in-kind redemption transactions:

 

   Redemptions In-Kind 
       Value of             
Fund / Class  Shares   Securities   Cash   Total Amount   Realized Gains 
Small-Cap Equity Fund - R6 Shares   3,262,134   $117,963,115   $4,151,726   $122,114,841   $71,094,546 
Small-Cap Growth Fund - R6 Shares   623,802    18,984,594    494,189    19,478,783    7,729,264 
Mid-Cap Value Fund - R6 Shares   1,644,662    43,094,368    1,241,171    44,335,539    14,708,557 
Unconstrained Equity Fund - R6 Shares   400,919    12,290,836    1,047,866    13,338,702    3,994,037 
Small-Mid Core Equity Fund - Institutional Shares   310,781    9,698,922    296,166    9,995,088    2,595,851 
Micro-Cap Equity Fund - Institutional Shares   35,200    801,202    35,792    836,994    384,692 

 

The Funds recognize a gain on in-kind redemptions to the extent that the value of the distributed securities on the date of redemption exceeds the cost of those securities and recognizes a loss to the extent that the cost of those securities exceeds the value of the distributed securities on the date of redemption. Such net gains are not taxable to the Funds and are not required to be distributed to shareholders. The Funds have reclassified these amounts against paid-in capital on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Such reclassification, the result of permanent differences between the financial statement and income tax reporting requirements, has no effect on the Funds’ net assets or NAV per share.

 

Federal Income Taxes – The Funds make no provision for federal income or excise tax. Each Fund has qualified and intends to qualify each year as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, by complying with the requirements applicable to RICs and by distributing substantially all of its taxable income. Each Fund also intends to distribute sufficient net investment income and net capital gains, if any, so that it will not be subject to excise tax on

78

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
September 30, 2023

 

undistributed income and gains. If the required amount of net investment income or gains is not distributed, the Funds could incur a tax expense.

 

The Funds may be subject to taxes imposed by countries in which they invest. Such taxes are generally based on income and/or capital gains earned or repatriated. Taxes are accrued and applied to net investment income, net realized gains and unrealized appreciation as such income and/or gains are earned.

 

The Funds recognize tax benefits or expenses of uncertain tax positions only when the position is “more likely than not” to be sustained assuming examination by tax authorities. Management of the Funds has reviewed tax positions taken in tax years that remain subject to examination by all major tax jurisdictions, including federal (i.e., the previous three tax year ends and the interim tax period since then, as applicable) and has concluded that no provision for unrecognized tax benefits or expenses is required in these financial statements and does not expect this to change over the next twelve months. The Funds recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense in the Statements of Operations. During the period, the Funds did not incur any interest or penalties.

 

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). Expenses specifically attributable to any class are borne by that class. Income, realized gains and losses, unrealized appreciation and depreciation, and fund-wide expenses not allocated to a particular class shall be allocated to each class based on the net assets of that class in relation to the net assets of the entire fund.

 

Security Transactions and Related Income – Throughout the reporting period, security transactions are accounted for no later than one business day following the trade date. For financial reporting purposes, security transactions are accounted for on trade date on the last business day of the reporting period. 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. Dividend income from real estate investment trusts (REITs) and distributions from limited partnerships are recognized on the ex-date and are included in dividend income. The calendar year-end classification of distributions received from REITs, which may include return of capital, during the fiscal year are reported subsequent to year end; accordingly, the Fund estimates the character of REIT distributions based on the most recent information available. Income or loss from limited partnerships is reclassified among the components of net assets upon receipt of K-1’s. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends, if any, have been recorded for in accordance with the Fund’s understanding of the applicable country’s tax rules and rates.

79

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
September 30, 2023

 

Securities Lending - The Trust has entered into a Securities Lending Agreement (“SLA”) with Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corp. (“Mitsubishi”). Under the terms of the SLA, each Fund may make secured loans of its portfolio securities in an amount not exceeding 33 1/3% of the value of the Fund’s total assets (as permitted by the 1940 Act) to certain broker-dealers and banks in exchange for collateral in the amount of at least 102% of the value of U.S. securities loaned or at least 105% of the value of non-U.S. securities loaned, marked to market daily. The collateral can be received in the form of cash collateral and/or non-cash collateral. Non-cash collateral can include U.S. Government Securities and letters of credit. The cash collateral is invested in the Invesco Government & Agency Portfolio, as noted in each lending Fund’s respective Schedule of Investments. The market value of the loaned securities is determined daily at the close of business of the Funds and any additional required collateral is delivered to each Fund on the next business day. The Funds continue to benefit from interest or dividends on the securities loaned and may also earn a return from the collateral. The Funds pay various fees in connection with the investment of cash collateral. The Funds pay Mitsubishi fees based on the investment income received from securities lending activities. Although risk is mitigated by the collateral, the Funds could experience a delay in recovering its securities and possible loss of income or value if the borrower fails to return them. A Fund does not have the right to vote securities on loan, but could terminate the loan and regain the right to vote if that were considered important with respect to the investment.

 

At September 30, 2023, the value of securities loaned and cash collateral received are as follows:

 

   Value of   Cash 
   Securities   Collateral 
   Loaned   Received 
Small-Cap Equity Fund  $1,744,500   $1,737,500 
Small-Cap Growth Fund   3,495,382    3,570,551 
Mid-Cap Value Fund        
Unconstrained Equity Fund        
Small-Mid Core Equity Fund        
Micro-Cap Equity Fund   1,442,406    1,487,955 
Total  $6,682,288   $6,796,006 

 

Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities – The Funds are required to disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements to enable users of its financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on its financial position. As there are no master netting arrangements relating to the Funds’ participation in securities lending, and all amounts related to securities lending are presented gross on the Funds’

80

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
September 30, 2023

 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities, no additional disclosures have been made on behalf of the Funds. Please refer to the Securities Lending Note for additional disclosures related to securities lending, including collateral related to securities on loan.

 

Dividends and Distributions – Each Fund intends to distribute its net investment income and net realized long-term and short-term capital gains, if any, at least annually. Dividends and distributions to shareholders, which are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The treatment for financial reporting purposes of distributions made to shareholders during the period 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 among 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 Value (“NAV”) per share of the Funds.

 

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, the Funds made the following reclassifications to increase (decrease) the components of net assets:

 

       Accumulated 
   Paid-In Capital   Earnings (Deficit) 
Small-Cap Equity Fund  $85,209,407   $(85,209,407)
Small-Cap Growth Fund   6,937,245    (6,937,245)
Mid-Cap Value Fund   14,329,990    (14,329,990)
Unconstrained Equity Fund   3,812,410    (3,812,410)
Small-Mid Core Equity Fund   2,526,817    (2,526,817)
Micro-Cap Equity Fund   323,957    (323,957)

 

NOTE 3. SECURITIES VALUATION AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

Each Fund values its portfolio securities at fair value as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each business day the NYSE is open for business. Fair value is defined as the price that a Fund would receive upon selling an investment in a timely transaction to an independent buyer in the principal or most advantageous market of the investment. GAAP establishes a three-tier hierarchy to maximize the use of observable market data and minimize the use of unobservable inputs and to establish classification of fair value measurements for disclosure purposes.

 

Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk (the risk inherent in a particular valuation technique used to measure fair value including a pricing model and/or the risk inherent

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Fuller & Thaler Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
September 30, 2023

 

in the inputs to the valuation technique). Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs are inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained and available from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances.

 

Various inputs are used in determining the value of each Fund’s investments. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below.

 

Level 1 – unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments and/or registered investment companies where the value per share is determined and published and is the basis for current transactions for identical assets or liabilities at the valuation date

 

Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including, but not limited to, quoted prices for an identical security in an inactive market, quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

 

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

 

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

 

In computing the NAV of the Funds, fair value is based on market valuations with respect to portfolio securities for which market quotations are readily available. Pursuant to Board approved policies, the Funds rely on independent third-party pricing services to provide the current market value of securities. Those pricing services value equity securities, including exchange-traded funds, exchange-traded notes, closed-end funds and preferred stocks, traded on a securities exchange at the last reported sales price on the principal exchange. Equity securities quoted by NASDAQ are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price. If there is no reported sale on the principal exchange, equity securities are valued at the mean between the most recent quoted bid and asked price. When using market quotations or close prices provided by the pricing service and when the market is considered active, the security will be classified as a Level 1 security. Investments in open-end mutual funds, including money market mutual funds, are generally priced at the ending NAV provided by the pricing service of the funds and are generally categorized as Level 1 securities.

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Fuller & Thaler Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
September 30, 2023

 

In the event that market quotations are not readily available or are considered unreliable due to market or other events, securities are valued in good faith by the Adviser as “valuation designee” under the oversight of the Board. The Adviser has adopted written policies and procedures for valuing securities and other assets in circumstances where market quotes are not readily available. In the event that market quotes are not readily available, and the security or asset cannot be valued pursuant to one of the valuation methods, the value of the security or asset will be determined in good faith by the Adviser pursuant to its policies and procedures. On a quarterly basis, the Adviser’s fair valuation determinations will be reviewed by the Board. Under these policies, the securities will be classified as Level 2 or 3 within the fair value hierarchy, depending on the inputs used.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Funds’ investments as of September 30, 2023:

 

   Valuation Inputs     
Small-Cap Equity Fund  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Common Stocks(a)  $6,331,256,540   $   $   $6,331,256,540 
Collateral for Securities Loaned   1,737,500            1,737,500 
Money Market Funds   241,661,074            241,661,074 
Total  $6,574,655,114   $   $   $6,574,655,114 
                     
Small-Cap Growth Fund                    
Common Stocks(a)  $313,147,165   $   $   $313,147,165 
Collateral for Securities Loaned   3,570,551            3,570,551 
Total  $316,717,716   $   $   $316,717,716 
                     
Mid-Cap Value Fund                    
Common Stocks(a)  $409,756,194   $   $   $409,756,194 
                     
Unconstrained Equity Fund                    
Common Stocks(a)  $46,662,337   $   $   $46,662,337 
                     
Small-Mid Core Equity Fund                    
Common Stocks(a)  $39,430,984   $   $   $39,430,984 
                     
Micro-Cap Equity Fund                    
Common Stocks(a)  $17,859,772   $   $   $17,859,772 
Collateral for Securities Loaned   1,487,955            1,487,955 
Total  $19,347,727   $   $   $19,347,727 

 

(a)Refer to Schedule of Investments for industry classifications.

 

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

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Fuller & Thaler Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
September 30, 2023

 

NOTE 4. FEES AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES AND OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS

 

Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement (the “Agreement”), the Adviser manages each Fund’s investments subject to approval of the Board. As compensation for its management services, the Funds are obligated to pay the Adviser a fee computed and accrued daily and paid monthly as follows:

 

               Small-Mid   
   Small-Cap  Small-Cap  Mid-Cap  Unconstrained  Core Equity  Micro-Cap
   Equity Fund  Growth Fund  Value Fund  Equity Fund  Fund  Equity Fund
Investment Adviser fee rate  0.60%  0.85%  0.75%  0.85%  0.80%  1.45%
Investment Adviser fee earned  $37,659,669  $1,683,677  $3,095,608  $362,085  $228,645  $252,313
Fees waived and/or expenses reimbursed by Adviser  $—  $(299,044)  $(353,753)  $(160,352)  $(118,926)  $(124,720)
Payable to / (Receivable from) Adviser  $3,386,500  $143,815  $195,522  $16,005  $8,623  $7,096

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Fuller & Thaler Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
September 30, 2023

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse expenses so that total annual operating expenses (excluding (i) interest (other than custodial overdraft fees and expenses associated with the Fund’s participation in an alternative liquidity program), (ii) taxes, (iii) brokerage fees and commissions, (iv) other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business, (v) dividend expense on short sales and (vi) indirect expenses such as acquired fund fees and expenses incurred by the Fund in any fiscal year) do not exceed the following percentages of each Fund’s average daily net assets through January 31, 2024 (“Expense Limitation”):

 

      Institutional  Investor      
   R6 Shares  Shares  Shares  A Shares  C Shares
Small-Cap Equity Fund  0.80%  0.92%  1.25%  1.30%  1.80%
Small-Cap Growth Fund  0.86%  0.96%  1.25%  1.30%  1.80%
Mid-Cap Value Fund  0.75%  0.85%  1.15%  1.20%  1.70%
Unconstrained Equity Fund  0.87%  0.97%     1.30%  1.80%
Small-Mid Core Equity Fund     0.93%     1.26%   
Micro-Cap Equity Fund     1.40%         

 

Prior to January 27, 2023, the Adviser contractually agreed to waive its management fee and/or reimburse expenses so that total annual operating expenses (excluding (i) interest (other than custodial overdraft fees and expenses associated with the Fund’s participation in an alternative liquidity program), (ii) taxes, (iii) brokerage fees and commissions, (iv) other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business, (v) dividend expense on short sales and (vi) indirect expenses such as acquired fund fees and expenses incurred by the Fund in any fiscal year) did not exceed 0.99% for the Institutional Shares of the Small-Cap Equity Fund; 0.90% and 0.99% for the R6 Shares and Institutional Shares, respectively of the Small-Cap Growth Fund; 0.80% and 0.90% for the R6 Shares and Institutional Shares, respectively of the Mid-Cap Value Fund; 0.90% and 0.99% for the R6 Shares and Institutional Shares, respectively of the Mid-Cap Value Fund; 0.95% for the Institutional Shares of the Small-Mid Core Equity Fund and 1.45% for the Institutional Shares of the Mid-Cap Equity Fund.

 

During any fiscal year that the Agreement between the Adviser and the Trust is in effect, the Adviser may recoup the sum of all fees previously waived or expenses reimbursed, less any reimbursement previously paid, provided that the Adviser is only permitted to recoup fees or expenses within 36 months from the date the fee waiver or expense reimbursement took effect and provided further that such recoupment can be achieved within the Expense Limitation currently in effect and the Expense Limitation in place when the waiver/ reimbursement occurred. This expense cap agreement may be terminated by the Board at any time.

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Fuller & Thaler Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
September 30, 2023

 

As of September 30, 2023, the Adviser may seek repayment of investment advisory fee waivers and expense reimbursements as follows:

 

                   Small-Mid     
Recoverable  Small-Cap   Small-Cap   Mid-Cap   Unconstrained   Core Equity   Micro-Cap 
Through  Equity Fund   Growth Fund   Value Fund   Equity Fund   Fund   Equity Fund 
September 30, 2024  $   $124,546   $98,471   $86,039   $79,695   $90,794 
September 30, 2025       217,496    110,343    178,975    96,132    110,062 
September 30, 2026       299,044    353,753    160,352    118,926    124,720 
   $   $641,086   $562,567   $425,366   $294,753   $325,576 

 

The Trust retains Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (the “Administrator”) to provide the Funds with administration, fund accounting and transfer agent services, including all regulatory reporting. Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (“NLCS”), an affiliate of the Administrator, provides a Chief Compliance Officer to the Trust, as well as related compliance services, pursuant to a consulting agreement between NLCS and the Trust.

 

The Board supervises the business activities of the Trust. Each Trustee serves as a Trustee for the lifetime of the Trust or until the earlier of his or her required retirement as a Trustee at age 78 (which may be extended for up to two years in an emeritus non-voting capacity at the pleasure and request of the Board), or until he/she dies, resigns, or is removed, whichever is sooner. “Independent Trustees”, meaning those Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust, as defined in the 1940 Act, as amended, have each received an annual retainer of $1,500 per Fund and $500 per Fund for each quarterly Board meeting through March 31, 2023. Effective April 1, 2023, the annual retainer increased to $2,000 per Fund. In addition, each Independent Trustee may be compensated for preparation related to and participation in any special meetings of the Board and/or any Committee of the Board, with such compensation determined on a case-by-case basis based on the length and complexity of the meeting. The Trust also reimburses Trustees for out-of-pocket expense incurred in conjunction with attendance at Board meetings.

 

The officers and one trustee of the Trust are employees of the Administrator. Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”) acts as the principal distributor of each Fund’s shares. The Distributor is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Administrator. The Distributor is compensated by the Adviser (not the Funds) for acting as principal underwriter.

 

The Funds have adopted a Distribution Plan (the “12b-1 Plan”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act. The 12b-1 Plan provides that the Funds will pay the Distributor and/or any registered securities dealer, financial institution or any other person (the “Recipient”) a fee of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of each Fund’s Investor Shares and A Shares and

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Fuller & Thaler Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
September 30, 2023

 

1.00% of the average daily net assets of each Fund’s C Shares in connection with the promotion and distribution of each Fund’s Investor Shares, A Shares and C 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 shareholders, the printing and mailing of sales literature and servicing shareholder accounts (“12b-1 Expenses”). Under the 12b-1 Plan, the 1.00% C Share 12b-1 fee includes a 0.25% service fee. Over time, 12b-1 fees will increase the cost of your investment in a Fund’s Investor, A, and C Shares and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges because these fees are paid out of the Fund’s Investor, A, and C Shares on an on-going basis. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, 12b-1 expenses incurred by the Funds were as follows:

 

                   Small-Mid 
   Small-Cap   Small-Cap   Mid-Cap   Unconstrained   Core Equity 
Distribution Fees  Equity Fund   Growth Fund   Value Fund   Equity Fund   Fund 
Investor Shares  $801,168   $16,476   $26,541   $   $ 
A Shares   25,736    1,886    3,033    121    642 
C Shares   125,358    15,540    2,598    284     
Payable for 12b-1 fees   143,798    9,389    5,640    106    130 

 

During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, the Distributor retained the following amounts in sales commissions from the sales of A Shares of the Funds:

 

Small-Cap Equity Fund  $4,836 
Small-Cap Growth Fund   1,598 
Mid-Cap Value Fund   2,320 
Unconstrained Equity Fund   56 
Small-Mid Core Equity Fund   915 

 

During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, the Distributor received the following amounts in contingent deferred sales charges related to redemptions of C Shares of the Funds:

 

Small-Cap Equity Fund  $22,744 
Small-Cap Growth Fund   23,074 
Mid-Cap Value Fund   2,795 

 

The Funds have adopted an Administrative Services Plan (the “Plan”) for Institutional Shares, Investor Shares, and A Shares of the Funds. The Plan allows the Funds to pay financial intermediaries that provide services relating to Institutional Shares, Investor Shares, and A Shares. The Plan permits payments for the provision of certain administrative, recordkeeping and other non-distribution related services to Institutional Share, Investor

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Fuller & Thaler Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
September 30, 2023

 

Share and A Share shareholders. The Plan permits the Funds to make service fee payments at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of each Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to its A Shares and up to 0.20% of each Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to its Institutional Shares or Investor Shares. Effective March 7, 2023, Institutional Shares, Investor Shares and A Shares include an allocation of up to 0.03% of service fees payable to the Adviser for certain non-distribution related shareholder services that it provides pursuant to the Plan. Because these fees are paid respectively out of the assets of each Fund’s Institutional Shares, Investor Shares and A Shares on an ongoing basis, over time they will increase the cost of an investment in Institutional Shares, Investor Shares and A Shares.

 

NOTE 5. PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES

 

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, purchases and sales of investment securities, other than short-term investments and in-kind transactions, were as follows:

 

   Purchases   Sales 
Small-Cap Equity Fund  $3,030,750,667   $2,034,922,328 
Small-Cap Growth Fund  378,983,513   195,904,170 
Mid-Cap Value Fund  207,640,721   60,056,104 
Unconstrained Equity Fund  18,657,932   7,912,059 
Small-Mid Core Equity Fund  53,269,876   11,199,749 
Micro-Cap Equity Fund  17,356,995   13,331,889 

 

There were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. government obligations during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023.

 

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, in-kind purchases and sales transactions were as follows:

 

   In-Kind Purchases   In-Kind Sales 
Small-Cap Equity Fund  $   $117,963,115 
Small-Cap Growth Fund       18,984,594 
Mid-Cap Value Fund       43,094,368 
Unconstrained Equity Fund       12,290,836 
Small-Mid Core Equity Fund       9,698,922 
Micro-Cap Equity Fund       801,202 

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Fuller & Thaler Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
September 30, 2023

 

NOTE 6. FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION

 

At September 30, 2023, the net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) and tax cost of investments for tax purposes was as follows:

 

                   Small-Mid     
   Small-Cap   Small-Cap   Mid-Cap Value   Unconstrained   Core Equity   Micro-Cap 
   Equity Fund   Growth Fund   Fund   Equity Fund   Fund   Equity Fund 
Gross unrealized appreciation  $1,401,342,517   $48,733,200   $20,417,347   $4,488,763   $310,886   $3,431,497 
Gross unrealized depreciation   (203,187,433)   (10,290,511)   (49,060,807)   (4,743,092)   (3,071,778)   (1,579,487)
Net unrealized appreciation/ (depreciation) on investments  $1,198,155,084   $38,442,689   $(28,643,460)  $(254,329)  $(2,760,892)  $1,852,010 
Tax cost of investments  $5,376,500,030   $278,275,027   $438,399,654   $46,916,666   $42,191,876   $17,495,717 

 

The tax character of distributions paid for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022 were as follows:

 

   Small-Cap Equity Fund   Small-Cap Growth Fund   Mid-Cap Value Fund 
   2023   2022   2023   2022   2023   2022 
Distributions paid from:                              
Ordinary income(a)  $41,223,576   $24,267,177   $   $13,136,255   $6,968,397   $1,758,857 
Long-term capital gains   27,691,157    202,152,193        4,496,878    2,131,070    1,836,577 
Total distributions paid  $68,914,733   $226,419,370   $   $17,633,133   $9,099,467   $3,595,434 
                               
   Unconstrained Equity Fund   Small-Mid Core Equity Fund   Micro-Cap Equity Fund 
   2023   2022   2023   2022   2023   2022 
Distributions paid from:                              
Ordinary income(a)  $   $   $71,843   $116,375   $   $513,046 
Long-term capital gains               152,240        639,510 
Total distributions paid  $   $   $71,843   $268,615   $   $1,152,556 

 

(a)Short-term capital gain distributions are treated as ordinary income for tax purposes.

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Fuller & Thaler Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
September 30, 2023

 

At September 30, 2023, the components of accumulated earnings (deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

   Small-Cap   Small-Cap   Mid-Cap Value   Unconstrained   Small-Mid Core   Micro-Cap 
   Equity Fund   Growth Fund   Fund   Equity Fund   Equity Fund   Equity Fund 
Undistributed Ordinary Income  $62,420,810   $   $4,521,223   $126,192   $291,509   $ 
Undistributed Long-Term Capital Gains   31,479,570                     
Accumulated Capital and Other Losses       (30,841,409)   (4,662,790)   (4,133,775)   (156,779)   (4,009,529)
Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Investments(a)   1,198,155,084    38,442,689    (28,643,460)   (254,329)   (2,760,892)   1,852,010 
Total Accumulated Earnings (Deficits)  $1,292,055,464   $7,601,280   $(28,785,027)  $(4,261,912)  $(2,626,162)  $(2,157,519)

 

(a)The difference between book basis and tax basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is primarily attributable to the tax deferral of wash losses and return of capital adjustments.

 

As of September 30, 2023, the Small-Cap Growth Fund, Unconstrained Equity Fund, Small-Mid Core Equity Fund and Micro-Cap Equity Fund had short-term and long-term net capital loss carryforwards which are available to offset future net capital gains of $29,707,194, $257,748, $2,399,826, $1,733,949, $156,779, $0, $3,022,984 and $986,545, respectively.

 

Certain qualified losses incurred after October 31, and within the current taxable year, are deemed to arise on the first business day of the Funds following taxable year. For the tax year ended September 30, 2023, the Mid-Cap Value Fund deferred post October qualified losses in the amount of $4,662,790.

 

Under current tax law, net investment losses after December 31 and capital losses realized after October 31 of the Funds fiscal year may be deferred and treated as occurring on the first business day of the following fiscal year for tax purposes. For the tax year ended September 30, 2023, the Small-Cap Growth Fund had Qualified Late Year Ordinary Losses in the amount of $876,467.

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Fuller & Thaler Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
September 30, 2023

 

NOTE 7. SECTOR RISK

 

If a Fund has significant investments in the securities of issuers within a particular sector, any development affecting that sector will have a greater impact on the value of the net assets of the Fund than would be the case if the Fund did not have significant investments in that sector. In addition, this may increase the risk of loss in the Fund and increase the volatility of the Fund’s NAV per share. For instance, economic or market factors, regulatory changes or other developments may negatively impact all companies in a particular sector, and therefore the value of the Fund’s portfolio will be adversely affected. As of September 30, 2023, the Small-Cap Growth Fund had 35.62% of the value of its net assets invested in securities within the Technology sector, the Mid-Cap Value Fund had 29.25% within the Financials sector and the Unconstrained Equity Fund had 25.41% within the Consumer Discretionary sector.

 

NOTE 8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

The Trust indemnifies its officers and Trustees for certain liabilities that may arise from their performance of their duties to the Trust or the Funds. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Trust enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties which provide general indemnifications. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.

 

NOTE 9. REFLOW LIQUIDITY PROGRAM

 

The Funds may participate in the ReFlow Fund, LLC (“ReFlow”) liquidity program, which is designed to provide an alternative liquidity source for mutual funds experiencing redemptions of their shares. In order to pay cash to shareholders who redeem their shares on a given day, a mutual fund typically must hold cash in its portfolio, liquidate portfolio securities, or borrow money, all of which impose certain costs on a fund. ReFlow provides participating mutual funds with another source of cash by standing ready to purchase shares from a fund equal to the amount of each fund’s net redemptions on a given day. ReFlow will purchase shares of a Fund at net asset value and will not be subject to any investment minimum applicable to such shares. ReFlow is prohibited from acquiring more than 3% of the outstanding voting securities of each Fund. ReFlow will periodically redeem its entire share position in a Fund. For use of the ReFlow service, each Fund will pay a fee to ReFlow at a rate determined by a daily auction with other participating mutual funds.

91

 

Fuller & Thaler Funds
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
September 30, 2023

 

During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, the following Funds utilized ReFlow:

 

   ReFlow Purchased Shares   Reflow Amount   ReFlow Service Fees 
Small-Cap Equity Fund   3,620,857   $129,559,978   $245,197 
Small-Cap Growth Fund   636,265    20,240,586    42,325 
Mid-Cap Value Fund   1,681,304    45,211,975    65,661 
Unconstrained Equity Fund   324,432    11,200,284    17,216 
Small-Mid Core Equity Fund   383,554    12,637,657    10,523 
Micro-Cap Equity Fund   35,551    814,072    1,321 

 

NOTE 10. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

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

92

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders of Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund, and Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund and the Board of Trustees of Capitol Series Trust

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund, Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund, and Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund (collectively referred to as the “Funds”) (six of the funds constituting Capitol Series Trust (the “Trust”)), including the schedules of investments, as of September 30, 2023, and the related statements of operations and changes in net assets, and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated in the table below and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Funds (six of the funds constituting Capitol Series Trust) at September 30, 2023, and the results of their operations, changes in net assets and financial highlights for each of the periods indicated in the table below, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Individual fund constituting
the Capitol Series Trust
Statement of
Operations
Statements of
Changes in Net Assets
Financial Highlights

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund

For the year ended September 30, 2023 For each of the two years in the period ended September 30, 2023 For each of the five years in the period ended September 30, 2023

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund

For the year ended September 30, 2023 For each of the two years in the period ended September 30, 2023 For each of the four years in the period ended September 30, 2023 and the period from December 26, 2018 (commencement of operations) through September 30, 2019
Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund For the year ended September 30, 2023 For each of the two years in the period ended September 30, 2023 For each of the four years in the period ended September 30, 2023 and the period from December 28, 2018 (commencement of operations) through September 30, 2019

93

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on each of the Funds’ financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Trust in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of September 30, 2023, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from broker, we performed other auditing procedures. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

(SIGNATURE)

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Capitol Series Trust investment companies since 2017.

 

Cincinnati, Ohio

November 28, 2023

94

 

Summary of Fund Expenses (Unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of a Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution (12b-1) fees and other Fund expenses. These examples are 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 funds. Each Fund’s example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from April 1, 2023 through September 30, 2023.

 

Actual Expenses

 

The first line of the table below for each Fund provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in these lines, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading “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 for each class provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on each Fund’s actual expense ratios and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balances 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 other funds.

 

Expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs. Therefore, the second line of the table for each class is useful in comparing ongoing costs only and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if transaction costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

     Beginning   Ending        
     Account   Account   Expenses    
     Value   Value   Paid   Annualized
     April 1,   September   During   Expense
     2023   30, 2023   Period(a)   Ratio
Small-Cap Equity Fund               
R6 Shares Actual  $1,000.00   $1,026.20   $3.24   0.64%
  Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00   $1,021.87   $3.23   0.64%
Institutional Shares Actual  $1,000.00   $1,025.60   $3.91   0.77%
  Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00   $1,021.21   $3.90   0.77%
Investor Shares Actual  $1,000.00   $1,023.80   $5.39   1.06%
  Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00   $1,019.74   $5.38   1.06%
A Shares Actual  $1,000.00   $1,024.20   $5.37   1.06%
  Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00   $1,019.76   $5.36   1.06%
C Shares Actual  $1,000.00   $1,021.10   $8.30   1.64%
  Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00   $1,016.86   $8.28   1.64%

95

 

Summary of Fund Expenses (Unaudited) (continued)

 

     Beginning   Ending        
     Account   Account   Expenses    
     Value   Value   Paid   Annualized
     April 1,   September   During   Expense
     2023   30, 2023   Period(a)   Ratio
Small-Cap Growth Fund               
R6 Shares Actual  $1,000.00   $1,041.40   $4.40   0.86%
  Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00   $1,020.76   $4.36   0.86%
Institutional Shares Actual  $1,000.00   $1,041.00   $4.91   0.96%
  Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00   $1,020.25   $4.86   0.96%
Investor Shares Actual  $1,000.00   $1,039.40   $6.39   1.25%
  Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00   $1,018.80   $6.33   1.25%
A Shares Actual  $1,000.00   $1,038.80   $6.64   1.30%
  Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00   $1,018.55   $6.58   1.30%
C Shares Actual  $1,000.00   $1,036.40   $9.19   1.80%
  Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00   $1,016.04   $9.10   1.80%
Mid-Cap Value Fund                    
R6 Shares Actual  $1,000.00   $1,004.70   $3.77   0.75%
  Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00   $1,021.31   $3.80   0.75%
Institutional Shares Actual  $1,000.00   $1,004.40   $4.27   0.85%
  Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00   $1,020.81   $4.31   0.85%
Investor Shares Actual  $1,000.00   $1,002.60   $5.77   1.15%
  Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00   $1,019.30   $5.82   1.15%
A Shares Actual  $1,000.00   $1,002.20   $6.11   1.22%
  Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00   $1,018.97   $6.16   1.22%
C Shares Actual  $1,000.00   $1,000.00   $8.52   1.70%
  Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00   $1,016.54   $8.59   1.70%
Unconstrained Equity Fund                    
R6 Shares Actual  $1,000.00   $1,028.70   $4.42   0.87%
  Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00   $1,020.71   $4.41   0.87%
Institutional Shares Actual  $1,000.00   $1,028.20   $4.93   0.97%
  Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00   $1,020.21   $4.91   0.97%
A Shares Actual  $1,000.00   $1,026.60   $6.60   1.30%
  Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00   $1,018.55   $6.58   1.30%
C Shares Actual  $1,000.00   $1,024.20   $9.13   1.80%
  Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00   $1,016.04   $9.10   1.80%
Small-Mid Core Equity Fund                    
Institutional Shares Actual  $1,000.00   $993.60   $4.65   0.93%
  Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00   $1,020.41   $4.71   0.93%
A Shares Actual  $1,000.00   $991.70   $6.29   1.26%
  Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00   $1,018.75   $6.38   1.26%

96

 

Summary of Fund Expenses (Unaudited) (continued)

 

     Beginning   Ending        
     Account   Account   Expenses    
     Value   Value   Paid   Annualized
     April 1,   September   During   Expense
     2023   30, 2023   Period(a)   Ratio
Micro-Cap Equity Fund               
Institutional Shares Actual  $1,000.00   $1,030.10   $7.13   1.40%
  Hypothetical(b)  $1,000.00   $1,018.05   $7.08   1.40%

 

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

 

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

97

 

Additional Federal Income Tax Information (Unaudited)

 

The Form 1099-DIV you receive in January 2024 will show the tax status of all distributions paid to your account in calendar year 2023. Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax adviser with respect to the tax consequences of their investment in the Fund. As required by the Internal Revenue Code and/or regulations, shareholders must be notified regarding the status of qualified dividend income for individuals and the dividends received deduction for corporations.

 

Qualified Dividend Income. The Funds designate the following percentage or up to the maximum amount of such dividends allowable pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code, as qualified dividend income eligible for the reduced tax rate.

 

               Small-Mid   
   Small-Cap  Small-Cap  Mid-Cap  Unconstrained  Core Equity  Micro-Cap
   Equity Fund  Growth Fund  Value Fund  Equity Fund  Fund  Equity Fund
Qualified Dividend Income  100%  0%  67%  0%  100%  0%

 

Qualified Business Income. The Funds designate the following percentage of ordinary income dividends, or up to the maximum amount of such dividends allowable pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code, as qualified business income.

 

               Small-Mid   
   Small-Cap  Small-Cap  Mid-Cap  Unconstrained  Core Equity  Micro-Cap
   Equity Fund  Growth Fund  Value Fund  Equity Fund  Fund  Equity Fund
Qualified Business Income  0%  0%  0%  0%  0%  0%

 

Dividends Received Deduction. Corporate shareholders are generally entitled to take the dividends received deduction on the portion of the Funds’ dividend distribution that qualifies under tax law. For the Funds’ calendar year 2023 ordinary income dividends, the following percentage qualifies for the corporate dividends received deduction.

 

               Small-Mid   
   Small-Cap  Small-Cap  Mid-Cap  Unconstrained  Core Equity  Micro-Cap
   Equity Fund  Growth Fund  Value Fund  Equity Fund  Fund  Equity Fund
Dividends Received Deduction  100%  0%  67%  0%  100%  0%

 

The Funds designate the following amounts as long-term capital gains distributions. The amounts designated may not agree with long-term capital gains in the tax character of distribution table due to utilization of earnings and profits distributed to shareholders on redemption of shares.

 

                   Small-Mid     
   Small-Cap   Small-Cap   Mid-Cap   Unconstrained   Core Equity   Micro-Cap 
   Equity Fund   Growth Fund   Value Fund   Equity Fund   Fund   Equity Fund 
Long-Term Capital Gains Distributions  $42,137,208   $   $2,131,070   $   $   $ 

98

 

Trustees and Officers (Unaudited)

 

The Board supervises the business activities of the Trust and is responsible for protecting the interests of shareholders. The Chairman of the Board is Walter B. Grimm, who is an Independent Trustee of the Trust.

 

Officers are re-elected annually by the Board. The address of each Trustee and officer is 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246.

 

As of the date of this report, the Trustees oversee the operations of 15 series.

 

Independent Trustee Background. The following table provides information regarding the Independent Trustees.

 

Name, (Age), Position with Trust, Term of
Position with Trust
  Principal Occupation During
Past 5 Years and Other Directorships
Walter B. Grimm
Birth Year: 1945
TRUSTEE AND CHAIR
Began Serving: November 2013
  Principal Occupation(s): President, Leigh Management Group, LLC (consulting firm) (October 2005 to present); and President, Leigh Investments, Inc. (1988 to present) Board member, Boys & Girls Club of Coachella (2018 to present).
Lori Kaiser
Birth Year: 1963
TRUSTEE
Began Serving: July 2018
  Principal Occupation(s): Founder and CEO, Kaiser Consulting since 1992.
Janet Smith Meeks
Birth Year: 1955
TRUSTEE
Began Serving: July 2018
 

Principal Occupation(s): Co-Founder and CEO, Healthcare Alignment Advisors, LLC (consulting company) since August 2015.

 

Previous Position(s): President and Chief Operating Officer, Mount Carmel St. Ann’s Hospital (2006 to 2015).

 

Mary Madick
Birth Year: 1958
TRUSTEE
Began Serving: November 2013
 
 

Principal Occupation(s): President, US Health Holdings (2020 to present).

 

Previous Position(s): President (2019 to 2020) and Chief Operating Officer (2018 to 2019), Dignity Health Managed Services Organization; Chief Operating Officer, Pennsylvania Health and Wellness (fully owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation) (2016 to 2018); Vice President, Gateway Heath (2015 to 2016).

99

 

Trustees and Officers (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Interested Trustee Background. The following table provides information regarding the Interested Trustee.

 

Name, (Age), Position with Trust, Term of
Position with Trust  
  Principal Occupation During
Past 5 Years and Other Directorships
David James*
Birth Year: 1970
TRUSTEE
Began Serving: March 2021
 

Principal Occupation(s): Executive Vice President and Chief Legal and Risk Officer of UltimusFund Solutions, LLC (2018 to present).

 

Previous Position(s): Managing Director and Senior Managing Counsel, State Street Bank and Trust Company (2009 to 2018).

 

*Mr. James is considered an “interested person” of the Trust within the meaning of Section 2(a) (19) of the 1940 Act because of his relationship with the Trust’s administrator, transfer agent, and distributors.

 

Officers. The following table provides information regarding the Officers.

 

Name, (Age), Position with Trust, Term of
Position with Trust 
  Principal Occupation During
Past 5 Years and Other Directorships
Matthew J. Miller
Birth Year: 1976
PRESIDENT and CHIEF EXECUTIVE
OFFICER
Began Serving: September 2013 (as VP);
September 2018 (as President)
 

Principal Occupation(s): Assistant Vice President, Relationship Management, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (December 2015 to present).

 

Previous Position(s): Vice President, Relationship Management, Huntington Asset Services, Inc. (n/k/a Ultimus Asset Services, LLC) (2008 to December 2015).

Zachary P. Richmond
Birth Year: 1980
TREASURER AND CHIEF FINANCIAL
OFFICER
Began Serving: August 2014
 

Principal Occupation(s): Vice President, Director of Financial Administration for Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (February 2019 to present).

 

Previous Position(s): Assistant Vice President, Associate Director of Financial Administration for Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (December 2015 to February 2019).

Martin R. Dean
Birth Year: 1963
CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER
Began Serving: May 2019
  Principal Occupation(s): President, Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (2023 to present); Senior Vice President, Head of Fund Compliance, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (January 2016 to January 2023).
Paul F. Leone
Birth Year: 1963
SECRETARY
Began Serving: June 2021
 

Principal Occupation(s): Vice President and Senior Counsel, UltimusFund Solutions, LLC (2020 to present).

 

Previous Position(s): Managing Director, Leone Law Office, P.C. (2019 to 2020); and served in the roles of Senior Counsel - Distribution and Senior Counsel - Compliance, Empower Retirement/Great-West Life & Annuity Ins. Co. (2015 to 2019).

100

 

Trustees and Officers (Unaudited) (continued)

 

Stephen Preston
Birth Year: 1966
ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING OFFICER
Began Serving: December 2016
 

Principal Occupation(s): Chief Compliance Officer, Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC (June 2011 to present).

 

Previous Position(s): Chief Compliance Officer, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (June 2011 to August 2019).

 

Other Information (Unaudited)

 

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 (888) 912-4562 to request a copy of the SAI or to make shareholder inquiries.

101

 

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

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

 

■     Social Security number

 

■     account balances and account transactions

 

■     transaction or loss history and purchase history

 

■     checking account information and wire transfer instructions

 

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

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

  

Reasons we can share your personal information Do the Funds share?
For our everyday business purposes—
such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus
Yes
For our marketing purposes—
to offer our products and services to you
No
For joint marketing with other financial companies No
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes—
information about your transactions and experiences
No
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes—
information about your creditworthiness
No
For nonaffiliates to market to you No

 

Questions? Call (888) 912-4562

102

 

Who we are
Who is providing this notice? Fuller & Thaler Funds
Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC (Distributor)
Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (Administrator)
What we do
How do the Funds protect my personal information? To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings. Our service providers are held accountable for adhering to strict policies and procedures to prevent any misuse of your nonpublic personal information.
How do the Funds collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

 

■     open an account or deposit money

 

■     buy securities from us or sell securities to us

 

■     make deposits or withdrawals from your account

 

■     give us your account information

 

■     make a wire transfer

 

■     tell us who receives the money

 

■     tell us where to send the money

 

■     show your government-issued ID

 

■     show your driver’s license

 

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

 

■     sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes —information about your creditworthiness

 

■     affiliates from using your information to market to you

 

■     sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

 

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

Definitions
Affiliates

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

 

■    Fuller & Thaler Asset Management, Inc., the investment adviser to the Fund, could be deemed to be an affiliate.

Nonaffiliates

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

 

■    The Fuller & Thaler Funds do not share your personal information with nonaffiliates so they can market to you

Joint marketing

A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.

 

■    The Fuller & Thaler Funds do not jointly market.

103

 

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 each Fund voted those proxies during the most recent twelve month period ended June 30, are available (1) without charge upon request by calling the Funds at (888) 912-4562 and (2) in Fund documents filed with the SEC on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

 

TRUSTEES
Walter B. Grimm, Chairman
David James
Lori Kaiser
Janet Smith Meeks
Mary Madick
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC
ACCOUNTING FIRM
Ernst & Young LLP
221 East 4th Street, Suite 2900
Cincinnati, OH 45202
   
   
OFFICERS
Matthew J. Miller, Chief Executive Officer and President
Zachary P. Richmond, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Martin R. Dean, Chief Compliance Officer
Paul F. Leone, Secretary
LEGAL COUNSEL 
Practus, LLP
11300 Tomahawk Creek Parkway, Suite 310
Leawood, KS 66211
   
   
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Fuller & Thaler Asset Management, Inc.
411 Borel Avenue, Suite 300
San Mateo, CA 94402
CUSTODIAN
Huntington National Bank
41 South High Street
Columbus, OH 43215
   
   
DISTRIBUTOR
Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC
225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450
Cincinnati, OH 45246
ADMINISTRATOR, TRANSFER AGENT
AND FUND ACCOUNTANT

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC
225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450
Cincinnati, OH 45246
   
   

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

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fuller-AR-23

 

 

 

(b) Not applicable.

 

Item 2. Code of Ethics.

 

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. Pursuant to Item 13(a)(1), a copy of registrant’s code of ethics is filed as an exhibit to this Form N-CSR. During the period covered by this report, the code of ethics has not been amended, and the registrant has not granted any waivers, including implicit waivers, from the provisions of the code of ethics.

 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

 

(a)(1) The registrant’s Board of Trustees has determined that the registrant has at least one audit committee financial expert serving on its audit committee.

 

(a)(2) The audit committee financial expert is Lori Kaiser, who is “independent” for purposes of this Item 3 of Form N-CSR.

 

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

(a) Audit Fees billed to the registrant by its principal accountants for the two most recent fiscal years:

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund:   FY 2023   $13,400
    FY 2022   $13,300
Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund:   FY 2023   $13,400
    FY 2022   $13,300
Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund:   FY 2023   $13,400
    FY 2022   $13,050
Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund:   FY 2023   $11,880
    FY 2022   $11,350
Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund:   FY 2023   $11,630
    FY 2022   $10,600
Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund:   FY 2023   $11,630
    FY 2022   $11,100
Alta Quality Growth Fund:   FY 2023   $12,650
    FY 2022   $12,050
Guardian Capital Fundamental Global Equity Fund:   FY 2023   $12,650
    FY 2022   $12,050
Guardian Capital Dividend Growth Fund:   FY 2023   $12,650
    FY 2022   $12,050

 

(b) Audit-Related Fees billed to the registrant by its principal accountants for the two most recent fiscal years:

 

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund:   FY 2023   $0
    FY 2022   $0
Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund:   FY 2023   $0
    FY 2022   $0
Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund:   FY 2023   $0
    FY 2022   $0
Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund:   FY 2023   $0
    FY 2022   $0
Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund:   FY 2023   $0
    FY 2022   $0
Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund:   FY 2023   $0
    FY 2022   $0
Alta Quality Growth Fund:   FY 2023   $0
    FY 2022   $0
Guardian Capital Fundamental Global Equity Fund:   FY 2023   $0
    FY 2022   $0
Guardian Capital Dividend Growth Fund:   FY 2023   $0
    FY 2022   $0

 

 

 

 

 
 

(c) Tax Fees billed to the registrant by its principal accountants for the two most recent fiscal years:

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund:   FY 2023   $4,015
    FY 2022   $3,825
Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund:   FY 2023   $4,015
    FY 2022   $3,825
Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund:   FY 2023   $4,015
    FY 2022   $3,825
Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund:   FY 2023   $4,015
    FY 2022   $3,825
Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund:   FY 2023   $4,015
    FY 2022   $3,825
Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund:   FY 2023   $4,015
    FY 2022   $3,825
Alta Quality Growth Fund:   FY 2023   $4,015
    FY 2022   $3,825
Guardian Capital Fundamental Global Equity Fund:   FY 2023   $4,015
    FY 2022   $3,825
Guardian Capital Dividend Growth Fund:   FY 2023   $4,015
    FY 2022   $3,825

 

Nature of the fees: Preparation of the 1120 RIC and Excise review

 

(d) All other fees billed to the registrant by its principal accountants for the two most recent fiscal years:

 

Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Equity Fund:   FY 2023   $0
    FY 2022   $0
Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Cap Growth Fund:   FY 2023   $0
    FY 2022   $0
Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Mid-Cap Value Fund:   FY 2023   $0
    FY 2022   $0
Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Unconstrained Equity Fund:   FY 2023   $0
    FY 2022   $0
Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Small-Mid Core Equity Fund:   FY 2023   $0
    FY 2022   $0
Fuller & Thaler Behavioral Micro-Cap Equity Fund:   FY 2023   $0
    FY 2022   $0
Alta Quality Growth Fund:   FY 2023   $0
    FY 2022   $0
Guardian Capital Fundamental Global Equity Fund:   FY 2023   $0
    FY 2022   $0
Guardian Capital Dividend Growth Fund:   FY 2023   $0
    FY 2022   $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) None of the services described in paragraph (b) through (d) of this Item were approved by the audit committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.

 

 
 

(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 2023 $36,135   $0  
FY 2022 $34,425   $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.

 

(i) Not applicable.

 

(j) Not applicable.

 

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

 

NOT APPLICABLE – applies to listed companies only

 

Item 6. Schedule of Investments.

 

Schedule filed with Item 1.

 

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

 

NOT APPLICABLE – applies to closed-end funds only

 

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

 

NOT APPLICABLE – applies to closed-end funds only

 

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

 

NOT APPLICABLE – applies to closed-end funds only

 

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

 

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

 

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

NOT APPLICABLE – applies to closed-end funds only

 
 

 

Item 13. Exhibits.

 

(a)(1) 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)   Capitol Series Trust

 

 

By (Signature and Title) /s/ Matthew J. Miller  
  Matthew J. Miller, Chief Executive Officer and President

 

 

Date December 07, 2023

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

By (Signature and Title)  /s/ Matthew J. Miller  
  Matthew J. Miller, Chief Executive Officer and President

 

 

Date December 07, 2023

 

 

 

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

 

 

Date December 07, 2023